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AN
      IMPROVED  SYSTEM
               OF

BOTANIC  MEDICINE,
             FOUNDED UPON
    CORRECT PHYSIOLOGICAL PRINCIPLES;
       COMPRISING A COMPLETE TREATISE ON THE
PRACTICE OF  MEDICINE,
             WITH A COPIOUS
      MATERIA  MEDIC A.
    ILLUSTEATED WITH NUMEEOUS ENGEAVINGS.
               Ni
         BY HORTON HOWARD.
        ---------------+i #----------

      COMPLETE IN ONE VOLUME.
    CINCINNATI:
PUBLISHED BY J. KOST.
        1852. 
QV
Entered according to Act of Congress in the year 1852, by
                    J .   KOST,
   Lathe Clerk's Office of the District Court of Ohio.
STKKEOTYPKU  BY J. A. JAMKS & CO.,
              C.cunuuii. 
OF DISEASES, SYMPTOMS, AND METHOD OF CURE.
  The reader will have perceived that in  the first volume we
devoted ourselves exclusively to an illustration of the grand fun-
damental principles of the new Physiological System of medical
practice, together with a consideration of the true nature  of dis-
ease, and correct method of cure.  We are  very sensible, how-
ever,  that  much  more  might have been  written  upon most
subjects therein embraced;  but knowing that brevity would be
most  agreeable  to readers  in  general, we  have  preferred
seizing  upon a few  of the most important facts,  instead  of
entering into  minute  detail.  We trust,   therefore,  that  the
reader will readily comprehend the important principles that
we  have endeavored to lay down, upon which the healing  art
is based, and on which medicines  must act in the restoration
of health.
  In treating of Disease, we  shall also  endeavor to be concise
but  comprehensive ;  and confine ourselves generally  to those
complaints which are most common or peculiar.  The reader,
if he  has  perused  the first volume, has no doubt perceived that
we disregard all the various and contradictory systems  of no-
sology which  have been offered to the world, and which  we
confidently assert have had no better effect than to amuse the spe-
culative mind, without in any degree improving the healing art.
We believe with Dr. Rush, that disease is a unit;  or, in other
words, that all diseases arise  from a general proximate  cause,
and, hence, may be  cured, if curable, by a general remedy or
remedies.   We do not mean, however, that one  single herb
or root, will cure all complaints.  Disease  is caused, as in the
first volume has been abundantly shown, by a diminution of the
living power of the system ;  the consequence of which is, a
failure of strength, loss of tone of  the organs, and foulness of
the  stomach and  intestines.   The indications of cure are,
therefore,  to restore the strength and tone  of the  organs, and
cleanse  the stomach by emetics,  and the bowels by injections ;
to which we have also added the  sparing use of cathartics or
                                                     3 
4
OF  DISEASES, SYMPTOMS,
purges.   Now each of these indications may be answered by a
great variety of articles, adapted to these different  purposes.
And hence,  as  disease  is  produced  by a general cause, it
may, in  all its varieties, be removed by a general remedy or
remedies.
  And these general  remedies  are  so  systematically and har-
moniously adapted to each other, and to the human body; and
their principles and modes of administration so simplified, that
any family possessing an ordinary share of common sense, may
become  their own physician in almost  all cases of disease.
We very well know that this doctrine  is  contrary to the com-
mon ideas of people in general, and of  the  medical Faculty in
particular;  but it has been verified, especially of late  years, on
a very extensive scale, and also has the countenance of some
of the best  men who  have  ever adorned the science of  medi-
cine.  John Howard, the  celebrated English philanthropist,
said that "every man must be his own physician ; he must pre-
scribe for, and practice on himself."   And Dr. Rush, whose be-
nevolence was  of the same enlightened and liberal  cast with
John Howard's, recommends  the general diffusion of medical
knowledge, by an academical education: for the essential prin-
ciples of medicine, says he, are very few, and plain.  All the
morbid  effects,  continues he, of heat and  cold, of eating and
drinking, and the  exercises 6T the  body and  mind, may  be
taught with as much ease as the multiplication table.
  These are the sentiments of men eminent for  their philan-
thropy and scientific  attainments;  and the  extraordinary suc-
cess attending the botanical practice, in the hands of families,
abundantly confirms their correctness.   We  boldly challenge
the world for any instances of  Buccess,  in  the  old schools  of
medicine, equal to that which has attended the Botanical prac-
tice in the hands of the people themselves.  And to this end
are we  laboring to take the practice of medicine out of  the
hands of the physicians, and place it wl.ere it ought  to be;  in
short, to produce  a new and  correct order of things, as Dr.
Rush also says, when  the knowledge and use of medicine, by
the people, "shall be considered amongst the most essential
articles  and rights of man."
  We  boldly and fearlessly proclaim, that families ought to
be  instructed in the knowledge of the means  of curing their
own maladies as well as preparing  their own food.  " Let  us
strip our profession," says Dr. Rush, " of  every thing that
looks like mystery and  imposition,  and clothe medical  know-
ledge in a dress so simple  and intelligible, that it may become
a part of academical education  in all our seminaries of learning.
Truth is simple upon  all subjects ;  and  upon those essential to
the general happiness of mankind,  it is obvious to the meanest 
AND METHOD OF CURE.
5
capacities.  There  is no  man so simple, that cannot be taught
to cultivate grain;  and  there  is  no woman who cannot  be
taught to  make it  into bread.  And shall  the  means of pre-
serving our health, by the cultivation and  preparation of pro-
per aliment, be so intelligible, and yet,  the  means of restoring
it, when lost, so abstruse,  that we must  take years of study, to
discover and apply  them ?  To suppose this, is to call in ques-
tion the goodness of Deity, and to believe that he acts without
system and unity in his works."  "In  thus  recommending,"
continues  Dr. Rush, " the general diffusion of medical  know-
ledge,  by  an academical education, let it not be  supposed that
I wish to  see the exercise of medicine  abolished  as a regular
profession.  Surgical operations,  and  diseases   which  rarely
occur,  may require  professional aid;  but the knowledge neces-
sary for those purposes, is soon acquired ; and two or three per-
sons, separated from other pursuits, would be sufficient to meet
the demands of a city containing forty thousand people."
  But  how have these benevolent views of the venerable  Rush
been received or complied with ?  They have  been met by
prejudices the most inveterate, and opposition the most untir-
ing.  Instead of clothing  medical science with simplicity, and
making it a part of  all education, the most  unwearied exer-
tions have been made to shade it with impenetrable mystery ;
to bury it  in a mass of technical lumber*, and pompous, unmean-
ing phraseology, unintelligible to  persons  of common leisure
or learning.  How  great  soever may be the fame which Dr.
Rush  has so justly acquired  by his  scientific  attainments J
however revered may be his other writings ;  and  how much de-
ference soever  may have been paid  to his sentiments  upon
other subjects,  but  very little  heed has been given to  those
benevolent designs which  are disclosed in the foregoing quota-
lions.  Instead of enlightening the public mind,  by a general
medical education,  the  Faculty have  been  strengthening all
those prejudices which the mysteries of  their art had very natu-
rally as well as intentionally produced.
  These  prejudices  and mysteries, are  the engines by which
the  people have been made to forge  their own chains, and by
which  they are bound to the car of medical  'despotism and sci
entific  tyranny.  Our grand object  in the present work is  to
furnish the means by which those chains may be broken, and
mankind  set free from  this oppressive  bondage.   It was  in
these  United  States, that the  spirit of independence, driven
from the Old World, first  enkindled the flame of civil liberty,
and revived the  principles of self-government: And it is here,
too,  that the desire  to throw oft' the yoke of scientific medical
oppression, which so long has  rested  with resistless weight
upon our necks, has first become manifest; and here also have
  Vox. II.—a 2 
6
OF  DISEASES, SYMPTOMS, &c.
the means been furnished by a benign  Providence to do this
work effectually ;  the knowledge  whereof we are hereby en-
deavoring to  communicate to the world.   We entreat you,
then, as you value the inestimable  blessing of health  for  your-
selves or your families; or as you value  your independence of
medieal nabobs,* to lay aside your prejudices and examine this
interesting subject for yourselves.   Honor your own judgments,
and  do  justice to posterity, by preventing the oppressive pre-
judices of the present age, from descending with accumulated
power to those who may be destined to succeed you on the stage
of life.
   Our remedies are all simple, as nature herself is simple; they
are moreover innocent, as all medicines,  as well as food,  ought
to be; harmless towards nature, but powerful  in  opposing dis-
ease ; restoring health by changing a diseased action to a heal-
thy one, instead of preying, as the mineral and  all other poi-
sons do, upon the vital power,  and thus  contaminating the
fluids and destroying  the  tone  of the  organs, which  is the
natural  and unvarying  effect  of disease.   Then why continue
the use of these poisonous drugs, when  others, both  innocent
and efficacious, are offered to your acceptance ?  Why neglect
the  means which a bounteous Providence has provided  to re-
lieve our maladies, and  which he  has scattered with profusion
in every land ?  Why, we will once more ask, continue  in the
use of those inhospitable medicines which have so often given
melancholy proofs of their destructive character, by scattering
disease, dismay, and  death, amongst the most enlightened por-
tions of the human race ?  when, at the same time, there grow,
not only " upon some Alpine height, or along the margin of
some mighty  stream," but indiscriminately over mountain, hill,
and dale, the choicest remedies for all the maladies of man.
   We can  assure  the reader that these sentiments are not the
ebullitions of  enphrenzied enthusiasm or bigoted zeal to sup-
port the doctrines of a new  sect; they are the sober conclu-
sions of deliberate investigation, and the result of experimen-
tal facts.  We cheerfully  and confidently submit them  to the
world, to be tested by the scrutiny of the learned, or the expe-
rience of the multitude,  and decided at the unerring tribunal
of public opinion.  And in thus submitting this work to the
public, we take this  occasion to  express our firm  convictions
that scarcely any  family will  be subject to any hazard in using
 any  of the  articles  commonly  recommended;  they  are  all
harmless ; nothing poisonous or destructive to life ; and, there-
  * The reader should bear in mind that such remarks as these are not in-
tended for the whole body of physicians; but for that portion only to which
Aey may be justly applicable. 
ABSCESS, BOILS, &c.
7
 ore, the main  object is to  give  the medicine in some way or
other,  if not exactly as hereinafter directed, nothing need be
apprehended, but be sure and give it  in  some form; remem-
bering that the  lobelia cleanses  the stomach, relieves spasms,
difficulty of breathing, and, above  all,  gives an impulse which
nothing else will, to the living power, in all cases of suspended
animation,  or prostration of the  vital power from any cause
whatever.  On the other hand, remember that capsicum  pos-
sesses  the quality of permanently keeping up and strengthening
the vital power, and should, therefore, be almost always used
in every disease.   The  astringent and bitter tonics, are to be
used to restore  the tone of the  organs, which is always more
or less impaired by disease—the astringents are to be more es-
pecially used in bowel  eomplaints, such  as  looseness,  dysen-
tery,  &c,  and the bitters to restore  the appetite.  Both as-
tringents and bitters, may be used  indiscriminately, and  should
almost always be combined with the capsicum to strengthen the
living power.
   For a description of a course of medicine, so often mentioned,
under  the head of treatment, the  reader  is  referred  to the
index.  It should always be resorted  to in violent  attacks, and
in cases which  do not readily yield to other means.
                  ABSCESS, BOILS, &c.
  The term, abscess, is applied to those cavities in which col-
lections of pus or matter are formed, in any part of the system,
such as boils, and all other swellings, which are preceded by
inflammation.
  Inflammations which terminate in abscess, usually come on
with itching, dryness, redness, and increased heat of the  part,
which symptoms are succeeded  by a small tumor or swelling,
through which shooting and throbbing pains are commonly felt.
If the inflammation runs high, and is  of considerable extent,
feverish symptoms come on; the pulse becomes  full, hard, and
quick; the skin  dry and hot, with increased thirst.
  Inflammations of this kind may terminate in different ways,
either by resolution, suppuration, adhesion, or gangrene.
  By resolution, is  understood  the natural  and gradual ces-
sation of  the inflammatory symptoms, and the part becoming
sound again.
  Suppuration implies the formation of  pus  or matter in the
inflamed part, and forming a cavity,, which is  properly termed
an abscess.
  By adhesion is  understood a growing together of inflamed parts ;
which is said often to take place  in twenty-four or thirty hours* 
8
ABSCESS, BOILS, &c.
  Gangrene is the incipient or first stage of mortification.
  The symptoms which indicate the formation of pus are, are
abatement of the feverish symptoms ; a diminution of the acute
pain, which is succeeded by a heavy, cold, and dull uneasiness
in the part affected;  softness and- whiteness of the most eleva-
ted part or point of the  swelling, whilst the other parts appear
more red.  If the matter is near the surface, we may be still
further assured of its  formation and existence by applying a fin-
ger to each side of the head or most elevated part of the swell-
ing, and by gently  or quickly pressing  down with one, a gush
or movement of the  fluid may be  felt under the other finger.
When this fluctuation can be felt, there nc-d be  no doubt that
matter is formed, and we may proceed ,mffl.' '.iately to make an
opening in the abscess with a lancet, or some sharp instrument,
to evacuate its contents.
  When the matter,  however, is more deeply seated, the  fluc-
tuation cannot always be felt.   But in  most  cases of this na-
ture, the sudden subsidence  or  abatement  of the  inflammatory
symptoms, the repeated  ehills, the sense of weight and coldness
of the part, may be  regarded as good evidence of the existence
of matter and i'ts ripeness for  opening; and  if the patient is
afterwards attacked  with emaciation,  night sweats, and other
hectic symptoms, we may regard them as certain signs of a hid-
den collection of matter.
   The symptoms which denote the termination of inflammation
in gangrene are, a  sudden diminution of the pain; and fever, the
part becoming livid or green, the cuticle or scarf skin being de-
tached from the true skin,  under which is effused a  turbid or
dirty water; the tension, swelling, and  hardness subside, and,.
at the same time,  a  crepitus, or crackling noise, is  heard  on
pressing upon the  part,  which is owing  to a generation of air in1
the cellular membrane which is interposed between the  skin and'
flesh.   In this stage of  the disease it is termed  gangrene r, butl
as the death of the part progresses, it becomes black and fibrous
or thready and destitute of natural  heat, sensation,  and motion,.
and it is then termed a sphacelus or mortification.
   Treatment.—-If  the inflammation  proceed from any foreign1
or extraneous matter lodged in the flesh,  such  as a  thorn, or
 splinter of  wood, or any other substance,  it ought immediately
 to  be  removed; and if necessary to its  removal, the wound
 should be laid  open with a knife or lancet so that the foreign*
 body may readily be got at and removed, when it must be treat-
 ed the same as other cases of inflammation.
   In  the first stages of  inflammation  arising from any  other
 cause than injuries,  such as boils, or other inflamed swellings,.
 it will be proper to  attempt  the cure by producing a  resolution
 of the tumor or swelling.  To do this,  it  may be proper to  ap- 
ABSCESS, BOILS, Ac.
9
 ply cold water, which will have a powerful tendency to remove
 the inflammation ; or we may bathe the part with a strong wash
 of pepper and vinegar, or with  bathing drops.   The application
 of the leaves of the common garden cabbage, or of skunk cab-
 bage, to the part, will have a tendency to produce a moisture of
 the skin, arrest the inflammation, and dissolve the tumor.  Cold
 slippery elm poultices kept wet with cold water will also havr
 a good effect in  promoting the resolution of the  swelling.
  But the most powerful  discutient remedy, and which  is  by
 far the most certain to disperse the tumor, and remove all other
 bad symptoms, is  a full course  of medicine.  Resorting to this
 process as the circumstances of the  case  may require, will  re-
 move feverish symptoms which always attend large  inflamma-
 tions, and  has a most powerful tendency to promote a healthy
 action in the diseased part, and produce a resolution of the tumor.
 The frequent application of the vapor bath, taking at the same
 time some of the diaphoretic powders or capsicum, and omitting
 an emetic, will be found highly serviceable in removing the in-
 flammation and swelling which precede  an abscess.
  If,  notwithstanding  these means, the tumor  should show a
 disposition to suppurate, poultices should be applied, and often
 wetted with cold water, which  will allay the  pain  and inflam-
 mation.  The poultice must be  renewed  as often as it inclines to
 become sour. ' The vapor bath  alone, or a full course of medi-
 cine, may also, if  necessary in  extensive  inflammations, be re-
 sorted  to  during the suppurative process, and  will always  be
 found very beneficial.
  It should also be remembered that it will be  proper, in any
 stage  of the inflammation, if the general health be  impaired,
 to use  the  bitters, diaphoretic powders, cayenne, or  any othei
article which may seem proper; and something warming will
be more especially necessary whilst applying  the cold poultice
and cold water.
  When the suppuration  is completed, or as commonly term-
ed, is ripe, which is to be known by the appearances we have
herein before noticed, the tumor should be opened with a lan-
eet or  other sharp instrument, and the  matter pressed out;
though it is thought best, by some, in very large abscesses, not
to evacuate  the whole of the matter at  once, but  by degrees.
After the matter  is discharged,  if there be no pain nor inflam-
matory symptoms, the sore may be  dressed with salve alone;
but if symptoms of inflammation still continue, or should they
at any time afterward arise, a poultice must be applied, and oc-
casionally wetted with cold water as before directed.
  Many cases of inflammation  and abscess are  continually oc-
curring, such  as ordinary boils, &c. which are too  trifling  to
require much attention in any stage ;  but in more serious cases,
                             2 
10                 AGUE AND FEVER.
after the abscess is opened, the powers of the system should be
supported, and its tone kept up by the use of the bitters, dia-
phoretic powders, capsicum, &c, which  will  also  promote the
formation of healthy matter; a circumstance  essentially neces-
sary to the rapid  healing of the ulcer.
   Good healthy pus  is of the consistence and color of yellow
cream;  without  smell or taste, and in  general heavier than
water,  with which, at the common  heat  of the  atmosphere, it
will not unite, but at a  higher temperature,  readily combines
with it.  If the matter of the abscess is not. evacuated it is ab-
sorbed and passes into  the  blood, and  the cavit)r generally be-
comes  filled up by an operation of the vessels, termed granula-
tion, from  the  new parts appearing  in the form of small red
grains.   The  cavity also becomes filled  in  the  same  manner
when the abscess  is opened and the matter  discharged in the
usual way.  When this process goes on favorably, the granula-
tions are of a  florid red color, and proceed in a regular manner
until the abscess is completely filled up.
   Sometimes the  granulations are too exuberant,  and  form irre-
gular shaped masses which project beyond the  surface or lips
of the   sore, from which circumstance it is  commonly called
proud  flesh,  and  when  touched is  easily excited  to bleeding.
We have, however, never met with proud flesh  in an ulcer of
any kind, treated agreeably to the foregoing directions ;  but
should  it occur, a strong decoction  of  the pond lily, with the
addition of a little  fine alum, may be applied as a wash ; or burnt
alum, finely pulverized, may be sprinkled on the part.   The
compound tincture of myrrh is highly recommended by some,
to remove proud flesh.
   When inflammation threatens  to  terminate in mortification,
or if it  has already taken place, the most active and efficient
means  should be adopted to check it immediately ; for the treat-
ment of which, see under the  head of mortification.
    AGUE  AND FEVER OR INTERMITTENT FEVER.

  Ague and Fever is a disease of very common occurrence in
low marshy countries and situations, more especially in warm
climates.
  Systematic writers have adopted names for this  complaint
according to the season of the year at which it occurs.  That
which occurs in the spring, is termed vernal, and that  in the fall,
autumnal.  Agues are also distinguished according to the periods
between the fits.  When  they return within the space of twen-
ty-four hours,  they are called quotidians;  when every other 
AGUE AND FEVER.                  H
day, they are called tertians ; when every third day, they are
termed quartans.
  Agues are often obstinate to cure, especially in warm climates,
where they frequently give  rise to other chronic complaints,
particularly dropsical swellings, and  enlargements of the  liver
or spleen, termed ague cakes.
  An intermittent fever may be produced by any circumstance
which has a tendency to depress the living power; such as wa-
tery poor diet; great fatigue; long watching or doing without
sleep; intemperance;  grief; great  anxiety;  exposure to cold;
lying in damp rooms  or  beds;  wearing damp  clothes ;  and
breathing a vitiated  or noxious atmosphere; which  last is by
far the most universal and common cause of this complaint.
  Each paroxysm of"  an intermittent fever is divided into three
different stages, which  are  called the cold, the hot, and the
sweating stages or fits.
  The cold stage commences with  a feeling of languor ; a sense
of debility or weakness ; an aversion to motion ; frequent yawn-
ing and stretching, and an aversion to food.   The face and ex-
tremities become  pale ; the features shrunk;  the bulk of every
external part is diminished, and the skin  over the whole body
appears constricted, as if cold  had been applied to it.  These
symptoms continuing to increase, the patient becomes very cold
and universal rigors or shivering comes on;  the respiration or
breathing is short, frequent and anxious ; the urine is  almost co-
lorless ; sensibility is greatly impaired;  the pulse is  small, fre-
quent, and often irregular.
  The continuance  of this stage is extremely various,  from a
few minutes to several hours, when  the second or  hot stage
comes on with a sense of heat over the whole body ;  redness of
the face; dryness of the  skin;  increased thirst;  pain  in the
head; throbbing in  the  temples ; anxiety and restlessness ; the
respiration is now fuller and more free, but still  frequent; the
tongue is furred; and  the pulse more  regular, hard, and  full;
when, if the  attack has  been severe, delirium perhaps  will
come on.
  After these symptoms have continued for some time, a mois-
ture breaks out on the forehead and by  degrees  becomes  a
sweat, which finally extends over the whole  surface  of the bo-
dy.  As the sweating progresses, the heat  abates,  the  thirst
ceases, breathing  becomes free and  full, and most of the func-
tions are restored to their  ordinary state ; the patient, however,
is left in a weak  and wearied  condition.   This constitutes the
third stage, and completes the  paroxysm of fever.
  It may, however, be remembered,  that many deviations from
the ordinary course  of intermittents often occur.   The different
6tages bear very different proportions to each  other in different 
12
AGUE AND FEVER.
eases, both as to the time of their duration and severity. There
is also a great diversity in intermittents with regard to the situa-
tion in which the patient is left, and in which he remains after
the paroxysm  or fit.   In some cases  the  patient eats, drinks,
sleeps, and feels well, between the fits ; at other times, although
there is a perfect remission of fever, he continues weak and fee-
ble, without any appetite, and even a loathing of  food, attended
sometimes  with  a great prostration of the living  power.  The
stools sometimes appear natural, sometimes loose or costive, and
often,  especially in hot weather,  presenting a dark,  or what is
termed a bilious appearance.   The tongue becomes  furred of a
white, yellow, brown, or black color, attended mostly by a bad
taste in the mouth.
   There are also many other symptoms, and modifications of
symptoms, often present in intermittents, which give a peculiar
character to the  complaint, and some of them evincing that the
disease is of a very malignant  form.   Some of these are  long
and violent fits or paroxysms, attended with much anxiety and
delirium ; and  when  to  these are added, great prostration of
strength, vertigo or  dizziness, foetid or strong scented stools,
the presence of  dysentery, or of cholera morbus, the case may
be  considered  of  the worst  character.   The reverse  of these
symptoms  may, of course, be considered as evidence of a milcl
form of disease.
   Different names have been applied to  intermittent fevers,
such as bilious fever,  when there  are symptoms of a redundan-
cy of bile ; lake fever; and in those cases where  there  is  only
a chill without any or but very little shivering, and  the patient
between the fits appears  to suffer  much decline  of health, chill-
fever or chill and fever has, in many parts  of the country, be-
come a very popular name.   But if the paroxysm commences
with a shivering or shaking, leaves the patient pretty  clear of
disease, with the appetite not much impaired, and the functions
pretty natural, the name of ague is generally applied to  the com-
plaint.
   Treatment.—If the  complaint be  of a  mild  form, and no
other disease present, we may very safely  commence  the cure
by giving a dose of the diaphoretic powders, three or four times
a day, to promote  the secretions and excretions, which will have
a tendency to  restore a healthy action  to the different  organs;
also giving a dose of the stimulating or hot bitters three times a
day previous to  eating.  At night a red  hot brick or  stone
quenched in  cold  water, may be applied to the  feet,  wrapped
first in a wet cloth and  then  in a dry one, giving at the  same
time, a dose of the lady's slipper with a fourth of a tea-spoonful
of cayenne with it, to promote perspiration and strengthen  the
nervous  system.  If this treatment should not succeed after a 
AGUE AND FEVER.
13
reasonable trial, a dose of the cathartic or of Bunnell's pills may
be given to those who prefer them to an emetic; or the vapoi
bath may be resorted to,  which, indeed, would be benefieial at
the first.
   After the operation of  the pills, the same course may be pur-
sued as first recommended, and continued until a cure  is effec-
ted.   Or should this course, or a repetition of the pills after a
day or two, not afford relief,  or should the symptoms  become
worse, no time should be lost in applying the vapor bath, admin-
istering an emetic, &c. according to the directions hereafter given.
The ague pills may also  be used,  either after the purge or the
course of medicine.
   The butternut syrup, bitter root, or  black root, may  also be
used to aet upon the bowels, instead of the  pills.   But in all
violent attacks, the vapor bath and emetic ought to  be  immedi-
ately resorted to, and thus cleanse and purify the whole system,
and all the fluids, before  the powers of life become much weak-
ened or the tone of the organs impaired.  This process ought
to be repeated every day, every other day, or at longer intervals,
according to the symptoms, until the complaint be removed.
And as in many cases a  recurrence of the paroxysms will take
place, notwithstanding the best means have been  used,  it may
be proper, a little previous to the time of the expected return of
the fit, for the patient to  sit before a warm fire,  with a  blanket
around him,  and drink freely of a  strong decoction of the dia-
phoretic powders, or of a tea of bayberry or some other astringent
article, made very hot with cayenne, to increase the  living pow-
er, and promote perspiration.  Or the patient may retire to bed
and have  a hot brick  applied to the feet and side or back, and
pursue the same course, in other respects, as if sitting by the fire.
   It is customary with some to commence the operation of va-
por bathing, and  giving  an emetic a short time preceding the
expected  return of a paroxysm of intermittent, which often an-
swers the best purpose, by preventing every symptom of the fit.
But it sometimes happens that  notwithstanding all  that can be
done in this way, the paroxysm comes on, and then it becomes
very  fatiguing and unpleasant to the patient; yet the good  ef
fects of the operation are not thereby lost.
   The  process of vapor bathing may be often  very profitably
commenced when the hot stage is coming on, as perspiration is
then much easier promoted than it is previous to or during the
cold stage.   But in all cases where the process of  steaming or
vapor bathing and giving an emetic, does not prevent the parox-
ysm, it is better to resort to it after the fit has gone  entirely off,
and  60 long  previous to the commencement of the  succeed-
ing  paroxysm that  the  patient will be entirely recovered  from
the fatigue necessarily attendant on the operation.
   Vol  II—B 
14
APOPLEXY.
  An emetic may often be advantageously administered without
vapor bathing; but in all bad cases the whole process of steam-
ing, vomiting, &c, is the grand dependence for effecting a cure.
During the intervals between the steamings, the patient should
take  of the diaphoretic powders and bitters frequently during
his waking hours; and if there be much pain in the head,  with
restlessness and anxiety, the head must be bathed in cold water
or vinegar, and doses of the nerve powder occasionally admin-
istered as the circumstances of the patient may require.  Drafts
applied to  the feet may also have a  good effect  to remove the
pain in the head.  These may be made by spreading the dregs
of the tincture of myrrh on cloth, or by wilting cabbage or bur-
dock leaves, and applying them to the  feet.  Endeavors ought
also  to be used by the application of hot bricks, and the admin-
istration of cayenne, to keep up a perspiration, which will  have
a tendency to allay the irritation and anxiety which often attend
bad cases of intermittents.   If  an enlargement of the spleen or,
as commonly styled, an ague cake occurs during an attack of
this  complaint, it will probably be cured by the  same means
employed to remove the  fever.  Should this, however, not be
the case, the affected part may be freely rubbed  with any kind
of bathing drops and have  a hot brick  or stone applied near  it
when in  bed, together with the continuance of the same general
treatment recommended for the fever.
  The inner bark of the white  ash (Fraxinus acuminata) boiled
in white wine, is highly recommended for ague cake in an old  work
entitled the " Treasury of Easy Medicines.'''' It is quite probable,
however, that a simple decoction of the bark in water would an-
swer equally as well.
                       APOPLEXY.
  Apoplexy is characterised by a sudden diminution, or entire
cessation of sense and  voluntary motion, whilst  the heart and
lungs continue to perform their functions.
  This complaint may  be distinguished from palsy, by the diffi-
cult  and  loud breathing, profound sleep, and the entire suspen-
sion of voluntary motion ; and when to these we add the absence
of convulsions, it will be distinguished from epilepsy ; and from
intoxication, by the impossibility of arousing the patient by
shouting or any  other means, and in general by  the breath  not
being tainted by the smell of spirits.
  Apoplexy chiefly attacks individuals of advanced age; and  it
has been observed, that persons of a corpulent habit, and those
having a short neck and large head, and who lead an  inactive
and  sedentary life, or make use of full rich diet, are more liable
to it than those of different habits. 
APOPLEXY.
15
  This disease is generally supposed to arise from compression
of  the  brain, caused by an effusion of either blood or serum ;
which has given birth to the two distinctive names of serous and
sanguineous  apoplexy, each of which is preceded by a different
set of symptoms.
   Sanguineous apoplexy sometimes comes on with giddiness,
dimness of sight, drowsiness, loss of memory, or faltering of
the tongue ;  but it more often happens that the person is taken
and suddenly falls down;  the face becomes red and swelled;
the veins of  the head appear full; the eye-lids are half closed,
and the eyes prominent and fixed ;  the pulse generally full and
strong;  and  the breathing difficult and loud.  Grinding of the
teeth, and slight convulsive motions, have  been observable  in a
fewinstances ; and if the fit continues for any considerable length
of time, the pulse becomes weak, slow, and languid; the breathing
gradually grows shorter and shorter, and finally ceases in death.
   In  the serous apoplexy, the attack is usually more gradual:
the face becomes  pale  and  bloated, whilst the veins are de-
pressed;  the pulse is  small, weak, irregular, and intermittent;
breathing is  impeded and loud; and the  extremities are cold.
Occasionally these symptoms are preceded by  giddiness,  tor-
por, and impediment of speech, and failure of memory.
   Cases of apoplexy occasionally occur, in which one side of
the body is  more affected  than the other; which  are termed
by  medical writers, hemiplegia,
  A patient  laboring under an attack of apoplexy, sometimes
lies  motionless and senseless  for several days, and then grad-
ually  but partially recovers.   Iu  these cases he generally  suf-
fers the loss,  either partial  or total, of the use of one side, as is
the case in palsy ;  and his mind usually sustains a shock from
which it rarely recovers.
  Treatment.—In tracing the  annals of medicine, we find
various  and  contradictory modes of treatment prescribed for
this frequently fatal  disease.  Amongst  the ancients, the  use
Of warm cordials was in high reputation; whilst physicians of
the present  day, disapprove of stimulating the system,  and
recommend  bleeding.   This  practice,  however, is to be re-
garded as  of quite modern origin, as Dr. Fothergtll,  and
many others  who were eminent  in  their  profession, either  dis-
approve of the practice altogether, or recommend  it in very
sparing terms. Emetics are generally disapproved of by prac-
titioners of  the present  day, from fears  of  augmenting  the
quantity of blood in  the vessels of the head, though  some are
found who prescribe  them;  and, although writers generally
regard them  as dangerous, no instances have  been recorded,
that we have any  knowledge of, in which they have proved
injurious or fetal.
              2 
16
ASTHMA.
  Whenever an'  individual  is attacked with apoplexy, excty
thing should be  removed from  about the neck which  may
have any tendency to compress  it ami prevent  a free return
of blood  from  the head ;  and his body  moreover should be
placed  in an erect  posture with  the feet  hanging down.   A
laxative  injection  composed of  the  butternut  syrup, castor
oil, hogs' lard, or, in the absence of  those articles,  of warn-
water, with  the fourth of a tea-spoonful of cayenne  in them,
should be administered- as speedily as possible, and repeated at
short intervals until the bowels are evacuated.  Dr. Beach very
highly recommends immersing the feet and legsin warm lye water-
  Whilst the foregoing operations  are going forward, prepara-
tions should be  making for steaming the patient, which ought to"
be attended to as soon as possible ; and  particular eare must be
taken to1 apply the steam or heat by some means to the feet and
legs.  If apoplexy is  caused by an over determination of blood
to the head, which seems to be the most eommon opinion, we
know of no means by which it  can be diverted  therefrom so
naturally, and with  so much certainty,  as by promoting a pro-
fuse  perspiration,  and  particularly from' the lower  extremities.
  In steaming, we may commence, if the  patient is capable of
swallowing, by  giving a moderate dose  of  the diaphoretic pow-
ders, or of the  cayenne; and  then place  him1 over the steam
which should be moderate at first, and1 gradually increased  as it
can be borne, paying strict attention to every symptom of faint-
ness, and often wetting the face and head with the coldest water
that can  be procured.  If the patient be incapable of swallowing,-
a tea-spoonful of the anti-spasmodic tincture should be" poured
into the mouth.
  After  continuing the  steam for ten, fifteen,- or twenty, or
even thirty minutes, if we have succeeded in Restoring sense
and  motion, we  may then give  an  emetic.   When this i?
done operating,  the  patient  should be  again  steamed,  re-
turned   into bed, with  hot bricks to  keep up  a perspiration,.
when a smart  purge  may be administered, which, with  the
bitters  and  diaphoretic  powder's  continued for  a few days,
will  probably effect a cure.   But if  it does  not, the practi-
tioner may pursue such  a course, in accordance with  the prin-
ciples which we have  laid down, as his best judgment may dic-
tate ; that is, the course of medicine must be repeated, and the
bitters and diaphoretics continued.
                        ASTHMA.

  Asthma is a spasmodic affection of the lungs, which general'
ly comes on by paroxysms  or fits, at night:  though the patient 
A.STHMA.                      17
very frequently feels more or less of it through  the  day, with
an increase of the symptoms at evening.   It is attended with a
frequent, difficult and  short respiration,  together with a pecu-
liar wheezing, tightness across the breast, and a cough attended
with such a peculiar crackling noise, (somewhat similar to the
wheezing) that a person who has seen several patients with this
complaint will readily recognize it.
  When the disease is attended with an accumulation and dis-
charge of humors from the lungs, it is called humid asthma:  but
when it is unattended by expectoration, it is known by the name
of dry or spasmodic asthma.
  An attack of asthma is preceded by low spirits, a sense of
fullness  about  the  stomach, with  lassitude, drowsiness, and
pain in the head.   On the next evening the patient experiences
a sense  of tightness  across the  breast,  and of straitness  in
the lungs, impeding respiration.   The difficulty of breathing in-
creases and is performed more slowly ; the speech becomes dif-
ficult and uneasy;  coughing succeeds,  and the patient can no
longer lie in bed, being, as it were, threatened with immediate
suffocation.
  Towards morning  these symptoms suffer  some abatement.
The breathing becomes less laborious and more full, and speak-
ing and coughing are performed with greater ease ; and if an ex-
pectoration of mucus  attends the  cough, much relief  is experi-
enced and the patient falls asleep.
  When he awakes he feels better, though not entirely relieved ;
but he cannot bear the least exertion without  rendering all  the
symptoms worse.   Nor  can  he lie in bed, but must either be
bolstered up,  or sit  in a chair.
  Towards evening the symptoms again grow worse, and con-
tinue to increase until they become as violent  as  on the prece-
ding night.
  After some nights  passed in this way, the  fits become more
moderate, particularly when  they are attended by a free expec-
toration of mucus from the lungs.   At last the disease goes off
and the patient is left  in the enjoyment of his  usual health.
  Sometimes, however,  the symptoms are all aggravated, and
the fits continue  to return for a much longer period, the patient
not being able to lie in bed for weeks or months, and even years.
At other times the  symptoms are so mild as  to subject the pa-
tient to but little inconvenience, and in children is usually called
phthisic.
  Treatment.—There are but two articles which, so far as our
own experience  goes, approach any where near to being speci-
fics, or indeed that are very uniformly useful, in this complaint.
These are the skunk cabbage and lobelia.   The skunk cabbage,
m doses  of a half or whole  tea-spoonful, repeated as occasion
  Vol. II.—b 2               3 
18
BITE  OF MAD DOG.
may require, is very valuable in the asthma;  and will often af
ford relief  when other remedies appear to do little or no good.
It acts both as an anti-spasmodic and expectorant, which gives
it a double power over this complaint.   The pulverized  root or
the fruit of skunk cabbage may be mixed in honey or molasses,
or a syrup may be made of elecampane or any other articles use-
ful to promote expectoration, and then the skunk cabbage added,
as it ought to be taken in substance.
   But the  lobelia is the grand article to be relied upon for the
alleviation or cure of this distressing malady.   It may be given
in half or  whole tea-spoonful  doses of  the pulverized  seeds,
or leaves and pods, at bed time, or when the fits are coming
on, and at any other time when the urgency of the symptoms
appears to require it.   A tincture of the lobelia given in  half or
whole tea-spoonful doses, is a more convenient as well as agree-
able form of administering this remedy, and is, perhaps, equally
efficacious.  This  preparation has cured many of the  most in-
veterate cases of asthma.
   Smoking  the dried roots of the common henbane  (Datura
Stramonium)  has  been resorted to  in many cases of asthma,
with success.  This remedy appears to act as  an anti-spasmo-
dic and expectorant.  The smoke  must be inhaled as much as
possible into the lungs, where  it usually occasions some  degree
of heat, followed by expectoration.   It  is said, however, that
unpleasant consequences have followed  its [improper]  use, and
it ought therefore to be used in moderation.
   Burning in a close room, half a sheet of paper which has been
saturated in  a solution of salt-peter, and  inhaling the smoke or
fumes, is said to give perfect relief in this distressing malady.
   Another  remedy  communicated  from a respectable source,
which proved successful in a case wherein even  the lobelia fail-
ed, is  the  common mullen, (verbascum thapsus.)  In this in-
stance a strong tea was made of the bark of the root and  sweet-
ened to the consistence of  syrup, of  which four  tea-spoonsful
were given a child as a dose, and frequently repeated, with com-
plete success.
  A course of medicine must  also  be  resorted to if the other
means recommended fail.
                   BITE  OF  MAD DOG.

  The bite of a mad dog produces a disease termed Hydropho-
bia, signifying a fear or dread of water, which is one of its most
peculiar and characteristic  symptoms.
  Hydrophobia is a disease which it  is believed arises sponta-
neously in dogs, cats, wolves,  foxes, &c, but  from  what parti- 
BITE  OF MAD DOG.
19
cular cause is unknown.  When the complaint has once arisen, it
is communicated, often to a great extent, from  one animal to
another, but spreads most rapidly amongst dogs, and is by them
imparted to other animals.
   This disease can  only arise in the human species from conta-
gion communicated  by the bite of a mad animal; and it yet re-
mains doubtful whether it can pass from one person to another;
but  prudence will  certainly dictate  that we  should  beware of
exposing ourselves  unnecessarily, as an experiment of Magen-
die and Breschet,  proved that dogs may take it by  inoculation
from the human subject.
   It has been observed, that hydrophobia is quite uncommon in
hot climates,  being principally met with in those which  are
either temperate or  cold.
   When a  dog becomes  affected with  madness  or  hydropho-
bia,  he appears dull, seeks solitude,  and endeavors  to hide
himself; seldom barking, but making a murmuring noise, and
refusing food and drink.  When strangers come  in sight he will
often fly at them ; but he still knows and  respects his master ;
his head and tail hang down, and he walks  as if overpowered
by sleep.   A bite at this  period,  though dangerous, is not so apt
to bring on the disease  in  the animal bitten, as it is at a later
period of the complaint.
   As the  disease progresses, the  dog begins  to  pant,  and
breathe quickly and  heavily; his tongue hangs out, and  his
mouth is  continually open,  from which is discharged a  large
quantity of froth.   Sometimes his movements are very slow,
and  at others he runs suddenly, but not always straight for-
ward.  At  last he forgets his master; his eyes are dull, watery,
and red;  he becomes very thin or poor,  and weak; he often falls
down,  and  gets up,  attempting to fly at other animals, especially
dogs, and becomes quite furious.  The most miserable, dejected,
and  gloomy looking animal which we  have  ever beheld was a
dog  under  confinement in  the last stages of this  terrible and
fatal malady.
   All the foregoing symptoms at length become aggravated ;  the
dog  staggers about, for he can scarcely be said to walk, and at
length the living power being  exhausted, he  dies, generally on
the fourth or fifth day succeeding the attack or first  symptoms
of the disease.
   The length of time which intervenes between the bite of a
mad animal and the commencement of  the hydrophobic symp-
toms is various ; but in dogs it is generally from five to fifteen
days; whilst in the human species  it varies from  one to  six
weeks,  and  even   as  many months.  Instances are also  re-
corded in which the patient  was seized after  the lapse of seve-
ral years. 
20
BITE  OF MAD  DOG.
  The symptoms of hydrophobia, in man, commence in gene-
ral, with slight pains in the part which had been bitten,  though
it may be long after the wound was healed and apparently  sound ;
sometimes an itching is felt, but commonly the pain appears like
rheumatism.   If the wound have been in any of the extremities,
the limb sometimes becomes numb or stiff;  the  old scar or ci-
catrix looks either red or livid ;  often opening afresh, and oozing
forth a little  colored matter.   Then come on  wandering pains,
with a melancholy from which scarcely any thing can rouse  him;
with uneasiness, heaviness, disturbed  sleep, and frightful dreams,
accompanied with great restlessness, sudden  startings, spasms,
sighing, anxiety, and love of solitude.   These symptoms  con-
tinuing to increase, pains shoot from the place where the wound
was, up to the throat, about which, as well as the chest, a stiff-
ness and painful constriction are felt;  the breathing beeomes dif-
ficult, with a sensation of choaking;  and a horror and dread of
water, and other liquids.  Bright colors, a strong  light,  acute
sounds, particularly the noise of water pouring from one vessel
into another, and even  a simple agitation of the air by a move-
ment of the curtains,  greatly disturb the patient, and often  bring
on a paroxysm of general convulsion, or otherwise greatly  ag-
gravate the painful symptoms.   He is tormented with thirst, but
dares not drink; the sight or even the idea of water often  making
him shudder.   His eyes are haggard, glassy, fixed, and turgid
with  blood; his mouth is filled with a sticky saliva, in which
lurks  the hydrophobic  poison, and he is constantly endeavoring
to hawk it up, and spits it out in every direction ;  often desiring
those around him to stand aside, as  if conscious  that he might
injure them.   If he  attempt to  drink, the moment 'the water or
other fluid is brought in contact with his lips, he starts back
with  dread  and horror, although he may  be suffering  at  the
same  time with great thirst.  The restlessness is extreme, and
if the  patient  attempt  to lie  down and compose himself, he in-
stantly starts up again, with  wild  unutterable anguish depicted
in his countenance; and in some instances there is a great strug-
gling, with raving, and furious madness ; but the living power
is soon exhausted, and death, as a welcome friend, comes to re-
lieve  the unfortunate sufferer.
   Treatment.—When we take a survey of  the empirical,  the
contradictory,  the extravagant, and the pernicious means which
have been used or recommended in the treatment of this  terrible
malady, we are forcibly driven to the reflection that the popular
practice of medicine, as taught in the schools, ws nothing  more
than a chaos of confusion—a tissue of error, and of dangerous
unprofitable  experiment; for of all the various and contradictory
modes of treatment, recommended by different authors, whether
of stimulating or depleting, of relaxing  or  exciting, of burning 
BITE OF MAD DOG.
ti
e&r cutting, of warm bathing or cold bathing, nothing as yet is
known to the learned authors of medicine, which can be relied
 upon as a certain eure.   As  Dr. Good observes, " our curative
practice is  stild  unfortunately all afloat,  and we have neither
helm to steer by, nor compass  to direct our course.  There is,
indeed," continues he, " no disease for  which so many reme-
dies have been devised, and none in which the mortifying char-
acter of vanity of vanitiee has been so strikingly written upon
all of them."
   A new era has, however, taken  place in the annals of medi-
cal scienee ; the practice of medieine has  become  established
upon new and  correct  principles;  the  means  of cure have
been investigated and improved ;  whilst at the  same  time, the
powers of the physician to control disease have become aug-
mented  and  multiplied.   There is  good  reason to believe that
the  lobelia  inflata will  be found a certain remedy for this  ter-
rific disease, as the few  trials which have been  made with it,
give strong proofs of its powers, and high promise of its  future
usefulness.
   We  are well  aware that  the medical  Faculty scout at the
idea of  a cure for hydrophobia, as they also do at  all other
improvements of the healing art which  do not  originate with
themselves.   This is  virtually denying  that the people have
any  right to  investigate this  subject, or to administer or re-
ceive any thing as medicine  but what they sanction, or what
passes  through  their hands.   But light  and  knowledge, with
giant strides, are marehing through the world, and if the physi-
cians will not seize and appropriate to usefulness, the gifts of
nature, the people will do it themselves.   And it is high time
the practice of medicine was taken out of  the hands of the boast-
ing,  selfish, dominant professors of this most important art, and
restored to those to whom it rightfully appertains, and who are
principally to be benefited by it.
  If the lobelia had so often been tested  by fashionable physi-
cians, in the  cure of hydrophobia, as it has been by  the people,
its fame would have been spread from sea to sea, and its echoes
would have  penetrated the deepest recesses of every civilized
land.  But the origin of this remedy is too humble ; its adoption
would eclipse the already waning glory of scientific  and profes-
sional fame.   It must therefore be despised and  rejected; yes,
the most valuable gift of Nature's God is neglected, because the
'honor of a vaunting, vain-glorious  profession  may be tarnished
by the acknowledgment of its virtues.
  The first  account which we  ever had of the lobelia was, that
it would cure the hydrophobia;  and, although  we were incredu-
lous, we certainly should have been willing to  give it a trial from
a conviction  that no  hazard could  arise  by deviating from  e
                 14 
22
BITE OF MAD DOG.
mode of treatment  which had  never proved successful.   Bus
there have been several cases of this complaint in different parts
of the  country,  successfully treated with the lobelia, one of
which  will be found detailed in the appendix to this volume.
  Immediately after receiving  the bite of a dog  supposed to
be mad, the wound  should be well washed with the  strongest
tincture of lobelia; and if the teeth of the dog have any of
them penetrated deeply into  the flesh, the tincture should be
forcibly thrown in with a small syringe,  in  order  that it may
reach the bottom of the wound.  This washing  should be often
repeated until the sore  is healed.  At the same time we would
recommend the largest doses which the patient would bear with-
out vomiting, of the same tincture, given three times a day, for
several days ; or, what should be preferred, a thorough course of
medicine eVery other  day, and the  tincture to be  taken on the
days which intervene between the courses.   It will be advisable
to repeat the course of  medicine three or four, and perhaps six
or eight times, in this way, and the tincture should  be continued
for a few days longer.   Bitters should also be taken several times
a day,  during the continuance of the  tineture, and perhaps for a
short time thereafter.
  The  scull-cap has also been highly recommended, both as a
preventative and cure of the hydrophobia, though  it has  fallen
of late years very much into disrepute..  Whether its character
has failed in consequence of the feebleness of its powers, or frora
prejudices unjustly raised against it, we cannot say.  It would
seem from the account which is given of it by Rafinesque,  that
it contains many powerful chimical principles, which evince ac-
tive properties.  We must confess, however, that we should by
far, give a preference to the  lobelia, beeause its  sensible effects
upon the body so much exceed those of the scull-cap ; but  we, at
the  same time, most cordially coincide in the sentiment of the
author  just quoted,  that " we have so few presumed remedies for
this  dreadful  disease, and it is so desirable to confirm the prop-
erties of those supposed available, that it is needful to encourage,
rather  than to discourage, every attempt to throw  light on the
subject."—[Flora of the United States, vol. II. page 85.]
  But  if,  notwithstanding the  treatment,  symptoms of hydro-
phobia  make their appearance,  we must  have  recourse to
large and repeated  doses of the anti-spasmodic  tincture,  on
which   we  should  principally  rely..   The nervine  tincture
which  we have  recommended,  must also be freely used in
large doses,  which, with the anti-spasmodic tincture, will be
the principal  dependence in relieving the spasms.   Courses,
of medicine  must also  be  frequently resorted  to, in which a
free  use may be made of the pulverized seeds  of lobelia to,
produce vomiting  and  profuse  perspiration i or instead g£ 
BLEEDING AT THE NOSE.
23
these, we may use the anti-spasmodic tincture to produce the
same effects.   This course must  be  rigorously persevered in,
paying no other regard to the quantity of lobelia administered
than to be sure to give enough to produce the desired effect.  If
enough  is not administered  to overcome the spasms, but little
good will be done.   And in order to do this more  effectually,
injections, with from two to  four tea-spoonsful of the lobelia,
or anti-spasmodic  tincture, will  be  highly advantageous, and
should be used the more  freely, and  be the oftener repeated, if
the difficulty  of swallowing should increase.
  An infallible  remedy is said to have been lately discovered
in France, by Dr« Buisson, who himself was afflicted with this
awful malady and went into a vapor bath heated to 126 degrees
of Fahrenheit's thermometer, thinking it the easiest mode of
suffocation.   To his astonishment, however, the  wnole symp-
toms vanished at once, and he never  after  had the slightest re-
currence of them.   Dr. Buisson, in the communication of this
case to the Academy of Sciences at Paris, says that by the same
means he had  cured upwards  of  eighty  patients  of hydro-
phobia, and  intended to try  it in cholera, plague, yellow fever
and gout.  The vapor  bath  ought to be used in conjunction
with the lobelia.
   Much light may also be had upon  this subject by a perusal
of the case detailed  in  the  appendix, to which  the reader is
referred.
             BLEEDING FROM THE NOSE.
  In the nose there is a net work composed of blood-vessels
expanded on the internal surface of the nostrils, and  covered
only with a thin tegument or skin; hence upon any determina-
tion  of a greater quantity of blood than usual to the vessels of
the head, those of the nose  are more easily ruptured.   And
hence also, any kind of violence about the nose is apt to  rup-
ture these vessels and  produce a discharge of blood  from the
nostrils.   In general, the blood flows only from one nostril;
but sometimes it is discharged  from both.
  Persons of a sanguine  and plethoric habit, and not yet advan-
ced to manhood, are most liable to hemorrhage from the nose;
females being less  subject to it than males.—Peculiar weakness
of the  vessels of the part, and the  decline  of life, may be re-
garded  as  predisposing causes.  Great heat, violent  exertion,
external  violence,  particular postures  of the body, and every
thing that determines the blood  to the head, may be  consider-
ed as exciting causes of bleeding at the nose.
  It comes on at times, without any previous  warning; but at
others, it is preceded by  pain and heaviness in the head, dizzi- 
24
BLEEDING AT THE NOSE.
ness, ringing in  the ears, flushing of the face, heat and itching
in the  nostrils, a throbbing of the temporal arteries, and quick-
ness of the pulse.
   Bleeding at the nose, in general, may be considered as of lit-
tle consequence, when occurring in young  persons; but when
it arises in those more advanced in life, flows profusely, and re-
turns frequently, it indicates  too great a fulness of the vessels of
the head, and not unfrequently precedes palsy, apoplexy, &c,
and is, therefore, in such cases, to be regarded as indicating dan-
gerous consequences.  And  when it arises in the course of any
putrid complaint, it is to be viewed as a fatal symptom.
   Bleeding  from the nose often proves salutary in some cases,
such as dizziness, headache, &c.; and critical in others, such as
phrensv, apoplexy, and inflammatory fever,  when there is a de-
termination  of too great  a quantity of blood to  the head; and
we ought, therefore, to consider at the time it happens, whether
it is likely to prove  injurious or beneficial.   And if it  appear
likely to remove any unpleasant symptom, or relieve any com-
plaint, it may be  suffered to go on, so long as it does not  appear
to weaken the patient.   Nor need it be suddenly checked, when
it happens to  persons in good health, especially if they are of
a full plethoric habit.   But when  it arises in elderly persons, or
returns too frequently, or continues till the patient becomes weak
or faint, no time ought to be lost in attempting to put a stop to it.
   Treatment.—A snuff made of the leaves of witch hazle, and
inhaled into the  nose,  will,  in most cases,  stop  the bleeding.
Wetting the face, head, and temples, at the same time with cold
water,  will assist the effects of the hazle.   A tea of the hazle
with the addition of  cayenne,  will also  be beneficial, taken in-
ternally ; to which may likewise be added the common beth root,
either  in tea or substance, or it may be taken alone,  in a larger
quantity.  Bathing, fomenting, or steaming the lower extremities,
will, by facilitating the circulation through them, draw the blood
from the head, and thereby have a tendency to promote the  op-
eration of other  remedies.
   The powder of charcoal, is highly recommended as a styptic,
in hemorrhages  from the nose.   It may  be  used as  snuff, or it
may be applied  by means of tents, first moistened  with water,
then rolled  in this  powder, and  introduced into  the  nostril.
Probably  the witch hazle might be advantageously  used in the
same manner.
   When  there is  reason to believe that  the  bleeding is caus-
ed by  a determination  of blood to the head,  or by any peculiar
weakness of the vessels  of the  nose, and  the  means already
prescribed do not check the hemorrhage, the patient ought to
be taken through a course of medicine.
   After  this process is completed, the extremities  ought to be 
BLEEDING FROM THE LUNGS.
2f)
kept warm, and the whole surface  moist, until  the danger of a
recurrence of bleeding appears to be over; or if it does return,
the same process may be repeated as often as necessary: using,
during the intervals, any or all of  the other means which have
been recommended.
             BLEEDING FROM THE LUNGS.
  This complaint is usually called spitting blood, and  consists
in a discharge of blood of a florid red  color,  and often  frothy,
from the mouth, brought up by more or less of coughing or hawk-
ing, and usually preceded by  a saltish taste  in  the  mouth, a
sense of weight about the breast, difficult breathing, and a pain
in some part of the breast.
  This disease is readily to  be  distinguished  from bleeding at
the stomach, as in this last, the blood is vomited up, usually in
considerable  quantities, and is moreover of a darker color, and
frequently mixed with other contents of the  stomach ; whilst
blood  proceeding from the lungs, is usually in small quantity,
of a  florid  color,  mixed  with  a  little frothy  mucus, and is
brought up by coughing.
  A spitting of blood may be caused by any violent exertion, as
running, jumping, wrestling, singing, loud speaking, or blowing
on  wind instruments; and  likewise by wounds, inflammation
of the lungs, weakness of its  vessels, hard coughing,  &c.
  Bleeding  at the lungs  is not,  however,  always to  be regard-
ed as a primary affection, but is often a symptom attendant up-
on some other  complaint.  In  pleurisy,  inflammation of the
lungs, and  many fevers, a slight spitting of blood may be re-
garded as the presage of a favorable termination.
  This complaint is sometimes  preceded by a sense of weight
and oppression at  the chest,  a dry  tickling cough, some slight
difficulty of breathing,  and a hard, jerking-pulse.   At  other
times  it is  ushered in with shiverings, coldness of the  extrem-
ities, pains  in the  back  and loins,  flatulency, costivenoss, and
lassitude.   The blood  which is spit up  is  usually thin and
florid ; but sometimes it is thick and of a dark  cast, owing to
its having lain some time in the  lungs before it was discharged.
  Spitting blood is not to be  considered as a dangerous  com-
plaint when there are  no symptoms  of consumption  present;
or where it leaves behind no cough, difficulty of breathing, or
other troublesome  affection  of the  lungs : nor  is it dangerous
in a strong healthy  person of a  sound  constitution,  unless the
hemorrhage is very great:  but when  it  attacks  persons  of  a
weak  lax liber, and delicate habit, it may be  dangerous and
difficult to  cure.
  Treatment.—The  removal  of  this complaint is to be at-
  Vol. II.—C                  4 
26           BLEEDING FROM THE  STOMACH.

tempted, if mild, by taking freely of the diaphoretic powders,
and at the same time using other  necessary  means to promote
perspiration.   If there be any considerable  cough, the expec-
torant powder may also be given to promote  expectoration.   A
tea  of the witch hazle, or beth  root, may also be freely  used,
to each dose of which may be added  from half  to a whole
tea-spoonful of capsicum, and repeated according to the urgen-
cy of the symptoms.
  After persevering in this manner for a reasonable time, if
the  symptoms do  not abate,  a regular course  of the vapor
bath and the emetic ought to  be resorted to, and repeated  as
the  urgency  of the case  may  require.   After the course,  the
diaphoretic powders, hazle or beth root tea, and cayenne,  to
which may be added the bitter tonic, must be continued at long-
er or shorter intervals, according to the urgency of the symp-
toms, until the patient is out of danger.
           BLEEDING FROM THE STOMACH.

  This complaint is usually  denominated  vomiting of blood,
and is commonly preceded by a sense of weight, pain,  or anx-
iety, in the  region of the stomach.   The blood is usually dis-
charged in considerable quantity, of a  dark color, and  often
mixed with the other contents of the stomach.  It will readily
be distinguished from a spitting  of  blood, by  attending to the
description of  that complaint.
  This disease may be occasioned by any thing received  into
the stomach which  stimulates it violently or wounds it; or it
may proceed from blows,  bruises, or any  other cause  capable
of exciting  inflammation in the stomach, or  determining too
great a flow of blood to it; it often arises spontaneously  without
any apparent cause, and sometimes  occurs as a symptom of
some other disease.
  Towards  the close of malignant  scarlet,  and putrid fevers,
and other disorders  of a  malignant or putrid nature,  where
symptoms  of  putrescency  prevail in a high degree, a  hemor-
rhage from the stomach is very apt to occur.
  Vomiting blood is seldom so profuse  as to  destroy  the pa-
tient suddenly.   The principal danger seems to arise, eith-
er from the great debility which repeated attacks of the com-
plaint  induce,  or from the  lodgment  of blood in the intes-
tines  which,  by becoming putrid,  may occasion some  other
fatal complaint.
  Treatment.—This  disorder  may, in  general,  be  treated
the same  as bleeding from  the lungs.   Charcoal, in table-
spoonful doses, repeated as  circumstances seem to require, will 
BLOODY URINE.
2?
be  found  a useful  auxiliary  to  the  other  means.   It  will
operate as a styptic to  check the bleeding,  as  a laxative  to
cleanse the intestines,  and as an anti-septic to prevent the pu-
tridity of  the blood in  the bowels.  A strong  decoction of yel-
low  dock root in sweet  milk, taken  in doses of  a  gill three
times a day, and a pill of white  pine  turpentine once  a day,
is recommended, by Dr. J. Williams, as infallible in  this com-
plaint.  Common salt, in small doses, will also very frequent-
ly check it.
  Patients recovering  from this disease, ought to use a nutri*
tious  diet  of  easy digestion, and abstain  from all violent or
long continued exertion,  to prevent  relapses,  which are liable
to occur*
                      BLOODY URINE.
   This disease is sometimes  occasioned  either by falls, blows,
 bruises, or some violent exertion, such as hard riding, and jump-
 ing; but it often takes place in consequence of a small stone
 being lodged  either in the ureter or kidney, which, by its size,
 or irregularity,  wounds the inner surface of the part it comes
 in contact with;  in which last case, the  blood discharged is
 most usually  somewhat  clotted, and deposits a sediment of a
 dark brown color, resembling coffee grounds.
   A discharge  of blood by urine, when proceeding  from the
 kidney or ureter, is commonly attended  with an acute pain
 and sense of weight in the back, and some  difficulty in making
 water; the urine which comes away first being muddy and high
 colored, but towards  the close of its  flowing  becoming  trans-
 parent, and of a natural appearance.   When the blood proceeds
 immediately from  the bladder, it is usually accompanied with a
 sense of heat and pain in the lower part of the belly.
  This complaint is distinguished from  the high  colored red
 urine attendant  upon  many  diseases, by the  deposit of  clot-
 ted blood at the bottom of the vessel, and by its staining linen
 of a red color.
  The voiding of  bloody urine  is always to be regarded as a
 dangerous malady, particularly when  mixed with purulent mat-
 ter.  When it arises in the course of any malignant disease, it
 is regarded as indicating a highly putrid state of the blood, and
 is always succeeded by a fatal termination.
  Treatment.—If the complaint has arisen as a consequence
of some external injury, such as  a fall or blow, a process of the
vapor bath, and the emetic, ought immediately to be resorted to,
which, if it do not stop it, should be followed by the use of the
witch hazle,  beth  root, or other  astringents, and  the process
again repeated as often as necessary until the cure is completed. 
28
BRUISES.—BURNS AND  SCALDS.
  When, from the symptoms, there is  reason  to  suspect  that
the  complaint proceeds from a stone lodged in the  kidney,  ure-
ter, or bladder, the patient ought to drink freely of some muci-
laginous drink, such as thick barley water, a tea of marsh mal-
lows, or elm bark, any or all of  which may be  sweetened with
honey.  Injections of the same may also be administered ;  and
to allay irritation, the  nervine powders, or ladies' slipper, ought
to be freely used.
  A decoction of peach leaves, drank so as not to produce much
purging, is a very useful  remedy in  this  complaint.  In case the
leaves cannot be procured, the bark may be  used, and in  one
bad case in which we tried it, answered  every purpose that the
leaves could have done.   The bark or leaves ought  always to
be resorted to in cases of this kind.
                         BRUISES.
  Under this head we include all injuries from blows and falls
which are of so serious a character as to require medical aid.
  Treatment.—If the injury be not severe the part may be
bathed with either salt and vinegar, tincture of myrrh, or bathing
drops ; or bruised tansy or wormwood, moistened with spirits or
vinegar, may be applied to it, until relief is obtained.
  But if the bruise be  more  severe, internal remedies must be
resorted to, such as the diaphoretic  powders, or cayenne pep-
per; and arrangements should be immediately made for apply-
ing the vapor bath, or perspiration  may be promoted  in any
other manner.  If there be much pain in the  part,  the appli-
cation of cold water,  either in a stream  or by laying  on wet
cloths, should be resorted  to.
  Bleeding ought by no means to be attempted,  as its tendency
would be to  reduce the vital power, and thereby increase  the
danger arising from extremely bad  bruises.   Promoting a pro-
fuse perspiration  by the vapor bath, which may be kept up by
the application of  hot bricks or rocks, and occasional doses of
cayenne, or the diaphoretic powders, is the  only rational meth-
od of restoring the injured vessels of the bruised part to a heal-
thy action, and preventing ulceration and mortification.
  If the health of an individual meeting with an accident of this
kind should be poor, an emetic and thorough course of medicine
ought to be administered, especially if the bruise be a severe one.
                  BURNS AND SCALDS.

  Cases of  this kind are often occurring, particularly amongst
children ;  and as they create excruciating pain, it is of the ut- 
CANCE.
29
WlOst importance to apply a remedy immediately.  Happily, the
best remedy, and the one that affords the most speedy and grate-
ful relief, is commonly at hand or very readily obtained.
  Plunging the injured part  instantly into cold water, or, if
tliis be  inconvenient  on account of  the  injury being on  the
head or body,  applying a cloth wetted  with  cold water, will
afford instantaneous relief; and  if applied  at the  instant, will
prevent blistering, which is often so considerable, as  to cause
a tedious ulcer.
  During the application of the cold water, the patient ought to
take occasionally a dose  of cayenne or of the diaphoretic pow-
der, to prevent  the cold application  from  doing  an injury.   If
one of the extremities  be burnt or scalded, the part may be  im-
mersed  in  cold water, occasionally withdrawing it, and again
returning it when  it  smarts.   But when  it is  inconvenient to
immerse the part in water, a cloth  folded several times, made
wet with cold water, and applied to the  part, will answer  the
purpose.  As the cloth  becomes warm and the injured  part
smarts, cold Water maybe poured on it,  or a fresh cloth applied,
and continued until the smarting has ceased.
  If this plan has not been adopted in season to prevent blister-
ing and a sore or ulcer arises in consequence of it,  the slippery
elm poultice may be applied after the smarting  has  ceased,  and
continued until the inflammation is out, when it should be dress-
ed with salve Until well.
  An ointment made by  mixing one part spirits  turpentine  and
two parts sweet oil is also an excellent  application  for burns or
scalds, usually giving speedy relief.  This ointment is  likewise
said to be useful applied  to ulcers which succeed burns.  Raw
cotton has also been highly recommended for the same purpose;
and likewise sprinkling the burnt surface with flour.
  In very bad burns  or  scalds near the vital parts, as an  the
breast or stomach, the patient ought to be taken through a course
of the vapor bath and emetic, after the smarting has been check-
ed with the  cold water,  or by any other means, and in all re-
spects, treated as in any  other bad case  of disease.
                         CANCER.
   A. cancer is an ulcer of the very worst kind, with an uneven
surface, and ragged, painful edges generally spreading rapidly,
discharging a thin acrimonious matter that excoriates  the  skin
around the sore, and has a very foetid smell.
   A cancer is usually preceded by a hard, or what is techni-
cally termed a scirrus, swelling of the  part, especially if it be
seated in a gland, such as the female breast, the  glands of the
   Vol,  II.—c 2 
ao
CANCER,
arm pit, &x>   And it is to the glands that cancers are mostly
confined; though they are sometimes met with in the uterus, as
likewise on the face, and other parts that are thinly covered with
flesh, and which are at the  same  time a good deal exposed to
-external  irritation, such  as  the lower lip, the angles of  the
eyes, the organs of vision, the middle cartilage of  the nose,  the
tongue, and penis.
   Cancer usually begins with a small  swelling in the gland, or
if it be seated in some  other part, as the face, hand, &c., with a
small swelling that sometimes  resembles  a wart or pimple,  un-
accompanied by pain or any  discoloration of  the  part.  It gra»
dually increases in size and  hardness, and,  sooner or later, is
attended with darting, twinging, or  lancinating  pains, as if
pricked with a sharp instrument, and with swellings of the veins,
and an uneasy painful sensation in the vicinity of the parU
Sometimes it remains in this state for a length of time, even for
years ;  but  at other times it proceeds on to suppuration with
great rapidity, and forms an  ulcer.   Its progress will, however,
depend much on the state of the  person's health, constitution,
and other like causes.
   During the stage of cancer of which we have just been speak-
ing, the  pains recur at very irregular intervals, sometimes  lon-
ger, and sometimes  shorter.   This  irregular recurrence of the
pains which invariably attends  a true cancerous  affection,  de-
pends upon  causes  which,  as yet,  remain  unknown.   If  the
cancer be seated in the female breast, and  the woman be of such
an age that the menstrual flux has not ceased, she will common-
ly suffer a considerable increase of the  painful symptoms at each
 return of this evacuation.  The tumor will also during this pe-
 riod probably increase in size, in a  ratio  proportioned with the
 increased violence of the other symptoms.
   As the disease  advances, it is very common, when the breast
 is the seat of cancer, for one or more of  the  axillary* glands on
 the same side of the body, to become enlarged.
   When the disease  approaches near the  surface, the skin,
 which hitherto retained its  natural appearance, begins to look
 puckered, or as if drawn together in folds.  From this cause, if
 its seat be the female  breast-, the nipple will be  sometimes so
 retracted or  sunk, that its existence might be overlooked by a
 superficial observer.
    When the  disease advances further, the skin becomes insepa-
 rably united to the tumor, and in a little time longer, it assumes
 a slight degree  of redness, with other symptoms of inflamma-
 tion.  After a while the whole surface of the diseased part  puts
 on a purple  shining appearance, and in this state continues  with
* From axilla, the arm pit. 
CANCER.
31
but little change until ulceration is about taking place ;  when all
the symptoms become much worse, and induce a feverish ac-
tion in the blood.
   At  length  it breaks out into an ulcer, and the violent symp-
toms experience a temporary abatement from the discharge of a
small quantity of thin corrosive matter.  In a short time the ul-
cer penetrates deeply into the central part of the tumor, whilst
the edges appear hard and elevated.  The surrounding skin as-
sumes a livid appearance, and from the surface of the sore  there
is now a considerable discharge of an irritating corrosive matter,
which excoriates, or as it were, scalds the skin around the  sore,
and is, at the same time, of a peculiar and highly offensive smell.
Matter  of a  true purulent,  or  healthy appearance, is  scarcely
ever discharged  from a cancerous sore.
   If the  ulceration be extensive, it will be observed that while
one part of the  sore is undergoing  the  ordinary sloughing pro-
cess, another will be found active in producing luxuriant granu-
lations of a loose spongy nature.   These different appearances
or changes, sometimes alternate with each  other,  and in  their
further progress give rise to considerable hemorrhages from the
erosion of the blood vessels.
   At length, from the morbid derangement which is occasioned
in the functions of the lungs, when the cancer is seated in the
breast, there gradually comes on a difficulty of breathing, atten-
ded with a cough, and some degree of emaciation, which symp-
toms are usually followed, at no great  distance, by a fatal ter-
mination.
   Cancers in other parts of the body, usually  appear first in
the fo#«n of a small bluish colored pimple, attended by twinging
pains, which is succeeded by a train of symptoms  quite similar
to those which have just been described as taking place in the
female breast.
   Treatment.—The moment any kind of tumor makes its ap-
pearance, with evident symptoms of cancer, no time should be
lost in adopting the most efficient means of restoring a healthy
tone to the system if the general health be impaired, and pro-
moting the absorption of the tumor before it breaks forth into
an ulcer.
   To restore the general health, the common course of medicine
ought to be resorted to, and repeated as  circumstances require,
using between the courses, a tea of pipsisway, wild lettuce, nar-
row dock root; and probably the sassafras will be useful together
with the bitter tonic and  the diaphoretic powders.   The cancer
balsam,  recommended by Dr.  Thomson,  may also be applied
externally over the tumor, and renewed as it becomes necessary.
The juice of the root of the narrow leafed dock,  dried in the
sun to  the consistency of wax, may also be spread on paper,
                 3 
32
CANCER,
and applied to the part, and is said to have performed some fe>
markable cures.
  But if, after doing all that has been recommended, the tumor
breaks  out into an ulcer, or if it be in this state when medical
aid  is first called, we must not abandon the patient as being in
a situation of utter hopelessness.   The course of medicine should
be resorted to, together with the use of the bitter tonic,  diapho-
retic powders, dock root, pipsisway, &c, as  being the  best
means of changing the cancerous habit or tendency of the fluids,
and promoting a healthy vigorous action  in all parts of  the
system.
  Dr. Thomson  remarks, that in one case he applied a poultice
of butternut shucks, to* dissolve the cancerous tumor, and seem-
ed likely to accomplish his object, when his hopes were blasted
by  the death  of his patient in  consequence of a fever.
  If the ulcer be much inflamed, the common poultice  may be
applied, wetting  it occasionally with cold water or a tea of some
of  the  astringent articles.  At each dressing, or renewal of the
poultice, wash first with mild soap suds, and then with  a lea of
pipsisway, wild  lettuce, dock root, or some of the astringent ar-;
tides.   When the inflammation has abated, apply the salve, or if
the tumor be not dissolved, the eaneer balsam will probably be
better, which ought to be continued until the cancerous tumor
is entirely gone.
  An ointment or salve, made by boiling the common wood or
sheep sorrel  in hogs' lard, has been known to have a very deci-
ded influence on cancerous ulcers of the very worst kind.   Or
the juice dried  in  the son, and  applied, spread on a piece of
bladder or  paper, will be more powerful, and is highly recom--
mended.  The juice of the dock root, prepared in the same  man-
ner, has also been found beneficial, in numerous cases.
   In case a cure of cancer is  attempted before it has broken out
into an ulcer, it  is recommended by some to penetrate  the skin
to  the  hard diseased part, by the application of a caustic, made
by boiling,  for some time, the  best wood ashes,- or what has
been more highly recommended, the ashes of  black ash bark;
then settle  and  pour off the clear lye, and boil it down to the
consistence of thick tar; to this, it is recommended to add a lit-
tle spirits in which  camphor  has been dissolved, or a little
honey.  This eattstic is tO be spread on a piece of cloth, of a
size proportioned to that of, but less than the cancer, and applied
 to  it.  If it  becomes too painful it may be taken off for a short
 time and again  replaced;  and if necessary the plaster may be
 renewed.
    When a sufficient opening has thus  been made, the wood"
 sorrel salve  may be applied, and renewed night  and  morning
 until the cancerous tumor can be separated and removed from1 
CANCER.
33
the sound parts.   The application of this salve or plaster causes
the cancerous  tumor to  turn  black, and in some instances pro-
duces severe pain.  If it becomes too  severe, the plaster  may
be left off at night and in place thereof apply the common heal-
ing salve or any  other mild application.  As a wash, to be  used
at all times, when the ulcer  is dressed, equal parts of prickly
ash bark or of zanthoxylon, bayberry, and golden seal, steeped
strong, may be advantageously employed.
  In a disease so obstinate  and painful, and at the  same  time
so difficult to cure  as  cancer,  we  feel ourselves  justified  in
drawing  upon every source which offers any thing likely to re-
move the complaint, or  even only to  mitigate its  symptoms.
With these views we make the following quotations  from a late
work, by Elisha Smith, " President of the New York Associ-
ation of Botanic  Physicians:"
  " If the cancer has become open, and ulceration commenced,
apply cat-skins,  newly stripped off and warm ; or the flesh of
fresh killed chickens.   These will extract the fever and acrimo-
nious poison astonishingly, and become in the course of two  or
three hours, perfectly rotten and corrupted with it.  They should
then be  changed for a fresh application.  This  method should
be continued till the poison and life of  the cancer, is extracted,
when the whole substance of the tumor will become a dead mass,
and may be taken out with  ease, and without  pain.  If it is not
convenient to obtain the skins or flesh to apply continually, they
may be  alternated with poultices of charcoal  and yeast, which
also  extracts putridity.   The  flesh of any animal is good, but I
consider cat-skins, or chickens, preferable.
  " Angle-worms, or fish worms, as they are  called, are not in-
ferior to  either of the above applications; they should be laid on
alive, and remain till  they  become dead and putrid, when  they
should be changed.  Snails,  also,  answer the same  purpose.
Many other animals, particularly frogs and toads, draw power-
fully when placed on a cancer, and may be used when more con-
venient.   These remedies  may  not appear very scientific,  or
fashionable, but in a disease as stubborn as this, we  should not
be delicate about the means, if we can only save life.
  " Few things  contribute  more  to the healing of foul sordid
ulcers of any kind, than keeping them thoroughly clean.  This
ought never to be neglected.  The best application for this pur-
pose seems to be the carrot poultice.  The root of the common
carrot may be  grated and moistened with as much water as will
bring it to the consistence of a poultice.   This must be applied
to the sore, and renewed twice  a day.   It  generally cleans the
sore, eases the  pain,  and takes away  the disagreeable smell,
which are objects of no small  importance in such a dreadful dis-
order.   The charcoal and yeast poultice has the same effect.  In
                             5 
34
CARBUNCLES.
every species of open cancer, the air should be excluded as much
as possible.
  " No benefit can be expected from any medicine  in this dis-
ease, unless  it be persisted in for a long time.  It is of too ob-
stinate  a nature  to be soon removed, and a radical cure must be
brought about by inducing an almost total change of habit, which
must always be a work of time.   From  four months to a year,
or even more may be requisite to perform a substantial cure ;
and the patient must  make up his  mind, as he values his life, to
persevere steadily in  a course of cleansing medicines till a cure
is effected, let  it take what time it will.  Many discouraging
symptoms and unpleasant sensations  may arise in the progress
of the  cure,  and they may even appear quite alarming at times,
but they generally  pass off in a little time, and should not be al-
lowed  to impair our confidence in a final cure.
   " Among  the medicines found  useful in eradicating  cancer,
are : yellow dock root, in decoction, for a daily drink ; and also
applied externally as a poultice.   Also poke or coke root, in de-
coction and poultice.  A salve composed  of the expressed juice
of sorrel, poke leaves or berries, and yellow dock dried away in
the sun, has been highly recommended."
   Since the publication of the first  and second editions of this
work,  a new article, discovered by Dr. Reichenback, of Ger-
many,  has been recommended for cancer.  The name given to
this  medicine  is  kreosot, and is  extracted from tar and smoke.
It is also highly recommended for wounds and  sores in general,
and in surgical  operations as a preventative of inflammation and
the most powerful styptic  known.   Recently it has been said
that soot from the chimney was equally valuable as the kreosot.
                     CARBUNCLES.

  Different descriptions have  been given of carbuncles,  by
writers; though all agree that they are a large, painful, burn-
ing tumor,  much  inclined  to mortification, and  difficult to
cure.   It most  frequently happens,  however, that they  com-
mence with  the  formation of a hard  substance in some fleshy
part, often in the back or  thigh,  with a violent throbbing pain
and burning heat.   They frequently occur  with old  persons,
or follow putrid  fevers ;  though  they often appear without any
previous disease.
  A  carbuncle   frequently commences  with a small pimple,
similar in its appearance and progress to a common boil, rising
a little above the skin, and commonly contains a bloody water.
At first the tumor is of a red color,  with a spongy appearance,
and as it advances, it becomes black and even putrid. 
CHICKEN POX.
35
  Treatment.—It  is recommended to  puncture or open the
tumor freely,  and press out the contents, when the elm and
ginger poultice should be  applied, and renewed once in twelve
or twenty-four hours.  At each renewal of  the  poultice the
ulcer  must be  washed with a tea of  wild lettuce, zanthoxylon,
or bayberry,  and then with a tea of cayenne, or  tincture of
myrrh, or both conjoined.   This last application is necessary
to promote suppuration, that the head or core may be loosened
and taken out.
  Internally cayenne pepper, bitter  tonic, diaphoretic powders
and tincture of myrrh, may be freely taken four or five times a
day or oftener as the symptoms may be, to guard against mor-
tification.  If mortification, however, should threaten or actually
occur, a course of medicine must be immediately resorted to,
and  repeated  as often as necessary until the  bad symptoms
abate ; continuing also the other internal remedies.  A poultice
should likewise be made of  sassafras  bark  or of  smart weed
bruised fine, boiled  and thickened with  corn meal, and applied
to the part, or a yeast and  charcoal poultice may be used instead
of it, to prevent mortification.   Fomentations of the smart weed
bruised and boiled and applied hot, are also highly recommended
to prevent mortification.
                     CHICKEN POX.
  This disease, like the measles, small pox, and some other
eruptive  diseases, depends upon what is termed a specific con-
tagion, and affects the same person but once.
  The eruption is sometimes preceded by chilliness, which  is
succeeded by flushings of the face, and heat, pains in the head
and back, thirst,  restlessness, and a quick pulse ; whilst at other
times no such symptoms are perceptible.   About the second or
third day the pustules or pimples, become filled with a watery
fluid, which  is never converted into  yellow matter, as in the
small pox; and about the fifth day, they usually dry away, and
are formed into crusts or scabs.
  Treatment.—It  is  not considered  that any danger ever
attends  this  complaint.  But  should the  fever run high, the
common means  for  promoting perspiration should be used,
such as bathing or soaking the feet in  warm water before a hot
fire,  and drinking some warm teas, or  taking the diaphoretic
powders, or cayenne.
  If this does not remove the difficulty and render the patient
more comfortable, a general course of medicine should be resort-
ed to, and if necessary, repeated.  The like treatment  will also
be proper  for the swine pox, which is only a species of the
chicken pox. 
36
CHOLERA MORBUS.
   CHOLERA MORBUS OR VOMITING AND  PURGING.

  Frequent and violent vomiting and purging of bilious matter,
constitute cholera morbus.
  In warm climates  it occurs at all seasons,  and is very fre-
quent ; but in cold climates, it prevails most frequently in au-
tumn  when there  is excessive heat, or sudden  transitions  from
heat to cold ; and the violence of the disease has usually  been
observed to be greater in proportion to the  intenseness of the
heat.
   Cholera  morbus  usually  comes  on with nausea,  soreness,
pain,  distention, and wind, in the stomach, and acute griping
pains  in the bowels ; which symptoms are soon succeeded  by a
severe and frequent vomiting and purging of bilious matter, at-
tended by heat, thirst,  hurried breathing, and a frequent but
weak  and fluttering pulse.
   When the disease is  not violent, these symptoms, after  con-
tinuing for a while, gradually cease, leaving the patient in  a de-
bilitated and exhausted state :  but when it proceeds with much
violence, and there arises great depression of strength with cold
clammy sweats, much anxiety, a hurried and short respiration,
cramps in the legs, coldness of the extremities, and hickups,with
sinking and irregularity  of the pulse, the disease will, in gene-
ral, quickly terminate in death ;  an  event that not unfrequently
takes  place within twenty-four hours from the commencement
of the attack.
   Cholera  morbus may be  distinguished from diarrhoea and
dysentery, by the matter which  is discharged  being  pure  bile,
unmixed with blood or mucus, and  with but very little mixture
of natural faeces.  From other complaints of the bowels, it  may,
in general, be distinguished by the evacuations being both up-
ward  and downward at the same time.
   Treatment.—Mild attacks of this disease  may often be re-
moved by a few doses of brandy, or of Dr.  Thomson's  No. 6,
or the tincture of myrrh.  As this complaint  frequently arises
from  a sourness of the stomach, draughts of pearlash water, or
of white lye, will commonly, if  administered at the commence-
ment  of the disease, remove  the difficulty.  Alkaline draughts
ought often to be given  in all cases of this disease.   Pulverized
chalk, in table-spoonful  doses, is said to be a certain remedy in
cholera morbus.
   The cholera syrup, in doses of a table-spoonful, every thirty
minutes, may  be regarded  as an  invaluable  medicine  in this
disease.
   The diaphoretic powders, ought also to be freely given,  at the
same time bathing the  patient's feet in warm  water, before the
fire, if able to sit up for that purpose.  Flannel cloths wrung out 
COLIC.
37
of warm water, may be applied to the region of the stomach,
and renewed as they become cool;  or the stomach may be bathed
with  tincture of cayenne or any other stimulating wash, or both
may  be done at discretion.  Injections of a tea of  some astrin-
gent  article, with the addition of one or two  teaspoons full of
the tincture of myrrh, should often be administered ; or they may
be made of slippery elm, and used alternately with the others.
The  nervine tincture should also be freely used, in one or two
tea-spoonful doses.
   But in more violent attacks,  or where the means just recom-
mended fail of producing the desired effect, a regular course of
medieine ought immediately to be resorted to, as delays in this
-complaint  are  to be regarded  as  highly dangerous.   After the
evacuations are stopped or relieved, care must be taken that a
relapse does not take place.  The patient should take of the bit-
ter tonic, diaphoretic powders, cayenne, orcholera syrup, several
times a day, until he is out of danger.
   Mint tea, or the anti-emetic compound, are also good auxilia-
ries to check the vomiting in this as well as all other complaints
attended with vomiting.   But in case the stomach is so extreme-
ly irritable that nothing can be  retained long enough to produce
any sensible effect upon it, an emetic should be administered by
injection ;  which may  be done  by  putting from three to five tea-
spoons full of a strong tincture or tea of lobelia into  a tea cup full
of warm water, pennyroyal or bayberry tea, without any cay-
enne, and  throwing it  into the  intestines with a syringe, which
must  be repeated at intervals of from  ten to twenty minutes un
til the stomach is sensibly affected by it.
  In  the American  practice we find the following very highly
recommended  :—Take of the  best Turkey rhubarb, bruised or
pulverized, half a dram, sabsratis or pearl-ash half a dram, pep-
permint  plant half a dram ; grind all together in a mortar, and
put the powder into a tea cup, with loaf sugar enough to sweeten;
then add half  a pint of boiling  water, and when eold, two table
spoons full of brandy.  Dose,  two table spoons full every half
hour,  or  as often as vomiting and purging takes place.  The ef-
fects of this medicine, says Dr. Beach, are truly surprising, it be-
ing seldom that a patient will vomit up more than one dose of it
                          COLIC.

   Colic is a painful distention of the whole of the lower region
of the belly or abdomen, with a kind of twisting around the na-
vel, often attended by vomiting, eostiveness, and a spasmodic
contraction of the museles of the abdomen.
  This complaint  is producd by various causes, such as crude
  Wav. IL—B          ] 5 
38
COLIC.
or indigestible  food, a  redundancy of bile, eostiveness, eoMs>
worms, poisons, hysterics, &c.   Colic  has received  different
names according to attending circumstances, as flatulent or wind
colic, bilious, hysteric, &c.
   Colic may be distinguished from inflammation of the intestines
by the spasmodic contraction of the muscles of the belly; by the
trifling degree, or total absence of fever;  and by the diminution
or lessening of the pain by pressure upon the bowels.
   In  flatulent or wind colic,  there is eostiveness, attended with
pain,  soreness, and griping of the bowels,  distention of the stom-
ach, an inclination to vomit and belch wind, with coldness of the
extremities*
   In  bilious colic there is loss of appetite, bitter taste in the
mouth, with thirst and some fever ; eostiveness and vomiting of
bilious matter, with an acute  pain about the navel; and as the
disease advances, the vomiting becomes  more  frequent, and
the pain  more lasting.   The dry belly-ache seems to be only a
slight  modification of bilious  colic, and is  attended  by  very
similar symptoms.
   In the  hysteric colic there is sickness of stomach accompanied
with severe spasms, eostiveness, and dejection of spirits.
   When  the pain attendant upon colic, remits or abates, or shifts
its situation, not being obstinately confined to  one  place, and
when the patient experiences considerable relief by a discharge
of wind, or by a stool, we may expect a favorable termination: but
the sudden  cessation of pain,  after the disease has been of some
hours or  days  duration, with the  continuance of obstinate  eos-
tiveness,  cold sweats, a weak  tremulous pulse, frequent fainting,
and hickups, denote a fatal termination.
   Treatment.—M'lA cases of coli^ may  commonly be removed
by viu_ essence of peppermint, anise, or  any other aromatic or
warming  vegetable; by a hot sling, raw spirits ;  by the diapho-
retic powders, ginger tea,  capsicum,  or by any of the astringent
articles which may be found in our materia medica.  Dogwood
blossoms are likewise recommended by many, in this complaint.
Injections may also be very advantageously added to the use of
any of the above means  ;  and in bad cases  they  are indispensa-
bly necessary.   The  application of  a  hot  board, or of cloths
wrung out of hot water,  or friction and bathing the bowels with
any hot stimulating wash, are also useful auxiliaries or assist-
ants to the  means recommended, and may be resorted  to if ne-
cessary.
   But if  these means fail,  or if the attack should be violent, the
patient should be taken through the common  course  of medi-
cine;  which must be repeated, as the circumstances  of the case
appear to require.  After, or between the courses,  the patienn
should take the bitter tonic three  or four  times a day to.strength- 
CONSUMPTION.
39
en the lone of the intestines; and  if the eostiveness continues,
the injections should be repeated at proper intervals, until the
bowels become regular.  The diaphoretic powders, or capsicum,
should also be given, to promote perspiration and stimulate the
bowels, which may likewise be bathed with tincture of myrrh
or pepper and vinegar.
   Care should be taken in all  bad  cases of colic, of whatever
kind, to open the bowels by the frequent use of laxative  injec-
tions, as directed for the treatment of eostiveness.   This is pe-
culiarly necessary  in bilious colic,  and what is termed the dry
belly-ache.
                     CONSUMPTION.

  Pulmonary consumption, as the disease under consideration
is technically termed, is accompanied by general emaciation, pain
in the side or chest, some difficulty of breathing, especially after
walking  or speaking, and a cough, which usually proves most
troublesome during the  latter  part of the night or in the morn-
ing.   In its  advanced stages, an  expectoration  or spitting of
purulent matter, with hectic fever and diarrhoea, ensue.
  Consumption seldom occurs before mature age ; and is oftener
met with in  the haunts of gaiety,  fashion, and folly, than in
those walks of life, where comfort is allowed  to predominate
over vanity and  pride.  Women are said to be more subject to
it than men, as well from their going more thinly clad, as from
the greater delicacy of their organization.
  The circumstances  which predispose to consumption are nu-
merous ;  the following are the most common :—Particular  for-
mation of the body, indicated by prominent shoulders, long neck,
and narrow chest; hereditary  predisposition, derived  from  pa-
rents ; certain diseases, such as inflammation of or bleeding from
the lungs;  scrofula, small pox  and measles; particular employ-
ments, in which the individual is exposed to dust, as needle
pointers, stone cutters,  &c,  or  to the fumes  of metals,  as
chimists, &c.; playing much on wind instruments ; great evacua-
tions from  the body; continuing to suckle  too long under a de-
bilitated state ;  the use of mercury or arsenic as medicine; the
application of cold to the body, either by changing the apparel
from a thick to a thin dress, or by keeping on wet clothes, lying
in damp beds, or  in  any way giving a considerable  check to
perspiration; and by tight lacing,  or wearing corsets.
  Consumption, we conceive  to be, in its  first stages, a local
disease, confined to the lungs; but as it progresses, its effects
become more general.  It is simply an ulcer in the lungs,  and
may  arise from two different conditions of  these organs ; either 
40
CONSUMPTION.
inflammation, or what are termed tubercles, which are small tu-
mors  having the  appearance  of hardened  glands, of different
sizes, and often existing in  clusters.  Their firmness is usually
in proportion to their size,  internally of a  white color, and  in
consistence  approaching a cartilage.    Consumptions arising
from tubercles are more difficult of cure than those arising from
ordinary inflammation of the lungs.
  This disease when proceeding from the latter cause, common-
ly begins with  a short, dry, hacking cough, though  nothing is
spit up for some time but a frothy mucus  that  seems to  come
from the fauces or back part of the mouth.  The  breathing is
at the same  time  impeded, and upon  the least exertion is  much
hurried.  A  sense of  oppression at the chest  comes on ; and
leanness or  emaciation takes place, with languor and indolence,
dejection of spirits, and loss of appetite.
   This state is sometimes  of short duration, but  frequently it
continues a  considerable time ; during  which, however, the pa-
tient is more readily affected by slight  colds; and finally, per-
haps from a bad cold, the cough becomes more troublesome and
severe, particularly by night.   At length, along with the  cough
an expectoration  or raising  of matter from the lungs takes  place,
which  is most free and copious  during the  latter part  of the
night and in the morning.  By degrees the matter which is ex-
pectorated becomes more viscid or sticky and opaque, assuming
a greenish color  and purulent appearance, and is often streaked
with blood.
   The breathing at length appears more difficult, and the  weak-
ness and emaciation increase.  The patient becomes sensible of
a pain in some part of the  chest or breast, which is more par-
ticularly distinguishable on coughing.   The pulse is now full,
hard, and frequent; the face flushes, particularly after eating;
the  palms of the hands and  soles of the feet are  affected with
burning heat; the breathing is difficult  and laborious; fever be-
comes obvious at evening, which by degrees assumes what  is
termed the  hectic form.
   At the commencement of the hectic symptoms the bowels are
usually in a costive state;  but as  the  disease advances,  a diar-
 rhoea or looseness comes on,  and  the fever is  succeeded by pro-
 fuse sweats.
   There is almost from the first, a peculiar countenance, and
 hollow  tone of voice; but at this stage of the  complaint they
 are much increased, insomuch that an observing person who
 has seen several consumptive patients,  would, from these symp-
 toms alone, readily suspect the disease.
   The patient now has the appearance of a walking skeleton,
 his flesh being so much wasted ;  his countenance is often ghast-
 ly; his cheek bones  are prominent; his eyes look  hollow and 
CONSUMPTION.
41
languid; his hair sometimes falls off; his nails turn of a  livid
or blue color, and are incurvated ; whilst his feet and ancles be-
come swelled.  To the end, the senses commonly remain per-
fect, and the mind is full  of confidence and hope.   It is indeed
a happy  circumstance for persons afflicted  with  consumption,
that they are seldom apprehensive  of any danger; and it is no
uncommon thing to meet  with patients  in its most advanced
stages, flattering themselves with the  idea of a speedy recovery,
and forming distant projects under that delusive hope.
   The extremities now are cold ; a  clammy sweat breaks out
on the body; the pulse becomes imperceptible; the tide of life
ebbs apace, and death closes the scene !
   Such is the but too common history  of the means by which
the last enemy of mortal man accomplishes his object.  Con-
sumption has always been a most fatal disease, and of late years
has become a far more common one than  it was at more remote
periods.   The cause of this fatal increase has given rise to va-
rious  speculations both in Europe and America, some attributing
it to one thing  and some to another.  But those  who attribute
it mainly to the pernicious  fashions and customs of  the day, in
our opinion, are nighest being correct.  These  may be summed
up in a  few words—thin dress,  with almost naked bosom, so
common with females ; corsets with tight lacing ; evening parties,
and balls ; late hours, and lying long  in bed.
   These pernicious, and manytimes destructively fatal customs,
have too often been uselessly opposed and condemned, in the  most
eloquent strains of piety and reason,  for us to  think of staying
their mighty and disastrous march, by the  utterance of our warn-
ing voice.
   " While the empire of fashion," says  Dr. Gvnn, " bears so
arbitrary a sway, and the  followers  of pleasure are bound by
the fascination of example, and the contagious  influence of  that
spirit which insinuates itself into the bosom of each and every
one of its votaries, so long will the sage precepts of wisdom be
unheeded, till the emaciated form, the glassy eye, the hectic blush,
speak in language too strong for utterance," that disease has sap-
ped the foundation of life, " and the yawning grave stands ready
to receive its devoted victim."
   Treatment.—A   radical  cure of  consumption has  so  long
been considered impossible, that we are fearful  of hazarding the
imputation of enthusiasts or of dealers in  the marvelous, should
we assert any thing to the  contrary.   But  we  are constrained
to declare our belief, that many cases of  this most fatal malady
may be cured, in  almost any  stage but the last, by  pursuing  a
judicious course with the use of proper means.
   Many cases approaching a consumption  may be removed by
the use  of the  expectorant  powders, with  the bitter tonic or
   Vol.  TT—~ - 
42
CONSUMPTION.
diaphoretic powders, or  both.   The bitter tonic must be taken
three or four times through the day, in tea-spoonful doses ; and
the expectorant and diaphoretic powders, in similar doses,  at
night.   The tincture of lobelia, in nauseating (sickening)  doses,
commonly from half to a  whole tea-spoonful is sufficient,  or the
root of the skunk cabbage in half to whole tea-spoonful  doses,
in some instances of affections of the lungs, appear to have a
better effect than the expectorant powders ; and cases which do
not seem to be much benefited by one, may perhaps be by an-
other, and, therefore, either may be used at discretion.
   But the best way of attacking this formidable disease is with
repeated courses of  medicine.   These  should  be administered,
if an attempt at cure  is made in the latter stages,  every day,
perhaps, for a while, or every other day, until the most urgent
symptoms are subdued, when they may be longer neglected ac-
cording  to the circumstances of the  case.  But the strictest and
most unremitting attention must be paid  to relapses ; and if they
occur the patient should immediately submit to a full course of
the medicine and steaming, as nothing else will effectually check
his downward march to the grave.
   The lungs are never completely at rest, but are always in use,
day  and night, asleep  or awake ; and are consequently  expo-
sed continually  to the  irritation of their  own action  and  to the
influence of the  atmosphere, both of which circumstances are
known to retard  the cure  of ulcers situated upon the  external
parts of the  body;  and  we think it fair to infer that  like
causes will produce like effects  in the lungs.  In case of  an ul-
cer upon the arm or leg,  these organs can be kept in a state of
rest, and poultices or salves may be applied, whereby the heal-
ing process will be vastly accelerated; but no such helping means
can be applied to the lungs.  Medicines can only affect them by
restoring a general healthy action to the whole system.
   Hence we might very naturally infer, what is an absolute fact,
that consumption  is a complaint more difficult to cure, as well
as more liable to  relapse, than  almost any other.  It therefore
requires the strictest measures  in its  treatment, and the most
guarded watchfulness against relapses.
   The moment a relapse is discovered, a  thorough  process of
the medicine should be gone into,  however averse to it the pa-
tient may feel; as the neglect of it might be his destruction,
whilst its prompt administration may be  the means of  prolong-
ing life.  And as  this disease is more difficult of cure than most
others, so  relapses  are attended with a corresponding danger;
and even in curable cases the too long neglect of them will be
productive of fatal consequences.  No physician ought to attempt
the cure of a consumptive case without  beinsj so situated as  to
£>e able to give his daily personal attention to it. 
CONVULSIONS OR FITS.
43
   During the intervals between the courses  of medicine, the
patient should have frequent doses of such articles as the bitter
tonic or the diaphoretic powders, and at night a dose of the ex-
pectorant powders, tincture of lobelia, or powder of skunk cab-
bage root.   Or these medicines may be  alternated with either
the tonic cordial or expectorant syrup, sometimes using one and
sometimes  another.  It will be a matter of the highest impor-
tance in this complaint, to keep  the  system regularly and con-
stantly under the influence of  some  of the remedies which we
have  recommended; and to  administer a  course of medicine as
often as may be necessary to keep the patient  in a state of con-
valescence,  that is, in a state of  improving health.
   Traveling in a mild and healthy climate will have a very salu-
tary influence over consumptive  patients ; but they ought, by all
means,  to  avoid any exposure to wet and cold, as well  as the
confined pestilential air of large towns or cities.   Every situa-
tion and circumstance should be carefully avoided  which has a
tendency to obstruct the breathing, or to increase the circulation
of the blood beyond a  healthy standard.   The confined air of a
city has an  oppressive influence upon  the breathing of a person in
good  health; and  any  one accustomed to the country air, if he
be not sensible, during  his stay in town, of an oppression  of
the chest, will certainly find his breathing more easy on getting
into the free air of the country : with the consumptive patient the
effects of confined air are far more sensible and highly injurious.
   Immoderate exercise, as it increases the breathing and circu-
lation of the blood, ought by all means to be avoided, whilst
gentle  daily exercise  either  in  a carriage or,  particularly, on
horseback,  will prove highly beneficial.  A voyage at sea has
long been regarded as amongst the best means of curing a con-
sumption, and by those whose circumstances  will permit, may
advantageously be undertaken.  Another  circumstance, essen-
tially necessary to be attended to, is the  wearing of such appa-
rel as the inclemencies of the  season may  require.   Flannel
next the skin in winter ought  never  to be neglected;  whilst the
outer garments, both in winter and summer, should correspond
with the temperature of the  weather.
                 CONVULSIONS OR FITS.

  Systematic writers treat of this complaint under the appella-
tion of tetanus or cramp.   It is a most terrible disease, whether
we regard its painful effects upon the  system, or  the  difficulty
which has hitherto attended its cure.
  Fits are  often  caused by exposure to cold, sleeping in the
open air and on damp ground, by the presence of  irritating sub- 
44
CONVULSIONS OR FITS.
Btances in the stomach or intestines, such as worms ; or by some
irritation of the nerves produced by local injuries, such as run-
ning nails into the feet,  incisions or  cuts with  edge  tools, and
lacerated wounds.
  Some  persons  appear to  be  naturally  predisposed to fits,
which  occur  on  the application of causes which with persons
who are not  subject to  this  complaint do  not  produce them,
such as hard labor, overstraining, &c.
  With females who are subject to fits, they often occur about
the  periods of the monthly turns, more especially if they  hap-
pen to take cold at this time.
  Convulsions or fits, come  on, in some instances, with great
violence ; but it commonly happens that the symptoms manifest
themselves more  slowly,  first by  a  slight stiffness  about the
shoulders or in the back part of the neck, whicK gradually in-
creases until  the patient cannot turn  his  head without turning
his  whole body.
  An uneasy  sensation is now sometimes felt at the root of the
tongue, together with some difficulty of swallowing,  and stiff-
ness of the jaws.   A pain is next felt in the stomach,  darting at
times towards the ensiform cartilage,  (extremity of the breast
bone,) and thence shooting  to the back; and all the  previous
symptoms are increased.  The jaws  perhaps now become set,
and if the cramp extends  no  further, the  complaint  is termed
lock-jaw.
  The pathognomonic  or characteristic symptom  of common
convulsion fits, is the spasm under the breast bone,  which in-
creases with  great vehemence and rapidity.  The muscles of
the back part of  the  body  contract, and forcibly draw the body
backward.  The  jaws now are set  or violently convulsed; the
tongue is also affected by  spasm, and being convulsively darted
out of  the mouth, is often much injured by the teeth being sud-
denly and forcibly snapped together, which ought to be prevent-
ed by holding a spoon handle covered with rags, a piece of soft
wood, or some other substance between the teeth.
  The spasms are, however,  not uniform in their severity; but
increase  at intervals of  different lengths from a  few seconds to
many minutes.  But even in  the intervals, the spasmodic action
prevails  so that it is often difficult for  the limbs to be bent in any
thing like an  easy position.   The breathing  is  quick and labo-
rious ;  the face sometimes pale, but oftener flushed;  the  whole
countenance evinces the most marked  signs  of deep distress;
swallowing is accompanied with great difficulty, or is totally in-
terrupted ; the senses sometimes remain entire, but  are often an-
nihilated, whilst every  organ of the  system is  literally  on the
rack, from the antagonizing action of the muscles.   Desportes
gives a  case, says Dr.  Good, in which  both the  thigh  bt>„ies 
CONVULSIONS OR FITS.
4S
were broken  by the violent contraction of the flexor  mtrscles
during a momentary relaxation of the extensors.
  The exertions are now so laborious that  the patient sweats
profusely ; the pulse is small and irregular; the heart throbs so
violently that its palpitations may be seen; the eyes are some-
times watery and languid, but more commonly rigid and immov-
able in their sockets ; the countenance becomes hideously distor-
ted and expresses great distress ; the strength is exhausted; the
pulse is very irregular;  and one universal spasm  at length puts
a period to a  most miserable state of  existence.  Sometimes the
muscles of the fore part of the body are equally  affected with
those  of the back, when the patient,  instead  of being  drawn
backward, is rigidly extended in a straight line, and rendered in-
capable of being bent  in any direction.  The arms,  also, in this
case become violently  affected, and are rigidly extended, as well
as the body.
   There  is  one thing a little  extraordinary in this complaint,
which we have not found recorded by any author. It often hap-*
pens that persons who are subject to  fits, when they  feel  the pre-
monitory symptoms of this complaint, also  feel a disposition to
retire to some sequestered spot where they may endure the ago-
nies of this  painful disease alone.   Individuals who are subject
to fits ought to be narrowly watched whenever any suspicion is
entertained that they are threatened with an attack,  as instances
have often occurred of persons leaving the house and family, and
suffering the horrors of this dreadful malady, without any per-
son to render that care which they so much need.
   Treatment.—Those who are liable to this complaint should
be careful to avoid all  the exciting causes which produce it; and
 as preventives, tonic  remedies, such  as  the diaphoretic pow-
 ders, or bitter  tonic, to which the  vapor and  cold bath will  be
 powerful  auxiliaries,  may be  resorted to.   When the patient
 feels symptoms of the fits coming on, he ought  immediately to
 take a large spoonful of nervine tincture,  the good effects of
 Which may be increased by the addition of a fourth to a  half,
 or even a whole tea-spoonful of capsicum, which should be  re-
 peated as the symptoms may require.   But this  ought to be ad-
 ministered at  the onset df the first  symptoms, and if it should
 not very soon afford relief, or if the symptoms increase, imme-
 diate recourse should  be had to the anti-spasmodic tincture, in
 doses of from a tea to a table-spoonful, repeated  as often as the
 circumstances of the  case may require.  Whilst this is doing,
 however, preparations  should be  making  to take the patient
 through a course of medicine ; not forgetting to  administer  in-
 jections, which are highly important in this disease.
    Bathing the parts about the  pit of the  stomach with cayenne
 and vinegar or brandy,  or the anti-spasmodic tincture, we think 
*6
CORNS.
fnight be productive of much  benefit to a person in a fit; or
even before convulsions occur, as a preventive.
  We have the fullest confidence, however, in asserting our be-
lief in the curative powers of the anti-spasmodic tincture, taken
internally, in ordinary cases of fits ; though it may sometimes
fail.  In such instances the only alternative is a course of med-
icine, which ought to be repeated  as often as the case may re-
quire, until the general health is so far restored that the vital or-
gans are capable of resisting the causes  which produce the dis-
ease.   Between the courses of medicine, the common means of
keeping up a healthy action, and restoring tone to the  system,
should be used,  such as the bitter  tonic, diaphoretic powders,
together with the nervine compound  two or three times a day,
in tea-spoonful doses, to strengthen the nervous system.
  If the general health has become impaired from the recurrence
of the fits, or from any other cause, every means should be used
to improve the health, not only by the use of tonics, as just sta-
ted, but by general courses  of medicine, repeated  at proper in-
tervals ; and, in the mean time, if symptoms of convulsions oc-
cur, they should be treated as we have heretofore stated.
  We have  known  one case of convulsion fits, of thirty years
standing, cured by  the use  of those means which we have re-
commended  ; the patient  not having had one  attack since the
first dose of medicine was  administered at  the commencement
of the  convulsive symptoms, in a  threatened  attack, which it
effectually checked.  The  medicines administered in  this in-
stance were  simply a dose of the diaphoretic powders, followed
by the tincture of lobelia or its pulverized seed.
                         CORNS.

  These are  hard, horny excrescences  or tumors,  growing
about the joints of the toes, and sometimes, though seldom, on
the sides of  the feet.  They are caused by pressure  upon the
affected part from small shoes; being exceedingly  sore  and
painful as well as difficult to cure.
  Treatment.—Dr. Thomson recommends that the  foot be
bathed or soaked  in warm water until  the corn  becomes soft,
when it should be shaved down thin; though not, we will add,
so as  to produce pain or bleeding.  Then take a narrow strip
of bladder or  suet skin, eight or ten  inches long, rub it until
soft; then plunge it into rattle snake's oil or  nerve  ointment,
and wrap it  around the toe that has the corn, on  which it must
be kept until the bladder is worn out.  " If this  does not cure,
repeat the same until the corn is removed."
  Instead of the rattle snake's  oil or the  nerve ointment, some 
COSTIVENESS.
47
recommend  opedeldoc,  balsam of fir,  or  simply raw cotton.
Others advise weak lye to immerse the feet in, previous to par-
ing down the corns, " after which apply a plaster of the extract
of Prince's  pine, or fresh blood root pounded, or Seneca oil."
But no application will be likely to avail much unless the shoes
are roomy; by which precaution these  painful companions
might generally be avoided.
                      COSTIVENESS.

  Costiveness of the bowels seldom occurs unconnected with
some other disorder of the stomach or liver,  or both.  It is al-
most always attendant upon indigestion or dyspepsy, in  which
complaint, as in all others in which it is apt to occur, it is a
troublesome symptom.
  Sedentary persons are peculiarly liable to this complaint,  es-
pecially those who are  of what is termed a sanguineous  and
choleric  temperament; and such as are subject  to  hypochon-
driac affections.
  Costiveness  is frequently occasioned by neglecting the usual
time of going to stool, which has a tendency to check this salu-
tary excretion.   It may  also be  caused by  habitual copious
sweating; or  by eating improper  food;  by  the  occasional or
habitual taking of opium, and by the use of wine.
  The common effects of costiveness are sickness of the stom-
ach, want of appetite, flatulency or wind in the stomach and in-
testines, headache, some degree of fever, general dulness, and
melancholy  or dejection of spirits.
  Treatment.—When constipation of the bowels depends up-
on some other disease, as dyspepsy, or an affection of the liver,
attention must be paid to these complaints, whilst the costive-
ness should be attempted to be obviated by a diet of ripe fruits
and  vegetables, which have a tendency to loosen the bowels.
The bitter tonic, with the addition of a portion of the bitter or
the black root, should be taken three or four times in a day, or
oftener, which will not only relax, but give tone to the intestines;
and  in all obstinate  cases, injections of warm water with the  ad-
dition of the fourth of a tea-spoonful of capsicum, or of some
laxative preparation, should often be given.
   Cases of extreme obstinacy  of this complaint occasionally
occur with persons otherwise in good health, but more often in
bilious  colic.   In these cases injections strongly impregnated'
with the extract or syrup of butternut, should  be  frequently
given ; or a decoction  of the  bark or  boughs of the butternut
may be made by boiling either a  short time in  soft water, or
any other, if soft cannot be readily procured   These should be 
48
COSTIVENESS.
repeated perseveringly until relief is obtained.-   Some instances'
have occurred in which it was found necessary to remove the
hardened faeces' by mechanical means, such as  introducing the
finger into the rectum or fundament, or using  a surgical instru-
ment termed a scoup ; but no necessity for such  an  indelicate
operation as this would, in our opinion, ever occur,  if the use
of injections were timely resorted to.
  It is a very common custom with persons who are  subject to
costiveness, to resort to  the use  of purgative  medicines ; but
this is  a practice of most  injurious tendency.   The use of eye
ry purgative medicine,  says Dr.  Thomas,  creates a necessity
for  its repetition,  and by its  repetition the bowels  lose their
energy.  Purgatives act by stimulating the intestines with great'
er force than their natural contents do,  which lessens their ex-
citability or capacity of being excited, and hence  the  necessity
of following one purge by another, and another, &c.   In shorty
the use  of  purgative  medicines has a tendency in all cases to
weaken the tone of the intestines, but  more  particularly so in
cases of costiveness.   The cause of this difficulty is a loss of
tone, and the true  indication  of cure is the  use  of  such arti-
cles as have a tendency to restore  a healthy tone to  the intes--
tines.   This indication can best be answered by the  use  of the
bitter tonic, combined with a small  portion of either the bitter
or black root, which is at the' same time'mildly laxative and pow-
erfully tonic.
  Along with these means should also be used, and  especially
if the case be attended by sickness of the stomach, vomiting, or
fever, the vapor bath, including the whole course  of  medicine;
which should be repeated as often as the circumstances  of the
case may require.  Bathing the  bowels with pepper and vine-
gar, or with the bathing drops,  will be  found very serviceable ;
or a paper  may be wetted in  the tincture of myrrh, or in vine-
gar, and sprinkled with cayenne, and  applied  over  the  region*
of the bowels.  Brisk frictions upon the abdomen are consider-
ed of great utility,  and mny be resorted to, in  addition  to the
means above' prescribed.
  Common charcoal has also  been highly recommended in con-
stipation of the bowels.   It may be taken in tea or table spoon--
ful, or even larger doses,  according to the  exigencies  of the
case,  mixed with melasses ; repeating it as often as may appeal
necessary.
   Persons who'are habitually subject to this complaint,  should,
at regular hours every day, solicit an  evacuation;  and by all
means  attend,  immediately, to every  inclination1 of going  to
stool,  whenever it may arise.   The daily use of  a quantity of
bran, as will be found more particularly treated upon hereafter,
will be highly serviceable, and likewise brown  bread. 
CROUP.
49
                         CROUP.
   Croup is an inflammatory affection of the mucous membrane
of the trachea or wind pipe, and in some instances extends to
the lungs.
   Children are  peculiarly liable to this  complaint, which is
accompanied by a peculiar wheezing sonorous breathing, com-
pared by some to the crowing  of a cock, and a similar sound
in coughing or speaking, with thirst, fever, and great difficulty
of respiration.
   The application of cold (catching cold) seems to be the gene-
ral cause which produces this complaint, and therefore it occurs
more frequently in the winter and  spring, when  the weather is
cold and variable, than in the other seasons.   It has been said
to be most prevalent near the sea coast, where the air is load-
ed  with moisture;  but it is  often met with in  inland situa-
tions, particularly those which are low and marshy. It is more
frequently  to be found in cold than in warm climates.
   A day or two previous to an  attack of  croup, the child  ap-
pears drowsy, inactive, and fretful;  the  eyes are somewhat suf-
fused and heavy, and there is a cough, that, from  the first,  has
a peculiar shrill sound;  which,  in the course of a day or two,
becomes more violent and troublesome as well as  more shrill.
Every fit of coughing agitates the patient very much, from  the
pain and difficulty attending it;  the face is flushed and swelled;
the eyes are protuberant, that is, stand out of the head ;  a gene-
ral tremor takes place, and a convulsive  endeavor  to renew  the
breathing at the close of each fit of coughing.
   As the disease advances, the difficulty of breathing increases,
accompanied by a swelling and inflammation of the palate and
adjacent parts, and the head is often thrown back in the agony
of attempting to escape suffocation.
  There is not only an unusual and peculiar sound  produced by
the cough,  but breathing is performed with a hissing noise, as
if the wind pipe were closed up by some light spongy substance
through which the air was obliged to force its way.  The cough
is generally dry; but if any thing is spit up, it has either a pu-
rulent appearance, or seems to consist of films resembling por-
tions  of membrane.   Sickness  of the  stomach  and vomiting
sometimes  prevail.  There is  also much thirst and an uneasy
sense of heat over the whole  body, a continual  inclination to
change from place to place, with great restlessness and frequen-
cy of the pulse.
  In a more advanced stage of the disease, breathing becomes
more  harsh and difficult, with some degree of spasmodic affec-
tion ;  the intervals between the inspirations become longer, and
  Vol. II.—E                 7 
50
CROUP.
finally death comes as a friend, to relieve the little sufferer from
its agonizing torture.
  The croup must be regarded as a dangerous complaint, and
sometimes terminates  its  career in a few hours; or, from being
only a slight disease, its symptoms become suddenly and unex-
pectedly aggravated, and it very soon  puts a period to existence.
Parents should  be extremely careful when their children  have
any of the  common symptoms  of croup, especially if they are
subject to the complaint, not to leave them, particularly at night,
without the attention of some person capable of extending the
proper care to  them, in  case the symptoms should suddenly
augment.   Instances  have occurred, in which  children  have
been  lost for the want of timely attention,  in consequence of
the absence  of  parents.  Nor is there any cause to doubt  that
many cases of children  being  found dead in bed, have  been
caused by croup.
  Treatment.—In bad cases, or violent  attacks of croup, the
child should have from half to a whole tea-spoonful of the tinc-
ture of lobelia  given to it, and repeated at intervals until relief
is obtained.  A tea-spoonful of the  diaphoretic powders should
also be steeped in  a tea cup two thirds full of boiling water,
made very  sweet; of which a large spoonful, with the addition
of some cream  if the  child be very young, should be also occa-
sionally administered ; at the same time keeping it warm to pro-
mote perspiration.  If the use of these means, together with in-
jections, does not afford the desired relief, a course  of medicine
must be resorted to, which will rarely fail of removing the most
urgent symptoms, and  commonly effects a cure.   But if this
should not  relieve the complaint,  doses of the tincture, diapho-
retic powders, &c, should be repeated until relief is obtained ;
or,  if necessary, another course of medicine may be resorted to,
at the discretion of the parent or physician.   The  tincture of
lobelia, however,  will almost always relieve this distressing and
often fatal complaint.   In violent  cases, enough must be given
to produce vomiting.   And, says Dr. Thomson, " If the  satu-
rated spiritous tincture of lobelia does not readily produce copi-
ous vomiting, to throw off the tough viscid  phlegm that  occa-
sions the troublesome and dangerous obstruction, immediate re-
course should be  had to the infusion of the emetic her1" »n warm
water, or to the expressed juice of  the green plant  wnen it can
be  obtained."
   Mild cases of croup may commonly be removed by the onion
syrup; or  by butter,  vinegar, and honey steeped together, and
by many other articles which are good for coughs or colds.   A
tea of Seneca snake root is also highly recommended ;  but, by
some, it is  considered as being poisonous, though others  think
it not; it should, therefore, be used cautiously, if used at  all. 
DEAFNESS.
51
The roots of the common mullen, (Verbascum thapsus) steeped
in a strong tea, sweetened, and given in frequent doses, is said
to be a good remedy in croup.
                       DEAFNESS.

  Deafness is occasioned by any thing that proves injurious to
the ear, as loud noises from the firing  of cannon, violent colds
particularly affecting the head, inflammation or ulceration of the
membranes of the ear, hard wax, or other substance interrupt-
ing the sound; too great dryness or too much moisture in the
ear; or by any circumstance which may weaken or  injure the
auditory nerve, by which we mean the nerve which  communi-
cates the impression of  sound to the brain.  In some instances
it is caused by other diseases, such as fever, syphilis, &c, and
in others it depends upon an original defect in the structure of
the ear.   In the last  instance, the person is born deaf,  and, of
course, is likewise dumb.
   It is often  difficult to remove deafness, but more especially
where it arises in consequence of wounds, ulcers, or inflamma-
tions of the tympanum or drum of the  ear.  Where it proceeds
from a defect in the structure of the ear it admits of no cure.
   When deafness is occasioned by hard wax sticking in the ear,
a little thin  oil may be dropped into it, evening and morning;
or it may be syringed with mild soap  suds, or warm milk and
water, to which  the  application of the oil may also be added
after each washing; keeping the ear stopped  with  cotton or
wool.   If these  means  do not remove the wax, a little of  the
tincture of myrrh, or the anti-spasmodic tincture may be drop-
ped into the ear.
   When deafness is caused  by cold  particularly affecting  the
head,  the head should be carefully kept warm by  night; the good
effects of which will be increased by  taking a dose of  the dia-
 phoretic powders, and sitting  by the fire,  previous to  going to
 bod.  Indeed, from whatever cause the deafness may originate,
 it will be proper to  keep the head warm.
   If  deafness be  owing  to  too much moisture in  the ear,  it
 should be syringed  out with a decoction of some of the astrin-
 gent articles,  first used warm, to cleanse the ear, and then cold,
 to brace  and strengthen its  internal parts.
    Should deafness, however, be caused by too great a dryness
 of the ear, by defective energy in the auditory nerve,  by debi-
 lity of the organs, or by a nervous affection, the application of
 equal parts of the tincture  of myrrh and  tincture of lobelia  will
 be the main dependence.   The administration  of  a few doses
 of  the nervine tincture, might be  useful;  and if the complaint 
52
DIABETES.
resist those remedies the occasional application of a few drops
of the antispasmodic tincture  may perhaps be resorted to, with
advantage.   We have also known deafness to be much relieved
by repeated courses of medicine, which had been prescribed for
the cure of other complaints ; and, therefore, a few courses might
be tried, if nothing else appeared likely to succeed.
  We will  close  our account of the treatment of deafness, by
describing the method of using tobacco smoke, which, says Dr.
Thomas, has been employed in some cases  of severe and long
continued deafness, with great success and efficacy :
  " The mode of using it is to fill the mouth with  the smoke of
the strongest tobacco, instantly closing the mouth and nose, and
then for the  person to make all possible  effort, as if he meant
to force the  smoke through his nose, which must be prevented
by holding the nostrils very tight: this forces the smoke through
the  Eustachian tube into the ear.  These efforts are to be re-
peated until  one or both ears give  a seeming crack, immediately
on which the hearing returns."
  This  process  is  simple and  cheap, and probably without
hazard; and, therefore, may be tried by any one  who chooses
to do so.
                        DIABETES.

  Thts complaint is  characterized by a free and often profuse
discharge of urine, of  a violet smell and sweet taste; with great
thirst and general debility.
  Diabetes may be occasioned by the use of  strong diuretic
medicines,  intemperance in drinking,  severe evacuations,  im-
moderate use of acid drinks, excessive labor, or any circumstance
which produces general debility.   Hence, persons of  shattered
constitutions, and who are  in the decline of life, are most sub-
ject to its attacks.  It has, however, taken place,  in  many in-
stances, without any apparent cause.
  The common attendant symptoms of this disease are, weari-
ness, sense of weakness, disinclination to motion or exertion,
dryness  and harshness  of  the  skin, costiveness,  great thirst,
voracious or greedy appetite, with  gradual emaciation of the
whole body.
  The  immediate affection of the  body which  gives rise to
diabetes, has long been a subject of controversy amongst medi-
cal men ; but the  conclusion which  Dr. Good  seems to arrive
at, is, "that diabetes  is  a  disease seated in the kidneys alone,
and  dependent upon  a  peculiar irritability or inflammation of
these organs."
  An increased flow of the urine may, however, occur, without 
DIARRHOEA OR LOOSENESS.
53
sthose distinctive characteristics given in the first paragraph; but
as the treatment in either case is so very similar, we do not deem
it necessary to make a separate subject of it.
  Treatment.—We may attempt the cure  of this inveterate
complaint, by the use of the ladies' slipper, in doses of one tea-
spoonful of the pulverized root three or four times a day ;  or if
the nervine tincture is preferred, this may be given in doses of
two or three tea-spoons  full, the same number of times.   The
diaphoretic powders must also be administered occasionally ; or
a tea  of the bayberry, or some other astringent article may be
substituted.  The  bitter tonic should also be taken regularly
three  or four times a day ;  and the whole surface  of the body
may be sponged or washed once a day, with a weak solution of
pearlash in water, to moisten and relax  the skin.  The  diet
should eoaasist of a large proportion of animal food, as this af-
fords  less  sugar than vegetable  aliment, and at the same time
yields more nourishment to the feeble powers of the  system.
Though it is said,  that an animal diet, in some instances, has ag-
gravated the disease.
  An acquaintance of ours, in whom we have the utmost confi-
dence, informed us that  he had often prescribed the water-agri-
mony, in  diabetes; and in  every  case it  had effected a cure.
Another recommends a strong tea of sunaach leaves as an excel-
lent remedy in  this disease.
  After pursuing  the plan whieh  we have recommended for a
reasonable time, and the complaint does not appear to be subsi-
ding  according to  our wishes, or if it be a bad ease, or of long
standing, we should take the patient through  a course of  medi-
cine ;  and repeat it at proper intervals until he be eured.
  Between the  courses, the  same plan should be  pursued as
recommended in the first instance.
              DIARRHCEA  OR LOOSENESS.
  Diarrhcsa consists in frequent and copious discharges from
the bowels, accompanied by griping, and sometimes  by slight
vomiting.
  In this complaint there is  evidently an increase of the peris-
taltic  motion,  whieh may be produced  by a variety of causes,
applied either  to the  body in general, or which may act solely
upon  the intestines.
  Of those causes whieh act generally upon the  body,  we
may notiee catching cold, which  gives  a  cheek to  perspira
tion, and thus  determines the flow of the fluids to the intestines,
instead  of permitting  them to escape by the skin  ; certain dis-
eases,  as teething,  gout, rheumatism, fever, &c, as likewise
[passions of the mind.
  Vol. II.—e 2           16 
54
DISLOCATIONS AND BROKEN .BONES.
  Of those causes which act directly upon the intestines, may
be enumerated ; first,  substances taken into  the  stomach,  and
acting upon the organ by over-charging it; or which from their
nature, produce a morbid effect upon the stomach and intestines,
such as vegetable substances which are apt to ferment and be-
come sour, &c.; secondly, the animal  fluids  generated in the
body, and poured into the intestines, as acrid bile, &c.
  The stools in diarrhoea  assume various  appearances;  and
hence have originated many different  names according to those
appearances.   Sometimes they are of the common color, but very
loose and copious; sometimes  they  are  of  a bright  yellow;
sometimes white and frothy; sometimes they consist of mucus;
sometimes they are quite fluid  or watery ;  and at other times
they consist of food and drink passed without being digested.
We regard these different  appearances of the stools, however,
as matters of small consequence, as the plan of cure must be the
same in all cases.
  Treatment.—Common cases, of diarrhoea  may generally be
removed  by a few  doses of the  tincture of myrrh, diaphoretic
powders,  bitter tonic, bayberry, or any of the astringent arti-
cles  mentioned in  the materia  medica, or the cholera syrup.
The butternut syrup, black root, bitter root, rhubarb, or  any
other cathartic which we shall  hereafter  recommend, may be
resorted to, if the other articles do not readily remove the com-
plaint ; or if none  of them are likely to answer the purpose, a
eourse of medicine  must be resorted  to, and repeated  as occa-
sion may  require.   Friction and bathing the bowels are also
highly useful.
  Between the courses, the bitter tonic and other means should
be continued as the symptoms may demand.
         DISLOCATIONS AND BROKEN BONES.

TO RELAX THE MUSCLES, IN ORDER THAT  THE BONES MAY  BE
     READILY  REDUCED  OR PUT IN THEIR  PROPER PLACE.

   The world, so far as we know, is indebted to  Dr. Thomson
for the  following method of relaxing the  muscles, in cases of
joints getting out of place, or of bones being broken.   The mode
which he recommends, possesses the double advantage of pre-
venting, to a great extent,  the  excruciating pain  which usually
attends the reduction of fractures of the bones and dislocations
of the joints, and of being simple and the  means either always
at bind or readily obtained.
   Ho directs the patient to have a dose of  cayenne pepper and,
the-powder of lady's slipper root, to promote perspiration, pre-
vent fainting,, and quiet the nerves.  Then having a kettle of  ha'? 
DROPSY.
55
water, wet a large cloth in it and apply as hot as can be borne
around, and for some distance both above and below, the injured
part, if it be on one of the limbs.  This being done, hold a ves-
sel under, and pour water as hot as can  be applied without pain,
on the wet cloth, and so continue for fifteen or twenty minutes,
when the  cloth must  be  taken off, and the bone or bones placed
in their proper position  by some skilful person.  If the case be
a broken bone, it must be splintered ;  but  if it is a joint out of
place, nothing more  will be necessary than to pour cold water
on the part, which will contract the muscles, and keep the bone
in its proper position.
  In reducing either dislocated or fractured bones, to their pro-
per place, much less skill is necessary  than many suppose.
  Any person of common sense knows how the bones ought to
be when not displaced; and by exercising a little mechanical
ingenuity, after  the  muscles are relaxed,  he will be able to re-
turn  them to their proper situation.   It must also  be  carefully
remembered not to extend the limb, as is the  common practice,
but bend  or  draw it towards the body.   Any individual may
satisfy himself of the relaxing effects of a bent position of the
arm, by first extending one of his own, at full  length, then grasp
it with  the other hand, when he will  find the flesh tense and
hard.  Now if he will incline his arm towards his body he will
find,  on grasping it again, that the muscles, that is, the flesh,
are relaxed and soft.   This is, therefore, the proper position for
the limbs  in reducing either a dislocated or a broken  bone, in-
stead of being extended, as is commonly practiced by bone-setters.
                         DROPSY.

