'%*
 
ARMY MEDICAL, LIBRARY

       WASHINGTON
          Founded 1836
 Ak»m

Section.


Number
/JM.ZCZ
in 3—10G43
Form 113o, W. D.. S. G. O.
 (Revised Juno 13, 1936) 
 DUE
DEC 20 1260
I 
 
                    /
  WOMAN'S  MEDICAL   GUIDE:
                    BEING
            A COMPLETE REVIEW
                   OF THK
      Peealiarities of the Female  Constitution
                   AND THE
  DERANGEMENTS TO WHICH  IT IS SUBJECT.
             WITH A DESCRIPTION Ot
Simple yet  Certain Means  for  their Cure,
                    ALSO,
            A TREATISE ON THE
   MANAGEMENT AND DISEASES  OF CHILDREN,
            WITH A  DESCRIPTION OP A
        NUMBER  OF  VALUABLE
  MEDICIINAL PLANTS AND  COMPOUNDS
             FOR DOMESTIC USE,     J?'
       AND  A   GLOSSARY.       f/\> *
      MT. VERNON:
MINTED BY W. H. COCHRAK : 
\AlP
Emterkd according		to an Act of Congress,	in the year 1848,	bj
		Hard if Campbell,		
	In the Cloak's	office of the District Court of Ohio.		
 
PREFACE.
   Until recently all knowledge of medicine, as a subject
  f any practical importance, was confined to the med-
  al profession.  Indeed, it has  been commonly belie-
  ed that the people generally, from the nature  of their
  •ursuits and circumstances, are wholly unqualified for a
 rational investigation of so abstruse a science as this
 professes to be.  In consequence of this state of thing*,
 civilized  communities  hive,  heretofore,  by common
 consent, committed  their b >dies, so far  as  health  is
 concerned, into the  hands of a class of men whose op-
 ?ralions have ever been veiled in inscrutable mystery;
 and have, without  scruple, submitted to  any thi  ig
 .vhich t le folly or cupidity of  medical monopolizers
 has prompted them  to advise.
   A cha' ge, however, is  beginning to exhibit itself  in
 relation to ibis subject.   The people  generally, are
 becoming, in some measure, aroused to a contempla-
 tion oi their situation, and are making some effort   to
 throw oft' the chains with which the  Medical  Priest-
 hood has so  long enslaved them.
   No where have the evils resulting from this state  of
 ignorance been more painfully apparent,  than  in  the
 medical management of female* ; and in no depart-
 ment  of medicine is instruciion more necessary, than
 in the one occupied  by this little volume.
   We do not advocate doing away  with the pursuit of
 medicine as a distinct profession—because  we  lliink
 tuch a profession necessary—but we do assert that the
 practice of medicine will  never become w'mi it should
be,  nor the puMie welfare in this respect,  be  properly 
guarded, until the veil of mystery  be  removed  fre-m
this science, and  it bee >m ■-> a mitter of c »m-non in-
vestigation.   Till  this  takes r lace  community  will
continue to be a prey  to the operations of men, whose
onlv motive is gain.
  The followinr.  treatise,  we trust, will  meet the de-
mand  for  instruction in  th« particular  department
which  it  occupies  in  such  a manner as to receive
the entire approbation of tiiose for whom it is intended.
   We  are aware, however, that the following P:1ges
will  not bear the  scrutiny  of critical investigation, so
far as literaly merit is concerned.   Indeed, in looking
over the diff-rent forms,  as they  came from die press,
we found  mush  that  we  were  assured  might he  ren-
dered m >re acceptable t«r readers of  refined  taste.—
There are, als >, « m  fau'ts in the  arrangement of the
work—which do n</l, however, affect  its value in any
material sense.
   As an apology for  these  errors it is  only  necessary
to state, that the  time of publication occupied but  little
over two months—that  the whore  book, with the ex-
ception of a few page«,  was written during  the same
period—and  that besides this, and the labor of cot ree-
ling the proof, the  author  was engaged  in other busi-
ness which occupied  a large portion of \vs time.
                                   M. K. HARD.
   Mount Vernon, M  iy 10th, 18f8'." 
INTRODUCTION
                CHAPTER  I.

   In the preparation of the following pages, our
aim has been to provide for females a plain and
simple means of instruction in reference to their
distinctive peculiarities, whether manifested in
the performance of necessary and healthy func-
tions, or under the influence of disease.
   It is  well  known that,  heretofore,  females
generally have been  deprived of approprimo
means of instruction concerning these subjects,
and that, consequently, much injury has resulted.
in many instances, from neglect, inattention, or
improper treatment on their part. 
f               IKTr.iriTftl.v,.,.
  Especially i? this true in reference to ysunf
girls, who are often suffered to grow up in entire
ignorance of the menstrual evacuation, and of
those principles which should govern their con-
duct at the period of its approach.  The conse-
quence is, the unexpected appearance  of this
discharge exdtes a degree of alarm in the mind
of the individual, which, however, delicacy, the
result perhaps of criminal neglect on the part of
the mother to impart instruction, prevents  her
making known ; and in the confusion which her
condition produces, aided by the desire for con-
cealment, she perhaps resorts to measures that
may destroy her future hcabh nnd happiness.
* Many, under such circumstances, have gone
into ponds, rivers, or brooks, or  sought other
modes of using cold water, for the  purpose of
washing out the stain, by which  means they
have taken colds that have often been produc-
tive of irreparable injury to  the constitution.
0onvulsion fits,  and  incurable  chronic  com-
plaints of various  kinds, are  the common  and
frequent results of this species of imprudence,
 which  might,  in  all probability, have  been
 avoided had the unhappy victim only been ap-
 prised of what she should expect, and the rules
 by which sh^ ought  to have  been  governed."
 It may be objected, however, that the following
 t.xa'i e embraces subjects that may not appro-
 priately be communicated to unmarried females.
 If?o.  we reply that  we  think differently;  and
 is &1! csu'lor we a*»k the question, is it n«t  V«t- 
!KT»0»S#ViS*.               7
fr»r to instruct young women in reference te all
the duties and difficulties of married life, rather
than compel them to enter into so important a
relation, ignorant of its  duties, and unapprised
of its dangers ?  We  cannot  away with that
feeling of fastidiousness, that sentiment of sickly
modesty, that shuts out from woman all know..
ledge of herself, and  carries her blinded  through
all the changes incident to her sphere; especial\y
when we know  assuredly -that her ignorance
will expose her to many dangers, and the mor-
tification of many indelicacies, which she might
avoid were she properly instructed.
   One circumstance that influenced us to th«
performance of the present task, is the fact that
much error  prevails  in reference  to the treat-
ment of female complaints, thereby occasioning
serious, and in  many instances, protracted and
incurable difficulties.  There  is no  necessity
arising from the condition of woman's physical
structure or duties, that  should render her so
peculiarly subject to  affliction a< experience de-
monstrates her to be.  The cause may be found
in the violation of natural law—in many in-
stances in the use of improper and  dangerous
remedies.
  We have not space to enlace on this  subject.
Suffice it to say, that all  poisonous agents com-
monly employed as medicines, .-h;>u! 1 be rejrc.u-
ed.  So delicate is the bia ucture of womsn, and
■o peculiar her functions, that their u&e bfeco/a»»
•minently  hurtful and dangeroun.  YV«  ***• 
f              INTROBVCTIOJY.
accordingly recommended nothing that can dt
any injury.  Our remedies are harmless;  yet
ample experience demonstrates them to be su-
perior to  any thing  else known for removing
those evils which they are recommended to cure.
  It may be proper to remark, that we have not
aimed to be thought original, only so far as we
have  been  able  to collect together facts which
have  been developed in the experience and in-
restigations of others, and arrange them in such
a form as to be serviceable to those for whom
they are intended.  We  have accordingly, in
manj instances, adopted the sentiments,  and
when convenient, the language of others, aiming
at all times to present facts in as plain  and
•imple a manner as possible.
  We would not, however, leave the impression,
that the mode of practice contained in the fol-
lowing pages is recommended solely on the tes-
timony of others.  On  the  contrary, we have
long been familiar with the application  of bo-
tanic  remedies, and can speak from esoerience
with regard to their efficacy.
  With these remarks we present our little book
to the intelligent mothers and daughters of this
happy country, hoping  we may by this means
be enabled, in  some  measure, to mitigate their
sorrows, relieve their afjlictions, and afford some
light to guide in the performance of some of the
most interesting and important dutie» belonging
to their  relations 
SEXUAL DISTINCTION.            9
 SEXUAL DISTINCTION--THE MARRIAGE INSTITUTION*.

  We are informed by the divine record that
the work  of creation terminated in the produc-
tion of man—the  crowning excellence in that
ascending scale of being which,  commencing
with unorganized matter, may be traced through
vegetable and animal life, each step developing
new and  superior characteristics, until it  ends
in that delicately organized,  peculiarly  con-
structed, and eminently beautiful arrangement,
the " human form divine."
  Nor is it in his organized structure alone that
we mark  his superiority ; to man, thus  distin-
guished in his origin and physical conformation,
belong numerous attributes, both of the intellect
and affections, that adapt  him  to  sources  of
pleasure and modes of existence  more refined
and exalted than belong to any other class of
beings with which we are acquainted.
  Among the most interesting relabon belonging
to human biengs, are those which ari>e from the
sexual distinction.  This distinction was formed
for purposes of the highest  importance,  and is
the origin of our tenderest affections, our great-
est cares,  and our most exalted pleasures.
  The grand consummation of the sexual rela-
tion is found in the marriage institution.  The
vows of hymen and the  marital  couch, there-
fore, become objects of fond expectation to the
majority of mankind; while nature and revela-
tion indicate the hymeneal union to be superior 
 10         PECULIARITIES  OF  FEMALES.

to all earthly attachments, and require that we
should sooner  abandon  every other temporal
obligation, " than abate  the ardor  of our  love,
or recede  a line from a course of inviolable
fidelity to the chaste embraces and pure affec-
tions of a virtuous companion."
  A condition essential to the perfect enjoyment
of the hymeneal privileges, is a state of mental
and physical purity.   To cultivate, then, virtu-
ous  affections,  and  to preserve  those  healthy
conditions on which the consummation of sexual
attachment depends, constitute objects of incon-
ceivable importance to the  moralist and physi-
cian, and cannot be overlooked  or neglected,
without  danger of disastrous consequences to
social peace and physical well-being.
  To assist in this work  is  our present  design.
And if we shall be able to make any impressions
favorable to virtue, to afford any light to assist
woman in understanding her own physiological
laws, or instruction to guide her amid the  dan-
gers and difficulties incident to her province and
sphere, our highest object will be realized.

           PECULIARITIES OF FEMALES.
  Althoug formed upon the same apparent gen-
eral model, there are  peculiarities  that distin-
guish the female from the male, which the  most
indifferent observer cannot fail to perceive.
  In woman there is an inexpressable arrange-
ment of features, a  peculiar modification  of
voice, as well as peculiarities of gait, manners, 
PECULIiiRITIKS  OF FEMALES.         11
disposition, and tastes, that readily establish her
identity.
  The anatomical and physiological  distinc-
tions, also, are numerous and interesting.  The
female is not only inferior in stature, but her
whole organization is  much  more  delicately
constructed—while her  surface is characterized
by its smoothness, elasticity, polish, and the grad-
ual and beautiful transition between its parts.
  In the female the head is comparatively small,
the neck long, the shoulders narrow, the abdo-
men large, and the hips extended; while the mus-
cular, circulatory,  glandular, and cellular sys-
tems, as well as the secretions, and  excretions,
of every kind, differ from those of the male.
  Bnt a  still more striking difference exists in
the female organs  of generation, in  their con-
struction, the functions which they perform, their
liability to become deranged, and the influence
which they exert over the health of  the body.
  These, and other peculiarities of  the female,
adapt her to the performance of offices, and the
discharge of duties, mental and physical, not
only  importaut,  but  essential,  involving the
highest branch of parental responsibility.
  Among these offices, we would mention as
first in importance, the part she bears in the
work of developing and sustaining  the embryo
offspring through  all the  stages of foetal life,
until  she presents it to  the  world, fully pre-
pared to encounter the new mode of existence
which awaits it. 
12          DESCRIPTION OF ORGANS.

  To the mother, also, is committed, in a pecu-
liar sense, the care of making those early im-
pressions on the  moral constitution of her off-
spring that shall mould them into  dutiful chil-
dren, virtuous companions, or useful and intelli-
gent members of seciety.
  How  great these  responsibilities;  and how
exalted  and wide the sphere of woman's influ-
ence !
             DESCRIPTION OF ORGANS.
  For the  purpose of enabling our readers to
understand many terms that we shall be under
the necessity of using,we will, in this section, give
a brief  description of the female organs of gen-
eration, and surrounding parts, with their ab-
normal  deviations, or unhealthy conditions, &c.
  These organs are of two  kinds, the  external
and internal.  The external are the mons verenis,
the labia pudendi, the clitoris, the nymphac, and
the hymen.  The internal are the vagina, the
uterus, the Jallopian tubes, and the ovaries.
  The Mons Verenis is that fatty muscular prom-
inence,  situated at the lower part of the abdo-
men, immediately over  the os pubis, or share
bone.   This after puberty is covered with hair
as in males.
   Abnormal  Deviations.—-- Occasionally  the
growth of  hair is excessive.  This part is also
the seat of cutaneous eruptions and abscess."
   The  Labia Pudendi, labia externa, (external
lips,) commence at the mons verenis and extend 
             DESCRIPTION OF ORGANS.          13

 downward and backward on both sides of the
 external orifice, until they unite within an inch
 or more of the anus.   The place of their union
 below is  called  the four-chcttc, or fork.   They
 are thick and full above, but gradually diminish
 in size until they reach their lower angle.  The
 space between this angle and the anus is called
 the perineum.
   Abnormal Deviations.—" These are chiefly, 1st,
 excessive growth attended with  mechanical in-
 convenience ;  2d, inllamation and abscess;  3d,
 cutaneous eruptions and pruritis, (itching;) 4th,
 encysted tumors, hernia, ecc.
   The Clitoris is situated just below or back of
 the upper angle of the labia, and  upon the  os
 pubis.  It is a round, tie.shy, and oblong body,
 bearing some resemblance in its construction to
 the male  penis.  This  is supposed to be  the
 principal scat of plea-ure  in coition, and capa-
 ble of some degree of erection
   Abnormal Deviations.—This  organ  is  some-
 times the seat  of inllamation, malignant disea-
 ses, &c.  It may  also  be  increased in size by
 disease, or may vary from  malformation.
 _ The Aymi'hae, or Libia nivora, resemble the la-
 bia externa.  They commence  at the clitoris,
 and extend downward and  backward, within
 the labia, nearly half their length, "gradually
diminishing until they disappears'
   Abnormal Deviations.— The  nymphac  are
sometimes subject to inllamation, and occasion-
ally they are much enlarged from birth, or as
 the result of disease. 
14          DESCRIPTION OF tKUANS.
  The Hymen is a membrane situated a  short
distance within  the labia, and stretched across
the passage ; generally with an aperture in the
center,  or  at one  side, for the passage of the
menstrual fluid.   This membrane is necessarily
ruptured, if not before, at the first act of sexual
intercourse; hence  its existence has been denom-
intcd the test of virginity.  This however is not
a certain test; since many cau es tend to rup-
ture it before puberty   lVrhaps in a majority
of instances the most chaste  and virtuous  fe-
males go  to  the   marriage  bed  without this
token.
   Abnormal Deviations.—The hymen  may  be
imperforate, or without an  apperture; thus en-
tirely closing up the vagina and preventing the
passage of the  menstrual  fluid, Arc.   In  other
instances the  membrane  is so thick  and strong
as to prevent sexual intercourse.  These diffi-
culties are easily overcome by a  safe and sim-
ple  operation, which  may be performed  by a
female friend, or by the individual herself.  "All
that is necessary is to  make an  opening, or in-
cision with a knife, or some other appropriate
instrument—using care not to wound the adja-
cent parts.  The  best way is to make a crucial
incision, that is, two incisions  extending from
side to side, and crossing each other in  the form
 of a cross.
   The Urethra, or passage, from the bladder, is
 situated under the os pubis and is about an inch
 and a half in length.  Its mouth, which fornix a 
DESCRIPTION  OF  OK8ANS.
15
plight elevation, and is called the meatus urina-
rius, is  situated immediately below or behind
the clitoris, and just above the  vaginal orifice.
This  position  is necessary to  be understood
whenever it  becomes  necessary to introduce a
catheter for  the  purpose of drawing  off  the
urine.
  The Vagina  is the passage  leading from the
external orifice to  the womb.   Its direction is
upward and  backward.  Its position is between
the urethra and bladder in front, and the rectum
or lower portion of the intestines behind.  It is
small in virgins, but may be greatly distended,
and resume its natural shape.   By passing up
the finger, the os tincoc, os uteri, or mouth of the
womb, may be felt projecting down into the va-
gina.
  Abnormal Deviations —Sometimes the vaginal
canal is extremely short, or narrow, rendering
sexual intercourse painful, difficult, or impossi-
ble.  It has  been fornd entirely closed up, or
wanting.   It is also occasionally  found closed
with  an imperforate  hymen, or a  membrane
higher up.   When tins canal is too short, there
is no remedy.  When  too narrow, it may grad-
ually  be enlarged by  using a  bougie, or some
similar  instrument;  and when  wanting,  the
knife  of the  surgeon  may form  an  artificial
passage.  The vagina is also the seat of infla-
mation  and malignant diseases, and occasional-
ly protrudes in consequence of  extreme relaxa-
tion. 
16
DESCRIPTION OF ORGANS.
  The Uterus is situated  in the  pelvis, just
above the vagina.  It  resembles a  pear with
the neck,  or narrow part downward.  In adult
femalas who have not borne children, it is about
two inches and a half in  length, and  one inch
and a half in breadth at the widest part.
  Abnormal Deviations.—'1 The  uterus may  be
altogether wanting; several such cases are  on
record; 2d,  the canal of the cervix, (neck of the
womb,) may be extremely  narrow throughout,
or it may  be the seat of stricture; 3d, it maybe
closed, either by the union of  its sides or by the
mucus membrane being continued  over the os
uteri ; 4th, the uterus may be  malformed and is
the seat of many diseases."
  The Fallopian Tit.es are  about four inches in
length, an 1  proceed in an extended and curved
direction, until they terminate in a kind of fringed
process vnUvd fimbriae, nearly in contact with the
ovaries.   Internally they open  obliquely into the
uterus, externally they open into the abdomen.
  A'mormal  Deviations.—These  tubes, one  or
both,  may be  impervious from disease, or as a
congenital malformation.   When both are clo-
sed barrenness  is  the  result.  They are also
subject to inllamation and other diseases.
  The Ovariks are situated on each side of the
womb, and arc the essential organs  of genera-
tion in the female, producing the seed in woman
and hence are called female testicles.   Thev'
are small, roundish shaped bodies, about th,9
size, of small nutmegs. 
• KICS1PTI0X  OF 0~SANS,          17
   Abnormal Deviations.—One, cr both, of the
 ovaries may be wanting or disorganized.  They
 may  also be  the  seat of  inflamation, dropsy,
 malignant diseases, &c.
   The Pelvis  is the  bony rim which surround*
 the lower part of the body, beneath  the walli
 of the abdomen.  "  In adults it consists of only
 three principal bones, the back or posterior p?rt
 called the sacrum, and the two haunch, side,
 and share bones,  the back and  high  parts of
 which are  called ossa innominata, (namelesi
 bones,) the sides are called ossa ilia, (iliac bones,)
 and their anterior  or front ends  the ossa pubes,
 (pubic bones.)   To the lower part of  the sac-
 rum are  attached  several little movable bones
 called os coccyx or coccygis; and from the upper
 and front part is a projection called the prom-
 ontory of the sacrum."
   " The pelvis is divided into two regions, call-
 ed the superior and inferior straits.  This divis-
 ion, however,  is only imaginary, but seems nec-
 essary in order to  describe the cavity with the
 most ease and accuracy.  The superior or up-
 per region is  of an  oval  shape, being longest
 from hip to hip, and narrowest from  pubes to
 sacrum, that is from front to back. It is in thii
 region that the womb lies when unimpregnated,
 and also during the first months of pregnancy.
   " The inferior or lower region of the pelvia
 on the contrary, affords more room from front
to rear, that is, from  the pubes to the  sacrum.
 Thie peculiar form of the p*Ivis is very imper- 
1*            TARRIA3BirL^ AC*.

tent to rescolltct, in  erd*r ro  unders'.O-id tka
mechanism of chJld-birtli."
  Abnormal Deviations.—" The pelvis is some-
times distorted, as it is co1]od, that is, grown out
rf its natural or proper shape, which  gives ri?£
to difficult labors.  The pelvis is said to be de-
formed when  it  is either above  or below the
eommon size, tliough the  difficulties which arise   '
from its deformity are principally caused by its
too small size, in which case it does not admit
•f a free passage of the child's head.  In most
instances, however, this inconvenience is ovsr-
eome by time  and patience.  Indeed it is won-
derfully surprising  how nature is  adapted to
accommodate  herself to every difficulty."
  For a more  particular  description of pelvic
deformities the reader is referred to larger works,
that treat upon the subject of midwifery.   We
would remark, however, that,  a  ca*e of deform-
ity so great as to prevent the  safe delivery of
the child, hardly ever  occurs  in this country.—
For other definitions the  reader is referred tf
the Glossary.

              JTARRIAGEA5LE A8f.
  " The period of life mo-t suitable for matrimfr-
»ial alliances, it  may  be  somewhat difficult to
adjust and determine, with a  precision capable
•f affording general satisfnetion.   The growth
#f  the body,  the development of  its  organic
structure and sexual functions is always gradual
Soma  acquire  a  much em her  maturity thai 
9AZXIASIAIL* AiS.             It
ethers.  *   *  *  " Xo one should  indulge en
anxious desire for the nuptial bed, until  the
sexual organs be completely developed :  they
should have acquired a perfect maturity, or full
capacity for their respective  functions;   not
merely a capability of  procreating, but a  full
adaptation of all the part- to sustain all conse-
quences without injury.  On the part of i  .r:ale»,
not only the generative faculty  is indispensable,
unless some special cause of sterility exi^t,  an t
a capability of enduring the process of utero-
gestation without injury to the system, or tha
impairing of the general health.
  " When  the genital  organs  are prematurely
urged into exercise by onanism, illicit commerce
with lascivious deminps, or too  early a rush  iute
the bonds of matrimony, all the powers of viiility
will be subject to an early blight.
  *   *   *  " While we thus  candidly suggest
the impropriety of a  premature adventure in
Hymen's silken  {.p eves, and admonish unwary
youth, presenting for their solemn con si I .jrulion
a formidable objection  against a wanton indul-
gence of the  premature solicitations of libidi-
nous passions to the high and  honorable privi-
leges of wedlock, let no heedless,  unreiectinj
mind turn away offended at our friendly admo-
nitions.  *   *  *
  " In relation to females, should we be allowed
to  exercise a freedom of  opinion,  we v/ould
sincerely  contend, that the younj w»u»an ai"
*;gh?#en cr «iB*'o**J y««r*  ef  •;*, wlw a*« i» 
tit
XA.KKlAiiKA&LtL AwtL
  quired  the  usual qualifications  of her  sex, is
  commonly as eligible for a companion to a per-
  son whose age and circumstances are suited to
  her own, as she probably ever will be.
    " By early marriage, the female escapes many
  snares and  temptations incident to her rising
  years.  If she has given due diligence  to the
  cultivation of her mind, her exterior charms of
  countenance, complexion, and general anima-
  tion, will have gained  their summit.   All  that
  is fascinating and lovely in a female  that she
  ever will possess, is commonly at that interest-
 ing period fully at her command.
   " If her reputation remains unsullied amidst
 the storms, the tumults, the dangers and  disas-
 ters of this perilous world;  if the holy font of
 virginal purity remains unsealed, unscathed by
 libidinous indiscretions  and lecherous  rapine of
 lascivious instruments  of unrighteousness,  she
 will have the power to  command the respectful
 homage  and  affectionate consideration of  the
 man of taste,  intelligence, and honorable inten-
 tions.
   " A female  having gained  a period of  life
 iuitable for the marriage state, under such pro-
 pitious circumstances as we  have named, and
 given her heart with her hand to him whom  she
 has promised to treat respectfully as a husband
 may indulge  in  some  pleasing anticipations!
 Should conception  succeed the connubial em-
brace, the season of gestation will pass away
with far  less  difficulty,  suffering, and danger 
MARRIAGEABLE AGE.            21
 than could have happened under different cir-
 cumstances.
   " But there are still further advantages result-
 ing from such a favorable combination of inci-
 dents.   In all ordinary cases, when the hour of
 parturition arrives, if she  has been discreetly
 managed,  the  proverbial sorrows of childbed.
 will be half removed.
   •' Another circumstance worthy of deep con-
 sideration is, when a child is  born of a young
 and healthful mother, she may more rationally
 and hopefully, notwithstanding the precarious
 tenure of human life, anticipate the day when
 she may, possibly, see the  son  of her womb a
 man of intelligence, reputable and influential in
 society, a pillar in church and state.
   " If she has given birth to a daughter, she has
 an animating prospect, that under the smiles of
 a munificent Providence, she may see her climb
 the hill of life, up to womanhood—that she may
 see the blushing rose of fascinating beauty bloom
 on the lovely face of  her delicate offspring, be-
 fore all the sweet charms that decorate her own
 fair cheek shall be nipt by the frosty hand of
 time, or tarnished with the  blighting influence
 of hoary-headed years.
  " This  daughter, born of a young, intelligent
 mother, may find in her a companion and valu-
 able associate.  She will mingle in the same
convivial  circles, partake the benefit of her ju-
dicious examples; which, added to her virtuous
and interesting precepts, will  be  to the girl an
arm of powerful protection. 
 38      UCSU OF FEMALE >LA\N«XX1NT.

   " In vain the spoiler makes his assault.  Th«
 fair charter of  her virgin  purity, unsoiled by
 indiscretion, blear-eyed jealousy cannot raise
 the fever of suspicion.
   Without any laborious effort to maintain her
 authority, we  behold this mother, by a law as
 natural  as that which regulates  the  onward
 passage of all rivers to their mother ocean, begii
 while  living to  command her household; the
 influence of which will be  perpetuated to suc-
 cessive generations!  *  *   *
   " One remark more on early marriages, and
 we pass along.  We know there are some
                        41 Marble forms,
           That no melting passion warm*."
   Their  stoic minds may not feel the  force of
 our arguments, but to the  humane, generous,
 ingenuous, and benevolent, we shall make the
 appeal.   By an early association with the  man
 of her choice, in the holy bands of wedlock, the
 amorous, lovely,  fascinating girl escapes a  long
train of disease, that in afflictive forms are  inci-
dent to the necessary concealment and suppres-
sion of  excitements unindulged;  propensities
which, in no other circumstances, can be inne-
cently gratified.  These are not the
     » Log-* of green wood that quench th« aoali,
       Who marry ju.t like ki ji<- souls,
       With ozier. for their biuid«."__y/t/4V„
        CAUSE* OF FEMALE DERANGEMENT.
  That females  are peculiarly subject  to dia-
eate. i* a fact which common ob.ervatioa de- 
        iAV**e er rrMALR CBRANaEMEN'T.      JS

Sionstratf s.   Yet why it should be so, is a mat-
ter of some speculation.  All admit that modern
times are characterized by the greater preva-
lence and potency  of  causes which  produce
debility and decay;  yet the question recurs,
Why are females more subject to those causes
than are males?
   To understand this subject fully, it should be
remembered, in the first place, that the female
frame contains certain organs, made for special
purposes, whose derangements, when  they be-
come subject to disease, are superadded to the
complaints common to both sexes.
   It should  be borne in mind, also; that  those
organs  have a very intimate  connexion with
nearly every vital process, and that consequently
their derangement cannot fail to disturb the
healthy performance of the  vital functions.
Hence the frequently unsuspected cause of the
general ill  health to which  many females are
subject.
   And not only are the derangements, primarily
implicating the organs  peculiar to females, the
sources of disturbance among the vital functions,
affecting in their consequences the condition of
the  stomach, liver,  lungs, &c.;  but whatever
disturbs the general health, cannot fail to affect
them, rendering their  action  unhealthy, and
establishing sources of mutual derangement.
   We should also recollect that, although the
female  frame is so constituted by its wise Crea-
tor as to be able to sustain itself without injury, 
 24       causes or female derangemknt.

 under the performance of all the duties peculiar
 to her sphere, such as  child-bearing, &c, yet
 the delicate character of its construction renders
 it less able to resist the influence of those  arti-
 ficial sources of disease  which the  false  refine-
 ments of modern civilization  have introduced
 among us.
  For one of these sources we must look to the
 manner  in which mothers  usually clothe  their
 daughters, commencing at the very period of
 their birth. " Do they not encumber their bodies
 with numerous bandages and oppressive cloth-
 ing, while they leave the  extremities  almost
 destitute ?   What must be the effect of this
 course of conduct, but to relax  and expand in-
 ordinately the pores of the body, and to contract
 those of  the extremities, thus  forcing through
 the former all the  heat and  moisture that ought
 to be secreted from the whole surface, and giv-
 ing to the atmosphere  the power to impede the
 circulation of heat and  moisture through the
 extremities, which impediment or obstruction
 must necessarily reduce their temperature ? The
 arteries of the  lower extremities being  contract-
 ed by exposure, those of the chest and head are
proportionably distended by the pressure of the
 blood that is  thus forced into  them,  and the
sensation produced by this pressure  is  called
" fullness of the  head," or cerebral congestion;
while the distended blood  vessels necessarily
 press upon the nerves, and disturb the uniformity
 of their action, producing sometimes a confusion
of their  operations, which  i« termed delirium. 
CAUSES OF FEMALE DERANGEMENT.      25
Here, also, we have the origin  of many cold
feet and hands, flushed countenances, &c. ; *  *
and thus is laid the foundation of disease, which
follows many to their graves.
  " If asked how I would have  the extremities
to be dressed, I answer, let thick  flannel drawers
and woolen stockings in winter, and cotton  in
summer, be worn next the skin ; let the body
be clothed so  loosely, that it can easily move
itself  within  the  garments, which should be
no warmer than  those on  the  extremities."—
Curtis' Obstetrics, pp. 37, 38.
  Another source of mischief is to be found in
the use of " those  modern instruments of linger-
ing torture called corsets,  stays, busks, belts,"
&c, &c.  These  machines prevent  the body
from growing to  its proper size, in  its natural
shape ;  they confine and obstruct the vital or-
gans so  that they cannot perform their offices in
a healthy manner, thus laying the foundation of
lingering,  but fatal maladies; they also, by con-
tracting the cavity of the  chest, and the walls
of the abdomen, so diminishes the space which
the womb should occupy in the pregnant state,
that their resistance becomes the source of abor-
tions, miscarriages, tedious and painful delivery,
and  many other  disagreeable  consequences,
which attend or follow child-bearing.
  Other causes are  to be found  in the luxurious
habits of modern times; social customs which
allow but  little healthy action in the open air ;
improper  confinement at  school; mismanage- 
26      «AUSES OF FEMALE  DERANGEMENT.
 ment at the time of delivery, &c, but perhaps
 the most efficient  and usual one, is the use of
 improper and poisonous medicines. For genera-
 tions past it has been customary, on the appear-
 ance of the slightest indisposition, to call in the
 doctor, who comes  armed with deadly drugs to
 implant in the growing constitution of the deli-
 cate infant, or matured system of the adult, the
 seeds of decay and dissolution.  How could it
 be  otherwise  than that the delicate frame of
 the female should suffer under the operation of
 such potent causes as these ?  How can  we
 expect  any thing else but that the human race
 will continue to deteriorate, unless they learn to
 abandon  poisons, and come  back  to the use of
 nature's remedies ?
  One other cause I will mention before leaving
 this subject.   I refer to carelessness  and expo-
 sure at  critical and particular periods.  How
 many  lives have been lost, and  constitutions
 destroyed, by a degree of inattention on  the
part of young girls, which proper instruction
might have prevented.  Females should always
remember that  their derangements  ousrht to
receive  early  attention, unless they intend to
peril their future health and comfort. 
MENSTK.WATION.
87
               CHAPTER II.

                MENSTRUATION.
  This evacuation  is called the menses,  from
mensis, a month,  because it usually occurs at
intervals of about four weeks.  The menses are
also  termed catamenia ;  and in common par-
lance a menstruous woman is said to be unwell,
to have her turns, her periods, her sickness, her
uterine evacuation*, <fcc.
  This discharge  is  regularly secreted from the
internal  surface of the  womb,  and resembles
blood in  appearance, though experiments  have
demonstrated that it is not blood, as it was for-
merly imagined to be, but an entirely different
fluid.
  The time of life at which menstruation com-
mences,  varies according to the  temperature of
the  climate,  constitutional  peculiarities,  and
habits of the individual.  In warm climates it
makes its  appearance  at  ages varying  from
eight to twelve  years;  in  temperate  climates
from twelve  to sixteen, and in* northern lati-
tudes from eighteen to twenty.   In very cold
regions it  usually  ceases  through the winter
season.
  Menstruation announces the complete devel-
opment of the organ* of generation, termed  th« 
23
menstruation.
  period of puberty. At this period those changes
  are complete which constitute the perfection of
  female charms, and transforms her from an un-
  attractive girl into the fascinating queen of love,
  and idol of man's affections.
    " The quantity of fluid expended at a menstru-
  ous period differs in different individuals.  With
  girls who  precociously menstruate, the quantity
  is in general smaller, and the returns less regu-
  lar.   Climate  exerts  an influence upon the
  quantity discharged, as well as upon the period
  at which the evacuation shall commence. Thus
  in the. equatorial and northern climates, it is less
  than in the more temperate regions."
    As a general  rule, females  menstruate about
  twice  as long as the period which has elapsed
  before its first appearance.  Thus, if a  female
  commence menstruating at eighteen, she will
  continue until over fifty ;)those  who begin at
'■  fourteen or fifteen will leave off at about forty -
|  five ;j while those in warm climates, who begin
  at nine, cease at about twenty-six.
   The menstrual discharge usually, in a state of
  health, occupies  from  three  to six days; with
  women who enjoy good health, its returns  are
  regular almost  to  a day, rarely  going beyond
  four weeks;  though, in  consequence°of some
  derangement, it occasionally  appears once a
  fortnight, and in others  is delayed  five or six
  weeks.
   Women of indolent and luxurious habits, and
  those of delicate  nervous constitutions, are liable 
           CESSATION OF  THE MENSES.         2§

to considerable suffering during their catamenial
purgation; while those of vigorous health, ac-
customed to active, healthy pursuits, whose food,
dress, &c,  are in accordance with the laws of
health, will feel but slight inconvenience, unless
from a diseased state of the womb itself.
  Much speculation has arisen  in reference to
the design  of the menstrual fluid.  The follow-
ing considerations may aid us somewhat in de-
ciding this question.  1. All the peculiarities of
females have  reference  to the  work of repro-
duction.   2. This secretion never appears until
the female has reached maturity.  3 It ceases
during pregnancy, lactation, and  old age.  4.
Females who  suffer under a considerable de-
rangement of the menses,  or in whom they are
wanting entirely, do not conceive.   From these
facts we conclude  that the menstrual  fluid is
designed for the growth and nourishment of off-
spring, that the elements which compose it are
first employed to assist in  the growth of the fe-
male until she arrive at maturity ; that when no
longer needed for that purpose, it is periodically
discharged, until made  to administer to the pur-
poses of reproduction; that  having subserved this,
its great purpose, it afterward ceases in conse-
quence of the diminished  energies produced by
old age, or else its  constituents are employed to
sustain the enervated powers of declining life.

            CESSATION OF THE MENSES.

   At about forty-five years of age, as before re- 
90
•ESSATION OF THE MENSES.
marked, women in this climate cease menstru-
ating.  There are, however, exceptions to this
rule ;  for it sometimes happens that persons of
delicate health  and indolent habits have this
function  arrested at  an  earlier age ; while in
other  instances, females of vigorous health and
active pursuits have been known to menstruate
till over sixty, and even later in life.
  The time of life at  which the menses  cease
flowing, has always been regarded as a critical
period, and its approach is generally anticipated
with feelings of interest and anxiety.  The sud-
den arrest of any customary evacuation, how-
ever small, is sufficient  to disorder the  whole
frame, and often to destroy life itself.  The ces-
sation of the menses, however, takes place ac-
cording to an established law of nature, and it
is only when accidental causes interrupt  or ob-
struct other functions bearing some relation to
this change,  that any danger need be appre-
hended.
  No  one can anticipate the precise symptoms
which may  attend the  decline of the uterine
discharge.  Sometimes it produces hardly any
perceptible change in the health and feelings;
sometimes the constitution suffers, and not un-
frequently the change is  decidedly beneficial.
  Usually, as this period  approaches, menstrua-
tion becomes quite irregular.   It not only is
sometimes greatly lers, and again much more in
quantity than usual, but  it also is occasionally
obstructed for some months, and then, perhaps 
•ESSATI0N OF THE UBNIE*.         J|
comes oftener  than it ought  to  do.  In some
cases the quantity gradually diminishes, with-
out producing any other change, until it finally
disappears.   The occasional obstruction, before ]
the final cessation of the discharge, is frequently
accompanied with sickness, and swelling of the
belly from wind, which occasions married women
to imagine themselves pregnant.
   At this period of life,  nothing will so effectu-
ally secure females against injuries which may
arise from deviations of the menstrual discharge,
as regularity in eating  and drinking; in exer-
cise and rest, and in the proper government of
all the passions. Extremes of every kind should
be avoided, and the utmost care must be taken
to preserve the general health unimpaired-
  If,  however,  the  general health suffers, the
individual should  resort to such means as  will
restore it.  The bowels should be  kept regular ; |
the stomach  and digestion strengthened with
tonic bitters;  the skin cleansed with washes,
and ton«-,d up with the shower bath, friction,
&c.; and the circulation kept free by the use of
composition tea, and bathing the feet in warm
water, &c.; and if need be, the course of medi-
cine, or vapor bath, should be  occasionally  em-
ployed.  If the impaired health seems to arise
from either an increased or diminished quantity
of the menstrual fluid, the treatment  recom-
mended under the heads of profuse or suppressed
menstruation, must be adopted  according a«
either of these conditions may prevail. 
 32  DISORDERS OF MENSTRUATION—AMERNORHfEA.

           DISORDERS OF MENSTRUATION.

   " These functional derangements are divided
 into three classes: 1, Amenorrhoea; 2, Dys-
 menorrhea, or  difficult  menstruation; 3, Me-
 norrhagia, or recessive menstruation."

                 AMERNORHCEA.

   There are two kinds of amenorrhoea.  In the
 first, which is called retention of the menses, the
 female reaches the proper age when she ought
 to menstruate, yet no discharge appears.   The
 other is called suppression of the menses. In this
 case the menst:ual discharge, from some cause,
 is suppressed in persons who  have previously
 menstruated.   WTe will notice  each of these
 complaints separately.

 retention of the menses.  {Emansio Mensium.)
  As before remarked, in  this complaint  the
 menses do not appear, although the proper time
 to expect them has arrived, and the usual symp-
 toms of menstruation are exhibited.
  It is not, however, to be  supposed, because a
 female has reached the age at which we might
 expect her to menstruate, without the discharge
 appearing, that  she  therefore  is in a condition
 of disease, or needs attention, unless the common
 symptoms of menstruation  are present, or the
general health suffers.   There are  instances
mentioned of females who began to menstruate
late  in life,  and of others who never had this 
RETENTION OF THE MENSES.
33
  evacuation while the health remained good.
   But " after girls have arrived at that age at
  which the menses commonly appear, and  their
  breasts have become enlarged, with other  signs
  of puberty; and have also the ordinary symp-
  toms which commonly precede this discharge,
  such as pains in the back, hips, and loins ; sen-
  sation of weight, fullness, and heat in the pelvis
  or lower part of the abdomen, attended some-
  times with a bearing down,  measures should
 then be taken to facilitate the discharge. There
 will  also often  be  headache,  loss of appetite,
 weakness of the limbs, and a paleness which
 sems of a peculiar kind, with a sinking of the
 spirits, loss of vigor, hysterical affections, and
 other derangements  of the  general  health.
 These  symptoms usually occur periodically for
 a time, but sooner or later end in  protracted ill
 health."
   The foregoing is a description of simple  ame-
 norrhoea, or that form of the disease in which
 there is a complete development of the sexual
 organs, and the signs of puberty  are present;
 yet the individual does not menstruate.
   This complaint may  arise from  any cause
 which produces  a diminution of vital energy, or
 obstructs its natural action.  Among these causes
may be named an idle or sedentary life, luxuri-
ious living, fashionable habits, dress, ccc.; sup-
pressed perspiration,  carelessness, exposure to
cold, going with damp or cold feet, &c. 
14         aTTBNTIOM Of TBI BBiMM.