  Dropsy is an accumulation or retention of serous or watery
fluid in some part of the  body; to which different names are
given by systematic writers, according to the part of the body
in which the water is lodged.
  When it is collected in what is called the cellular membrane,
which  is situated between the skin and flesh, it is termed ana-
sarca, or dropsy of the cellular membrane.   When the water is
collected in the thorax or chest, it is called  hydrothorax, or
dropsy of the  chest.   When in the cavity of the abdomen, it is
called ascites,  or dropsy of the  abdomen, &c.
  Dropsy sometimes appears to arise  from  family predisposi-
tion ; it is also caused by frequent  salivation, or the  occasional
use of mercury ; excessive or long continued evacuations ; a free
use of  spirituous liquors ; affections of  the liver, spleen, pan-
creas, mesentery, &c. : it  also often ensues as a consequence
of other diseases, as jaundice, diarrhosa, dysentery, consump 
56
DROPSY.
Lion, intermittent fevers, Sic, or the sudden suppression of some
accustomed evacuation, the striking in of eruptions of the skin,
and  by whatever has a tendency to weaken  the powers of the
system.
  Anasarca, or dropsy of the cellular membrane, which is the
most common form of the disease, shows itself first by a swelling
of the feet and  ankles, which is most visible  at evening, and
disappears during the night.
  The tumefaction or swelling, is soft but inelastic ; hence, when
it is  pressed upon  with the finger, the mark or pit that is made
remains for  some time in the skin which becomes paler where
the end of the finger rested than any where else.
  By degrees the swelling ascends upward, affecting the thighs,
trunk of the body, and finally the face and head.   The internal
parts now, perhaps, become affected,  and, from the  effusion of
water in the cellular tissue of the lungs,  the breathing will be
difficult, especially  when lying down.   The  patient  now also
has a cough,  accompanied with  an  expectoration of a watery
fluid; the  urine is commonly in small quantity,  high colored,
and deposits a reddish sediment;  the bowels are generally cos-
tive,  the perspiration obstructed, the countenance yellow, with
much thirst.  To these  symptoms succeed  torpor,  heaviness,
and a slow fever.
  In some cases  the water oozes through the pores of the skin ;
whilst in others,  it being too gross to pass through the cuticle or
scarf-skin, it raises it in blisters.  Such an accumulation some-
times takes place, that the skin of the legs,  being incapable of
bearing further distention, bursts asunder.
  Any disease of the internal organs arising in the advanced sta-
ges of dropsy ; or  great emaciation,  St. Anthony's  fire, much
drowsiness,  dark or purple spots or swellings,  discharges of
blood, hot fever,  great thirst, and a quick small pulse,  are to be
regarded as very unfavorable symptoms.
  This  disease is always to be considered as of more easy cure,
when it arises from weakness or debility, than when  it  is caused
by obstructions of the liver or any other of  the abdominal vis-
cera; as likewise when recent, than when of long standing.
  The skin becoming moist, with diminished thirst,  and increa-
sed flow of urine, may be regarded as favorable  symptoms.__
In some few cases, the disease goes off spontaneously,  either by
a vomiting, purging, profuse perspiration, or  an  unusual dis-
charge of urine ;  but this does not often occur.
  Ascites, or dropsy of the belly, is attended  by a tense swel-
ling  of the abdomen.  The water, in this form  of the disease, is
usually  collected within the peritoneum or internal lining mem-
brane of the abdomen, and is consequently diffused amongst the
intestines ; though sometimes  it is found  between  the  perito 
DROPSY.
57
naeum and external parts or walls of the abdomen.   The same
causes,  in  general,  which produce anasarca, may  produce
ascites.
  Ascites is often preceded by loss of  appetite,  sluggishness,
inactivity, dryness of the skin, oppression' at the chest, cough,
diminution  of the natural discharges of urine,  and costiveness
of the bowels.  Shortly after the appearance of these symptoms,
a swelling is perceived in the lower part of the abdomen, which,
as the disease advances,  gradually extends itself,  and keeps on
increasing,  until the  whole belly or abdomen becomes uniformly
swelled and tense.
  This  complaint may be distinguished  from ordinary bloating
or inflation of the bowels with wind, by the elasticity in the one
case, and the fluctuation which attends the other.  In general,
the fluctuation of the water, in dropsy, may be felt by placing
the left  hand on one side of the abdomen, and then gently stri-
king on the other with the right.   In this experiment the water
may be felt, by the left hand, to move or rush from one side of
the belly to the other.   In some cases this rushing or fluctuation
will be  obvious to the ear.
  As the collection of water increases, the breathing  becomes
difficult, the countenance exhibits a pale or bloated appearance,
an immoderate thirst arises, the skin is dry and parched, and the
urine is scanty,  thick, high-colored,  and  deposits a brick col-
ored sediment.  The  pulse  is variable, being sometimes con-
siderably quickened,  and at other times slower than natural.—
Sometimes fever attends this complaint; but it is often absent.
  This species of dropsy may always be regarded as of difficult
cure.  The urine having been  originally but little diminished,
or becoming more copious ; the swelling of the belly subsiding,
the  skin becoming  moist, the respiration more free, and  the
strength having been but little impaired,  may be regarded as fa-
vorable  circumstances:  on the  contrary,  intense  local pain,
great emaciation, with fever, and  the disorder having been in-
duced  by a  diseased state of the liver, or other viscera of the
abdomen, must be looked upon as unfavorable symptoms.
   Hydrothorax, or dropsy of the chest, is distinguished by an
oppression in breathing, particularly after any exertion or when
lying down,  difficulty of lying upon one side, sudden starting
from sleep, with anxiety, palpitations of the heart, irregularity
of  the pulse,  cough, occasional faintings,  paleness, anasarcous
(dropsical) swellings of the legs, thirst and diminution of urine
which is high colored,  and on cooling deposits  a  pink or red
sediment;  but the most certain distinguishing  symptom of  hy-
drothorax is a sensation of water perceived  by the patient, in
the chest, on  certain motions of the body, or as if the heart were
moving in a fluid.
                              8 
58
DROPSY.
  The accumulation of water in the chest may also be tested by
striking with the hand upon the chest, when the patient is stand-
ing upon his feet, or by pressure upon the abdomen, either of
which will increase for the moment the sense  of suffocation or
difficulty of breathing,  as well as the other symptoms attend-
ing this commonly fatal disease.
  The causes  which immediately give rise to  hydrothorax, are
much the same with those which produce the other kinds  of
dropsy.  In some cases it comes on without any other dropsi-
cal affection being present, but it is often an attendant of other
complaints of this character.  It is frequently a disease of old
age, and, like  other dropsies, it often succeeds  debility, arising
from any cause whatever.   It is most common to  males  who
have addicted  themselves  to free living, and  especially to the
use  of  intoxicating liquors.   Those who have long suffered
from gout or asthma, are peculiarly liable  to hydrothorax.
   This complaint frequently becomes considerably advanced be-
fore it is very perceptible;  and its presence is not readily  known,
because  the symptoms are generally obscure.
   It often comes on with a sense of uneasiness at the lower end
of  the sternum, (breast bone,) and difficulty of breathing, which
is much increased  by any exertion or  motion, and is always
worse when the patient is in bed.   Along with these symptoms
there is  a cough, at first dry, but which, after  a time, is attend-
ed with  an expectoration of thin mucus.  There is also a pale-
ness of  the complexion, and a dropsical swelling of the  feet and
legs, together with  thirst,  and diminished  flow of urine. Some-
times the face swells and  pits under the finger, especially in the
morning, with a sense of  debility and loss of flesh.  When such
appearances  as these are met  with,  we  have just grounds to
suspect  that there is a collection of water in the  chest.   The
symptoms which have been described, gradually  increase, but
 their progress is slow, and a considerable time commonly elap-
ses before the disorder is  fully formed.
   The  difficulty of breathing  at length becomes excessive.—
 The patient is unable to lie down for any considerable time, and
 the head andtrunk of  the body  must be supported almost erect.
 The sleep is frequently interrupted on a  sudden by alarming
 dreams, out of which the patient quickly starts up in bed, with
 a sense  of suffocation.  These  paroxysms are attended by con-
 vulsive  breathing  resembling  an attack  of spasmodic asthma,
 with violent palpitations  of the heart, which are frequently ex-
 cited by the most trifling voluntary motion, or by a fit of coughing.
    In this distressing situation the patient is under the necessity
 of having his body in an erect posture, with  his  mouth  open,
 ■uid he  betrays the utmost anxiety for fresh air.   The  face and
 extremities br-eome cold ; the pulse is feeble and irregular; and 
DROPSY.
59
 & pain, or numbness, frequently extends itself from  the  heart,
 towards one or both shoulders.   Excepting a livid hue of the
 lips and cheeks, the countenance is  pale and ghastly, and indi-
 cates a peculiar anxiety; whilst the upper part of the body  is
 covered with a  profuse clammy sweat.  Drowsiness, or deli-
 rium, frequently attends the latter periods of hydrothorax ;  and
 occasionally a sensation of water flowing about can be distinct-
 ly perceived by the patient, on any sudden  change in the posi-
 tion of the body.
   The difficulty of breathing increases until the action of the
 lungs is at last entirely interrupted by  the  quantity of water in
 the chest, when death puts an end to the sufferings of the patient.
   We have now given  a general description of the most usual
 forms of dropsy, and we deem it proper further to add, that each
 may exist separately, or any two, or even all may be combined.
 Hydrothorax can rarely, if ever, be cured ; ascites, or dropsy of
 the abdomen, can often be relieved, though  it seldom admits of
 cure ; whilst  anasarca,  or  general dropsy,  in its early stages
 may almost always  be cured, if properly and  perseveringly
 treated.  But if all three of these forms of  dropsy  are combi-
 ned, as is sometimes the case, the complaint is rendered desperate.
   Treatment.—The object to be aimed at in the  treatment of
 dropsy is  to evacuate the water,  and  then to increase the vigor
 and tone of the system, so that its future accumulation may be
 prevented.
   To answer the first intention, thorough courses of medicine
 should be administered, and in order to assist  in carrying off
 the water, the application of the vapor bath, or steaming, must
 be long continued, and every means adopted which may have a
 tendency to promote a free and copious perspiration.
   Dr. Thomson, who has treated this complaint, with a success
 surpassing by far any former example, informs us that he some-
 times took dropsical patients through  three courses of his med-
 icine in two days, and in ordinary cases,  a  course  every  day.
 We would recommend the same  mode of treatment, or at least
 the daily use of the vapor bath, if not a full course of medicine.
 No other means equal to the vapor bath can be used to remove
 the water, and when to this is added the whole course of medi-
 cine, we  have the double advantage,  of discharging the water
 from  the  cellular tissues,  and of increasing the vigor of the
 system.
  In the intervals between the courses, the  powers of the sys-
 tem must be sustained  by the use of the bitter tonic, which
may be taken three times a day, in tea-spoonful doses, and the
diaphoretic powders twice a day, in similar portions.
  Frequently bathing the abdomen  with tincture of myrrh, ba-
thing drops, tinctures of cayenne and lobelia,  equal  parts, or 
60
DROPSY.
almost any stimulating article,  will have a very good effect, and
ought always to be resorted to.
  Cathartics have often been known to produce a good effect in
dropsical cases, and may, therefore, be resorted  to occasionally,
if found beneficial;  for this purpose, some of the purgative pre-
parations, hereafter mentioned,  may  be used.   But  whether
purges are resorted to or not, the utmost attention should  be
paid to keeping the bowels open by the  daily use of injections,
if necessary,
  In order still more to  facilitate  the removal of the water, we
may use such remedies as increase the discharge of urine.  For
this purpose, various articles have been employed.  The clivers
or cleveis, in strong tea, is often  used with  advantage.  A de-
coction of the inner or green bark of the common or white elder,
infused in cider  or white wine, is also recommended as a good
diuretic.   A few drops,  or more, of the spirits of turpentine on
sugar, has  often been used with  advantage to promote the dis-
charge of urine.  A  number  of  diuretic articles  will also  be
found in our materia medica, from which a choice can  be made.
  Our remarks  thus far, upon the treatment of the complaint
Under consideration, apply to  dropsies  in general; and in an-
asarcous dropsy, that is, dropsy  of the cellular membrane, or
general dropsy, the means which we have  recommended will
commonly effect a cure.   In ascites, or dropsy of the belly, and
in hydrothorax,  the event  will be  far more doubtful.
  Dropsy of the belly will often  require the operation of tap-
ping, and even then, the prospect of cure will  be by no means
certain.  To perform this operation, an instrument termed  a
trocar is employed in a very simple manner.  It is about three
or four inches long; either flat or round.  On one end is a han-
dle, and the other  is made very sharp.  The part  between the
handle and edge, is covered by a silver tube which in size is just
sufficient to admit the trocar into it.
  To perform  the operation of tapping,  the  patient may either
sit in a chair, or lie on the edge of abed, when " a long cloth or
towel should be  passed  round the upper part of the abdomen,
and be securely fixed  behind, by  an assistant;  this presses the
fluid downwards, and at  the  same lime gives support to the
diaphragm,  (midriff,) preventing  its  sudden  descent, which
would otherwise be very apt to produce fainting.   The operator
seated in front on a low chair, takes the trocar, previously smear-
ed with oil, in his right hand, and holding the handle firm in his
palm, he places on the tube his fore finger, which not only pre-
vents the trocar entering too far, but also serves as a guide to the
instrument.  The point of the trocar is then to be applied to the
abdomen, about one inch and a half below the navel in the linea
alba, and steadily pushed  through the skin  and muscles of the 
DROWNING.
61
abdomen, giving it a slight half kind of rotary motion, (turning
first a little one way and then the other,) as it is pushed forward.
Its entrance into the cavity of the abdomen is rendered evident
by the cessation of resistance, whieh the operator will be sensi-
ble of  immediately  on the point of the instrument  entering the
abdomen, when he  must desist from further pushing it forward,
   " The operator then, with the thumb  and fore finger of the
left hand, gradually pushes forward the tube of the trocar, while
with the same fingers of the right, he withdraws the trocar, leav-
ing the tube for the water to flow through, which may be receiv-
ed in some proper vessel, which must be at hand to receive it.
As the water continues to flow, the towel or cloth which is around
the abdomen, must be drawn  proportionably tighter.  Should
the tube become stopped by lymph or the caul, it must be re-
moved by a blunt probe, which, for the want of a metallic one,
may be made of a tough piece of hickory, made very smooth, and
small enough to pass through the tube.
   " The water being evacuated, the tube is to be taken between
the thumb  and fingers of the right hand, and slowly withdrawn,
while  with the  fingers of the left,  the edges of the wound are
forced together.  A pad of lint should be placed over the wound,
and a. broad bandage  applied round the abdomen to give suffi-
cient compression to the bowels, and which may also in some
measure prevent a re-accumulation of the water."
   The water being now evacuated, every effort should be made
to increase and keep  up the vital force of the  system, and re-
store the tone of the organs.  To prevent the  re-accumulation
of the  water, diuretics will be very useful, and the vapor bath,
or a full course of medicine,  should  be  often  resorted to  and
faithfully persevered in, until health is fully restored.  The tone
of the  organs may be improved, as heretofore noticed, by the use
of the  bitter tonic and the diaphoretic powder's ; and to promote
the flow of the urine, the bitter tonic may be taken in cider, if
it can  be procured, a dose of which may be put into such quanti-
ty of warm cider as the patient can drink at a time.
                       DROWNING.
  The act of drowning illustrates the principle which we  set
forth in the first volume of this* work, that life is a forced state.
When  a person is immersed in water, the breathing is entirely
interrupted ; hence the living stimulus derived from the air, is cut
off, and life is very soon extinct.  But the living machinery does
not immediately become so much impaired, or., in other words,
the organs do not so lose their tone but that on the application of
suitable stimulants, the wheels of life may again be  put  in mo-
tion, and vitality restored.
  Vol  II.—F 
62
DROWNING.
  In drowning, the person struggles violently, and attempts to
inhale  air, but soon forces the little which may remain in his
lungs out, and bubbles rise to the surface of the water : the strug-
gles then become  more violent, the person rises to the top of the
water,  and  inspiration is again attempted; he  then sinks, and
the air is expelled from the lungs.   During these struggles a
small quantity of water is swallowed ;  the pupils of the eyes be-
come dilated; the eyes  protrude and are glassy; the tongue and
gums assume a leaden or livid color, and death follows general-
ly in the  space of from one to four minutes.   Whilst these cir-
cumstances are taking place, the circulation of the blood becomes
gradually more slow and feeble, and great anxiety is felt about
the front  of the breast; and after a short time convulsive spasms
arise, the organs of respiration  cease to act,  and the person ex-
pires;  soon  after which the skin becomes purple, particularly
about the face and neck*
  It  is supposed by most persons that in  the act  of drowning,
the lungs become filled with water ; but experience has shown
that this is not the fact; the  quantity being found, upon exam-
ination by dissection, to be very inconsiderable.
  Dissections of drowned persons do not  show that any of the
organs  essential to life are injured ; but that the right cavity  of
the heart, together with the veins  and  arteries  leading to and
from that cavity, are filled with blood, whilst every other part
of the blood-vessels is almost entirely empty.
  Livid and dark brown  spots on the face,  with  great rigidity
and coldness of the body,  a glassy appearance  of  the eyes, and
flaccid  state of the skin, are said to denote a perfect extinction
of life  ; but the  only certain sign is the actual commencement
of putrefaction; and therefore, in all cases where this symptom
is not  present, and we  are not acquainted with the length  of
time the body may have been under water, every exertion should
be immediately made for restoring it to life ; because, for aught
we know, the  machine may only be stopped, and  nothing more
may be necessary than to  give it a new impulse, to enable it to
renew  its functions.
   Treatment.—Immediately on taking the body of a drowned
person out of the  water, it should, in the most  easy and speedy
manner,  be conveyed to  the nearest convenient, or  suitable
house,  stripped of the wet clothes, and wiped dry with warm
linen or flannel, when it should be laid between blankets made
warm  before a fire, or  with a warming pan.  During this,  if
there be no fire in the  room, one should  be made  sufficiently
large to warm the apartment thoroughly, minding also to admit
enough air to keep the atmosphere pure and fresh.
   Care should be taken both in conveying the body to the house
as well as afterwards, not to let the head hang either back or for- 
                        DROWNING.                      63

Ward, but to keep it in the most natural position ; and so soon as
possible, an injection must be administered, composed of warm
water, or of pennyroyal, or any other warm tea,  to either of
which must be added the fourth of a tea-spoonful of capsicum,
and the  same quantity of the pulverized seeds or the tincture
of lobelia,  and a tea-spoonful of the  tincture  of myrrh.   This
must be kept in the rectum for some  time, by the application, if
necessary,  of  a cloth or by some other means.   The injection
should be repeated at such intervals as may be judged necessary
by the physician  or other skillful attendant.
  Whilst some of the  assistants are attending to what has just
been advised,  others should be preparing the necessary  means
of applying the steam bath as expeditiously as possible.   To do
this, place  three or four chairs side by side, over which a thick
blanket must  be spread in such manner as to allow it  to reach
to the floor, at the front of the  chairs, in each of which let a
person be  seated, and take the drowned person wrapped in a
thin blanket on their knees.   Another thick blanket is then to
be spread over the body  so as completely to cover it, and reach
down  to the floor;  two small spiders, kettles,  tin pans, or any
other  convenient vessels, containing a  small stone  previously
made  hot,  and enough hot water to make a moderately warm
steam, must be placed under the last named blanket which will
confine the vapor to the body of the drowned person.  And in or-
der to facilitate its application to the whole surface of the body,
the blankets should be held up by the assistants loosely from it.
  It must  be carefully borne  in mind, not to increase the heat of
fhe steam  too suddenly,  or  the patient may by this means be
lost, even  after symptoms of life  have made their appearance.
The steam should at first be but moderately warm, and gradually
and slowly increased as the signs of returning  life successively
make  their appearance.
   After the body has been placed over  the  steam, as just de-
scribed, another dose, consisting of a half or whole tea-spoonful
of the anti-spasmodic tincture should be  administered, and re-
peated at the discretion of the physician, or other discreet atten-
dant.   Blowing  into  the lungs, and then pressing on the abdo-
men to force the air out again, so as to imitate, as near as possible,
the natural breathing,  is much recommended by most authors ;
but the  practice of doing this with  a bellows,  is  highly disap-
proved of by Dr. Thomson, who has  been  very  successful m
resuscitating drowned persons.  Bleeding, which has also been
customary, should not be permitted ; as  likewise the old custom
of rolling  the patient upon a barrel, or upon the ground ;  of vio-
lently shaking, or carrying him on the shoulder of another per-
son,  with  the head hanging down, because either has a powerful
tendency to seriously injure the patient.
                 5 
•
64           DYSENTERY, OR BLOODY FLUX.

  The signs of returning life are, according to Dr. ThomsdTJV
a muscular motion about the eyes, and  in  the  extremities; uf
which  may be  added, water and froth issuing from the mouth
and nostrils ; feeble, irregular, and convulsive efforts to breathe ;
and gasping.   The pulse beats at intervals,  and  is small, quick,
and weak ;- the faee becomes less livid, and is sometimes distort-
ed or violently convulsed; a rumbling is heard in the bowels ?
and by degrees the breathing becomes more free, and the pulse
more regular.   Vomiting will sometimes take place  spontane-
ously, but oftener from the effects of the anti-spasmodic tincture,
if that has been given; whilst sense and motion gradually return.
  When the senses have become completely restored, and the
person has obtained  the control of his limbs, he should be put
into  bed  and kept in a moist sweat foT  ten or fifteen hours, by
giving the diaphoretic powders, or cayenne pepper and the ap-
plication of  hot  stones or bricks, &c.  But  should he continue
dejected, silent, and listless, he should be taken  through a regu-
lar course of medicine,  andr if necessary, repeated as circum-
stances may require.
           DYSENTERY, OR BLOODY FLUX.

  This  complaint  consists in  frequent and  painful discharges
from the bowels, of mucus and bloody stools ; though sometimes
they are nearly natural in appearance; but in small, hard balls,
which are termed by medical writers,  scybala, attended by gri-
ping pains, and commonly with fever.
  Dysentery occurs chiefly in autumn, or the latter part of sum-
mer, though it is often met with at other seasons, and is fre-
quently  occasioned by cold and moisture  quickly succeeding to
intense  heat or great drought, whereby a  sudden check is given
to perspiration, and a determination of the fluids is made to the
intestines.  It is also occasioned  by  the use of unwholesome
and putrid food, and by  noxious  exhalations and  vapors from
marshes and  stagnant waters.   It is also alleged by many emi-
nent writers, that the most prolific cause  of  dysentery is conta-
gion ; whilst many others equally eminent, disbelieve in the conta-
giousness of this complaint altogether.  The probability is, that
in some instances and under certain circumstances, it may be con-
tagious  ; and one case,  and only one, has fallen under our no-
tice, which seemed  to have been caused by contagion; but in
general, we think, dysentery is not a contagious disease.  The
free use of fruits has been assigned,  says Dr. Thomas, as one
cause productive of dysentery, but erroneously, for they have
quite a  contrary effect, and tend to preserve from it those who
partake moderately of  them. 
DYSENTERY, OR BLOODY FLUX.
65
  Dysentery is much more prevalent in warm climates than in
cold ones,  and particularly  during the rainy seasons.  It may
readily be  distinguished from a diarrhea by  the  appearance of
the stools, and  by the peculiar painful griping, and  tenesmus,
attending dysentery.
  This complaint is sometimes preceded by a loss of appetite,
costiveness, sickness at the stomach, and slight vomiting,  atten-
ded with chills  which are  succeeded by heat, and frequency of
the pulse.  Then come  on griping pains, and an increased pro-
pensity to stool; though it sometimes happens that these symp-
toms appear first.  And it may  also happen  in mild cases, that
there will be no fever or other derangement  of the system, than
the affection of the intestines.
   As the disease progresses, the stools become  more frequent
•nd less abundant, and in passing through the inflamed parts of
the intestines, they cause severe  pain, so that every evacuation
is preceded by great distress.
  The stools vary both in color  and consistence, being  some-
times composed of frothy mucus streaked  with blood,  and at
other times, with an acrid or burning  watery fluid, resembling
the washings of meat.  Sometimes a thick glassy mucus is void-
ed, and at others pure blood; and occasionally lumps  of coagu-
lated mucus, resembling bits of  cheese, are evacuated, and in
some instances a quantity of  purulent matter is passed.
   So long  as the stools exhibit those  various  appearances, and
are voided frequently, it is seldom that any natural faeces can be
perceived amongst them ; and when any thing of the kind does
appear, they  are in small hard balls, called scybala, which being
passed,  gives  some temporary  relief from the  griping  and
tenesmus.
  Tenesmus is an almost constant inclination to go to  stool,
without the ability of voiding any thing that affords much  relief
and is a most troublesome and distressing symptom in dysentery
   When the symptoms which have been described,  run high,
and are attended by a hot fever, pain of the stomach and  whole
abdomen, great prostration of strength,  strangury, hickup, or
with a tendency to putrefaction and foetid and involuntary  dis-
charges by stool, the disease must be regarded as of a highly
dangerous  character, and may terminate  fatally in a few  days.
But when  the  symptoms are more mild, the complaint  is fre-
quently protracted to a  considerable length  of time, producing
great emaciation and debility.
   If dysentery  attacks persons laboring under scurvy, consump-
tion, or whose constitutions  have been much impaired by any
disease  whatever, it will  be pretty sure to prove fatal.  It also
sometimes occurs with  intermittent and remittent fevers,  which
also renders it  much more dangerous and difficult of  cure.
  Vol. II—f 2               9 
66           DYSENTERY, OR BLOODY FLUX.

  Severe griping pains, with great tenesmus, frequent inclina-
tion to go to stool and but little voided, the evacuations being
very foetid, great debility,  violent fever, or cold clammy sweats,
hickups, coldness of the extremities, livid or dark colored spots
on the skin, and  a weak,  irregular pulse, may  be  regarded as
very unfavorable if not fatal symptoms.   Whereas the inclina-
tion to go to stool becoming less frequent, and the evacuations of
a more natural consistence, with a diminution of the fever, gri-
ping and  tenesmus, are favorable  signs ;  but a  relapse is very
liable to occur from any exposure to cold, wet, or fatigue.
  Dissections of  those who have died of  dysentery, show that
the internal coat of the intestines, but more particularly the lower
parts, termed the rectum and colon, are affected by inflammation,
and its attendant consequences, such as ulceration, erosions, con-
tractions,  scirrosities,  and gangrene.  The  peritonaeum, and
other internal parts of the abdomen, have also an inflamma-
tory  appearance.
  Treatment.—Dysentery, in a great many instances, may be
cured by the most simple  treatment, and in a surprisingly short
time, whilst in others it is one of  the most difficult diseases to
manage which humanity is afflicted with.
  On the first attack of this complaint, a table-spoonful of the
tincture of myrrh, with half the quantity of the bark of the root
of the bayberry, should be taken, which, in many cases of slight
attack,  will effect a cure;  or a large swallow of the tincture of
myrrh Alone, may have the same effect.  But if one dose does not
remove the complaint, it should be repeated at intervals of from
thirty to sixty minutes, according to the symptoms; and if this
course does not  produce  the  desired effect in a short time, an
injection  must  be administered.   This may be composed of a
tea of bayberry,  beth root, hemlock, blackberry  root, or any
other astringent article, with the addition of a little cayenne, and
two  or three tea-spoons full of the  tincture of myrrh, and repea-
ted, together with the other articles directed to be taken into the
stomach,  at suitable intervals,  until a cure is effected.
   When this disease is attended with much tenesmus, weak al-
kaline injections  made of  white lye,  or pearlash water, may be
given in addition to the one just above  described;  and are said
to allay this symptom like a charm.  Mucilaginous  and oily
injections are also highly  useful to shield the bowels from  their
acrimonious contents.  For this purpose take a suitable quantity
of slippery-elm  mucilage or  decoction, with a little sweet oil,
castor oil, or butter and molasses;  mix and administer warm as
can be borne.
   The diaphoretic powders, and the bitter tonic, or the  tonic cor-
dial, may also  be advantageously employed, with the means just
recommended,  at the discretion of the practitioner. 
DYSENTERY. OR BLOODY FLUX.            67
  But if this treatment should not afford  the desired relief, a
course of medicine ought to be resorted to; or if the attack be
violent, or if dysentery prevail epidemically and is in general
obstinate, in either case, the patient should be immediately taken
through a thorough course  of medicine, and repeated at discre-
tion,  until the  urgent  symptoms have subsided.  Between the
courses of medicine, the  patient must have the bitter tonic, dia-
phoretic powders, and tonic cordial, alternately, or in any way
which the judgment may dictate as best.  A strong tea of bay-
berry, or in case there is much blood discharged,  witch-hazle
leaves or beth root may be substituted for the bayberry, or mixed
with it, and administered in half tea cup full doses, and the same
may be given by injection, at intervals, until the disease is re-
moved.   A tea of the dewberry root, is also highly serviceable
in dysentery; and brandy  and loaf sugar  burnt  together may
likewise be used occasionally,  either at the commencement or
in after stages of the complaint.
  The abdomen may be  bathed with pepper and vineger, or the
tincture of myrrh, with the addition of a little cayenne, to make
it more  pungent, or with equal parts of the tincture of myrrh
and lobelia;  and it should be applied with much friction or rub-
bing with the hand.  Fomenting  the bowels with cloths wrung
out of hot water,  may also be resorted to,  and will often afford
relief from the  pain which attends this distressing complaint.
  Dr. John Thompson, of Albany, recommends the following:
—" Take one tea-spoonful of pulverized maple charcoal,  mix
it well  with  a  table-spoonful of molasses,  then add two table-
spoonsful of fourth-proof  West  India  rum, and half a  glass
(wine glass we suppose)  of sweet oil; mix the composition well
together, and for an adult let it all  be taken at two doses.  If it
does  not  stop the complaint, (as  it seldom fails),  take a smart
dose of castor oil, and after it has  operated,  repeat the above
composition.  This is  decidedly the most effectual remedy that
we have ever used in inveterate cases of dysentery, or any com-
plaint of the bowels."
  Purgative medicines  may likewise be resorted to, and by some
are thought highly advantageous.   The butternut syrup, castor
oil with the addition of half or a whole tea-spoonful of spirits
of turpentine, or Bunnell's, or any other of the pills hereafter
recommended,  are thought to  be  the best  articles for this pur-
pose.   But injections ought mostly to be relied upon, and should
be  frequently administered through the whole course of the
disease.
  In  the  American Practice, a work replete with much that is
valuable,  we find the following recommended as the first pre-
scription  in every stage of the disease; and we have no doubt
of its utility :—Take of  best Turkey rhubarb root, bruised, sal- 
68
DYSPEPSY, OR INDIGESTION.
eratus, peppermint plant, and cinnamon, pulverized, of each two
scruples;  mix and rub altogether in a  mortar;  then add half a
pint of boiling water, and sufficient loaf  sugar to sweeten, and
when cool, two table-spoonsful of best French brandy.
  " Of this preparation, give a table-spoonful every hour until
the  passages are changed in their appearance  and consistence."
" It should be repeated according to the urgency of the symptoms,
duration of the disease, and other circumstances; but generally
after it has once acted upon  the  bowels,  a table-spoonful three
times a day is  sufficient."
  " This medicine in a short time  entirely  changes the com-
plexion of the complaint.   It relieves the spasms and tenesmus ;
corrects and lessens the fetid discharges; and,  in short, brings
about a healthy action throughout the  whole extent of the in-
testines."
  We have also known some cases of dysentery cured by the
use  of ripe fruits,  especially  peaches, and  perhaps they might be
useful in all cases of this complaint.
  To restore the strength, after the disease is overcome, we may
use  the tonic cordial, in doses of from one or two great spoons-
ful to the fourth of a tea cup full,  two or three times a day, and
the  bitter tonic, an equal number of times, in half tea-spoonful
doses, which should be continued until  the cure is completed.
             DYSPEPSY, OR INDIGESTION.

  This complaint, it is said, chiefly arises in persons between
thirty and  forty years of age; and often  continues for years,
without any perceptible aggravation or remission of the symp-
toms.
  Excessive grief and uneasiness of mind, intense study, pro-
fuse evacuations,  indulgence in strong drink, excess  in eating,
and above all, the too common use of poisonous medicines, such
as calomel, arsenic, opium, &c., which by destroying the tone
of the stomach and intestines, weaken the  digestive powers, are
the common causes of  dyspepsy.
  A long and disagreeable train of symptoms attends this  com-
plaint,  such as loss of  appetite, sickness at the stomach, heart-
burn, flatulency, sour,  foetid, and otherwise disagreeable eructa-
tions or belchings, a sense of gnawing in the stomach when
empty,  with pains in it or the side ; great costiveness, with chill-
iness or increased  sensibility to  the  impressions of cold;  pale-
ness of countenance, languor, unwillingness to move,  lowness
of spirits,  and disturbed  sleep.  To these may be added, intol-
erable   feelings,  especially in the morning; weak, faint,  and
•rembling sensation in the stomach, sometimes extending to the 
DYSPEPSY, OR INDIGESTION.
69
intestines ; bad taste in the mouth, more especially in the morn-
ang, disagreeable breath, &c, &c.
   Dyspepsy has become a much more common complaint of
late than it was formerly.; and almost every deviation from com-
mon health is now ascribed to indigestion, which has given rise
to  the appellation of  " fashionable complaint," as a burlesque
upon the common herd of dyspeptics.
   Every thing taken  into the stomach, of a poisonous nature,
must unavoidably injure its tone, and thus weaken its power of
digesting the food.   Hence  we find the history of the greater
number of dyspeptic  cases to be simply this:  " so long ago, or
such a time, I  had the  fever, and was salivated by mercury,
and have not enjoyed any health since."  And what a frightful
picture of the disastrous and deadly effects of this  one article
might be presented to the world ; and happy would it be for the
human race  if this had been the only article which the medical
faculty have arrayed against the 'health .and happiness of the fam-
 ily of man.
    With regard to the improvements in cookery, we have else-
 where said,  that they were like the pretended  improvements in
 medicine—refinements in error.  The thousands who have fal-
 len victims  to  the modern system  of cookery, the object of
 which is  to whet the appetite by dainties, could they be told,
 would astonish the ignorant and confound the wise.  The orig-
 inal purpose of cooking was to prepare food for its more easy
 mastication, and digestion ; but this object has  become perverted,
 and the design  now is to prepare the food so as to make it most
 agreeable to the  taste; in  doing  which it is  often  rendered far
 more indigestible and unwholesome-; whilst at the same time, in
 .consequence of its having been rendered more palatable, we are
 induced to eat  too  much.   We thus  have our stomachs filled
 not only with  indigestible food, but  likewise overloaded; and
 even if it had  not been rendered indigestible in the process of
 cooking, the overloading  of the stomach overstrains the diges-
  tive powers, and  lays the foundation for that dismal train  of
  symptoms which are attendant upon the  dyspepsy.
    The daily filling of the stomach  even with wholesome food,
  in greater quantity than the digestive  powers ean  dispose of, or
  than the body requires, may be compared to the overburthening
  of any kind of machinery; it must the sooner wear out and be-
  come incapable of performing its  office.  And  every kind of
  machinery, it is at once evident,  ean  have  the capacity of per-
  forming only  a  certain  amount, of labor or business; just so
  with the digestive organs ; and all that is demanded of them be-
  yond this,  is impairing  their capacity of performing their natu-
  ral healthy functions, and brings on the train of symptoms whidi
  always attend  the complaint under consideration,
                      17 
70
DYSPEPSY, OR INDIGESTION.
  Good wholesome food, taken in moderate but sufficient quan-
tity, and proportioned to the employment or other circumstances
of the individual, is most  conducive to health;  and all persons
should beware of eating so much at  any time as to produce any
unnatural fullness, or any other unpleasant sensation about the
stomach.  As a general rule, all persons  should stop eating be-
fore the appetite is completely satisfied; and they  should more-
over eat slow, and chew their food well before swallowing it.
  Treatment.—One of the first  things to be attended to in the
cure of dyspepsy is to regulate the bowels, which are almost al-
ways in an obstinately eostive state.  The  best means of keeping
them loose, is the eating of a handful  or more of clean wheat bran,
once, twice or three times each day, or so much as will keep the
stomach and bowels clean and in good order.  This  is the most
simple, safe, and efficacious  method of cleansing  the  stomach,
and removing the costiveness  attending indigestion, of which
we have  any knowledge.   One cause of this  complaint is the
eating of superfine flour, which approaches so near to the na-
ture of starch, as to be  partly indigestible.  This clammy vis-
cous food, as well as sweet-meats  and  other such pernicious
articles, causes a redundancy of acidity, and a cold viscid phlegm
in the stomach,  and clogs the intestines by its tenacity; hence
the mixture of a sufficient portion of bran, is found by experi-
ence,  if  persevered in, to neutralize and absorb and carry off
those  acid and viscous substances, and by its roughness, scours
and cleanses  the  stomach and bowels, and by mixing with the
other  articles of food, prevents the tenacity or stickiness which
constipates the bowels and destroys  their  healthy action.
   Many persons who know no better, are in the habit of taking
physic to obviate costiveness; but this is a bad practice, as the
intestines becoming habituated to  the stimulation of the physic,
thereby lose  their tone and  the  difficulty is rendered  worse.
Bran, on the other hand, acts in harmony with the laws of nature,
as food does, and removes costiveness ; without producing any
injurious effects whatever upon the  intestines.
   Our own experience since the  year  1816, has confirmed all
that we have said respecting the virtues of bran, and it could be
attested perhaps  by hundreds of  others,  who have  since, from
our recommendation, adopted its use.  In the early part of life,
the publisher of this work, was  afflicted  for eight years with a
grievous chronic dysentery or bloody flux, which he  finally
cured by the constant use of cayenne pepper and sweet potatoes.
But the debility which this long and wasting complaint induced,
particularly the loss of tone which the intestines sustained, even-
tually produced an obstinate state of costiveness which has fol-
lowed him to the present time.   After trying every thing which
his own  mind  could suggest,, or the ingenuity of the  Faculty 
DYSPETSY OR INDIGESTION.
71
devise, and after he had despaired of ever enjoying health, and
even considered himself at the brink of the grave, the idea of
using bran first occurred to him, and he immediately commenced
the experiment; and to his inexpressible satisfaction, found it
to answer his fullest expectations.   From that to the present
time, he  has  been in  almost the  daily use of bran, and finds
it the only thing that regulates his  bowels in harmony with the
laws of life.
   Bran may be taken  in the hand, and from the  hand into the
mouth, taking a few swallows of water, to wash it down ;  or it
may be  stirred into a  bowl of coffee or  tea, and eaten with a
spoon, as may best suit the patient.  The most proper time to
take it, is in the morning before eating, or at breakfast; and the
quantity necessary to loosen the bowels must be ascertained by
experience ; but from one to three  handfuls, taken once or twice
a day, according  to the obstinacy  of the case, will probably be
found sufficient.   In conjunction with the bran to regulate the
bowels,  the daily  use  of  common salt,  in tea-spoonful doses
dissolved in a half tumbler of cold  water, taken in the morning,
fasting, has been highly recommended, and is no  doubt worthy
of a trial.                                               .
   Another remedy which has also been advantageously used in
costive habits, is parched corn, which should be pounded fine in
a mortar, and eaten with milk, or  in any other way which may
suit better.   Using the brown bread,  instead of  that made of
superfine flour, is also one of the  best means of  loosening the
bowels.   This bread is made in the same manner as other, only
the flour is ground coarsely and not bolted.
   Whilst pursuing the course just recommended  to remove the-
costiveness which almost always attends indigestion, the patient
should also take  of the bitter tonic, or  other bitters, to which
ought also to be added a quantity of the black root or bitter root,
proportioned to the degree  of costiveness.   Injections should
likewise be used,  together with such means as are advised under
 the head of costiveness.
   As the functions of  the  liver are always morbidly affected in
 this complaint, either the cathartic or Bunnell's pills  may be
 occasionally administered, which will have a very beneficial in-
 fluence  on the liver,  exciting it to a healthy action and thus be
 a means of obviating the costiveness of the bowels.  These pills
 may be  taken at bed time once or twice  a week.
    To correct the  acidity of the stomach usually attendant upon
 indigestion small potions of white  lye or super carbonate of soda,
 salaeratis, or pearlash, dissolved  in water may be occasionally

    If after  continuing the use of the  means which we have
 recommended for a  reasonable length  of time, the complaint 
n
EAR-ACHE.
does not yield, the patient should be taken through a course of
medicine, which must be repeated as the circumstances of the
case may demand.   Two or three times a week, will commonly
be often enough;  minding between the  courses, to pursue the
means recommended for removing the costiveness, and regularly
taking the laxative bitter tonic or the wine bitters three or four
times a day until the  costiveness ceases, and  the food is wsll
digested.
     EAR-ACHE, OR INFLAMMATION OF  THE EAR.

   Ear-Ache, in some instances,  is attended by an  excessive
 throbbing pain in the ear, though rarely  any fever.   The pain,
 however, is sometimes very mild, attended with but little incon-
 venience, and goes off without the aid of medicine.
   But in the more violent forms of inflammation of the ear, at-
 tended with excruciating throbbing pains, disposition to sleep,
 delirium, and sometimes convulsions, the most active measured
 should be adopted, or suppuration  will undoubtedly take place,
 and perhaps the hearing be destroyed.   Ear-ache is caused by
 the same circumstances, in general, which produce other inflam-
 mations, and particularly by partial exposures  to cold.
   Treatment.—If the case be mild, nothing more perhaps may
 be necessary than filling the ear with cotton or  wool wetted with
 the tincture of myrrh ; or a little of the tincture may be dropped
 into the  ear.  An ointment made by slicing up onions, and fry-
 ing  them  in  lard,  and then strained,  is an excellent remedy in
•all cases of ear-ache.  A little of it must be  dropped into  the
 ear, and the ear filled with cotton or wool.  On going to bed, a
 hot stone wrapped in a cloth, should be placed near the ear; and
 the head covered so as to steam  the ear and side of the head; or
 the  head and whole body may be steamed with water and  hot
 stones, in the usual way.
   If the pain, however, continues, a few drops of the anti-spas-
 modic tincture must be occasionally dropped into the ear, mind-
 ing to keep the hot stone to the side of the head, for the purpose
 of warming and softening the affected part.  But if all this does
 not afford the desired relief, and the pain continues severe, with
 other bad symptoms, we must administer a course of  medicine,
 and repeat it if necessary ; and  if suppuration is likely to take
 place, it should be  promoted by the application of poultices.
   It sometimes happens that insects find  their way into the in-
 terior of the ear; in such cases they may be destroyed by pour-
 ing  into that organ a little tincture  of myrrh, or  spirits of cam-
 phor, or any other kind of spirits or  harmless fluid;  and after-
 wards syringing the ear with warm water to remove them from it 
FAINTING.
78
                FAINTING, OR SYNCOPE.

  Fainting consists in a decreased action and sometimes total
cessation of the pulse and breathing.  It is often preceded  by
anxiety about the breast, a sense of fulness ascending from the
stomach towards the head, vertigo or confusion of ideas,  dim-
ness of sight, and coldness  of the  extremities.   Sometimes,
however, it comes on without any premonition, and occasional-
ly without  any apparent cause.   The attacks are  frequently ei-
ther attended with, or end in, vomiting, and  sometimes in epi-
leptic or other convulsions.
  Fainting is caused by sudden and violent emotions of the mind,
such as, joy, grief, or fear; and by pungent, disagreeable odors;
derangements of the stomach and  intestines; debility from dis-
ease or from loss of blood, either spontaneous or artificial, or by
drawing off the water  in  dropsy.  Another fruitful cause  of
fainting is the tight lacing, and wearing of tight corsets,  so com-
mon with females  in the fashionable walks of life.
  Treatment.—During a paroxysm  of fainting,  everything
tight about the waist must be loosed, and the face or bosom, or
both, may be sprinkled with cold water, which in many instances
will be sufficient  to rouse the patient and restore the lost action
of the  heart and lungs.  Stimulating the nostrils with hartshorn
or volatile salts, will also be very proper and useful.   This may
be  done by holding an open bottle of either of those articles
near the nose, or by rubbing some about the nose or upper lip.
Camphor  may  also  be used if neither of those  articles  be at
hand.
  But  if these means fail, we must have  recourse  to stimulants,
such as essences of peppermint, cinnamon, or winter-green; or
a dose  of cayenne or  of the anti-spasmodic tincture,  may  be
given,  and repeated as the circumstances of the case may require
Stimulating injections will also be highly  serviceable in  cases of
long continued faintings, and may be safely resorted to on all
occasions of this kind.
  If the complaint appears to be connected with or caused by a
disordered state of the stomach, an emetic should be given, and,
if necessary, repeated between the faintingfits, where they recur
periodically or frequently ;  and also using proper  Means for re-
storing the energy and tone of the system, such as cayenne, the
bitter tonic, diaphoretic powders,  &c.
  It should, however, be remembered  that in cases of  fainting
from either the intentional or accidental loss of blood, little more
need be done than to lay the patient down on his  back or side,
sprinkling the face or breast with cold  water, and applying
stimulating substances to the nose.  To restore the lost energy
of the system which the loss of blood always occasions, stimu-
  Vol. II.—G              10 
74
FALLING SICKNESS.
lants and tonics, as above recommended, with a rich nourishing
diet, must be resorted to, and continued a suitable length of time.
We scarcely need  add, that every cause known to  excite faint-
ing, should be  avoided.
            FALLING OF THE FUNDAMENT.
  This complaint is most commonly met with amongst children
of a weak habit, or who have been much afflicted with frequent
and severe purgings.   It is also sometimes met with in grown
persons, who have a peculiar weakness of the part.
  Prolapsus of the fundament may be a troublesome though not
a dangerous disease.
  Treatment.—In all  cases of  a  falling  of the fundament,
whether of young or old,  the part of the gut which is protruded,
should be  washed with a  strong tea of witch hazle leaves, pond-
lily, or some other astringent article ; and injections of the same
may also be administered, when the protruded part must be gently
forced  back with the finger, which may  be smeared with oil to
prevent any irritation.
  It will also be advisable to make use of bitter and astringent
tonics, in  the  stomach, and astringents  by  injection, until the
complaint  is removed.
  The cold bath will also be highly serviceable in this com-
plaint.   It can be applied either to the whole body, or  cold wa-
ter may be poured upon  or near to the part affected, or both
may be resorted to at discretion.
          FALLING SICKNESS OR EPILEPSY.

  In epilepsy there is a sudden deprivation of sense, accompa-
nied with convulsive motions of the whole body.
  This disease attacks by fits,  which  after a time go off, leav-
ing the patient most commonly in his  usual state ; though some-
times a degree of stupor and weakness remain after the fits, es-
pecially if they are of frequent occurrence.   It is oftener met
with amongst children than grown  persons, and  boys are said
to be more subject to its attacks than girls.
  Fits of epilepsy return periodically, and the paroxysms occur
more frequently in the night than the day ; by which U would
appear that this complaint was in some  measure infl'ienced by
that state of the body peculiar to sleep.  It is also sometimes
said  to be counterfeited in  order to  extort charitv,  or  excite
compassion.
  Epilepsy  is distinguished, by systematic  writers, into sym-
pathetic and  idiopathic; being considered as sympathetic, when 
FALLING SICKNESS.
75
produced by some other disease, such as acidities in the stom-
ach, worms, teething, &c. and as idiopathic when it is a prima-
ry  disease,  being neither dependent upon nor proceeding from
any other complaint.
  The causes which give rise to the falling-sickness are blows,
wounds, fractures, and other injuries done to the head by exter-
nal violence, together with lodgments of water in the brain, tu-
mors, concretions, <fcc.  Violent affections  of  the nervous  sys-
tem, sudden frights, fits of passion, great emotions of the mind,
acute  pains, worms, the irritation of teething, poisons, &c. are
causes which likewise produce epilepsy.
  An attack of epileptic fits  is sometimes preceded by a heavy
pain in the head, dimness of sight, noise in the ears,  palpitations
of the heart, wind in the stomach and  intestines,  with weari-
ness,  and some degree of stupor; at other times there is a sense
of something like  a cold vapor or aura arising up to the head;
but it more commonly happens that the patient falls down sud-
denly without much if any previous notice ;  the eyes are distor-
ted, or turned so that only the whites of them  can be seen; the
fingers are closely clenched, and  the trunk of the body, particu-
larly  on one side, is much  agitated ; the patient foams at the
mouth, and  thrusts out his tongue, which often suffers great in-
jury from the muscles of the  lower jaw being affected ; he loses
all sense of feeling, and not unfrequently voids both urine and
faeces  involuntarily.
  The spasms after a while abate, and the patient gradually re-
covers,  but  feels  languid  and exhausted, and retains  not the
smallest recollection of what  passed during the fit.
  When the disease arises from  a hereditary disposition,  as  it
sometimes does, or if it comes on after  the person  has arrived
at mature  age, or if the fits recur frequently,  and   are of long
duration, it will probably be difficult to effect a cure.  But when
it attacks at  an early age, and is occasioned by  worms, or an ac-
cidental cause, it may in general be removed  without much diffi-
culty.  It has in  some instances been  entirely  carried off by
the occurrence of fever, or a cutaneous eruption.   It has  also
been known to terminate in apoplexy, and in some instances to
produce a loss of the mental powers, and end in  idiotism.
  Treatment.—When epilepsy is caused by  worms, teething,
or injuries of the head, &c,  these difficulties should be remov-
ed by pursuing a proper course  of treatment, at  the same  time
making a free use of umbil or the nervine tincture, to give tone
to the nervous system.  And  where the general health is other-
wise impaired, proper measures  must be taken to restore it; to
do which the common course  of medicine, with the bitter tonic,
&c, must be resorted  to,  and  persevered  in till  the general
health is restored. 
76
FELONS.
  In  all cases where  the patient is sensible of the approach of
the fits, he should take freely of the nervine tincture, or a dose
of the anti-spasmodic tincture, which will have  a tendency to
prevent a recurrence of the fits,  and thus break the chain of
morbid association.
  During the fit,  injections should be given of catnip tea, or
any of the astringent articles recommended in the materia med-
ica, to which should be added a tea-spoonful of the anti-spasmo-
dic tincture, or instead of this, cayenne and the pulverized seeds
of lobelia,  in proper quantity.   From  half  to  a whole  tea-
spoonful of the anti-spasmodic tincture should also be occasion-
ally given by the  mouth, all of which will have a tendency to
shorten the fit, and break the habit to which the system has be-
come subject.
  In cases where  the time of the return of the fits is known to
a degree of  certainty, the taking of the patient through a course
of medicine at that time will tend to  prevent  the  return of the
fit, and thus destroy the connection of the disease.
  We are well aware that cases of epilepsy which occur after
mature  age, are very difficult of cure, but they are, neverthe-
less, not  all of the same hopeless character; we may,  there-
fore, in most instances, attempt  the cure,  on the principles  laid
down; varying the mode of treatment at discretion, to  suit any
peculiarity which may attend each or any particular case.
                         FELONS.
  Felons are suppurative swellings  which  appear about the
joints of the fingers, and give an idea to the unhappy sufferer
of the most exquisite pain  and torture to which  the  human
frame is liable.
  This most distressing malady is supposed usually to proceed
from a bruise which by some  means or other injures  the peri-
osteum or membrane which  surrounds  the  bones, producing
inflammation and suppuration.  The excruciating  pain which
always attends a felon, arises in consequence  of the matter be-
ing deeply seated in the flesh which  cannot give way to make
room for it as it forms, as is the case when suppurative swell-
ings arise on or near to the surface.
  Treatment.—A variety of means have been proposed  for
alleviating or curing this  intolerable disease.  Some have  prac-
ticed holding the affected  finger in  boiling tallow or boiling
lye, until the pain has subsided.   This, although it may  seem
like a painful operation, is said by those who have tried it,
not to be so.
  Another remedy is  to take several pieces of woolen cloth and
tut  a round hole in  each piece the size  of the painful  part, 
FELONS.
77
which are then placed over the felon and the felon  itself cover-
ed with tar.  Two irons having  been previously made red hot,
one of them i9 to be held as near the felon as can well be bornej
and when this becomes too cool it must be returned into the fire,
and the other employed in its stead, and so continuing to apply
the irons alternately until the pain and throbbing cease ; renew-
ing the tar as it  dries away.  The woolen cloths are  for the
purpose  of  preventing  the hot  irons from burning the  sound
parts, as  it is necessary to hold them very close in order to have
the full benefit of the  operation.
   When the pain and throbbing  have ceased, the cloths and tar
are to be removed, and the felon  covered with a plaster made in
the following manner :—■
   Take  castile or good shaving-soap, shave it down very fine,
and mix  with it a little new milk, to the consistence of a plaster
or salve; spread it on a cloth, apply it  to the part, and renew
it as it becomes dry.   The whole of this process is to be gone
through with whether the  felon  has been  opened or not, and
will, as our informant assures us, effect a cure.
   Another remedy with which we have been  acquainted from
early years,  and have  repeatedly proved its  efficacy, is as fol-
lows :•—
   Take salt, common soft soap, and sage, green or dry, bruised
or pulverized, equal quantities of each, well mixed  together into
a poultice, and applied to the part, which must be moistened or
renewed  as often  as it becomes dry, and continue until relief is
obtained.
   From the depth at which the matter is seated  in case of fel-
ons, it is all important  to give  it  vent as  soon as possible; and
whenever this is  done, immediate  relief is experienced.  The
common  method is to lay it open with a lancet or knife; but
this is highly disapproved of by some, and caustics recommen-
ded instead of the knife.   But on the whole, we think that Dr.
Thomson's method is probably as good, if not better, than any
other, for this purpose.   In pursuing the plan whieh he recom-
mends, we avoid all hazard of hemorrhage,  and moreover make
a much smaller sore than is usually produced by the knife. His
method is as follows :—
   Take a piece of spunk, (punk,) about the size of half a pea,
and burn it on the most painful part, which process may be re-
peated if it be thought that the flesh is not deadened down to the
matter.  A needle is  then  to be plunged deeply into  the skin
and immediately out again, in the part which has been burned,
by which means the skin and flesh will be very much elevated,
when, with a sharp knife, the part that  is raised by the needle
must be cut out.  In  performing  this, care must be taken to cut
out as small a piece of skin as convenient, and at the same time
  Vol. II—g 2 
78
FELONS.
 cut as deeply into the flesh  as possible, in  order to let out the
 matter.  If the cutting, however, does  not  reach the matter, it
 ought to be still further opened with a lancet  as we conceive,
 although Dr. Thomson has given no instructions  further than to
 cut out the piece as aforesaid; but he  takes the precaution to
 say that it should be sufficiently deep to answer the  purpose.
 After this is done, apply the poultice or salve, whichever seems
 most proper; but if there be much pain still  remaining,  after
 the operation, a poultice will be preferable, and ought  to  be
 often wetted  with cold  water.  We may also  observe,  that a
 botanic physician who had often performed  the  operation, in-
 formed us  that he usually applied, immediately after the  burn-
 ing,  a cloth which he kept wet for some time  with cold water,
 before cutting out the flesh.
   To those who have never experienced the  torturing  effects
 of a felon, nor been accustomed to witness  their painful pro-
 gress, the idea of burning and cutting will perhaps appear hor-
 rible ;  but persons who have been afflicted in  this way,  are
 aware that almost any  thing promising relief can be  cheer-
 fully submitted to ;  and moreover the pain  caused by the burn-
 ing is  said by those who have tried  it, to  be,  comparatively
 speaking, but trifling.
   Another method of treating felons, recommended by  good au-
 thority, is to  bathe the part affected in lye water; then take the
 yolk of an egg, six drops spirits of turpentine, a few beet leaves
 cut fine, a small quantity of hard soap, one tea-spoonful of burnt
 salt,  one of corn meal, and one of snuff; mix these articles well
 together and apply to the part.   This is  said to be an unfailing
 remedy.
   When nothing else assuages the pain, the hand may be steam-
 ed over a decoction of herbs,  such as horehound, tansey, worm-
 wood, or catnip, and hops, either altogether or the  hops with
 one or more  of  the other  articles.  A handful of each may be
steeped strong and  the hand held over it shielded from the
 air with a blanket, and a lively steam kept up by means of red
 hot stones or bricks until the  pain  ceases, and  repeated when-
 ever  the pain returns.  Dr. Beach recommends the addition of
 a small quantity of soft soap to the decoction.
   The means resorted to by Dr.  Beach for opening a felon also
 deserves notice.  After  poulticing  until  there  appears a white
 spot  indicative of a ripeness  for puncturing,  he recommends a
 large needle the point of which to be applied  to the  white spot,
 and then by giving it a rotary or drill-like motion force it, with
 but little pain, through the flesh to the matter.  In this way of
 opening, however, the hole is so small that it may be necessary
 occasionally to reopen in the same manner with either  a needle
 or probe. 
        FRESH WOUNDS.—GIDDINESS OR VERTIGO.     7ft

                    FRESH  WOUNDS.

  By these we mean wounds made with sharp instruments, as
■edge-tools of every description*   Many of these, however, are
too trifling to need any kind of treatment  only the most simple
binding up with a cloth or bandage.  But should the wound be
large or much blood be discharged,  it  ought to have  the blood
washed away with cold water,  then place the edges of the woun-
ded flesh as near together as possible, carefully bind it up, and
occasionally wet it with either the compound or simple tincture
of myrrh,  and with cold water.  This  course if  properly pur-
sued, will prevent inflammation, and induce the wound in a short
time to heal.  Very large wounds ought to have their edges con-
fined together by a few stitches taken with a needle and thread,
or by the application of the adhesive plaster,  as directed under
that head.
   If a small artery should be wounded,  in which case the blood
will not flow in a continued stream but by spurts, and if it is on
the limbs,  the wounded part should be  kept elevated above the
heart or head, washed  with cold water, tightly bound up, and
continued in that position,  often wetting it with the coldest wa-
ter, until the bleeding is completely stopped.  When  larger ar-
teries are wounded so  as suddenly to  endanger  the life of the
patient, an experienced surgeon ought immediately to be sent
for,  and in the mean time the flow of blood  must be stopped by
pressure with the finger or some solid substance on the bleeding
vessel.   The  application of the spider's  web, it is said, scarcely
ever fails to stop the flow of blood, and should therefore always
be resorted to where bleeding is profuse; or either of the styp-
tics, mentioned under  the proper head in  this work, may be
applied.
   Wounds are to be treated,  after the  first dressing, in every
respect the same as simple ulcers.  If they do not become in-
flamed, all the application that is necessary will be the healing
salve;  and if inflammation takes place, treat them with poulti-
ces and cold water.
                GIDDINESS OR VERTIGO.

  Giddiness is a swimming of the head, in which everything
appears to the patient to go round, and he staggers and is in dan-
ger of falling down.
  Vertigo proceeds from different causes, such as an over deter-
mination of blood to the head, foul stomach, dyspepsy, hypo-
 hondriasis, and hysterics.
  Little or no danger attends  this complaint, unless it proceed
*om an over-fullness of blood in the vessels of  the brain  is
               6 
80
GOUT
which case, if it.be not timely relieved, it may terminate in' ap>
oplexy or palsy.
  Where giddiness arises in eonsequenee of some other disease,
it will disappear on the removal of the other difficulties;  but in-
all cases  where k  proceeds  from an over  determination- to the
head, means should be used to divert the blood to the other parts
of the system, whereby the head will be relieved.-
  Treatment.—In order to restore an equable action to theblood,
the patient should have repeated doses of the eayenne o? diaphoj
retic powders, and be" steamed, or have red hot stones cooled so'
as not to burn the bed,  and then wrapped in a  wet cloth and ap--
plied to the feet and legs.  And if he is steamed he ought to have
a hot stone placed at his feet in bed,  to keep up a perspiration ;•
as by this means the vessels of the body and extremities become
relaxed,  and allow the blood ta pass  more freely through them.
A potion of some mild physic might also assist in diverting the
blood from' the head.
  Should the means, however, which have been recommended
fail of the desired effecti,  an emetic and regular course of medi-
cine must be resorted to,  and especially if  there be siekness at
the stomach*  After the course of medicine, the bitter tonic, di-
aphoretic powders, or capsicum, should be continued, and if any
symptoms of giddiness remain, the patient must continue in bed
with the  application of hot stones as before directed.  The use
of stimulating injections will also be  highly proper in any stage
of this complaint.
                          GOUT.

  The gout is a very painful disease, the most distinguishable1
symptoms of which,  are severe pains at some joint, particularly
the great toe, and also of the hands, which return by paroxysms,-.
most commonly in the spring or beginning of winter.
  Gout is divided by systematic writers, into  the regular, the'
atonic, the misplaced, and the* retrocedent.
  The regular gout chiefly affects the feet and legs ; the atonic,
the stomach; the misplaced, is attended by inflammations of some'
internal parts ;  and the retrocedent, is a translation of the gouty
humor or intrammatiorr, from the  joints to the internal' parts of
the system.
  The only disease for which the regular gout can be mistaken,'
is the rheumatism ; and cases may occur in  which there may be
some difficulty in distinguishing between  them; but the most
certain way of discriminating the two complaints is  to give due-
consideration to the habits of life  of the patient,  the symptoms
which have preceded the attack, the parts affected*, and the symp-
toms which  take place during the paroxysm,, 
                           GOUT.                        81

   In the gout, the pains generally attack the small joints, and
 are less liable to shift than  in rheumatism; but when  they do,
 they commonly fix upon the same joints of  the other limb, or
 on some internal part; the  part affected,  is also more red and
 swelled than it is in rheumatism, and the dyspeptic symptoms,
 which rarely precede  rheumatism, are present in a considerable
 degree for some days  preceding an attack of gout.
   Rheumatism and gout are, however, sometimes combined;
 in which cases a distinction is neither necessary nor possible.
   The gout chiefly attacks men, and particularly those who in-
 dulge in high living and lead a sedentary  life; and also those
 who  are engaged  in  literary  pursuits;  and  such as  keep late
 hours, or are in the decline of life ; though it is sometimes met
 with in females of a full and robust habit of body.  Men who
 are employed in constant bodily labor, or who live coarsely, and
 drink but little wine or other fermented liquors, are seldom af-
 flicted with the gout.  Attacks of this complaint rarely occur
 before the age of thirty-five or forty.
   The immediate exciting causes of a fit of the gout, are intem-
 perance in  eating or drinking, late hours, intense application to
 study, long want of rest, grief or anxiety of mind, great sensu-
 ality, long  continued fatigue, exposure to cold, wet  feet, a sud-
 den change from a full  to  a spare  diet, excessive  evacuations,
 &c, &c.
   The most common  causes which predispose to the gout, are
 a full diet of animal or other rich food, with a free use of spir-
 ituous and  fermented  liquors, particularly of wines  abounding
 with tartar, together with indolence and inactivity, which are
 principally to be met  with  amongst the rich; and hence  their
 susceptibility to this  disease; whilst the poor, who  are obliged
 to labor and live sparingly, are scarcely ever  afflicted  with this
 painful malady.
   A paroxysm of regular gout  sometimes comes on suddenly,
 without any warning; whilst at other times it is preceded by an
 unusual coldness of the feet and legs, and they become  numb
 and the perspiration in them is suppressed;  and sometimes  a
 sense of pricking all  over  the feet and  legs takes place; and
 with these  symptoms  the appetite is diminished,  the stomach is
 troubled with wind, and dyspeptic symptoms occur ; a feeling of
 torpor and  languor over the  whole body; great lassitude and fa-
 tigue are experienced after the  least exercise, the  bowels are
 costive, and the urine  pale.
   Some sensible affection of the  stomach occurs in almost all
cases of gout, previous to the accession of the paroxysm.
   A fit of  the gout usually  comes on in the  night; the patient
generally going to bed  without  suspecting an attack so soon;
but after a few hours is  awakened by a severe pain, most com-
                             11 
82
GOUT.
monly in the first joint of the  great toe; though sometimes it
attacks other parts of the  foot,  the heel, or the calf of the leg,
or perhaps the whole foot.   The pain resembles that of a dislo-
cated or disjointed bone, and is attended with the  sensation as
if cold water was poured upon the affected part; and the  pain
becoming more violent,  is  succeeded by rigors or  chills, and
other feverish symptoms, together with a severe throbbing in-
flammation of the painful part.  Sometimes  both  feet become
swelled and inflamed so that neither of them can be  put to the
floor; nor can the patient endure the least motion  without suf-
fering excruciating pain.
  Towards morning, however, he falls asleep, and a gentle mois-
ture breaks out, and terminates the paroxysm, a number of which
constitute what is termed a fit of the gout.   The duration of
the fit will be longer or shorter, according to the predisposition
of the body to the disease,  the season of the year, and the age
and strength of the  patient.
   When a paroxysm of the gout takes place, although there is
an alleviation of the pain in the morning, still the patient is not
entirely relieved from it; and for several evenings in succession,
he has a return of both the  pain and fever,  which continue with
more or less violence until morning.  The paroxysms, however,
usually become more mild each succeeding evening,  till the dis-
ease at length goes entirely off, either by perspiration, urine, or
some other  evacuation  ; the parts affected also become itchy, the
cuticle falls  off in scales, with some degree of lameness remain-
ing.   At first an  attack  of gout occurs,  perhaps,  only  once
in two or three years; it then probably comes on every  year,
and at length becomes  more frequent and severe, and is of long-
er duration  at each  succeeding fit.  In the progress of the dis-
ease, various parts of the body are affected, and the complaint
removes  from one joint, or limb, to another; and after frequent
attacks, the  joints lose their strength and flexibility, and become
stiff and immoveable.   Concretions or  lumps, of  a  chalky ap-
pearance, are likewise formed  upon the outside of the joints;
and affections of the kidneys arise  from a deposite of the same
kind  of matter in them, which, although fluid at  the  first, be-
comes gradually dry and firm.
   This effusion occurs, not only during fits of the gout, but like-
wise in  the intervals,  and  as the extremities, particularly the
hands and feet, are the principal seats of  the  gout, it  is there
that the  greatest accumulations of the chalky matter take  place.
This matter is never enclosed in  a cyst or little bag, like pus in
an abscess, but is usually deposited in  the  cellular  membrane,
the bursa mucosa,  or in the cavities of the joints.
   It sometimes happens, that although a gouty diathesis or dis-
position prevails in the  system, yet  from some cause or  other, 
GOUT.
83
no inflammatory  affection of the joints takes  place; in which
case, the stomach becomes the principal seat of the malady, and
the patient is troubled with flatulency, indigestion, violent pain,
loss of appetite, eructations or belchings, nausea, vomiting, and
a peculiar sense of coldness in the region of the stomach ; which
affections are often accompanied with dejection  of spirits, and
other hypochondriacal symptoms.  In some instances, the head
is affected with pains and  giddiness,  and occasionally with  a
tendency to  apoplexy; and in other cases the heart or lungs suf-
fer, which gives rise to palpitations, faintings, cramps, and asth-
ma.  This is what  is called the  atonic gout.
  It  likewise happens sometimes, that after the inflammation
has occupied a joint, instead of  continuing, the usual time, and
then going off gradually, it ceases suddenly,  and is translated to
some internal part.   The name  of retrocedent gout is applied
to cases of this kind.
  In the  misplaced gout, instead of  the inflammatory affection
being seated upon the joints, it is fixed upon some internal part,
and is attended by the same symptoms  which occur in other in-
flammations of the same  organs.   Cases of this kind are rare.
  In fits of  the regular gout, there  is seldom any immediate
danger ; it is only when the disease appears in its irregular form
that danger arises, and in which the  stomach, heart, lungs,  or
head are affected.  In some cases, however, the whole system
becomes weak  and languid, dyspepsy and syncope  ensue, and
the disease terminates in palsy, asthma,  or dropsy, which is mosi
commonly in the  form of hydrothorax or dropsy of the chest.
  In the irregular forms of the gout, much more danger is to be
apprehended, and particularly in  the retrocedent form of the dis-
ease, in  which there is violent  pain,  sickness, vomiting, &c.
in which cases patients have been known to die in a few min-
utes after the attack.
  The gout   appears to be much under the influence of fear,  as
individuals suffering with it, and unable to walk, have, in con-
sequence of their houses taking fire, or from some other alarm-
ing cause, been immediately  relieved and enabled to walk.  We
recollect of reading, some years ago,  an amusing anecdote of a
gentleman being  cured  by fright, which we  will  relate from
memory.  He  was  lying on his bed in an upper room, suffer-
ing the  most exquisite agony, and expressing his wishes that
the devil would come and fly off with his legs.  Just at this
moment a chimney sweeper  who had been sent by his  master,
unknown to the gentleman to sweep his chimneys, was endeav-
oring to improve himself in his art, descended, by mistake, into
the gentleman's room.   He instantly  discovered  his error, and
by way  of  apology for his intrusion, made a bow,  adding,
" your servant  sir—my master will be here presently," and im- 
S4
GOUT.
mediately vanished  up the chimney.  This  unexpected visit
from a lad, black and grim with soot,  connected with the wish-
es which he almost at the same moment had expressed, created
in his imagination the idea that his wishes were about being ful-
filled ;  and probably fearing that his body might go  along with
his legs, he instantly bounded from his bed, and retreated to the
lower part of the house to seek the aid of his  family, perfectly
cured of the gout.
  Treatment.—Although  much  might probably be  done, es-
pecially in old or  debilitated constitutions,  to  prevent a  return
of the  gout,  by using mild means,  yet during the continuance
of the  fit it is by no means  likely that any thing but the free use
of the  vapor bath  with the whole  course  of medicine,  would
do much towards  checking the disease.
  When the complaint goes off naturally, it is commonly by per-
spiration, and hence we have,  from nature,  an unerring indica-
tion  that  the  vapor bath is one,  at  least,  of the surest and
best means of cutting short the fits of this most painful malady.
The  affected part should also be bathed with the compound tine
ture  of myrrh,  made   more stimulating by the  addition of a
quantity of capsicum, or with  the bathing drops,  or a wash of
pepper and vinegar.   This should be applied so as to produce
a warm or burning sensation on the skin, or it will avail little or
nothing in  affording relief.  If these washes, however,  fail of
producing this effect, place  a few pods of the common red pep-
per in  warm water until perfectly softened, then open and apply
them with the inside of the pod to the part affected, which will
rarely  fail of creating a powerful sensation.
  A  free  use should also  be  made  internally of the cayenne,
both during the course of medicine  as well  as  afterwards.—
The  bitter tonic must likewise be freely used,  and the  course of
medicine repeated as often as necessary  until a cure is effected.
  If the attack be  mild, however, we may  attempt to give re-
lief by the application of hot  stones  or bricks  to the affected
part, and by giving repeated doses of  the cayenne ; at the same
time bathing the part as just directed.   After persevering  in this
manner for a reasonable time, if relief be not obtained, a full and
thorough course of medicine must be  resorted  to.
  The application of cold  water has been highly extolled in
gout.  The water may either be poured on the affected limb, or the
limb may be immersed in  the water.   General  bathing of the
whole body has also been advantageously practiced by some.—
If the  foot or hand become much  swelled,  a  poultice made by
simmering bran in vinegar, may be usefully applied.
  As a preventive, the diaphoretic powders, bitter tonic,  or cap-
sicum  may be used at discretion, and persisted  in until the symp-
toms are removed.   To relieve the acidity of the stomach which 
•GRAVEL AND STONE.
«5
«o mriformly precedes an attack of the gout,  pearlash  water or
white lye, should be frequently used, and the employment of the
bitter tonic at the same time will strengthen the stomach and
check the production of the acid.  Should these  means not re-
move the gouty sj-mptoms, a regular course of the medicine must
be resorted to as the only probable chance of preventing a recur-
rence of the complaint.
   Li addition to what has just been recommended, the wrapping
•of the part affected, as well as the whole body, in flannel, will
be found a good preventive of the gout.   The causes which pro-
duce it, such as indolence and the use of wine or other fermen-
ted liquors,  should  be avoided; and temperance and active exer-
eise rigorously enforced.   By strictly  observing these rules,
most persons might undoubtedly avoid the necessity of suffering
from this painful malady-
                  GRAVEL AND STONH.

   By gravel we 'understand the formation in, and passage from,
the kidneys, of small sandlike concretions or stones; but if they
are formed of so large a size that  they  cannot pass the ureters
aior urethra, the complaint is then called the stone.   It is a sin-
gular fact, however, that the discharges of small gravel rarely ter-
minate in stone.  Many have had them during along life, with-
out experiencing any other inconvenience than the pain attend-
ing their passage along the urinary canals.; whilst the stone is a
disease chiefly occurring between  infancy and the age of fifteen.
Women  are dess liable to these complaints than men; and the
children  of  the poor, more so than those of the rich.
   The gravel and stone being so nearly allied, and the treatment
being the same in both oases,  we shall include both diseases un-
der one common head.
   The cause whieh produces  the formation of gravel and stone,
or calculi as they are termed,  is still imperfectly known, though
commonly attributed to an acid principle in the urine, teemed the
uric acid, which seems confirmed  by the benefit derived incases
of this kind from a course of alkaline medicines.
   Those who are in the decline of life and who have been en-
gaged  in sedentary employments, or who are much afflicted with
the gout, are most liable to die gravel.  Persons who  reside in
cold climates are also  much more liable to this complaint than
those who 'live in <wanm ones.
   A fit of the gravel  is attended >wirh a fixed pain in the loins or
small of the back, sometimes shooting down to the thighs; numb-
siess of the  thigh or leg on the side affected, retraction of the tes-
iicle, nausea and vomiting, with sometimes a slight suppression
   Vvoi. IJL—H        f$ 
86
GRAVEL AND STONE.
 of urine.   As the gravel removes from the kidneys down through.
 the ureter, it sometimes produces such acute pain as to occasion
 faintings and convulsive fits.
   When a stone forms  in the bladder,  too  large to pass, there
 arises a frequent disposition to make water, whieh flows in small
 quantity, often drop by drop, attended  towards the end, and af-
 terwards, by excessive pain.   The  patient cannot bear any kind
 of rough motion; nor can he  make  use of severe exercise with-
 out  enduring great torture; and perhaps bringing on either a
 bloody discharge  of urine, or a temporary suppression of it.—
 With these symptoms he has a pain in the neck of the bladder,
 tenesmus, frequent  nausea, and sometimes a numbness of one or
 both thighs, and retraction of the testicles.
   Treatment.—Various remedies have been recommended for
 this painful malady, and many cases  have been reported verbally,
 of the stone being  dissolved by them; but there are no well  at-
 tested cases of this  kind, that  we know of, on record.   Writers,
 therefore, prescribe no other means  of performing a cure of the
 stone than by  lithotomy;'an operation always attended with
 much danger, especially  when the patient is advanced in years,
 the disease complicated with other affections of the parts, and the
 general health  much impaired.  Under such  circumstances it
 should never be attempted.
   The gravel and stone, in one sense, form an exception to the
 general rule, that disease may be removed by one general rem-
 edy.  Although they  may be produced by the same causes, in
 common, that bring  on other complaints, which, as we have here-
 tofore shown, is a failure of the living power, yet, when a stone
 is once formed in  the bladder, wedto not expect that the common
 stimulants and tonics,, which act upon the living machine, will
 dissolve it.
   We do not, however,  denyy that the same  remedy which dis-
 solves the stone, may also act otherwise beneficially upon the
system ; but it does not  necessarily  follow,  that because a rem-
edy acts in a healthful manner upon the living fiber, it will also
dissolve or act beneficially upon a dead substance.  But  never-
theless, our confidence in the goodness of Deity is such, that we
believe a remedy has been provided to dissolve-the stone, as well
as to cure all other  complaints; and under this impression,  we
will throw before  the reader the most important means whieh
have been recommended to eure both  stone and gravel.  We may
also further remark, that we have selected such as will be likely
to do no harm, and, therefore, any or all of  them may be tried,.
if necessary, in any or all cases of this  nature;  and eventually,
perhaps,  something may be  found  that  can be relied upon  in,
most gravelly complaints.
   Previously,, however., to. noticing  those remedies  which at* 
GRAVEL AND STONE.
87
 supposed to act specifically upon  the  parts immediately affect-
 ed, we will  observe  that the gravelly diathesis or disposition,
 may  be, in  common, effectually  checked by the use  of such
 means as have a tendency to strengthen the powers of the system,
 and restore a  healthy  action to  the  organs, and  particularly to
 correct the formation  of, or to neutralize when formed,  the uric
 acid which is supposed to be principally concerned in the composi-
 tion of those gravelly or stony substances in the kidneys or blad-
 der.  Alkaline preparations, such as  pearl-ash, soda, or even
 wood ashes,  will neutralize  the acid; and the common course
 of  medicine,  with  the use of the capsicum,  bitter  tonic, &c,
 will correct the secretion, and thus prevent its formation.
   As a solvent of the stone,  the juice or decoction  of garden
 radishes has been known to  perform  wonders ; in some cases
 after an entire stoppage of urine had existed for many days, and
 in one case,  after the patient had been given over to  die and ta-
 ken leave of his friends.  The virtues of the  radish, it is said,
 were discovered by accidentally allowing a cut root of this arti-
 cle to lay during the  night in contact Avith a  stone whieh had
 been taken from the bladder of a person who had died from this
 complaint, and in the  morning the stone  was partly dissolved.
 This led to the trial of the juice or tea of the radish in cases of
 gravel; and in many instances which have been reported to us,
 its  use was attended with complete success.   We think, there-
 fore, that this remedy merits a trial.
   The injecting into  the bladder, of substances which will dis-
 solve the stone, has been recommended by Fourcroy, and per-
 haps the  employment of  the radish juice, in this way, might be
 useful.   The method recommended for this operation, is for the
 patient first to discharge his urine ; wash out the bladder by  in-
 jecting warm water into it, and then  discharging it; when the
 radish juice or tea,  about blood  warm, should  be  injected, and
 retained for half an hour or longer.   Weak alkaline preparations
 have also been recommended and used by way of injection into
 the bladder.  These preparations  should be so weak as to  be
 held in the mouth or  swallowed without inconvenience  ; and  if
 the stone contains uric acid, it will be readily dissolved if the
 injections are persisted in  at proper intervals. The injections
 should be thrown in very moderately.
  A tea made of Indian corn, has also been recommended for
 the gravel; but with regard to this remedy, we are like Naaman,
the Syrian, when directed to wash in Jordan to be cured of his
leprosy, we think it too simple ; yet, like his servant, we would
recommend a trial.
  The man root, (Convolvulus panduratus,)  either in tea or
tincture,  is recommended as  a valuable remedy for gravel.—It
should be taken in moderate doses, several times a day. 
88
GRAVEL AND  STONE.
  Another remedy, obtained from Ira Finch, Esq.,  whose au-
thority we consider as highly  respectable, is as follows : Take
of the fibrous roots of the Queen-of-the-meadow, as  much as
will lay on the palm of the hand, and pour  a quart of boiling
water on it,  which is to be drank freely and  frequently.  Then
take  the same quantity of the  fibrous parts  of pool-root, and a
piece of the root of masterwort as large as the finger and about
two inches long, sliced up, and put all into a quart bottle which
must be filled with equal parts of whiskey and water.   As soon
as the liquor has imbibed the virtues of the roots, the patient
must  take a  wine glass full of it  three times a day before eat-
ing.   If, however, it produces a burning sensation in the stom-
ach,  which it sometimes does if much weakened by disease, less
of it  must be taken,  and  the  dose gradually  increased as the
stomach will bear it.   This course must be pursued until a cure
is effected, which, if the case be a mild one,  will require  but a
few days ; the stone, as it dissolves,  will be discharged with the
urine, like sand.
  The following mode of treating the gravel, is from Dr. J. D.
Cornell, a respectable practitioner, now residing in Lexington,
Kentucky:
   He directs a tea of the  Queen-of-the-meadow to be  used, as
above stated, which is to be continued until the urinary dischar-
ges appear like chalk.  At the same time that the patient is pur-
suing this course, injections into the bladder should be made of
the following preparation: Take  equal parts of red raspberry
leaves and  the  inner bark of slippery elm,  and steep a strong
tea of it; to a tea cup full of  which, add two tea-spoonsful of
the tincture  of  myrrh.  In using these injections,  we would
recommend the same course to be  pursued as heretofore noticed.
   The patient should also drink frequently  through the day of
a decoction  of poplar and hemlock bark.
   We have also been very obligingly favored with the communi-
cation of  a highly recommended remedy for the gravel and stone,
by Dr. Horatio R.  Keyes,  the  most  material  part  of which
was obtained from the Indians, in Tennessee, which  is as fol-
lows :  Take a  handful of the roots  of the  common  blackberry
brier, and a small quantity of  the virgin* snake root, more com-
 monly called colic root, and steep them  into  a strong tea.
 Whilst this is preparing let the patient take a small dose of cay-
 enne pepper, or diaphoretic powders ; and as soon as the  decoction
 of the blackberry roots is sufficiently steeped, half a tea cup full
 of this must be taken, and  in fifteen minutes after half a tea-
 spoonful  of the  powder of  stone-break, more  usually  called
 pleurisy root, in a tea cup full of boiling water sweetened.
* In the first edition, this was printed by mistake, Virginia snake root 
HEADACHE.
89
   The same medicines must be repeated in the same manner
every hour and a half until relief is obtained, which will usual-
ly be within  twenty-four hours; during the whole of which
time the patient is to be kept in a moist sweat.   After adminis-
tering the fourth course as stated, give a dose of castor oil.
   When the stone is dissolved, the  patient will experience a
cessation of pain, after which he  must drink plentifully for  a
few days of a  tea  of the garden parsly  roots to carry off the
sediment from the bladder.
   In violent paroxysms  of  pain so often occurring in gravelly
complaints,  fomentations made by applying to the painful part,
flannel cloths wrung out of  hot water in which hops have been
steeped, will be found useful ;  or the  vapor bath may be resort-
ed to.   Injections should also be administered, at the same time
using freely of the nerve powder or its tincture.  But if,  not-
withstanding the  use of these means, the pain increases, or  does
not abate, threatening inflammation,  a  full  course  of medicine
must be resorted  to, which  will remove the inflammation and
tension  of the parts.  The patient should also drink freely of a
tea made of two  parts of poplar bark and one of slippery  elm,
to strengthen and soothe  the affected organs.
   Persons afflicted with  gravel, should avoid the use of fermen-
ted liquors,  such  as cider, beer, and especially wines abounding
with tartar, and all sour  substances ; and  at the  same time giv-
ing a preference to soft rather than hard water, for ordinary drink.
   It is a matter of common observation, that acids, as well as such
drinks as are inclined to turn acid or sour in the stomach, aggra-
vate gravelly compliants, whilst alkaline substances relieve them.
   The  reader is also referred to  the  materia  medica, article
" Onosmodium hispidum," first introduced into the 3rd edition.
                       HEADACHE.

  This complaint is  caused  by foulness  of the  stomach,  cos-
tiveness, the want of  free circulation through the head, long ex-
posure to the rays of  the sun, want of proper rest, or lying too
long in bed, sourness  of the stomach,  intense application to stu-
dy, and by too great a determination  of blood to the head.   It
is often an attendant symptom of other diseases, such as fevers,
hypochondriasis, hysterics, &c.
  Headache in some instances is general over the whole head;
at other times it is confined to some particular part; and eases oc-
casionally occur, in which  the pain is confined to so small a space
that it  may be  covered with  the end  of the finger.   Affections
of this kind are denominated, in the jaw-wrenching language
of medical science, clavis hystericus.
  Vol. II.—h 1             12 
90
HEARTBURN.
   When the headache is symptomatic of some  other disease,
it will be pretty sure to  go off with the complaint which gave
rise to it, as in case of fever; but when it comes on suddenly,
is acute, and attended with noise in the ears, giddiness, and loss
of speech, it denotes an  attack of palsy, or apoplexy.   When
it takes place in persons  who are subject to hypochondriacal or
hysterical  affections,  is  very acute,  and attended with  much
throbbing of the temporal arteries, it is apt to terminate in mad-
ness.   If a headache arises in consequence of some obstinate
nervous affection, the patient will  be  liable  to frequent returns
of it,  and it will be  more difficult to cure than most other cases.
   Treatment.—In many cases the most simple means will af-
ford relief.  A little bayberry or bitter root snuff; or taking a
dose of the bayberry, diaphoretic powders, bitter  tonic, or cay-
enne, will, in a great many instances, remove the  complaint.
   If it arise from a sour  stomach,  pearlash water or white  lye
will give relief; and if from a foul stomach,  an emetic should
be administered.  When costiveness appears to be the cause of
it, the laxative bitter  tonic, aided by injections, or a cathartic,
should be used; and if an over determination  of  blood to the
head causes the headache, a general course of medicine ought
to be  administered.
   Cases of what are termed sick headache, may be relieved and
generally cured by taking an emetic, with cayenne and nerve
powder,  whenever the disease returns; and ought  to be follow-
ed, for a few days  at  least,  with the  use of the bitter tonic, at
the same time paying strict attention to the state of the bowels,
endeavoring to keep them regular by the use of the laxative bit-
ter tonic, injections, bran* parched corn, or any  other simple
means.  By pursuing this course at each attack of sick headache,
many inveterate cases have been entirely cured.
                      HEARTBURN.

  This complaint most commonly arises in consequence of dys-
pepsy, though it often times occurs with  individuals who are
otherwise enjoying good health.
  Heartburn in its worst form, is a very unpleasant complaint;
and cases have even been  reported in which it produced death.
Its long continuance, when of a very severe form,  will induce
emaciation and weakness.
  The cause of  this  complaint  is evidently either a debility or
inactivity of the stomach,  or a vitiated secretion of the juices or
fluids which  are concerned in  the  digestive  process.  Hence
eating any thing hard to digest  or that is  inclined to  fermen',
will usually produce  the heartburn in those liable  to it. 
HICKUP.
91
  Treatment.—-To obtain a temporary relief, recourse must be
had to alkaline preparations, which will neutralize the acid, and
thus correct the acidity  for the present.   But if we wish to
eradicate the complaint, suitable measures must at the same time
be taken to give  energy and tone to the stomach,  and produce a
healthy  secretion of  the gastric juices.
  In ordinary cases, the bitter tonic, taken three or four times
a day,  will be  sufficient,  in  addition  to  some of the alkaline
preparations, to  restore the tone and activity of the stomach, and
healthiness to the juices.   But if the case be a bad one, or if it
prove obstinate of  cure, a full course of the medicine should be
resorted to, and  repeated if necessary, until the difficulty is re-
moved.   The  alkalies and bitter tonic must be continued after
the course of medicine, until the symptoms of heartburn are en-
tirely relieved.  Bathing  the region of the stomach with the
tincture of myrrh, bathing drops, or other stimulating wash, will
also be  serviceable.
  Persons who  are subject to the heartburn should also be care-
ful about their diet;  rejecting such articles as they find are apt
to become sour in  the stomach.   Animal  food and shell fish,
when they can be procured, not  being liable  to ferment, ought
to form  a large proportion of the food of individuals who are af-
flicted with this troublesome  complaint;  whilst  vegetables, as
much as consistent, should be avoided.
  Experiment has also proved the fact, that the saliva swallow-
ed along with our food, greatly prevents its fermentation; where-
fore persons liable to the  heartburn should be very careful in
well chewing their food before swallowing it.
                          HICKUP.

  This is a spasmodic affection of the stomach and diaphragm,
arising from some peculiar irritation; and is most common to
youth and old  age.   It is also met with in hysterical women,
and at the close of acute diseases or after mortification, in which
latter cases it may always be regarded as the forerunner of death.
  Treatment.—The common hickup of youth or of old  per-
sons, may generally be removed by drinking a few small swal-
lows of cold water in quick succession, or by exciting some de-
gree of fear or surprise.   A  tea-spoonful  of sharp vinegar  is
likewise  a pretty sure remedy; or a little essence of peppermint
added to the vinegar will increase its medicinal powers.
  If the complaint prove obstinate, however, or severe,  give a
few doses of the nerve powder, or the nervine tincture ; or in case
these means do not afford relief, administer an  emetic  or a full
course of medicine.   A strengthening plaster might also be useful, 
92       HYDROCELE.—IMMODERATE SWEATING.

applied to the pit of the stomach, or instead of this, the part may
be bathed with tincture of myrrh, bathing drops, or pepper sauce.
                       HYDROCELE.

   This complaint is confined to the testicles of males, and con-
sists in a collection of water within the scrotum.   It is rarely un-
connected with some other complaint, though it sometimes exists
in persons who are otherwise in good health.
   In hydrocele,  the scrotum  becomes enlarged, sometime to a
very inconvenient size ;  has an equal appearance, is soft, with a
doughy kind of feel, retains the impressions of the fingers the
same as other dropsical swellings.  The countenance yellow;
the appetite fails; the urine  is deficient in  quantity;  the legs
swell; the bowels are hard, and the patient has  mucous stools.
   Treatment.—If there appears  to be a general debility of the
system, or even only a slight derangement  of  the living func-
tions, a course of medicine ought to be resorted  to, and  repeated
:is often as the symptoms of the case seem to demand it.  Bath-
ing the affected part  with either the tincture  of lobelia or of
myrrh, will be beneficial, and should be daily attended to.   At
night on going to bed,  a hot  brick or  rock  wrapped in a wet
cloth, should be placed near the part affected to  promote the ab-
sorption of the water.
   If notwithstanding this  treatment, the  water should not  be
carried off, a very slight puncture  or opening must be made with
the point of a lancet, sufficient, however, to drain off  the water.
When this is accomplished, the puncture should  be covered with
lint, which must be confined with a bandage around the part.
Should  the puncture, however, become inflamed,  an elm and
ginger poultice must be applied, and managed in every respect
the same as any other ulcer.
   After the operation of tapping and drawing off the water from
the scrotum, the patient ought to be carried through a course of
medicine,  and if necessary repeated, which will have a powerful
tendency to preclude the  reaccumulation of the water and pre-
vent inflammation and mortification of the puncture, which some-
times take place.   Diuretics may likewise be useful, for which
see under the proper head; and if the scrotum  should continue
to fill with water, the tapping may  be  repeated, pursuing the
medical treatment  as herein laid down, until a  cure is effected.
              IMMODERATE SWEATING.
  Immoderate Sweating is commonly an attendant upon some
other complaint, though it is sometimes an original disease.  K 
INFLAMMATION OF THE BLADDER.          gg
IS always  the  effect of weakness,  accompanied by an unusual
determination to the surface of the body.
  The effect of  pfofuse perspiration, when it prevails as a dis-
ease, is to increase the debility by which it is caused.   It is most
commonly met with in the last stages of consumption, and div
ting the sweating stages of  intermittent  fevers,  when much
Weakness  and  debility of the cutaneous vessels prevail;  and es-
pecially during sleep.
  Treatment.—The use of bitter and astringent tonics, will be
highly useful in cases of debilitating sweats, but the remedy most
to be relied upon in such cases is cold  bathing.  The patient
should take a dose of cayenne, or hot bitters, when he must be
stripped, and  have a quart or two of cold  water poured on his
shoulders, so  that it will run down over  the whole surface of
the  body, and then be wiped dry, and go to bed*  Showering
in this way may be done before the patient goes to sleep, or af-
ter  he  awakes, or both, as may seem most  prudent.  In the col-
liquative sweats  which attend the last stage of consumption, no
method of cure can be relied upon*
          INFLAMMATION OF THE BLADDER.

  Tension or hardness, and great pain in  the region of the blad
der, a frequent desire to make water, with difficulty  in voiding
It, and sometimes a total suppression, together  with tenesmus
and fevef, and a hard pulse, are the distinguishing symptoms of
this complaint.  There is frequently sickness at the stomach and
Vomiting, and in some cases delirium.
  Inflammation of the bladder is rarely a  primary disease ; ari-
sing most commonly in consequence of inflammation of the ad-
jacent parts,  or  from stone in the bladder.  It may  also some-
times  be  occasioned by a great distention of the bladder, in con-
sequence of a suppression of urine from any cause whatever.
  Treatment.—In the treatment of this complaint, care should
be taken  to keep the bowels loose, and to prevent any accumu-
lation of  the fasces in the rectum.  For this object, laxative  in-
jections  should be freely  used,  and  if necessary, some laxative
medicine taken into the stomach.   To answer either of these pur-
poses, castor oil,  slippery  elm,  or the butternut syrup, may
be employed.
  The slippery elm taken into the stomach, will also have an
effect  to shield and  soothe the inflamed part;  and thus have a
tendency to allay the irritation attendant upon this complaint.—
Frequent doses of  the cayenne and nerve  powder, should  also
-»* taken, and a hot stone placed near the part affected.
  Bathing the region of the bladder  with the tincture of myrrh, 
04           INFLAMMATION OF THE BRAIN.
or any other  stimulating  wash, will also have a good effect.—~
Fomentation with cloths wrung out of a hot decoction of hops,
may also be very serviceable in allaying the intense pain.
  But if these means do not afford  relief, or if the attack be very
violent, a course of medicine should be resorted to immediately,
and repeated as the  circumstances  of the case may require, as
being the most certain means of speedily  arresting the inflam-
mation.  The plan above recommended, should also be pursued
between the courses of medicine, with the addition of  the bitter
tonic, or a tea of poplar bark and sumach leaves.
    INFLAMMATION  OF THE BRAIN,  OR PHRENSY.
  Phrensy, properly speaking, is either an inflammation of the
brain, or of any of the membranes which surround it within the
cranium*
  The characteristics of this complaint are,  high fever, severe
 f>ain in the head,  redness of the face and  eyes,  intolerance of
 ight and sound, watchfulness, and violent  delirium.
  This disease, like many others, is sometimes a primary affec-
tion, but oftener symptomatic of some  other complaint; being
primary or idiopathic, when it exists independent of any other
disorder; and symptomatic, when it arises  in consequence of
some other disease, as fevers, &c.
  Violent fits of passion, intense study, excessive venery, exter»
nal  violence, such as  blows on the head, concussions, fractures
of the skull, an immoderate use of strong drink, long continued
exposure to the rays  of the sun, &c, &c, are the most common
causes which give rise to idiopathic inflammation of the brain.
  Primary phrensy is usually preceded by long  continued and
almost constant wakefulness or watching, or if the  patient in-
clines a little to sleep, he has frightful  dreams ;  acute  pains at
first in the neck and  back part  of the head,  which  afterwards
extend to the whole head; deep breathing  comes on, with ina-
bility to  recollect circumstances which  have lately happened,
suppression of urine, and an irregular pulse.
  As the disease advances,  the  eyes sparkle, and are violently
agitated,  attended  by a ferocity of countenance, with universal
restlessness, deafness, great confusion of ideas,  violent ravings,
intolerance of light, visible pulsation in the arteries of the neck
and  temples, with the  most furious delirium.  The  tongue is
dry, rough, and of a yellow or black color; the face is of a deep
red, and  the pulse is  small,  quick, and hard.
  When inflammation  of the brain arises  in consequence of
some other disease, such as acute  fever,  or some inflammatory
affection, it is usually accompanied with inability to  sleep, con* 
              INFLAMMATION OF THE BRAIN.           95

slant watching, delirium, picking at the bed clothes, redness and
fierceness of the eyes, wild look,  and deep breathing.
  This complaint is distinguished from madness, by the  quick-
ness of the pulse, the attendant fever, and pain in the head; and
from that kind of delirium which  occurs in low fevers unaccom-
panied with inflammation, by the appearance of the countenance
and eyes ; for in the true phrensy the face is red,  the features
are rather enlarged  than shrunk, and  the eyes stand out of the
head and sparkle; whereas in  the delirium of  low fevers, the
face is pale, the features shrunk,  and the eyes.are pearly.
  Phrensy, whether primary or  symptomatic, is always to be
regarded  as a dangerous and  alarming complaint; frequently
proving fatal  between the third  and  seventh day; or  if long
protracted often terminates in madness and great prostration of
strength, or in stupor and insensibility.
   Grinding of the  teeth, white or ash-colored  stools, suppres-
sion of ikine, startings of the limbs or twitchings,  convulsions,
cold sweats, fluttering pulse, and  coma or sleepiness, denote a
fatal termination.
   But, on the contrary, if there comes on a copious hemorrhage
or bleeding from the nose, mouth, lungs,  or urinary passages ;
if the delirium is relieved by sleep, and the patient remembers
his dreams ; and if the perspiration becomes free and general;
with the deafness  diminished  or removed; the pulse less fre-
quent, but fuller and soft, and the feverish symptoms more mild,
then there are hopes of a recovery.
   Treatment.—Whenever an attack of  phrensy is  perceived,
no time should be lost  in adopting the most energetic measures
to allay the inflammation.  In the first place, three or four ca-
thartic pills should  be administered, to operate as a purge; and
if the bowels are costive, stimulating injections should be used
to forward the operation.
   Whilst we are waiting for the pills to produce  the  desired
 effect, the patient should have repeated doses of the cayenne,
 which will not only have a tendency to promote the operation
 of the pills, but will also assist  in  keeping up the strength of
 the patient, and in  promoting perspiration.
   Milk porridge, broth,  or  soup, should  also  be  given to the
 patient whilst under the influence of the physic to prevent the
 debility which attends the active  operation of cathartics ;  and  if
the pain in the head be very violent, cold water, or snow or ice
 and water, may be applied to it by means of wet cloths, and re-
peated as often as they become warm.
   Immediately after the operation of the pills, if the symptoma
 be not very much abated, the patient should be  taken through a
 full course of medicine, which  must be repeated at  suitable
 intervals until he  is out of danger.   Between  the courses, he
                  7 
96            INFLAMMATION OF THE EYES.
should have frequent doses of cayenne, whilst every other meaffs
of promoting perspiration should be carefully attended to; and
also frequently administering injections, or if the bowels do not
continue quite loose, another dose of the pills should be given
after two or three days.   The  head should also be kept coo!
with water or vinegar, and raised  as  high as the patient can
comfortably  permit.   The feet should also be  occasionally
bathed in warm  water, to which has been added a little pearl'
ash or white lye  j and have  either hot bricks or drafts, of the
leaves of common cabbage,  skunk cabbage,  or horse radish,
wilted by the fire, applied to them.
  During the whole course of the disease,  the patient  must be
kept as quiet as possible, having the light excluded from  him J-
with nourishing  food  and cold drink,  which,  if he prefer itf
may be acidulated with vinegar.
            INFLAMMATION OF THE  EYES,
  Soreness of the eyes may arise in consequence of some oth*'
er disease, or it may be occasioned  by other circumstances.
  The most common causes of sore eyes are external  injuries,
such as blows, bruises, or other wounds on  or about  the eye ;;
extraneous or foreign bodies getting under the eye-lids ; some
of the eye-lashes growing too near the  inner edges of the lids,
or the ends turning inward and irritating the eye ;  exposure to
eold or to cold dry winds ; acrid fumes, such as the smoke of
coal, wood, or turf; exposure of the eyes to a  strong light; in-^
temperance  in drinking; reading  or performing any  kind of
work requiring close attention  of the eyes  by candle light; and
it is supposed sometimes to arise from an acrimony in the blood.
It is also  thought occasionally to take place from contagion ; and
often prevails as  an epidemic,  in which case it  must proceed
from a vitiated state of the atmosphere.
  Inflammation of the eyes often comes on with a sensation as
if sand had by some means got into the eye, which is  especiab
ly the case at evening.  In some instances this complaint pro*
ceeds no further but gradually  goes off.  But at  other times it
is followed by, or accompanied with, heat, redness, and prick-
ing, with darting pains.   Sometimes they continue  in this  situ-
ation through the whole course of  the  disease ; whilst hi other
cases, the eye-lids swell', the vessels of  the eye beeome full and
enlarged; great pain is excited in moving the ball of the  eye ;
the patient cannot bear the light, and water issues from the eye
of so acrid a nature that it seems like scalding the  skin where-
ever it touches; and in  the highest stages of inflammation, the
whole eye seems as if filled' with hot water.
  In extreme cases of inflamed eyes, if the inflammation can-' 
INFLAMMATION  OF THE EYES.
97
not be speedily checked, suppuration will  ensue which has
sometimes  ended in the  complete destruction of the  eye-ball,
and loss of sight.
  Treatment.—As many cases  of sore eyes no  doubt  occur
from  the circumstance of wild hairs growing in the eye  with-
out the fact being suspected,  it would be well in all cases which
do  not occur epidemically, and especially when but one eye is
affected, to inspect the eye critically before applying any kind of
medicine ; as we have found in many instances, after the patient
had been tortured  with washes and eye-waters  to no purpose,
that the whole difficulty was caused by very fine hair or hairs
growing in such a way as to come in contact with the eye-ball.
These wild  hairs, as they  are  termed, are often so extremely
fine and delicate as to be imperceptible to the best eye only when
placed in a certain position to the light: therefore, if  they  are
not readily  discovered,  the  inflamed  eye should be placed in
different positions, and  thus the  hairs may ultimately be per-
ceived. A little practice will be very beneficial in enabling a person
to discover them with facility.  These hairs are to be removed
by  plucking them  out with small forceps or tweezers,  when the
soreness of the eye will soon cease.
   A  vast many external remedies have been recommended  and
used  for inflamed  eyes, sometimes one and sometimes another
appearing to afford  relief;  whilst at other times nothing  has
seemed of any avail.
   Washing the eyes with salt and water, or with  sweet milk
and water, will often reduce the   inflammation and remove  the
pain; and  in those cases where there is a sensation of sand in
the eye, with little or no inflammation, the application at eve-
ning, of a little soft tallow from  the candle will give ease.
   A very good eye-water may  be made by steeping the  leaves
which remain on the beech tree during the winter, and applying
it cold, by means  of a rag,  to the eye; or the pith of sassafras
may be steeped in cold water, and applied in the same way.
   We have also heard a wash for the eye highly spoken of, pre-
pared nearly as follows :  Take of the limbs and twigs of  sas-
safras, and steep a strong decoction, which must be strained and
a portion of mare's milk added to it.
   Dr. S. Thomson directs an eye-water to  be made in the fol-
lowing manner :  Take white pond-lily, marsh-rosemary,  witch-
hazle, and red raspberry leaves,  make a strong tea of all or eith-
er of these articles, and  add  one third the  quantity of No. 6,
and  a small portion of cayenne  pepper.   A little of  this is to
be  introduced  into  the eyes several times a day; and every
morning wash the eyes by holding the face in clear water, and
open and  shut  them until  well washed.  Instead of the  No.
6, the tincture of myrrh may be  used.
   Vot. II.—I                13 
98        INFLAMMATION OF THE INTESTINES.

  Dr. W. H. Anderson, of Warren county, Ohio, makes a ve
ry valuable eye-water by mixing at discretion the tincture of lo-
belia, water, and golden seal roots, finely pulverized,  which in
a day or two, may be carefully poured off, and kept in vials for
use.   A little of this may be dropped into the eye, or it may be
introduced into it any other way, several times a day.
  Some remarkable cures have been performed, by washing the
eyes in water in which potatoes have been boiled.
  A decoction of  the golden seal alone, is highly extolled as an
eye-water by many.
  Poultices made of slippery elm, or of lynn or basswood bark,
mixed with cold water, applied  to the eyes, and renewed as of-
ten as they become warm, have often proved highly beneficial.
Before they are laid on the  eyes, a  thin cloth should be spread
over them, to prevent  the  poultice from coming in immediate
contact with them.
  Other highly valuable preparations for the eyes, may be found
under the head " eye-waters,'" in this volume.
  But if these external applications  fail of the  desired effect,
we can recommend nothing better than Dr. Abernethy's rule,
which he laid  down for all diseases, viz:  " take  care  of the
stomach."  The  common course  of medicine,  in bad cases,
which do not yield to other means, such as mild cathartics, with
the astringent and bitter tonics, must be resorted to, minding al-
so to continue the external applications to the eye until the in-
flammation and soreness are gone.
  In some instances, the eyes, although the soreness is entirely
removed,  remain weak and diseased for some  time.  In these
cases, the eye-water should be made more stimulating with the
addition of cayenne or  brandy.
        INFLAMMATION OF THE INTESTINES.
  The characteristics of this complaint are, sharp pains in the
bowels, spreading round the navel, nausea, vomiting, obstinate
costiveness and fever; and it is principally to be distinguished from
colic by the quickness, hardness, and smallness of the pulse, and
by the pain being increased by pressure on  the abdomen, whilst
in colic this will afford relief.
  The causes of this complaint are, principally, acrid or irrita-
ting substances in the intestines, such as hardened fasces, or acrid
bile, Sic. Sic.; but more  frequently the  application of cold to
the feet, or the abdomen itself.  This disease  is more apt to oc-
cur with old than  young persons, and is very liable to a relapse
It also frequently proceeds with great irregularity;  the patier*
being at times comparatively  easy, and then again in much
distress. 
           INFLAMMATION OF THE INTESTINES.        99

  Inflammation of the bowels comes on with an acute pain, ex-
tending in general over the whole abdomen, but more especially
around the navel; the pain being greatly aggravated on pressure.
These symptoms are attended by belchings, sickness at the stom-
ach, a vomiting of bilious  matter, obstinate costiveness, thirst,
heat, great anxiety, and a quick, hard and small pulse.
  As  the disease progresses, the pain increases, the bowels be-
come  affected with spasms, the whole region of the abdomen is
highly painful to the touch, and appears as if drawn together in
knots; the most obstinate costiveness prevails, and the  urine is
voided with great difficulty and pain.
  This  complaint is to be regarded as one of much danger, and
may either go off by resolution,  or the inflammation may pro-
gress, and finally terminate in  ulceration, scirrus, or mortifica-
tion.  Death may also take place during the inflammatory stage;
and mortification sometimes occurs within a few hours from the
commencement of the disease.   This is  known  to  have com-
menced, by a sudden remission of the pain, sinking and irregu-
larity  of the pulse, shrinking of the features, cold  sweats, faint-
ing, suppression  of urine,  hickup, and distention of the  belly,
which gives a sound on being struck with the finger.
  If the pain abates gradually, if the costiveness gives way and
the stools  appear natural, if a universal  perspiration takes  place,
and the pube becomes firm and equal, or if a copious discharge
of loaded urine, with the same kind of pulse, comes on, a reso-
lution and favorable issue may  be anticipated.
  Its  termination in ulceration,  which  is  uncommon, can only
be known by an abatement of the feverish symptoms, attended
by occasional pains and rigors,  and a discharge of pus with the
stools.
  Treatment.—We may  commence the cure of inflammation
of the intestines with the free use of injections, and bathing the
whole abdomen and even body with the anti-emetic drops, and
cloths may be wet in the same and  laid on the  bowels.  This
last will not only materially assist in reducing the inflammation,
but will also help to loosen the bowels, and promote the opera-
tion of other medicines.
  After the administration of a few injections, some of which
should be  composed of slippery elm bark steeped  in catnip tea,
no time should be lost in taking the patient through a thorough
course of medicine ; and whilst under the operation  of the emetic,
care must be taken to keep a hot stone or brick near the  bowels.
If the course of medicine  do not remove the pain, frequent doses
of the diaphoretic  powders and cayenne, as well  as injections,
must be administered, and  all  other suitable  means adopted to
keep up a lively perspiration.   Bathing the bowels should also
be repeated, as often as is necessary, to keep the excitement on 
100         INFLAMMATION OF THE  KIDNEYS.

the skin, to which may be added fomentations with hot cloths,
bitter herbs, or hops.
  Purgative medicines are highly improper in inflammation of
the intestines,  and should never be administered.
  The course of medicine must, if necessary, be repeated at dis-
cretion, according to  the  violence of the symptoms;  and the
strength and appetite restored, by the use of the bitter tonic.
  As this complaint is exceedingly  liable to a relapse from the
slightest causes,  the greatest care and circumspection should be
observed after  the disease is removed.   Improper  food  and ex-
posure to cold  must be carefully avoided, and  if costiveness oc-
cur, it ought to be immediately removed by injections.
          INFLAMMATION OF THE KIDNEYS.
  This complaint is considered of two kinds, which are no way
different only in the causes which produce them, and in the seats
of the inflammation.   One  kind is occasioned by the gravel or
stone, and is seated in the internal parts; the other is produced
by the common causes of inflammation, and is seated principally
in the membrane of the external part of the kidney ; which last
is the disease we intend to treat of here;  the other having been
sufficiently noticed under the head of gravel.
  Inflammation of the kidneys may be distinguished from colic,
by the pain  being seated  far back, and by the urine being of a
deep  red color, voided frequently, and in small quantity at a
time ; and it may be known from rheumatism, by the pain not
being much  increased by motion.
  From the  inflammation attending the gravel or stone, this com-
plaint may be known by the fever which attends it from the first,
and by the absence of some of the symptoms attending the gravel,
such as numbness of the thigh, retraction of the testicle, Sic.
  The causes which give rise to  inflammation of  the kidneys
are, external bruises, strains  of  the back, acrid substances con-
veyed to the kidneys in the blood, violent and severe exercise,
either  in riding or walking, exposure to cold, &c, &c.   There
seems in some an evident predisposition to this complaint, par-
ticularly in  persons  of gouty habits.
  Inflammation  of  the kidney is attended with a sharp pain on
the  affected side, extending downward along the course of the
ureter, and there is a frequent desire to pass the urine, with much
difficulty in  voiding it; the bowels are  costive, the skin is dry
and hot, the patient feels great uneasiness when he attempts to
walk  or sit  upright, he lies with most ease on  the affected side.
and is often  afflicted with nausea and  vomiting, costiveness, and
colic pains. 
INFLAMMATION OF THE  UVER.          101
  When this complaint continues beyond the seventh or eighth
day and the patient feels an obtuse pain in the affected part, has
frequent returns of chilliness and shiverings, then there is rea-
son to apprehend that matter is forming in the kidney, and that
suppuration will ensue.
  Remission of the pain, fever, and tension,  followed  by a co-
pious discharge of high oolored mucous urine, universal sweat-
ing, or a flow of blood from the hemorrhoidal veins, are favora-
ble symptoms.
  The terminations of this complaint are similar to those of
other inflammations,  either by resolution, suppuration, scirrus,
or mortification,  though the latter is  rare.  In some cases of
dissection after death, it has been found that abscesses had been
formed by  which  nearly the  whole  substance  of the kidney
was  destroyed; and a few instances have occurred in which the
kidney was scirrous and prodigiously enlarged; whilst  others
have been met with in which it was nearly wasted away.
  Treatment.—This disease  must be treated by bathing with
some stimulating wash, by injections, and by courses of medi-
cine, similar to what was directed for inflammation of the intes-
tines.  In addition to this, a moderately strong decoction of the
peach tree leaves or bark, may be taken in the quantity of a pint
or so, in a day, as directed in the treatment of bloody urine.
            INFLAMMATION OF THE  LIVER.

   This disease is generally  considered as  of two kinds; the
acute and chronic; the acute  exhibiting the ordinary symptoms
of inflammation ; whilst in the chronic they are often  scarcely
perceptible.  Dr. Clutterbuck, however, discards the idea of
such a distinction, and considers them " only different degrees
of the same affection.1'
   Besides the  causes  producing other inflammations,  such as
the application  of cold, external injuries, &c,  this eomplaint
may be produced by passions of the mind, by violent exercise in
which the liver may receive  heavy concussions  or jars,  by in-
tense summer heats, by long continued intermittent and  remit-
tent fevers, and by solid coneretions, termed gall-stones,  in the
substance of the liver.  But  it is more frequently produced, of
late years, by that scourge of eivilized man, the use of mercury!
   In hot climates the liver is more often the seat of inflamma-
tion than any other  part of the system; and hence its common
prevalence in the East and West Indies.
   In  severe cases of liver complaint, or in that kind termed
acute, there is a pain sometimes in the left side, but more com-
monly in the right, which is increased on pressing upon it with
   Vol. IL—j2          ]9 
102          INFLAMMATION OF THE LIVER.
the fingers.   There is also a pain in the top of the right shoul-
der, and sometimes in the clavicle or collar bone ; and with these
symptoms there is a cough, oppressive breathing, and difficulty
of lying, excepting on the side affected.   Nausea and vomiting
of bilious matter  often attend, and in one case we  saw, in the
latter  stage,  the  matter  thrown up,  as  well  as what passed
downward, resembled coffee grounds; the  bowels are  generally
costive, though sometimes relaxed;  the stools are clay-colored ;
the urine of a saffron  color, and  small in quantity; the appetite
is lost, and there  is great thirst, with a strong,  hard,  and  fre-
quent pulse, hot skin, and the tongue  is covered with a white or
yellowish fur.  When the  disease has  continued  for several
days,  the skin and eyes become tinged of a deep or dark yellow,
which is particularly the case  when the disease is caused by
gall-stones in the liver.
  The symptoms which  we have just been describing, are such
as attend  the worst forms  of liver complaint; and should we
attempt to give a description of  the  " different degrees" of  this
disease, we must trace it  through an almost imperceptible grada-
tion, from the most violent affections of fever and  pain, down
to cases in which  the diseased action is scarcely, if at all, per-
ceptible even to the patient himself.
  In ordinary cases, however, of liver complaint, there may be
a slight pain in the side or shoulder, with a sense of debility and
great aversion to  motion, though at times the patient  will feel
more active and energetic.  He will also often be oppressed with
dull, heavy, gloomy sensations, which are generally  worse in
the morning,  at which time there will frequently be a faint, mor-
bid, and weak feeling in  the stomach, sometimes extending be-
low it into the intestines.  There is also, at times, an unpleasant
sensation produced by breathing, which is worse or better, in
correspondence with the morbid feelings of the stomach.  Along
with these symptoms  there is a most disagreeable taste, and  col-
lection of sticky,  nauseous matter, in the  mouth, during sleep,
with a very bad breath.
  The appetite is commonly  impaired, though  sometimes it  is
morbidly increased; the stools are clay-colored, the bowels cos-
tive ; a weakness and trembling  is often induced by  slight exer-
tion, and a general agitation of the nervous system ensues.
  Inflammation of the liver may readily be distinguished from
that of the lungs,  by the pain in the shoulder, by the yellowness
of the skin, by the less difficulty of breathing, and by the cough
being in general accompanied with an expectoration of matter.
  This disease, like most other inflammations,  may end in res-
olution, suppuration,  mortification,  or scirrus,  in which latter
case,  the  liver becomes  swelled and  hard.  A  termination in
mortification  is, however, a rare occurrence.  When it runs  iutx> 
INFLAMMATION OF THE LUNGS.          103
suppuration, the matter may be discharged externally through
the side, in consequence of the liver adhering to it; or  it may
pass off by the biliary ducts,  into the intestines, or it may be
discharged into the thorax or abdomen, in which case it will soon
prove fatal.  It, however,  very rarely ends in suppuration in
cold climates   Persons addicted to the use of ardent spirits are
most liable to  scirrosities of the liver.
   Treatment.—Liver complaints are often  obstinate  to cure,
and sometimes, indeed, are quite beyond the reach of medicine.
The chronic form, especially, is frequently so insidious in its
attacks, that it is  very often suffered to go on for years before
any  serious attempts are made to check its progress  ; when it is,
in many instances, too late to do any thing more than palliate
the symptoms, and make the patient a little more comfortable.
   In cases of inflammation of the liver, the cure may be com-
menced by giving three or four cathartic pills, which should  be
followed by occasional doses of cayenne ; and if there be severe
pain in the side, it should  be bathed with the bathing drops, or
some stimulating wash, and have a hot brick or stone applied to
it.   During the operation of the pills, the strength of the patient
should be supported, by milk porridge, broth or gruel; and after
it is  over, the bittei  tonic, with  additional doses of capsicurn,
ought to be freely used.   If the complaint be of the acute kind,
and the severe pain of the side be not abated after the pills have
ceased to operate, no time  should be lost in administering a thor-
ough course of medicine, which must be repeated,  at discretion,
until the violence  of the disease has subsided.   The pills may
also be repeated, if necessary, every two or three days, until the
disease is removed.
   If the complaint be of the chronic kind, the principal depen-
dence to effect a cure, should be placed  in  the cathartic  pills,
given two or three times a week,  with the laxative bitter tonic
several times  a day,  to  keep  the bowels loose and strengthen
the  digestive  powers.  A strengthening plaster applied  to the
region  of the liver,  will also be found beneficial.   We ought,
however, to administer a course of medicine after the  operation
of the first dose of pills, and  repeat it once or twice a week af-
terwards.  To strengthen  the nervous system, the nervine pow-
der  or its tincture should be taken in such quantity, and ■»» such
times, as the circumstances of the case may require.
            INFLAMMATION OF THE LUNGS.

  This complaint is characterized by a dull pain in some part of
the chest, difficulty of breathing, cough, frequent and common
ly full, hard pulse, white tongue, high colored urine, &c 
104          INFLAMMATION OF THE LUNGS.
  Inflammation of the lungs  is mostly caused by exposure to
cold: though it is occasionally produced by violent exertions in
singing, or by playing on wind instruments.  It  also appears as
a symptomatic affection in some diseases, such as measles,  ca-
tarrh, Sic.   Persons who have had one attack of inflammation
of the lungs, are found to be predisposed to returns of it.
  It comes on with an obtuse or  dull pain some where in the
chest, or side, great difficulty in breathing, especially if the pa-
tient attempt to lie on the affected side, hard cough, dry skin, heat,
anxiety, flushing of the face, and thirst.   The pain in the chest
is very much increased by coughing, or by drawing a deep full
breath.  The pulse, at first, is most commonly full, strong, hard
and frequent; but in the latter stages, it usually becomes weak,
soft, and often irregular.  At the  commencement, the cough is
frequently dry ; but in some cases  it is moist even from the be-
ginning.   The  matter spit up is various both  in  color and con-
sistence, being  often streaked with  blood; at which, however,
no alarm need be  taken.
  If relief  oe not seasonably afforded, and  the  inflammation
proceed with such violence  as to threaten suffocation, the ves-
sels of the neck become turgid and swelled ; the  face turns pur-
ple, an effusion of blood into the cellular substance of the lungs
takes place, so as to  impede the circulation through them, and
death soon closes the scene.
  Suppuration sometimes occurs, and may happen  once in a
while during the first week of the disease, but more usually in
the  second, which is to be known by an abatement of the pain
and sense of fullness in the part, slight shiverings, the patient is
able to lie with greater  ease on the affected side,  the feverish
symptoms  abate,  and the  breathing is less painful,  but  more
oppressed.
  When the collection of matter comes to maturity, it sometimes
bursts into the air vessels or cells, and causes immediate suffo-
cation ;  whilst at other times it will be spit up.   The spitting
often continues long,  and the patient appears as  in a consump-
tion.  Sometimes the matter bursts into the thorax, in which
case there is a possibility of recovery.
  The complaint  is, in some  instances, carried  off  by a great
flow of urine, which deposits a copious sediment, or by a diar-
rhoea, by sweats, by bleeding from the nose, or by a free expec-
toration of matter from the lungs, without which  last, inflamma-
tions of the lungs  very rarely terminate.
  A high degree of fever, attended with delirium, much difficulty
of breathing, acute pain, dry cough, or if there be an  expectora-
tion of a very dark color, or a sudden cessation of the pain, or
of the expectoration, followed by a change of countenance, or a 
INFLAMMATION OF THE LUNGS.
105
lividness of the  lips, and sinking or irregularity of the pulse
these denote great danger.
  But on the contrary,  an  abatement of the fever, and of the
pain and difficulty of breathing, taking place on  the coming on
of a free expectoration, or at the accession of any other critical
evacuation,  such as  a copious  discharge of urine, diarrhoea, or
bleeding at  the  nose,  we  then may calculate on a favorable
termination.
  Treatment.—As this disease runs its course,  and proves fa-
tal, sometimes in a very few days, the most energetic measures
should be taken  at the very  outset; as by doing this, much pain
and hazard, and  even life  itself, may often be saved.   A most
thorough course of medicine should be immediately resorted to,
and repeated daily until  the violent symptoms are abated, and the
patient out of danger.   A strong tea of the butterfly or  pleurisy
root, taken freely, will be found to relieve the difficulty of breath-
ing and  promote  expectoration, as well as to reduce the in-
flammation.  After the  course of medicine, if the bowels are in
a morbid condition, a dose of some cathartic medicine should be
taken, for which purpose castor oil, black root, or butternut syrup
will answer a good purpose; always remembering, not only in
this, but in  all other complaints, to  make  injections  answer to
keep  the bowels regular if possible.   Bathing the region of the
pain with equal parts tincture of lobelia and myrrh, or any stim-
ulating wash, will be found very serviceable.
   When the difficulty of breathing is great, frequent doses, con-
sisting of from half to a whole  tea-spoonful of the tincture of lo-
belia, must  be administered; and if  this does not afford consid-
erable relief, the same quantity of the antispasmodic tincture must
be used instead of the lobelia tincture.  These directions should
by no means be disregarded, as the safety of the patient, in the
most violent cases, will very much depend upon it.  The vapor
of vinegar and  water inhaled  into the lungs,  as hot as can be
borne, will also be found an excellent method of obtaining relief
from  the pain and difficulty of breathing.   It will likewise have
a tendency  to promote either the resolution or suppuration of the
inflammation.  This process may be often repeated,  with the
happiest effects.   For the method of its application, see treat-
ment of inflammatory sore throat.  Slippery  elm tea  or other
mucilaginous drinks should likewise be freely used.
   In  bad cases, much care must also be taken to  keep up a per-
spiration, by the free use of cayenne, and the application of hot
rocks, as a  great deal will depend, in the worst forms of the com-
plaint, on attention to  this circumstance.   After the disease is
removed, the strength and appetite must be restored by the use
of the bitter tonic.
                              14 
106
INFLAMMATORY  FEVER.
                INFLAMMATORY  FEVER.
  This fever is characterized by much increased heat, frequent,
strong, and hard pulse;  the urine is red; with but little  or no
affection of the brain at the commencement; although in the ad-
vanced stages, the mind may be much impaired.
  An inflammatory fever is considered by the generality of med-
ical men, as a state of the system directly the reverse of that of
typhus; as in fevers of the typhus, or typhoid type, instead of the
pulse being full, strong, and  hard, it is  small and weak, with
symptoms of great debility.  But, in reality, the state of the  sys-
tem in both cases is the same,  varying only in the degree of its
strength or weakness, or in the force of the living power.  This
variation is  produced by the exciting causes of the disease and
the state or condition of the system when those causes are ap-
plied to it.
  For instance, if a  person in the vigor of life, and in  sound
health, is exposed to cold  which  produces  fever, it will almost
assuredly be of an inflammatory character.  On the other hand,
if a person of weak lax fibers, or one who leads a sedentary and
inactive life, which  always impairs bodily vigor, becomes ex-
posed to the causes that produce  typhus  fever,  (contagion and
the depressing passions) the fever will certainly be of the typhoid
type or kind.   These examples, we think, are sufficient to illus-
trate  our ideas.
  An inflammatory fever comes on with a sense of lassitude and
inactivity,  or weariness,  succeeded  by giddiness, rigors,  and
pains over the whole body, particularly  in the head and back.
These symptoms are shortly  followed by  redness of the face,
throbbing of the temples, great restlessness, intense heat,  thirst,
oppression of breathing, and sickness at the stomach.   The skin
is dry and parched ; the eyes appear inflamed, and are  incapable
of bearing the light;  the tongue is of a scarlet color at  the sides,
and furred with white through the middle ;  the urine is red and
in small quantity; the bowels are costive; and there is a quick-
ness, with a  fullness and  hardness of the pulse,  which  is not
much affected by  pressure  upon the  artery. If the feverish
symptoms run high, and the disease be not removed at an early
period, stupor and delirium come on at a more advanced  stage;
the imagination becomes much disturbed and hurried, with vio-
lent raving.
   The disease, if left to itself, goes through its course in about
fourteen days, and terminates either by a  moist sweat,  diarrhoea,
bleeding from the nose, or the deposit of a  copious  sediment
in the urine; preceded usually by some variation in the state of
the pulse.
   If the fever runs high or continues many days  with a  very 
INFLAMMATORY SORE THROAT.          10?
quick pulse, flushed turgid face, red eyes,  intolerance of light,
with giddiness, or early stupor and delirium, the event may be
doubtful; and  if, besides these, there  is a picking at the bed
clothes, slartings of  the limbs, involuntary discharges by stool
and urine, with hickups, the disease will then certainly termi-
nate in death.
   But, on the  contrary, if the feverish symptoms abate, and all
the others become more moderate, and  a moist sweat breaks out,
the urine  deposits a brick-like  sediment, and the pulse becomes
more soft, or a bleeding takes place from the nose, or a diarrhoea
comes on, we  may then expect a recovery to follow.
   Treatment.—In  a violent attack of this  complaint no time
should be lost in administering  a  course  of medicine,  which
should be repeated every day until the  urgent symptoms are re-
moved.   The  forehead and temples may be wetted occasionally
with cold water, or with vinegar and  water,  if there  be much
pain ; and injections  should be freely used.
   If the bowels are  much out  of  order, a cathartic may  be ad-
ministered after the first course of medicine, and afterwards re-
peated if  necessary.
   In milder cases, the fever may  often be reduced by bathing
the whole surface of the body  with  a weak  alkaline  wash,
which softens  and relaxes the skin  and promotes perspiration.
This  process may also be advantageously resorted to  in  worse
cases, and may supersede the vapor bath, or it may be employ-
ed immediately preceding that operation, by  which  sweating
will be the more readily  induced.   The alkaline wash always
has a tendency to  reduce the heat of fever, and is very grateful
to the patient.
   During the recovery, the bitter tonic ought to be used to pro
mote the appetite and strengthen  the digestive  powers;  and if
costiveness arise, injections or some mild physic must  be ad-
ministered.  Strict attention must also be paid  to diet; scrupu-
lously avoiding to over-load the stomach, and  shun  all other
causes likely to produce a relapse.
            INFLAMMATORY SORE THROAT.

  Slight cases  of this complaint are  commonly termed sore
throat; but if it proceed further, and threaten to suppurate, it is
usually called quincy or quinzy.
  Inflammatory  sore throat or quinzy, may  be  readily distin-
guished from the malignant sore throat, by the greater strength
of the pulse, and difficulty of  swallowing, and by the  absence
of ulcers in the throat, as well as by there being  no eruption of
the  skin. 
108          INFLAMMATORY SORE THROAT.
  The causes which usually give rise to this complaint are, «x
posure to cold, either from sudden changes of weather or  from
being placed in a current of air, wearing damp clothes, sitting
in wet rooms,  getting the feet  wet, or by coming suddenly out
of a hot room  into the open and cool air.  It may also be occa-
sioned by violent exertions of the  voice,'blowing on  wind in-
struments, Sic.  Sic.
  It principally attacks youth, or those of a  full habit, being
chiefly confined to  cold climates, and  occurs usually  in the
spring or fall.
  In some persons there seems to be  a peculiar tendency to this
disease, as from almost any exposure to  the exciting causes, it
is readily induced.
  An inflammatory  sore throat manifests itself by a difficulty of
swallowing and  breathing,  attended  by  soreness, redness, and
swelling in one or both tonsils, dryness of the throat, foulness
of the tongue, pains in the part affected, hoarseness of the voice,
and some  degree of  fever.
  As the disease advances, the difficulty  of  swallowing  and
breathing becomes greater, the speech is indistinct, the  dryness
of the throat and the thirst increase,  the tongue swells,  and is
incrusted with a dark fur, and the pulse is full, hard, and frequent.
  When the symptoms run high, the whole face partakes of it,
the eyes are inflamed ; the cheeks  are florid and swelled; breath-
ing is performed with difficulty, and the  patient is obliged to be
supported in nearly an erect posture to prevent suffocation.
Deafness, delirium,  and coma, sometimes occur.
  If the inflammation and  swelling proceed to such a height as
to stop the breathing, the face will become livid, the pulse sinks,
and the disease is quickly  ended by death.
  The chief danger arising from this complaint is, the  inflam-
mation attacking both tonsils at once,  and  causing  so much
swelling as to prevent a sufficient quantity  of  nourishment be*
ing taken; or  by wholly impeding respiration  or breathing;
which last, however, seldom happens.   Its  most usual termina-
tion is in resolution, more  rarely in  suppuration,  and scarcely
ever in mortification.
  Slight  fever,  swallowing not much impeded, the inflammation
being of a deep red  color, moist sweat, and a copious ptyalistn
or spitting, or moderate diarrhoea, may be  regarded as denoting
a termination of the complaint in resolution.
  But if suppuration is likely to  ensue, the  parts affected be*
come more pale and less painful, a sense of pulsation is felt in
them, and there are slight rigors  or chills.  The suppuration
sometimes takes place at the lower part of the tonsils, and then
the matter is discharged into the oesophagus or gullet, and passes
into the stomach, which is only known to  have happened by 
INFLAMMATORY SORE THROAT.          log
the immediate relief which the patient experiences.   At other
times the suppuration takes place at the upper or front part  of
the tonsils, and the  matter is discharged by the mouth, being of
a clotted appearance, often mixed with blood, of a nauseating
bitter taste, and foetid smelb
   The relief which is  often obtained by the discharge of mat-
ter is very remarkable  from its  suddenness;  for the patient,
who a fevf moments before was not able  to  swallow the small-
est quantity  of any thing, and moreover breathed with the great-
est difficulty, now feels perfectly easy, and is able to eat and
drink freely.
   Sometimes, however, the disease  does not terminate by a pro-
per suppuration, but by several small  abscesses, which produce
trifling  superficial ulcers, of a white or gray color;  whereas,
those in the putrid or malignant sore throat, are of a dark brown,
or black color.
   If mortification is about to take place,  the parts affected lose
their red shining color,  and  from being tense  and tumid, they
become flaccid or soft and loose, and their color changes to livid
or brown ;  the pulse, from being strong, becomes small,  weak,
and irregular ; the face  assumes a cadaverous or deathly appear-
ance ; cold, clammy sweats break out; the extremities are cold;
coma and debility ensue ; and death closes the scene !  Termi-
nations  of this kind are, however, very rare.
   Treatment.—In mild cases of sore throat, a strong  tea of the
witch-hazle leaves, and golden seal, with the fourth  of a tea-
spoonful of  cayenne in each dose, occasionally  repeated, will
generally  remove it.  In worse cases the throat should be gar-
gled with the same article ;  at  the  same  time keeping the neck
warm by the application of a flannel cloth, or  woolen cravat.—
The front part of the neck, or throat, may  also be bathed with
pepper and vinegar, or the bathing drops ; and the patient should
Inhale the vapor of vinegar and water, which may be applied by
an inhaler, or by putting the vinegar and  water hot into a coffee
 fiot, and then dropping  a small red hot stone into it, closing the
 id, and holding the spout near the face of the patient, who
should inhale the steam as hot as he can  bear it.  This process
ought to be  often performed, particularly where  there is much
pain and difficulty of breathing.
   The placing of a small quantity of# cayenne pepper, in pow-
der, on  the back part of the tongue, as near as may be to the part
affected, the patient endeavoring so to breathe as not to take any
of the pepper into his lungs, has produced the most decided and
happy effects.  The operation should be  repeated1 at suitable in-
tervals, until the inflammation is removed.
   But if the use  of these means does not afford timely relief, or
if the attack be sudden and violent,  then in addition to these,  a
   Vol. II.—K 
110
INFLUENZA OR CATARRH.
course of medicine should be resorted to, and repeated as often,
and at such  intervals, as the exigencies of the case may appear
to require.
  In addition to what has been recommended, a poultice of slip-
pery elm and cracker, made very stimulating by the plentiful ad-
dition of ginger and cayenne, and applied to the throat, will al-
ways be found very serviceable;  and in extreme cases,  a gargle
of the tincture of lobelia, with capsicum, has been used.   And
if swallowing be so interrupted that sufficient nourishment can-
not be taken, the patient must be  supported by injections of rich
broths, soups, or porridge.
               INFLUENZA  OR  CATARRH.
  This disease consists in an increased discharge of mucus from
the nose, throat, and wind-pipe, accompanied by a slight degree
of fever.
  It attacks persons of all ages and constitutions, but more par-
ticularly the young, and such as have had former affections of
the lungs ; and it may take place at any season of the year when
there are sudden changes of the weather, but it is  most common
in spring and fall.  It often prevails epidemically, and to this
form it is, that medical writers  apply the term influenza; whilst
cases that occur incidentally, are called catarrh or cold.   When
it prevails epidemically, it undoubtedly depends  upon the state
of the  atmosphere;  though in some cases it has been attributed
to contagion.
  In general it comes on with a dull pain or sense of weight in
the forehead,  sometimes preceded by a slight chill, a redness of
the eyes,  and a fullness and heat in the nostrils,  which is soon
followed by a discharge of thin acrid fluid from the nose, together
with a soreness in the wind-pipe, hoarseness, frequent sneezing,
dry cough, loss of appetite, and general lassitude; towards eve-
ning the pulse becomes considerably quickened, and a slight fe*
ver arises.
  In the  progress of the disorder the cough is attended by an
expectoration of mucus, which at first is thin, white, and thrown
off with  some difficulty; but becoming gradually thicker and
of a yellow color, it is at length brought up with  more ease and
less coughing.
  Influenza is seldom  attended with fatal consequences,  ex-
cepting with very young children, persons who are old and fee-
ble, or those  who are of a consumptive habit;  but usually ter-
minates in a few days, if not too much neglected, either bv  an
increased  expectoration, or a spontaneous sweat.  It, however
in some instances lays the foundation for pulmonary consump* 
INSANITY OR MADNESS.
Ill
tion, or produces a tendency to asthma, or dropsy of the chest.
Occasionally it becomes habitual, and is accompanied  with dif-
ficulty of breathing, especially in winter.
  The description which we have given,  only  applies to the
worst forms of this  disease, from which it may be traced, by
imperceptible gradations, down to cases  which do not interfere
with a person's ordinary business.
  Treatment.—In ordinary  cases of catarrh or  common cold,
little more,  in  general,  need be done than to avoid exposure,
and even this precaution is neglected in  thousands  of  instances
with impunity: but if  the health be sensibly affected, warm
stimulating drinks ought to be taken, such as  catnip,  mint,  or
pennyroyal  tea, or the diaphoretic powders or cayenne pepper.
In addition to this, the feet and legs may be bathed in water  as
hot as  can be borne, and as that in which the feet are immersed
becomes  cool more hot water must be  added to keep up the
temperature.  The bathing ought to be done before a warm fire,
and continued until  the  patient is in a free perspiration, when
one foot must be taken from the water,  wiped dry, rubbed all
over with  tincture  of myrrh or  other stimulating  drops, and
when these  are dried in  apply to the foot and leg a little cream
or oil.  The  other  foot and  leg must  then be served in the
same way.   This  method of treating common  colds was de-
rived from Dr. John Thomson, and, though  simple, may be
regarded  as  valuable.  He says that in cases where he had rea-
son to  believe that six courses of  medicine would be necessary
to cure a disease, the foregoing process had enabled him to ef-
fect it with two.  Its benefits, indeed, are not confined to colds
and catarrhs, but extend  to almost all other complaints.
  Should the foregoing means fail, recourse must then be had
to the vapor bath, an emetic, or a full course of medicine, as the
case may appear to require.  If there be  a troublesome cough,
any of the expectorants may be employed, together with stimu-
lants and tonics as in other cases of disease.
                INSANITY OR MADNESS.

   Various names have  been given to this disease, such  as
derangement, mania, craziness, &c.  It consists in a derange-
ment of the mental operations  of the brain,  generally unaccom-
panied with fever.
   Insanity has given rise to a great many  ingenious specula-
tions, and fine-spun theories, respecting its true definition, path-
ology,  &c; but as these cannot, consistently with our plan,  be
introduced here, we must refer those  of our readers who wish
to  obtain a knowledge of them,  to such works as have either
              8 
112
INSANITY OR MADNESS;
professedly, or incidentally, given the subject a more extensive
investigation.
  Writers generally divide insanity into two species, the melan*
cholic and furious ;  which are again subdivided,  by Dr. Good,
into several varieties.   But  of these divisions we think it  un-
necessary to take much notice.
  Madness is  occasioned, in general, by affections of the mind,.
such as  anxiety, grief, disappointed  love,  jealousy,  sudden
frights, violent fits of anger, prosperity humbled by misfortunesy
religious  terror or enthusiasm, and by abstruse study ; or it may
be produced by any thing which affects the mind so foreibly as
to take the attention from all other affairs.
  In some cases, insanity proceeds from an  hereditary predis-
position or constitutional bias ; and of all the maladies, says  Dr.
Thomas, to which the  human frame is liable, and whieh can be
entailed upon posterity, mental derangement is surely the most
deplorable.  It is  an  indisputable fact,  continues he, that  the
offspring of insane persons are more liable to be affected with
insanity, than  those whose parents have enjoyed sound minds ;<
which shows that a predisposition or constitutional  bias  to  the
disease may be entailed by either parent.
  The great variety of symptoms which not only attend the  on-
set of craziness, but also occur in every  stage of it, would ren-
der any description  of  the disease imperfect.  The dissimilarity
of causes which hare produced it, the different propensities  and
habits of life of different individuals, create, of course,  a great
diversity of symptoms in  different patients; all of which  are
continually modified by the circumstances which  immediately
surround them, or which incidentally take their attention.
  The most distinguishable symptoms which attend the melan-
cholic madness are, sadness, dejection of spirits, love  of soli-
tude, or a disposition not to  move, or if the patient walks  he
appears to be in a great hurry, exhibiting singular gestures, with
unwillingness  to talk, or if he does, his remarks are often very
incoherent.
  In furious madness,  the complaint often commences with se-
vere pains in the head, redness  of the  face,  noise  in the ears,
wildness of the countenance, rolling and glistening of the eyes
grinding of the teeth,  loud shouting or roaring, violent exer-
tions of strength, absurd, incoherent, or obscene discourse,  un-
accountable  maliee  towards eertain persons, particularly  the
nearest relatives and friends, a dislike to such plaees and seenes
as formerly afforded particalar delight," and withal, sensation is
so much impaired, that the unhappy patient will often bear to a
most astonishing extent, the effects of cold, hunger, and want
of sleep.
  The common form of insanity is that which is termed inter- 
INSANITY OR MADNESS.
Ii3
mittent, in which there  are  paroxysms  divided by intervals of
quietness, or rationality; and it is said that patients who are in
a furious state, recover in a much larger proportion than those
who are melancholic.  Under every form of the complaint, the
hope of a  recovery is usually proportionate to the length of time
which  has  elapsed  since the commencement  of  the  disease.
Advanced age always lessens the chances of cure ;  whilst youth
increases  them.
  It has been observed, that females are more liable to insanity
than males.
  Treatment.—This disease  requires both a mental and cor-
poreal  treatment; in the former of which, a great  deal of skill,
judgment, and acquaintance with human nature, are requisite to
apply it to the best advantage.
  It should always be a primary object to gain the confidence
of the  patient, and secure his respect and  obedience, which can
only be done  by a mild evenness of temper, and an  agreeable
dignity of manners.  When the confidence of the  poor maniac
is once obtained, a great deal will have been accomplished, and
the administration of suitable  remedies, in future,  rendered far
less difficult.
  If the disease has been occasioned by troubles or misfortunes
of any kind, endeavors should  be  used to excite a  different
train of thought, in order that the patient may forget  the cause
of his  wo.
  Such kinds of exercise as the individual is most fond of, should
be indulged; and even hard labor has been found highly  useful
in removing insanity.  In selecting the proper kinds of employ-
ment, strict regard should be paid to those which are least likely
to produce allusions to the cause of the disease, such as are most
agreeable to the  patient,  and  which  require the greatest bodily
action  with the least fatigue.
  But  in violent  cases of madness, the patient should be confined
alone,  in a dark  and quiet room, so that his mind may  have the
better chance  of being composed, and  thus become the more
readily disposed to sleep.   If he appears inclined to commit vi-
olence, he ought to be confined  in such a way as to prevent any
hazard from that source,  but in such a manner as is least liable
to prove a cause of uneasiness or of  injury to himself.  Where
malevolence appears to be a prominent feature, and the person is
very furious, close  confinement, in the manner just detailed, is
doubly necessary and should be carefully  and seasonably atten-
ded to. Great care, however,  ought to be taken not to confine
insane  persons unnecessarily, as such  restraint will inevitably
lend to create  an irritation of mind which will protract the com-
plaint,  and render it more difficult of cure.
  In prescribing medicine for  lunatics  or crazy persons,  the
  Vol. II.—k 2              15 
114
INTOXICATION.
strongest tincture, or tea, of the nervine powder, has been found
of great service ; and in one case which has been reported to us,
that and the diaphoretic powders and bitter tonic, effected a cure.
This remedy gives tone to the nervous system in a more pow-
erful manner than any other article with which we are acquain-
ted;  and as those medicines  which  act upon  the  nerves most
probably do it through the brain, the nervine powder seems em-
inently calculated to  restore the healthy functions of this  organ.
  We would also recommend the anti-spasmodic tincture, espe-
cially in the furious fits, which it possibly might put a speedy end
to.   Thorough courses  of medicine  should also be resorted to,
and repeated at discretion, which we think would afford the best
chance  of  correcting the morbid affection of the  brain.   The
courses of  medicine  ought to be followed by the bitter tonic;
and if costiveness prevail, by injections.
  It has, however, been found, that removing a lunatic patient
to an asylum or hospital, affords the best chance of cure; as by
this means he is separated from the objects with  which he is fa-
miliar, and which often call up ideas associated  with the cause
of his derangement; and on this account, a change of situation,
and removal from his friends, will be the more advisable ; for it
is a fact well known to those who superintend insane persons,
that  patients  are rarely  recovered at home.  It  not  unfre-
quently happens that maniacs, who have been brought from  their
families, and who were said to have been in a violent and  fero-
cious state at home, become  suddenly calm and tractable when
placed in a lunatic asylum.   And, on the other hand, it is also a
fact, that there are many patients whose disorder speedily recurs
after  having been suffered to return to their families,  although
they  have  for a length of time conducted themselves, under con-
finement,  in a very orderly manner.
                     INTOXICATION.
  We deem it unnecessary to give any description of the symp-
toms of intoxication, as all persons, in civilized communities at
least,  are sufficiently acquainted with them.
  Intoxication may generally be distinguished from apoplexy,
by the smell of spirits, regard also being had to the circumstan-
ces attending the case as well as to  the character of the indi-
vidual.
  Treatment.—A person apparently dead or near dying from
intoxication,  ought to have his clothes, particularly his neck-
cloth, loosened, and if cold, should be placed in a warm though
not confined situation, and have stimulating injections adminis-
tered  as soon as possible.  These may  be composed of warm 
ITCH.
115
water, tea, or milk, with the addition of half a tea-spoonful of,
cayenne, and the same quantity of lobelia, seeds, leaves and pods,
or their tincture;  or for the want of cayenne, take black pepper
or ginger in larger quantity; or if no medicines are at hand,
warm water may be used alone.   These must be repeated until
relief is obtained ;  and if vomiting is not produced by the injec-
tions, pour a table-spoonful of the anti-spasmodic tincture down
the throat,  which will scarcely fail to cause a free evacuation of
the contents of the stomach.  If  it should fail, however, it must
be repeated until it does operate, as much  may depend upon
cleansing the stomach of whatever may yet remain in it.
  Affusions of cold water applied to the body, and particularly
to the head, have been found very beneficial in many cases.
  It is also stated in the Domestic  Encyclopedia, that the in-
ternal administration of the urine of a healthy person, will quick-
ly remove  the intoxicating effects of the liquor.
  The  application of bottles or jugs, filled with hot water, or
of hot bricks,  to the feet and legs will likewise be useful, or if
the means are at hand, the vapor bath  may be more advanta-
geously employed.
                           ITCH.
  The  itch is a disease of the skin, and scarcely ever affects
the constitution or general health, even in its worst forms.
  It is most usually  caused by infection, communicated by im-
mediate contact with a person affected, or by wearing the same
clothes, or by lying in the same bed, that such person has worn,
or laid in.
  The itch first  shows itself in the form of small  pimples or
watery pustules, about the fingers, wrists, arms, legs, and waist,
in succession.   They gradually  assume a yellow appearance,
and are attended with an intolerable  itching, especially when the
patient sits by the fire, or is warm  in bed.  Driven by the ex-
cessive itching, the individual scratches the pustules, by which
they are broken, and the matter adhering to the ends of the fin-
gers, is applied to  other parts, whereby the disease is communi-
cated to almost  any  part of the  body.  It  is, however,  not
dangerous nor difficult of cure, unless too long neglected or im-
properly treated.
  Treatment.—Various  remedies  have  been  employed for
curing  this  filthy  disease, some of which, however, such as
mercurial ointments, we can, by no means, recommend ; but on
the contrary, regard them as dangerous applications.
  The juice, decoction, or ointment of the root of the narrow
dock, we believe is a certain  remedy for the itch, if  persevered
in.   We are also  informed,  by good authority, that the leaves 
116
JAUNDICE.
are equally as good as the roots, and may be used by bruising
and then  rubbing them  upon the  affected parts.   The broad
leaved dock, it is likewise said, proves equally efficacious with
the narrow kind.
  The juice of the dock may be obtained by bruising and then
pressing the roots, pr roots and tops; the decoction, by steep-
ing ; the ointment, by boiling the roots,  or roots and leaves, and
straining the decoction, when a little cream, butter, or lard, must
be added and simmered until the water is all evaporated.  Either
of these preparations may be applied to the parts affected once
or twice a day;  and the  decoction  taken  internally at the same
time.
  An itch ointment is also made in the Southern States by melt-
ing sweet gum with sweet oil  or lard, and is said to be very
useful.
  If itch  has been neglected  until the  general health is af-
fected, in addition to the external  applications which we have
recommended, a few portions of  physic may be taken, at inter-
vals of two or three days; or the  patient should have a course
or two of medicine, and  be treated  in other respects as for ordi-
nary cases of fever.
                        JAUNDICE.
  This disease  is characterized by a yellowness of the skin,
first discoverable in the eyes, a bitter taste in the mouth, some-
times a sense of pain in the right  side, clay-colored stools, and
the urine obscurely red, tinging things dipped into it of a yel-
lowish hue.
  It  takes place  usually in consequence of an obstruction in the
gall  ducts,  which  occasions  the bile to pass again into the
blood.  In some cases it is  supposed to be owing to a redund-
ant secretion of  bile.
  The causes which produce an obstruction of the biliary ducts
are,  gall-stones,  inspissated  or thick bile, spasmodic constriction
of the ducts, and the pressure made by tumors  situated  in  adja-
cent  parts;  hence jaundice is often an attendant symptom  of
inflammation or  scirrosities of the  liver, pancreas, Sic, and fre
quently also of pregnancy.
  Immoderate use of spirituous liquors predisposes to this  com
plaint, as likewise a sedentary life, or the  indulgence in anxious
thoughts.
   When gall-stones are lodged in  the ducts, producing jaundice,
acute  pains are felt  in the  region  of the  parts, which   will
cease for a while,  and then  return again;  great irritation at. the
stomach, with frequent vomiting will attend, and the patient ex-
periences an aggravation of the pain after eating.  A pain a* me 
JAUNDICE.
117
top of the right shoulder is  also another symptom of concre-
tions in the gall bladder, or its ducts.
   When calculi or gall-stones are passing through the duct into
the duodenum, the symptoms are less obscure and uncertain than
when lodged in the gall bladder.  Sometimes an attack is pre-
ceded by, or accompanied with, a sense of coldness in the back
and lower extremities; the person is seized with a sudden vio-
lent  pain exactly where the  duct enters the intestine,  which is
frequently so circumscribed that the patient will often say he
can cover it  with  his finger,  and sometimes  it shoots through
the back and extends up between the  shoulders.  Persons thus
seized cannot lie down  in bed, but are obliged  to  sit up with
their body bent forward, which  seems  to  afford  a slight mitiga-
tion  of the pain.  Nausea and  vomiting  commonly prevail, so
that  nothing can be retained on the stomach;  and sometimes
bile is brought up, but  not always;  nor is vomiting a constant
attendant.   The bowels are invariably bound ; indeed, the whole
intestinal canal seems to partake of the spasmodic  action indu-
ced in the duodenum by the irritation of the gall-stones.
   Although the pain  attendant on the passage of a stone  along
the biliary duct, is more severe  than in inflammation of the liver,
still  an inflamed state of this organ is seldom induced.  Some-
times the  pain continues for several hours, and then a remission
takes place, either in consequence  of the  calculus entering the
intestine or, otherwise, falling back into the gall bladder.   After
an interval of some days or  weeks the paroxysm  perhaps  re-
turns again, indicating that the  obstructing cause  is not yet ful-
ly removed.
   Biliary calculi or stones, are  of various sizes, from  a pea to
that of a  walnut, and in some cases are voided  in considerable
number ; being, like the bile,  of a yellowish brown, or green co-
lor.   They vary also with regard to their figure and hardness;
some being  very rough and  angular,  and others oval or round
and smooth.
   The jaundice comes on with languor and  inactivity, often in
the extreme; loathing of food,  flatulency, acidity of the  stom-
ach, and eostiveness.   As it progresses, the  white  of the eye,
and then the skin, become tinged of a deep yellow ; there is a bitter
taste  in the  mouth,  especially  in the morning,  with  frequent
nausea and vomiting; the urine is  high colored,  and tinges lin-
en yellow ; the stools are of  a  gray or clayey appearance, and
a dull obtuse pain  is felt in the right side, which is much in-
creased by pressure with the  fingers.  There is also a pain in
the top of the  right  shoulder or in the shoulder blade; and in
cases where the pain is  very acute, the pulse is apt to become
hard, and  full, with other symptoms of fever.
   Where jaundice is occasioned by concretions or stones ob- 
118
KING'S  EVIL.
structing the biliary ducts, or by a redundancy of bile, if taken is
time, but little difficulty need be apprehended in effecting a cure.
   But where  it is brought on  by tumors  of the neighboring
parts, or has arisen in consequence of other diseases, the event
will be more doubtful.
   A gradual diminution of the sense of weight and oppression
about the breast; a return of appetite; the stools  becoming co-
pious and easily procured; the urine increased in quantity, and
of a more natural color, are to be regarded as favorable symptoms.
   A violent pain in the right side, or in the region of the stom-
ach, the skin becoming of a dark yellow, attended with a quick
pulse, loss of flesh and strength, with  dropsical swellings  of
the extremities, chilliness, wakefulness, melancholy, or hickup,
denote great danger.
   Treatment.—In mild attacks of jaundice,  a dose of the ca-
thartic, or of Bunnell's pills, and afterwards taking  the laxa-
tive bitter tonic  three or four times a day, will remove  the dis-
ease ; or, if necessary, the pills may be repeated after two or
three days.
   If there is pain in the side, the painful part  should be bathed
with some stimulating wash, and have a hot brick or stone pla
ced near it; and if there be pain in or near the pit of the stom-
ach, the same  application may be made to it.  When there is
nausea and vomiting, it should be allayed by  the use of strong
spearmint tea; and perhaps the  pearl-ash water, or white lye,
might also be useful.  Injections must also  be  freely employed.
   Where the complaint does not readily yield  to this treatment,
or if the attack  be violent, the patient should immediately have
a course of medicine, followed by the laxative bitter tonic, injec-
' tions, Sic.  If  the disease be caused by a gall-stone  passing
along the biliary ducts, frequent courses of the medicine will
have a beneficial influence, not only  by relaxing the parts, but
the act of vomiting will facilitate the passage of the stone.
   Dr. Ewell says, it is believed that a mixture prepared as fob-
lows, has  destroyed biliary stones, viz :  Take sulphuric ether,
three parts, and spirits of turpentine, two parts, mix, and for a
 dose, take one dessert spoonful, or from two to three tea-spoonsful.
              KING'S EVIL OR SCROFULA.

  This disease consists in hard,  indolent tumors or swellings,
of those glands termed conglobate, in various parts of the body 'r
but particularly  in  the neck, behind the ears, and under  the
chin, which after a  while  suppurate  and degenerate into ulcers.
From these ulcers, instead of healthy pus, a white matter, some-
what resembling curdled  milk, is discharged.. 
KING'S  EVIL.
119
  The first appearance of scrofula is usually between the third
and seventh year, though it may arise at any time between those
periods and  mature age ;  after which it seldom makes its first
attack.
  Children of a lax fiber or habit, with a smooth,  soft, and fine
skin, fair hair, rosy cheeks, and  delicate complexion, are most
disposed  to  this complaint; but  those of a different character
are  not exempt from it.   It is also apt to attack such children as
show  a disposition to the rickets, which is marked by a protu-
berant forehead,  enlarged joints,  and tumid or swelled abdomen.
  Scrofulous persons  are often comely and handsome, and ra-
ther distinguished for acuteness of understanding and  precocity
of genius.   They are, however,  seldom robust, or able to en-
dure hardship or fatigue, without much exhaustion.
  Scrofula prevails most in those climates where the atmosphere
is cold and  moist, where the seasons are  variable, and  the
weather unsteady.  From latitude 45 to 60 is the principal cli-
mate of this  disease.
  Besides climate, and  exposure to moist air and atmospheric-
al  vicissitudes, every other circumstance  which weakens  the
constitution, or impairs the general strength of the system, may
be regarded  as predisposing to this disease: thus, breathing an
impure, tainted air, living upon food of an unwholesome or in-
digestible nature, which does not afford due nourishment to the
body, favors an attack of king's evil, by reducing the strength,
and rendering the person weakly.
  Scrofula, according to  Dr. Thomas, is a disease of very fre-
quent occurrence in England, particularly  in the large manufac-
turing towns, appearing under  various  forms,  and different
degrees of severity, from a state of mildness, which  hardly be-
trays  any perceptible  external  symptoms,  to a state of violence
which produces the most miserable objects of human wretch-
edness.
  The attacks of this disease appear to be somewhat affected by
the  seasons.  They usually commence some time in  the winter
or spring, and often disappear  or become much relieved during
die  summer  and  fall.
  The first appearance of scrofula is commonly in small round,
movable  tumors under the skin,  without pain or discoloration;
which most  commonly arise upon  the sides of the neck, near
the ear, or under the chin ; though in some instances  the joints
of the elbows or ancles, or those of the fingers and toes, are the
parts  first affected.  In these last instances,  however, the swel-
ling appears to be attached to, and almost surrounding, and stiff-
ening the joint.
  After a time the tumors become larger  and more  fixed,  the
skin which covers them  acquires a purple or livid color; and 
120
KING'S EVIL.
becoming inflamed, they at length suppurate and break into one
or more  little holes, from  which oozes a matter in appearance
somewhat healthy at first, but by degrees changes into a sub-
stance resembling curdled milk.  And it is no uncommon thing
to find  tumors in various parts of the  body,  in  all the  different
stages, from their first formation to those which are discharging
matter.
  As the ulcers continue to throw forth this  unhealthy kind of
matter, the tumors  gradually subside,  whilst the ulcers  enlarge
and spread unequally in various directions.   After a while some
of the ulcers heal;  but  other tumors being  commonly formed in
some other part, these soon break out; and, in this way, the dis-
ease may proceed on for years, until at last,  appearing either w
have exhausted itself, or the patient, it comes to  an end.  The
scars left after the healing of scrofulous ulcers, are often of a pe-
culiarly ugly  puckering appearance.
  The eyes occasionally become the seat of the disease,  giving
rise to painful inflammations, ulcerations, and sometimes blind-
ness.  In some instances the bones become  affected at the bot-
tom  of deep ulcers, which is to be known by the black  and foetid
discharges from the part,  occasionally attended by pieces  of
bone.  These should be taken from the ulcer as soon as they
become  detached.
  Treatment.—The common course of medicine will be high-
ly useful in every stage of this complaint,  to correct and purify
the  fluids, and thus check the formation of tumors, or prevent
their going on to suppuration.
  The tumors should be bathed with  highly stimulating wash-
es to promote a healthy action  in the vessels of the part, and
the  laxative  bitter tonic taken  several times a  day.   A good
nourishing diet ought also to be indulged  in, with moderate ex-
ercise, in fair weather ; and if the patient be living in alow, damp
situation, he should be removed to one more elevated  and airy.
  The use of the  vapor and cold bath, will also be found highly
advantageous, and  ought to be daily resorted to  until the  urgent
symptoms are removed.
  Particular attention should be  paid to the  clothing of scrofu-
lous patients, which ought  to be of such a nature  as to protect
them against all inclemencies of the weather,  and keep them
comfortable and warm.   In cold weather, a flannel  dress should
be worn  next to the  skin.   Early rising is also regarded as an
important thing for persons laboring under scrofula.
  If ulcerations have taken place,  or the  tumors  are  any of
them in an inflamed state,  the common slippery elm poultice
with the  addition of a large portion  of either bayberry or birth
root pulverized, must be applied cold, and wetted  occasionally
with a tea of the tops and roots of wild lettuce, or of the beth-root, 
LOCKED JAW.
121
or pond-lily.   In warm weather these poultices ought to be  re-
newed every twelve or eighteen hours, but in cold weather not
so often.
   At each renewal of the poultice, the ulcer must first be wash-
ed with mild soap suds, then with one of those teas just direc-
ted to wet the poultice  with, and lastly, occasionally  with the
compound tincture of myrrh.  If the ulcers are very deep, they
may be washed out with a small syringe for  that purpose; tak-
ing care not to throw  the fluids in with so much force  as to irri-
tate the part and  produce pain.
   When this process  has  induced a  change,  and better appear-
ance of the  discharges  from the ulcers, the  poultices  may be
omitted, and  the healing salve applied ; or sometimes it may be
advisable to lay a poultice over the salve.
   By  pursuing the foregoing directions, administering courses
of medicine at suitable intervals, with the bitter tonic, to purify
the fluids,  and invigorate the system; and  by judiciously treat-
ing the ulcers according to the rules laid down ; and persevering
a sufficient length of  time, a great proportion of scrofulous ca-
ses may  undoubtedly be cured.
                      LOCKED JAW.

  This complaint consists in an almost constant contraction 01
several or the whole of the muscles of the body,, whilst the
senses remain entire.
  The complaint  usually termed locked  jaw, is  caused  by
wounds ; whilst another similar to it, is produced by colds, Sic,
which has been treated of under the head of convulsions or fits.
  This disease may be caused by wounds in the flesh, and par-
ticularly of the tendons  or sinews, made either by puncture, in-
cision, or laceration ; that is, by pricking, cutting, or tearing.
In warm climates, lacerated  wounds of tendinous parts, prove,
as Dr. Thomas observes, a  never failing source of this painful
and fatal complaint.   It also often arises in both warm and  cold
climates, in consequence of some surgical operation, such as
the amputation or cutting off a limb, Sic   The  disease gene-
rally shows itself about the eighth day from the accident, or op-
eration.
  The locked jaw,  in some instances, makes its attack sudden-
ly, and with violence : but commonly it comes on in  a manner
more  slow and gradual.   There  is a  slight stiffness in the back
part of the neck, which after a while increases so as  to render
the motions of the head  both difficult and  painful; then comes
on an uneasy sensation at the root of the tongue, with difficulty
in swallowing, great tightness across  the breast, with a pain jus1
  Vol. II.—L               16 
122       MALIGNANT OR PUTRID SORE THROAT.

above the  pit of the stomach, shooting through to the back.   A
stiffness now takes place in the jaws, which  soon increases  to
such  a degree, that it becomes  impossible to open the mouth;
and this is the locked jaw.
  Treatment.—Wc have  so much confidence in the botanie
remedies,  that we  think a case  of locked jaw would  scarcely
ever occur, if such injuries as produce this complaint were pro-
perly treated  by them.   In all cases  in which the locked jaw
may be apprehended, the patient should have frequent doses of
the  nervine powder, and cayenne,  with hot stones  or bricks ap-
plied, to produce perspiration, and relaxation of the muscles.
  If, however, symptoms of the locked jaw occur, the patient
must be carried through a full course of the medicine; and the
wound should be bathed or washed with the tincture of myrrh,
or a decoction of lobelia ; which will have a powerful tendency
to promote a healthy action, and thus  remove the cause of irri-
tation.  In extreme cases the wound  may be washed with the
most powerful stimulants, such as  tincture of lobelia or of cay-
enne, or the anti-spasmodic  tincture.   This complaint scarcely
ever occurs unless there is some previous deviation from a heal-
thy process in the wound; and the sooner this is corrected the
better the  prospect  and  the more speedy the accomplishment of
a cure.  Bathing the wounded part in  white lye, as hot as can
be borne,  and afterwards applying the common  slippery elm
poultice, has been found of great benefit in this complaint.
  But if spasms have actually commenced, and the  jaws are set,
we must then have recourse to the  anti-spasmodic  tincture;  in
addition to which,  the  above applications must be  made to  the
wound.   The anti-spasmodic tincture may be given in doses of
from half a tea-spoonful to two  tea-spoonsful,  repeated  at dis-
cretion, according to the symptoms.
  As the jaws are  set,  and the  teeth  closed, the   best way of
getting the medicine down, is to hold  the  cheek,  at the corner
of the mouth, loose from the teeth, and then pour the medicine
from a spoon, between  the teeth and cheek, and it will immedi-
ately find its way to the throat, and afford relief.
  This method of  relieving the  locked jaw, was first published
to the world by Dr. Thomson,  and is far better than knocking
out  the teeth, as is  done by the mineral doctors.
       MALIGNANT OR PUTRID SORE THROAT.
  Soreness of the throat, with fever, stiffness of the neck, and
inflammation of the fauces or back part of the mouth quickly ter-
minating in ulceration, characterize this disease.
  The putrid sore throat frequently arises from a humid or moist 
MALIGNANT OR PUTRID SORE THROAT.      123
state of the atmosphere, and hence often prevails as an epidemic,
making its attacks  principally  on children, and those of weak
lax fibers.   It is most prevalent in the fall and winter, though it
may arise at any other season.
   It is also believed to be  contagious, and often passes through
a whole family in that way.
   In some instances it is said to be so blended with scarlet fever
as to make it difficult to determine of which affection the disease
partakes the most.   It is also met with occasionally in measles.
   Putrid sore throat commonly makes its attack with cold shiv-
erings, nausea, and  vomiting,  succeeded by heat, restlessness,
thirst  and debility; the  eyes are red, a stiffness is perceived in
the back part of the neck, with a hoarseness of the  voice, and
 soreness of the throat.  On looking at the back part of the mouth,
 there  appears a fiery redness in every part,  with a slight degree
 of swelling in the tonsils,  which, however,  is not so great as to
 interfere with breathing or swallowing.
   Upon further inspection  of the month,  it will very soon be
 found that a number of sloughs of a shade  between a light ash
 color, and a dark brown, are to be seen on the tonsils, and other
 parts  of the throat, or mouth; the breath is also highly offen-
 sive ;  the tongue is covered with a thick brown fur,  and the in-
 side of the lips is beset with blisters  containing an acrid humor,
 which, when  discharged,  corrodes or excoriates  the part upon
 which it falls.  There is commonly, also, a  discharge of thin
 acrid  matter from  the nose producing an excoriation  of the nos-
 trils.   In infants, a purging is likewise apt to attend, which pos-
' sesses the  same acrid and excoriating character with the humor
 contained in the blisters and that discharged from the nose.
    There is a considerable degree of fever  from the first attack,
 with  a small, frequent, and irregular pulse; and every evening the
 symptoms are increased,  with slight remissions in the morning,
 attended with debility and general loss of strength^ In some ca-
 ses there is a delirium which  is of what is termed the low mut-
  tering kind.                                             r
    About the second or third day, large patches or blotches, of a
  dark  red color, make their appearance on the face and neck, and
  by degrees spread, or  appear  on other parts of the body, even to
  the ends of the fingers, which feel swelled and stiff  These erup-
  tions after a few days disappear without producing any remis-
  sion  of the symptoms.
    Sometimes the inflammation extends  up the eustachian tube,
  into  the ear, producing ulceration, and occasionally deafness.—
  The  whole neck  sometimes   swells, and assumes a dark red

    As'the sloughs continue to spread, they generally become of
  a dark color, the  parts between them at the same time assuming 
 124      MALIGNANT OR PUTRID SORE  THROAT.

 a  purple  hue;  new specks also arise, and  the whole fauces at
 length are covered with thick sloughs,  which, on falling off, ex-
 hibit ulcers, sometimes very deeply seated.
   In the worst cases, the fauces appear quite black, the  sloughs
 corrode deeper and deeper, and spread  throughout the whole al-
 imentary  canal, and terminate  at length in mortification; or the
 symptoms of irritation go  on increasing, and a severe purging
 coming on, the patient is cut  off, generally  before the  seventh
 day, and,  in some instances, as early as thfe third.
   When  the evening paroxysm of fever runs very  high, with
 great  debility, depression or irregularity of the pulse, early de-
 lirium,  coma, much vomiting, and diarrhoea, accompanied with
 considerable  swelling of the throat, and dark colored spreading
 ulcers, very foetid breath, livid spots on the body, or hemorrh-
 age, we may calculate on the disease terminating fatally.
   But, on the other hand, if the pulse  becomes more moderate,
 and stronger, the breathing freer, the skin moist and soft, the red
 patches or blotches abundant on the skin,  the back part of the
 mouth becoming more red, with a mitigation of the other symp-
 toms, we  may  then expect a  favorable termination.  In cases
 where the fever is of a less  putrid nature, and the symptoms are
 mild, and  where the efflorescence or blotches, is succeeded by a
 remission  of fever, and the remission continuing daily to become
 longer and more  apparent, but little  danger  need  be  appre-
 hended.
   Treatment.—No time should be lost in administering a course
 of medicine at the very onset of this fatal malady.
   The bowels should be relieved by the use of injections, whilst
 purgative  medicines must be  carefully abstained from,  as they
 would prove highly injurious to the patient.
   A free use must be made of  the astringent tonics, such as the
 beth root,  dewberry, bayberry,  &c, with frequently repeated do-
 ses of the  cayenne.   On account of the ulcers being seated in the
 mouth, the cayenne may be steeped, and use the tea instead of giv-
 ing the pepper in substance.  Occasional doses of the diaphoretic
 powders will also be a proper remedy.   Pepper sauce will like-
 wise be found a valuable medicine, and ought to be frequently
 used, especially if mortification be apprehended.  In conjunction
 with the astringent tonics, it is presumed that few remedies pos-
sess  so high a power of preventing putrefaction as the  pepper
 sauce.
   Gargles must also be used to wash the mouth ; for which pur-
 pose the pepper sauce, and a tea of some of the astringent tonics,
 with the addition  of golden  seal, may be used alternately, seve-
 ral times a day ; and  the steam  of vinegar must be often applied,
 as directed for inflammatory sore throat.
   Bathing the throat with stimulating washes, and applying 
MEASLES.
125
stimulating poultices, as directed for the complaint just alluded
to, ought also to be adopted ; and if the throat become so swell-
ed or sore,  as to prevent swallowing, the  strength must  be
supported by  nourishing  injections.  By pursuing the course
which we have laid down, with such modifications as the pecu-
liar symptoms of the case, or the judgment  of the practitioner
may dictate, there is no doubt this fatal malady might be robbed
of many of its victims.
                         MEASLES.
   This disease is regarded as an inflammatory  infectious fever,
and is  attended with cough, sneezing,  a discharge of thin hu-
mors from the eyes  and nose, and  a determination  of  acrid
matter to the surface  of the body, showing itself in red  spots
over every part of it,  though they never suppurate as  in small
pox, but go away in three or four days with a kind of mealy
appearance.
   Scarlet fever sometimes resembles the measles so exactly that
it  is difficult to  distinguish between  them ; but fortunately for
the suffering sick, in the botanical practice of medicine, this is
a matter of little consequence.  The redness of scarlet fever is
more equally diffused than  in measles, in which it appears in
distinct spots  somewhat resembling flea bites, whilst the skin
remains of a natural color between them.   In the measles, the
eruption rises  more  above the skin,  and causes a  manifest
roughness  to the touch, which is  scarcely  perceptible in the
scarlet fever, excepting  a very little roughness sometimes in the
arms.   In the scarlet fever there is seldom a severe cough; the
eyes do not water much, and the eye-lids are not red and swol-
len ; all of which rarely fail to attend the measles.   The time of
the appearance of the eruption is also different  in the two dis-
eases ; in scarlet fever it makes its  appearance both on  the face
and arms on the second day ;  whilst in measles  it shows itself
about the third day on the chin and breast,  and  does not reach «
the arms or hands until the fourth or fifth day of the disease.
   The winter season is  most congenial to the spread of measles,
though they may prevail at any other  time, and they attack per-
sons of all  ages, but children are most liable to them.  Like the
small pox,  when genuine, they never affect the same person but
once in his life.
   Persons  of a scrofulous habit, or  who are inclined to  con-
sumption,  are  liable to suffer very  seriously from  the  after ef-
fects of measles ; and  these effects in all constitutions, are more
to  be  dreaded  than the measles themselves.  A harassing and
distressing  cough, or inflammation  of the eyes, sometimes fol-
lows the disease ; or the patient may get through, and for a time
  Vol.  II.—l 2 
126
MEASLES.
appear to be recovered, and sore eyes, a cough, or consumption
may succeed, as a consequence, at some future period.
  Measles sometimes leave behind them  a chronic diarrhoea,
which has proved fatal; and in other cases, a dropsy has ensued.
  In some instances  they make  their attack in a very mild man-
ner,  and go through their course  without medical  aid  of  any
kind;  and  in  others the fever  runs  high, particularly after
the appearance of the eruption,  and is accompanied  by a strong
pulse,  much coughing, great  difficulty  of breathing, and other
symptoms of inflammation of the lungs.
  An attack of measles is generally ushered in by chilliness
and shivering, succeeded by  heat,  thirst,  anxiety, pains in the
head, back, and loins; heaviness,  and  redness of the face  and
eyes, with an effusion of tears,  swelling  of the eyelids,  nausea
and vomiting; and with these symptoms there are a dry  cough,
hoarseness, hurried breathing, frequent sneezing, and discharge
of acrid matter from  the nose.
  About the third or fourth day, small red spots somewhat sim-
ilar to flea bites, appear in clusters about the  face, neck,  and
breast, and in a day or two  more the  whole  body  is covered
with them.  They do not arise  into visible pimples, but by the
touch are perceived to be a little rough.
  The fever does not abate on  the appearance of the eruption,
as happens in small pox; on  the contrary, it is usually much in-
creased, and  it does not cease  until the  eruption begins to go
away.  Also, the cough, hoarseness, difficulty of breathing, and
running from the eyes and nose, are aggravated, on the appear-
ance of the eruption.
   On the fifth or sixth day, the spots are changed from a vivid
red to a brownish  hue, and begin to dry away about the face,
and on the eighth or ninth day they disappear on the breast and
other parts of the body ; about which period it is no uncommon
thing for a diarrhoea to ensue.
   In more malignant forms of the disease, the fever  assumes the
typhoid type, livid spots appear on the body, with other symp-
toms  indicating a putrid tendency.   The eruption also appears
earlier in the disease, and all the attendant symptoms are of an
aggravated form.
   The fever being mild, with a gentle  diarrhoea, free and copi-
ous expectoration, moisture of the skin at the appearance of the
eruption, denote a favorable termination of the disease.
   But on the other  hand, a high degree of fever, parched skin,
hurried and difficult breathing, flushed countenance, unusually
hard pulse, severe diarrhoea, and vomiting after the eruption, with
great pain in the head and eyes, coma or delirium, livid color of
the eruption, great prostration of strength, and intermittent pulse,
indicate the greatest  danger. 
MERCURIAL DISEASE.
127
  Treatment.—In mild attacks of measles, little more need be
done than to take freely of the diaphoretic powders, or cayenne,
and avoid exposure  to cold ; and at the same time paying par-
ticular regard to the state of the bowels, which ought to be kept
loose  by injections, and, if necessary, by adding some of the bit-
ter root  to the diaphoretic powders.
  If there appears, about the third or fourth day, a manifest ag-
gravation of the symptoms, and the  eruption does not show it-
self; frequent doses of the cayenne, or a tea of equal parts of saf-
fron and Virginia snake root, must be administered, at the same
time applying hot stones or bricks to the feet, to induce a deter-
mination to the surface, and bring out the eruption.  But if  this
does not produce the desired effect within some reasonable time,
and there is great pain, restlessness, and difficulty of breathing,
a few doses of the anti-spasmodic tincture, or a course of medicine,
must be administered, either of which will rarely fail of fetching
out the eruption, and effecting a mitigation of the symptoms.
  If, however, the violent symptoms still continue  unabated, al-
though the eruption has made its appearance, frequent doses of
the capsicum must be given in a strong tea of bayberry, or other
astringent; and, if the urgency of the symptoms appear to de-
mand it, the course of medicine should also be repeated at  dis-
cretion.  A mild  purge, perhaps, might be beneficial, minding
also to make a free use of injections.  Sometimes a looseness of
the bowels arises, which may be regarded  as being beneficial,
unless it be so violent as to  produce debility, when it must be
checked by the use of the pond-lily, dewberry, or any other as-
tringent articles, and also by the use of astringent injections ; or,
if necessary, by a course of medicine.
  To relieve  the difficulty of breathing, the  patient may inhale
the steam of vinegar and water, as directed for inflammatory sore
throat.  A soreness and rawness of the throat often occur from
the severity of the cough, to relieve which slippery elm, or  flax
seed tea should be taken.   The tincture of lobelia, or the expec-
torant powder, may be used to loosen and relieve the cough.
  The use of the vapor bath, occasionally, after the disappearance
of the eruption, will be a good preventive of the sore eyes,  and
other troublesome complaints which are  apt to follow the mea-
sles ;  and if the cough continue bad, threatening consumption,
the whole course of medicine ought to be adopted, and repeated
as occasion may require, until the urgent symptoms are removed.
                 MERCURIAL DISEASE.
  In the first volume of this work, we dwelt long on the disas-
trous effects of mercury upon the animal economy ;  and now •«
              9 
128
MERCURIAL DISEASE.
becomes our duty to point out the best means of relieving thtf
system from its destructive consequences.
  The mercurial disease is characterized by great depression of
strength; a sense of anxiety about the breast; irregular action of
the heart; frequent sighing; trembling, either partial- or universal ;■
a small, quick, and sometimes intermitting pulse j  occasional
vomiting; pale contracted countenance ; sense of coldness; with
the tongue  but seldom furred.
  Mercurial medicines have spread their ravages to such an aki m-
ing extent, that  it  has become an important part of  the physi-
cian's study, to learn to  designate and remove the painful and
fatal maladies which are produced by their destructive powers.
A great majority of the cases  of li*ver  complaint, and many of
dyspepsy,  which are1 so common of late years, may be traced to
the use of  mercury.  A  simple history of hundreds  of chronic
eases, of various kinds is—"I had the  fever, was salivated, and1
have enjoyed bad health ever since."
  But we have said much upon this subject in the firsrt volume,
to which we refer the reader for any further information he may
want as to  the specific effects of mercury upon the system,
   Treatment.—It has been observed by medical writers, that
there was no known remedy which would neutralize, or destroy
mercury in the system ; that those laboring under its  morbid in-
fluence could only be relieved by such means as wowld promote
its  evacuation through the proper  emmictories or out-lets, by
which other useless and  injurious matter is removed from the'
body.   How forcibly then do  these facts recommend the use of
the vapor bath or steaming.  This process, with the whole course
of medicine,  gives- new energy to the living power", relaxes the
sonstricted vessels, and thus enables the living machine to relieve"
itself  of any poisonous matter by which it may be  assailed or
encumbered.
   When, therefore, we have reason to suspect that' an individual
 is suffering from the effects  of mercury retained in the system,
 we  should resort to steaming in the most thorough  manner.-
 Nothing but the highest heat which can be borne, will be suffi-
 cient to drive this dangerous substance from the body.
   In general, the same taste will be experienced in  the  mouth
 whilst undergoing a process for expelling mercury,  that occur-
 ed when the system was first under its influence '$• and in- some
 instances salivation Iras ensued, and even purging.-
   The face often becomes swelled whilst in the vapor bath ; to
 relieve which,- the  patient should? cover his head, so  as to admitf
 the hot steam to his face,- and keep  it  exposed to the vapor as
 long as he can bear it; which process must be  repeated until*
 the swelling is gone.  Or, after'the steaming, when  the patient
  is in bed,  take a red hot stone op brick, and cool it just so a* 
MILK SICKNESS.
129
not to burn, then wrap  it up in a cloth wet with vinegar and
water,  with a dry one out side  of this, and place it near the
face, covering the head  and  inhaling the steam as hot as it can
be borne.
  The steaming should be often repeated, the  patient at the
same time taking freely of the cayenne, and occasionally  a full
course  of medicine.   The bitter tonic,  made very  warm with
cayenne, must be  taken frequently during the  day,  and a dose
of the  nervine powder  at night, or if there be much nervous
agitation or trembling, the nervine powder, or its tincture, must
be taken occasionally through the  day.   If costiveness prevail,
the  bitter root, or yellow parilla root, must be added to the bit-
ter  tonic.  The  sarsaparilla may  also  be used  as  a common
drink, and there is little doubt that the spignet is  equally as  good.
  The patient should live on a  good nourishing  diet, and take
gentle exercise in the open air when the weather is dry ; but, by
all means, avoid any sudden and violent exertions  of strength, as
fatal consequences have been known to result from such causes.
                     MILK  SICKNESS.

  This disease, so far as we know, is confined to  the Western
Country, and even to particular districts of it; and is also often
called Sick Stomach,  and Puking Complaint.
  The name which is  first given, indicates the source whence this
disease is usually derived, it  being  from a poison contained in
the milk of animals, particularly the  cow; and the two last are
indicative of some of the most prominent symptoms by which
it is attended.
  We are not  in possession  at present, of any definite or par-
ticular description  of  this obstinate, and often fatal malady; but
from the best information which we have, we present  the  fol-
lowing :—
  Milk sickness usually comes on with lassitude and weariness,
with sense  of great exhaustion, and  trembling, from  slight exer-
tions ; the breath is very offensive,  having a peculiar and dis-
agreeable smell.   Obstinate  costiveness  either  accompanies or
succeeds these symptoms, which  are soon followed by sick-
ness at the  stomach, and vomiting;  and  great distress, with a
burning sensation at the stomach.  If the costiveness is not re-
moved, the sickness and vomiting continue, and in a short time
destroy the patient.
  Cattle, hogs, sheep, and dogs, are likewise subject to this
disease, and all alike die with it sooner or later.  It  is commu-
nicated  to  cattle and sheep, as is  pretty well  ascertained,  by
eating the leaves of a poison shrub; hogs  and  dogs derive it
                              17 
130
MILK SICKNESS.
from eating  the milk or dead carcasses of cattle or sheep  that
die of this disorder, which in them is called the trembles ; and
man  takes the complaint from eating either milk, butter, or flesh
of infected animals.
  The trembles in cattle, and milk sickness in persons, is con-
fined, so far as we know, mostly to a few small districts in Ohio
and Kentucky, and perhaps may  occasionally be  met with in
all the Western States.
  We have seen several  interesting communications  from  re-
spectable individuals, on this important subject, but we are not
able  to glean enough from them to enable us to attempt a minute
description of the shrub from which those persons suppose the
poison is drawn.
  Treatment.—In the milk sickness there can  be no perma-
nent relief from the vomiting until  the costiveness is  removed;
and as this is attended with great difficulty, the most efficient
means should be at once adopted.   The sickness at the stomach
and vomiting, usually prevent the  possibility  of administering
physic in such a quantity  as to  do much  good;  and reliance
must, therefore, be principally placed on laxative  injections  of-
ten repeated  and long  continued.   In  some cases, we are  in-
formed, forty injections have been administered before the bow-
els were sufficiently opened.
   Charcoal has of late been highly extolled as a remedy in cos-
tiveness, and is said  to open the  bowels when other  remedies
fail.   We are not aware, however, that this article has ever been
applied to remove the obstinate constipation which invariably
attends the milk sickness, but we are disposed to think it well
adapted to that purpose, from its being less irritable to the stom-
ach than the  common cathartic medicines.
   The injections ought to be made of a tea of the  butternut
bark or twigs, or of castor  oil, or  hogs' lard, and warm water,
occasionally  adding  about the fourth of a tea-spoonful of cay-
enne, and administering in large quantity, as by this means the
hardened faeces  contained  in the rectum will  be more readily
dissolved and carried out of the system.  There will also be an
advantage, on this account, in  retaining the  injections until
several of them are administered.
   The most  effectual method of checking vomiting in ordinary
cases, is to administer the anti-emetic or pepper sauce, in table-
spoonful doses, once in fifteen or  twenty minutes;  and perhaps
it might also be advantageous in  the milk sickness.   Pearlash
water, white lye, or a solution of salaeratus, by correcting acid-
ity of the stomach, might be advantageously employed, or strong
mint tea might allay the irritation  and check  vomiting.   It  is
customary, however, with  some practitioners to give an emetic,
which we think would be  useful, as spontaneous  vomiting is 
MORTIFICATION.
131
certainly an evidence that some irritating matter is contained in
or about the stomach.  Promoting perspiration will, at the same
time, be beneficial, and may be done, either by steaming, or by
placing hot bricks, or stones, about  the patient in  bed.   The
bowels or abdomen may be bathed with pepper and vinegar, or
with  the bathing drops, and then have  cloths wrung either out
of hot water or a decoction of elder flowers, applied to them.
Should the disease be attended with violent hickup, as is some-
times the case, a dose of the diaphoretic powders  must be given
in water or tea, as  hot as can be  conveniently swallowed,  and
repeated until this  symptom disappears.  After the  costiveness
is removed and the vomiting stopped, the patient  should have a
course of the medicine, if much debility and evidence of disor-
der remain, and in every respect be treated as a person recover-
ing from other kinds of sickness.
                      MORTIFICATION.

   Wounds, amputations, inflammations, ulcers,  and some  dis-
 eases, have a  tendency to  terminate in mortification, the  first
 process of which is termed gangrene.
   The symptoms of gangrene in the four first mentioned cases,
 are—First, a sudden diminution of the pain and fever ; second-
 ly, a livid discoloration of the part, which from being yellowish,
 becomes of a green hue ; thirdly, a detachment or separation of
 the cuticle or external  skin, under which a turbid or dirty look-
 ing water is found; and fourthly, a subsiding of the swelling,  ten-
 sion, and hardness, while at the same time a  crepitus or  crack-
 ling is perceived on touching the part, owing to a generation of
 air in the cellular membrane.   But when the part has become
 black and of a fibrous  or thready appearance, and destitute  of
 natural heat, sensation, and motion,  it is then said  to be in a
 state of mortification.
   In putrid complaints, such as fevers, and sore throat,  and in
 dysentery, inflammation of the  intestines, and in any other  dis-
 ease ending in mortification,  the symptoms,  so  far as visible,
 bear in common  the same general appearances and character-
 istics which are  discoverable in mortification of  wounds, ul-
 cers, &c.
   In dysentery, inflammation of the  bowels,  &c, where mor-
 tification is about taking place, there  will be a cessation of pain,
 and  fever; the pulse becomes small, weak, and  irregular;  the
 face  assumes a cadaverous or deathly appearance; the extremi-
 ties  become cold, with cold clammy  sweats over the  whole
 body;  and  the patient is comatose or sleepy, with symptoms of
great debility. 
132
MORTIFICATION.
  Treatment.—A variety of articles are used as external ap-
plications in cases of mortification  of wounded,  or ulcerated
parts.  A poultice of charcoal and yeast, or of the  bark of sas-
safras pounded fine, or smart weed bruised, boiled, and thicken-
ed with  corn meal, with the addition  of  a small quantity of
cayenne to either poultice, will be found very valuable remedies
to prevent  or  check  mortification.  A poultice  made of the
bruised root of the  wild  indigo, boiled,  and thickened with
corn meal, has also been highly recommended as an application
to mortified parts.   The addition of a little capsicum, it is very
probable, would increase the anti-septic power  of this poultice
as well as the others; though either  would be  highly valuable
without it.
  Dr.  Beach highly recommends the use of an alkali poultice,
made by mixing the pulverized bark of slippery elm  with weak
lye,  until of the proper consistence, and applying it moderately
warm to the affected part.
  The poultices should be  frequently renewed, and at each  re-
newal the ulcer ought to be washed with soap  suds,  then with
a tea of witch-hazle leaves, white pond lily, dewberry, or some
other astringent article, and lastly, with the compound tincture
of myrrh ;  when a fresh poultice must be immediately applied.
  If mortification has gone so far that the life of the part is com-
pletely destroyed, that part which is dead will  separate from the
living when the mortification ceases, and it should then be  re-
moved.  After its  removal,  the wound  should be  dressed with
the healing salve, and if there be symptoms of inflammation, or
any  other morbid action in the part, one of the poultices hereto-
fore  recommended, or the common elm and ginger poultice, may
be applied over the salve.
  The internal remedies for mortification, which form a very
necessary part of the treatment, are such as increase  the energy
and  tone of the whole  system.   For  this purpose,  occasional
courses of medicine will be highly useful, and between these
the diaphoretic powders, bitter tonic, and cayenne, may be em-
ployed alternately, or in such way as the judgment may dictate.
  Wine is also considered highly useful, especially if the bitter
tonic be infused in it, in the proportion of about an ounce of the
latter to a quart of the former; which may be  taken in doses of
two or three table spoonsful, once in four or five hours.
   A tea of the wild indigo, taken internally,  is highly recom-
mended by Dr. Thacher,  as  being valuable  in  mortification,
either internally or externally applied.  He recommends the tea
to be taken internally, at the same time that the poultice  is ap-
plied externally. 
MUMPS.
OS
                        MUMPS.

  Mumps are distinguished by a moveable swelling, arising some-
'iimes on one, and sometimes on both sides of the face and neck,
at or near the angle of the jaws.
  This disease is contagious, and the same individual is liable
to it but once in his life; and hence it often prevails epidemical-
ly,  particularly amongst children.
  The mumps sometimes come on, especially when they attack
persons  who have arrivedat, or near to, mature age, with a sense
of lassitude and inactivity; chills and slight fever; stiffness and
pain about the lower jaw, with sometimes  nausea, and vomit-
ing.   The salival glands then begin to swell, and continue  to
enlarge until the fourth day, when the swelling declines, and  in
a few  days is entirely gone.
   In some instances, the swelling suddenly subsides, with an in-
 crease of fever,  when  the  disease becomes transferred to  the
 breasts of females, or to the  testicles of males.  Such cases as
 these  are usually caused by taking cold-   When it attacks grown
 persons, therefore, great care should be taken to avoid exposure.
   Sometimes, also, when the swelling of the face suddenly sub-
 sides, before the fourth day, the disease fixes itself in  the head,
 with  an increase of the fever, attended with delirium, and, in
 some cases with fatal consequences.
    In  a few instances  where the swelling has been very large,
 suppuration has taken place, and occasioned great deformity, or
 by bursting inwardly, has produced suffocation.
    There is, however, in general but little danger from mumps,
 excepting when the brain becomes  affected, which, by proper
 treatment, may always be prevented.
    Treatment.—In common, this complaint needs no medical
 treatment; all that is  necessary being to have  something tied
 about the face to keep it warm, and in every way avoiding  ex-
  posure to oold.
    If, however, there should be much fever at the onset of  the
 disease, with nausea and  vomiting, a  course of medicine ought
  then  to be  administered, and followed by  the bitter  tonic and
  diaphoretic powders.  Or, in milder cases, the patient may take
  the  diaphoretic powders, or cayenne, and  use other necessary
  means to promote perspiration, such as sitting before a warm fire,
  covered with a eloak, coat, or  blanket; or  he may lie in bed,
  with a hot brick or stone to his feet.
    If the swelling of the neck should suddenly disappear, with
  an increase of the fever, and the  disease seems likely to seat it-
  self in the  testicle,  the breast, or the head, immediate recourse
  must then be had to a course of  medicine, which ought to be
  arepeated, if necessary, as the circumstances of the case may ro-
    Vol. IL—M           21 
134
NETTLERASH.—NEURALGIA.
quire.  The bitter tonic, diaphoretic powders, or cayenne, should
be used after, or between the courses.   The bowels must also be
attended to,  especially if costiveness  prevail,  administering in-
jections,  or perhaps a mild purge.
  The part which the swelling has  left, ought to be bathed with
some stimulating wash, and have a  warm stone placed near it, to
promote the reproduction of the swelling.
  If the testicles of males, or the  breasts of females, become
swelled,  in addition  to the course of medicine just prescribed,
the parts  must be bathed with the bathing  drops, or some other
stimulating wash, and have cloths wrung out of hot water appli-
ed to the  part,  or  warm stones wrapped  in wet cloths may be
substituted for the cloths.
  A white bean poultice, applied to the testicles, has been high-
ly recommended, in  cases where the mumps  are transferred to
ihose parts; or the common elm poultice may be useful.
                     NETTLERASH.
  This disease takes its name from an eruption on the skin sim-
ilar to that  produced by the stinging of nettles,  and terminates
by a disquamation or scaling off of  the cuticle.
  The eruption is not confined to any particular part of the body,
but is somewhat dispersed over the surface, and is  always at-
tended with a considerable degree of heat and itching.  In some
instances the eruption  is  also either attended or preceded by a
slight degree of fever.  Sometimes the complaint lasts only a
few days, whilst at other times it continues many months, ap-
pearing and disappearing at intervals.  It likewise usually dis-
appears in the day time, and  breaks forth again in the evening,
accompanied sometimes with feverish symptoms.  It is attended
with no danger, and is  generally very readily cured.
  Treatment.—A mild purge, followed by a  dose  of the dia-
phoretic  powders, or  cayenne, three  or  four times a day, for a
short time, will generally effect a cure ;  or  the vapor bath may
be employed.   If the  complaint, however, should prove obsti-
nate, a course of medicine must be resorted to,  and repeated if
necessary ; pursuing the same measures as are recommended for
measles.
NEURALGIA OR  PAINFUL AFFECTION OF THE FACE.
  This is one of the most painful chronic complaints to which
the  human  frame is  subject; but fortunately, it is of rare oc-
currence.
  The most  frequent seats of it are the nerves over the cheek 
NIGHTMARE OR INCUBUS.
135
bone and just below the eye, the ala or wing of the nose, upper
lip, teeth, or gums.  Sometimes the forehead and temples, and
inner corner of the eye, and even the globe of the eye itself, are
affected.
  This complaint comes on with acute pains shooting from about
the mouth to the eye or ear, over the cheek, palate, teeth, Sic,
which are attended with  convulsive twitchings of the flesh or
muscles of the parts.  The pain attacks quite suddenly, and is
very peculiar,  darting along the course of the nerves which are
affected;  and occurs in paroxysms of  the most agonizing tor-
ture, succeeded by intervals of longer or shorter duration.
  The same affection  of  the nerves has also been witnessed in
the breast, foot, and uterus.
  Treatment.—Frequent doses of a strong tincture of nervine
powder,  with  the use of the bitter tonic; repeated  courses of
medicine, and occasional  doses of the  anti-spasmodic tincture,
seem to promise the most  efficient aid in treating this distressing
malady.
  Bathing the part immediately affected, with the bathing drops,
tincture of lobelia, the anti-spasmodic tincture, or any other stim-
ulating wash,  should also be tried ; together with the application
of a hot stone, wrapped in a cloth wet  with vinegar and water,
near the part.
  A method frequently resorted to by the medical Faculty is, to
divide, that i3,  cut  asunder,  the affected nerve between the
painful part and the brain;  but although this  often effects a
cure, it sometimes only removes the complaint to other branches
of the same nerve.
               NIGHTMARE OR INCUBUS.
  This complaint occurs only during sleep ; and those of a ner-
vous temperament, whose digestive powers are weak, or whose
bowels are much disordered, are most liable to its  attacks.
  Nightmare comes on with  a sense of weight and oppression
at the chest, often accompanied with a distressing dream;  the
person makes ineffectual efforts to speak and move ; he moans
and groans, and at length awakes, oftentimes frightened and much
fatigued ;  having  palpitations of the heart, with tremors, anxi-
ety,  and lassitude.
  Sometimes the oppression and anxiety are so extremely great,
that the person is under the most serious apprehensions of suffo-
cation ; in which case there is great exhaustion and debility ;  and
the apprehensions are not much weakened on being awakened.
Indeed, cases have been reported of its having, in a very few in-
stances, proved fatal.
  The  causes  which give rise  to this  complaint are, anxiety, 
J36           PALPITATION OF THE HEART.
grief, despondency, intense thought, late hours, and heavy sup-
pers.  A spasmodic constriction  of  the  diaphragm or midriff,
and muscles of the chest, is believed to be the proximate cause
of nightmare.
   Treatment.—A dose of the nervine  powder, or tincture of
the same, or of the bitter tonic, or cayenne, at bed time, will, in
general, prevent it.   Where it depends upon a weakness of the
digestive functions, tonic remedies ought to be resorted to; and
if costiveness prevail, means must be employed for its removal.
The vapor bath may also be used.
   As a preventive, the person should endeavor to be as cheerful
and tranquil as possible; take proper exercise; avoid food that
is hard to digest, and never indulge in a hearty supper, especially
of meat, immediately before going to bed.
             PALPITATION OF THE  HEART.

  Violent and irregular action of the heart, is what constitutes
this complaint.
  During the  attack,  the  motions  of the heart are performed
with greater rapidity, and generally with more force than usual,
so that they may not only be felt with the hand, but may often
be perceived by the eye, and even sometimes be heard.   There
is also, frequently a difficulty of breathing, a purplish hue  of
the lips and cheeks, and a great variety of other anxious and
painful sensations.
  In some instances the complaint is caused by a local  organic
disease of the heart or some of the large  vessels in  its immedi-
ate vicinity; in which case it is to be regarded as a dangerous
symptom.  But  in general it is symptomatic of hysterics  or
some  other nervous affection,  when it may be  readily removed.
  Treatment.—A few doses  of the nervine powder or tincture,
will often remove the urgent symptoms  of this unpleasant dis-
ease.   Asafetida may  also be  employed with advantage, taking
one or two pills, of ordinary size.  If the general health be im-
paired, the patient  should have a few courses  of medicine,  with
bitter tonics  and nervines  several times  a day, and  continued
until the  difficulty  is removed.   Bathing the  breast  about the
region of the heart  with  tincture of lobelia, or the bathing drops,
will be found useful.  Drinking daily of a tea of the common
cuckold  is represented  as being highly valuable in  this com-
plaint.
  Persons who are affected with attacks of palpitation should
be  careful to  avoid all  such  causes  as  experience has taught
them  will produce  the disease.  These are mostly, fits of pas-
sion,  sudden surprises, violent exercise, or great bodily exertion. 
PALSY.
137
                         PALSY.
  Palsy is characterized by a loss of sensibility or feeling, and
the power of motion, in some  part of the body,  particularly of
the left side.
  This complaint may arise in consequence of an attack of ap-
oplexy, or by any thing which prevents the passage of the ner-
vous power or influence, from  the brain to the organs of motion ;
and also by pressure on the nerves, in consequence of disloca-
tions, or fractures of the bones,  wounds, or other external in-
juries.  It is also caused by the handling or using white  lead,
as in painting; by the poisonous fumes of metals; and by what-
ever has a tendency to  relax,  weaken,  or  enervate the body;
hence those who lead a sedentary, luxurious, and irregular life;
or such as are engaged in intense studies, or labor under great
distress or anxiety of mind, are subject to palsy.
  The aged and infirm are  far more liable to its attacks than the
young and robust.
  Palsy generally comes on with a sudden  and  immediate loss
of motion and sensation in  the part; though in  a few instances
it is preceded by numbness, coldness, paleness,  and sometimes
slight convulsive twitches.   If the head is  much affected  with
the disease, the eye and mouth are drawn to one side, the mem-
ory and judgment are much impaired, and the speech is  indis-
tinct and incoherent.
  Sometimes the paralytic  affection is confined to one arm, very
rarely to the leg and thigh,  and occasionally to the tongue, caus-
ing stammering, or loss of speech.  In some instances the blad-
der, and lower part of the intestines,  become diseased,  when
the  urine and stools pass off involuntarily.
  If palsy attack any vital part, such as the brain,  heart or lungs,
it very soon  proves fatal.   When it arises as  a consequence
of apoplexy,  it  is  considered difficult to  cure;  and paralytic
affections of the lower limbs, arising from injuries of the spinal
marrow by blows or other accidents, are generally incurable.
  This complaint, though regarded as highly dangerous, partic-
ularly in advanced life, is sometimes removed by a diarrhoea, or a
fever; and one person with  whom we were acquainted was cured
by  a  great and  sudden shock, occasioned  by a  severe wound.
  A feeling of warmth,  and a  slight pricking p^iin in the affect-
ed  part, with returning sensation and motion, are  favorable
symptoms.
  Treatment.—The vapor bath, with the  course of medicine,
will be highly useful in palsy, and ought frequently to be repeated
At the first onset of the complaint, a few doses of the anti-spas-
modic tincture has effected a cure.  The nervine powder, or tinc-
ture, may likewise be occasionally given, with beneficial effeets.
  Vol.  IT.—Mi              18 
138
PILES.
  Bathing  the part affected,  and particularly  along the  back
bone, with  cayenne and vinegar, or the bathing drops, apply-
ing them with much friction  or  rubbing, ought  always to be
resorted to, and often repeated ;  and after this  is  done,  warm
bricks or stones should be applied or placed near the diseased part.
  Great care should be taken to keep the bowels loose by stim-
ulating injections and laxative bitter tonics.   Purges  are  also
highly esteemed by some.
  Electricity is a remedy  almost universally employed in the
cure of palsy, and often  with the happiest  effect.   It ought,
however, to be used with care, applying it only in slight shocks,
often repeated.  It is also recommended not to  apply it to the
head ; as it is supposed that danger might arise from  its  appli-
cation to that part.
  Galvanism has likewise been employed, and  highly extolled,
in the treatment of this complaint.
                          PILES.
  The piles consist of small  tumors situated on the verge of
the  anus or fundament, which  are separate,  round,  and promi-
nent,  though at other times they run together and form a tumid
ring entirely surrounding it.
  In some cases there is a discharge of blood from these tumors,
which generally takes place when the patient goes to stool,
when the  disease is termed the bleeding  piles : and  in other in-
stances there is no discharge, when it is called the blind piles.
  This  complaint  may be caused by habitual costiveness, hard
riding, excesses in drinking, the suppression of some long ac-
customed  evacuation, exposure  to cold, and the frequent use
of strong  purges of aloes.   Many persons possess  a constitu-
tional predisposition to piles, and suffer  more or less  from  it
through life.
  The piles are  sometimes accompanied with a sense of weight
in the back and lower part of the belly, together with a pain or
giddiness  of the head, sickness at the stomach, flatulency in the
bowels, and fever.
  On going to stool a sharp pain is felt in the fundament, and
small tumors may be perceived to project beyond  its verge.  If
these break, a quantity of blood is discharged from them, which
affords much relief from the pain ; but if  they  continue unbro-
ken, the patient will experience much torture every time he goes
to stool,  and also  feels an  inconvenience on  sitting down  on a
hard seat.   The tumors  are sometimes  of so large  a size inter-
nally, as to  press upon the bladder,  and produce much irritation
and even  pain in voiding thf urine. 
PLEURISY.
139
  Piles, or haemorrhoids, as they are technically called, are by
no means  a dangerous, but  oftentimes a troublesome  and disa-
greeable disease.
  A considerable  degree of inflammation  occasionally attends
the complaint, which sometimes suppurating,  terminates in
what are called sinuous ulcers or fistulas.
  Treatment.—In the treatment of piles, we may commence
by bathing the parts with  either the tincture  of myrrh,  or the
juice of smart weed, and the administration of a stimulating in-
jection.   In  mild cases the use of either, a few times,  will effect
a cure ; but if costiveness prevail, the injections should never be
omitted.  And the diseased part may also be occasionally wash-
ed with a warm tea, composed of any of the astringent articles.
   The  application of a block of wood which  has  been  heated
by boiling in water, or of a hot stone or brick, will likewise be
found agreeable, as well as highly beneficial.   A salve made by
simmering the bruised leaves  of the Jamestown weed or hen-
bane, in fresh  butter or hog's  lard, and rubbed  on the affected
part, it is said, will afford  speedy relief.  Bathing the part with
cold water is highly recommended by some.
   Extract of wild lettuce,  (Lactuca  elongata,)  also called milk
weed, and trumpet weed,  is highly  extolled  as a  certain cure
for piles.   The whole plant is taken when in flower,  cut up
short  and boiled  in  a suitable quantity of water for an  hour;
 then strain,  and press out  all the juice, return the liquor to the
 kettle,  and  boil  down to the consistency of tar, taking great
 care not  to scorch  or burn  it.   Then  bottle close for use.
 Dose—one tea-spoonful three times  a day until a cure is effected.
   But if  the complaint does not yield  to the  foregoing pre-
 scriptions, a course of medicine must be resorted to,  and, if ne-
 cessary,  repeated occasionally, until the complaint is removed.
 The bitter tonic,  diaphoretic powders,  and cayenne, must be
 taken between the courses ; and the fundament ought to have a
 little warm tallow applied to it often.
                        PLEURISY.
  Pleurisy is an  inflammation  of the membrane which lines
the thorax, and is attended with an acute  pain  in the side, diffi-
cult breathing, fever, and a full, quick, and hard pulse.
  This disease is induced most  usually  by exposure  to cold,
and by such other  causes as produce inflammatory complaints;
chiefly attacking persons of a vigorous constitution and full habit

of bodV-                              •   ■   U    J    v.-  u  •
   Pleurisy comes  on with an acute pain in the side, which  is
much increased on  making a full inspiration, and is accompani- 
140
POISONS.
ed by flushing of  the face, increased heat over the whole body
rigors, difficulty of lying on the side  affected, with cough and
nausea ; the pulse is hard,  full, and strong;  the tongue white ;
and the urine high colored.
  If the disease be neglected, or continue long, the lungs also
become affected, and a high degree of inflammation is sometimes
induced in them,  with occasionally  a fatal  termination;  or it
may end in consumption.
  If the fever and inflammation run high,  and the pain sudden-
ly ceases, with a  change of countenance, and sinking  of the
pulse, great danger may be apprehended.
  On  the other  hand, if the difficulty  of breathing  and fever
abate, with the pain in the side more moderate, and moisture of
the skin and expectoration  ensue, a speedy recovery may then
be expected.
   Treatment.—The common course of medicine, repeated as
occasion may require; with  the bitter tonic, diaphoretic powders,
md cayenne, freely and frequently  given, and injections, are the
proper remedies in this disease, together with  the whole course
recommended  for the  treatment of inflammation of the lungs, to
which the reader  is referred.
   Purges should  not be given in pleurisy, especially whilst the
pain continues severe, or the fever high.  The bowels must be
kept in proper order by injections,  and laxative bitter tonics ; and
the affected side should be  occasionally bathed with the tincture
of myrrh, bathing drops, or other  stimulating wash, first made
warm.
                        POISONS.
  Poisons are generally classed according to the substance from
which they are obtained, as animal, mineral, and vegetable.
  Animal poisons are communicated by the bite of mad animals,
such as dogs, cats, foxes, and wolves ;  by the bites of snakes,
such as the rattlesnake, pilot or  mockasinsnake, and in some
countries by many other kinds; by the stings of insects, such
as the bee,  the hornet, the wasp, the spider, and in other coun-
tries, the scorpion; and  by infectious matter, such as small pox,
measles,  contagious fevers, Sic
  The mineral poisons are, chiefly, the preparations of arsenic,
copper, antimony, mercury or quicksilver, zinc, tin, lead, Sic
  The vegetable poisons are, mushrooms, or a toad stool nearly
resembling them, laurel, hemlock, nightshade, foxglove,  hen-
bane, prussic acid, tobacco, &c.
                      animal poisons.
  The treatment of the bite  of mad animals has heretofore been
noticed;  and the poison of contagion will  be found under the 
POISONS,
141
heads of the diseases to which they give rise; therefore, it only
remains for us, under this head, to speak of the poisons eommu-
hicated by snakes and insects*
  The symptoms attending the bite of the rattlesnake, the most
common venomous reptile in  this  country, are nausea and vom-
iting ; a full, strong,  agitated  pulse; swelling, first of the bitten
part, then extending over the whole body; eyes suffused with
blood; bloody sweats;  hemorihages from the nose, mouth, and
ears ; with which there is an indescribable pain, first commen-
cing in the bitten part,  and  gradually  extending  over the body*
The teeth chatter, whilst the pains and groans of the unhappy
sufferer indicate his approaching dissolution.
  Treatment.—The treatment of all venomous bites and stings
is so similar, that, for  the  sake of brevity, we  will  make one
description answer for  all.
  When a person is bitten by a venomous snake, on the hand,
arm, foot, or leg, a ligature or string ought immediately to be
tied around the limb, between the wotind and the body,  which
will have a tendency to check the further absorption  or passage
of the poison into the body.   As soon as possible, the part must
be freely washed with  the strongest tincture of lobelia, endeav-
oring to get it into the bottom of the Wound, for which purpose it
might be better to lay the wound open with a knife; and whilst this
is doing, a tea-spoonful of the tincture should be taken internally*
  The washing of the wound ought to be continued for  some
time, and afterwards occasionally repeated.  The tincture inter-
nally, should also be repeated in  the course of an hour or two $
or sooner, if the unpleasant symptoms are not  removed, or if
they return.
  But if, notwithstanding the use of the means just prescribed,
the person becomes  worse \  or if the symptoms have assumed
an aggravated character before medical aid could be obtained, a
most thorough course of medicine must be immediately resorted
to,  in addition to the external application of the tincture, and re-
peated as the symptoms may seem to require.
  A variety of other remedies are  also recommended for venom-
ous bites arid stings.  The juice of the common plantain has long
been in use as a cure for  stings of insects, bites of spiders, &c.
For the bites of snakes, the Greek Valerian or sweat  root, is re-
garded by many as a specific; and although we have  never tried
this article, we have much confidence in its Utility.   Directions
for  using  this medicine will  be found under the proper head
(Potemonium reptans,) in the materia medica.   Indigo, mois-1
tened with vinegar, to the consistence of paste, and  applied to
bites and stings, is also highly recommended.
  If the part bitten should suppurate, it must be treated the sam£
fts any other sore or  ulcer- 
142
POISONS.
  The bites and stings of insects may be treated  precisely on
the same plan recommended for those of  the rattlesnake.   The
lobelia appears to possess the property of disarming the poison
of both animals and vegetables of its powers, and  rendering  it
harmless upon the system.  Bites and stings should, therefore,
be immediately  washed  with the  tincture or tea of this most
valuable  and important article,  and if the animal be very ven-
omous, or the system  disturbed by  the  absorption of  the poi-
son, a dose of it should be taken internally, and, if necessary,
repeated.
                     MINERAL  POISONS.
  The  symptoms which arise from all the mineral poisons are
very similar.  Their taste, in general, is said to be  more or less
like that of ink, and less burning than the  taste of the concentra-
ted acids and alkalies.
  The individual sometimes complains of a closing or constric-
tion of the throat; severe pains are soon felt in the fauces, stom-
ach, and bowels, which are  quickly augmented  and become al-
most insupportable, with  nausea and  vomiting.
  The matter thrown from the stomach is of various colors, of-
ten mixed with  blood.  There  is also either costiveness or a
diarrhoea, and the stools are sometimes bloody.
  To these alarming symptoms are added, frequent foetid belch-
ings, hickup, difficulty of breathing amounting almost to  suffo-
cation;  with a quick,  small, and  hard pulse, which is  some-
times irregular.
  An unquenchable thirst also prevails, with difficulty  in pass-
ing the urine, cramps, icy coldness of the extremities,  dreadful
convulsions  or a general prostration of  strength, the counte-
nance becomes changed, and oftentimes delirium arises, which
may be regarded as the forerunner of speedy death.  In some
cases, however, the individual preserves all his mental  faculties
to the very moment of dissolution.
  Treatment.—In  cases  of persons swallowing any of  the
mineral poisons, immediate recourse  should be had to the tinc-
ture or any other preparation of the lobelia,  which  should be
administered in sufficient quantity to  produce speedy vomiting.
Stimulating  injections, with the addition of two  or three tea-
spoonsful of the tincture  of lobelia, ought also to be administer-
ed, to arouse the torpor of the bowels, and assist in  producing
vomiting.  Pennyroyal tea, warm water,  or almost any kind of
fluid drink, should be freely given  during the operation of the
emetic, to promote the vomiting and wash out the stomach.
   After the  stomach  is well cleansed, the patient should take
mutton or veal broths, flaxseed  or slippery elm teas, and milk,
both for nourishment  and  to sheathe the bowels, which  will 
POISONS.
143
have a tendency to prevent  their being acted  upon by the poi-
sonous  particles of  matter  which may  possibly remain after
vomiting.
  If some time elapses before medical aid is or can be procured,
the anti-spasmodic tincture must be given in repeated doses of
two or three  tea-spoonsful at short intervals,  until vomiting is
produced, and the urgent symptoms removed.   Injections ought
also to be administered.
  As soon as convenient after the vomiting, perspiration ought
to be produced and kept up for several hours; and the health
and strength of the patient promoted by the use of the tonics,
both bitter and astringent.   The exciting of a free perspiration
ought to be carefully attended  to, as by this means the poison-
ous matter, which  may have been absorbed and passed into the
blood,  will be thrown out.
  If the patient, notwithstanding the use of the means recom-
mended, should continue in a debilitated condition, with other un-
pleasant symptoms,  he  should have  a  regular course of the
medicine, which, if necessary, must be repeated, at proper in-
tervals, until his health is restored.

                    VEGETABLE  POISONS.
  Under this head we will include the acids and alkalies.   Ma-
ny of the acids, it is true, are formed from mineral substances ; but
still the acid principle  legitimately appertains to the vegetable
kingdom, and the mode of treating poisons from either the vege-
table or mineral acids,  is essentially the same.   The  alkalies
are wholly of vegetable production.
  Acids.—The symptoms which ensue on  swallowing any of
the concentrated acids are,  a very unpleasant, sour, burning
taste in  the mouth; an acute  pain in the  throat,  which very
soon spreads to the bowels ; an insupportable  offensive breath ;
frequent belchings ; nausea,  and copious vomiting of substances
of various colors,  sometimes mixed with blood,  producing in
the mouth a sensation of bitterness, with hickup.
  Sometimes  the bowels are costive, but  more often  there is a
diarrhoea, with the stools more or less bloody; colic pains  so
acute that the individual cannot support the weight of the bed
clothes,  or even of his shirt;  these pains  also  extend to  the
chest,  causing difficulty of breathing, and great distress;  pulse
frequent but regular; great thirst, whilst drinking only augments
the pain, and  what is swallowed is soon rejected by  vomiting.
There are also shiverings, with an icy coldness of the skin, espe-
cially of the lower limbs ; cold clammy  sweats ; frequent fruit-
less attempts  to make  water;  great restlessness and anxiety;
convulsive motions of the lips, face, and limbs; great  prostra-
tion of strength ; with the countenance but little altered  at first;:
                10 
144
POISONS.
the complexion soon becomes of a pale, or leaden color, and* it
most cases the mental faculties remain entire.
   It also frequently happens that  the inside of the mouth ant
lips are burnt, thickened, and covered with white or black patch
es, which, becoming  detached, irritate the patient, and product
a very fatiguing cough ; in which case the voice is changed ; an(
sometimes there is a painful eruption of the skin.
   The whole of these symptoms are not, however, always me
with in the same person^  And in addition  to these effects, ni
trie acid, (aqua fonis) produces yellow spots upon the lips, or
other parts of the skin on which it may have fallen.
   Treatment.—If is a fact known to chemists, as well as per
sons who are much in the habit of reading,  that acids and alka*
lies mutually neutralize each other*  Thus^if pearl-ash be putinto;
vinegar, each is  neutralized,  so that  both  the sourness of the
vinegar, and  the burning taste  of the pearl-ash are destroyed,
which  is what is meant by neutralizing.   And hence the  evK
dent propriety, in cases  where any of the acids have been taken
into the stomach, of administering alkaline preparations*
   Orfila, however, in his work on poison, says that the result
of the many trials he has made is, that calcined magnesia is the
best  antidote to the acids.   The  poisoned  individual must be
made to drink largely of water, in which  magnesia is diffused
in the proportion of an ounce of magnesia  to a quart of water ;;
a tumbler full of which must be given every two minutes, in or-
der to favor vomiting, and to prevent the deleterious action of
that  portion of the acid which has not exercised  its corrosive
power.   However, as magnesia is not kept in every family, the
time spent in procuring  it at the drug shop, continues Orfila,
must not be lost upon the patient; ho should be made to drink
copiously of water, which will weaken the power of the acid, or
of flaxseed tea, to which we will also  add slippery elm, or  any
other mild drink.
   He also recommends, in case the magnesia cannot be procure
ed, to dissolve an ounce of soap in a quart of water, and admin*
istered as  we suppose, in frequent small doses.  He also recom-
mends  chalk, which to do good, must be taken in considerable
quantity; and we have no doubt, that white  ley, prepared as di-
rected  in  the preparations and compounds, and  taken freelyr
would be highly  beneficial.
   We would, however,  in all cases recommend that an emetic
be given  as  soon as possible, and at the same time prepare any
of the foregoing articles, and administer them in suitable quantity.
   Alkalies.—The effects of the alkaline preparations are nearly
similar to those which occur in taking the acids.  It is only ne-
cessary to remark, that the  taste of these poisons  is acrid,
burning, and urinous. 
POISONS.
145
   Treatment.—An emetic should be immediately administered,
and  at the same time make the patient drink largely of water
made sour with  the addition of vinegar, or lemon juice, to neu-
tralize the alkali.  No  hesitation should be made about which
to give first, either the vinegar or the emetic, but give whichever
can  first be got.  Or if neither can  quickly be procured, then
give warm or cold water, until vomiting takes place.
   Poisonous Vegetables.—These are divided by Orfila, into
irritating, narcotic, or stupefying, and acrid-narcotic poisons.
   The symptoms attending the introduction of irritating poi
sons are—more  or less of a  bitter  taste in the mouth; burn-
ing heat, and great dryness of the tongue and mouth; painful
constriction of the throat; nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea; pains
more or less acute in the stomach and bowels ; strong, frequent,
and  regular pulse;  with  breathing disturbed  and quickened.
Frequently the individual  staggers in his walk, appearing to be
intoxicated; the  pupils of the eyes are  dilated;  with  such a
state of prostration that the patient appears to be dead ; the pulse
grows feeble, and death closes the scene.
   Some of this class of poisons produce convulsions of more or
less  violence, stiffness of  the limbs, and pains  so  acute as to
force from the patient the most distressful cries.
   Narcotic poisons, when introduced  into the system, produce
stupor, numbness, heaviness  of the  head, inclination to sleep,
slight at first, but soon becoming irresistible ; a sort of intoxica-
tion, with a dull, heavy look ; the pupil of the eye may be very
much dilated, contracted,  or in its natural state; there may be
furious or gay delirium ; sometimes  there are pain  and convul-
sions of various  degrees in  different parts of the body; palsy in
the limbs ; pulse variable, but  in general  it is full  and strong at
the commencement of the affection ; breathing is often  a little ac-
celerated ; with  vomiting, especially when the poison has been
applied to wounds, or given by injection ; whilst the convulsions
and  prostration  soon increase, and death puts an  end to  ex-
istence.
   Acrid  Narcotic poisons exhibit many, or all the symptoms of
the other two divisions, with the addition of some others which
we think it unnecessary to enumerate.   This class  includes,
amongst other articles, tobacco,  poisoVi-hemlock, henbane, fox-
glove, spirituous liquors, Sic
   Treatment.—The treatment of poisoning from vegetables of
all kinds, introduced into the system, either by way of the skin
or by the  stomach, is so nearly similar  that we will  make one
description of it  suffice.
   Immediately  on  any of those  poisonous substances being
swallowed, or so soon as practicable  thereafter, the person ought
to have an emetic, the operation of  which should be  promoted
   Vol. II.—N               19 
146
PUTRID OR TYPHUS FEVER.
by  warm water  or  pennyroyal tea.   The  vomiting must be
continued until the stomach is perfectly cleansed ; when proper
means should be taken to produce, and keep  up a free perspira-
tion.  If the patient is inclined to be sleepy,  vinegar and water
may be given to  him, which will have a tendency to  neutralize
the narcotic qualities of the poison.  If debility continues, with
other bad or unpleasant symptoms, the course of medicine must
be repeated as often as appears necessary, together with the fre-
quent use of the bitter tonic.
  In cases where poisons have been applied to the skin, produ-
cing eruptions or sores, the part should be washed with the tinc-
ture of lobelia, or a tea of pipsisway ; at the same time taking
the diaphoretic powders to promote a determination to the sur-
face of the body; and if the health becomes affected, pursue the
course which has just been recommended in other cases of poison.
             PUTRID OR TYPHUS FEVER.
  This fever takes the name of putrid from the symptoms of pu-
trefaction which arise after a short continuance of the disease ;
it is, however, more  commonly known at the present time, by
the  name of typhus.  In its milder forms it was formerly called
nervous fever.
  Typhus fever may be readily distinguished from such as are
of an inflammatory character, by the smallness and weakness of
the  pulse ;  the  sudden and great debility which comes on at its
first attack ; by the  brown or black tongue; by  the dark foetid
matter about the teeth;  the  livid flush of the countenance; and
by the acrid and more intense heat of the skin; and, in the more
advanced stages, by the petechiae or livid spots, which come out
on different parts of the body ; and by the foetid stools which are
discharged.
  The most common cause of typhus fever is supposed by some
to be  contagion; but  it is only under certain  circumstances that
it is communicated in this way.   When patients laboring under
this disease, are confined in small rooms  to which the air has
but little access, and  which are crowded by  other persons who
are  breathing the air contaminated  by the  exhalations from the
patient's breath, body, and stools,  and these persons themselves
perhaps, unhealthy from the want of proper food and cleanliness,
it is no wonder if the fever  should spread as if by the laws of
contagion.
  Hence it has been  observed, that a want of proper cleanliness,
or breathing a contaminated  air, is more probably the cause of
this disease than contagion.   In towns  and cities where it has
sometimes committed such fatal ravages, its origin  has commonly 
PUTRID OR TYPHUS FEVER.
147
,'*    been traced to the habitations of the poor, who live in damp and
     filthy cellars, whose living is often  unwholesome and scanty,
     and who neglect personal cleanliness.   And to this class of per-
     sons the disease has always proved most fatal, and to them it has
     often been confined.
       Typhus fevfcr may also  be caused by whatever enervates or
     debilitates  the system.   Hence we find persons of a lax fiber, or
     who have  been debilitated  by other fevers, or by long fasting,
     hard labor, continued want of sleep, &c, most liable to be  at-
     tacked by  this disease.  Persons of intemperate  and dissipated
     habits are  also predisposed to typhus fever.
       On the first coming on of this complaint, the person is seized
     with languor, dejection  of spirits, great depression and loss of
     muscular strength, universal  weariness  and  soreness, pains in
     the back, head, and limbs, with rigors or chills; the eyes appear
     full, heavy, yellowish, and often a little inflamed; the temporal ar-
     teries throb violently; the tongue is dry and parched; respiration
     is commonly laborious,  and interrupted with deep sighing; the
     breath is hot and offensive; the urine is pale; the bowels costive;
     pulse usually  quick, small and hard, and occasionally fluttering
     and unequal.   Sometimes a great load, heat, and pain, are felt
     at the pit of the stomach, with a vomiting of bilious matter.
       As the disease advances,  the pulse increases in frequency, of-
     ten beating from 100 to  130 in a minute; the debility becomes
     vastly increased; there  is  great heat and dryness of the skin;
     oppression at the breast, with anxiety, sighing,  and moaning;
     the  thirst  is excessive; the tongue, mouth, lips, and  teeth are
     covered with a brown or black, sticky fur;  the speech is inar-
     ticulate, and scarcely intelligible; 'the patient mutters much, and
     delirium arises.   The fever continuing to  increase still more in
     violence, symptoms of putrefaction show themselves ; the breath
     becomes highly offensive; the urine deposites a black and foetid
     sediment;  the stools are dark, disagreeable, and pass off insen-
     sibly; hemorrhages issue from the gums, nostrils, mouth, and
     other parts of the body; livid spots  or petechiae appear on the
     skin; the pulse  intermits and  sinks; the extremities grow cold;
     hickups ensue, and death finally closes the painful scene.
       An abatement; of the heat and thirst; the tongue becoming moist
     and clean; a moist sweat diffused over the whole surface of the
     body; the  pulse becoming stronger, but less frequent, with a free
     secretion of saliva; swelling and suppuration of the parotid, ax-
     illary, or inguinal glands;  a scabby eruption about the mouth,
     and the delirium and stupor abating or going off, may be regard-
     ed as favorable symptoms.
       Treatment.—On the first attack of  this complaint a course
     of medicine should be resorted to immediately, as  by attending
     to it  at the onset,  the disease may often be cut short at once.
                                           « 
148
PUTRID OR TYPHUS FEVER.
The state of the bowels must also be carefully attended to, espe-
cially if the stools be very foetid and disagreeable, or if costive-
ness prevail, as these conditions scarcely ever fail to produce an
increase of fever and delirium.
  Cold bathing has been highly recommended for this  disease,
if applied in the  early stages, by Dr.  Currie,  of Liverpool, as
well as many others who have adopted this mode of treatment
by his recommendation.  But we think the use of the  vapor
bath,  with  the  cayenne, to  promote a free perspiration,  and
throw out of the system the morbid, useless, and putrid matter,
and the application of cold water, is much to be preferred to the
cold bath alone.
  The course of medicine must be repeated, if the symptoms do
not abate after the first one, as often as the symptoms appear to
require it, until the feverish  action subsides ; when the appe-
tite and strength should be restored with the bitter  tonic,  wine,
&c.   If  the stools  are  very offensive,  a mild purge  may be
given ; for which  purpose  castor oil, or the  butternut  syrup
may be employed; and injections at all  times must be liber-
ally  used.
  During the whole course  of the disease, the astringent  tonics
with cayenne,  must be freely and perseveringly  administered,
both by the mouth and  by  injection.   The pepper  sauce  will
also be found a very valuable article,  in  addition to  the  astrin-
gent and stimulant medicines, to change the putrid tendency of
the fluids, which  is so  apparent in  typhus fevers   The pa-
tient's drink may consist of water and vinegar, as well because
it is pleasant and agreeable, as that the vinegar possesses  an an-
tiseptic power in putrid  diseases.
  Every means  must be  employed to keep  up the  strength of
the patient in typhus fevers, whilst nothing should be done that
is likely  to reduce  it.  The food should be rich and nourishing ;
the drink cool and refreshing; whilst the  room must be  well
ventilated,  that is, have  a free circulation of air through  it, but
never  allowed  to  come in a current upon the patient.   The
stools ought to be removed as soon as passed; and  every other
means used to keep the  apartment clean and sweet; and  to ren-
der it more pleasant both to the patient and attendants, the floor
should be sprinkled several times a day  with warm vinegar and
camphor.  The clothes  of the patient as  well as  of the bed
ought often to  be changed,  and kept clean.
   The internal  use of yeast  has also been  recommended in pu-
trid fevers.  One or two table spoons full or more, may be stir-
red into a quart  of beer,  or any other pleasant fluid, of which
the patient should  often drink. 
REMITTENT OR BILIOUS FEVER.
149
            REMITTENT OR BILIOUS FEVER.
   By remittent is understood a fever that abates, but does not
go off entirely before a fresh attack ensues ; or, in other words,
where one paroxysm succeeds the other so quickly that the pa-
tient is never without some degree of fever.   It may also be ob-
served,  moreover, that the remissions happen at very irregular
periods,  and are of uncertain duration, being sometimes longer
and sometimes shorter.
   This fever is principally induced, as well as the intermittent,
by the effluvia arising from marshes and stagnant waters, and is
also apt to take place when  calm, close, sultry weather quickly
succeeds heavy rains or great inundations  of water.   In warm
climates, where great heat and moisture rapidly succeed  each
other, remittent fevers often appear under a highly aggravated
and violent form,  usually prevailing as an epidemic.   In this
climate it is often very prevalent  in the  latter  part of hot, dry
summers and in autumn;  sometimes being of  a mild character,
and at other times more violent.  It appears most apt to attack per-
sons of a relaxed habit, those who undergo great fatigue, breathe
an impure  air, and make use of poor and unwholesome diet.
   Remittent fever generally comes on with a sense  of heavi-
ness and languor, attended by anxiety,  sighing, yawning, and
alternate fits of heat and  cold.   The patient then experiences
severe pains in the head and back, intense heat over the whole
body, with thirst, difficulty  of breathing, and dejection of  spir-
its ; the tongue is white ;  the eyes and  skin often appear yel-
low; sometimes there is a.sense of swelling and  pain about the
region of the stomach ; nausea and vomiting of bilious matter;;
with a frequent small pulse.
   After the continuance  of these symptoms for a  while, the
fever abates considerably, or goes imperfectly off by a gentle
moisture  diffused  partially  over  the body; but returns again
in a few hours, with the same appearances  as  before.  In this
manner, with paroxysms and imperfect remissions, it proceeds
at  last to  a crisis,  or  is  changed into  a typhus, or  an inter-
mittent.
   The disease of which we  are speaking has acquired the  pop-
ular name of bilious fever, owing  to the fact, that in  a majority
of cases there appears to be  an increased secretion of bile which
is thrown up in vomiting, and  also passes off by stool, often
giving the  stools a dark or black appearance.
   Bilious  fevers are most commonly to  be met with along
streams, in the neighborhood  of marshes, and near stagnant
waters ;  and they arise  most frequently in the  latter part  of
summer and in the fall, but may also occur  at any other period
during the  warm season.
   V.au  H.—n3       '11 
50          REMITTENT OR BILIOUS FEVER.
  It often, however, appears in a  much more  aggravated form
than that just  described; for  sometimes  a  severe  delirium
comes  on and the patient may die during the  first paroxysm;
or the  remission, perhaps,  is scarcely perceptible, and is  im-
mediately followed by another paroxysm, in which there is  a
considerable increase  of all  the symptoms.   The fever  now
runs much higher, the face is greatly flushed, the thirst exces-
sive, the tongue is covered with a dark brown  fur,  breathing is
laborious; the pulse is quick, throbbing, and tremulous.  After
a while, perhaps another short  or imperfect remission takes
place, but the symptoms again return with  redoubled  violence,
and at length destroy the patient.
  The symptoms of remittent fever are apt, however, to  vary
so much, according to the situation and constitution of the pa-
tient, and also the season of the year, that it  is impossible to
give a certain detail of them ; for  sometimes those pointing out
a redundancy of the bile predominate; sometimes  the nervous
are most prevalent; and  at other times the putrid.
  A remittent fever is always  attended with some hazard, par-
ticularly in hot climates.  The shorter and more obscure the re-
missions are, the greater will be the danger, and each succeed-
ing paroxysm will be attended with more danger than tfc'3 tu-
rner one was.
  On the contrary, the milder the attack, and the nearer the fe-
ver approaches  to an intermittent, the less we may apprehend a
fatal termination.   The  grand  object aimed at  by many of the
mineral doctors, in the treatment of this disease, is to  change  it
into an intermittent  fever,  when, if they succeed, they think
the patient  out of  danger,  and abandon him to  his  fate; in
which  case  he  has the  consolation of escaping the hazard of
being destroyed by unnatural  poisonous medicines, and of be-
ing cured in nature's own way.
  Treatment.—In cases of remittent fever, immediate recourse
must be had to  the vapor bath, with the full course of medicine,.
and free use of injections.  A dose of the cathartic pills, or of
the black root, or of some  other purgative medicine, may be
administered if the intestines appear  much disordered, either
before  or after the course of medicine.  Care  should  be taken,
after the course, to keep up a constant perspiration or moisture
of the skin, by the use  of the diaphoretic powders, or cayenne,
and the application  of hot bricks, or  rocks.  The quantity of
medicine, and the frequency of the doses, must be regulated al-
together by the effects produced j the object is to keep up a per-
spiration, and if a small quantity  will  not answer, a targer musti
be used.
   If these means do not remove  the urgent symptoms, another
course of medicine must be  administered, if the  case be a bad! 
RHEUMATISM.
151
one, within four-and-twenty hours ; after  which the same plan
must be pursued, as  before recommended, to keep  up the per-
spiration.
  If the stools still appear dark, and are very disagreeable, an-
other purge  may be  given to cleanse  the intestines ;  minding
during the operation,  to  give  the  patient gruel, chr nourishing
broths,  as  well  as  the  diaphoretic powders, or  cayenne,  to
strengthen and stimulate ; thus preventing the prostration which
usually follows the operation of purgative medicines.  It ought,
however,  to   be  carefully borne  in mind,  that a  sparing use
should be made of purges in this as well as all other complaints,
and that the surest indication for their use is a looseness of the
bowels, with a foul  appearance, and highly disagreeable smell
of the  stools.
  The course of medicine must be repeated as often as may  be
necessary, and at such intervals as the case may require, until
the fever is removed.
  If there be symptoms  of nervous irritation  during the course
of the  disease, the nervine powder must be used in such quan-
tity as appears requisite  to allay  them.  And if there be great
pain in the head, with restlessness, the forehead  and  temples
should  be often  bathed  with cold vinegar  and water,  and the
whole  body may be  washed with the same, or with a weak so-
lution  of pearl-ash in water, especially if the means  recommend-
ed for  producing perspiration are not attended with the  desired
effect.
  To restore the appetite and strength, the  bitter tonic must be
used;  and if extreme debility or exhaustion has been produced,
wine or brandy may also be taken.
  Great care must also be observed to guard  against a  relapse,
by avoiding fatigue, exposure to cold, or damp air,  and by striet
attention to diet.  The appetite often being too strong for the  di-
gestive powers, the patient must be on his guard against eating
too  much, as fatal  relapses have sometimes  arisen from that
source ; and if at any time  he should find himself much  op-
pressed by  food, a dose of the bitter tonic, or of golden seal
must be taken, which if it do  not  relieve,  and  the symptoms
are urgent, indicating a relapse, an emetic, or a full course  of
medicine, should be immediately  administered.  Moderate  ex-
ercise  during the recovery will be useful, but ought not to  be
carried to fatigue.
                      RHEUMATISM.
  This complaint is distinguished  into chronic and  acute;  be-
ing considered as chronic, when there is little or no fever or in-
flammation, but pain; and  acute, when both fever and infbcw- 
152
RHEUMATISM.
tnation exist in a high  degree.  These distinctions, however,
are more fanciful than real, only indicating different degrees of
the same disease.
   Rheumatism may arise at any time of the year, when there
are frequent changes of  weather from hot to cold, or from dry
to wet; butspring and fall are the seasons in which it is most
prevalent.  It attacks persons of all ages; but adults, and persons
advanced in life, as  well  as  those whose employments subject
them to alternations of heat and cold, are most liable to it.
   The acute rheumatism in some respects resembles the gout.
Rheumatism  usually comes on in a more gradual manner  than
gout, for the most part giving the patient warning by a slow in-
crease  of pain.  Nor is  it so apt to be fixed to  one part as gout,
but often  wanders from place to place.  It seldom attacks the
small joints,  as  gout almost  invariably does,  but is commonly
confined to the larger ones, as the knees, hips, back and shoul-
ders.   The acute rheumatism is generally attended by a contin-
ual fever,  whilst the  gout has periodical remissions.
   This complaint often occurs in so mild a form as to  produce
little or no inconvenience, from which it may be traced by almost
imperceptible gradations up to cases of the most painful and in-
veterate character, attended with strong symptoms of inflamma-
tion, and a high degree of fever.
   Rheumatism is  accompanied  with a peculiar  pain about the
joints, most  commonly in the knees, hips, or shoulders, some-
times attended with swelling and extreme soreness or tenderness
to the  touch, and a vast increase of pain on being moved.  In
worse  cases, or those termed acute,  there are also rigors, suc-
eeeded by fever, thirst, anxiety, restlessness, and a hard, full, and
quick  pulse.
   When the rheumatism affects the  hip joint it  is often called
Sciatica;  and when it  attacks that part of the back styled the
lumbar region, it is called Lumbago. These distinctions are,
however, of  little  consequence in a practical point of view, as
both affections are to be treated the same as ordinary rheumatism.
   Little danger is attendant on rheumatism; but a person once
attacked by it, ever  afterward is more or  less liable to returns
of it,  and sometimes an incurable stiffness of the joints occurs
in consequence of repeated attacks.
   It is caused, in general, by whatever obstructs the perspiration,
or passage of the fluids through the vessels of the part; and hence
 it may arise  from  any exposure to cold,  wearing wet clothes,
sleeping in damp beds, or rooms, or on the ground ; or by being
suddenly cooled when in a high state of perspiration.
    Those who are much afflicted with this complaint are very apt
 to be  sensible of the approach of wet  weather, by the wandering
 pains  which they often experience previous to a storm. 
RHEUMATISM.
153
  Treatment.—A great many different, as well as discordant,
remedies have been used for the alleviation, or cure of rheuma-
tism.   Nothing, however, that we as yet know of, has sustained
the character of an unfailing specific;  though several have been
ushered into public notice as such.
  In mild attacks simply wrapping the affected part in flannel
often affords salutary relief, and, if persisted in, generally effects
a cure.   In addition to this, bathing the part with  the  bathing
drops, or with pepper and vinegar, will be highly serviceable;
and in cases attended with  much  soreness, swelling, or  pain, it
ought never to be omitted.   Tying a strip of gum elastic around
the affected joint has also  been used  with success, after  other
means had failed.
   Sometimes pouring cold  water on a rheumatic joint will give
ease to the pain when nothing else seems to avail or do much
good ; or first steaming it for some time, and then pouring on the
water, in many instances  will do better.   The good effects of
these means will be further promoted by frequent, or occasional
doses of the diaphoretic powders or the cayenne; and if the pa-
tient is confined to  his bed, a hot stone or brick should be placed
near the  affected part, not only with a view of promoting a heal-
thy action in the diseased  joint, but also of producing  general
perspiration, and giving energy and vigor to the whole  system.
   In many cases of rheumatic affection there is such a want of
action  and sensibility in the part, that it becomes insensible  to
the effects of the strongest stimulants.  Where this is found  to
be the case, as it is more or less on all occasions,  the full effects
which would otherwise result from the employment of stimula-
ting washes are not produced.  In order to favor the operation
of  those external means,  the part should be bathed with the
strongest infusion of the cayenne in vinegar, and then hold it
over a lively steam.  Or what is more certain, in  the worst ca-
ses, of producing the burning  sensation, which is what is want-
ed, we may take the pods of red pepper, and steep them a short
time in warm vinegar, or water, then  open, and lay them nicely
on the painful part, and apply a flannel bandage or wrapper over
them ; in addition to  which, if we  choose,  a  hot rock  may be
placed near the part.  By pursuing this course, we may be sure
of producing the desired effect, in a short time.
   An ointment made by boiling peppers in water until the strength
is extracted, then skimming out the pods, or straining the liquor,
adding hog's lard, and simmering down, has been highly recom-
mended  as an external application to rheumatic affections.
   In addition to external applications of every kind, to  the part
immediately affected, the  use of the  vapor bath will be  found
highly advantageous, nay,  indispensably necessary in all bad ca-
ses : and if there be symptoms of inflammation with great pain,
                             20 
154                   RHEUMATISM.
and fever, the whole course of medicine must be administered,
and daily repeated until the urgent symptoms are removed.
  In cases of this kind, the  diaphoretic powders and cayenne
must be taken several times a day, as well between  the courses,
as after these become  unnecessary, until  the  complaint  is en-
tirely removed.
  To strengthen  and restore the weakened joint to its healthy
state after the pain and  soreness have left it, we should bathe it
daily  with some  stimulating wash, shower it  with cold water,
and keep it covered with a flannel cloth.
  If stiffness of the joint follows the rheumatism, the part should
be bathed  with some stimulating wash, or the ointment of which
we have just  spoken, or the nerve ointment, and be often held
over a hot steam of vinegar and water; or herbs,  such as tansy,
mint,  &c.  may be used instead of the vinegar.
  In a late work, published by Dr. Gunn, of Knoxville, in Ten-
nessee, we find a  new method of producing perspiration in the
treatment of rheumatism, very highly recommended by him, from
practical experience of its virtues in a great many cases, both in
Tennessee and Virginia.
  The superiority of Dr. Gunn's vapor bath over the common
method, (if it really be  superior) consists in the medicated fluid
with which the vapor is made.   He directs half an ounce of salt
peter, one ounce  of Seneca  snake root, well bruised,  and half
an ounce of sulphur, to be put into a quart of whiskey, and stand
five days before using.   The patient may then be surrounded
with a blanket, being naked, as for steaming in the common way,
and having red hot stones placed under him, the liquor just de-
scribed must be poured very slowly, or rather dropped, through
an opening in the blanket  on the stones, by which he says a
powerful sweat will be produced, which should be continued for
a quarter of an hour, if the patient be strong enough to bear it so
long.   He also directs that if the  patient becomes faint or sick,
whilst in the bath,  he should be immediately taken out; but we pre-
sume  that  with the aid of the cayenne, or the diaphoretic pow-
ders, taken before, or during the operation, and by applying cold
water to the face,  breast, Sic the faintness and sickness might
readily be removed.
  There are also  two other remedies often used in the treatment
of rheumatism, and which are, by some, held in high estimation,
that we deem worthy of a place here.   These articles are a tinc-
ture of the  common poke-weed or pigeon-berry,  and the tea
or tincture of squaw or rattle-root.  The first mentioned article
may be prepared,  by filling  a vessel with  the ripe  berries, and
then pouring on them as much spirits as the vessel will-contain,
letting it stand, until the  virtue of the berries is extracted—Dose,
two table-spoonsful, three times  a day.   The latter  may be pre- 
RING WORM AND TETTER.
155
pared by infusing a handful of the roots in a quart of boiling wa-
ter, and taken in doses of a  common sized  teacup full, three or
four times a day.   We are constrained, however, to notice one
circumstance connected with this subject;  that the effect  pro-
duced upon the system by a  large dose of the tincture of the rat-
tle-root, (which is sometimes used instead of the tea,) in some
instances, is very  alarming;  though we have heard of no case in
which any  bad consequences have followed  its use.
  Dr. William Ripley, of Cincinnati, in  whose  sound judg-
ment and practical experience we have much confidence, informs
us,  that preparing the rattle-root in tea prevents almost entirely
the  alarming effects  which  have been known to follow the use
of the tincture.   It  is very possible, indeed we think highly
probable, that a compound of the tincture of the poke-berries and
tea  of the rattle-root  might be a more valuable remedy for rheu-
matism, than  either  of them alone.   [See materia medica, ar-
ticle Phytolacca  decandra.~]
               RING WORM  AND TETTER.
  These  complaints, though  not considered as precisely  the
same, are both to be managed in the same way.
  Ring Worm is more common in warm than in cold climates,
and shows itself in small red pimples, which break out in a cir-
cular  form, and contain  a thin acrid fluid.   When the body is
heated by exercise, these circular eruptions itch, and on being
scratched  discharge their contents, which falling on the sound
parts, spread and increase the disease to a much greater extent
than at the commencement.
  In  some cases  the disease seems so universal that the whole
system becomes tainted ; the skin puts on a leprous appearance,
and is much disfigured by blotches, whilst the unhappy patient
is in continual torment from the intolerable  itching and painful
excoriation.
  Tetter consists in an  eruption of broad itchy spots dispersed
here and there over the  skin, of a whitish or red color, which
gradually  spread  until they meet or  run  into  each  other,  dis-
charge a thin fluid,  and either form extensive excoriations of the
skin,  or end in bad  ulcers.
  After a  while scurfy scales make their appearance, which peel
off, leaving the under surface red; but the eruption soon makes
its appearance, and goes the  same round again  and again, until
the disease is either cured, or goes off spontaneously, which lat-
ter, however, rarely occurs.   Some persons seem to be  consti-
tutionally  predisposed to  eruptions of this kind.
  Treatment.—Various remedies have been recommended for 
*
156                      RUPTURE.