                  TREATMENT.

  In the treatment of simple  amenorrhoea, out
principal reliance must be placed upon the use
of such means as have a tendency to invigorate
the system, and produce general health.  For
this purpose, our first resort,  in  difficult cases,
must be the course of medicine, repeated accord-
ing to  the exigencies of the case.  In the mean
time the digestive powers should be supported
by the daily use of tonic bitters, or composition
tea, and the bowels kept regular by the use of
injections, or  vegetable physic in mild doses.
   In addition  to  the above, cmmenagogues  may
be used with  advantage  at times  when the
symptoms indicate an effort to menstruate.  A
highly valuable medicine of this class is found
in the emmtnagoguepills, or emmenagogue syrup.
The black cohosh, motherwort, madder, tansy, or
coltsfoot, &c,  in  decoction,  may be used  as
substitutes for the pills.  In difficult cases  these
medicines  may  be  continued,  in   somewhat
smaller doses, during the intervals between the
times when the menstrual evacuation might be
expected.
   Stimulating injections to the  vagina or rectum,
by their tendency to call the blood to those parts,
are also of considerable service in this disease.
Composition tea, or nearly any warm fluid, with
the addition of a small quantity of cayenne or
gum myrrh, may be used for this purpose.
   In mild cases the course of  medicine may be 
           KETENTliN »F THE M8NSE8.         35

emitted, and the other parts of the treatment
employed.  In all instances the object will be
facilitated bjr taking  exercise in the  open air,
the use of the flesh brush, alkaline washes, <fcc.
   The foregoing treatment, if perseveringly ap-
plied, will not fail to effect a cure.  Our own
experience warrants us in giving this assurance.
We know it to be infinitely superior to the alloa-
pathic routine of bleeding,  purging, starving,
cupping,  leeching, and poisoning with ergot,
iodine, strychnine, &c.
   Besides this form of amenorrhoea, the mensea
are occasionally prevented or obstructed by some
congenital malformation.   For  instance, the
ovaries may be wanting, in which case  there is
no effort to menstruate at all. In some instances
the uterus has been  wanting or defective ; and
in these cases there was an effort to menstruate
every month, but no discharge.  These defects
of course cannot be remedied.   In  other in-
stances the neck of the womb may be closed,
the cs uteri impervious, the vagina absent, its
sides adherent, or its orifices closed with a false
membrane, imperforate hymen, &c, in conse-
quence of which, the fluid which is secreted, in-
stead of being  discharged, is  retained in the
cavity of the womb,  causing an enlargement of
the abdomen, and other unpleasant symptoms.
   In all these cases, excepting where the hymen
is  imperforate, or when a false membrane exists,
the aid of the surgeon will be necessary.
   There  is another form of retention  of the 
5fi        SlTfRESSION •? THE MENKES.

menses, in which there is  a secretion from th«
uterus, accompanied with  the usual symptoms
of menstruation, yet the "product is a white,
colorless fluid, and so far not the menses;" al-
though this discharge frequently occurs as no
immediate precursor of the genuine menstrual
fluid, into which it becomes changed.  It is only
where this change does not occur, after two or
three monthly periods, that medical interference
need be solicited.
  The treatment in this case should consist of
the  use of tonics, composition  tea, the vapor
bath, laxatives or injections, if the  bowels are
costive, or if necessary, the course of medicine

suppression of the menses. (Supprcssio Mcnsium)

  This derangement of the menses usually oc-
curs as the consequence of sudden cold caught
during their flow, or as the effect of some violent
mental emotion, bodily shock, fear, ccc.  Some-
times, however, it proceeds from cold taken be-
fore the  monthly period,  and  occasionally  it
results from general debility or disease.
  The amount  of disturbance consequent upon
a sudden arrest of the menses, varies consider-
ably in different instances.  Usually there are
present febrile symptoms, headache, and pains
in the back  and bowels.  Sometimes a local
inriammation of some part, the lungs, brain,
bowels, or uterus, for instance, or derangements
of the senses, paralysis, apoplexy, hysterics, neu-
ralgia, imperfect vision, &c., result from sudden 
          suppression of the msksb*.        Si

 suppression.   When the suppression is caused
 by cold taken in the intervals between menstru-
 ating, or when it results from general debility or
 disease, these symptoms are milder and more
 gradually developed.    This disease, also,  not
 unfrequently assumes a protracted and chronic
 form, and involves with it many other difficulties,
 as dyspepsia, consumption, liver complaints, &o.
   This kind of suppression may be distinguished
 from pregnancy  by the absence of the usual
 signs of pregnancy.  This may  be important to
 be known  in many cases,  since that  class of
 medicines employed in this complaint, whose
 action is specifically upon the uterus, would be
 improper when the  individual is pregnant.
   In the recent form of this disease, when  the
 menses are suddenly stopped from catching cold,
 &c, it will not require  any very difficult treat-
 ment to restore them.
   In such cases it would be best to have immedi-
 ate recourse to the vapor or hip bath, bathing the
 feet in warm water, warm  fomentations to the
 lower part of the abdomen, the use of such warm
 teas as are calculated to promote sweating, as
 composition,  sage, or pennyroyal, and  in con-
 nection with them, black cohosh, or madder tea
 Should thi? plan fail, or should the symptoms be
 violent, with considerable fever, headache, &c,
 the course of medicine should b? resorted to at
 once, and followed with injections or vegetabl >
pills to move  the bowels, and th* tea of black
cohosh or madder ad recommended above. 
 SB        SUPPRS39ION OF THE MENSES.

   In protracted cases,  where the disease has
 assumed the chronic form, and the general health
 becomes permanently impaired, it will be neces-
 sary to pursue a more thorough and persevering
 treatment.  Composition tea, the Cayenne or
 Stomach pills, and Tonic Bitters, should be ta-
 ken alternately two or three times each day, and
 occasionally a mild dose of the vegetable pills.
   Beules the above, emetics of lobelia and the
 vapor bath should be employed every few days
 according  to  circumstances, and  as  symptoms
 of an approaching menstrual period appear, the
 emmenagogue pills, or syrrup ; or black cohosh,
 madder, or motherwort tea, should be used free-
 ly. Stimulating injections also, to the vagina or
 rectum, as rocomended in retention of the men-
 sis, would be highly beneficial.
   Other symptoms also, marking a sympathetic
 influence of this obstruction over other functions,
 may occasionally demand our attention.  Should
 evidences of  nervous derangement  exist, the
 nervine tincture, or a tea made of sculcap and
 lady s slipper, separately or combined, may be
 &Sed freely.   If the lungs are affected use  cne
 of the preparations recommended for the lungs
 in the latter part of this  book.
  This course if continued with perseverance
will hardly ever fail in the most obstinate cases.
We have treated  persons who had labored un-
<ler obstructed menstruation for years, where
constitutional derangement was strongly mark-
ed, and hope only pointed to a premature grave 
          SUrFXEoSIOX OP 7HS MENSES.         ?*9

n.%  the enl of  present sufferingi—and hava
seer, if cr the lap ;e of a few weeks, or mcnth^,
the aas!i of health a rain mantle the cheek, and
the vigor anl beauty of former days return with
undiminished power.

  Vicarious ^ Menstruation.—" This in a very
curious  deviation from  normal menstruation,
anl seems a provision foi% in sons dezree miti-
gating th?; cmtitational e.Tects of suppressed
mca ;t.-dation. by sub itituting a similar discharge
f:;rn som other pa-t.   It is recorded to have
taken place from the nostrils, eyes, ears, gums,
lun?s, stomach, anus, bladder, nipples, the ends
of the fingers and  toes, from the stump of an
amputated limb, from ulcers, from varicose  tu-
mo;3, and from  the  surface of the skin  gener-
ally.   The more extensive mucus membranes
are, however,  most frequently  the seat  of this
discharge.  It appears to be sometimes  blood ;
in others, it has the characters of catamenial
fluid, being dark colovel.'thin,and not"eoagula-
bis.   Ttc repetition of this discharge may oo
oar a: the regular  period, or it may intermit;
and it does not appear  that any serious resuls
follows, even when  delicate organs are the seat
of it.  Sooner or later  the uterus resumes it-s
functions, anl the attack ceases."—Churchill:
  Tr?i'.>ifi'. — Vfto^ this discV.-?e occurs it
would b.^. ,.',!D^r to  have r*c.nir.se at once to thv?
oo'\--<-- of ur  I ".tne,  a". \ other  means  that  a-s
devigned to  rG.ii^vo ob^t.uodons, equalize  tha 
40    TATF7XTL, O* DIFFICULT MENSTRUATION.

circulation, and increase sweating—os diapho-
retic teas, cayenne tea, bathing the feet in warm
water, lying in bed with a streming brick plac-
ed  to  the feet, &c.   During the  intervals it
should be treated  as  simple  amrnorrhcea, and
when symptoms of an  approaching menstrual
period eppenr, emmenagegues, as before recom-
vended, should be used.

IABSTUL,  Oi DIFFICULT  MENSTRUATION—(Dj/SmC%-
                  Grrhoca.)

  M This form of abnormal menstruation con-
sists of severe pain in the secretion or emission
©f the discharge, which may be scanty, profuse,
or about the usual amount.  The  attack is oc-
casionally confined to one or two periods, but
mow: frequently laste  for a  longer time  and
sometimes for many years."
  The symptoms attending this species of de-
rangement are not precisely alike in all cases,
Usually as the menstrual period approaches, the
individual experiences a degree of restlessness,
rigors, flushes of heat, and head  ache.   These
are followed by severe pains in the back, lower
part of the belly, thighs, &c.
   Connected  with  the  menstrual  discharge
ihere are frequently expelled masses of clotted
blood, or a kind of membrane composed of plas-
tic lynph, t ithcr in shreds or in the shape of the
uterine  cavity  which it lines.  These in their
palace occasion pains similar to those which
•  ,(i r'vy li bof 
       PAINFUL, OR DIFFICULT MENSTRITATION.    41

  In some  cases, also, a considerable degree of
fever, suppression of urine, colic pains, spasms
of the stomach, or delirium supervene.  Occa-
sionally the  breasts,  in  consequence  of  their
sympathetic connection with the uterus, become
swelled and painful;  while, in many instances,
the whole  period of menstruation is attended
with  head ache, nausea, vomiting, and many
other disagreeable symptoms.
  This disease is generally thought to be owing
to a weak  action of the uterine vessels, or to a
spasmodic  condition of the extreme vessels, and
arises  from a variety of causes, as the use of
poisonous medicines, catching cold, &c.
  Treatment.—There is a two fold object to be
had in view in treating this complaint; first, to
mitigate the pain during an attack;  and sec-
ondly, to prevent its return by the use of proper
remedies during  an  interval.  'J o accomplish
the first object, the individual  may use the hip
bath, apply warm fomentations to the abdomen,
sit over a  vessel  of steaming herbs, bathe the
feet in warm water, or lie in bed with steaming
bricks  plased to feet, belly, and  back.  She
should, in the mean time, drink freely  of a tea
made of the anodyne powders, tansy  and ca-
yenne, or composition with the  addition of scul
cap and as much lobelia as can  be used without
exciting  disagreeable nausea;  or  if these arti-
cles cannot be had a substitute  may be found in
pennyroyal, ginger, or tansy tea.  The tansy is
highly recommended.  In severe cases it would 
42    PAINFTTL, OH DIFFICULT MENSTRUATION.

be best to  administer a course  of medicine on
the first appearance of any  symptoms of the
menses; but do not  use opium,  in any form, to
allay pain.   It may give present relief, in some
measure, but will, in the  end, increase  the dif-
ficulty.
  1 he second  object may be accomplished by
the application, during the intervals between
the menses, of  such  m(  ans as are designed to
impart strength, remove obstructions, and allay
general and local irritability.   Here, also, the
most  important indications   are  met  by the
course of medicine.  This should  be preceded by
a free use, for a day or two, of-composition or
cayenne tea, and repeated every few days.
  In addition to this some attention to the bow-
els may be necessary. If they require attention,
the individual  may  use enemas,  or vegetable
physic in laxati re doses.  Active purging should
be avoided.  She should also  take, before each
meal, three or  four of the compound cayenne
pills ; and twice a day,  morning and night, she
may  take  a tea-cpoonful of a powder formed
of equal parts of unicorn, blue cohosh, and par-
tridge berry, made stimulating  with cayenne.
This powder may be made into tea or taken in
substance.   Either  of  those  articles may  be
beneficially employed alone, if the whole can-
not be obtained.
  \\ hen the next menstrual period approaches,
it should be preceded two or three days, by the
use,  each night, of  the hip  bath, diaphoretio 
PROFUSE MENSTRUATION.
43
 teas, and injections  containing a  small portion
 of tincture of myrrh, to the vagina.   This is an
 obstinate complaint, yet perseverance in  this
 plan of treatment will usually overcome all dif-
 ncufties and effect a cure.
     PROFUSE  MEN9TKO.X...

   This term is applied  to an increase" ffTtSe
 monthly evacuations, which may happen in va-
 rious ways, a? follows:—the menses may occur
 too frequently, in too large quantities, or at un-
 usual periods, as during pregnancv and suckling.
   There are three varieties of this'disease, which
 may be  readily distinguished  from each other,
 yet requiring the same general treatment vary-
 ing as particular conditions may  indicate, and
 energetically applied according to the severity
 of the symptoms.
  In  the first,  the menstrual  fluid is  of  usual
 quality, unaccompanied with blood. Sometimes
 it commences with a violent discharge, and then
 ceases, perhaps for hours;  after which it recurs
 again.  This state may continue during the us-
 ual period of menstruation.   At other times the
evacuation goes on regularly, but continues  too
long,  varying from ten days, to  two  or  three
 weeks.   In other  ca: es the quantity each time
may not be  excessive, but  the discharge may
return tco frequentlv.
  "The second variety differs from the first in
 the discharge of blood which  aecomnanies  the 
44          PROFUSE MENSTRUATION.

secretion.   The  progress  of this disorder is
gradual;  one or two small clots appearing at
first, then an intermission, and a more copious
recurrence.  After sometime the  discharge^,
blood may be considerable, sj^af 6T these vari-
to produce^frinternal examination detect, in the
womb, any departure from its usual  condition
du%ing menstruation.
  The third variety of menorrhagia differs from
the others in the fact that  it occurs much latci
in life—usually not until  the patient is forty
years of age—is more  profuse, &c;  but  more
particularly in  the change  in the relations and
and conditions of the uterus.  If an examination
be made per vaginum, the os uteri will be found
lower than common in  the  pelvis, and inclinec
backward  towards the  sacrum : the   cervix ii
generally swollen ; while the upper part of th<
womb is thrown forward upon the bladder, oc
casioning a difficulty of passing urine, which i
always present in this complaint.
  Increased menstrual  discharge is more fre
quently witnessed among  married ladies thai
virgins, and the symptoms vary according to tin
severity or continuance of the complaint.  Usu
ally there is experienced more or less pain in th
back and belly, resembling those attending chil
birth, and  as  the complaint advances, all th
effects of debility consequent upon such a redu
cing discharge are  apparent.  The  appetit
fails, the individual complains of loss of strengtl 
            PROFUSE MENSTRUATION.          46

weakness across the  loins  and hips, gidiness,
pain  in the left  side,  severe headace;  and in
some cases diarrho?a,  general  dropsy, nervous
symptoms, and epilepsy attend the general dis-
turbance.
   Among the causes of this complaint may be
enumerated cold, repeated  child-bearing, over
suckling, excessive indulgence in sexual pleas-
ures,  poor weak diet, &c.
   Treatment.—In the management of this com-
plaint our curative efforts must have reference to
the establishment of general strength, as well as
to the restoration of tone and vigor to the parts
locally implicated.  These indications may be
fully met by the following outline of treatment:
   1.  The  Course of Medicine.— i his  should be
administered in the beginning of the  treatment,
and repeated every few days according  to cir-
cumstances.  In  severe cases,  where there  is
considerable hemorrhage, it may be necessary
to repeat it every day or two, following it with
the use of cayenne tea.
   2.  Astringent  Tonics, Stimulants,  Arc—Be-
tween the courses, tonics combined with astrin-
gents and stimulants may be employed.  They
may consist of the anodyne powders, astringent
tonic compound, or some similar preparation.—
They should be used three or four times a day
in teaspoon full doses, in substance, or made in-
to tea.  1 here  are also many  simple articles
that are highly  esteemed in  the cure  of this
complaint; such  as beth root,  tansy, queen of 
40          PEOFUSE MENSTRUATION.

the meadow,  Solomon's  seal, prince's feather,
and spikenard.  These should be employed as
above.
  3. Injections per  Vaginum.—These  may con-
sist of a decoction of some  vegetable astrin-
gent, as witch hazle, sumach, beth root, cranes
bill, oak bark, &c.  Alum aho, dissolved in wa-
ter, may be used alone, or in combination with
the foregoing, for  the  same purpose.   These
should be injected into the vagina with a female
syringe three or four times a day.
  4. Cathartics  or  Enemas.—Cathartics should
be  used  only to an  extent  just  sufficient to
keep the bowels regular, and should cou-ist of
some one of the articles of that class recomen-
ded in this bo )k.  'ihe better plan would be to
move the bowels every morning with on iiijCC-
tion of boneset, with the additicn of a  small
quantity of cayenne.
  The operation of this plan may be  facilitated
by the concurrent use of various other means,
such as the warm foot bath  at bed time, alka-
line washes, the shower,  or sponge baih,f:"L-licn
with the flesh brush, the application of stimula-
ting linament over  the region of the womb, to
the back, extremities, &c.   It  should be  borne
in mini also, that the removal of the  fir. t cause
is essential  to the cure.   If it proceed from over
suckling, the  child  shculd be weaned, c.c. 
PUTRID OR roiSlNCUS  MENSE3.       47
          PUTRID OR POISONOUS  MENSES.

   " This state of menstruation may not be very
 corn Ton, yet we have seen a number of cases
 during our practice, and some cases of a most
 aggravated character.  This menstruation  is
 scanty and painful, and  the fluid is thick, ropy,
 putrid, and of a dark brick color, possessing the
 property  of irritating and inflaming the labia
 and vagina, so us  to make them extremelv sen-
 sitive.
  " Some time after menstruation has ceased, say
 from  a week to ten days, more or less, a matter
 of a yell nv cast exudes  from the on uteri, pos-
 sessing the same irritable properties as the men-
 strual fluid.  It frequently continues to annoy
 and distress the female for months, and in some
 instances, for years.     *     *     *
  '* The general health in these cases is much in
 fault, the blood  humory, the stomach sour, the
 bowels costive, and the* urine high  colored and
 of a ba I o lor.  We have -een some of the mo t
 protracted an 1 aggravated cases.  We have seen
 health once more  predominate, an J  the organs
 re ..tared to a natural  and healthy state ; there-
 fore we confide much in  botanic medicines.
   '• This cli case is ajcompnnied with a variety
of  the symptom that are connected with the
 last mentioned slates of menstruation, but more
 particularly with canker in the mouth and throat.
 When such females conceive and bear children,
the milk partakes of the  snme poisonous prop- 
48        PKEONANCY—CONCEPTION, &C.

erty, reducing  the  infant  in a few weeks to
emaciation."—A. G. Hall.
  Treatment.—This should consist of thorough
courses of medicine, shower  and vapor baths,
laxatives or injections to the  bowels, the usual
tonics, stimulating injections to the vagina, &c.,
as recomended in  other forms of uterine de-
rangement.
               CHAPTER III.

                 PREGNANCY.

  Immediately after the effective intercourse of
the male with the female, a  series of changes
commence, which ultimately issue in the forma-
tion of a new being, possessed of individual or
independent life.  The first step in this process
is called           *'

         GENERATION, CONCEPTION, &.C.

  To  explain the phenomenon  of conception,
numerous theories  have  been  invented.   Of
these " groundless hypotheses " Drelincourt men-
tions two hundred and sixty-two, in addition to 
          • ENERAT19N, CONCEPTION, &C.       49

 which,  as Blumenbach  remarks, " nothing is
 more certain than that. Drelincourt'sowu theory,
 formed  the two hundred and sixty-third."
   For the most part, all that has been written
 by way of explaining the process of generation,
 consists of mere speculation, and consequently
 need not now be noticed.  The best plan, and
 the  only one  which space permits, will be to
 •tate briefly some of the leading fact i eoanetted
 with this subject.
   In the first place, then, it  may be remarked
 that the ovaries, heretofore described, contain a
 number, (from ten to twenty,) of small vesicles,
 or ova,  (eggs.)  During early life these vesicles
 occupy  the  deeper parts of  the ovary, but at
 puberty they approach the surface, and come in
 contact with its outer membrane.  The contents
 of one of  these vesicles constitute the contribu-
 tion of the female towards  the  production of a
 new being.   Again, it is well known  that the
 testes of the male secrete a peculiar fluid called
 semen,  which, in the act of  intercourse, is pro-
jected into the vagina and uterus of the female.
   It has also been demonstrated by microscopi-
 cal observations that the male semen contains an
 immense multitude of animalculee, called sper-
 matozoa,  that move about  with considerable
 rapidity.  These spermatozoa have  been detec-
 ted in the fallopian  tubes,  especially at  their
 ovarian extremity, after sexual intercourse.
  It has been ascertained, also, tnat if the fallo-
 pian  tubes be rendered imperm2able, \closedJ
 impregnation will not take place. 
 69         GENERATION,  CONCEPTION,  &C.

   It has been farther ascertained  that, immedi-
 ately after successful  intercourse, a considera-
 ble change takes place in the condition of the
 uterus, ovaries, and  fallopian   tubes.  .This
 change consists, not only in the production of
 great exmtemsnt, and vascular turgescence of
 these parts, but also in an alteration of their re-
 lations to  ea'.'h  other.  The fimbriated extremi-
 ty of one of the fhllopian tubes is  turned to the
 ovary of that iJe, au.! embraces it closely, over
 one of the ves. des.*   Alter a certain time,  a
 small opening L farmed  in  the  covering of the
 vesicle, at the rn >;t p.omirio.,: ^art; the vesicle
 bursts, and its contents,  «vthe ovum.) enter the
 fallopian  tube, by  which they are conveyed to
 the uterus.
  The  process  of  conception, then, consists in
 the transmission  of some portion of the male
 semen, or its sperm.:.ozoa, throughXhe  fallopian
 tubes, and its contact  by this means  with one
 of the vesicles, which, in  this way, becomes im-
 pregnated, and  the parage of the ovum back
 th ough the fallopian tube,  into the uterus,
 where it undergoes all  those changes which re-
 sult in the production of  t perfect living being.
 How  much time is required in the completion
 of the process that ends in the deposiiion of the
 ovum in the womb, is not precisely known.  It

  • If both tube* enmo  in cont ict with an ovum the result
(9 the eoncoptioij of twim ; but if they attach themselves to
 porta of the  ovaries  waere there ore uo vonicles, no concep-
tion vrill take place. 
OT1B0 euSTATION.             #1
does not, however, probably exceed twenty days,
perhaps less.
  It is worthy of notice that but a small quan-
tity of semen is necessary to conception.   i\ei-
ther is it necessary that it should be injected in«
to the  womb  during  coition.   Females have
become  pregnant without  having  the hymen
rupture 1, consequently the  semen  could  only
have been in contact with the lower portion of
the vagina  By what kind  of a process the se-
men is  transmitted through the tubes, or the
ovum returned, is not yet known.
  Some women have  been  able to  decide the
precise moment when conception took place, by
the peculiar emotions  which they experienced.
Others,  however, have conceived repeatedly
without ever experiencing any pleasurable sen-
sations whatever. Dr. Gooch mentions the case
of a young woman who was ravished by a young
man while asleep,  and although she had no
knowledge of the transaction, yet she becaino
pregnant.  On the  other hand, many women
experience the highest degree of pleasure during
sexual intercourse, yet never conceive.

               U1ERO GESTATION.

  Immediately after conception, a  number of
remarkable cha 'ges commence in the uterus, by
which it is prepared for the  reception and nour-
ishment of the embryo child.   It has been re-
marked, heretofore, that at  conception the vea- 
53             UTEBO  Gf-STATI'N.
 sela of  the  uterus become  congested.  These
 enlarge gradually until they become of great
 size, and  form an intricate net  work, on  the
 •urface, and  in  the  substance  of  that  or-
 gan.  This change takes place both in the arte-
 ries and veins of the womb.   The  lymphatics,
 also, undergo  a similar development; and  the
 nerves increase  in size until  they  form  large
 CDrds,  sending off  numerous  branches that
 unite together, in different directions, thus exhib-
 iting the appearance of a net wcrk, like that
 witnessed in the blood vessels.
   Besides these changes, the womb itself under-
 goes  a gradual enlargement, by which its  ca-
 pacity is accommodated to the growth of  the
 foetus.   During this  enlargement its fibers  are
 loosened and separated from each other, leav-
 ing between them large interspaces, which  are
 occupied by the enlarging blood vessels and
 nerves.  The walls of the uterus,  however,  are
 not much diminished in thickness by its enlarge-
 ment.   According to some observations they  in-
 crease in thickness during the first three months,
 after which  they gradually diminish until  the
 end of gestation.
  The fundus or upper part of the  womb, be-
gins to enlarge  as soon as the ovum is deposited
there ;  and as this is developed, the body increa-
ses until the fifth month, after which the cervix,
(neck of the womb,)  also  participates in the
distention, and is  drawn  out and shortened  by
the expanding womb,  until at the ninth month,
it become* wholly obliterated. 
CTBRO GESTATION.             63
   A considerable change also takes place in the
posithn of the womb during pregnancy.   At first
it presses down into the vagina, lower than usu-
al; after about four months it rises entirely above
the brim of the pelvis, and continues to ascend
until the end of the eighth month, after  which
it remains stationary.
   Immediately after impregnation a membrane
begins to form, which lines the whole internal
surface of the womb.  This membrane exists
in all cases, after conception, whether the ovum
reaches the womb, stops  in the  fallopian tube,
or  fallj  into the  abdomen.  It is  called  the
dccidua.  Its design seems to  be, in  a great
measure, to keep the ovum to  its place and in
contact with the womb.   From  the fact that it
covers the  whole  inner surface of  the womb,
closing the fallopian tubes, it becomes necessa-
ry for the ovum, as it enters the womb, either
to penetrate or push it aside.  That it does the
latter, is  the commonly received opinion.  Ta-
king this view of  the subject, it can  easily be
seen how it operates to retain  the ovum in its
proper place—only a portion of the membrane
being detached at first in  order to permit the
ovum to  pass between it and the womb.  This
membrane  is gradually separated, as  the foetus
enlarges, until, at  delivery, the  larger part is
generally expelled, a portion sometimes remain-
ing uutil  discharged  in shreds or patches with
the lochia.
  If the ovum be examined after its entrance 
54
UTEKO GESTATION.
into the womb, it will be found to consist of two
membranes, one within  the  other, between
which is contained a kind of fluid or mucus.—
They are called the chorion and amnion.  With-
in the amnion is contained a peculiar fluid cal-
led the liquor amnii, in which the foetus floats.
This fluid which, in common parlance, is called
the u-itcrs. \i discharged by the ruptuing of tho
membrane  soon  after  the commencement of
labor.
  Within the amnion "n al ;o contained the  germ
of the future  bmur  whieh. hvvever, does not
become visible for so ne ti ne, perhaps for  three
weeks.   When  the embryo* first becomes ap-
parent, it is a small  oblong body, slightly cur-
ved, from one to three lines in length.   No ap-
pearance  of the limbs can be. seen at this  time,
an:i the whole ovum is not larger than a filbert.
  About the fifth or  sixth week the embryo is
five  or six  lines in  length,  and weighs  from
eighteen to twenty grains  The size of the head(
at this time, is equal to all the rest of the boiy.
The face is  n >w visible but is very snail; anl
tho positions of the eyes are shown  bv two bla;k
dots at the sides  of the  face.  No tra.'-e of the
nose can be seen. but. a lar<re cleft occupies the
place of the mouth;  and the  rudiments of the
  * The germ is oal'cd by thj term cmSryo f >r tlio firdt thru'
rmnl.hs, or until its sever .1 p >rls cm  dj thi.tintfui-ihed, after
winch it is c-.li.-u the foetus, but the term child is not applied
unt.l after birth.                             ' r 
OTERO GESTATION.
56
 external ear make their appearance, in the form
 of a circular depressi n.
   At two  nonths the embryo is somewhat lar-
 ger than a bee.  The head now constitutes one
 third of the whole body, the arms begin to sprout,
 the la^ appear like two  roundLh buds, the ru-
 diments of the nose  begin to apj ear, and  the
 beginning of the eyelids may be seen.
   At the end of the third month, the  embryo is
 from two  to six inches  in length ; the neck be-
 comes visible, and the arms and legs  appear.—
 Soon after all the external parts become visible,
 the sex apparent, and  the whole body  dx or
 eight  inches long,  weighing  about  a, many
 ounces.
   At five  months the length of the fret us is from
 eight to ten inches, the head being one-fourth of
 the whole.  Muscular power now becomes de-
 veloped, and its  motions  become apparent to
 the mother.   If born at  this period  the child
 will live a few moments.
   At six month- the length is tt.elvo or fourteen
 inches, and the head is somewhat smaller, in
 proportion, than bef ne.  A foetus  born  at this
 age may live several hours.
   At seven months it is from fourteen to . i rteen
inches  long, and capable of living inborn at this
period.  During the eighth month'the in-Tease
is chiefly in breadth.  At the end of the ninth i
month the child weighs from tix  to twelve I
pounds.                                     j
  Having  thus briefly noticed  the progress of 
 58             UTERO GESTATION.

 conception, it may not be improper to  offer a
 few thoughts upon the manner in which the fo-
 etus is provided with the means of its growth.
 The sources of nutrition  are the fluids contained
 within the membranes, and the maternal blood,
 transmitted by means of the placenta and umbili-
 cal cord.
  The placenta, or after-birth, is a soft,  spongy
 body,of an oval and flattened shape,from six to ten
 inches in diameter, and an inch or an inch and a
h alf in thickness, but gradually decreasing to-
 wards its edges.  It is attached to some portion of
 the uterus, generally the fundus or upper part.
  The umbilical cord, or navel spring, is a twis-
 ted cylinder, extending from the placenta to the
foetU3, and sufficiently long to admit the child
to be born without detaching  the after-birth.—
 It consists,  principally,  of the umbilical vein,
 and the two umbilical  arteries.   The vein per-
forms the  office  of an  artery, conveying  the
blood from the placenta  to  the foetus;  and the
arteries do the work of veins,  carrying the resi-
dual blood from the foetus to the placenta.
  The placenta possesses two distinct and inde-
 pendent circulations, the one just described, from
 the placenta to the foetus, and from  the foetua
 back to the  placenta.   The  other from the ute-
rus to the  placenta, and from the placenta back
again to  the uterus.   These two  circulations
 a>-e wholly  distinct from each other, no direct
 communication by vessels existing between
them.  Some experiments, however, if to be re- 
            DURATION OF PREQNANCY.         67

lied on, seem to contradict this statement, and
prove the existence of a direct vascular commu-
nication between the mother and foetus.  But
whether there be such a communication or not,
it is evident that theblood of the mother furnishes
to the foetus is principal means of growth.   The
probability is, that the " foetus is  supported and
built up by a  secretion from  the blood of  the
mother through the membranes  that separate
the respective vessels;  not  by the blood of the
mother circulated through the foetus."

            DURATION  OF PREGNANCY.

   What is the ordinary term  of gestation, and
what are the deviations  from it?  These  are
questions which demand  a brief notice,  while
passing along.
   44 The first point  to be settled is the  ordinary  ; •
term of utero-gestation, and we are  met at thej£.«f
outset by the difficulty of obtaining  accurate
data.  The common mode of calculation is from \^
a  fortnight after the last menstruation; and the J..
period so fixed is corrected by the time at which  ' .
quickening occurs.   In  many  instances this \
proves pretty correct;  in  the  majority, I think, \
it  is rather overrun ; and, at  any rate, the un- i
 ertainty as to the period of conception, and
 ie variation in the time of quickening, are suf-
 cient to render the computation no more than
 n approximate estimate.
   u^ascs, however, occasionally occur, where 
69         DURATION OF PREGNANCY.

conception follows a single coitus, and if they
were  sufficiently numerous, they would  settle
the question ;  but thev  are rare.  Dr. Mont-
gomery relates the cue of a lady, who went to
the sea side in June, 1831, leaving her husband
in town.  lie  \fited her for the fir.-t time, No-
vember 10th. and returned to town the next day.
She qukkened on the  £9lh of January, 1832,
and was delivered August 17, exactly two hun-
dred and eighty days from the time cf conception.
  44 The deductions from  such cases, and from
general calculations have led to fixing the term
of ge.-tation at ten lunar months, or nine calen-
dar months and one week, or  forty weeks, or
two bund; ed and eighty days, allowing for some
variation either way."
  But supposing the  precise moment  of concep-
tion known, are  we to conclude that the actual
duration of pregnancy is invariable ?   We know
that it may be abbreviated, from various causes,
and not destroy the child, but  then this  is not
the natural ccur.-e.   May it also be prolonged?
There has been much  diversity of opinion on
this subject—some authors contending that ges-
tation is never  protracted  bevon 1  the  usual
time,  allowing a few days for variation.
  Still there  is  the  most sati factory evidence
that pregnan -y may be protracted much beyond
two hundred and  eighty days, the usual time.
Many cases of this kind are on record, where
the circumstances leave  no chance for mis-
take-   In these cases gestation continued from 
    ANOMALOUS CONCEPTIONS—SUPERFOETATION.   59

one week to a month or more beyond the usual
period.
  These variations, however, are not very com-
mon, and females may calculate, with sufficient
accuracy for all  practical  purposes, the time
when they  may expect to be confined.
  The com non m < !■' ^'roV-: minj. is :>y count-  1
ing forty weeks, or nine months, beginning two  I
yrceks after the last menstruation cv about five  \
month-from tho time of quici: ning.  The most  \
important thing, however, is to keep the female  J
in good health, and as  pregnancy advances, be  I
prepared at all times for its termination.        '

            ANOMALOUS CONCEPTIONS.

  To gratify the curio, ity of our readers, rather
than as a matter  of any great practical benefit,
it is propo  ed to notice  briefly  those variations
or departures from ordinary  gestation  which
sometimes  occur.  The first of these is



   This  term is  applied to cases in which a
woman,  alrea ly pregnant, conceives a second
time  before the termination of the first preg-
nancy.   Ancient  writers were unanimous in
admitting the possibility of such rm occurrence.
Modern  authors  are   divided  en 'he  subject.
The evidence, however, seems  to b r in favor of
the existence of superfcotation in souie instances. 
60             8UPERF0ETATI0N.
  " The cases alluded to are such as the follow-
ing :—1. It  is not uncommon for women to be
delivered of a full-grown child  and a blighted
ovum at the same time, and from the disparity
between them, it  has been assumed  that the
period of conception was different for each.
  2. " Again, a woman may be delivered of two
living children at  one birth,  or within a few
hours of each other, one of which may be fully
developed, while the other appears  immature.
  3. " Further, the same woman has given birth
to twins of different color, as in the case related
by Buflbn, and quoted by Fodere and all recent
writers on the subject, of  a woman at Charles-
ton, South Carolina, who was delivered in 1714,
of twins, within a very short time of each other,
the  one  being black, the  other white.  On ex-
amination, the woman confessed that on  a cer-
tain day,  immediately after her husband had
left her,  a negro  entered her  room, and by
threatening to murder her in ease of a refusal,
obtained connexion with her."
  A similar  case  is mentioned  by Dr. Mostly.
" A negro woman brought forth two children at
a birth, both of a size, one of which was a negro,
the  other  a mulatto.  On  being interrogated
upon  the cause of their dissimilitude,  she said
she  perfectly well knew the cause of it, which
was, that a white man belonging to the estate,
came to her hut  one morning before  she was
up,  and she suffered his embraces almost imme-
diately after her black husband  had cnitted her." 
KXTRA-OTERINE PREGNANCY.
61
Similar cases are mentioned by Drs. Dewees,
Dunglison, and others.
  4. "Lastly, cases ha vp ^pnr^i ^Wethe Dirtn
., c* mature child was succeeded, alter the lapse
of some months, by the birth of another.   ^ eve-
ral such cases might  be cited.  In the Recueil
de la Societe d} Emulation, there is one of M. A.
Bigaud, ofStrasburg,  set. thirty seven, who was
delivered of a lively child on the 30th of April.
The lochia and milk were soon suppressed.  On
the 17th of September of the same year, (i. e.,
about four and a half months after the first de-
livery,) she brought forth a second apparently
mature and healthy child.   On the death of the
woman, the uterus was found to be single."
  Several cases similar to the above are men-
tioned by different  writers, in some of  which
five months or more elapsed between the  births,
both children being perfect, and of full size.
  There are many difficulties in the way of ad-
mitting the existence of superfoetation, yet on
no  other principle  can  the foregoing facts  be
satisfactorily accounted for.

           EXTRA-UTERINE PREGNANCY.

  " From  certain causes, with  which we are
but partially acquainted, it sometimes happens
that the ovum, instead of passing  into the fim-
briated extremity of the fallopian tube,  on the
bursting of the  Graafian  vesicle, and being
thence transferred  into the uterine cavity, in 
M
EXTRA-UTERINE PREGNANCY.
 the gradual manner  already described, is ar-
 retted  in  some part  of its  progress, where an
 efloxt ,* made to supply the  place of the uterus,
 and  atiord s-pace ana iruwi.i__j>„„  1Jip ,.  ,  '
 This, however, can only be partially successim.'
 and the foetus ultimately  perishes for want of
 nourishment."  To this species  of anomalou;
 conception, different names have been given;
 as  extra-uterine pregnancy,  ex-fojtation, &c.
   All the varieties of extra-uterine pregnancy
 may  be reduced to the following five:
   1.  Ovarian Foetalion.— In this case the foetus
 is detained in the ovary.  The earliest instance
 of  this  kind on  record  occurred  in  1GS2.-—
 The ovary was enlarged to  the  size of  a hen's
 egg, and torn through its whole length, in  con-
 sequence of the growth of the foetus, which es-
 caped into the abdomen, where it was found in
 the midst of a large quanty of blood.
  Another remarkable case, mentioned by a
 distinguished writer, occurred in the year 1829.
 In this instance the  abdomen wa-; found filled
 with blood, and the  left ovarium burst open in
 three places, leaving the membranous sa •, which
 contained the foetus, to protrude partially into
 the abdominal cavity.   The  foetus in this in-
stance, was four months old.   The woman died
 in consequence of hemorrhage, produced by the
rupture  of the ovarium.
  2. Tubal boctatinn.—In this variety of anoma-
lous conceptions the foetus is  arrested  in  the
fallopian tube, on  its passage to the womb.__ 
           EXTRA-UTERINE PREGNANCY         03

Many cases are quoted  of this kind, where fe-
males died under circum tames similar io tho.-c
above described, in ovariun ibetolion.
  3. Ovario Tubal  foetation when the foetus is
held in a  membranous  sac  contained between
the fallopian tubes and the ovaries.
  4. Ventral. Foetation when the ovum falls into
the cavity of the abdomen.
  5. Interstitial Foetation.— i his form is the most
unfrequent of the five.   'J here is no doubt, how-
ever, that it has occurred.  In thee cases the
foetus  becomes imbedded in  the  walls of the
womb, where it is fastened in an interspace of
its fibres, before it arrives in the uterine cavity.
  In all the foregoing varieties of extra-uterine
pregnancy, the foetus has been known to reach
maturity,  and be delivered, either by the knife
of the surgeon, or by rotting a hole through the
walls of the abdomen—whence it was discharg-
ed piece-.neal.  Dr.  Curtis mentions a woman
who carried a foetus twenty-four months, which
was discharged after a course of medicine, dead
and partially wasted away.  He al.-.o mentions
another who had carried one as long, when he
last saw her.  .She  enjoyed tolerable health at
the time; but what  became of her afterwards
is not known.
  Besides these cases, Dr. Campbell, quoted by
Churchill,  details seventy-five cases in  which
the foetus was retained different lengths ol time,
varying from three  months  to fifty-HX  years —
These  cases afford  a striking instance of  the 
64         EXTRA-UTERINE PREGNANCY.

power of the human frame, to  adapt itself to
new and  adverse circumstances.  In many in-
stances an effort is made to get rid of the for-
eign body by  an  artificial opening;  thus the
foetus may be  passed piece-meal through the
abdomen, colon, rectum or vagina.
  In extia-uterine pregnancy, the foetus is de-
veloped very much after the same manner that
it is in uterine pregnancy.  The placenta be-
comes attached to i-ome part. v\ hich receives an
increased supply of blood for the nourishment of
the foetus.
  Symptoms.—These vary a good deal.  Usual-
ly many of the  signs of pregnancy arc present,
but accompanied with a degree ot  irregularity
in their intensity.   The  increase of the abdo-
men generally differs frcm that in  ordinary
pregnancy, being  more  to one side,  and the
pain  and  uneasiness may be confined to the
spot where the  tumor is felt.  Great j-tress has
been laid upon a sen^e of weight, and uneasi-
ness, deeply seated in the pelvis, and occasion-
ally extending to the kidneys, as a symptom of
ex-foetation.
  When,  however, the  cyst which holds the
ovum bursts, a series of new and alarming symp-
toms occur.  The  patient  complains  of great
pain which comes on suddenly, collapse, lan-
guor, great debility, and exhaustion. Sometimes
there is a discharge  of blood from  the vagina,
tenesmus, dysuria, and such symptoms as follow
from loss of blood. 
           EXT1A-I7TERINE PREGNAN«Y.         65

   Treatment.—Where exfaetation is suspected,
 the woman should avoid every cause that may
 tend to rupture the cyst—as severe exercise, ex-
 ertions of strength, &c.   At  the  same  time
 means should be used to keep the general sys-
 tem free from disease.
   When the rupture takes place, marked by the
 sudden giving away, collapse, exhaustion, ckc.
 the second indication is  to moderate  the effu-
 sion, and support the  strength.  For  this pur-
  ose the woman should be placed in bed, with
  er head low, and have  her  abdomen firmly
 compressed with a binder.  In the mean time,
 cayenne combined with astringents should be
 used freely, together with other means to pro-
 mote perspiration, as recommended in abortion.
   After the collapse is relieved, we should en-
 deavor to counteract the inllamation which fol*
 lows, by the use of the vapor bath, diaphoretic
 teas containing lobelia, injections, or  gentle
 laxatives, and, if necessary, the course  of medi-
 cine.   In the mean time nature should  be aided
 by quietness, &c.,&c, to accommodate itself to
 the new state of things—and after we find an
 effort made to remove the fcntus by an abscess,
 or fistulous opening, it may be sometimes advi-
 sable  to assist the  process, by enlarging the
 opening.  As a general thing, however, nature
is competent to perform her own work ; and
there is  sometimes  danger of causing serious
hemorrhage by attempting to enlarge  the pas-
sage.
 