this  complaint, and used  with different  degrees  of success.-—
Washing the part with ink made of ink-powder, or with alum
water, often effects a cure, especially of the ring worm.  The
juice of the black walnut husk or shuck,  applied to the affected
part, is also a useful remedy.
  Washing the part in salt and water, has sometimes effected
cures when other applications failed ;  as also the tincture of lo-
belia, and even the anti-spasmodic tincture, have  been success-
fully resorted to as an  external application in eruptions of the
skin.  Cedar oil  is said to have cured these complaints, when
other articles had been ineffectual.
  Blood-root or red puccoon, steeped in good vinegar, has, how-
ever, been  more  highly recommended, perhaps, than any other
article for the treatment of ring worm and tetter.  The part affect-
ed should be washed with this liquid, two or three times a day.
  In Beach's American Practice, we find the following recipe
for making tetter  ointment, which the writer says he has never
applied without benefit.—Take of Indian turnip and olive oil, of
each one ounce ;  common plantain leaves, white lily leaves, [or
root,]  and  beeswax,  each two  ounces;  white turpentine  and
fresh butter, each,  half a pound.  Bruise the leaves and roots,
and  simmer them with the other articles in an earthen vessel,
over a slow fire,  and closely covered; strain, and when nearly
cold, add two drachms (one fourth of an ounce) of yellow ochre.
This must  be applied to the part, and seldom fails of doing good.
  The use  of the sulphur bath, made by burning the sulphur and
confining the vapor  to  the  part, or  to the whole body, is also
highly recommended for eruptions of the skin,  by some physi-
cians of this country, and particularly by those of  France.
  The daily, or less frequent, use of the vapor bath, by  promo-
ting  the discharges by the skin, which  it also cleanses and  sof-
tens, is a highly useful remedy  in all diseases of this kind.
                        RUPTURE.
  This is an unnatural protrusion of some portion of the contents
of the abdomen, generally dependent upon a laxity of the parts.
It is produced in  children by crying, coughing, vomiting, and
other like causes ;  and in grown persons, by blows, violent ex-
ertions of strength, strains, Sic  It has been observed that rup-
tures were most frequent amongst the inhabitants of those coun-
tries where oil is much used as an article of diet.
  A rupture is a kind of sack or tumor, protruding from the ab-
domen, in various situations, but most usually in the groin, scro-
tum, labia pudenda, the upper and fore part of the thigh, the na-
vel, and at various  points on the surface of the abdomen.
  The contents of these tumors are as various as their situations. 
RUPTURE.
167
Instances have occurred of the stomach, womb, liver, spleen, or
bladder, being found to  form their contents.  But a portion of
the intestines, or of the omentum or caul, are found to be ine
most common contents of rupture  tumors*
   On the first appearance  of a rupture, the protruded sack i9
commonly of a very small  size, and the bowels frequently return
to their proper place  without any assistance; but by their re-
peatedly coming out, it is gradually increased, in some cases, to
a large size.
   Ruptures  sometimes prove fatal before the cause of the diffi-
culty is known ;  Therefore, whenever sickness at the  stomach,
vomiting, obstinate pain  and costiveness of the bowels, give rea-
son to suspect a rupture, all those places where they usually ap-
pear should be carefully examined ; as by neglecting this inquiry,
the case may become incurable, or the individual  may even die,
before the cause of the difficulty shall become known.
   Treatment.-—The principal danger in this complaint arises
from the liability of the protruded part to become inflamed, by
which it is enlarged, rendering it impossible to be returned, and
liable to mortify.  Therefore, whenever a  rupture is discovered,
efforts should immediately be made to return the protruded intes-
tine into the abdomen.  If the difficulty have lately happened
and there be no swelling  nor inflammation, this may  generally
be accomplished with little difficulty.
   To do this, lay the patient on his back, with his head very
low and his breech raised high with pillows or blankets folded,
 when a gentle pressure must be made upon the tumor with the
 fingers, in which more dexterity than force is requisite, to push
 the gut back by the same opening  through  which  it had escaped.
 The  patient, if arrived at  years of discretion,  can do this to
 much better advantage than any one else.
   But should these means prove  unavailing, or if there be pain,
 soreness, swelling or inflammation in the part, woolen cloths
 wrung out of hot water,  or a hot stone wrapped in wet cloths,
 must  be  applied  to the tumor, and renewed  as  often as  they
 become cool; in addition  to which, an injection or two, compo-
 sed of catnip tea, with half or a whole tea-spoonful  of lobelia
 in it,  must be administered, which  will have a tendency to re-
 lax the constriction and swelling of the part, whereby the  rup-
 ture may be reduced.  To do this, the plan already recommend-
 ed must be adopted.
   The application of fomentations of bitter herbs, such  as may-
 weed, tansy, hoarhound, wormwood, catnip, or hops,  may be
 employed ; or it may be bathed with the nerve ointment, or any
 soft oil.  The  patient  may likewise be  steamed, or " let an al-
 kaline poultice be applied over the parts  and over the seat of
 the stricture."   Dr. Beach says he has  found  this applicaiion
    Vol II.—O 
158
ST. ANTHONY'S FIRE.
of great value in ruptures which were difficult to reduce.  All
persons, however, should be cautioned against the  employment
of cold applications to ruptures as is recommended and practi-
sed by the medical faculty, as they will rarely fail to do mischief.
  If,  however, the above mentioned means fail of  relaxing the
tumor so that it can be reduced, or if the symptoms be violent,
a regular course of medicine must be  immediately resorted to,
which,  together with the external applications, will, if perse-
vered in, generally remove  the inflammation, and  so relax the
part that the rupture  may be reduced, that is, the  intestine re-
turned to its proper place.  When this has been accomplished,
it will be necessary to procure a truss, which may be  got at
most  apothecary stores, and apply  to  the rupture, which will
prevent it from again coming down.
  The  application of a  truss, however,  will  rarely effect  a
cure,  though with young persons, or if the rupture be not suf-
fered  to continue long unattended to, the constant wearing of
one for  a great length of time, may ultimately  enable the rup-
tured  walls of the abdomen to close and become sound.  We
find, however, in the  " American Practice," the extract of oak
bark  highly recommended  for the cure of rupture,  as having
been  used with great success by a few practitioners in Europe.
The manner of preparing this remedy is as follows :
  Take a few pounds of oak bark, (we are not informed which
kind,) and steep in a sufficient quantity of cold water,  for twelve
or twenty-four hours ; then put both bark and water into a large
kettle, and keep boiling over a gentle fire, for two or three days,
adding,  when  necessary, boiling  water from time to time, so
that the bark may be constantly covered.   The object in boiling
is to extract all  the virtues of the bark.  After this long and
slow boiling, the bark should be removed and the boiling con-
tinued until the extract  is reduced to a very thick  consistence,
when it is fit for use.
  After a rupture has been reduced, take some of this extract of
the oak  bark, warm it so as to soften it, then bathe the part with
it, and apply the truss.  This operation must be repeated three
or four times a day.   By these means ruptures  of many years'
standing, according to an European author, have been cured in  a
few days or weeks ; though in general it required a continuance
of three months.
        ST. ANTHONY'S FIRE OR ERYSIPELAS.
  This disease is an inflammation of  the  skin, commencing
generally with fever, drowsiness, and oftentimes delirium.
  Every part of the body is liable to the attacks of erysipelas,
but it more frequently appears on the face, legs, and feet,  thac 
ST. ANTHONY'S FIRE.
159
any where else when seated externally; and in warm climates it
is a more frequent form of inflammation than that which termi-
nates in suppuration.
   Although the  disease under consideration  sometimes attacks
infants, and occasionally youth, yet it seldom occurs before the
person has arrived at mature age ;  and is most usually met with
in advanced life, more often amongst women than men, particu-
larly those of a sanguine, irritable habit or temperament.   In
some people there exists a predisposition to the disease, some-
times returning periodically, making its attacks once or twice a
year, and in some instances much oftener, producing great ex-
haustion and debility.
   St. Anthony's fire is brought on by the different causes which
produce inflammations in general; such as injuries of all kinds,
the application of stimulant acrid  matters  to  the skin, as  blis-
tering plasters, exposure to cold, particularly during a course of
mercury, obstructed  perspiration, Sic Sic
   In slight cases, where it attacks the extremities, it  makes its
appearance with a roughness, heat,  pain, and  redness of the
skin, which becomes pale when the finger is pressed  upon it,
but  returns  to  its former color when  the finger is removed.
There is also a burning and itching of the part;  and a slight fe-
ver.  These symptoms continue for a few days, when the sur-
face of the part affected becomes yellowish, the cuticle or scarf-
skin falls off in  scales, and the disease will be at an end.
   But on the other hand,  if the attack has been very severe, and
the inflammation high, there will be pains in the head and back,
great heat, thirst, and restlessness;  the part affected  will  be
slightly swelled ; the pulse  small and  frequent; and about the
fourth da}7 perhaps, a number of little blisters, containing a clear,
or in some instances a yellowish fluid,  will  appear.   In  some
cases the fluid contained in the blisters is viscid or sticky, and
instead of running out when the blister is broken, it adheres to,
and  dries upon the skin.
   In unfavorable cases these blisters occasionally degenerate in-
to obstinate ulcers, which sometimes end  in mortification. This,
however, does not often happen ; for although it is not uncom-
mon for the skin and blisters, to appear  livid or blackish, this
usually  disappears with the other  symptoms of the complaint.
   This  disease appears to be  most dangerous when  it attacks
the face.  In this case it comes on with chilliness, succeeded
by fever, thirst,  restlessness, with  drowsiness, or tendency to
coma and delirium, and the pulse is  frequent and full.   After
two  or three days, a fiery redness shows itself on some part of
the face, which  at length extends  to the head, and  gradually
down the neck, leaving every part  which the redness has occu-
pied a little swelled.
                   11 
160
ST. VITUS' DANCE.
  The whole face at length becomes  full and the eye-lids are
so much swelled as to deprive the patient of sight.   Nearly the
same appearances  follow the  redness  and inflammation of the
face, as those described on the extremities.
  No remission of the fever follows the appearance of  the red-
ness on the face; but on the contrary, it is  increased as the in-
flammation spreads.
  In the course of the disease the disposition to sleepiness and
delirium occasionally increases, and the patient is sometimes de-
stroyed between the seventh and eleventh days of the complaint.
  Treatment.—As this disease oftentimes goes off spontane-
ously by  a sweat,  we should commence the cure by steaming,
and then giving an emetic ; in other words, administer a course of
medicine,  and, if necessary, repeat it  at suitable intervals until
the inflammation and fever are removed.
  In proof of the  propriety of emetics we not only have  the
general principles of medical philosophy, but also the authority
of eminent medical men.   Dr. Abernethy says, " I'll be hang-
ed if erysipelas is not always the result of a disordered  state of
the digestive organs ; but how to put it to rights," (he very can-
didly observes,) " I do not know."
  Now we do not introduce this  remark of Abernethy's  aa
proof  direct, of the propriety of emetics, but to show his opin-
ion of  the cause of the complaint.   It is admitted  perhaps, by
all, that in disordered digestion  emetics are valuable.
  After the course of medicine the perspiration must be  kept up
by frequent doses of the  diaphoretic powders, and cayenne,
aided by the application  of hot  bricks, or stones.  To allay the
heat and irritation of the inflamed part, dusting it over with
flour, or starch, has been highly recommended; but we think
the application of cold water  a far better means of accomplish-
ing that object.  If the inflammation is  seated  on  such a  part
that water cannot consistently be poured on it, cloths wet in cold
water may be  applied instead of it.   Stimulating washes,  con-
taining a portion of golden seal, may also be used both previous
to the cold applications, and afterwards; or the common elm
poultice may be applied to the inflamed surface.
  As a means of strengthening the digestive powers, the bitter
tonic may be given three or  four times a day, both during the
existence of the inflammation and afterwards; and if symptoms
of mortification show  themselves, the most energetic measures
should be pursued ; for which see under the proper head.
                   ST. VITUS' DANCE.
  This disease is marked by convulsive motions, most general"
ly confined to one side, and  affecting principally the  arm and 
ST. VITUS' DANCE.
161
leg.   When any motion is  attempted to be made, various mus-
cles act which ought not to, and thus a  contrary effect is produ-
ced from what was  intended.
  This complaint is said to be chiefly incident to young per-
sons of both  sexes,  particularly those  of a weak constitution,
or whose  health and vigor  have been impaired by confinement,
or by the use of scanty and improper nourishment.   It usually
makes its attacks  between the age  of ten and fifteen, occurring
but seldom after maturity.   But the only cases of this complaint
which we have seen, occurred after maturity, and grew worse
with age.   These,  moreover,  were undoubtedly  hereditary in
the male line, whilst the females were entirely exempt from the
disease.  In some,  the symptoms  appeared earlier in life than
in others, but  all the males, sooner or later, became affected,
and gradually grew worse,  at least for several years, though the
females, as just staled, were not known to be afflicted with this
unpleasant disease.   This unfortunate  family appeared to have
the complaint  equally  in all parts  of the system, and were ne-
ver free from its influence only when in bed or asleep.   A very
remarkable circumstance connected with the history  of this fam-
ily was, that one individual who could scarcely be  said to be
still one moment, was an excellent marksman with the rifle, of-
ten, for his own  and others' amusement,  shooting birds on the
wing.
   St. Vitus' dance, in addition to  its  being hereditary, as has
just been stated,  is occasioned by various  irritating causes, such
as teething, worms, acrid matter in the bowels, offensive smells,
poisons, Sic   It  arises likewise in consequence of violent affec-
tions  of the mind, as horror,  fright, and anger.   In many
cases it is produced by general weakness and irritability of the
nervous system,  and in a few it takes  place from sympathy at
seeing the disease in others.
   This complaint is sometimes preceded  by a coldness of the
feet and limbs, or a kind of tingling sensation which ascends like
cold air up the back, with  a flatulent pain in the left side, and
obstinate costiveness.  At other times  it  comes  on with yawn-
ing,  stretching, anxiety  about the heart,  palpitations,  nausea,
difficulty of swallowing, noise in  the ears, giddiness, and  pains
in the head and teeth.
   The disease first affects  the legs, by a kind of lameness, and
the patient drags them after him in an odd ridiculous manner,
nor can he hold his arms still, but is constantly throwing  or
moving them about in an ungraceful manner, which it is impos-
sible  for him to avoid.  When he eats or drinks, he uses many
singular gesticulations before  he can carry the food or  drink to
his mouth ;  the  head  in some cases partaking of the same con-
vulsive action.   Sometimes various attempts at running and leap-
   Vol. II.—o 2              21 
162
SCALLED HEAD.
ing take place, and at others the head and trunk of the body are
affected by convulsive motions.  The eye loses its lustre and in-
telligence, and the countenance is pale and expressive of vacancy;
swallowing is occasionally performed with difficulty, the speech
is often impeded, and sometimes completely suspended.
  When this disease arises in children, it usually ceases again
before  mature age, and in adults is often carried off by a change
from the former mode of life.  Unless it passes into some other
disease, such as epilepsy, or its attacks  are violent, it is not at-
tended with danger.
  Treatment.—As  costiveness generally  prevails in  this dis-
ease, strict attention should be paid to the  bowels, using injec-
tions and laxative bitter tonics, with occasional courses of med-
icine to invigorate the whole system.   The  tincture of nervine
powder ought also to be taken, and if this does not, after a rea-
sonable time, appear likely to check the involuntary action of
the muscles,  we may substitute the anti-spasmodic tincture, in
doses proportioned to the age and symptoms, two or three times
a day.   An infusion of skullcap, made by  pouring a quart of
boiling water upon one  ounce  of the plant,  strained, and sweet-
ened with loaf sugar, and drank freely by the  patient, is said to
be almost a specific for this complaint; especially, when used al-
ternately with the nervine tincture.
   Where little  debility prevails, and much costiveness, repeated
purgings have been highly recommended, as having been attend-
ed  with great  success.   If this mode  of  treatment, however,
should be ventured  upon, every  precaution should be taken to
prevent debility.  The bitter tonic, and occasional doses of cay-
enne, ought to be administered, to which may  be added the ner-
vine tincture, with a good nourishing diet, and once in a while
a course of medicine.
                     SCALLED  HEAD.
   Scalled, scald, or scalt head, consists in an inflammation of
the skin of the head, producing a discharge of a peculiar gluey
matter, which  sticks among the hair, and often gradually in-
creases until the whole head is covered with a scab.
   Children are principally subject to this complaint, particularly
those of the poor; and it frequently arises in consequence of un-
cleanliness, or from the  want of a due proportion of wholesome
nourishing food, and possibly from bad  nursing.  In many in-
stances it is  propagated by  contagion, either by using a comb
imbued with the matter from a diseased head, or by putting on a
'•hat or cap worn by a person  laboring under the complaint.
   This scalled head first commences with a brownish spot on
some part of the head ;  which soon discharges a peculiar matter. 
SCARLET FEVER.
163
producing a scab.  Other sores soon form on different parts, and,
if not checked, the whole head, in time, becomes one scab, from
which issues a very offensive matter.
  Treatment.—We may commence the cure of this unpleasant
disease, by anointing the head with oil, hog's lard, or fresh but-
ter, when it ought to be covered with the leaf of skunk, or com-
mon cabbage, or a bladder may be drawn over it.   The oil is to
soften the scabs ; and the cabbage leaves, or bladder, to  promote
perspiration of the head, and thus assist in still further dissolv-
ing the  hard scabs.  These  applications ought to be  made at
night; and in the morning the leaves must be removed,  the head
washed with soap suds, endeavoring to  get the  scabs all off; and
when this is accomplished wash it with a preparation  of equal
partsof the tincture of myrrh,  tincture of lobelia, and a strong tea
of bayberry, pond-lily, or beth-root.  After the washing, the
head must be carefully kept from the  air by drawing a bladder
over it, or by the use of a cap, handkerchief,  or cloth  ; and if
the case be a bad one, the patient ought to have a course of med-
icine occasionally.   If the bowels are costive, they must be re-
lieved by injections, and kept regular by the laxative bitter tonic,
of which the  parilla ought to form a part, and at the same time
taking three or four times a day of the diaphoretic powders, to
assist in promoting a healthy action in the system.
   The  head must be dressed every day in the following  manner :
—After washing clean with mild soap suds, it  must be then
washed  with  lime water, made by slacking a  piece of  lime, of
the bigness of a hen's  egg, in a quart of water.  After washing
with this, apply the tinctures of lobelia and myrrh,  and the
astringent tea  as before directed, when the  following  ointment
may be applied to the sore :—Take two table-spoonsful of pure
tar,  one table-spoonful of powdered charcoal,  two tea-spoonsful
of sulphur, or powdered brimstone, to which must be added of
hog's lard sufficient to make a soft ointment.   Or instead of this,
Wells' scrofulous ointment  (hereafter mentioned in this  work)
will, perhaps, be a better application.  In either case, when the
dressing is completed, the bladder cap should be applied to shield
the  head from the air.
   Simply sprinkling  the head  with  powdered  charcoal after
washing,  has proved highly efficacious in scalled head;  and
drinking a tea of yellow dock-root, yellow parilla, and sassafras,
may be regarded as a valuable  remedy.   The diet should be
 wholesome and nutritive, avoiding salted meats and fish.
                    SCARLET FEVER.
  This disease  attacks persons of all  ages, but children and
young persons are most subject to it; and it appears at all sea- 
164
SCARLET FEVER.
sons of the  year, but is most frequent in the latter part of fall
and beginning of winter, at which period it often prevails'as an
epidemic.
  Scarlet fever is  generally regarded as a contagious disease.
though it is by some disputed as being such.   It is also said by
some, that the same individual is liable to have it but once in hi**
life, though it is  pretty generally  admitted, at the  present day
that this  is not the fact.
  As an epidemic, scarlet fever  does  not  always assume pre
cisely  the same character.  This diversity  probably  depends
upon the dissimilarity of constitution  in different individuals}
different seasons of the year; different states of the atmosphere.
different conditions of the individual when exposed  to the con
tagion, &c. &c.
  The disorder  to which scarlet fever  bears the  greatest resem-
blance is measles, for the distinguishing symptoms of which, see
Measles.
  This complaint, like other  fevers, commences with languor,
lassitude, chills, or shiverings, heat, confusion of ideas, thirst, dry
skin, anxiety, nausea, and vomiting.  The stools are usually of
the common quantity, urine high colored  and  turbid,  and the
pulse weak and varying from 100 to 120 strokes in a minute.
  About the second or third day, numerous  specks, or minute
patches,  of a  vivid red color, appear  about the  face and neck;
and within twenty-four hours, a like efflorescence is diffused over
the surface of the body, and occasionally even tinges the inside
of the lips, cheeks, palate, and fauces.
  Sometimes the efflorescence is continuous over the whole body ;
but, frequently, on the trunk there are intervals of a natural color
between  the  patches, with dots scattered over them.   There is
an increase of fever in the evening, at which time  the rash is most
florid or  red, and is less so in the morning.
  On the fifth day the eruption begins  to decline; the intervals
between the patches begin to widen, and  the florid  hue fades.
On the sixth, the rash is very  indistinct, and is wholly gone on
the seventh.
  But the description which we have given, is of the disease in
its  mildest appearance.  In the  more malignant  forms of  the
scarlet fever,  we find, in addition  to  the symptoms first  enu-
merated  as  being of  an aggravated character, soreness of  the
throat; inflammation and ulceration of the tonsils; the breathing
is frequent and laborious ; the pulse quick, small, and depressed.
  In the progress  of this form of the disease,  one universal red-
ness often pervades the face, body, and limbs, with some ap-
pearance of swelling.   The eyes, and nostrils, likewise, partake
more or less of  the redness; and a tendency to delirium often
prevails. 
SCARLET FEVER.
165
  Sometimes  also a disposition to run  into putrefaction takes
place, which is known by the pulse being small, indistinct, and
irregular; the tongue, teeth,  and lips, are covered by a black fur
or incrustation ;  with foetid  breath ;  livid color of  the cheeks ;
deafness and delirium ; and great prostration of strength.   Ulce-
rations of the fauces also arise, similar to the putrid sore throat;
and the tongue is liable to be excoriated by the slightest  touch.
The rash or redness, is usually faint, excepting perhaps a few
irregular patches, which soon change to a livid or dark red color.
It also appears later  in the  disease, is very uncertain in its du-
ration, and in some instances suddenly disappears in a few hours
after it comes out; but may,  perhaps, show itself again in two
or three days.
   When scarlet  fever  terminates favorably,  the fiery  redness
gradually abates, and  is succeeded by a brown color ; the skin
becomes rough,  and  peels off in small scales; the swelling sub-
sides, and the health is gradually restored.
   The  mild forms of this disease are not to be regarded as dan-
gerous ; but  when it  partakes much of  the character of putrid
sore throat, or appears much inclined to  putrefaction, it must be
viewed in a more unfavorable light.
   Treatment.—In mild cases of this complaint nothing more
may be necessary than to give occasional doses of the  diapho-
retic powders, saffron tea, or cayenne, to promote  perspiration,
and, if the  bowels are eostive, an  injection ought occasionally
to be administered whilst the digestive powers may be restored,
and the bowels regulated with the laxative bitter tonic.
   Dr. Currie, of Liverpool,  states that the affusion of cold wa-
ter, at the commencement, and during the hot stage of  this  fe-
ver, completely removes the  disease and prevents  any  efflores-
cence or redness from  appearing.  His method is to  strip  the
patient entirely naked and dash four or five gallons of the cold-
est water he could get, over the  body; repeating  the operation
ten or twelve times  in twenty-four hours, if the heat or fever
continued to return so often.
   He further adds,  that he pursued this course with so  invaria-
ble success, in upwards of  one hundred and fifty cases, that he
could  not contemplate it without emotions  of surprise,  as  well
 as of satisfaction.   Those  who wish to try this practice would
 no doubt increase the good effects of the cold affusion, by  ad-
 ministering a dose of cayenne, or of the diaphoretic powders
 previous to applying the water.
   But we think, nevertheless, that using the vapor bath to pro-
 mote perspiration, and then pouring on the cold water, is a more
 sure and speedy method of removing the heat and fever  than
 the cold water alone.
   In  bad cases  the course  of medicine  should be resorted to,
                    23 
166
SCURVY.
and repeated as the circumstances of the case may require, un-
til a cure is effected.
  If a soreness of the throat takes place, it must be treated as
directed under the head of malignant, or putrid sore throat; and
where mortification is  apprehended, we should  resort to the
means recommended under that head.
  If purgative medicines are at all admissible in scarlet fever,
it must be at the first onset; and even then, the tendency to run
into typhus, and end in putrefaction,  is  sometimes so great as
to render cathartics dangerous.
  The appetite and strength should be  restored with the bitter
tonic, wine, nourishing food, and gentle exercise.
                       SCURVY.
  This complaint is arranged, by Dr. Good, under three differ-
ent heads or species; which he denominates petechial, land,
and sea scurvy.
  The first species, ox petechial scurvy, is characterized by nu-
merous small spots, resembling  flea-bites, chiefly appearing on
the breast, arms, and legs;  with a pale countenance.
  The second species, or land scurvy, shows itself in circular
dark or purple spots in the  skin, of different sizes; often in
stripes or patches, scattered irregularly over the legs, arms, and
body;  with occasional  hemorrhages  from the  mouth, nose, or
internal parts; attended with  great debility  and depression of
spirits.
  The third species, or sea scurvy, is characterized by spots of
different hues, and found principally at  the  roots  of the hair;
the teeth are loose ; the gums spongy,  and apt to bleed ; the breath
is foetid ; and extreme universal debility  prevails.
  All these varieties, however, may be contemplated under one
head as only  different degrees of violence, or mildness, of the
same disease.   The last species named is not, however, denom-
inated sea scurvy from its exclusive  prevalence at sea, but be-
cause it is there that it is most common,  rages with most  vio-
lence, and occasions  the greatest havock.
  The same causes which  produce this fatal malady at sea,  will
also do it on shore; and in  armies and garrisons reduced to short
allowance or  unwholesome provisions, like  causes have given
rise to a scurvy of a most malignant and fatal character; espe-
cially where they have been  worn down by  fatigue or anxiety.
and exposed to a damp air.
  The causes which generally give rise to scurvy are, severe lar
bor; weak or unwholesome diet; breathing an impure air; anx-
iety of mind ; debilitating  menstrual evacuations ; and, at sea*.
by living on salt provisions.. 
SCURVY.
167
  In the worst forms of this  disease, there  arises a tendency
to putrefaction;  and a singular disposition, as related by Lord
Anson, in  old wounds  after being long  healed, to break open
afresh, and become ill conditioned sores;  the same thing also
happening  with broken bones.
  The  scurvy comes on gradually  with lassitude, weariness,
faintness, and pains in the  limbs; dejection of spirits, anxiety,
and oppression at  the breast;  loss of strength and debility.—
After this there often are shiverings, nausea, and vomiting.  The
purple spots, which  are the principal  characteristic of the dis-
ease, commonly appear first on the legs, and  afterwards, at ir-
regular periods, on the  thighs, arms, and trunk of the  body.
The spots  sometimes appear on the inside of the  mouth, ton-
sils, lips, or gums  ; and it is from here the first hemorrhage is-
sues, though as the disease advances, blood also flows from the
nose, lungs,  stomach, intestines, and uterus.  The bleeding is
oftentimes  profuse ; and the disease is  accompanied with  drop-
sical swellings of the legs.
  The state of the bowels  is  various ; the stools  being  some-
times frequent and offensive ; whilst  at other times  an obstinate
costiveness prevails.
  Our description  thus far has been  principally confined to the
milder forms of  scurvy.  In the  worst degrees of it, such as
has sometimes taken place in  long sea voyages, all the  symp-
toms which  have  been described become aggravated; and the
last stage,  says Dr. Good,  is truly  distressing.  Blood  is fre-
quently discharged from the  intestines, bladder, and other organs.
The slightest motion  brings on faintness, and often immediate
death.   Catchings of the breath and  syncope or  fainting,  be-
come frequent and dangerous ; yet the patient is so insensible of
his real weakness, that he often attempts exertion, and dies in the
very effort; though more frequently he survives the attempt for
a short time, and especially  when animated by some happy mo-
tive, as the hope of getting  on  shore,  and then suddenly sinks
into the arms of death.
  Treatment.—As diet has a great  influence in  the cure of
scurvy, we will first direct the reader's attention to this subject.
A person laboring  under this disease  ought to use no salted ani-
mal food, but on the contrary, he should live  mostly on vegeta-
bles, and what meat he does eat  should  be fresh.  Of vegeta-
bles, he should use of those termed alkalescent, such as garlics,
scurvy-grass, water-cresses, &c; mustard, horse, and common
radish, and lettuce; all of which  may be freely eaten without
cooking, together  with beets, carrots, parsnips, turnips,  cab-
bage, &c,  which may be prepared by the common process of
cookery.   Sour fruits are also useful.
  The  drink may consist of vinegar and water,  sour butter- 
168
SHINGLES.
milk, good  cider,  spruce beer,  or, what is  far better, lemon-
juice, which must be mixed with water and sweetened with su-
gar.   Indeed, this last article is now considered, in conjunction
with proper diet, a specific for scurvy.
  If the digestive powers have become much impaired, a course
of medicine ought  to be administered, and the bowels stimulated
by injections.   The  daily use  of the  vapor bath will also be
found highly beneficial,  and the course of medicine should  be
repeated as the  exigencies of the case may seem to require.
  The wine-bitters must be taken  two  or  three  times a  dayj
and a tea made  of  the roots of the  narrow-dock, ought also  of-
ten to be drunk during the intervals between  taking the bitters.
We  have known  one bad case of scurvy cured by no  other
means than the dock-root  tea faithfully  persevered  in.   There
is no doubt  that this article possesses, in a high degree, the
power of curing this disease.    If the  fresh roots  can be procu-
red, a small handful of them may be sliced up and steeped in a
quart of water, of which the  patient may drink  from a fourth
to a half tea-cupful several times  a day ; and if  the dried root
is used, one tea-spoonful of the powder may be steeped in half
a tea-cupful of hot water, and taken  as  a dose  three or four
times a day, in conjunction with the wine-bitters.
  The common bur-dock has also been  advantageously used in
cases of scurvy, and  if the narrow-dock cannot be procured, this
might  be substituted for it.   The  medicinal powers  of  the
smooth  or broad-leafed-dock,  which  so nearly resembles  the
narrow kind, is said  by  some to be fully equal to the latter, in
the cure of diseases  of the skin, for which  it is so celebrated;
and in the absence of the narrow, the broad-leafed-dock may be
used instead of it.
                      SHINGLES.

  This disease, in Dr. Good's arrangement, is a variety of tet-
ter, characterized by an eruption of blisters on some part of the
trunk: appearing in clusters, which are disposed to spread round
the body like a girdle.
  The name  of  this  complaint is  a corruption of either  a
French or Latin word, signifying a belt or girdle.
  An attack of shingles is sometimes preceded by sickness and
headache ; but in  most instances the first  symptoms are,  heat,
itching, and tingling on  some  part of the body, which, when
examined, is found to be  covered with small  red  patches of an
irregular shape, situated near together, upon each of which nu-
merous minute elevations or pimples are seen clustered  toge-
ther.   These pimples, in the course of twenty-four hours, be- 
SMALL  POX.
161)
come enlarged to the size of small pearls, are perfectly transpa-
rent, and filled with a clear fluid.
  The clusters are of various  sizes, one, two, or even  three
inches in diameter, and surrounded by a narrow red margin or
ring.   During three or four days, if  the disease be not checked,
other clusters arise in succession, and extend with considerable
regularity in a line drawn both ways round  the  body; though
sometimes, like a sword belt, over the shoulder.
  As the patches which first appeared subside, the blisters par-
tially run together, and assume a livid or blackish hue, termina-
ting in thin dark  scabs.  About the twelfth or fourteenth day,
the scabs fall oft", when the skin under  them appears red and
tender; and where the most considerable sores have been, there
are pits made by scars.
  This complaint is generally to be  regarded as of little  conse-
quence ; though it is sometimes accompanied, especially on the
decline  of the eruption, with an intense deep-seated pain in the
chest.
  The shingles may occur at all seasons, but it is most apt to arise
in summer and autumn.
  Persons between twelve and twenty-five years of age are most
liable to attacks of this disease, though individuals more advanced
are not exempt from it.   It  is  caused by colds, sudden fits of
passion, violent exercise, cold indigestible food, and  intempe-
rance.  Occasionally, it is said to have appeared critical in bowel
complaints and affections of the lungs.
   Treatment.—In general, little need be done in affections of
this kind.  If, however, there  should be a deep-seated pain in the
chest, a course of medicine  ought  to be administered, and fol-
lowed with the laxative  bitter tonic and diaphoretic powders.
The bitter tonic should be sufficiently laxative to keep the bowels
loose;  and if obstinate costiveness  attend, a  purge  may be ad-
ministered, aided by injections.
   The affected part may be washed with the bathing  drops, or
the tincture of lobelia  or  of blood-root, or cold substances may
be  applied to it.   A tea of the dock-root, we  also think, might
be  useful in this  case,  as  well as in all other diseases of the skin,
either taken internally or applied externally.
                      SMALL POX.
  This complaint has been very justly regarded as one of the
greatest scourges of the human race.   It is supposed that, it was
unknown to the ancient Greek and Roman physicians, as no defi-
nite description of the disease has been found in their writings.
The first account of it is met with in the  works of the Arabian
  Vol. II.—P               22 
170
SMALL POX.
physicians;  and from Arabia the small pox was introduced into
Europe, where it spread devastation and death, unrestrained, if
not accelerated, in  its destructive career, by the means adopted
to oppose it.
   Persons of  all ages and  both sexes are liable to this malady,
but the young are more exposed to its influence than persons who
are very old.  It is also said to be more prevalent in the  spring
and summer, than  at other  seasons of the year.
   This disease is of a highly contagious nature, and the same
individual is, in general, liable  to take the affection but once in
his life;  though a  very few instances have occurred, in  which
the same person had a second attack.   Some individuals,  on the
contrary, appear altogether unsusceptible of the  small pox, al-
though exposed to its infection, and  continue so through life ;
whilst others  remain so only for  a time, and then readily take
the complaint.   With some  also the disease produces but little
indisposition, though  instances  of this kind are very rare.
   Small pox commences with  restless uneasy sensations, great
dislike to motion, chilliness and heat, vomiting, soreness  of the
throat, pain  in the  head and  small of  the back, great thirst and
stupor.   On the third or fourth day the eruption appears  on the
face, neck, and breast, in small spots resembling flea-bites, which
increase  every night  for the ensuing four days; during which
time  the whole body commonly  becomes spotted with  them,
though the face  is  almost  always  much  more thickly covered
than any other part.
   Wherever the pimples appear, the part gradually swells; the
eye-lids particularly are often so much distended as to produce
blindness.   The spaces between  the pimples are of a reddish
cast,  and, as the pimples suppurate and fill  with matter, these
spaces grow redder.  About the eighth day  the  suppuration is
complete ; and on  the eleventh the inflammation abates, and the
pustules, as they are  called when filled with matter, begin to de-
cline  and dry  away by degrees and scale off, and wholly  disap-
pear by the fourteenth or fifteenth day,  excepting those  on the
extremities, which, as they come out later, commonly remain a
few days longer.   The fever is inflammatory.
   Such is the ordinary course of the  mild forms of small pox,
but there often are great variations in the severity of the symp-
toms, according to the  degree of  fever and extent of the erup-
tion,  which are proportionate to each other; if the fever is high,
the eruption will be considerable, and if moderate, it will be less,
and the pustules few.  When the  pimples are few and scattered,
there  will be but little indisposition ;  but when they are  nume-
rous, the soreness, swelling, and fever will  be very distressing.
If the patient be an infant, convulsions sometimes occur  previ-
ous to the appearance of.the eruption, as well as afterwards. 
SMALL  POX.
171
  We have stated that in the mild forms of small pox the fever
is inflammatory ; and we  might also have said that the pimples
are separate and distinct from each other; but in the more vio-
lent and malignant varieties of the disease, the fever assumes the
putrid or typhus form; the pustules run into each other, becom-
ing confluent, as it is termed, and the disease often ends in death.
  The distinct small pox is not  considered dangerous, excepting
when the fever which precedes the  eruption is extremely vio-
lent, or when it attacks  pregnant  women, or symptoms  of pu-
tridity arise.  When there is a tendency to putrefaction, the dis-
ease  often proves fatal between the eighth and eleventh days, but
in some instances death is protracted till the fourteenth  or six-
teenth.  Small  pox is apt to leave behind it a predisposition to
inflammatory complaints,  particularly sore eyes, and inflamma-
tion of the lungs, and not unfrequently scrofula.
  Treatment.—We take the liberty here of laying  before the
reader  a statement of the medical treatment of  small pox, fur-
nished by Dr. Israel Wilson, a respectable botanical  practi-
tioner of the city of Cincinnati.   We also deem it proper to say
that a number of botanical practitioners in that city have had
ample opportunity of testing the  new practice, and have found
it highly efficacious.
  Dr. Wilson informs us that he  has had about fifteen cases of
small pox, of which number only one died ; and in this case a
raving delirium immediately supervened on the taking place of
the fever, which was before he saw the  patient; and it being a
child, he was prevented from administering medicine.
  The following is a statement  of the manner in which one case
was  treated, and may be regarded as a fair sample or specimen
of the general mode of managing all the others.
  "On the first of May, 1830,  Dr. Wilson was called to see a
patient affected  with a severe pain in the  head and back,  attend-
ed with stupor and general prostration of the powers of the sys-
tem, and a quick but not full pulse.   The case was soon recog-
nised to be small pox.
  " In the first  place an injection was administered to  relieve the
bowels, which  were much constipated or bound;  when a regu-
lar course of medicine was resorted  to, (including steaming)  af-
ter which two more injections were  given at short intervals,  by
which  the  bowels were sufficiently  opened.   The  injections
were, however, continued as often as once in eight hours until
the eruption appeared, and the pustules became filled with mat-
ter.  The cayenne and astringent compound were likewise freely
used during the same time; and after the  filling of the pustules,
the bitters and tonic cordial were resorted to, and continued un-
til the patient was  entirely well, which was in about two weeks
from the time Dr. Wilson first  saw  him. 
172
SMALL  POX.
  " He has not found it necessary to resort, in any case of small
pox, to more  than two courses of medicine to produce the erup-
tion, when the fever  has always abated.  The injections were
made more stimulating  than he makes them in other cases of
disease.
  " It  is also worthy of remark, that none of his patients have
had pits remaining in  their faces after the  disappearance of the
pustules, as is often the  case  with persons cured under the old
practice of medicine."
  Other practitioners of the  botanical  school, however, in the
treatment of small pox, do not resort to the  steaming process.
Those who omit it, give medicine to promote perspiration ; and
relieve the bowels  by injections or mild purges.  To produce
perspiration, the diaphoretic powders, or cayenne, may be used,
repeating the doses so often that the system shall be constantly
under the influence of the medicine.
  Of the comparative value, or success, of treating small pox
with or without the process of steaming, we are unable to judge ;
and, therefore, those who may meet with this disease must form
an opinion for themselves, as we can only say, that from all the
testimony which we have obtained of those who ought to know,
we have no hesitation in believing that either mode is far more
successful than the old method of treating it.  We are the more
particular in thus expressing our sentiments  on this  subject, in
consequence of reports of the inadequacy of the botanical prac-
tice to cure small pox, which have grown out of two recent cases
of failure; and also because it is so directly in opposition to the
mode adopted by the  mineral doctors.   Their practice consists
in a diet wholly of vegetable food, purgatives every few days, cold
drinks, light clothing, and exercise in the open air, or in a cool
room.   We also take the liberty of introducing a communication
from Dr. Ripley on  this  important subject.  We could wish,
however, that he had gone a little more into detail respecting his
treatment of the small pox ; but as it is, we think it valuable, and
believe that whilst it goes, in general, to substantiate the statement
of Dr.  Wilson, it will also, with a little attention, be found suffi-
ciently explicit to answer all the purposes intended :
  " I have always found," says the doctor, " in the primary fe-
ver of small pox, an almost perfect resemblance to ordinary bil-
ious fever; but in general the rigors are more severe,  and con-
tinue alternating with flashes of heat,  for a longer time than is
usual in that  disease.  But the action  varies in different cases,
from the lowest typhoid type, to the highest inflammatory form,
which last  is  the most  common ; whilst in general the danger
increases as it approaches the typhus;  and I  verily believe that
no physician can discriminate  so closely  as to detect the small
pox by the symptoms alone,  before the eruption appears. 
SMALL POX*                     173
  " But the difficulty of discriminating  makes  no difficulty in
practice to those who adopt the botanic plan, as it requires the
same treatment with that form of  fever which it resembles, and
the same motto may be used in either ease—' support the powers
of life, and never poison  your patient.'   The more  the symptoms
incline to  typhus, the greater the deficiency of nervous energy ;
and, of course,  the difficulty of keeping the determining powers
to the surface is increased.   In such cases it  must not be sup-
posed that the danger is over when the eruption  is out, for the
tendency to strike in, will be in proportion to the diminished en-
ergy of the nervous system, which appears  in the first stage;
and the sinking or flattening down of the pustules will perhaps
be the first symptom indicating an unfavorable  condition of the
system.   But where there is more energy, all the symptoms of
fever may  increase, and bile will accumulate in the stomach, and
a thorough emetic becomes necessary.   The anti-spasmodic tinc-
ture is always best in such cases;  and  if the throat is sore, and
hot medicine dreaded, still it  is needed,  and  the throat is cured
by it.  Let the diet be good and nourishing throughout.
   " To make myself better understood by those who employ no
doctor, I would advise a course of  medicine in the  first place,
when the cold  chills  commence; it will be proper to steam be-
fore giving an emetic if the  patient is  cold  and the pulse low;
but if otherwise, give the anti-spasmodic tincture  first, and after
the operation it will be  proper to steam if the fever is off;  if not,
rub the patient all over  with a flannel cloth  wet with the com-
pound tincture of myrrh, or pepper vinegar, and repeat the dose
of anti-spasmodic tincture  till the fever abates, or as often as it
rises after an intermission.   In most cases under this treatment
there is very little fever after the  eruption appears, through the
whole progress of the disease.  If the secondary fever* appears,
it is when the pustules are about drying up, when the same treat-
ment may be  applied as at first,  to subdue the fever.  But be-
ware of refrigerating cathartics:  use the syringe to keep the
bowels in order, with diaphoretic tea and anti-spasmodic tincture."
   We cannot well leave the present subject without laying be-
fore the  public  some account which we  have received of the
very successful use of the squaw or rattle-root, in cases of the
small pox.
   If the reader do not already know it, he may be informed that
in the early days of this republic, the jurisdiction of the country
along the Susquehanna  river, about Wyoming,  was claimed by
the State of Connecticut, the  laws of which disallowed of the
practice of inoculation.  Two physicians, however, as our in-
  * This name is applied to the fever which often arises in violent cases, aftet
the pustules have appeared.
  Vol. II.—p2 
174
SMALL  POX.
 formants state, had so far disregarded the law as to inoculate one
 or two  families  in  a  private manner, with a view, as was sup-
 posed, of introducing the small pox  into the neighborhood.—
 Unfortunately for them, however, the circumstance got  to the
 ears of the magistrates, and the doctors were obliged to take mea-
 sures to stop the progress of the disease or become liable to a
 heavy penalty.
   As they were returning from  the  magistrates, before  whom
 they had been cited, to their inoculated patients, they were over-
 heard by a person standing behind a  tree, talking about the pe-
 culiar circumstances in which they were placed, and the means
 they should use to  extricate  themselves  from their embarrass-
 ments.   The  person  who  had secreted  himself, continuing to
 observe their movements, saw them dismount from  their horses
 and  dig something from  the  earth that they carried away with
 them, which he found upon going to the spot, to be the squaw or
 rattle-root. ■ His curiosity  now  prompted him to  repair to the
 house of the inoculated family, which was nearby, where he saw
 the bruised root steeped into a strong tea, and freely administered
 to the family; and as no  symptoms of small pox ever appeared,
 he very naturally concluded that the rattle-root tea destroyed the
 virus of the matter introduced by the process of inoculation.
  Such is the simple narrative of the circumstances, as related
 to us by two individuals who lived in the same neighborhood at
 the time, and who were near relatives of the  person who made
 the discovery;  and we have unbounded confidence in the facts
 as stated ; but whether the rattle-root prevented the inoculation
 from taking effect,  is a  matter involved in  doubt.   We have,
 however, more satisfactory evidence of its power to  destroy the
 small pox virus, than is deducible from the case just related, and
 which we derived from the  same source.
  The individual who made the discovery of the doctors' usina
 the rattle-root, very naturally concluded that if it would destroy
 the virus before it had produced its specific effects upon the sys-
 tem, it would also weaken its force and disarm it of its destruc-
 tive powers after those effects had made their appearance.   With
 these views, he  embraced the first opportunity to recommend a
 trial  of it, and found it succeeded beyond his expectations, in re-
 moving  the urgent symptoms of this fatal malady, and reducing
it to  a mildness which, under similar circumstances, he had not
been accustomed to see ; and the experiment, repeated again and
again, not only by himself, but by others, and the effect which
followed being so uniformly the same, left no doubt on the minds
of our informants, that the rattle-root may be regarded as a spe-
cific  against the effects of the small pox poison.
  But before leaving the subject, we will relate one case, amongst
many others, in which the remedy in  question gave ample evi- 
INOCULATION.
175
dence of its happy powers.  A female,  considerably advanced
in life, took the small pox which made its  appearance in its worst
form, and ultimately  arose to such a height that she was aban-
doned by her physician as beyond the possibility of cure.  The
individual who had made the discovery of rattle-root, happening
to be a particular friend of the old lady's, and  hearing of her
hopeless situation, immediately set out to visit her, being a dis-
tance of  many miles.  When he arrived, she had been speech-
less  several days, and to all appearance was beyond the reach
of medicine.   True,  however, to his purpose,  and  possessing
the confidence which experience  had given him in the virtues of
the rattle-root, he immediately prepared some of the tea, which
he commenced giving her, and in a short time had the satisfac-
tion  of hearing her speak, and eventually to see her  restored to
health.
  We have now stated the most material facts respecting the
use of the rattle-root in the treatment of small pox, as they have
been related to us by persons in whom we put the highest con-
fidence.  But we do not ask  the  reader to place full reliance
upon the alleged virtues of this root, although in all cases where.
in we have employed it as a remedy, though not in  small pox,
we  have found it an  article of very active,  but we think, not
dangerous powers.  It will be little or no disappointment, how-
ever, to us if,  on trial, it should fail to produce the effects which
have been attributed to it; though we must confess that we feel
some confidence in its virtues.   But even should it, on a fair and
full trial, fail,  it will  share no more than the  common fate of
many other articles which have been highly extolled, in conse-
quence of some favorable circumstances attending the firs£few
cases.
  We will close the present artiele with a request that those who
have it in  their power  to test the virtues of the rattle-root in
small pox, would cautiously  try  its effects; as it ought to be
borne in mind that it is only  by experience  we  can fully ascer-
tain  the  value of  any article, and by which means alone  thf
healing art can arise to that degree of perfection whic^ w
dently hope it will, at no distant  period,  attain.

               inoculation  and vaccination.
  The  object of producing  the small pox by inoculation is to
disarm this fatal plague of its terrific powers; as by propagating
it in this manner it is rendered far more mild than when commu-
nicated  in  the natural way.   In the latter mode of taking the
disease, it is computed that of adults, from one fourth  to one third
die with it; and of children about one seventh;  whilst in cases
of inoculation, not more than one dies in five or six hundred.
  Yet, great as is the  intrinsic  advantage of inoculation a*^
                 12 
176
VACCINATION.
Dr. Goon, there is one evil which  has always accompanied fy
and which it is almost impossible to provide against; and that is,
the wider diffusion of the contagion through the atmosphere  by
the indiscriminate use of inoculation in all places*  And hence,
continues he, it has been very forcibly observed, by those who
have written most warmly in favor of vaccination, that small pox-
inoculation is upon this ground a greater public evil  than good f
since the multitude, who will  not  consent to be  inoculated,  re-
ceiving the natural disease more  generally than they otherwise
would do, the total mortality from this complaint  is greater than
before inoculation was had recourse to.
  The method of communicating the small pox by inoculation,'
like the disease itself, appears  to have come from the East, and
especially from China;  where it seems to have  been practised
from time immemorial.  The  first  public attempt at inoculation
in England, was an experiment made upon six condemned crim-
inals, all of whom were fortunate  enough to recover, and thus
redeemed their lives.
  The matter intended to be used for inoculation should be taken
on the seventh or eighth day, or  previous to the taking place of
suppuration;-  and it is of  no  consequence  from  what subject,.
whether young or old, with a  disease slight or serious, or even
from a dead person, it is equally the same.   The usual place of
inserting the matter is between the elbow  and shoulder, and is
done in a very simple manner; a needle is as good as any thing,
though a lancet is commonly used.  All that is  necessary, and
all that ought to be done, is to make the smallest possible scratchr
or puncture that will start the blood, into whieh a minute quan-
tity of the matter must be deposited.
  The puncture or scratch, does not so completely disappear in
this case as in vaccination ; but is often scarcely  visible for two
or three days ; about  which time a minute pimple will be seen-
and a little itching may be felt, and sometimes there is a slight
inflammation.   On  the  sixth  day  a pain and weight are felt in
the arm-pit, proving that the  virus or  poison is  conveyed into
the system.  On the seventh or eighth day, slight shiverings,
headache and pain in  the back are perceived, and are immedi-
ately followed by the eruption, which, for the most part, is con-
fined to a single pustule immediately at the point where the matter
was inserted, or a few which directly surround it.
   A rosy, or  a narrow  deep  red circle, surrounds the pustule,-
which, in unfavorable cases, turns of a purple  or livid color, and
the head or center of the pustule sinks or flattens.
   The  treatment should be the same  as that recommended for
the disease when taken  in the  natural way.
   Vaccination  is the substitution of a still more mild and less*
dangerous, as  well as a  different, disease than that/ produced by 
VACCINATION.
177
 inoculation, for the natural small pox, and which  is known by
 the name of kine or  cow pox.   The  contagion  was first de-
 rived from the cow, and hence its name.
   Cow pox, says Dr. Good, first attracted attention in the county
 of Dorset, England, about forty or fifty years since, as a pustu-
 lar eruption, derived from infection, chiefly showing itself on
 the hands of milkers who had milked cows similarly disordered.
 Those who had  been thus affected, were found unsusceptible of
 taking the small pox; and so well  were the people  satisfied of
 this fact, that an inoculator, who attempted to communicate the
 small pox to one who had been previously infected with cow pox,
 was treated  with ridicule.   A formal trial,  continues Dr.  Good,
 was made, however, and it was found that no small pox ensued.
 About the  same time,  a farmer of sagacity of the name of
 Nash, duly attending to these facts, had the courage  to attempt
 inoculation  on himself,  in  which he  completely  succeeded.
 And from these, and numerous similar facts, originated the prac-
 tice of what is now generally termed vaccination ; the whole honor
 of which is attributed to Dr. Jenner, and  which, in  all  proba-
 bility, will immortalize  his  name.   To this, however, we do
 not object, after  recording the facts of the case; and which, we
 will only observe, afford additional evidence that the great bene-
 factors of the  world are not always found in the temples of
 wealth, nor the mazy walks of science, but amongst the hardy
 sons of nature, whose original, untutored minds, unshackled by
 the forms of science, are left free to pursue the dictates of rea-
 son, truth, and common sense.
  After it became known that having the cow pox procured an
 exemption from  the small  pox, attempts were made to inoculate
 with matter from the human subject, which was found not only
 to succeed, but also to produce a much more  mild disease than
 that derived, by  milking, from the cow.
  The matter  for inoculation, or, as it is now termed, vaccina-
 tion, may be taken from the pustule at any time after it is  form-
 ed, before the  ninth day of the  disease.   But after the  ninth
 day from the time of vaccination, the matter  usually becomes
 so inactive as  not to be  depended upon.  Good matter is  clear
 or transparent; and none other should be used.   Of late, how-
 ever,  the scab  has been  preferred to vaccinate from.  For this
 purpose, take a scab from a well formed  pustule, pare off the
 edges with  a knife, then shave down the   central portion and
 moisten it with a little cold water, when it is fit for use.
  In performing the operation of vaccination, the same instru-
ments may be  used, and the  same  plan  pursued, that were re-
commended for inoculating for the small pox, observing  great
care  to  make the puncture or scratch  no  deeper than just to
Btart the blood,  or there  will be danger  of the matter being
                              23 
178
SPASMODIC CHOLERA.
washed away by the bleeding.  On the third day after vaccina-
tion has been  performed, a  very small  inflamed  spot  appears
where  the matter was inserted in the arm ;  which gradually in-
creases in size and hardness, and produces a small round tumor
slightly raised above the level  of the skin.  About the sixth
day, a discolored speck appears in the center  of the  tumor,
which is caused  by  the formation  of matter; and  this speck
goes on increasing in size  as the matter augments, until  the
tenth day ; at which time it exhibits in perfection, the peculiar
character or appearances that distinguish it from the small pox
inoculation.   Its shape is round, or sometimes a lithe oval, the
margin or edge is very distinguishable, and is always  smooth
or regular ; and the center of the pustule is depressed or sunken,
so that the edges  are  elevated above it; being,  moreover, of a
bluish brown color, whilst the fluid or matter which it contains
is clear and colorless.
  About the eighth day, when the pustule is completely formed,
a pain will be felt  in the arm-pit, with perhaps a  slight head-
ache, shivering, lassitude,  loss of appetite,  and  increase of the
pulse.  These symptoms  may continue, in  a greater or lesser
degree, for one or two days,  but always go off spontaneously,
without leaving any bad effects behind.  During this time the
pustule becomes surrounded by a red inflamed circle, about an
inch or inch and a half in diameter,  which is an evidence that
the vaccine matter has produced the proper constitutional effect
upon the system.
  After this period, the matter in the pustule gradually dries
up, the red circle  fades, and, in a  day or two, imperceptibly
vanishes; so that it is  seldom discoverable after the thirteenth
day from the vaccination.   About this time, the pustule  hardens
into a thick scab of a brown appearance; and, if not removed
purposely or accidentally,  falls off in about a fortnight, leaving
the skin sound  and uninjured.   No medical  treatment is re-
quired in vaccinated cow pox.
                 SPASMODIC  CHOLERA.

  This formidable  disease appears to have  had its  origin in
that part of the continent of Asia called the East Indies, whence
it is sometimes called Asiatic, or Indian cholera.  It commen-
ced its ravages in the year 1816 or '17, and after spreading de-
vastation and  death over many  parts of the  continent of Asia
for about twelve years, it visited the Phillippine and other islands
of the Chinese  Sea, and at length, in 1829, entered Europe.
Continuing its destructive career, it successively traveled over
many of the kingdoms of Europe, and finally made its appear- 
SPASMODIC CHOLERA.
179
ance in the summer of 1832, on the  American continent at
Quebec and Montreal, where it gave melancholy proofs that its
virulence was by no  means assuaged by its passage  across the
Atlantic.  Nor  has its  malignant character  been  in the  least
mitigated by a year's residence in the United States ; but  is at
this very moment [summer  of 1833,] sweeping off  its victims
in many parts of the country with fearful  rapidity.
   The symptoms of this dreadful malady are usually  spoken of
as appertaining to two stages ;  the premonitory and  the collap-
sed.   The  premonitory symptoms  are ;  derangements of the
bowels, such as looseness, in which the discharges are frequent
and copious, thin and  slimy,  of a whitish color and often at-
tended with griping pains in the intestines.   Pains in, or  sick-
ness at, the stomach, and dizziness  of the head, are also con-
sidered as premonitory symptoms of the cholera; all of which,
in places where the disease is prevailing, should be carefully at-
tended to and guarded against.
   After some one or  more of these symptoms has continued for
a longer or shorter time, that is, for a few minutes or  hours, the
collapsed stage comes on, so suddenly in some cases, as almost
instantly to  prostrate the  person to  the earth.   This stage of
the complaint is generally of but short duration, as  the patient
must be quickly relieved by medicine or he is soon  cut off by
the disease.
   In the collapsed stage there is a deadly coldness  of  the ex-
tremities,  with spasmodic  twitchings  of the fingers and  toes,
gradually extending  along the  limbs to the body.   The skin of
the hands and  feet is pale and shrunk or wrinkled ; sickness, or
burning pain at the stomach comes on, with retchings,  vomitings,
and violent cramps or spasms,  great thirst, anxiety, and oppres-
sion ;  distortion of the features ;  cold breath and tongue,  the lat-
ter of which is usually moist and whitish; failure of the circu-
lation ; and finally, a dreadful universal  spasm puts a period to
the suffering of the unhappy patient.
   Such are a kw of the many and varied symptoms attending
the progress of this terrific malady, though all of them are not
often found united  in the same patient.   Indeed, in some instan-
ces the power of life is so suddenly and fatally prostrated, that
the organs of the system  at once become insensible to the in-
fluence of stimulus of any kind ; and nothing is perceptible but
" a mortal coldness and  arrest of the circulation, and  the patient
sinks,  insensible of pain, into the arms of  death !"
   Treatment..—From all that we can glean  from  the various
fragments and  ephemeral publications emanating from botanical
physicians,  upon  the treatment  of this scourge of  nations,  it
would  seem that, in general, it is pretty easily cured in  its first
or premonitory stage.   To check the diarrhoea, which consti- 
180
SPASMODIC CHOLERA.
tutes the chief symptom in this stage, little more, in  common,
seems  necessary, than placing the  patient in bed,  with a hot
brick at  the feet, and administering the best remedies to check
diarrhoea, such as tincture of myrrh and bayberry, cholera syrup
or mixture, decoction of wild-cherry bark, cat-tail  flag root
boiled in milk, or any other astringent article, with diaphoretic
powder or cayenne to promote perspiration.   If perspiration,
however, should not be produced, or the symptoms not be miti-
gated, by these means, more vigorous measures must be taken.
A hot rock may be plaeed  at each  side of the patient,  and a
stimulating injection administered, and, if necessary,  repeated.
The extremities, stomach,  and bowels  should also  be freely
bathed with an infusion of warm pepper and vinegar, or other
hot stimulating wash, applied with  much friction.   If there be
much nausea or vomiting, and the means recommended fail, re-
course must be had to some of the anti-emetic mixtures, which
should be administered without delay.
  The perspiration,  when produced, should be kept up for from
twelve to twenty-four hours, according to  the  violence  of the
attack  or other  condition of the patient.  If by these  means
the disease be thrown off,  the patient should continue taking
the cholera syrup several times a day, or if there  be symptoms
of nervous irritation, an occasional dose of the nervine pow-
ders must  be taken, together with  the  bitter  tonic,  until the
symptoms are entirely removed.
  But if the foregoing treatment  prove unavailing,  or if the
collapsed stage  come on,  more vigorous measures  must  be
taken.   The anti-spasmodic  tincture, in  addition to  the other
articles  recommended, must  be freely employed, as  a  vomit,
and injections,  containing  two  or  three tea-spoonsful of the
same  tincture, ought to  be  often administered ; and we would
recommend, as speedily as possible, the application of the vapor
bath.*  At any rate, the most powerful means must be employ-
ed to  promote perspiration, both by the external application of
heat to the  surface, and by  the internal administration of  the
most powerful  stimulants.   If nothing  can be retained on  the
stomach, as is often the case, an emetic  must  be administered
by injection.  For this purpose the quantity of fluid  used should
be small, so that it can the  better be retained; using  either  the
tincture  or tea of lobelia, or  the seeds,  in  the quantity of from
one to two table-spoonsful  in each  injection ;  repeating them,
for three or four times, every ten or fifteen minutes.
   If free and full  vomiting,  of a  dark  morbid matter, takes
place from administering an emetic, in any form, we  have good
  * Some respectable practitioners think a dry heat alone ought to be used,
and that vapor or moist heat ought never to be resorted to in cholera. 
SPASMODIC CHOLERA.
181
reason to hope for a recovery ; but if the matter ejected from the
stomach be light colored, thin, and watery, the prospect may be
considered as highly doubtfuL  In cases of the latter kind, Dr.
N.  Hixson, of Maysville, Ky., informs us he has found cold af-
fusion, by pouring on the patient  a bucket full, or more of cold
water, would excite reaction, and thus increase the pulse, and re-
store the circulation and heat to the surface.   When this is done,
he gives an emetic, which is followed by that kind of discharge
indicative of a favorable termination of the complaint.  Cold af-
fusion,  under such circumstances, may seem like  a rash and
hazardous experiment, but Dr. Hixson assures  us  that he has
generally  found it beneficial.  When he did not find it so, he
immediately proceeded to  employ the vapor bath, and steamed
as long as the patient eould well  bear it, and then applied the
cold water, which, as he informs  us, always increased the pulse
and restored the circulation and heat to the skin.  This condi-
tion of the system he considered as indicating the favorable mo-
ment for an emetic, which, under these circumstances, always
produced a good  effect.  During  the  foregoing  operations, the
patient  must take freely of the cayenne, or diaphoretic powders,
or both may be taken alternately, not only to guard against the
shock from the eold  affusion, but  to  stimulate the system, and
assist in producing reaction.  Our informant also recommends
the employment of diuretics to relieve the suppression of urine
which always attends cholera.
  The  reputed  great success of Dr. Hixson in the treatment of
the fatal malady under consideration, has induced us to give the
foregoing, which  he communicated to us during a personal inter-
view ;  and now leave to be tested by such as  may have opportu-
nities for doing so.
  If, notwithstanding an emetic has afforded  relief, the patient
should relapse,  no matter at what period, whether of a day or an
hour, another emetic must at once be given  as the only means
of arresting the disease.   We have known one  case in which
four emeties were given in  the course of twelve hours, and  an-
other in which seven  or eight were given within the lapse of
thirty-six  hours,  with  the happiest effect; and  without which,
there is no doubt, the patients would have both  been numbered
with the dead.  We are satisfied, in short, that  emetics are the
principal dependence in cholera, and ought  to  be  repeated as
often as appears necessary to keep  the  patient in an improving
condition.  During the intervals, the patient should have  re-
peated  small  doses of  eayenne,  cholera  syrup,  diaphoretic
powders,  or tincture of myrrh,  and  a  decoction of bayberry,
cherry  bark,  and  pond lily,  or cat-tail  flag-root boiled in
milk,  or  any  other astringent  article which  may  set  well
on  the stomach; giving any or  all of them  alternately or
  Vol. II.—Q      9A 
182
SPASMODIC CHOLERA.
in any  other prudent manner which  the circumstances of the
case may suggest.
   When  the disease is entirely removed, the patient may take,
occasionally, a small dose of either  the cholera syrup or bitter
tonic, and, more frequently and freely, of the wine bitters or the
tonic cordial, to promote digestion and restore the strength ; care-
fully avoiding every thing, in the least degree, liable to produce
relapse.
   Before  quitting this subject, we feel disposed to offer a  few re-
marks on the change of diet so commonly resorted to wherever
the  cholera prevails.  Much has been said, written and printed,
in relation to this matter, a great portion of which  we consider
erroneous.   No sudden and essential  change can ever be made
in the quality of our food without affecting the irritability of the
bowels ; therefore the utmost care and discretion should be ex-
ercised in this particular when exposed to an attack  of cholera.
We  ought certainly to avoid every  thing that is hard to digest,
as well  as those articles that we know are apt to irritate the in-
testines and produce diarrhoea.   In all  other respects we should
pursue our usual course of diet, providing it be a tolerably reg-
ular  one; but by all means  avoid overloading the stomach,  and
especially hearty suppers.   Eating too much, we have no doubt.
is a  more prolific cause  of cholera than eating a wrong  article.
though both have done much mischief..  As a general rule, when
exposed to cholera, we  should  eat less than usual, as most per-
sons habitually eat too much.  Irritability of the  stomach  and
intestines  seems to  be  what mainly predisposes to  cholera;
therefore, overloading the stomach, or eating food hard to digest
or that is  apt to produce a diarrhoea,  will be sure to increase the
hazard of an  attack of the fatal malady.  It, therefore, behooves
all to exercise prudence in  regard to diet, and not suddenly to
make great or essential changes in it;  and yet to avoid such ar-
ticles of food as are known to irritate the stomach and intestines
or produce diarrhoea; and likewise never overload the stomach,
especially at  supper.  These cautions  ought also to be particu-
larly observed during recovery from  cholera.
  Another error, as we think, has been committed in relation to
this complaint, in the employment of  remedies as preventives*
When a person is in good health, as a  general rule, he can take
no medicine that will make him any less susceptible of disease-
but subjecting his organs to  the influence of medicine  whilst in
health, should he be  attacked, the remedies will not then produce
so prompt and so good an effect as if none had been previously
taken.   We therefore think the practice  of taking preventives
of cholera, at best a doubtful, if not an absolutely pernicious cus-
tom.  Whilst in  health we need  no medicine, but when once
attacked  with  cholera,  no time should  be lost  in  employing 
SPRAINS.--CHOKING.
183
the best means to check it;  and among the most important, we
think, is quietness and rest;  for which  purpose let the  patient
retire to bed and remain there until fully recovered.
                       SPRAINS.
  Sprains  are the effects of severe strains of  the  tendons, or
ligaments, and most frequently happen in the ancles, knees, or
wrists.
  Accidents of this kind, especially  if severe, are usually fol-
lowed by a painful inflammatory swelling of the part.
  Treatment.—Many things have been recommended and used
as external applications  to sprains; but the pouring on of cold
water is perhaps better than any  thing else.  Wormwood or
tansy, bruised and bound on the part, is useful; or either of those
articles  may be steeped in vinegar,  and applied; occasionally
moistening the herb as it becomes dry, with some of the vinegai
in which it was steeped^  Chamomile may also be used in the
same manner.  The nerve ointment will likewise be found very
useful in removing the pain and soreness.
  The leaves of the common  bur-dock, bruised and applied to
sprains, is  highly  recommended, it being  said that it will give
immediate  relief.  In the first place, however,  we would  re-
commend that the part be bathed with pepper and vinegar, or with
the tincture of myrrh;  and if redness and inflammation appear,
cold water ought to be poured on it; previously taking a dose of
the diaphoretic powders or of cayenne.
  The  sprained limb must also have rest, and  should not be al-
lowed to hang down;  and where  weakness remains, after  the
swelling and soreness are gone, in addition to pouring cold wa-
ter  on the weak joint, wearing  a  tight bandage  around  it  will
be useful.
   SUBSTANCES STOPPED BETWEEN THE MOUTH
                  v   AND STOMACH.

  Children as well as grown people are liable to attempt swal-
lowing substances of such size or shape as to stop or stick in the
oesophagus or gullet.   These  may be hard crusts of bread, or of
hard baked meat, fish  bones, I oiled potatoes, pins, pieces of
money, thimbles, rings, &c.   Accidents of this kind are always
dangerous, and sometimes fatal.
  Treatment.—It is  very common with  mothers, when chil-
dren are choked, to strike the  palm of the hand with considera-
ble force on the back,  which will  often cause the substance to
fly out.  Another simple  mode  which we  have seen tried, and 
184
CHOKING.
in which some put much faith, is simply  rubbing the center of
the forehead with the thumb or finger.  We know not, how-
ever, upon what principle this process operates to remove the
foreign body from the throat, if it even does it.  Sneezing, ex-
cited by the use of snuff of any kind, should also be resorted to,
as relief has been obtained in this way.
   If either or all these means fail, an attempt should immedi-
ately be made to extract the lodged  substance with the fingers ;
and there are perhaps few cases, if taken in season, but what
might be relieved in this manner.   But if the offending material
cannot be felt, or if felt, cannot be taken hold of, so as to extract
it, a careful examination must be made by pressing down the
tongue with a spoon handle, or some other suitable  instrument,
so that the lodged substance may be seen if it has not descended
too low ; which may enable us, if visible, to contrive some means
best adapted to  its removal.  If a  hook appears most eligible,
one may quickly be made by bending a small wire ; or if forceps
be thought best, and none are at hand,  a pair may be soon made
by taking a piece of wire of suitable  length, flatten the two ends,
and then bend them nearly together, leaving room, however, for
the lodged body to  pass between them, with  which it may be
seized and withdrawn.
   But if the body have gone so low as not to be seen, then we
must be governed by the nature, or  shape, or size of it, as to the
instrument to be employed or the means to be used.   If  it be a
bulky substance, the  only chance may be to push it down into
the stomach, which  can be done with  a piece of whale bone or
wire with a small piece of sponge tied  nicely  to  the end of it.
After moistening this instrument, which is  called a probang,
with the mucilage or tea of slippery elm, it must be cautiously
introduced into the throat, and the  obstructing substance care-
fully pushed down into the  stomach.   There  is some hazard,
however, in this operation, as the  gullet has sometimes been
ruptured, or otherwise so  injured as to  destroy life.   But if the
lodged body be  of such a  nature that a  wire  hook can take hold
of it, this  may be employed ;  or instead of this, a wire may be
bent so as to form a loop  which  may  be  introduced around it,
and extract it in this way.
   Another method recommended by Dr. Ewell is  to attach to
the end of a small flexible piece of whalebone, or smooth split
of white oak, a bunch of  thread, doubled so as to make  an im-
mense  number  of  nooses, which  is  to be pushed down the
throat, and then give it such a  motion  as might be best calcula-
ted, to entangle the lodged body, and withdraw it.
   Pins have been dislodged by riding on horseback, or in a car-
riage.  Another method which has  been successfully  employed
is,, to take a very small piece of dry sponge, which must be at- 
SUSPENDED ANIMATION.
185
tached to the end of a silk or cotton string, and introduced into
the throat below the foreign  body, when, by throwing warm
water into the throat, the sponge  will swell,  and  withdrawing
it by the string,  the lodged substance may come with it.
   The  patient should occasionally take  a  swallow of the elm
mucilage, with which also the instruments  ought to be moisten-
ed.  Or for want of the elm bark, any other mucilage, oil, or
butter, may be employed.
   If these means fail, or if it be thought unnecessary or impru-
dent to try them all, an emetic  should be given  by injection.
For this purpose the tincture or  powder of lobelia may be ad-
ministered  in warm water, two tea-spoonsful at a  time, once in
fifteen minutes, until it  operates.   Or if the patient can  swal-
low, the emetic  may be  administered by the mouth.   The elm
tea should also be given  to lubricate the throat to facilitate  the
ejection of the obstructing substance.
   If inflammation  takes place, a poultice must be applied to the
throat, continuing the elm mucilage  and  occasionally inhaling
the vapor of vinegar as  recommended for  sore throat, and  the
patient treated in every other respect as for other inflammations.
If swallowing be not interrupted,  the strength may be support-
ed by nourishing broths  or  soups; or if they cannot be  swal-
lowed, they must be administered by injection.
                SUSPENDED ANIMATION.

  The  animal functions may become suspended  without  life
becoming extinct, by different  ^-^uses, such as drowning, hang-
ing, or suffocation; or it may be caused  by extreme cold, or
lightning.
  Drowning has been treated of under that head,  and it only
remains for us to speak of  suspended animation from hanging,
suffocation, cold, and lightning.
  Hanging.—In hanging,  the appearances discoverable exter-
nally, are very similar to those which occur in drowning;  and
the means which ought to  be used  for restoration may be the
same as those recommended in accidents of that kind.
  Suffocation.—Under this head we  include all cases of sus-
pended animation that are caused by breathing air which is  un-
fit for the purposes of supporting animal life, such  as carbonic
acid gas, usually called damps, abounding  in wells, cellars,
vaults, caverns,  Sic,  and  hydro got,  and  nitrogen, gases,  and
the gases which are generated  by putrefying substances, or in
fermenting liquors.
  The first sensations experienced on  inhaling  noxious  gases
are, giddiness, headache, stupor,  faintings,  numbness, and somp-
   Vol.  II.— i 2             24 
186
SUSPENDED ANIMATION.
times convulsions.   The  head, face, and  neck, of the affected
person, are swollen ; the eyes are protruded from their sockets ;
the tongue hangs out at one  side of the mouth; the jaws are
firmly closed; the face is of a livid, and the lips of  a deep  blue
color; the abdomen is inflated ; the body is insensible to pain ;
and the person appears to  be  in a deep sleep.
   In some instances these gases, by being inhaled, produce an
immediate suspension of the animal functions ; whilst in others,
the circulation and even breathing go on in a feeble and imper-
fect  manner.  Cases of death, in consequence of inhaling car-
bonic acid gas, have occurred within the last few years with an
alarming and increasing frequency,  in consequence  of persons
incautiously descending into wells without first ascertaining the
state of the  air contained  in them.  This is a very easy thing
to do, by  merely letting down, slowly, a lighted candle, when,
if the  well  contains this gas, the candle will  go out; in which
case it will be highly dangerous, if not absolutely  destructive,
to enter the  well.  In some  instances, however, a person may
live where a candle will not burn.
   The burning of charcoal in tight rooms also renders  the air
unfit for respiration ; and many melancholy cases of death have
occurred from this cause.
   Treatment.—In the treatment of suspended animation from
the inhalation of poisonous gases, we may commence with dash-
ing cold water in  the  face and on the breast, at the same time
exposing  the  patient to a free and pure air.   A stimulating in-
jection must be administered as soon  as possible, and repeated
if animation be not soon restored.
   The face, temples, and lips, must be bathed with strong vine-
gar; and  hartshorn, or volatile salts,  should be held near the
nose.  It  has also been  recommended to blow into  the lungs,
or, which is better,  inflate them with oxygen gas.
   The anti-spasmodic tincture ought also to be given internally,
by pouring a tea-spoonful into the mouth, which may be repeat-
ed at discretion, until the patient is capable of swallowing, when
the diaphoretic powders, steeped, may be  administered instead
of this tincture;  and if the patient continue  feeble and languid
after being restored,  the vapor bath should be resorted to ;  and
if necessary, the whole course of medicine.
   Cold.—In  cases of suspended animation arising from  this
cause,  the countenance  becomes  pale  and shrivelled, and the
limbs are  stiff.   An excessive desire to sleep always precedes
a suspension of the animal powers when caused by cold, which
the strongest resolution is  incapable  of overcoming.
   Treatment.—In cases  of  this kind, and especially  where
the vital flame is nearly extinct,  it is  recommended to plunge
the patient into a cold bath made of sea or salted  water for  a 
SUSPENDED ANIMATION.              187
few minutes, then to be taken out, wiped dry, placed in a warm
room, and rubbed by several persons with warm hands.
  We are, however, inclined  to  believe, that immediately re-
moving the patient to a warm  but well aired  room, and occa-
sionally sponging, or dashing the body with cold water,  would
be better than the cold bath.  By immediately placing the body
in a warm room, if any breathing remained, the warm air  would
be inhaled  into, and  have a  beneficial effect  upon  the lungs ;
whilst dashing cold water upon the  person would  give a shock
that would more  likely  be followed  with a salutary reaction,
than would plunging the  patient into a cold bath.
  As  the warmth  and  signs of returning animation become
more visible, the cold water must be omitted, whilst the warmth
of the  room should be increased gradually; and after the living
power becomes pretty well restored, a hot brick may be  placed
at the feet, and be continued until perspiration  is produced.
  As internal remedies, whilst the  patient is insensible, we
might occasionally pour a little tincture of myrrh, or tea of cay-
enne, into the mouth,  but not enough  for scarce  any of it  to
reach the stomach; and injections of warm water,  or of penny-
royal tea ought  also to be administered.  As the vital flame in-
creases, we  may  increase the stimulants, by adding  tincture of
myrrh to the injections,  and giving occasional doses of the dia-
phoretic powders in tea,  and at length when the living power is
pretty well restored, we may give the cayenne both by mouth and
by injection. If faintness occurs during recovery, the face,  breast,
or back, should be wetted with cold water  or vinegar.
  If a person has exposed his hands, feet, or  other parts of the
body, to the action  of severe cold, so  that they are frozen  or
frost-bitten,  he  should avoid suddenly  approaching a fire, as it
mio-ht cause a violent and painful inflammation, and even mor-
tification.  The affected  parts should be covered or rubbed with
ice or snow, or immersed, if practicable, in cold water ; or cloths
folded in several thicknesses, and frequently wet with cold wa-
ter,  may be applied to them.   After this course has been pur-
sued until the cold or frost is abstracted, the part should be bath-
ed with  the tincture of myrrh,  using brisk friction.  If there
be much pain or inflammation, the  common elm poultice must
be  resorted to.   A  few  doses of the  diaphoretic  powders,  or
cayenne, should also be given, to excite perspiration.
   When the extremities  are frozen, says an intelligent  writer,
and even when  quite  black,  it is the custom  in Russia to rub
the parts with warm goose grease;  repeating  the application  so
often as to  keep them always covered  with the grease.  This
method, continues he, has been found  to restore their life and
circulation  with  great effect.   The oil or grease of common
fowls, will probably answer as good a  purpose. 
188              SUSPENDED ANIMATION.
  The same course of treatment, as above  laid down, should
be pursued in those cases of inflammatory swellings called chil-
blains, which also arise from the effects of frost.
  Lightning.—A  stroke  of lightning appears to  exhaust the
system of its stock of nervous power, and as a consequence of
which, the limbs do not become stiff, but remain  flexible, the
countenance appears pale,  and the blood does not  coagulate.
When the electric fluid has  acted with great power, disorgani-
zation takes place ; bleedings occur at the mouth and nose ; the
blood vessels are ruptured; the thin delicate membrane which
encloses  the brains is torn in pieces;  the  brains  are  altered
in their appearance ; the skin  along the  region where the fluid
passed,  is of a very black color, and driven into ridges; and
speedy putrefaction takes place.   In such cases life  can never
be restored; but where the  organs have suffered no material in-
jury, although considerable violence is done to the  surface of
the body, a cure may frequently be  effected.
  Treatment.—The treatment of the effects of lightning is thus
laconically described in the  Annual Report of the Royal Humane
Society,  for 1818:—
  " When a person is struck by lightning,  strip the body, and
throw buckets full of cold water over it for ten or fifteen minutes ;
let continued frictions, and  inflations of the lungs, be practised;
let gentle shocks of electricity be made to pass through the chest,
when a skilful person can be procured to apply them ; and apply
blisters to the breast."
  In the extremely flaccid or soft and loose state of the muscles
as well as of the blood, which  succeeds a stroke of lightning, we
should very naturally conclude that the application of cold Avater
was strongly indicated; as  this appears to be the most powerful
means which  are readily  obtained, of  restoring firmness and
proper tone to the relaxed  muscular fibers.   At any rate, mus-
cular relaxation from other causes, are known to  yield to cold
applications more  promptly than to any other external means
whatever; and hence appears the  usefulness and  propriety of
dashing  the naked body with cold water when injured by an
electric shock.  And as lightning is usually accompanied by rain,
it would require but a moderate effort of  the imagination to fan-
cy that the  All-wise Creator had so designed it that the means
of preservation should accompany  the  dangerous  element;  as
some are actually supposed to have been preserved by  the fall-
ing of rain, when stunned to  insensibility  by lightning, in the
open air.
   Gentle shocks of electricity, when passed from the chest to
the back, have been observed also to give firmness of tone to the
relaxed fibres and  to the blood; and from its surprising effects
on  poultry, upon  which Abilgaard performed numerous expe< 
TOOTHACHE.
189
fiments, there is reason to believe it would have a beneficial in-
fluence  upon the human system.   But the cases to which this
mode of affording relief can be applied, are so very few, that the
great and most general dependence must be placed in the appli-
cation of cold water;  which, perhaps, to do the  most possible
good, ought to be continued until the skin and  muscles have be-
come sensibly firm and  more contracted.  But instead of the
blisters upon the breast, as recommendedin the Humane Society's
Report, we would  advise  the application of  vinegar in which
pepper  has been steeped,  or of pepper-pods, as directed for
rheumatism.
  We also think  that stimulants should be introduced into the
mouth and intestines; for  which we also have the authority of
Dr. Good, who says,  " stimulants of the most  active kind ought
to be resorted to  without loss of time."  We would therefore
advise that the anti-spasmodic tincture be occasionally poured
into the mouth, whilst stimulating injections  are thrown into
the  bowels.  After the  patient has recovered his  senses and
power of motion, if the muscles remain relaxed, and  the debility
continues,  the application of cold water may be repeated daily,
with the use of the bitter and astringent tonics, until the health
is perfectly restored.
                    TOOTHACHE.
  This distressing malady  arises from various causes, such as
cold, rheumatic affection, the introduction of some foreign mat-
ter into the tooth when it is  decayed, Sic
  Treatment.—The application of something warm to the part,
as a hot brick or rock, wrapped in  a wet cloth, or holding the
head over a steam having it covered with a blanket; bathing the
face or jaw  with pepper and vinegar, or applying to the face a
paper wet with vinegar and sprinkled with cayenne ; or holding
heating substances in the mouth, such as the compound tincture
of myrrh, pepper tea, &c, or chewing a small piece of the bark
of Xanthoxylon, will be found of great benefit.   [The same plan
may be pursued in cases of ague, or pain in the face and jaw.]
  The introduction into the diseased tooth, if it be hollow, of a
little lint, or cotton wool, moistened with either  the anti-spas-
modic  tincture, or oil of summer savory, oil of cloves, or of nut-
megs,  Sic, will often afford relief.  Previous to the application
of any of these articles, the hollow or cavity of the tooth should
be carefully cleansed of all extraneous matter; and if it be found
necessary to renew them, the same precaution  ought also to be
taken at each renewal.
  The most certain means, however, of getting rid of this pain-
ful disease is to extract the tooth.   By  having this done season- 
190
ULCERS.
ably, the adjoining teeth will be preserved from being affected
with  caries or decay from the diseased tooth.   If  toothache
takes place in a sound tooth, it should not be extracted.
                        ULCERS.

  Ulcers are defined, a solution of the continuity of the soft parts
of the animal body; that is, a dissolving or separating of parts
which are  united.  But in the popular acceptation of the term,
an ulcer is  understood to be an old, or a large sore.
  They are produced by  a variety of  causes, and accompany
several different complaints.   Thus we have  the  simple,  the
sinuous, the fistulous,  the scorbutic, the scrofulous, and  the
venereal ulcers, together with a few other distinctions which
have been made by systematic writers.
  The simple ulcer is that which takes  place in consequence of
slight wounds,  and usually heals in a short time,  without much
attention.
  The sinuous ulcer is deeply seated in the flesh, and opens to
the surface by  a small pipe or tube.
  The fistulous ulcer is nearly similar to the sinuous, but the
pipe or passage is smaller and generally longer, with its orifice
or mouth and  internal surface callous or  hardened.  Fistulous
ulcers are most common about the anus.
  Scorbutic ulcers are  such as attend the scurvy, of which, as
well as of the scrofulous, we have heretofore spoken.   Venereal
ulcers will be found under the proper head.
  Treatment.—In ulcers of every kind, if the general health is
impaired,  the proper measures must be taken to restore it, at the
same time  that we make applications to the affected part.   The
means to be adopted to answer the first intention will, of course,
depend upon  the  degree of debility or of indisposition which
may be present.   But in all bad or extensive ulcers, whether
the health  appears materially impaired or not, it will, in general,
be advisable to administer occasionally a  course of  medicine:
and this will be more especially necessary if the  ulcer has been
of long continuance, or is  attended by a considerable discharge.
By this means we not only purify the fluids of the body and dis-
pose  the ulcer  to heal, but all  the secretions and excretions are
promoted,  and the discharge by the ulcer is turned into its natu-
ral channel, and the sore may be healed without  danger.
   A general tonic and strengthening plan, in other respects, must
be pursued, such as a daily use  of  bitter tonics, either the com-
mon  or laxative,  or  the wine-bitters, together with  moderate
exercise.
   External applications are also of much  importance, and may 
ULCERS.
191
Ire varied according to the appearance or nature of the ulcer, which
may  readily be distinguished  with  but  little attention or ob-
servation.
   In  general, poultices ought first to be applied in all cases, but
especially  to those which are painful  or inflamed;  and these
should be renewed once  or twice in twenty-four hours.  If the
weather be very warm, or the discharges great, it will, in gene-
ral, be best to renew them twice; and if the weather be cold, or
the discharges small, once will be entirely sufficient.  A formula
for making different kinds of poultices  will be found under the
proper head, in the compounds.
   At  each renewal of the poultice if  the sore is very foul, first
wash with mild soap suds, then with a  tea of wild lettuce, dew-
berry root, witch-hazel, or the astringent tonic; and if the ulcer
be a bad one, we may then apply the tincture of  myrrh, and if
still worse, it may be sprinkled with cayenne.  The tea of the
bitter-root is also highly  recommended as a wash for ulcers, and
we have no doubt of its efficacy.
   In  deeply seated ulcers, such as the sinuous, or the fistulous, a
small syringe will be necessary in dressing them, as without this
they cannot be washed out from  the  bottom.   But in throwing
in the fluid it should not be  done with so much violence as to
irritate  the  tender surfaces of the sore,  which will make the
washing more hurtful  than useful; and this is more especially
(to be guarded against after the healing process has commenced.
   The poultices should all be applied  cold, especially if the sore
be painful or inflamed, and occasionally wetted by pouring cold
water, or any of the forementioned teas cold, between the poul-
tice and the ulcer.  This will remove the inflammation and re-
lieve  the  pain.   The  poultice  must  be continued  until the
inffammation is subdued, and a discharge of healthy matter takes
place.  Healthy  matter, or pus, very  much resembles  cream,
both in color and consistence.
   After continuing the poultices "until  the pain and inflammation
are gone, and the ulcer discharges good matter, they may be dis-
continued, and the healing, or sumach, salve, substituted instead
of them.  Sometimes, however, healthy matter may be dischar-
ged whilst the sore continues red and inflamed.   In these cases
it is often'advantageous to lay a  plaster of salve  on the ulcer,
and then cover the whole with a  poultice.
   In  sinuous, and particularly in  the fistulous, ulcers, where the
edges are callous, in which case the surface of the pipe approaches
towards a  gristle, after washing  out  as has  been directed, the
tincture of myrrh may be injected ; and if it do not create a local
action in the part, with a disposition to heal, we may substitute
a tea  of cayenne pepper, or even the  anti-spasmodic tincture.
CJleers with callous edges, or with pipes, have lost that sensibil-
                  13 
192
VENEREAL DISEASE.
ity and activity in those parts, which render other ulcers serai
ble  to  the  common applications which dispose them to heal.
Hence it becomes necessary to apply more powerful stimulants
to arouse the vessels  to  greater activity, as by no other means
can a cure be effected.  The tincture of lobelia is also a valuable
external application for all kinds of ulcers.  A strong decoction
of chestnut leaves, used as a wash, several  times a day, has-
cured some inveterate cases.  An ointment made by bruising
sweet or Seneca clover, and simmering it  with fresh lard until
the  strength is extracted, strained and applied to the ulcer, is
likewise recommended as exerting a  specific effect.
  There is another condition in which  ulcers are  sometimes
found,  of which it may be necessary to speak.  Here, as in the
callous ulcers, the  action is feeble and languid, which is owing,
perhaps, to the general debility of  the constitution.
  In the cases of whieh we are speaking, instead of the red or
florid color of the surface  of the sore,  and especially  of the
granulations, there is a glassy,  half-transparent appearance in
the part.  There is, in fact,  an evident want of  action and vigor
in the ulcer.
  Cases of this description, perhaps,  might  be best treated
with warm stimulating poultices ; and in  addition to these, the
stimulating washes recommended for the callous ulcer should be
freely used, together with the tonic plan herein before advised,
to promote the general health; and the diet, as in all other kinds
of ulcer, must be rich and nourishing.
                  VENEREAL DISEASE.

  The venereal complaint is very contagious, though it ean on-
ly be  communicated by actual  contact.  " The prevalence  of
this dreadful disease among mankind," says Dr. Gunn, "-is an-
other  proof, amongst the many others that might  be adduced,
that it is the interest of mankind to be virtuous if  they wish to
be happy."  Yet  it has sometimes happened that the venereal
disease was contracted innocently-
  At  what time, or place, this complaint had its origin,  is un-
known ; but it first attracted attention in Europe about the year
1493,  and quickly spread its ravages over large districts; and
very soon to every commercial  part of the world.
  The most usual  means by whieh the venereal disease is com-
municated is by illicit intercourse between the sexes ; and hence
the disgrace attached to it  is sueh  that many  persons conceal
their real situation  until their constitutions are ruined.
  The venereal complaint, strictly  so called, may appear in two
ways, either in ulcers, oiv as they are commonly  called,, chac?- 
VENEREAL DISEASE.
193
cres, on the privates, or the general health may first become af-
fected ; though this last is rare.
   Chancres make their appearance commonly about the sixth
day  after the  infection, though sometimes sooner, often later,
and occasionally not till the lapse of several weeks, in the form
of minute pimples of  a peculiar kind,  having a hard, inflamed
base, of a pale red hue, and an  irritable or painful point.  This
pimple soon opens with a very small hole, becomes ulcerated,
and discharges a small portion of clear matter, which produces
fresh chancres wherever it touches the  skin.
   Another symptom which succeeds the chancres, is swellings
called buboes, which  are  supposed to  be produced by  the ab-
sorption  of virus from the chancres,  and is communicated to
the inguinal glands situated in the groin, which become  inflam-
ed.  These tumors, when first perceived, are  small, but hard
and fixed, and attended with  an obtuse pain.   They gradually
enlarge, and the pain becomes more acute, which renders walk-
ing troublesome and unpleasant; and if they are not seasonably
opened  will burst spontaneously, discharging a  considerable
quantity of matter.
  If the disease is not cured in this stage, the whole system,
sooner or  later, will be sure to become  affected, when the  very
foundations of life are  with quickness and certainty sapped, and
existence itself rendered a burden to the unhappy patient.
   The symptoms which attend  the  constitutional  affection  are,
soreness and ulcerations of the tonsils, uvula, roof of the  mouth,
and tongue ; which renders the voice hoarse and  the  swallow-
ing difficult.   Copper colored spots appear on  the skin, which
are at first scurfy, afterwards  throwing  off scales, and eventual-
ly produce scabs  covering  foul ulcers, which  gradually grow
deeper, and discharge  an offensive matter.
  The disease still continuing to advance,  irregular shooting
pains are felt through  the limbs, which at night are so severe as
to prevent sleep.   The bones at length become diseased,  and
often swelled or enlarged, and finally grow rotten.   The  ulcera-
tions in the back part of the mouth are still going on, and spread
also to the adjacent bones of  the palate and nostrils, which are
gradually  destroyed and carried  away, rendering the speech im-
perfect, and flattening the nose  to a level  with the face.
   At length the complexion becomes yellow, the appetite is im-
paired or lost,  the hair falls off,  the strength decays, a hectic fe-
ver sets in, and death  finally  comes to  remove from the unfor-
tunate sufferer his load of wo.
   Treatment.—So soon  as  a person  discovers that he or she
has contracted this formidable complaint, which will be  known
by the  appearance of the chancres, or ulcers, about the organs
of generation,  the part affected should be washed thoroughly
  vql.  II—R                25 
194
VENEREAL DISEASE.
with the tincture of lobelia, or of myrrh, or both may be mix-
ed in equal  proportions.   This  application will produce a
smarting, but, as Dr. Gunn  says,  " they are now  on the stool
of repentance," and must therefore prepare their minds to bear
it.  This washing should be strictly attended to three times a
day, previous to  which, however, the  sores  must be cleanly
washed  with  soap suds.   After each washing with the tincture
apply a  little  lint, or salve, to the sore; and  be careful to wash
the hands, as  bad ulcers have been  formed on other  parts by
neglecting this wholesome process, after dressing venereal sores.
  As an internal remedy, we would  advise a tea-spoonful, or
more, of the  tincture of lobelia, with half the quantity of cay-
enne, at night on going to bed, and a hot stone should be  placed
at the feet to  promote perspiration.  During the day, the patient
may drink freely of strong tea of sarsaparilla, and  three or four
times in the day take  a dose  of the laxative bitter tonic ; and
twice a  day he may take a dose of half a tea-spoonful  of balsam
of fir on sugar,  which  will be  more  especially necessary if
there be any  discharge from the penis,  or, in case of a woman,
from the vagina, or from the urinary passage.  In cases of these
discharges, it has also been found useful to inject into the urina-
ry passages a strong decoction of the astringent tonic with more
or less of the tincture of myrrh in it; and we have no doubt  the
tincture of lobelia, or the tea  of wild lettuce,  might also be
profitably employed.
  If this course be adopted early in the disease, it will perhaps
never fail of effecting a cure ; but if the constitutional symptoms,
as they  are called, have made their appearance, which we have
heretofore described, the course of medicine must  be resorted
to, and repeated as the case may demand ;  at the same time con-
tinuing the external and other remedies, as before directed.  And
if ulcers break out, they must be treated agreeably to  the direc-
tions under that head.
  If a gleet,  which is a  discharge from the  urethra, remain af-
ter the  disease is removed,  which sometimes happens  when
treated by mercury, the general plan herein directed, as to inter-
nal remedies, and particularly the use of the fir balsam, and in-
jections into  the urethra, should be  advised, together with  the
application of cold water to the part.
  It has been usual to confound clap or gonorrhoea with the dis-
ease  of which we have been treating;  though  by  the most
learned  modern  authors it is  considered as  a distinct malady.
The symptoms are, burning and scalding  sensations in the ure-
thra, in making  water, Avhich are  pretty soon succeeded by a
discharge of  matter from the same part, at first of a  white  co-
lor, then yellowish, and  finally it becomes of a greenish cast.
The cure for  this is  the same as that recommended for  dis- 
WHITE SWELLING.                 195
charges from the urinary passages, in the venereal complaint
and gleet, together with careful attention to keeping  the penis
washed clean from the matter which is discharged from it.
                   WHITE  SWELLING.

  This is a most dreadful disease, seated commonly in the knee
joint, though sometimes in the ancle, or in the wrist, or elbow.
ft takes its name from the circumstance  of there being  no in-
flammation or discoloration of the skin which covers the swell-
ing, and seems to be a  complaint  partaking of the nature of
both scrofula and rheumatism ; and  may  often be said  to  unite
the horrors of both.   The disease,  in fact, is  distinguished by
authors into two kinds, the rheumatic, and the scrofulous, as it
shows symptoms of  one or the other of these affections.
  In the rheumatic species of white swelling, which is its mild-
est form, an acute pain is felt extending  over the whole joint,
and sometimes along the muscles which  are connected with it.
A swelling of the part also at  the same time commences, which,
in different patients, progresses with different degrees of rapidi-
ty ; but the joint is always sufficiently swollen to cause a percep-
tible difference of size between it and the corresponding one of
the sound limb.   The skin which surrounds the  swelling gene-
rally becomes considerably tense ; but there is scarcely ever any
discoloration  of it at this stage of the disease.
  Any motion of the joint causes, from the first, a considerable
increase of pain ;  and the patient  always  finding most relief
from pain when the  muscles are relaxed, keeps the limb in a
bent posture,  which generally becomes stiff in this position.
  The swelling now increases with greater rapidity,  and the
joint frequently enlarges to twice  or thrice  the natural size;
the limb, both above and below the  affected  part, wastes away,
though sometimes it becomes dropsical; the pains  are more se-
vere and intolerable; and finally, perhaps, abscesses form in va-
rious parts of the swelling, and break out into bad ulcers ; which
are very similar in their character to those treated  of under the
head of scrofula.
  In that species of the disease termed the scrofulous, the pain
at the commencement is more acute and confined to a particular
point,  most frequently to the  very middle of the joint;  but the
swelling is less considerable than in the rheumatic species.
  An  increase of pain  on motion,  and a stiffness of the joint
takes place, in this as in the  other species, and as the  disorder
advances, the pains  increase in violence and  the  swelling  be-
comes more  considerable ; the ends of the bones appearing  to
partake of the disease,  they also are enlarged.   In time,  the 
196
WHITE SWELLING.
swelling in this form of the disease  assumes the same  appear-
ances as it does in the rheumatic kind; and in both, the consti-
tution becomes  equally affected,  and both may have the same
termination ; that is, death, unless their progress is arrested by
the use of proper means.
  Treatment.—In general this  may be the  same as that pre
scribed for scrofula, to which the reader may refer.   In  addition
to this, we subjoin the following curative means, extracted from
Beach's " American Practice," a part of which the author says
was obtained from an Indian native :—
  If a cure is attempted before suppuration has taken place, he
recommends an attempt to disperse the swelling by  steaming  it
in the following  manner:—Take of catnip,  hearts of mullen,
wormwood and mayweed, two double hands  full of each, and
of soft soap, one pint; boil  in six  quarts of water until  the
strength is extracted from the herbs.  Then place the  affected
joint over  the  steam arising from this decoction,  for fifteen or
twenty minutes, covering it with a blanket in such manner as to
confine the vapor to the diseased part.  We would recommend,
in order to make the steam more lively and penetrating, and of
course more useful, that a red hot brick, or rock, be occasionally
placed in the decoction of herbs.
  Immediately  after this local application of  vapor, he directs
the part to be bathed with an ointment made by dissolving half
an ounce of camphor in half a gill of spirits, to which  is added
a large table-spoon full of laudanum, simmered in the marrow
of three hog's jaws, or a small quantity of lard or  sweet oil.
  This course is directed  to be repeated daily, but he  says not
how long, though we suppose for a  reasonable time, when if it
do not disperse the swelling, then apply a strengthening plaster.
We must be permitted  to observe that we do not recommend the
laudanum, but  only introduce  it  as a part of Dr. Beach's rem-
edy ; instead of which we would advise the same quantity of the
anti-spasmodic  tincture.
   If the foregoing treatment does not remove the complaint, he
directs a poultice to be made, for promoting suppuration, as fol-
lows :—Take dandelion  roots, hearts of mullen,  catnip leaves
and flowers, of each a handful.  Bruise, and boil in sweet milk,
thicken with pulverised slippery elm  bark to a proper consis-
tence for a poultice, and apply to the diseased joint  about blood
warm.  The steaming must still be continued as before  directed,
at evening, immediately after which the poultice is to be applied,
and so continued daily until suppuration takes place, with a free
discharge of matter, and the inflammation has subsided.  When
the ulcer assumes this  condition, it should be dressed with salve
until  healed.   Or it may be  otherwise  treated in  the general
• method recommended for scrofulous and other ulcers. 
WHOOPING COUGH.
197
  We  cannot omit observing, however, that in most cases of
this painful malady, an occasional course of medicine, in addi-
tion to Dr. Beach's treatment, will be found beneficial, and should
therefore be resorted to at the discretion of those concerned.
                   WHOOPING  COUGH.

   This disease is  mostly confined to children, being usually
 propagated by contagion, and is attended with a suffocative, con-
 vulsive cough, and a deep shrill sound  termed a whoop, from
 which it takes its name.
   Whooping cough commonly comes on with some little diffi
 culty of breathing,  thirst, and a gentle quickening of the  pulse.
 Next succeed  a hoarseness and cough, with difficult expectora-
 tion.   These  symptoms continuing for  a  while, they become
 more marked, and the disease assumes its characteristic form.
   Expectoration at first is very moderate, but gradually becomes
 more copious, though it is always viscid or tough.   The pecu-
 liar difficulty and great exertions in coughing, bloat the face  which
 turns purple, and the eyes swell and become prominent.   Vom-
 iting  often attends  the fits of coughing, which is a good symp-
 tom, and is frequently  succeeded by a craving for food.
   The duration of whooping cough  is very uncertain, lasting
 from  a few weeks to as  many months, or even  a whole  year,
 going off gradually, and often imperceptibly.   And however te-
 dious or distressing it may be, it seldom  proves fatal, excepting
 to very young infants, or such as are debilitated by other diseases.
   Treatment.—Attention in this case  must be given to the
 means of loosening  the cough, and allaying the spasmodic irrita-
 tion.   For either of those purposes, and especially for the first,
 emetics have always been found the most serviceable ; to accom-
 plish  which, a tea-spoonful, or more, of  the tincture of lobelia
 may be administered towards bed-time; and previous to retiring
 to bed, half a tea-spoonful, or  more, of the tincture of lady's slip-
 per or the nervine tincture should be  given.   During the day,
 if the cough be troublesome, the child ought to drink frequently
 of a tea of the diaphoretic powder, made very sweet, to which
 plenty of cream should be added to make it palatable.
   The skunk-cabbage root pulverized,  is  also a valuable remedy
 in whooping cough. It is both loosening to the cough and qui-
 eting  to the nerves,  and may  be given in  doses of a fourth or
 half tea-spoonful, once or twice a day.   Stimulating washes, such
as the pepper sauce, bathing drops, &c. frequently afford great
 benefit by being  applied, with gentle friction, along the back
bone, breast bone, or the lower region of the stomach.  It may
also be advisable to bathe the  feet in warm  weak  lev, as  often.
   Vol. II.—r 2     25 
198
WORMS;
at least, as every evening, and afterwards apply drafts of bur-dock-,
skunk-cabbage, or horse radish leaves, &c.
  If, however, the symptoms become violent,  or attended with
much debility, we may administer a course of medicine, and re^
peat it as the circumstances of the case may seem to require f
and in the latter stages, the bitter tonic should be resorted to, as
a means of giving tone to the whole system; for which purpose
the  cold bath has also been highly recommended.   When cos-
tiveness attends, in any stage, it should be removed by injections J
physic having been found to afford  no alleviation to the most
urgent symptoms.  In general, when there is little or no  loose-
ness of the bowels, the best injections for children are made of
catnip tea, with the addition of a little tincture of myrrh.
                        WORM S.

  Not only the human body, but also the bodies of other animals,
are liable to have their intestines infested with worms.   There
are three kinds most usually met with in man.   These are the
small white worm, called also ascarides ; the long round worm,
or teres; the tape worm, or taenia, which is a white, flat worm,
consisting apparently of joints, and is frequently of great length;
some of which are reported to have been thirty, forty, and even
sixty feet  long.
  The different kinds of worms are represented as choosing dif-
ferent portions of the intestines to live  in ; for instance, the small
white worm selects the rectum;  the round worm, the small in-
testines, and sometimes  the stomach;  and the tape  worm, the
whole intestinal tube.
  The cause of  worms  may fairly, we think, be attributed to a
weakness  of the  digestive powers, and debility of the intestines ;
which may also be assisted by unwholesome food, and a weak,
vegetable, and debilitating diet.   It is a disease most common to
children, but is often met with in grown persons, particularly
those of a relaxed habit, whose digestion is weak, and who live
much upon a milk and vegetable diet.
  The symptoms  indicating worms are extremely various and
contradictory,  often imitating many other complaints.   But in
general, some  one or more of the following will be found'present
in such cases:-—-Headache,  dizziness, disturbed  sleep, appetite
sometimes lost and sometimes greedy, pains in the stomach,
gripings, looseness, very disagreeable breath, gratings  of the
teeth during sleep, which is  often disturbed by frightful dreams,.
picking at the  nose, a peculiar paleness or whiteness about the
mouth, hardness and fullness of the belly, short dry cough, heat1
and itching about the anus, nausea, fever, and sometimes convub 
WORMS.
190
lions',  but the most certain evidence of worms is their ejection
from the bowels.
  Treatment.—In the cure of worms, three objects ought to be
kept in view :—First, cleansing the intestinal canal of whatever
morbid matter  may be retained in it, and which probably may
be the element in which the worms live ;  secondly, strengthen-
ing the system generally, and the intestines particularly ; thirdly,
destroying the worms by the use of those medicines termed ver-
mifuges or anthelmintics.
  Of the  two  first objects, that of cleansing the canal, and of
strengthening the system, we know that Ave possess the means
of accomplishing them, at least so soon as the irritation of the
worms has ceased; but the vermifuge medicines are of doubtful
character; and moreover, those articles which are known to  kill
worms when applied to them out of the body, are as well known
to weaken the tone of the stomach and  intestines when taken
internally, and  consequently have a  strong tendency to defeat
the other intentions of cure.
  These different remedies may all be used at the same time, or
at least, we need not wait until one object is accomplished before
we attempt another.
  The course which we have found, in general, to have the best
effect in curing worm complaints, is to give the butternut syrup,
in sufficient  quantity to produce a free and thorough evacuation
of the contents of the bowels, and during the operation, as well
as afterwards,  to make use of a strong tea of the poplar bark,
with the addition of a little cayenne pepper.  By pursuing  this
course we have succeeded in curing several very alarming cases
of fits arising from the irritation of worms.  In each case of this
kind, however, the stomach had  been previously well cleansed
by  an emetic of lobelia.
  The Carolina pink has acquired considerable fame in the cure
of worms, and we believe not without just cause.  Two circum
stances, however, we think, have conspired to injure the charac-
ter of  this valuable  herb:—the one is, that by  keeping  long
[Thacher~\ it loses its virtues, and hence frequently fails in pro-
ducing the desired effect;  the other is, that some other poison-
ous Aveed has sometimes been gathered with the pink, and when
steeped and  given along with it, has produced very alarming ef-
fects.  This weed  is said to be a vine,  and in order to avoid
hazard, the pink, before being steeped, should be  carefully picked
over, and every thing else rejected.
  If the case be a bad one, Ave may first  administer an emetic,
and then commence giving a strong decoction of the pink made
very sweet, when the child will often relish the taste of it so Well
as to drink enough of its own accord.   If it appears, however,
likely to drink an unreasonable quantity, it should **- "strained.
% 
300
YELLOW FEVER.
but it may take from one to three pints in twenty-four hours,
when it must be smartly purged with the butternut syrup.   The
poplar bark tea, as before directed, or the bitter tonic, in decoc-
tion or in wine, may be used during and after the operation, giv-
ing it three or four times a day.
  Instead of the pink, we may, if we choose, give the cowhage j
the stiff hairs of which are  to  be scraped from the pods and
mixed with syrup or melasses until they have become thick, and a
tea-spoonful or more must be administered to the child for three
successive mornings ; when it should be  followed by a purge of
the butternut syrup, and the  bitter tonic as before directed.
  The oil or spirit of turpentine,  has  also been highly recom-
mended, as  well as the oil of wormseed.   The spirits of tur-
pentine may  be given in doses of  half or a whole tea-spoonful,
or even more, which  may be repeated  for two or  three days,
when it should be followed  by the butternut  syrup and bitter
tonic, as before directed.  The oil of wormseed  may be given
in doses of one drop to each year of the  child's age, up to eight
or  ten years, when  the quantity may  be less in  proportion.
Drop the oil  on a lump of sugar, and grate it into a table-spoon-
ful or more of water, and repeat  it morning and night for three
or four days, when it  must  be  followed by the butternut syrup
to purge the bowels, and the bitter tonic  to restore their tone.
Spirits of turpentine and oil of wormseed combined, and applied
externally to  the bowels, we have no doubt  would be  found
highly efficacious.
   Charcoal, it is said, according  to the  latest and most enlight-
ened experience of the medical  schools of Europe, is a valuable
medicine for worms.   The  mode of giving, or the quantity to
be  given, we have  not seen stated, but as the  article possesses
no dangerous powers,  fears  need not be entertained in using it,
It sometimes happens that worms ascend into the throats of chil-
dren, and choke them; in this case a little salt dissolved in wa-
ter, may be given with happy effect.  Any of the preparations
mentioned under the head of " anthelmintics,"  may be advanta-
geously used in this complaint.
                    YELLOW FEVER.

  This fatal and most distressing  disease is confined  either to
the  hot climates of the South, or the hottest seasons of the more
temperate regions of the North.
  Yellow fever appears, at least in  its  present malignant form,
to be a modern disease.   It was  first noticed in the island of
Barbadoes, in the year 1647, and soon after made its appearance
in various other islands of the West Indies; and, in  1693,  Ju
» 
YELLOW FEVER.
301
 Boston.   In 1699 it visited Philadelphia  and Charleston, after
 which it made its appearance in both those places several times
 between the years 1732 and 1748, during Avhich last year it also
 appeared in New York.—[_Dr. Currie.']
   The next appearance of this fatal epidemic was at Philadel-
 phia, in the year 1793, just one hundred years after its first visit
 to the then  British colonies in North America, at Boston.  Since
 that date it has several times made its appearance in both Phila-
 delphia and New York, as well as many other places along the
 sea-board.
   The yellow fever is by some considered  as only a more intense
 form or higher degree of remittent fever, whilst others regard it
 as a distinct variety, or even species, of fever.
   Yellow fever makes its attack Avith a diversity of appearances
 and symptoms, some of  which are  common to all fevers, and
 others peculiar to itself.  Occasionally  the symptoms are very
 mild; but more commonly they are violent and distressing from
 the beginning.  We cannot perhaps  do better in describing this
 disease than to abridge the account  given by Dr. Currie, who
 had several  times witnessed its ravages in  Philadelphia.
   In general,  says he, it attacks suddenly, without any previous
 indisposition,  with a chill, pain in the head and limbs, sometimes
 sickness at  the stomach,  the eyes are red and painful, the pulse
 often full and  frequent soon after the  cessation of the chill, Avhen
 the skin becomes very hot, face  flushed,  great oppression  and
 stricture about the breast, extreme  restlessness, and  frequent
 sighing.
   The heat of the skin, and pain in the head and limbs, usually
 increase  during the first thirty-six hours, and then gradually  de-
 crease for the  same length of time; so that  at the end of seventy-
 two hours, the patient is sometimes entirely free from all symp-
 toms of the  disease, and a speedy recovery takes place ; but more
 commonly there is only a short and partial remission, which in
 a few hours, is followed by a far more distressing train of symp-
 toms, particularly a burning sensation in the stomach, accompa-
 nied  with   almost  constant sickness, and straining to vomit.
 The pulse now becomes small, quick, and irregular; the stom-
 ach  painful  on pressure; and  generally a costive state of the
 bowels.
   These symptoms, if not relieved by proper means, continuing
 to increase, are, in a short time, succeeded by a cessation of pain
 and fever, and a vomiting of a flaky, dark colored matter resem-
 bling coffee grounds,  or a mixture  of  soot and water.  This
 matter, which is called the black-vomit, is  usually thrown up at
6hort intervals, and appears to contain more fluid than has been
drank.
  In this stage of the disease, during the intervals from vomiting,
                             26 
202
YELLOW FEVER.
the patient feels so much ease that  he imagines himself out of
danger, and converses fluently, though often incoherently, some-
times getting out of bed and walking the room, but is soon ex-
hausted  and  obliged to  lie down.   Convulsions,  or lethargy,
generally follow these exertions, and  the scene is quickly closed
by the curtain of death !
  The symptoms which distinguish this fever from every other
that has appeared in this country, says Dr. Currie, are the sud-
denness  of the attack, commencing in  most cases  without any
preceding lassitude or indisposition ; the redness of the eyes and
flushing of the face, and the long duration of the paroxysm, be-
ing generally thirty-six hours  before any considerable abatement
takes place.  To this may be added, the  new and severe train
of symptoms which soon follow the remission, the golden yellow
color of the skin,  and black vomit.
  In some instances, however,  instead of the black  vomiting,
the patient becomes comatose  or  sleepy, and  dies without  a
struggle;  whilst in others, putrid symptoms  of  a most virulent
character occur, and bleeding  takes place from the nose, mouth,
eyes, ears, or bowels, and  even from parts where blisters have
been drawn.  In the first stages of the disease, as it occurred in
Philadelphia, the tongue was generally  covered with a white fur
resembling a piece of white muslin.   After  the third or fourth
day the  tongue was brown and much drier; but when the black
vomiting occurred, it became moist, and nearly as clean as in
health.
  Treatment.—Attacks of yellow fever, require, in general, the
most prompt and efficient treatment.  In the  early stages, if the
strength be not greatly impaired, nor symptoms of  putrefaction
make their appearance, a mild purgative  may be administered.
But if the attack be violent, and attended with great prostration
of strength, or if there be symptoms of putrefaction, our reliance
for  cleansing the intestines must mainly be placed on injections.
  To allay the excessive heat and dryness of the skin, the alka-
line wash, so highly  recommended by  Dr. Rogers and others,
might be resorted to, and repeated at discretion.  This wash is
directed to be made by dissolving one and a half table-spoonfuls
of pearl-ash  in three gills of hot water, with which the body and
limbs are to be washed.   Simple cold  water has been  highly
recommended for  the same purpose, and used, we are told, with
very beneficial effect.  In conjunction with either of those rem-
edies, we ought to administer frequent  doses of the diaphoretic
powders, or cayenne, mixed with warm  aromatic teas, such as
pennyroyal, catnip, &c, to promote  perspiration.  Some cases
are related, where simply a strong decoction  of boneset or tho-
roughwort, taken freely, effected a cure.
  When black vomiting has come  on, the case  is considered as 
                     YELLOW FEVER.                 203

hopeless, though some have recovered even in this stage.  Dr.
Currie observes, that this dreadful symptom has more frequently
been relieved by a mixture of equal parts of lime-water and new
milk, taken  in  doses of from  one to four table-spoonfuls every
hour or oftener, than by any other remedy.
  But the great dependence in all stages of this terrible malady,
must be in repeated courses of medicine; and the earlier in the
disease they are employed, the better.   The  alkaline Avash, as
well as the cold  water, may likewise be used betAveen the courses,
together with the usual means of stimulating the system and
promoting perspiration ; such as the cayenne pepper, diaphoretic
powder, the application of  hot bricks,  or rocks, stimulating in-
jections, &c.   If pains in the stomach, with nausea, arise, the
region of the stomach ought to be bathed with  the bathing drops,
or pepper and  vinegar, or a large poultice of mustard may be
applied to it; and if putrid symptoms make their appearance, a
free use must be made of the pepper sauce and  tincture of  myrrh.
  The room in which the patient  is confined ought to be well
ventilated, that  is, have a suitable admission of pure air; and the
floor should be  frequently sprinkled with vinegar,  or with cam-
phor, and the stools immediately removed, as well as every thing
else of a filthy nature.  The clothes of both body and bed, must
be frequently changed and kept clean.
  During recovery, the patient should  make  liberal use of the
wine-bitters, or he may take the bitter tonic in any other form ;
and live  on a nutricious, wholesome diet; carefully  guarding
against relapses. 
204
CONCLUSION.
CONCLUSION.
  We have noAv brought our description of  diseases, 01 rather
the  different symptoms of disease, with the method of cure, to
a close.   In the performance of this part of our work, we have
availed ourselves of the  privilege  which  all authors of popular
medical works  have assumed, since  the days of Dr. Buchan,
of borrowing either the ideas or language, or both, of preceding
writers.  Indeed, so much has been written  upon  this subject,
that a medical treatise cannot now be attempted Avithout servilely
copying, or  otherwise falling into the track  pursued by one's
predecessors.
  It may possibly have been anticipated by some of our read-
ers,  that the  method  laid down  for  the treatment of  disease
would have been more diversified and extensive, in consequence
of the advantages Avhich have been derived from experience, and
the  mass  of materials  in  our  possession.   We will  remark
upon this point,  that  we  fully  expected  ourselves, to have
introduced  a much greater variety into this department,  but
were deterred, chiefly, from the following considerations, which
we  deemed important:—
  The materials  which we had  with much labor and consid-
erable expense collected for  the  work were mostly in  a  de-
tached or unconnected  form,  and, therefore, required much
time and careful attention to enable us to introduce them in  a
proper manner into the work.  To this  we may also add, that
many of the articles  and compounds, which we contemplated
publishing, were  untried by ourselves, and therefore we could
not speak of them with that confidence which is so desirable in
a matter of so much importance  to the health and Avell-being
of  the human family.  Some articles that we intended  to in-
troduce  were, moreover, on such authority that we could  not
consistently give them  a formal  introduction under the head
of treatment, although we have reason to hope they may prove
highly valuable.
  Before any thing is thus recommended, we think it ought to
be well tested by competent persons, upon whose authority the
fullest reliance may  be placed.  We, therefore, concluded to
arrange the greater part of the  knowledge  we had thus  ob-
tained, and which we originally contemplated introducing into
the treatment of diseases,  under appropriate  heads in the  ma-
teria medica.  The attentive  reader  will there find them, Avith
their mode of preparation and manner of using, as well as a 
CONCLUSION.
SOS
statement of what cases  they have been found  useful in;  and
by a judicious application he will  be enabled to form a correct
estimate of their  value.
  We will take  the opportunity of expressing  the obligations
which we feel  ourselves under to numerous  individuals,  who
have so generously assisted  us, by communicating their know-
ledge and experience, in  aid of this Avork ; and they will please
accept our thanks for this, the same as if their names were here
mentioned.
  It is not our  intention,  hoAvever, by any means, to  give
publicity to all the  recipes  and other  communications which
have  been  so  kindly  furnished   us,  but  will select  such
only  as  appear  most likely to  be generally or  extensively
useful.
  We deem it  proper  further to observe, that in describing the
symptoms of disease, it is utterly impossible to  give a descrip-
tion of any  particular complaint,  that  will  always  apply in
every case to  the disease  intended to be  described.  Symp-
toms  oftentimes occur which it would be  in vain  to attempt
a description of; whilst in  other  cases, many of those which
are described  may  be wanting.   It is only by taking them
in a group and comparing  them  with  the general  train  of
symptoms, that we  shall be enabled to give a correct name to
the disease; in Avhich, however, the best read physicians fre-
quently disagree; and hence arises the most disastrous conse-
quences  by administering  poisonous  medicines  Avhich,  even
in the practice of those who approve of them, may be wrongly
and  very improperly  used.   But  there is  nothing of this ih
a practice where poisonous medicines are excluded.
  If a person  becomes  sick, we  go about restoring him to
health, regardless of names; if  we  know  the name, well; if
not, we are not deterred from administering  medicines, either a
single article or a full course, according to  the urgency or Vio-
lence of the  symptoms.  And hence we   are  constrained to
acknoAvledge, that all the lengthy  and tedious descriptions  of
disease which swell  the  countless  volumes  written upon medi-
cine,  are comparatively of little  value.  Even the trouble that
we have taken, and the expense which we have incurred in colla-
ting,  revising,  and  publishing the  descriptions  given in our
own book, we regard more as an offering upon the altar of pub-
lic  prejudice,  fashion, and  folly, than  as a really useful  and
intrinsically valuable  addition to  the  general  knowledge  of
the nature of disease,  and of the general method of  treatment
and cure.
  We will conclude by referring the reader to the common
cotirse of  medicine, and general mode of treatment, in  all
alarming cases, rather than  to vain attempts at giving a correct
  Vol. II.—S 
206
CONCLUSION.
name to the disease, which  is a matter of small consequence
compared with the  knowledge  of  the  means  of effecting a
cure.
  The course of medicine, so  often referred to under the head
of Treatment, will be found very particularly  described in a
succeeding part of this volume;  together with  all the general
directions necessary to enable  almost any person, aided by com-
mon sense and a little experience, to cure  the  usual  maladies
incident to a family. 
NEW VEGETABLE  MATERIA MEDICA
  The original plan for the arrangement of the articles consti-
tuting this department, was to  place them in classes  agreeably
to the classification  proposed in the first volume; but we soon
found this Avould require much time, reflection, and attentive dis-
crimination ;  more,  indeed, than we could possibly  bestow.
We discovered, moreover, that so much difficulty would attend
the classification of many valuable articles which we intended to
introduce, that the advantages would not, at this time, repay the
labor.  Yet we will not conceal our  firm convictions that im-
portant advantages might result from the classification of medi-
cines according to their most obvious effects upon the system.
Its tendency would  be to simplify the healing art, and thus ren-
der it more intelligible to  the  whole community;  which ought
to be the grand object and  aim  of every  person who attempts to
write upon this subject.
  We have abundantly shown, as we trust, that the indications
to be answered in the  treatment of disease, are few and easily
comprehended; and now if all the various articles calculated to
answer each one of those  indications could be thrown together
under one head, how much more easy would it be for an indi-
vidual, having but a slight knowledge  of medicines, to under-
stand and apply them.  The practitioner, or the family, could
at once refer to the class from which he  or they wished to make
a selection, and choose such as appeared most appropriate to the
case.   There would be something highly systematic, beautiful,
and yet simple in such an  arrangement;  and we hope, that ulti-
mately, the  advancement  of medical science will lead to this
important result.
  In this, as  well as in the preceding part of the present volume,
we have  draAvn our  descriptions, and all other important infor-
mation, from  every accessible source, and hope that we shall be
pardoned throughout,  for crediting but few quotations or author-
ities  which we thought proper  to use.   The works  principally
consulted are, Thomson, Rafinesque, Rogers, Thacher,Bigb-
low, Barton, Cullen, and Smith.
               14 
208
MATERIA MEDICA.
  The reader will observe, that in the Materia Medica, the first
name, in capitals, is the systematic, botanic, or technical term
by which the article is distinguished ; after that follow the com-
mon names, of which most plants can boast more than one, and
oftentimes  several  different vegetables bear  the same  name.
From this source originates a great deal of confusion, which the
invention of botanical names, and a more  exact method  of de-
scribing plants, was intended to correct.
  It may be proper to observe, however, that some  very valua-
ble  plants, which will be introduced into  this  work, were deri-
ved from persons whose opportunities did not enable them to
give correct botanic names ; nor  have these  articles, so far as
Ave  know, been introduced into any botanical work hitherto pub-
lished.   We have, therefore, been under the necessity of  giving
them such names as were  furnished us, and  content ourselves
with recording their virtues.  Some  of them were also derived
from the Indians, and for some of these no names are  known
amongst the whites.
  [Since the  publication of the  second edition, we have been
enabled to obtain the botanical names of most of the plants just
alluded  to, and have  also corrected  many others which, from
difficulties inseparably connected  Avith works of this kind, were
erroneously given.  In  the performance of this duty, we feel it
incumbent  upon us, to acknowledge  the disinterested assistance
of Dr. J. L. Riddell and I.  A. Lapham, and to  the  former
more particularly for his services  in correcting many of the de-
scriptions which were either too brief, or otherwise  defective.]] 
209
                  ACIDUM ACETOSUM.

         Common namt—Vinegar—Acetous acid.

  Vinegar was known many ages before the discovery of any
other acid, excepting those which exist ready formed in the dif-
ferent kinds of  vegetables, particularly in sour fruit.
  This agreeable, pungent acid, is produced by the fermentation
of saccharine matter or sweet vegetable juices, such  as cider,
wine, beer, sap, &c.  The process by which vinegar is formed
is termed the acetous fermentation, which  is nothing more than
the absorption of oxygen gas from the atmosphere.
  From the mucilaginous  impurities which all vinegars contain,
they are apt, on exposure  to the air, to become turbid and ropy,
and finally, entirely spoiled.  This  inconvenience may be rem-
edied by boiling the vinegar for one hour, in  open bottles placed
in  a kettle  of water over the  fire; after Avhich they are to be
kept corked.
  Vinegar possesses strong antiseptic  powers, and is hence em-
ployed,  to correct the  putrid tendency  of the fluids  in putrid
and pestilential  fevers,  and  in scurvy.  Mixed  Avith water,  it
makes not only an  agreeable but a useful drink in all febrile
diseases.  It is also useful to settle the stomach in  cases of
nausea or vomiting; and administered by injection is  said to
be useful in costiveness.   It is also very serviceable in obviating
the poisonous effects of vegetables,  particularly those which are
termed the  narcotic  poisons.
  In dysentery, vinegar in which salt has  been dissolved, is re-
commended as  a valuable remedy.  It is prepared and used as
follows:—
  Take any quantity of vinegar  and  add  to it as much salt as
it will dissolve; to one table-spoonful of this mixture  add  two
of hot water, and give  to the patient at a dose, to be frequently
repeated.  The same mixture may also be applied to inflamma-
tions, swellings, sprains, &c.
  The vapor of vinegar inhaled  into  the lungs, is useful in all
diseases of these organs, as  well as of sore throat; and diffused
through the rooms of the sick, it  corrects  the putridity of the
air,  and renders it more wholesome and agreeable to  both pa-
tients and attendants.
  Vol.  II.—s  2                27 
210
MATERIA MEDICA.
                AGRIMONIA EUPATORIA.

    Common names—Agrimony, Cocklebur, Stickwort.

  Common agrimony has a perennial root, with a rounded hairy
stem, growing  from one  to  two feet high;  leaves alternate,
rough,  ragged, hairy,  and  unequal, loAver ones  the  largest.
Blossoms  yellow, growing on a long terminal spike, which is a
continuation of  the  main stem ; producing a small green bristly
bur,  which often  sticks to clothes that come in contact with  it.
  The root  of  agrimony is a mild  astringent tonic, and may
be used in tea  for bowel complaints, fevers, &c.  The leaves
have also been employed for the same purpose, and are said  to
be useful for jaundice, scurvy, &c.  We  have  also  heard this
herb highly spoken of as a remedy for worms.  " Taken in tea,
of both root and  herb," says Dr. Elisha Smith, "for a long
time, it will almost invariably cure  the scrofula."  He also re-
commends it in  gravel, asthma, and cutaneous diseases.   " The
best  way  to take it is in a strong  decoction,  sweetened with
honey."
                        ALCOHOL.

            Ardent  Spirits—Spirit of Wine.

  Alcohol is the pure unadulterated spirit, or stimulating, intox-
icating principle of whisky, brandy, and all other kinds of ine-
briating drinks.  It is formed  during the process  of what is
termed the vinous fermentation, which can only in general take
place in fluids  impregnated with sugar.  Wine, cider, beer, and
all sweet  juices of vegetables, by  passing through  the vinous
fermentation, generate alcohol;  and in order to procure it in a
more concentrated form it is distilled, and the alcohol being more
volatile than the water with which it is mixed, on the  application
of heat it  rises and passes off through the worm or  pipe, leav-
ing the  greater  portion of the water behind.  The materials
from which the spirit is made give  to it different names.  Thus,
spirit made by the distillation of the fermented juices of fruits,
as wine, or cider, is called brandy, when of the juices of plants,
as the sugar cane or sap of maple, Sic, or rather from the su-
gar or melasses manufactured from  these substances, it is called
rum; and when from  malted  grain,  as barley, rye, Sic, it is
called whisky.   But  notwithstanding that pure  alcohol  is  so
much lighter or more volatile than water, it cannot all be distilled
off from the fluid which contains it,  without more or  less wa-
ter passing over with it.   Hence,  in  order to obtain  the alco-
hol more pure, whisky or brandy must be re-distilled. 
f
i
5
Agrimonia Eupatoeia,  ( Agrimony ). 
 
»
Aletris Farinosa, (Star-grass). 
• 
MATERIA MEDICA.
215
  Equal quantities by Aveight of pure alcohol and water  form
proof spirit, which is extensively used as a menstruum in  med-
icine and the arts.   Many substances do not yield  their medi-
cinal properties to water, which  are nevertheless readily given
out to, or are dissolved in, proof spirits,  or in alcohol.  Medi-
cinal resins, can only be dissolved by  alcohol,  and gums by
water.  The virtues  of plants reside sometimes in resin, some-
times in gum, and sometimes in  both.   Hence the menstruum,
or solvent, must be varied according to the qualities  of the arti-
cle.   But in general, for making tinctures, proof spirits are used ;
the alcohol dissolving  the  resinous, and the  water the gummy
parts.  Alcohol is employed in tincturing camphor, myrrh, &c,
and is also used for dissolving the vegetable  oils, and thus are
produced the various essences.
                   ALETRIS FARINOSA.

    Common names—Stargrass, Blazing Star, Aloeroot,
                   Mealy Starwort, &c.

   Root  perennial,  small, branched, crooked, blackish  outside
and brown within.   Leaves radical, from six to twelve,  spread-
ing on the ground like a star, lanceolate,  entire, very smooth,
with  many longitudinal  veins, ends of the leaves  sharp, pale
green, about three or four inches long.  Stem round, erect, from
one to two feet high, naked except a few scattered bracts or
scales, ending in a  long spike  of white,  somewhat scattered
flowers.   Found in almost all parts of the United States, grow-
ing on poor dry soils in open situations on hills, prairies, and
borders of woods.
   The root is the part employed as medicine, being a very bit-
ter and valuable tonic and stomachic, promoting,  in small doses,
the appetite and digestion, but in  larger ones, is apt to produce
nausea and vomiting.  The bitterness appears  to  reside in a
resinous  matter which  is  fully imparted, in tincture, to alcohol,
which it renders extremely bitter; whilst water is rendered much
less so.  The tincture  becomes turbid by the addition of water.
   The stargrass may  be given  in tincture, decoction, or sub-
stance, though the first and last forms are undoubtedly the best;
or it may be incorporated into cordials or syrups.   A dose of the
powder should not  exceed half a tea-spoonful.   It is useful in
all cases  of debility  and loss of appetite, fevers, colic, and rheu-
matism.
   It may not be improper here to observe that a plant was intro-
duced into the first and second editions of this work under the
name  of aletris alba, so similar to this in its external appearance 
216
MATERIA MEDICA.
as to be readily confounded with it by careless observers.   The
plant alluded to proves to be the helonias dioica, which see.
                         ALKALI.

   Under this head we shall include all the alkaline articles, most
commonly used in  medicine—such as chalk,  soda,  and lime.
Their use is to neutralize acidity, which renders them peculiarly
proper in dyspepsy, as well as in all  diseases attended by, or
arising from sourness of the stomach.   In  administering  alka-
line draughts, for acidity of the stomach, much  pain is occasion-
ally produced by the gas generated in the process of neutralizing,
as we see in mixing a glass of soda water.   To prevent this
unpleasant symptom, the alkali should be taken in small quan-
tity at a time.  Administered by  injection, alkalies are said to
allay  tenesmus like a charm.

                     CARBONATE OF SODA.

   Soda possesses, in general, the  same  properties  as pearlash,
but is much less caustic or biting to the taste.   A solution of  it
is an  excellent gargle for cleansing the mouth, gums and throat,
both in the diseased and  in  the  sound state;  at the  same time
whitening  the  teeth, and dissolving those incrustations called
tartar, which often form upon them, without injuring the enamel.
A small quantity of  this  solution, occasionally  swallowed,  after
washing the mouth,  effectually removes a bad breath.

             CARBONATE OF POTASH, OR PEARLASH.
   A solution of pearlash is very  serviceable in acidities of the
stomach, and in all complaints arising therefrom, such as cholera
morbus,  diarrhoea,  dysentery,  headache, Sic   A diluted solu-
tion drank warm, in bed, is good to promote perspiration, and
if it does not act in this way, it generally goes off by  urine.  A
wash  of pearlash is an excellent external application in fevers,
neutralizing the septic acid, and softening the skin, which gives
a tendency to the flow of perspiration.
   Pearlash is often employed in a neutralized state, that is, dis-
solved in vinegar,  to allay irritation, to check  vomiting, and to
promote perspiration.

           BICARBONATE OF POTASH, OR SAL .SIRATUS.

   The bicarbonate of potash,  commonly called sat seratus, is
milder and  more agreeable to the taste,  than the pearlash, and
may be used for the same purposes, in its stead.
   Sal seratus is manufactured in NeAV England in distilleries and
breweries, by  suspending pearlash in an open vessel  over th« 
MATERIA MEDICA.
217
beer or wort whilst fermenting, whereby it becomes exposed to
and combines  with the carbonic  acid gas which escapes from
the fermenting beer.   In this  way  the pearlash will  become
saturated with  the  carbonic acid in the  course of five or  six
weeks, when the process is completed.
               CARBONATE OF LIME, OR CHALK.
  This article is very highly extolled by some as a remedy in
cholera morbus, and is also very  useful in diarrhoea, as well as
all cases of acidity  of the stomach.  It may be taken in doses of
one tea-spoonful or more.  Chalk is  sometimes applied exter-
nally, to  scalds and burns, by sprinkling the powder on  the
affected part.   The preferable  kind for any of  the above pur-
poses,  is  probably that which is termed "prepared chalk.1"
                       CALX, OR  LIME.
  Lime,  as it exists in common lime-stone, in chalk, and marine
shells,  is combined Avith carbonic acid, which  neutralizes its
alkaline qualities, and prevents it  from slacking.   The carbonic
acid is  driven off in the form of gas, during the process of burn-
ing, when it is  converted into what is called  quick-lime.
  Lime dissolved in water, is esteemed a very valuable remedy
in dyspepsy, and in all cases of acidity and debility of the stom-
ach.   By some it is esteemed much superior to pearlash.  Pos-
sibly this might be useful in  worm complaints,  to dissolve the
mucus  in which those vermin are  said to reside.
  To make lime water, take of fresh  burnt lime, four ounces ;
cold  water, two quarts;  first slake  the lime, and then put the
lime and Avater immediately into a large bottle, cork tight,  and
shake well  together.  After the lime has all subsided at the bot-
tom of the bottle, shake it up again, and repeat this eight or ten
times, when it will be fit for use.   When wanted for use, pour
off, carefully, about a tea-cup full of the water and add to it half
the quantity or more of  sweet milk, which may be taken as a
dose, to be  repeated several times a day.   The milk covers the
biting taste which it otherwise  Avould have, and  renders it not
disagreeable.
                  ALNUS  SERRULATA.

        Common names—Tag Alder, Black Alder.
  Tag alder is a perennial shrub or bush, rising to the height of
from five to ten feet, many shrubs growing from  the same root,
bearing a large, roundish, or rather obtuse, dark green leaf, with
tags or cones someAvhat similar to witch-hazel.   Found in wet-
tish lands, or along streams.
  The tag alder is a very good tonic.   The tags, bark, boughs,
                    26 
218                 MATERIA MEDICA.
or leaves may be taken freely in strong tea, and are very valua-
ble in all diseases of the skin, particularly for boils, which by a
timely use of the alder, may often be prevented from suppura-
ting or coming to a  head.  It is made much use of by herbalists
for all eruptions and humors of the skin, with great success.
   Externally, in poultice, it is used by the Indians, for swellings,
strains, and the leaves bruised and applied to women's breasts,
repels milk.   The cones and twigs made into a salve by boiling
in water and  then adding lard or butter, make an excellent oint-
ment for burns and scalds, and probably for other sores.  Cloths
kept constantly  Avet in the strong tea, and applied to hot swel-
lings, afford much relief.
           AMARANTUS HYPOCHONDRIACUS.
  Common names—Amaranth,  Prince's Feather, Lovely
                        Bleeding.
  The amaranth is an annual plant, much cultivated in gardens
for its beautiful red appearance, rising to the height of from three
to five feet.   The whole plant is more or less red, but the blos-
som most so, being of a deep, bright red, whilst the  leaves are
dark.   Prince's Feather is the name by which it is most com-
monly distinguished; but amaranth is a better and more elegant
term,  which ought to  be adopted.  This  article  is too  well
known to need a more minute description.
  The amaranth is an astringent, and as such, the  leaves are
used in decoction for bowel complaints.   But it is most celebra-
ted as a remedy for profuse  menstruation,  and has often cured
when other remedies have failed.
                  AMOMUM ZINGIBER.
 Common names—Ginger, also distinguished by Race, and
                Black, and White Ginger.
  Ginger is a perennial shrub, growing about three feet high,
a native of the  East Indies, but now cultivated in the West In-
dies, in large quantities.   Race, is a term applied to ginger in
the  root, to distinguish it from that which is ground.  The black
ginger, is  the root prepared with less care than the white;  the
white, also called Jamaica ginger, being washed and  scraped
previous to drying.
  Ginger  is a  warm and  moderately stimulating aromatic, of
much value in medicine, mostly used in combination Avith other
articles, and is  an  important ingredient in the  diaphoretic or
sweating powders.   For medicine, it is better to purchase the
sound roots, as  that which is ground is often prepared from such 
MATERIA MEDICA.
219
roots as are worm-eaten and unsaleable, besides being adulterated
with other articles.   Dose, from half to a whole tea-spoonful, in
warm water sweetened.  Externally, very valuable in poultices.
                 AMYGDALUS  PERSICA.
               Common name—Peach Tree.