 65           siairs or preonaxct.

   It shmil 1  be  remembered that cases of the
 kind we have been con idering very ra~ely oc-
 cur—an 1  when they do happen their fatal ten-
 dency may generally be obviated, we presume,
 by  proper management.   Females, therefore,
 who are liable to become pregnant, need not al-
 low their minds to become troubled, or filled
 with apprehensions of danger from this source.
 When this species of abnormal  pregnancy ex-
 ists it is the result of some  extraordinary cause,
 and is attended with symptoms (liferent from
 those of ordinary gestation.  We therefore re-
 peat again, that females need  not apprehend
 danger  from a circumstance that may, as a bare
 possibility, occur under some circumstances.—
 Nature  is  in general conpetent  to the safe per-
 formance  of all her offices.

              SIGNS OF PREGNANCY.

   Females under certain circumstances, usually'
 feel much interested  in  knowing whether con-
 ception has taken place or not.   To assist them
 in forming an opinion in such ca=--es, we add a
 short section on the signs of pregnancy..  Th«
 most important are as follows :
»  1. A failure in the return of the menses at
 the  usual  period.  This, however, considered
 alone, is an  uncertain  -ion  since thev mav  be
 arrested by  cold, or oth  ' onu.-es... limt if more
 than  one  ; r iod pa—   wiiV-i* "their  appear-
 ance, and certain other symptoms are mini/ft- 
             SI3NS OP  PREONANCT.           67

 ted, the evidences of pregnancy are  somewhat
 conclusive.   It may be remarked also, that wo-
 men sometimes  menstruate during  the first
 months of pregnancy, or during the whole pe-
 riod of utero-gestation, so that the appearance
 of this discharge  is not always conclusive evi-
 dence against conception.
   2.  Morning Sickness.—Soon after conception
 most women are troubled with more or less
 nausea and vomiting, especially on rising in the
 morning.   This  may commence immediately
 after conception; but  generally not until the
 fifth  or sixth week ;  and  continues until the
 third month.  This also is an uncertain symp-
 tom when viewed alone.  A similar tickness may
 arise from other causes, while in some instances
 women go through the  period  of pregnancy
 without any fceling*of sickness at all.
   3.  Mammary Sympathies.—About two months
 after conception certain changes become mani-
 fested in the  breasts.  At that time a sensation
 of fulness is Iclt in the breasts, accompanied
 with throbbing and tingling pains in their sub-
 stance, and at the nipples.  At the same time
 they increase in size and fulness ; the areola or1
 circle around the nipple changes its color and
 becomes much darker, and alter sometime milk
is  secreted.   Th-se symptoms aho  are subject
to variation.   The  breasts may  undergo dic^e
changes from other causes that enlarge or other-
wise affect the womb.  Still they are the  most
 unequhocal  of the eaily signs  of pregnancy. 
  68            SIONS OF PREGNANCY.

  * 4. Enlargement of the Abdomen.—During the
  third month after conception, a gradual enlarge-
  ment of the abdomen becomes perceptible   Du-
  ring the fourth month the womb ascends above
  the pubis, and may be felt as a rounded tumor,
  which goes on increasing until it occupies the
  whole abdomen.  The uterine tumor may be
  distinguished from dropsy by its firmness, elastic-
  ity, and by preserving its form when the woman
  is in ditferent positions ; whereas in ascites the
  tumor is not so pointed, or well defined, the flu-
  id settles to the lower part  of the  abdominal
  cavity as she changes her position, and the ab-
  domen has not the same firm elastic feel.   Nev-
  ertheless cases do occur which are embarrassing;
  the  uterus may be distended by air, fluids, or
  hydatids, and then the abdomen  presents the
  same appearances as  in pregnancy.
   5. Quickening.—At the fourth month of preg-
  nancy or thereabouts, as before remarked, the
  womb with its contents rises out of the pelvis,
  after which the first motions of the  fcetis are
  perceived.   The first sensations are usually like
- a feeble pulsation, yet they are frequently ac-
  companied with sickness at the stomaeh,and even
  fainting.  By degrees they  become stronger,
  until the motions of the different extremities are
  perceptible.   Here, also, under some circum-
  stances, we may commit mistakes in judging of
  the uterine condition.   The motions of The 1'cb-
  tus are sometimes simulated by  wind in the
  bowels—and on the other hand  caaes may oc- 
SIGNS  OF PREGNANCY.
f'P
cur where  no  motions  are  perceived  by the
mother until at a later period of pregnancy.
   't here are other symptom? that may assist in
judging of the  condition of the female, which
are of servive to the practitioner only—as those
which are gained by ballottement,* ausculation,
&c.  These, however, it is not our present pur-
pose  to notice.
   In judging of the condition of a female with
regard to pregnancy, no decision should be made
without a full  and complete history of the case,
and a knowledge of all the symptoms.   By care-
fully-comparing these together, and  properly
weighing all the circumstances, with a suitably
reference to the existence of any of the diseases
of pregnancy, hereafter  described, we need not
fail in our decision, in  a  vast  majority of in-
stances.
 --------•  ■ -  •—;—;___________-.- f -  tvr, ■■■
   * Upon second thought wehddn brief note on Balbttemevt.
This operation isperknned 1 v an examination per vaginum.
The wunnn should be in the upright postun—the operator
hinst introduce the ton finder ot one hand, and place it upon
the neck of the womb—while with the other hand the uterina
tumor in Jtcpi in a steady position-—iheh suddenly jerking up
the point of thefingtr ? gHmt ihe m < k ot the w<mb, some-
thing  w ill be felt to recede fr< tn the finger and fall again in a
momeutor two.  T hi* jsihc teems, cj U8<d1oriscin the liquor
amnii in which it fl< nls, ly ll« m< tif n it ihe finger, i>nd de-
scendiug \y it* < wn vi-plt.  1 his Utt ie ti"i-t available du«
    the filth aw! s .ah uicnthe, -,nd is infallible. 
70          diseases or  fatONANOV.
            DISEASES OF PREGNANCY.

  " Pregnancy,  although a  perfectly  natural
Ftate, renders the woman liable to the inconve-
nience of certain  diseases which, under other
circumstances,  she might more frequently es-
cape.  The most common complaints attendant
upon this state of the system are such as arc not
dangerous in their character, but which are still
very often exceedingly troublesome and annoy-
ing.  And we can  scarcely conceive of any or-
dinary situation in which a female can he pla-
ced, that more  urgently calls upon the huiband
for sympathy  and soothing  consolation, than
that of suffering under the complicated ills so
often attendant upon  pregnancy; nor one in
which he ought more earnestly to exert himself
to lighten her burthens and by the soft blandish*
meats of connubial kindnes, assuage those irri-
table feelings to which her situation often gives
fife.
   The  other sex  may, and we  have reason to
fear that mgsy of them do, look upon the preg-
nant female .with the unpitying eye of cool in*
difference, whilst to herself it is a period full of
painful importanoe^and not unfreaueutly of fear-
ful apprehension.   She is often barrassed hy a
train of *ae most disagreeable symptoms, with
the certain prospect that their termination, how-
 ever anxious she ir*ay be for the accomplishment
 thi reof, must be a gceue of ptilj  more exquisH* 
DISEASES OF PHTONAXCY.
a
 and indiscribable anguish to her mind.   Cut w*
 do not wish to heighten the  picture of female
 wo !  Such as have borne children can respond
 to the truth of what we have said ; whilst those
 who have not, need not allow their minds to be
 depressed.  The process  of gestation or preg-
 nancy has been passed  through  by thousands
 and tens of thousands, without any remarkable
 difficulty, though not without pain—whilst the
 consolation of being mothers, the pleasures as-
 sociated with lovely, endearing offspring, afford
 a rich reward for all.
   Our object in thus enlarging upon this  subject
 is to excite that  tender sympathy in the minds
 ©f the other sex  which the pregnant female so
justly deserves, and so much and so imperiously
 needs.  Every husband has it in  his power to
 add iramensly to the happiness of his wife ; and
 during the often oppressive and tedious  month*
of gestation she  is  certainly entitled to all that1
he can bestow.  We very well know, however,
that some women pass the period of pregnancy,
without experiencing much more incoin cnirnee
than at  other times; yet this can be said of but
very few.
  The increased susceptibility to disease which
most females experience on becoming pregnant
is supposed to be owing to more  accute sensi-
bility  of the  nervous system;  but vvhiUt  they
are more liable to be  aliocted by slight impres-
sions, they  are  less  exposed  to  many fatal
maladies."  -Howard. 
72           .NAl'3£.\ AND  V0MITIX5.
              NAUSEA AND VOMITING.

   As  before  remarked,  pregnant wo nen are
 commonly much annoyed with frequent nausea
 and vomiting, especially during the early months
 of pregnancy.  As a general thing, however, no
 danger can arise from their occurrence—though
 when  exces.-ive they are  apt to produce consid-
 erable debility, and nervous derangement.
   As these symptoms usually occur in the morn-
 ing, just after rising, it would be advisable, un-
 der such circumsrances, for the individual  never
 to rise until she has taken  a  bowl of broth or
 porridge ; or a cup of tea or coffee.
   In addition  to this  she should employ some
 g  title  Ju.vative to  keep  the bowels open, and
 we lobelia in  small dotes several times  ewry
 <tay.   The  spiced  bitters, or composition tea,
 will often allay the  irritability of the stomach,
 and  check the  vomiting.
   When there appears to be considerable sour-
 ness ot the stomach, some relief may be obtain-
 ed by the use  of soda  or  saleratus in water —
 So.nrtimcs the  difficulty  may be almost  over
come by the u.e of \ im gur, lumen juke, or c; t am
ta/iar  in wat-. r.
  Uhcn the \omiting  Is  excessive, or if  there
are ty  npioms  * f umamatu.n cf ihe stomach or
other UiJicultic.--, emetic* oi icbel.a and t.,e va-
por bath shuuiJ be employed, in  connection
 witn diaphoretic teas,  until the disagreeable
symptoms are  removed. 
HEART-BCRN—CRAMPS.           7J
                 HEART-BURN.

   Pregnant women are often incommoded with
 heart-burn, which is generally most troublesome
 during the latter months of pregnancy.  It gen-
 erally arrises from  acidity of the stomach, and
 may be corrected by the use of chalk, charcoal,
 soda, magnesia, &c.  The following compound
 will  prove beneficial:—Take  of magnesia a
 large  table-spoon-ful, of subcarbonate of soda,
 one tea-spoon-ful, essence of cinnamon, a table-
 spoon-ful, water eight ounces.   Mix and take
 two or three table-spoon-fuls, as  occasion may
 require.
   If the case prove  obstinate, an emetic may be
 taken, and followed with the  spice bitters to
 strengthen digestion.  If the bowels are costive,
 they may be regulated with mild doses of vege-
 table physic.

                   CRAMPS.

   Women  near the  end  of pregnancy are sub-
ject  to cramps in the le<rs. thighs, &c, which
occur mo^t frequently when lying in bed.  They
are occasioned by the pressure of the womb up-
on surrounding parts, and consequently do not
cease until after delivery.   They may,* howev-
er, under proper management, be rendered much
less troublesome than they otherwise would be. 
74                 «RAMPS.
    Treatment.—To prevent  the cramp care
 phould be used to keep the bowels regular and
 the pores open ; especially should the individual
 avoid exposure to cold, and other causes which
 are found to induce an attack.  The vapor bath,
 or bathing the feet in warm water, drinking di-
 aphoretic teas containing a small quantity  of
 lobelia, and rubbing the  limbs with cayenne
 steeped in vinegar, or some stimulating liniment,
 will  prove  beneficial.   An excellent liniment
 for this purpose, may be prepared as follows:—
 Take third preparation, and tincture of camphor,
 equal parts, spirits of turpentine a small quan-
 tity, mix  well  and apply freely.  Cayenne tea
 is often found beneficial,  especially when the
 cramp affects  the stomach.  In bad cases, the
 anti-spasmodic tincture may be employed, in
 half  tea-spoon-ful doses,  in  connection with
 warm tea of some kind, and repeated every few
 minutes until  nausea and vomiting are  produ-
 ced.  The nervine tincture, also, forms a valua-
 ble medicine in these cases.  So, also, does the
 following: Tr. As.safuetida, Tr. English  Valeri-
 an, and i'r. Sculcap—equal parts.  Dose, a tea-
 spoonful or more, and repeated according to cir-
 cumstances.  A valuable preparation for cramp
 of any kind, may be  made by mixing blue co-
 hosh and lady's slipper, or sculcap in  powder, of
ea.-,h half an ounce, with a teaspoonful ol lobe-
lia seeds.  Of this, made into tea, as much may
be used—repeated as circumstances may indicate
—as the Ptomacb can bear.  When taking the 
       BAL1VATI0N, OR SPITTINO—HYSTERICS.    75

 above medicines, the patient should  lie in bed,
 and have steaming  bricks  placed to the feet,
 or use other means to promote  sweating.

            SALIVATION, OR SPITTING.

  It not unfrequently happens that women are
 troubled with a constant salivation, or spitting,
 during pregnancy.  This is generally accompa-
 nied with acidity of the stomach, and a costive
 state of the bowels,  and  sometimes produces
 considerable debility.
  Treatment.—Dr. Dewees recommends the use
 of antacids, such as chalk, soda, &c,  to correct
 the stomach ; magnesia to keep the bowels free ;
 rinsing the mouth with lime water;  the use of
 solid  animal food; and resisting  the desire to
 discharge the saliva from  the mouth as much as
 possible.  Perhaps as good a plan as this would
 be to take some mild laxative, and follow it with
 the use of the spice bitters—or if necessary au
 emetic.

                  HYSTERICS.

  Should sudden fainting, or any other hyster-
ical affection arise, little more will  be  necessary
 than to expose the patient to a free, open air,
to place her in a horizontal position, and to give
her a glass of cold water containing a  teaspoon-
ful of No. 6, or a small quantity of cayenne.
  Should palpitation of the heart be severe and 
70                HEADACHE.

protracted, the patient may take a strong tea of
lady's  slipper, or assafcctiila  pills, or tincture;
or use  the nervine tincture, ecc.  The use of di-
aphoretic teas and  the vapor bath, or other
means to produce sweating, or the course of
medicine, if necessary, should  be resorted to in
bad cases.  If the bowels arc irregular, use lax-
atives  or injections.

                  HEADACHE.

   It is no uncommon thing for females, during
pregnancy, to be troubled  with headache, ac-
companied with  a sense of fulness, or pressure
in the  vessels  about the head, and pains in oth-
 - parts of the body  It is usual for the  doctors
to recommend bleeding under such circumstan-
ces—yet no practice can be more inconsistent
and unnatural than this.   We are well assured
that many of the diseases and difficulties  attend-
ant upoa-parturition, under fashionable manage-
ment, have their  origin in the practice of blood-
letting.  Why should it be considered reasona-
ble, when nature is taxed to its full extent in pro-
viding for the growth   the fustus, and in prepa-
iation  for the  approach ■- parturient strug'de,
to exhaust its powe-, by abstracting that fluid!
without which life cr nnot exist at all ? We can
assure our readers, and we  speak from a  knowl-
edge of facts, that although blood letting, by re-
ducing vascular  fulness when  it exists °in >.oino
parti';'ilar part, may  givr  pi-pypnt  relirf. v,-f  ,t 
COSTIVENESS.               77
ultimately results, not only in an increased ten-
dency to the difficulty which it was employed
to remove, but in  many other  evil, and some-
times fatal consequences.  But what shall be
done under the circumstances described  above ?
We answer that the fulness about the  head' is \
produced, not  by  the existence of too much
blood in the system, but by causes that derange
the circulation and  destroy its equilibrium—
consequently all we have to do is to open the
pores,'recall the blood to the  extremities, and
prevent its return to the head.  The means to
be used are laxatives  or injections, diaphoretic
teas, vapor bath and other means to proefcace
sweating, bathing the feet in warm water, fric-
tion tn the surface, stimulating liniment to th ■>
extremities, and if necessary the course  of med-
icine.

                 COSTIVENESS.

  This is a very common a^endrmt up™ preg-
nancy in every stage,  nd is the cause of vnai^y
of the difficulties which females labor under dil-]
ring lhat period.  .It is •j > u-,ea by the picssmy'
of the woiilb, with}ts.,<'.• ;^ .cuts, npon the rectus.
  Management.—The br'.-t.-plan with which we"
are acquainted to regulate-jiliis ditiiculty, is'the
daily use  of injections.  These may be compo-
sed of boneset and cayenne, or nearly any warm
tea made stimulating with cayenne, or  number
six.   If the bowels are difficult to  move, a little 
78                  PILES.

oil may be added to the  injections, or salt and
water may be used for this purpose.
•  Those who prefer purgative medicines can
use some mild article of that class, in doses just
sufficient to move the bowels.  Active purging
should be avoided.
  Considerable attention should be given to the
diet.  The use of coarse  bread, drinking warm
tea, or eating parched corn, will aid very much
in regulating the bowels.

                    PILES.

  This  is caused, generally, by the costiveness
which prevails  during pregnancy, and  conse-
quently may be prevented, or removed, in most
cases, by the plan of treatment before recomen-
ded to keep the bowels regular.   Sometimes a
slight diarrhoea  sets in just at the commence-
ment of the piles.  When this is the case astrin-
gent  injections should be  used several times a
^ay.  They should be used also when there is
no diarrhoea, after the bowels are  regulated by
l'•« use  of laxatives, or laxative injections. In
■■'! eases number six should be added to the in-
■.'\. tions.
  Then the tumors are situated externally, and
   ome irritated and painful, an ointment may
ue made by simmering the roots  of  Solomons
Seal in  lard, and applied to the parts by means
of a soft linnen rag, to be worn while the diffi-
culty  lasts ; or the pile ointment  may be  used
for this purpose. 
BUrrREiSION OF URINE.
79
            SUPPRESSION OF URINE.

  " A difficulty of discharging urine sometimes
takes place during pregnancy in consequence of
the pressure of the womb  upon the urethra or
pipe of the  bladder    The consequences of a i
retention or stoppage of the urine are—a swel- I
ling of the bladder, attended  with great pain ; '
and if permitted to continue, will produce inffa- •
mation of the bladder and urethra, and some- \
times terminate in  death "
  Management.—Where the difficulty has exis-
ted some time, causing  pain  and  inflamation,
composition or some  other sweating tea should
be used until perspiration  becomes free ; at the
same time warm fomentations may be  applied
to the abdomen, the  individual may sit over a
vessel of steaming herbs, or the hip bath may-
be employed.  In addition to this, injections of
slippery elm or flaxseed tea may be thrown in-
to the vagina from time to time.
  If the urine be  entirely suppressed,  and  the
treatment, recomended  above does not imme-
diately restore it, the use of the catheter, for its
evacuation should be resorted to without delay.
  This is a very  simple instrument and may be
procured at any  drug store in the country,  nei-
ther does it require any  professional  skill to
employ it.   All that  is necessary is for  the indi-
vidual to lie  on her back, and  introduce  the
catheter into the passage leading to the  bladder 
60        PAIN IN THE SIDE—JAUNDICE.

and gently  push it  upwards und backwards,
changing the  direction somewhat as any resis-
tance is offered, until it enters the bladder.  If
the woman  should be unable to  introduce the
catheter herself, it may be done by her husband
or female associate.  A small goose quill with
a hole cut near the  end, and another near the
feather part has sometimes been used in place
of the catheter.

          PAIN IN THE SIDE--JAUNDICE.

  Pregnant women are sometimes affected with
pain in the  side, sick.'ess at  the  stomach, and
retching, the skin  assuming a deep yellow co-
lor.  It is only under these circumstances that
the complaint proves distressing, and it  is usu-
ally occasioned by the formation of one or more
gall-stones, and the  obstruction  which they op-
pose to the usual  and regular passage  of the
bile.  The means most conducive to relieve the
woman from this degree  of the complaint, are
warm  fomentations to  the  painful  parts, fre-
quent steamings and full and effectual courses
of medicine.
  Jaundice,  or any other  billious affection pre-
vailing during a state  of pregnancy from the
pressure  of  the uterus on the gall  bladder or
ducts, is  to  be obviated  by keeping the body
open with some gentle laxatives.— \Yorthy 
DISAGUKt.iBLF. ITCHING.           81
            DISAGREEAnLE ITCniNO.

  If disagreeable itching about the parts of gen-
c-ation  occur during  ])regnancy, the bowela
shouli be kept fee with  some mild  laxative,
and the parts perfectly clean by repeated wash-
ings with col 1  wa*er.   They  may  be washed
with a decoction of sumach leaves or bark, con-
taining a small quantity of number six; and a
portion of the same fluid  may be injected into
the vagina several times a day.—Seepruritisor
itching.

      INABILITY TO SLEEP AND RESTL.ESSNES9.

  Toward the latter pa"' of pregnancy, women]
are frequently much  troubled with restlessness,
and an inability to sleep.   This generally seemir
to be  caused by an involuntary starting or mo-
tion of the limbs, just as the individual appears
to be falling  into  a  pleasant slumber.  These
startings of the limbs  cont nue for  some time,
until at last, nature overcomes the difficulty, and
she fall> into a ref eshing sleep.
  Management.—The best method of relieving
this difficulty with which we are acquainted, is
the use of the vabor bath just before retiring to
bed.  The individual mav also drink freely of
composition tea,  or  which is better, a tea of
blue cohosh, partridge  berry, and nervine, mix-
ed together in equal proportions.  If the vapor 
 M          SWELLING OF THE LEOS.

 bath cannot be used, as a substitute, the indi-
 vidual  should  bathe  her feet in  warm wa-
 ter, at the same time drinking freeby of some
 diaphoretic tea, until free perspiration is pro-
 duced.

             SWELLING OF THE LKOrf.

   It is usual during  pregnancy, especially the
 latter end of it, for the feet and legs to swell.—
 Sometimes also the veins become considerably
 enlarged, presenting along the inside of the legs,
 towards  tne knees, a chain of  knots, of a blue
 color, which disappear  by using friction after
 lying down.  These swellings are caused by the
 pressure of the enlarged womb, which prevents
 the ready return of the fluids from the lower ex-
 tremities.
   Management.—Laxatives or injections to keep
 the bowels open, the use of the vapor bath, and
 stimulating linament applied to the extremities
 with considerable friction, constitute the best
 means to prevent the legs from swelling.  When
 the veins become enlarged a bandage, or roll,
 applied with a moderate degree  of firmness over
 the enlargement will give relief.

     OVER DISTENTION  OF THE ABDOMINAL SKIN.

   " In the latter months of pregnancy, the in-
teguments of the abdomen will  sometimes be-
come rracked and sore, the skin seeming to suf- 
PA1N8 IN THK 08  PCB14.
63
fer from over distension.  In this ca*e nothing
is so effectual as a frequent use of warn oil by
friction, and to give it somewhat of a medicated
appearance a little camphor may be added."

             PAINS  IN THE OS PUBIS.

  " In the advanced stages of pregnancy, some
women experience a severe pain in or about
the front bone3 of the pelvis, which is often ve-
ry distressing.  It appears to be caused by tho
continued  pressure of  the  womb  upon  those
bones, which becomes  the greater as gestation
advances.
  Treatment.—" The pain may often be relieved
by  the  vapor bath, or  by profuse sweating be-
fore the fire.  But the most effectual  relief is
obtained by supporting the belly with a band-
age, over the shoulders and around the  lower
part of the abdomen.  That part of the bandage
which supports the bowels should be broad, so
 as  to give  an equal support to  every part.  To
 apply the bandage, the woman should lie down,
 and place  it so as to be just of a suitable  length
 in  that position ; and  then when on her feet, it
 will support the  abdomen, and  prevent  the
 pressure upon the os pubis or front bones of the
 pelvis." 
64          ion. 1:0; — c.Nvrr.sio.NS.
                     LONGINCf.
y
     "When particular longings arpe in a s'atr-of
  pregr ancy, thry should, if  possible, always be
  gratified, as vvemen aie  apt to mi cam turn
  the anxiety they ccca.-kn when not hundred,
  as will as to cenvey seme dtfbimitv or  malfor-
  mation to the offspring, by  m;. LLa^cu^uLle
  morbid appetite."

                  CONVULSIONS.

    " Convulsions may occur either during preg-
  nancy or labor, and are of different kinds, requi-
  ring opposite treatment.  One species is the
  consequence of great exhaustion fro n a tedious
  labor, excessive fatigue, or proiuse hemorrhage.
  i his makes its attack without much warning,
 and generally alternates with fainting, or great
 feeling of depression of  strength and debility;
 the muscles about the face  and client  are chiefly
 affected, and the pulse is  small, frequent, and
compressible, the face j r.le, the  eves sunk, ami
extremities cold.  The tits  succeed  each ether
pretty quhkly, and  \evy toen terminate in a
laial tvneope.
  ;' In all cases of this nature, it should be our
object to check the further operation of the ex-
citing cause, by restraining hemorrhage, if pres.
cut, or preventing every kind  of exertion;  and
thus hutband tU strength  which remains, or 
                 CONVULSIONS.              C9

 recruit it by cordials :—liberal doses of pepper
 tea will  be of infinite service.''
   Hysterical convulsions are not so dangerous
 a< other species are.   These occur more fre-
 quently  during gestation  than labor, and have
 already  been remarked on.
   "The  species of puer^end convulsions most
 generally met with, bears some likeness to epi-
 hptic  fits ; and it is only by being aware of the
 different  degrees of violence attending each,
 that at first sight we can  distinguish them.  A
 fit of  puerperal convulsions is much more se-
 vere than one  of epilepsy, and a paroxysm of
 the former is usually so violent, that a woman,
 who when in health was by no  means strong,
 has been so convulsed as to shalve the whole
 room,  nnd t"> ivsi-t the coercive power of many
 attendant-'.   Zvo  force  indeed can  restrain  a
 woman  when in those convulsions.  The  dis-
 tortion of her countenance is beyond conception;
 in regard to deformity  of countenance, nothing
 bears  rcemblan e  to  the progress of this  dis-
 ea-e ;  the rapidity  with which the  eyes open
 an I shut, and the :?udd( n twL lings cf the mouth,
 are inccnci ivable M.d  f.igh'ful/'
   Pu'-rp  ral convul ions seldom  occur  before
 the sixth month, but may  happen any time af-
ter that.   They may arise, as the  first symptom
of labor, or alter the  labor is finished.  Thev
depend on the state of the  uterus, and occur
oftencr during the first pregnancy than subse->
qucnt ones. 
  SO               CON'VCLSIC-NS.

   " The characteristics of puerperal convulsions
 are as follows :—The paroxysms occur periodi-
 cally like labor pains, so that there is consider-
 able space between them at first, but afterwards
 they become  more  frequent.  They  not only
 occur with the labor pains, bnt in the intervals
 between  ; and whether there have been labor
 pains or  not before they come on, wc shall usu-
 ally find  the os  uteri somewhat dilated, and k
 sure to become still more so  from the continu-
 ance of  these convulsions.   At  length if the
 woman is not relieved, and the convulsions con-
 tinue without  destroying life, the child is actu-
 ally expelled by  the  contraction of the  uterus,
 which power is capable of expelling it even af-
 ter death.
 _ "The immediate symptoms  arc somewhat
 similar to those of the epileptic paroxysm.  The
 woman suddenly  loses all  sensation, and stretch-
 es herself out; the  muscles  then become  ex-
 tremely rigid,  and are   speedily  afterwards
 thrown into violent convulsions, the face is dis-
torted, the eyes are protruded, she gnashes her
teeth and foams at  tho  mouth.   After the par-
oxysm is over,  she remains in  a comatose state,
and has stertorious  breathing, similar  to what
takes place in  appoplexy.  At length,  except
in very aggravated cases, she slowly comes to
herself, but without being conscious that she has
been in a  fit.   During the  lit  the skin becomes
dark  and purple,   proving  that the  circu-
lation  through the  lungs  is not  free,  which 
OONVCl.SluNS.
87
purple color leaves the woman after  the  fit is
over.  By the introduction of the hand into the
uterus when these convulsions have come on, it
has been ascertained that this organ is contrac-
ted, but with a tremulous undetermined sort of
force perfectly different from what takes place
at any other time.
  "There  are  two cases of puerperal colvu'-
pions which are very distinct; one  is  a convul-
pion  dependent on'an  irritable or  excitable
state of the nervous system : the other on a ful-
ness of the vessels of the brain, or perhaps a
slight extravasation from the vessels thereof.—
In a woman strongly disposed to this complaint
from such a cause, there  will be a sense of grc; t
fulness in the head, giddiness in the  advanced
periods of  pregnancy, drowsiness and a sen.>; -
tion of weight when'she  stoops forward, imper-
fect vision, and atoms floating before her eyes.
These if allowed to continue, may  lead to ex-
travasation or  puerperal convulsions,  but if
early attended  to may be removed;  and prema-
ture labor prevented."
  Management.—Whenever a pregnant woman
experiences  symptoms  like  those  described
above, indicating a liability to be affected with
convulsions, she ought to lose no time in neg-
lect of the  use of such means as are calculated
to prevent  an occurrence so  alarming in its na-
ture.   Measures should  immediately  be taken
t-> relieve the fidness of the  vessels about  the
ueud, by the use of laxatives or injections con- 
68
CONVULSIONS.
taining cayenne, bathing the feet in warm wa-
ter, applying  liniment with  friction to  the ex-
tremities, and the u-»- of the vapor bath, diapho-
retic teas, and other means heretofore described,
to produce sweating.  After free prespi ationia
effected an emetic of lobelia should be admin-
istered  in mild doses—the woman in the mean
time lying in bed—and being kept in a sweat-
ing condition.   After the emetic  she may con-
tinue the daily use of composition tea, or spice
bitters, containing half as much nervine, paying
proper  attention to keep the bowels regular —
'J his treatment should be persevered in, and the
emetic  occasionally repeated until the difficulty
is entirely removed.
   When convulsions actually occu", we should
commence the  treatment by  rubbing  the ex-
tremities and surface with the  stimulating lini-
ment, combined with an equal quantity of third
preparation.  In the  mean time the third-prepa-
ration should be administered in doses of two or
three tea-spoon-fuls, and  repeated every few
minutes until relief is obtained.  Injections, al-
so, containing a large quantity of cayenne, ad-
ministered to  the bowels, have a powerful in-
fluence in quieting the irregular  action of the
muscles.
   As soon as the convulsions abate, the follow-
ing, or some similar preparation, may be admin-
istered until copious perspiration  is produced;
and then followed with an emetic, or if neces-
sary, a  course of medicine.  Take blue cohosh 
ABORTION.
89
and sculcap or lady's  slipper,  each two parts
cayenne one part,—mix. Dose, a tea-spoon-ful
made into tea, and repeated frequently, accor
ping to symptoms.
  If the jaws are locked during a convulsion the
third preparation* may be administered in v. am
water by injection; or it may be poured  into
the mouth through the  teeth, and as soon  as it
comes in contact with the parts about the root
of the tongue  the rigidity of the muscles will
give way.   If  flooding occur, either before  or
after the' convulsions, it should be treated  with
cayenne, astringents, ccc,  as reccmended  in
abortion.
  After the convulsions are removed care should
be taken to correct any tendency to their return.
The bowels should be kept regular, the system
invigorated with the use ot the usual tonics and
stimulants;  and the course of medicine, and
other means heretofore recomended to estab-
lish general health, should he employed acco d-
ing to circumstances.   The preparation of blue
cohosh, sculcap and cayenne mentioned above,
taken three or four times daily, would be high-
ly beneficial under these circumstances.

                  ABORTION.

   By abortion or  miscarriage  is meant the ex-
pulsion of the foetus at a period of gestation so

  * If th e third prcpnn.tioi, cam ot be h (I I- bt-liu in any oth-
 er form mriy be usid cuiubiiiid v kit caymnc and  lurvmc. 
90
ABORTION.
 early that it cannot live, that is before the sev-
 enth month, after this it is called premature la-
 bor.  It most commonly occurs about the third
 or fourth month of pregnancy, but may happen
 at any other period.
   Causes.—Violent exertions of strength, severe
 exercise, fatigue, blows,  falls, sudden fright,
 general disease, active purging, excessive vene-
 ry,  former miscarriages,  great  uneasiness  of
 mind,  uncommon  longings, &c.   Sometimes.
 abortion is caused by the  use of medicines giv-
 en with that intention, as  savin hellebore, ivo.
 Such efforts, however, not only involve a crimi-
 nal act of great magnitude, but greatly endan-
 ger the health and life of the woman.
   " Abortions are  often preceded by  a general
 sense of coldness, flaccidity of the breasts, slight
 pains in the loins and  lower part of the belly
 and sometimes with a slight febrile state of the
 system.  In plethoric habits, and when abortion
 proceeds from over-action or hemorrhagic acti< n
 of the uterine, vessels, the  fever  is idiopathic.
 and precedes  the hremorrhage.  After a short
 continuance  of these  symptoms  a  slight  dis-
 charge of blood  ensues, coming  sometimes in
 clots, and  at others gushing  out  in a florid
 stream, then stopping  perhaps for a short time,
 and again returning violently.
  " When  the  pregnancy is advanced beyond
the third month, and abortion is likely to en-tie,
we have much bearing  down, together with  a
derangement of the stomach causing skknc-? 
ABCienoN.                91
 and faintnes, and we have likewise a most rap-
 id discharge of blood, owing  to the increased
 size of the vessels.  In this stage the membranes
 often give way. and the foetus  escapes with the
 liquor amnii, whilst the rest of the ovum is re-
 tained for some hours, or even days, when it is
 at length  expelled with coagulated blood.  In
 some instances the whole  ovum comes away
 entire.  After  the expulsion  the  hemorrhage
 ceases, and is succeeded by a discharge some-
 what resembling the lochia."
  There is  a  great diversity in  the symptoms
 that precede and accompany abortion in differ-
 ent instances.   Sometimes the pains are severe
 and long  continued;  at other times  they  are
 short and  trifling.  In  some  cases the hemor-
 rhage is profuse and alarming;  in others  it is
 moderate or inconsiderable.   The same diversi-
 ty exists in reference to the duration of a miscar-
riage, for whilst many require only a few hours,
 and a majority not more than two or three days to
 complete the process, instances occur, in which
abortion  is  threatened  for  a long time,  and
weeks elapse before it takes place.
  In some in tances the child is dead some time
ir'fore the pains come on, and there are particu-
lar  changes and  feelings  that indicate an ap-
proaching miscarriage.   In   these cases  the
morning sickness ceases, the breasts subside, no
motion of the child is  perceived, and a sensa-
tion of dead weight, and  coldness, is  experien-
ced in the lower part of the belly. 
02
ABORTION.
   Sometimes a hemorrhage vyholly internal, pro-
 ceeds to a  considerable extent before an abor-
 tion takes place.   This is not so easy to detect.
 In general  the patient becomes pale, exhausted,
 and faint, with a dark color under the eyes, and
 a quick and weak  pulse.  She  complains of
 lassitude, slight shiverings, a dull pain in the
 pelvis, weight about  the rectum, tightness in the
 upper part of the belly, and perhaps a difficultj
 in voiding urine, &c, with reaction at intervals.
 The uterine tumor, if above the pelvis, is unu-
 sually tense, and  larger than the supposed pe-
 riod of  pregnancy  would warrant.   After a
 while  the distention  of the uterus excites con-
 traction, the membranes give way, and  the fee-
 tus is lost.
   The danger in abortion is always proportion-
 ed to the loss of blood.  Generally speaking the
 flooding is  less the  nearer  ge&tation is to ita
 completion.
   Management.—When  abortion  is  threatened,
 but the fcetas is not yet expelled, our aim should
 be to prevent miscarriage  if possible.  The pa-
 tient should be directed to keep  quiet  in bed,
 and have a steanin^;  brick placed to her feet,
 and-another to her back or bowels,  i-he should
 also drink freely of composition tea containing
 an additional quantity of cayenne—or if there
is  considerable pain, the anodyne powders com-
bined  with  cayenne, or astringents combined
with cayenne and  nervines may be used. 
ABORTION.
93
  Should there be considerable flooding, large
and repeated doses of astringent teas combined
with cayenne, or cayenne alone, should be ad-
ministered.  The following form of combining
these articles is given as a sample : Cranesbill,
Bethroot, and Cayenne—equal parts.  Dose, a
terspoonful—repeated every few minutes accor-
ding to circumstances.  In connection with the
above treatment, stimulating injections  to the
bowels,  and astringent injections to the vagina,
should be employed according to circumstances.
Emetics, also, and the vapor bath, in  conse-
quence of their equalizing tendency, have been
highly recommended in cases of ffooding.  \\ e
are  quite certain, however, that  if astringents
and stimulants, are employed in connection with
other parts of the treatment here advised, emet-
ic's will  seldom be needed.
   But if abortion has taken place, or seems un-
avoidable, we should then endeavor to allay tho
most dangerous symptoms,  and conduct the
woman through the process with as little injury
as possible.  If the  hemorrhage is slight, and
the  pains increase  and expel the ovum, little
treatment will be necessary.  If the fcutus alone
be expelled, and not  macU flooding ensue, we
should  give compositson or  cayenne  tea, and
wait for the  contraction cf the w mb to expel
 the secundincs.  If flooding becomes dangerous,
 the means recommended above should be vigor-
 ously employed, and persevered in, until the
 dnn-'W i* re-novel.  In the meantime much 
94                ABOP.TJON.
advantage may be gained by the application of
friction  to the abdom< n  by briskly rubbing
the hand over it, and attempting as it were to
grasp the uterus by closing the fingers upon it.
r hould  these means fail to arrest the flooding, a
full course of medicine may be admini. tered.ai d
followed  with cayenne and  astringents.  Fe-
males who are disposed to abort every time they
become pregnant, should pay particular atten-
tion to  themselves while  in  that state—since
frequent abortitns necessarily prove hurtful in
a high degree.  They should not enly live apart
from their husbands, and avoid every other cause
of miscarriage, but should al-o attend carefully
to the general health  aiid strength, duiing tho
whole period  of pregnancy,  'ihe means to be
used may  consist of light  courses of medicine,
repeated occasionally ; laxatives or injections;
f pice bitters, or compositieu, &c.
  We are aware that the treatment here rec-
ommended, especially  in  ta-cs  of  flooding, i:
directly opposed to the plau commonly pursued
—and we kuow, also, that its safety and effi-
ciency equally contract with the harshness and,
uncertainly of popular likr.^gcivu^t.  We have
often been a ton:.-bed at the w^.;t of philosophy
which is  maniiestcd in many of the so-tailed
scientific methods of cure which prevail in mod-
em times.  In fact we fear not  to  hazard the
opinion, that  the great mass of  till that is re-
corded in medical  books, or taught  in popular
medical schools, relating to the cure of disease, 
ABORTION.                95
is  not only wrong in principle, but dangerous,
and frequently fatal in practice.  The case un-
der consideration furnishes an illustration of this
truth, so  plain and simple as to be within the
comprehension  of the weakest intellect.  The
conditions existing in uterine hemorrhage, are
simply a relaxed state of the womb, and a strong
tendency of blood to that part.  Every one who
has ever witnessed a case of this  kind knows
that the  extremities are cold, and the  surface
dry and contracted, in  consequence of the re-
cession of blood from those parts.   Under these
circumstances the indications of cure are fulfil-
led by affording to the womb a proper stimulus
to aid its contraction, in connection with the use
of means to recal the blood to  the surface and
extremities—thus relieving the determination to
the womb which is the cause of flooding—for it
should be  remembered  that  no considerable
hemorrhage can ensue while a perfect equilibri-
um of the  circulation exists.  Bearing  these
things in mind, let us turn our attention to tho
customary management of such cases in scien-
tific hands.  When hemorrhage occurs, it is cus-
tomary to place the woman in a cool room, keep
her lightly covered, give her cold drinks, apply
ice or cloths dipped in cold water to the belly
and back,  and not unfrequently, although the
uterine drain may be fast wasting the vital flu-
id, venesection is practiced, and the lancet opens
another  channel through  which the  stream of
lifc.mm' speedily flow.  "hat.  thii treatment w 
90
ABORTION.
 wrong must  be evident to any reflecting  mind
 at once.   The application of cold water, under
 the  circumstances, cannot fail to increase the
 constriction of the surface, and drive the  blood
 with greater  force to the relaxed and  bleeding
 womb.  This state of things must  necessarily
 continue, under such management,  until  com-
 plete exhaustion is produced, the heart and ar-
 teries cease their action, and the alarmed and
 shivering sufferer faints with the loss of blood.
 The result is, either the individual dies at once,
 or possibly the reacting power of nature rallies
 its energies, and in its  last effort  at resistance
 the  womb  contracts, the  bleeding ceases, and
 the  circulation  becomes  in  a great  measure
 equalized.  But the consequences  are not yet
 over.  A long season of debility follows, during
 which is often laid the foundation of obstinate
 and chronic maladies,  that render future  life a
 scene of suffering and distress.
   I low beautifully does the botanic  practice
 contrast with  these barbarities.  The applica-
 tion  of warmth  and friction  to the surface and
 extremities, invites the blood to those parts, fil-
 ling their emptied and ecu. fricted vessels ;  while
 the u: e  of stimulants  and  astringents  inter-
 nally, stimulates the womb to conlrnct, and at
the sane time aids  in producing a speedy equi-
 '"- '-i  i • f  he  circula U.n.   The recovery is
i-ci^Lx and certain under such  management." No
lingering debility ensues as its consequence, no
tedicus maladies  follow m it*  train. 
     GENERAL MANAGEMENT OF PREGNANT WOMEN.   97

   Should it be objected that stimulants, especi-
 ally cayenne  pepper, accelerate the circulation
 of blood, and consequently must  increase  the
 hemorrhage, we  reply that cayenne pepper is
 a healthy and diffusible stimulant, acting in per-
 fect harmony with the living principle—that its
 natural effect, uneier all circumstances, when ta-
 ken into the stomach, is to relieve any local ten-
 dency of the blood, and at the same time impart
 tone and energy to the different organs.  As
 soon, therefore,  as the system is brought under
 its influence,  not only the  circulation becomes
 free, but the  uterus, in the case we have been
 considering, contracts, and the mouths of its
 bleeding vesscL become  clcsed as in their nor-
 mal state.  We can assure our readers that this
 is not speculation.   We  have seen the plan of
 treatment here  recommended, applied in the
 most obstinate ca.-es. and always with prompt
 and certain  effect.  We have never known it
 fail in a single- instance.

    GENERAL MANAGEMENT OF I'USG>. AM WOMEN.

   Having noticed those particular difficulties +o
 which  pregnant women  arc no^e  or less suh-
ject, we proceed, in  a brie f .<••(■'• iu.h. to present
 ■ oine general ri.Ic.yfcr thii.  u.aua^t men! v.-die
 in that tondititn.
   1. The  pregnant woman should eb. me the
strictest temperance and regularity in  diet,
bleeping, exercise and amusements.  We do 
 £>S  GENERAL .MANAGr.MKNT Or PRKSNANT WOMKN.

 not mean by temperance that she should deprive
 herself of a reasonable and healthy amount of
 food—all that  nature may require for the de-
 mand made upon it under existing circumstan-
 ces.   It  is only meant  that she  should avoid
 overtasking the digestive organs, sek'ct hei di-
 et from those articles of food which she knows
 to agree  with her, and take her meals at regular
 and usual hours.  Similar remarks may apply
 to sleeping and exercise.  Especially should she
 avoid late hours at night, and  rise early in the
 morning.
   2.  Over heating and irregular passions should
 be avoided, and a composed and cheerful state
 of mind be preserved.   To this rule it is hardly
 possible to attach too much importance.   The
 licallh and safety of the  mother is liable to be
 materially affected by aa indulgence in gloomy
 forebodings, or  fearful anxiety in reference to
 the termination of her present condition.   The
 same may be raid  concerning  the influence of
 exciting passions, of any  kind.  And  not  only
 is  the safety of the mother influenced by the ob-
 servance of this rule, but the welfare of the child
 is  more or less connected with the  state of mind
 existing in the woman during pregnancy.   Nu-
 merous examples might be cited, in illustration
of the influence, which particular mental states
of the mother  exercise  over the  mental  and
physical condition of the  child.  We have not
space, however, to refer to proofs of this kind in
the pre-cnt instnricr.   \Y? ^il|  onlv rritTnte 
    UENERAL :fVXA«EMF.NT OF PRF.ONANT WOMEN.   99

the sentiment, that mothers may expect to im-
press on the moral nature of their offspring, in
some degree at least, those traits of character
which arc  most active  in themselves  during '•
pregnancy.
  3. «• The hazard of shocks from falls, in walk-
ing and riding; and from bruises in crowds ; of
frights from bustle, &c., should be avoided with
the utmost circumspection."
  4. The dress of pregnant women ought to be I
loose and ca.-y. and adapted to the existing sea
son of the year,   'j hey should be accommoda-
ted with  free, pure air, be gratified in all rea-
sonable  tLiii-s.. and have  their spirits  kept up;
by a variety of objects and agreeable  company.
  £>. The  L-owt Is, al-o, should be kept in a heal-
thy and  regular condition, by the ute of injec-
tions, or luiutivet, if a disposition to coitiveness
prrv-nils.
  6. Id  o^i'i^u i.o the  abive, the application
*">! the vnpor bath once a ^'ck; and of frequent
wai-hta to the whole surface, wi*; be of particu-
lar benefit.   Li: i eciully should the feet aud ex-
tremitios he Ivy-i warm, and the gem-rai circu-
lation free,  if oli;t-r :.w<n^ Jail to preserve a
comfortal.^ st^tc of hca.ih; courses of medicine
should be aJi a metered at appropriate intervals
-r-aooomp^akU .v/iiL the intenucai&ui use of
iomes, d:o. JjOV4.iL the latter  pu:l  of pier;-
fcacoy ihe fjjj^ing compound  may  be'used.
with great benefit..  It «ill not oniy remove ma-
ny  of \h<>iv di: agreeable symptoms which  pre- 
 100             FLFO.T ALB73.

 vail at that time, but will enable the woman to
 pass with ease and safety through the process of
 delivery.   Take unicorn, blue cohosh, red rasp-
 berry  leaves, and  flax  seed, equal  parts by
 weight, pound together  in a mortar, and mix.
 Dose, a table spoon-ful in a pint of boiling wa-
 ter, to be taken at three times, morning, noon,
 and night.
  7. When complaints of common kinds occur,
they should be treated as under other circum-
stances.  No danger may be apprehended from
the use of botanic remedies during pregnancy.
They arc safe  under all circumstances.
               CHAPTER IV.

LOCAL DISEASES AFFECTING THE FEMALE ORGANS 07

                 GENERATION.

   FYcor  ALXvs.—(LcurorrhcM.)—This  com-
plaint, commonly called th?  whiles, is  cne to
whieh females are  extremely subject, and oho
tha* proves very troublesome, e.v;eeiaily to per-
sons of delicate constitutions—in its aggravated
form soon prostrating the vital cnergir"?, andob- 
                ri,m A'.DJJ.              131

literatin r  every  tra:o  of  beauty i:i  th3 flne.t
cauntenan -e.
  Leucho  vh c:i may be define 1 a di.-or.'ere 1 sr>
cretioi of  a .nicus, orsero-nucus \\\\\ 1, from tho
uterus ail \arina  of  wornr-n  a Lin.r  from  a
wea'caesj  o-  debility of those parts  sometimes
fro n irrita i'n or chronic  inila.na:i:n  of their
lining me.nbrane.
  Sjj')i/)!o-as.~This disorder first  fhows itclf in
a diwha -*2 from the vagina of a  fluid, generally
white, but sometimes of a  brown, grc( n, or yel-
low-hue.  Li so j,». persons this di charge re-
sembles sta-oh mixed with a mucilaginous fluid.
So.neu.nes it pre en's  the appearance  of pu;,
and has the property of corroding the part; with
whi;h  it cones  in  contact.  TJ.-ually  the  dis-
charge is white and inoflemive at first, but ac-
quires  its  dhferent  discoloration^, and  v;triou3
degrees of acrimony, as the complaint advances.
  "In  point  of  quantity,  nl-.o, great diversity
occurs in diTerent ca os.   In some instances it
is so moderate as hardly to occasion any incon-
venience,  whil t in  other  ea es  the evacuation
is extremely  copious.  When the di charge  13
very profuse, and of an aciid quality, the exter-
nal parts of the genital organs become red, swol-
len, and painful, and this  state of the initaiion
usually extends into the vagina, and e\ en to the
mouth of  the womb, rendering the whole  pas-
sage, an I  especially the os  tincce, very tender
to the touch."
  ThOwC tLLwha.oCj a.e aLo aacompanied witli 
nro-a alscs.
 a variety of disagreeable symptoms, whose se-
 verity is proportioned to the violence or contin-
 uance of the disorder.   These may be manifes-
 ted in a sensation of weight in the lower part of
 the abdomen, which is  followed by coldness of
 the extremities, pains in the back and loins, las-
 •itude, cholic pains, depraved appetite, indiges-
 tion, head-ache, acidity  of the stomach, palpita-
 tion of the heart, dizziness and general debility.
   If the disease is suffered to continue the inju-
 rious impression which  it makes upon the gen-
 eral health  usually becomes  more and  more
 marked; the discharges increase  in quantity
 and purulency ; and the relaxation and languor
 of the muscular  system are more troublesome.
 At length, in the worst cases, the debility be-
 comes so great that the slightest  exertion is
  ainful, producing palpitation of the heart, and
  urried breathing, the digestive powers become
 exceedingly weak, and  the pulse  irritated and
 feeble; sometimes nausea and  vomiting occur,
 and finally hectic fever  and rapid emaciations
 arise.
   Fortunately, however, cases  of  the  violent
 character described  above, rarely occur, though
 in  all  protracted  states of the  complaint the
 general health suffers,  and  a  variety  of disa-
 greeable and painful symptoms follow.
   Leucorrhaea, also, seldom fails to make  a de-
 cided change in the appearance of the skin and
 o mntenance of the  individual  affected with it.
The face and lips are pale, the eyes surrounded 
rLDOR ALBVt.             ttt
 with a dark  circle, the eye-lids swollen;  and
 the whole features present an air of languor and
 dejection.
    Women who are troubled with the whites to
 any considerable extent, are usually barren.-—
 In fact, where the discharge is very great, it
 may be doubted vvdiether conception  can take
 place at all.  In such cases the menses are gen-
 erally suppressed,  and  in  all  cases  they are
 more or less irregular.
    Causes of  Lcucorrhcea.—The  fellowing  are
 generally supposed to  be  the  most  common
 causes of this complaint: excessive sexual in
 dulgnnce, difficult labors or improper manage
 ment during  parturition, falling of the  womb,
 tight lacing, depressing mental emotions, sup-
 pressed piles,  self pollution, abuse of ^emmena- '"
vgogues, indolent habits, severe labor, atmosphe-
 ric changes, the use of spirituous liquors, exces-
 ses of  different kinds,  drastic  purging, <fcc—
 Leucorrhoea is also frequently caused  by ascar>
 ides, or worms, in  the  rectum,  and  irritating
 substances in the vagina, &c.
   This complaint is generally limited to the pe-
 riod of life during which females menstruate,
 though persons of all  ages, even children, art
 sometimes subject to it.
   Management.—The following outline of treat-
 ment embraces the general principles that should
 govern us in the cure of leucorrhcBa.
    1. Attention to the Cause.—If it depends npom
 the habits, mode of living, or any irregularities 
 o" t'n patient, en lenvor a? fa?  m possible to
 c >.vect the con lition; whi'j'i pro luce it; ifit is
 conneeted with '-> al irritation as wormi in the
 rectum, or some irritating sub tance in the va-
 gina, a removal of the can e by  the u-:e of ap-
 propriate means, w:ll generally eficct a cure.
   5>. Attention to fie Ucn-ral health.—If there is
 much general derangement, the  tou/sonf  mdi-
 cine* should be reported to, an J repeated as cir-
 cims-anses may rc]uLe.  If the liver is  afiec
 t3d, or the  bowels irregular, u.-.e  pill» cf extract
 of Loneset,  thickened w.th  cayenne, three or
 fjur tines a day, anJ bathe the  side with lini-
 ment;.  Infections to the bowel j, aLo, will !.e of
 sarvbe in such ea it.   If there i-; present ner-
 vous derangement, use  the  nervine tincture, or
 a tea of S2ul-cap.   If the extremities are cold,
 bathe them in warm water  frequently, anJ  rub
 them with liniment.
   3.  Tie use  of Astringent tori'cs,  c\c.—There
 may con.i^t of the astringent tonic con.po'/nd, fe-
 male res'orafives, eye.  The following compound
 also, ii highly etUemcd in  this ec mj.laint —
 Unicorn, goLen n al poplar baik, l.avbeny find
 mynh in equal qi antities all tine ly pulwriied
 and mixed ; dose, half a t< a pocnf'J in a little
 cell water every four hour.-.
   4.  Astringent Inject nns per Vnzinvm —T1;C"C
 may censi-t cf a fct.eng c!rcerii<-n cf s.rme \<jr-
 ttable astrin,(n%  as wikh-!i; ;ie. e  «vcs hill,
cak  bark, bedi root, &c, with  the addilicn of
a small quantity of  number six.  They should 
FLtJOR ALBUS.              105
  be employed three or four times a day.   If the
  discharge from  the  vagina is of  considerable
  quantity; or of an acrid nature, care should be
  taken to keep the parts well cleansed by injec-
  ting into them a quantity of mild soap suds, be-
  fore  using the astringent application.
   5. Incidental Mians.—In connection with the
  above, there are other things that  may profita-
  bly receive our attention, such as sponging the
  thighs  and loins with cold water  every morn-
  ing, saline washes, friction with the flesh brush,
  using proper diet and exercise,  wearing  the
 strengthening plaster  over  the small of  the
 back, &c.
   There are a number of simple articles which
 are  highly esteemed  in the  cure  of this com-
 plaint, as beth  root,  unicorn, dog: wood blows,
 Solomons seal, bal am fir, &c.  The latter may
 be made into  pills with cayenne; dose,  three
 pills, three or four times a day.
   In mild cases the course of medicine may be
 omitted, using other parts  of the treatment  as
 here recommended, according to circumstances.

   falling of tiie womb.—(Prolapsus uteri.)

   Falling of the womb is a  displacement of that
organ downwards; and it may be complete, or
incomplete.
   When the pr< lapsus  is complete, the womb
falls down so far as to protrule th.o.i^h the ex-
ternal parts, and hang betwen the thighs in the 
ICO              FLUOR ALBCS.
  shape of a large fleshy mass, or tumor; when
  incomplete, it projects more or less into the va-
  gina, but dees not descend through the lower
  strait.
    This complaint has generally been  divided,
  by writers on the subject, into three degrees or
  varieties, each  marked  by symptoms  in part
  common to all, and in part peculiar to the par-
  ticular stage.
    The first degree consists of a slight depression,
  or settling down  of the womb into the vagina,
 which it enlarges to make space for itself there-
 in.   The symptoms are a dull pain in the loins,
 a dragging sensation about the groins, a sense of
 weight at the  fundament, and a bearing down,
 which is increased by walking, or standing long
 on  the feet.   In  a  vaginal  examination  the
 womb may be felt, in  the form of a tumor which
 can, without difficulty, be  raised upwards by
 the  finger, but falls down again upon removing
 the  pressure.   The nature of the tumor  can ea-
 sily be determined by  the  presence of the os
 uteri, which may be found turned towards the
 sacrum, (lower part of the  back bone,) and down
 nearly midway in the  vagina, which is drawn
 down  from the upper part, and partially in-
 verted.
   The second stage of Prolapsus is attended with
 symptoms that differ somewhat, according as it
is produced suddenly, or otherwise.   When it is
produced suddenly, it is frequently accompanied
with protracted faintings,  violent f.oodings, se- 
FLUon ALBUS.
107
 vere pains in the pelvis, vomiting, Arc.  On the
 other hand, when the displacement takes place
 slowly, these phenomena are seldom witnessed.
   In this degree of the complaint the womb de
 scends so low into the vagina, that the woman
 becomes sensible of the presence of a tumor so
 near the external passage, that it seems ready
 to escape whenever she makes any considerable
 exertion.  Besides this,  she  experiences, to  a
 greater or less degree, severe pains in the groins,
 and  lower part of  the belly, bearing down,  a
 difficulty in standing or  sitting, and sometimes
 nausea and vomiting.  To these symptoms may
 be added extreme  costiveness, and a difficulty,
 or impossibility of passing urine, without  first
 lying down and pressing up the tumor.   These
 difficulties are caused by  the  pressure  of the
 womb upon the bladder and rectum.
  If  an internal examination  be made while
 the woman is in the standing posture, the womb
 will be found low down in the vagdnal passage.
 The  only danger  of mistake in  such cases,  is
 that  of  confounding the fallen uterus with  a
 fungus tumor of the cervix uteri, or a polypus oi
 the womb.  These mistakes may be avoided by
 remembering that a tumor constituted by a  pro-
 lapsed womb, is harder and more sensitive than
 polypus; and that the o< uteri, which can al-
 ways be distinguished in the  lower part  of the
mass, is  never simulated by any opening which
may exist in other tumors.  Besides this, the tu-
mor formed by the fallen uterus is shaped like 
108             FLUOR ALBUS.
 an inverted cone, sma'I below and large above;
 while a polypus is always  Jargest at its lower
 extremity—being usually suspended by a small
 pedicle, or neck.
   In the third degree of this complaint the pro-
 lapsus becomes complete, and  the fallen womb
 hangs between the thighs, ha\ ing dragged down,
 in its descent,  the vagina which is turned inside
 out, together wiih the bladder, and a portion of
 the rectum.
   As soon as the  prolapsus becomes complete,
 those symptoms which are earned by the pres-
 sure of the womb upon the  bladder and rectum
 disappear, and the water and ttools are pasted
 without  difficulty,  but although mete ^ymp•
 toms are relieved by  the complete  descent of
 the uterus, the others described  asbt longing to
 this disea-e, are aggravated  t > a painful degree.
   In addition  to  these  things, the  projecting
 womb sometimes becomes auected with viohnt
 pain, and occasions copious hemorihage.   It,
 also, in consequence of being ccmtantly mois-
 tened with urine, and exposed to the continued
 friction of the dress  and thighs, becomes irrita-
 ted, swollen, excoriated, and sometimes gan
 grenous.
   Prolapsus uteri is most common among mar-
 ried women but is sometimes found in virgins.
 In all cases, when of long standing, it does not
 fail to  cany with it  certain evidences of con-
stitutional derangement, and general ill health. 
PROLArBXIS UTERI.
101
   Causes.—The causes of this  complaint, are
 pressure upon the belly by tight lacing, violent
 exercise as dancing or jumping while menstru-
 ating, hard labor or  lifting, especially  while
 pregnant,  excessive vcnery, falls, walking or
 exercise too soon after confinement, frequent
 miscarriages;  but  perhaps the most common
 one is mismanagement during labor,  'ihe use
 offeree, in such  cases, under the pretence of
 rendering a*.si.>tance, has made painful  and un-
 hapby the  life  of many an interesting female,
 who has unfortunately fallen into the hands of
 those scienffic. )*< t unsuccessful, improvers up-
 on nature's operations, called regular doctors.
  'i he circumstances that predispose a person
 to this difficulty,  are  a natural  largeness or
 shortness of the vagina, excessive dimen-ionsof
 the prlris, tumors formed  upon the womb chro-
 nic leucorih(ea. living  en  poor weak diet or in
 low damp situations, a sudden or habitual state
 of emaciation, debility, occ.

                  TRLA-'vr.NT

  1. In mill rass.—In the  fi-s-t  ?1;;:;e  <f ibis
complaint, w!  en  not v e-y tiOuUe-ome  a eve
may gener;-I!y  be efrctcd by c«ri< fne^'-'  and the
U'e,jevc:'nl 'iuie.- a day. of a t iii^rni in'ection.s
per \a,'inum together v\ith compo itirn t( a j er
stoma-h and other means to promote sweating.
  2. In scveic cases.—When  the derangement is
of long standing, or of a more troublesome char- 
110
PROLAPSUS UTERI.
 acter, it will  be necessary to use means more
 energetic than those above, and so selected as
 to  meet  the  following indications: to restore
 the prolapsed womb to its  natural position, to
 prevent a recurrence of the displacement, and
 to regulate the general health.  These means
 must necessarily, therefore, be both of local and
 general application.
   The general treatment should be of a tonic and
 equalizing  character, and may consist of light
 courses of medicine,  astringent tonics, washes,
injections to  the bowels, sponging the  thighs
 and loins with cold water,  <fcc, as recommen-
 ded in  leucorrhaea.  This treatment should be
 persevered  in until  the general health is fully
restorred.
   The local treatment is designed  to effect the
restoration  of the womb to its normal situation,
and prevent  its descent, by the application  of
proper remedies to the parts locally implicated,
their  operation  being aided by the mechanical
action of other appliances, that are designed to
give artificial support to the  prolapsed organ,
until  it has acquired sufficient firmness to  ren-
der foreign  assistance unnecessary.
  Generally speaking, it is  a matter of  only
trilling difficulty  to  restore  the womb to  its
proper position, when  the prolapsus is in the
first or second stage, and  unaccompanied with
other derangements.  All that is necessary is
for  the woman to lie on her  back, with her hips
elevated somewhat higher than the other parts 
               PROLAPSUS UTERI.             111

of her body, when the womb will of  its own
accord, fall back to  its proper  situation.   If
necessary the reduction may be  assisted by in-
troducing a finger into the vagina, and pushing
the tumor gently upwards to its natural position
in the pelvis.
   Having restorred the womb to its natural sit-
uation, its retention in that position should be
promoted by the application of a bandage, or
uterine supporter, so adjusted as  to exert a mod-
erately firm and constant  pressure against the
lower part of the abdomen, in such a manner as
to oppose a recurrence of the  difficulty.   These
uterine supporters are made in different  forms,
but are so constructed as  to  exert a pressure,
immediately above the os pubis, and in an up-
ward direction,  against the abdomen.   These
supporters can be obtained of most physicians
and druggists in the country.
  In addition to this  mechanical  management,
astringent injections per vaginum should  be ad-
ministered several times daily.  They may con-
sist of a strong tea of one or  more of the vege-
astringents,  recommended in leucorrhoea and
other forms  of  uterine debility.  Fnder most
circumstances,  they   are  better  administered
moderately cool.
   In those cases where the prolapsus is complete
—the  womb protruding  entirety through  the
external organs—the cure must necessarily be
attended with greater difficulty.   If the prolap-
sus is recent, and the parts are not sore or  in- 
112            trolapsus uteri.
  flamed, we may proceed at once to return the
  displaced  organ, having  previously washed it
  with a decoction of some vegetable astringent,
  and taken care to have the bowels and bladder
  emptied, either  naturally, or by  means of the
  catheter, and an injection.   Having taken these
  precautions, the woman  should  be placed on
  her back, with her hips elevated, when the at-
  tendant, having  previously smeared his hands
  with  oil or lard, may proceed to the reposition
  of  the uterus, by gently and gradually pushing
  it back to its proper  place in the pelvis.   This
  should  be  followed by an astringent injection,
  moderately cool, which should be  repeated sev-
  eral times a day. the  woman in the mean time
  remaining in bed, with her hips somewhat ele-
  vated, until the danger of a re-descent is past.
   If the protruding organ has become irritated
  and swollen, means should be  used to correct
  these  conditions, before a reduction is attemp-
 ted.  To accomplish  the. e results, we  may ap-
 ply  emolient poultices (slippery elm or flax seed)
 to the womb, and use sm h general treatment
 as is eaculated  to aid  their operation,  as  dia-
 phoretics, the vapor bath, injections or laxatives,
 and emetics of lobelia if necessary.
   Under all  circumstances, having accomplish-
 ed the restoration of the uterus to its natural
 situation, we may succeed, in  many instances,
 in effecting  a permanent cure,  simply by en-
j ming re&t, applying the uterine supporter, and
 an occasional course of medicine, and astringent 
               IV.< I.APlfS  ITZRI.            113

 h'c^trm per va^imm, torer!:er with ft'nrtla-
 tin * in e.*M m; to the b nv< Is, as  rccomiiH nled
 bef) e.   Tie sir: ijfh m n r p' is' r worn ovt r the
 small of the ba \ or the s' iw I it n  I'm mnn  ap-
 plie 1 to the bade aad ub lomen, will a d i i p:o-
 duciug a cure.
   In sorie c; s.\s, however, it h with great mT-
 oulty tha1:  permanent relief  cai be  cb'aiiud
 from the application of the he.->t  plan cf in u.-
 a^ertent known, and in  every instance when
 the di placement has been of hug standing, a
 per everinr course  of faithful treatment L es-
 scn'hd to (O nplete  sucee s.
   The above rcnrirks are not made with a view
 to di cnurare any who mav  be  afflicted with
 thi< di t evinr mala.lr.   O.i  the  contrary, we
 hdl out to them the as ur in e, lhat pe/evj-
 ren e in t'e arehation  <f botanic  rene.liei
 wi'l. i 1  ge  c w\. 1 e crow neci w th tiu n .! a it
 sujc'-'s-i.  VV c  ba e  seen  f'e nale.>  e .«•> e  I to
 heal h by the e  means, after  they l.al t.'.ed in
 vai'i  t'u urt popular phy i  a i  oi  uie  oil
 >ch o — o  ie  of whom ha 1 not  bei able to
 iva'k with mt difficulty for ytar.-.
   A  .e  na  k or  two  on the  unc  cf pc£tar'e~,
 ml we  Will leave  this subject   h lu  -«. ewe A..«
 triune.i1;; of JLerent comt-uet'/m de.-igned to
 u()jj )-t th■;  W) a') in its p-nper position, by be-
lli r i.itro I i *e 1 into,  anl wo n in th .-■ vagina —
They are ft: nei of vaiojj mx'eriah, as ^olJ,
silver, wood, iroy, india rubber, <«ia;s, wax,
cork, leather, and are of different diapes, somo 
1M
FROtAPSrr UTERI.
   bemg in the  form of a globe, others oval, &c,
   These instruments can  be procured of apothe-
   •aries generally,  and need no farther  descrip-
   tion.
     We will, however, give a few directions coil*
   •erning their use. In the selection of pessaries,
   those of a  globular form, and constructed  of
   gum elastic, are  to  be preferred.  It would be
   better, also, to procure  a number of these in-
   struments, of ditff rent sizes, so that, after one
   has been worn for some time, another of smal-
   ler size  may be employed, so as to  accommo-
   date the healthy contractions of the vaginal
   passage.
     When it is determined to introduce the pessa-
   ry, the woman should be directed to evacuate
   the  bladder, and  at the same  time should have
   her  bawels moved with an  injection.  An as-
   tringent injection, also, should be thrown into
   the  vagina, as before directed.  Having atten-
   ded  to  these  directions, she should  assume a
   •onvenient position,  when the attendant (which
   may be  the husband  or a female friend) having
   smeared the instrument with lard or  oil, may
   proceed to introduce it by  gently entering it
   between the  labia, and gradually carrying it up,
■   with a dilating movement, to the proper posi-
I   tion in the vagina, or until it furnishes the  re-
<   quired support to the womb.   If after it is  in-
i   troduced it proves painful en account of its size,
J   it should be exchanged for one that is  smaller.
I   On the other hand should  it bo so small as no 
prolapsus uteri.             Hi
readily to retain its place, a larger one should
be tried.
  The pessary should be taken out, and thor-
oughly cleansed, every two or three days, oth-
erwise it  may produce  irritation, and  cause
much injury.  It should  have been remarked
before, that  these instruments are flattened, or
made concave on one surface, to support the
neck of the womb, and are perforated through
the center, for the passage of the menstrual, and
other fluids, which may issue from  that organ.
The  operator, therefore,  should  so  adjust the
pessary, that the mouth of the womb may rest
on its flattened or concave surface.
  Pessaries, if employed at all, may be worn a?
long as the difficulty lasts.   Some cases hav<;
been cured,  by their  use, in a few months,  ia
other instances they have been worn for years,
or during life.   We would not, however,recom-
mend their use, under any circumstances, unless
we were confident that  nothing else would an-
swer in their place, as they are apt to occasion
injury, by  their  tendency to create irritation
and soreness.
   We have already exceeded our limits, in wri-
ting upon this too common source of affliction
to females,  yet  we  cannot leave  the subject
without again recommending the botanic rem-
edies to their candid and careful  consideration.
Let  me then, appeal directly to  those  of  my
readers who are  suffering under this, or other
forms of sexual derangement.  You once war« 
  1!0            r?. •lap.j-'s  crr.r.i,

  vigernr-'j  healthy,  nil  happy.  Years since,
  from  one eaue. perhaps the rlTicious interfp-
  Jen'e oi* your medical  a sis an' wi.cn upen the
  bed parturition—oe the use of dan crous reme-
  dies, you found yourself affected with symptoms
  thct  ma bed the  exi tenee, in i:s incipient
  sslag), of :.ome  form of  tho.-e deiangementsto
  which your sex  is liable.   You thought little of
  them at first, but a: lime advanced they increa-
  sed in severily, until yui  became ahvmed, and
  applied to your  family  physician—in whose
  skill you placed the fullest confidence—for as-
  sistance.   Still you  experienced no change ex-
  cept, p< rhaps. an  evident aggravation of your
  difficulty.   Loodug hope of help  from  this
  quarter, and  yielding  to  the  ad\i.e of your
 neighbor, you placed yourself in the care of her
 favorite doctor, and  under his ditection received
 the usual routine—perhaps in a pa-daily modi-
 fied  form—o." ail  :apa hie inrnagrment.   1 ut
 he was no more  successful than  ihe lir.-t— and
 tired of him, with new hope you fl vv to anoth-
 er source, for  lul;); anl thii enure  you  have
 been pursuing until you have tried cveiy modi-
 fication of miiurulwn.   You h  i\e b^en saliva-
 ted, blistered, leeched, rn I wj  n  xtms. i sues,
 an i drains,  in  so many in  tan :es t'lat you  bave
 forgotten their number, an I tho r. salt of all i",
you have pined away in >cjret, but  in-rea ing
sorrow, until rest an I ea e a e almost forgotten
strangers.   The wo. 11  a rem I  you   are in  a
great measu.-c, unacquainted with  your suffer- 
              prolapsus UTErr.            117

ings and have no sympathy to bestow.  True,
those who  knew you  in your  girlhood  have
witnessed a  change in your  appearance, a3
thry have seen  the  rose gradually fade away
from your cheeks and a deathly  pallor usurp its
place, but they know not the cause of all this—
they see not the worm  that is gnawing at the
root of life—they heed not the destroyer that is
poisoning the fountain of your existence and
peace.  Is not this a true, although feeble por-
traiture of the lot of thousands I  But there are
some, whose eyes will  glance over these  ha-ty
thoughts, that have settled down in despair of
help.   They have often  soliloquized after this
manner: why is it that I  am doomed to  days
of pain, and  nights of weariness? Why were
pleasant prospects presented before me, only to
hasten me on to scenes of  angui-h ?  AnJ why
were the hopes of youth made  to kindle with
S.O much brightness,  onlv to be quenched in the
sorrows and darkness of future life.  Thus they
have gone on in their reflections, until murmer-
ing thoughts  against Providence have mingled
with their speculations—and finally they  have
fettled down in the cenviction that all their a • ic-
liens aie 1o le charged upen Omnipotence.  Mis-
take n conclusion !  And jet bow many, in this
way, have, had  their eyes blinded to the real
cau e cf their troubles !  The fact is, the Divine
Being is not the author of these maladies, any
more than He is the authr r of the suicides death.
Where, then, bhall  we  look for the  source of 
118
PUoLAPiUS UTKRI.
these  afflictions ?   Truly  where,  but to the
great cause of all disease, a violation  of natu-
ral law.   It is a law of nature that she perform
her own work  in  her own  way—but  your at-
tendent in the hour of parturition  laid violent
hands  upon you, and substituting his bungling
efforts for the  beautiful operations  of nature,
gave you  the  first impulse  in that painful de-
cline which has  followed you ever  since.—
Again, there is implanted in every being a  con-
servative power, called the  vital principle, vis
vilce, rkc, whose influence is always exerted to
preserve the integrity of the organized structure,
and repair the injuries made by disease.  Hence
it follows that all agents, whose action is oppo-
sed to the  vital  principle, are improper,  and
dangerous in their operation, whether employed
in  a state  of health, or in disease.  But what
has been the character of the  treatment which
you have received at the hand of all your phy-
sicians ?   Was not its tendency to destroy the vi-
tality of your system, instead of assisting vital ac-
tion I  Have not principally al! your remedies
been active poisons—agents whose specific ac-
tion is to  destroy life ?  Is it  any wonder then,
that you have failed in your pursuit  of health t
Is  it not  rather a  matter of  surprise,  that you
are alive at all ?   But  do  you inquire  is there
relief for such afflictions as mine .'  I answer,
most assuredly there is.  '1 hanks to the bounti-
ful provisions of a benevolent  Deity, there is a
" bal.n in  Gilead,"  a  healing  fountain  who** 
PROLAPSUS ETF.Rl.
119
streams oVrsprcad  the world, and  flow by  a'l
the habitations of man.   Do  you ask—where
is it ?  1 answer again—it is near  at  hand.—
For years it has been  at your door, presenting
its humble claims, and soliciting your  regard,
but  you have  closed your ears to its demands,
and turned away, to become enchanted-with the
hollow sounds of pretended science.   You have
sacrificed at the shrine of a pompous deity, that
professed to abstract good from  evil—to  have
power to suspend or change the im an'able lr w>
of our  nature, and transform  curses into  bles-
sings—while with contempt you have spurned
the  "still small voice" that whi; pered  in your
car  " follow nature and live."   Still it is at your
door, and although, in consequence of your er-
ror, you have planted many thorns in your bo-
som, and sent many a pang through all your
channels of sense, yet you may do as thousands
have done, drink at the   healing  stream,  and
find, in some measure at lea>t. your former vig-
or restored   But let me speak  without  a fig-
ure. The botanic treatment has established a
reputation for success in the cure of female af-
flictions, that all the efforts of interested faction?,
aided by every influency that falsehood, appeal-
ing to the strongest prejudices may possibly
possess, can  never destroy.   Thousands after
having expended  years,  and  much  money, in
pursuit of relief from alloapathic skill, but to no
purpose  save to multiply 'heir sorrows, have
applied to the neglected, despised, botanic doctm- 
 123       RETROVERSION OF THE WOMB.

 anl  to their inexpressible satisfaction, have
 found nature's remedies competent to their cure.
 These remake we have penned, in the hope of
 benefiting many of the daughters of affliction,
 to whom we  could not personally com nnnu ate
 instruction, and who e faces we  expect never
 to see " in the fle>h "  Under these circumstan-
 ces they will  not. however they may treat  the
 system we recommend, charge us with any mo-
 tive, save a desire for their welfare.

          RETROVERSION OF THE WOMB.

   Tn this complaint  the womb so changes its
 position that  the  tundns or upper part falls, or
 incline ;. ha kwards an I downward- againtthe
 rectu n while th*1 m- u'cri is turned forward, an 1
 upward, towards  the os pi.b's, and agaimt  the
 neck of the bladder.
  This dificliy manife.^ itself by a fupp'es-
 sa-m of u ine  ( an  e I  bv the p essure of ihe rs
 ue.i upon the  neck of the  l.ladd* r—vvh le at
 tie a ne ii ne the pa  a,e of stoi lis n nfe.ed
 extre nely diTicult an I  painful   It is al-o  ac-
 co niauied wit'-i beaing down pain;: and oth-
 er that exton I backward  to the small  of  the
 bark  an 1 fo-wa-d to the  pubis, anl  down  the
 tYirh*.  These a--e f e juenily very severe, mu-
sing spasms,  fainting,  and* other unplca.ant
symptoms.
  If an examination be made per vaginum.the
mouth  of the womb cannot be felt, oi°not with- 
          RETRO VERSION OF THE WOMB.       121

 out difficulty—but a round tumor may be dis-
 tinguished, occupying  the lower  part of the
 pelvis.
   Retroversion of the womb  may be  produced
 suddenly, or be  more  gradually developed, ac-
 cording to the  circumstances which induce it,
 and the symptoms are more or  less violent ac-
 cording to the manner in which  it occurs.
   fhis complaint usually  occurs during preg-
 nancy—but sometimes is found to take place in
 the unpregnant state, or after d< livery, when the
 womb from any cau-e  become considerably en-
 larged.   When  it occurs  during pregnane)*, it
 usually happens about the  third, perhap.-' never
 later than the fifth month, because  alter that
 the enlargement of the womb  raises it  above
 the projection of the  sacrum, so that the spine
 supports it in its pierer } o.-itien.
   it is caused by a  variety  of  circumstances,
 such as blows, pressure, sudden exertions, vi  -
 lent efforts in coughing, &c but the nn-t fre-
 quent cause, perhaps,  is a di ten led  bla Ider,
 fro.n an accu n.ilation  of u inc.  On this sub-
ject doctor Den nan rem.fk-s:— • Wo nen who
 live in an hu nole situation  or  in an urefined
 state of society, are scarcely  ever liable to thii
 complaint, becaa-e they are. fee fro n  the con-
 straint of eo npany ; anl  tho;e  in  the highest
 ranks of  the in>;t  re.i.i,*-1 society, not  b.ffnr
 abashed to withdraw fro.n company, are nearly
 in the same situation. But those who, in the
 middle state of life, with decent, yet not over 
Itt       RETROVERSION OF THE WOMB.
refined manners, have not cast off the bashful-
ness of the former, nor acquired the freedom of
the latter, are most  subject to retroversion of
the uterus."
  To relieve  this difficulty, a  reduction of the
womb to its proper place by  a manual effort,
becomes  necessary.  Before undertaking  this,
however, the  bladder should be emptied with a
catheter, and  the bowels evacuated with an in-
jection.   Having  taken these  precautions, the
individual may assume the kneeling  posture,
with  her head and body  inclining forward, so
that the  elevation of the  hips may as.-ist your
efforts.  Then introduce your finger, previously
oiled, and with  a  gentle,  and   steady  pressure
restore the womb to its proper place.   It is usu-
al to make the pressure, by introducing the fin-
ger into the rectum.
  The  following remarks from Ooocn afford a
very plain illustration of the  operation above
referred to :—" The womb is sometimes so low
that the finger passes beyond,  and an  ill direc-
ted pressure from the rectum may force it down
still lower; therefore first  push it upwards by
introducing a  finger into the vagina, and then
endeavor to complete the reduction by pressure
on the womb  from the  rectum, not directly up-
wards, as the  curve in the  back bone will be an
obstacle,  but  rather to  one side or the other of
the centre where there is  the   greatest space,
and  then upwards.  The degree of  pressure
employed  may  be pretty  considerable, and it 
          RETROVERSION OF THE WOMB.       123

may be continued for ten minutes ;  if the womb
is once felt to move from its preternatural posi-
tion, it rises easily into its proper place."  But
if a proper effort has been made to restore the
womb, without success, we must then nave re-
recourse  to other means to obviate the most
painful  symptoms.    Ihe  bladder should be
evacuated as often as circumstances may re-
quire, and the bovvele kept free with gentle
laxatives ; or which is much better, they  may
be moved once every day with an injection.—
If there is any tendency to inflamation, it should
be prevented  by the use of diaphoretics, the va-
por bath, or if need be the course of medicine.
" Thus will be obviated the principal danger;
and as pregnancy advances, the womb will rise
spontaneously out of the pelvis, in this way ac-
complishing  a  natural cure."   The  woman
should generally keep her bed  until a cure  is
effected.
  *: The treatment of this complaint is the same
in  all  cr-ises and may be  thus  summed up; re-
duce  the  retroverted uterus if practicable ;  if
you fail in this attempt, draw off the urine twice
or  three times in every twenty-four hours ; evac-
uate the  bowels every day; and  if any degree
of inflammation  is indicated  by  tenderness on
pressure, employ the proper means to remove
it,  as  heretofore directed.  It may, however, be
remembered, that  this complaint very  rarely
occurs." 
124        INVRR3ION OF THE UTERUS.
            INVERSION OF THE  UTERUS.