  This valuable tree affords not only a most delightful fruit, but
also furnishes very valuable medicine.  The bark, leaves, blos-
soms, kernels, and gum, are all highly useful.
  The bark, leaAres, or  flowers, in  tea or syrup, are an excal-
lent purgative, and may be given to young or old ; useful in  col-
ics, bowel complaints, worms, and fevers.  A strong decoction
may be given to children, in tea-spoonful or larger doses, every
hour or oftener, until it operates ;  to  grown persons, in larger
quantities.   It also acts as a diaphoretic and tonic.   A tea of
either  the peach tree leaves or bark is one of the  best remedies
for bloody urine, and very probably may be found beneficial in
other complaints of the  urinary  organs, and for  bleeding from
other  internal parts.   If reliance is placed upon  the peach tree
physic, in fevers, it ought to be given daily for several days, so
as to produce moderate purging;  at the same time administering
the  cayenne pepper, diaphoretic  powders, or  bitter  tonic, and
applying hot rocks to aid in promoting perspiration.
   Rafinesque says that the blossoms are much used in Europe
for worms, colic, and gravel, in the form of tea.
   The kernels taken from the stone of the peach, is a most valu-
able tonic, and is particularly serviceable in bowel complaints,
and in all cases of extreme debility.   They  are  best, however,
combined with other articles, and usually exhibited in a cordial
or syrup.
   In a late work, by Dr. Elisha Smith, of  New York, which
we have several times quoted, and which fell into our hands since
the publication of the first edition, Ave find the following remarks
respecting this  article :—" Peach  pits tinctured in  brandy, in
proportion of four ounces to a quart, form  a powerful tonic in
debility, fever and ague, &c, and is  remarkably efficacious in
curing'the whites.   A  tea-spoonful of this preparation may be
taken three or four times a day."
   As  an external application  to  inflammations,  the  peach  tree
leaves bruised  and  boiled and employed  as a fomentation, or
thickened  with bran as a poultice, and often renewed, are said,
by good authority, to be valuable.
   High wines, or alcohol made  from peach brandy, is a valua-
 ble menstruum for  making the  tincture of myrrh, being much
 more  pleasant than that made from whisky. 
220
MATERIA MEDICA.
  The gum  which exudes from the peach tree answers all the
purposes of Gum Arabic, and is said to be superior to it.
               ANETHUM FCENICULUM.

        Common names—Fennel, Sweet Fennel.

  Fennel is a perennial plant, native of Italy, where it grows
wild, but in the United States is  cultivated in gardens, though
sometimes growing  spontaneous.  The seeds  are a good aro-
matic;  as  such are  useful in  bitters,  and a  variety of other
compounds.   They also yield an excellent oil, which is good to
expel Avind, and promotes urine.
              ANGELICA ATROPURPUREA.
      Common names—Masterwort, Wild Angelica.
  Roots perennial,  numerous, large, and long.  Stem round,
smooth and hollow, growing from three to five feet high, branched
at the top, giving rise to several large bunches of umbelliferous
flowers.  Leaves large, few, jagged, and hairy.
  The seeds and roots of the masterAvort are very useful for
colic, wind in the stomach, and all flatulent complaints ;  being
at the same time a grateful aromatic, stimulant, and stomachic
medicine.  It is also one of the articles entering into Dr. Finch's
remedy  or treatment of gravel.  The fresh root is said to  be
poisonous, which is  dissipated in drying.
                  ANGUSTURA BARK.
  The Angustura bark is imported from the Spanish West In-
dies, and may be regarded as a valuable tonic.  The best men-
struum for  extracting its  medicinal qualities is proof spirit, in
which it ought to be tinctured, or it may be taken in substance.
  It increases the appetite,  removes  flatulence and acidity ari-
sing from dyspepsy, and is a very effectual remedy in diarrhoea
arising from weakness of the bowels, and in dysentery;  acting
without oppressing the stomach.  Dose, half a tea-spoonful.
                  ANTHEMIS COTULA.
Common names—Mayweed, Dog Fennel, Wild Chamomilr,
   Dilly, Dillweed, Fieldweed, Stinking  Chamomile.

  Root annual, crooked, fibrous.   Stem  erect, from  eight to
eighteen  inches high, much  branched  from  the  bottom.— 
Angelica Atropukpurea,  ( Masterwort). 
/
i 
MATERIA MEDICA.
223
Leaves  alternate, double pinnated, giving the plant a ragged
appearance.   Flowers* many, white and yellow,  forming a ter-
minal corymb, on  a naked peduncle.  Grows in great abun-
dance near houses, along roads, walks,  wastes, Sic   It is a
species of Chamomile, for which it  may be. substituted" on all
occasions; but for internal use, the flowers being least unpleasant,
ought to be preferred.
  The Mayweed has been long and extensively used in domes-
tic medicine,  with  advantage.   It is reputed an active tonic,
sudorific, anodyne, and emetic.   Useful in colds, fevers, rheu-
matism, hysterics, epilepsy, dropsy, and asthma, either internally
or externally  applied.   Internally the  herb is used in tea, and
externally in fomentations—for rheumatism, hysteric fits, piles,
pains,  and bruises.  It may be  given in tea when taking an
emetic, and is  better than warm water to promote  vomiting.   In
small doses, taken warm, it always acts as a sudorific, promoting
copious perspiration.
                  ANTHEMIS  NOBILIS.
               Common name—Chamomile.

  This common herb is a native of the south of England, but is
now cultivated in gardens for the  purpose of medicine.  The
flowers have a strong, but not unpleasant, aromatic smell, and a
very bitter, nauseous taste.  They are used in spasmodic diseases,
hysterics, colics, vomiting, &c.
  The whole plant is also  valuable as an external  application,
possessing a relaxing power, and enters into the composition of
Dr. Thomson's nerve or relaxing ointment, which is applied to
hard swellings, corns, callouses,  shrunk sinews, &c.  Bruised
and  moistened with vinegar, it is useful to apply to sprains and
bruises.
                APIUM PETROSELINUM.
                 Common name—Parsley.

  This common  garden  vegetable is mostly  cultivated  for
culinary or cooking purposes, but it is also highly valuable as a
medicine.
  Parsley is a pretty active  diuretic, and may be used in dropsy,
and all ordinary suppressions of the urine,  and inflammations of
the kidneys and  bladder.   The root, made into a tea, or decoc-
tion, is the part generally used for medical purposes.
  Professor Chapman states that he cured one case of dropsy
of the abdomen with it, after the  patient had been twice tapped.
  Vol.  II.—15 
224
MATERIA MEDICA.
            APOCYNUM ANDROS^MIFOLIUM.

Common names—Bitter Dogsbane, Wandering Milkweed,
            Bitterroot, Honeybloom, Flytrap.

  The root of  this plant is perennial, near the size of the little
finger, running horizontally under the surface in various direc-
tions to a considerable length, of a dark  red, or black  color,
when broken exuding a milk, and having a woody pith.  Stem
smooth, covered with  a tough fibrous bark like hemp, milky,
groAving from three to five feet high, branching towards the top,
and red on the side exposed to the sun.  Several stalks arise
from one root, or rather branches of the root, bearing white blos-
soms, tinged with red, Avhich give it a distant resemblance  of
buckAvheat.  Leaves opposite, ovate, acute, and entire.
  The seed is contained in  pods of a dark red color, which grow
in pairs, from two to three inches long, the size of a pipe stem,-
very pointed, always  hanging down, and  containing a kind of
cotton.  It grows in wettish lands, plains, mowing grounds,  by
the sides of fences, woods, Sic, in all parts of the country.   The
best  time  to gather this article is in the fall  after the top has
ceased growing, when .the roots may be  dug from the  earth,
washed clean, and  the  bark  beaten from the woody  pith con-
tained in them with a wooden maul or  a  mallet, and the bark
then be dried in some airy situation where it is not exposed to
the rain and dew.
  The dogsbane or bitterroot, acts as  an emetic, cathartic, and
powerful tonic ; being intensely bitter.  Its cathartic power is,
however, not strong, and may rather  be  regarded as a laxative
than cathartic.  If given in  large doses, however, it produces a
purgative effect upon the bowels, and used in this  manner, at
the commencement  of a fever, will often  throw  it off.   In to<>
large doses, it also operates as a dangerous emetic.
  It is  a most important  article in the laxative bitter  tonic,
being useful not  only for  its  laxative, but  also for  its tonic
qualities.   It is said  that the Southern  Indians employ it in
the venereal disease, and consider it a specific.   A wash made
by steeping the root, is  good for ulcers, scald head,  and very
probably may be found useful as an external application in many
diseases of the skin.  We think it might also prove highly ser-
viceable in  worm complaints.
  Its virtues are  impaired  by age, and, therefore, it should  be
gathered fresh every year, and kept from the air. 
^lpocynum AndrosjohfOlium, ( Bitter-root). 
 
MATERIA MEDICA.
227
               APOCYNUM CANNABINUM.

               Common name—Indian Hemp.

  This plant very nearly resembles the foregoing, in its external
appearance, so much so, that a superficial observer might readily
confound  them together.   The  principal difference consists in
the color of the flower  and appearance of the leaves.  In this
species, the flowers are  greenish yellow, with the internal parts
pinkish or purple; whereas in the former species they are white
tinged  with red.  The leaves in this species  are oblong-ovate,
sharp at both ends, and somewhat white or downy on the under
side ; whereas in the former species the leaves are ovate, sharp
or acute at the outer end, and smooth on both sides.  Like the
A. androsaemifolium, the  Indian hemp also  grows throughout
the United  States, and in similar situations, having likewise a
milky  juice, and a tough  fibrous bark, similar to hemp, from
which  it derives its common name.   Like the former species too,
it is the root that  is medicinal, which is to be procured and pre-
pared in the same manner.
  The Indian hemp  is emetic, cathartic, diuretic, diaphoretic,
and expectorant; but is introduced here  principally as a hy-
dragogue cathartic, and diuretic, highly useful in the treatment
of dropsy.   The  best  form of  using  it is in decoction.   Half
an ounce of the powdered root may be steeped in  a  pint of
boiling water,  of which  the patient  may take from  one  to
three table-spoonfuls, or more,  two  or three  times a day, or
oftener if necessary.
                          AQUA.
                  Common name—Water.

   Water is a liquid, transparent, colorless substance, diffused
in the atmosphere, and  over  the whole surface of the globe.
At  thirty-two  degrees  of Fahrenheit's  thermometer, water
becomes solid, forming  ice;  and at two  hundred  and twelve
degrees, it boils, becoming transformed into vapor, and passes
off into the  air.   Water was formerly considered a  simple
substance, until towards the  close  of  the eighteenth century,
the great improvements in chemical  science demonstrated that it
was a compound, consisting of eighty-five parts of oxygen and
fifteen of hydrogen gas.
  All the natural waters, that is, water procured from wells,
springs, rivers, &c, are more or less impure ; and it is only by
distillation that  it can be obtained  entirely clear from all im-
purities.  Pure water has neither smell nor taste, and is  per- 
228
MATERIA MEDICA.
fectly transparent.  If water on shaking it, throws up air bubbles,
giving it a sparkling appearance, it contains carbonic acid gas or
fixed air.  Such water will turn the vegetable blues to a red color.
Water which has the smell of sulphur, contains sulpheretted hy-
drogen gas ; and if it have  an inky taste, it has iron in it, and is
technically styled chalybeate water.   By exposure to the air,
chalybeate Avater gives off  the  carbonic acid which holds the
iron in solution, and  the iron is deposited,  giving to the  earth
over which  it flows  a reddish appearance, similar to the rust
of iron.
  Lime, and various  other substances, also abound in water, and
either render it unwholesome for drinking and cookery, or unfit
for  many manufacturing purposes, or both.
  Water containing those foreign substances of which we have
been speaking, is denominated hard.   The cause of this hardness
is an acid or sourness, which, though commonly imperceptible
to the taste,  is sufficient  to dissolve  those materials which are
held in solution in the water.  It is this acid that  dissolves or
decomposes  the soap, and  prevents hard water from  washing;
the  acid neutralizing  the alkali of the  soap, and setting the  oil or
grease at liberty.  And  hence too, the addition  of a little lye to
hard water softens it, by neutralizing the acid, and thus renders
it fit for washing with soap.
  In the  preparation of medicine, soft water ought always to
be  preferred,  as it is a  much  better solvent than that which
is  hard.  Rain water is the purest; next, river  water; and
then spring  water; the  water of wells  being generally hardest
of all.
  Cold  water is one  of  the best external applications to painful
or inflamed  ulcers, to fresh wounds, and rheumatism.   Applied
in this way, it is a favorite  remedy with the  Indians, who say
that if persevered in, it  will cure.  For rheumatism they bathe
the  affected  parts often and continue it long.
                 ARALIA  NUDICAULIS.
 Common names—Small Spikenard, False Sarsaparilla.

  Spikenard root is perennial, brown, yellowish, creeping,
twisted, sometimes many feet long, the thickness of the finger:
one stem and one leaf mostly rising together,  and less than two
feet high; flower stem  straight, leafless, with three small sim-
ple naked umbels at the  end ; leaf with nine folioles or leaflets,
ovate, oblong, rounded at the base, end acute, edges indented or
notched, surface smooth; flowers from twelve to thirty in each
umbel, small and yellowish ; berries small,  similar to elder ber-
ries in size.   Found from New England to Carolina and Indiana, 
Aralia Racemosa, ( Spikenard ). 
•<J 
MATERIA MEDICA.
231
more common in the north than in  the  south;  grows in deep
woods, and  good soils.   It has a balsamic, fragrant, and warm
aromatic sweetish taste.
  All the spikenards are popular medical plants throughout the
United States.  They are healing, pectoral, sudorific, stimulant,
diaphoretic,  cordial, depurative, Sic   The roots and berries are
most efficient.
  The roots  bruised or chewed, or in poultice, are used for  all
kinds of Avounds and ulcers by the Indians.   Fomentations and
cataplasms  are useful for  cutaneous  affections, erysipelas and
ringworms.   An infusion or decoction of the same are efficient
substitutes for those of sarsaparilla, and are even more poAverful
in all diseases of the blood, syphilitic complaints, chronic rheu-
matism,  local pains, bellyache, &c.  As a pectoral; both roots
and  berries  may be used  in syrups, cordials, decoctions, &c,
and have been found useful in coughs, catarrh, cachexia, languor,
pains in the  breast, &c.   The  cordial of spikenard is  recom-
mended for the gout, and the juice or essential oil for  the earache
and deafness.
                   ARALIA RACEMOSA.
Common names—Spignet, Spikenard, Wild  Liquorice,
  Roots perennial, brown or broAvnish yellow,  tapering, several
growing from  one common  head, about the size of a finger.
Stems sometimes  one, sometimes more, arising from the same
root, from two to four feet high, reddish  brown, and somewhat
branched.  Leaves biternate, consisting of nine folioles or smaller
leaves.  Flowers growing in umbels, of a yelloAvish white.
Berries resembling small elder berries.
  The  roots and berries are the parts used, and are popular
remedies throughout the United States, for coughs, female weak-
ness,  and as general tonics.  Used in tea or syrup.   The roots
bruised and used  in poultice, are applied  by the Indians to all
kinds of wounds and ulcers, and also to ringworms.   Rafinesque
says, they are more efficient than the sarsaparilla, in syphilis and
all other complaints in which  that article is used.
                    ARALIA SPINOSA.
  Common names—Xanthoxylon, Prickly Yellow-wood,
        Sea-ash, Toothache Tree, Shotbush, &c.
  This article  groAvs  in  the Southern States, where it is too
common  to need any description.  The bark is the part used
as medicine, and is a most powerful,  pungent, warm aromatic,
promising  to become a highly valuable addition to the Botanic
materia medica.
  Vol. II.—t 2 
232
MATERIA MEDICA.
  One pound  of the pulverized bark,  added to three pound*
of the diaphoretic  powders, makes, as we are informed by Dr.
Reed, a highly valuable medicine in the treatment of dropsy,
in addition to the courses of medicine and other means advised
under that head.
  It is a most powerful sialagogue, promoting the discharge of
saliva in an astonishing manner ; which renders  it very valua-
ble in ardent fevers where the  mouth  and throat are  dry and
parched.   Dr.  Gunnin  styles the pulverized  bark  " saliva
powders," saying that in cases of  the most extreme dryness of
the mouth, in which the African pepper will scarcely produce
any effect, small portions of this poAvder, occasionally put into
the mouth, will produce a moisture and relieve the  difficulty
of breathing,  to the great advantage of the  patient.   He alst
cures  the soar throat by the same means.
  Dr. Quin also remarks, that a  mixture of this with lobeli?
in proportion of seven parts of the latter to one of the former
produces vomiting,  in much  smaller  doses  than the  lobeh.
alone  ; seldom  requiring more than one and a half or two tea
spoonfuls.
                   ARCTIUM LAPPA.
           Common names—Burdock,  Clotbur.
  The root of this  plant  is  often used in decoction, for cuta
neous complaints, and in many instances with good success.—
It is also employed as  a diuretic; and is also said powerfully to
promote perspiration;  the seeds still stronger and more valuable.
The latter are likewise used Avith good success in rheumatism,
scurvy, gout, inflammation of the kidneys, and venereal disease,
in which it is said they are  preferable  to sarsaparilla.   Com-
bined  with lobelia, they  form a poAverful diaphoretic medicine;
and might  be  advantageously compounded  with  many  other
articles  less nauseous than the lobelia.  The seeds  are  bitter,
and are said to be purgative.   In doses of one to two tea-spoon-
fuls,  pulverized,  three times a day, they are said to have cured
dyspepsy Avhen other remedies had failed.  The leaves, applied
to  the feet, are highly useful  in many complaints,  and particu-
larly in febrile  diseases.
            ARISTOLOCHIA SERPENTARIA.
Common names—Virginia Snakeroot, Snakeweed, Snagrel,
                    White Snakeroot.

  The root of this herb consists of numerous small fibers issu-
ing from one common head or caudex, and are of a dark yellow 
ky~\
Aristoloohia Serpentaria, ( Snake-root). 
 
Arum Poilyphyllum, (Many-leaved Wild Turnip). 
 
MATERIA MEDICA.
237
color Avhen fresh, but become darker on drying.  Stem  round,
slender, weak, crooked, and jointed, from six to ten inches high,
bearing from three  to seven, scattered leaves, and one to three
flowers near  the ground.   The leaves are somewhat singular,
long, and heart shaped at the base or broad part.
  Snakeroot  delights in shady situations, and  abounds in  all
parts of the  United States; said to be most abundant in the
Alleghany and Cumberland mountains.
  The root has an agreeable, pungent, aromatic smell, very sim-
ilar to  the fibrous roots of the  spice bush ; and a Avarm, bitter,
pungent taste.  Dr. Thacher  says that by decoction, its med-
ical properties  are entirely destroyed ; but in this  he  is most
certainly mistaken.   It may be used  alone  in  tea or tincture,
or compounded Avith other articles for bitters, or added to the
diaphoretic powders, in which it will be found highly useful.
  Snakeroot  is greatly esteemed in  typhus fevers, being con-
sidered diaphoretic,  tonic,  antiseptic,  and  stimulant.  It is
used in pleurisy, rheumatism,  remittent fevers,  and all other
complaints.


                  ARUM TRIPHYLLUM.

Common  names—Wild  Turnip, Indian  Turnip, Dragon
    Turnip,  Dragonroot,  Pepper  Turnip, Wakerobin.

  This is  a  hardy perennial  plant,  growing in almost every
situation, shady or open, soil Avet or  dry, rich or poor.  The
root is round, flattened,  tuberous, Avith many Avhite fibers put-
ting out around its upper part near the stem ;  externally it is
dark and wrinkled; internally,  Avhite.  Leaves,  three in num-
ber, growing at the  top of the  stalk ;  and a single  blossom of
the  same color of the leaves, producing  a roundish cluster of
red berries.
  In  its green state the  Indian turnip is powerfully acrid,
stimulant, expectorant,  carminative, and  diaphoretic.   By dry-
ing, hoAvever, it loses the greater part of its intolerable pungency,
together with much of its virtue; but even then it is a valuable
medicine.  It may be kept  in  its  green  state by burying it in
sand in a cellar.
  This article  must be used in substance, and  generally enters
into compounds for cough,  when  in  a dry state; or the fresh
roots may be grated, and mixed with three times their weight
of sugar, thus forming a conserve, which must be taken in tea-
spoonful doses, three times a day.   A poultice made by bruis-
ing the green roots and leaves, is said  to be  very useful far
scrofulous swellings, &c. 
238                 MATERIA MEDICA.
                 ASARUM CANADENSE.

Common names — Wild Ginger,  Coltsfoot, Heart Snake-
             root, Coltsfoot Snakeroot, Sic

  Root perennial, horizontal, round, fleshy, jointed, throwing
nut fibers, brown outside and within.  Leaves  radical, round,
hairy,  supported on  long  foot-stalks, veined, kidney-shaped,
somewhat resembling a colt's hoof, two from a root.   Only one
flower growing from  the root between the two foot-stalks which
support the leaves, of a dark purple, darkest inside, and growing
so close to the ground as to be nearly concealed.
  GroAVs in  rich shady woods, often in a moist soil, in nearly,
if not quite,  all  the States.
  The root of the wild ginger is a warming stimulant; useful to
promote perspiration, and  may be used for that purpose in all
cases of colds, female obstructions, whooping-cough, fevers, Sic
It may be made in a tea and administered in small doses fre-
quently repeated, as it is apt to nauseate the stomach in large ones.
" The best preparation," says  Rafinesque, " is a cordial made
with the tincture and syrup [or melasses ;]] the tincture  is  col-
ored a dark red by the resin."
  The dried leaves, reduced to powder, make an excellent snuff
which may be used in all diseases of the head and eyes ; and the
whole plant  infused into beer makes it grateful and medicinal.
                  ASCLEPIAS SYRIACA.

          Common names—Milkweed, Silkweed.

  This is the common silkweed,  which so plentifully abounds
in almost all parts of the  country, bearing  a  large pod contain-
ing a  silky substance, which has sometimes been mixed with
cotton and spun into yarn, for gloves, candle  wick, &c, and has
also been made into paper, hats, and even put  into beds.  It pro-
duces a most beautiful blossom, of a delightful lilac color, at the
termination of the  branches at the top of the plant.
  The root of this herb appears to possess  nearly the same pro-
perties as the butterfly root, but its powers are not so strong.  It
may be used for  the  same purposes  and in  the same manner.
The Southwestern Indians are said to use it as an emetic.
  Dr. Smith observes, " the root has  lately been found effectual
in the cure of dropsy.  It is a powerful diuretic, sudorific, em-
menagogue," &c.  " Boil eight ounces of  the dry root [in six
quarts of rain water] to three; of  this a gill  may be taken four
time."  a day  for dropsy, increasing  the dose according to the 
Asarum Canadensis,  (Wild Ginger).
16 
 
Asclepias Syrica, ( Cotton-weed ).
29 
 
Asclepias  Tuberosa, (Pleurisy-root). 
■4 
Paptisia Tinctoria,  (Indigofera). 
 
MATERIA MEDICA.
247
effects.   For other complaints, a larger dose may be taken.   Or
the roots in tincture with gin, may be used in dropsy and grav-
elly disorders."
                ASCLEPIAS TUBEROSA.

Common names — Pleurisy-root, Butterfly-weed, White-
  root, Canada-root, Silkweed, Windroot, Fluxroot, Swal-
  low-wort.
  This beautiful plant flourishes best in a sandy or gravelly soil,
by the Avay side, along fences, and in old or uncultivated fields.
It abounds throughout the United States, but is  most plentiful at
the South.
  The  butterfly-weed has a  large, white,  crooked, branching,
perennial root, sending up several erect, though  often decum
bent,  round hairy or woolly  stems, branching  at the top,  green
or red.   Leaves  promiscuous, very  hairy, pale  on the  under
side, of  an oblong shape, and thick or fleshy.  Flowers in ter-
minal  corymbose umbels, of a most beautiful brilliant orange
color, distinguishable from all the flowers of the field.
  The butterfly root is highly extolled for the  cure of pleurisy,
all cases of difficulty of breathing or shortness  of breath, and in
short, all diseases of the lungs.   In every affection of this kind,
it may be regarded  as  one of the most valuable of the milder
articles of the materia medica; and as a diaphoretic is by some
thought to be unrivalled.
   In  practice, it may be used alone in  strong decoction, or in
substance, giving it in tea-spoonful or larger doses, repeated as
often as the exigencies of the case may require.   Or it may be
very  profitably combined with other diaphoretics, or with the
bitter, and astringent, tonics,  as it cannot be used  amiss in any
complaint.
   It also acts as a very mild purge, which makes it peculiarly
applicable to the bowel complaints of children.  It relieves pain
in the breast, stomach and intestines ; promotes perspiration, and
assists  digestion, and  acts as an  expectorant  and carminative.
                  BAPTISIA TINCTORIA.

  Common names—Indigofera, Wild Indigo, Indigo weed,
            Horsefly-weed, Indigo Broom, Sic

  Root perennial, irregular, large and woody, blackish  outside,
yellowish within, and  sending off many  slender branches  or
fibers.   Stems two or three feet high, round and smooth','of a
                            29 
24'8
MATERIA MEDICA.
yelloAvish green color with black  spots, very much branched a?
the top.   Leaves alternate, small, somewhat heart-shaped,  and
broadest towards the outer end.  The blossoms are of a golden
color, and are succeeded by a swelled oblong  pod, of a bluish
or blackish  hue, as indeed is  the whole  plant, and becoming
quite black on drying.   The taste of the root is unpleasant, sub-
acrid and nauseous.  Growing on poor soils, mostly on hills.
  Both the  root and plant may be used for medicinal purposes,
either externally or internally.  If given in too large doses, how-
ever, it proves both emetic and cathartic.  But it is not esteemed
by any means valuable for those purposes, being regarded as too
severe.  Internally, in  a weak  decoction, it is considered highly
useful as an antiseptic, in mortification, and all putrid complaints.
For internal use, half an ounce of the dried root may be steeped
in a  pint of  witer, of which about two or three table-spoonfuls
may be taken  once in five or six hours.  If it should prove
too cathartic or loosening to the bowels, about half the quantity,
more or less, of the dewberry,  or  of  bayberry root, must be
added to it.   Internally, however, it must be used with caution,
especially if in its  recent or fresh state.
  Externally, the  indigofera may be applied in poultice, wash,
fomentation, or ointment, to ulcers of every description, but par-
ticularly to those which are in a mortifying, or mortified state,
being considered by some as  the most powerful antiseptic or
preventive of mortification  known.   It is also  applied by some
herbalists, in poultice,  to swelled female breasts ; and in putrid
or ulcerous sore throat, it is highly recommended.  It may also
be made into an ointment with lard or cream.
  As a substitute for the B. tinctoria  Avhich is scarce in Ohio
and many other places, the B. alba, or prairie indigo, abound-
ing in the  Western prairies, may be employed  in the same man-
ner as the former.  It very much resembles the  B. tinctoria, but
has one striking difference in the  color of the  flower, which is
white.
                 BERBERIS VULGARIS.

                Common name—Barberry.

  The barberry is a shrub growing from four to eight feet high,
with long bending branches, covered with many small dots, and
some occasional thorns, often  three together.  Leaves crowded,
unequal,  smooth, and  glossy.  Flowers nodding or pendulous,
rather  small  and yellow.   Found in  mountains, hills, and
amongst  rocks, in  barren soils.   Most common in New Eng-
land ; rare in the Western country.
  The bark of the barberry  is a good bitter tonic, slightly astrin- 
mm
iAW
Capsicum Minimum, ( Cayenne Pepper ). 
 
MATERIA MEDICA.
251
gent, and at the same time laxative.   It may be used in putrid
fevers, dysentery, and generally in all cases of disease, either
alone or combined  with other tonics.
                    BETULA LENTA.
Common names—Black Birch, Sweet Birch, Spice Birch, Sic

  The black birch tree is too common to need any description.
The bark smells and tastes much like  the  winter green.  It is
deemed a good tonic, and as such, may be either used alone in
strong tea, or it may be combined with other tonics, and used in
decoction, or made into a syrup, and taken to restore the strength,
and tone of the  bowels, after dysentery.  It is also said to be
useful in gravel, and to remove  female  obstructions.  Always
grows on upland.  Scarce in the West.
                  CAPSICUM ANNUUM.

Common names-—Cayenne Pepper,  Red Pepper, Cockspur
                         Pepper.

  Cayenne pepper is cultivated in both tropical and temperate
climates, and needs no  description.  The imported article, so
extensively used in medicine under the name of cayenne, is most
generally an indiscriminate mixture of the pods of several vari-
eties of the capsicum.   The common red pepper, of which so
many varieties abound in our gardens, is a species of the capsi-
cum, but possesses far  inferior powers to that which grows in
the  tropical climates, and especially in Africa, which is consid-
ered best of all.
  Cayenne pepper is one of the most pure and powerful stimu-
lants ever introduced into the practice of medicine.   It was per-
haps first used by an English or Scotch physician, of the name
of Makatrick, and has since become one of the most important
articles in the  physiological botanical practice of medicine, for
which the world is much indebted  to Dr. Thomson.   It enters,
in some proportion or other, into almost all our compounds, and
is extensively  and advantageously  used  as an external applica-
tion in every case of disease requiring external remedies.
  Rafinesque says that " even the use of it, (cayenne,)  often
produces fevers and inflammatory disorders, obstructions, bloody
piles, sores," &c.—This is a gross  mistake, founded on popular
error, and rests upon nothing  else.  Dr. Thacher also favors
the  same idea, saying that the use of capsicum is not without
danger "from the inflammation it  is liable to induce."  The 
252
MATERIA MEDICA.
 popular opinion from which this error originated is, however,
 fast wearing away, and more rational views  of  medicine and
 medical philosophy taking its place.
   There can be no doubt that the cayenne pepper is a pure and
 unfailing  stimulant, acting upon the living  machine in a most
 forcible and healthy manner, in unison and  harmony with the
 laws of nature or animal life.  Instead of its being dangerous,
 or producing fevers, inflammatory disorders, obstructions, Sic,
 there is nothing used, as a general stimulant, so valuable as cap-
 sicum.  It removes  obstructions, fevers, inflammations, piles,
 liver complaints, and all  diseases to which the  human frame
 is liable,  in conjunction witb. other means, being universally
 applicable in all cases.  We have confirmed these assertions by
 much experience and very extensive observation, and can there-
 fore recommend it to the sick, with all  the  confidence  which a
 knowledge of these facts inspires.
  It sometimes, however, especially when taken into an empty
 or cold stomach, produces pain, occasionally very severe, so as
 to be alarming  to those unaccustomed  to it.  This is attended
 with no danger, as it will, in general, soon pass over.  All haz-
 ard of producing pain  in  this  way  may be avoided by giving
 smaller  quantities, and thus  increase the action of the stomach
 in a gradual manner; or if produced, may often be removed by
 taking a little sweet oil, cream, or milk.  The intolerable burn-
 ing sometimes  induced by accidental contact of cayenne  with
 any external sensitive part of the  body, may likewise be effect-
 ually and speedily checked  by the application  of cream or
 sweet oil.
  Cayenne is often employed Avith the highest advantage, sprin-
 kled on  foul or bad ulcers, and may be used,  tinctured in brandy
or steeped in vinegar, to bathe the bowels in dysentery and colic,
or for rheumatism, inflammations, pains or soreness ; and the tea
or fine powder may even be put into the eyes to cure them when
sore.  A small quantity of cayenne is highly useful in Avhat are
termed passive inflammations, and indolent  tumors, externally
applied.  Dose, from one fourth to a whole tea-spoonful, in hot
water sweetened.
                      CARBO LIGNI.

           Common name—Charcoal of Wood.

  Charcoal  possesses a number of singular properties, which
render it important in medicine and the arts.  It is incapable of
putrefying or rotting like wood ;  and it is said there yet exists
charcoal made of  grain,  probably  since  the days  of Julius 
MATERIA MEDICA.
253
Cjesar, which is so perfect that the wheat may be distinguished
from the rye-
   Charcoal possesses the  peculiar property of  correcting the
empyreumatie or  burnt  taste of distilled spirits; of depriving
rancid oil of its unpleasant flavor ; and of cheeking the putrefac-
tion of fresh meat and restoring it to its natural taste.
   In medicine, charcoal is of great utility in arresting mortifica-
tion, applied in the form of poultice with yeast,  or taken inter-
nally in large doses if mortification of the boAvels is apprehended.
It is also very serviceable in costive  habits, moving the boAvels
without producing much debility; and likewise in bleeding at
the stomach, in intermittent fever, and in dysentery.   It ought,
for all purposes, to be fresh prepared, or kept in close stopped
vessels.
   A very eligible  mode of preparing charcoal for use, free from
impurities  and disagreeable taste, is to put pieces of Avood in an
iron cylinder or tube, leaving it open at  one end, when it must
be placed in the fire and there kept until no more smoke  issues
from it;  then  the tube must be taken from the fire, and the open
end is to be closed with  clay until it becomes cool.   Or, instead
of wood, pulverise some Avell burnt charcoal and put it  in the
tube,  or place it in a covered crucible or other vessel, and  keep
it in a red  heat until it ceases to give out any flame or vapor ;
when it should be cooled and closely bottled for use.   Old  gun
or pistol barrels ansAver the purpose of preparing charcoal very
well.   The reason why  it should be kept in close  stopped ves-
sels is, it absorbs fixed  air when exposed to the  atmosphere,
which renders it unfit for use, or  at least very much impairs its
virtues.
   " The Paris Codex," says the United States Dispensatory,
" directs the preparation of charcoal  for medical use t > be con-
ducted as follows :—Take any quantity of thoroughly burnt char-
coal, very light,  sonorous, and pure, made from the wood  of tlu
linden-tree, willow, poplar, or some other of the lighter woods,
and moisten it  with  Avater.  Reduee it to powder  in an iron
mortar, or by means of a mill;  and having mixed it with water
to form a thin fluid mass, let it stand for a few days ; after which,
place it on a linen cloth to drain.   Make up the paste into round
cakes, and expose them to  the rays of the sun until  they are
thoroughly dried.  By this process of insolation, the charcoal is
stated in the Codex to be completely deprived of  all adventitious
color and  smell, and to  be singularly improved in efficiency;
advantages which are not equally obtained, when  it is dried in
the shade."
   For correcting the empyreumatie taste of spirits, the charcoal
must be  added to, and agitated with it, Avhen it may be alloAved to
subside, and then be poured off for use ; and for restoring putrid
   Vol.  II—V       27 
254
MATERIA MEDICA.
meat, it may be sprinkled on the meat, or boiled with it a short
time, and then the water changed.   For this latter purpose, 01
indeed for any of them, red hot coals taken from the hearth will
answer, but is not so good as that prepared in the manner just
described.
  Charcoal is also useful as a tooth powder, to cleanse the teeth
and sweeten the breath; and  also to cleanse foul and fetid ulcers.
When used  as  a tooth  powder,  it may  be  applied dry,  or
mixed with vinegar and water and used as  a wash.
  For internal use, charcoal  may be given  in doses of from one
to three  table-spoonfuls,  in melasses,  or, in obstinate cases of
costiveness, in as large quantities, and as often  repeated, as the
stomach will bear; but in all ordinary  cases of every  kind, a
table-spoonful three times a day will generally be sufficient.
                 CASSIA CHAM^CRISTA.
      Common names—Prairie Senna, Partridge-pea.
  This plant very much  resembles the one which immediately
follows, but is  smaller and more delicate.   Stem from  one to
three feet high,  seldom much branched.  Leaflets in eight or ten
pairs, much smaller than those of the American senna, only about
half an inch long, and one-eighth of an inch wide, margin entire.
Flowers golden yellow, situated along the stems.  The leaves
are  sensitive, folding up on being touched.  Found on the West-
ern  prairies.
  The virtues of this plant are said to be in all respects similar
to the C. marylandica, but, at the same time, better.
                CASSIA MARYLANDICA.
Common  names—American Senna,  Wiid Senna,  Locust
                          Plant.

  Root perennial, crooked, woody, black, and fibrous.  Stems,
many, round, upright, nearly  smooth, growing from three to six
feet high.  Leaves few, alternate, large,  compounded of many
small leaflets, growing in eight or ten pairs.  Flowers of a bright
golden yelloAv, with dark  spots, forming  a scattered cluster at
the top of the stem.   The fruit consists of long pods, a little
swelled at the seeds, covered  with a  few slight hairs.  Found
in all the States, in rich moist soils, principally near streams.
  The American senna, like  the  imported article of the same
name, is a mild purgative,  but is said by Bigelow to be weaker
by one third.  It answers  all  the  purposes of  the Alexandrian
senna, and is far cheaper; " operates," says Rafinesque. " with 
Cauxophyllum Thalictroides, ( Blue  Cohosh ). 
« 
Cassia, ( Senna ).
  tFig. 1, is a specimen leaf of the ovate leaved Alexandria senna.
2. Specimen of the acute variety of the same.  3. Specimen of the
Tephrosia or silver leaved Alexandria senna.  4.  Specimen of the
India or Trinnevelly senna.  5.  Specimen leaf of the Coriaria
myrtifolia,— an article with which  senna is sometimes adulterated.
These are of a  grayish-green color, and  are tinged with blue.
They have three  parallel nerves, one prominent  one in the  centre,
and  one on each side  between this and the edge or  margin of
the leaf.   6.  A specimen leaf of the Cynancum oleaefolium or argel,
a variety of  the Alexandrian senna.
                 17 
 
MATERIA MEDICA.
261
mildness and certainty, at the dose of an ounce in decoction."
The leaves and pods are  both employed, and may be advanta-
geously used, either by  themselves or compounded with other
cathartic medicines.  Thacher says, about half an ounce of the
leaves  infused in half a pint of hot water, is a proper dose for
an adult.  Its griping effects may be prevented by the addition
of some aromatic,  with  sal aeratus or soda; and its  cathartic
powers  increased by its combination with bitters.
          CAULOPHYLLUM THALICTROIDES.

Common names — Blue Cohosh, Blue Cohush,  Blueberry,
             Pappoose-root, Squaw-root, Sic

  Root perennial, yellow inside, brown outside, hard, irregular,
knobby, with many fibers.  Stem upright, straight, smooth, from
eighteen  to  thirty inches high, divided at the top into two  or
three branches,  each branch supporting three leaves, in the cen-
ter of which, come out the floAvers.  Flowers small, yellowish-
green, succeeded by  dark  blue  berries, enclosing a hard  drupe
or stone.
  The blue  cohosh root is much used by the  Indians, and by
many herbalists among the whites.  It is considered  by  Smith
the  most powerful anti-spasmodic in the compass of  medicine;
and at the same time is perfectly safe.
  Amongst the  diseases in which it is useful, he names hickup,
colic, cholera morbus, epilepsy, hysterics, and he supposes every
other  species of fits, and even the ague.  He also says that he
speedily cured one case of inflammation of the uterus by a decoc-
tion of this article.   It is likewise esteemed very highly by some
in worm  complaints ; and by its anti-spasmodic  power is said to
prevent the griping of cathartics Avhen combined Avith them for
that purpose.
  It is said that the facility of child-birth among the squaws, is
owing to their drinking a tea of cohosh root for two or three
weeks before their expected time; and experience, says Smith,
has proved amongst white women that it is of especial  service.
He  directs a handful of the  roots to make half a pint of tea;
administer one  half  the quantity, and  then  fill up  the  vessel
again  Avith hot  water.   It may also be used in tincture, syrup,
or cordial.
                CELASTRUS  SCANDENS.
 Common names—Bitter-sweet, Fever-tavig,  Staff-vine.
  By most herbalists the  bitter-sweet is  treated  of under the
name of amara dulcis, or of solanum dulcamara; but these 
262                 MATERIA MEDICA.
 names belong to a plant very different from the one now under
 consideration.
   The bitter-sweet is a Avoody vine, climbing trees, sometimes
 to the height  of thirty feet, but commonly not higher than ten
 or fifteen; and at  other times, when nothing  comes within its
 reach to entwine upon,  it creeps along the ground.  When it
 happens to come in contact with a bush or sapling of  suitable
 size,  it frequently  climbs  in  a beautiful spiral form  around it,
 and is  often  taken off  and  converted  into  a walking staff,
 Avhence  one of  its names.  The leaves are ovate and pointed;
 of  a light green hue; the  berries hang in bunches, and  become
 red in the fall.  The roots are  of an  orange  red  color, pretty
 large and long.
   The bark of the root is esteemed by some as a tonic, taken
 internally  in tea; said to  remove obstructions of the liver and
 spleen,  and to promote the secretion of urine.  Externally, it
 is applied in poultice or ointment to  hard tumors and indurated
 swellings of every  description, and to swelled cows' bags, for
 which purpose it is very useful.
   In addition  to the foregoing  account  of the  virtues  of this
 plant, we find the  following in the " Botanic Physician," by
 Elisha Smith :—
   " The bitter-sweet is a powerful and useful medicine, though,
 like most of the invaluable medicinal plants  which  Nature so
 profusely furnishes to our hands, its  virtues are appreciated but
 by  a few.  It  increases all the secretions  and excretions, par-
 ticularly sweat, urine, and stool, and excites the  heart and arte-
 ries.  It is an  excellent discutient, detergent, and resolvent med-
 icine, and may be  employed both externally and internally.  It
 is peculiarly beneficial in real liver complaints, and  in all cuta-
 neous affections ; also in rheumatism, scirrous swellings, ill con-
 ditioned ulcers, scrofula, Avhites, jaundice, and obstructed menses.
 Cancers of the breast have been cured by the application of the
 juice  over the cancer, and  the green leaves  over the  breast.
 For internal use, boil half a pound of  the bark  to one  gallon;
the dose, a gill three times a day.  It is also good in fevers and
dropsical SAvellings."
               CENTAUREA BENEDICTA.

Common  names—Blessed  Thistle, Beloved  Thistle,  Ho-
                        ly Thistle.

  This is an annual exotic plant, cultivated in gardens ; and  use-
ful as a stomachic and tonic; said also to be sudorific and diuretic,
purgative  and emetic.   Leaves, flowers, and seeds are used;
very bitter and somewhat nauseous to the taste.  " An infusion, 
Celastrus  Scandens, ( Bitter-sweet). 
 
MATERIA MEDICA.
265
made in cold  or warm water, if drunk  freely, and the patient
kept warm, occasions  a plentiful  sweat, and promotes the  se-
cretions in general."
               CEREVISLE FERMENTUM.

     Common names—Yeast, Barm,  Brewer's  Foam.

  Yeast, for medical uses, may be procured from the brewers,
or it may be made in either of the three following ways:
  1.—Thicken two quarts of water with about three or four
spoonfuls of rye or wheat flour, boil for half an hour, sweeten
with half a pound of brown sugar;  when nearly cold, put into
it four spoonfuls of fresh yeast, shake it well together in a jug,
and let it stand one day near the fire to ferment, leaving the jug
unstopped.   Then pour off the thin liquor on the top, and cork
up the remainder for use.
  2.—Boil one  pound of clean  washed potatoes  to  a  mash ;
when half cold add a cupful  of yeast, mix them, and  it will be
ready for use in two or three hours.
  3.—Take one pint of yeast, and add half  a pint of melasses,
and one quart of lukewarm water.  Stir these well  together and
let the mixture stand in a moderately warm place till active fer-
mentation is produced; it may then  be set in a cool place and
kept for use.  In warm weather it should be made fresh every day.
  Yeast, says Dr. Thacher, has acquired  considerable  celeb-
rity for its virtues in the cure of putrid fever and malignant ul-
cerous sore throat.  Dose, one or two  spoonfuls every  two or
three hours ; should it purge or gripe, the dose must be diminished.
  Externally, yeast may be  combined  with slippery elm and
cracker, or with charcoal, and applied to dangerous ulcers, or
parts threatened with mortification.


                   CHELONE GLABRA.
Common names—Snakehead, Balmony, Turtlehead, Tur-
        TLEBLOOM, ShELLFLOWER,  BlTTERHERB, &C
  Root perennial; stem  erect, though sometimes  decumbent,
from two to four feet high, angular or four square;  flowers ter-
minal, generally white, though of different  colors   in different
varieties; as  white spotted  with  red, and purplish ;  and of a
most singular shape, resembling the head of a snake with its
mouth open.   Leaves  opposite, bearing a distant  resemblance
to mint leaves, of a dark  green color when  fresh, almost black
when dry, and intensely bitter.   Grows in wettish land, and by
the  side of  brooks, both in open grounds and in the shade.
  Vol.  II.—v 2                30 
266
MATERIA MEDICA.
  The snakehead is a most powerful bitter tonic,  and one of
the best things to promote the appetite we  ever  used, and may
be administered by itself  or combined with  other  articles.
Rafinesque says that it is an active cathartic,  as well as tonic;
but of this we  have had no experience.  The  leaves are the
best, and may be given in  fevers, jaundice, and all other  dis-
eases, either in powder, tincture, or decoction.  Wine is thought
to be the best menstruum to tincture them in.
  It is said that the Indians make use of a strong decoction of
the whole plant in eruptive diseases, biles, sores, and piles.  It
is the best bitter known.  Smith says, as a vermifuge, " I think
it has no superior, rarely failing to expel the worms.   It should
be administered in infusion, continued for a time, and followed
by a suitable purge.  An ounce of the dry herb is sufficient in
any case for children."
          CHENOPODIUM ANTHELMINTICUM.

Common  names—Wormseed,  Jerusalem Oak,  Stinkweed,
                       Wormwood.

  Root annual, branched.   Stem  upright, branched, branches
axillary to the leaves, and terminating with panicles of flowers,
which are yellowish-green, growing from  two to four feet high.
Leaves alternate  or scattered, oval, dotted on  the under  side,
margin or edges indented with large unequal obtuse teeth.  The
whole plant is distinguished by a peculiar smell, different  from
all others ; and which to some is  highly  offensive.   Found in
all the States.
  The wormseed  is a powerful vermifuge medicine, used for
worms both in America and Europe.   Either the decoction,
pulverized seeds, or oil, may be administered; the  seeds may
be formed into an electuary by mixing them with honey or me-
lasses, in the proportion of about one part of the seeds to three
parts of melasses, giving for a  dose, to a child of three years
old, a table-spoonful, two or three times a day.  Care ought to
be taken to disguise the taste of  the wormseed in  any form that
it may be administered; for this purpose the oil of anise, orange
peel, sugar, or honey can be employed.
              CHIMAPHILA UMBELLATA.
  Common names—Pipsisewa, Wintergreen, Rheumatic-
                  weed, Prince's Pine.
  Root perennial, woody,  creeping, sending up stems at vari-
ous distances.  Leaves growing in irregular  whorls, few, ever- 
Chelona Glabra,  (Balmony). 
 
MATERIA MEDICA.
269
green,  long, wedge-shaped,  edges jagged with teeth,  smooth
and shining.   Found in all the States, but most abundant in the
mountainous parts of the Eastern and Middle States,  growing
in dry  sandy  lands, and elevated shady  situations.  Flowers,
from three to six, purple and white, or reddish-white,  growing
at the top of the stem, forming an imperfect umble.
   A tea of the tops and roots of this plant is a valuable internal
medicine for fever, rheumatism, diseases of the urinary organs,
scrofula, cancers, dropsy, and nervous debility.   Externally it is
used for  bathing rheumatic joints, washing cancerous, scrofu-
lous, and other bad ulcers, and hard swellings.   It acts as a dia-
phoretic, diuretic, and tonic.
              COLLINSONIA CANADENSIS.        »
Common  names—Richweed, Richleaf, Oxbalm, Healall,
                Knotroot,  Stoneroot, &c.

  Root perennial, knotty, rough and hard, throwing out many
slender fibers.  Stem erect, round, straight, from  eighteen to
thirty inches high, terminating in several  branches at the top
which produce  the flowers and  seeds.  Leaves few, opposite,
broad, large and  thin, not  more than two or three pairs on a
stem.  Flowers numerous, pale-yellow, possessed of a peculiar
balsamic fragrance.  Found in  all the States ; rare  towards the
South and West, but is replaced in this section of country by
other similar species.
  The richweed  is said to be tonic, carminative, diuretic, and
stimulant; being  highly prized  as an external application to
sores, painful parts,  swellings,  poison,  headache, Sic   Ta-
ken  in  tea,  for headache, eolic, cramp,  dropsy,  indigestion,
Sic, internally; applied in  poultice or the whole leaves, exter-
nally ; used both fresh and dry.
              COMPTONIA ASPLENIFOLIA.
Common  names—Sweetfern, Sweetbush, Fernbush, Fern-
        gale, SwEETFERRY, SpLEENWORT-BUSH, &C.

  The sweetfern is a small shrubby bush, very much branched,
growing  from two to four feet high;  having long horizontal
roots.  Leaves many, alternate, from three to five inches long,
and half an inch broad, each side or edge jagged, bearing some
resemblance to the common ferns.   Flowers appear before the
leaves, succeeded by a kind of round bur containing the seeds.
The Avhole plant possesses a strong, peculiar, resinous, and spicy
«cent, which is particularly observable on rubbing the leaves be- 
270
MATERIA MEDICA.
tween the fingers.  Found throughout the United States, par-
ticularly in mountains and sandy plains.
  Sweetfern is an astringent tonic; much used in diarrhoea and
all cases of looseness of the  bowels, in children or adults.   It
makes a very grateful, pleasant tea, with the addition of cream
and sugar, which children rarely, if ever, refuse.  It is also used
in asthma, fevers, inflammations,  rheumatism, &c.; and often
as a fomentation.
  We are also informed by Ira Finch,  Esq., that a strong tea
freely drank, and the leaves put in  a cushion to  sit on, and
between the sheets to lie on, has cured the St.  Vitus' dance.
              CONVALLARIA MULTIFLORA.

             Common name—Solomon's Seal.
  Leaves alternate, clasping the stem, ribbed, oval-oblong, color
dark green.   Flowers many, hanging along the side of the stalk,
axillary to the leaves.  Stalk always inclining to the earth, giving
the plant an arched appearance.
  The roots of this plant are said to be a mild, yet very healing
restorative, and useful in all cases of  female weakness, such as
whites, and immoderate flowing of the menses.  It is also recom-
mended for consumption and general debility.   May be used in
tea, syrup, or cordial.  The mucilage of the roots is recommend-
ed to be applied to inflammations and piles.
             CONVOLVULUS PANDURATUS.
Common names—Bindweed, Manroot, Wild Potatoe, Man-
              IN-THE-GROUND, KuSSANDER, SlC

  Root perennial, very large,  often three inches or more in
diameter, and two or three  feet long, branched at the bottom,
milky, of a  yellow color,  rough or full of longitudinal depres-
sions or fissures.   Stem a climbing vine, of a  purplish color,
from three to twelve feet long.   Leaves cordate or heart-shaped
at the base, alternate, often somewhat fiddle-shaped, deep green
on the upper, and pale on the under side.  Flowers resembling
the  morning-glory, white or purplish.   Found  in  all parts of
the  United  States, in open situations, and  sandy, poor, or
loose soils.
  The root  is cathartic, diuretic, and pectoral.  It is used in
dropsy, gravel, coughs, consumption, asthma, Sic   The extract
is by some considered a very valuable cathartic, equal to jalap,
rheubarb, or scammony.  It may also  be  used in substance o» 
Chimaphila Umbellata, (Pipsisewa). 
      1





A 
Oonvalaria Multiflora, (Solomon's Seal).
18 
 
Coptis Trifolia, (Gold-thread).
31 
 
                    MATERIA MEDICA.                 275

decoction.  For coughs, consumptions, and asthmas, it may be
made into a syrup with skunk cabbage.
                   COPTIS TRIFOLIA.
        Comman names—Goldthread, Mouthroot.

  Roots perennial, creeping,  with many fibers, color  bright
yellow.   Leaves ever-green, on  long slender  petioles or foot
stalks, groAving three together.  Flowers,  Avhite and yellow,
growing on a separate stem or scape, rising to the same  height
with  the  leaves.   Found in  Northern latitudes,  in   mossy
swamps and bogs of ever-green woods, and on the rocks of the
White mountains, in Labrador, Newfoundland, &c*
  Goldthread is a pure intense bitter  tonic, promoting digestion
and strengthening the system ; useful in all cases of debility.   It
has also been used  as a popular remedy in  sore mouth canker,
&c.   The roots are the only part used, and maybe given in the
form of powder, or tincture, in tea-spoonful doses, two or three
times a day.
                   CORNUS FLORIDA.

      Common names—Dogwood, Boxtree, Boxwood.
  The common dogwood is a shrub, or small tree, growing from
ten to thirty feet high, with few crooked, spreading  branches,
having a rough blackish  colored bark, outside, reddish within,
bark of the  extreme branches smooth and reddish on the out-
side, having rings  where the old leaves grew.   Leaves oppo-
site, pale on the under side.  Flowers terminal, large, white,
of a peculiar  shape, appearing  very early, succeeded  by ob-
long berries,  ripening  in  the fail  when they  become  red.
Found all over the United States, on  dry hills, and in SAvampy,
moist lands.
  The  dogwood  bark is  tonic,  astiingent,  antiseptic,  and
stimulant;  that from the root being the strongest.  By some it
is considered equal to the cinchona  bark; and may be used in all
cases of fever, particularly intermittent, remittent, and typhus.
It may be given by itself in powder,  in doses ot a tea-spoonful,
often repeated, or it may be  steeped and drink  the tea.  The
berries may also be tinctured  in  spirits, and make a very good
bitter.   The fresh bark ought not to be used, as it  is apt to affect
the bowels.
  * We have recently been informed by Dr. J. L. Riddell that the gold-
thread abounds plentifully near Akron, Ohio 
J7G
MATERIA MEDICA.
  The flowers appear to have the same properties as the bark
and berries, and are used by the  Indians as well as Avhites, for
fevers and colics.
  A decoction of  the  bark is esteemed a good  medicine  for
the  yellow water of horses; and joined Avith sassafras is  em-
ployed to clean foul ulcers;  would probably be good applied
to them in poultice.
                 CROCUS  OFFICINALIS.
                Common name—Saffron.

  Saffron is a bulbous rooted perennial plant, very generally
cultivated in gardens in Europe, and is likewise found in simi-
lar situations in America.  Its smell is pleasant and aromatic ;
the taste, a fine aromatic bitter, giving when chewed, a deep
yellow color to the saliva.
  Saffron  is very fragrant, and is highly esteemed, as it exhili-
rates the spirits when taken in small portions ; but if used in too
large doses it produces immoderate mirth, with many of the con-
sequences resulting from the inordinate use of ardent spirits.
This article was formerly much  used, and considered a good
remedy in hysterical affections, and in female obstructions;  but
at the present time it has fallen  very  much into disuse, except-
ing for the complaints of infants, such as the jaundice, redgum,
and eruptive diseases in general,  Sic, for  which it is an excel-
lent remedy.   We think this article has been unjustly neglected,
as there is no  doubt it possesses valuable medicinal powers.
Joined with nervines and tonics, it is, doubtless, useful in hys-
terics and hypochondriasis.

                    CUNILA MARIANA.
Common names—Dittany, Mountain Dittany, Stone-mint,
             Mountain-mint, Sweet-basil, &c.
  Root perennial,  fibrous, yellow.  Stem about a foot  high,
smooth, yellowish or purplish, slender, hard, brittle, branched;
branches opposite or nearly so.  Leaves opposite, remote, small,
smooth and of a deep green on the upper  surface,  and bluish-
green on the under surface.   Flowers numerous, small and hand-
some, bluish-purple, pink or white, forming terminal clusters or
corymbs.   Found  in all parts  of  the United  States,  growing
amongst rocks and on dry knobs and hills, unknown in the plains
and alluvion soils.
  The whole plant has a warm, fragrant, aromatic pungent taste
and  smell, residing in an essential oil, easily extracted by  dis-
tillation. 
Crocus Sat a vis, ( Saffron ). 
 
dramMUM Hcmile, (Red  Lady's-Slipper). 
I 
MATERIA MEDICA.          »       281
  Dittany is  deemed stimulant,  tonic,  nervine, and sudorific.
The whole plant is used, commonly, in warm infusion; and is
a popular remedy in many parts of the country, for colds, head-
aches, hysterical affections, fevers, and  all cases in which it is
an object to excite perspiration.
  It is also said to be  good for the bites of  snakes, externally
applied ;  killing rattlesnakes  by  holding it to the nose with a
stick.   The  Indians,  it is likewise  said, use it  for wounds,
and to expel dead children.
                   CUCURBITA  PEPO.
                Common name—Pumpkin.

  The common pumpkin needs no  description.  The seeds are
highly recommended, in decoction,  as a diuretic.  If the oil can
be obtained, however, it is better.   "I make," says Dr.  Smith,
•'great use  of it.  The dose may be from six to twelve drops,
three  or  four times a  day, or oftener  if required."  He also
says,  " it is, perhaps,  without  exception, the  most certain and
efficient diuretic we possess,"  relieving spasm of the urinary
passages, and scalding of the urine.
              CYPRIPEDIUM PUBESCENS.
Common names—Yellow Lady's Slipper, Moccason-flower,
              American Valerian, Umbil, &c.
  Root perennial, of a pale or dark yellowish cast, with many
long, round, crooked fibers,  growing in  a mat.   Stems one to
five, growing from the same root, rising one or two feet, bear-
ing from three to seven leaves, and  from one to three yellow
flowers.  Leaves  alternate, sheathing the stem, with many par-
allel nerves, giving them an uneven appearance.  Found all over
the United  States; very rare in some places, inhabiting all kinds
of soil, but most common in wet lands or swamps.
  There are several species as well as varieties of the umbil,
some smooth and some hairy ; and exhibiting a diversity of color
in the blossom.  But all very nearly correspond in  the shape
of the flower, which is of a singular,  hollow, bag-like form, open
at the top, compared by  some to a moccason; and hence, by the
Indians, termed moccason flower.
  The lady's slipper is one of the most valuable articles of veg-
etable  medicine.  Its  operation upon the system appears to be
in harmony with the laws  of animal  life, giving tone to the ner-
vous system;  and hence is useful in all cases of nervous irrita-
tion, hysterical affections, spasms, fits, and all derangements of 
282
MATERIA MEDICA.
the functions of the brain; such as madness, delirium, &c, and
in all cases of inability to sleep,  particularly in fevers, con-
sumptions, Sic
  The roots are the only part used, and ought to be gathered
in the spring before the tops begin to grow much, or in the fall
after they begin to die.  After digging, they must be carefully
separated, washed clean, and  dried in the sun or in a dry airy
room.   When fully dry, they should  be packed away in bar-
rels, or pulverized and bottled for use.   Dose, one tea-spoonful
in hot water sweetened, repeated as often as necessary.
                    DAUCUS CAROTA.
             Common name—Garden Carrot.

  This root is in frequent use, and though it will not yield any
grained sugar, it affords a great deal of a sweet juice, strongly
nutricious.   When boiled, it affords a tender, and not very flat-
ulent, food.   The roots, when scraped small, and made up into
a poultice, take off the disagreeable smell which attends ulcera-
ted cancers.   The  raw carrot may be scraped or grated, then
made into a cataplasm with cold water, and applied to any fetid
ulcers; or carrots may be boiled a sufficient time till they become
soft enough to mash into pulp.  The raw carrots are, however,
preferable.   Turnips prepared the same way are said to answer
a similar  purpose.  They are both to be applied immediately to
the ulcer, without the intervention of any other substance.
               DELPHINIUM CONSOLIDA.
                Common name—Larkspur.
  The larkspur is cultivated in gardens, and is too common to
need a description.  This article is introduced on account of its
being highly recommended as a cure for cholera  morbus.  The
flowers are the only part used.   Take as many of these as can
be held between  the  thumb and two fingers, steep in a pint of
water until half evaporated; then sweeten, and take a tea-cupful
as a dose, at short intervals, until relief is obtained.   Said to be
a certain  and speedy cure.
                 DIOSCOREA VILLOSA.
          Common names—Yam-root, China-root.
  This plant is a twining and climbing vine, resembling in some
respects the  morning-glory.  The root is of a most singular tor-
tuous form, of a woody consistence, with numerous spiny protu- 
Dioscorea Villosa, ( Yam-root). 
 
MATERIA MEDICA.
285
bek*nces.  It is perennial, and doubtless endures a greater number
of years than the roots of most plants of similar  habits.   The
sprangles  are  usually  near  half an inch in thickness, and the
whole root in favorable situations is often found to weigh  half a
pound.   The  stem is  a climbing  annual vine, winding around
small shrubs, and insinuating itself among brambles, often attain-
ing the height of six or eight feet.   Near the ground, the leaves
usually appear in verticillate clusters, or whorls, varying in num-
ber from  two to eight or more in a bunch, dependent on the
luxuriance of  the  soil.  Higher  up,  the  leaves  are  alternate.
They are  always on pretty long footstalks,  and of the form of a
heart, with the  point  acute  and turned to one  side ; commonly
roundish as well  as eordate and nearly two inches across. Almost
always you may count just nine nerves or portions  of frame-
work, proceeding from the  base towards the apex.   The flow-
ers show themselves in May and June ;  they are very small and
white, arranged  on little stems which come out just  above the
leaves.  The  seeds are triangular some  like buckwheat, though
four times  as  large, with  wings at the  angles.   The yam-root
grows plentifully in the Western States, delighting in fertile hill-
sides, thickets, and open Avoods.
   An infusion of the root is a valuable remedy in bilious colic.
An ounce of the powdered root must be boiled in a pint of water,
and half of it given  at a dose.  It acts with remarkable promp-
titude in affording relief.  I have been informed that Dr. Miller,
of  Neville, Ohio, values the tincture  highly as an expectorant.
He says it is also diaphoretic, and in large doses emetic.
   For the introduction of the dioscorea into this  work, we are
indebted to the kindness of our friend, Dr. J. L. Riddell.*  He
has not informed us upon what principle it is supposed to afford
relief in bilious colic, whether as an anodyne, cathartic, or some
other.  We have  no  doubt, however, of its value in this com-
plaint, and, at the same time, think it highly probable that  fur-
ther investigation will  disclose its usefulness in other  diseases.
                 DOLICHOS PRURIENS.

           Common names—Cowhage, Cowitch.

  The  cowhage  is an  exotic plant, growing in  hot climates,
especially in the West Indies.   It bears a pod about four inches
long, round, and  about  the thickness of one's finger.  These
pods are thickly beset with stiff hairs, which, when applied to
the skin, occasion an intolerable itching.  The ripe pods may be

  * To the same gentleman our acknowledgments are also due for the
introduction of the Cassia chimaecrista.
  Vol. II.—W                31 
286
MATERIA MEDICA.
dipped into melasses, which, with the hairs, are then scraped off
with a knife.  This  process  is repeated with fresh pods until
the melasses becomes about  as thick as honey Avith the hairs,
when it is fit for use.  Or the hairs may be first scraped from
the pods, and then  mixed  with the melasses, to the proper
consistence.
  This medicine is a valuable vermifuge, acting mechanically;
the sharp hairs penetrating and destroying the worms, without
occasioning  any inconvenience to the patient;  the  stomach and
intestines being defended from injury by the mucus which lines
the alimentary tube.  From  a tea-spoonful to a table-spoonful
of the melasses may be taken as a dose, according to age, once
or twice a day, for a day or two, and the worms carried off by
a mild purge ; the stools, in some instances, consisting almost
entirely of these vermin.
  A decoction of the roots of cowhage is said to be a powerful
diuretic; and an infusion of the pods, twelve to a quart, is account-
ed a certain  remedy for the dropsy.
               EPIPHEGUS VIRGINIANUS.

       Common names—Beech Drops, Cancer-root.

  This is altogether a singular plant, chiefly found growing upon
the  roots of the beech tree.   The root is bulbous, yellowish,
covered at the bottom or lower end with a mat of short, crooked
fibers.   Stem from eight to fifteen inches high, much branched,
beset Avith scattered short scales  instead of leaves, of which the
plant is quite destitute.   Flowers remote, but numerous, situa-
ted  just above the scales, all along the branches.  The plant is
usually of a yellowish-white color, intermixed Avith reddish or
dark purple, white  and  yelloAV  stripes.   Found in all parts of
the  United States.
  The beech drops are astringent, bitterish and nauseous ; useful
as a remedy for sore mouth, dysentery, and no doubt might be
advantageously employed in  other cases requiring astringent
medicines ;  and are actually said to have been of great service
applied to obstinate ulcers.   They are  also supposed to have
been used in cancerous affections with  a happy effect, and even
to have performed cures of that dreadful scourge of the human
race.  For ulcerous  and cancerous affections, the  beech drops
may be pulverized, both roots  and tops, and the powder sprin-
kled on the ulcer, or a tea may be made  and used as a wash.
The internal use, at the  same time might also be advantageous 
MATERIA MEDICA.
287
            ERIGERON PHILADELPHICUM.
Common names — Cocash, Frostweed,  Scabious,  Skevish,
            Skabish, Squaw-weed, Field-weed.

  Roots perennial, yellowish, formed by many branching fibers.
The whole plant is pubescent or hairy, groAving to the height of
two or three feet; stems  from  one to five, straight, branching
near the top, terminating in numerous downy flowers, of a yel-
lowish and white, or purplish  and blue  appearance.   Leaves
oblong, lower ones  the largest, very small at the top.   It con-
tinues in bloom until the  autumnal frosts, which has given rise
to one of its names, frostweed.   Found all over the United States,
groAving in fields, which it often overruns ; seldom seen in woods
or mountains.
  There are also two other species of this plant, Erigeron can-
adense and Erigeron heterophyllum, which are valuable articles
of medicine, and may be  used indiscriminately Avith the Erige-
ron philadelphicum.  They are tonic,  diuretic, sudorific, and
astringent in a powerful degree.  Their oil, says Rafinesque,
is so poAverful that two or three drops dissolved in alcohol, have
arrested  suddenly uterine hemorrhagy, in the hands  of Dr.
Hales, who employs the  oil of the Erigeron canadense.
  The last named species is very common in all parts of the
country, abounding  mostly in  cultivated fields, particularly fal-
low grounds and stubble  fields, growing from  three to  six feet
high,  branched near the top, the stem thickly set with long nar-
row leaves which  give the plant a somewhat ragged appearance.
This species is known by the common  names of mareslail and
fleabane.   The other two species are often found growing  to-
gether, and are used indiscriminately under the common names
given at the head of this  article.   Found  in open  woods and
along the banks of streams.
  The diseases already relieved or cured by these plants, con
tinues  Rafinesque, are chronic diarrhoea, dropsy, suppression
of the urine, inflammation of the kidneys, gravel, gout, suppress-
ed menstruation,  cough,  cutaneous  eruptions, hemorrhagies,
dimness of sight, rash, cold hands and  feet, &c.  Enough, one
might well think, to be cured by three simple plants, all possess-
ing the same virtues.   They certainly contain active properties,
as all who have used them can testify, and we sometimes fear
that they are too powerful to be used without the utmost discre-
tion.   They certainly deserve a careful investigation, and if found
too powerful for using without hazard, should be expunged from
practice; but if not, they ought to be retained.
  The Avhole plants are used fresh or dry, in infusion, decoction,
or tincture.  The extract  is rather fetid, but more astringent than
                 19 
2B8
MATERIA MEDICA.
the infusion or tincture, and less so than the oil, which is one-
of the most efficient styptics.
   The extract and syrup have  been given Avith success in dry
cough, bleeding at the lungs, and  other  internal hemorrhages.
The dose of the  extract is from five  to  ten grains,  (about a
quarter to half a tea-spoonful,) often repeated.
   As  a diuretic, the infusion, decoction,  or  tincture, are pre-
ferable as  being more active; some of  these preparations  have
increased  the  daily evacuations of urine from twenty-four to
sixty-seven ounces.  A pint or tAvo of the infusion or decoc-
tion may be  administered  daily,   and agrees  Avell with the
stomach.  From  two to four drachms of the tincture  may be
taken during the day; and  is made by digesting one ounce of
the leaves or floAvers in  a pint of proof spirits.
   Some preparation or other of those plants  is  said to afford
speedy relief in all diseases of the bladder  and kidneys attended
with pain  and irritation.   They  are also useful, applied external-
ly, to wounds, and a poultice is said to dissolve hard  tumors.
The essence, made by saturating alcohol with the oil, and a little
taken in Avater, at the same time applying, if  practicable, some
of it externally, will instantaneously stop the most dangerous
hemorrhage.
   We  are unwilling  to leave  this subject  without  advising
those who may make use of these  articles to  do it  cautiously,
as  our own experience would not  justify recommending  an
indiscriminate  application  of  them without  some care and
attention.   It might, perhaps, be best to combine them with less
active astringents.
                ERYNGIUM AQUATIC UM.

Common names—Corn Snakeroot, Button Snakeroot, Rat-
                   tlesnake's Master.

  Root perennial, somewhat bulbous, about one inch long, the
lower end  decayed or rotten, giving off many fibers.   Stem
round, about two feet high, somewhat branching, bearing on its-
top large balls covered  with a white bloom.   Leaves scattered,
long, resembling young corn leaves, having  spines or prickles
along their edges, and one at the extreme point.  The root is
extremely pungent to the taste, possessing powerful and valuable
properties.   Found in the prairies  of the  Western States.
  The corn snakeroot is a powerful diuretic, stimulant, expecto-
rant, and antidote to the poison of  snakes, and other poisonous
bites or stings.  The  root, says Peter  Smith, needs only be
chewed (or bruised) and laid  on  the wound, and  a  little of it
swallowed; which, if  done when  the bite is first inflicted, pre- 
Ebythronium Americanum, (Adder-tongue). 
I'  ' 
MATERIA MEDICA.
291
vents the place bitten from swelling.  It is generally, continues
he, first or last applied, a speedy cure.
  When this root is employed for  dropsy or gravel, it should
be given in a weak  tea  and  continued but a short time,  and
then folloAved by tonics, such as agrimony tea, columbo root, or
bitters.
             ERYTHRONIUM AMERICANUM.
 Common  names—Addertongue,  Dogtooth Violet,  Snake-
    leaf, Rattlesnake Violet, Yellow Snowdrop, &c.
   Root perennial,  bulbous, very deep in the  ground, covered
 outside with  a  brown loose tunic, white inside, with fibers is-
 suing from the base or bottom of the  bulb.  Leaves appear to
 be radical because  near  the ground, smooth and shining, one
 the first year, two afterAvards, long, narrow, broadest at the outer
 end, spotted green and purple, giving them a somewhat singular
 appearance.   Flower  yellow,  nodding, supported by a smooth
 shining stem, at some distance above the leaves; appear very early
 in the spring.   Found in the Northern and Middle States.
   With regard  to the virtues of  this singular though common
 plant, we extract the following from Smith's " Botanic Physi-
 cian :"~
   " The bulb of the root and leaves are emetic, emollient, sup-
 purative, and anti-scrofulous  when  fresh,  nutritive when dry.
 The dose to vomit is twenty-five grains of the fresh root, or forty
 of the  recent dried root.  But its greatest value consists in its
 being a remedy for the scrofula.  This  property which it pos-
 sesses was but lately discovered, but experience has established
 it in  many instances.  The fresh roots and  leaves  are stewed
 in milk, and applied to the scrofulous sores as  a poultice, heal-
 ing them speedily;  or the fresh bruised leaves may be laid on,
renewing them often.  The infusion is to be drank at the  same
time."
              EUGENIA CARYOPHYLLATA.
               Common name—Clove Tree.

  This is a beautiful tall tree, a native of the Molucca Islands.
Cloves are the unexpanded flowers, picked  from  the tree and
dried.   They have a strong aromatic flavor, and pungent taste.
  Cloves are stimulant and sudorific ;  but in general only used
in combination with  other articles, such  as  the diaphoretic
powders and bitters.   The oil of cloves is used  as a cure for
toothache ; a little of Avhich may be put on some lint and intro-
duced into the hollow of the tooth.
  Vol.  II.—w 2      28 
292
MATERIA MEDICA.
             EUONYMUS ATROPURPUREUS.
Common names—Bitter-ash, Spindle Tree, Indian-arrow,
                      Burning Bush.
  The bitter-ash was introduced into the two first editions of
this Avork under a wrong name and  partially a wrong descrip-
tion, as  well as having some properties attributed to it which it
does not possess.   It will be found in the two first editions under
the head of Cornus Hercules.
  The bitter-ash is a shrub, or large  bush, growing from  eight
to fifteen  feet high, bark smooth, dark gray, interspersed with
large white  irregular shaped spots,  which  disappear towards
the  termination of   the  branches;  considerably  branched,
branches shooting up at very acute angles, often three together
in the specimen which we examined  ; the extreme portions of
the branches constituting the growth of the preceding year, are
of a dark green color with many dark spots, Avhilst those por-
tions which appear to have been produced two years preceding,
are less  green, with stripes or lines of white ; at least such was
the case with the garden specimen from which this description
was drawn.   Leaves petiolate, opposite on the young branches,
alternate on the old, oblong ovate, acuminate, serrate, deep green
on the upper, and light on the under side.   Flowers a kind of
cyme or a cluster, often axillary to the leaves, very small,  dark
reddish-brown inside, inclining  to  green  outside, producing an
angular  shaped, rough involucre or husk, which opens in the
fall, exhibiting  the beautifully bright fiery red fruit, or berries,
in strong contrast with decaying nature, which has  procured for
it the name of burning bush.
  The bark of the root is the part employed as medicine, and
should be gathered at the time that it will peal off easily,  wher
it should be beaten with a hammer or mallet, carefully dried and
preserved for use.   The bark when dry is of alightbroAvn color
outside, white Avithin, rough and much Avrinkled, resembling in
its appearance the dried root of spignet.
   The  bitter-ash is an excellent laxative, bitter tonic, useful in
all cases of debility;  particularly valuable as a tonic after inter-
mittent  fever or fever and ague.  It may be  used alone or com-
bined with balmony or any other  tonic.  Dose from half to  a
whole tea-spoonful three or four times a day.
             EUPATORIUM AGERATOIDES.
      Common names—Poolroot,  White Snakeroot.
  Roots small, fibrous, of a dirty white, from two to four inches
long.   Stem from two to three feet high, someAvhat angular and 
MATERIA MEDICA.                 293
furrowed, branched, branches axillary to the leaves, lower ones
-shortest, gradually becoming longer as they approach the top
where they extend themselves so as to form a someAvhat spread-
ing head, producing clusters of white flowers, and overspreading
the face of the country along roads and in open situations fre-
quently to a great extent.   Found in all parts of the country;
most plentifully in the West.  Leaves opposite, the pairs cross-
ing each other, supported on long foot-stalks, very broad at the
base, the  extreme point very acute, edges jagged with very large
obtuse teeth.
   The root of this   plant  is the  part used as  medicine.   It
appears  to  be a warm  stimulating tonic ;  producing in the
mouth, when  chewed,  a  warm  aromatic  pungent sensation.
Its usefulness, in gravel we learned from  Ira Finch,  Esq. but
the  first knowledge  which we obtained of its medicinal virtues
was  derived  from the  Indians, who use  it as  a cure for the
ague.  It no doubt possesses active properties Avorthy of further
investigation.
             EUPATORIUM PERFOLIATUM.
Common names—Boneset, Thoroughwort,  Joepye, Fever
  wort, Thoroughstem, Crosswort, Sweating Plant, Indian
  Sage, <fec.
  Root perennial, horizontal, crooked, with few fibers, sending
up many stems, which are upright, branched toward the top;
from  two to  five feet high, hairy, pale or grayish-green  color.
Leaves  opposite, and so formed as to give the stem the appear-
ance of penetrating them through  the center, where they are the
broadest, and gradually tapering to a point, rough and Avoolly.
Flowers in dense terminal corymbs, of a dull, or dirty  Avhite
color.   Found in swamps, marshes, and wet meadoAVs, through-
out the  United States.
  Boneset  is sudorific,  tonic, antiseptic, cathartic, emetic, diu-
retic, stimulant, Sic   It is an  intense  bitter  tonic, possessing
very active poAvers.  In large doses, the warm decoction proves
emetic, and a cold infusion acts as a powerful tonic.   It is also
said  to act with much effect upon the  skin, removing obstinate
cutaneous diseases.  Large doses of  the  cold infusion often
operate as a cathartic.
  It is likeAvise said to be an antidote to the bite of snakes ; and
an excellent  remedy for bilious  colic attended with  obstinate
constipation of the bowels.   For this purpose, a tea-cupful of the
cold infusion must be given every half  hour until it produces a
cathartic effect.
  The  warm infusion acts as  a  sudorific, producinF copious 
294
MATERIA MEDICA.
perspiration.   It is also an excellent  article for coughs ;  and is
likewise used in hysterical complaints.   In dropsical complaints
it is employed as a diuretic.   The leaves are the part of the plant
which is used for medicinal purposes, of which the extract and
syrup contain  all the  medicinal  properties, and  are least disa-
greeable to the taste.
               EUPATORIUM PURPURIUM.

Common names—Queen of the  Meadow, Boneset, Gravel-
                           root.
  Root perennial,  long,  fibrous,  white or  brownish colored.
Stems many, three to six feet high, round, smooth, of a purple
color around  each  joint,  bearing many corymbose,  terminal,
purple or pale reddish blossoms.  Leaves in whorls, from three
to five at a joint, broad, lanceolate, rough or  wrinkled, and jag-
ged.  Grows  commonly in wettish  ground,  or  near streams,
though sometimes on high dry land.
  The root of this plant is stimulant, bitter, astringent, and pow-
erfully diuretic,  useful in  all  diseases of the urinary organs,
dropsy, rheumatism, gout, and female Aveakness and obstructions.
It is thought by some to be a solvent of the stone, and esteemed
an unfailing remedy in  gravelly complaints.   Whether this be
true  or  not, there  is  no doubt it  is a very  valuable article of
medicine for diseases of this character, as well as for the pecu-
liar weakness of females.  Used in strong decoction freely.
             EUPATORIUM TEUCRIFOLIUM.
            Common name—Wild Hoarhound.

  This is an annual  plant, growing from one to two feet high,
found  in  all parts of the country, particularly at the south,
where  it grows  in  great abundance,  and has  obtained a high
reputation as a domestic  remedy  in  the  prevailing fevers of
that  climate.
  The wild hoarhound was first  noticed in Thacher's  mate-
ria  medica,  to which, and to verbal information and  personal
observation,  we  are  indebted  for its  introduction into this
work.  It is a valuable tonic ; much used by the planters along
the seaboard of the  Southern States, and considered preferable
to the  Peruvian bark for the cure of fevers.   It is also said,
by Dr. Jones, to  be  diaphoretic,  diuretic, and mildly cathartic.
Usually administered in the form of infusion ; one  ounce  of the
dried leaves infused in a quart of  water  may be taken  daily in
doses of half a tea-cupful, more  or less every hour or two. 
Eupatorium Pupureum, (Queen of the Meadow). 
Si 
Frasera Carolinensis,  ( American Columbo ). 
 
MATERIA MEDICA.
299
  There is no doubt that it might  be  advantageously combined
with other tonics.
                 FERULA ASAF03TIDA.

            Common name—Asafetida Plant.

  The drug  known by the name of asafetida is the resinous
gum of a perennial plant, growing  in the mountains of Persia.
The gum is obtained from the roots of plants which are at least
four years old.   The roots are cut off and the juice suffered to
exude, which is  afterwards dried in the sun.
  This  article  has a strong  fetid  smell, and a bitter,  acrid,
biting taste.  It loses  some  of its smell and strength by age,
a circumstance which ought to  be particularly regarded in its
administration.   That which  is  accounted best is of a clear or
pale reddish color, and variegated with a great number of elegant
white tears.
  Asafetida is a highly valuable remedy ;  acting as a stimulant,
anti-spasmodic,  expectorant, emmenagogue,  and anthelmintic.
Its  action upon  the  system is quick and penetrating, affording
great and speedy relief in  spasmodic,  flatulent, hysteric,  and
hypochondriacal complaints,  especially when they arise  from
obstruction of the  bowels.   When spasms and constipations
have weakened  the power of life,  and the functions are per-
formed in  a languid manner, the  asafetida  generally  affords
effectual  relief;  as it promotes  digestion, enlivens  the spirits,
and increases the peristaltic motion, which makes it a valuable
remedy for persons in advanced  age.
  It has  been used  as  an  anti-spasmodic and  expectorant in
asthma and whooping cough.  As an anthelmintic it has often ex-
pelled worms; and may be administered for this, as well as for
other purposes, either by the mouth or by injection.   It may
be given in the  form of pills,  tincture,  or dissolved in  simple
water.   One pill of a size convenient to swallow may be taken
as a dose, in ordinary cases, and repeated as circumstances may
appear to require; or from  ten to fifty drops may be taken of
the tincture, made by dissolving one ounce of asafetida  in ten
ounces (one and  one fourth pint) of alcohol, digest  seven days
and filter.
              FRASERA CAROLINIENSES.
Common names—Columbo  Root, Indian Lettuce, Meadow
         Pride,  Pyramid,  Yellow Gentian, &c.
  The root of this plant is triennial, that is, lasting three years,
yellow,  rough, horizontal, spindle shaped, growing sometimes
                              32 
300
MATERIA MEDICA.
to the length of two feet, with but few fibers.   Stem  from five
to ten  feet high, erect, smooth, with but few branches, except-
ing near the top, where they form  a handsome  pyramid giving
rise to numerous yelloAvish-white  floAvers.  Leaves partly radi-
cal, forming  a  star,  spreading on  the ground; the residue of
*hern in Avhorls around the stem, four to eight in a whorl, small-
er than the radical or lower leaves.   Found in the southern,
 vestern, and southwestern States; rare in many places, and in
 »thers extremely abundant.
   The columbo root is both emetic and  cathartic  when  fresh.
When dry, an  excellent bitter  tonic and antiseptic.   Used in
fevers, colics, nausea, indigestion, debility,  diarrhoea,  &c.—
Cures  gangrene or mortification, by external and internal  appli
cation.  As a laxative it is  substituted  to rhubarb, particularlj
for children, and to remove the costive habits of pregnancy.  A
tea-spoonful of  the powder in hot water will relieve the oppres
sion of an over loaded stomach, so common Avith dyspeptic and
other  Aveak patients.   Taken with cold Avater, it  is  said, adds
to its efficiency, and prevents nausea and  vomiting.  It may be
used alone, or combined with other tonics, and employed in all
cases requiring  this class of medicines.   The  root should be
collected in the fall of the second year, or spring  of the  third
year, of its growth.
                   GALIUM APARINE.

     Common names—Clivers, Cleaa'ers, Goosegrass.

  This plant grows to the height of tAvo or three  feet; stem
square, slender, weak,  having many joints, branched ; rough or
sharp with teeth or prickles ; from each  joint grow  eight small
pointed leaves ; floAvers small and white.   Grows in woods and
fence corners.
  This plant made  into  a strong infusion in  cold  Avater, and
drank freely, is good for gravelly complaints, and all obstructions
of the urine.  " Cleavers,"  says Dr. Smith,  " is  one of the
most  valuable diuretics  that  our  country produces.  I have
found it an excellent and  speedy medicine in  all suppressions of
the urine and gravelly complaints, and is a powerful discutient."
There are in this country many other species of  Galium which
possess similar virtues.
                       GAMBOGIA.
                 Common name—Gamboge.
  This article is a concrete vegetable juice, of a gummy, resin-
»us nature, the production of an East  Indian  plant.  The best 
t*t
Galium Aperine [ Aspebula ],  ( Clevers ). 
 
MATERIA MEDICA.
303
sort  is of a deep yelloAv  color, without smell, and  having but
very little taste.
  Gamboge is one of the most active  cathartics, and also ope-
rates as an emetic.   Its great activity and drastic nature render
it an improper purgative administered alone; but it may be ad-
vantageously combined with other more mild substances, to give
them activity.   For this purpose it enters into Bunnell's pills,
and many other cathartic compounds.
                  GEUM VIRGINIANUM.
Common  names—Evanroot,  Chocolateroot, Throatroot,
                         Cureall.
  The root is perennial, small, brown, horizontal, and crooked.
Stem round, hairy, erect, growing about two feet high, surmount-
ed by a few terminal, white  flowers.  Found in most of the
eastern, middle,  and western States.
  The root of this plant is an astringent tonic ;  very useful in
dyspepsy, and in bleeding at the lungs,-consumption, diarrhoea,
dysentery,  colic, sore throat, &c.  Said by Dr. Jones, to restore
to health the most feeble and shattered constitutions.  The root
is used boiled in  milk, or in water, sweetened,  and makes a pal-
atable drink, or in powder.   The dose is a pint of the decoc-
tion, daily, or tAVO or three tea-spoonfuls  of the powder mixed
with honey or  melasses.   There are several species  of this
plant, all of which are available as medicines.
         DOG   GLYCYRRHIZA GLABRA.   WHOG
      Common  names—Liquorice, Saveet  Liquorice.

  This is a perennial plant, native of Europe.  The root is the
part used as medicine, and is of a sweet, agreeable taste.  The
SAveetness is extracted by water, Avhich, by evaporation, forms
a dark colored extract called liquorice  ball,  possessing the vir-
tues of the root.
  Liquorice root, or its extract, is a useful  article in  coughs,
hoarseness, and asthma, affording relief by lubricating the throat
and loosening tough phlegm.   It may also be  combined  with
other  articles, either to increase their usefulness, or modify their
taste.
  The  G. Lepidota, of Missouri, and perhaps  other  Wes-
tern States, would probably  be  a useful substitute  for the Eu-
ropean species.
                  20 
301
MATERIA MEDICA.
                HAMAMELIS VIRGINICA.

Common names—Witch  Hazel,  Spotted Alder, Winter-
             bloom, Snapping Hazelnut, Sic

  Witch hazel is  a shrub,  growing from ten to tvventy  feet
high, branches irregular,  crooked,  and knotty; bark  smooth,
gray, Avith brown spots.   Leaves rather large, smooth, alternate,
oval or roundish.  FloAvers appear in  the  fall or winter, gene-
rally after  the leaves have fallen off, the fruit ripening  the next
autumn.  Found in most of the States ; groAving on hills, moun-
tains, stony banks, and near streams.
  The bark and leaves are slightly bitter, and very astringent.
The leaves are  a  most valuable article of medicine, as an as-
tringent tonic and styptic.  They may  be employed in tea for
bowel complaints, bleeding at the stomach, lungs, and  all other
internal  hemorrhages ; and in snuff for bleeding at the nose ; and
no doubt might  be advantageously  applied to  wounds to stop
the effusion of blood.  As a styptic to check internal bleeding,
the Avitch  hazel, perhaps, is  amongst the best articles  known.
  The Indians, it is said, consider  the  witch  hazel  a  valuable
article of medicine, applying the bark  in  poultice or  Avash to
painful tumors, and external inflammations.  A poultice of the
bark is said to be efficacious in removing painful inflammations
of the eyes.
               HEDEOMA PULEGIOIDES.

Common names—Pennyroyal, Squaw Mint,  Tickweed, Sic.

  This plant is too common to need  any description,  abound-
ing in all parts of the country.  It is  a warming stimulant, and
diaphoretic, much used to promote perspiration, and to facilitate
vomiting.  The juice with sugar is said to be useful in Avhooping
cough.  A strong decoction of the leaves and stalks of penny-
royal is in high repute with some as a remedy in female obstruc-
tions.  It  may be used either in decoction, tincture, or  essence.
             HELIANTHUS  OCCIDENTALIS.

            Common name—Indian Fever-root,
  This plant has not heretofore been introduced into any med-
ical Avork, nor does it appear to have been described by Eaton,
or any other botanist.  It unquestionably  belongs to the Heli-
anthus genus;  and as it seems to  be  an exclusively Western
species, Ave have, at the suggestion  of Dr. J. L. Riddell, adopt- 
Cassia Marylandica, ( American Senna).
>23 
 
Myrica  Cerifera, ( Bayberry ). 
 
MATERIA MEDICA.
309
ed as the specific name, occidentalis, as descriptive of its loca-
tion, or rathen of the region wherein it was first discovered.
  This plant has a perennial horizontal root, throwing off many
fibers, dark colored, strong rich taste, sending up several stems,
which are round, faintly striped, covered with short, almost im-
perceptible hair or down, from two and a half to three feet high.
Leaves scattered, supported  by long foot-stalks which sheath the
stem, and like it are  covered  with down, which, towards fall,
becomes stiff and rough.   Flower  heads yellow, large, one to
two  inches in diameter.
  A strong decoction of the  root of this plant, drank freely, will
operate as an emetic, and by continuing its use more moderately,
relaxes the bowels, promotes perspiration, and effectually cures
fevers.  This article is also  one  of the SAveating plants used by
the Indians, and there is no  doubt that its usefulness in fevers is
partly owing to its diaphoretic property.   It promises to become
a valuable article of medicine.
                    HELONIAS DIOICA.

   Common names—Unicorn, Star-root, Blazing Star.

   Root perennial, rather smaller than the little finger, irregular,
 from one to two inches long, of a dirty dark color, very  hard,
 full  of little pits, rough and wrinkled, having numerous small,
 darkish  colored,  fibrous roots, which when deprived of their
 outside  bark  someAvhat resemble hogs'  bristles; end  of the
 caudex or main root often dead or rotten.   Leaves radical, pale,
 smooth, ever-green, lanceolate, and  in the winter lying flat on
 the ground  in rays,  resembling  a star,  whence  some  of its
 names.  Stem from eight to eighteen inches high ; upright, na-
 ked, terminating in  a spike or tassel of white dioecious flowers,
 that  is, bearing male  and  female flowers on different plants.
 Found in thin soils.
   The root  is the part principally used, and is highly celebra-
 ted as a tonic and general  strengthener of the system.   Dr.
 Rogers  says it  relieves   colie,  stranguary, rheumatism,  and
 jaundice.  It also has a powerful tendency to prevent abortion,
 and those Avho are liable to accidents of this kind, ought to make
 frequent use of it.   Half a tea-spoonful of the  powdered  root
 may be taken three times  a day,  in a gill of warm water; or,
 for ordinary use, a portion of it may be added to  the bitter tonic.
 By some it is highly valued in suppressed menstruation.
   The  Unicorn is  also  an excellent remedy for  coughs, con-
sumptions, and all complaints of the lungs, promoting expectora-
tion and insensible perspiration.  The constant use of it, hoAv-
ever,  sometimes makes the mouth sore, Avhen it must be  laid
   Vol. II.—X 
310
MATERIA MEDICA.
jy, and some other expectorant used until the mouth gets well,
and then it may be resumed again.
                   HUMULIS LUPULIS.

             Common names—Hops, Hop-vine.
  This common plant needs no description.   It is a very strong
bitter, accompanied with a small degree of aromatic flavor, and
astringency.  It also possesses  some  narcotic power, as  its
administration is often  followed  by sleep;  reducing the pulse
sometimes from ninety-six to  sixty.  The narcotic effects of
hops are different, however, from those of opium, not being fol-
lowed by that debility and languor which always  succeed the
use of that article.
  The hop is also an excellent stomachic bitter, very useful in dys-
pepsy and other affections of the  digestive organs.   It has also
been highly extolled as a remedy  in inflammations of the kid-
neys, and gravelly complaints.  A strong infusion of hops, it is
said, proves a certain  solvent of the stone out of the body, and
hence has been inferred its usefulness in gravel and stone.   It
has been asserted by high authority, that it seldom fails to alle-
viate the pain, and increase the secretion of urine,  when  taken
internally.
  If, as has been stated, an infusion of the hop will dissolve the
stone out of the body, we  think it might be usefully employed
by injecting it  into the bladder.  For this purpose, we would
suggest the following plan:—A catheter may be introduced into
the  bladder and the urine suffered to pass off;  then with a syr-
inge Avhose  pipe  is fitted to the tube of the catheter, inject
enough  water about blood-warm  to wash out the bladder; this
must then be suffered to pass off by  the catheter, and the hop
infusion, also about blood-warm, injected and retained for half an
hour, or as long as the patient can conveniently endure it,  Avhen
it should be suffered to pass off through the catheter; and if the
infusion of the hop have produced  much irritation, another wash-
ing with warm  water might be advisable, to which, perhaps, the
addition of a little  sweet milk, or of flax-seed, or slippery elm
tea, might be useful.
  We think also this course Avould be advantageous  in using the
injections recommended in our treatment of the gravel; but as it
had not at that time occurred to us, Ave trust that the acknoAvl-
edgment of it will be a sufficient apology for introducing it here.
We are also aware that  many  Obstacles to the successful treat-
ment of gravel by  injection will present themselves ; yet,  when
Ave  consider the hopelessness of  effecting a  cure by any other
means than the dreadful operation of  cutting out the  stone,  Ave 
Hydrastis Canadensis, ( Golden Seal). 
 
MATERIA MEDICA.
313
ought cheerfully to give every thing a serious consideration that
holds out even a faint prospect of relief by milder means.
  The medicinal properties of the hop appear to be concentrated
in a yelloAv  powder which may be  obtained by beating and
sifting the hops  before using them  for other purposes.  This
substance, denominated lupuline, forms an important ingredient
in Dr. J. T. Wells' ague pills.
  Hops are also a very valuable  external  application  for pains,
especially of the spasmodic kind.   For this purpose they may
be put into a small bag, thoroughly moistened with hot vinegar,
and applied  to the  painful part.  A poultice or ointment pre-
pared from hops, has likewise been  employed  as an anodyne
application to cancers and other painful ulcers.
  The hop is one of those medicines, the habitual use of which
soon renders it inert upon the system; we must therefore begin
with a small dose, and gradually increase it.  One grain of the
lupuline, four of the extract, a tea-spoonful of the  tincture, or
tAvo  ounces of the  infusion, are considered sufficient to com-
mence Avith.   An over-dose is  said to produce sore throat, nau-
sea, purging, tremor, headache, Sic
               HYDRASTIS  CANADENSIS.
Common  names — Golden Seal, Yellow Puccoon, Yellow
        Root, Ground Raspberry, Indian Paint, &c.
  Root perennial, crooked, wrinkled, rough, and knobby, of a
bright yellow color, with many long fibers.  Stem round, sim-
ple, straight, growing from eight to fourteen inches high, bear-
ing commonly two rough leaves at the top somewhat resembling
the leaves of the sugar maple, in the center of one of which ap-
pears the flower, which gives rise to a fleshy, red, many-seeded
berry.  Found mostly in the Western States.
  The golden seal is a powerful and valuable bitter tonic; highly
useful in all cases of debility and loss of  appetite.   It may be
used alone or combined with other tonics.   Very  useful during
recovery from fevers, for dyspepsy, or any other complaint, to
remove the heavy, disagreeable sensation often produced by indi-
gestible food, by taking a tea-spoonful in hot water  sweetened.
It is also employed by Dr. J. T. Wells as a remedy for inflam-
mations, for Avhich purpose  he  considers it highly  valuable.
Used both externally and internally, in powder or decoction.
  A  decoction of the golden seal is also a very valuable remedy
as a  wash  for sore eyes.  It is likeAvise  highly  probable that
it may be found useful as an external  application  to  ulcers,  as
Rafinesque says, the Indians  use  it for  sore legs, and many
external complaints, as a topical tonic. 
314
MATERIA MEDICA.
                   ICTODES F03TIDA.
    Common names—Skunk Cabbage, Skunkweed, Sic

  This common and well known plant takes its name from its
smell, which greatly resembles the peculiar odor of the skunk.
Grows in wettish lands, having a great many fibrous roots, run-
ning deeply into the earth ;  sending up numerous large, bright,
green  leaves, but without  any stem or stalk.
  The roots and seeds of the skunk cabbage  are  expectorant,
anti-spasmodic, and anti-hysteric.
  As an expectorant, they are useful in astbma, cough, consump-
tion, and all affections of  the lungs that need medicines of  this
kind.  As an anti-spasmodic, they are used in hysterics, Avhooping
cough, convulsions  of lying-in-women, and in all spasmodic affec-
tions,  and are said  to be not inferior in efficacy to the best rem-
edies of that class.   As an  anti-spasmodic, the pulverized root
of skunk cabbage  may be  administered in half or whole  tea-
spoonful doses, repeated according to circumstances ; and as an
expectorant, it may be given in  similar doses once or twice a
day, or combined Avith other expectorants.   It may also be  em-
ployed in syrup, for complaints of the lungs.  An over-dose
produces vomiting, headache, vertigo, and temporary blindness.
It loses  its strength by long keeping.
                 IMPATIENS PALLIDA.

        Common names—Celandine, Touch-me-not.

  This is an annual plant growing in wet lands, rising to the
height of from two to four feet in rich soils, branched, with large
joints at the origin of the branches, of a tender, watery, trans-
parent  appearance.   Leaves  alternate,  ovate, pointed at  each
end, shallow scollops  and little rounded projections  along the
margin.   Flowers yellow, spotted with orange, hood-shaped,
succeeded by pods, which, when fully ripe, burst suddenly, or
if touched about this time will instantly fly  to pieces and scatter
the seed; hence called touch-me-not.
  This  common herb is highly esteemed by some as a remedy
for jaundice, taken  in tea either alone or  combined with soot
from the chimney.   It is also esteemed a good  diuretic, useful
in  dropsy ;  and its juice is found beneficial for removing warts
and ring-worms, salt-rheum,  or tetter,  and for cleansing foul
ulcers.  It may also be used for the same purposes in decoction,
or it may be  applied to ring-worms, Sic,  in poultice boiled in
milk. 
Ictodes  Fcetida,  ( Swamp-Cabbage ). 
 
MATERIA MEDICA.
317
                   INULA HELENIUM.
               Common name-~-Elecampane.

  A very common plant, groAving  about  houses, along roads,
and in cultivated grounds, producing large leaves, and large yel-
Ioav  flowers.
  The root of the elecampane has long been celebrated as a val-
uable remedy for various complaints, particularly all diseases  of
the lungs, such as coughs, consumptions, and asthmas.   It like-
wise promotes urine and insensible  perspiration, gently loosens
the bowels, and possesses the  general properties of a strength-
ening restorative medicine.   It is also said to be good for worms.
It may be used in the form of a  tea, electuary, or syrup, or the
roots may be candied  in syrup or melasses.
                JEFFERSONIA  DIPHYLLA.
                Common name—Tavin-leaf.

  Root perennial, small, fibrous, very numerous.  Leaves many,
growing on long petioles or footstalks, divided into  two equal
parts.   Scape or flower stem producing one single Avhite floAver.
Abundant in Ohio.
  This root needs further investigation ; but so far as known it in
a good external application to  sore eyes,  ulcers, &c.   It is said
the Indians use  this plant as a diuretic in dropsy; and there is
no doubt,  from the sensible qualities of  the article, that it may
become a valuable internal remedy in various diseases, as a tonic.
  Since the publication of the second edition of this Avork, the
tonic properties ascribed to this plant have been partially confirm-
ed, and others ascertained  of Avhich, previously, Ave  had no
knowledge.  It is said, on the authority of Dr. I. D. Jones, of
Worthington College, O., to be stimulant, diaphoretic, anti-rheu-
matic, and anti-spasmodic.  Especially useful in chronic rheuma-
tism.   \_Flora of the  Western States."]   Its stimulant and anti-
rheumatic  qualities  are also  confirmed   by other respectable
authority, from Avhich source we  have also obtained the follow-
ing methods of preparing and using it. For making the tincture,
infuse two ounces of the dried root in a quart of spirits ; of Avhich
a dose  is  one large table-spoonful three times a day.  For a
decoction,  steep one  ounce of the roots  in a quart of boiling
water;  of Avhich a dose is about  the third of a tea-cupful  threes
times a day.   Either preparation may be  taken more frequent!/
if deemed necessary.
  Vol. 11.-^x2                33 
318
MATERIA MEDICA.
                   JUGLANS CINERIA.

       Common names—Butternut, White Walnut.

  This tree is too well knoAvn to need  any description, being
found in rich, moist, or rocky soils, near streams, in almost all
parts of the country.
  The inner bark of  the butternut  tree, and  especially of  the
root, is a mild and efficacious purge,  leaving the boAvels in a bet-
ter condition perhaps than almost any other  in  use.   In diar-
rhoea, dysentery, and Avorms, it is the best  cathartic which  we
have ever employed.  The bruised bark applied to the skin will
produce a blister.
  It may be prepared in extract, pills, syrup, or cordial.  For
preparing the cordial,  take any quantity of  the fresh bark, split
it into slips, of half an inch wide, beat with a hammer  so as to
reduce it to  a  soft stringy state; then  put it into an  earthen
vessel, packing it close, and pour on  it of boiling water sufficient
to cover the bruised bark; set the vessel on coals near the fire,
having it closely covered, and allow it to stand and simmer for
one or two hours.   Then strain off the liquor, and add sugar or
melasses sufficient to make  a syrup, when it may be bottled and
from one quarter to one half the quantity of proof spirits added
to preserve it.  Dose for  a child, from half  to two great spoon-
fuls, repeated at intervals of half or a whole hour, until it ope-
rates.  For grown persons,  the dose must be much larger.  This
preparation is mild but highly efficacious  for the bowel com-
plaints of children or adults, and will  cure without  giving enough
to  operate  as  physic: but for dysentery and worms  enough
should be administered to operate freely on the bowels.   It may
be given in all ordinary diseases of  children with the happiest
effect, being a most valuable family  medicine.
  The syrup  is made in a similar manner, only it is boiled down
so as to make it much stronger, and  more actively purgative.
                JUNIPERUS  COMMUNIS.
         Common name—Juniper  Shrub  or Bush.
  This is an ever-green, growing on dry, barren commons, and
hilly grounds, in many parts of the United States, and in Europe.
It is somewhat  remarkable that no  grass or herbage Avill grow
beneath this shrub.
  Wherever  the juniper gets a hold in the earth it throAvs out
roots from its branches, giving rise to new shrubs, and  spreads
in  all  directions, forming beds  many  rods in circumference.
Bigelow says it seldom rises more  than two or three feet from 
MATERIA MEDICA.                 319
the ground.   The tips of the branches are smooth and angular;
leaves growing in threes, slender and pointed.  Berries fleshy,
roundish, oblong, of a dark purplish color, and are the part prin-
cipally used in medicine.
   When these berries  are of a good quality they yield, by
distillation, a large quantity of pungent, volatile oil, of a peculiar
flavor, being the same  that it imparts to gin, and which  gives
this liquor its diuretic qualities.  The berries of juniper, or the
essence  made from the  oil,  is a valuable diuretic, useful in all
dropsical complaints.  The berries  in a  moderately strong in-
fusion, with the addition of a little gin, are frequently used
in dropsy.
                    LAURUS BENZOIN.
  Common names—Spiceavood, Spicebush, Feverbush, &c.
   A description of this spicy, aromatic bush, is deemed quite
unnecessary.  A tea made  from the twigs is  esteemed a good
drink in  intermittent fevers, having  a tendency to relax  the
solids, attenuate  the fluids, and promote perspiration.   It is
also considered  an  efficacious remedy for Avorms, and is often
given to children for this  purpose.   The berries  boiled  in
milk have been found a salutary medicine in dysentery; and no
doubt may prove valuable in all complaints of the  bowels.  The
oil from the berries  is a fine stimulant, used, says Rafinesque,
for bruises, colics, itch, and  rheumatism ; and we think might be-
come an article of trade in this country where the berries abound
in such profusion.
                   LAURUS CAMPHORA.
             Common  name—Camphire Tree.

   The  camphor laurel  grows  in  great  abundance,  and to a
considerable size, in the forests of Japan ; and is not uncommon
in green-houses in England.
   Camphor exists  in distinct grains  in the wood of  the root,
body, and branches of the camphor tree, and is extracted by the
process of sublimation; which is conducted in the same manner
as distillation, only that  in sublimation, heat is applied to  dry
solid  substances, whilst in distillation it is applied  to  fluids.
Camphor,  however, is a proximate principle of vegetable mat-
ter, and exists in many other  plants besides the camphor tree,
especially those of an aromatic quality.
   When the camphor is brought to Europe, it undergoes a second
sublimation, with the addition of one twentieth of its weight of
lime, by Avhich it is rendered more pure.
                  21 
320                 MATERIA MEDICA.
  Great use  is made of camphor  externally,  in  the  form of
liniment, to disperse  swellings, tumors, and  pains, and  to  re-
lieve  bruises, sprains,  &c.   It is  one of the ingredients  in
opodeldoc.
  Camphor dissolved in spirits is  an  almost universal family
medicine, used as a stimulant  and  anodyne, in fainting, head-
ache, colic, Sic
                LAURUS CINNAMOMUM.

             Common name—Cinnamon Tree.

  The cinnamon tree is  a  native of Ceylon, in the  East In-
dies, but is  now cultivated in Jamaica, and  other West India
islands.   GroAvs from four to ten feet high, very bushy ; leaves
resemble the laurel, and have the hot taste and smell of cloves
when chewed.  Cinnamon of the shops, is  the inner bark  of
the tree.
  This  bark is a useful and elegant aromatic, very grateful to
the taste and to the stomach.  It  is stimulating,  tonic, car-
minative, and  stomachic.  Useful  combined  with bitters, dia-
phoretic  powders,  Sic  The oil  of cinnamon is  a  powerful
stimulant, a  little of which may be  put on lint, and applied to
hollow teeth, to cure the toothache.
                  LAURUS SASSAFRAS.
          Common  names—Sassafras, Saxafrax.
  The  sassafras tree has  been long regarded as a valuable
medicinal article.  The  bark has a fragrant  smell  and  very
agreeable spicy taste.  The  flavor of the root is most poAver-
ful; that of the branches most pleasant.  The flavor and  odor
reside in a volatile oil, which is readily obtained  by distillation.
The bark, leaves, and pith,  abound Avith a large quantity of
mucilage, which is useful in  dysentery.  A very  small quantity
of the pith infused in a glass of water gives to the whole a  rop>
consistence, like the  white of an  egg; and is an excellent appli
cation to sore eyes.   The bark of the root is the  part principal
ly employed.
  Sassafras is stimulant, tonic, and antiseptic.   A small quantity
of the oil, applied to  an  inflammation on the surface, will gene-
rally cure it.   The  bark bruised, and formed into a poultice
with corn meal, is a  powerful  antiseptic, applied to mortifying
ulcers.  It is  probable  that the oil or its essence may have a
still more poAverfuI effect, and might also be used internally for
the  same  purpose, in all cases of mortification, and particular- 
MATERIA MEDICA.
321
ly of the bowels.   The  mucilage is said to be good in gravel
and catarrh.
  The medicinal properties of sassafras are very volatile,  and
therefore lose much by long keeping.
                LEONTODON TARAXACUM.
           Common names—Dandelion,  Pissabed.

   This plant is too common to need a description, growing almost
 every where in improved lands that are not ploughed, as pastures,
 meadows, yards, Sic
   We extract the following from a communication published in
 the " Eclectic and Medical Botanist," written by an  individual
 whose practical knowledge is, we are assured, a sufficient guar-
 antee for the correctness of his observations :
   " Diuretic.—Producing an increased secretion of  urine and
 serviceable in  many of the  nephritic  affections; and  when
 we  take into  consideration that even vis medicatrix  naturae
 when encroached upon  by morbid excitement, and  especially
 when aided by this  diuretic article,  frequently employs the
 emunctuaries of the venal  organs to carry  off the  more  serous
 parts of the blood, which  in some instances (such as dropsy)
 is very  considerable, thus reducing excess of action in  particular
 organs.
   " We perceive that this  article is susceptible  of a much more
 extensive practical application than it has met with.  If diu-
 resis  be desired  more  than  this  article  alone will  produce,
 the Apium petroselinum (common garden parsley) is  a valuable
 adjunct.
   " Diaphoretic.—Promoting  an  increased  exhalation from
 the external surface and  sympathetically influencing   almost
 every function  in  the animal economy—and directly relieving
 congestion by  equalizing  excitement  and circulation—appli-
 cable to almost every form of febrile  and inflammatory action.
 As an auxiliary  the Asclepias tuberosa, (pleurisy root,) or Eupa-
 torium perfoliatum, (boneset or thoroughwort,) 1 have found it
 serviceable, especially the former.
   " Aperient.—Moderately purgative  to the  bowels,  and  is
 perhaps  the  best  article we can resort to with expectation of
 radical cure in cases of constipation from  biliary obstructions,
 or deficient peristaltic action.  To increase its cathartic effects
 add Iris germanica, Flower-de-luce (or common blue flag of the
 gardens—the large.)
   "Anti-spasmodic  Expectorant.—In pulmonary diseases  I
have  found the  dandelion  an invaluable remedy.  I  believe  I
 will venture  a  prediction.   If ever  any  one  article cures  a
                 29 
322
MATERIA MEDICA.
confirmed consumption, it will probably prove to be this.  Pos-
sessed of such  active and extensive medical properties, which
may be so managed in its exhibition as to produce almost any
effect to any extent desired  on any function, tissue or set.of
organs, in the  animal  machine, Avhat  may Ave not expect from
it?  In asthma and catarrhal coughs, let those who persevere in
its use, judge for themselves.
  " Tonic.—The bitter principle with which the dandelion is
endoAved renders it a valuable  strengthening  remedy in  all
cases of debility, especially such  as are connected Avith much
nervous irritability, Avhere  tonics are generally  inadmissible.
To  the dyspeptic (especially if nervous,) I would say, try it
perseveringly.
  " Alterative.—In  no one  point do I esteem the  dandelion
more valuable than this, especially on  the biliary system—-here
I could write a  volume—but I have already extended this arti-
cle  beyond my  design when  I commenced;  suffice it to say in
conclusion, that I consider the dandelion much better adapted to
chronic than acute forms of disease.
  "My common form of employing it, is the  expressed juice
of the herb, (top and root,) obtained  at  any time  in the spring
or summer, or a decoction of the roots obtained in autumn.  I
sometimes use  a semi aqua spiritous tincture saturated.   In
many cases,  at first I employ a quantity sufficient to produce a
decided effect on the urinary organs, the bowels, or the skin."
  It is also remarked  in the same communication, that the ac-
tion of any of the foregoing properties may be augmented and
its  specific effects  increased, by combining with the  dandelion
other articles whose action  upon the  system is  known to be
such as will  facilitate the operation we wish to produce.
  Rafinesque  says  that the milky juice of the  stem of this
plant removes freckles from the skin.
                LEPTANDRA VIRGINICA.
  Common names—Blackroot, Brintonroot, Bowmanroot,
                   Culver's Physic,  &c.

   Root  perennial, black  or  dark colored, many small fibers
growing from a long woody caudex or head.  Stems, several
rising  from the same  root, round, somewhat hairy, growing
from two to four  feet  high,  branching, branches  bearing on
their tops a spike or tassel of white crowded flowers.  Leaves
in whorls, of four  or five  at  a joint, long, narrow and pointed
edges set with unequal  sharp teeth.  Growing in wettish lands,
mear streams, and in open glades and plains.
   The  blackroot is very highly celebrated by  those best  ac- 
Leptandria Virginica, ( Black-root). 
 
Liatris Spicata,  ( Colic Root). 
 
MATERIA MEDICA.
327
quainted Avith its  virtues and  effects, as an  efficient purge,
operating with mildness and certainty, Avithout producing that
depression of the living  poAvers so common to other purgative
medicines.   In typhus and bilious fevers, it removes the black,
Larry, morbid  matter, from the  intestines,  Avhich it  seems so
necessary to carry off by some means or other, and does it in
a most  natural manner,  without weakening  the tone of  the
boAvels, or leaving behind it  the poisonous sting so often re-
maining after the use of  calomel, that almost universal cathar-
tic in fevers.  The blackroot is also a diaphorectic, antiseptic,
and tonic.  It may be taken in doses of a heaping tea-spoonful,
in half  a gill of boiling water, sweetened if most agreeable, re-
peated in three hours if it do not operate.
  This appears to  be  the  same  article mentioned by Peter
Smith,  under  the names of  Culver's  or Brinton's root, Avith
which he says his father " used to cure the pleurisy Avith ama-
zing speed."  This  root was also a favorite medicine Avith the
famous Indian Doctor Hough.  He says it is " a most mild and
efficacious  purge in  fevers,  in  disorders  of  the  stomach or
bowels, to destroy vicious humors in the blood, to remove cos-
tiveness, or to cool fevers."
   The  Wyandot Indians likewise speak of this root in terms of
high commendation; saying it is a very good healing purge.
                    LIATRIS SPICATA.
Common names—Colicroot, Button Snakeroot, Backache-
               root, Devilsbit, Gayfeather.

  Root perennial,  about the size of the finger or larger, and
from one to tAvo inches long,  rough and knobby, sending off a
great many very small fibrous  roots,  almost  like hair.   Stem
round, about three feet high,  supporting on its top a long spike
or tassel of scaly, purple colored, blossoms, in shape bearing a
distant resemblance to an oak acorn.   Found  in  the  prairies
of the Western States.
  The colic  root is  a  warming stimulant, diuretic,  sudorific,
carminative, and anodyne.  The root is used in colic, backache,
dropsy, Sic  It may be given in tea alone, or advantageously
combined  Avith  other articles,  particularly the  diaphoretic pow-
ders.
                LINUM  USITATISSIMUM.
                   Common  name—Flax.
  This valuable article is said to have come originally from those
parts of Egypt Avhich are exposed to the inundations of the Nile 
323
MATERIA MEDICA.
  An infusion or tea  of flax-seed, sweetened  with honey, is
useful for coughs, asthma, and  scalding of the urine.   The
seeds also make an excellent poultice; and the  fresh  oil is by
some esteemed equal to the castor oil.
             LIRIODENDRON  TULIPIFERA.
Common names—Yelloav Poplar, White-wood, Tulip-tree.

  This  is a  native of, and  well  known tree  in, the United
States.  It attains a great size, and may be ranked amongst the
noblest trees of the forest.
  The bark of both body and root has long been employed in
this  country as a tonic  of high  rank.  It is a strong bitter,
somewhat aromatic and astringent; found useful in dysentery,
hysterics,  dyspepsy, worms,  and aU cases  of debility.  For
worms it  is  highly recommended, and  has become a popular
remedy  in many  places.
  The pulverized bark of the poplar may be given  in half or
whole tea-spoonful doses ; or it may be  combined  with  other
tonics.  It is best given in substance, though  it may be admin-
istered  in infusion, decoction, or tincture.   The  bark of the
root is best for medicine, and  ought to be gathered in the latter
part of winter or spring.
                 LOBELIA CARDINALIS.

Common names—Cardinal Floaver, Cardinal Plant,  Red
                        Lobelia

  Roots perennial, fibrous, whitish, of  a nauseous pungent
taste, affecting the mouth and throat in a manner similar to the
lobelia inflata.   The stem is erect, pubescent or hairy, growing
from tAvo to four feet high, terminating in a long spike of bril-
liant red colored flowers, which distinguish it from  all other
plants common to  the soil  Avhere it grows.  The leaves are
broad-lanceolate, of a shining green, and  unequally toothed on
the margin.   The time of flowering is from the last of July till
September, when it may readily be distinguished in marshes,
meadows, and in low wet situations, in  all parts of the country.
  " Few plants," says  Barton, " equal in beauty this gaudy
floAver.   Indeed  it is  far more shoAvy and elegant than a multi-
tude of  exotics so industriously  cultivated.  Wherever seen, it
is greatly admired, and perhaps  it only requires to be generally
known,  in order to obtain  a high station  in the catalogue of
favorite  plants."   We can add, on these points,  our own  testl
mony to the truth of Dr. Barton's remarks. 
Lobelia Cardinalis, ( Red  Lobelia ). 
 
Lobelia Inflata,  ( Lobelia). 
 
MATERIA MEDICA.
333
  Of the medicinal poAvers  of the lobelia cardinalis, but  little
at present is known.  The Cherokee Indians, it is said, employ
it with success in the treatment of worm complaints.  A " root
doctor" of some respectability, considers it a most powerful ner-
vine, superior to any thing else knoAvn.   He employs the roots,
but in Avhat form or quantity Ave do not  know.  Of the medi-
cinal properties of this plaite, Ave can say nothing from our own
experience ; but from its sensible qualities, reputed powers, and
the well known activity of the lobelia genus, Ave think it  worthy
of further  investigation.   Indeed Ave could wish to see a  more
thorough examination of the medicinal properties of every  plant
belonging to this genus, as there is little doubt that  a valuable
addition of active and useful plants might thereby be added to
the vegetable materia medica.  And we  will take the liberty of
suggesting, that those who may feel  disposed to investigate the
properties of the  plant under consideration, should not  confine
themselves to the  root alone, but extend their experiments to
the leaves also.
                   LOBELIA INFLATA.

Common  names—Lobelia,  Emetic Herb,  Emetic  Weed,
      Indian  Tobacco,  Eyebright, Puke Weed,  &c.

  Lobelia inflata is a biennial plant, groAving from eight to thirty
inches high; stem  erect, milky, branched.  Leaves  alternate,
milky, oval, or oblong, acute, edges jagged Avith unequal teeth.
Flowers scattered along  the branches, small, pale blue, axillary
to bracts someAvhat similar to the leaves but much smaller, up-
per ones  the smallest.   Seed vessel a  small  oblong, roundish
pod, croAvned  Avith several little bracts  which are the calyx of
the  flower.  Dr. Thomson  fancifully supposes the  pod to re-
semble the human stomach.  Seeds many, very minute, broAvn,
resembling tobacco seeds.
  Lobelia is a common plant in most parts of the United States,
groAving by the road side, rarely in woods, in the greatest abun-
dance in stubble fields, especially the next season after the crop
is taken off.  When broken, a milky, acrid, juice exudes from
the  plant,  of a most penetrating diffusible nature, which, if ap-
plied only to the eyelid, produces a powerful effect  upon the
eye, whence the name eyebright.   This  plant being biennial,
throAVs out the first year only a feAV radical roundish leaves lay-
ing  close to the ground; the next year  it produces  the stem,
branches,  and  seeds.   The leaves and  roots of the  first year
are  as poAverfuI as the mature plant, excepting the seeds, which
are  the strongest.
  The Avhole plant is  acrid and nauseous, producing salivation ;
  Vol.  II.—Y                34 
334
MATERIA MEDICA.
whence, we suppose, originated  the mistaken supposition that
it causes the  slavers in horses and  cattle.  It is not known to
produce this affection; but,  on the contrary, horses and cattle
are affected in this way Avhen feeding on pasture grounds where
this invaluable herb does not grow.
  The lobelia is the most valuable and efficient emetic knoAvn;
its full merits being scarcely appreciated even by those who are
in the habit of making frequent use of it.  It also acts as a su
dorifie, expectorant, and diffusible stimulant; and for the relief
and even cure of asthma, and as an anti-spasmodic,  its equal
has not yet come to the knoAvledge  of  the world.   As a stimu-
lant it extends its effects to every part of the system,- removing
obstructions,  and restoring  a healthy action, wherever  the  one
exists, or the other is needed.   Its  action or effects may  often
be sensibly felt or  knoAvn by a pricking sensation over the  sys-
tem, particularly in the fingers and toes, frequently  attended by
another singular sensation, comparable to the purring of a cat.
Professor Rafinesque says that some of the medicinal proper-
ties of lobelia were known to the Indians ; it being used by them
to clear the stomach and head  in their great councils.
  A diversity of  symptoms  attend the operation of  lobelia
emetics, evincing the magnitude of its power and the surprising
energy of its operation on the  human  system, which often ter-
rify those who are unacquainted Avith its superior and  astonish-
ing influence and efficacy in arresting  diseased action,  and re-
storing health and  harmony to the human machine.   Its effects
are different on different individuals, and upon the same individ-
ual at different times.  Sometimes there will be severe  pain in
the stomach  and bowels ; strange,  agitated, and indescribable,
but not always unpleasant, sensations.  Convulsive  motions of
the lower jaw, often attended with a convulsive breathing,  like
the sobbing of a child.   General distress,  or universal  sicken-
ing feeling.   Sometimes perfectly easy  and quiet, without the
power to move hand  or foot, or  even of rolling the eyeballs in
their sockets; and  at other times great restlessness and anxiety,
Avith symptoms of a most alarming character, prevail.   In some
instances the  countenance becomes pale, and  the skin cold, with
the appearance  of approaching death;  whilst in  others, the
countenance assumes  a florid appearance, bearing the marks of
health.
  These symptoms,  together Avith a great  variety of  others
Avhich it would be  impossible  to describe, are very  alarming to
those who  are unacquainted Avith the lobelia; and Ave  mention
them here in order to guard such, against unnecessary fears from
their occurrence.   The practitioner  and patient may be assured
that Ave hav„ never seen nor knoAvn of an  instance  in which
.hose  alarminfc symptoms produced, or Avere followed bv, any 
Lobelia  Syphilitica, ( Blue Lobelia ).
22 
 
MATERIA MEDICA.                 337
permanently bad effect.  Dr. Thomson, avIio claims  the honor
of first introducing  the lobelia into general notice, speaking of
them, says, " they appear to be  the effects of the  last struggle
of disease, and are a certain evidence of a favorable turn of the
disorder."   HoAvever Ave may disagree with  Dr.  Thomson in
calling that a cause which is only an effect, we must acknow-
ledge that he  has  hereby furnished us  with a valuable hint.
The alarming effects of lobelia are probably caused  by the re-
storation of a healthy action to diseased parts which have long
been accustomed to a morbid sensibility and a diseased  action.
A healthy operation  being thus  suddenly restored, and the or-
gans not being properly prepared to receive  the neAv impulse,
an unusual and oftentimes alarming train  of symptoms are pro-
duced.   But this state is generally of short duration ;  the organs
soon become accustomed to their new and healthy action, the
perturbation of nature subsides,  and  the  patient feels no ill ef-
fects from the previous unpleasant symptoms.  And what  still
further confirms these views is, that those alarming  symptoms
are almost always followed by a more rapid  improvement of
health, and are, therefore, to be regarded as indications favorable
to the prospects of a speedy recovery.
   As an antidote to poisons  of all  kinds, whether animal or
vegetable, the lobelia stands unrivalled ; particularly in the cure
of hydrophobia.  Several  Avell  attested cases of cures  of  this
terrible and fatal disease, have come to our knowledge,  one of
which occurred in the city of Cincinnati, an  account Avhereof
is published in  the appendix to this volume.
   The lobelia is used in  powder, infusion, or tincture, of the
leaves and pods, or the seeds, either simply by itself or com
pounded with other articles.  The best time  to gather  it is \r
the fall, when the  leaves are beginning to turn yellOAV, as the
seed is then ripe, and we have the advantage of the whole plant
For preparation and doses, see under the heads of compounds
and course of medicine.
                 LOBELIA SYPHILITICA.

  Common names—Blue Lobelia, Blue Cardinal Floaver,
                        Highbelia.

  The blue cardinal flower is a common plant in the Western
country, and is found  in most of the Western, Southern, and
Southwestern  States.  The roots are perennial, Avhite, fibrous,
from one  to three  inches long.  Stem erect, somewhat angled,
hairy towards the  top, from one to three feet high, terminating
in a spike of dense, clustered, large, pale blue blossoms.  Leaves
large, diminishing in size  towards  the  top, croAvded on some 
338                 MATERIA MEDICA.
plants, and resembling the leaves of the lobelia inflata,  finely
indented on the edges with unequal teeth.   Growing in wettish
lands, along dry runs or  drains, often in clusters.   The whole
plant is milky.
  The root of this species of lobelia is the part which is princi-
pally used for  medicine, and  is  said to be diuretic, cathartic,
sudorific, purgative, emetic, and anti-syphilitic, from which last
reputed property it has derived its specific name.   It is said by
Chapman, that some of the Western physicians use it with suc-
cess as a cure for the dropsy.   Its diuretic  properties are cer-
tainly worthy of further investigation; but it is introduced here
principally from its  high recommendation as a remedy in diar-
rhoea and dysentery.  From half to a whole  tea-spoonful of the
pulverized root taken in water, and repeated if necessary, is said
by some who have often tried it, to be a certain remedy in those
complaints.   We think it worthy of a trial.
                MACROTRYS  RACEMOSA.
  Common names—Rattleaveed, Squawroot, Richweed,
           Black Cohosh, Black Snakeroot, Sic

  Root perennial, black, Avith a large caudex or head, and many
long fibers.  Stem from three to six feet high, sometimes slightly
crooked, jointed, and terminating in a spike of Avhite blossoms.
The leaves are of that kind termed biternately compounded, ari-
sing from  the root and  forming a considerable  cluster about
eighteen inches  or  two  feet high.   Found all over the United
States, growing in  rich  open  woods, particularly on rich hill
sides, and near fields.
  The  rattleroot  is considered  astringent, diuretic, sudorific,
anodyne, emmenagogue, and tonic.  It is an Indian remedy, and
much used in rheumatism,  and also to  facilitate  ehild-birth,
whence its name squawroot.  It is used as a popular remedy in
the  treatment of rheumatism, fever and ague, and is also a pow-
erful medicine in cases of female obstructions.   It is likewise
said to be a valuable remedy in small pox, an account of Avhich
has already been given under that head.  It is used by  the In-
dians as an antidote for the bite of snakes; for Avhich purpose it is
bruised  and  applied to  the AA-ound.   It is also  said  to  cure
the  itch.
  Rattleroot has, hoAvever, acquired the greatest  celebrity as a
cure for coughs and consumptions.  In diseases of this charac-
ter, we  have many testimonials of its value, which are  entitled
to the fullest  confidence, even  in cases of confirmed consump-
tion.  A number of cases of pulmonary complaints are detailed
in a late inaugural essay, by G. W. M--—  VT  *"* '' 
Macrotrys  [Botrophis] Racemosa, ( Black Cohosh ). 
 