    In  tlii- difficulty  the womb  is inverted, or
 turned in i le out, either partially or completely,
 by having the fundus  d.avvn  down towards, or
 through, the os ute.i.
    Writers have div ided this kind of displacement
 into four varieties, as follows :—1. When there
 is a simple depression  of the upper part. 2.
 \\ hen the upper part  passes  down so as to be
 perceive'! in the os  uteri.  3. When the organ
 is completely inverted  and lodged in the vagina,
 but the vagina does net pa  ticipate in the in-
 version.   4. Where  the vagina participates in
 the change, anl t'-e womb forms a large tumor,
 which is increased, by  its containing within ihe
 cavity  hus formed a portion of the intestines
 and the ligaments, which it has drawn down in
 its descent.
   The  symptoms  attending  this d'rangeme't
 are more or less severe, according as the inver-
 sion is more or less  complete.  It is generally
 accompanied wilh cen  iderable hemorihage. vi-
 olent pains nnd di agginjr at the groins and ba k,
 together with fainting, and laecatiim pains that
 are greatly mitigated bv j u. hing the womb up-
 ward into the \agina.
   Thh i a dangerous a-ci lent an 1 when com-
 phle. l.kc ly to p.-eve  fatal  x.nless speedy relief
 be  obtnined—ahhrugh there have  b< en cases
known, where women have dragged out a mis-
erable existence for years, with a complete in- 
INVERSION OF THE UTERUS.         125
  The following  is the plan  of management
recommended  by  Dr.  Curtis:—'To  cure  it
give a course of medicine, with thorough appli-
cation of strong  lobelia and slippery  elm tea
(nothing else/ to  the vagina.  Keep the paiient
in bed, with  the pelvis higi.an I it vvdl -oon re-
turn.  Now u e injectioni cf trong  witch hazle,
or nut galls, raspberry, blackberry  briar, or su-
mach, or any innocent strong astringent, and
tone up the general system."
  We suppose, however, that this plan is inten-
ded only to apply to those cas.es where the womb
does not protrude  through  the external parts.
In such  cases it is recommended  to rejda e the
womb by manual assistance.  For  this purpose
the  woman is placed upon her back, with her
hips elevated by  ha ring several pillo.vs placed
under them, and her knees sepa rated by an as-
sistant—when  the operator proceeds to push
the  womb carefully up, through  the vagina, to
its proper | iu.e.   Some recommend returning
the  womb by pushing the fundus, or bwer part,
up through its inv erted body, neck, and mouth,
to its  proper situation in the pelv is.  Before at-
tempting the return of the womb, it  would be
best to apply to it the tea of lobelia and slippe-
ry elm,  as before directed.
  It is proper to remark, that it is very difficult,
in many  instances, to  distinguish inversion of
the  womb from polypus of .that organ—so much
so, that the mos,t  distinguished  surgeons have
been  deceived—and  ia w^e ou~c.3 the whole 
I2fl         INVERSION OF  THE UTERUS.

uterus has  been removed by an  operation—it
being mistaken for polypus.
   We have already transcended our limits in
noticing this  derangement, yet we are not dis-
posed to leave it, without a few words with re-
gard to its cause.   In fact had we spent all the
space allotted to this subject, in  portraying the
evils of that unnatural practice which is its com-
mon origin, we should, perhaps, have confer-
red a greater benefit upon our readers than we
do in the present course.
   The causes of this complaint, as enumerated
by writers on the subject, all, or nearly all, re-
solve themselves into this one—improper inter-
ference during labor, by forcible  attempts to re-
move the afterbirth.  If there ever have been
any  exceptions to this statement, they have been
so exceedingly rare as to have escaped the ob-
servation of many of the  most intelligent  and
extensive practitioners of the healing art.  In-
deed some of the best authorities deny the pos-
sibility of its occurrence from any other  cause,
than that of improper interference during par-
turition.   The only one  that has any degree of
plausibility, is that o"f a polypus attache 1 to the
fundus uteri, which being expelled, by its weight
draws down, and inverts  the womb*   Whether
this cause has ever given rise to inversion of the
uterus or not, it is certain, as before intimated,
that, in a vast majority of cases, the  difficulty
has  been produced by the rude  hnnds  of the
self-styled guardians of physical health and hap 
     PROLAPSUS, OR INVERSION OF THE VAGINA.   It7

piness.  What a fountain of michief has been
the medical profession !  How much pain  and
anguish have been felt, while we have remained
ignorant of their cause !  We  could write  vol-
umes on this subject, but suppress  our  feelings
for want of space.

    PROLAPSUS, OR INVERSION OF THE VAGINA.

  This is a partial or total separation, and  fall-
ing down, of the internal lining membrane of
the vaginal canal.  When the prolapse is com-
plete, it presents the appearance of a soft com-
pressible tumor protruding through the  external
parts.   When incomplete,  the  tumor  does not
protrude externally.  Sometimes  also, the tu-
mor  is  formed by the whole  circumference of
the vagina, while in others only  a portion of
the membrane is separated.
  The symptoms  attending this complaint vary
considerably according to the extent of the  pro-
lapse.   When it is  only partial, there is a  feel-
ing of weight at the lower part of the vagina,
together with dragging pains in the small of the
back, and other  disagreeable  symptoms  that
nearly or quite   disappear when  lying down.
W hen the falling is complete, there is, in addi-
tion to the above symptoms, a discharge of pu-
riform mucus, an obstinate constipation of the
bowels, and a partial or total suppression of the
urine.   If the tumor is permitted  to  protrude
any length of time, it is liable to inflamation,
gangrene, painful excoriations, &c. 
  128  TErtArBUS, OR IWERSIf N OF THE VAGINA.

    This disorder has been known to prove troub
  lesome during labor. Dr. Meigs mentions a cast
  in which the vagina prolapsed at least five inch-
  es, and was as large as a man's  arm.  In this
  case, when labor came on the vagina was with-
  drawn, and the child was safely  born.   When
  the inversion  in complete, the tumor presentsso
  many different appearances in shape and size,
  as to render it sometimes somewhat difficult to
  distinguish it from  prolapsus  uteri.  To avoid
  mistakes of this kind it should be remembered
  that the projecting vagina is of a soft consist-
  ence, is thicker at the lower part than above, is
 of a reddi>h color, and  has a hole  in  the lower
 part sufficiently large to  admit the finger, through
 which the os uteri may be felt.
   The causes  of this difficulty, as enumerated
 by writers, are such as the following :—external
 violence, falls, efforts at lifting heavy weights,
 masturbatirn,  execs ive venery, 6rc ;  but the
 most  ccmmen  and  usual err is to be found in
 mismnnagcm< nt during labor by the use of in-
 strument-;, or violence  in sone other form, by
 which the  wall* of the vagina a-c  subjected to
 such  a degree  of distention  and fiction as to
 separate a portion, or  the whole  of its lining
 membrane.
  Management— Tf the  p-olap-el part be unaf-
fecte I with in !a nation or swelling, it should be
gently returned to its place, after which  injec-
tions composed of a strong decoction of cranes-
wu\ oak bark, or some other powerful astringent 
                 VAGINAL HERNIA.             121

  should be administered to the vagina several
  times a day.  The  woman  in the mean time
  should rest in bed unlil the parts have recovered
  their tone, which will be several days.
    If the tumor is inflamed or sore, means should
  be used to remove the infiamation and soreness,
  before attempting to restore the prolapsed part.
  These may consist of light courses of medicine,
  diaphoretic teas, together with the application
  of a tea of lobelia and slippery elm to the fallen
  vagina.

                VAGINAL  HERNIA.

    There are two varieties of this complaint—
  cne caused by the displacement and  projection
  of the urinary bladder through the walls'of the
  vagina, and the other produced bv a similar dis-
  placement of  seme porti n of the'bowels.  We
  will notice these  varieties separately.
   In the first, which is called valval cysioede,
 the urinary f ac is pushed down, by some cause,
 again t the front wall of the vagina wiih such
 lorce as to cnu-e a  rupture,  though which it
 passes, giving  ri e to a membranous fluctuating
 tumor that projects within the vagina, or even
 appears externally.
  Jh's difficulty i< fequently complicated with
inuamation of ihe bladder, vagina or  womb, or
with re trover ion  or pre lapsus  ute.i.  It al o al-
ways  produces a  partial  or complete suppres-
sion of urine, and sometimes an increased size 
 136             VAGINAL HERNIA.

 and tension  of the  abdomen with  other disa-
 greeable symptoms.
   Vaginal cystocele may be caused by violent
 exertions, jumping, pressure on the abdomen,
 the labor of parturition, trotting on horseback,
 and any of the causes of other kinds of hernia.
 The predisposing causes are such as the follow-
 ing :  too large pelvis, frequent child-bearing,
 carrying  heavy  burdens, chronic leuchorrhcea,
 the habit of retaining the urine too long, abuse
 of sexual plea ures, tight lacing, &c.
   This displacement .-hows itself in the form of
 a fluctuating tumor, which presses out the mu-,
 cus mcmbiane of the vagina and is of a  bluish *
 color.  It may be distinguished from other tumors
 by the fact of its nearly or quite disappearing
 when the urine is evacuated. When it occurs du-
 ring labor the mouth of the womb  may be felt
 beyond the  tumor, which will  enable us to dis-
 criminate between it and the protruding bag of
 waters.
  Treatment.—There are two objects to be had
in view  in  the management ( f this difficulty,
viz: to reduce the  tumor  and prevent it? dis-
 placement.
  When the  hernia is a  large one, it will be
necessary to evacuate the bladder by means of
a male catheter  before attempting to return it.
Should there be difficulty in introducing the ca-
theter, we are not to be easily discouraged, but
should continue our  efforts, changing the direc-
tion of the instrument, until we succeed,  or un- 
                .„„.....„ .„ .„.„.„             1 B1
      ,          VAOINAL II2R.VIA.             181

 til satisfied that no effort will be successful.
   When the tumor is small, or after the urine is
 evacuated, there will be  no difficulty in redu-
 cing the hernia, which  may be  done'by gently-
 pressing it up  with the fingers, the  woman in
 the mean time assisting the effort by resting in
 the horizontal posture.
   After the hernia is reduced, the next, object'is
 to prevent a return of the difficulty.  This may-
 be  accomplished  by means of  a pessary, o'r
 sponge  dipped in  some astringent preparation
 and cut into a cylindrical shape, and of the
 proper  size,  to  fit* the  vaginal  passage, to be
 worn until a cure  is effected.
  The other variety of vaginal  hernia, called
 vaginal cnkrocde, is caused by the protrusion of
 a portion of the bowels  through the walls of the
 vagina, which may be either "at  ii,  anterior or
 posterior part.
  The tumor formed by this hernia  is soft, and
 partially  or wholly disappears when  lying
 down.  The  os uteri also, inav  be felt bevond
 it, which, added to other symptoms that it'pos-
 sessesin common with  other hernias, will pre-
 vent our confounding this difficulty with other
 tumors developed in the vagina.
  The causes  of  this  maiudv  are  similar to
 those  which  occasion  vaginal cvs'oeele   and
 other  kinds of hernia.
  The treatment of vaginal  enteroeele is simi-
 lar to that in the preceding complaint, consist-
ing, as in all other hernias,  in  reducing,  and
 keeping the turner rednerd. 
132            VULVAR UER.MA.
  Before  attempting to return  the  mmor, the
bowels should be moved with an  injection, af-
ter which it may be reduced little by lit le, the
woman in the  mean  time lying on her back,
having her hips elevated—or  resting en  her
hands and km es, according as the rupUue is in
the posterior or anterior walls  of the vagina.
Should there be any difficulty in returning the
bowels, advantage may be gained  by the appli-
cation of  a tea of slippery ehn  ani  lobelia, or
vapor by sitting over a ste aming vessel.
  After the the hernia  is reduced it may be kept
in place by the use of  a cylindrical pessary, or
sponge as directed in vaginal cystocele, which
may be retained by means of a T bandage.

               VULVAR HERNIA.

  In this complaint the displaced urinary blab
der, or intestine, instead of distending the walls
of the vagina, as before described, passes along
its side into the  middle of  me of the labia pu-
dendi, where it  forms  a round,  firm tumor, of
greater or less magnitude, which becomes pain-
ful and increased in size, whenever  s.he coughs
or bears down, while in the standing posture.
  The treatment of  vulvar  hernia is the»samc
as in vaginal hernia, embracing the reduction
of the tumor, and the  use of the pessary, with
the bandage, or  other means to  prevent a new
displacement of the parts ^oaocj.ncd. 
prc«it:s or it:iung er the vtlva.     133
         PRURITIS OR ITCHING OF THE VULVA.

    The external org.in ; of generation in women
  are frequently subject to pruritic or itching, of
  a disagreable  kind.  This difficulty sometimes
  occurs as the consequence of the change which
  takes place in  the genital organs at the time of
  puberty, or as  the effect of disordered menstru-
  ation, or worms in the rectum, and sometimes
  as the result of other diseases.   It likewise takes
  place during pregnancy, and at the turn of life,
  and is always  augmented bv neglect of clean-
  liness.
   The symptoms- of  this malady  are, itching
  which is confined principally to the external la-
  bia,  a iulp.es of those parts, with some degree
  of inffamation, which is occasionally followed
  by deep seated ulceration of the parts.
   Management.—To prevent  this disagreeable
 affection, and to assist in the cure when exist-
 ing, cleanliness is of the  utmost importance-
 Females who are liable to any uterine or vagi-
 nal difficulty, should form the habit of frequent-
 ly washing the  external parts with cold water,
 in fact, frequent ablutions of this kind cannot
 fail to be of service  under all circumstances.—
 In addition to this, the treatment recommended
 m disagreeable  itching occurring  during preg-
 nancy, will effect a cure in all ordinary ca*es.
  It should  be remembered, however, that the
removal of the cause is sonit times essential to 
 134       1NFLAMAT10N OF TTIE VULVA.

 the cure.   When  caused  by worms,  proper
 treatment should be applied to remove them,
 and when from leucorrbceu, or acrid discharges
 from the vagina, these difficulties should be cor-
 rected by appropriate remedies.
   When ulcers have formed, in addition to the
 above, farther attention will  be neccsbary.  If
 they are  not very deep or  of long standing, it
 may suffice to wash them with a tea of sumach,
 white pond billy, or some  other astringent,  con-
 taining a quantity of tincture  of myrrh, to be
 followed by the application of  a slippery  elm
 poultice with ginger sprinkled over ite surface.
 If the ulcers  are not disposed to heal after thcee
 applications, blood root should  be added to the
 wash, and general  treatment, including the
 course of medicine, should  be  employed.  The
 kealmsr xdve is a valuable application, also, for
 ulcers.

           DfrLAMATTCK OF THE VTTLVA

   The labia extern* are sometime* subject to ij-
 f.&mation and its consequences.  In some in-
 stances this is followed by  suppuration, and in
 ethers gangrenous sloughs are produced.
   Thi6  malady may be  caused by  wonndi,
shocks, improper interference during labor, 4tc
It frequently occurs after each menstrual di«-
charge, and  occasionally without any known
cause. 
          INFLAMATION OF THK VAGINA.         }»•

   Treatment.—This may consist of such means
 as are generally  used to cure infiamatory affec-
 tions seated in other parts, embracing diapho-
 retic  teas, laxatives, the vapor bath, and the
 course of medicine.  For local applications the
 poultice of slippery elm and ginger may be used.
 'ihe application of vapor  by sitting over  a
 steaming vessel of bitter herbs will also be ben-
 eficial.
   If abscesses form, they may be opened  by an
 incision  on the internal surface of tn^  labia ex-
 terna.   If these do not heal readily, they should
 have injected into them, two or three times a
 day, an  infusion  of blood root, or wine and wa-
 ter mixed in equal proportions.   We should be
 careful,  however, not to mistake vulvar hernia
 for abscess, since the most dreadful consequen-
 ces might follow  from plunging  the lancet into
 the intestine contained within the labium  of the
 patient
   Should gangrene take place the parts may be
 freely  washed with tincture of myrrh, and anti-
• septic  poultices may be applied.  These may
 consist of the dregs of myrrh, slippery elm and
 gum myrrh finely pulverized mixed with nma-
 1 er six, or yeast  and charcoal, «lo.

          OfFLAMATION OF THE V.VHNA.

   Acute  inffamation of the vagina is generally
connected with inffamation of th* womb, yet it
sometimes exists  separately. 
 138        INKI.AMATION  or THE VAGINA.

   The symptoms are a sensation of weight and
 a slight  itching in the  genital parts, which are
 followed by dragging pains in the  groins, and
 pains in the abdomen, and  hips and loins, with
 a feeling of constriction in the vagina.  As it
 advances the itching changes into a disagreea-
 ble burning senratioa, especially during the dis-
 charge of urine, and the parts  become, swollen
 to such an extent as to render  the introduction
 of the finger difficult.   In  three or four  days a
 mucus discharge commences, which  increases
 in quantity, and the color  changes from white
 t) yellow, or green—the external parrs become
 excoriated,  and  sometimes  a general  fever
 arises.
   The causes of this difficulty are obstetrical
 force,  veneial  excesses, masturbation, or any
 irritating cause acting upon the vagina.
   Treatment.—In addition  to the general treat-
 ment recommended  in the foregoing disease in-
jections  of slippery elm and lobelia tea, should
 he thrown into the vagina several times a day,
 which should be followed, after the inffamation
 i.s reduced, with injections of sumach or some
 other vegetable astringent,   fitting over a ves-
 sel of steamiag  herbs as before recommended.
 will  be. of considerable service.  The  hip bath,
 also, frequently adminicle: cd, is of the greatest
 value in  this, us well un in .dl other diseases of
 the gvnitul organs. 
INFLAMAT10N OF  THE WOMB.
187
           INFLAMATION OF THE WOMB.

   This disease most commonly occurs after par-
 turition, though  unpregnant and single women
 are sometimes liable to its attacks.
   The causes of inffamation of the womb are
 suppression of the menstrua?, excessive venery,
 solitary enjoyment, celibacy, unsatisfied desires,
 wounds, blows, severe exercise, lifting, the use
 of violent emmenagogues, leucorrhcea,  cold ba-
 thing while menstruating, &c.:  but the most
 common cause may be found in improper inter-
 ference, and the  use of instruments, during par-
 turition.
  " An inffamation of the uterus shows itself
 usually about the second or third day  after de-
 livery, with a painful sensation at the bottom
 of the belly, which gradually increases in vio-
 lence, without any kind of intermission.  On
 examining externally the  uterus appears much
 Increased  in size, is hard to the feel, and on ma-
 king a pressure upon it, the patient experiences
 great soreness and pain.
  <l Soon afterwards there ensues an increase of
heat over  the whole of the body, with  pains in
 the head and back, extending into the groins,
rigors, considerable thirst, nausea, and vomiting.
The tongue is white  and dry, the secretion of
milk is usually much  interrupted, the lochial
discharge  is greatly  diminished, the  urine is
high colored and scanty, and if the inffamation 
 138        INFLANATION OF THK WOMB.

 has extended to the bladder, it  becomes totally
 obstructed; the body is costive, and the pulse is
 full, hard, and frequent.
    *' Uterine inffamation is always  attended
 with much danger, particularly where the symp-
 toms are violent, and  the proper means for re-
 moving them have  not been timely employed.
 In such cases it may terminate either in  suppu-
 ration, or gangrene and mortification.
   "Frequent rigors, succeeded  by flushings of
 the face, quickness and weakness of the pulse,
 great depression of strength, delirium, and  the
 sudden cessation of pain and soreness in  the re-
 gion  of the abdomen,  denote a  fatal termina-
 tion : on the contrary,  the ensuing of a gentle
 diarrhoea, a lochial  discharge returning  in due
 quantity and quality, the secretion of milk re-
 commencing, and the uterus becoming gradual-
 ly softer and less tender  to  the  touch, with an
 abatement  of heat  and thirst, prognosticate a
 favorable issue."
   When the difficulty is not connected with de-
 livery, most of the symptoms above described
 are found to exist, at least to an extent suffi-
cient  to fix  the  location of the  disease.   A fa-
vorable  termination, in such casrs, is denoted
by a gradual abatement of the symptoms, con-
nected with a  sero-mucus discharge from  the
vagina.
  Management.—The treatment  of this com-
plaint should consist of the use  of such  mean*'
as are calculated to remove obstructions, equal- 
          INFLAMATION OF THE WOMB.         139

ize the circulation, and promote sweating.  To
accomplish these objects, we may commence by
placing steaming bricks to the feet, and sides of
the patient.  In the mean time we may give
the following, or some similar preparation, un-
til perspiration is effected—after which it may
be followed by a thorough emetic.  White root,
two table-spoonfuls, ginger and scul-cap,  or la-
dy's slipper,  each  one table-spoonful, lobelia
Beeds. one teaspoonful;  add a quart  of boiling
water.   Dose, a teacup two thirds full every
half hour until sweating  is  produced.   After
the operation of the emetic, the usual quantity
of this tea may be taken every hour or two, ac-
cording to symptoms, to keep  up sweating—
which should  not be allowed to subside until re-
lief is obtained.
  The bowels, also, should  receive such atten-
tion  as their  situation may demand.   They
should at least be moved every day with gentle
physic or injections.
  The vapor bath is of great importance in the
treatment of inffamation  of the  womb, and
should be employed whenever the means recom-
mended above fail to sustain the perspiration.
  Strong washes formed of cayenne and salera-
tus, steeped in water, frequently applied to the
whole surface, may also assist materially in the
cure of this malady.
  A mustard plaster  may  be placed over the
region of the womb, and alternated with a bag
of hops  steeped in vinegar, applied as warm as
it can be  borne. 
140    CHRONIC INFLAMATI0N OF  THE WOMB.

  The emetic should be repeated every day, or
according to  circumstances.
  A tea of slippery  elm injected into the vagi-
na, will likewise  assist in  allaying the inflam-
matory excitement, especially when the vagina
participates in the  evil, which is generally the
case;  or the  vagina may  be filled with a poul-
tice of slippery elm, which may be  kept to its
place by means of a folded cloth  and 1 band-
age.

       CHRONIC INFLAMATION OF THE WOMB.

  In addition to  the acute inflammatory affec-
tion before described  the womb is liable, like
other organs, to a chronic derangement of the
same kind.   This disease has been divided into
a number of  different  varieties by medical wri-
ters—as simple  inffamation, inllamation with
engorgement,catarrhal inllamation with ulcera-
tion, inffamation  with granulations, &c.  These
varieties, however, we have not space to des-
cribe separately; neither would it be a matter
of any great practical benefit, in a work of this
kind, were we  to do so.   We shall therefore be
content with giving general symptoms, and gen-
eral rules for its management under all circum-
stances.
  The symptoms attending this complaint are
snch as the following: pain in the region of the
womb, which is incre.-i-fd  by standing or walk-
ing, a .v ns;iii,,ii  of  heut and smarting  in the 
           INFLAMATION OF THE WOMB.       141

pelvis, which frequently  extends  up one side,
weight in  the hips and  small  of the  back, a
sensation of  heat and  fulness in the womb,
dragging pains in the  groins, and pains extend-
ing down the thighs.   Usually, also, women la-
boring under this complaint suffer more or less
derangement of the  menses.   In some cases
they appear at the usual periods, but  last only
a short time, and the discharge is pale and wa-
tery.  In other cases the menses may be delay-
ed for months, and when they do occur, may be
accompanied with a  hemorrhage, which lasts
two or three weeks.   During the intervals be-
tween menstruating, there  usually takes place,
a sero-mucus or bloody  discharge, of  a foetid
character.  In addition to these things, more or
less general derangement  exists, and  sympa-
thetic pains are felt in  the breast and other
parts.  Hysterical and other nervous symptoms
are manifested, also, with a derangement of the
stomach,  nausea  and  vomiting, palpitation,
cramp, eVc.
  These symptoms, however, will not  enable
us to decide certainly in  reference to the pre-
cise nature of the difficulty, since most of them
exist in prolapsus and other forms of uterine
derangement, still, by  careful attention, we may
form an  opinion sufficiently accurate  for all
practical purposes.   It  should have  been re-
marked that bearing down  of the womb, to
some extent at  least, usually attends  this diffi-
culty. 
 148       1NFLAMATI0N OF THE OVARIES.

   The causes of this malady are similar to those
 which produce the foregoing difficulty.  Indeed
 acute inffamation of the womb not unfrequent-
 ly terminates in a chronic state of the same af-
 fection.
   Management.—The treatment in chronic in -
 flamation of the womb should be so adapted as
 to equalize  the circulation, allay  general and
 local irritation, and tone up the general system.
 It may accordingly consist of vapor  baths ad-
 ministered every three or four days, occasional
 emetics of lobelia, with  spice bitters or other
 tonics intermediately.  In addition  to this, stim-
 ulating injections,  administered  to the bowels,
 will be of service.   Stimulating liniment, also,
 applied to the bowels and  extremities, will aid
 in effecting  a cure.   Injections to the vagina
 likewise,  as  recommended in prolapsus uteri,
 may be employed.

 INFLAMATION OF THE OVARIES AND FALLOPIAN  TUBES.

   Although the ovaries and fallopian tubes par-
 ticipate more or less, in inflammatory affections
 of the  uterine tissue, yet they are sometimes
 separately attacked  with  inffamation,  of an
 acute, or chronic kind.
  The causes of this complaint are similar to
 those which produce  inffamation of the womb.
  The symptoms of inflamation of the ovaries
are : a sense  of heat and pain in either side of
the pelvic  cavity.  When both sides are  affec- 
           RHEUMATISM OF THE WOMB        143

ted, which  is  usually the case, two  rouuded
swellings, which are very sensitive to the touch,
may be perceived in the region  of these organs.
rl hese tumors increase, and spread toward each
other, as the complaint progresses, until they
unite into one  swelling under the median line.
In addition, the whole  abdomen becomes ex-
tremely tender, severe  pains extend from the
swelling to  the loins and down the thighs, which
parts are the seats of an unusual degree of tor-
por and weakness.   The stomach also, sympa-
thizes with  the derangement, and general dis-
turbance becomes manifested.
  Management.—Same  as in inffamation of the
womb.

           RHEUMATISM OF THE WOMB.

  The uterus, as well as other parts of the body,
is occasionally subject to rheumatism, either in-
dependently, or in connection  with a general
affection of the same nature.
  This disease may attack  females under all
circumstances.  When  it  occurs during preg-
nancy it is  apt to cause contractions of the ute-
rus, and thus occasion abortion.
  The  causes  «f this affection  are similar to
those which produce rheumatic diseases gener-
ally.
   Symptoms.—These are  pains  of greater or
less severity, that move from  one part of the
uterus to another.   Sometimes the pains sud- 
 144        RHEUMATISM OF THE WOMB.

 denly cease, and then attack some other organ.
 In connection with these  pains  there is, gener-
 ally, a frequent desire to evacuate the urine and
 stools.  The passage of the urine is accompani-
 ed with  smarting and  pain.   Sometimes the
 discharge of the urine and stools is very difficult,
 or impossible.
   This  disease  generally commences  with  a
 slight rigor, which lasts fifteen or twenty min-
 utes.   This is succeeded by a  fever, which  is
 generally quite severe  while the paroxysm of
 pain continues, but diminishes or entirely ceases
 during the  intervals between  the attacks.—
 While the  fever  lasts,  the  pulse is hard  and
 frequent, the  face flushed, the tongue red and
 dry, the thirst great, and the patient agitated
 and restless.   When this  complaint occurs du-
 ring pregnancy it has often  been mistaken for
 labor.
   Treatment.—This may consist of full courses
 of medicine, the use of means to keep up a con-
 stant, and general perspiration, the application
 of strong liniment over the  region  of the pain
 and to the  extremities, with such attention to
 the bowels  as they  may need.  In  short the
 precise treatment recommended in  inflamation
 of the womb will  never fail  to effect a cure of
 this difficulty, if properly applied.
   it is proper to  remark that it  is exceedingly
difficult, in  many instances, to distinguish this
'hsease from inflamation of the  womb.   This,
ho .-.-ever, is a matter of little consequence to the 
          RHEUMATISM OF THi: WOMB.          1-J5

botanic, since his remedies are always harmless,
and at the same time aid nature under all forms
of disease.  Not so with the employer of alloa-
pathic remedies.  A mistake in naming the dis-
ease, (and under circumstances where it is im-
possible,  according to the best authorities, to
decide positively,) may be fatal to the life of the
patient, when treated  according to the popular
notions of disease.  In confirmation of this fact,
we may remember that  medical writers do not
consider rheumatism of the womb a dangerous
malady, yet many cases are  on record where
individuals have been  treated for  other com-
plaints until they died—when a post mortem
examination revealed the true state of the case
—rheumatism of the womb mistaken for infla-
mation—and death by  maltreatment.  These
facts,  we repeat, are gathered from  medical au-
thors,  of distinguished reputation  among the
advocates of the old school, poisoning system.
And is this the boasted science of four thousand
years?   Is this the  glorious certainty in  the
achievements of modern medicine ?  Is this such
a remedial system as we might expect to ema-
nate from the goodness  and wisdom of the Di-
vine Being ?  Is it characteristic of infinite be-
nevolence, to furnish us with  a plan of cure of
such singular potency that the slightest mistake
—and that too  where mistakes are  unavoidable
—must almost  of necessity prove  fatal!  The
Divine Being has made  provision for the wants
of man in this respect,  lie has provided agents 
UK
CANCER OF THE WOMB.
  which He designed to recover us from our mala-
  dies.   They are not, however, those deadly poi-
  wns which have so long been administered un-
  der the nan>e of medicines.

               CANCER 0E THE WOMB.

    Females are liable to this  complaint during
  every period of their existence, yet it more fre-
  quently occurs about the turn of life.
    There are several kinds, or stages of this dis-
  ease mentioned by writers, yet but little  practi-
 cal benefit would be derived from so minute a
 description, in  a work  of this kind, since the
 same general principles must  govern our treat-
 ment in every instance.
   Cancer of the womb is, in general, slowly de
 reloped.   It usually manifests itself, at first, in
 ft disagreeable itching  sensation, or feeling of
 heat in the lower part of the abdomen, accom-
 panied with a kind of weight or  pressure in the
 same  region-.  This is gradually  followed  by
 irregular pains, that dart across the front bones,
 and in  other directions.  A t length a gnawing
 burning sensation becomes fixed in the womb,
 accompanied with  a discharge from the vagina
 of a disagreeable fast-id  matter, of various ap-
 pearances,  that usually  excoriates  every part
 with which it comes in contact.
  In general there is also some derangement of
the menses—they  being  increased, diminished,
partially suppressed, or  irif giffar  in  their re- 
           CANCER OF THE WOMB.            H7

turns.  Besides this there is generally a leueor-
rhoeal discharge mixed with bloody strife, a sen-
sation of pressure on the anus, and dragging in
the loins and lumbar  regions.  To these symp-
toms are  added  acute and transient  pains in
different parts of  the body,  especially  in  the
breasts, which become firmer and  larger, at-
tacks of  hysterics, and  general uneasiness.—
Sometimes a tumor exists so large as to render
painful and difficult  the  passage of urine  and
the stools.
  In the early stages of this disease it may gen-
erally be cured without much difficulty ; but as
it advances the cure  becomes more and more
difficult, and finally impossible.  It ought, there-
fore, to receive prompt attention  on its first ap-
pearance.
  Treatment.—In treating cancer of the wombt
attention to the general system is of the utmost
importance.   Accordingly, emetics of  lobelia
and  the vapor bath are  indispensible.  These
should be  employed  every  few  days accor-
ding to circumstances, and accompanied with
the  intermediaie use of the usual tonics  and
stimulants, and means to regulate the bowels.
  In addition to these things, detergent or clean-
sing medicines are indispensible.  For a medi-
cine of this class  the reader  is  referred to the
anti-mercurial syrup, and other compounds of thi*
class, in the latter part of this book.
   If the cancer has ulcerated and matter is dis-
charged, great care should be taken to keep the 
 118            ri.er'Y er Tin: woihb.

 parts thoroughly  cleansed.   Tor this  pnrp'iso,
 warm water containing a small quantity of mill
 soap should be injected into the vagina, two or
 three times a d;iy. and followed with  a decoc-
 tion of sumach and gol len seal.  The  external
 parts, also, shoul.1 be washed with the same flu-
 ids.
   The diet of persons laboring  under this disor-
 der should be light and composed principally of
 vegetables and milk.   Especially should they
 avoid fat meat, and oily substances.
   This treatment persevered in, in the  com-
 mencement of the disease, will rarely fail to ef-
 fect a cure; and in all stages it  will mitigate its
 painful symptoms, and retard its progress.

             DROrSY  or  THE WOMB.

   Dropsy of the womb is  a  complaint of rare
 occurrence, and consequently is but little known;
 it is nothing but a collection of  serous,  or sero-
 mucus fluid in the cavity of the  womb.
   The causes of this disorder are supposed to be
 a  feeble constitution  debilitated by flooding*
 miscarriages and protracted lucorrhcBa, a fall
 or blow on the abdomen, inflamation of the
 womb, or  any cause capable of keeping the
 uterus in a state of debility, or protracted irrita-
 tion.  It should be remembered, however, that
 although these causes may give rise  to the se-
cretion of  a fluid in  the cavity of the  womb,
yet this disease cannot  exist,  unless the mouth 
              DROPSY OF THE  WOMB.           119

 of the uterus  is closed by being spasmodically
 contracted, by a membrane, by a polypus tumor,
 &c.
   Symptoms.—These are a swelling, which com-
 mences just  above the os pubis and  gradually
 extends  upwards, a sensation of weight in  the
 pelvis, pain in the loins, and sometimes a slight
 degree of fever.   In addition the breasts under-
 go considerable change—indeed the symptoms,
 for the first few months,  are such  that married
 women  universally imagine  themselves preg-
 nant.
   Dropsy  of  the womb  may  be distinguished
 from pregnancy by an examination per vaginum.
 In this case the  operation of ballottemcnt does
 not reveal the presence of a foetus  in the womb
 —but by placing a finger on  the  cervix uteri,
 while the other hand is placed on the abdomen
 over the  womb,  the presence of a  liuid may be
 ascertained, by the peculiar fluctuation which
 it communicates.
  Treatment.—This may consist of (iqitrscs of
 medicine,  laxatives, injections of slippery elm
 and lobelia tea to the vagina, vapor baths, sit-
 ting over a steaming vessel,  and such attentions
 to general  conditions as may be requisite.
  If these means fail, in addition to them, it is
recommended  to introduce the  finger, or an ap-
propriate instrument into the mouth of the ute-
rus, for the purpose of opening the orifice, to
permit the  escape of the fluid. 
150         POLYPUfl OP THE WOMB.
   This disorder is more frequently  met with in
 pregnant  than  in non-gravid  women.   In
 these  cases the abdomen  is  larger  than in
 simple pregnancy,  the motions of the fostus are
 obscure, and the child, following the impulsion
 of the mother's movements, is tilted in every di-
 rection in the midst of the waters.

            POLYPUS OF THE  WOMB.

   By this term is designated  any preturnatural
 tumor, rising by a base or pedicle from the mu-
 cus membrane of the neck, or body of the  ute
 rns.  These tumors "are  of various sizes, from
 that of a hen's I'gg to an inconceivable bulk.—
 They sometimes protrude externally, and in oth-
 er cases are retained in the vaginal passage, or
 in the uterine cavity.  Cases have been men-
 tioned where these tumors weighed eighty or a
 hundred pounds.
   The vagina also, sometimes becomes the  seat
 ol a  polypus  tumor, similar  to  that described
 above, and demanda the same treatment for its
 cure.
   The causes of polypus, as enumerated by wri-
 ters, are such as are capable of irritating, or in-
juring the organs of generation ; as excessive
 venory, the use of instruments and i nproper ma-
 nipulations to assist delivery, &c.
   The formation of polypus  uteri is generally
 accompanied  with  a  variety of sympathetic
 symptoms, such  ad  vomiting,  disgust, paleuciw, 
        stoi.es—cr DErruvED cos-cfpti<>n,     151

ft sfn^e of fulness in  the pelvis, weight in the
nbdomen, and dragging pains in the groins and
back.  The menstruation also is more frequent,
and  frequently violent hemorrhages ensue.—
Sometimes when  the tumor is large, it interferes
with the passage of urine and the stools.
  The existence  of polypus can be positively
ascertained, only by actual  examination.  1o
distinguish it from prolapsus of the  womb,  it
should be remembered that  when that organ
prolapses, the tumor is small below, and large
above; while the  rev erse is the case in polypus.
  Management.—By means of a double canula
a liggature may be applied around the neck of
the polypus, which will arrest the circulation ;
and in a few days it will drop off, after which a
dressing of healing salve may be applied, if  it
can be reached.
  When these tumors are so situated that the
ligature cannot be applied, the general system
-should be supported by the usual general treat-
ment, such as courses of medicine, laxatives, ton-
ics, &c, and if tioodings, or other particular dif-
ficulties occur, they should be treated as hereto-
fore directed.  Women who are troubled  with
polypus should avoid becoming pregnant.

       M0I.E8--OR DEPRAVED COKCEPTION.

  These are fleshy or  bloody substances, of dif-
ferent sizes from a small nut upwards, and are
always  the  remit of  conception which,  from 
15*2     MOLES—OR BEPRAVKD CONCEPTION.
some cause, produces a generation disturbed in
its formation, and altered in its composition.
  There are  three varieties  of moles described
by writers as follows:
  1. The false germ, or embryonal mole, where
the mole does not remain more than two or three
months  in the  womb, and  exhibits the usual
membranes of the ovum, which are thicker and
stronger than the healthy ones, and are filled
with a transparent or bloody fluid, amid which
are discovered the early lineaments of the em-
bryo.
  2. The fleshy mole which differs  from the pre-
ceding, principally in the fact of its being longer
retained in the womb.   These  are larger than
the foregoing, and sometimes have a cavity fil-
led with  water—in other instances  they  are
compact and solid—and sometimes have incor-
porated in their mass the remains of an embryo,
bones, or even a v hole limb.
  3. The  hydatid mole which consists in a degen-
eration  of the placenta, by the  development,
within its substance, of a number of cysts, sep-
arate, or united together like a bunch of grapes.
  It is difficult to distnguish  the diiferent spe-
cies  of  moles from  genuine pregnancy, es-
pecially during the early months.  However, in
pregnancy the  belly usually becomes flat  and
less until the  end of the second month, whereas,
when there is a mole it enlarges from the first,
and so continues to the second or  third month ;
after which  it usually  comes away.  If it con-
tinues longer it is apt to occasion flooding. 
            HYDATIDS OF THE WOMB.         153

  After the period of four months the mole ex-
sites no motion in the womb like those of a liv-
ing child.  The weight of the womb also seems
heavier and more fatiguing than in real preg-
nancy, and  the woman feels something like a
ball falling about within her, as she turns from
side to side.  She  also  suffers more from pain
in the loins, from difficulty in passing urine, &c,
than when pregnant.   The signs of pregnancy
usually disappear, partially, or wholly, after tho
fifth month when there is a mole in the womb"
  Management.—All that we need do in most
cases, is to wait for nature to expel the foreign
body from the  womb.   If at any time  floodings
occur,  they are to be treated as before recom-
mended.
  When  the mole is expelled, it  is done with
the same symptoms as in a miscarriage, and
requires precisely the same management.

            HYDATIDS OF THE WOMB.

  These morbid productions are generally sup-
posed to be living animals of a low grade—yet
it is doubtful whether they possess any indepen-
dent life, or vitality. Several varieties of these
formations are mentioned, but a separate de-
scription would be of no practical benefit to our
readers.
   Hydatids consists of a membrane or bladder
filled with a watery fluid—sometimes single, but
usually connected together in clusters.  In some 
164
OVATUAN DROrST.
instances large numbers of hydatids are *ren to
float in the fluid contained  within a common
membrane; in other  cases, they are contained
one within another in a regular series.
   It is very difficult to distinguish hydatids from
pregnaney, or dropsy of the  womb, during the
first months.   The womb however does not en-
large as rapidly as in pregnancy, and does not
proceed to so great an  extent.  In most cases
the menses are superceded by signs of flooding,
which occur irregularly, and are accompanied
with severe pain in the uterus.  £ooner or later,
after having been a prey to severe suffering and
loss of blood, the woman  is  seized with pains
like labor,  which result in the expulsion of the
hydatids, either at once, or at several different
times.  After their expulsion the  woman expe-
riences all  the symptoms that usually follow a
regular delivery.  The  treatment throughout
should be the same as in the. preceding disorder.

               OVARIAN  DROP3Y.

  The ovaries and fallopian tubes are frequent-
ly the  seat of dropsical alfeetions, and become
bo much enlarged as to contain from one. to ten
or more gallons  of water.  This kind of dropsy
is one of the most common of the encysted drop-
sies, and is also one of the most ordinary forms
of ovarian disease to which females are  liable.
   In  this affection  the fluid  is contained in a
cyst or bladder, which is either single, or compo- 
OVARIAN DROPSY.             155
sed of a number of simple  cysts connected to-
gether, and forming one tumor.
  The  progress of  this disorder is commonly
slow; neither is  it marked with any very un-
pleasant symptoms, until so far  advanced as to
render  the tumor visible externally.
  Ovarian dropsy exhibits many of the general
and  local  symptoms which attend pregnancy,
and other uterine changes.  We can generally
distinguish this disease from others, however, by
remembering that the ovarian tumor commen-
ces forming on one side, is circumscribed and
pointed, is accompanied with pain and numb-
ness which affect the thigh belonging to the side
in which the tumor is situated, and generally
presents a  gurgling sound upon percussion.—
These symptoms will also enable us to  distin-
guish it from ascites, or dropsy of the abdomen.
We  may remember, also, that in ascites,  the
enlargement is more rapid,  and spreads over
the whole abdomen, while  the fluctuation may
be perceived in every part of the tumor—that
it is  accompanied with marks of languor perva-
ding the  whole  organism, such as paleness,
bloating  of the  face and  limbs, with  scanty
urine, &c; whereas in ovarian dropsy the wo-
man retains for a long  time  her usual healthy
complexion, and the urine  appears to be more
free than common,  except in  those cases where
the cyst becomes so large as  to obstruct its dis-
charge, by  the  pressure which it  exerts upon
*,he bladder. 
156
OVARIAN DRcPSy.
   Maxagf.mext.—This is a complaint of exceed-
 ingly difficult cure, especially under alloapathic
 treatment; yet it is not beyond the reach of per-
 severing attention, in the majority of cases.
   In the management of ovarian dropsy, emd-
 ics of lobiliu,and the vapor bath, are indispYnsibly
 important,  'f he emetic should be repeated ev-
 ery week,  and the bath daily, or  at least once
 in  two  days.   Besides this, frequent washes
 should be  applied to the surface with considera-
 ble friction   Cayenne pills taken before each
 rneal—three at  a  dose— and  composition tea
 taken  several  times a day,  will  assist in the
 cure.
   Diuretics abo  should be employed  freely.—
 For a medicine of this class the reader is refer
 red to the hydraungue tincture, and other  com-
 pounds of  this  class, in the latter  part of this
 book.
  Hylrago^ue Cathartics are highly recommen-
 ded by some.   The following compound  forms
 the be-t article of that class with which we are
 acquainted.  Take mandrake  root, cream tar-
 tar, and peppermint, equal  parts—pulverize,
 and mix.   Dose, a teaspoonful every fonr hours
 until it purges.   The  purge should be repeated
 once or twice a week.
  The application of gentle pressure, bv means
of a bandage applied  over the tumor, is said to
be beneficial.
  The application of a poultice, made by  stew-
ing tobacco leaves  in  vinegar, is also highly 
UTERINE SPASMS             157
recommended.  It should be  applied twice  a
day, and worn as long as it  can be borne.—
When the tumor becomes very large, and other
means fail,  temporary, and sometimes perma-
nent relief may be obtained by the operation of
tapping.  This  operation should  be  followed
with courses of medicine, and the use of diuretics,
to prevent a 're-accumulation of the water.
UTERINE  SPASM.
  It sometimes happens that the unimpregnated
womb becomes spasmodically affected, contrac-
ting, or drawing itself together with such force
as to cause the most acute sufferings.   Under
these circumstances, if the hand be placed upon
the abdomen, the uterus may be distinctly ielt,
in the form of a hard tumor or lump.
   During the uterine spasm the ligaments, also,
which are connected with the womb partake of
the same influence, to a greater or  less extent
—and  not unfrequently the limbs, and other
parts of  the body become similarly  affected—
and paroxysms resembling a fit of hysterics oc-
cur, ot distinct and separate mtervrls.
   An attack of this kind is frequently preceded
by a chill, accompanied with severe pain in the
head, neck, &c.-cold  feet and legs, low pulse,
and a pale  bluish cast of the countenance -
These symptoms continue, in a greater or less
degree, while the difficulty lasts. 
 158     ftthor t'TF.Rixrs, or nymphomania.

  This  complaint may be caused by  anything
 that impairs the tone of the stomach,  and cau-
 ses an  accumulation of cold  slime or vitiated
 mucus in that organ.   It may  also be  produced
 by exposure about the time of menstruating—
 by the use of improper  purgatives, and other
 poisonous medicines.
  Management.—The treatment of this difficulty
 may be commenced by applying steaming brinks
 to the feet and sides  of the  patient, together
 "vith warm fomentations to  the abdomen over
 the region of the womb.
  This may be  followed by the fvee.  use of some
 diaphoretic tea, and the third preparation in do-
 rses of a teaspoonful or two,  repeated every few
 minutes until nausea and vomiting arc produced.
 If the spasm continues, continue the use of the
 third preparation, so as to keep up  protractrd
 nausea, while it lasts.
  After the spasm ceases it would be well tn
 administer a thorough course of medicine.  Thr
 vapor bath would be beneficial, if employed at
 any state of the difficulty.   So also would the
 free  use of a tea formed of  blue  cohosh and
 nervine with the addition of cayenne.  (See,
 also, treatment recommended in convulsions.)

       FUROR UTERINU8, OR NYMPHOMANIA.

  There is some disagreement  amomr authors
 in reference to the primary sent of this di-en-e.
some fixing it in the genital "i—sins other** in 
FUROR UTERINOS, OR NYMPHOMANIA.
the brain.  It is certain, however, that it fre-
quently arises from local inflamation of the ex-
ternal  organs, or from an acrimony in the  flu-
ids of  the parts.  We have  therefore, for the
want  of any better  arrangement, classed it
among local  diseases of the female organs of
generation.                        .    .
   It may be defined an exagerated, irresistable,
and insatiable desire  urging the woman to the
veneral act.
   Women most predisposed to this disorder are
those in whom the breasts and all the attributes
of puberty have  been early developed, young
widows, public girls who have been forcibly de-
 prived of veneral pleasures, and ardent women
 who are.  married to  men of cold and feeble
 constitutions.
   The causes which  act directly upon the ute-
 rine appendages, are such as solitary indulgence,
 pruritic or any thing capable of producing irri-
 tation or inflamation of these parts.  The cau-
 ses which primarily  affect the brain,  and act
 secondarily upon the sexual organs, are such as
 disappointed love,  the reading  of  lascivious
 books, the sight of licentious pictnres  frequent
 visits to  balls or theatres  accidental sight ot
 amorous interviews,  the use of wine, &c.
    Symptoms.—The woman  experiences sexual
 desires, which are strongest at the menstruating
 periods, but which, in the commencement of the
 disease shame causes her to conceal.   As -the
 complaint advances, these desires become stron- 
160
HYSTERICS.
 ger, lascivious images  constantly fill the mind,
 the woman becomes sad and melancholy; she
 loses her appetite and  sleep, and seeks for soli-
 tude in order to  indulge  in the thoughts which
 occupy the mind.   In  the worst stages of the
 disease the woman  becomes unable to restrain
 her feelings—and manifests her desires by fre-
 quent sighs, by voluptuous attitudes, and final-
 ly by complete forgetfulness of all modesty.   In
 some cases the sight of a man excites the most
 furious desires, and finally when the excitement
 reaches the highest point she falls in a violent
 delirium.  The violent  excitement of such par-
 oxysms has caused death in many instances.
  Management.—When there is any local infla-
 mation of the genital organs courses of medicine
 should be resorted to, and the parts washed with
 cold water.   Injections of slippery elm to  the
 vagina are  useful when the parts are irritated.
 See, also the treatment recommended in pruritis.
  In addition  to the above, all exciting causes
 should be abandoned at once, and means used
 to divert  the  mind from  the contemplation of
 obscene  objects.   The  diet should be  cooling
 and  light, consisting principally of vegetables
 and milk. Marriage has sometimes been recom-
 mended as a cure.

                  UYSTERIC8.

  This is not  properly a local disorder,  and is
not,  therefore, perhaps,  appropriately  arran- 
HYSTERICS.               161
ged in the  class which we  are considering.—
Still the uterus, or the nervous apparatus of the
uterine system, is commonly supposed to be the
starting point of the disease ;  and as we have
not a more appropriate division in our plan, we
shall be permitted to notice it here.
  " As the characters of hysterics are too nume-
rous and variable to allow of our giving a short
and precise description of it, we shall rest con-
tent with saying, that it  consists of a lesion of
the uterine apparatus, giving rise to  paroxysms
devoid of fever, which are manifested less by lo-
cal symptoms than by a sense of suffocation and
strangulation, followed more or less by complete
loss of consciousness, and accompanied  by con-
vulsive and spasmodic phenomena in the organs
of organic life, and the  life oi relation."—Col-
qmbat.
  In addition to what we have quoted from Col-
ombat, we remark that this disorder is difficult to
describe, since it imitates so many other disea-
ses that it is only  by taking an assemblage of
all the symptoms, that we can form any just con-
ception of it.
  It comes on in paroxysms which are  usually
preceded  by dejection of spirits, anxiety,  diffi-
culty of breathing, sickness at the stomach, pal-
pitation ot the heart, pain in the left side,  with
a sense of distention advancing upward until it
reaches the throat, occasioning a sensation as if
a ball were  lodged there. Having reached this
height the patient seems threatened with suffo- 
 IAS              __ _
 162              HVSTKRICa.

 cation, becomes faint, and is afTeeted with stu-
 por and insensibility, while at the same tirn*
 the body is turned to and fro, and the limbs are
 variously  agitated,  wild  and irregular actions
 take place amid alternate fits of laughter and
 crying; incoherent  expressions are uttered, a
 short delirium prevails, a frothy saliva ia dis
 charged from the mouth, and sometims breath-
 ing seems to cease.
   After the spasm  abates a quantity of wind
 is evacuated upwards with frequent nighing and
 Robbing, and the woman  recovers the exercise
 of sense and motion, without any know ledge of
 what passed during  the fit.
   The symptoms, however, are quite  different
 in different cases.  Sometimes there is little or
 no convulsive movement and the person seems
 to lie in a profound sleep, without sen so or mo-
 lion ;  while in other eases hiccough which last*
 a day or two, or some  other slight spasmodic
 affection, constitutes the hysteric  paroxysm.
   Hysteric affections occur more frequently in
 the single slate of life than in the married; and
 they appear oftener about the period  of  men
 struatiug than any other.  They are readily ex
 cited in persons  disposed  to  them, bv any sud-
 den passion or emotion as anger, grief, .surprise,
 fright, &*.,
  Managkment.—There  are  two  indications to
be attended to in treating hysterics.  The first
is to allay the spasmodic symvtoms which -con-
stitute  the fit.  The second L to remove the 
HTSTETUCS.               1E3
cause, and prevent a return of the paroxy?mby
restoring the general health.
  " i be  treatment in  the paroxysm must be
commenced by the use of two or three doses of
the anti-spas77v>d.ic  tincture,  which,  after  the
spasms are relieved, should be followed up with
a strong tea of the nervine tonic.
  " The following tincture is an excellent med-
icine  for this complaint:
Take of imported  Valerian,  -   - -   1 ounce
        Assafmtida,......1   do
        Sculcap,......^   do
Pulverize  and digest in alcohol  for ten days and
strain ; or for immediate use the  powders may
be boiled in alcohol for  ten  minutes, when it is
fit for use.
  '*' The dose is frem a teaspoonful to a  table-
^poonfu!    A teaspoonful will do well  when the
medicine is first commences!, but as the patient
becomes  accustomed to it, the, des* must be in
creased.  This i's ?e excellent a medicine for this
complaint  that  hyrtericu! patients, when once
become accustomed to it, will ne- er be without
it.M~KosT.
   The second  indication is to be met by the
administration of light couxtef of medicine, with
the use of  tonics, the  vapor bath,  and other
means, heretofore  recommended, to equalize the
circulation and  restore  the general health.   \f
there  is any uterine derangement the  appropri-
ate treatment for its cure should be applied. 
161
C. 7.UJUTI0X—I.AB'iH.
CHAFTLR  V.
PARTURITION—LABOR.
    Parturition, or lab>r,  is the last  and great
  function of the uterine system.   Bv it is meant
  the expulsion of the fetus and its appendages
  fro.n the cavity of the womb, and the conse-
  quent separation of the child and mother.
    It usually occurs,  as  before remarked, at the
  end of nine months,  forty weeks, or two hundred
  and  eighty days from conception—a few days
  being allowed for variation either way.
   Inconsequence of the almost exact re<;ula"i-
 tv with  which labor takes  place, phvsioiogi ts
 have  invented many theories to account for it*
 occurrence, but a* yet as sa-ufa-cory  cause Las
 been  assigned.
 _. Some have supposed that the uterine action
 is caused by the struggles of the  fcetni for the
 want of room,  or sufficient nourishment, or from
 attempts  to breathe; some  attribute  it to the
 acrid nature of the liquor  amnii—others to the
 womb having attained its greatest irritability at
 the precise .tune of the completion of feetal de-
 velopment,  and other still compare it to  th
dV°PPmo of fruit Cully ripe. 
              PARTURITION—LABOR.          168

  Princiually  all, however, that has been  said
on the subject, is mere speculation. The causes
which operate to produce labor lie hid among
the mysteries of  our existence.  That it is not
directly connected  with the condition of the
womb is evident from the fact that in extra-ute-
rine pregnancy—where the ovum hecomes lodged
in the cavity of the abdomen, and entirely dis-
connected with the uterus- females are frequent-
ly visited with all the symptoms of parturition
at the time when the foetus has reached its full
age.
  " But though all search has hitherto failed in
discovering  the exciting cause of labor, it  has
established the fact, that the periodicity which
we  found to characterize the other uterine funo-
tions, prevails here also. For example, abortion
or premature labor, when not the result of ex-
ternal accidental causes, occurs very generally
at a  monthly, or  what,  but for conception,
would have  been a menstrual period.
  " Again, as remarked by  Stark and  others,
the  normal  period for parturition  correspond!
to a menstrual period; on this principle Kluge
calculates the  duration  of pregnancy in every
case at 280 days, and so much more or less, as
impregnation took place immediately before or
after menstruation.   Speaking generally, labor
may be looked for at about the tenth period af-
ter the last appearance of the caiameuia." 
160          PARTURITION—LABOR.

  Symftoms of  Lvbor.—These are as follows:
  1. A subsidence or sinking of the  abdomen,
and consequent lessening of the wai.->t.   Tins
usually  occurs  two or tbree days—sometimes
only a few hours—before the commencement of
labor.   Thii is  caused by the settling down of
the womb into  the pelvis, and indicates a heal-
thy condition of those parts.
  2. Frequent desire to void the urine or evacu-
ate the  bowels constitute one of the common
symptoms of approaching labor.  This  is cau-
sed by the pressure of the womb  upon the blad-
der and rectum,  which not only  affects them
mechanically by lessening their capacity—but
also causes a degree of irritation, which produ-
ces a  frequent disposition to an evacuation of
their contents.
  3. Mucus discharge  from the  vagina.   This
usually  occurs about twenty four hours before
the commencement of  labor.   It is generally
colorless until labor has set in, when it becomes
slightly  mixed  with blood,  occasioned  by the
opening of the os uteri.
  4. .Painless  uterine  contractions.   " During
the last niwnth of pregnancy, and especially to-
wards its termination, patients frequently notice
a squeezing sensation in the abdomen, which
lasts for a little time, then subsides, and is not
attended with pain."
  PR£.s.:NTVTio>.—By  this  is meant the  part
which presents at the brim of the pelvis.  These
are, l.-,t, Presentation of the head.  2d, Of the 
natural labor.            i —
breech, including the hips and loins.  3d, Of the
inferior extremities, including the knees  and
feet.  4th, Of the superior extremities, including
the shoulder, elbow, and hand.
  Classification of labor.—Labor has been di-
vided by medical writers into a variety of clas-
ses, varying from  three  to seven.  We think.
however,  that the  simpler the  arrangement the
better, provided it embrace the whole subject.
We  shall  accordingly  follow the divisions of
those who make but three  classes denominated
natural, unnatural,  and complex labors.

               NATURAL LABOR.

  "The term natural labor is  applied to those
cases in which the head presents, and descends
regularly  into the  pelvis; where the  process is
uncomplicated, and concluded by the  natural
powers within  twenty-four hours, (each stage
being  of  due proportion,) with safety to the
mother and child,  and in which the placenta is
expelled in due time."
  There  are, however,  great variations in the
length of  time required  to  complete a labor.—
In a large majority of instances the whole  pro-
cess is finished in  six hours.   Others  require a
longer period, and in a few cases labor is  pro-
tracted even to thirty hours or more,  with  per-
fect safety to the mother and child.  With these
remarks we proceed to a description of the  pro
eess, and proper management of natural labo 
109            NATURAL LABOR.
  Stages of Labor.—For the convenience of
description, the process of labor is  divided into
three stagei—the first extending from the com-
mencement of labor, to the pas.-age of the child a
head through the os uteri—he second from the
passage of the child's head through the os uteri,
to the birth of the child—and the third from the
birth of the child, to the expulsion of the  after-
birth.
   The commencement of labor is dated from
the time when the contrac ion of the womb be-
come painful, provided  the  whole uterus con-
tracts, and they are regular, and continue with-
out suspension.
   The symptoms of the first stage  of labor aro
as follow.,:  i he individual complains of severe
pains that are generally seated in the bark, and
extend  artund  to the  abdomen and thighs.—
Thete  are described as "cutting  or  grinding
pains."   'i hey aie thort—do not occur \ eiy lre-
quently, nor  occasion any  disposition on tho
part o! the woman to render any as. i tance, but
are difficult to bear, causing her to suspend her
business und give expression to her lctlings by
groans and loud outcries.
   These " cutting and grinding pains ' are cau-
sed by the opening of the. o >  uti ri.  Dur.ng this
stage the woman is restless, irritable, de. pend-
ent, low spi.i ed, and f arful cf evil con equen-
ces.  Not unfiequently  the  stomach i.Lo bo-
eoraes irritable und vomiting endues-.  This is
always beneficial, assisting materially in relax-
ing the mouth of the womb 
NATURAL LABOR.
169
   During this stage, especially near  its close,
 severe rigors or shiverings occur; not from cold,
 but as a prelude to a pain.
   If an examination be made per vaginum at
 the commencement of labor, the vagina will be
 found undilated, but the  mouth of the womb
 slightly open during a pain.  As the  pains in-
 crease the os uteri continues to dilate, slowly at
 first, but increasing more rapidly towards  the
 close of this stage; the bag of waters protrudes,
 and finally burst, the head passes through  the
 mouth of the womb, and the second stage com-
 mences.
   During the second stage the character of  the
 pains becomes changed  They are described as
 " bearing down or forcing pains," occur more
 frequently,  and continue longer; the  suffering
 becomes more general, but the woman  is dispo-
 sed  to  render assistance by voluntary efforts,
 which occasions her to hold her breath,  and sus-
 pend her cries until the end of a pain.
  As labor advances the  circulation  becomes
 more active—the countenance flushed—ihe heat
 of the skin increased—and  profuse perspiration
 takes place. Vomiting, ah>o, frequently  happens
 during this stage.
  " Jf the second stage be prolonged,  the wo-
man  often feels heavy and sleepy, and  may
doze  between the pains—the result of the fa-
tigue, combined with the congestion about the
face and head." 
I/O            .VATL'KaL LABud.
  If an internal examination be made, the vagi-
na will be found dilatable, and the head of the
child occupying the upper part of the pelvis.—
This will be found to advance during each pain,
and  recede  somewhat during an intermission,
yet on the whole gradually advancing  toward
the outlet of the pelvis until at length it reach-
es the perineum, which, together with  the ex-
ternal parts becomes distended, and the exer-
tions and sufferings of the woman  reach their
highest point.
  At tliis point if the pains were continuous,
extensive lacerations would undoubtedly occur.
But nature  is beautifully adapted  to the safe
accomplishment of its own work.   At this stage
the pains become frequent, one succeeding an-
other with  rapid succession—each  one  forcing
the parts to the utmost point of distension, yet
quickly abating, allowing the head to recede for
a moment, and  again forcing it forward as be-
fore, every time gaining upon the one that pre-
ceded it.  In addition to this, the resistance of
of the perineum throws the head forward  against
the  os  pubis, by  which means, in  connection
with the nature of the pains already described,
the advance of the head is  retarded until the
parts are sufficiently relaxed to admit of its safe
and easy exit.   After the passage of the head
there is a short rest, equivalent to two or three
pains—then the uterus acts again, and the body
of the child is soon expelled. 
NATURAL LABOR.            171
   " The  second  stage is now completed; the
 suffering, which  was  intense, is exchanged for
 perfect ease, and the sense of relief is inexpres-
 sibly great.  If the hand be placed on the abdo-
 men, it will be  found flabby, and  the uterus
 large and moderately contracted."
   The third steige includes the detachment and
 expulsion of the after-birth.  This is usually ac-
 complished in  a few minutes  after the birth of
 the child, though it may be delayed for hours,
 and even days, without producing any evil con-
 sequences.  In some instances it is expelled at
 the same time  with  the child, but there is gen-
 erally a short  interval of rest  after its birth,
 when slight pains come on, the uterus contracts,
 and the placenta is detached.
   Management  cf Natural Labor.—For the pur-
 pose  of determining whether labor  has really
 commenced or  not,  the midwife, when called to
 render  assistance, may have reference to the
 nature of the pains.
   True pains commence at the lower  part of the
 womb—are first felt in the back, extend gradu-
 ally to the front—and occur regularly but with
 increasing frequency—each  being   somewhat
 more  severe than the preceding one.
   On the other  hand, those partial efforts of the
 womb, which produce what are called false or
 spurious pains,  commence  at its upper part, are
 not accompanied with  the cutting or grinding
 sensations before  described, are inefficient, and
recur at irregular intervals. 
172
NATURAL labor.
    In addition  to this, if an examination  per
  vaginum be male, the os uteri will be fmnl
  somswhat dilated or  open—but little at first-
  yet gradually increasing with each  succeeding
  effort.
    Having ascertained the existence of genuine
  labor, the attention  of the midwife should, in
  the next place, be directed to the presenting part
  of the child.
    If an examination he  made after the mouth
  of the womb becomes considerably dilated, the
  membranes will  be perceived, in the form of a
  sack or  bladder filled with water, protruding in-
  to the upper part  of the vagina.   This, by its
'  pressure upon  surrounding parts, aids mechani-
  cally in the dilatation of the os uteri.
    As the pains  increase  the  membranes are
  pushed forward, until in consequence of extreme
  distention they burst, and the  fluid  whi. h they
  contained escapes.   This  is the usual time for
  ascertaining the presenting part, although  wc
  may sometimes determine that question while
  the membranes remain entire.  An examina-
  tion should never be  delayed after the discharge
  of the "waters"—indeed  it is best to  make it
  as soon  as the pains become  severe—lest  we
  permit labor to  become so far advanced,  that
  the most convenient time for rectifying a wrong
  presentation passes unimproved.
    It will be remembered that we  have defined
  natural labor as that in which the head pre
  sents.   The head  may  be distinguished by its 
natural labor.
173
 fontanells or openings, the projection  of the
 nose, the eyes, mouth and chin, and sometimes
 by the hairy scalp.
   There  is. however, a  distinction, properly
 made in reference to the position which the
 head occupies.   The most natural and easy one
 is that in which  the  vertex or crown  presents,
 bavin-- the face downwards, and  the  belly of
 the child turned  to ihe bark of the  mother.
   Besides this posiion, the head  may present
 in  a situation directly its opposite, that is, with
 the back of the  child towards the back of the
 mother—or the face may be tinned to one side
 —or an  arm may present with the head, &c.
   These variations, however, do not call for any
 manual interference on the part of the midwife.
 All that  is necessary  for her to  do  is to instruct
 the woman to change her position occasionally,
 in order  to favor the  passage of the head, and
 at the same time encourage  her to have pa-
 tience under the  process, which  must necessari-
 ly, be somewhat  more  protracted than  when
 the head presents in the position first described.
   Having become  satisfied that the head pre-
 sents, the midwife  has little to  do  but  to  wait
 patiently for the  efforts of nature to accomplish
 the final expulsion of the child.  An examina-
 tion, however, should be made occasionally, in
 order to note the progress of labor, and be pre-
 pared to guard the external parts from lacera-
 tion, and receive  the child as soon as it is born.
  The next object of attention  to the  midwife
is the final expulsion of the child. 
174            NATURAL LABOR.
   It has been remarked already, that the pains
 increase in frequency and force  during the lat-
 ter part of the second stage.   During these pains
 the head of the  child not  unfrequently, for a
 time, seems  to stick fast in the  pelvis, and the
 efforts of the woman  appear unavailing.  No
 fears need be entertained under these circum-
 stances—but the woman may, if the pains will
 permit, stand on her feet or change, her position
 —which may assist somewhat in advancing the
 passage of the child.
   During this stage  it is usual for the midwife
 to .keep a finger placed to the head of the child,
 in order to  be prepared for its reception.  In
 performing these operations no  force should be
 used—but as the  head is protruded, it may be
 received into the hand of the midwife, and care-
 fully  supported  in its  proper position, so that,
 while the body is being born, the soft parts of
 the woman may  not be torn.
   Alter the passage  of the head  there is usually
 a slight pause in  the efforts of the woman, after
 which the pains return, and the body is expel-
 led.  Turing this  pause  no  attempt should be
 made to > vtract the  child by force, but we  may
 wait for :ie  et,orts ol  nature to complete the
 work.
  The midwife may, however, ascertain wheth-
 er t ie cord is wound.round the neck—and if
so,  di-en^a-t.' it  if possible,  'ihe  face of the
child, also, shr.uld be di.-engaged  from the mem-
branes., and  the  mouth and  nostiffs should be 
NATURAL LABOR.
175
cleansed, with a finger, lest strangulation hap-
pen by its taking into  the lungs the mucus, or
whatever else may  be in  the mouth or nos-
trils.
  "When the child breathes and cries strongly,
and the pulsation in the umbilical artery ceases
tie a small string or large twine round the um-
bilicus, about a half  inch from the place where
it ceases to be of the same color as the body of
the child, that is, generally about an inch from
the body, and another an inch or  two from this.
Let both be tied twice or three times around,
and drawn so closely as  to prevent the circula-
tion, but not  so as to cut the umbilicus."
  Having tied the cord, it may be severed with
a pair of sharp scissors, betwen the places where
it is tied.
  Should the child not breathe after being com-
pletely discharged, a little cool water may be
dashed along the spine or on its breast—or the
child may be immersed  in water a little  more
than blood warm. Rubbing the spine or whole
surface briskly, yet gently, with a soft flannel,
tickling the nose with a feather, blowing into
the lungs and pressing out the air, stripping the
cord from  the "mother towards the child, and
stimulating injections  to the  bowels, have all
been recommended as means to be used for the
restoration of breathing.  We should  not be
discouraged,  if the means used are not immedi-
ately successful—as children have been recover-
ed after an hours fruitless labor. 
176            NATURAL LABOR.
  Leaving this subject, vvc  return again to the
farther management of the  woman.
  We  suppose  her  safely delivered, and the
child given over to the nurse—the next duty de-
volving upon the midwife,  is the management
of the  after-birth.  This is, indeed,  sometimes
expelled at the same time with the child.  Usu-
ally, however, it  remains  for a time, when
slight pains return, which end in its detatchment
and expulsion.
  When these pains occur, we may aid some-
what in removing  the. placenta, by gently pul-
ling  upon  the cord, with a  steady  force.  In
some cases, aho, the  after birth is expelled from
the womb, and is lodged  within the  vagina,
from which it may be removed by means of the
gentle  traction before recommended.  In these
cases,  if a hand be  placed over the womb, it
will be found already contracted.
  These efforts  to remove  the placenta will
generally  prove  successful—but  sh >uld they
fail, we are by no  means to resort to violence.
All we are. called upon to do, unless where there
is dangerous hemorihage. is to assi-t the  con-
traction of the womb by friction over the abdo-
men, in connection  with the gentle traction
above recommended. If we do not  succeed by
these means, the woman should be allowed to
rest in bed for a short lime, after which a stim-
ulating injection may be administered to the
bowels, which will generally accomplish the ob-
ject. 
NATURAL LABOR.            177
  After the birth of the child it is usual to ap-
ply a binder to the abdomen of the patient, to
aid in the contraction and support of the parts.
This may consist of a  broad  linnen cloth, so
applied as to embrace the hips and whole ab-
domen—not very tight—yet with a moderate
degree of firmness.
  It should have been remarked, also, that it is
best to change the dress of the  patient, when
necessary, and put her  to bed before applying
the bandage.  In doing these things she should
not be allowed to exert herself, but should de«
pend altogether upon the assistants to make
such arrangements as are necessary.
  Before leaving this hasty notice of natural la-
bor, we will offer a  few remarks upon one or
two other subjects connected with the duties of
the midwife.  The  first is the position Jor  de-
livery
  This has varied in different times, and still
varies in different countries.  We  will, there-
fore proceed to describe some  of the positions
commonly adopted, at the same time remarking
that the  patient may, as a general thing, be al-
lowed to follow her own inclinations in this re-
spect
   In some instances  women have been deliver-
ed in bed, either lying on the  back with the
hips elevated, or  on the leYt sdde, with the hips
near the edge of the bed, and the knees drawn
up and separated by having  a  pillow placed
between them.  The latter position is the one 
178            NATURAL LABOR.
adopted, generally, in England.  When the pa-
tient is delivered in bed, it should  be guarded
against being soiled, by having several folded
blankets placed under her.  In both the above
positions the woman should be allowed to grasp
a sheet fastened to the bed post, or the hand of
an assistant, during the pains.
  The following we  esteem as a very conveni-
ent position for delivery :—A seat is prepared
on the bed, by having a folded blanket or  two
placed so  as to hang over its edge, the feather
bed being tinned  back to assist in  furnishing
support to the back of the patient, or her hus-
band, or an attendant, may be seated at her
back  for  this  purpose.   In  this  position, she.
should be  placed as near the  edge  of the bed ;*«
possible, having her feel supported by two chair-,
so far apart as to permit the chair of the mid-
wife to be placed between them. An attendant
may be seated on each chair, to keep them in
place, and grasp the hands of the patient during
a pain.
  The kneeling posture, also, is highly esteemed
by many,  as a favorable  position  for delivery.
Indeed, it not unfVequently happens that a te-
dious labor is speedily accomplished by a change
to this position.  When this posture  is adopted,
the woman may rest on her knees before a chair,
having  a  pillow placed on it for the elbows to
rest on, while she grasps the back with her hands.
  When labor lingers, a change of position will
frequently assist in expediting the  business. 
NATURAL LABOR.             179
  Mcdiced treatment of the woman duriug labor.—
As a general thing little need be done  in this
respect.  If the patieht'hns been properly man-
aged during gestation, and the efforts .of  nature
are not mu-rfered  will* inthe-act of parturition,
she will, in a vast majority of in-lances, escape
those disagreeable and  perplexing difficulties,
which  sometimes occur under fashionable treat-
ment.
  Still, the midwife may sometimes find  it con-
venient to render  some assistance, by  adminis-
tering  medicine.
  The first circumstance that may demand any
attention of this kind, is usually connected with
the nature of the pains.   If  they are irregular,
or inefficient, and we  are uncertain whether la-
bor has commenced or not, something may be
done to remove them  if they  are spurious, or as-
sist them if  they are real.   For this purpose a
tea of  tansy and  cayenne, combined, or used
separately, may be employed  to good advantage.
So also may composition, and. a variety of oth-
er warming medicines.   Dr. Thomson  highly
recommends a tea of red raspberry leaves, com-
bined with cayenne. Whatever may be advised
should be employed freely, and  aided  by other
means to produce perspiration.  This treatment
will seldom  fail to relieve false pains, or encour-
age those which are real.
  Miould labor progress slowly in  consequence
~)f the  rigidity of the parts, enough lobelia may
oe added to the other mcicincs, to create con- 
itX)            «-:t;.-.ai labor.

•iderable nausea,whim will asdst in producing
speedy relaxation. . Sitting  over steam, or ap-
Elying cloths dipped in water as warm  as cun
 e borne, will be found of service it the exter-
nal parts are aore, inflamed, or rigid.
  Should'the woman  become exhausted and
faintfduring labor, cavenne tea may be given in
full doses,  cdioulJ cramps or convulsions take
place, they are to be treated as heretofore di-
rected.  Not unfrequently, a full course of med-
icine has been found to remove rhose difficulties,
which sometimes happen during labor, and ren-
der the birth  of the child sale and easy.
  It should have been lemarked. also, that some
attention to the condition of the bowels may be
necessary.  If they are cosiive, or have not been
recently moved, an injection should  be adminis-
tered, feoon after the  commencement of labor.
The woman should also be  instructed to obey
the calls of nature at all tunes, rs injury might
arise from the reuntion of urine, or the stools.
  Before leaving this subject it is  proper to re-
mark, that dangerous  consequences, such  as
floodi ig, li in ing, infanation of the womb, child
bed fever &c., may  always  be p evented, by
simply keeping the woman in a gentle per pi;. -
Lou cu ing lubor, and for two or three nays s.ul-
fsequently. 
UNNATCBAL LAB: a.           181
                 UNNATURAL LABOR,

     By this is meant any variation  from natural
   labor, in respect to the'time required for its com-
   pletion, the kind of presentation, the  obstruc-
   tions to its termination, Arc.  'J here  are several
   varieties of unnatural labor mentioned by wri-
   ters.  We will notice them in the order adopted
   by Dr.  Churchill.