Mentha Piperita, (Peppermint). 
1 
MATERIA MEDICA.
343
under our notice  within the last few days, in which it appears
the rattleroot  produced the most decidedly beneficial effects.
He also tried it in one case of intermittent fever which had resist-
ed the ordinary treatment for  six weeks, and  cured it in four
days, by administering the saturated tincture,  beginning with
twenty  drops, afterwards  increased to a tea-spoonful, and after
the chills ceased to return, using a strong decoction.   Dr. Mears
also records several  cases of diarrhoea in  which the rattleroot
effected speedy cures.  He likewise records one very bad case
of pain and inflammation of the  shoulder,  in which the squaw-
root was used with the most decisive advantages.
   Dr. Mears appears to use the tincture, decoction, or poAvder,
of this article indiscriminately.   Of the tincture, he administers
from twenty drops to one tea-spoonful at a dose; the decoction, he
appears to have used in doses of one great spoonful, every two
hours for children of three or four years  old ; and the pulverized
root, in doses of from five to ten grains, (about half a tea-spoon-
ful) three times a day.   The decoction is made by steeping from
a  fourth to half  an  ounce of the  powdered root  in a pint of
water.
   The tincture has been known sometimes to produce an alarm-
ing effect, and is thought, by some, to be dangerous, which we,
however, think doubtful.   The decoction may be taken in much
larger quantity without producing any unpleasant effect; and on
that account is preferable to the tincture.
                 MARRUBIUM VULGARE.
                Common name—Hoarhound.
  This is a common perennial plant, growing on road sides,
along lanes,  near houses, and amongst rubbish.  The leaves
have a very strong smell and bitter taste.   Said to be good for
poisons, to check and cure salivation, to  remove obstructions,
and highly  valuable in  a sweetened  infusion for  coughs and
asthma; and in large doses laxative.
                   MENTHA PIPERITA.
               Common name—Peppermint.
  Very  common  in  wet land.   Hot  and pungent, being  the
strongest of all the mints.   Useful to check nausea and vomit-
ing, to expel wind, relieve hysterics, and prevent the griping
effects of cathartics; for which purposes it is very frequently
employed by  the  Reform  Colleges  of New York and  Wor-
thington.  Bruised and applied externally to the stomachs of chil-
  Vol. II.—y  2 
344                 MATERIA MEDICA.
dren, it is useful to allay  sickness and vomiting.  It is mostly
used in the form of essense.
                   MENTHA VIRIDIS.
                Common name—Spearmint.

  Grows on the banks of streams, and in wet land; has a warm,
rough, bitter taste, and  strong aromatic smell.  Used in decoc-
tion, oil, or essence, for complaints of the stomach, and to expel
wind.  Also very valuable to remove sickness at the stomach,
and to check vomiting.
  Dr. Beach, in his  " American Practice," recommends  what
he terms " the  spirits of mint, which is made by bruising the
green plant, and adding  sufficient fourth-proof Holland gin to
make a saturated tincture, which makes a preparation remarka-
bly efficacious in suppressions of urine, gravelly affections, &c."
" The dose of this preparation is a wine-glass full, drank as  often
as the stomach will bear.   Cotton wet with the above liquid,
and applied to piles, affords immediate relief."
              MINISPERMUM CANADENSE.

Common names—Moonseed, Yellow Parilla, Vine Maple.
  Root perennial, horizontal, very  long, yellow, woody, Avith
somewhat jointed, fibers issuing from each joint.  Stem a woody
vine, from three to six  feet high, small, of a dark green color,
twining around whatever it may come  in contact with.   Leaves
scattered, very broad, round cornered, somewhat resembling the
maple leaf, grows in rich and often moist lands, near streams, Sic
  The root of the parilla is a pleasant bitter tonic and laxative;
useful in all cases of debility ; strengthens the nervous system ;
very good for worms.   May be used simply by itself, or com-
bined Avith other tonics.
  This article has also acquired much popularity in many places
and  with  many persons,  as a remedy in both the venereal
and mercurial diseases; and there seems to be no doubt that it is
highly  valuable in  both  these  complaints.  In the  folIoAving
extract from Dr. Gunn's " Domestic Medicine," there is no doubt
he alludes to  the yellow  parilla, although he calls  it sarsapa-
rilla, and thinks it (erroneously) the same as the imported article
sold  under that name.  " It may be considered/' says he, " as
one  of  the most  valuable roots in  the Western  country, and
although possessing great power, is entirely innocrent.  It ought
most certainly to be used in all cases  where mercury has had
any effect on  the  system, or in Avhich there is the least doubt 
•s?
«
»

Mbnispermum Canadenses,  (Yellow Parilla). 
 
MATERIA MEDICA.
347
that any infection lurks in it connected  with  venereal."   We
will also add, that by some it is considered as a specific in this
loathsome disease.
                 MITCHELLA REPENS.
Common names—Partridgeberry, Checkerberry, Oneberry,
               Winter-clover, Squaw-vine.

  This is  a small, ever-green, perennial procumbent vine, lying
close to the ground.   Leaves opposite, small, and round.  Flow-
ers in pairs,  white,  and hairy within.   Fruit a  bright scarlet
red berry.
  Wherever this little vine grows, it is commonly abundant;
being usually in beds or mats, covering the ground with its ever-
green verdure.  It is found in shady woods  on almost every va-
riety of soil, from  rocks  and poor dry  knobs, to the Avet rich
surfaces of swamps.
  The checkerberry is highly esteemed by some as  a remedy in
diarrhoea and piles, for which it is prepared  by boiling in sweet
milk, and  drinking freely of it.  The tea, says Rafinesque, is
used in New England as a diuretic for dropsy, and also the same
preparation for gout.  He likewise adds, that the berries are a
popular remedy for diarrhoea in the North,  and for  suppression
of urine in Carolina.
  We extract the following account of the  singular virtues of
this plant  from Smith's " Botanic Physician :"—
  " This is an invaluable plant for child-bearing Avomen.  I first
obtained the knowledge of its use from a tribe of Indians resi-
ding in the west part of New York, though not Avithout consid-
erable difficulty and intrigue.  The squaAvs drank it in decoction
for two or three weeks previous to, and during delivery, and it
was the use of this  herb that rendered that generally dreaded
event, so remarkably safe and easy with them."
                MONOTROPA  UNIFLORA.
      Common names—Fitroot, Iceplant, Pipeplant.
  This plant is not uncommon in the Western States, growing in
shady solitary places.   It is a singular herb, several plants often
growing from  the same root,  white, each stem bearing a single
blossom on the top, and without leaves.
  It is said to be a good nervine, useful in epilepsy and convul-
sions, simply by itself or combined with lady's slipper.  The
juice mixed with water, used for sore eyes; and probably might
be available in other  cases, both externally and internally, in
which  astringents  are  useful; considered equal to the  ^ereb
drops. 
348
MATERIA MEDICA.
                  MYRICA CERIFERA.

 Common names—Bayberry, Candleberry, Wax Myrtle,
                 Sweet Gale, Waxberry.

  Bayberry is a  shrub, growing in almost every kind of soil,
from Canada to Georgia.  It rises from two to twelve feet high,
being largest in the  South;  the top is much  branched,  and
covered with  a grayish bark.  The leaves are oblong, wedge-
shaped, broadest at the outer end,  sometimes  entire, but  fre-
quently toothed near the extremity.  The fruit is a grayish
berry, which grows in clusters on the sides of the branches, and
is covered  with  a substance  called bayberry tallow, of which
candles are often made.
  The bark of the root is  the part used as medicine, and is pos-
sessed of powerful medicinal properties, being an astringent tonic
of the purest and best kind, available in  all diseases.  In large
doses, when the stomach is  foul, it often  operates as an emetic.
It is  also a powerful errhine, making an excellent sneezing and
headache snuff. It enters into a number of compounds, being use-
ful in all complaints, particularly diarroeha and dysentery. Dose,
from half to a  whole  tea-spoonful in hot Avater sweetened.
                MYRISTICA MOSCHATA.
              Common name—Nutmeg Tree.
  The nutmeg tree, the fruit of which is the common nutmeg, is
a native of the Molucca Islands.  The involucre, husk, or shell,
of the nutmeg is called mace, and possesses all the virtues of
the nutmeg, with less astringency.
  Nutmeg is a pleasant aromatic, stomachic, astringent, and ner-
vine.   We  direct its use only in two compounds, though it
might be employed in any others which the taste or fancy may
indicate or desire.
                       MYRRHA.
          Common names—Myrrh, Gum Myrrh.

  This article is not a proper gum, but a gum-resin, and is the
concrete juice of an East Indian shrub, of which little or nothing
is known to  botanists.   The best  myrrh is of a reddish-brown
color, partly transparent, of a bitter and slightly pungent taste,
and strong aromatic, but not disagreeable odor.
  Myrrh is a good tonic, antiseptic, and vermifuge.   It strength-
ens the stomach, assists digestion, and promotes the secretions. 
Mtrica  Gale,  ( Sweet Gale.) 
 
Myrrha, ( Myrrh ).
23 
%
V 
\ V:
m.
Nkteta Cataria, ( Cat-mint). 
\ 
Nymph.ea  Odorata, (White Pond-lily). 
j*
•
1 
MATERIA MEDICA.
2>&1
It is highly useful in malignant, putrid, and pestilential disor-
ders ; and eminently serviceable in ulcers, both externally and
internally applied.   It is prepared in tincture, tAvelve ounces of
the best myrrh to a gallon of alcohol, high Avines, or Frenchbran-
dy.  The myrrh should be pulverized and added to the brandy
in  a bottle,  placed in a sun heat, often shaking for eight or ten
days, and then poured off or filtered.   Or it may be  placed in
water and boiled, and after the brandy remains for a feAv minutes
at  the boiling heat, must be taken out and corked.  After it has
become cool and Avell settled, pour off or filter, and  bottle for
use.  This is also a valuable remedy for dysentery.  The addi-
tion of an equal quantity of the tincture of aloes is  supposed
to  add to its efficacy as  a worm medicine.  The tincture of
myrrh may be taken in doses ofa tea or table-spoonful, or more.
For the best mode of preparing it, see under the head of  " Com-
pounds."
                   MYRTUS PIMENTA.

      Common names—Allspice Tree, Pimento Tree.

  This tree is a native of Jamaica, and produces the allspice or
Jamaica pepper.  Allspice is  the fruit plucked from the tree be-
fore it is ripe, and dried in the sun.   Its smell resembles a mix-
ture  of cinnamon, nutmeg, and  cloves, Avhence the name all-
spice.  It  is a Avarm, grateful, aromatic stimulant, much used as
a condiment in cookery; and in medicine is very advantageously
substituted for the more costly spices.  It enters into Dr. Well3
colic drops.
                   NEPETA CATARIA.

            Common names—Catnip, Catmint.
  This common plant is accounted valuable as an  external ap
plication in poultice to swellings ; internally for headache, colic
female obstructions, hysterics, Avorms, and spasms.  Adminis
tered by injection,  it relieves the restlessness and colic of chil
dren, for Avhich it is highly valuable.  It may also  be  adminis
tered by the mouth for the same purpose.   Very valuable com
mpn herb.
                  NYMPHjEA ODORATA.

     Common names—'White Pondlily, Toadlily, Sic.

  Root perennial, nearly the size of one's Avrist, very long, some
what hairy, horizontal, blackish, and knotty, always groAving in
                            35 
358
MATERIA MEDICA,
the water.   Leaves large, round, cleft from the edge to the stem
which is in the center, each lobe ending in a short, acute  point,
upper surface smooth and glossy, without veins, loAver surface
reddish,  with radiating nerves.  FloAvers large, white, giving
out a sweet odor, opening to the sun in the morning and closing
at night.
   The root of the Avhite  pondlily is a very valuable article  of
medicine, for either internal or external use.   Internally it is an
astringent  tonic, uSed in  diarrhoea, dysentery, and all cases  of
debility.   Externally it is  useful, in poultice, for biles, tumors,
inflammations, ulcers, &c.  The leaves are also useful for  the
same purpose.   The fresh juice of the roots  mixed Avith lemon
juice, is  said to be good to remove freckles, pimples, or blotches
from  the skin.   A tea of the root may be used at discretion ; or
it may be compounded with other astringent  or bitter  articles,
and employed as a tonic.
                ONOSMODIUM HISPIDUM.

  Common  names—False Gromavell, Wild Job's-tears,
                       Gravel-weed.

  Roots  perennial, large, resembling  elecampane roots,  dark
colored on the outside, light yellow Avithin. Stems several from the
same root, from one and a half to three feet high, branched to-
Avards the top, branches curved.  Leaves lance-oval, Avith an
acute point, scattered large on the  stem, much smaller on the
branches, several prominent  nerves visible on both sides,  very
rough, seeming to be drawn into  little dots or eleA^ations.   The
Avhole plant is very hispid or hairy.  Flowers yelloAvish-Avhite,
axillary to the leaves on the branches, producing a hard whitish
oval seed, about the size of hemp seed, and resembling the garden
Job's-tears.   Grows on the borders  of prairies, on hill sides and
other open situations, and is said to delight in a rich  limestone
soil.
  This plant was introduced to our  notice by Dr. A. Robinson,
of Indiana,  as  a solvent of the stone.   Its  medical properties
have been discovered by the Indians in Tennessee, by roasting
and eating the roots for food.   Both the roots and seeds are em-
ployed for curing the stone.  They are used as follows :—
  Take half a  pound of the bruised roots and two table-spoon-
fuls of the pulverized seeds, steep  the roots in three pints of boil-
ing water until the strength is extracted, then pour the decoc-
tion  on  the  seeds, and  drink a  tea-cupful of it  once in two
hours for twelve hours, or until it operates on the bowels  as a
cathartic,  when, as directed in the original  recipe, the sediment
o» seeds  must  be taken.  This finishes  the  process, which, it 
Panax Quinquefolicm, (Ginseng). 
/
1 
MATERIA MEDICA.
361
would seem, is relied upon to effect a cure.   There is a caution
in the recipe, however, not to continue the use of it too long,
for fear of producing too great a discharge of urine, from which
we infer that if once taking the medicine as  described, it must
be repeated.  It would seem, also to be a powerful diuretic, as
well  as solvent of the stone.
                    OXALIS STRICTA.
       Common names—Wood  Sorrel, Sheep Sorrel.
   This is a very common, perennial plant, growing in woods
 and shady places.   Stem from five to ten inches high, branched ;
 leaflets in threes, at the ends of the branches, obversely heart-
 shaped.   Flowers yellow, with  the  central  part  inclined to
 orange.   The  leaves have  a pure  and  pleasant  acid  taste;
 and may be used in all cases in which acids and antiseptics are
 indicated.
   The inspissated or concrete juice of  the sheep sorrel has, of
 late, become somewhat celebrated as an external application for
 cancerous affections.   Repeated  cures of cancers are reported
 to have been performed with this simple article; and we have
 no doubt that much confidence may be placed in it, in the treat-
 ment of this painful and  highly  dangerous affection.  A salve
 made of the sorrel  has  also been very  advantageously used  in
 cancers ; a remarkable instance of Avhich is related in the appen-
 dix in the case  of John Pegg.
   The juice of the sorrel is  prepared for use  in the following
 manner:—Take of the sorrel, any quantity, bruise it in a mor-
 tar, and then press out the juice, put  it  on  pewter plates  or
 dishes, and set  it in the  sun.   When it has become of a proper
 consistence to form a plaster, it ought to be put into earthen  or
 glass vessels to  preserve it for use.  When applied to the ulcer,
 spread a thin plaster of it on a piece  of bladder, leather,  or
 cloth, of a size  suitable to cover the sore.  These plasters must
 be occasionally renewed, washing the cancer with soap suds at
 each reneAval.  Two  plasters have been  known to cure a bad
cancer of the female breast; and in other instances one has been
sufficient.
  This remedy  has been kept a secret, and the knowledge of it
sold at a high price.
                PANAX QUINQUEFOLIA.

      Common names—Ginseng, Ginsang, Ginshang.

  Root perennial, fleshy, yellowish-white, spindle-shaped, of-
ten  forked.   Stem from  eight to eighteen inches high, round, 
362
MATERIA MEDICA.
smooth, divided at the top into three branches, supporting from
three to five oblong leaves, broadest towards the outer end, and
jagged.  Flowers small and white, producing a large red berry.
  This plant is said to  be the  famous  ginseng  of China,  to
which country it was formerly exported, and commanded a high
price.   Ginseng,  in the Chinese language, means, according to
Rafinesque, man's health, which indicates the high estimation
in Avhich this article  is held by them.  The American ginseng
is said, however,  to be  inferior to the celebrated Chinese  plant,
though possessing the same virtues.
  The roots have a pleasant camphorated smell,  and sweetish,
pungent, and slightly aromatic, bitter taste.  We  introduce the
article here, as a gentle stimulant, tonic, and nervine.  But the
Chinese attribute to it wonderful powers ;  such as that by chew-
ing the root, when walking, a person will not become fatigued;
it Avarms the stomach and bowels; cures the colic and obstruc-
tions of the breast; sustains excessive labor of both body and
mind, preventing  weariness and  dejection ;  quenches thirst, as-
suages hunger, prevents  dropsy, promotes the appetite, assists
digestion, prevents unpleasant dreams  and frights, strengthens
the judgment;  cures nervous, asthmatical, and hysterical affec-
tions ;  removes  all the disorders of weakness and  debility; and
also cures or relieves, according to Jartoux, almost  " every ill
that flesh is heir to."  " Such," says Rafinesque, are the Avon-
derful properties ascribed to this plant by the Chinese authors,
after an experience of tAvo  thousand  years.  They  often unite
it with orange peel, ginger, liquorice, cinnamon, peach-kernels,
honey, Sic, to aid its effects ; and prescribe it in poAvders, electu-
ary, extract, pills,  and decoction."
  The root of the ginseng is a mild but pretty efficient nervine,
either taken in poAvder, decoction, or tincture.  It  is  also a good
stomachic and restorative medicine ;  and as  a gentle  and agree-
able stimulant, is a valuable medicine  for  children.   Drs.
Greenavay and Cutler, have found it useful  in convulsions,
nervous affections, palsy, vertigo, and dysentery.   The leaves
are  also said to make a very grateful medical tea.  Dose, from
one to two  tea-spoonfuls of the powder, in hot water sAveetened
or it may be mixed with honey or melasses.
            PARTHENIUM INTEGRIFOLIUM.
   Common names—Nephritic Plant, Cutting Almond.

  Root very singular,  issuing from  a  caudex or head, at first
small, but gradually enlarging until it terminates very abruptly,
and then  giving off other roots of the  same or similar form;
each portion forming a distinct  root resembling in shape and 
Parthenium  Integrifolium, ( Cutting Almond ),
25 
 
MATERIA MEDICA.
365
size a young radish, but growing horizontally with the large
end  foremost, giving off a feAv fibrous roots and sending  up
stalks from near the large ends or buts of the  principal roots.,
which are blackish outside, and bluish-gray within.
  Stems several arising from the same root, round,  very hard,
of a dark red color, groAving from eighteen inches to two feet
high,  branched  toAvards the top, branches axillary  to  the
leaves.  Leaves, some of them  radical or nearly so, the others
scattering and few,  very obtusely dentate  or notched, loAver
ones petiolate, upper ones partly clasping the  stem, stiff and
harsh, upper  ones the smallest, partly  diamond shaped.
  Flowers  a kind of white button, cymous or partly umbellif-
erous,  growing at the extremities of the branches.
  This plant is highly esteemed by some practitioners as a rem-
edy in diseases of the urinary organs.   The root may be sliced,
infused in cold water, and drank in moderate quantities, for sup-
pressions of the  urine, and especially when a painful  scalding
or burning  sensation attends  its discharge,  or when it is voided
by drops or in very small quantities.
                 PHYTOLACCA DECANDRA.
  Common names—Poke,  Score, Pigeonberry,  Garget-root.
    Root large, perennial, branching, covered, with a very thin
  brownish bark or skin.  Stems many, annual, large, green at
  first, afterwards purple or red, smooth, branching, rising from
  four  to  eight feet.  Leaves large, scattered,  smooth,  oblong.
s  Flowers opposite the leaves, on long  racemes or spikes, pro-
  ducing many fleshy, dark purple berries, depressed or flattened.
  Found in abundance throughout the United States.
    The poke  root is  generally regarded as  a strong  poison,
  though by some recommended as  a good emetic.  We  think
  it,  however, not to be relied  upon for this  purpose.  Exter-
  nally, the roasted  root is  often  advantageously applied as a
  poultice to  SAvellings, bad ulcers, and  rheumatic joints.  The
  juice of the berries, dried in the sun  to a proper consistence
  for a plaster, is said to have cured cancers; and the external ap-
  plication of  the  juice  of the leaves, is recommended for  the
  cure of the itch, ring-worm, Sic
    The poke  is introduced into this work principally on  ac-
  count of its high reputation as a remedy for rheumatism.   For
  this  purpose,  the  ripe berries  are  collected in the fall,  the
 juice pressed out, and about half the  quantity  of brandy  (or
 enough to preserve it,) added  to  it,  and bottled for use.   We
 are also very strongly of the  opinion that equal  quantities of
 this juice and a strong decoction of the  rattle root, with brandy
   Vol. II.—Z       3f> 
366
MATERIA MEDICA.
enough  to  preserve the mixture, taken in small doses, would
probably make a better medicine for rheumatism than any single
remedy  ever tried.  We wish  some individual whose opportu-
nities allow him to  make  frequent and  extensive trials, would
test the  power of this compound.
  [We  have the pleasure of  informing the reader  that  the
above suggestion, which  was made  in the first edition,  has
been seized upon by Dr. T. Pittman, of Georgia, and two most
inveterate cases cured  by this prescription, after all other reme-
dies  usually employed, both by  the  medical faculty and  the
Botanic  practitioners, had  proved unavailing.]
                 PIMPINELLA ANISUM.

                  Common name—Anise.

  This is an  annual  plant, native of Syria,  Crete, and  other
parts of the  East.   The seeds, which is  the  part of the  plant
used,  have an aromatic odor,  and a Avarm  sweetish taste.—
They afford by distillation a considerable quantity of oil, which
has a strong flavor, and sweet but not pungent taste.
  Anise is good to expel wind  from the stomach or bowels, and
is  a grateful stimulant and stomachic.  The seeds enter into
bitter  tonic  compounds;  and  the oil  or  essence, into several
compound tinctures, either as medicinal agents, or to cover the
bad taste of other articles.
                   PINUS  BALSAMEA.

Common names—Balsam Fir, Hemlock Fir, Canada Balsam.

  The fir tree is a native of northern climates, where it is most
common.  It also grows as far seuth as Tennessee, where it is
confined to the highest mountains.
  The liquid resin, called balsam of fir,  or balsam of Canada,
is of a light color, very tenacious or sticky,  and  inflammable.
It is found in small blisters on the surface of the fir trees ; these
blisters are pierced with a knife or some sharp instrument, from
which the balsam exudes, and is  thus collected for use.
  As  an internal remedy,  this balsam is advantageously em-
ployed in  complaints of the breast and lungs, either pain, sore-
ness, or cough ;  it strengthens the nervous system, loosens the
bowels, cleanses and  heals internal ulcers, and diseases of the
urinary passages, often proving useful in the cure of gleet as Avell
as the preceding stages of the  venereal complaint;  and in fluor
albus or whites.  Externally, this valuable balsam is  applied to 
MATERIA MEDICA,                 367
clcers  and wounds,  being an excellent  ingredient in healing
salves.  Dose, internally, half a tea-spoonful, or less, with sugar
or melasses.
                  PINUS CANADENSIS.

              Common name-—Hemlock Tree.

  The inner bark of the common hemlock tree affords a very
good astringent, Avhich may be employed in all cases Avhere
articles of  that  class are indicated.  The leaves  and boughs
are  famed for producing perspiration by drinking  the  tea and
sitting  over the steam.   The oil and essence  are a good  sti-
mulant tonic,  useful in  colds, &c.  The oil is also a valua-
ble  ingredient in bathing drops.   It is  said that a fomentation
of the  hemlock is highly useful, as  an  application to  swelled
testicles,  caused by the translation of the mumps to these parts.
It may likewise be applied to similar swellings of the breasts of
females.
                     PIPER  NIGRUM.
              Common , name—Black Pepper.

  The vine which produces the black pepper is a native of the
East  Indies, Avhich seems, indeed, to be  the  nursery of the
spices.   The dark color of black pepper is owing to the berries
being gathered and dried before they are ripe.
  Black  pepper appears to possess, in an inferior degree, the
stimulant properties of cayenne, for Avhich it may be substituted,
but is probably slightly astringent.   It may be used as a substi-
tute for the cayenne, or red pepper, when neither of those arti-
cles can be obtained.  Dose, from half to a whole tea-spoonful,
in hot Avater SAveetened.
                   PLANTAGO MAJOR.
        Common names—Plantain, Great Plantain.

  This common  herb needs no description.   Its most popular
use is as an antidote to poisonous bites and stings.  Also said to be
good for ulcers, sore eyes, boAvel complaints, bloody urine, Sic
For either external or internal application, the tea or  expressed
juice may be used, or the bruised leaves may be applied exter-
nally for stings, bites, slight Avounds, sores, or tumors.
  " The ancients esteemed it highly, and employed it in visceral
obstructions, hemorrhages,  particularly from  the  lungs,  con-
sumptions, dvsentery, and other complaints."
               24  " 
36£
MATERIA MEDICA.
                 PLANTAGO CORDATA.
            Common  name-—Water Plantain.

  Root perennial, having one or more tap roots issuing from the
caudex or head, and  immediately on the under side of the cau-
dex is a singular cup or depression.  Leaves radical, ovate, often
somewhat cordate, with irregular tooth-like projections from the
margin, supported on long footstalks, of alight green color, very
much resembling the common plantain.  Stem from ten to twenty
inches  high,  terminating in a spike or tassel, in all respects
similar to the common  plantain; found in the wettest soils, and
shady places.
  The root of Avater plantain  is considered very valuable as an
astringent in dysentery, for Avhich purpose it may be given in
strong decoction, after  the bowels  have been  cleansed with a
mild cathartic.  It should be gathered in the fall.
  In a late tour  amongst the  Indians, we were assured by the
Wyandots, that it was  a very useful external application for old
sores, wounds, and bruises, whether inflamed or inclined to mor-
tify.  For this purpose, take  the  roots, Avash them clean, and
boil till  soft.   Mash  into a poultice, and apply to the sore, first
washing it with the water in Avhich the roots were boiled, and
repeat tAvo or three times a day, if the case be bad.  It removes
inflammation, reduces swelling, and cleanses and soon heals the
most foul and inveterate ulcers.
              PODOPHYLLUM PELTATUM.
          Common names—Mandrake, May-apple.

  The mandrake is  a  common  plant, groAving throughout the
United States, in shady, and oftentimes, moist situations.  Root
perennial,horizontal, round, long, larger than the largest goose-
quill, jointed, with  fibrous roots issuing at each joint.  Stem
smooth, round,  and erect, from eight  to eighteen inches high,
divided at the top into tAvo branches, each  branch supporting a
single large leaf.  FloAvers large, white, only one on a plant,
growing from the forks of the stem.
  The root of the mandrake is, by some, considered  poisonous
and unfit for medicine,  Avhilst by others it is regarded as one of
the most valuable articles.  All who have written upon the sub-
ject, however, agree in recommending it as a  most certain, safe,
salutary, and efficacious purge.   Almost all botanical physicians
make use of it for this purpose, and one, of some celebrity, (Dr.
S. Annibil,) it is said, calls it " the king of roots," relying upon
it in all cases of disease.   The dose usually given', is from half 
Podophyllum Peltatum, (May-apple). 
 
Polemonium  Reptans, ( Greek Valerian ).
I 
 
MATERIA MEDICA.
373
to a whole tea-spoonful.  The best time to give it is at night on
going to bed, and it Avill commonly operate the next morning, it
being slow  but sure.   In  small  doses it is  a gradual and easy
laxative; but in large ones  it is active and drastic.  Useful in
dropsy and pleurisy.
  Dr. Lobstein says he has never known its employment  fail
of procuring immediate relief in cases of incontinence of urine.
  The root is also prepared in syrup Avhich makes a mild plea-
sant purge ;  the  dose being tAvo spoonfuls.  The Cherokees
use the fresh juice of the root for deafness, putting a few drops
into the ear.   [_Rqfinesque.~\  The Wyandot  Indians say that
roasting the  root destroys the  poison it contains, and makes it
less drastic.
  The Indian Doctor Hough, recommends the powdered  root as
an escharotic to cleanse foul and ill-conditioned ulcers, and dis-
pose them to heal, and to promote the exfoliation or removal of
carious or rotten bones.  He directs the powder to be sprinkled
on the affected part once in from two to five  days.  It will  de-
stroy proud  flesh, he says, without injury to the sound  parts.
We have also seen the whole roots used to cure the poll-evil of
horses, by plunging the root into the very bottom of the sore,
and letting it remain there for several days.
                POLEMONIUM REPTANS.
Common names—Greek Valerian, Abscess-root, Bluebells,
                        Sweatroot.

  Roots perennial, small, numerous and fibrous, white, or dirty
white, all growing from one common head.   Leaves many, rad-
ical, pinnate or compounded of many small oblong-ovate folioles
or little leaves arranged in two rows, one on each side the petiole
or footstalk  which grows from six to sixteen inches in length,
reclined or spreading, the  inner or upper side of the footstalk
channeled its Avhole length, the edges of the channel being thin
and sharp.   Flowers  small, blue, appear early  in  the season,
producing small seeds.  Several stems often arising from the same
root, groAving in damp woods to the height of one or two  feet.
  The root of this plant is the part employed as medicine, the
knowledge of the virtues of which was derived from the Indians,
and  has been confirmed by the  experience of  several Botanic
practitioners.  The Indians make a tea of  the  roots and drink
freely of it in fevers, pleurisies, and in all eases where they wish
to produce a copious perspiration.
  A tincture is made by infusing a handful of the roots in a quart of
whisky, taking half a Avine-glassful three times a day, to cleanse
the  system or blood of vitiated humors, and has thus been found
  \o\.  IL—z 2               ?« 
371
MATERIA MEDICA.
 very valuable to persons afflicted Avith boils.  There is no doubt
 that further experience may prove this to be a valuable article in
 most cases of disease.
   Since the publication  of the foregoing, all the virtues therein
 ascribed to the sweatroot have been amply confirmed, and others
 assigned to it, of  which Ave then  were ignorant.   The sources
 whence our information has been obtained are such that we think
 it entitled  to full  credit, and we therefore, Avith  greater plea-
 sure, offer it to the public.
   A valued correspondent at Zanesville, Ohio, assures us that we
 " will find this  plant excellent for  consumptions, and all affec-
 tions of the lungs and  liver,"   He also states that a lady who
 had a severe affection attended by  violent pain in the left side,
 Avas cured by taking a compound of this article with manroot,
 (Convolvulus panduralus,) after other means had failed.   " The
 person," says our correspondent, " Avho communicated this plant
 to me, received his knowledge from the Indians ;  and he informed
 me that he cured his mother of construction with it.   The tea
 made  from it," says he, " may be drank freely,  though it will
 sometimes vomit  Avhen  the stomach is overloaded with it; but
 this is rare.  I believe it to be a  valuable root, and that it may
 be combined Avith other  articles to advantage."
   From two other respectable persons, Avho reside near Mechan-
 icsburgh, in  this state, we learn verbally, that the sweatroot is
 not only highly valuable for consumption, but is also  very use-
 ful in all chronic complaints, particularly scrofula, scrofulous and
 other ulcers, and for the bites of snakes.   They call the article
 Abscess-root.
   They state that consumptions have been repeatedly cured by
 it, and in  some instances, Avhen the disease Avas in its Avorst
 stage,  and  after other approved means had been  perseveringly
 tried but failed.
   For use, they direct a  small handful of the roots to three pints
 of boiling Avatrr," steeped down one half.   Dose, half a tea-cup-
 ful every four hours.   In chronic complaints, after using a short
 time, it often produces a  singular sensation on the  surface of the
 body—a kind of prickling.  It is thought best before employing
 this article  in consumption, to administer  a course of medicine,
 which  promotes a free expectoration from the lungs.
   For snake bites, take the roots and tops of the SAveatroot, bruise
 them in a mortar and mix with new  milk to the consistence of a
poultice, and apply to the bitten part; or if this  be impossible
or inconvenient, as is the case with cattle, and horses, wash the
part with the milk, after the root has  steeped awhile in it.   The
"ea is also to be taken internally at the same time.   Or if incon-
venient to make  a poultice as directed, chew the roots and appl ■*
them to the part, and drink the tea or eat some of the roots. 
Polygala  Senega,  (Seneca Snake-root). 
 
MATERIA MEDICA
377
  The same individuals  also say that the sweatroot acts upon
'he bowels as a powerful astringent, and its use must, therefore,
be followed with or attended by laxative or cathartic medicines.
                  POLYGALA  SENEGA.
           Common name—Seneca Snake-root.
  Root perennial, firm, hard, branching, crooked, and woody.
Stems many, annual, smooth, occasionally tinged with red, from
eight to tAvelve inches high.  Leaves  numerous, alternate or
scattered, long, narrow, and pointed, bright green on the upper,
and pale on the under side.  Flowers white, in a close terminal
spike.  The spike  opens  gradually, so that the lower ones are
in fruit while the upper ones are  in blossom.   The root has an
unpleasant and someAvhat acrid taste, and is the part to be used.
Grows in most parts of the United States, generally on the sides
of hills, and in dry woods.
  The Seneca snake-root is deemed an antidote to snake bites,
as well as being stimulant, diuretic, expectorant, emetic, purga-
tive, sudorific,  and emmenagogue.  Useful in coughs, pleurisies,
asthma, croup, and  female obstructions.  It  may be  given in
powder, tea, or syrup.  The proper dose of the powder is from
one third to half a tea-spoonful, every three hours until the de-
sired effect is produced.   For the croup of children, the decoc-
tion is used, which must be made strong, and given in tea-spoon-
ful doses every hour or half hour, as the urgency of the symptoms
may demand,  until it  acts  as an emetic and cathartic.  During
the  intervals between  giving the tea-spoonful doses, a  few drops
should be often administered so as to keep up a sensible action
in the throat;  and this must also be continued  after  the vomit-
ing, by which means, in the  course of from two to eight hours,
a membrane is oftentimes discharged by the mouth, of one, tAvo,
or even three  inches  in length;  though sometimes  SAvallowed
and discharged by stool.  Nothing ought to be drank for  some
minutes after each dose.

              POLYGONUM PUNCTATUM.
 Common names—Smartweed,  Smartgrass, Water-pepper.
  This valuable  plant, growing  almost  every  Avhere near the
habitations of man, is too common to need any description.  " It
is a poAverfuI antiseptic, and allays inflammation,  discusses cold
sAvellings, particularly such  as affect the knee joint, and dis-
solves  congealed  blood in bruises, Woavs, Sic  For  these pur-
poses,  it  should be applied  in strong decoction and poultice
The juice destroys worms  in the ears, when dropped into them.' 
378
MATERIA MEDICA.
  To remove inflammation or to prevent or check mortification,
take the herb, bruise and boil it in a suitable quantity of water;
bathe the part  affected  with the liquor, and apply the'bruised
herb hot, as a fomentation, reneAving as it becomes cold.   This
Ave  are assured, by  good authority, has been used  with happy
results.
  The decoction has also been successfully employed  as a dia-
phoretic to promote perspiration, and also for bowel complaints,
gravel and other obstructions of the urinary organs, coughs and
colds, worms, and piles.   For the latter it may be applied ex-
ternally as well as internally.  When the virtues of this article
become fully  developed, there  is no doubt it will be  found
highly valuable.
                 POLYMNIA  UVEDALIA?
               Common name—Bear's Foot.
  A. valuable vegetable, of Avhich the folloAving is the best de-
scription that Ave have been able to obtain:—
  Roots very abundant, .large and long, enlarging as they pro-
ceed from the common head so as to resemble, in some degree,
a small  sweet-potato,  blackish outside  and  whitish within.
Stems frequently several together, growing five or six feet high,
bearing leaves the size of a man's hand, and very much resem-
bling in shape the foot of a bear, whence its common name.
  The great value of this  article principally  consists, so far as
at present known, in its being a specific for the cure of white
SAvelling.   For this purpose  the root is boiled  in any kind of
oil or soft grease, and made into an ointment, with which the
swelled parts are to be bathed tAvo or three times a day, and after
each bathing place a flannel cloth over the swelling, Avhen, having
a flat iron or  smoothing  iron heated to a suitable  temperature, it
should be ironed by passing  the iron quickly over the flannel
for a short time.   The ironing not only facilitates the absorption
of the ointment, but  also relaxes the parts  and  stimulates the
languid  vessels to more vigorous  action, thus assisting  in the
removal of the disease.
  This  method of removing  white swelling Avas  kept a secret
and employed Avith uniform success by a woman in Carolina, for
several  years.  It has effected cures in many instances after all
other means  had been tried in  vain.  One case  is related, of  a
very severe character, in which the SAvelling had extended from
the  hip  to the ancle, that Avas cured with this remedy in one
month.   The ointment also affords relief applied  to  the ear in
earache and deafness.
  Note.—The reader Avill perceive by the note of interrogation
affixed to the botanical name,  that Ave are doubtful of its correct- 
POPULUS TllEMULOIDES.
Populus Grandidentata,
Populus Balsamife
"'ill. ,y*^'  I ///
  1"' ,. ■■■"'">//
 ^7"





Populus Candicans. 
 
MATERIA MEDICA.
381
ness.  We adopted it on the suggestion of an experienced botan-
ist, Avho, Avithout being positive, thinks it probably correct.  If
it be the P. uvedalia,  we may add, that the  leaves are opposite,
flowers yellow, compound, someAvhat resembling the cup-plant,
and  belongs  with that to the  same class  and  order in both the
artificial and natural  systems.  This order (LV) of the natural
system is  noted by  botanists as  being  " tonic  and  secernant
stimulant."


                POPULUS TREMULOIDES.
Common names—Poplar, Quaking Asp, Quiver Leaf, Aspin.
  The quaking asp  is  a common tree  in  most parts of the
country, growing to various sizes, some trees large enough for
saAving-tiniber.   The  leaves are round, smooth, and jagged, and
the petioles or  footstalks, being flattened transversely with the
surface of the leaves,  the least breath of air agitates and keeps
them in motion; Avhence the name of quaking  asp, &c   There
are several species of the poplar,  all valuable  for medicine, but
that with tags is considered best.
  The bark of this tree affords one of the finest of bitter tonics.
It may be used  in powder, decoction, or tincture, for diarrhoea,
obstructions of  the urine, indigestion, faintness at the stomach,
consumption, and worms;  The bark  may also  be pulverized
and compounded with other tonics, and used in all cases.
               POTENTILLA CANADENSIS.
         Common names—Five finger, Cinquefoil.
  A trailing vine, common in old fields, or other poor uncul-
tivated grounds; too well known to need any description.
  " The root," says Smith, " is a gentle astringent, and has been
found by experience to be very beneficial in fevers, particularly
when there is great debility, lassitude, and night sweats, which
last it seldom fails to  check; it also  helps the appetite.  It is
taken in decoction, or may be boiled with milk.   It is service-
able in allaying fluxes, immoderate flow of the menses, Sic"
                PRINOS  VERTICILLATUS.
       Common names—Winterberry, Black Alder.
  This is a common shrub or branching bush, growing usually
in swamps, near ponds  and streams, and in Avet lands.   It is
usually found in bunches, from six to ten feet high, having alter-
nate  branches;  bark of a dark ash  color, spotted with white. 
382
MATERIA MEDICA.
Leaves  alternate or scattered,  oval, pointed, edges jagged with
sharp teeth.   Flowers  small, and  Avhite,  producing irregular
bunches of berries  Avhich remain attached to the sides  of the
branches until winter, presenting, with their beautiful red color,
a delightful  contrast with fading nature.   This shrub may be
readily  distinguished by its berries, from the Alnus serrulata,
another shrub called  black or tag alder, which  Ave have hereto-
fore mentioned.
   The bark of the winterberry  is highly  celebrated as a tonic,
alterative, antiseptic, and vermifuge.  Useful in all cases of re-
covery  from fevers, and other sickness;  in dropsy, jaundice,
mortification,  eruptions  of  the  skin,  and externally  for  foul
ulcers,  mortified  parts, &c.  For  mortification, it may be used
alone, or combined with sassafras or other stimulating tonics,  in
decoction, both externally  and internally.   For all  complaints
of the skin this article is an excellent remedy, by drinking a tea-
cupful of the decoction several times a day, and using the same
frequently as a wash.
   The  berries are also  used for the same  purpose as the bark,
and may be tinctured in spirits, Avhich makes a good tonic for
all complaints, particularly for worms.
   Dose, from half  to a Avhole tea-spoonful of the bark three  or
four times a day, in hot Avater  sweetened; or an ounce of the
bark  may be  steeped in a pint  and a half  of water down to a
pint,  and taken in gill doses every two or three hours.
                  PRUNUS VIRGINIANA.
     Common names—Wild Cherry, Black  Cherry.

  Too common  to need  a  description.  Bark bitter, tonic, as-
tringent, and anthelmintic.   Useful in all cases where astringent
or bitter tonics are indicated, and especially so in disorders of the
stomach and boAvels, and those attended by nervous excitability
and local irritation; and hence peculiarly useful in cholera, as
we have in some measure  tested.  The bark of the root most
powerful,  and may be used externally as a wash for foul or mor-
tifying ulcers ; internally, it should be used with care.   Leaves
poisonous to cattle.
                  PTELEA  TRIFOLIATA.

  Common names—Healall,  Aguesark, Pickaavay Anise,
                      Wing seed,  &c.

  The Ptelea trifoliata is  a shrub or  bush, growing usually in
clusters from five  to  ten  feet high.  The roots are  long and 
MATERIA MEDICA.
3183
CTooked; of a singularly mottled and rough appearance outside,
which consists of a kind  of brawny  or  scurvy material,  and
when rubbed off, leaves a smooth, Avhite, thick unctuous bark,
inclined to  yellow when dry, which is the  medicinal part.
   The  stems or shrubs are covered with a  lightish  colored,
sometimes spotted, bark, on which arise peculiar little ruptured
elevations, whilst the branches, towards their ends,  are dark or
brown, very smooth, and of rather a thick or clumsy appear-
ance.
   Leaves on long footstalks, scattered on the  branches, ternate,
entire, dark green on the upper, and  light on  the  under side,
recurved or bent backward.
   Flowers dioecious, panicled or clustered, the clusters either
scattered, or growing from  the ends of the branches, of a green-
ish-white color, producing,  towards autumn, a cluster of light
colored, two celled samaras or double winged  flat seed vessels
containing two seeds.
   The  bark of the  root of healall, is an excellent stimulant
expectorant tonic; useful in all cases of debility, and particular-
ly in agues or intermittent fevers.  It has also  been highly ex-
tolled as a remedy  in  consumptions of the lungs, having been
sold, as a nostrum, at a high price.   In this  instance it Avas
tinctured in whisky.  The powdered bark of  the root may  be
administered in doses of a fourth or half a tea-spoonful in hot
water, three  times a day; or a table-spoonful of the tincture an
equal number of times during the same interval.  The tincture
is made by infusing two ounces of the powdered bark in a pint
of proof spirits and  the same quantity of water.
   Equal parts of the ptelea and the bitter ash, (Euonymus atro-
purpureus,) is highly recommended in all complaints of the breast
and lungs.   Used in the same way as  the bitter tonic or other
bitters.  The ptelea  is also  a valuable addition to  any of the
bitter preparations.
   The leaves,  according to Rafinesque, are useful in healing
wounds and  for worms, either in tea or poultice.  He also says,
that in Louisiana this shrub is called BoispuanL
                PYROLA ROTUNDIFOLIA.

      Common names—Wild Lettuce,  Wintergreen.

  Root  perennial, long, round, white, and horizontal.  Leaves
evergreen, small, round, smooth, resembling the round smooth-
leaved garden lettuce.  Flower stems, ten or twelve inches high,
supporting numerous white  flowers.  A tea of this  article is
good to take internally for diseases of the skin; and externally
to wash ulcers and all eruptions of the skin
                25 
384
MATERIA MEDICA.
                RHAMNUS CATHARTICA.

    Common names—'Buckthorn, Purging Buckthorn

  This shrub groAvs in Avoods, or hedges ; and  attains, if culti<
vated, the height of fifteen feet.   The berries have a faint disa-
greeable smell, and nauseous bitter taste.   They have been long
esteemed as a cathartic, celebrated in dropsy and rheumatism.
They occasion griping, sickness,  and dryness of the mouth and
throat, leaving a thirst of long continuance.  They  may, how-
ever, be combined with other cathartics,  and are thus united in
Dr. Reed's celebrated anti-bilious pills.
  The bark  of the buckthorn is said  to be  of great  service  in
reducing  inveterate  inflammation of the eyes,   and  for curing
the itch,  as it cleasises the  skin  and relieves the burning heat
without repelling the humors.   Used in decoction  as a wash
Also said to be tonic, and antiseptic.
                  RHEUM PALMATUM.
                Common name—'Rhubarb,

  This root is a native of China  and the  East Indies, but is
now cultivated in both Europe and America,  The rhubarb em-
ployed in medicine is  imported from Russia, Turkey,  and the
East Indies.  But that which is raised in our own gardens, if
allowed  to attain to the age  of six, eight, or ten  years, is said
fo be equally good or better than the imparted.
  Rhubarb is a fine  mild and tonic purge, very useful in bowel
complaints, as it has a tendency to  leave the bowels  in a cos-
tive  state; it therefore should never be used in costive habits.
Dose from one to two  tea-spoonfuls.
  A very elegant  and  pleasant medicine for children may be
made by scorching or rather roasting, but not burning, pulveri-
zed rhubarb, and putting about one ounce to a  pint of brandy
with enough essence of cinnamon  to give it a good flavor, and
then sweetening very sweet with loaf  sugar.  This, in tea-
spoonful or larger doses, is a very valuable remedy for all bowel
complaints.
                     RHUS  GLABRA.
                 Common name—Sumach,

  The common upland sumach rises to the height of from five
to ten feet, producing many long compound  leaves which  turn
red  in autumn.  The berries are also red when  ripe, and are 
Rheum Palmatum.
Rheum Emodi.              r^^ Compaotum. 
-*m 
Rubus  Strigosus,  (Red Raspberry), 
( ^Ti**d(■■','•l' 
MATERIA MEDICA.
309
of an agreeable but very sharp  acid taste.  The bark, leaves,
or berries,  may be used as medicine, and possess valuable pro-
perties, being  astringent, tonic, and diuretic.   Either of them
may be used in strong decoction, in all cases in which medicines
of this class  are  needed.   The berries made into a  tea and
sweetened, make  a pleasant drink  for children.  The  bark of
the root is said to be a mild cathartic.
   In strangury the sumach is said to promote the discharge of
urine, relieving difficulties of the  kidneys, and strengthening
the urinary organs.  The  berries  and leaves are  found equal to
nutgalls in dying or  making ink, giving a deep and permanent
black.
   An infusion of the bark of the root is said, by  Dr. Fahne-
stock, to be almost a specific for mercurial salivation.
                   RUBUS STRIGOSUS.
             Common  name—Red Raspberry.

  There are several species of the raspberry good for medicine,
but the red is the kind most highly recommended, the leaves of
which are the part used.  The stem  grows from two to  four
feet high, commonly straight and Avithout branches, very thickly
covered with stiff' hairs.  The leaves  are  somewhat similar  to
the common black raspberry leaves, pale green on the  upper,
and almost white on the under side.
  No author, we believe, has mentioned this article medicinally
but Dr.  Thomson.   The leaves are a valuable astringent; in de-
coction, useful in bowel complaints, and for external application,
to moisten poultices for burns and  scalds,  and for washing sore
nipples.  A strong tea is an excellent article, says Dr. Thomson,
to regulate the pains of women in travail.
    RUBUS TRIVIALIS.—Common  name—Dewberry.
    RUBUS VILLOSUS.—Common  name—High  Blackberry.

  These articles are too common to  need a description; and
as both possess the same properties, they are arranged under the
same head.  They are valuable astringents, rather too powerful
to use without some care.   The dewberry is  considered  the
best; and has cured dysentery after the bayberry and Dr. Thom-
son's best remedies  had failed.  The  tea of the roots may be
administered in tea-cupful  doses, for adults, and table-spoonful,
for children, and is far less offensive to the  taste  and stomach
than most other astringents in  use.   One ounce  of the root to
a pint of hot water makes  a decoction of suitable strength.
  Vol.  II.— 2 A              3? 
390
MATERIA MEDICA.
  A jelly made of the berries when  they  are turning from red
to black, is much esteemed by some for gravel; and Dr. Thach-
er suggests that a tea of the root might be more efficacious.
  The ripe fruit, either  fresh gathered or  made  into jam or
jelly, taken at pleasure, is a very pleasant and highly efficacious
remedy in diarrhoea and dysentery.
                    RUMEX CRISPUS.
Common names—Curled Dock, Narrow Dock, Sour Dock,
                      Yelloav Dock.
  Root perennial, spindle-shaped,  yellow, with a few fibers.
Leaves  mostly radical,  very long  and  narrow,  waved and
curled on the margin.
  The root of this plant is  slightly purgative; and  both root
and seeds are said to  have  been successfully used in the cure
of dysentery.   The  bruised  or pulverized roots made into an
ointment or tea is a valuable  external application for itch and
most other diseases of the skin, using at the same time a de-
coction  internally.  The dry root pulverized and steeped, one
tea-spoonful to a tea-cup of hot water, is  an  excellent alterant
and corrector of the  fluids in all cutaneous  affections and va-
rious other complaints, particularly ulcers and  scurvy.   In this
last disease  it is recommended very highly; one case success-
fully treated with nothing but  the  decoction of the dock root,
has fallen under our own notice.  Bad ulcers and hard  tumors
have been removed  by the  application  of the bruised  root in
poultice.  A strong decoction in milk, is recommended  by Dr.
J. Williams as an infallible remedy for bleeding at the stomach.
               SAMBUCUS CANADENSIS.
  Common names—Elder, Sweet Elder,  Black Elder.

  The common SAveet elder grows too plentifully in this country
to need any description.  The inner bark, flowers, and berries,
are used as medicine, being cathartic, emetic,  and diuretic.
  The inner bark is highly recommended  as  a diuretic  in
dropsy.  For this purpose take of the  inner  green bark of the
common  elder, two  handfuls,  Lisbon,  Teneriffe, or Maderia
wine, or cider, two quarts, digest for twenty-four hours, when
it is fit for use.   Dose, one gill every morning before eating, or
a larger quantity may be taken if the stomach will bear it.   This
preparation is a certain diuretic, producing a copious discharge
of urine.
  The floAvers,  in  decoction, are  a mild anodyne purgative, 
MATERIA MEDICA.
393
useful  for the  complaints  of  children.  The bark  may also
be made into an ointment with cream, lard,  or fresh butter,
and is  a cooling application  for  most eruptions of  the  skin.
Likewise the bark boiled and applied to the cheek,  is said to
cure the toothache.  The  berries may be used for  the  same
purposes as the bark  and flowers,  gently loosening the bowels,
and promoting  perspiration and the secretion of urine.   The
young  leaf buds are purgative in  a high  degree,  being  too
powerful and drastic for use.
               SANICULA MARYLANDICA.

Common names—Sanicle, Indian Sanicle, Black Snakeroot.
  Root  small,  fibrous,  and  black.  Leaves, growing at the
top of a  long  naked stem, five in a Avhorl, several stems rising
from  the  same  root.   The scape or flower  stem rises consid-
erably higher than the leaf stalks, Avith two  or three Avhorls of
small leaflets near the top.  FloAvers feAv, white, in  terminal
corymbs.  Growing in woods or thickets to the height of eighteen
or twenty-four inches.
  A tea of this  root is  considered  by some of  the Indians as
a sovereign remedy for rattle  snake  bites.   For this  purpose,
take three bunches  of roots, and boil them in a pint of water,
and  drink in  divided doses,  at intervals of twenty or thirty
minutes.   At the same time  prepare a decoction of the leaves
and stems, and bathe the bitten part.   By pursuing this  course
the Indian doctors  say they can cure a  snake bite although it
may have happened two days preA'ious to the application.
  The sanicle  is also a  good remedy for sore throat, croup,
hives, and other diseases of the skin,  and for  fevers.  They use
it in tea,  or chew the root and SAvallow the juice.  One  Indian
said he was cured of a fever, Avith this article, after other reme-
dies had failed.
              SANGUINARIA CANADENSIS.

   Common names—Bloodroot, Red Puccoon,  Redroot.

  Root perennial, horizontal, fleshy, throwing out a feAV fibers,
reddish outside, emitting, when fresh and broken, a bright red
juice.   Leaves feAV,  roundish, or heart-shaped,  upper side a
light  green,  under side almost  Avhite,  only one on  a  stalk.
FloAvers white, supported  on several  stalks, putting forth very
early in the spring before  the leaves are near groAvn.  Grows
in rich Avoodlands, along roads, and in fields around stumps.
  It is  said the Indians highly esteem this article for its  medi- 
2S2
MATERIA MEDICA.
cinal  properties; and it has also acquired considerable  cele-
brity  amongst  the  whites.   We, however, think it  a rather
unsafe medicine  applied internally, except in small  quantity
combined with  other articles to modify its action.   The pow-
dered root, in doses of fifteen  or  twenty grains, is a powerful
emetic, but it ought not to be administered in this Avay.
  The bloodroot is used as  an expectorant in coughs and  in-
flammations of the lungs ; and for croup it is, by some, deemed
a sovereign remedy.   For this  complaint,  a  strong  infusion
may be given in table-spoonful, or less, doses, according to the
age of the  patient.   Infused in vinegar,  the  bloodroot is  an
excellent  application to tetter  or  ring-worm;  and the powder
applied to fungus or  proud flesh, removes it.   It has  also cured
polypus of the  nose, when  used as a snuff.  But the principal
use which we make of this article has been in combination vth
other substances in the form of cathartic pills.
            SCROPHULARIA MARYLANDICA.
  Common names—Figwort,  Square-stalk,  Carpenter's
                     Square,  Healall.
  Roots perennial, white, branching, something larger than a
goose quill.  Stem erect, square, jointed,  branched,  branches
axillary to the leaves, opposite ; issuing from each joint.  Leaves
opposite, oblong-cordate, broad at the base and tapering to a long
point, edges jagged with large unequal, broad, acuminate  teeth,
supported on a  pretty long footstalk, having a peculiar smooth
or unctuous feel, and becoming spotted towards  fall.  FloAvers
greenish-purple, groAving  on branched  footstalks, which  form
loose panicles at the tops of the branches,  producing  roundish
pods containing many small  seeds.  GroAvs  in considerable
abundance along roads  and  open situations in  the neighbor-
hood of fields,  houses, &c, attaining the  height of from three
to six feet.
  The root of this  plant is said, by Peter Smith, to be very
valuable in female complaints, particularly to relieve the peculiar
pains attending difficult menstruation, and will, he says, restore
obstructed lochia, and maybe usefully employed both before and
after child-birth; " in tea or decoction, which may be freely drank,
being quite innocent, but very efficacious."  These  properties
have also been  confirmed  by others, being very highly recom-
mended by good authority.   The leaves are useful as an external
application to bruises, Avounds, ulcers, &c, and both leaves and
roots may be made into a salve Avith lard, or butter, and applied
to sores and swellings. 
Scutellaria Lateriflora,  ( Blue Skullcap ). 
 
Silphium Perfoliatum,  ( Cup-plant). 
 
MATERIA MEDICA.
397
             SCUTELLARIA LATERIFLORA.
  Common names—Scullcap,  Madweed, Hoodwort,  Sic

  Roots perennial, fibrous, yellow.  Stem erect, square, from
one to three  feet  high,  much  branched,  branches  opposite,
smooth,  square.   Leaves opposite,  very thin,  supported  on
long petioles  or foot-stalks, broad at the base, end acute, den-
tate or toothed.   Flowers pale blue, growing on the branches,
which  contain nothing but the flowers and very small  bracts
or leaves.
  Dr.  Beach  says this plant is "tonic, nervine, and anti-spas-
modic; remarkably efficacious in chorea or St.  Vitus'1 Dance;
with the infusion I have cured a great  number of cases of this
disease."  Much  interest was also  excited a few years  since,
respecting this plant, by  its being  reported to be a specific  for
the  cure of hydrophobia.   It was, however, soon  discarded
by the  Faculty, and its merits have not been much investigated
since.
  "This plant,"  says Rafinesque, "has been carefully ana-
lyzed by Cadet, in Paris, and found to contain  many powerful
chemical principles, which evince  active  properties."   It  is
recommended  in  convulsions, lock-jaw, hydrophobia, and  all
cases of  nervous   irritations,  either  in tea, or  infusion.  We
think this article well worthy of the attention of botanic  practi-
tioners, with a view to ascertainits real virtues.
                SILPHIUM PERFOLIATUM.
     Common names—Ragged  Cup, Indian Cup-plant.
  Root perennial, large, long, crooked,  forming a joint Avhere
the old stalk grew, Avhich, decaying, leaves a hole, several of
which  are found in all the old roots, with fibers issuing at each
joint.   Stem rising to the height of seven  or eight feet, being
angular or  square,  with  the sides  concave or sunk,  which
makes  the corners very sharp.   Leaves opposite, very  large,
and jagged Avith deep, large teeth, connate, or united at the base,
the edges of the wings by which  they are united being so raised
as to form a deep excavation or cup, which may contain from
two to  four table-spoonfuls of water.   Flowers  numerous, yel-
low, and large.  Grows in rich bottom or intervale lands.
  The root of this plant  is very useful in fevers, ague-cakes,
inAvard  bruises, weakness, ulcers, and,  if persevered  in, will,
the Indians say, make an old man young; the  inference from
which  is,  that it is a  powerful alterative  restorative.   It is used
m strong  tea, the root  requiring long steeping  to extract the
  Vol. II.—2 a 2       31 
398
MATERIA MEDICA.
strength.  The Indians say that it dissolves  ague-cakes  and
carries them  away, cures fevers,  &c  It is also one of the
articles which they employ in  their vapor  bathing or steaming
to promote perspiration, and is regarded  as a highly valuable
medicine.
               SPIGELIA MARYLANDICA.

     Common names—Carolina Pink, Indian Pink, Sic

  Koot perennial, branched,  and very fibrous.   Stems erect,
simple, smooth.   Leaves opposite, long-oval, outer points acute,
entire, smooth.   FloAvers terminal, large,  bright red outside,
yeiloAV within, upper end resembling a golden star.   Found in
Tennessee, and at the South.
  Carolina pink is an active vermifuge, and somewhat cathar-
tic.   Its  properties Avere first learned  from  the  Cherokee In-
dians.  Used in decoction, most beneficial in large quantities, in
syrup, or  made very sweet.   In too large doses it causes head-
ache, stupor, and  delirium.   When these symptoms occur  it
should be discontinued.
                TANACETUM VULGARE.

                 Common name—Tansy.

  Common tansy is  a warm  bitter, and in the form of tea, is
useful for worms, female  complaints, &c.  It is also said that
if fresh meat be rubbed Avith it, the flesh-fly will not injure it.
                     TELA ARANEI.
         Common names—Cobweb, Spider's-web.

  Although some of the virtues of the cobAveb were known and
published as early as 1644, and notwithstanding it has long been
ranked amongst empirical remedies for the ague, yet it is but
recently that it has attracted the attention of medical men. And
Avhether it will sustain the high character which has been given
it, on further trial, is uncertain;  and even if it  does,  it will
probably be considered too disgusting ever to be extensively in«
troduced into the practice of medicine.   It is  said to be almost
a specific for intermittent fever, and has afforded extraordinary
benefit in consumption,  by allaying irritation and procuring re-
lief in at least one case  past  the  reach of common  remedies.
Dr. Jackson  observes, that he might  multiply instances of its
efficacy and tranquilizing effects on the human system. 
>f
Trillium Latkrifolium,  (Birth-root).
36 
i 
MATERIA MEDICA.
401
  Cobweb has afforded remarkable  relief in asthma, having in
one instance, procured sleep the first night after taking a dose,
(nearly a scruple,) which the patient had not enjoyed for more
than six years.  It is recommended as being useful in spasmo-
dic complaints; and as procuring the most tranquilizing sleep,
followed by no bad effects.  In one case, that of an old infirm
asthmatic, slight but pleasant delirium was produced, resembling
a dose of nitrous oxide gas, (sometimes called exhilarating gas,)
though of  longer  duration.   The muscular  energy was very
much increased, so that the  patient could not be kept in bed,
but jumped and danced about the room nearly all night;  but to-
wards  morning fell into a quiet sleep, and no unpleasant symp-
toms followed.  The cobweb has also proved highly beneficial
applied to irritable  sores.
  The kind of spider which is said produces the best web, is of
a brown or black color, and inhabits cellars, barns, and other out-
houses and dark places.  It is in these situations, therefore, that
the web ought to be  procured, as that which  is found in fields
is said to be of no  value.  The dose is five grains, given in  the
form of pill, once in three hours.
  From all the facts recorded respecting the medical properties
of this article, it seems to  merit a  trial  in all cases  of irrita-
bility,  in fever and  ague, hysterics, and hypochondria.  The
fact, that no unpleasant  symptoms have followed its most vio-
lent operation, is certainly favorable to its further trial.
                 TRILLIUM LATIFOLIUM.*
 Common names—Birthroot, Bethroot, Jewsharp, Indian
                   Balm,  Snakebite, &c.
   There are several species of this valuable  family of plants,
having the same general appearance, and all, or nearly all, of
which may be used indiscriminately for the same purposes.
   Roots perennial, oblong, thick and  short, somewhat  resem-
bling the wild turnip, wrinkled, giving out many small fibers.
Stem, smooth, erect, from  ten to twelve  inches  high.  Leaves
three in a whorl at the top of the stem ; and one terminal flower
rising above the  leaves; color white,  red, purple,  and some-
times mixed.
   The birthroot is astringent, tonic, styptic, pectoral, and anti-
septic.   Useful in all kinds of hemorrhage, immoderate men-
struation, asthma, catarrhal cough, diarrhoea, dysentery, &c.
The pulverized root may be given  in tea-spoonful doses, or it
may be  steeped, one ounce to the pint, and given in gill doses;
ot the root may be combined with other astringents or bitters.

     * Rafhtes4ue.—Probably the Trillium erect*** of Lwnr^os, 
402
MATERIA MEDICA.
  Externally the root is beneficial in poultice applied to tumors,
carbuncles, bad or putrid ulcers, and mortification.  The leaves
are also said to be useful  applied to  tumors.   In all  excessive
female evacuations, the birthroot is one of our most valuable
articles, and is likewise highly esteemed by the Indians for the
same  purposes.  They also use it to cure the  bites of rattle-
snakes.  Dyes red with alum.
              TRIOSTEUM  PERFOLIATUM.
Common names—Gentian, Ginson, Yellow Gentian, Horsb
                  Gentian, Feverwort.
  Roots perennial, round, long, and tapering, darkish brown, or
light color ; taste, a pungent bitter, leaving,  after being chewed,
a biting and somewhat warm impression  on  the  tongue and
mouth.   Stems  many,  erect, eighteen  to  forty inches  high,
hairy and round.  Leaves opposite, lower ones connate at the
base,  that is, growing together so that the two leaves seem to
form but one, with the stem passing through the center, like the '
thorough-wort.   Flowers two to  six, reddish or purple, grow-
ing at the base of the leaves,  giving rise to large yellow berries
crowned with  four or five small leaves which are the  calyx of
the flower.  Found in dry oak, hickory, and other lands ; most
abundant in limestone soils.
  The gentian root is a  very  good bitter tonic, mildly stimula-
ting, and in large doses  actively cathartic.  Useful  in intermit-
tent fevers, and generally in all cases where tonics are needed.
The riper berries are often tinctured in spirits for fever and  ague.
The root may also be used in the laxative  bitter tonic.  Dose
as a purge, about two tea-spoonfuls.
                     ULMUS FULVA.
         Common names—Slippery Elm, Red Elm.
  The bark of the red elm is an article of much importance in
the practice of medicine, and  particularly in medical surgery.
Infused in water, it affords an abundant mucilage, which is use-
ful in dysentery, coughs, pleurisies, quinsies, &c.  A very good
way of preparing  the bark  for internal use is, to pulverize it
finely, mix an  equal  quantity of sugar with it, and  add warm
water enough to form it into a soft pulpy mucilage.  Some prac-
titioners, however, prefer employing the under bark, simply
infused in cold water, the patient drinking off the mucilaginous
liquid.  Prepared in either way, it is excellent in diarrhoea and
dysentery, to sheath and lubricate the intestines.  It is likewise
valuable in sore throats, colds, coughs,  fevers, &c. 
h
Verbena Hastata, ( Blue Vervain ). 
 
MATERIA MEDICA.
405
  But  the  most valuable purpose  to which the red elm can
probably be applied is to the making of poultices, for all kinds
of ulcers, inflamations, &e.   See under the  head of Poultices.
                    URTICA DIOICA.

                 Common name—Nettle.
  A well  known weed, growing in  rich lands, either dry or
slightly moist, covered with sharp  prickles which, when applied
to the skin, irritate and  inflame very much.  Hence useful in
palsy  applied to the diseased side or limbs.  "Used  in decoction
for  gravel,  inflammation of  the kidneys, pleurisy, spitting  of
blood, and all hemorrhages;  the juice said to be the most pow-
erful  styptic known.  Also highly recommended as a tonic in
fevers ;  the seeds and flowers, to be  taken in doses not exceed-
ing one drachm (eighth of  an ounce) three times a  day.
                 VERBASCUM THAPSUS.
                Common name—Mullein*
  This valuable plant  is too common to need any description,
growing in old fields, wastes, by the road sides, Sic
  The leaves are used instead  of flannel for frictions, and dip-
ped in hot water or medicated deeoctions they are valuable for
fomentations.   Also useful in  poultices applied to swellings
and contracted sinews.
  A strong tea, taken internally, is good for agues, eroup, asth-
ma, cough, bleeding at the lungs; and externally, in wash, for
piles,  scalds, and burns.  The flowers are said to be better than
the leaves ; perhaps the seeds may be still better; they are re-
commended for children for fits.  A fine relaxing oil, we are in-
formed, may be made  from the flowers by putting them into a
vial or bottle, eorking it tight, and placing it in the sun.
                  VERBENA HASTATA.

       Common names—Vervain, Vervine, Purvain.

  Vervine is a common  plant, growing at the  road sides, in
unploughed fields, and in open waste lands.   There are three
kinds or  varieties, differing in their appearance, as well as in
the color of their blossoms, being white, red, and blue.
  It is said to be a good emetic, ranking, among herbalists who
are accustomed to use it, next to the lobelia, and is said, by Dr.
Thomson, to have eured  the consumption.  It is  an excellent
                            38 
406
MATERIA MEDICA.
sudorific, and may be used in decoction in all cases  of cold*,
or obstructions of any kind.
               XANTHORHIZA APIIFOLIA.
  Common  names—Yellow-wort, Yellow-wood, Parsley-
                   leaved Yellow-root.

  This small shrub is a native  of the Southern  States, and is
also  said to be very abundant along the Ohio  river.  It grows
from two to three  feet  high,  somewhat  thicker than a goose
quill, bark smooth, but that on the young shoots covered  with
angular fissures, the wood a bright yellow.   Leaves compound,
leafets  very deeply jagged with acute teeth,  and crowded to-
gether at the top of the stem.  Flowers on drooping racemes or
spikes, of a dark purple color.   Roots from  three  to twelve
inches long, about the size of one's little finger, and sending up
many scions or suckers.
  The  yellow-wort is a pure bitter tonic.   Both the wood and
bark of the roots,  may be used for medicine.   It may be pre-
pared by itself, and given in decoction, or combined with other
tonics,  and employed in all cases of disease.
             XANTHOXYLUM FRAXINEUM.
               Common name—Prickly Ash.

  A perennial shrub, growing  in  rich and commonly wettish
soils, sometimes to the height of fifteen feet, but usually  about
eight or ten.  The bark  is of an  ash  color, leaves somewhat
similar to those of  the elder.  The branches  are covered  with
strong  sharp prickles, from which it derives its most popular
name.   The berries, as they are called, are greenish-red  and
hard, covered  with a  capsule, or  husk, full  of little holes or
dots ; warm and pungent.
  Both the bark and berries are useful as medicine,  and are very
valuable ; berries the best.   They are good in rheumatism, cold
hands and feet, and added to the bitter  tonic, are a very useful
remedy in almost all complaints, particularly intermittent fevers.
It has also been recommended, both as an external and internal
remedy for malignant ulcers, &c. 
Xanthoxtlum Fraxineum, ( Prickly Ash ). 
 
DIRECTIONS.
FOR THE GATHERING, SELECTION, AND PRESERVATION OF VEGE-
                      TABLE MEDICINES.
   The  gathering  of medicinal herbs, roots, and barks, at  the
 proper seasons, and the judicious selection and careful preserva-
 tion  of them, are  matters  of the  utmost importance.  Too
 much attention to these subjects can scarcely be given; and all
 persons engaged therein,  ought  to  have their minds suitably
 impressed with the vast importance of their avocation.   When
 we  reflect  upon the  sufferings of the sick—their anxiety, as
 well as the sympathy of their friends,  and  the necessity, in
 many instances, of promptly administering the best remedies in
 order to save life, we shall be the better able to  appreciate  the
 high importance of carefully  selecting, preparing,  and preserv-
 ing the various articles of  medicine,  and the heavy responsibili-
 ty of those who for gain,  or  from any other motive, are either
 selling, or using in practice, articles  which have been damaged,
 or are otherAvise of inferior medicinal powers.  By using infe-
 rior medicines the sufferings and anxiety of the sick may not
 only be protracted, but many valuable lives may also be actually
 lost.   And  we cannot close  these  remarks  without  expressing
 an ardent Avish that all persons engaged  in  the  purchasing of
 the simple articles of  botanic medicine, would exercise the  ut-
 most care to instruct those  engaged in  gathering and curing
 them, in the best manner of doing it, and then rigidly enforcing
 a compliance with those instructions by refusing to purchase
 damaged articles.   It is from the extreme and criminal careless-
 ness or negligence  in the  curing  of  medicine, that disappoint-
 ments, as to their efficacy, arises, and by which  means also,
 valuable articles have often  fallen into disrepute.  Great care
 ought also to be taken to reject or separate every thing from the
 medicinal article which does  not belong to it;  as  poisonous
 substances are sometimes gathered along  with  medicines.
  1.  Roots which are annual,  that is,  grow from the seed
every year,  should  be gathered just  before  flowering, as they
are  then in the highest state  of perfection.  Roots Avhich  are
biennial, that is, spring from the  seed one  year, live  through
the  winter, arrive at maturity, bear seed  and die  during the se-
cond year, ought  to be gathered in the fall of  the first year,  or
                                                      409 
410
MATERIA MEDICA.
early in  the spring of the  second.  Triennial roots should bo
collected in the fall of the second, or spring of the  third year;
and perennial roots ought to  be collected either in the fall  after
the leaves and tops begin to die, or in the spring before they be-
gin to  groAv.   Roots Avhich are gathered  out of season, either
lose in their properties, Aveight, value, or in all these respects.
  Soon after the  roots  are collected, and  before they become
dry, they must be washed clean, first trimming off the extraneous
or useless parts, and carefully  throwing out such as  are worm-
eaten, unsound, or dead ;  being mindful in washing not to let
the roots remain too long in the water, as that will extract some
of their virtues.  After washing, they should, if large, be cut into
small pieces and spread in  a dry, airy place, or in the sunshine;
but if spread in the open  air, great care must be taken  to pre-
vent their getting Avet with rain or dew, as this will very much
impair their value.   When perfectly dry, they  should be care-
fully packed aAvay in jars, boxes, or barrels, according to the
quantity, and placed in a dry, airy room,  but never in a  damp
one.
  2. Herbs and leaves ought generally to be gathered about the
time of flowering, as they are then in their greatest perfection.
Some,  hoAvever,  the lobelia for instance, with  an eye to econo-
my, may be collected about the time the leaves begin to change
from green to yellow, or rather before, as  the  seed  is then ripe.
Herbs and leaves  should be dried in the same way, and Avith the
same precautions as  roots, and preserved in the same manner,
after drying.   They ought to be gathered in dry Aveather, after
the dew goes off in the morning, and before it falls at evening.
Such as are imperfect or injured, dry, withered, or dead, must
be rejected.
  3. Barks should be gathered in the spring or fall; and ought
to be taken from young thrifty  trees, freed from every thing but
the inner living bark, carefully dried, and preserved, as directed
for roots and herbs.
  4. Flowers should be collected when in perfection, and in dry
weather, after the dew is off, carefully and rapidly dried in the
shade,  and preserved as directed for other articles.
  5. In the preparing of roots and herbs for use, if to be done on
a large scale, grinding in a grist mill, and bolting most articles,
is to be preferred.   To prepare them for grinding, if the weather
be dry and a hot sun, the article  to  be ground must be spread
in the sunshine,  until it becomes perfectly dry  and  brittle; or
if the Aveather be not suitable, the  article  may be put into  an
oven moderately heated, or, what  is better, spread  on an upper
floor over the fire Avhere there is no ceiling over head.  When
sufficiently dry, if it be roots, put them into a barrel or box, and
with an axe  or any thing else more suitable,  beat  and break 
MATERIA MEDICA.
411
them up so that they Avill readily go into the mill;  and if they
have not been Avell  Avashed, they may be sifted, and as the dirt,
by the process of beating, is separated  from the  roots, it will
readily sift out and leave the roots clean.
  Herbs are  sometimes put into a box made for cutting straw
for horses, and cut up in pieces of from one to two  inches long,
then they are run lightly through the mill and the  stems or
Avoody parts separated from  the  leaves,  when they  are  run
through again and again, if necessary, until made sufficiently fine.
  Bark must also be cut into short pieces,  and run through the
mill, repeating the operation  until reduced  to a proper fineness.
In general,  bark  is not made  so fine as other articles, it being
sifted instead of bolted.
  For pulverizing  medicines  in  a mortar, on  a smaller scale,
the drying must be done in the same manner as for grinding.
  After the medicines are pulverized  they should be  kept in
bottles, jars, boxes, or barrels, according to the quantity.   But
as all medicines lose something by being long pulverized, unless
completely excluded from  the air, all  persons using or dealing
in them, should,  Avhen grinding or othenvise pulverizing them,
have in view the probable quantity Avhich they migb i.s<s or  dis-
pose of in any given time.
Vol.  II.—2 B 
 
COMPOUNDS.
   Having gone through with a description of the simple arti-
cles,  and  pointed out their most obvious  properties and ac-
knowledged virtues,  together with their mode of preparation,
doses, &c, we now direct  our attention to  the various  com-
pounds into Avhich they enter.
   In  the  first place,  under the different heads,  we will give
the compounds for which patents have been obtained, and then
introduce  such others of  the same class as we may think most
valuable or necessary to give  an  idea of the various Avays in
which simple articles  may be  combined to increase their vir-
tues or improve  their taste.   We shall, however, omit some
of our own prescriptions to make room  for others which have
been obligingly communicated, usually giving  the name of the
individual  Avho  communicated  the  article,  or the work from
which it is taken.  We also intend introducing, in a promiscu-
ous manner, a variety of recipos selected from the great numbers
which have been furnished us by the friends of the work.   Many,
however, that we have rejected are unquestionably valuable, but
we are compelled to omit them in order that we may confine this
volume within its assigned limits.
   We are, hoAvever,  constrained, before leaving this  subject,
to observe, that to many, no  doubt, our selection of simples,
as well as  preparations of compounds, may be considered by
far too  large.   In reply to objections of this kind, should they
be raised, we will observe, that the object was to  benefit as
far as  possible,  individuals  and  families in all parts  of the
country, enabling them,  from  their  OAvn  gardens, their own
fields, or their own forests, to obtain  the healing balm,  the po-
tent remedy, to cure their various ills.  We believe that  every
soil, in every clime, that  produces the means of sustaining the
body Avhile in  health, also abounds with a profusion of remedies
suitable to the wants of the  sick.  But these remedies are not
every Avhere known,  and for  the Avant of this knowledge the
people must suffer, must languish, and die.   It  is the  duty of
those  who wish to confer all the benefit in  their power upon
                                                      413 
414
COMPOUNDS.
suffering humanity,  to  diffuse, not only the  knowledge of the
medicines of their own particular neighborhood, but, as fai as
in their power, the  medicines Avhich  have been found useful
in other places and  in other  climates.  The people of  one
country ought not to be made dependent upon those of another
for their medicines any more than for  their bread; and it was
under  these impressions that we took  so wide a range in  the
articles of our materia medica.  Every section of country should
be zealously engaged in developing  its  own medical resources,
in testing and  proving the remedies of its own soil.  Medicines
might  then be had, fresh and sound, free from adulteration,  and
at half, or less than half, the expense at Avhich many of them are
noAv procured.
   It is also no less Avith the same view of benefiting the people
generally of the United States, that we introduce such a large
number of compounds and recipes, to show hoAV variously the
great profusion of  medical  plants may  be combined,  and
thereby either  increased in value or rendered more  pleasant
and agreeable.
                  DOSE OF MEDICINE.

  The quantity of medicine  to be  taken  as  a dose of the fol-
lowing compounds, as well as throughout the Avhole work, are
calculated for an adult or grown person, unless otherwise  sta-
ted ; for  children, the doses may be graduated by the following
rule:—
  For a youth of fifteen  years, the  dose may be two-thirds the
quantity for a groAvn person; for a child of ten years, one-half
the quantity; for one of five  years,  one-third the quantity ;
for one of two years, one-sixth the quantity;  and for a child
of one year, one-tenth the quantity.   These doses, hoAvever,
Avill necessarily be often either lessened, or enlarged, according
to circumstances and the effects produced; the  grand object being
to give enough; but, at the same time, using  proper discretion,
and not give too much.
  The circumstances, besides age, most commonly having an
influence in graduating the quantity of medicine to be given as a
dose,  are, sex, temperament, and idiosyncrasy.   Females gene-
rally require less doses than males, and those of a warm sanguine
temperament, than the cold  phlegmatic.  Idiosyncrasy is a pe-
culiarity of constitution by which, independently of temperament,
the individual is rendered unusually  susceptible, or insusceptible
of certain remedies.  For instance, some persons will bear but
the smallest, or even  less  than the smallest dose of cayenne.
Others again, require a uniformly lesser  or greater than  usual 
COMPOUNDS.
415
dose of the different preparations of lobelia to produce any given
effect; whilst other individuals are to be found upon whom cer-
tain  medicines  act  in a manner quite different from what they
do upon people in general.  These deviations, however, are far
less  frequently met Avith in the employment of innocent botanic
remedies, than they are in those of a contrary character; never-
theless, when they do present themselves they ought always to
be taken into consideration in prescribing for the sick.
     ADHESIVE AND  STRENGTHENING PLASTERS.
                     ADHESIVE plaster.

      Take of, Common turpentine,            2  lbs.
               Salt butter,                     1  lb.
               Beeswax,                      1  lb.
               Balsam  of fir,                  1  lb.
  Melt all the articles together;  then  strain and simmer down
to the consistence  of soft Avax.   This  plaster is for the pur-
pose of confining together the edges  of deep or large wounds
and ulcers, and thus enable them with  greater facility to heal.
When their application is  necessary, spread  some  of this
plaster on a long narrow slip of  cloth, then bring the edges of
the wound  or ulcer together;  or as  nearly so as  possible,
when a piece of the cloth, cut to the proper length, is to  be
applied across  the wound,  and so continue  laying them  on
until it is  covered from  one end  to the other.  In some instan*
ces,  the wound may be  covered wholly by one plaster, in which
case small holes must be made  through it  to permit the matter
to escape  should any be formed.

                  strengthening  plaster.

      Take of, Rosin,                 1
               Beeswax,              >   1 lb. each.
               White turpentine,      J
               Black pepper, pulverized,    1 table-spoonful,
               Brandy,                   1 pint.
   Put the whole into a new earthen  crock, and melt and sim-
mer until the brandy is  all evaporated.
   This plaster is also useful  applied to ulcers, wounds, Sic, as
a salve.
   Strengthening plasters may also  be made by melting turpen-
tine with  a quantity of rosin sufficient \o give it a proper consis-
tence.  For summer use it  will Tequire more, and for Avinter
•less, rosin.
   Vol. IL-27 
416;
COMPOUNDS.
           ADHESIVE AND STRENGTHENING PLASTERv

      Take of, White rosin, (or any other,)        3 Ibsv
               Beeswax,                          4 oz.
               Burgundy pitch,                   4 oz.
               Mutton tallow,                     4 oz.
     Melt these together, and- then add:
               Sweet oil,                         5 oz.-
               Camphor,                          3 oz.
               West India rum,-                   1 gill,
               Sassafras oil,                       5 oz.
  When the latter articles have become incorporated with the for-'
mer, let the whole be poured into a vessel of water, and work
it in the hands till cold.   In some seasons, and climates, a little
more rosin, or a little more sweet oil,  is required, to make it of
the  right consistence.
  This is used as a sticking plaster;  and  also, in rheumatism.
It is likewise useful in cuts, ulcers, &c.—[American Practice.^}
                    ANODYNE  DROPS.

      Take of, Compound tincture of valerian,    I pint,
               Colic drops,                     i pint,
               Diaphoretic drops,.               1 pint,
               Essence of anise,                I pint,
 ,1              Simple tineture of valerian,       4 pints.
  Mix and shake well together.   Dose, from- one tea-spoonfuh
to one table-spoonful, in twice the quantity of water, repeated at
discretion till relief is obtained.-
  These drops are good for pains of every description, particu-'
larly in the stomach, bowels, or head.  Also, for cholera morbus,
diarrhoea, dysentery, Sic, to be taken alone, or mixed with tea
of the anti-morbific, anti-dysenteric, or astringent powders.—'
[Dr.  Wells.']
  For the method of preparing the several ingredients which
compose the above  compound,  the  reader is referred to their
respective heads, in the subsequent part of this volume.
                        ANTACIDS.

  These are medicines which neutralize the acidity of the stom-
ach.  A sourness of the contents'of this organ very often occurs1
Avith persons who are apparently otherwise in good health; but
is more especially attendant on dyspepsy or indigestion; and is
likewise often  met with in many other complaints,   ft is  at all' 
COMPOUNDS.                    417
times proper to make use of the  antacids when a sourness or
acidity of the stomach prevails.   The article Avhich can most
readily be obtained for common use, is,

                        WHITE LYE.

  Take  of  good wood ashes, from four to six table-spoonfuls,
put them into a vessel, and then pour about three gills of boiling
water on them, and immediately  cover the  vessel with a plate,
or other suitable article, to exclude the air.  Made in this way,
the lye  is deprived of that sharp biting taste which it always
acquires if left uncovered and exposed to the air, in lieu of which
it has, to many at least, a sweetish and rather pleasant taste.
This may be used in  doses of half a tea-cupful, more or less, in
all cases of  acidity of the  stomach,  especially  when  taking an
emetic.
             NEUTRALIZING MIXTURE,  OR PHYSIC.

      Take of, Rhubarb,  (pulverized,)           2 scruples,
               Sal seratus,   do.               2   "
               Peppermint plant, do.            2   "
  Add half  a pint of  boiling Avater, sweetened with loaf sugar,
and  add a table-spoonful  of brandy.  Dose, one or two table-
spoonfuls every quarter, half,  or one or two hours, according to
symptoms.  Use.—This is one of the most valuable preparations
knoAvn  for cholera morbus, cholera infantum, or summer com-
plaint of children, diarrhoea, dysentery, &c.  Its operation and
action  appear to  be  specific, or  almost infallible.—[American
Practice.]
  For other preparations, of this class, see under the head " alka-
lies," in the Materia  Medica.
          ANTHELMINTICS, OR VERMIFUGES.
                        WORM DROPS.

  Take of, Spirits of turpentine,    ""|
       Castor oil,                   (each equal parts.   Mix.
       Anodyne drops,              j Shake before using.
       Wells' anti-spasmodic drops, J
  Dose—for a child of five years old, one large tea-spoonful
every hour until it operates  mildly as a purge.   Then followed
by bitter tonics.—[Dr.  J. T.  Wells.]
                     ANTHELMINTIC OIL.
       Take of, Castor oil, (best quality,)        1 oz.
             Wormseed oil,                   1 drachm,
             Anise oil,                         1 drachm,
             Tincture of myrrh,                1 drachm. 
418
COMPOUNDS.
  Mix, and Avarm it to the temperature of milk, which is neces-
sary in order that the ingredients may become fully incorporated.
Dose—for an adult, one large  tea-spoonful, three or four times
a day, for three  days.   For children, in proportion, according
to age.  Should the bowels remain inactive until the second day
in the evening, give  rhubarb,  or any other  approved cathartic
medicine.
  This preparation is highly recommended by a person of com-
petent knowledge and experience, and therefore merits a trial.

                      SPEARMINT TEA.

    Take of,  Spearmint,                        2 oz.
             Hot Avater,                       1 pint.
  Infuse fifteen  minutes and strain.   Use.—This tea is said to
be one of  the most powerful vermifuges in  the vegetable king-
dom.   It is also  a warm  stomachic, useful in relieving nausea,
and retching  to vomit.  Those who have children that are sub-
ject to an excess of worms in the alimentary canal, will find the
importance of the use of this tea, with other anthelmintic medi-
cines.  It is  also strongly diuretic,  and  diminishes fever and
inflammation, by promoting a discharge of urine.   Dose—one
table-spoonful every  two hours,  for a child  one year old.—
[American Practice.]

                      WORM POWDER.
    Take of,  Skunk cabbage balls,               1 oz.
             White wood bark,                 1 oz.
             Indian hemp root,                  1 oz.
  All pulverized fine and mixed.   Dose—from half to a whole
tea-spoonful,  in melasses, three  mornings in succession, before
eating.
                     ANTI-EMETICS.

  These medicines  are calculated to allay the irritation of the
stomach  and stop vomiting.  They may be used in all cases
where emetics operate too long, or to check spontaneous vomit-
ings which exhaust the  patient and prostrate the powers of the
system.  Spearmint  or  peppermint tea is  an  excellent article
for  this purpose, and may be freely used ;  but should be made
very strong.

                    ANTI-EMETIC DROPS.
    Take of, Table salt,                          2 oz.
             African cayenne,                    1 oz.
             Vinegar, best quality,                I quart. 
COMPOUNDS.
419
  Mix and bottle for use.  Dose—one table-spoonful, or less,
once in from fifteen to thirty minutes, according to the urgency
of the symptoms.  This  is  the best remedy to stop vomiting
Avhich we  have ever used.   A very common and ready Avay to
make it, is to take a heaping tea-spoonful each, of salt and cay-
enne  pepper,  and  add  a tea-cupful  of  good vinegar.  The
most common name for this compound is pepper sauce, of which
notice is sometimes taken in the treatment of disease.   It is also
an excellent external  application to painful parts, such as rheu-
matism, headache, inflammations, bruises, sprains, and to palsied
limbs, Sic, Sic
                     SPEARMINT SLING.

     Take  of, The bruised herb, a sufficient quantity, or
             Essence of  spearmint;
             Brandy and loaf sugar, enough to make palatable
Taken at pleasure.   Very good  to check vomiting.

               ANTISPASMODIC AROMATIC DROPS.

     Take  of, Valerian root,                       3 lbs.
              Ginger root, pared,                   8 oz.
              Cinnamon bark,                     8 oz.
              Anise seeds,                         8 oz.
              Prickly ash berries,                  4 oz.
              Oil of sassafras,                      I5 oz.
              Alcohol,                             6 quarts
   Pulverize the solid articles, put them into the alcohol, digest
ten days in a hot sun heat, often  shaking.   Then strain or filter.
Dose—from one to three tea-spoonfuls, in twice the quantity of
water, once  in fifteen  or twenty  minutes until the vomiting
stops.
                     MINT FOMENTATION.

   Take of fresh spearmint a proper quantity; let it be bruised,
and add spirits, and simmer.   Use.—In cases of great irritability
of the stomach, attended  with frequent vomiting, this fomenta-
tion,  applied  to  the  pit  of  it,  will often  relieve when other
means fail.—[American Practice.]
                      ANTISEPTICS.
  This class of medicines is used either to prevent, or to stop,
mortification.   They may act as stimulants, tonics, or as chemi-
cal remedies.   Antiseptics  include  stimulants and tonics of all
classes, and especially  the astringents.  They all produce their
beneficial effects upon the  same general principles by which
they act in other diseases; giving action and tone to the diseased
           3° 
420
COMPOUNDS.
organs.   They ought to be freely used in all cases of mortifica-
tion, or where there is  good reason to apprehend  that it may
take place;  both internally and externally applied, if the mor
tified part be so situated as to admit of external applications.

               COMPOUND TINCTURE OF MYRRH.
     Take of, Best myrrh,                        12 oz.
             Capsicum,                            1 oz.
             Balsam of fir,                       1 oz.
             Nutmeg,                             1 oz.
             Brandy,                             1 gallon.
  The solid  articles all to be finely pulverized, and infused  in
the brandy for ten days, in a hot sun  heat, and  often shaken,
when it may be strained  or filtered.   This is  a powerful anti-
septic, and is highly valuable to wash  and  cleanse  old  foul ul-
cers, which are obstinate to heal.

                 SIMPLE TINCTURE OF MYRRH.

     Take of Myrrh,                             12 oz.
              Capsicum,                           1 oz.
              Peach or cherry kernels,             2 oz.
              Brandy, alcohol, or highwines,       1 gallon.
  Pulverize the myrrh and capsicum, peach  or cherry kernels,
and digest ten days in a hot sun heat, strain or filter.
  For internal use  in  cases  of dysentery, or mortification,
either of the above tinctures are best made with brandy; but for
external use and for internal application in common  cases, the
alcohol or highwines, as  they  are much cheaper than brandy,
will ansAver the purpose very well.   The  simple tincture  of
myrrh is a very valuable family medicine;  useful for  Avorms,
pains in the stomach, colic, headache, &c.   Dose, from one to
four tea-spoonfuls, or even more.
  In addition to  these compounds,  the bitter and  astringent
tonics, as Avell as  the diaphoretic powders, are useful  internal
remedies  in mortifications.  Poultices are  also valuable exter-
nal applications to mortifying sores or wounds.  They may  be
made by boiling dogwood, (Cornus florida) alder or winterber-
ry, sassafras, bayberry or Avhite oak barks, or pond-lily, birth,
or  blackberry root, making a strong decoction;  then skim out
the barks or roots, and thicken Avith slippery elm, cracker, and
a little ginger, to the consistence of a poultice.  Or any of these
barks or roots may be pulverized and mixed  with slippery elm,
cracker, and ginger, and  moistened with the aforesaid tea.   In
bad cases, a small quantity of cayenne mixed with the poultice
makes it more stimulating, is a valuable addition, and ought not
to be neglected.
   Yeast and charcoal are also  amongst the most poAverfuI and 
COMPOUNDS.
421
waivable  antiseptics, whether separately applied internally, or
combined in a poultice externally.
                    ANTISPASMODICS.
   Medicines of this class act upon the  same principle as the
Nervines, but are much more powerfuL   The kinds most to be
relied on, in  the  worst cases, such as fits, spasms, locked jaAV,
hydrophobia, &c, contain the nauseous  properties of the lobe-
lia, and are therefore not the most agreeable to use in ordinary
cases as nervines.

                  ANTISPASMODIC TINCTURE.

     Take of, Tincture of lobelia seeds,             1 pint,
              Tincture of cayenne                 1 do.
              Nervine tincture,                     3 gills.
   Mix and bottle for use.   Dose—from half a tea-spoonful to a
table-spoonful, repeated according to circumstances.   This tinc-
ture is used not only in cases of fits, spasms, &c, but in all vio-
lent attacks  of disease, and in  cases  of suspended animation
from drowning, hanging, by lightning, or any other cause what-
ever.  It also operates as a speedy emetic, and should therefore
be used in all eases of the accidental or criminal introduction of
poisonous substanees into  the stomach.  It may likewise be
employed to  facilitate the operation of an emetic of the  more
common preparations of lobelia, for whieh  purpose it  may be
administered  in tea or table-spoonful doses.
   The  tinctures of which the Antispasmodic Tincture  is com-
posed, ought to be fully saturated;  that is,  made as strong as
the different  articles will make them.
           ASTRINGENT TONIC COMPOUNDS.

   Compounds of this elass may be multiplied to almost any ex-
tent desirable.   No elass  of medicines, perhaps, is more abun-
dant than astringents, and few ought to be more generally used.
There are, however, some states of the system  in which they
ought to be administered with a sparing hand, or  omitted alto-
gether.   In obstinate eostiveness, and in burning fevers attended
with great  and constant dryness of the  mouth, and more espe-
cially if this dryness is increased by the astringent remedies,
this elass of  medicines ought  either to be omitted or very spa-
ringly used.   In eostive habits, reliance should be mainly placed
on laxative bitter tonics ; and in fevers, the moisture of the
caouth must  be  restored by the use of  cayenne pepper, spice- 
422
COMPOUNDS.
       wood, pennyroyal, and other warm teas, together with, the fre-
       quent application of the vapor bath.   After  the  natural secre-
       tions have restored moisture to the mouth, the astringent tonics
       may be employed, and are among the best remedies to change
       that peculiar state of the  system which  occurs during  a fever,
       and substitute for it, one  more congenial with health.  Their
       free administration during recovery from any disease, and espe-
       cially from, fevers, have a most powerful tendency to prevent re-
       lapses ; and  hence the propriety of combining  them Avith the
       bitter tonics.  Indeed so great is their influence over the human
       system, that a strong  decoction of these medicines alone will
       very frequently  remove fevers and many other  complaints in
       their incipient or first  stages ;  whence the  correctness of em-
       ploying them so extensively in the diaphoretic powders, which
       are. calculated for using on all  ordinary occasions, of slight at-
       tacks, or first stages of disease.
          The astringent tonics are also peculiarly adapted to the treat-
       ment of diarrhoea, dysentery, and all  cases of looseness of the
       bowels.   They are likewise the proper remedies for  canker,
       ulcers, floodings, and hemorrhages  of every description, for all
       relaxed states of  the system, and profuse evacuations of almost
       every kind.

                            ASTRINGENT TONIC.

          Take of,  Birth-root,
                   Pleurisyroot,
                   Bayberry,  (bark of the  root,)
                  Hemlock, (the inner bark of the tree,)
          All finely pulverized and  well mixed.  One  ounce of this
       powder to. be steeped in one and a half pints of water.   Dose—
       half a tea-cupful, with from  half to  a whole  tea-spoonful of
       cayenne in it, sweetened if most agreeable.   A dose of this tea
       may be taken three times a day in ordinary cases, but in diar-
       rhoea, dysentery, floodings, &c, the doses should be more fre-
       quent.
          The most economical method of  preparing this medicine, is
       to take what sifts or bolts out of such different  articles as are
       pulverized very fine for making the  diaphoretic powders; as
       there is always a certain portion of them which it is very diffi-
       cult to grind, particularly of the hemlock and bayberry.

                          ANTI-MORBIFIC POWDER.

          Under this name, Dr. J. T. Wells  has furnished us with the
i       following recipe ; and  as he appears  to employ this compound
       for the same purposes  that we use the astringent tonic,, we Ln'.re^
       duce it under the same general head i
•equal parts. 
COMPOUNDS.
423
      Take of, African capsicum,                2 oz.
               Ginger root, (pared,)              8 oz.
               Bayberry, (bark of the root,)     10 oz.
               Pleurisy root,                   10 oz.
               Hemlock bark,                  10 oz.
               Sumach, (root, bark, or leaves,)  10 oz.
               Golden seal,                     10 oz.
  All finely pulverized, sifted, and mixed.  Method of prepar-
ing for  use, and dose, similar to that directed for the astringent
tonic.
                      CHERRY CORDIAL.
  Take of the bark of the roots of wild cherry tree, and poplar
bark, equal parts, and make a strong tea, by moderate steeping.
Strain off, and  add to  each  gallon of the tea four pounds of
sugar, (loaf sugar is the  best,) four ounces of finely pulverized
meats or kernels of peach stones, and two quarts of good brandy.
Dose—half a wine glassful, several times a day.
  This  is a most valuable astringent tonic, useful  in  all cases
of obstinate  diarrhoea and dysentery.   It also  combines the
properties of a bitter,  but the astringent by far  predominates,
and is so powerful as to  need using Avith care.  This cordial is
a grateful, and very valuable medicine.

                     BLACKBERRY SYRUP.
  Take two  pounds of the  bark of the root, well cleansed  or
washed; add a suitable quantity of water, then boil tAvo hours.
Pour off the liquid; then add more water;  and thus continue
to boil  and pour off, until all  the strength is extracted ;  then
strain and add all the boilings together.   Simmer to tAvo quarts;
strain;  then add four pounds of loaf sugar, and when cool, add
half a pint of best French brandy.
  Dose—a  table-spoonful  three times a day, fasting.  If it
does  not arrest  the  disease after  taking it a few days, gradu-
ally increase the dose, as the stomach can bear it.
   Use.—This a very valuable  syrup in bowel complaints, par-
ticularly the chronic form.   It will effect a  cure  when  every
other means  fails.   It appears to possess specific virtues, diffe-
rent from every other vegetable.
  A rob, or jelly, is made of the fruit, Avhich is useful to mix
with Avater, and  drink.—[American Practice.]

                SYRUP FOR  THE DYSENTERY.
  Rhubarb  and wild cherry bark, a handful;  sugar, four table-
spoonfuls ; simmer awhile, and add a little brandy.
  Dose.—Give a table-spoonful every fifteen minutes, until the
pain ceases.
  The  above is taken from a Avork entitled the " Indian Phy-
   Vol. II.—2C             40 
424
COMPOUNDS.
sician;'" and is pronounced infallible in dysentery ; having never
failed in thirty years.
  As there  is so much similarity in all the compounds which
can possibly be made by mixtures of the  simple articles under
the denomination of astringent tonics, we  deem it unnecessary
to add any more formulas  under  this head.  We  may observe,
however, that a single article of the astringent  class  is as fre-
quently  used  as  any compound, and  often  deemed quite as
good.  In compounding  for ordinary use, it is a good rule, in
general, to combine those  which are most drying or  astringent
with those which are more mild and do not obstruct the flow of
the juices of the mouth.
        BATHING DROPS, AND RUBEFACIENTS.
  These are stimulating tvashes, for applying to painful parts,
tumors, swellings,  Sic, and  are very useful.  They should
generally be applied Avith much friction or rubbing.

         DR.  A. REED'S COMPOUND BATHING  DROPS.
      Take of, Tincture of myrrh,              1 gall.
               Buds of balm of Gilead,         1 pint,
               Camphor,                      2 oz.
  Pulverize the buds and add them, with the camphor, to the
tincture of myrrh; digest  for ten days, and strain or filter.
Useful for bruises,  pains in  the back, rheumatism, <fec.

               dr.  Everett's bathing drops.
      Take of, Myrrh.                         1| oz.
               Oil of hemlock,                 1  oz.
               Caj'enne,                      Ik oz.
               Aleohol,                       2  quarts.
                  tosier's bathing drops.
      Take of, Compound tincture of myrrh,    1 oz.
               Oil of hemlock,                 2 oz.
               Oil of sassafras,                 i oz.
  Mix.  Oil of fir, or cedar, is also sometimes added.
                   TINCTURE OF  CAYENNE.
  Take of puWerized cayenne, four ounces, digest for eight  days
in a pint of alcohol placed in a hot sun heat,  often shaking it;
then strain or filter.  As this quantity  of alcohol  does not ex-
tract all the properties of the cayenne,  another portion may be
added, and preserved  for making a future quantity of the  tinc-
ture,  to saturate which  a less amount of cayenne will be ne
cessary. 
COMPOUNDS.
425
              BITTER TONIC COMPOUNDS.

  The term restorative is often  applied to medicines of this
class, because they are commonly  resorted to after the force
of the disease has been overcome, for the purpose of assisting
the solids in recovering a perfect, healthy, firm tone, whereby
the living  power is  enabled to exercise a proper  influence
over them.
  Bitter  tonics are a valuable  class of medicines,  universally
applicable in all cases of disease.   It  is found by experience,
that  combining with them  a  portion of some  astringent  tonic,
increases their beneficial influence  upon the system.   The ar-
ticle most commonly used for this purpose is the  bayberry,
though almost any other  astringent article would  answer in-
stead of it;  particularly the dewberryroot, birth-root, dogwood
bark, or even a small portion  of the  bark of white  oak.
   Capsicum  and cloves are  also added to these compounds to
make them stimulating, thus combining in the  same preparation
the properties of both  tonics  and stimulants.  The cloves also
impart an agreeable flavor, on which account, more  than any
other, they are employed.   When it is desirable to modify the
stimulating properties of the bitters, a lesser quantity of cayenne
may be added, or it may be omitted altogether.

                       bitter tonic

       Take of, Poplar bark,                      1 lb.
               Golden seal,                      1 lb.
               Bayberry, (bark of the root,)      1 lb.
               Columbo root,                   1 lb.
               Capsicum,                       6 oz.
               Cloves,                          6 oz.
               Loaf or lump sugar,      4 lbs. 12. oz.—

being  a  quantity equal to all the  other  articles.  All  to  be
finely pulverized, sifted,  and  well  mixed.   Dose—one tea
spoonful in either hot or  cold Avater;  or the  poAvders may be
taken into the mouth, moistened with the saliva and sAvallowed,
or washed  down with cold Avater.  One ounce of these bitters
added to a quart of wine, dose, a wine glassful three times a day,
is an excellent preparation.
   To make laxative bitters, add one pound, more  or less, of the
bitter-root,  or of the black-root, to the foregoing compound, in-
creasing in the same proportion, the quantity of  capsicum, cloves,
and  sugar.   The following  compound may  also be rendered
laxative by the same means. 
426
COMPOUNDS.
                       SPICE  BITTERS.
      Take of, Poplar bark,                      1 lb.
               Bayberry, (bark of the root,)      1 lb.
               Golden seal,                      1 lb.
               Cayenne,                        4 oz.
               Cloves,                          4 oz.
               Loaf or lump sugar in quantity equal to  all the
other articles.  The whole finely  pulverized, sifted and  Avell
mixed.   Dose, Sic, the same  as the bitter tonic.
AVINE	BITTERS.		
Take of, Balmony,			8 oz.
Bayberry,			8 oz.
Cassia, (of the	shops	»0	8 oz.
Golden seal,			12 oz.
Anise seed,			4 oz.
Cloves,			2 oz.
Cayenne,			1 oz.
Bitter root,			8 oz.
Brown sugar,			3 lbs.
all pulverized and well mixed.   One ounce to a quart of wine;
dose a Avine-glassful three times a day.  This, we are informed
is  the  celebrated wine bitters prepared and sold in  such vast
quantity by Dr. John Thomson,  of Albany, New York.   Very
useful in dyspepsy.
  The folloAving formula is from the " American Practice.'''
      Take of, Golden seal,                       1 dr.
               White wood bark,                 1 dr.
               Bitter root,                        1 dr.
               Cayenne pepper,                  | dr.
  Pulverize all  and add  two quarts of wine.   Dose—from a
table-spoonful to a wine-glassful, three times a day.  Useful in
all cases  where bitter tonics are indicated.
    DR, AVELLS'  ANTI-DYSPEPTIC OR  RESTORATIVE  BITTERS.
      Take of, Prickly ash berries,                3 oz.
               Ginger root,                       3 oz.
               Wild cherry tree bark,             3 oz.
               Bitter-ash,                        3 oz.
               Balmony,                         5 oz.
               Golden seal,                       5 oz.
               Poplar bark,                       7 oz.
               Loaf sugar,                 2 lbs. 8 oz.
  All made fine, sifted, and well mixed.  Dose—a heaping tea-
spoonfnl, in half a gill of boiling water, three times a day.  Or,
take one ounce of the  poAvder, three  gills of gin, or of Lisbon
Avine, and one gill of Avater, and two ounces of loaf sugar, mix
in a bottle, to be shaken before using. 
COMPOUNDS.
427
                DR. EVERETT S HOT BITTERS.

    Take of, Balmony leaves,                    8 oz.
             Bitter root,                         8 oz.
             Barberry bark,                      2 oz.
             Prickly ash berries,                 8 oz.
             Rhubarb,                        .   2 oz.
             Caraway seeds,                     1 lb.
             Cloves,                            8 oz.
             African cayenne,                   12 oz.
  All finely pulverized, and Avell mixed.   Put one ounce of this
poAvder, and two ounces of brown sugar, into a quart of spirits,
shake often for a few days, when it will be fit for use.  Dose—
two tea-spoonfuls in a gill of hot water SAveetened.  Removes a
cold,  promotes the  appetite, quenches  thirst, relieves cough,
removes costiveness, and cures colic.   For colic and costiveness,
the dose must be increased to double the quantity.

                       TONIC CORDIAL.
    Take of, Poplar bark,                         1 lb.
             Bayberry, (bark of the root,)         8 oz.
             Dogwood bark,                      8 oz.
All made fine.  Water, a sufficient quantity; boiled to two gal-
lons ; then strain off, and add of
             Sugar, (loaf is the best,)           7 lbs.
             Peach kernels,  pulverized,         8 oz.
             French brandy,                    1 gallon.
   To be kept closely bottled.   Dose—half a wine-glassful, three
or four times a day.  This is a very valuable  tonic compound,
partaking of  the properties of both bitter and astringent tonics,
the bitterness, hoAvever,  rather predominating.  It is a most
excellent  restorative; useful  in all cases, particularly in diar-
rhoea and dysentery.
                 TONIC EXPECTORANT SYRUP.
   This is made exactly as the tonic cordial, with  the addition
of four ounces of the fresh, or two ounces of the dry rattleroot,
and tAvo ounces of the spikenard, elecampane, or common hoar-
hound.   This syrup is an excellent article for coughs, consump-
tions, and all complaints of the breast.   Dose—half a  wine-
glassful, two or three times a  day.   It is best, however, to begin
with one spoonful,  and gradually increase the dose.
              DR.. AVELLS' TONIC, OR AGUE PILLS.
     Take of, African cayenne, (best quality,)     2 drachms,
             Quinine,                           1 drachm,
             Lupuline,                        2 drachms.
   Honey, sufficient to form  it into a mass suitable for making
   Vol. II.—2c2 
428
COMPOUNDS.
into pills.  Then roll into one hundred and twenty pills.  For
ague,  take one every half  hour for  five hours  previous to the
expected return of  the chill.  Said  to be an  excellent article.
To have the full advantage, however, the stomach ought to be
well cleansed by an emetic, or the bowels by a cathartic, before
taking the pills.
                   CANCER PLASTERS.
   These are applications for the purpose of destroying,  or
removing, the morbid parts of all cancerous tumors, Avhich it is
absolutely necessary to do, by some means, before the ulcer can
be healed.   This can only be done, by the knife, powerful escha-
rotics, or such substances as produce an increased activity of the
vessels of the ulcerated part,  and thus promote the absorption or
a separation of the morbid part.  The  following plasters  are
supposed to act upon the latter principle.

                      CANCER PLASTER.
   Take of,  Red clover blossoms,                   4 lbs.
            Roots, or roots and tops, of narrow dock, 1 lb.
   Or any larger quantity in the  same proportion, boil in water
-intil the strength is out, then separate the clover and dock from
»he liquor, carefully pressing out all the juice, and return it again
into the kettle, and continue the boiling with the utmost care to
prevent burning, until  reduced to the consistence of a salve or
plaster.
   To avoid all hazard of burning, put the liquid, when boiled
down pretty thick, into an earthen pan or other suitable vessel,
which must then be placed in a kettle of Avater over the fire and
boiled until the  liquid  is reduced to a proper consistence.   In
this way all extracts ought to be made, and there will then be no
kind of danger of burning them.

                 SORREL PLASTER OR SALVE.
   Take the common sheep sorrel, any  quantity, bruise, and press
out the juice, place it on plates in the  sun, until dried away to a
proper consistence  for a plaster.  This may be applied to the
cancer, spread on paper or a piece of bladder made soft, and must
occasionally be renewed.   If it prove too painful,  it may be left
off at night, and  reapplied in the morning, or the  salve  may be
modified by mixing some  milder article  with  it, as in  \h.f
following.
                      CANCER  BALSAM.
Take of, Sorrel salve,
         Balsam of fir, ,
         Salt butter,   (     APPlied as the fornier*
JalMm of fir', 1 °f e?°h f.^al ^antities.  Mix.
      ter,   J 
COMPOUNDS.
429
              DR. s. Thomson's cancer plaster.

  Take of the heads of red clover sufficient to fill a brass kettle,
and boil them in soft water for one hour; then remove these from
the  kettle pressing the liquor  out from  them, and fill the kettle
again with fresh heads, Avhich must be boiled in like manner in
the  same liquor, adding as much more water as may be necessary.
After boiling these about an hour, the liquor must be strained off'
and the clover heads pressed as  before  to get it all out.  Then
return it into the kettle and boil or simmer down to the consist-
ence of thick tar.  Very great  care must be taken in boiling it
down to prevent its burning;  as by burning, not only the burnt
part is destroyed, but the remainder is in some measure deprived
of its medical properties.
  When used  it should be spread upon a piece of bladder, suet
skin, thin cloth, or strong paper.
  Other formulas for  preparing  cancer plasters, may be found
under the head " Cancer."                                /
                      CATHARTICS.

   This class of medicines, although by far too generally used,
(or rather,  those of this class Avhich have been most frequently
employed,  are of too dangerous a  character to be used at all,)
are nevertheless valuable  medicinal agents.  They may be ad*
ministered  in  most cases  of fever,  diarrhoea,  dysentery, severe
headache, bilious colic, worms, &c.

                VEGETABLE CATHARTIC PILLS.

    Take of, Mandrake root,                      6 oz.
             Black root,                          4 oz.
             Blood root,                          4 oz.
             Gamboge,                           8 oz.
             Lobelia seeds,                       4 oz.
             Cayenne,                            i oz.
   All finely pulverized, sifted  and  well mixed.   To form into
pills, make a thick mucilage of gum Arabic, peach tree gum, or
even slippery elm bark, by dissolving in water, or instead of this
take melasses and moisten the  poAvders just so as to make them
adhere together.  Then  form them into pills about the size of a
pea, and roll them in fine slippery elm, bayberry,  or flour;  lay
them in a dry place exposed to the  air to dry, after Avhich  they
may be put into boxes, and have a little fine bayberry or elm
mingled Avith them to prevent their adhering together.   Dose—■
from three  to six, taken, in ordinary cases,  at bed  time; or two-
thirds may  be taken at night, and the remainder in tb*> morning. 
430
COMPOUNDS.
         dr. Bunnell's anti-bilious female pills.

    Take of, Mandrake root,                      8 02.
             Gamboge,                           8 oz.
             Blood root,                          4 oz.
             Lobelia seeds,                       4 oz.
  All finely pulverized, sifted, and  well mixed;  the powder
noistened with melasses to a proper consistence for making into
pills.   In other respects  managed as the foregoing.  Dose—
from two to five.
  These pills are useful in diarrhoea, dysentery, rheumatism,
jaundice, female obstructions, &c.   For chronic complaints
iMiough should be taken to operate as a brisk  purge, and then
ibout two a day, and if necessary, again repeat the purge.

               DR. REED's ANTI-BILIOUS PILLS.

    Take of Gamboge,                      2  oz.
             Blood root,                     2  oz.
             Lobelia seed,                   1  oz.
             Cayenne  pepper,                2 drachms,
             Rhubarb,                       4 drachms,
             Pearlash,                       1 drachm.
  All made fine, sifted and mixed.   Brought to a proper consist*
ence for making into pills by  the addition of syrup of buck*
thorn  or  butternut.  After making,  roll  them in pulverized
golden seal.
  " These  pills," says  Dr.  Reed,  " may be used as a puke or
purge.  Take one  every hour till they purge ; or take four at
once,  and  they  will  puke.  Take one every hour  until  the
bowels  begin to move,  then take  three, and they will vomit,
purge, sweat, and produce a  free discharge of  urine."  Dr.
Reed  also states, that with these  pills he cured a  case of  rheu-
matism, of  eleven years standing, in five days.  The pills were
administered three at a  time, three times a day.  He also men-
tions  two other cases,  of shorter  standing, which he likewise
cured.
DR. WELLS VEGETABLE	CATHARTIC PILLS.
Take of, Cayenne,	1 drachm.
Lobelia seeds,	1 do.
Blue cohush root,	1 do.
Gamboge,	3 do.
Mandrake,	5 do.
Black root,	7 do.
Gum Arabic,	2 do.
  All finely pulverized, sifted  and avell mixed.   Formed into a
mass suitable for making into pills, by moistening with a little
water  Make into pills of a suitable size for SAvalloAving.  Dose—* 
COMPOUNDS.
431
three pills, and if they do not operate in six hours, tane one 01
two more.
   In addition  to the  purgative properties  of these pills, Dr.
Wells alleges  that they are diaphoretic, antiseptic, and tonic

     ANTI-BILIOUS POWDER, COMMON PURGATIVE OR PHYSIC.

      Take of,  Jalap,                               1 lb.
               Alexandria senna,                    2 lb.
               Peppermint plant,                     1 lb.
   Let these  articles be separately pulverized;  then mix them
together, and pass through a fine sieve.  Dose—A tea-spoonful,
(about a drachm.)   It should be put into a tea-cup, with a lump
of loaf sugar, and a gill  of  boiling water added; and given to
the patient when cool, fasting, or  on an empty  stomach.
   The above is highly recommended by  Dr.  Beach, in the
" American Practice," who says it is " the best general purgative
that is now known."  " It may be given to every age and sex;"
and " is useful  in all diseases where physic is required."

                 DR. HULL'S BILIOUS PHYSIC.

   Take eight ounces of aloes ;  one ounce, each, of mace, myrrh,
cinnamon,  cloves, saffron, and ginger; four ounces of the dried
leaves of  the  garden sunflower,  or of the Avild sunflower.
Pulverize the  articles separately,  and mix them  thoroughly.
Dose—a tea-spoonful.
   The efficacy of this celebrated  physic in  the cure of bilious
colic, is well known.  " This," says Dr. Elisha Smith, " is the
first genuine recipe  of it  ever published."

     dr.  jackson's purgative for immediate operation.

     Take of, Castor oil,                   1  table-spoonful.
             Tincture of myrrh,            1  do*    do.
             Butternut syrup,              1  do.     do.
             Cayenne,                     1 tea-spoonful.
   Mix all together  and give at a dose ; and it will operate, as
we are assured  by Dr. Jackson, in a very short time.
                  CHOLERA  MIXTURES.

  These preparations are considered highly valuable in the first
stages of cholera to  check the  diarrhoea, and may likewise  be
advantageously employed in any other stage of the complaint.
They will also be found highly valuable in all bowel complaints,
such as  diarrhoea, dysentery, &c, as well  as in most cases of
slight  indisposition.                                      -,v
                   28 
432"
COMPOUNDS
                      cholera syrup.

    Take of, Lady's Slipper,                      8 oz,
             Bayberry,                           8 oz.
             Golden Seal,                        4 oz.
             African cayenne, (best,)              1 oz.
  Pulverize, and boil together the above ingredients (until their
strength is extracted-,) in a sufficient quantity of water to make
one gallon of the decoction ; then strain and add
       Best 4th proof West India rum,             1 gallon.
       Good sugar house melasses,                 1   do.
       Tincture of myrrh,                        1   do.
  Mix well and bottle for use.  Dose'—one table-spoonful, three
or four times a day;  or oftener, as circumstances may require.

                hixson's cholera mixture.
    Take of, African cayenne,                   1 oz.
             Xanthoxylon,                      1 oz.
             Race ginger,                      2 oz.
             Golden Seal,                      1 oz.
             Lady's Slipper",                    1 oz.
             Hemlock bark,                    1 oz.
             Bayberry,                         1 oz.
  Put these, (after being pulverized,)  into a bag, and  steep  or
boil them in one gallon of water, until  you have from two  to
tbree  quarts of strong tea, to which add of
             Orleans melasses,                 I  gallon,
             Good 4th proof rum,              £   do.
             Tincture of  myrrh,               3 pints.
  To be used in the  same manner as the cholera syrup.
COLIC DROPS.	
Take of, Cloves, Prickly ash berries,	I oz. 2 oz.
Cinnamon,	2 oz.
Ginger root, pared, Allspice, Oil of Lavender,	2 oz. 2 oz. 4 drachms,
Alcohol,	I5 pints.
  The solid articles to be pulverized, and digested in the alco-'
fiol, in a hot sun heat, for ten days, often shaking it, then strained
or filtered.   Dose—one to two tea-spoonfuls, on  sugar.   Very
ttseful in colic, and pains in the stomach and bowels.
e 
COMPOUNDS.
433
           DIAPHORETICS AND SUDORIFICS.

  The only difference betAveen  diaphoretics and sudorifics is,
that sudorifics promote perspiration in a more poAverfuI manner
than diaphoretics ;  a distinction, however,  Avhich  we think it
unnecessary to make.
  The different compounds arranged under this head may be
used indiscriminately on all  occasions, especially  in  cases of
slight indisposition, and preparatory to and during the operation
of vapor bathing  or steaming,  for  the purpose of promoting
perspiration, and sustaining the living power during this process.
They may also be administered after a  process of the  vapor
bath and the  operation of an emetic, not only to promote  the
discharge of perspirable matter, but to stimulate and strengthen
the living povver, and to give firmness and tone to the  muscular
fibers.   In some cases of fever and of other violent or obstinate
attacks  of disease,  the diaphoretic compounds  may  be  made
more stimulating  by  the addition  of  a larger  proportion of
cayenne.
  It Avill be perceived that the different compounds which will
folloAV, embrace a  variety of articles belonging to  the class of
astringents, some one or more of Avhich can almost ahvays be
had  Avith but little trouble in every neighborhood; but in case
they cannot be  procured, almost any other article of the astrin-
gent medicines which have been treated of in the materia medica,
may be substituted ; such as birth-root, dewberry, or high black-
berry root, Avhite  pond-lily root,  &c.   It will  also be proper
to remark, that  Ave have endeavored, in accomplishing this  Avork,
to avoid  any infringement upon Dr. Thomson's patent or copy-
rights.   Our intention has alone been the improvement of
Medical Botany,  in general.  We deem this notice  the more
necessary, as it will be perceived, by a perusal of the Appendix,
containing a number of cases  of disease  Avhich have actually oc-
curred, that in  their treatment, many  of the names  given by
Dr. Thomson to his remedies, have been made use of; though
in numerous instances, the article administered was a compound
quite different from his medicine bearing the same name.   We
will also  further  remark, that  any of  our diaphoretic powders
may be  employed in all cases where his composition poivders
might be considered useful, or have been adverted to, and  are,
at the same time, believed to  be much better.
   We hope that these observations  will not be considered as
originating from  any disrespect to Dr. Thomson ;  Ave think
those Avho have perused  our  work thus far, v/ill have become
satisfied that Ave have  done  ample justice to his character  as a
medical reformer. 
434
COMPOUNDS.
            diaphoretic or  saveating powder.

      Take of, Butterfly root,              1  lb.
               Bayberry, bark of the root,   1  lb.
               Sassafras, bark of the root,   4  oz.
               Colic root,                  4  oz.
               Ginger,                     1  lb.
               Cloves,                     2  oz.
               Cayenne,                   2  oz.
  All finely pulverized, and sifted through a fine sieve and well
mixed.  Dose—for  an adult, one  tea-spoonful in hot water,
sweetened if most agreeable.   For children the dose  must be
proportionably less ; and to  make  it more agreeable, cream or
milk may be added as well  as sugar.

  The following prescription is very  often used, being more
simple but not so valuable as the foregoing:—
      Take of, Bayberry,              2 lbs.
               Ginger,                1 lb.
               Cayenne,              2 oz.
               Cloves,                2 oz.
  Prepared  and used in the  same manner as   the  foregoing.
This is the preparation most commonly alluded  to under the
name of Composition Powders in the Appendix.
DR. J. T. WELLS	FORMULA.
Take of, Xanthoxylon,	1 drachm
Ginger,	3 do.
Valerian root,	3 do.
Blue Cohush,	3 do.
Black root,	5 do.
Golden Seal,	5 do.
Pleurisy root,	10 do.
  All to  be finely pulverized, sifted, and thoroughly  mixed.
Dose—a large tea-spoonful; or one  ounce of the powder to a
pint of boiling water, and  after pouring  off, may have another
pint added, taking one gill of this tea, and to each dose adding
a tea-spoonful of the anodyne drops.

                dr. j.  everett's formula.
      Take of, Bayberry,                       3 lbs.
               Ginger,                         2 lbs.
               Caraway seeds,                  2 lbs.
               Cloves,                         8 oz.
               Sassafras, (bark of the root,)      4 oz.
               Cayenne,                       4 oz.
  All finely pulverized, sifted, and well mixed.   Dose—one
tea-spoonful. 
COMPOUNDS.	
DR. ELIAS SMITH'S FORMULA.	
Take of, Bayberry, Hemlock bark,	1 lb. 8 oz.
Witch-hazel leaves,	4 oz.
Ginger, Cayenne, Cloves,	8 oz. 4 oz. 2 oz.
435
  All finely pulverized, sifted, and well mixed.   Dose—one
tea-spoonful.
                 ANTI-DYSENTERIC  POWDERS.

  The folloAving is one of the  compounds communicated  by
Dr. J. T. Wells, under the above name, and considered by him
as an invaluable article in the treatment  of dysentery.   We
arrange it under the head of diaphoretics, instead of astringent
tonics, because it embraces several  aromatic articles which are
valuable  diaphoretics;  and no  doubt  these  poAvders  may be
advantageously employed  to promote  perspiration at the  same
time that they are useful as a remedy in dysentery, as  all the
diaphoretic compounds are.
      Take of, African Cayenne,           3 oz.
               Ginger  root, (pared,)        3 oz.
               Bayberry, (bark of tbe  root,) 7 oz.
               Pleurisy (Butterfly) root,    7 oz.
               Sumach leaves,             7 oz.
               Witch-hazel leaves,         7 oz.
               Red Raspberry leaves,       7 oz.
               Golden  Seal,               7 oz.
               Valerian root,              3 oz.
               Anise seeds,                3 oz.
  All made fine, sifted,  and thoroughly mixed.  Dose—a heap-
ing tea-spoonful, in a  gill of boiling water, drank as hot as can
be borne.  Or if the patient cannot  readily take it in substance,
one ounce of the powder  may  be steeped  in a pint of boiling
water, taken in doses of a gill, and when the liquor is used off,
fill up again, and use as  before.
                    ANODYNE  POWDERS.

  Under this head, Dr. Wells has the following recipe :—
Take of, Prickly Ash berries,	5 oz.
Ginger root, (pared,)	5 oz.
Sumach leaves,	10 oz.
Witch-hazel leaves,	10 oz.
Red Raspberry leaves,	10 oz.
Valerian root,	10 oz.
Blue Cohush,	10 oz.
All finely pulverized, sifted, and well	mixed.
Vol. II.—2 D	
 
436
COMPOUNDS.
  "These powders are good for all menstrual derangements in
the female system, for bearing down pains, and affections of the
kidneys, bladder, or  womb; and especially during  pregnancy
and in labor, they are the best corrector, prompter, and alleviator,
I know of."
  " Directions for using.—Make  a strong decoction of the
powders,  in  the proportion of one ounce to a pint of boiling
water, simmered slowly in a tin vessel, for ten or fifteen minutes;
which, after settling, and using off the decoction, will bear filling
up Avith boiling water, stirring,  simmering, settling, and using
off a second time.  Dose—take half a gill of this decoction as
warm as can conveniently be drank, (sweetened, if most agree-
able,)  and either add from two to  three tea-spoonfuls  of the
anodyne drops (herein before mentioned,) to each dose, or the
drops may be taken during the intervals between the doses of
the  decoction.  Doses to  be repeated  once in from fifteen to
sixty  minutes, according  to  the  state and condition  of the
patient."
  Dr. Wells also states that these powders are excellent in all
female complaints, weakness, venereal  disease, Sic,  taken into
the  stomach,  or used by injection to the part affected.

                wells'  diaphoretic  drops.

      Take of, Myrrh,                     6 oz.
               Cayenne pepper,           6 drachms.
               Alcohol,                    Is pints.
  The solid articles to be  pulverized, and digested  in the alco-
hol, in a hot sun heat for ten days, often shaking it, then strained
or filtered. Dose—from one to three tea-spoonfuls, at discretion.
Good to relieve pain and promote perspiration.
                       DIURETICS.

  This class of medicines produce an increased discharge of
urine, and are valuable in the treatment of dropsy.

                       DIURETIC BEER.

    Take of, Elderberry juice,                   2 lbs.
             Pure honey,                        8 oz.
             Yeast,                              2 oz.
  Let it ferment or work clear, then add of
             Tincture of juniper berries,         2 oz.
             Essence of wintergreen,             2 oz,
  Mix, and it is fit for use. 
COMPOUNDS.
437
                     DIURETIC CORDIAL.

    Take of, Water melon seeds,                1 lb.
             Featherfew,                        1 lb.
             Yellow parilla root,                1 lb.
             Burdock root,                      1 lb.
             Horse radish root,                  1 lb.
             Golden seal,                       8 oz.
             Parsley root,                       8 oz.
             Agrimony,                        8 oz.
  All bruised and boiled in five gallons of water down to four,
then strain and add twelve pounds of good sugar and two  gallons
of brandy.   Dose—half a wine-glassful once or twice a day.

                    ASPARAGUS INFUSION.

  Steep the roots of asparagus in cold water, after being well
bruised, or split into shreds, and let the patient drink of the wa-
ter  often through the  course of  the  day.   It will increase  the
discharge of urine in a short time, and relieve strangury.   Sim-
ple as it may appear, it is an effectual remedy.—[John Shaw.]

                  hydrogogue tincture.

    Take of, Bark of sweet elder,                1 lb.
              Good wine,                        1 gallon.
  Let it simmer  an hour; strain and bottle.  Dose—A wine-
glassful, three or four times a day.
   Use.—This tincture is usefully administered in dropsical affec-
tions, particularly in abdominal dropsy, or ascites.  It has cured
many without any other ingredient.—[American Practice.]

                    diuretic decoction.
     Take of, Queen of the meadow, (roots,)         2 oz.
              Milk weed,             do.           2 oz.
              Juniper berries,                        2 oz.
              Dwarf elder, (bark,)                   2 oz.
              Spearmint, (herb,)                    2 oz.
              Wild carrot seed,                      2 oz.
  Put all into a mortar and bruise.   Make a strong decoction.
Dose—Half a pint, to be taken  often through the day.
   Use.—This decoction is very useful in gravel, dropsy,  &c.
It is strongly diuretic—[lb.']
EMETICS.
  The most simple form in Avhich an emetic can be administered
8C in powder.   For this purpose the pulverized leaves and pods 
4.38
COMPOUNDS.
of the lobelia inflata answer an excellent purpose.  The pulver^
ized seeds are more poAverfuI in their effects  upon the system
than the leaves and pods, and are generally more violent in their
operation.  They  are,  hoAvever,  most  commonly  preferred,
especially in urgent or severe cases, their effects being usually
more  beneficial.   Dose—from half to a whole tea-spoonful, or
more, with the addition of half a tea-spoonful of cayenne, in two
or three table-spoonfuls  of  warm water  or tea, once in fifteen
minutes, until it operates.
  The tincture of the leaves, or leaves and pods, is probably the
mildest form in which the lobelia can be  given, and is the pref-
erable mode of administering it to children, and to delicate irri-
table  adults.
                 TINCTURE  OF LOBELIA HERB.

  Take of the lobelia, fresh gathered, any quantity, bruise in a
mortar, and put into an earthen  or tin vessel,  pressing it down
close  and firm ; then add of proof spirits, sufficient to cover the
herb.  Stop the vessel close, and let it stand a day or two, and
then strain  and press out the liquor from the herb, and  to each
quart of this tincture, add one ounce of essence of sassafras, and
bottle  it  for use.  Dose—as an emetic, from one to ten tea-
spoonfuls.
  This tincture is  valuable, not only as an emetic, but also as
an  expectorant, and  external application to  wounds,  bruises,
inflammations, ulcers, eruptions of the skin, and poisons of every
description.
                 TINCTURE  OF LOBELIA SEEDS.

  Take of lobelia seeds, pulverized, four ounces, digest for eight
days in a pint of alcohol, placed in a hot sun heat, often shaking
it;  then strain or filter.  Treat the dregs with an  additional
quantity of alcohol to obtain all the strength, and preserve it for
future use.  This tincture is one of the ingredients in the anti-
spasmodic tincture, and is likewise  an  excellent emetic, for
which it is given  in repeated small doses until it operates.
             dr.  Everett's  asthmatic tincture.

  Take of  the tincture of lobelia,  made from  the  dry herb,
eight  quarts^  liquorice paste,  half a pound dissolved in warm
water and added to  the tincture.   This is said by Dr.  Everett,
to be excellent for the asthma.

              dr. Everett's emetic compound.

  This is made by  mixing the asthmatic tincture with the  tinc-
ture of blood root which is  prepared as follows:—
    Take of,  Blood root, bruised              4 oz.
             Hot water,                       1 pint. 
COMPOUNDS.
439
  Pour the water on the pulverized roots, digest for two days;
and add a pint of proof spirits.  Then
     Take of, Asthmatic tincture,              4 gills,
             Blood root tincture,              1  gill.
  Mix.  Of this mixture Dr. Everett states that he gives from
one to five or six ounces as  an emetic, which operates much
easier for both patient and attendant, than the lobelia does alone.
For  stubborn  cases of  adults, he usually adds a little of the
pulverized seeds of lobelia to give  it more energy or activity.
              ESCHAROTICS OR CAUSTICS.

  These  terms  include  all the articles which are usually em-
ployed to corrode, or destroy,  both the sound  and unsound
parts of the body.  But as we disapprove of the application of
caustics to any but diseased parts, and to these but seldom, Ave
shall give  only a few of the milder vegetable  ones here.

                    VEGETABLE CAUSTIC.

  Make a strong lye of hickory, or oak, ashes; put it into an
iron kettle, and evaporate till dry; pulverize, and preserve it in
closed vessels.
  Use.—This caustic is highly useful in the  treatment of fistu-
las ; also, in indolent ulcers of every character.  It removes fun-
gous flesh without exciting any inflammation, and acts but little
except on spongy or soft flesh.   It is useful in cancers, and in
every case Avhere a caustic is required.—[American Practice.]

                            SOOT.

  Is also said to be an excellent escharotic, to remove fungous or
proud flesh, from Avounds and ulcers ; and may be substituted for
burnt alum,  being much better.

  Any of the  following articles may likeAvise be used for the
same  purposes:

  Mandrake root, thoroughly dried, and reduced to a fine pow-
der, may be sprinkled on the part affected once in two or three
days, if necessary.

  The yolk of  an egg,  with a  sufficient quantity of fine salt
worked into it to make it  of the consistence of salve, may be
applied.

  The raspings or scrapings of  horns, are said to be useful in
some cases.
  Vol. II—2  d 2             42 
440
COMPOUNDS.
ESSENCES AND AROMATIC CORDIALS.
  Are made by dissolving any of the  aromatic oils in alcohol,
in the proportion of about  two ounces of the oil to a pint of
alcohol.
                     essence of anise.
     Take of, Anise oil,                          2 oz.
             Aleohol,                           1 pint.
  Mix, and shake well together.

                    aromatic cordials.

  These are pleasant drinks, often very grateful to the sick ; any
kind of which may be made by observing  the following propor-
tions :
     Take of, Loaf sugar,                        2 oz.
             Essence of peppermint,             4 oz.
             Gin,                              1 pint.
             Pure Avater,                       1 quart.
  Dissolve the sugar in the  water;  then add the essence to the
gin, when the whole  may be mixed, and well shaken together.
EXPECTORANTS.
  The object of expectorants is  to loosen, and promote  the
ejection of mucus, and other fluids, from the throat and lungs.
A variety of compounds are employed for this purpose, from
amongst which we select the folloAving :
expectorant powder.
      Take of, Skunk cabbage root,        4  oz.
              Unicorn root,              2  oz.
              Lobelia seeds,              1  oz.
              Cayenne,                  1  drachm.
  All finely pulverized, sifted and well mixed.   Dose—from
half to a whole  tea-spoonful, in honey or  melasses,  or they
may be formed into pills, and taken at bed time.
DR. WELLS  COUGH DROPS.
      Take of, Tincture of Lobelia,         1 pint.
               Anodyne drops,             2 pints.
               Wells' Anti-spasmodic drops, 1 pint.
   Mix.    Dose—half  to  a  whole  tea-spoonful, repeated at
discretion. 
COMPOUNDS.
441
            DR. EVERETT S EXPECTORANT SYRUP.

      Take of, Hoarhound, dry,              1 lb.
               Caraway seeds,               1 lb.
               Sage, dry,                   8 oz.
               Liquorice root, sweet,         8 oz.
               Colt's foot,* roots and tops,   8 oz.
               Cayenne pepper,             2 oz.
  Water, a sufficient quantity  to  boil for two  or three hours,
and leave, when strained, tAvo gallons.  Then add seven pounds
of good brown sugar,  boil  and  skim  off  the  froth or scum ;
when cool add  one gallon French  Brandy, and bottle  for use.
  Dose—for a child of three or four years old, one tea-spoonful,
adding the same quantity of water; and for grown persons, two
or three tea-spoonfuls Avithout water, taken several times a day,
if the cough is  severe.
                       ONION  SYRUP.

  Take  any quantity  of onions,  and roast them  in the  fire ;
peel off the outside, press the  juice all out, and sweeten  with
honey,  melasses,  or sugar.  If prepared in much quantity,  a
little spirit must be added to preserve  it.   This is an excellent
article for colds, coughs, croup, and all complaints  of the lungs.
Dose—from  one tea-spoonful  to  a table-spoonful,  according tc
age, Sic
         DR.  WELLS' VEGETABLE  EXPECTORANT SYRUP.

       Take of, Onions, fresh from the garden, 16 lb.
                Spignet root, fresh dug,        8 lb.
                Hoarhound,                   4 lb.
                Lobelia,                       2 lb.
                Pleurisy root,                 2 lb.
                Elecampane root,              2 lb.
                Skunk Cabbage root,          2 lb.
                Water,                        5 gallons.
   Boil in an iron vessel down to two gallons ; strain  and sim
mer over coals down  to one gallon ;  then add two  pounds  of
honey,  one pint of vinegar, and  one pint of gin, and simmei
down to two quarts.
   j)ose—one table-spoonful every fifteen minutes, till relief is
obtained.  This, says Dr. Wells, is the best thing I  know  of
to relieve distressed, difficult,  or  laborious breathing, &c.

                        HONEY  SYRUP.

   Take a handful each,  of hoarhound,  spignard  (or spignet)
roots, elecampane roots, and  garden beets, boil in  a  sufficient
• Tussilago farfara,s. plant abounding in the Eastern and Middle States. 
442
COMPOUNDS.
quantity of water to  extract the virtues of the articles;  then
strain, and when cool add honey enough to make a good syrup.
Take in small doses several times a day.   Useful for consump-
tions, coughs, Sic—[John Shaw.]

                    PULMONARY BALSAM.

      Take of, Spikenard root,            1£ lb.
               Hoarhound tops,            do.
               Elecampane root,           do.
               Comfrey root,              do.
       Add a suitable quantity of water.
  Boil, and pour  off the infusion repeatedly, until the strength
is all extracted ; then strain and reduce the  whole of the liquid
down to about twelve porter bottles (or six quarts ;) then add of
white sugar twelve pounds, and good honey six pounds; clarify
it with the whites of eggs.   Let it stand twenty-four hours, in
order that it may settle; add one  quart of spirits, and  finally
bottle it for use.
  Dose—a Avine glass full, three or four times a day.
  Use.—This preparation is  highly useful in the treatment of
pulmonary affections,  and coughs  of long standing.—[Ameri-
can Practice.]
                      EYE WATERS.
  Although we have condemned the use of minerals in every
form and under all  circumstances, whether internally or exter-
nally applied, yet the following eye water has so often mani-
fested its extraordinary power  and superior  efficacy  over most
other kinds in use, we have believed it to be our duty to give it
a place in this Avork.

                      EGG EYE  WATER.
  Take of white vitriol, a lump about the size of a pea; loaf
sugar, twice the quantity; together  with three cloves, all finely
pulverized  and  well mixed.   Then  have a hen's egg roasted or
boiled very hard, peel off the shell, cut through the middle, take
out the yolk, put the  aforesaid powder into the hollow  where
the yolk Avas, place the two halves of the egg together  again,
wrap it in a strong  cloth,  and  wring it hard, having  something
to catch  the fluid in.   This process, if dexterously  done, will
yield about a table-spoonful of eye water; but if done  carelessly,
or if the egg be Avrapped in too much cloth, there will be none
obtained.   This may be applied to the eye at pleasure, by wet-
ting the end of the  finger Avith the eye water and touching the
corner of the eye, or one  drop may be dropped into  the eye. 
COMPOUNDS.
443
              STIMULATING TONIC EYE WATER.

     Take of,  Tincture of lobelia,           )  Equal parts.
              Decoction of golden seal,      3      Mix.
  To be used  in the same manner as the former.

                    CHRONIC  EYE DROPS.
     Take of,  Lobelia seeds,                      1 oz.
              African cayenne,                   1 oz.
              Myrrh,                            1 0z.
              Valerian,                           1 oz.
              Camphor,                          | oz.
              Alcohol,                           1 pint.
  Let the solid articles be pulverized and infused in the alcohol
for ten days in a hot sun heat, often shaking it; then filter and
bottle for use.
  Directions for using.—" Mix one  tea-spoonful of the drops
with three of  new  milk, and apply to the eyes for three days;
then mix one  tea-spoonful of  the drops with tAvo  of milk, and
apply this three days;  then mix  equal quantities of the drops
and milk, and  apply till cured."—[Dr. Wells.]
  A number of other recipes for  the preparations of this class,
may be found  under the head " Inflammation of the Eyes."

                   BIRTHROOT EYE  WATER.

  Take tAvo ounces of birthroot, steep in a sufficient quantity of
water down to a pint, strain or filter, and  add one-fourth of" an
ounce of burnt alum pulverized, when it may be bottled for use.
Wash the eyes once or twice a day.
               INJECTIONS OR CLYSTERS.
   This mode of administering medicine is both ancient and use-
ful.   Injections are  resorted to for the double  purpose of pro-
ducing an evacuation of the contents of the rectum, and of apply-
ing medicine to a part of the system  which is very susceptible
of its influence, and thus  produce an impression upon it to a
greater extent, and in a more powerful manner, than can be done
by introducing  medicine into the stomach alone.
   Injections  are highly necessary in cases where food or medi-
cine cannot be  swallowed;  Avhether the inability arises from a
diseased state of the  oesophagus, as in sore throat, Sic, or from
spasm, as in  hydrophobia.   Where the object is to afford nour-
ishment to the system, they should be composed of rich broths
or soups, in which case they ought to be retained for a consider-
able time, so that the absorbents may take  up the nutritious par-
ticles.   In this  manner patients have been sustained for several 
444
COMPOUNDS.
months, when otherwise they must very soon have perished by
starvation.   When the object is to introduce medicine into the
system, the same articles  Avhich it would be proper to give by
the mouth may be administered by  injection.   In this manner
vomiting may be produced in a most thorough manner by adding
lobelia, either in decoction,  tincture, or the seeds,  to a small
quantity of warm water or tea, and administering it by injection,
minding to have it retained as long as possible.   This method
of vomiting patients is highly advantageous  in many cases, and
may be resorted to, particularly when the stomach is too irrita-
ble to retain medicine until it can affect  the system.
■   Where injections are employed merely for  the purpose of
evacuating the contents of the rectum, in other Avords to procure
a stool, it matters  but  little, in general, what they are made of.
Warm water with a little lard in it, or Avarm pennyroyal or cat-
nip tea, either of them answers a good purpose. It is a rare thing,
however,  that injections are needed to  procure a passage from
the bowels unless some disease be present; wherefore it may be
almost always  advisable to prepare them of something  more
stimulating than  warm water.  But in cases of very obstinate
costiveness where it becomes necessary to  administer a  great
number of injections in order to evacuate the contents of the bow-
els, it  may then be proper  to omit the cayenne, excepting one
occasionally.  The repetition of ten, fifteen, twenty, or even
forty  injections, all charged with a portion of cayenne pepper,
would be too irritating to the  sensitive  parts about the rectum,
and therefore ought only to be put into a few of them.   The
same  remarks will also in part apply to the employment of lobe-
lia in the injections.  Although it is in general a very valuable
addition to them, yet where they are administered with no other
view than to remove costiveness, the lobelia ought to be omitted.
Independent of its tendency to invert the peristaltic motion, the
quantity  which  would be  administered  in so many  injections
would produce sickness at the stomach and vomiting.
   As a general rule, injections may always  be administered at
the time  of taking a course of medicine, and more especially if
the bowels are disordered, either  by diarrhoea, dysentery,  cos-
tiveness, colic,  inflammation, piles, Sic   For common use they
are made as follows :—
   Take of, Astringent tonic, pennyroyal,  ~>   .   ...
               catnip, or other hot tea,    3         '
            Lobelia, (leaves or seed,) pulverized, half to a AvhoT
               tea-spoonful.
            Cayenne pepper,  one-eighth to half a tea-spoonful.
   Mix these articles together and pour them hot into a  pint
syringe,  having first unscrewed  the cap, taken  out the piston,
and applied the  fore finger  to  the end of the pipe; then pour 
                       COMPOUNDS.                    445

in cold water or cold tea until the liquid in the syringe is aboul
blood Avarm, when the piston is to be returned into the syringe,
the  cap screwed on  again, and  the  contents  thrown into  the
intestines.  This should be done with a due regard to decency;
and those who know  nothing about its  performance only what
report has said, should have explained to them the manner in
which it  is performed.  They ought  to be  informed  that no
exposure is necessarily connected with it, and that each sex is
competent  to administer to  its  own wants  in these  respects.
The  usual mode of  administering injections is  to  place  the
syringe, after being filled as has been directed, in the bed, Avhen
the patient may  introduce the pipe, the attendant then throws
up the liquid and withdraws the syringe without any exposure
whatever.
  It should be remembered, that after the liquor for the injection
is poured into the syringe and the piston applied to  it, the pipe
of the syringe must be elevated  so  that the  handle is perpen-
dicularly downward, when the  finger must be withdrawn  that
the air  may  escape and the piston  be  more  readily forced in.
Whilst in this position the  air ought to be all forced out, which
will be known by the liquid being pressed through  the pipe of
the syringe.   This is essential that no  air may be throAvn  into
the intestines of the patient.
   For diarrhoea, dysentery, Sic the injections should be wholly
composed of a strong tea  of the astringent  tonic, or of some
article of the astringent class, with the addition of a tea-spoonful
or more of the tincture of  myrrh, or the same quantity of the
anodyne drops; and where they are necessarily often repeated,
the cayenne may be occasionally omitted.
   In obstinate  cases of costiveness,  they ought  to be made of
a tea of  butternut bark, or of  some other laxative  article,
sometimes  adding a  little cayenne,  and repeated  until  the
obstruction is removed.
                     LAXATIVE  CLYSTER.

   Take of milk and water, each six ounces; sweet oil or fresh
butter,  and brown sugar, each iavo ounces ; mix them.  If two
table-spoonfuls of common salt be added  to  this, it Avill be the
purging clyster.—[Elisha Smith's Botanic Physician.]

                     VINEGAR CLYSTER.
   This is made by mixing three ounces of vinegar Avith five of
water gruel.   This is  peculiarly proper in  inflammatory  and
putrid disorders, especially in the latter.—[lb. J 
446                    COMPOUNDS.
NERVINE COMPOUNDS.
   But very little has hitherto been done to improve the nervine
 medicines by compounding those of different qualities; which
 is to be  accounted  for  in  the fact, that this class of medicines
 embraces, so  far as known, a much fewer number of simple
 articles than most other classes do.   These medicines are highly
 useful in the healing art; their mode of action being that of
 giving  tone to  the nervous system,  and  hence, might, with
 propriety, be styled nervine tonics.
   Nervines ought  to be used in almost all cases of  disease,
 especially  if  symptoms of nervous irritation  be perceivable.
 The principal articles of this  class, which  we  recommend, are
 the asafetida, the ginseng, and the lady's slipper.

                     NERVINE POWDER.

       Take of,  Lady's  Slipper,              4  oz.
                Ginseng,                    2  oz.
   And  two nutmegs; all  finely pulverized  and  well  mixed.
 Dose—one tea-spoonful; or one ounce may be steeped in a pint
 of hot water, of which  three or  four  table-spoonfuls, or more,
 may be taken at a dose, as  often  as circumstances may require.

                     NERVINE TINCTURE.

   A valuable tincture is made by infusing four ounces of the
 above  powder in a  pint of alcohol or brandy,  placed  in  a hot
 sun heat, often shaking, for ten  days; when it  may be  poured
 off, strained, or filtered, and add of  the Essence of Anise, one
 ounce.  Dose—from one tea-spoonful to a table-spoonful.

                SIMPLE TINCTURE OF VALERIAN.
    Take of, Valerian root,                    4 oz.
             Alcohol,                          1 pint.
   The root  to be pulverized, and digested in the alcohol, in a
 hot sun heat, for ten days, shaken every day, then strained or
filtered.  Dose—from one tea-spoonful to a table-spoonful, repeat-
ed at discretion.   This is .a valuable  preparation for all nervous
symptoms.
          wells' compound tincture of valerian.
    Take of, Valerian root,                       7  oz.
             Liquorice root,                      5  oz.
             Oil of anise,                         1  oz.
             Gum camphor,                      1 drachm,
             Alcohol,                            l£ pints.
  The solid articles to be pulverized, and digested in a hot sun
heat for ten days, shaken every day, then strained or filtered. 
COMPOUNDS.
447
Dose—from one to three tea-spoonfuls, every fifteen minutes,
until relief is obtained.   Useful as a nervine, and to ease pain;
and far preferable to paregoric, for children.
             OINTMENTS, AND LINIMENTS.
  Ointments differ from salves in being of a softer consistence;
both are applied  externally—salves most commonly to ulcers,
and ointments to  bad humors, and other eruptions of the skin.
Liniments are somewhat thinner in their consistence than oint-
ments, and are employed in frictions or embrocations on the skin.
WELLS SCROFULOUS OINTMEI	*T.
Take of, Tobacco, (best quality,) White ash moss,	1 oz. 4 oz.
Soot,	4 oz.
Hog's lard, Tar,	4 oz. 4 oz.
Anti-spasmodic drops,	2 oz.
  Boil the tobacco,  moss, and soot, in  two gallons of water,
down to one gallon ; strain off, and boil down to one quart; then
add the lard and tar,  and simmer over a fire of coals, down to a
pint and a half, and add the anti-spasmodic tincture, and stir till
cool.   This ointment is applied to scrofulous ulcers, scald head,
itch, and all diseases of the skin.
NERVE  OINTMENT.
    Take of, Mayweed flowers,                   2 oz.
            Smartweed,                         1 oz.
            Bitter archangel,                    1 oz.
            Bittersweet, (bark of the root,)       3 oz.
            Wormwood,                        2 oz.
            Cayenne pepper,                    k oz.
  Bruise the herbs and bark, and simmer all the ingredients in
a sufficient quantity of bear's grease, or any  other  soft animal
oil, over a slow fire, five or  six hours—then  strain the liquid,
and add to it one and a half ounces of spirits of turpentine to each
pound of liquid.  It should be bottled close from the air.
  This  ointment is to be used in cases of bruises, sprains, swell-
ings, tumors, &c, by rubbing it frequently on the affected  part,
and binding it up  with flannel, to keep it from the air.

              dr. s. Thomson's nerve ointment.

  Take of the bark of the  root of bittersweet, two parts,  of
wormwood  and chamomile, each equal, one part, Avhen green,
or if dry moisten it with hot water.  Put these into any kind of
  Vol.  II.—29 
448'
COMPOUNDS.
soft animal oil and simmer them over a slow fire for twelve hours;
then strain, and add  one ounce of the  spirits of turpentine to
each pound of ointment.  To be used for a sprain, bruise, swell-
ing, or for corns.

                   DISCUTIENT OINTMENT.

  Take a handful of the floAvers of mayweed, bruised, and about
an equal quantity of lard, put  into an earthen vessel and set in
the sun  for several days.  This is said to be a useful application
for  hard swellings, lumps,  or  wens on the neck, or other parts
of the body.

                      green ointment.
  Take of tanzy, wormwood, hoarhound, catnip, and hops, of
each an equal quantity.   Bruise  them and put them into a ket-
tle, cover over with spirits and lard, and let it stand two weeks \
then simmer awhile and strain.  Add one pound of common
[white} turpentine, to every ten pounds of the ointment.  Use.—
This ointment  is very cooling, resolvent, relaxing, and emol-
lient.   It is very useful in sprains, contusions, swellings, dislo-
cations, contracted sinews, &c—-[American Practice.]

                   RELAXING OINTMENT.

  Take  equal  parts of  plantain  leaves and root, bittersweet
bark, and spignard root, boil out the  strength, strain,  and make
it into an ointment with hog's lard.  This is a valuable oint-
ment.   It softens  and relieves a caked and  inflamed breast, in  a
remarkable manner.—[Elisha  Smith's Bot. Phys.],

                  STRAMONIUM OINTMENT.

  Take of fresh leaves of stramonium,  (often  called henbane,
jimson, &c.,) bruised, five pounds ;  lard, fourteen pounds.  Let
them simmer together  over  a gentle fire, till the leaves become
crisp and dry.  Then  press out the  lard, return it into the ves-
sel  when cleansed, and add to every pound of the  lard, two
ounces of beeswax.  Set the whole on the fire ;  when the wax
has melted, remove the vessel,  and let it rest, while the contents
gradually cool, that the impurities may subside.   This ointment
has been found to afford relief in  external inflammations, and
piles.   It is  also  highly beneficial  in burns, and to allay the
swelling of a cow's udder.—[lb.]

               OINTMENT FOR  SCALDS OR BURNS.
    Take of, Spirits of Turpentine,             1 oz.
             Olive oil or lard,                   2 oz.
  Mix.   Apply this ointment to a  scald or burn, and it takes
out the fire or removes the inflammation. 
COMPOUNDS.
449
                    LINIMENT FOR BURNS.

  Take equal parts of sweet oil, of fresh  drawn linseed oil, and
limewater; shake them Avell together, so  as to form a liniment.
This is found to be an exceedingly proper application for recent
scalds or burns.—[Botanic Physician.]

                    VOLATILE LINIMENT.

  Take  of sweet oil  an ounce, spirits of hartshorn half an
ounce ;  shake them together.  It is said  that in the inflamma-
tory quinsy, a piece of flannel  moistened with this liniment,
and  applied to the  throat, to be renewed  every four or five
hours, is one of the most efficacious remedies, and seldom fails
to carry off the complaint.—[lb.]
                       POULTICES.

  These are soft, pulpy, or mucilaginous compounds, for  ex-
ternal application to  tumors or  swellings, ulcers, and inflamed
parts.  They are designed either to disperse tumors, promote
suppuration, remove inflammation, or  produce a discharge of
healthy pus or matter  from ulcers.  Poultices ought to be  re-
newed once or twice in twenty-four hours.

                   COMMON ELM POULTICE.

  Take a  strong tea  of sassafras bark,  or  blackberry roots,
thicken with equal parts of dry bread or crackers, and slippery
elm bark, all made fine, to which may  be added a little ginger;
and if to be applied to  a bad ulcer, mix a little cayenne Avith it,
or sprinkle it on the poultice after it is  spread.
  If the sassafras or blackberry cannot be  readily procured,  the
bark of the dogwood,  (Cornus florida,) alder or Avinter berry,
or bayberry, or the  roots of the pond-lily, or birth root may be
used, and are perhaps equally as good.
  This poultice is the one generally referred to in this work
under the  name of  " common poultices," and is very good in
all cases.   It may be applied cold, especially to reduce inflam-
mation, when there is much pain, Sic, and should be occasion-
ally wetted Avith cold Avater, or  some  one of the cold teas of
which the poultice is directed to be  made.  We may also  re-
mark that for want of any of the aforesaid articles for preparing
the tea, SAveet milk, or water, may be used.
   The elm bark alone, stirred into Avarm milk and water, until
of a  proper consistence, makes an  excellent poultice,  highly
recommended by Dr. Beach. 
450
COMPOUNDS.
                      SUMACH POULTICE.

   Take of the bark of the roots of the common  sumach, any
 quantity;  bruise it well, and  boil in SAveet milk, catnip tea, or
 water, for twenty minutes; then thicken with  corn meal or
 crackers to a proper consistence for a poultice.  This is a highly
 valuable poultice for  all  kinds  of foul ulcers, and especially
 those which affect  the bones.

                YEAST AND CHARCOAL POULTICE.
   Take of yeast, a sufficient  quantity, and  thicken  it to the
 proper consistence  with  charcoal and slippery elm  bark finely
 pulverized.  This  is highly useful applied to ulcers  in a gan-
 grenous or mortified condition.

                    SASSAFRAS  POULTICE.
   Take the bark of sassafras, (root the best,) remove the ross
 or other useless parts,  bruise it well and boil in sweet milk or
 water, when it may be thickened to a  proper consistence with
 meal, slippery elm  bark, or flaxseed.   This is also a valuable
 application for mortified  ulcers.

                      CARROT POULTICE.

     Take  of, Boiled carrots, bruised,              1 lb.
              Flour,                              1 oz.
              Butter,                             | oz.
  Mix  them  with  as much warm water  as  to form a pulp.
 This  will be found  a valuable application to ulcerated sores and
 swellings, scrofulous sores of the irritable kind, and many other
 inveterate ulcers.—[American Practice.]

                    ALKALINE POULTICE.

  Take of  lye, rather weak, warm it, and stir in of slippery elm
bark  sufficient to form a poultice.  This  poultice is  useful in
inflammation of the breast, and other  parts,   in felons, white
swellings, lockjaw,  wounds, fistulas, Sic—[lb.]

                   DISCUTIENT POULTICE.

  Make a very strong tea of white  oak bark,  and  thicken  with
corn meal to the consistence of a poultice;  apply  it as  hot  as
can be borne, and change it every two hours.—[E.  Stedman.]
                         SALVES.
  Modern medical  writers have advanced the idea  that  the
application of salves, &c, to ulcers, produces no direct beneficial
effect upon them ; or, in other words, that salves contain nothing 
COMPOUNDS.                   451
in their nature or preparation, which, when applied to an ulcer-
ated surface, disposes it to heal.   The usefulness of those valu-
able applications, it is contended, depends entirely upon their
power of shielding the ulcer  from the air.
   However popular this theory may be amongst medical men,
we see no rational ground upon which it can rest.  If one appli-
cation can be made to an ulcer which will irritate and inflame it,
we see no good reason why  another may not be made that will
soothe and dispose the injured vessels to assume a healthy action,
and thus incline the sore to heal.  It is well known that in gen-
eral as  Avell  as local diseases of the system, medicines  taken
internally will  change a diseased action to a healthy one; and
why may not external applications do the same ?   It is also as
well known that the application of  rubefacients, that is, the ex-
ternal application of stimulants, where the surface is sound, pro-
duces a beneficial effect by transforming a diseased into a healthy
action; and it appears equally as rational to suppose that proper
applications to ulcerated parts might do the same.  Much more
might be said on this  subject, but we are compelled to forbear,
both for Avant of room and time.

                 DR.  WELLS' HEALING SALVE.
    Take of, Turpentine,                         1  lb.
             Beeswax,                           1  lb.
             Salt butter,                         1  lb.
             Balsam of fir,                       1  lb.
             Tincture of myrrh,                  1  gill.
   Melt and simmer all these articles together over a fire of coals
for three hours, in an  iron vessel;  then strain and cool.
                    dr. Thomson's salve.
    Take of, Beeswax,                          1 lb.
              Salt butter,                         1 lb.
              Carolina or white turpentine,        I5 lb.
              Balsam of fir,                      12 oz.
   Melt and mix well  together; then strain off and cool, for use.

                       SUMACH  SALVE.
   Take of the bark of the root of the common sumach, bruised,
any quantity;  boil until the strength is extracted, strain off the
liquor ;  add for each pound of the bark, a few spoonfuls of lard
or butter, and mutton tallow  enough to give it a proper consist-
ence,  then  simmer on coals  until the  water is  all evaporated,
when it may be again strained and  put by for use.
                        GREEN SALVE.
    Take of, Turpentine,                         2  lb.
             Bayberry tallow,                     a  lb.
   Vol. II.—2 e 2     34 
452
COMPOUNDS.
  Dissolve together, and form  into a salve;  add sweet oil if
necessary.
  This salve  is designed  for  scrofulous  ulcers.—[American
Practice.]
                       YELLOW SALVE.
  Take one bushel of the roots of the baptisia tinctoria, [wild
indigo,] boil till the strength is out, then strain, boil, and skim;
add ten pounds of fresh butter, three pounds of beesAvax, and  one
and a half pounds of mutton talloAv ; then boil the water out,  and
strain till clear.
  This salve is used by Dr. Bone, for all kinds of ulcers.   It is
cleansing, detergent, discutient, &c.—[lb.]

            butler's healing salve, and plaster.

    Take of, Rosin,                              1 lb.
            Beeswax,                            1 lb.
            Mutton talloAv,                       2 oz.
            Gum myrrh,                         2 oz.
            Gum camphor,                      1 oz.
            Tincture of myrrh,                   1 oz.
  Melt the rosin, beeswax, and tallow, then add the myrrh  and
camphor finely pulverized, and Avhen all are melted strain through
a fine cloth, return it into the kettle and add the tincture of myrrh.
When all is well incorporated, pour the mass into water,  and
work it in the  hands like wax.
  Useful as a  strengthening plaster, and as a salve for ulcers of
every description, having been employed, as we are credibly
informed, Avith the most astonishing success.

                        FELON SALVE.

    Take of, Rock, or any other table salt,         1  oz.
            Hard soap,                          1  oz.
            Spirits of  turpentine,                 £  oz.
  The salt must be rolled in a cabbage leaf, or wet paper,  and
roasted in hot  embers, for twenty or thirty minutes; then pul-
verize it, mix  with the soap previously shaved down, and  add
the spirits of turpentine, which  will make a soft salve or poul-
tice.  This  must be applied to the  affected part, and renewed
as often as it becomes hard and dry ; and if applied in time,  that
is, before matter is formed, it will prevent its formation, by three
or four hours application. If the salve be not applied until mat-
ter is formed,  it will still stop its progress, but the matter must
be let out, Avhen the ulcer may  be healed by the same  means
that Avould be  used  in any other case of like kind. 
COMPOUNDS.
453
                        STYPTICS.
  These are astringent substances  applied to wounds or other
bleeding surfaces, to stop the  flow  of blood.  They are often
very useful, but cannot be relied on when a large artery is wound-
ed,  though  they ought  to be  resorted to  when  the means of
taking up and tying the  bleeding vessel are not at hand.
  The following are considered among the best articles of this
class :—
  Dried beef, cut thin, dried, and pulverized ; or it may be burnt
to a coal, and pulverized.
  Sassafras leaves chewed fine and  applied,  is said to be better
than any thing else.
  Mandrake root is also highly recommended by some.
  Burnt bone, pulverized, is, by many, considered a valuable
styptic.
  A strong tea of hiekory bark, (that kind  termed pignut) is
highly recommended by Dr.  Hough, and  others.
  Soot, applied to  a fresh cut  or bruise, is said to be very effi-
cacious, in stopping the flow of blood.
                   VOLATILE SALTS.
  Take crude sal-ammoniac, one ounce; pearlash, two ounces ;
pound each by itself, mix them well together, and keep it close
stopped in  a  bottle for  use.   By moistening it with spirit,  or
essence, of any kind, will increase  the strength.   This applied
to the nose, is good for faintness and to remove pain in the head.
Sic.—[Dr. S. Thompson.]
         MISCELLANEOUS MEDICAL RECIPES.

                     RHEUMATIC LIQUID.

    Take of, Rattle root, (if green, 1 oz. if dry,)   £ oz.
             Gum guiacum,                      I oz.
             Juice of poke berries,               \k  gills,
             French  brandy,                    1 qt.
  Mix.  Shake it frequently for two or three days, when it will
be fit for use.  Drink of this  as  often as can be borne without
producing intoxication, until a cure is effected.
  The above recipe, which we believe valuable, was communi-
cated by Dr. Alford Butters, who also informs that one tea-
spoonful of  the saturated tincture  of  the rattle root,  Avhich is
often  used in  rheumatic affections, is a  common dose, and  as
much as most persons can bear.
  In the original recipe obligingly furnished us by Dr. Butters,
one ounce of sulphur was  added to the compound; bi>* as «we 
454
COMPOUNDS.
are unwilling to recommend that article, and believing the prep-
aration  equally  useful without it, we  have left it out.   Those
who are disposed to use it, however, can add it if they choose.

                   RHEUMATIC DECOCTION.

    Take of, Virginia snake root,                1 oz.
             White pine bark,                   2 oz.
             Burdock seeds,                     2 oz.
             Prickly ash bark,                   2 oz.
  Pulverize all  together,  and  add half a gallon of Avater;  boil
0 three pints.   Dose—Half a pint, two or three  times  a day.
This  forms an  excellent  decoction in  chronic  rheumatism.—
[American Practice.]

            FOR PAINS FROM COLD OR RHEUMATISM.

  Take a large handful of smart weed, bruise it and add as much
sharp vinegar as it will  absorb; warm it in a pot, or pan, and
lay it on the part affected  as a fomentation, or poultice, and re-
new it frequently.  If it should prove too painful, as it sometimes
will Avhen applied to the tender skin, mix it Avith corn  mush or
bran.   The tea made  of it, I am told, is very good to  take, by
the stomach, for colic pains.—[J. Shaw.]

                  LUSK's  RHEUMATIC DROPS.

    Take of, Mandrake root,                     | oz.
            Black cohush,                      5 oz.
            Pipsisawa,                          2 drachms,
            Prickly ash bark,                   2   do.
  Infuse in a quart of wine.  Dose—from one to four tea-spoon-
fuls, three or four times a  day.   Useful in chronic rheumatism
 nd gout.
                 POULTICE FOR SORE THROAT.

  Take of mayweed, or the floAvers, a suitable quantity,  bruise
to a soft pulp,  and boil for a short time in  a small quantity of
water ; then stir in corn meal until of a suitable consistence for a
poultice, spread  on thick cloth and apply to the neck, renewing
Avhen it becomes  dry.  This  is recommended as being  highly
useful for the sore throat of scarlet fever and for  all swellings
and inflammations.

FOR THE CURE OF BALDNESS, OR TO PREVENT  THE LOSS OF HAIR,

  Fill a bottle with the pulverized herb of lobelia, and then pour
in as much as it will contain of equal parts of brandy or whisky
and sweet oil.   It will be  fit for use in a few days.  Bathe the
head once a day with this  liquid,  and it will prevent the loss of
hair; also said to have restored it when lost. 
COMPOUNDS.
455
                     CURE FOR CANCER.

  Take the leaves of the common poke weed, bruise and press
out the juice, and dry on a pewter dish in the sun to a proper
consistence for a plaster or salve.  Spread this on cloth or leather
about one eighth of an inch thick, and apply  to the cancerous
ulcer.  If the sore is very large, a thin piece of  muslin may be
first laid  on it  to  prevent too  much pain,  and  then the plaster
over the  muslin.
  After twenty-four hours, the plaster must be removed, when it
will be  found that the  cancer is covered  with  matter, Avhich
must be cleaned off both from  the plaster and sore :  this may be
done by washing with soap suds ; and the plaster applied again.
  When the cancerous tumor is eradicated by the repeated appli-
cation of these plasters, the ulcer may be healed Avith the folloAv-
ing salve :—Take equal parts of beeswax, mutton  suet, and spirits
of turpentine,  melted together.  The beeswax and suet should
be first melted, when the spirits of turpentine may be added,
well mixed and suffered to cool.
  One case has been reported, in which  this remedy is said to
have cured a cancer  inside the mouth, by chafing the cheek on
the outside until sore, and then applying  the plaster.  It is also
said that one individual cured  nine cases with it  in one year.

          VALUABLE COMPOUND FOR SWELLED BREASTS.
  Beat or rub  camphor in a mortar Avith a little  alcohol, and to
a tea-spoonful of this add a table-spoonful of sweet oil.   Useful
for  any kind of swelling, pain, bruise, rheumatism, &c.

      FOR WOMEN'S SWOLLEN, INFLAMED, OR SORE BREASTS.

  Take soft soap and make a strong suds, and  with  a flanneY
cloth  well saturated  with the  suds, wash and rub  the breasts,
downward, Avith  some degree of violence, once an hour;  after
which, each time, bathe  the breast with  pole-cat oil and  cam-
phor, and keep it covered Avith  a flannel.  Pursue this course until
a cure is effected.—[Dr. Daniel Butler.]

                  ANOTHER, FOR THE SAME.

  Take of hard soap and common salt, each, two  ounces; of neAV
milk, half a pint; after shaving the soap fine, put the above ingre-
dients in a vessel and simmer  or boil  them slowly over the fire,
(being careful not to burn,) and when hot, stir in a spoonful of
corn meal, and keep it simmering until of a proper consistence to
spread on a cloth.  The  Avhole quantity should be used  for one
poultice, and should cover the  Avhole breast.  After being spread,
the surface of  the poultice should be covered over with pole-cat
oil, or any other soft grease, and applied  to the breast as hot as
                             44 
456                    COMPOUNDS.
can be borne.   A new poultice, similar to the above, should be
applied once in three hours, until relief is obtained.  The above
is considered infallible.—[Ibid.]
                       TO CURE WENS.

  Take the yolks of eggs, beat up and add as much fine salt as
will dissolve, and apply a  plaster to the wen every twelve hours.
It cures Avithout pain or any other inconvenience.

                      FOR INFLUENZA.

  Take equal parts of good vinegar and water, and to a tea-cup-
ful of this mixture add one tea-spoonful of best African cayenne;
sweeten Avith honey or sugar.   Dose—one table-spoonful, which
will allay the  cough instantly.   A dose taken at bed time will
generally enable the patient to rest well all night;  if,  however,
the cough becomes  troublesome at any time before  morning,
another spoonful will allay it.—-[John Shaw.]

                   FOR WHOOPING COUGH.

  Equal parts of sweet oil, honey and  vinegar, simmered togeth-
er,  given in tea-spoonful, or larger doses.—[Ibid.]

                     TO  CURE A COUGH.

  Take equal parts of the loose coarse moss whieh  groAvs on
white oak, Avhite maple, and Avhite ash trees, make a strong tea,
sweeten, and  drink freely.—[Jacob Dowell, Esq.]

                   FOR CONTRACTED JOINTS.

  A most valuable experienced remedy for lameness proceeding
from  a fixed contraction of the parts affected ; from the pen of a
late English  surgeon.
  Take  the yolk of a new laid  egg,  and let it be  beaten Avith a
spoon to the  greatest thinness: then by  spoonfuls  add  three
ounces of pure water, agitating the mixture  continually that the
egg and  water may be Avell incorporated.   The liquor may be
applied cold,  or only milk warm, to  the parts contracted, by a
gentle friction for a few minutes three  or four times a day.  This
remedy has been repeatedly tried by different practitioners, and
with  happy success.—[J.  Shaw.]

                      FOR COSTIVENESS.

   The foregoing prescription brings to my recollection the same
medical preparation for removing habitual costiveness, that dread-
ful nursery of every complaint.  I Avas many years ago troubled
with  it, and have often tried this remedy, and also have recom-
mended it to others who, as well as myself, have proved  its
superior efficacy. 
COMPOUNDS.
457
  Begin with one new laid hen's egg, (raAV ;) add it to three
times its bulk of cold water; let it be beaten for thirty minutes
to the finest consistence.  Take it in the morning on an  empty
stomach, and once or twice in the course of the day afterwards;
continue for eight or ten days, increasing the quantity from one
to three at a time, if the stomach will relish them ;  and they Avill
gradually and pleasantly remove costiveness and strengthen the
system.  I am also of  opinion that it is of considerable benefit
to the lungs.
  Dr. Moore has mentioned in his Medical Lectures, an aston-
ishing and desperate case of habitual costiveness, in an English
surgeon  stationed at Gibraltar, who had taken medicine for the
removal of it until the bowels became so torpid, that they  almost
ceased to act, and  hope had nearly  vanished.   The  eggs and
water Avas prescribed for him by a Spanish sergeant of the army,
and report says, made a perfect cure.—[Ibid.]

                      FOR THE GRAVEL.
  Let the patient drink a gill of red onion juice, and a pint of
horse-mint tea, twice a day, morning and evening, (but not to-
gether.)   The effect  Avill  be  perceivable  Avithin three  days.
Reported to me by a man who says it Avill dissolve the stone.
  The foregoing Avas communicated by a slave, to a Baptist min-
ister of Virginia, who  Avas  cured  by it, and  afterwards bought
the slave and set him free.—[Ibid.]

                      FOR THE  DROPSY.

  The  following medicine  has  saved many lives:—Take one
pint  of bruised mustard seed, two handfuls of bruised horse rad-
ish root, eight ounces of lignum vitae chips, and four ounces of
bruised Indian hemp root: put all  the ingredients into  seven
quarts of sound cider, and let it simmer over hot ashes until it is
reduced to four quarts: strain the decoction, and let the patient
take a wine-glassful, four times a day, for a few days, increasing
the dose to a tea-cupful, three or four times a day, according to
its effects: after Avhich let the patient use the tonic medicines.
  This prescription, says  Dr.  Henry, has  cured a remarkable
case of the dropsy, in a Aveek's time, which had baffled the  skill
of some eminent physicians.
                      SYCAMORE BUDS.

  The buds of the common sycamore or button wood, is anew
article in the materia  medica,  and appear from their sensible
properties to be possessed of great  poAver.   Their taste is  Avarm,
very pungent, and slightly  nauseous, producing a copious dis-
charge of saliva, and a very durable impression on the mouth.
  Dr. W. H. Anderson, of Warren county, 0., seems to have 
458
COMPOUNDS.
been the discoverer of the virtues of this article,  and communi-
cated it not long since to us.   The most usual mode of prepara-
tion is  in tincture, which is made by digesting one ounce of the
pulverized buds in a pint of alcohol, often shaking it, for a week.
Dose—for an adult, from  one to two  tea-spoonfuls; for child-
ren, less.
  Dr. Anderson  recommends  this article as being a good rem-
edy for cramp,  bowel complaints, pain in the breast, flatulency,
Sic  He also thinks it will be found a valuable remedy for sup-
pression of urine, as the bark of the tree is knoAvn to be.
  We  may add, that Ave think this  tincture promises to become
a valuable article of medicine.

                       TO CURE CRAMP.

  Drink plentifully of a strong tea of the blue cohosh root.—
[Jacob Dowell, Esq.]

                  FOR POLYPUS OF THE NOSE.

  Take of blood root, and bark of the bayberry root, equal parts,
pulverize fine, and use as a snuff freely, several times a day.

                      CLEANSING BEER.

  Take equal  parts of burdock, yellow parilla, and spignard
roots, as much as can be boiled in  six quarts of water; boil it
down to two quarts, strain it off, and Avhen a little cooled, add  a
pint  of melasses or half a pound of sugar, with yeast enough to
work or ferment it.   As soon as the fermentation  commences,
begin to drink,  and continue drinking freely until it is all drank;
and thus continue, making it fresh and drinking every day, until
health is restored.  This is a good article for purifying the blood,
and may be used in all cases of vitiated humors.—[E. Stedman.]

               FOR CURING A  CUT, BRUISE, ETC.

  Apply the moist surface of  the inside coating (or skin) of the
shell of a raw  egg; it will adhere  of itself, leave no  scar, and
heal without pain.—[Mechanic's Magazine.]

                      FOR SCALD HEAD.

  Take equal quantities of black pepper, (pulverized) and soot,
and stew in salt butter.   With this anoint the head daily until
cured ; Avashing the part before each application, with Avarm soap
suds, and aftenvards with strong tea of bayberry.

        FOR A DISCHARGE OF SYNOVIA, OR JOINT-AVATER.

  Injured joints sometimes discharge a fluid, called joint-water,
which  essentially weakens  the part.  It is said to be stopped, 
COMPOUNDS.
459
 and the joint cured, by applying a poultice made of sarsaparilla
 root, boiled in Avater until the strength is extracted, and mixed
 with wheat bran, or corn meal, to the proper consistence.

                 FEMALE STRENGTHENING SYRUP.

    Take one-fourth of a pound of comfrey root, dried; tAvo ounees
 of elecampane root;  and one ounce of hoarhound.  Boil them
 in three quarts of water  down to  three pints;  strain, and add,
 while  Avarm,  half an ounce of bethroot, pulverized;  a pint of
 brandy, and a pound of loaf sugar.
    Dose—from half to two thirds of a wine-glassful, three or four
 times a day.   This is used in female weaknesses, bearing down
 of the womb, fluor albus, debility and relaxation of the genital
 organs, barrenness, &c.—[Elisha Smith's Bot. Physician.]

                      children's cordial.
    Take two  ounces, each, of pink blows,  smellage  root, and
 pleurisy root, boil in tAvo quarts of water  down to one quart;
 strain,  and add one quart of fourth proof brandy, and one pound
 of sugar.
    Dose—for  an infant,  a tea-spoonful, repeating  if necessary.
  For the colics, fits, green stools, Sic, of children, this is an ex-
 cellent remedy.—[Ibid.]
                         FOR THE PILES.

    Take one gill of sugar house melasses; one ounce of fresh
  butter; mix  them Avell over a sIoav fire, and drink, just before
  lying doAvn,  or going to bed, at night.  In addition to this, the
  following  external application should be made.   Burn tAvo com-
  mon sized new corks to  ashes, and mix the same Avith a sufficient
  quantity  of  lard to make it of the  proper consistence; rub the
«  anus, or fundament, twice a day Avith this ointment,  and a cure
  will soon  be  effected.
               WEIGHTS AND MEASURES.

                         WEIGHTS.

    20 Grains, or gr., make            1 scruple, scru., or G
      3 Scruples,                      1 drachm,  dr., or  3
      8 Drachms,                      1 ounce, oz.,  or   3
  A large tea-spoonful of the powder of roots, barks or vegeta-
bles,  Avill Aveigh about twenty grains  or  one scruple,  less  or
more, as the article may be more ponderous, or light and bulky.
                     WEIGHT OF FLUIDS.
  A tea-spoonful contains about one fluid drachm.
  A dessert-spoonful contains  about three fluid drachms.
  Vol. II.—2 F 
4ti0
COMPOUNDS.
  A table-spoonful contains about five fluid drachms.
  A wine-glassful contains about two fluid ounces.
  A tea-cupful contains about four fluid  ounces.
  A pint contains about one pound.

                      FLUID MEASURE.
    4 Gills, make                        1 pint, pt.
    2 Pints,                              1 quart, qt.
    4 Quarts,                            1 gallon, gall.
  Those Avho Avish to be very nice and exact about the quanti-
ties in administering or compounding medicines, may purchase
at the apothecary shops a graduated  glass for measuring fluids,
and small scales  for weighing solids. 
COURSE  OF  MEDICINE.
  This includes the application of the vapor bath or steaming*
to promote  perspiration;  the administration of  an emetic to
cleanse the stomach;  injections to relieve or evacuate the bow-
els ; a second application of the vapor bath; the final conclusion
of the process by the cold affusion, or washing, with cold water,
and occasionally a cathartic to cleanse the intestines.
  The use of vapor  or steam is of very remote origin, having
been used by perhaps nearly all the nations of ancient times 5
and is  still resorted to by some of the rude, as well as more pol-
ished nations, of the present day.
  In Russia, as has been shown in the first volume, the vapor
bath is very  extensively  used, and also  more or less  in other
nations of the European continent.  The Indians of  America
have also been in the habit, from time immemorial, of employing
the vapor bath, to  assist in curing  their maladies, and  continue
the practice to the present time.

                   METHOD  OF  STEAMING.

  In  all chronic complaints, that is, those  Avhich are of long
standing,  such as  dropsy, consumption, liver complaint, rheu-
matism, Sic, the patient should take, four or five  times a day,  a
dose of the diaphoretic powder or bitter tonic, or  in case of cos-
tiveness, of the laxative bitters, for two, three, or  four days pre-
vious to the application of the steam or vapor bath.  And in case
of diarrhoea, dysentery, colic, cholera morbus, milk sickness, ob-
stinate constipation of the bowels, suspended animation, &c, an
injection should also be administered as soon as it can be prepared,
and if necessary, repeated before the process of steaming is com-
menced.  [For the method of preparing and administering injec-
tions, see under the head of Injections.]  But if  the disease be
a recent  attack, preparations should be immediately  made  to
apply  the vapor bath.
   Various methods have been devised for applying the vapor or
steam  bath;  but the  folloAving may be used  in all cases ; and as
the means  are to be  had  in every  family, it is most usually
adopted:
   Have a good fire  kindled, into  which five or six.stones or
bricks must be thrown, and a tea kettle of water put over to heat.
                                                    461 
462
COURSE OF MEDICINE.
  As soon as the water boils, take a tea-spoonful of the diapho-
retic  or sweating powders and add to it the fourth of a tea-cup-
ful of hot  Avater, Avhich may be SAveetened if most agreeable, and
administered to the  patient.  Tavo or three doses similar to this
must, in general, be given to  the  patient before applying the
steam, and if the disease be a bad case of fever, or attended with
much pain, one-fourth or one-half of a tea-spoonful of cayenne
pepper should be added to each dose of the diaphoretic powder.
  To prepare the steam bath nothing more is necessary, if the
patient is able to stand during the process, than a small iron ves-
sel, (a deep one is best,) and a  thick blanket, coverlet or quilt.
With the blanket held  loosely around him, he should strip off
all his clothes, or at least all but his shirt, when he must be more
closely  wrapped  in  the blanket.   The  iron vessel being noAV
placed near the patient with one of the hot bricks or stones in it,
hot water  is poured from the tea-kettle into the  vessel until the
stone is about half immersed, which quantity is sufficient to pro-
duce a lively steam.   The blanket is now drawn over and around
the kettle, and the hot vapor ascends, being confined by the blan-
ket, around the body of the patient.  When the  stone becomes
so cool as not  to  produce a lively steam, it must be carefully
turned over on the  other side, and when this has become cool
also, it must be taken out, and a hot  one from the fire put in its
place.   This likewise, Avhen too cool to produce  a lively steam,
must be removed, and thus continue  changing the stones until a
profuse  perspiration  is produced, which  will usually be in from
ten to twenty minutes.  If the steam  be too hot, the  blanket
must be opened to alloAV the cool air to enter.  Should there be
any  difficulty  in  producing a sweat, the  patient ought to take
another  dose or tAvo, of from half to a whole tea-spoonful of cay-
enne, in warm Avater, sweetened if most agreeable, whilst over
the steam.   If he becomes fatigued  with standing he may sit
down occasionally,  and by laying  something across  the steam
vessel, may place his feet over it or near its edges and thus have
the benefit of it to his feet.
  In cold weather he should have a Avarm board to stand on; and
when the first stone which is put into the steam  vessel becomes
cool, it should be Avrapped in  a damp  cloth and placed in the
bed at the foot; and the next one near the middle, to warm the
bed,  to promote  sweating Avhen the patient goes  into it.
  It often happens,  during the process of steaming, that  the pa-
tient becomes feeble and faint.   In such cases, as well as at all
other times, let him, if he craves it,  drink cold water, and dash
a little into his face or bosom,  or pour  it on his head or back,
which, if  properly  attended to, will generally afford relief, but
if it does not, then put him into bed.
  In the absence  of  the diaphoretic  powders, the cayenne pep- 
COURSE OF MEDICINE.
4o*3
per, common red pepper, black pepper, ginger  or pennyroyal,
mint, balm, or any other warm aromatic teas, may be used instead
of it, or in cases of emergency, hot water may be  substituted if
nothing else can be obtained.   Emergencies of this  kind, how-
ever, can rarely occur, unless it might be sometimes an accident,
as droAvning, severe bruises, Sic
   If the patient be too weak to stand over the steam, he may be
placed in a chair, wrapped in a very  thin blanket,  or he may be
either entirely naked or have his shirt on, first putting a hot stone,
as before directed, into a shallow vessel under the  chair, Avhen a
thick blanket must be thrown around the  patient and chair,  and
hot water poured into the vessel, and managed  in every  other
respect, as directed for steaming when the patient is able to stand
over the steam.
   For steaming small children, let a blanket or something of that
kind be spread on a chair so that it shall reach, in front of the
chair, to the floor; then let some person who can best manage
the child be seated in the chair, Avith the child in  his arms.   A
deep iron vessel containing a moderate sized stone must now
be placed  before the person and nearly between his feet;  pour
in hot  Avater sufficient to produce a lively steam, and then place
a blanket or quilt around the child and person holding it, in such
a way as  to  come over the steaming  vessel, and down to the
floor, and in every other manner so arranged as  to confine the
vapor and exclude the air.  The  person holding the child must
be the judge of the proper temperature or heat of the steam,  and
the attendant will regulate it by raising the blanket  when too hot,
or changing the stones when too cool.
   The quantity of medicine must be governed by  the judgment
of the individual administering; remembering often during the
process, to give the child drink,  and  in other respects managing
in the  same manner as with a grown person.
   We may ako  observe, that some practitioners omit steaming
until after giving the emetic, by which the patient only receives
one  process of the vapor bath instead of two.  We think, how-
ever, that the steaming  before the emetic, prepares the patient
better  for its  exhibition, making its operation  more  easy  and
more thorough.
   The steaming may be also very advantageously employed at
other times than when taking an emetic.  It should always, how-
ever, be immediately followed by the cold bath; and in this man-
ner may be profitably resorted to daily,  in fevers, rheumatism,
and  various other complaints.  In the same way it may also be
very usefully employed as a preventive of sickness, at any  and
all times ;  whether after exposures, or at times Avhen an attack of'
disease is actually threatened.   And if each family had some con-
venient method of applying the vapor bath, and would resort to
   Vol. II.—30 
464
COURSE OF MEDICINE.
it once a week, especially in the warm or sickly part of the sea*
son, or Avhen an epidemic was prevailing, there is no doubt that
a great deal of sickness might be prevented.
                 ADMINISTERING AN EMETIC.
  After steaming the patient, place him in bed, and, if necessary r
administer an injection, observing the  utmost  care to avoid ex-
posure to cold air,  when an emetic must be given.
  For an emetic, the pulverized leaves and pods, or the seeds,
or tincture, of  the lobelia,  may be administered.  The seeds are
commonly preferred, as being  most active and powerful.  The
quantity  neeessary to produce  full vomiting will vary for differ-
ent  individuals,  and even for  the same individual  at different
times.  These  observations apply with equal force to  all the
preparations of the lobelia.
  In ordinary  cases, we may commence by giving from half to
a Avhole tea-spoonful of the pulverized seeds in a table-spoonful
or tAvo of warm water or warm tea of any kind, to which should
be added a few drops of the essence of sassafras, from one-eighth
to a whole  tea-spoonful of cayenne, and the same quantity of the
nervine powder, or its tincture.  This may be washed down
with pennyroyal, may-weed, Or boneset tea, or chicken  broth,
gruel, milk porridge, or water.  Two more  doses, similar to
this, but  increasing  the quantity of the pulverized lobelia seeds
at each dose, should be administered at intervals of  fifteen min-
utes, until three tea-spOonfuls are  taken, unless sufficient vomit-
ing  is sooner produced.  In some instances, however, the quantity
here prescribed for an emetic will  not be sufficient, in which
case more, of course, must be administered, the quantity of which
must  be regulated by the judgement of those  who  administer;
but  enough should be given to cleanse the stomach  thoroughly.
Experience Avill teach, however, better than any  general rules
can do, the quantity necessary to operate sufficiently on different
patients.   The first and second doses ought to be so small as not
to produce  vomiting, if they can be so regulated, but always en-
deavor at the third dose, to give enough to  answer the  desired
purpose.  Some practitioners, however, prefer giving enough at
one dose, in which  case  they give from tAvo to four tea-spoon-
fuls.  We think this the most effectual in curing disease, but is
most  unpleasant and fatiguing to the  patient.
  If the essence of sassafras cannot be obtained, a tea of the bark
of this tree may be  substituted  for it;  or if  neither can  be pro-
cured, the  emetic  must nevertheless be given without  either.
The advantage of the sassafras appears to be that of modifying
the  action of the lobelia upon the nervous  system,  Avithout im^
pairing its  virtues.
  Whilst taking the emetic, and during its operation, the  patient 
COURSE OF MEDICINE.
465
ought to drink freely of warm water, pennyroyal, or some other
tea, which has a tendency  to  promote vomiting as well as to
make it more easy.   It may be regarded as a general rule, that
the more a person drinks, especially if vomiting be  difficult to
excite, or is laborious, the more readily and easily he will vomit.
  The pulverized leaves and pods of the lobelia rank next to the
seed for an emetic.   They may be given in the same manner
as the  seeds, only the doses must be somewhat larger;  or from
three to six tea-spoonfuls of the powder may be infused in a tea-
cupful  of hot Avater, pennyroyal, catnip, or almost any other tea,
for tAventy or thirty minutes, closely covered; then strain off,
divide  into three unequal doses, adding the essence of sassafras,
cayenne pepper, and nervine medicine as directed for the seeds;
give the smallest dose first,  the other tAvo at intervals of fifteen
or twenty minutes, and  in other respects  manage as directed in
giving the seeds.
  The tincture of the green herb  is  thought to be the mildest
form in Avhich  the lobelia  can be administered as an emetic,
though there is probably but little difference between this and the
infusion of the poAvder just treated of, either of which  ought
commonly to be preferred for children and delicate or irritable
females.
  If, hoAvever, no preparation of the lobelia is at hand, either of
the folloAving articles may be substituted, viz: Vervain, boneset,
wild hoarhound of the South, or ipecacuanha (commonly called
ipecac) of the shops.
  It often  happens that emetics do not operate freely, apparently
in consequence of acidity or sourness of the stomach.  When
this appears to be the case, or at any time when an emetic is
slow in its operation,  the white lye, or pearlash water, may be
given,  Avhich will generally  produce vomiting.
  When  the patient has done vomiting, or as soon as the stom-
ach will bear it, he should take some kind of nourishment, such
as broth,  soup, porridge, tea and toast, or any thing else which
the appetite may crave,  in reasonable quantity; and when suffi-
ciently recovered from the effects of the emetic and fatigue of
the vomiting, he should be again steamed in  the manner hereto-
fore described ; and when perspiration has become profuse, the
blanket, or whatever is around the patient, should be held loosely
from him, and a quart, or more, of  cold water  poured instanta-
neously upon the head or shoulders so as to spread as nearly as
possible over the Avhole surface of the body.   The patient must
then be wiped dry, and his necessary clothing put on, and go
into bed, having the sheets  or blankets, in which he lay whilst
vomiting,  taken off, and dry ones put in their place.
  For patients  who are  very weak, or irritable, the  coldness of
the Avater  may be taken off  a little by the  addition of some that 
466
COURSE OF MEDICINE.
is warm ; or if strong prejudice or objections exist in the mind
of the patient against  the  pouring on of the water, wiping off
with a cloth  wet with cold water, vinegar,  or spirits, may be
adopted instead of that process.
                 ADMINISTERING CATHARTICS.
   In all cases Avhere it is thought  advisable to administer a pur-
gative  medicine, it is best, in general, to give it  so long previous
to the  steaming and emetic just described, as to alloAv its opera-
tion to be over before the steaming process is commenced.  This
course Avill sometimes be  proper  in bilious fevers, dysenteries,
liver complaints, dropsies, jaundice, Sic  For dropsical com-
plaints, two of Bunnell's pills may be taken every night, with
bitter tonics and diuretics during the day, and the vapor bath and
emetic once  or  tAvice  a week,  or oftener, according to  circum-
stances.   For jaundice, or liver complaints, take three pills every
other night, the  bitter  tonic during  the day, and  the  steaming
and emetic once or twice a week.   But in ordinary cases Avhere
cathartics are employed,  and in bilious fevers, the black root is
considered by many as  more valuable than  any  other article.
This may also be given at bed time, in the dose of one  or two
heaping tea-spoonfuls, and if it does not operate by morning, half
as much more may be  administered.
  During the operation of a purge, and especially  if the patient
is Aveak or feeble, he  ought to drink frequently of nourishing
broth,  soup, porridge, or gruel, to support the powers of life,
and prevent that exhaustion which  most cathartics are apt to pro-
duce.  Care  should  also be taken  to prevent exposure to the
cold, as by this simple  precaution, many of the evils arising from
the use of purgatives might be avoided.  If they continue their
operation too long, or  prove by their violence too exhausting,
the patient should take a few doses of the tincture of myrrh, or
of the  cholera syrup.
  In some cases of fever where the course  of medicine is not
commenced with a purge, it sometimes happens that  after the
fever is checked, the patient does not readily regain his strength
but continues weak and feeble;  in which cases the administration
of a purgative produces a most salutary effect.  We repeat, how-
ever, that purges should be cautiously administered in all cases
where  great debility prevails, and the utmost care  ought always
to be observed in all serious complaints to prevent their debili-
tating  effects, by the use of nourishing broths  and stimulating
medicines, such as tincture of myrrh, diaphoretic powders, bitter
tonic, &c.
           REPETITION OF THE COURSE OF MEDICINE.
  Although this  has been,  perhaps, sufficiently noticed in the
treatment of the various  diseases which we have herein before 
COURSE OF MEDICINE.
467
described, yet as there are cases sometimes occurring of Avhich
no description will be found in our work,  as  well as others to
which no name can or need  be  assigned, but which are to be
treated on the same plan, we think it advisable to present some
general rules for regulating  this important part of the  curative
process.
  Where a course of medicine  has afforded perfect, or only very
considerable  relief in sudden  attacks, we may  very  fairly pre-
sume in most instances, that with common prudence and the use
of bitter tonics, diaphoretic powders, or cayenne pepper, the pa-
tient will soon regain his health without another course.  Or if
the violent symptoms are removed,  and still, as sometimes hap-
pens, recovery is not so speedy as might be expected  or wished,
a cathartic will often be very serviceable, and accomplish all that
might be necessary; remembering to follow  it with the bitter
tonic, &c.
  It may be  regarded as a general rule, in  all cases of disease,
whether  acute or chronic, that when very important relief is ob-
tained, whether by the first or any  succeeding course of medi-
cine,  this process need not be  again repeated so long as the bitter
tonic, or Avhatever else may be thought  best to give, keeps the
patient improving in health and strength.   But  whenever we
find that this is not the case,  another course is immediately to
be resorted to.
  In  acute diseases, especially fevers, and all cases which have
a tendency  to run their course in  a short  time, the  courses of
medicine ought to be repeated  every day,  or once in two or three
days, according to  the violence of the  symptoms.   In violent
cases, the  cayenne pepper  should  be frequently administered
between  the courses whilst the bitter tonic or diaphoretic  pow-
ders may be less frequently given.
  In chronic diseases, the same rule may also be observed, only
that the courses of medicine need not be so often repeated, ex-
cepting sometimes in dropsy, or some other complaints which
have become very virulent in their character, or threaten  a speedy
termination in death. 
APPENDIX.
CONTAINING CASES OF CURES PERFORMED WITH BOTANIC MEDICINES.
  The following cases are given, not so  much with a view of
showing the value of Botanic  Medicines, as to exhibit the diversi-
fied manner in which they may be used, and thus inspire confi-
dence in those who are but little acquainted with them.   These
cures were chiefly performed with what are termed Thomsonian
medicines ; a name now employed, to a great extent, in a general
sense, to distinguish innocent botanic remedies from those which
are poisonous, either botanical or mineral;  and if there be any
thing honorable to Dr. Thomson in thus distinguishing botanic
medicine,  Ave think him worthy of it, as he was the first indi-
vidual who commenced the present revolution in medicine, and
which will eventually change the whole poisonous practice; for
which he is entitled to  the lasting gratitude of the Avhole civil-
ized  world.
  But it is obvious to those who are acquainted with Dr. Thom-
son's system, as it is called, that it is too brief, as well as being
otherwise  imperfect;  and loud and  repeated  calls  have been
made for a work more  extensive,  and at the same time embrac-
ing all the improvements and knowledge that has been accumu-
lating since the publication of his books, which is the object of
the present work.
  %CT" As some of Dr. Thomson's medicines are named in the fol-
lowing Appendix, we will  state, for the satisfaction of those who
are unacquainted with his book, or may wish to know which of
our medicines Ave would apply, in similar cases, instead of his,
that  where his third preparation  is recommended, or has been
employed, our  anti-spasmodic tincture should be used, and is
considered better;  Avhere his No. 6 is directed,  we  should use
either the  simple, or compound tincture of myrrh ; instead of his
composition, use our diaphoretic medicines ; instead of his bitters,
any  of our bitter  tonics;  and  instead of his  No. 5, our tonic
cordial.
468 
CASES  OF   CURES.
                         CASE I.

  In the spring of 1830, I was called to attend Ephraim Sim-
mons, a man of advanced age  and very infirm, having for seve-
ral  years previous  to  this time been  afflicted with  what was
termed an asthmatic consumption.
  I found that he had taken a very severe cold, whieh had seated
upon his lungs, and produced the most violent pains in his breast,
extending to  his shoulder blades,  shooting thence to his side,
and back again to his lungs ; with high fever and  difficulty of
breathing.  I immediately proceeded  to  take him  through  a
regular  course  of  medieine whieh, for a  short time, afforded
some relief.  The pain, however, gradually returned, and  in
five hours  he was in as much pain as ever, notwithstanding he
had been kept in a copious perspiration by the application of
hot stones and the  free  administration of diaphoretic powders
and cayenne.
  At the end of five hours, I placed him in a ehair over a lively
steam for thirty minutes, by which the pain was again mitigated,
when he was put in bed and the perspiration kept up as before.
  After about six  hours  had  elapsed, the pains had returned,
when he was again steamed as before, with the same  happy
effect.   Several  injections had also been given during the time,
to relieve his bowels.
  After the lapse of about seven hours from the last steaming,
the pains again recurred, but Avith  less  violence than formerly,
when I  repeated the steaming with the same good effect;  keep-
ing up the perspiration Avhen  in bed by the same  means as at
first; and now, in  addition thereto, I gave bitters occasionally.
These were  composed of star or unicorn root, two  parts, and
golden  seal  and  poplar bark, of each one  part, with a small
quantity of cayenne.   I also ordered, every three hours, a tea-
spoonful of the  antispasmodic  tincture, to promote  expectora-
tion ; with a free use of the lady's slipper to allay the nervous
irritation.
  At the end of about  seven hours more, however, the pain had
once more returned, but with still less violence, when I took him
through  another  course of medicine ; vomiting him with  the
antispasmodic tincture, and keeping up the perspiration as  be
fore.  The pain now became less severe and recurred with less
                                                   469 
470
APPENDIX.
frequency than it had previously done; after which I gave him
a course of medicine  every twenty-four hours for five days,
steaming him about three times betAveen the courses.
  The pain having now become very much conquered, and ex-
pectoration free, two days were allowed to elapse before another
course, of medicine was resorted to; and his pains  continuing to
subside, three days  were allowed to pass aAvay before the  next
course, after which  he gradually recovered, and acquired better
health in three weeks than  he had enjoyed for a long time pre-
vious to this attack.           MICAJAH DILLINGHAM.
                        CASE II.

  Sometime in the early part of 1833, I was  called upon  to
attend  Nathan Fitz Randolph who had  been out of health for
about tAvo weeks previous to my first visit;  one week of which
time he had been procuring and taking medicine from a neigh-
boring  physician,  but had, from the very commencement of his
indisposition, been growing worse.
  His symptoms were, a violent fever of the remittent type, with
bilious  accumulation, great pain in the head, and inflammation
of the lungs attended with much pain,  oppression, and difficulty
of breathing.   Indeed, his case had the appearance of being one
of the most formidable that I had ever encountered.
  I commenced, however, and gave him a thorough  course  of
medicine, which entirely  relieved the pain in his head, and pro-
duced expectoration from  the lungs with some relief in his brea-
thing.  After this I gave the diaphoretic powders and cayenne
fn^ely to  promote  perspiration and increase the vital force of the
system.
  In twenty-four hours, I gave him another course of medicine,
Avhich  increased the expectoration, but produced no permanent
abatement of  fever.  Diaphoretic powders and cayenne were
directed every two hours, alternately with a free use of the ner-
vine powders, and once in four hours,  a dose of the tincture  of
lobelia.  The usual means of applying hot  stones  wrapped  in
damp cloths Avere  also employed, to promote perspiration in bed;
but the fever being of the  most inveterate character, but little ad-
vances apparently were made  towards  effecting a cure.   A por-
tion of Bunnell's pills Avere also given to  remove  the bilious
matter  from the stomach and intestines.
  Forty-eight hours were now allowed to elapse before another
course was administered,  after which,  finding the disease so ob-
stinate, I repeated them every day until I had administered nine
courses in all, the last of Avhich appeared  to  remove the fever
and leave him clear of the disease,, but in a very debilitated con- 
APPENDIX.
471
dition.  He, however, gradually regained his strength, and now
appears entirely free from any affection of the lungs which had
previously been in an unhealthy condition for  several years in
consequence of the measles.
  It will be proper  to observe that  after the fourth course of
medicine, I directed the employment of wine and the spice bitters,
in addition  to the cayenne and diaphoretic powders;  with castor
oil to move the bowels.   Injections Avere also occasionally ad-
ministered for the same purpose.   Between the courses of med-
icine, 1 sometimes applied the vapor  bath in the following  man-
ner :—I took tAvo  wooden hoops  from a barrel, one someAvhat
smaller in diameter than the other, and  cut them in tAvo at the
middle.  The largest of  these Avas placed, when steaming, over
the breast of the  patient, and  the sm?Uer one  near the  feet.
After cutting them  in two, as stated, they were prepared for use,
by setting them up at a suitable distance  apart and nailing  three
narrow strips of thin board, one on the top, and one on each  side;
the top one somewhat the longest so that it extended over the
small hoop and formed a projection beyond the foot of the bed.
This frame was placed over the patient, and under the bed clothes,
with a kettle of hot water and a red hot stone in it on a chair at
the foot of the bed to produce a steam.   To those  acquainted
with the common  method of applying the vapor bath, nothing
more wll be necessary by way of explanation, as they will un-
derstand it better than it  could be described.
  I will only add, that by the aid of this simple construction, I
have often succeeded in exciting perspiration on persons too weak
to sit in a chair, when I  could  not produce it by the application
of hot stones or bricks.         MICAJAH DILLINGHAM.
                         CASE III.

  1 have thought it might be gratifying to the friends of the Ira-
proved System of Botanic medicine, as well as useful to the pub-
lic, to forward the  following statement for publication.  It shows
at once the power  of some of the improved botanic agents, and
their superiority over the remedies of the old school.
  The subject of this statement, is the Avife of Wallace Daniel,
who for many years has been subject to fits, for the cure of Avhich
her husband assures me he has  spent upwards of one thousand
dollars, Avithout his  wife receiving any benefit.   For the last
two years her health has been very precarious and feeble ; but she
has not, during that time, had many fits, until since the birth  of
her last child, Avhich is now seven or eight months.  Within the
fast feAV davs, her fits have been  extremely  violent.  She was
advised to call on  me ; and yesterday, accompanied by her hus-
   Vol. II.—2 G              4ti 
472
APPEJND1X
bapa, she came to my house to consult with me herself, having
had strong doubts as to the utility of the botanic practice.
  About one hour after her arrival,  she arose from her chair, in
much agitation, exclaiming, " I have a fit now coming on me !"
and, from extreme agony, shouted with great vehemence.  And
what was very singular, the pain commenced in the great toe of
her left foot, from whence  it extended over the whole body.
Her manner was so terrific, that my  family all  fled from the
house, Avhilst I immediately availed myself of some anti-spas-
modic drops, by which time she had sunk to the floor in spasms.
I poured a tea-spoonful of the drops into her mouth, and in less
than one minute she raised her  head from the floor, and,  clap-
ping her hands, exclaimed,  " Thank God, Mr. Sheward! thank
God, Mr. Sheward !   Oh ! Avhat sudden relief!"  She Avas then
assisted from the floor, and Avent into bed.
  I then gave her a portion of the diaphoretic powders, to which
Avas added a little cayenne.  After an interval of about one hour,
the spasms returned again,  with shouting and violent emotions.
She Avanted to get out of bed, but I prevailed upon her to  com-
pose herself.   I then  gave her a tea-spoonful of  the anti-spas-
modic drops ; but this  not affording immediate relief, I gave her,
at the end of about three minutes, a table-spoonful more, which
soon removed  the spasms.   About this time her husband came
in, and  she returned  home  with him, where she soon vomited
pretty freely, by which she was relieved.
  Last night I called to see her, and whilst  in, she observed to
me that she felt symptoms of another fit.  In order to test the
efficacy of the blue cohush, I gave her a tea-spoonful of the pow-
dered root, in a half tea-cup of hot Avater sweetened.  This nau-
seated her stomach and removed the symptoms, and she has had
no return since.  I do not, however, consider her as cured, but
am  disposed to persevere Avith a regular process of the medicine
and A'apor bath, until she is  permanently relieved.  Her husband
observed. to  me, last evening, that  I already  had  something to
boast of, if I should even not succeed in effecting a cure, as I
had done what none of the old school  physicians  had  ever ac-
complished ; I  had checked  the fits during the paroxysms.
                                    JOHN SHEWARD.
  Zanesville, 1st Month, 25th,  1834.
                        CASE  IV.

  Amos McNames, aged about forty-five, was severely attacked,
in the spring of 1832, Avith inflammation of the lungs.  His fam-
ily proceeded immediately to administer a course  of  medicine
from which he experienced  slight relief.   Very soon, however, 
APPENDIX.
473
he became much Avorse; avhereupon they sent for me.  I found
him in a high fever, attended with violent pain in the side, dif-
ficulty of breathing, and great anxiety.  It being  late  at night
when I arrived, instead of giving a course of medicine, I admin-
istered a cose of the anti-spasmodic  tincture, Avhich gave relief
for a short time.  A hot rock  Avas also applied to his feet, and
in a little time gave him a dose of cayenne.
   In the  course of two hours I gave another dose of the anti-spas-
modic tincture, which Avas repeated at similar intervals during
the night; and occasionally, during these intervals, gave a dose
of either cayenne pepper or the diaphoretic powders, to promote
perspiration.  By morning he  had become quite comfortable;
and I  left him, Avith directions  to continue  the  same course
through the  day.
   The folloAving morning I saw him again, when I learned that
he had continued comparatively easy during the day, but at eve-
ning became very much distressed, with difficulty of breathing,
and great anxiety, in Avhich condition he still remained Avhen I
arrived.   All the previous symptoms Avere  greatly aggravated,
and many of his neighbors, Avho were attracted by the extreme
severity of his  case to see him, thought that he  could not live
twenty-four  hours.
   The family having made the necessary preparation before my
arrival, I proceeded immediately to administer a course of med-
icine, first requesting the concourse  of neighbors to withdraAv
from the room, excepting such as  Avere necessary to assist in the
process ; for which purpose I retained tAvo or three.  The course
of medicine, Avhich included  tAvo steamings,  occupied nearly
the Avhole day, and relieved him of the most urgent symptoms
very  considerably.   After the  last steaming  he  was placed  in
bed,  Avith hot rocks to his  feet  and  sides,  to keep up a pretty
free  perspiration.   I prescribed the  same treatment as the day
before, to wit:—a  tea-spoonful of the anti-spasmodic tincture
every two hours, to promote expectoration and relieve  his brea-
thing, with a free use of cayenne and the diaphoretic poAyders, to
stimulate and strengthen him.   After he had recovered from the
fatigue of the course of medicine,  I also gave him  a dose of mild
physic, to empty his boAvels.
   On the following day I  made him another visit and found him
quite comfortable, and his wife being so  well acquainted Avith
the botanic practice, that I discontinued my  visits, leaving him
to the discretion of himself and family.  He continued to mend
rapidly,  and just one  Aveek from the  day I gave  him the first
course of medicine he Avas able to Avalk out of doors.
                             MICAJAH DILLINGHAM. 
474
APPENDIX.
                          CASE V.

            Communicated by Dr.  R. D.  Tisdale.

   John Smith, a man of about twenty-five years of age, in ths
fall of 1823, emigrated to what has  been called the St. Joseph's
country, and the following spring  Avas attacked Avith a violent
fever.   He Avas attended by the  most respectable physician in
the neighborhood, who in  a few weeks,  succeeded in changing
the type of the fever  to that of an intermittent or ague.   His
health,  hoAvever, continued very bad the  whole summer, and
despairing of relief, in October he was removed, Avith much care,
on a bed placed in a wagon, to the neighborhood Avhere I reside.
Here he again  called  in the  aid of a physician in Avhom much
confidence Avas placed, who resorted to the popular means of sal-
ivation with mercury, by which his mouth  was so much affected
that he  was unable to take any nourishment but such as could be
conveniently  drank, and even this  Avith  the  greatest difficulty.
But the salivation had no influence on the ague, which still con-
tinued and produced much debility.
   The  digestive powers at length became  so  weak  that every
thing he ate produced violent pains  like colic, and he so far lost
his confidence in his  physician, as  to  apply to  a  water doctor,
Avho,  it Avas said, cured every thing, and by whose prescriptions
he evidently obtained some relief.   After receiving his attention
for two or three weeks, the colic pains continuing as frequent as
ever,  and still more severe, he discontinued the use of all medi-
cine.   If this course Avas not beneficial to him, it certainly Avas
no disadvantage ; for his health and strength  very slowly im-
proved, until he became able,  Avith great difficulty, to walk about
half a mile. This effort, hoAvever, proved too great for his strength,
and he became  Avorse, being soon taken Avith Aery severe pains
in the bowels.
   This occurred on  the 29th of December, 1833, and as a last
resort, he concluded to place himself under my care, and I was
accordingly sent for.   After an investigation of the case I was
satisfied  that the disease was  a dyspepsia of  a most inveterate
character.  I Avas, however, induced to believe that  by a long
course of proper treatment  his health might be  restored.   Hav-
ing premised this short and imperfect history  of the case, 1 Avill
proceed to detail the course of treatment  Avhich I pursued, and
which proved successful in  effecting a cure.
   Among the symptoms not enumerated the patient had a diffi-
culty  of breathing, which was very  much relieved by adminis-
tering half a tea-spoonful of cayenne in melasses.  This Avas the
first medicine I gave him, it being in the evening; and during the
night he took frequently of the diaphoretic poAvders and bitter 
APPENDIX.
475
tonic, of each half a tea-spoonful at a time.   In  the  morning I
administered an emetic of lobelia, and prescribed cayenne three
times a day—the morning dose  to be taken in the white of an
egg, beaten up with a table-spoonful of  melasses, and the other
at noon and night with melasses only.  After pursuing this course
a feAV days, charcoal was added to the morning dose, and the lax-
ative bitters and cathartic pills were administered in just sufficient
quantity, at regular intervals, to  move the boAvels at least once
in twelve  hours.  A strong  stimulating wash of cayenne  and
vinegar was also used daily, to bathe the stomach and abdomen,
to relax and excite the abdominal muscles.   The internal reme-
dies were  continued daily, as before stated, excepting that the
quantities  were either increased  or diminished, according to the
symptoms; and also, during the  cure, two emetics in  addition to
the one first mentioned, were administered.
  It may likewise be worthy of remark, that he had no return
of the colic or pain in the stomach and  bowels after I adminis-
tered the first dose of medicine, but continued gradually to mend
until his health became pretty well restored.  On the 25th day
of February, 1834, he came  to  my  house to settle  the bill for
my  attendance  upon  him, as he thought he should need no
more medicine.   I however advised  him to continue the use of
the bitter tonic occasionally for  fear of  a relapse, which he at-
tended to as directed.  He has since been attending to his farm-
ing business, such as rolling and burning logs, building fence,
ploughing, Sic
  In conclusion,  I also  deem  it  worthy of remark,  that I have
had many  cases of dyspepsia under my care, all of which have
been cured in a reasonable time, when the patient conducted him-
self prudently, and mostly in much  less time than the one just
related.  In cases of this kind I have always found that the rapid-
ity  of the cure very much depended upon the condition of the
bowels, it being always necessary to  procure an evacuation from
them at least once in  twelve hours.  This must be done with
mild laxative medicines, at the same time using the  cayenne or
the bitter tonic in quantities proportioned  to the existing debili-
ty.   Great attention should also  be paid to the diet, taking  food
at regular periods and in proper quantities ; and better, far better,
to take  too little than too much; for our medicine is nourishing
itself.   Not that 1 would convey the idea, however, that a per-
son should take  medicine Avhen in  good health, for this would
be a great error;  but that it is nourishing to the sick  Avhen judi
ciously managed.
Vol. II.—2 o 2 
476
APPENDIX.
                         CASE VI.
  Margaret Foglesong, of Lebanon, aged seven or eight years,
Avas taken ill with a slight fever.  A physician Avas called, who
gave her a portion of calomel, to destroy the worms.  After its
operation, she being  no better, her father came for me.   I at-
tended,  and gave her composition tea ; at the same time placing
at her feet a Avarm stone Avrapped in cloths saturated Avith water
and vinegar.   The next morning I found her free from  fever,
sitting up, and eating.   I left medicine,  with directions to give
it, so as to keep her in a moderate perspiration.  As her health
was  so  rapidly improving, I told her  parents that  my further
visits  might  be  dispensed  with,  unless  she should relapse.
Shortly  after  I left  the house, the child complained  that the
medicine smarted her mouth; Avhich was tender from the effects
of  the  calomel  previously  administered.   Her  mother  now
insisted  on  sending for another physician; which Avas accor-
dingly done, although the child Avas apparently no  Avorse.   The
physician came, and after commenting upon the awful effects of
the steam medicine, (as he called it) and  the good fortune of the
child in  being rescued from  it so soon, commenced a course of
salivation,  and speedily reduced the patient to the brink of the
grave.
  The  calomel, acting on the gums and inner surface  of the
cheeks,  progressed in eating them away, until a number of the
teeth dropped out;'  after several weeks  time,  mortification  of
the  parts commenced,  and soon  made its appearance through
the cheek by a black spot on  the external surface, of the size of a
six-cent piece.  The attending physician then applied a blister
to the cheek ;  and in a few hours the flesh to the whole size of
the plaster, appeared black and dead, exhaling an extremely  of-
fensive  smell.  The severity of pain was  so great,  that  she
would tear her face Avith her nails, and scream from the anguish.
It became necessary to confine her hands, to prevent injury.
  In this situation the physician gave her up as incurable ; and
I Avas again sent  for.  I went, and  informed her father that I
thought there was but one chance in a hundred of rendering her
any relief;  but after much persuasion I consented to  prescribe
for  her  case.  I directed a large poultice to be made of equal
parts of white pond lily root, bayberry bark, hemlock bark, and
the  bark of slippery elm, all  pulverized, and  boiled  in water,
made strong Avith ginger, and thickened with crackers.  I then
washed  the Avhole Avound, both inside and out, with strong soap
suds ; after Avhich I washed it with a very strong  tea of sassa-
fras, common dogwood bark, and  No. 0, mixed together and
used cold.   The  poultice above  mentioned was  then  applied,
and kept constantly moist wit'"  he above named Avash ;  renew- 
APPENDIX.
477
ing the poultice every six  hours, and washing the wound with
soap suds, Sic, at  each  reneAval; and  frequently bathing  the
Line between the living and dead flesh with a strong tincture of
lobelia^   During this process the  patient drank frequently of a
mixture of composition and No. 6; and kept in her mouth  lint
or rags, wet with the above Avash and No. 6.
  Pursuing this course with constant attention, in about twelve
hours the disease was checked.  In tAventy-four hours a division
Avas  perceptible between  the dead and  living flesh; and in a
few  days the  whole mass of the dead flesh,  loosening from
the jaw bones and living flesh, Avas detached  by clipping some
integuments round the  edges ; leaving the bone bare from near
the middle of the upper lip as far back as the  last double tooth,
and thence to the lower edge of the  under jaw  bone, and  fol-
lowing  this, passed the  middle  of the chin,  took off about
three fourths of the under lip.  All the  flesh inclosed in  this
line, was  removed  in  one  mass.  After this was removed, I
continued the above washes, and dressed the wound with healing
salve;  and thus the entire cure Avas effected, Avith less disfigu-
ration than could have  been expected  under such circumstances.
                                WILSON THOMPSON.
                        CASE VII.
  John S. C. Schenk, of Franklin, Warren county, Ohio, had
been confined to his bed for six  or seven weeks, with an inflam-
mation of the diaphragm, attended Avith violent fever, cough, and
pain.   His attending  physicians became discouraged ;  a coun-
cil Avas called upon his case, and the result of its deliberations
was unfavorable.  In this state of the case he applied  to me.
I found him unable to lie upon either side, or to be  raised up
in bed but with the most excruciating pain.  I commenced with
him by giving composition tea,  with nerve  powder, and  No. 6,
in common portions, and boneset tea ; repeating the doses every
two or three hours; at the same time, keeping  a hot rock,
wrapped in Avet cloths, at his  feet; and giving enough  of  the
tincture of lobelia to act as  an  expectorant.  This course Avas
rigidly persevered  in for about forty-eight hours; during which
time repeated injections were given, composed of bayberry and
hemlock barks, pond lily root,  cayenne, umbil, No. 6,  and  the
powdered herb of lobelia inflata;  and the  region  of the pain
was frequently bathed Avith a  preparation  of No. 6,  and  the
oil  of hemlock  mixed.  At the expiration of the  above men-
tioned time, I added more cayenne to his composition tea, and
repeated the dose  every fifteen minutes, until the  inward heat
was Avell raised.   I then (with  the assistance  of  several men)
placed him in a large arm chair, and applied  the  steam to  his 
478
APPENDIX.
body, at  first very moderately, increasing it as he could bear it,
until he Avas in a stale of thorough perspiration, and  the whole
system became properly relaxed.  He was then washed all over
with a toAvel wet  with  a mixture of cold water and  vinegar,
made strong with spirits and salt; dressed, and put into a clean
bed.  By means of tin pipes, I then introduced steam into the
foot of his bed, continuing it for three hours, so as to keep him
in a gentle sweat; giving him, in the mean time, a portion of
pulverized lobelia seeds (say two or three tea-spoonfuls) com-
pounded with one tea-spoonful of cayenne, half as much um-
bil, and  a tea-spoonful of No. 6, mixed in half a tea-cupful  of
composition tea.  This operated as an emetic ; after which, I re-
sumed the  same  course  pursued during the  first forty-eight
hours, and continued it  for the same length of time;  and then
took  him through another full course  of medicine  as  above
mentioned.   Thus in about ninety-six  hours the  cure was  ef-
fected, and by taking tonics and stimulants, such  as  cayenne,
astringents, No. 6, composition, poplar bark, golden seal, and
bitter root, he was soon restored to good health and strength.
                                                    [lb.]
                       CASE VIII.

  Mrs. Lytle, of Deerfield, Warren county, aged 64 years, fell
from a horse, and was badly bruised in many parts  of her body
and limbs, particularly in her head ; a part of which, from  be-
hind the ear, up over the top of the head, appeared to be man-
gled to a jelly, although the  skin was but little broken.   Dr.
Montague examined her on the ground where the accident hap-
pened, before the injured parts became  swelled, and  said no bone
was broken. He continued Avith her (as I was informed,) through
the night.  She could neither  see, hear, nor speak; and was
entirely deprived of the use of her senses.
  The next morning I Avas called to her, and found the doctor
still Avith her.  I  inquired Avhat he had done; he replied  he
could do nothing;  he  had tried  to bleed  her, but  could not; he
had also attempted to give her  some  ipecac; but could not get
her  to  swalloAV any  thing;  and  so he  could  do nothing.  I
found that she could not be induced to swallow even cold water
when put into her mouth;  and  that I  must entirely depend on
injections for internal applications.  I mixed No.  6 Avith about
Dne eighth part of oil of hemlock, and bathed her head Avith it, and
then  with  strong vinegar; using these  alternately every thirty
minutes.  For injections, I used one tea-spoonful of composition
powders, in a tea-cupful  of hot water; and when  sweetened
and partially cooled,  I added a portion  of  No.  6,  one of nerve
poAvder, and one of lobelia seeds.  I administered  such a prepa- 
APPENDIX.
4"79
ration every thirty minutes, until it operated as an emetic ; after
which I left the lobelia  out of the  injections, except when  I
wished to puke her;  but continued the injections frequently, in
order to stimulate the bowels, and raise the inward heat.   She
soon began  to take the warm medicine by the tea-spoonful at  a
time; this was repeated every feAV minutes.   I prepared the hot
medicine, by adding cayenne to composition  powder; or Avith
hemlock or bayberry bark, and pond lily root, all pulverized and
steeped in hot water; and giving freely of No-. 6 in these teas.
After pursuing this course for about  twenty-four hours, placing
a hot  stone, Avrapped in  cloths wet Avith vinegar, at her feet;
occasionally bathing her head with cold water, and  continuing
the other  bathings  above  mentioned, I concluded the vital, or
inward heat, would  bear the  outward  application  of steam:
which was accordingly applied by means of tin pipes, conveying
it from a tea kettle of boiling water,  into the foot of her bed,
until she perspired freely; then replacing the hot stones  to her
feet as before, to  keep up the perspiration.   I then left her for
the night.
  At about 11 o'clock at night she was taken  with fits, and the
family became so much alarmed, (I being four or five miles off)
that Dr. Cottle was sent for; he came, and said her case was
incurable  and had been from the  first; for,  he continued, the
blood had settled on  the brain,  and was  the cause  of the fits.
He left some oil of amber for bathing her head ; and called again
early in the morning, repeating the same opinion, adding that
when the fits should cease she would die.   I came and learned
her situation,  and found that my directions had been observed,
and the amber oil still remained in the phial.   I witnessed one of
the fits, and ascertained that the convulsions  were mostly con-
fined to the side which Avas most seriously injured ; and although
she struggled violently yet her pulse  Avas regular all the time,
but rather fuller at the end of the spasm ; her eye was natural, ex-
cept the discoloration produced by the bruise.   There were no
indications of a pressure on the  brain, such as stupor, snoring,
heaviness, wildness of the eyes,  &c.  I informed her friends
that I believed the fits to be the most favorable symptoms Avhich
I had seen.   That, from the action of medicine and  steam, na-
ture was aroused from its torpid state, and being, as yet, una-
able to gain the full ascendency, produced the struggles or con-
vulsions of the system ; and all we had to do, was to reinforce
nature as much as possible,  and quiet the nerves, and keep the
pores open.
  I increased the doses of hot  medicine,  as  well  as  the injec-
tions, adding umbil and lobelia seeds, or 3d preparation of No.
1, until she puked freely; and Avas soon confirmed  in my first
opinion; for I found the fits became Aveaker, and the circulation
                  31 
480
APPENDIX.
better in the Avorst side,  and more equalized through the whole
system, and her extremities Avarmer.
  It Avas near eleven o'clock at night before she vomited, as the
lobelia was chiefly given by injections-—but after its operation the
fits ceased, having continued about twenty-four hours, and were
believed to average one in every fifteen or twenty minutes,  du-
ring that period.  The latter part of the night she slept, and in
the morning was  perceivably better.   About noon she spoke a
Avord or two, which was  the first attempt at speaking, or the first
she Avas perceived to notice any thing  since the time of the ac-
cident.
  From this period she began gradually to recover both in body
and mind, and  finally became as well as other women of  her
age ; but has no recollection of any thing Avhich transpired from
the time she first  received the injury until the lapse of between
one and two weeks.             WILSON THOMPSON.
                         CASE  IX.
  A young lady named Wadkins, living near Centerville, Mont-
gomery county,  was taken very ill with a sore throat.   The
physician who attended her could not decide whether she had
the  quinsy, or a cankered sore throat; but gave her an emetic,
Avhich produced spasms to an alarming degree ; he then bled her,
and dreAv a large blister on her neck under the jaws ; and in this
situation she lay some days, unable to eat or drink.  I was call-
ed to see her, and found,  upon examination, that her palate was
doAvn,  (as it is generally termed,)  and  was much inflamed, the
inflammation having also extended  to the tonsils.  I applied to the
palate, by means, of a spoon handle, a mixture of bayberry bark,
cayenne,  and salt, moistened with No. 6.  In  a few  minutes
from this time, she could SAvallow ; I then gave her composition,
No. 6,  and umbil, inwardly;  prepared in  a gargle of capsicum,
No. 3,  and 6,  for her throat;  sweated her face frequently  with
a hot stone and vinegar ; used  freely  of a tea made of sinkfield;
and she was soon well.
  A number of months after this period, she was afflicted  with
a small tumor on the middle joint of  the little finger, which had
a threatening appearance, but  soon got well;  and as it was dis-
appearing  (without  suppuration, I think) she exposed herself
one cold evening, with only thin gloves on her hands.   Imme-
diately on  her return  home she was seized with a violent and
unremitting pain  in the right hand,  (on which  the tumor had
been.)  As  her mother was bathing it in warm water, the muscles
began to contract; the thumb drew down firmly into the hollow
or palm of the hand, and all the fingers were drawn down and
clenched around it, until the  nails were  out  of sight, (as the 
APPENDIX.
431
 ends of the fingers, passing over the thumb, turned round it and
 under it into the hollow of the  hand.)   All sense of feeling had
 left  the hand and arm half Avay up to the elboAv.   The  same
 physician who first attended her, Avhen suffering by the sore
 throat, was again applied  to. He said her complaint was the dead
 palsy and cramp; he bled her; blistered her arm at the  place
 where sensation  began; gave  her cathartics,  Sic ; and  forced
 open her hand by the muscular strength of his OAvn—upon Avhich
 she  fainted—but her fingers remained stiff, and soon clenched as
 before.   The doctor said he had never seen such a case ; and as
 the  blister on her arm appeared like mortifying, and he knew
 not what more to do, he left her.  I Avas sent for, but being  ab-
 sent in Indiana, Dr. Anderson  was called in, who pursued our
 common course of sweating, puking Avith lobelia, using nerve
 ointment, Avashing with alkali,  &c,  all to no purpose.  Shortly
 after my return, I was called to see  her; and  was informed of
 what had  been done, and that her  hand had been clenched in
 this manner for three weeks.  By close attention the pulse in the
 wrist was perceptible; there Avas small circulation in the hand,
 but no feeling.  Whenever I attempted to raise one of her fin-
 gers, Avhich was destitute of sensation, a faintness seized upon
 her  heart,  so that I was compelled to desist.
   I  commenced by making a strong tea of composition and cap-
 sicum ;  of this I gave about a half tea-cupful every fifteen min-
 utes, adding umbil, and No. 6.  I continued this course, placing
 the patient by the fire, with her body shielded from the cool air,
 until she began to SAveat; I then placed her arm and hand over
 a tub containing a quantity of cold water, which was dipped up
 and  poured upon it  constantly for about thirty minutes.  It was
 then Avrapped  in flannel, as the skin was extremely red.  In
 about an hour I took off the flannel and found the veins much
 filled, and the skin soft and in a perspirable  state.  I then bath-
 ed itAvith No. 6 and the oil of hemlock, and kept up  a constant
 friction for thirty or forty minutes, still using the bathing drops,
 and  not neglecting the  internal application of stimulants.   It
 was then wrapt in flannels again.  The next morning the same
process  Avas repeated, and  the  hand and arm  began  to SAveat;
in the afternoon, as I Avas rubbing  and  bathing  her hand, the
fore  finger  opened; soon after the middle  finger loosened and
opened ;  in a short time the little  finger also opened ; and she
SAVooned away, although no force Avas used to relax their grasp ;
soon after she revived the remaining finger and thumb were loos-
ed,  and the whole hand appeared soft, and the  muscles as elas-
tic as usual.   The first sensation was severe pain in the finger
joints ; it however  lasted but a short  time.  This  relief Avas
effected in about tAventy-four hours.   I  then left her, Avith  di-
 rections how to proceed ; and suppose her to be  entirely Avell, 
432
APPENDIX.
as six weeks have elapsed and I have heard nothing to the con-
trary.                           WILSON THOMPSON.
                         CASE X.

  In the summer of  1832,  about two months after I obtained
the right of using the botanic remedies,  1 was called on to attend
an elderly lady, laboring under what they termed 'galloping con-
sumption ;' and  as she  was given over by the doctors of the
Old School, she was thought a fit subject for a botanic practi-
tioner.   I was informed on my arrival at the house, by the fam-
ily  and neighbors, that she had discharged a gallon and a half
of blood from the lungs, in the course of the last forty-eight
hours previous to my seeing her.   I  was very averse to under-
take her case, as  I had but recently commenced practice, and the
New System Avas very  severely persecuted in the same neigh-
borhood.  But on account of the old  lady, and her four daugh-
ters Avho stood at the bed side overwhelmed with grief, begging
me to make an effort to save their only friend, I commenced by
giving a large  tea-spoonful of best  African cayenne,  steeped
in hot Avater and  sweetened, to stop the hemorrhage, which had
the desired effect.   Then I  commenced using the remedies
usually recommended in such cases, excepting that for want of
other  expectorants,  I used thorough-wort, blue vervain,  and
wake-robin ; and by a rigid perseverance for two months, I had
the satisfaction of seeing the woman again restored to comforta-
ble  health.   If it should be necessary,  I could obtain the certi-
ficates of the Avoman, her husband, four daughters,  and a num-
ber of her neighbors, who all thought it little less than a resur-
rection from the dead.   Since that time I have had three hundred
patients with the various diseases incident to a southern climate,
and have lost but six, nearly all of whom  were altogether hope-
less when I first  saw them.              EDM. BRIDGES.
                        CASE XI.

  Nancy Shartle was attacked on the 23d of July last, by what
her attending physicians called cholera morbus; but which, in
my opinion, was the sick stomach,  (sometimes called milk sick-
ness.)   She Avas under the care  of Drs. Smith and Clemmens,
of Dayton ; but appeared to be continually growing Avorse.   On
the  evening of the  25th I was called to visit her;  and was told
that Dr. Clemmens had just left,  and the patient was  believed to
be someAvhat better, as  she lay easier than heretofore.  I there-
fore declined prescribing for her at the present time.  The nurfes 
APPENDIX.
433
 also informed me, that the physicians had changed their treat-
 ment from  warm  applications to those of cold;  but  that every
 thing they gave  her was immediately puked  up.  At this time
 she complained of a burning pain at the stomach,  with an almost
 continual retching  or vomiting; especially Avhen she took med-
 icine or any kind of liquid.
   In the morning  I was again called to her,  and informed that
 she had passed a very restless night, and was apparently much
 worse.   I found her in a  very  weak state,  still complaining
 much of a burning pain in  her stomach, together with pain in
 her back.  She  was almost continually striving  to vomit, but
 threw up very little at a time, of a very tough, ropy slime.  She
 was  also extremely costive.
   In consequence of the treatment pursued by the other physi-
 cians, as Avell as the  critical state of her case, I proceeded cau-
 tiously in administering my medicines.  I commenced by giving
 a tea-spoonful of spice bitters, with the same quantity of umbil,
 mixed in Avarm water.   This dose remained upon her stomach,
 and she fell asleep, which lasted an hour or more.  Upon Avak-
 ing,  she puked up  one or two mouths full of tough, white slime.
 I then gave her another tea-spoonful of spice bitters, same quan-
 tity of umbil, same of  No. 6, mixed in warm water.  She fell
 asleep again and slept Avell.  I prepared an injection composed
 of two tea-spoonfuls of umbil, and one of cayenne, steeped in a
 strong tea of hemlock bark; this I strained, and added one  or
 two tea-spoonfuls of  No. 6: upon her aAvakening this Avas ad-
 ministered by means of a pint syringe; which  had a good ef-
 fect.   I then gave her  a  tea-spoonful of composition powder,
 about half the quantity of umbil, and a tea-spoonful of No. 6, in
 warm water sweetened ; in fifteen  or tAventy minutes, I repeated
 a similar dose; in about  the same length of time, I gave a spoon-
 ful of fine bayberry, a tea-spoonful of pulverized herb  of lobelia,
 same quantity of No. 6, in warm  water sweetened.  I repeated
 this dose at intervals of twenty or thirty minutes, until it opera-
ted Avell as an emetic.    During the operation, I gave her (as I
always do in similar cases) cold water to drink ; sometimes add-
ing to it  from six  to ten drops of essence of  pennyroyal; and
occasionally giving a little African cayenne, bayberry and  umbil,
to keep the stomach warm, and assist the emetic.   After the op-
eration of the emetic, an injection, similar to the one above men-
tioned, (with the exception of one tea-spoonful  of umbil) was
administered ; then gave, say, half a tea-spoonful of cayenne and
same quantity of umbil.
  She rested well the remaining part of the night.   Early in the
morning  of the  next  day, I  gave  her, I think, about half a tea-
spoonful  of cayenne, as much of umbil, and one of No. 6 ; some
time  after gave a tea-spoonful of spice  bitters in  warm  water.
  Vol.  II.—2 H 
484
APPENDIX.
The other medicines Avere all given in warm water sweetened.
During the day I occasionally gave a dose of composition pow-
der, adding half a tea-spoonful of umbil, and one of No. 6; or,
cayenne, umbil, and No. 6.  In the evening an injection was
given as above ; the patient was  then placed over the steam, and
composition, umbil, and No. 6, given; when sweated sufficiently,
she Avas Avashed off Avith cold water, dried, dressed, and placed
in bed.  Another emetic was then given as above ; when its op-
eration Avas  over, she took a dose of spice  bitters; and rested
well the remaining part of the night.
  The next morning she seemed quite smart; I gave her a dose
of hot medicine; in a short time  after gave  her a small dose
of hot bitters,  composed of equal parts of balmony, bitter root,
and poplar bark,  adding some  cayenne.   Upon  leaving her I
directed  her to take about half a stem-glassful of a decoction of
these bitters three times a day; also to take composition and No.
6, the same number of times daily ; at least, morning and night.
On the  Saturday  following I called to see her, and found her
perfectly recovered.                 DANIEL  JORDAN.
  N. B. None of the medicine I gave her, Avas thrown up from
the stomach, except Avhen under the operation of the emetics.
                        CASE XII.
  Samuel Humbard, of Green county, Tennessee, was  taken
with a violent cramp colic, or spasmodic affection of the bowels.
His family gave him many supposed remedies, without any good
effect; and after his suffering two nights and a day, I was sent
for, and found him in  extreme agony.  I gave him,  at first, a
tea-spoonful of No. 6 ; in four or five minutes I gave a tea-spoon-
ful of the third preparation.  This measurably relieved his pain,
but his hands and feet immediately became cramped,  accompa-
nied with twinging or pricking pains.   I then took a tea-spoon-
ful of composition, same  quantity of  No. 6,  and  half as much
umbil, and steeped them  in half a tea-cupful of boiling  water;
Avhen sufficiently cool, added a large tea-spoonful of the pulver-
ized seeds of lobelia, and gave him.   This dose was repeated
tAvice, at proper intervals ; within which time I also gave him an
injection composed of  composition and No. 6, of each  a  tea-
spoonful, and half as much umbil.  The emetic operated copi-
ously, and he Avas  much  relieved.  I then gave him  a dose of
composition, placed him over the steam until well  sweated, gave
more composition, washed him off with cold water, Aviped him
dry, and placed him in bed, with a hot stone at his feet, in the
usual manner.   During the night he was kept in a  moderate per-
spiration, by taking two or three times, portions of compositioE 
APPENDIX.
435
and bitters; and in the morning seemed quite well, except a feel-
ing of soreness, caused by the excessive pain of his disease.
                                         JESSE ELLIS.
                        CASE XIIL
   A child of Wesley Morrison, aged four or five years, Avas at-
tacked Avith a violent cholera morbus.   A physician (of the old
school) was called in; and under his prescription it became Avorse,
until  next morning, when I was  sent for.   I found the patient
much redueed ; afflicted  with  excessive vomiting and purging ;
considerable fever;  crying for water—which, as soon as drank,
was thrown up again.
   I prepared a tea of composition and No. 6, a  tea-spoonful of
each, half as much umbil, and  all  well steeped in a tea-cupful of
hot water; Avhen sufficiently cool,  added nearly two tea-spoonfuls
of strong tincture of lobelia.   Of this preparation, I administered
a part as an injection, and divided the remainder into three or
four doses, which were  given at intervals of eight or ten min-
utes.   I  then added more of the same medieines to the dregs in
the tea-cup,  and proceeded as before.  This course soon checked
the vomiting, so that the medicines were retained in the stom-
ach.   It  finally vomited  profusely; after Avhich  it was stripped
of its clothing, placed in its father's lap, and after taking another
portion of the above named tea, Avas steamed, washed off Avith
vinegar,  and placed in bed, Avhen it immediately fell asleep.
On Avaking, it took  nourishment, and some  bitters., and seemed
entirely welL—[lb.]
                         CASE XIV.
  Isaiah Stewart, of Green county, Tennessee, inflieted a wound
in his knee with  an axe.  He had been  attended five or  six
weeks by a botanie physician, Avho  had given him several  bo-
tanic courses,  using poultiees, salves, Sic   The wound would
sometimes so nearly close up, as to prevent any discharge; it
then  would become  extremely painful.   Once every day he
Avould prepare a piece of fat meat, (a little larger than a pipe stem,
and  about two inches in length) by tapering it to a point, and
run it into the wound, and by moving the leg several times, it
Avould discharge from the joint about a gill of water of a yellow-
ish color, whieh, when eold, Avould  eoagulate to  a jelly.   On
one side of the wound, proud or fungous flesh would accumulate,
Avhich rose above the sound flesh.  This  the doctor attempted
to extirpate, by the use of burnt alum; but in this, as well as in
other respects, be  failed.
   At the expiration of five or six Aveeks trial, he was brought to 
486
APPENDIX.
me.   I took him  through  one botanic  course of medicine, and
applied on the side of the  joint opposite to the wound, a poul-
tice of wild  comfrey, renewing it every  twelve hours.   Each
time after probing it as aforesaid, the wound was dressed with a
plaster of healing salve, made as follows :
  One pound beesAvax, one  pound  salt  butter, a  half pound
turpentine, and tAvelve ounces balsam  of  fir, Aveil simmered to-
gether..
  At the second dressing the discharge of joint water was reduced
to half the usual quantity; at the third dressing it discharged
none, and the pain ceased; but well concocted matter continued
to be discharged until  the wound Avas entirely healed;  which
was  in about three Aveeks from the time I commenced.   The
part covered with fungous flesh  would not, however, heal, until
it Avas removed by a caustic application.
  It is now about a year since the above cure was effected, and
the  patient still  remains Avell, having the  complete use of the
joint, except that it is, at  times,  rather weaker than it was be-
fore the injury.
  It may be well to remark, that the patient was formerly  sub-
ject to dyspepsy; but by the  above treatment and  the use of
bitters, made of quaking asp and barberry bark, boiled  together,
and drank freely, he has entirely recovered of it.—[lb.]
                        CASE XV.

  Betsey Morgan had a stroke of  palsy, which deprived her of
the  use of one  half of her body, except the hand  and foot,
which could be moved  a little.  In the course of eight days she
was bled in that arm twice;  after Avhich she entirely lost  the
use of both it and the hand, and appeared every way worse.
  At this stage I was  sent for, and commenced by bathing and
rubbing the whole of the afflicted  part with a flannel cloth satu-
rated with No.  6.  I then placed  a warm rock to  her feet, and
another to her side, and gave  her a dose composed of bayberry
and hemlock bark, half a tea-spoonful of each, one  tea-spoon-
ful  of cayenne,  and  half as  much umbil, all  pulverized, and
mixed  in  hot water;  given when moderately cool.   In fifteen
minutes the same dose Avas repeated, with the addition of a large
tea-spoonful of powdered lobelia seeds.   At intervals of fifteen
minutes, the  same doses were tAvice repeated.  At the  expira-
tion of  twenty minutes after  the exhibition of the last dose she
began  to vomit, and soon complained of a burning, or sharp,
prickly sensation in the palsied parts, accompanied  with great
restlessness, free perspiration, tossing about  her  sound limba,
Sic.  Shortly after, she was  perceived using her palsied limbs ;, 
APPENDIX.
437
in a feAV moments she was enabled to use them as freely as  the
others.  After  the  emetic had  operated profusely,  she was
greatly relieved and  remained quiet.   She now took nourish-
ment, and a portion of bitters made of quaking  asp  and bitter
root pulverised, a tea-spoonful of each, steeped in warm water.
After a considerable time had elapsed, I gave her a tea-spoonful
of African  cayenne, half the quantity  of umbil, in half a tea-
cupful  of strong  tea, made of equal parts of the bark of bay-
berry  and  hemlock; and  placed  hot  rocks wrapped in wet
cloths,  Sic one at her feet and two on  each side.   At intervals
of ten minutes, I  tAvice repeated the same dose as last above
mentioned, and she perspired freely through the night; during
which she took, at three several  times, a dose made by puttino-
a tea-spoonful of  composition and as much No. 6, into half a
tea-cupful of hot water.  After sweating freely for some time,
she Avas wiped over  the Avhole body Avith cloths Avet in  cold
vinegar.
  In the course of the next day she was much troubled with
cramps and spasmodic affections  in all her limbs and other parts
of her  body, for  many minutes at a  time ; and  they would
sometimes  continue half an hour.   She was kept in a mode-
rate perspiration by using the composition and bitters, as above
mentioned.   In the  evening gave  her  another sweat  and  thus
continued  for a few days until she  was  well.—[lb.]
                        CASE XVI.

  John Castle, of Green county, Tennessee, over 70 years of
age, a  hard working man,  of a strong  constitution, had been
generally healthy until the  Avinter of 1829, when, by treading
mortar Avith his bare feet, he took very ill, Avith a violent cough,
and consumption  of the lungs, which made rapid progress.  He
coughed violently, and expectorated much frothy mucus ; during
the course of tAvo months, he Avould several times in each day,
expectorate  large quantities  of the most loathsome  and  foetid
matter.  He sent for several physicians  (of the old school) who
declared him incurable, and declined  doing any thing for him;
he finally applied to me.  I found him  unable to  Avalk Avithout
assistance—could sit up but little of the  time—and in the  situa-
tion above described.   He strove to induce  me to  believe that
he Avas better than he really Avas, that I  might be encouraged to
do something for him.  During the space of two weeks, I took
him through five  thorough botanic courses of medicine, mostly,
at first, every other day, and in the intervening days gave com-
position and bitters several times a day ;  early in each morning
I also gave him a tea-spoonful of tincture  of lobelia, which would
   Vol. II.—2 h  2            48 
488
APPENDIX.
nauseate,  and sometimes  vomit, enabling  him  to  expectorate
freely;  and every evening gave half a tea-spoonful of Thom-
son's cough powders ;  and thus continued, until  he entirely re-
covered his health ; whieh required four or five weeks.—[lb.]
                       CASE XVII.

  Susannah Dillion, aged  about  40 years, Avas  delivered of a
child  about five years ago.  Not long after this event, (proba-
bly in consequence of female  obstruction) she was taken Avith
pain,  and hardness in her left side, and  frequent head-ache.
This  pain was shortly followed by a cough ; her strength gradu-
ally declined, and her flesh Avasted away.   In  this situation she
had passed nearly five years Avhen I was called to her.  I found
her extremely debilitated, afflicted with an excessive cough, and
unable to lie in bed for fear of suffocation  from the redundancy
of matter Avhich she  was almost constantly expectorating.  I
commenced (and continued for two months,)  by giving  her a
course of medicine every other  day ; generally  steaming first,
then giving an  injection, and  aftenvards an emetic.  Also, giv-
ing each morning  a dose of tincture of lobelia, and in the eve-
ning, cough poAvder—and during the day,  composition and bit-
ters.   During the two succeeding months, I took her through
two courses a week, giving the same medicines as before.  After
which, one course a Aveek, for several  weeks, with  the  medi-
cines aforesaid.  By this treatment she was restored to  sound
health.—[lb.]
                       CASE XVIII.

  Lewis Redwine, of CaAvater county, Georgia, strained him-
self by  Avorking in a saAv mill; and  taking cold, it  settled  in
one of his testicles.   It swelled until it was not less  than three
inches in  diameter, and four or five inches in length; the cord
by which  it was suspended was as large as a corn cob;  the
skin Avas somewhat loose, but the  testicle and cord were appa-
rently as hard as wood.  There Avas no pain in  the former, and
only a little twinging in the latter.   They had been  increasing
in size for two years;  and he had  applied means prescribed  by
water doctors, without any good effect.
  I took him through several full courses of botanic  medicine;
frequently bathing the parts affected with No. 6;  and applying
to them a poultice of cracker, ginger, and slippery elm bark, one
night; and the  next night, a poultice made with vinegar and
day out of the back of a chimney; and so on  alternately.   At
first its  size was increased ; but he soon discoAered  that it was 
APPENDIX.
489
turning to a dropsy in the parts.   It was then  lanced, and the
water discharged;  and the testicle  and cord were  soon reduced
to their proper size, and are now sound.  He made use of bit
ters  composed of umbil,  unicorn root and cayenne, during the
time of the poultice applications, Sic
   The physicians  (of the old school) declared his disease to be
fungous flesh, Avhich would increase until it should  finally des-
troy him; and therefore declined any assistance.
                                  JOHN  V. LATTNER.
                        CASE XIX.

  L-----W-----, of Habersham  county, Georgia, aged  about
18 years, Avas delivered of a child.  The second day after its
birth, in consequence of her taking cold, the  usual evacuations
Avhich succeed child birth, suddenly and entirely ceased.  She
immediately commenced swelling, Avhich continued until she was
much larger than before  the  birth of  the child.  Tavo  physi-
cians (of the  old school)  Avere in  attendance.   The commence-
ment of the SAvelling Avas attended Avith great  pain in her back,
abdomen, Sic  An  abscess of a very  large size, formed  in the
latter about two inches below  the navel, which Avas lanced about
three inches  in depth ;  and  she  thinks, in a few days,  it dis-
charged more than  four  quarts of matter.   Previous to this
time she had lost the use of herself from the hips downAvards,
but could iioav walk a  little.   Another abscess  was formed in
the navel, and several others  near the  one first mentioned ;  and
two  of them Avere discharging matter  when I Avas first called to
her—this Avas six months after the birth of her child.   In ad-
dition to the above history of her case (Avhich was  given by
herself  and husband) they informed me, that a few Aveeks pre-
vious to my seeing her, she was suddenly attacked Avith excrucia-
ting  pain just  under the ribs on  the  right side, and  it moved
slowly doAvnAvard to an  opening in one of the  abscesses ;  and
the Avound being examined, she discovered the  end of a Avorm,
which she  dreAv out, and found it about eight inches in length.
   I  commenced by giving a large  tea-spoonful  of composition,
half as much cayenne, and the same  quantity of umbil, mixed
in a tea-cupful of  hot water SAveetened ; and  at intervals  of
from five to ten minutes, the  same dose Avas  repeated, until ten
Avere given.  During this time, also,  an  injection made  of two
tea-spoonfuls  of composition in  half a  pint of boiling  Avater,
was  given.  In about  twenty minutes another injection, com-
posed of one tea-spoonful of  composition,  same quantity of
powdered seeds of  lobelia, half as much cayenne, and same of
umbil, mixed in one gill of  warm water, ay as  given.   By this 
490
APPENDIX.
time tAvo hours had elapsed, and perspiration Avas perceivable.
She Avas noAV placed over the steam for about twenty minutes,
giving  her composition and  cayenne, in Avarm Avater, several
times during the operation.  Cold Avater was also given her to drink
whenever it Avas desired, and a little sprinkled or thrown on her
face Avhen troubled Avith short breathing or faintness, which may
be generally known by the fulness of the arterial action in the
sides of the neck.   The folloAving compound steeped one  hour
in half a pint of Avarm water, Avas  given in small quantities,
(say a  mouthful) at a time, viz:—Three  tea-spoonfuls of pow-
dered seeds of lobelia; two do. of cayenne ; two do. of umbil;
three do. of tincture of lobelia; and  same quantity  of No. 6.
These  doses, after being Avell shaken up, were repeated at inter-
vals of five minutes, until she vomited freely ;  at the  same time
occasionally giving her warm penny-royal tea.   After the ope-
ration  of the emetic,  I gave her a  tea-spoonful of cayenne in
Avarm Avater sweetened, and steamed her again for the space of
ten minutes.   About two quarts  of cold water was then poured
upon her head, so as  to run down over  the whole body,  plac-
ing her at the same  time over a lively  steam ; she Avas  then
wiped dry and put into a clean bed, after dressing in her night
clothes.
   The next day I took her through another course of medicine ;
at an interval of two  days, another;  at the  same  interval an-
other ;  in two weeks,  another.  She also took in doses of a
wine-glassful, three times  a day, upon an empty stomach, the
following preparation of bitters:   One table-spoonful of umbil,
same quantity of unicorn root, and as much cayenne,  all pulver-
ized and steeped in one pint of  boiling water, adding one  pint
of proof spirit; to be kept closely stopped in a tight vessel, and
shook  together before using.   Thomson's No. 5, Avas also ta-
ken in  doses  of a Avine-glassful, just before eating.  Pills, made
of equal parts of cayenne, ginger, and bayberry, were likewise
used, in  portions of ten each day for a  month.   Besides the
above,  the following mixture Avas prepared, viz : cayenne, seeds
of lobelia,  ginger, unicorn root, Virginia snake root, and umbil,
of each a table-spoonful, finely pulverized; to all which add one
pint of honey.  A tea-spoonful  of this mixture was taken, on
going to bed  at night,  for one month, to assist in promoting the
menstrual evacuations.
   The abdomen, Avhen I first commenced with the patient, was
hard from  side  to side.   This Avas  gradually removed by the
above process.
   The apertures and  sores  in  the abdomen, were  frequently
bathed with  No. 6;  and  some of the liquid was also injected
into the apertures by means of a syringe.
   A feAV  courses  of medicine  were given  afterwards.  Her 
APPENDIX.
491
strength  and flesh increased rapidly, and  her  monthly courses
returned  as usual.   She now enjoys better health, as she says,
than ever before.—[lb.]
                        CASE XX.
  S----W----, of Anderson district, South Carolina, a sin-
gle woman, aged 22 years, took cold about five years ago, Avhich
measurably suppressed the menstrual  discharge;  which gradu-
ally decreased for three years, when it entirely ceased to flow ;
and has so  remained for two years.   Her health  rapidly de-
clined; she  was afflicted Avith violent  pains  in the small of the
back and loAver part of the abdomen, and hips;  her right thigh
became  considerably smaller than usual,  and the knee  much
larger.  During three months she scarcely lay one night in bed.
In twenty months from the entire cessation of the  menses, she
could not Avalk Avithout  crutches.  Hard lumps and  knotty tu-
mors appeared on her neck, and other parts ; one  of them, on
the left side  of the neck, was as large as her two fists.
  I took her through tAvo courses of medicine, (similar to those
mentioned in the case of L----W----,)  in the tAvo first days.
On the third day, I gave her a fuller course, differing from the
above, by composing the injection as follows:—One tea-spoon-
ful of lobelia, one do. of umbil,  in one gill of warm Avater, and
given immediately after she was placed in  bed, at the  close of
steaming.   An emetic prepared as in the former case, was then
administered.
  She has  now, (April  20,  1831,) been  under my treatment
seventeen days ;  has had two more courses of medjcine; in the
intervals  takes bitters  composed of quaking asp, golden seal
and bitter root, steeped  in warm water,  three  times a day ;
Thomson's No.  5 just before meals ;  and pills of cayenne  and
ginger, ten each day.   Her appetite is restored ; her pains  have
entirely ceased ;  her thigh and knee have become nearly of their
usual  size ;  the  tumors  on her neck, &c, have  nearly disap-
peared ; sleeps and rests comfortably at night; Avalk? better, Sic
Whenever she feels an occasional pain  in her back, &c, it is soon
removed  by a Avarm injection, and by placing a warm stone at
her feet and  back.   After a few more courses, and taking small
quantities of the honey preparation, mentioned in the preceding
case, she will, no doubt, be entirely recovered.—[lb.]
                        CASE  XXI.
  Mrs. L----, a AvidoAv. under thirty years of age, has been foi
a number of years, (say from six to ten,) very severely afnictec 
492
APPENDIX.
with a complication of disorders, contracted  from severe  cold,
taken at a critical period, after  having  undergone a course of
sulphur for the itch.   She had been under the hands of five of
the most skillful doctors (of  the  old school) the country affords,
Avho have, each in his turn, failed to afford her any relief; and
she was pronounced  incurable,  being, as  they said, in the last
stages of a confirmed consumption, hectic fever, Sic
   From motives of benevolence,  and at the earnest entreaties of
herself and friends, I Avas induced to try the botanic system,  more
from the  knowledge that it could do  no harm, than under an)
reasonable hope of effecting a radical cure ; she having already
exhausted the skill of five learned doctors, and taken immense
quantities of  the most  deleterious  medicines.  I  commenced,
however, with a full course of the medicine;  after Avhich 1 gave,
three times a day, a tea-spoonful of  Thomson's cough powder,
mixed in very strong hoarhound syrup; steaming every night.
   This remedy operates powerfully on the lungs and glands.  I
make use of as much of the lobelia in the cough powder, as the
stomach will possibly bear without puking.  I also gave, at the
same time, a strong tea of the lady's fern, as the common drink.
This treatment was pursued  Avith vigor for six or eight days,
when symptoms  appeared indicative of  the efforts of nature to
effect the usual discharge, Sic,  such  as the  most excruciating
pains in the loins and belly, and on the insides of the thighs, &c.
I then  gave  another  full course  of medicine, and administered
injections into the region of the  uterus every half hour, giving
her a strong tea of cayenne to drink.   The injections Avere  com-
posed of one large tea-spoonful of poAvdered seeds of lobelia, and
five large tea-spoonfuls  of strong tea of cayenne, mixed  Avith
twelve  ounces of strong canker  tea.   This quantity should be
injected at four operations, of the above intervals.
   It is  to be understood that  her disorders all have their origin
from this cause of obstruction, which not one of the five doctors
could  remove.   This treatment, however, effected it;  and she
discharged from the uterus, at one effort, (her mother, Avho  is an
old midwife, thinks,)  at least a pint of the most offensive matter.
The discharge continues the usual time,  and has  assumed  a
healthy appearance.   The  injections  in the vagina, as above
mentioned, were given  by means of a common  syringe,  and
made as forcibly as possible, to reach the interior of the uterus.
   The  account of the above  case was  furnished us by John H.
Harrison, Esq. of South Carolina.
                       CASE XXII.
  A female about sixteen years of age took cold, by standing in
Avater at the time or  er monthly evacuation;  which caused an 
APPENDIX.
493
obstruction of the menses for tAvo years.   She Avas troubled Avith
much pain and  stiffness in her hips, and ancles;  the latter of
which Avere much swelled. .
  She was taken through forty or fifty courses of medicine; at
first, one every  other day, and at longer intervals; then one a
week, and at length, one in two weeks; giving bitters of poplar
bark and cayenne, in water, with a small portion of spirits.
  Once in each day, during the Avhole time, the following prep-
aration  was injected into the vagina, viz :—a tea of raspberry
leaves, with a little of the tincture of lobelia.   Her general health
soon improved, and the pains and stiffness gradually left her; but
the menstrual obstruction  still remained, until, when pains, Sic,
seemed  to indicate that nature was struggling to remove it, small
quantities, (say a tea-spoonful at a dose,) of the pulverized tops
and roots of the female fern were given, Avhich removed the ob-
struction, and restored her to sound health.
  [Communicated by John M'Pherson.]
                       CASE XXIII.