     Tedious  Labor.—Tn this kind of  labor  the
   head presents, and the child is born without as-
   sistance, but the  labor is  prolonged  more than
   twenty-four hours, from causes which occasion
   delay in the first s'etge.
     In this kind of labor the pains are short, seat-
   ed  in front,  feeble, and  produce but little  ef-
   fect upon the bag of membranes, or cervix ute-
   ri.  On examination the head will be found not
   to have passed  through the os uteri.
     Treatment—The treatment before recommen-
   ded, as cayenne and tansy tea, or compotition,
  tea of red r.tspberry leaves and cayenne, eve,
  may be  employed.  In addition, stimulating in-
  jections  to the bowels, will nid in producing ef-
  ficient uterine  action.   If these means do not
  succeed, a course of medicine may be adminis-
  tered—or at least nauseating doses of lobelia
  may be given.  This kind of labor, though p.o-
  tracted, uniformily terminates with safety to the
. mother  and  child, unless danger arise  from
  tome other cause. 
182
l :..NATURAL LAB'>R.
  PowKRi.rss Labor.—By this term is meant la-
bor which is prolonged in the second  stage, or
after the head has  passed through the os uteri,
by causes  which operate on the uterine power,
rendering the pains feeble, or  totally suppres-
sing them.
  The consequences of delay in the second tagn
are much  more dangerous than when it takes
place  in  the first, especially to the child.   It
may be re ma ked,  however, that powerless la-
bor, as it  is called,  will  seldom  or never  occur
under  proper management.
  The second stage may continue for a conside-
rable length of time without any bad symptoms.
But, as a general thing, writers tell us, when it
is protracted beyond twelve or fourteen hours,
symptoms of constitutional suffering  become
manifested.
  The symptoms attending this kind of protrac-
ted labor  are described  as follows:  the pains,
which had b<en  regular and powerful, become
irregular  and feeble, and  finally  the bearing
down effort cease.s, and the pains and outcry of
the woman  resemble  those of the  first  Mage,
just as though the labor had retrograded.
  Other symptoms  follow. The patient becomes
restless, frequently  tossing about her  arms,  and
changing her position, the skin is hot, severe
shiverings resembling a slight  convulsion take
place, vomiting  becomes severe. ;md green, bil-
jioii*, or dark colored  matter  i< ejeeU-d from
the stomach.  These symptoms increase in m- 
UNNATURAL  LABOR.
1.83
verity according as the condition continues, the
pulse becomes rapid and feeble, the skin cover-
ed with a cold  clammy sweat, the patient be-
comes stupid, and delirious, and, if relief be not
obtained, death ultimately closes the scene.
  The  causes of this kind of labor, as  enume-
rated by writers, are such as the  following : pow-
erless condition of  the  uterus  arising  from a
weak constitution,  mental emotion, diseases of
the uterus, &c.   These  causes, however, as a
general thing,  are merely hypothetical.  The
writers that we hive referred to admit that this
kind of labor seldom occurs, except among per-
sons who have  been badly managed.   We are,
therefore, prepared to give the  common  cause
of the dilfieulty, which is nothing  else than  the
regular maltreatment  of women,  during  preg-
nancy  and  parturition, by bleeding, poisoning,
offi nous interference, &c.
  yianagenient.—In the first place let those who
wish to escape  the dangers above  enumerated,
avoid blood letting and other means of reducing
their vitality, either while pregnant, or upon  the
bed of pa turition.  In the second place let them
adopt the plan of management before recom-
mended, during pregnane) , and trust nature to
to perform her own work.
  Should any  diffi uhies arise, however, from
protracted labor in the second  stage, the  treat-
in \it recoui uen led in tedious labor, including
the  course  of  medicine  mav  be  adopted,   it
should  be remeuibere.l, that  the mere  circuin 
184           UNNATURAL LABOR.

stanrc of labor being prolonged, is not a matter
of any serious importance, unless it give riyo to
the symptoms above mentioned.
  Obstructed  Labor.—In this case labor is Im-
peded by some mechanical  obstruction in the
passages, connected with the soft parts, which
by causing delay in the  second stage, produces
symptoms similar to  those last described.
  Causes.—The causes of obstructed labor are
scirrhus of the uterus, narrow vagina, tumors
in the pelvis,  vaginal hernia, swelling of the
soft parts, deformity of the pelvis, &c.
  Management.—When the obstruction proceeds
from  the  first  two causes  mentioned, time, in
connection with nau-cating doses of lobelia, or
the course  of  medicine,  will usually overcome
the difficulty.
  In  some instances, also, where there a-c tu-
mors  in the pelvis, we  may safely trust to the
powers  of nature to overcome  the difficulty.
i his may be the case when  ihe tumor is small,
compre>.>ible, or easily moved to one side.
  \\ hen the tumor is largo and movable it may,
if possible, be rai-ed above, the brim of the p^ 1-
vis  i 1 an  int r.; 1 between the pains, and held
there  until the head enters the brim.
  Polypus and some other kinds of tumors, may
have  a ligature passed around their base, and
mav be removed.  Sometimes the  tumor con-
tain^  a fluid which may be  di charged by ma-
king an opening with an appropriate instrument.
  Vvhen there is a vaginal  hernia, it should  be
reduced in the manner heretofore pointed out. 
UNNATURAL  LABOR.
185
  Swellings of the soft parts are to be reduced
by warm fomentations, hip bath, &c, as before
recommended.
  Cases of deformity  of the  pelvis, of such a
nature as to prevent delivery by the powers of
nature alone, rarely occur.
  When  the pelvis is so narrow as to render the
passage of the chili impossible without assisis-
tance, instrumental delivery may be resorted to.
  We remark again before leaving the subject,
however, that cases requiring instrumental as-
sistance are exceedingly rare.  Nature not un-
frequently will succeed in overcoming  seeming
impossibilities; anl forje shoul 1 nerer be re-
sorted to, until we are fully satisfied of its abso-
lute necessity.
  Mai. presentation.—By this is meant the  pre-
sentation of any other part bit the heal.   The
usual presentation*  of  this  kind  are—breech
presentations, presentations of the inferior ex-
tremities, presentations of the superior extrem-
ities, compound  presentations, when  two  or
more parts present at the brim.
  Presentation- of the breech.—The breech  may
present in different positions, but,  as  it enter3
the brim, it always arranges itself so that the
back of the child is turned towards the belly of
the mother—or towards her back.
  The breach of the child may be  distinguished
by  its roundness and  softness,  by  the clefts be-
tween the buttocks, by the arms, and by the or-
gans of generation. 
186
UNNATURAL  LABOR.
   The  duration of labor in this presentation,
is generally longer than when the head presents.
   Management.— Having ascertained that the
bieach presents, the midwife should carefully
avoid all interference, until the breach is pushed
through the external parts.  It should be remem-
bered that the danger to the child, is just in pro-
portion to the rapidity  with which the first sta-
ges of labor are accomplished.  The reason  is,
the head is larger than  the other  parts: and if
they pass through rapidly, the. passages  are not
sufficiently dilated, so that  the head is retained
after the rest of  the  child  is born—in  conse-
quence of which its life is  endangered.
   To guard against danger, therefore, from this
source, the breech should be permitted to pasa
gradually and slowly, so as to sufficiently dilate
the soft parts.
   When the chest is pushed through the external
parts, the arms may offer a slight difficulty. " If
they are above the side of the head, they may be
brought down by passing a finger or two over
the shoulder  as near to the elbow as possible,
and then drawing it across the  face and chest
until  the elbow arrives at  the external  orifice ;
having extracted one, the other is ra-ily libera-
ted, and it is generally  easier to  bojrin with the
one nearest the perineum."  In  bringing down
the arms care must be  taken n  t  to do  it sud-
denly or violently, or they may be  broken.
   The danger in this case arises from the pres-
iure  which is  exerted upon  the  cord alter the 
              UNNATURAL  LABOR.            1ST

lower part of the body is born.  To avoid this
danger the cord, as soon  as it appears, should
be pulled down a little, and removed as much
out of the way of pressure as possible.
  Presentation of the  inferior extremities.—
Under this head is included presentations of one
or both of the knees or feet.   When the knees
present, they are always changed into footling
cases as the labor advances.
  Management —Precisely the same as in breech
presentations.
  Presentation of the superior extremities.—"In
almost all cases of this kind it is  the shoulder
which primarily presents, and afterward the arm
prolap es;  occasionally, however, we  find the
hand at the beginning of the labor at the os uteri,
and  more rarely the elbow."   The back of the
child is always turned towards the spine, or ab-
domen of the mother.
    his is the most difficult position in which the
child can po-sibly present, and delivery under
such circum-tance:-;  is  impracticable,  without
assistance, in the majority of instances.
  In this presentation the hand may be distin-
guished from the  foot by its shortness, the
length of the  fingers, the situation of the thumb,
cVc.   The situation of the thumb and the palm
of the hand, may also enable us to determine
which hand presents.
  Tre \ i-mkm .— " As (with very few exceptions)
the labor is imprajtieable, and we have noth- 
188            CNNAUIUt LABOR.
 ing to expect from the natural efforts, except
 an incrense of difficulty, it becomes our duty to
 interfere promptly in every case.   Should  the
 mal presentation have been detected before the
 rupture of  the  membranes, and before the oa
 uteri  is  fully dilated, v\e may wait for a time
 to allow of  as complete dilatation as possible,
 nor is there any risk so long as the membranes
 are entire.  But if they have given way,  we
 ought not, and  if  the os uteri be  full) dilated,
 (whether the membranes be entiie or not-0 we
 must not wait a moment, but  pro.e ,d to deliv-
 er by turning.   When thu liquor amnii has not
 escaped there is  seldom  any diffimlty, but after
 that event we generally find tho uterus in ire or
 less strongly contrasted upon  the  child, and in
 fn-oportion to this contraction is the difficulty.
 f the uterine action be  very intense, the opera-
 tion may be impossible  without risk of ruptur-
 ing the uterus; and in such ca-es instead of pro-
 ceding at once to tnrn, ' a dose of lobelia may be
 given to produce severe  nausea, to moderate, or
 suspend uterine action, and admit the introduc-
 tion of the hand.
   The most  proper time for the  operation of
 turning, whi^h should be. by bringing down the
 feet, is immediately after the  rupture  of the
 membranes.  In some instances it may be done
 before the waters are  discharged.
  " If the os uteri  be dilatable, the sooner the
 attempt is made after the escape of the waters,
the better.   Gardien says that  the most favora-
ble moment is just when  the waters break." 
              UNNATURAL LABOR.           189

   Mihoi of Operating.—The bowels and blad-
der having been emptied, the  patient is to be
placed in a convenient posture, similar to that
for delivery.  The hand should  then be  well
oiled, an 1 inserted edgeways through the os ex-
ternum, during an interval of pain.   When the
band is in the vagina, the ends of the fingeis are
to be brought together so that it may more read-
ily be introduced through the os uteri.
   After the hand is in the uterus  an examina-
tion should be made as to the position of the
child's body.   "  Having ascertained  all about
it, the hand is to be passed over the J rant (chest
and belly) of the child, as it is generally in front
that we meet  with the feet.  It is often a mat-
ter of difficulty to reach these,  as well from the
distance to be traversed as from the contraction
of the uterus.
  " This part  of the operation should be slowly
and gently performed, resting* occasionally and
keeping the hand quite  still and flat upon the
body of the child during a pain, so as to  avoid
both injury to the mother and great pain  to
ourselves from the violence of  the uterine  con-
tractions."
  Having found one or  both of the inferior ex-
tremities, we may be satisfied that we have not
mistaken a hand for a foot,after which we may
proceed, during an interval between the pains,
                        *n one or both of the
                               with a waving
UiOviu.1 mom iv into uie pervi-. 
 190            UNNATURAL LABi.R.

   "While withdrawing the hand from  the ute-
 rus the waters of the ovum flow away, and tlie
 uterus being emptied by the evacuation of the.'e,
 and the extraction of the inferior extremities,
 we must wait till it has  contracted, and on tin-
 accession  of a pain the feet must be  brought
 lower, till they are at length chared  through
 the os externum."
   Another mode of turning is recommended by
 some  as superior to the foregoing. It is simply
 to bring down the knees, by hooking  a finger
 into their flexure.  The advantages of this meth-
 od are—the hand has not to be pushed so far into
 the uterus, is more protected against the violence
 of the uterine contraction, and retains  a better
 hold upon the child—and it is said the turning
 is morereadily accomplished.
   W hatevcr mode of  turning may be adopted,
 it is not necessary to interlere at all  with tho
 presenting arm—this, as the feet or knees arc
 brought down, will, of its owu accord, be drawn
 back into the uterus.
   The physician or midwife, who may be cal-
 led to  a ease of arm presentation when the wa-
 ters have been a long time discharged, and the
 uterus is closely contracted on the child, should
 not attempt turning until the uterine action is
 quieted, and a proper degree of relaxation is
 effected.  To  accomplish  these objects, lobelia
 may be given  in do-us sufficient to produce  nau-
sea and vomiting. 
UNNATURAL LABOR.
191
  Plural  Births.—Women  not unfrequently
bear twins, and instances are on record where
three, four, and even  five, children  have  been
born at a single birth.   In these  cases  each
child possesses its special envelopes, and a sep-
arate placenta.
  In labor with twins, the presentation of either
child  may be  natural, or otherwise, and  must
be managed accordingly, as in labor with a sin-
gle child.
  Management.—As before  remarked, different
presentations are to be treated as in labor with
a single child.
  After the birth of the first child, there is usu-
ally an interval of rest, when the pains return,
and the second child is  born. This interval
does not generally extend beyond  a  few min-
utes, though instances have  been known, where
hours, or even days and weeks, have intervened
between the births.  During this  interval  all
we need do for the  woman in ordinary cases, is
to support her  strength by giving composition,
the anodyne powders or some similar medicine.
   The placenta of the first child is not to be re-
moved, but we may wait for both  to be expel-
led together, after the second brith.
  When there are more  than two children, the
same principles must govern our treatment,  as
in ca-es of twins. 
1C2            COMPLEX LABOR,
              COMPPLEX LABOR.

   Tiffs labor may be  either natural or unnatu-
ral as far  as  presentation is concerned.  The
term arises from tho fact of labor being compli-
cated with some other difficulty.
   Prolapse of the funis umbilicus.—The um-
bilical cord may  prolapse (fall down) alone, or
in connection with the presenting part, and at
the commencement, or during the course of la-
bor.
   " This accident has no influence  whatever
upon the progress ot  labor, but  a very  serious
one upon  the life of the child;  and  any inter-
ference which may be advised  is for the pur-
pose of rescuing it from peril."   The  danger to
the child arises from the. pressure upon the cord,
by which  the circulation between it and tho
mother is arrested.
   Management.—Various methods have been
proposed to obviate the danger which ovists in
this ease—as pushing up the cord and retaining
it, with a finger, above the  brim of the pelvis,
uutil the upper outlet be filled by the descending
head.   This randy  succeeds  it has  also been
recommen led to  return  the cord, and  hook  it
over the li.n')s of  the child.  The success of this
plan is al o doubtful.   Others have recommen-
ded induing the  prolapsed cord in a leather or
linnen  bag, and pushing it beyond the head of
the child, and others still have fastened it to the 
COMPLEX LABER.            193
 end of a catheter, or some similar  instrument,
 by which it was  returned above the presenting
 part.  In addition to these plans,  seme have
 saved the child by placing the cord in the angle
 formed by the sacram and hip bones, where it
 is partially guarded  from pressure.
   Retention of the placenta.—In seme instances
 the placenta, which usually comes away within
 a short time after the birth of the  child, is re-
 tained for a considerable length of  time.  We
 do not believe, however, that any dangerous
 consequences  need follow from its  remaining,
 although it be retained until it putrifies and
 comes away by piece-meal.   At least there is
 danger of more injury being dene by its forcible
 removal, than by allowing it  to remain.  We
 have known it to be retained two days or more,
 not only without danger, but in connection with
 a more than usually  favorable convalescence.
 Cases are also on record, where it has remained
 for two or three weeks without any  injury.
   Metneivcmcnt.—In addition to what was said
 about the management of the after-birth in the
 notice of natural labor, we add,that where the
 placenta is  retained  any hngih ef time, we
 should pay particular attention to the condition
 of the woman, so as to guard again-1 a  t( nJen-
 cy to -my of the dbeases, to which females are
 Lable after delivery.   Warming medicine-, in
connection with nervines, and means to regu-
late the bowels, and promote perspiration, con-
stitute the agents necessary to be employed in
such cases. 
194
COMPLKX LABOR,
  Flooding.—Labor is sometimes complicated
with flooding, which may occur at the time of
delivery, or subsequently to the birth of the child.
The method of treating this difficulty has  been
pointed out already.
  Convulsions.—This is another difficulty which
sometimes occurs during labor, and has  been
noticed before.
  Laci:r.\tk>ns.—Ruptures of the uterus, lacer-
ations of the vagina,  perineum, &c, are men-
tioned as among the difficulties with which la-
bor is sometimes complicated.  Vv e shall, how-
ever, take no farther notice of them at this time,
since they almost uniformily occur as the con-
sequences of mismanagement.  Our advice, is,
avoid force, and aid nature in the way heretofore
pointed out, and these  difficulties will disappear
from obstetrical practice. 
DISEASES CF THE  .UERl'ERAL  STAXE.    195
CHAPTER  VI.
       01SEASES OF THE rUERrERAL STATE.

  Although  parturition  is a  perfectly  natural
process and cannot be  considered in any sense
as a disease, yet it sometimes gives rise to seri-
ous difficulties, and has  been known to be fol-
lowed by fatal consequences.
  It is true, however, that in a vast majority of
instances the dangers encountered during, and
immediately subsequent to, the parturient  elf rt,
result from the pernicious practice of the here-
tofore prevailing systems oi medicine, and  that
nature alone, when not hindered in her opera-
tions, is, as a general thing, competent to  safely
discharge all her offices.
  For  ages  past, woman has been made the
subject of the  most reckless,  and cruel experi-
ments, and the victim of the  most savage bar-
barities—and all under the color of rendering
medical assistance.
  If any are disposed to  doubt this statement,
we refer them to  the rectrds of medicine.  If
such an investigation will not make " humanity
weep," we know of nothing that can. 
193         FFU'.lDINO AND FAINTING.

  Had we  space, we would gladly enlarge on
this subject, an 1 sprea 1 brfne. our readers such
testimonies as we. hive  within our reach.   Wo
end I pre sent an array of evidence, that would
hn--lly fail t-> e.ccito in lij; nation in the b^om of
all  whs prize  virtue, or  sympathize with  the
subjects of affliction.
  Before  leaving this subject we remark, thst
fe.nale-3 who treat  themselves  according to tho
genaral principles of ths botanic system —shun
poison  anl bloo I letting—and reject interfer-
ence with  the e.forts of  nature, have little, to
fear in  fulfilling the duties of bearing and rear-
ing offspring.

             FLOODING AND FAINTING.

   " When either of tho -e circumstance.?  ownr
at child birth, they may be regarded  us some-
what  dangerous.    Fainting  so nctimes  tV.ces
place apparently from  mere exhaustion, whiNt
at other times it is  consequent  on flooding —
The flooding mav either discover it-elf by a dis-
charge of blood externally from the vagina, or
it may be retained in the womb;  and in either
case it may prove suddenly fatal  if not  qiekly
stopped.        .                     m      .
   '• Instances  indeed have occurred,  m  wnicn
 sudden death  followed  fainting  without any
flow of blood,  either externally or  internally, or
any other discoverable cause ; but occurrences
of this kind are very rare."—Hoiewrd. 
AFTEH-PAINS.
107
  Treatmfnt.—Whenever  these difficulties oc-
cur after delivery, we have cause to be alarmed ;
and active measures to give relief should  be
adopted without delay.
  The appropriate treatment has been pointed
out while treating  of abortion, and therefore
need not be recapitulated here.
  We will, accordingly, only remark that it con-
sists of prompt and persevering use  of cayenne,
in connection with astringents, and means to
equalize the circulation and produce sweating.

                 After-pains.

  These are sometimes exceedingly troublesome,
especially after a  speedy delivery.  Women
suffer less  with their first  children, than with
subsequent ones. These pains are supposed to be
caused by the efforts of the womb to expel clots
of blood formed within  it, and are  always ag-
gravated by putting the child to the breast
  Management.—All that is  necessary, in gen*
eral, to relieve these distressing pains, is  to give
freely of composition, or some other warming
diaphoretic tea—place a steaming  brick to tho
feet and another to the bowels  of  the patient,
and keep  up a  gentle  perspiration.  Should
these means not succeed, a woollen cloth may
be vvrumr out  of vinegar in wh'ch strong  ca-
yenne has  been steeped, and laid  warm over
the  abdomen.
   The  following preparation will generally 
 f98 IRREGULARITIES of THE lochial discharm.

 give prompt relief.  Take of tinct. camphor,
 tinct. assafaetida and tinct. English valerian, or
 »cul-cap, equal parts, and shake together in a
 vial.  Dose, a teaspoonful or  more, repeated
 according to circumstances.

     IRREGULARITIES OF THE LOCHIAL DISCHARGE.

   By the term lochia is meant the bloody dis-
 charge, which takes place from the womb  for
 several days subsequent to delivery.
   This may be suppressed too soon, or may be
 excessive in quantity, or of bad quality, and of-
 fensive in consequence of beeoming i<Etid.
   When  excessive it is in consequence of  the
 imperfect contraction of the  womb, and when
 suppressed it is generally in consequence of ta-
 king cold.
   The suppression of the lochia, if not speedily
 relieved, is attended with much danger.  The
 consequences aie, fever, inflamation and severe
pain.
   Management.—When the discharge is exces-
sive, give cayenne  and beth root, or some other
astringent.  The  composition tea,  with other
means to produce sweating, will generally prove
sufficient.
   W hen it is suppressed, give  composition  tea
containing lobelia  enough to produce  nausea,
and place warm  bricks to the fee t and bowels
of the patient.  Persevere in this treatment  un-
til fixe and general perspiration can be main- 
            C08TIVENESS--MILK FliVEB.         ] 09

 tained.  Applications to  the abdomen, as re-
 commended in inflamation  of the  womb, and
 stimulating injections to  the  vagina and bow-
 els, will be found of service.
   In addition to the above, the course of medi-
 cine, or at least an emetic of lobelia, should be
 employed, if necessary, and repeated according
 to  circumstances.
   The above  general  treatment will also regu-
 late the lochial discharge when it is  of a vitia-
 ted quality,

                 COSTIVENESS.

   Women after delivery  are  always  liable tq
 costiveness.   This should always be attended
 to, and  the bowels relieved  daily with injec*
 tions.

                 MILK FEVER.

   " Two or three days after delivery, the breasts
 become  distended with  milk, whilst the  dh*-
 charge from the womb at the same is diminish-
 ed.  This  is apt  to  be  attended  by feverish
 symptoms, such as head ache, thirst, heat, and
 quickness of pulse ; and is known by the name
 of milk fever."
  Treatment.—To prevent a  too sudden  an4
copious secretion of milk, the  child should b«
put to the breast  as soon after  delivery as  co«
venient. 
800             SWELLED LEO.
   In addition to this, the breasts may be bathed
 with third  preparation  mixed with  an equal
 quantity of sweet oil, and shaken together.
   If any degree of fever arise, means should he
 used to cause sweating, as before described, aud
 enough lobelia may be added to the other med-
 icines to occasion nausea.
   The breasts should be frequently drawn, siuce
 the accumulation  of milk may give rise to swel-
 ling and incarnation.

                ■WELLED LEO.

   " By  this title,  or  by that of pldc^masia abk
 dokns, is understood an acute and  very painful
 swelling of the inferior extemities, which some-
 times affects women  in the lying in.  This in-
 flumatory swelling, which rarely involves both
 limbs at once, is attended with fever oi consid-
 erable violence, which in some  instances takes
 on an adynamic  or typhoid character."  Tliis
 disease in common parlanco is  called the milk
leg.
   Cause*.—" Among  the  causes that  give rue
to. it, should be comprised all those circumstan-
ces that obstruct tho  venous circulation  of the
lower extremities, by causing, to a certain ex*
tent, the blood to  coagulate within  the voastla
that  happen  to be attacked with  inflamation;
thus  pressure exerted  upon the nerves and veins
in the pelvis," inffamation of the veins in  the
uterus and pelvis, &c.   ".Moreover,  a sudden 
SWELLED LEG.             201
chilling of the body, following the  copious per-
spiration which almost every woman in labor
has, is one of the commonest among the deter-
mining causes of phlegmasia *dolcns."
  In reference to this  complaint  Dr. Hooper
remarks as follows :—'• From an attentive con-
sideration of the whole  of the  phenomena ob-
servable in this disease, and of its remote cau-
ses and cure, no doubt remains, Dr. Hull thinks,
that the proximate cause consists in an inflama-
tory affection, producing suddenly, a considera-
ble  effusion  of serum   and coagulable  lymph
from the exhalents into  the cellular membrane
of the lymph."
   The pre lisposing  causes, as  mentioned  by
Hooper, are  1st, The increased  irritability and
disposition to inflamation  which prevail during
pregnancy, and after parturition.  2d, The over
distended, or relaxed state of the  blood vessels
of the inferior part of the trunk and lower ex-
tremities, produced during the latter months of
utero-gestation,
  " The malady generally comes on with a chill
followed by intense fever, and by sudden pain
in the groin  and  thigh, which gradually swells
from  above  downwards,  and mostly upon its
inner and anterior surface."
  The  swelling does not, however, commence
invariably  at the upper part of the  limb, but
has been known  to begin  at the foot, the mid-
dle of  the leg, the knee, &c.  Wherever it be-
gins it is generally soon diffused over the whole 
202
SWELLED LEO.
limb, which  becomes whiter  than usual, hot,
excessively tense, glistening, and tender when
touched.  It does not pit upon  pressure except
upon the points which are  not  painful.  It is
worthy of notice, that whrn only one  leg is af-
fected, the swelling is so entirely confined to the
genitals of that side, that if a line were drawn
from the naval to the anus, it would never ex-
tend beyond it.
  Phlegmasia dolens is not generally fatal, but
if improperly treated, or neglected, it  is apt to
be tedious and slow of cure.
  Management.—The treatment of this com-
plaint must, obviously, be both  general and lo-
cal in its nature.
  The general treatment must be  adapted to
the existing symptoms.  If the disease be com-
plicated with inffamation of the womb, puerpe-
ral fever, or any other  complaint, or if the dis-
turbance attending this disease be considerable,
a course of medicine should be  administered,
and repeated as circumstances may require.
  In addition to this, means should be  used to
keep  up a general  and free .perspiration,  as
long as  the  febrile and  inflammatory sy np-
toms  continue.  For this  purpose composition
tea wdth the addition  of sculcap, and  looelia
enough  to prduce nausea, may  b eused.  A tea
of white root, with the addition of cayenne and
lobelia, may be used as a substitute for the above.
  The whole surface should be washed with an 
MILIARY ERUPTION.             203
  alkaline wash, two or three  times a day (espe-
  cially if there is much fever) and a warm brick
  should be  kept to the feet, to aid in sustaining
  the persnirath';,.
    The vapor barh, which may be administered
  whib' tie*  patient is in bed, is a valuable agent
  in  the cure of this complaint.   It  may be used
  at  discretion.
    The bowels should be occasionally evacuated
  with mild laxatives, aided  by injections.
   After the febiile symptoms are subsided, ton-
  ics  may be employed.   The spice bitters, or some
  other preparation  of similar character, may be
  employed as a medicine of this class.
   The local treatment next demands our atten-
  tion.   When the  labium,  or  other  parts,  are
  subject to much pain and inflamation, they may
 be  fomented with  flannel cloths wrung out in
 hot vinegar in which  hops have been  steeped,
 renewing them as often as they become cool.
   Poultices  of slppery elm and  lobelia spread
 thick, and laid  on warm,  are  also  very valua-
 ble in reducing the inflamation and swelling.
   When the  inflamation has ceased, the limb
 may be bathed freely with some  stimulating
 liniment; and it may be slightly bandaged.

              MILIARY ERUPTION.

  Lying-in women are subject to miliary erup-
tions, which are sometimes  accompanied with
some degree of fever.  Sometimes they are dis-
persed over  the whole body, but they  are more 
104       EXCORIATIONS OF THE NIPPLES.

frequently seen about the neck, chest, abdomen
and wrists.
  They  are characterized by white pimples,
which are followed by transparent vesicles filled
with a  colorless  fluid.   These vesicles are,
however, sometimes  surrounded with a reddish
circle.  The eruption generally <j;on o:f by de-
grees, and disappears in five or six days.
  Treatment.—If the disease  is mild, nothing is
needed but  an occasional dose  of composition
tea, together with care in  avoiding exposure to
cold air, and other thing; whim may cause the
eruptions to strike, in suddenly.
  Should the eruption suddenly disappear, lobe-
lia may be  added to  the composition, and other
means to produce sweating may be employed.

          EXCORIATIONS OF THE  NirrLES.

   " From the constant moisture in which these
parts are kept by those who give suck, such oc-
currences are very apt to happen.   When ex-
coriations do arise, the parts  should  be washed
several times a day with a solution of the veg-
etable astringents.
  "To prevent the sore from being aggravated
by  sticking  to the woman's clothes, a little cup
made  of wax may  be laid  over  the nipple,
which is the part most apt to suffer.   If only
one nipple  is affected, the  child may be confined
to the other ; but if both  are  affected, and th'1
pain occasioned  by its sucking are too great to
be  bo""lr> the "'« inn inu-t »hr>p f'n.vi':!  t'rr>r\ ihe 
SWELLED BREASTS.
205
duties  of a  mother until  the excoriations are
somewhat healed, taking care, however, to have
her breasts  drawn regularly twice or thrice a
day."
SWELLED  BREASTS.
  " This disease  is easily known by the pain,
hardness,  and  swelling  which accompany it.
In some cases the whole breast appears to be
affected, in others only one  side, and  in some
the a'lection will be small and superficial."
  In inflamation  of the breasts, it is evident  that
a retention of the milk must increase  the diffi-
culty.   It is, therefore, important to  have them
regularly drawn by the child, or by  some other
means.   Should the milk not come away with-
out difficulty and great pain, a poultice of slip-
pery elm and lobelia with  the addition of cay-
enne or ginger, mny be applied before  attempt-
ing to have them drawn.
  The same general treatment, also, as hereto-
fore recommended in other kinds of inflamation,
is equally applicable here.  It is, therefore, only
necessary to remark that the means  to keep up
a continued perspiration, with mild aperients,
or injections, and the course of medicine if need-
ed, constitute our most reliable resources in tms
malady.                     ,          .    ,
  In addition to the poultice above  mentioned,
(which should be applied over the whole swel-
ling and frequently changed.) the breast aflec- 
206     INFLAMATION  OF THE I'ERI fJNGUM.
  ted may be rubbed freely with a liniment, made
  by shaking together in a viol equal quantities of
  third preparation and sweet oil.
    ^honld every effort to arrest  the progress of
  the inflamation fail, and suppuration take place,
  the breast may be opened  with a lancet at the
  place where the abscess comes nearest the sur-
  face.   After the  matter is discharged, a tent
  covered with salve may be kept in the opening,
  and the poultice or liniment continued until the
  swelling  is entirely removed.   The  abscess
  should also be syringed out every day with mild
 soap suds, or infusion of blood root, and follow-
 ed by a tea of sumach, or some other astringent,
 containing a small quantity of the tincture of
 myrrh.

           INFLAMATION  OF THE  WOMB.

   This disease sometimes occurs after delivery
 in  consequence of mismanagement, neglect, or
 some  other cause, and should receive  prompt
 and persevering attention.   The  appropriate
 treatment has been described already.

        INFLAMATION  OF  THE  PERITONEUM.

  The peritoneum is the membrane that inclo-
ses the contents of the  abdomen.  This mem-
brane  is liable  to inflamation, from  the  same
causes which produce inffamation of the womb
after delivery. 
PUERPERAL FEVER.            207
   Symptoms.—Rigors and shiverings,  followed
by thirst, fever, an acclerated pulse, swelling of
the abdomen, and  exquisite pain and soreness
that causes the woman to lay on her back with
her knees bent in towards her belly, sickness at
the stomach with  vomiting of bilious matter,
constant inclination  to void  the  urine  which
comes  away in  small  quantities, difficulty of
breathing,  a suppression of the  lochia, &c.
   Management.—Same as in inflamation of the
womb.

              PUERPERAL  FEVER.

   " Great soreness, pain and tension of the  ab-
domen, short  anxious  breathing, uncommon
quickness  of the  pul e.increase 1 temperature
of the body, tensive pui.i ovxr to;  forehead, pe-
culiar wil luess of  the eyes, prostration  of the
visa! power..., ,-oppression or diminution of the
milk and lochia, and flacei.l state of the breasts,
and an  unatural  condition of the excrements,
accompanied by diarrhoea, may be regarded as
the pathognomic symptoms of puerpeiul  fever.
Its epidemical prevalence at times, is a suffi-
cient characteristic of its nature, because  this
circumstance never takes place with respect to
simple inflamation of the  uterus and peritone-
um."
   This disease is peculiar to women after deliv-
ery, particularly in hospitals, and is supposed to
occasion the death  of nearly one-half of those
who die in  child-bed. 
808
FUERPERAL FEVER.
  Great diversity of opinion prevails in refer
ence to its nature, as well as the causes which
produce it.   Some have regarded it only as an
ordinary  fever, modified by the  particular cir-
cumstances  existing at the time, and not as  a
particular genus, as contended by others.  Oth-
ers  again have  considered it as inflamation of
the uterus and  peritoneum, accompanied with
fever of a typhoid character.  This last view is
probably, in a great measure, correct, this dis-
ease differing from inflamation of those  parts
only in the violence of the accompanying fever.
  This disease is said  to prevail epidemically,
and there seems to be  evidences  of its  having
been communicated by contagion under certain
circumstances.
  The usual time for the commencement of pu-
erperal fever, is  the third or fourth day after de-
livery, although it sometimes occnrs at an ear-
lier or later period
  The general  symptoms  are  the Fame  with
those  described under the heads of inflamation
of the womb, and inflamation of the peritone-
um, yet being generally more severe and aggra-
vated.
  '■ the appearance of the, lochia, and a gradu-
al subsidence of the abdominal tension and sore-
ness after copious  stools, 4he pulse at the  same
time becoming slower, with a moist skin, may
be regarded in a very favorable light.  On the
c ntrary, an agitated countenance, with a hur-
ried unconnected manner of speaking, constant 
PUERPERAL FEVER.            208
sighing, attended with  a  t03 ing a\>out of the
arms, pain and  oppression at the  chest, visual
deceptions, imagining strange sounds and voices,
muttering  and stupor, are to be considered as
unfavorable symptoms.  An extensive swelling
of the belly, so  as to sound on  striking it with
the fingers, sudden cessation of pain, irregular-
ity  in the pulse, coldness in the extremities,
clammy moisture diffused  over the whole body,
frequent dark-colored and foetid evacuation* by
stool, and  an indifference to all external objects,
denote speedy and certain death."
  Management.—The remediate  measures, pro-
per to be adopted in the cure of puerperal  fe-
ver, cannot differ cs-cntially from those hereto-
fore recommended in inflammation of the womb*
  The nauseating tea advised in inflamation of
the womb, should  be  employed to  promote
sweating,  which should  not be allowed to sub-
side until the disease has pasted  its crisis.
  The bowels should be regulated by the use of
injections.
  Frequent injections to the vagina, of warm
water followed by a tea of slippery elm, will b«
beneficial.
  The applications to the  abdomen and surface,
recommended in inflamation of  the  womb,
should be  perseveringly applied.
  Attention to cleanliness, both  as regards the
person and bed of the patient, is of inuispesible
necessity. 
210                WF.ED.
  .'• "When the disease prevails as an epidemic
among  puerperal women,  all communication
ought immediately to be cut off between those
who are affected and such  as have lately lain
In, or expect shortly to do so."

                    tVEED.

  " The ephemera, or weed, as i* has been cal-
led, is a fever usually  of short duration ; the
paroxysm being completed generally  within
twenty-four,   and  always  within  forty-eight
hours; for if it  continue  longer, it  becomes a
fever of a different description."
  The weed may be caused by the engorge-
ment of milk in the  breasts, the action of cold
on  these glands, the application of astringent
washes, or  by compression, or by  injury done
to those parts, taking cold, rvc.
  This complaint usually comes on soon after
delivery, but  may  occur at  any time  during
suckling.
  It consists of a cold, hot, and sweating stage.
It commences usually with severe shiverings re-
sembling an ague  chill, and is attended with
severe pains in the breasts, small  of the back,
abdomen, &c.  Women .sometimes describe the
uterine pains  attending the  complaint, as more
painful than those occurring during labor.
  After the fever, which is generally high, sub-
sides, a copious perspiration follows, which usu-
ally produces relief from the most painful symp-
toms. 
WEED.
211
  The breasts, in this complaint, become hard,
swollen, and inflamed.
  Management.—The treatment, whether com-
menced in the cold or hot stage, should consist
of means that are calculated to produce prompt
and free sweating.  These means have been so
frequently pome.' out, that it is not necessary to
refer to them here.
  The application to the breast, recommended
in inflamation of the breast, will be of service,
and should be employed.  Placing a steaming
brick to the affected breast, and  another to the
bowels, will frequently relieve the severe pains
which are experienced in this complaint.
   If necessary a full course  of medicine may be
administered. 
212  M.UNAU^r.NT AND MSEAiSS or cutlukln.
CHAPTER VII.
     MANAGEMENT AND DISEASES OF CHILDREN.

  We have already given directions for sepa-
rating  the child from the mother, and  for the
management of children that arc still born, and
need not notice these subjects again.
  Before entering upon an examination of the
subjects which  we  propose to  embrace in the
present chapter, we  present to  our readers the
following general rules, which  are taken from
the third volume  of  Dr. Howard's excellent
work.
  1. "When a child becomes fretful and fever-
ish, or  appears in any manner ami.ss either with
fever, colic, costivenoss, or looseness of the bow-
els, take half a teaspoonful or more of the dia-
phoretic  powders (composition) and steep them
in a half teacupful of hot  water ; then pour off,
Eweeten, and add cream  enough to modify the
Ktren^th  of the medicine to suit the age of the
child.  Of ;h sgheat discretion, according to ajre,
dtc; bi t in commo 1, ft  r a child of from one day
t> four weeks old, from o ie to three t aspoon-
ftuU  may be given once  in  from ten  to sixty 
MANAGEMENT AND DISEASES Oi' CHILDRLN.   213
minutes, according to the urgency of the symp-
toms, above this age the quantity may be in-
creased at discretion, but much will depend up-
on the  strength of the medicine, which, in all
cases, should be sufficiently strong to impart a
very sensible taste to the mouth.   But one thing
may be remembered—it will, in any reasonable
quantity, do no harm.
  2. " If  the complaint be a little more severe,
and especially if the  bowels are in  any  way
disordered, in addition to  the medicine just re-
commended, injections made of catnip tea  must
be  occasinally administered.   In many instan-
ces one injection will be found sufficient to re-
lieve the child of a  severe  cholic or other diffi-
culty ;  but  when it does not, or in any  other
case which cannot be  immediately cured, the
injections must  be  repeated at  discretion.   If
the  bowels be costive, a little butternut syrup
 may be adped to the catnip injections ; or  if the
 syrup be not at hand, castor  oil  or  any soft
 greese may be used in its stead.
   " Catnip tea sweetened, and cream added, as
 recommended for the  diaphoretic powders, will
 also be highly useful, taken into the  stomach,
 especially for infants.
   " In obstinate looseness of the bowels, or  in
 dysentery,  the injections must  be  made of a
 vtron" tea of the  astringent  tonic, bay berry,
 birth°root, witch hazel, or some other astringent
 article;  or anv ot those articles  may be steeped
 in the catnip tea, adding to each injection from 
214  MANAGEMENT AND  DISEASES OF CHILDREN.

a fourth to a half  a teaspoonful, or even more,
of the tincture of lobelia, and occasionally a tea-
spoonful or more of the diaphoretic tea, to make
it  more  stimulating.   In all bad  or  alarming
attacks of either  looseness  of the bowels, or
dysentery, injections must be frequently admin
istered;  and indeed  they are highly  useful in
almost all cases of sickness of infants and chil-
dren.
  3. '• In almost all complaints of children, es-
pecially after the  first two  or three months of
their age, the butternut syrup is a  highly useful
medicine. Most diseases of children either con-
sist in, or are connected with, a disordered state
of the bowels, which this syrup, in conjunction
with the diaphoretic  powders and injections,
will almost always remove in a  short time.—
We consider this article as one of the most val-
uable family medicines.  It cleanses, by its pur-
gative qualities, all irritating matter  from  the
stomach  and intestines, and by its tonic proper-
ties, strengthens and restores them to a healthy
tone.  It may be  given  either as a purgative,
or in less quantities  as a tonic, in all ca es of
bowel complaints.  This syrup is  a very valua-
ble  medicine  for worms, a  disease   to which
children  are  very liable.   The quantity to be
taken at a dose, must necessarily  vary with the
strength  of the syrup, which is seldom prepared
 twice alike, and also  with the age of  the chill.
 But of the strength which we usually prepare
 it, for a child two months old, a teaspoonful  will 
     MANAGEMENT AND  D11EASES OF CHILDREN.  215

frequently be sufficient  to operate  as a purga
tive ;  but when given with  this intention, if it
does not produce  the desired effect  in from one
to three  hours, another  dose must  be given.—
For a child  one year  old, from half to a whole
tablespoonful may be given as  a dose.
  4. " When children become so seriously ill as
to require an emetic, either  the tincture or infu-
sion of lobelia may be employed in doses of one-
fourth of a teaspoonful for the youngest  chil-
dren,  increasing the  dose with   the age of the
child, repeated at discretion until ample vomit-
ing is produced.
  •'In violent and dangerous  attacks, such as
croup, cramp, convulsions,  or  fits,  the tincture
of lobelia must be administered in largar doses ;
or for  older children, the anti-spasmodic  tinc-
ture may be used with a happy effect.
  Clothing of Children.—The design of clothing
for children, is to  protect them  against the ex-
cessive action of the  atmosphere, the effects of
changes  in  temperature, and  the influence of
storms, rxc.
  To accomplish these objects it is  evident that
it ought to be adapted to the existing  season of
the year, and yet  be so loosely applied as to per-
mit a free motion of the limbs  and muscles.
  An  error is frequently committed in leaving
the extremities comparatively unprotected while
the body is  warmly  clothed.   The arms  and
lower limbs  should always be as warmly clad
as the body.   " All children should wear draw- 
216  management and diseases of child.a:v.

ers under their clothe, adapted to their necessi-
ties; cotton in sum nor and flannel in winter."
  Again, nothing can br m >ro absurd and hurtful
than the practice, heretofore  prevailing, of ap-
plying bandages and rollers to the bodies of in-
fants   This practice not only prevents the body
from growing in a proper shape, but it also pre-
vents that constant and  varied  muscular action
to which infants incline, and  which is essential
to their vigor.
  It should  bo remembered always, that a well
formed cheat is almost indi.spen-.ibly  necessary
t» the  enjoyment of perfect health.  It the space
occupied by the lungs be contracted, preventing
their proper devclopaient  and expansion, gene-
ral weakness,  and finally consumption, follow
as the consequence.*.  Similar results, also, fol-
low compression of other  parts, by which other
vital  organs,  as the  heart, stomach,  and liver,
are oppressed  and opposed in the performance
of their proper olfioes. And yet but little, regard
is paid to these facts in the customs which reg-
ulate the dress of children.
   Nursing.—Children should be put to the brenst
as soon after birth as may be convenient.   No-
thing else can  be so well  adapted to  their first
wants as the first milk of  the mother.  In  gen-
eral no other food is necessary, an 1 none should
be employed for the first few months of the child's
life.
   " Doubt yr the 1 iwi by future's  <T-.<! . da-el 7
   Or tti.it uiu callow y.'U'i^ *.i -ulil  r»u su*i unod
   Up'in the  parent bron-,1 t  tic those your achuoln
   VVu.rtt nature triumph*, and where invtinct rule*." 
MANAGEMENT AND DISEASES OF CHILDREN.   217
  The judgment of the mother should always
be exerted, however, in reference to the amount
which her child is permitted to suck, since chil-
dren, if unrestrained, are apt  to gorge  them-
selves, and injure their stomachs.  They should
be accustomed to nurse but seldom through the
night.
  When the mother, from any cause, cannot
nurse her offspring, and another healthy female
who laid-in at nearly the same time cannot be
found to perform that office for her, new  milk,
or  milk and  water, may constitute  the food
of the child. This it should ne permitted to draw
from a bottle, through a dean linnen rag,rolled
up  and fitted to the mouth  of the bottle, or
through an artificial nipple.
  After from  four to six  months,.children that
nurse may be accustomed to  the  use of milk
occasionally.  By degrees light bread may  be
added, in small quantities, to the milk, and oth-
er light  food employed from time to time, and
the child thus gradually learn  to live  indepen-
dcntlv of its mother's milk.
   It should be remembered  that the  health of
the  child while  nursing, is in a great  measure
influenced by the mother's condition.   In conse-
quence of this fact, the medical treatment of a
diseased child, must frequently be commenced
by attentions  to the mother.   In some  instances
it mav  be  necessary to wean the  child, in con-
sequence of the bad quality  of the  mothers
milk. 
218   MANAGEMENT AND DISEASES OF CHILDREN.