  A man had his jaw dislocated, Avhich remained in that situa-
tion for eighteen hours, when I attended him.   I immediately
gave the patient a preparation composed of a tea-spoonful of um-
bil, half as much African cayenne, in half a tea-cupful of warm
water.  At an interval of ten  or fifteen minutes the same dose
was repeated; the patient being wrapped in a blanket and placed
by  the  fire, to promote perspiration.   Several thicknesses  of
cloths were then saturated in Avarm Avater and placed around the
jaws, and fastened on the top of the head.  Water*as Avarm as
could be Avell borne, was then poured upon the cloths for about
twenty  minutes, in order to relax the muscles ; a person stand-
ing behind the patient, then locked his hands around the patient's
face and head, drawing the latter against his breast,  Avhilst I put
both my thumbs-in the mouth  on the jaAV, and the fingers under
it, and gently pressed it down  until sufficiently low, when it Avas
pressed back, and went in its proper place quite easy, with little
or no pain.
  [Communicated by Dr. Sterling, of Spartanburgh District,
South Carolina.]
                       CASE XXIV.
  A man  working in the rain, bare headed, took cold, and lost
his  speech and hearing, and remained in that  situation twenty-
three hours; when I was called to him, I found his pulse did not
exceed twenty beats in a minute.  I despaired of effecting a cure, 
494
APPENDIX.
but gave him two heavy doses of cayenne, and placed him in
bed ; he soon fell asleep, when his pulse rose and became fuller; in
about two hours, I aAvoke him  and gave him two tea-spoonfuls
of No. 6.  He afterAvards slept deeply until morning, Avhen he
awoke in tolerable health; but  had  no recollection  of having
seen me, or of taking medicine.   He has since remained healthy.
  [Communicated by Dr. Hugh Quin, of North Carolina.]
                       CASE XXV.

  I, Thomas Ellis, of Fayette county, Ky.,do certify, that I was
subject to an affection of the breast and head for eight years, ac-
companied frequently Avith palpitation of the heart,   i Avas also
troubled with a violent throbbing and  palpitation at the pit of the
stomach, attended by a dead, heavy pain in the part; and from
the region of which, frequent  flashes of heat extended all over
the body.
  During the first six years there  were frequent jumping pains
darting through my head, particularly the crown of it, accompa-
nied by the most disagreeable feelings, of every conceivable kind.
I was under the care of Dr. Coswell five years ; and then under
Dr. Alberta  nearly three  years—(both physicians  of  the  old
school.)   During this  time, twice a day, for eighteen days, he
gave me  portions of calomel; and  afterwards fifty or sixty grains
at once.   My head in some  degree became relieved;   but the
palpitations of the  heart and violent  throbbings, frequently re-
turned, and I was reduced to a mere skeleton, and looked as yel-
low as a  hickory leaf when faded.   My sides, at times Avould be
Aery hot  and SAveat, whilst every  other part would be cold and
dry.  At other times my feet and  legs  Avould be very cold, and
yet they  would sweat, whilst every other part was hot and dry.
The doctors said my liver was affected; and all agreed  I could
not be cured.
  Thus  after suffering under their  treatment  nearly eight
years, I employed Dr. Davis, (called a Steam Doctor ;) Avho took
me through four courses of medicine in two weeks ; then at in-
tervals of a Aveek, took me through tAvo more courses ; then half
a course, omitting the emetic.  In the intermediate days, betAveen
the courses of medicine, I took spice bitters, composition, and
No. 6, of each a tea-spoonful, three times a day.
  In five or six Aveeks I Avas  restored to general good health,
Avhich I have  enjoyed mostly since, it being  noAv  about three
years.                                THOMAS ELLIS. 
APPENDIX.
496
                       CASE XXVI.
  On the first of January, 1831, a mad dog came upon the prem
ises of Joshua Clark, of Columbia, Hamilton county, Ohio, about
seven miles from Cincinnati, after passing through the neighbor-
hood ; and was known to bite nine animals, viz:—Five dogs, a
cat, one cow, and two horses; all of Avhich  went mad ; some
within about thirty days, and the last, a year old colt, belonging
to Joshua Clark, about the  middle of June.  Joshua Clark re-
ceived a wound on the hand, on  the first day of February, by
the  tooth  of a  mad horse,  which belonged  to himself,  while
endeavoring to  drench it with medicine.  The creature died the
next day.   He  suspected no danger from the wound, as it was
soon healed up.
  But some time in May he had some strange feelings, when on
the  Avater, being a fisherman by occupation.  By the advice of
some of his friends, he called on Dr.  S. Tibbets, of Cincinnati,
who gave him some of the third preparation of Thomson, which
relieved him for that time.   But several times in the month of
June, he was seized suddenly with fits of trembling and a strange
sensation of fear, when the wind blew so as to cause the  boat to
rock on the waves; and  he sometimes  queried with himself,
Avhether it was  possible he could be afraid of the water; and
that, at times, when no thought of hydrophobia occurred to his
mind.   He felt also, as if the rays  of light,  reflected from the
v/aves when the sun was setting, sent through him sensations
of peculiar horror, and he was sometimes obliged to go on shore
and remain awhile to gain composure.
  These symptoms rather increased on the  whole till the 10th
day of July,  Avhen he felt  much more indisposed than at any
time before, and was rapidly growing worse.   Being at Cincin-
nati that day, he Avent up  home in a skiff,  and undertook to
row ; but soon  found  himself unable to endure the exertion  or
the sight of the water-.  He then lay down, was covered up,
and rowed home by his companions.  He  retired to bed, but
spent a dreadful night; a painful twitching of the muscles  of
the limbs, and lancinating  pains darting from the hand Avhich
had been wounded up to the breast, and throat; the glands  of
which had now become  very sore and swollen.
  He sometimes fell asleep, but was suddenly awaked by such
frightful dreams as seemed  to fill  his soul with inexpressible
horror.    And  all  these symptoms  were growing worse con-
stantly.   In the morning his family were terrified at his condi-
tion ; and all his friends concluded he had now got the hydro-
phobia, and  thought  it  best that he should go immediately to
Cincinnati,  to  obtain medical aid.   Accordingly he started on
horseback, but very soon found  that he could not endure the
  Vol. II.—3;2 
496
APPENDIX.
motion of the horse.  He was then laid down in a skiff, and cover*
ed up and taken down by his friends within about two miles of
town,  where  passing a steamboat, which was  ascending the ri--
ver,  it produced such agitation of the water he could no longer
endure the motion of the  boat.   He was then landed and went
up the bank,  and Avas about going into a blacksmith's shop oc-
cupied by his brother-in-laAV ; but when  he  came before  the
door, and caught the rays of light from  the fire, he suddenly
started back  in great distress; and it was not in his power to
enter while the- fire Avas in blast.  He then came on foot,  attend-
ed by his friends,, to the house of Mr. Steel, his brother-in-law,
in Cincinnati.
  His  symptoms  had now become s& bad that all were nearly
despairing of  help j they supposed the botanic  medicine, which
he had taken some Aveeks before, had failed.  Colonel M'Farland
Avent to Professor Morehead, and related  the case ; who  gave it
as his decided opinion, that it Avas a clear and confirmed case of
hydrophobia,  and nothing could be  done for him ; and he did
not think it worth while  to go and see  him,  as  there was no-
known remedy for the disease.
  Isaiah Clark, brother of the patient,  went to Professor Cobb
and related the case to him; he expressed the  same opinion in
every respect as Dr. Morehead.
  Dr. Tibbets was then sent  for, who- came,  and commenced
giving him the  third  preparation; which soon had the effect to
allay in a good measure the excessive irritation of the nervous'
system; but  such was  the difficulty  he labored under in swal-
lowing, that administration by injections was chiefly relied on.
The medicine operated freely, and he emitted from his stomach
a great quantity of very tough and viscid mucus,  whieh might
be raised on a stick two feet, Avithout separating from that which
remained in the vessel; and much that passed  from his  bowels
Was  of a similar consistency.
  After puking, his stomach settled, and he was steamed. The
perspiration  was copious  and free.  He was washed off, and
felt  much more composed for a  short time, and slept about an
hour; when he began to be disturbed again by  frightful dreams,
and  all the nervous and spasmodic affections which he had pre-
viously felt.   The same  medicine was  given again as before
with the same effect.   Steaming,  again, was followed by  a short
and  quiet sleep ; but the spasmodic twitching of the muscles of
the  legs and  arms,  was  all the  time visible  to the spectator
Avhen they were uncovered.
   About twenty-four hours had been consumed in the two cour-
ses,  and before I saAV the patient, I being out of the city.  When
I saw  him first, he seemed composed in mind, but felt all the
former symptoms returning; he was thirsty, and desired water 
APPENDIX.
497
but could not take a swallow without violent shudderings of the
whole system, and  painful sensations ; but none of these une-
quivocal  symptoms  of the disease  were as  strong  this  day as
they were the first,  before he took  medicine; but he seemed to
grow Avorse every moment till medicine was given again.  And
the same course was pursued for eight days in succession ; in
which time he passed  through sixteen courses.  His intervals
of repose Avere now so much longer, that one course in twenty-
four hours seemed sufficient; and the treatment was pursued at
this rate for eight days more. He then passed a day and night
taking small doses of medicine, Avhich seemed to keep the dis-
ease in check without producing vomiting.  In a few days more
he went home, but continued to take medicine whenever he felt
symptoms  of the disease returning;  taking a full course occa-
sionally when smaller doses  did not prove sufficient.  Thus the
dreadful malady seemed to wear off very slowly.
   About the first of September he began to groAv so impatient
and discouraged that he Avent to a German doctor, who boasted
confidently of superior skill  in curing hydrophobia. • After tak-
ing his medicine for a feAV days, he fancied himself much bet-
ter ; but on taking a slight cold the old symptoms  began to re-
turn, and his new  medicine had lost its effect.  He sent for
his German doctor,  but he could do no more.  He was obliged,
therefore, to resort again to the third preparation, which was still
true to  its trust,  immediately giving relief.  And until I last
heard from him,  Avhich was  sometime in December, the eviden-
ces of a radical cure grew stronger.
   I will remark, as I learned from Dr. Tibbets, that the pulse
when he first saAv  him,  was very  rapid, small, and irregular,
and recognized with difficulty on account of the strong vibratory
action of the tendons.  Two hours after, when he Avas under
the full influence of medicine, the pulse became full and strong,
and numbered about forty in a minute ; and  this singularity Avas
observable every day ; after his intervals of repose, Avhen the
morbid symptoms Avere increasing,  the pulse grew rapid, feeble,
and  irregular, until medicine Avas given  sufficient  to  check
the progress of the  disease; and when under the influence of
medicine, and the morbid symptoms were least observable,  it
was full and strong,  and numbered from forty to fifty in a minute.
   I Avill iioav notice  several  arguments,  Avhich have been made
use of by the enemies of the Botanic System,  to destroy the in-
fluence of this extraordinary cure.
   Dr. Drake, Avho  had not  expressed his  opinion on the case
until he had seen the result of ten days treatment, felt himself
at liberty to differ from those who had decided without this ad-
vantage ; and assigned, as one reason for his opinion, the  idea
that the herbivorous animals cannot communicate  the disease. 
498
APPENDIX.
He was then asked if Josiah Morehead, Avho died of hydropho-
bia under his own  care, about two months before,  had the hy-
drophobia.   He replied in the affirmative; and added, the case
of Morehead being under his own eye, he knew it to be a clear
and unequivocal case ; and differed not in symptoms, character,
progress, and  termination, from hydrophobia. He Avas then re-
minded, that Morehead imbibed the disease by handling the hide
of a cow that died mad ; or rather, by rendering out the tallow
of the same coav, he burnt his hand, which caused a bad sore
that remained  till he died;  and  this appeared to be the seat of
infection; and it was never  known that  he  had been exposed
any other way.  The Doctor replied it was not known how
Morehead imbibed the disease, but it was a certainty that he had it.
So we would say in the case of Clark;  if it were demonstrated
that the herbivorous animals  cannot communicate the disease,
we do not knoAv how he imbibed the disease, unless it Avere by
the circumstance that his own dog while raving under the influ-
ence  of the disease, jumped and  snapped at him,  at the same
time bloAving a full blast of breath and saliva, in his face, through
a crack of his pen;  Avhich caused him to feel a strong sense of
nausea at the stomach, and produced some blister-like eruptions
on his face.  But we cannot allow Dr. Drake any credit for ar-
guments in this case, which he counted of no weight in the others
where they were equally applicable.  Another argument assign-
ed by the doctor was, that this case did not progress and termi-
nate  like hydrophobia; and there  was no case recorded in any
history, in  which the progress of the disease had been stayed
like this. But we cannot give him much credit for this argument,
unless he will produce a record of some case to his purpose un-
der his mode of treatment.   We  think it rather unreasonable
that Ave cannot be permitted to prove that we can cure hydropho-
bia ;  except we first prove the disease to be genuine, by the fact
of its terminating in death.  There is a very wide difference be-
tween our system and that of the mineral doctors in  this respect;
 our chance of success would be materially diminished after death;
 while theirs would remain just as good after death as before.   But
 if death is to be the only criterion of the disease, we will venture
 to say that  a  genuine case  of hydrophobia shall  never occur,
 where our  system is applied before the utter prostration of the
 vital powers,  and is followed up with proper attention and per-
 severance.
   Dr. Cobb, without  knowing  that Mr. Clark Avas under the
 botanic treatment,  expressed an opinion Avith much confidence
 that  it Avas  a case of hydrophobia, when a gentleman informed
 him  Avhat treatment the case was under, and asked him what he
 would think should the patient recover.  He replied, that he
■should be  convinced that all  who thought  it to be hydropho- 
APPENDIX.
499
bia were deceived.   Thus  we see the ground they take would
render it impossible, even for Omnipotent PoAver, to prove a cure.
                                         WM. RIPLEY.
   P. S.   That it may  be  clearly understood what, and  how
much, is comprehended  in this account, as a course of medicine,
I will here  state it  more explicitly.  Whenever the returning
symptoms of the disease became evident, a small dose of third-
preparation  was given,  which always gave some partial relief,
but of short continuance;  then  a larger dose was  given, and
soon  repeated ; next more  was given by injection,  and so on,
when the operation  Avas over, then steaming  and washing fin-
ished the course.
   The  medicine was not given with a very sparing hand; the
composition tea and valerian Avere used freely; and I judge  from
four to six ounces undiluted third-preparation were used in every
twenty-four hours during the first eight days.
                       CASE XXVII.

  This  may certify to all whom  it may concern, that on  the
10th of February last, I was taken very sick Avith the bilious
fever, as  I supposed;  which was  attended with such excrucia-
ting pains in my back and head that I was at times delirious ;
and  after  suffering for three days in this situation I applied to
Dr. Wilson* (a botanic  physician) who carried me through a
regular  course of his  medicine, Avhich relieved me very much
from the pains I endured;  and on the following day the surface
of my body was  completely covered with the small pox.   But
by the use of hot bitters and other stimulating medicines Avhich
were  administered, I  was, in the  course of  four or five  days,
■Able  to be about my business, and have enjoyed good health
ever since.                         JAMES CUNNING.
  Cincinnati, June 17th, 1831.
                      CASE XXVIII.

  The history of the following case  of John Pegg, Avho is a
resident of Randolph county, Indiana, Avas given to me by him-
self; and to the best of my recollection is  as  follows:
  About fifteen years ago he discovered  a small hard tumor
about the size of half a pea, in the right arm-pit, Avhich, on ex-
amination appeared to be firmly attached to the main tendon of
  *  The reader will find Dr. Wilson's general mode of treating small  pox
particularly detailed at page 171.
  Vol. II.—2 i 2     36 
500
APPENDIX.
the arm.   In a short time after he first discovered it, it became
somewhat painful;  its growth was regular, though not rapid,
and as the tumor increased in size the pain became more severe.
  In  about  seven years after its first appearance, it was grown
so large as to completely fill the arm-pit, and force the shoulder
as much  above a  natural position as it would bear; it also  ex-
tended back  and attached itself to the  shoulder-blade, and pro-
truded forward considerably on the breast-bone.  During this in-
terval he made many applications to it, but none of them  ap-
peared to check its growth.
  He then  came  to the  determination to  suffer a removal of
the affected  part; and accordingly put himself into the hands
of one of the most skillful surgeons in his  knowledge, who per-
formed the operation on him ; in doing which, he took off a part
of the shoulder-blade.
  The part amputated Aveighed one and one-fourth pounds, and
on examination it appeared that  the center of the tumor, about
the size of  a  hen's  egg, was  hard and brittle, and Avhen  the
knife  Avas forced into it, it broke or cracked  before the edge of
the instrument.
  About three months after the amputation was performed it
began to grow again, increasing Avith much greater rapidity than
it did before the removal of the  tumor.  He went back to  the
surgeon,  who  directed the application of a plaster of canthari-
des large enough to cover  the affected part; and when it had
become completely blistered, to remove the blister and dress it
with an ointment made by putting the cantharides into oil, until
it was nearly strong enough to blister;  and as soon as it healed
he was to apply the plaster again, and then dress with the same
ointment.  During the application of  those external remedies,
he Avas to take Fowler's solution of  arsenic, in as large  por-
tions as would be considered safe.
  He pursued this course till he had blistered it seven or eight
times, and then sent an account of his situation to the surgeon,
who returned him information that his case was a hopeless one,
and that  probably he would not  survive a  year.   He then  ap-
plied to other physicians  and had their judgments relative to his
case; and also attended a Medical Board and was under exam-
ination the greater part of one day; it was their united opinioir
that his case Avas  a hopeless one and could not be cured.   He
then consulted about fifty of the most celebrated physicians, of
the old school, that were  in the circle  of his  acquaintance, and
it was their  unanimous opinion  that  he  could not  be  cured.
They generally agreed in pronouncing it a cancer, or cancerous
tumor, though a few of them  rather favored the idea that it was
a scrofulous  or scorbutic affection.
  During this period he Avas making use of such external appli- 
APPENDIX.
501
 ■nations  as were from time to time recommended to him by the
 physicians, but none of them appeared to arrest the progress of
 the disease.   After  he quit following these prescriptions, he
 was strongly urged  to make a full trial of Swaim's Panacea,
 which he accordingly commenced and took twelve bottles ;  but
 it proved of no advantage to him.
   He then, (as is common in  such desperate eases,) as his  last
 resort, concluded to  try the  effect of Botanic Medicine, and ac-
 cordingly put himself under my eare, in the fifth month, 1827.
 The tumor by this time had again completely filled the arm-pit,
 extended considerably on the shoulder-blade, and also protruded
 forward on the breast-bone.   The part of the tumor that  ex-
 tended forward on the  breast,  I think  was nearly as large as a
 man's two fists, and  appeared to be as hard as a block of wood.
 The part in the  arm-pit, had projected out so far that the skin
 had become dead, and was  removed,  presenting a bare surface
 as large as a French  crown,  from which exuded a small portion
 of excoriating matter.  There  was a great diminution  of vitality
 in the arm and hand, which  were invariably covered with a eold
 clammy sweat, so as frequently to stick to the fingers on being
 touched.   The whole nervous system appeared to be much dis-
 ordered, and Avhen he was  asleep, the whole body was in one
 'universal tremor.
   I commenced with giving  him a tea of Dr. Thomson's com-
 position powders, and half a tea-spoonful of the nerve poAvder,
 three  times a day,  for two days : also, I  made an  external
 application to the tumor, of  the slippery elm bark poultice,
 covering  the poultiee with  good ginger, finely pulverized, and
 before I placed the poultice  on the part,  I put a  small  portion
 of best cayenne over the surface of the tumor.
   This poultice I renewed morning and evening,  and whenever
 I removed it, the parts Avere  Avell washed  Avith strong soap-suds
 made of shaving soap.   I also bathed the parts of the  tumor,
 that were not covered with the  poultice with No. 6, adding one-
 fourth part of spirits  of turpentine, night and morning.
   On the third day after I commenced, I  took  him  through a
 regular course  of medicine ; which I began by giving him a
 close of composition and nervine  poAvder.  I then placed him
 over the steam, and kept him there about fifteen minutes still
 raising the internal heat as the warmth of the steam  increased,
 by giving  composition, cayenne pepper, and penny-royal.   I
 then put him in bed, placed a  hot  stone  at  his feet, and  o-ave
 him a tea-spoonful of the emetie powder in composition, which
 was repeated every fifteen minutes, increasing each dose half a
 tea-spoonful till it operated.   I also gave pennyroyal tea during
 the operation;  and after I had  given  the  third portion  of the
emetie, gave him some milk porridge  After  the emetic had 
502
APPENDIX.
operated, I let him remain in bed until recovered from  the fa-
tigue of vomiting, still keeping the  hot stone to the  feet, and
giving the composition or cayenne pepper.
  After awaking from a nap of sleep, gave him half a tea-spoon-
ful of spice bitters; then something to eat, and in about ten or
fifteen minutes took  him up, placed him over the steam, and
steamed  him  pretty highly  for  about fifteen  or twenty min-
utes.   Towards the latter part of the  time, while he Avas over
the steam, threw  some vinegar on the stone, and then washed
him off with cold water, with about half  a pint of good vinegar
added thereto.  This  part of the operation was  varied in after
courses, as in probably more than half of them he was  show-
ered.   This was  performed  after I thought  he had been long
enough over the steam,  by first Avashing  his face with cold
water; then taking about one  gallon and a half  of cold Avater,
and half a pint of vinegar, and pouring  it on  the back  of the
neck and shoulders so as to run all over the body; he was then
wiped dry and dressed; and commonly sat up the  most of the
day after he had been  taken through an operation.  I repeated
the course of medicine, above described, every other  day  for
one Aveek, still  making the same external applications as above
described.  I then took him through a course of medicine every
third  day, steaming and  showering him occasionally between
the courses,  which were continued for two Aveeks.
  After the first operation, on dressing the tumor, I discovered
that it discharged  much more than formerly ; and steaming Avith-
out a  regular course  produced the  same effect  more or less.
About the end of  the second  week  there appeared a disposition
in the ulcer to heal, and I applied pearl-ash to it, after washing
it, and then added the poultice above described.. In three weeks
the tumor was perceptibly less; at which time he went home.
I furnished him Avith medicine and directions ; he also obtaining
a right to use them himself.
  He still made the same external application for three months,
when he came again to my residence.  He informed me that he
had been frequently applied to by the sick for relief, and he had
attended  upon them with  good success;  consequently his OAvn
case became much neglected, and he had been two weeks at a time
without a course of medicine.  By this  time I think the tumor
was  reduced  one fourth in size and the ulcer disposed to heal
under the application of the pearlash.   I then advised the cancer
plaster made of clover heads, Avhich  was continued for five or
six weeks after his return home, at which time I visited him and
found that it  was  inclined to heal under the application of the
plaster.  I put butternut bark to it,  which blistered it; after
which it was dressed with the elm, ginger, and cayenne.  The
butternut bark was applied several times in the course of six qs 
APPENDIX.
503
eight  months  whenever it was disposed to heal.  During this
time he had frequent calls to attend on the sick, and his own case
was much neglected, not taking  a course  of medicine  oftener
than once in six or eight Aveeks.
  The tumor, hoAvever, became reduced to  half its former size,
and was more and more neglected, when I recommended the ap-
plication of the sorrel salve, Avhich reduced  the tumor faster than
any thing Avhich had preceded it.   It was late in the  fall, when
he could procure but little of the sorrel,  and his stock of salve
before spring,  became exhausted.   For some time he had not
gone through a course of medicine oftener than once in three or
four months.    His  practice still  increasing, his attention to
himself decreasing in the  same proportion.
  During the course of this winter he attended to the practice,
paying some little attention to himself.  By spring when I saAV
him again, the tumor Avas about three-fourths gone ; that season
he procured more of the sorrel salve, and  completed his cure;
being two years and a half from his first commencement Avith me.
  When the tumor first began to decrease,  it gradually receded
from the extremities towards the center or seat  in the arm-pit,
and it continued to decrease in this way, and by keeping a dis-
charge of matter from the seat in the  arm-pit, the solid or hard
part was carried off by suppuration.
  I visited him about twelve months after his cure was comple-
ted, Avhen he told me that he believed the cause was entirely re-
moved ; though he observed, that he  at all  times felt an  uneasy
sensation attending the parts that had  been affected ; but it was
his decided opinion,  that those uneasy sensations were entirely
caused by the removal of  a part of the shoulder-blade, as afore-
said,  and not  from any  effects of the  tumor.
  My own opinion  relative to the  case is, that  if he had been
carried through a regular course of  medicine, as  often as would
have been advantageous to him, and applied the sorrel salve  at
the commencement,  that his cure might probably have been ef-
fected in less than one year.          DANIEL KINDLEY.
                       CASE XXIX.

  The history of the folloAving case of Jacob Bowser, Avho is a
resident of Warren county,  Ohio, was given to me by himself,
and to the best of my recollection, is as follows :—
  About twelve years ago, (1820,) he Avas taken with the cramp
in the breast so  severely that his life  Avas despaired of.   The
physician Avho attended him administered medicine, with Avhich
he Avas not acquainted,  but which he has since had an opportu-
nity of learning the effects of; for it did not remove the cause,
                             50 
504
APPENDIX.
but much impaired his vital poAvers.  He continued to apply to,
and take medicine from, a number of different physicians,  for
the space of seven years;  during which time his  physician's
bills for medicine and attendance amounted to $400, and  the
cause of his complaint was still not removed. He applied to  me
for assistance in the winter of 1827,  and in stating his case,  ob-
served,  that he still had frequent returns of the cramp. It would
begin in his feet, generally in the night, and proceed up his legs
into his  body if he did not get up and stir himself about, (and that
frequently would fail to prevent its rising to the body,) and when-
ever it got into the body  it always appeared  like taking life,  the
pains were  so excruciating.  The sinews of his legs were drawn
into knots,  and he had but little feeling in his legs or feet. One
of his great toes had been entirely Avithout feeling, and appear-
ed to  have been dead for three  years ; having turned toAvards  trie
little toe, crossing the one next to it and lying on the top of  the
second  one, entirely stiff.  He  also complained of a continual
singing  in his head, so that sometimes he could scarcely hear,
and was at all times much affected by it and the headache.
   I gave him composition powders for the first day,  and  on  the
second 1 carried him through a regular course of medicine, (such
as I have already described in John Pegg's treatment, excepting
that I ahvays showered him with about one and a half  gallons
of Avater, and half a pint of vinegar.)   I repeated the course of
medicine every other day, till I had carried him through three
operations,  giving him composition powders  every  night, and
half a tea-spoonful of spice bitters three times a day before meals.
   In going through the second operation, whilst over the  steam,
he observed that he felt a severe pain in his  toe, that he suppo-
sed had been dead,  which continued probably for half an hour,
and the next day he could move it a little.  He remarked on get-
ting up  that morning, that he had lost his almanac,  for he had
slept  well,  and thought  it had been  cloudy through the night.
On going out he observed that it  was clear and a very  heavy
frost on the ground. He said that he had not experienced so good
a night's rest in several years when it had been frosty—that he
always  suffered most in frosty Aveather, and that it Avas very sel-
dom when it frosted atnight that he could remain in bed later than
one or two o'clock, but Avas obliged to be up the residue of the
night, in great distress from the  cramp and singing in the head.
   After I had given him  the third course his toe came to its  na-
tural feeling, returned to  its former position, and he had the  use
of it nearly as well as the other.  The head-ache and singing in
the head were also  removed,  and he felt entirely relieved from
every symptom of his complaint.
   I furnished him with some  medicine  to  take  home, and  ac-
companied  him to one of the neighbors' houses.  As  Ave traveled 
APPENDIX.
505
along, he frequently expressed his astonishment at the difference
there was in his feelings in the course of one week, (that being
the time he was under my care.)  To use his OAvn phrase, he
said he felt like a dancing master—he Avas so active that he felt
like jumping over all the old logs in the woods.  On parting with
him, I told him I Avas fearful that he would, when he got home,
expose himself and bring the  complaint on again.   He said if he
ever felt it returning, he Avould come immediately for assistance.
He has  not returned, neither have I seen him since, though I
have heard from him at different times.   He still remained Avell
whenever I heard from him; folloAving his trade of bricklayer
and stone mason.—[lb.]
                       CASE XXX.
  J----W----, aged upwards of 70 years, had  been subject
from  infancy  to frequent returns of a debilitating diarrhea or
looseness of the bowels, Avhich resisted every means that were
employed for its cure, and had many times reduced him to the
verge of the grave.   He Avas obliged to be very  careful and cir-
cumspect about his diet, being under the necessity of denying
himself the use  of many articles of food  that others indulge in
Avith impunity.  The most skillful  physicians of the old  school
had been employed in his case, and much money expended, but
all to  no purpose ;  the looseness, in spite  of all his care,  would
often  return, and as he advanced in  age it became more frequent
and obstinate.
  Finally he had an  attack of  intermittent fever, Avhen he  ap-
plied  to a Botanic  physician  Avho  administered  one  course of
medicine, Avhich completely removed the fever;  and his  ap-
petite and strength Avere restored by the use of bitters.  But the
most  extraordinary circumstance Avas,  that his predisposition to
diarrhea seemed to be removed, and he found himself in  a situ-
ation  to indulge in any kind  of food  that his appetite craved,
which he had  not been able to do for years.  About  two  years,
hoAvever,  after the above course of medicine, it being Christmas,
he indulged himself  in eating to excess,  of cakes fried in lard,
Avhich produced a return of his  old complaint; but Avhichhe im-
mediately checked  by drinking a decoction of the pods  of red
pepper.
  It is only necessary to add,  that no other medicines were used
in the above  case,  than the diaphoretic or sweating  poAvders,
cayenne pepper, hemlock bark, and the lobelia as  an emetic, with
the common bitters. 
506
APPENDIX.
                       CASE  XXXI.
  N----D----, a girl, aged about ten years, fell  backward
from the great beam of a  barn, upon  the bare  floor, by which
she Avas  much bruised.  A  botanic physician Avas called, who
took her through a regular course of medicine.   After this  she
took of the  diaphoretic powders and cayenne for a  feAv days,
when she Avas perfectly restored to health and strength.
                       CASE XXXII.
  At the raising of a log house in Marioncounty, a person was
very seriously injured by the accidental  falling  of a  log;  but
no  bones were  broken.  A Botanic  physician, Avho  had for-
merly been in the habit of  letting blood, was immediately sent
for, and on his  arrival Avas  requested by the individual to bleed
him, as Avas customary in  all  such cases.   To  this, however,
he objected, observing that  he could relieve him  in a much bet-
ter way, Avithout  inducing  the debility which always  followed
blood-letting.
  The Avounded man assenting to this proposition, a dose of
the  diaphoretic  powders was  immediately administered, and  as
soon as  possible, Avater and  stones Avere heated, and he was
placed  over a lively  steam,  when  more of the poAvders or cay-
enne pepper was administered.   And  although Avhen the  steam
bath was first  applied, he  was suffering the most  excruciating
pain, Avith great restlessness and anxiety, it Avas but a short time
until he became easy and tranquil.  After a thorough  steaming
he Avas placed in bed, continued  taking  the medicine, and  in
three or four days Avas able to attend  to his business.—[Com-
municated by Isaac Bunker.]
                      CASE  XXXIII.

  Mrs. Reinhardt, of Lincolnton, North Carolina, was afflicted
Avith liver complaint; having a fixed pain in the region of the
stomach, from which .she had not experienced one  moment's
relief for many years;  often times suffering the most excrucia-
ting  torture  for several hours ;  to relieve which she  frequently
took from one to two hundred drops of laudanum.
  The' taking of such quantities of this poAverfuI sedative pro-
duced the most serious difficulty, causing a constipation of the
boAvels, Avhich  required  the most  active cathartics to  remove.
She was obliged to take physic every day, by Avhich means large
quantities of mucus, of a yellowish and  singular  appearance, 
APPENDIX.
507
were discharged.   Calomel, or Croton oil, were chiefly used to
move her bowels; whilst she took no more  food  than Avould
be sufficient for a sucking child, apparently for the Avant of room
to receive it into the stomach.  She Avas also much bloated, and
when standing on her feet, her arms hung dangling and power-
less at her sides.
   In this dreadful situation, I was called on to attend  her, and
however hopeless the prospect appeared, I undertook the  case.
   In the first place I gave her stimulating medicines freely for
several days, and then applied the vapor bath ; but after steam-
ing for more than an hour,  was obliged to desist with producing
but a  very little  moistHre of the skin.   Still  continuing the
stimulating medicines,  I allowed  her to pass over one  day, and
then applied the vapor bath again, as 1 was determined  to excite
an action in the skin before giving an emetic; being fully  satis-
fied that some  dangerous local affection existed  in the  stomach.,
The second attempt at steaming  proved effectual;  she became
warm, and  sweated  freely.  I then gave her an emetic, which
produced violent commotions in the stomach for a while, but  at
length something appeared to give way, and she threAv  up  about
a quart of matter having the appearance of pus from an abscess,
together with a hard white substance  resembling the core of  a
boil, nearly as large as a hen's egg.
   After the emetic had ceased to operate, I gave her a dose of
composition, and to my astonishment  found it  produced an ef-
fect apparently as severe as melted lead.  This satisfied me that
an abscess had  actually been formed and was broken, which ren-
dered  it impossible for her to take cayenne or any  other Avarm-
ing medicine ;  and to recover without it I knew she could not.
   I  had just commenced practice in that section  of country,
and felt  myself  in a critical situation, as I strongly suspected
the woman would die.  I however  commenced giving stimula-
ting medicines  as well as food  by injection, and her husband
and myself remained at her bedside day and night; and Avithin
five days, upwards of  forty injections were administered.   Du-
ring the same time I gave  her regularly a tea of golden seal and
ginseng, in small quantities at a time.
   At  length she began to mend, having had no return of the
pains  in her stomach, and is now able to attend to her house-
hold  concerns,  laboring every  day;  and has  passed through
more  than one hundred courses of medicine with  manifest ad-
 vantage, and improvement of her health, to the  astonishment of
 all her  acquaintance.   Her  husband has purchased a right to
use the medicine himself, and says he would not be deprived oJ
 it for  any sum of money.          ALEXANDER REED.
 Attest,—      Jacob Reinhardt,     \
   Husband of the above named Avoman. \
   Vol.  II.—2 K 
508
APPENDIX.
                      CASE  XXXIV.

  Mrs.  Beeson,  an aged widowed lady, was  afflicted with the
most violent hysteric  fits I  ever met Avith.   She called  upon
me whilst I was  attending upon a boy who had the  epilepsy,
and took a fit in  my presence.  Her extremities became  cold,
and trembling of the Avhole system ensued.  Breathing Avas al-
ternately suspended, and then laborious.   I immediately admin-
istered a  large table-spoonful  of the third preparation of Dr.
Thomson.  I  soon inquired of her what effect the  medicine
produced, and she said that  it caused a warm sensation in her
breast.  I then gave her another spoonful; in ten minutes she
appeared well and has not had a fit since.
  This  cure Avas performed  at the house of Zachariah Hobbie,
in Spartanburg District, South Carolina, in the presence of many
Avitnesses.—[lb.]
                      CASE XXXV.

  Dr. Reed also reports  a case of fever of a violent and  stub-
born character, in which he gave five courses of medicine ;  three
of them in immediate succession,  which consumed fifteen
hours ;  and  the  other  tAvo Avithin sixty hours  from the  com-
mencement.  The third course removed the fever; and  the two
last effected a complete and permanent cure.  He says he men-
tions  this circumstance to encourage others to promptness and
perseverance in all bad cases of fever.
  Dr. Reed also says he  has encountered fevers of every  form,
in patients  of every age,  and in different climates, having prac-
ticed in the Western and very extensively in the Southern States,
and never lost  a patient  whose  only disease was  fever.   We
know that his practice has been very extensive as Avell as emi-
nently successful;  and therefore take leave, though apparently
out of place, to introduce a few of his remarks on fever, which
we  think entitled to the highest consideration.
  He  observes, that in violent attacks of fevers, in the South,
no time ought to be lost.  In cases of this kind he gives a strong
tea  of the diaphoretic powders and ginseng; places a hot brick
or stone at the feet, and administers a stimulating injection.   If
the patient appears bilious, always administer an emetic before
using the vapor  bath, or  the bile  Avill be scattered  through  the
system, Avhich he  thinks injurious.  Vomiting, he says,  ought
not to be discontinued Avhen five or six motions have been pro-
duced ;  ten or^fteen are not too many, and sometimes it maybe
advantageously carried to twice that number.   In  one case of
bilious fever, says he, I continued the vomiting for eleven hours 
APPENDIX.
50$
In thirty-six hours the patient sat at the  table and ate; and in
forty-eight went on his journey.
  I once, continues Dr. Reed, vomited a Mr. Pia-tt (brother to
the late  John  H. Piatt, of  Cincinnati,) all  night, Avhich com-
pletely broke up his fever, and effected a permanent cure.  Af-
ter a fever is checked, Dr. Reed thinks that pills made of cay-
enne and  rhubarb  are  good to prevent a relapse.  He directs
two to be taken every hour until they move the bowels. Spong-
ing the body with  pepper tea, in  bad cases  of fever, he also
highly recommends, during  the operation of vomiting, a pint
of the tea to a gallon of cold water.
                       CASE  XXXVI.
   A female who had long been  in  a weak situation, and had
 suffered much by pains in her stomach and other parts, by hys-
 terical affections, and a complication of other  disorders, having
 employed  several doctors of the regular Medical Faculty, as
 Avell as Root doctors, Avho had  exhausted their skill, to little or
 no useful purpose to the afflicted  person, applied  for the use of
 the Botanic Medicines.
   She was taken through a course of medicine  as follows:—•
 A large  tea-spoonful  of the  diaphoretic or sweating powders
 Avere administered in warm Avater sweetened.  An injection of
 African pepper, tincture of myrrh, diaphoretic or sAveating poAv-
 ders, and lady's slipper, each half a tea-spoonful, was adminis-
 tered in  an  infusion of equal parts of the bark of hemlock and
 bayberry root.   Six stones of  suitable size, (say  five  or six in-
 ches  in  diameter) were well heated, and she Avas thoroughly
 steamed, giving the  tincture  of myrrh and  cayenne pepper.
 She  Avas then  placed in bed with a Avarm  stone  in a wet cloth
 covered  with  a dry one, to her feet, and  being very costive
 another  such injection Avas  administered, and then  a heaping
 tea-spoonful of pulverized seed of lobelia, very fine, Avas  giA'en
 in Avarm water Avith cayenne ; in fifteen minutes the same quanti-
 ty of lobelia;  in seven minutes as much of  the pepper and the
 same of lady's  slipper, and these Avere  given alternately; the
 same of lobelia, and next the  pepper and lady's slipper, until
 eight doses of the pepper and  lady's slipper, and as  many of
 the lobelia  had been given, and then at the  same  intervals of
 lime six more such doses of the pulverized seed of the lobelia. Pen-
 nyroyal, also  milk  porridge and  soup, Avere  at different  times
 given to  cause the easier operation of the emetic; and after the
fourteenth dose she threw off from the stomach two quarts of a
substance which in color and appearance  resembled sponge cut
in small  pieces. 
510
APPENDIX.
  She had previously  been taken through three light courses,
one every other day, without  much relief, and no appetite for
food; but after this thorough  fourth course,  she was hungry,
her food set Avell on her stomach, and was the next day so well,
that she could pay some attention to her family affairs; and by
taking spice bitters a few days, she regained her strength, and
has ever since been very healthy, and become the mother of sev-
eral children.                        DANIEL BUTLER,

  Dr. Butler says he  cured a cancer on a person's finger, by
two plasters  of the sorrel salve; and that a bad cancer on a
woman's breast was also  cured by tAvo  plasters  only of this
salve.
  His brother-in-law, he also states, was relieved of a very bad
bloody flux in four hours, by taking seven doses of red pepper,
each consisting of three tea-spoonfuls, in a tea made strong with
the leaves of red raspberry.   It soon eased the pains, and cured
him in twenty-four hours.
                     CASE XXXVII.

  Alexander Gillespie, Esq.  a highly respectable citizen of Ma-
rion county, Ohio, was cured of a severe sickness, by Dr. Da*
niel Butler, Avhich a number  of their neighbors, as well as them-
selves, who had previously witnessed the like in others, all con-
curred in calling a bad case of what is known in some parts of
Kentucky and Ohio by the name of Milk Sickness, Trembling
Disease,  or Sick Stomach.
  He Avas in the 53d year of his age, and was taken Avith a  dead,
heavy pain and Aveakness in  the stomach, loss of appetite, indi-
gestion, Aveakness of the  nervous system, and costiveness. He
was next taken with a violent heat at the stomach, and tremor
over the whole system; violent and almost continual vomiting;
and being now confined to his bed, he sent for Dr. Daniel But-
ler, who administered—first, a tea-spoonful  of  tincture of lobe-
lia, Avhich was repeated  twice;  when he vomited, and his sto-
mach seemed  a little settled.  He next gave  him an  injection
composed of  cayenne, tincture of myrrh, sweating poAvder, and
half a tea-spoonful of lady's slipper, in warm water SAveetened;
but his bowels Avere so cold and  insensible  that he  did not feel
it, and did not discharge it.   He  then steamed  him well,  in the
manner stated in the female case in the preceding number ; then
put him in bed with a hot stone to his feet, and gave him a  heap-
ing tea-spoonful of the seed  of lobelia, made very fine,  Avhich
caused some pain in the stomach.  In fifteen minutes gave two
heaping  tea-spoonfuls of lobelia and one of  African pepper; 
APPENDIX.
511
this caused considerable pain, and slight vomiting.  After this,
in fifteen  minutes,  another heaping tea-spoonful of lobelia,
drinking at all times hemlock bark tea.  Considerable vomiting
ensued, which afforded temporary relief.   He then gave an in-
jection composed of half a pint of strong tea of the astringent
tonic, containing a tea-spoonful of the sweating powders, the same
of tincture of myrrh and cayenne pepper, and half do. of nervine.
   This injection aroused the bowels,  and  produced a small dis-
charge of hard dry fetid substance from the intestines, when he
vomited  again moderately.   He  now lay  in a tolerably easy,
but dull sleepy state for a while, taking every 15 or 20 minutes
the diaphoretic or sweating powders, and tincture of myrrh, al-
ternately through the  day; but during the forenoon was taken
with  violent hickup, so that he could be heard for one hundred
yards, which continued until afternoon, and was  then stopped
by putting his fore fingers in his ears and pressing them hard for
some time.   He was then taken through another full  thorough
course, giving in every case fully double  the quantity of medi-
cines usually necessary.  Both the injections and emetic opera-
ted powerfully; he sweat abundantly,  and the whole  system
was relieved, except that towards the conclusion or close of the
operation of the emetic, he was again taken with violent hickup,
which continued about two hours.  Stopping the ears with the
fingers  was tried  without any good  effect.  Then gave a tea-
spoon one-third  full of clear oil of pennyroyal, and two or three
tea-spoonfuls  of tincture of lobelia, at intervals of a few min-
utes,  and several other things were all tried in vain, because, as
is supposed, they were administered cold.  Then put a tea-spoon-
ful of the sweating powders in half a tea-cup of boiling water,
and it was drank as hot as he could bear it.  This immediately
stopped the hickup.   This course was commenced in the even-
ing about seven  o'clock, and the hickup was stopped about two
o'clock in the morning, and  by giving every thing warm for
twelve hours, it returned no more,  (the vials of tincture were
put in hot water to keep it warm.) The vomiting continued mo-
derately, at intervals, till say twelve o'clock, when by very hard
straining, a dark, thick, brownish, yellow, sticky, jelly-looking
substance was discharged, and immediately the vomiting ceased ;
he felt hungry,  and ate dried beef,  corn bread, and coffee, and
felt much relieved every way; his strength improved fast, took
sweating powder and tincture of myrrh, at intervals of an hour,
more or less ; drank the hemlock tea, took  bitters of golden seal
poplar bark, bitter root, and pepper, all pulverized, and pursu
ing this course was well in a few days.
   He has from that time to the present, (nearly a year,) enjoy
ed good  health,  and been able to attend to more business thaa
he had for many years previous.
   Vol. II.—33 
512
APPENDIX.
  In testimony to the truth of the above,  I cheerfully subscribe
my hand.                   ALEXANDER GILLESPIE,
  June 16, 1832.
    [Communicated by Dr. Daniel Butler.]
                      CASE XXXVIIL

   The proprietor and author of this Medical work, on a journey
to Cincinnati, was taken with a chill succeeded by a fever, which
affected his head so much that his mental faculties were entirely
deranged.  His wife and two Botanic physicians being in com-
pany, and business of importance urging them forward,  they,
in two hours, took him through a course of steaming, injections,
emetic,  and washing off in cold water, Sic—which entirely re-
lieved him from the fever and mental derangement; and  after
taking refreshment, they placed a bed in the carriage and tra-
veled that day, in all  forty miles.  The next day he felt com-
fortable, and traveled thirty miles ; the day after lay by, and had
a chill and heavy  fever; on the next  day  traveled thirty miles
comfortably; but the day after had a violent  fever and took  a
thorough  course of medicine which threw off the disorder en-  ,
tirely; and he came home well.
   In a few days after,  when riding out,  he  was overtaken by
rain, got  wet,  and being out in  the  evening  took  a relapse,
which Avas followed by a severe fever, that required six full Bo-
tanic courses to remove.  Tavo weeks after this,  through much
exposure and great fatigue in the heat of summer, a second re-
lapse occurred,  and was succeeded by a fever of greater violence
and more  dangerous character than the former one. It then took
nine thorough Botanic  courses, each  of which would produce
relief from all the disagreeable symptoms—using spiced bitters
in the intervals ; and so long as he continued in a profuse per-
spiration he felt comfortable, but so soon as his  skin became dry
he was  afflicted with pains in his limbs and other parts of his
body, with feverish symptoms, and could find no relief, until by
taking diaphoretic powders, or African,  or red  pepper, and the
application of hot stones to his sides,  feet and  other parts,  free
perspiration was again  restored.
   He continued in this  situation several days, becoming Aveaker,
and could find  no permanent relief,  until by the use°of warm
stimulants and hot stones as aforesaid,  a profuse  perspiration Avas
produced, and the pains mostly or entirely removed; then he
was taken from the bed, and had a bucket of cold water poured
instantly on his head, so as to run over his whole body, and Avi-
ping off quickly  was  again laid  in bed  greatly  refreshed and
strengthened ; after which he enjoyed a longer exemption from 
APPENDIX.
513
pain than usual.   Thus he was encouraged to repeat this course
whenever the pains and aches returned, by which means he was
soon restored to perfect health and strength.
                       CASE XXXIX.

  Whilst the author was in Greenville District, South Carolina,
he was sent for by a person of the name of Payden, Avho by a
fall through his saw-mill, dislocated his middle finger, where it
joins the hand. The finger was turned with the fore part behind,
and so  swollen and sore that any attempt to move it produced
excruciating pain.   The diaphoretic or sweating powders were
immediately  given  in  warm water;  and  then several folds  of
cloth  were slightly wrapped around the hand, and water  as hot
as he could bear was poured on it, for fifteen or twenty minutes,
by which time he perspired  freely.   We then took the covering
from the finger, and turned it gradually, to its proper place; in
doing Avhich, little  or  no pain was produced; cold Avater was
then poured on it, and  frequently repeated ; and little distress or
inconvenience followed.
  The next day he  paid us a visit, and said his finger was well;
it soon became as strong as  it was before
                        CASE XL.

  The proprietor and author of this work, was, in early life, of
a healthy, vigorous constitution; but through great exposure to
wet and cold, contracted a grievous dysentery or kind of bloody
flux, Avhich continued for eight  years; during which time he
never enjoyed one day of what might be called good health.
  His bowels, the whole time, were in  a relaxed state, and al-
most continually discharged blood and slime,  or a jelly-like mu-
cus, and generally both at the same time.  The excrements or
stools often assumed a  dark appearance,  were very foetid, like
approaching  mortification;  and he would be so much reduced
that he was unable to keep  out of  bed.
  He applied to and exhausted the skill of all the physicians of
his  acquaintance, and then  devoted himself to reading medical
books, with a view of following the profession as a business, if
he should be restored to health ;  but all  proved unavailing;  ex-
cept that he could by those means procure temporary relief.
  The disease was so deeply seated, that it would in a few days,
return Avith redoubled force, and in a short time reduce him ve-
ry low.  And he believes that the most  rigid temperance,  and
a diligent and determined disposition to  take  bodily exercise in 
514
APPENDIX.
full proportion to his strength, were the principal means of preser-
ving his life so many years in  this debilitated state.   Towards
the close of this period he  conceived the idea that red pepper
would be useful, and he commenced taking one pod, seeds and
all, every day, and finally increased the quantity, until he took
three large  pods  Avith the seeds three times a day ; which seem-
ed to strengthen  and  reanimate him,  but failed to overcome the
disease.
   His native country,  North Carolina,  where he then resided,
produced sweet  potatoes in abundance,  of which he  was very
fond; but they  producing  flatulency, and his  bowels being al-
ways relaxed, he supposed he must refrain from them, as their
windiness seemed  insuperable.   But observing the condition of
small children,  many of whom  in that  country during fall and
winter live  almost entirely on them ; and noticing that their bow-
els were always  in good order, he conceived the idea that to live
almost or altogether on sweet potatoes, would be beneficial to
himself; and as he then had no hope from any other earthly source,
determined, let  the event be what it might, to  give  them  a
thorough trial; he  accordingly substituted  them for bread,  tak-
ing  other  food as  usual.   The  first three days, the windiness
Avhich  they produced,  together  with the  relaxed state of his
bowels, kept him getting up and down so often that his strength
became  much exhausted, and he  could only with difficulty raise
himself in  bed.  He however perceived that the  liquid or thin
state of the discharges,  very slowly but gradually assumed a bet-
ter consistence, and less disagreeable odor.   He found too, that
after the third day, the  flatulence seemed to be less troublesome,
that he had little  or no pain, and he was thus encouraged to
persevere in substituting the potatoes for bread.
   In less than a month  the lax ceased to be troublesome, and
his stools were in  every respect  natural, except that the dischar-
ges of blood, &c,  continued unabated.   About this time he took
one meal of bread  instead of potatoes, and the  lax immediately
returned : but was stopped again by the use of potatoes.  He
however soon found, from repeated trials,  that he could with
impunity take one meal of bread each day ; and pretty soon two
meals each day, with  one of  potatoes,  and enjoy good health,
except the  discharge of blood, which Avas reduced in quantity.
After a  Avhile he could omit the potatoes a whole day, but he
must resume their  use  once, or more, on the day following, or
the lax  would return.
   His strength now became considerably restored, and the flow
of blood entirely ceased ; but there was still a discharge of slimy
mucus.   In  a little  time more,  perhaps in twelve or fourteen
weeks from the  commencement of the use  of the sweet potatoes,
every unnatural  discharge ceased;  having taken no  medicine of 
APPENDIX.                     515
any  kind from the first commencement, relying solely on the
sweet potatoes.  He could now continue the use of bread with-
out the potatoes, for three days—but no longer, as the lax would
return—and the use of the potatoes  must be partially resumed.
  The winter was now far spent, and the crop of potatoes be-
came exhausted; but by  the use of a  feAV Irish potatoes, the
cure was  perfected, his  health established, and  he has  never
since been much afflicted with a relaxed state of  the bowels for
many days at a time.
  He will close this narrative of personal experience on him-
self,  by  relating  another extraordinary circumstance of  relief
from a distressed state of the bowels, directly the  reverse of
that  of  which  he  has just  been speaking; believing  that he
owes them both as a legacy to the world, and  records them for
the benefit of posterity.   He  also hopes that  they may be  the
means of hastening that happy period, which he  believes  is ap-
proaching, and  which it is his anxious wish to accelerate,  when
health will be preserved by temperance and proper diet, and the
necessity of resorting to medicine or physicians be in a  great
measure  removed.
  The reader will  have observed from the foregoing  statement,
that  his boAvels were, for  eight years, in an extremely irritable
and  debilitated  state; from which,  although they recovered,
yet were undoubtedly left in a disposition to be readily affected
by slight causes.   It may  also  be proper to observe, that on the
sea coast of his native State, the inhabitants lived much on
bread made of Indian corn, which is far better calculated to keep
the bowels open and regular than any other kind of bread in use.
  In 1799 he removed to  the Western country, where the prin-
cipal part of the bread used was made of finely bolted wheat
flour.  Without reflecting then,  or for  many years  afterwards,
on the  consequences which might,  (and he has no doubt did)
result from  using  this kind of bread, he took no measures to
prevent that state of the bowels which has since  caused him so
much pain.   It was  not long before  costiveness  ensued Avhich
soon became habitual, producing head-ache of the severest form,
from which  no relief could be procured except  Avhat was merely
temporary, until the contents of the  stomach  and bowels were
evacuated by puking and  purging.
  It now seems strange  that for sixteen years he  should  not
once have reflected on  the circumstance of  his never having
more than one fit of the sick head-ache,  until he removed
from his native State, and adopted the use of wheat  bread  as
aforesaid.  This case occurred on a  journey home from a visit,
during Avhich he had  eaten no  other bread for several weeks,
than that made exclusively from wheat flour, which produced
an obstinate state of costiveness.
              37 
516
APPENDIX.
  After removing to the Western  country, he, without due re-
flection, persisted in the use of this kind of bread, and about
once a month would have a most  distressing fit of sick head-
ache, when emetics, tartar, calomel, jalap, rhubarb, &c. were re-
sorted to for relief; and to guard against those fits, the frequent, and
at last the daily use of rhubarb, Lee's pills, or some mild raxa-
tive, was resorted to;  and his digestive powers, and the tone of
his whole intestinal canal, became increasingly impaired.   Con-
sequently, larger  doses were required;  and the  paroxysms of
sickness  and excruciating pain in  the head became more fre-
quent ; and in the course of twelve or thirteen years he was so
reduced that, in addition to large doses every day of rhubarb or
some of the more  active but mild kind of laxative medicines, it
became, as he  supposed, absolutely necessary to use calomel
and jalap, as well as  to  let blood  to get relief.   In the course
of from three to four years more, in addition to tolerably active
laxatives every day, it required, about once  in three weeks,
twenty or thirty grains of calomel, from thirty to fifty grains of
jalap, and three to four large table-spoonfuls of castor oil, atone
dose, and then take a full pint of  blood, to obtain  so much re-
lief as to  be able to live two or three weeks more, by taking
the  milder laxatives as before.   This was in  1816, sixteen years
from the commencement and regular progress of  the disease.
  Every kind of  diet and medicine which was supposed would
produce  permanent relief, had long since proved ineffectual;
his  flesh Avas much wasted,  and his  strength  nearly exhausted;
his  feet and legs  swelled up to his knees ; and in all human
probability a feAV weeks appeared  likely to  terminate his  exis-
tence.   In this situation he was again attacked with another ex-
cruciating and almost insupportable paroxysm of head-ache.  He
strove to be as  composed  as  possible, and  felt undetermined
whether it was best to resort to the use  of those drastic purges
and copious bleedings again for relief, or as  patiently  as possi-
ble  confide in Divine Providence,  and take  no  more medicine
with a vieAV to arrest the progress of the disease.
  In  this solemn and painful condition, with a mind calm and
resigned to his situation, it occurred to him that,  the day before,
he had seen one of his  family, who had been to the grist mill,
take a bag of wheat bran into a back building for  the purpose
of feeding cows.   With this recollection his mind  Avas forcibly
impressed Avith the belief, that  if he would  eat enough of it, i*
Avould relieve him.   He  had never heard nor thought of any
such thing, and was, at that time, incapable of reasoning  much
about it; but the  impression  continuing on  his mind, he took
of it three times, in say ten or  fifteen  minutes,  to the amount
of two  or three  handfuls, and  it soon entirely relieved him,
without letting blood or taking any other  medicine.   He soon 
APPENDIX.
517
found that one  large handful, morning, noon, and night, would
preserve him in health, which, with some reduction in quanti-
ty,  he has continued in the use  of to the present time.  It
neutralizes acidity in the stomach,  and acts mechanically on the
whole intestinal canal, keeping it clean, and enabling it  to per-
form  its proper functions.   It mixes with the food and prevents
bread made of superfine flour, 01 any  other kind  of aliment,
from  constipating the bowels, preserving  the  body in health
and vigor.
  It  is  now seventeen  years since he  discovered the  efficacy
of bran.  For  nearly eleven years  it  required of  clean well
ground  and closely bolted wheat bran, two ounces in the morn-
ing, as  much at  noon, and the same quantity  at night.   This
would enable him to partake of bread made of fine flour, or any
usual food, except aeid  fruits or preserves.   If he  indulged in
these, an extra handful of bran became necessary.  On jour-
neys, and sometimes for want of proper care,  he neglected it,
but always suffered for it.
   In 1826 he refrained from it so  long that  he had a severe at-
tack of bilious fever, followed by two relapses; and was cured
by the Steam or Botanic Practice as before stated.   His consti-
tution has been ever since  so much  renovated  that he  is gene-
rally able to enjoy good health, with the use of only one hand-
ful, or two ounces as aforesaid, in the  morning, on an empty
stomach.  This  quantity,  and sometimes  a  little more,  is,
and probably  will  continue to  be,  necessary during life.—
He  sometimes for  a change takes it in coffee  or tea, rendered
palatable by milk and sugar; but  believes it best to take it in
one hand, and a  glass of water in the other, and  practice soon
will teach how to eat it with but little difficulty, by taking a lit-
tle bran and  then wash  it  down with water.   Few Avho have
 tried it have  required so much as  he has, to  preserve  health;
but  one  of  his  friends has required  more.   He  has seldom
 found since the first time  he ever used it,  that it has relieved
 him  so suddenly, after becoming unwell by the  neglect of taking
 it—but the patient use of it overcomes  the difficulty.
  It having been our original  intention, to publish the history
and  specific  treatment by botanic remedies, of only a few of
the worst eases of disease, we shall now close our list of them.
Believing that enough have been presented to  satisfy every
rational and unprejudiced mind, that we have the best of all au-
thority, [actual experience,) for recommending as we have done,
the use of vegetable medicaments. 
 
GLOSSARY.
OR EXPLANATION OF THE PRINCIPAL TECHNICAL TERMS  USED IN THT9
                             VOLUME.

Abdomen,  The belly.
Abscess, A tumor containing pus, as a boil, or other swelling.
Acid,  That which imparts to the taste a sharp or sour sensation.
ffcrid, Sharp, pungent, corrosive, or heating.
Scute, Sharp; ending in a sharp point; when applied to disease, means
  one which is attended with  violent symptoms,  and comes speedily
  to a crisis.
Affusion,  The act of pouring a liquid upon any other substance; as of
  pouring water upon a diseased  body.
Alkali,  A substance \A'hich is  capable of uniting with acids and des-
  troying their acidity ;  such  as potash,  &c.
Alternate, In botany, branches and leaves are  said to be alternate, when
  they  come out singly on opposite  sides of the stem,  but not oppo-
  site to each other, following in  regular and gradual order, first on
  one side of the stem and then on the other.
Amenorrhea, An obstruction of the menses.
Annual, Yearly; every year; in botany  applied to plants and roots
  which  grow from  the seed, arrive  at perfection, and die,  in the
  course  of a year  or season.
Anodyne,  Any medicine which eases pain.
Anthelmintic, That Avhich destroys or procures the evacuation of worms
  from the stomach and intestines.
Antidote,  A preservative against, or a remedy  for,  disease, and particu-
  larly for poisen.
Anti-bilious, That which opposes or Temoves the too  great accumula-
  tion of bile.
Anti-dysenteric, That which prevents or removes the dysentery.
Anti-emetic, That which removes, or opposes vomiting.
Anti-morbific, That which prevents or removes disease.
Anti-septic, That which removes, or tends to prevent putrefaction.
Anti-spasmodic, That which removes or tends to prevent spasms.
Anti-syphilitic,  That which removes or prevents  the venereal disease.
Aromatic, Fragrant; a plant which yields a pleasant spicy smell, or a
  warm pungent taste.
Astringent,  That which corrects looseness and  debility, by rendering
  the solids denser and firmer, known by its  puckering effect upon the
  mouth.
Axillary, (Belonging to the arm pit.) In botany the space or angle form-
  ed  by a branch with the stem, or by a leaf with the stem or branch.
Axillary  Glands Are situated  in the arm-pit.  [See  Gland.]
Belching, The act of ejecting wind from the  stomach, by the mouth.
Biennial, In botany, is applied  to plants, which form their roots and
  leaves  the first  year,  produce their fruit the  second year, and then
  perish.
Biternate, TAvice-ternate ; applied to a peculiarly formed compound lea£
Bract,  A small leaf.
   V0L.  II.—2 L              52                       51 & 
520
GLOSSARY.
    Bulbous,  In botany, root of a round shape ; as an onion, &c.
    Bursa mucosa, A mucous bag, which secretes and contains a substance
      to lubricate tendons, muscles, and bones, in order to render their mo-
      tions easy.
%   Calculi, Small gravel or stones, which form in the bladder and  kidneys.
    Calyx,  A cup ; the external covering of an unexpanded flower ;  gener-
      ally green, or the same color with the leaves of the plant.
    Capsule, A hollow vessel which contains the  seeds of some plants.
    Carbonic acid gas,  Fixed air, compounded of carbon and  oxygen.
    Carminative,  A medicine whicbtends to expel Avind from the body.
    Cartilage, A Avhite elastic substance, which serves to facilitate the mo-
      tions of the bones, and to connect them together—often called gristle.
    Cathartic, That which produces purging of the intestines.
    Catheter,  A small tubular instrument, to introduce  into the bladder, to
      draw off the water, when  the natural discharge is  impeded or sup-
      pressed..
    Caudex, In botany the main  head  or body of a root.
    Caustic, A burning application, that destroys the part to which it is ap-
      plied.
    Chancre,  A venereal ulcer, or sore, caused by the direct application of
      the virus.
    Choleric, Easily in hated.
    Chronic, When applied to disease  is one which is inveterate or of long
      continuance,  and mostly Avithout fever.
    Colliquative, Any excessive and weakening discharge from the body;
      as colliquative sweats, &c.
    Coma,     7 ^ strong propensity to sleep.

    Concrete, A collected mass, united in a solid form.
    Connate,  GroAving from one  base  ; united together at the base, as the
      leaves of boneset.
    Constipation, ~> An  obstruction, or  preternatural slowness of evacuations
    Costiveness,  5   fr°m the bowels.
    Constriction,  A drawing*together, or contraction, as from cold.
    Contagious, Catching; that which may be communicated  from one pei-
      son to another by contact, or by a subtile excreted matter.
    Cordate,  Heart-shaped.
    Corymb, A cluster of flowers at the top of a plant forming an even, flat,
      expanded surface.
    Cranium, The skull; the assemblage of bones which enclose the brain.
    Crepitus,  A sharp, crackling sound.
    Cutaneous, (From  cutis, the skin,) belonging to the skin.
    Cuticle, The outward skin.
    Decoction, A tea made by boiling any substance in water;  the process
      of steeping or boiling medicinal herbs, &c.
    Decumbent, Declined, or bending doAvn.
    Delirium,  An alienation of mind, or wandering of the senses, caused
      by the  violence of fever.
    Diaphoretic,  That which, from being taken internally, promotes  per-
       spiration, or discharges by the skin.
    Digest, To dissolve;  in chimistry, to soften and prepare by  heat; the
       action of a solvent on any substance; often applied to the infusing
       of any medicinal substance in  spirits. 
GLOSSARY.
521
Discutient,  An application which disperses a swelling or tumor, or any
  coagulated morbid matter.
Diuretic, That which, by its internal  application, augments the flow
  of urine  from the kidneys.
Duodenum, The first portion of the small intestines.
Efflorescence, In diseases, applied to a redness of the skin; in botany, ap-
  plied to flowers.
Effluvia, Exhalations from diseased bodies or other substances, Avhether
  noxious or othenvise.
Electuary, Powders or other ingredients, mixed with melasses or honey.
Emetic, A  medicine which provokes vomiting.
Emmenagogue, That which tends to promote menstrual discharges.
Epidemic, A contagious or other  disease that  attacks many people at
  the same season, and in the same place.
Erosion, The act of eating away.
Errhines, Medicines, which, Avhen snuffed  or  taken into  the nose, ex-
  cite sneezing, and increase the secretion of  mucus from this organ.
Eructation, The act of ejecting Avind from the  stomach  through the
  mouth.
Eruptive, The bursting forth of humors, on the surface of the skin, in
  the form of pustules, &c, &c.
Escharotic, Caustic ; corrosive ; eating.
Excoriate, To gall, strip, or wear off  the skin; to remove the  skin by
  the action of acrid substances.
Excretive,  Having  the  power of separating and ejecting fluid matter
   from the body.
 Exotic, Foreign ; not a native.
 Expectorant, Medicines which  increase the discharge of mucus from
   the lungs.
 Fauces, The back part of the mouth.
 Febrile, Pertaining to, or indicating fever.
 Fibrous, Consisting of slender threads; the small slender roots of plants.
 Filter, To strain through cloth, paper, or other porous substances.
 Flaccid, Soft «and weak ; limber  ; lax ; yielding to  pressure for want
   of firmness.
 Flatulency, Windiness in the stomach and intestines.
 Flush, A transient redness  and heat of the cheek or face.
 Fomentation, A sort of partial  bathing, by  applying flannels dipped in
   hot Avater, or medicated decoctions, to any part.
 Fonlanelle, A vacancy in the cranium or skull of infants.
 Formula, A prescription; a specified form.
 Fundament, see " Rectum."
 Fur, A coat of morbid  matter collected on the tongue of a  diseased
   person, especially in fevers.
 Gargle, A medicated preparation for  washing the mouth and throat.
 Gas, A permanently elastic aeriform  fluid.
 Gland, In anatomy, means  a distinct, soft body, destined  for the secre-
   tion or alteration of some peculiar fluid.
 Granulation, The act  of forming into small grains.
 Hectic, Habitual;  denoting a slow, continual fever, marked by preter-
   natural, though  remitting hont, Avhich  accompanies the consump-
   tion, &c.
 Hemiplegy,  A palsy that affects one-half, or side, of the body. 
522
GLOSSARY.
Hemorrhages, Fluxes of blood, proceeding from the rupture of a blood-
  vessel, or some other cause.
Hemorrhoidal, Pertaining to the vessels which are  the  seat of the
  hemorrhoids or piles.
Hydragogue, A medicine that occasions  the discharge of watery hu-
  mors from the body.
Hydrogen, An aeriform fluid gas, of the lightest body known; and  is
  consequently used for inflating balloons.   It forms one of the ele-
  ments of water, being about 15 parts to 100 of that liquid ; and  is
  fatal to animal life.
Hypochondriasis, The vapors:  spleen ;  a  disease which is  attended by
  languor or debility,  lowness of spirits or melancholy;  the sufferer
  often apprehending great evil to himself, &c.
Hysterics, A disease of Avomen,  characterized by spasmodic affections
  of the nervous system, and often attended by hypochondriacal symp-
  toms.
Indented, Notches cut into any thing making sharp points like teeth.
Infectious, That which  taints or corrupts ;  having qualities which may
  communicate disease from one to another.
Infuse, To steep in liquor without boiling, for the purpose of extracting
  medicinal qualities.
Inguinal, Pertaining to the groin.
Inoculation, The act of communicating a disease to a person in health,
  by inserting contagious matter in his skin or flesh.
I/ispiraiion, The act of drawing air into the lungs.
Inspissate, To thicken a fluid substance by evaporation, or drying.
Intermittent, Ceasing for intervals of time.
Jagged, Uneven; having notches or teeth.
Lanceolate, Oblong, and gradually tapering towards  each end; shaped
  like a lancet.
Laxative, A medicine that relaxes the bowels ; a gentle purgative.
Lethargy, Morbid drowsiness or   sleepiness; a continued or  profound
  sleep, from which a  person  can scarcely  be awaked, and if waked
  remains stupid.
Linea Alba, A tendinous  expansion, forming a straight line from the
  pit  of the stomach to the navel, and from  thence to the pubes.
Lithotomy, The operation of cutting for stone in the  bladder.
Local, Belonging to a part and not to the  whole.
Lupuline, The fine yellow powder of hops.
Lymph, A colorless fluid separated  from the blood, and contained in
  small vessels called  lymphatics.
Materia Medica, That branch of  medical  science which treats of the
  nature and properties  of  substances employed for the  cure of dis-
  eases.
Membrane, A thin, flexible skin, serving to cover some part of the body.
Menstruum, All liquors are called menslruums which  are used as dis-
  solvents, or to  extract the virtues  of medicines, by infusion or de-
  coction.
Morbid, Diseased, sickly.
Mucilage, A fluid of a shiny, ropy, and soft consistence.
Mucus, A slimy, ropy fluid, secreted by the mucous  membrane.
Narcoctic, A medicine which has  the power of procuring sleep by stu-
  pefaction. 
GLOSSARY.
523
Nausea, An inclination to vomit, without effecting it;  also, a disgust
  of food, approaching to vomiting.
Nervine, Any thing that affords relief from disorders of the nerves.
Nitrogen, An elementary, gaseous  fluid, incapable of supporting ani-
  mal life ; composing about four-fifths of the atmospheric air.
Oblong, A figure or solid which is longer than it is broad.
Obtuse, When applied to pain, means dull,• not being sharp or acute.

0 at   \ ®^ tne snaPe °f an eSS »  inclined to  the shape of an egg.
Oxygen—Oxygen gas composes about one-fifth of the atmospheric air.
  It was formerly called vital air, because it appeared to be the only
  part  which exercised any stimulant effect upon the living power.
Pancreas, A soft supple gland, situated in the lower part of the abdo-
  men, which secretes a kind of saliva, and pours  it into the duodenum.
Panick, In botany, a  species of inflorescence,  in which the flowers or
  fruits are scattered on peduncles, variously subdivided, as in oats.
Parotid, The name of certain glands, below and before the ear.
Paroxysm, 1. An obvious increase of the symptoms of a disease which
  lasts a certain time and then declines.  2. A periodical attack or fit
  of a disease.
Pathognomonic, A term  given to those symptoms which  are peculiar
  to a  disease, and without which the disease does not exist.
Pectoral, Pertaining to the breast.
Peduncle, In  botany, the stem or stalk that supports the flower of
  a plant,  and of course the fruit.
Pendulous, Hanging  down;  swinging,  suspended.
Perennial, In  botany, a plant or root which lives or continues more
  than two years.
Perspiration, Evacuation of the  fluids  of the body through the  pores
  of the skin.   The matter perspired, or sweat.
Petioles, The foot stalks of  a leaf.
Phlegmonous, Appertaining to inflammatory tumors,  such  as boils, &c.
Pinnated,  In botany, a  pinnate leaf is a  species of compound leaf
  wherein  a simple  stem has several  small leaves attached to each
  side  of it.
Plethoric, In medicine fullness of blood, &c.
Polypus, A tumor which is   generally narroAV where  it  originates, and
  then becomes wider, somewhat like a pear.
Prolapsus, A falling out, or falling down, of some part of the body.
Proximate, Nearest; next.   A proximate cause is that which immedi-
  ately precedes and produces any particular effect.
Pubescent, In botany, the state of heing covered with either hair, down,
  bristles, beard, &c.
Pungent, Sharp; biting; pricking; stimulating.
Pupil,  The round opening in the middle of the iris of  the eye.
Purges,    1  Medicines which increase the intestinal  discharges by
Purgatives, 5   stool.
Purulent, Having  the appearance or qualities of pus.
Pus, Matter; a whitish, cream-like fluid, found in inflamed absr. sses,
  or on the surface of sores.
Pustules, Small pimples, or eruptions on the skin, containing p» .,
Putrescent, Becoming putrid ; tending to putrefaction.
Quartan, Occurring every fourth day.
  Vol. If—2  l  2 
524
GLOSSARY.
Quotidian, A fever whose paroxysms return every day.
Racemes, Growing in  clusters ; in botany, a  species of inflorescence,
  consisting of a peduncle with short lateral  branches, as garden cur-
  rants, &c.
Radiating, Shooting or spreading out in the form of rays, as light, &c.
Radical,  Pertaining to the root.
Rectum, The last portion of the  large  intestines  terminating in the
  anus.
Refrigerating, Cooling;  allaying heat of  the body or blood.
Remittent, To abate in violence for a time, without intermission.
Resolution, The  dispersing of a tumor, or inflammation, without sup-
  puration.
Respiration, The act of breathing.
Resin, An inflammable substance, hard when cool, but  soft and fluid
  when heated ; flowing from certain kinds of trees, in  a fluid state.
Rigidity, Stiffness ; Avant of pliability ; the quality of not being easily
  bent.
Rigor, A sense of chilliness, with shivering and contraction of the skin
Rubefacient, A substance whieh, when applied a certain time to the
  skin, induces a redness without blistering.
Sanguine, Abounding with blood ; plethoric.
Scirrus, A hard  tumor commonly situated in a glandular  part, and
  often terminating in a cancer.
Scrotum, The skin which covers the testicles.
Secretion, The act of producing or separating from the Wood substan-
  ces different from the blood itself, &c, &c.
Sedentary, Accustomed to sit much, or to  pass  most of the time in a
  sitting posture.                                            \
Septic, Relating to putrefaction.
Serum, 1st.  Whey ; 2d.  The fluid which separates from  the  blood
  when cold and at rest.
Slough,    7 Separating  from the living  flesh, as the  dead  part in
Sloughing, 3  mortification.
Solvent,  Having the power of dissolving; the fluid  in Avhich any  thing
  is dissolved.
Spasm, Cramp, convulsion.
Spasmodic, Pertaining to  crarnp or convulsion.
Sphacelus, Mortification of the flesh; gangrene.
Spleen, The  milt; a spongy viscus, placed on  the left  side, between
  the eleventh and twelfth false ribs.
Stimulant, Medicines  Avhich excite the action  or energy of the system
Stool, An evacuation from the bowels.
Strangury, A difficulty in voiding urine, attended with pain.
Styptic,  A medicine which  has the  quality of stopping discharges of
  blood.
Sudorific, A medicine that produces sweat, or sensible perspiration.
Suppuration, The  process  by which  pus or  matter is  deposited or
  formed in inflammatory tumors.
Sutures, The seams or joints which unite  the bones of the skull.
Syncope,  Fainting, or  swooning.
Syphilis, The venereal disease.
Tenesmus, A continual and urgent desire to go to stool, without a dis-
  charge. 
GLOSSARY.
525
 emc,    ; Stretched; strained to stiffness;  rigid.
1 ension,  3
Tent, A roll of lint placed in the opening of an ulcer.
Terminal, Growing at the end of a branch or stem;  terminating.
Tertian, A disease whose paroxysms return every other day.
Thorax, The chest.
Tonic, A medicine that increases the strength or tone of the animal
  system.
Tonsil, A glandular body,  situated  on each side of the fauces, and
  opening into the cavity of the mouth by several excretory ducts.
'Irirnnial. Continuing three years.
Tumor, A morbid swelling or enlargement of a particular part.
Turbid, Muddy, cloudy, dirty.
Typhoid, Resembling typhus ; weak ; Ioav.
Ulcer, A morbid sore, Avhich discharges  pus, or matter.
Umbel,        ~> Flowers resembling in  their form, an umbrella, such
Umbelliferous, $   as the parsnip, fennel, &c.
Ureter, A tube conveying the urine from the kidneys to the bladder.
Uterus, The womb.
Uvula, Commonly called the palate.
Vaccination, The act of inoculating persons  with the coav pox.
Vermifuge, A substance that destroys or  expels worms from animal
  bodies.
Vertigo, Dizziness;  giddiness of the head.
Viscera—Plural of viscus.
Viscus, A name applied to  the organs contained  in the thorax or abdo-
  men, as the lungs, liver, &c.
Viscid, Glutinous;  sticky.
Volatile, Capable of wasting away suddenly from exposure to the'air
Whorls, Flowers, or leaves, which surround the  stem in a ring. 
 
ENGLISH   INDEX.
The following Index contains the common or English names of the different articles.
 For the Systematic, Technical, or Latin names, reference mnst he had to the Latin
 Index, which immediately follows the present one.
Abortion, Unicorn  root  will    Anti-bilious pills, .....  430
  prevent......     309       powder,......431
Abscess,........7 Anti-dysenteric powders,. .  435
Abscess-root,   ...... 373|Anti-emetics,  .... 209, 343
209
Acetous acid or vinegar,.
Acidity  of  , the  stomach —
  articles useful for,  . 216, 417
Addertongue,......291
Adhesive plasters, &c,  .   . 415
Agrimony,........210
Ague and fever,......10
      articles useful for, 261,293,
          338, 402, 405, 275, 292
       bark,.......382
       cake,.......14
       remedyfor,..... 397
       pills,.......427
Alcohol,.........210
Alder, (see  "Tag-alder,")  . 217
Alkali,.........216
Alkaline wash.......216
Allspice tree.
Aloe-root, ....»••• 215
Amaranth,........218
American senna,.....254
      valerian,......281
Anasarca, (see " Dropsy,").  55
Angustura bark,  ..... 220
Anodyne drops,......416
      powders,  ..... 435
Anodynes,  .  .  .  220, 276, 319
Anise,......... 366
      essence of,.....440
Antacids,— also, see Alkali, 416
Anthelmintics, (see "Vermi-
       fuges,") ......417
Anthelmintic oil, .  ...» 417
418
210
440
                         Anti-emetic drops,  ....
                         Antisceptics, 209, 237, 245..
                              275, 300, 320, 327,377,
                                           382, 401, 419
                            Also, see " Poultices,".  . 449
                         Anti-morbific powder,  .  .  . 422
                         Anti-spasmodics,  18, 261,
                              299,313,314,317,333,
                                                397, 421
                         Anti-spasmodic tincture, .  . 421
                                aromatic drops, .  .  . 419
                          Apoplexy, 14.   Two kinds .   15
                          Ardent spirits,......210
                                what constitutes the
                                different varieties of,.
                          Aromatic cordials, rule for
                            making,........
 eargle,......216 Asafetida,........299
 poultice,.....450 Ascarides, (see " Worms,") 198
ice tree........357 Ascites,  (see " Dropsy,")  .   55
                          Asiatic cholera, (see " Spas-
                            modic  cholera,")  ....  178
                          Asparagus infusion, .... 437
                          Aspen,.........381
                          Asthma,.........16
                                 articles useful for,
                            210, 270, 303, 314, 317,  333
                          Asthmatic tincture, .... 438
                          Astringent tonic compounds, 421
                                 tonic,.......422
                          Astringents,  (see  "Tonic
                            Astringent,")
                          Backache, remedy for,. . . 327
                                 root,.......327
                           Baldness, how to cure,. .  . 454
                                          (527) 
528
INEEX.
Balmony,........265
Balsam of fir,  ......  366
Barberry,........248
Barm,..........265
Bathing  drops, and  rubefa-
  cients,   ........424
       Dr.  Reed's.  ....  424
       Dr.  Everett's,  ...  424
       Tosier's,......424
       tincture of cay-
         enne, ......424
Bath, vapor,.......461
       sulphur,......156
Bayberry,........348
Bearsfoot,........378
Beechdrops,.......286
Beloved  thistle,......262
Bethroot,........401
Bilious colic, (see "Colic,")   37
       articles  useful for,
                  293,  282,  333
Bilious fever, 149—also see
  Ague and Fever, ....   10
Bindweed,  ........270
Birthroot,........401
       eyewater,.....443
Bite of mad-dog,.....18
       case of, how
         treated,.....495
       articles useful for,
              333, 328,  397,  421
Bite of snakes,......140
       articles useful for,
   288, 293,  338, 333,  373,  391
Bitter-ash,........292
Bitter dogsbane,
Bitter-root,
Bitter herb,.......265
Bittersweet,.......261
Bitter tonics,  (see  " Ton-
  ics,")  .........425
Bitter tonic compounds,  .  .  425
       laxative,......  425
Bitter tonic,.......425
Bitters, spice,......426
       hot,........427
       wine,.......426
       anti-dyspeptic, .  .  .  426
Black alder, ....   217, 381
Blackberry, (see "High black-
  berry,") .......    389
Blackberry, syrup of,  ...  423
224
304
 23
 26
Black birch,.......251
      cherry,......382
      cohosh,  ...... 338
      elder........390
      pepper,......367
      root,.......322
      snakeroot,.....338
Blazing star,.....215,  309
Bleeding from the lungs,.  .   25
Bleeding  from  the lungs,
  articles useful for, . 303,
Bleeding from the nose,  .  .
Bleeding from the stomach,.
      articles useful for,
                  287,  219,  367
Blessed thistle,......262
Bloodroot,........391
Bloody  flux,  (see  "Dysen-
  tery,")   ........64
      urine, .......   27
      articles useful for,
Bluebells,........373
Blue berry,
      cohush or cohosh
      cardinal flower,>
      lobelia,        )
261
Boils,
337
  7
      articles useful for, 217, 266
Boneset.......293, 294
Bowel complaint, (see "Diar-
  rhea," "Dysentery," &c.,)
Bowman root,......322
Box tree,  >                  Q7_
Boxwood.^.......zta
Bran, useful in dyspepsy, &c.  71
      for costiveness, . 48, 510
Brewer's foam,......265
Brinton root,.......322
Broken bones, (see  " Dislo-
  cations," &c.,).....64
Bruises,.........28
       articles  useful for,
        223, 319, 368, 377, 392
      recipe to cure, .  .  . 458
       cases of, how treated,
                       478, 506
Buboes, (see " Venereal dis-
  ease,")   ........192
Buckthorn........384
Bunnell's anti-bilious female
  pills,.........430
Burdock,.........232 
INDEX.
529
                           PAGE. |                           PACB.
Burns and scalds,.....28 Chalk,..........217
       articles useful  for,       Chamomile,.......223
                  217,  389, 405
Burning bush,......292
Butterfly weed,......247
Butternut,........318
       syrup,.......318
Button snakeroot,   .  .  268, 327
       wood, (see  " Syca>
         more buds,") .  .  . 457

Camphiretree......319
Camphor,........319
Canada balsam,......366
       root,.......247
Cancer,.........29
       case of,  how treated, 499
       articles  useful  for,
                  262, 266, 286
       recipe for curing,  .  . 455
Cancer balsam,......428
       plasters,......428
       root........286
Candleberry,.......348
Canine madness, (see "Bite
  of mad dog,").....18
Canker, goldthread useful for, 275
  (Also, astringent articles
  throughout the work, use-
  ful for the same  purpose,)
Capsicum  annuum,  .  .  .  .251
Carbuncles,.......34
       bethroot useful for, . 401
Cardinal floAver,......328
       plant,.......328
Carolina pink,......398
Carrot,.........282
Carpenter's square, ....  392
Catarrh, (see " Influenza,").  110
Cathartics,......    429
       administering,  .  .  .  468
       articles  useful  as,
   254, 266,  270,   293, 294,
   300, 318,  337,  368, 384, 402
   Also, (see " Purgatives.")
Catmints                   ^^
Catnip,  )
Caustics,.......32, 439
Cayenne pepper......251
Cedar oil, useful  for  ring
   worm and tetter, ....  156
Celandine,........314
Chancres, (see  "Venereal
  disease,").......192
Charcoal,........252
      used as a styptic,  . 24, 27
      do. as an antiseptic,.  . 27
      do. as a cathartic, .  . 48
      do. for scaled head,  . 163
      do. for worms, .  .  . 200
Checkerberry,......347
Cherry cordial,......423
Chicken  pox,.......35
Children's cordial,.....459
Chilblains, (see " Cold,")   . 186
Chill and fever, (see " Ague
  and fever,")......10
China-root,.......282
Chocolateroot,......303
Choked,  (see  " substances
  stopped in the throat," &c.) 183
Cholera,   (see  " Spasmodic
  cholera,")......178
Cholera  Morbus,.....36
      articles useful for,
             216, 282,  416, 417
      cases of, how treated,
                       482, 483
Cholera  mixtures,.....431
      syrup,.......432
      infantum ; neutral-
  izing mixture useful for,  . 417
Chronic  eye drops,   .... 443
Cinnamon tree,......320
Cinquefoil,.......381
Clap, (see  "Venereal  dis-
  ease,")  .......   192
Clavis hystericus, (see "Head-
  ache,")  ........89
Cleansing beer,......458
Cleavers,)                 qqq
Clivers,   \
Clotbur,.........232
Clove tree,........291
Clysters,........443
Cobweb,........* 398
Cocash,.........287
Cocklehur,.......210
Cockspur pepper,.....251
Cold, suspended  animation
  from,.........186 
530
INDEX.
Colds, articles useful for, 220,
            237, 366, 377, 405
Cold hands and feet, articles
  useful for.....231, 287
Cold water, (see " Water,")  227
Colic,..........37
      different kinds of, .  .   38
      articles useful for, 215,
  219, 220, 231,  238, 269,
                 299, 319, 327
Colic, cramp,  case  of, how
  treated,........484
      drops,.......432
      root,.......327
Columbo root,......299
Coltsfoot,........238
      snakeroot,.....238
Compounds,.......413
Compound  tincture  of  val-
  erian or lady's slipper,.  .  446
Compound tincture of myrrh, 420
Composition powder,  .  .  .  434
Concluding remarks,.  .  .  .  204
Constipation, (see " Costive-
  ness,")   ........47
Consumption,......39
      articles  useful  for,
  270, 303, 309, 314, 317,
        328, 373, 381, 398, 405
Consumption,  cases of, how
  treated,.  .  . . 469, 482, 487
Contracted joints, how treat-
  ed, .  .........456
Convulsions or fits,  ....  43
       articles  useful  for,
  261,276,314,361,397,405,421
      cases  of, how treat-
         ed, .....471, 508
Cordials, aromatic,  .... 440
       cherry,......423
       diuretic,......437
       tonic,.......427
Corns,..........46
       artiele useful for, .  .223
Corn snakeroot,  .  .  . .  . 288
Costiveness, ....... 456
       articles useful  for,
             252, 289, 320, 474
Cough, articles  useful for,
  231, 237, 270, 287,  294,
   303, 309,  314,  317, 333,
                  338, 366, 377
Cough, recipe to cure,.  .  . 456
Cough drops,.......440
Course of medicine,.  .  .  . 461
      repetition of,.  .  .  . 466

SSI   .......286
Cramp, (see "Convulsions,")  43
      articles  useful  for,
                 269, 294, 458
      recipe to cure,  .  .  . 458
Cramp in  the  hand, case of,
  how treated,......480
Cramp in the breast, do..  . 503
      colic,  case   of, how
        treated,.....484
Craziness, (see "Insanity,") 111
Crosswort,........293
Croup,........ .    49
      articles  useful  for,
             377, 390, 391, 441
Culver's physic,.....322
Cure, indications of,.  .  .  .   3
Cures performed by Botanic
  medicines.......  . 469
Cureall,.........303
Curled dock,.......390
Cutaneous  diseases, articles
  useful for, 210, 228, 261,
  265,276,287,293,300,381,391
Cuts, remedy for,.....468
Cutting almond,.....361

Dandelion,........321
Deafness,.......51
Deafness, articles useful for,
                     ' 228, 373
Delirium, (see " Insanity,"). Ill
Derangement, mental,.  .  . Ill
Devilsbit,........327
Dewberry,........389
Diabetes,........52
      water agrimony  use-
        ful for,  .  .  .   •   -210
Diaphoretics and Sudorifics, 433
       articles used as,  219,
     319, 327,  367, 373,  294, 397
Diaphoretic powders,  .  .  .  434
      Well's formula of,  .  43^
      Everett's  do.   ...  434
      Smith's   do.   ...  435
      Well's Anti-dysen-
         teric powders      435 
INDEX.
531
                              PAGE.
       Well's  anodyne do.....435
       Diaphoretic do.....326, 436
Diarrhea or looseness...........  53
       articles  useful  for,  210,
  216, 219, 287, 303,  348, 357,
                 389, 416, 417, 423
Diarrhea, cases of, how treated, 505
Digestion, articles useful to pro-
  mote, (see under head of "Bit-
  ter Tonics,")  ..............425

Dillweed,  )
Directions   for   the   gathering,
  selections,   &c,  of vegetable
  medicines,  ................409
Discutients,.............262, 300
Discutient  ointment,..........448
Diseases, symptoms of, &c,....   3
Disease is a unit,..............   3
       how caused,............   3
       produced by one general
         cause,  and removed  by
         general remedy,.......   4
Dislocations and broken bones,  54
Dislocation of the jaw, case  of,
  how treated,................493
Dislocation of the finger,......513
Dittany,  ....................276
Diuretics,....................436
       articles   useful  as,  223,
  242, 238, 381, 287, 288, 294,
                      323, 327, 360
Diuretic beer,................436
Diuretic cordial,..............437
       decoction,  .............437
Dock...................390,232
Dogwood,   ..................275
Dogfennel,  ..................220
Dogtooth violet,..............291
Doses ol medicines,  ..........414
Drafts,  dregs   of  Tincture   of
       Myrrh  useful as,........  14
       other articles,  ---14, 22,  96
Dragon turnip, >
       root,    $
Dropsy,......................457
       diuretics, useful for,
Dropsy,  recipe to cure,........457
Drowning,  ..................  61
Drunkenness,  (see   " Intoxica
  tion,")....................114
Dry bellyache,  (see " Colic,") ..37
Dysentery  or  Bloody Flux,  ....  65
       articles  useful  for,  216,
        252, 303, 348, 357, 361, 382
Dyspepsy or Indigestion,......68
         articles  used for, 216
        269, 299, 313, 329, 333, 381
.227
                             PAGE.
      case of, how treated.....474
See also, " Digestion " and " Bit-
  ter Tonics."

Ear, insects in, how to destroy, 62
Earache,..................... 62
      articles useful,..........231
Egg eye water,  ..............442
Elder,   ......................390
Elecampane,.................917
Emetic  compound,......j.....448
Emetics,  ....................437
      articles  which  are,  220,
             223, 333, 244, 248, 291
Emetics, method  of administer-
  ing,.......................454
Emetic  herb, 1                 qoo
       weed,)  ........
Emmenagogues,  articles  useful
  as,  ......338,848,367,368,357
Epilepsy,   (see  "Falling  sick-
  ness,  ...................... 74
Epilepsy,  articles useful for, 223,
                     361, 333, 347
Eruptive diseases, (see "Cutane-
  ous diseases.) "..............
Erysipelas, (see " St. Anthony's
  fire,")  ....................158
Escharotics or Caustics,........439
Essences and aromatic cordials,—
  how to  prepare, ............440
Essences  of Anise,............440
Evan root,...................303
Everett's  bathing drops,........424
      hot bitters,.............427
      diaphoretic powders,.....434
      asthmatic tincture,......438
      emetic compound,.......438
      Expectorant syrup,......441
Expectorants,................440
      articles  useful   as,  231,
  247, 309,  314, 327, 433, 377, 391
Expectorant powder,..........440
      syrup,.................441
Eyebright,...................333
Eye waters,..................442
  (also  see  " Infiamation of  the
  Eyes,").......,........... 96

Fainting or Syncope,.......... 73
      camphor useful for,.....258
Falling  of Fundament,........47
Falling  sickness or Epilepsy, ... 74
False gromwell...............358
False sarsaparilla,.............228
Felons,...................... 76
      salve,..................452
Female  obstructions, articles use- 
532
INDEX.
  ful  for, (see  Emmenagogues.)
        case of, how treated,.. .488
Female strengthing syrup,.....459
Fennel,......................220
Fernbush,)                    ggo,
Ferngale, )
Fever and ague,.............. 10
Fever, articles  useful  for, 220,
        272, 275, 309, 333, 368, 391
Fever, cases of,  how treated, 470,
                          508, 402
Feverbush,...................319
Fevertwig....................261
Feverwort,..............402,293
Fieldvveed,...............287,220
Figwort,.....................392
  useful for obstructed lochia.
Fistula, (see " Ulcers," )......190
Fitroot,......................347
Fits, see  ( see " Convulsions," )  43
Fivefinger,...................381
Flax,..  .....................327
Fleabane.....................287
Floodings, astringent tonics use-
  ful for,.....................421
Fluxroot,....................247
Flytrap,.....................224
Fomentations, articles useful for, 223
             228,270,367,405,419
Freckles, articles to remove, 322, 358
Fresh wounds,................ 80
      cold water useful for,... .228
Frost bitten parts,  (see "Cold,") 186
Frostweed,...................287
Fruits, ripe, sometimes cure dys-
  entery, .................... 68
Fungous flesh,—see "Proud flesh."

Gamboge,...................300
Gangrene, (see "Mortification,") 131
Garden carrot,,...............2S2
Garget root,..................365
Gayl'eather,..................327
Gentian,.....................402
Giddiness or Vertigo,.......... 79
Ginger,......................218
Ginsang, Ginshang, Ginseng,... 361
Ginson,......................402
Gleet, (see "Venerial Disease,") 192
Glossary,....................519
Glyster,.....................443
Golden seal,..................313
Gold-thread,..................275
Gonorrhea, (see " Venereal Dis-
   ease,")  ....................192
Goose-grass,..................300
Gout,.....................
       different kinds  of,.....
Gout, articles useful for,.,.....338
Gravel and Stone,.............457
      articles  useful  for,  210,
  219, 287,  293, 294,  300,  321,
                     344, 358, 457
Gravel root,..................294
Gravel-weed,.................358
Great plantain,................ 367
Greek valerian,...............373
Green ointment,..............448
      salve,..................451
Ground raspberry,............313
Gum  myrrh,.................348

Hanging,....................185
Hartshorn, useful in fainting,... 73
Headache,................... 89
      articles  useful  for,  216,
                 269, 276, 320, 357
Heal-all,.............392,382,269
Healing salves,................450
Heartburn,.................. 90
Heart snakeroot,..............238
Hemiplegia, (see "Apoplexy,")  14
Hemlock fir,.................366
Hemlock tree,................367
Hemorrhage, articles useful for,
                 287, 304, 401, 405
Hemorrhoids, (see " Piles,")..  .138
Hernia, (see " Rupture,")......156
Hickup...................... 91
      blue cohush useful for,.. .261
Highbelia,....................337
High-blackberry,.............389
Hives, Indian sanicle useful for, 391
Hixson's cholera mixture,......432
Holy-thistle,..................262
Honey syrup,.................441
      bloom,.................224
Hoodwort,....................397
Hops, Hopvine,...............310
Horehound,..................343
Horsefly weed,................247
Hull's bilious physic,..........431
Hydrocele,................... 92
Hydrophobia, (see " Bite of mad
  dog,").................... 18
Hydrothorax, (see " Dropsy,")  55
Hydragogue tincture,..........437
Hysteric colic,  (see " Colic,")    37
Hysterics, articles useful for, 223,
  261,  276, 281, 299, 314, 327,
                           343, 357
Hysterics, cases of, how treated,
                           508, 509
Iceplant,---.................347
 Immoderate sweating,.........92
       fivefinger useful for, 
INDEX.
533
Incubus, (see "Nightmare,").. .135
Indian arrow,.................292
       balm,.................401
       cup-plant,..............397
       fever-root,.............304
       hemp,.................227
       lettuce,................299
       paint,..................313
       pink,..................398
       sage,..................293
       sanicle,................391
       tobacco,...............333
       turnip,.................237
       cholera, (see "Spasmodic
         cholera,")............178
Indigestion, (see " Dyspepsy,")  68
  (See also " Bitter tonics.")
Indigo brooni, 1
Indigofera,    £ ..............247
Indigo weed,  )
Inflammation, articles useful for,
  209, 217, 270, 304, 313, 320,
                      368, 377, 418
Inflammation of the bladder,... .223
       articles useful for,.......223
       of the brain or Phrensy,..  94
       of the  diaphragm, a case
         of, how treated,.......477
      of the eyes,.............96
         articles useful for,.304, 384
       of the intestines,........  98
       of the kidneys,..........100
        articles useful for, 232
                      287,310,405
       of the liver,............101
       Also (see article " Liver
         complaints.")
       of the lungs,............203
         bloodroot,  useful  for,..391
       cases of, how treated, see App
inflammatory fever,...........106
       sore throat,.............107
Influenza or Catarrh,..........456
       articles  useful  for, 321,
Injections or Clysters,.........443
Inoculation, &c...............!"•>
Insanity or Madness,..........Ill
       article useful for,........282
Insects in the ear, how to destroy, 72
Intermittent fever,............ 10
       articles useful for, 252,275,
        319, 343, 383, 398, 402, 406
                           401,456
Intoxication,.................114
jtch,  .......................115
      ' articles useful for,.. .319, 390
Jackson's purgative,.
    Jaundice,...................116
          articles  useful  for,  210,
                 261, 265, 276, 309, 381
    Jerusalem oak,................266
    Jewsharp,....................401
    Joepye,.....................293
    Joint-water, to prevent discharge
      of,........................458
    Juniper shrub or bush,.........318

    King's Evil or Scrofula........118
          articles  useful  for,  210,
                     261, 266, 291, 373
    Knot-root,...................269
    Kussander,...................270

    Lady's slipper,.................276
          tincture of,.............446
    Lake  fever, (see "Ague and fe-
      ver,") .....................  10
    Larkspur,....................282
    Laxatives, 247, 261,  292,  291,
            304, 317, 331, 343, 344, 366
    Laxative bitters,...............425
          clyster,................445
    Lemon juice, useful for Scurvy, 168
    Lightning, suspended  animation
      by,........................188
    Lime,.......................217
    Lime-water, how to prepare, .. .217
    Liniments,...................447
    Liniment, for burns,...........449
          volatile,................449
    Liquorice,....................303
    Liver complaint, (see " Inflam-
      mation of the liver,")........101
          articles useful for,.. .262, 373
          case of, how treated,.....494
    Lobelia inflata,................333
          blue,..................337
    Lockjaw,....................121
          articles useful for,.. .397, 422
      (Also see " Convulsions,") ...  43
    Locust  plant,.................254
    Looseness, (see " Diarrhea,") ..  53
    Lovely  bleeding,..............218
    Lues  Venerea, (see  "Venereal
      disease,")..................192
    Lumbago, (see "Rheumatism,") 151
    Lupuline,....................310

    Madness, (see " Insanity,")  ... .111
    Madweed,....................397
    Malignant or Putrid sore Throat, 122
          articles useful for,.. .265, 228
    Mandrake,...................368
    Man-in-the-ground, I           ^Q
.431 Man root,         )   .....'" 
534
INDEX.
Mania, (see " Insanity,")  ,.....HI
Mare's tail,...................287
Materia Medica...............207
Masterwort,.................220
Mayapple,...................368
Mayweed,...................220
Meadow pride,................299
Mealy starwort,...............215
Measles......................125
Medicine, Avhen to be  gathered
  and how preserved, &c.......409
Medicine, doses of,............414
Menstruation,  profuse,  articles
  useful for,.........218, 270, 401
  (Also see "Astringent Tonics.")
Menstruation, suppressed, articles
  useful for, .. .•..........261, 392
Mercurial disease,.............127
      yellow parilla, useful for, 344
Method of steaming............461
Milk  sickness,................129
      cases of, how treated, 482,510
Milkweed, ....'...............238
Mint  fomentation,.............419
Miscellaneous medical recipes,. .453
Moccason flower,.............281
Moonseed,...................344
Mortification,.................131
      articles useful for, 247,
  252, 265, 299,  320, 368, 373,
                     382, 401, 420
      case of, how treated,.....476
Mountain Dittany,)             „.
Mountain Mint,   $  ..........Zi
Mouth root..................275
Mullein,.....................405
Mumps,.....................133
Muscles, how to relax,........  55
Myrrh,......................348
      compound tincture  of,...420
      simple,      do.........420
      dregs, of, useful for drafts, 14

Narrow dock,................390
Nausea, articles useful  for, 209,
                          297, 343
Nephritic plant or Cutting  Al-
  mond, .....................362
Nerve ointments,.............447
Nervine compounds,..........446
Nervines, articles useful as, 266,
  276, 328, 333, 347, 361, 366,
                     381, 397, 398
                              PAGE.
Nettlerash,.................  .. .134
Neuralgia,..................134
Neutralizing mixture,.........417
Nightmare or Incubus,.........135
Night  sweats,  cinquefoil useful
  for,.......................381
Nutmeg tree,................348

Oak-bark,  extract of, useful for
  ruptures,...................158
Ointments and Liniments,..... .447
Ointment,  bittersweet,.........261
      for tetter,..............156
      for ulcers,..............192
      for white swellings,......196
      for burns and scalds,.....448
      hop,...................310
      stramonium,...........448
      useful for piles,.........139
      pepper,................155
      elder bark,.............390
      sweet gum,.............116
      scrofulous,.............447
      nerve,................447
      Thompson's nerve,..... .447
      discutient,.............448
      green,.................448
      relaxing,...............448
Oneberry,....................347
Onion syrup, useful for croup,. .441
Oxbalm,.....................269

Painful affection of the face,.... 134
Pain in the breast, pleurisy root
  useful for,..................247
Palpitation of the heart,........136
Palsy,.......................137
      articles useful for,.. .362, 365
      case of, how treated      486
Pappoose root,................261
Paralysis,  (see " Palsy,")......137
Paralytic affection, (see "Palsy,")137
Paisley,.....................223
Parsley-leaved yellowroot,......406
Patridge-berry,...............347
Patridge-pea,.................254
Peach-tree,...................219
      kernels,................219
Pearlash,.....................216
Pectoral, (see " Expectorants,")
Pennyroyal,..................304
Pepper (see " Cayenne,")......251
Peppermint,..................343
Nervine powder,..............446 Pepper turnip,................237
      tincture,...............446 Pickaway anise,...............382
Nervous  fever, (see " Putrid  or   IPhrenzy.....................  94
  Typhus fever,")............146JPigeonberry,................365
Nettle,.......................405lPiles........................ .459 
INDEX.
535
                              PAGE.
Piles,  articles  useful for, 220,
             270, 334, 347, 377, 405
Pills, Bunnell's antibilious female
  pills, ......................430
       Reed's antibilious pills, . .430
       vegetable cathartic do. ... 429
       Wells' vegetable'  do. ...430
       tonic or ague     do. .. .427
Pimento tree,.................357
Pipe plant,...................347
Pipsisewa,....................266
Pissabed,.....................321
Plantain,.....................367
Plasters, adhesive,.........415, 416
       cancer,............428, 42
       sorrel..................428
       strengthening,......415, 416
Pleurisy,.....................139
       articles  useful for,  232,
                 247, 322, 373, 405
       root,..................247
Poisons,...............-......140
       animal.................140
       mineral,...............142
       vegetable,..............143
       by acids,......,........143
       by alkalies..............144
       from  poisonous  vegeta-
         bles,.................145
       narcotic and acri-narcotic, 145
       articles  useful for, 209,
                           269, 333
Poke,........................365
Polypus of the nose, article use-
  ful for, ....................458
Poolroot,.....................292
Poplar,......................381
Poultices,....................449
       bitter sweet,............261
       charcoal and yeast, 33, 35, 450
       carrot,.........33, 282,450
       hop,...................310
       sassafras,............35, 450
       smartweed,............. 35
       indigofera,.............247
       mullein,...............305
       sumach,...............450
       alkaline,...............450
       discutient,.............450
       common elm  poultice,.. .449
       common poultice,.......449
       for sore  throat,.........451
       for white swellings and to
         promote suppuration,. .196
       white bean poultice use-
        ful for mumps,........134
Prairie senna,.................254
Prepared chalk,...............217
                              PAGE.
Prickly ash,..................406
Prickly yellow-wood,..........231
Prince's feather,..............218
      pine...................266
Proud flesh,..................  10
      articles useful for,.. .368, 391
  (See also  " Escharotics,")... .439
Puke, (see " Emetic,")........437
Puke weed,...................333
Puking complaint,  (see " Milk
  sickness,")................129
Pulmonary  consumption,   (see
  " Consumption,")...........  39
Pulmonary balsam,............442
Pumpkin,....................281
Purgatives,  on  what  principle
  they act,...................  48
      articles useful as, 219, 247,
        262, 318, 327,  368, 384, 390
  Also, (see "Cathartics.")
Purging buckthorn,...........384
Purvain,.....................405
Putrid  sore  throat, (see " Malig-
  nant or Putrid sore throat,"). .122
Putrid or Typhus fever,........146
      articles useful  for,  226,
                          248, 265
Pyramid,.................... .299

Quaking asp,.................381
Queen of the meadow,.........294
Quincy or Quinzy, (see "Inflam-
  matory  sore throat,")........106
Quiver leaf,..................381

Race ginger,..................218
Ragged cup,..................397
Raspberry, (see 'Red raspberry,') 389
Rattle weed,..................338
Rattlesnake's master,..........288
Rattlesnake  violet,............391
Recipes, medical,.............453
Red  elm,.....................402
Red  lobelia,..................328
Red  pepper,..................251
Red  puccoon,)                „Q1
Red  root,     (  ..............JiU
Red  raspberry,................389
Reed's compound bathing drops, 424
      antibilious pills,.........430
Relaxing ointment,............448
Remittent or Bilious fevers, ... .149
Rheumatism,.................151
      articles useful  for,   215,
  220,  228,  232, 261,  266,  269,
  294,  309,  317, 319,  338,  365,
                          384, 406
Rheumatic decoction,..........454 
536
INDEX.
                              PAGE.
Rheumatic drops,.............454
      liquid,.................453
      weed,.................266
Rhubarb,....................384
Rich leaf,....................269
Rich weed................338, 269
Ringworm and Tetter,.........155
      articles  useful  for,  231,
                          314, 392
Rupture,.....................156

Saint Anthony's fire or Erysip-
  elas, ......................158
      article useful for,........333
Saint Vitus' dance,............160
      article useful for, .. .270, 397
Saffron,......................275
Saleratus,....................216
Salt rheum, treatment of, same as
  ringworm and tetter,........ 155
      celadine useful for,......314
Salves,.......................450
Salve for cancer,............32, 34
      sorrel,.................428
      Wells' healing,..........451
      Thomson's.............451
      sumach,...............451
      green,.................451
      yellow,................452
      Butler's................452
      felon,..................452
Sanicle,......................391
Sarsaparilla, substitute for,.....231
Sassafras, (                    oon
Saxafrax, £
Scabious,....................287
Scalding  of  the urine, articles
  useful for,.............281, 366
Scald head,...............162,458
      recipe to cure,..........458
Scalds, (see " Burns," &c.)..... 28
Scarlet fever,.................163
Sciatica,.....................152
Scoke,......................365
Scrofula, (see " King's Evil,"). .118
      articles useful for,.......368
Scrofulous ointment,..........467
Scullcap,.....................397
Scurvy,......................166
      articles useful for,.. .210, 390
Sea ash,.....................231
Seneka Snakeroot,............377
Senna, (see "American Senna,") 254
Sheep sorrel,.................361
Shell-flower,.................265
Shingles......................168
Shotbush,....................231
Sick  stomach,  (see " Milk sick-
                              PAGE.
  ness,")....................129
Sickness at  the  Stomach, (see
    Nausea.")
Silkweed,....................238
Simple tincture of myrrh,......420
      of Lady's slipper, or vale-
         rian, .................446
Sinuous  utcers,...............190
Skabish,  (                      OH7
Skevish,  J   ..................Mt
Skunk cabbage,)                014
Skunk weed,   )   ............
Slippery  elm,.................402
Small pox,...................169
      rattle weed, useful for,.. .238
      case of, how treated,.....499
Small spikenard,..............228
Smartweed, )                  077
Smartgrass, )
Smith's diaphoretic powders, .. .435
Snagrel,....................,232
Snake-bites,—see 'Bite of snakes.'
Snakehead,..................265
Snakeleaf,....................291
Snakeweed,..................232
Snapping hazle-nut,...........304
Snuff,...................238,348
Soda,........................216
Solomon's seal,...............270
Soot,........................439
Sores, (see "  Ulcers,").........190
Sore breasts,..................455
Sore eyes, (see "Inflammation of
  the eyes,").................  96
Sore mouth, articles useful for.. .286
Sore throat,.............. 107, 122
      articles useful for,.. .231, 303
Sorrel, (see "Sheep sorrel,"). ..361
      plaster or salve,.........428
      sour dock,  .............320
Spasmodic cholera,............178
      diseases, articles useful for,
            223,  276, 299, 357, 421,
  (Also see "Antispasmodics.")
Spearmint,...................344
      tea of,.................418
      sling of,................419
Spice birch,.................. 251
      bitters,................426
Spicebush,)                    „. q
SpiceAvood^  ' *'..............d19
Spider's-web,................398
Spignet,    /                    _„
Spikenard, S   ................
Spindle tree,..................292
Spirit of wine,................210
Spitting  of blood, (see " Bleeding
  of the  lungs,")..............25 
INDEX.                           537
                              PAGE.
       nettle juice useful for, .. .405
Spleenwort bush,..............269
Spotted alder,.................304
Sprains,......................183
       articles useful for,.. .220, 320
Square stalk,---..'...........392
Squaw mint,.................204
       root,..............338,261
       vine,..................347
       weed,..................287
Staffvine,....................261
Stargrass,....................215
Star root,....................309
Steaming, method of,..........461
Stickwort, ...................210
Siimulants, 218, 228,  237,  248,
  269,  275, 276, 288, 291,  292,
  294,  299, 304, 317, 319,  320,
             322, 333, 357, 367, 377
Stimulating tonic eyewater.....443
       washes,...............424
Stings of insects, treatment of,. .141
       articles useful for,. . .288, 333
Stinking chamomile,...........220
Stink-weed,..................266
Stone, (see "Gravel,").........  85
Stone mint,..................276
Stone  root,...................269
Stramonium ointment..........448
Stranguary,  articles useful  for,
        217, 220, 300, 309, 378, 384
Strengthening plasters,.........415
Strengthening  syrup,..........459
Styptics, 27, 287, 304, 398, 405, 453
Substances stopped in the throat,
  &c........................183
Sudorifics, 223, 231,  237,  276,
  287,  291, 293, 322, 333,  338,
                      377, 405, 443
Suffocation,..................185
Sumach,.....................384
       salve,.................451
Suppression of urine, (see "Stran-
  guary,")
  (See also " Diuretics.")
Suspended animation,..........185
       by drowning,...........185
       by hanging,............185
       by suffocation, by inhaling
         noxious gases, &c.....185
       by cold,................186
       by lightning,...........188
Swallow root,.................247
Sweating, (see  " Immoderate
  sweating,")................  92
Sweat root,...................373
Sweating plant,...............293
      powder,................4341
Sweet basil,..................276
      birch,..................251
      bush, or Fern, or Ferry,  269
      gale,...................348
      elder,..................390
      liquorice,  ..............303
      fennel*.................220
      gum ointment,..........116
Swelled or sore  breasts, how to
  treat,......................455
Swelled  testicles, articles useful
  for,...................265,367
      case of, how treated,.....488
Swellings, articles useful for, 209,
  217, 223, 261, 269, 304,  357,
            358, 377, 390, 402, 405
Swine pox, (see "Chicken pox,") 35
Sycamore buds,...............457
      useful for cramps, bowel
         complaints, &c........457
Syncope, (see " Fainting,").... 73
Synovia, discharge of, how to be
  treated,....................458
      case of, how treated,.....485
Syphilis, (see 'Venereal Disease,')! 92
Syrup, butternut,.............318
      blackberry,.............423
      Everett's expectorant, ... 441
      female strengthening,... .459
      Honey,................441
      tonic expectorant,.......427
      for the  dysentery,.......423
      Wells' vegetable  expecto-
         rant, ................431
      onion,.................431

Taenia, (see "Worms,").......198
Tag alder,....................217
Tansy,.......................39S
Tapping, how performed,...... 60
Tenesmus,  alkaline  injections
  useful  for,..............66, 216
Teres, (see " Worms.")........198
Tetanus, (see " Convulsions,")  43
Tetter, (see " Ringworm," &c.) 155
Thomson's cancer plaster,......429
      eye  water,............. 97
      nerve ointment,.........447
      salve,.................451
Thoroughstem, )               g0o
Thoroughwort, $  .............^6
Throatroot,..................303
Tic Douloureux, (see " Neural-
  gia,") .....................134
Tickweed,...................304
Tincture, antispasmodic,.......421
      asthmatic,..............438
      cayenne,...............424 
538
INDEX.
Tincture hydragogue,..........437
      lady's slipper,...........446
      lobelia seed's,...........438
           herb,..............438
      myrrh, ................420
      nervine,...............446
      pokeberry,.............154
      rattleroot,..............154
      sycamore buds,.........457
Toadlily,.....................357
Tonics, — Astringent,..........421
      Agrimony,.............210
      Amaranth,.............218
      Bayberry,..............34b
      Birthroot,..............401
      Black birch,............251
      Cinnamon,............320
      Cocash,................287
      Dewberry,.............389
      Dogwood,..............275
      Even root,.............303
      Hemlock,..............367
      High blackberry,........389
      Red raspberry,..........389
      Sumach,...............384
      Sweetfern,............269
      Tag alder,..............382
      White pond lily,........357
      Wild cherry,...........382
      Witch hazle,...........304
Tonics, — Bitter,..............425
      Angustura,.............220
      Balmony,..............265
      Barberry,..............248
      Bitter-ash,.............292
      Bitterroot,.............224
      Bitter sweet,............261
      Blackroot,.............322
      Blessed thistle,..........262
      Boneset,...............293
      Colombo root,..........299
      Dandelion,.............321
      Dittany,...............276
      Gentian,...............402
      Ginsang,...............361
      Golden seal,............313
      Gold thread,............275
      Gum myrrh,...........348
      Hercules all-heal,.......292
      Hops,.................310
      MayAveed,..............220
      Peach tree,.............219
      Poplar bark,............381
      Stargrass,.............215
      Twinleaf,..............317
      Unicorn................309
      Virginia snakeroot,......232
      Whitewood,............328
Tonics, Bitter, Wild horehound, 294
      Winter-berry,..........381
      Yellow parilla,..........344
      Yellow wort,...........406
Tonic cordial,................427
      expectorant syrup,......427
      or Ague pills,...........427
Toothache,..........228, 320, 391
      articles useful for,   291, 276
Toothache tree,...............231
Tooth-powder,................282
Tosier's bathing drops,........424
Touch-me-not,...............314
Trembles, (see "Milk sickness,") 129
Trismus, (see " Locked jaw,"). .121
Truss,.......................158
Tubercles, (see "Consumption,") 39
Tulip tree,...................328
Tumors, (see " Swellings.")
Turtle bloom, )                 net:
Turtle head,  $   .............zo°
Twinleaf,...................317
Typhus fever, (see " Putrid fe-
  ver,") .....................146

Ulcers,.......................190
      different  kinds of,.......190
      articles useful for,  228,
  261,  265, 266, 269, 282,  286,
  313,  314, 320, 357, 358,  366,
  367,  368, 373, 382, 390,  392,
             397, 402, 406, 415, 420
Umbil,.......................281
Unicorn,....................309
Urinary organs, articles useful to
  strengthen, 269, 294, 365,  366,
                         373, 389

Vaccination,.............  ___176
Valerian,.....................276
Vapor  bath,  (see   " Method  of
  steaming,")................461
Vapor bath, Dr. Gunn's do,.....154
Vegetable  cathartic pills,.......429
      caustic,  ...............438
      expectorant syrup,......431
Venereal disease,..............192
      articles useful for,  228,
                         232 338
Vermifuges, 266, 286, 299,  317,
  319, 333,  344, 348, 366, 382, 398
Vertigo,......................  79
Vervain or Vervine,...........405
Vinegar,.................... 209
      is a strong antiseptic,  .. .209
      useful in dysentery, fevers,
  scurvy,  sickness  at the stom-
  ach, poisons, costiveness, dis- 
INDEX.
539
  eases of the lungs, sore, throat,
  &c,.......................209
Vinegar clyster,...............445
Vine maple,................ - .344
Virginia  snakeroot,............232
Volatile salts,.................453
Volatile liniment,.............449
Vomiting, to check,...........216
      of blood, (see " Bleeding
         from the stomach,")...  26
      and purging (see "Cholera
         Morbus,")...........  36
White walnut,  ...............318
      wood,.................328
Whooping cough,.............456
      articles useful for,.. .237, 304
Wild angelica,................220
      chammomile,...........220
      cherry,................382
.238
Wake robin,..................237
Wandering milkweed..........224
Warts,  celandine  useful  to  re-
  move, .....................314] Wind colic (see "Colic ")
Water,......................227       root,
ginger,............
horehound,  ............294
indigo,.................247
Job's-tears,  ............348
lettuce,................383
liquorice,..............231
potato,.................270
senna,.................254
turnip,................237
                       ..  38
                       ..247
Water agrimony useful  for dia
  betes,.....................  53
Water-pepper,............... 377
Water plantain,...............368
Waxberry or Wax myrtle,.....348
Weights and measures,.........459
Wens, to cure,................456
Wells' antidyspeptic bitters, ... .426
       anodyne drops,..........416
       anodyne powders,.......435
       antidysenteric do.,.......435
       antimorbific  do.,.......422
       antispasmodic aromatic
Wine bitters,.................426
Wingseed,...................382
Winter berry,................381
       bloom,.................304
       clover,.................347
Wintergreen,.............266, 385
Witch hazle,.................304
Wood sorrel,.................361
Worms,.....................198
       articles useful for,  . .210,
  219, 261, 318, 328, 357, 378,
                      381,383,398
                                  Also, see "Vermifuges," .417
  drops,...............419: Worm drops,.................417
chronic eye drops,.......443J      powders,...............418
compound  tincture of La
dy's slipper or Valerian, 446
Wormseed,...................266
      oil,....................200
cough drops,
440 Wormwood,..................266
                            Wounds, (see " Fresh wounds,")  79
                                  articles   useful  for,  228,
                                        241, 367, 368, 383, 392
                                  case of, how treated,.....493
tonic or ague pills, ..... ■427lXanthoxyiunlj................231
vegetable cathartic pills,. AM
vegetable expectorant syr
diaphoretic drops,.......436
diaphoretic powders.....436
healing salve,...........451
scrofulous ointment,.....447
up,.
.441
      worm drops,............417
Whites  or Fluor Albus, articles
  useful for,.........219,261,270
White elder,..................3S0
      horehound..............343
      ley,...................417
      pond lily..........*.....^
      root,..................247
      snakeroot,.............292
      swelling,...............195
Yam-root,....................282
Yeast,.......................265
Yellow-dock,................-390
      fever,..................200
      gentian,............402,299
      lady's slipper,...........281
      parilla,.................344
      poplar,.................329
      puccoon, .v.............313
      root,........-...........313
      salve,..................452
      snowdrop,..............291
articles
useful for,.....378 Yellow-wood or Yellow-Avort, . .406 
 
INDEX.
TO THE LATIN OR BOTANIC NAMES USED IN THR MATERIA MEDICA-
Acidum acetosum.....209
Agrimonia eupatoria .  .  .  .  210
Alcohol.........210
Aletris farinosa......215
Alkali..........216
Alnus serrulata......217
Amaranthushypochondriacus 218
Araomum zingiber.....218
Amygdalus persica.....219
Anethum fceniculum.  .  .  .  220
Angelica atropurpurea.  .  .  220
Angustura bark......220
Anthemis cotula. .....  220
Anthemis nobilis.....223
Apium petroselinum.  .  .  .  223
Apocynum  androsaemifolium, 224
       cannahinum.....227
Aqua..........227
Aralia nudicaulis.....228
       racemosa.....231
       spinosa.......231
Arctium lappa.......232
Aristolochia serpentaria  .  .  232
Arum triphyllum.....237
Asarum canadense.....238
Asclepias syrica......238
       taberosa......247

Baptisia tinctoria.....247
Berberis vulgaris.....248
Betula lenta.......251

Capsicum annuum.....251
Carboligni........252
Cassia chamcecrista ....  254
       marylandica  ....  254
Caulophyllum thalictroides .  261
Celastrus scandens .  .  .  .  261
Centaurea benedicta.  .  .  .  262
jGerevisiae fermentum. .  .  •  265
Chelone glabra......265
Chenopodium anthelminticum 266
Chimaphila umbellata .  .  .  266
Collinsonia canadensis.  .  .  269
Comptonia asplenifolia. .  .  269
Convallaria multiflora .  .  .  270
Convolvulus panduratus. .  .  270
Coptis trifolia.......275
Cornus florida.......275
Crocus officinalis.....276
Cunila mariana......276
Cypripedium pubescens .  .  281
Cucurbita pepo......281

Daucus carrota......282
Delphinium consolida . .  .  282
Dioscorea villosa.....282
Dolichos pruriens.....285

Epiphegus virginianus.  .  .  286
Erigeron philadelphicum .  .  287
      heterophyllum . .  .  287
      canadense.....287
Eryngium aquaticum . .  •  288
Erythronium americanum. .  291
Eugenia caryophyllata. .  .  291
Euonymus atropurpureus.  .  292
Eupatorium ageratoides .  .  292
          perfoliatum .  .  .  293
          purpureum. . , .  294
          teucrifolium . . .  294

Ferula asafetida .  .  .  .  .299
Frasera caroliniensis. . .  . 299

Galium aparine......300
Gambogia........300
Geum virginianum.....303
Glycyrrhiza glabra.....303

Hamamelis virginica. . . .  304
Hedeoma pulegioides. . . . 304
                  (641J 
INDEX.
542
Helianthus occidentalis. .	PAGE. . 304		PAGE. . 366
			. 366
			. 367
Hydrastis canadensis. . .	. 313		
			. 367
			
		Podophyllum peltatum . .	. 368
		Polemonium reptans .. .	. 373
			
Jeffersonia diphylla . . .	. 317	Polygonum punctatum . .	. 377
	. 318		
Juniperus communis. . .	. 318	Populus tremuloides. . .	. 381
		Potentilla canadensis . .	. 381
	. 319		
	. 319	Prunus virginiana . . .	. 382
cinnamomum. . .	. 320		. 382
		Pyrola rotundifolia . . .	. 383
Leontodon taraxacum . .	. 321		
Leptandra virginica . . .	. 322	Rhamnus cathartica. . .	. 384
	327		. 384
Linum usitatissimum. . .	. 327		. 384
Liriodendron tulipifera. .	. 328		. 389
	. 328		
	. 333		
	. 337		. 390
Macrotrys racemosa . . .	. 338	Sambucus canadensis . .	. 390
Marrubium vulgare . . .	. 343	Sanicula marylandica . .	. 391
		Sanguinaria canadensis .	. 391
	. 344	Scrophularia marylandica.	. 392
Menispermum canadense.	. 344	Scutellaria lateriflora . .	. 397
	. 347	Silphium perfoliatum . .	. 397
Monotropa uniflora . . .	. 347	Spigelia marylandica . .	. 398
	. 348		
Myristicu moschata . . .	. 348	Tanacetum vulgare . . .	. 398
			
	. 357		
		Triosteum perfoliatum . ,	. 402
			
			
			
Onosmodium hispidum. .	. 358		
	. 361	Verbascum thapsus . .	. 405
			
Panax quinquefolia . . .	. 361		
Parthenium integrifolium.	. 362	Xanthorhiza apiifolia .	. 406
Phytolacca decandra. . .	. 365	Xanthoxylum fraxineum .	. 406
THE END, 
* 
,   V""-: 
...  '•■£   .,■ 
NATIONAL LIBRARY OF MEDICINE
NLM D2tl33m  D
NLM026933140