  Pcrging.—" The  practice  of  giving infants,
as soon as born, butter and sugar mixed, salt
and water, or  purging  medicines, has  often
proved detrimental by producing acidity in the
bowels.   If the infant after being completely
dressed, is apparently quite  easy, it should be
laid down to  sleep, without taking anything;
and after a few hours it may be applied to the
mother's breast, whose milk, at that period be-
ing laxative, answers the purpose of cleansing
better  than all the  drugs in the  apothecary's
shop ;  and by putting the child  early  to the
breast, especially ihe first time  of sucking, the
nipple will be formed, and the  milk  gradually
brought on.  Hence  much pain, and its conse-
quences, will be prevented "
  The proper treatment for  children who need
anything to excite an action in their bowels, has
been described already.
  Cleanliness.—"The most scrupulous attention
to cleanliness during  the whole period of child-
hood, cannot be too  strongly inculcated.  For
the first week or two the infant should be bathed,
morning and evening, in tepid water, and after-
wards in  cold  water.   'I he  whole body ought
to be washed  in the  morning,  and the lower
half at night.
  "In washing wdth cold  water it is  proper  to
begin with the head and finish as expeditiously
as possible. 
     MANAGEMENT AND DISEASES OF CHILDREN.   219

  " The infant should be afterwards well dried,
particularly at the bending of the extremities,
and the whole body and limbs should be gently
rubbed with  dry soft flannel  or linnen  until a
glow of warmth appears upon the skin.  It is
the manner  of washing a  child that secures it
from suffering from the application of cold wa-
ter.  The more delicate and weakly an infant
is born, the more will cold water strengthen it,
if well applied, and besides its braffng qualities,
it will, by cleanliness, prevent excoriations, and
and keep off that troublesom ecomplaint termed
the scald head."
  An equal amount of attention should be paid
to the clothes and beds of children.
  Air, exercise, &c— Hardly anything is more
essential to  health, than pure  air, and proper
exercise.  Healthy parents, wholesome food and
proper  clothing, are all important to  healthy
offspring;  yet they will avail little when exer-
cise is neglected.  It is said that the rickets nev-
er appeared in Britain until manufactures began
to flourish, and people left the country, and be-
gan to collect together in great towns to follow
sedentary employments. It is among this class,
whose  families are crowded together in small
rooms, and have but little  opportunity to enjoy
healthy exercise  or pure air, that this  disease
chiefly prevails, and not only deforms, but de-
stroys many of their offspring.
  As intimated before, nothing should be allow- 
 220  MANAGEMENT AND DISEASES vi CHILWULN.

 ed to interfere with the natural desire of children
 for almost  constant  motion.  By  attention to
 this rule, many infants who  seem slender  and
 feeble, will acquire  vigorous and  healthy con-
 stitutions.   But infants,  unlike the  young of
 other animals, are dependent, in the first months
 of  their existence, upon others for  exercise.
 Hence it becomes the duty of parents and nur-
 ses to assist them.
  Children  may be  exercised in various ways.
 They may be drawn in small  wagons, carried
 in  the  arms, eVc.  " Whatever be the mode of
 artificial exercise  for infants, it should be fre-
 quent, moderate in character, and j-hort in dura-
 tion, and under such circumstances that its limbs
 may be free for whatever motion they may be
 inclined to  make.  All  uncomfortable motions
 should be carefully avoided."   The practice of
 rocking children violently in a cradle, or jolting
 them on the  knee, cannot  be  too  much  con-
 demned.
  "When children  have acquired strength suffi-
 cient to sustain themselves in a silting posture,
 they may be placed on  the carpet, and be pre-
sented with a variety of playthings.  These will
 not only interest  their minds, but by becoming
spread around on the floor, will encourage them
to creep.  Bein^r thus left at liberty,  they will
 soon learn to pull themselves up by chairs, and
 in proper time, by little  attention,  they  will
learn to walk. 
     MANAGEMENT AND DISEASES OF CHILDREN.   221

  Children of both sexes should be allowed am-
ple time, in pleasant weather, for sport in the
open air.  They should not be confined too long
in school, or kept in  the sitting posture at  home
to commit lessons, but may be permitted to have
their periods of study alternated with out-door
sports.
   Little danger exists of children taking cold by
thus having  liberty  in the open  air, especially
where they are properly clothed, and washing
with cold water is employed as we have  direc-
ted.  Children who are confined to the house,
and treated with the greatest tenderness are the
ones who are most liable to colds, and other dis-
orders.
   " A  very bad custom prevails of making chil-
dren sleep in  small apartments, or crowding
two or three beds  into one  chamber.   \\ hen
children are  confined in small apartments, the
air not  only  becomes unwholesome,  but the
heat relaxes their solids, renders them delicate,
and exposes them to colds and other disorders."
Equally worthy of condemnation is the practice
of putting children to bed, or in the cradle, with
their clothes on, and covering them closely with
blankets, by which they are made liable to take
cold upon the  first exposure.
    Weaning.—'• The obvious  correspondence,"
 says Dr.  liberie, " which exists between the suc-
 cessive appearance of the teeth, and the  devel-
 opment of the digestive powers, affords us a safe
 guide in  relation to this subject."  The artificial 
 222   MANAGEMENT AND DISEASES OF CHILDREN.

 nourishment  may be commenced with the ap-
 pearance  of  the  first teeth, and gradually in-
 ert ased in  qualily and quantity, till the incisor
 teeth have made  their appearance,  (seldom
 sooner than the eigth, or later than the twelfth
 month.) when the child being pretty healthy, it
 may be taken from the breast altogether; and
 its digestive organs will have acquired sufficient
 activity to digest what the system demands,
 viz :  a more substantial nourishment than that
 of the breast."—Curtis.
   " W hen the period of weaning is approach-
 ing, small portions of milk, thickened with bread,
 rice,  or rice flour,  chicken, mutton, or  beef tea,
 &.C-,  should be allowed  the child two or three
 times a day, whilst at the same time, the inter-
 vals of suckling should be more  and more pro-
 longed."
   It sometimes happens, that in consequence of
 the milk having  accquired a hurtful quality,
 children should be early  deprived of the breast.
 This is generally the case when  the woman is
 subject to scrofula, and other diseases connected
 with impurities of the blood.  The milk is  gen-
 erally bad in  women who menstruate during
 lactation.  When  from  these  causes, or  any
 other, the milk  becomes vitiated, or when its
constant drain affects the health of the woman,
the child ought to be weaned at once.
  Childrrn should seldom be permitted to nurse
after they are  a \ ear old. 
    MANAGEMENT AND DISEASES OF CHILDREN.  223

  Tongue tie.—" Sometimes there  is a thin,
wide membrane extending under the tongue of
infants almost to the tip, so as to hold the tongue
from projecting beyond  the tops  of the under
teeth.  This membrane should be carefully cut
with a pair of blunt pointed scissors.  Examine
carefully and not cut so far as to  take what
ought to be  left, in which there are arteries and
veins, to sever which  might produce dangerous
hemorrhage, besides  the  mischiefs that  would
be done to the motions of the tongue, by cutting
off the muscle that attaches it to the arch of the
lower jaw bone."
  Retention of the Meconium.—" The meconi-
um is the dark green substance which compo-
ses  the first discharge from the bowels  of in-
fants."
  The first milk of the mother is generally suffi-
cient to remove this.  Should  the child suffer
any inconvenience, however,  by its retention,
an injection of sweetened warter  may be  ad-
ministered, or molasses and warm water, or a
tea of elder  blows, may be  given  as a purga-
tive, and aided in its operation by the  injec-
tions.
  Retention of urine.—In  some instances in-
fants are troubled with retention of the  urine.
To relieve the difficulty, give a tea of pumpkin
seeds, or some other  diuretic, and apply cloths
dipped in warm water to the bowels, or bathe
the  abdomen with warm  lobelia tincture con-
taining a small quantity of spirits of turpentine. 
  224   MANAGEMENT AND DISEASES OF CHILDREN.

    Colic and griping.—Children  are frequently
  troubled  with these  complaints, accompanied
  with a discharge  of green stools.
    To cure them, cordials containing a quantity
  of opium, are  frequently used.   This  is a dan-
  gerous and hurtful practice, old school writers
  themselves being judges.
    All that  is necessary, is  to  follow the direc-
 tions given for cuing colic, in Dr. Howard's
 general rules,  in  ordinary cases.  Should any-
 thing else be needed, lobelia tincture, enough to
 produce vomiting, may be used in connection
 with  the  injections.   We  have known it re-
 peated  every  night when  children were rest-
 less, and always with the effect to produce rest.
   Vomiting.—" 'i his is a vital operation and sal-
 utary in its tendency, but like all other disturbed
 actions, is an indication that something is wronjr."
 When the child enjoys good health it  generally
 ari.ses from overloading the stomach, and should
 be cured  by giving it less.  If it is caused  by
 improper food or other irritating substances, give
 an emetic of lobelia.
   Aptu^e, Thrush, or Sore Mouth—" Is an erup-
 tion of* white spots, resembling little  pieces of
 coagulated milk, generally appearing within the
 mouth, on  the lips and inside of the mouth, and
sometimes atlectimr the whole alimentary canal."
   The cure consists in  the use of lobelia emet-
ics, injections, slippery  ehn tea, the vapor bath,
»«trm?ent gargles, <fc«.  Ff ulrpr> form, ravenne 
     MANAGEMENT and diseases of children.   225

 or No. 6, may be added to the gargles, and when
 the stomach  and bowels are affected with the
 apthae, a  portion of  the fluid should  be swal-
 lowed.
  Eruptions of the Skin.—These are of various
 kinds but all require the same treatment, vary-
 ing only according to the violence of the dhease.
 It may consist of means to  promote a determi-
 nation to the surface, as the diaphoretic tea.  or
 saffron  tea, injections, or if necessary  an emet-
 ic.   The  vapor bath, also, may be  used  to
 cleanse the &kiri—or  a \v ath of mild .soap suds
 may be cmploved for this purpose.
  Tlethinc.—" The cutting of teeth, as it is fa-
 miliarly called, although a natuial  function of
 the lhing healthy system, is.nevertheless, often
 attended with  severe sullering, and not unfre-
 quentljr much danger.  Some children, howev-
 er,  cut their teelh without much  apparent  diffi-
 culty, and need, of course, no particular atten-
tion
  " The most common symptom* attendant up-
on  difficult or painful teething  are, pains and
gripings of the bowels, with looseness attended
by stools of various colors, such as green,  pale,
yellow, dark brown, or black.   \v. hen teething
is more difficult, there may be twitchings or mild
spasms, startings during tleep ; cough  and  diffi-
culty of breathing ;  lever, and even convulsions.
  " Children  generally commence cutting  their
teeth at the age of  six or fpven  months.   Tha 
226  MANAGEMENT ANIj DlsKASES OF CIlll.D.'lhV

commcn symptoms attending teething are. s'a-
vering from  the mouth; a disposition  to thrust
the fingers or other stustances into the in mth;
and a swelling of the. gums."
  For irregularities of the bowels, the diapho-
retic tea and injections should be employed  as
directed  in  the  <rcnci(d  rules.  The  butternut
syrup, or magnesia, may be employed if a physic
is necesary.  The  neutralizing mixture  is  almost
an infallible remedy for looseness of the bowels.
  If the gums swtdl considerably and  the teeth
do not come through  readily, especially if the
symptoms are troublesome, they should be cut.
This is a very simple operation, causes bnt lit-
tle  pain, and generally affords immediate re-
lief.
  If convulsions occur, or other symptoms be-
come very  troublesome, emetics of lobelia, and
the vapor bath should be employed according
to circumstances.  A tea of lady's slipper, should
be employed in cases of spasm, or convulsion,
in connection vvidi the other means used.
  Galling  and Excoriation.—" Young children
are very apt to become excoriated in particular
parts of the body, particularly about the  groins,
and wrinkles of the neck, behind  the ears, and
under the arms, such places  being kept much
moistened by urine or sweat."
  These complaints prove troublesome to chil-
dren, and are in some measure owing to a want
of cleanliness in the nurse. 
      management and diseases of  children.   227

   " To prevent them, and  likewise to  remove
 them when they do  occur, it will be  necessary
 to wash the parts well with cold  water once or
 twice  a day, to  change the liunen often, and
 keep t  e child perfectly clean and sweet.   Af-
 ter the  child is washed ^nd dried, the part af-
 fected may be sprinkled with a little fine chalk"
 [or starch.]
   " When ulcers exist about  the ears, if very
 bad, the child may be purged with  the butter-
 nut syrup or magnesia, and the sores kept clean-
 ly washed either with mild soap suds, or cold
 milk and water, and after each washing bathed
 with a  tea of wild lettuce.  We  have seen re-
 markable cures performed by no  other means
 than bathing with this tea."   A tea of sumach,
 or pond lilly, and golden seal, make a valuable
 wash for ulcers.
   If there is much heat and inflamation, a poul-
 tice of slipplery elm may be applied cold to  the
 affected part.   After tne inflamation is subdued,
 the wash recommended  above, should be em-
 ployed until a cure is effected.

   Hydrocele.—" This is a collection of water
 in the scrotum of male children, resembling the
 the same disease in adults.  It is commonly dis-
 covered a few days after birth, the scrotum be-
ing swelled in a round uniform manner, though
generally confined to one side  only, and is of a
half trausparen.' appearance." It may be cured
by the application of cold wafer.  Two quarts 
228  MANAGEMENT AND D1SEASFS OF CHILDREN.

may be poured on, morning anl evening, from
a coffee pot.
  Chollra  infantum.— •'Sudden  and violent
vomiting  and purging, generally  commencing
nearly  together, but rapidly exhausting  the
strength and extinguishing vitality."   The dis-
charges from the bow< Is  eon ist, at first, of a
tu bid frothy fluid mixed with small portions of
green bile, or colorless water, and small flocu-
li of mucus.
  After the disease is fully established, the  se-
cretion  of bile is entirely  suspended.   Some-
times the  disease proves suddenly fatal.
  Treatment.—Give  lobelia  in  baybrrry tea,
until thorough vomiting is r I'ccted.   This should
be aided in its  operation; by the use of the  va-
por bath,  and other  means to bring  the deter-
minations to the vurhico.   Injections of buy
berry,  or  some other  astringent containing1  a
quantity of cayenne  or number six,  should  be
used in connection with the  other treatment.
  After the vomititing is arrested, the neutralizing
mixture may be given to act ilightly on the bow-
els, and followed with a tea of baybcry or some
other astringent.   The powder of  mandrake
root combined with  equal  quantities of cream
tartar and mint, constitutes an excellent physic
for such cases.   If the child is weak, and revov-
ery seems lingering, some suitable tonic may be
given.
  Jaundicc.—"This  is apparently similar, in
every  re ,pee%  to the  e->mplaint  bearing  the 
     MANAGEMENT  A.ND DISEASES OF CH: rOnf-Ni.   229

Fame name in al ills.  The shin is yelbw. the
eyes and urine a! r> trnzed  with  the  same hue,
whilst The stools are white  or cluy ecloicd, and
the bor/els costive."
  " There is  however, a yellowness of the skin
which is often ;:cen in very young children, and
which by many is called jaundice, but in reali-
ty is not this  complaint; nor  indeed can it, in
gpneral, be cnlled a disease, as there is no oth-
er evidence of it  than  the  color of the skin.—
True jaundice may always be known by atten-
ding to  the color  of the eyes, urine, and stools."
   Management.—This is  rather an obstinate
complaint, yet it  may be overcome by perseve-
ring attention, in every ca^e.
  The treatment may he commenced by giving
the prepara ion of mandrake root, cretin tartar,
and  mint, in small dose, w'ff  .1  -hoild  be con-
tinued in quauti.ies sufficient t-. keep up n Might
bilious  di-*e.harge\ for a few  ' .y.s.  Thi- ;miy be
followed by a tea  of poplar  hL-k  and golden
seal, or some  similar prep a aticn.
   Lobelia emetics, also,  should  be employed m
connection with  the vapor bath,  composition
tea, &c.
  This  treatment should be continued, repeat-
ing the physic, and  emetics, and baths, uutil  »
cure is  fii'T'ed.
   Kl.-kets.—This is a di ease of commen r-ee-rr-
 renee among  children who are improperly con-
fined, who live in cold damp climates, who  suf- 
233  MANAGEMENT AND DISEASES OP CHILDREN.

fer from inattention to cleanliness and want of
food, A:c.
   This complaint  is so commonly  understood
that a  description  of  its symptoms  is unneces-
sary.
   Metvagrwrvt—Commence by gi\in«r compo-
Eiticn tea for a day or two, and then  follow with
ft  thorough emetic.   Repeat the  emetic every
few days, and give daily injections of composi-
tion tea.   LVtween the emetics  use  a tea  of
spice bitters, poplar bark, or some similar tonic,
number six, will be valuable, taken internally,
and applied to the surface.
   In addition to the  above, the cold shower
bath may be administered every morning.  At
first, tepid water may be used, each time apply-
ing it  cooler, until the coldest tpiing or well
water is employed.
   The best way to administer the  bath is  by
pouring the water  on  in large quantities.  W e
nave ordered the child  to be placed under the
ppout  of a pump, and kept there  for  several
minutes.   Before applying the water, composi-
tion tea  should  be given to promote internal
warmth,  afterwards, the child bhould be wiped
dry and wrapped in a warm blanket until ful-
ly reeovered from the  chill caused by the bath,
when the stimulating  linimr nt may be applied
to the. whole surface with cemiderable friction.
   Children  with  the rickets hhedd  Le warmly
elad, especially the feet, and may be permitted
to ha^ e j rr.j.er exercise in the i-^iu  ...r. 
    . MANAGEMENT AND DISEASES OF CHILDREN.   231

  Croup.—This is a highly dangerous inflam-
matory disease, affecting the  mucus membrane
of the trachea and larynx :  and is characterized
by difficult breathing, febrile symptoms, and a
peculiar cough, said to resemble the barking of
a young dog.
  'Management.—In commencing the treatment
of this complaint, lobelia, in  some of its forms,
should be given until free and copious vomiting
has been produced.
  After the emetic  has  done operating, lobelia
tincture and tincture of blood root  combined,
may be given every twro hours, or oftener, to
produce  considerable nausea.  This medicine
may be pushed so far, in bad cases, as to cause
vomiting several  times a day.
  ri he vapor  bath  is  beneficial in this disease.
So also is the use of composition tea  and other
means to favor sweating.  The bowels should
be  evacuated occasionally by the  use of laxa-
tives,  or  stimulating injections.   The emetic
may be repeated according to circumstances.
  Measles.—This complaint is not confined to
children, although  a large majority of persona
have it while in childhood.
  This disease is so well  understood that w«
forbear giving a  description in this place.
  Managemrmt.—In all  ordinary cases, all  that
is necessary is to give composition, or some oth-
er diaphoretic tea, for the purpose of keeping
the determinations to the surface. 
J)32   MANAGEMENT AND DISEASES OF CHILDREN.

   When  the  eruption does not readily come
out, emetics of lobelia and the vapor bath should
be employed according to circumstances.  When
the fever is high, the breathing di'-hcult and the
lungs appear to b ethreatened with inllamation,
in addition to frequent emetics and the vapor
bath, lobelia should be given in broken dose* to
excite almost constant nausea.   The mustard
plaster and hops steeped in vinegar should be
applied over the lungs when they are affected.
   The bowels should be moved by injections or
laxatives.   Purges are improper.
   Scarlet Fdvlr.—This  complaint,  like the
preceding  one,  is principally confined  to chil-
dren.  Scarlet fever, like  the  measles, is also
propagated by contagion, and  derives its name
from the appearance of the eruption or lash,
which is of a scarlet color.
   Sea. let lever is often accompanied with swel-
ling of the neck and face, and ulcerations of the
mouth and throat.
   Management.—In  the severe forms of scarlet
fever emetics of lobelia and the vapor bath are
indispensable.  These may  be repeated daily if
neces. ary.   'j he third preparation of lobelia 13
the boot form in which it can  be given.  The
vapor bath  is indicated whenever the fckin  is
dry and hot.
   When the attack is severe and sudden, small
dosea of the third preparation  may be  given to
keep up almost constant nausea, until the erup-
tion  comes out 
     MANAGEMENT AND DISEASES OF CHILDREN.   233

   When there is a tendency to putresency, or
malignancy, the  courses of medicine should be
followed by the  use  of the following, or some
similar preparation :  bayberry, golden seal, su-
mach, and lady's slipper, equal parts—cayenne
enough to make it quite stimulating.  Dose—a
teasppoonful, in warm water sweetened, every
three hours.   Number six, in teaspoonful doses
is valuable in such cases.
   If there is swelling of the neck, apply poulti-
ces of  roasted onions with  cayenne sprinkled
over their surface, and bathe with  the stimula-
ting liniment.
   For ulcerations of  the mouth and throat, use
gargles of golden seal, sumach, and cayenne—
equal parts.   In small children it will be neces-
sary, in place of gargling the parts,  to wash
them with a  swab made,  of soft  linnen cloth
attached to a stick.
   Physic should not be given unless of the mild-
est character.  Injections, however, should be
employed freely.  If the bowels are sore or can-
kered, they  mav  be  composed of slippery  elm
tea.   This may also be used freely per stomach.
   Infantile Erysipelas.—This is  a dangerous
species of the erysipelatous inflamation.  It usu-
ally  attacks children within a  few days after
birth, and rarely later than the first month.
   n usually eo.u.ueuec.s,  em the  toes or lingers,
which look -,\v< lied nnd bluish, as if cold.  Some-
times it begins at the belly, about the shoulders
or neck, or on the inside of the thighs, and is 
834   MANAOEMENT and diseases of children.

accompanied with fever.   The  swelling is  not
generally very great, but the skin becomes hard,
turns purple or livid, and is liable to mortify.
   Treatment.—The butternut syrup should  be
given in doses sufficient to  keep  the bowels con-
stantly  open.  Emetics will undoubtedly prove
beneficial  in checking tho inllamation, in  the
first stages of the disease.  Chloride of soda is
said to form a valuable local application.  Oth-
ers recommend the v egetable astringents.
   Hooping  Cncc.n.—This is a convulsive cough
propagated by contagion,  and in its first stages
generally accompanied with fever.
   Treatment.—'■ In all  severe cases of hooping
cough, where there is difficulty  of breathing, a
full  pulse, much  heat  and other febrile symp-
toms, a full course of medicine is indicated and
should not be neglected.  But  in  the milder
forms of the disease, but little el->e is necessary
than nauseating doses of the tincture ot lobelia,
combined with equal parts of tincture of  blood
root."
   Frequent steamings  cannot fail  to be benetl*
cial.  The bowels should be kept open by gen-
tle aperiants or injections.
   We have found  benefit, in bad cases, from
the  application  of  a plaster, made by mixing
Scotch snuff in an equal quantity of lard, over
the throat.
   Ub.iU.-en who  have  this disorder  should be
warmly clad, in  order  to guard against the ef-
fect  of sudden changes in the atmosphere. 
       MANAGEMENT AND DISEASES CF CHILDREN.  23S

    Convulsions —" Violent spasmodic affections
  sometimes attack infants without any apparent
  cause ;  but in general they are produced either
  by a lodgement of some acrid matter in the in-
  testines, or wind  pent  up, or they  arise from
  teething,  worms,  the sudden striking in of a
  rash, or the  accession  of some  constitutional
  disease, as for example, the small pox, scarlati-
  na, &c."
    Metnagcment.—There is no medicine known of
 equal power with lobelia in  controlling fits of
 every variety.  This should  be given in doses
 sufficient to  produce thorough  vomiting, and
 may be  followed with a tea  of white root, or
 compo.sition,  containing  an  equal quantity of
 lady's slipper   The  emetic may  be  frequently
 repeated, according to circumstances.
   In all  cases where there is any reason to sus-
 pect the existence of worms, the anthelmintic oil
 may be given until the bowels are cleansed.—
 The  butternut syrup is good in such cases.
   In severe eases the operation of the lobelia
 may be assisted by the use of the warm, or va-
 por bath.
  ^ Worms.—Children  are  frequently troubled
 with worms in the stomach and bowels.   The
 nsual  symptoms of  worms  are,  disagreeable
 breath, squeamishness, vomiting,  looseness of
 the bowels,  griping, a hard tense and  full belly,
variable  appetite, grinding of the teeth, picking
of the nose,  a  dry cough, flushes of heat a dull
appearance of the eyes, a peculiar paleness of
the ctuiiv'» n->n-*\ •* c. 
236  MANAGEMENT AM)  DISEASES OF CUILDIIEN.

   Cure.—Thoroughly cleanse the stomach and
bowels with emetics and injections—after which
the anthelmintic oil,  or some other \ ermifuge,
may be given to carry off the worms.
   Prolapsus Ani.—This is  a falling down or
protrusion of  the lower portion of the bowels,
and is generally met with in children of a weak
habit, or those who have been subjected to se-
vere purgings.
   Cure.— Wash  the  protruding part with a
strong decoction of some vegetable  astringent,
as oak bark, cranes bill, Arc, after which it may
be  returned.  Astringent  injections should be
continued  for some time after the  bowel is re-
turned, and the general system  may be braced
up by the use of tonics, &c.
   Mi'mps, Swelled neck,  &c.—" A course (of
medicine) or two, and warm applications to the
neck, on the fiist appearance of the symptoms
of this form of disease, will disarm it of  its ter-
rors,  and reduce it to a small  aliair.  If  any
swelliug occur, Jet it  be fomented with steam
from  vinegar, and covered with  relaxant  poulti-
ces.  Keep the  patient  comfortably  warm,
(though  not excluded from fresh air) and the
secernants  and excernants free from obstruc-
tions.  Let the treatment  be  moderate,   but
steady, and adapted to the current symptoms."
   Chicken Pox.—" In  this  disease, an eruption
much resembling that of a very  favorable small
pox,  appears after a very  slight fever.   fhis 
    ADMINISTRATION OF MEDICINE, HYGIENE, ETC. 237

eruption soon proceeds to suppuration, in which
state it remains but a little while before the dis-
ease terminates by the  drying up of the pus-
tules, which seldom leave scars behind."
   Cure.—Little treatment  is  required  in this
complaint   If any  becomes necessary, give
composition or other warm teas, and open the
bowels with the butternut syrup  or injections.
CHAPTER VIII.
     ADMINISTRATION OF MEDICINE, HYGIENE, &.C.

   Gi-neral  Principles.—All  correct  medical
practice is based upon the following propositions:
   1. That all living bodies pososs a vital or liv-
ing principle, which is designed to preserve the
integrity of the organization, by superintending
and sustaining all the healthy functions, as well
as by furnishing resistance to the causes of dis-
ease.
  2. " That all vital action is friendly to health
and not to be opposed ;" and that irregular vi-
tal  action is the result of obstructions, or the
causes of disease. 
838 ADMINISTRATION OF MEDICINE, IITOIENE, ETC.

  3. " That all disease is caused by obstructions
of some kind to the full, free and universal op-
erations of the living principle, and  is itself,  in
essence, the incapacity or inability of some or-
gan or organs to perform its or their duty."
  4. "The  obstructions to vitality a.-e substan-
ces arrested  in the  capillaries, filling them up;
contractions of those vessels by irritation;  sub-
stances relaxing them by opposing the action of
the proper nerves, and  mechanical, or chemical
lessions  of the organs, as wounds, bruises, ul-
cers, corrosions. &c."
  5, '• That the<e causes of disease must be re-
moved  by supplying the  living machine with
those substances or  medicaments, and aiding it
by those processes, which it is pleased to make
use of in the accomplishment of its object."   In
other words the intentions of nature  are  to  be
copied and assisted.
  6. '• That the intention of the system, in eve-
ry effort to remove disease, is to remove the ob-
structions, generally; fir-t, by relaxing itself, and,
secondly, by sti nalatinr the; vws ol> to an unusual
degree  of a tion. an I,  thirdly, by restoring the
organs to their original tone, texture, an 1 equali
ty of  action, or by  renewing their connexions
where they have been sepaatcd."
  C:ioice of  i'edioines —If the foregoing princi-
ples be  true—anl we  think  they  must be  ac-
knowledged correct—it folio v.-s that all agents,
or processes, whose operations tend  to reduce
the  vitality of the system, by producing  a lea- 
    ADMINISTRATION OF MEDICINE, HYGIENE, ETC. 239

sion of an}' part, or obstructing the smaller ves-
sels, are not intended for the removal of dis-
ease, but become themselves the causes of dis-
ease.  This conclusion,  and  we can form no
other, must, if it have its proper  influence, for-
ever forbid the employment of the most popular
remedies among physicians,  'i he following are
some of the objectionable features of the alloa-
pathic system of medicine.
   Ihe  use of Poisons.— Poisons, says Hooper,
are substances " which, when  applied external-
ly, or taken into the human body, uniformly af-
fect such a derangement in the animal economy
as to produce disease."  Othci\> tell us that poi-
sons  "rapidly  extinguish the vitality of the
system."
   Poisons, therefore,  wc  necessarily -conclude,
are unfit for  medicines—their effects being di-
rectly the opposite of the condition which we
aim to produce  by the use  of curative means*
idisease vve have seen consists in an obstruction
or reduction of the vital energy.   By what prin-
ciple of philosophy then, can agents, whose ac-
tions produce obstruction and red uetion of vital-
it}', remove disease ?   Will increasing derange-
ment  produce  harmony ?  Will health result
from disease .' or life from death i
  True, many poisons are of a compound char-
acter, and possess  properties in some  degree
medical, in connection  with  their deleterious
principles*   Thus calomel is cathartic, and ca-
thartic medicines are  needed  in removing ob- 
240 ADMINISTRATION OF MEDICINE, HYGIENE, ETC.

structions.  But calomel possesses other proper-
ties which are dangerous, and that leave their
consequences  long  after  its  purgative  effect
ceases.  Shall we therefore use this agent, be-
cause, combined with its poisonous property, it
possesses a medical power ?  Especially when
we have thousands  of other articles, equally
valuable as a medicine, without any deletercous
property ?
   There is another objection *o the use of poi-
sons, beside  the effect which they leave  in the
system after their first  operation cease.s.  It iH
this.   Their deletereous inlluence is  exerted in
opposition to their curative power, if they possess
any, and in  harmony with  the  disease,  which
they are given to  remove.   The  result is seen
in the alarming fatality  of acute diseases  wher-
ever the practice of administering poisons pre
vails.
   The  follow ing affords an illustration  of the
dangerous effect  of these agents.  We were
once  acquainted with the progress of an epi-
demic,  which  prevailed through a  somewhat
limited section of country.   At its first appear-
ance it was considered as an inllamuiatojy dis-
ease, and treated, accordingly,with calomel, and
the usual routine of poisoning and depletion —
   The result was. nearly all died who received
this  treatment.  Some  families were  nearly
broken  up, and the whole community was dres-
s-din mourning.  But what reference  has this
to the  point  before us >.   Does  this prove that 
    ADMINISTRATION OF MEDICINE, HYGIENE, ETC. 241

the treatment had any thing to do with the mor-
tality of the  epidemic  I   We will see.   There
are other  facts which  throw some light upon
this  question.  There  were  some  families in
which the disease appeared, who, from witnes-
sing the result of medical  treatment, resolved to
leave the cure entirely to the ehorts of nature—-
aided by the  use  of warm teas, and  other do-
mestic medicines; and out of those who dispen-
sed with doctors—and  there  were a  number of
such—not one died  The result  was, the  doc-
tors seeing the  success of simple and harmless
management, advised their patients to dispense
with active treatment, as they called it, and rely
upon such simple means as were within their
reach, and the dreadful scourge, which the peo-
ple thought  had bee u sent  upon  them by a
'• mystti\ous Providence," became disarmed ot its
terrors at once.
   1 he proof is now conclusive, nature could
s^cessfaUy combat the power of the  epidemic,
but  whin the iniiiumce of poisons was  added,
the double foe was too strong lor vital resist-
ance.   It may be proper  to  remark that a bo-
tanic phosician from a neighboring town atten-
ded a number of patients with the tame malady,
not one of whom died.
   \\ e have  already intimated that the effects
of poisons  remain alter  their fiist impressions
subside.  This is especially  true in leference to
the mineial poisons.   Who'  does  not know by
observation, if not  by  experience, that the poi- 
14Z ADMINISTRATION OF MEDICINE. HYGIENE, ETC.

son of calomel exists in  the human system for
Years after it has been taken ?  How many un-
happy beings  are there, whose  aching bones,
affected by every atmospheric change, feelingly
impress upon  their  minds a seme of existing
obligations  to  the  nicdual  facully.   Indeed,
there arc  few who recover from di-ease under
regular treatment, whn-e systems do not exhibit
marks of derangement not previous!) existing
—while  the constitutions -of many receive  a
shock that renders future life a season of suffer-
ing and pain.
  Poisons constitute  the reliable medical agents
of those who practice according  to alloapathic
principles.  If any doubt it, we  refer them  to
Hooper's  medical dictionary, where  the  most
common medicines,  such  as the preparations of
mercury,  antimony,  &c, are (lusted among the
most active articles  of this kind.
  Blood letting.—This is  not  only  unnecessary
in all cases, but is likewise a source ot much in-
jury in popular practice.
  This must appear evident upon a little reflec-
tion.   Bleeding rapidly reduces the vital, or re-
sisting power  of the system.  Can prostrating
the vital energies, assi-t  them in opposing the
assaults of disea-e '.   Or rather, does it not for
tily disease in its lurking  places, and render its
triumph over life certain.
  We can reach no other conclusion.   If nature
must be asssisted, and if disease operates, in its
fatal tendency, to  produce  a probation of the 
    ADMINISTRATION OP MEDICINE, HYGIENE, FTC. 243

energies of nature, wo  cannot understand why
bleeding does not  aid  disease, since its effects
are precisely the sane.
  The contrast between the results! of different
modes of medical practice, affords a  striking
proof of the correctness of our conclusion.  The
botanic physician,  being called to  a patient,
and finding the pulse full and  strong  and the
fever high, reasons somewhat like this.   " Here
are evidences of powerful obstructions; but the
reacting power of nature is strong, a good deal
of vitality is exhibited,  and a little aid from
medicine  will enable  it to triumph  over the
disease."   lie considers  the  increased  action,
which is exhibited  in his patient, as altogether
favorable, and  labos to as-bt it  in  throwing
out  obstructions.   The result is, nearly all his
patients with fever recover.
  On  the  other han 1, the alloapathic  doctor,
seeing the symptoms above described,concludes
the^e is too much vitality, too much resistance
against disease—and he  plunges in the lancet
and drains off' the vital  fluid, until the excite-
ment is. measurably allayed  This he practices
as  often  as  reaction takes place, and  flatters
himself, that by  subduing every effort  which
nature makes to resist the encroachments  of it j
toe,  he is  promoting the recovery of his patient.
The result, however, tells a different story—as
is witnessed in  the  fatality of  febrile  diseases
under such treatment. 
214 ADMINISTRATION OF MEM-TXE. HYQ1ENE, ETC.

  We  are  fully established in the belief, that
three-fourths, at least, of all who die with fever
in the hand< of popular phy. leiau--, might be
saved by a proper application of such  remedies
as It >\ idcne.c  has placed within  our reach.—
The lancet has destroyed more lives within the
last two hundred year than the  sword.
  J'i.r-rs.<iv: Purging—-Is  another evil  in  the
hitherto prevailing systems of medical practice.
That remedies  de i^ne I to evacuate the bowels,
and relieve them of morbid accumulations, are
indicated, we hesitate not to declare.  And we
as unhesitatingly assert, that cathartics,  pushed
beyond the extent of mere evacuants of tho
contents of the bowels, a-e hurtful.   It cannot
be otherwise, since, beyond this, they result in
producing a determination to  the bowels, and a
drain of fluids  from that part, while tlrv leave
the surface, obstructed, and the skin dry.
  The fo!lowin:r principles should govern us in
the use of evacuating nedicines. Let each organ
do its own appropriate work, and no more. If the
obstructions are lodged in  the capillary  ves.-els,
open the pores and kt the obstructing matter
escape  through  these channels.   If the lungs
are oppressed by uncus, or other accumulations,
give medicine  to relieve them,  if the liver, or
kidneys, or bowels, are obstiucted, me  the ap-
propriate means for tneir recovery.  If the ob-
structions are  general, (which is frequently the
ease,) open all the outlets—at lea. t all that la-
bor under the diflieultv. 
    ADM1N1STKAT10N OF MEDICINE, HYGIENE, ETC.  245

  That this is the right view of the subject, ap-
pears to us  self-evident.   Suppose the pores
closed and the skin obstructed, would it be rea-
sonable to  administer  medicines to irritate the
lungs, and by this means procure a determina-
tion to those  organs, for the purpose of evacua-
ting the obs-truc'ing  matter which exists on  the
surface?  K  it any more consistent to make  the
bowels the channel through which  the labor of
other organs shall be performed?  None at  all,
excepting that,  the  bowels can  sustain such a
task upon their  energies with  less injury than
would result to the lungs.
  These principles are not regarded in the prac-
tice of  regular  phy.sicians.   Active purging is
practiced in  nearly every form of disease; and
the universal result is, obstinate  costiveness, or
some other chronic derangement of the bowels.
   The use of  harsh anel unnatural modes of cure
—Constitutes another objection  to fashionable
practice.   We   have not space to  dwell upon
particulars.  We  can only refer to  them, and
leave the  reader's own knowledge of facts to
supply  the rest.   Cnder this head we include
blistering, the use of sctons, issues, &c, as well
as the unnecessary use of instruments in partu-
rition, and of the kn/fc in surgery.
   Having  thus nolh ed some  objections to the
prevailing systems of medical practice, we pro-
ceed to give a few directions for the use of some
of those curative means which are recommend-
ed  in this book. 
 2-M) ADMINISTRATION OF MEDICINE, HVOIENF. KTO.

   Bat i?. —These a*e simply designed for the ap-
 plication of water, or its v tp >r. to the  skin, for
 the purpose of removing obstructions which m«y
 exist there, as well as to promote a healthy con-
 dition of that organ-
   "Tlnsewho  are  aeiuainfe I with  the  func-
 tions of the skin, will acknowledge the impor-
 tance of b it'iing.  It is the seat of perspiration,
 both senible  and in en dble, and is the princi-
 pal chaatiel through v'lich the worn-out matter
 of the system  makes its escape.  It is e-.tim itel
 that two-thi Is of  all .ve eat or drink  pa.s out
 of the b > ly br th : skin, lea/in r  only one-thi• 1
 to be. discharge I by  the bowel,,  the lung-t and
 the ki Ineys.   How impo-tant is it, therefore, to
 preserve the skin in a healthy an I vigorous state,
 for if it  I >e; n >t perform its I'm tions properly,
 the  matter  which sh  ml I be eliminate I through
 the  pares, is su fered to remain in the circulation,
 an I is b']) > ite I in the di.fe.ent organs anl tis-
 sues of the hi ly. giving rise to fevers, in la na-
 tions, con,u np.'.ions. an I diseases of every na.ne
 an I character."—\I vers on.
   There are a variety of different baths in use.
 The following  are t!ie prin ipal :
   Vapor bah.—Taking  all things  together, this
is the mist  u -elhl form  of bathing  known.  It
may bt; eml >ye I in all langu 1  states of the
system, in all c >11 a.i I ob,tra ;te 1  con litions of
the skin, an I in all seasons of the year, with de-
cided beneiit. 
    ADMINISTRATION OF  MEDICINE, HYGIENE, ETC. 247

  The vapor bath has long been in use among
the Russians, and other  nations in  the north of
Europe.   Writers inform us that the inhabitants
of those regions are in the habit of using them
very frequently, and that  they accustom them-
selves to  leave the bath entirely  naked, and
plunge into  cold  water, or roll themselves in
snow—and that they never  experience any in-
jury lrom the change.
  The vapor bath is used by many as a means
of improving  their beauty.  Indeed  we know
of nothing else capable of  imparting such an
agreeable softness and transparency to the skin,
or such a healthy glow to  the complexion, as
this.
  No fears need  be entertained  in reference to
any injury result'ng from the use of  this  bath.
The common  apprehensions about taking cold,
as well as all other crudities which have  been
afloat concerning it, are altogether without foun-
dation.  tSo far from its inducing a liability to
colds, it is, when repeated at intervals, of a few
days, one of  the  best means known to prevent
them during the variable seasons of the year.
  The vapor bath is of peculiar benefit to per-
sons who are troubled with cutaneous diseases,
or who are subject to restlesness, or  other ner-
vous derangements.   In the  latter case it should
be administered at bed time, when it will seldom
fail to procure a good night's rest.
  Mode of administration.—There are  various
ways of administering the vapor bath. The fol- 
248 ADMINISTRATION OF MEDICINU, HVUIEN'E, KTC.

lowing is a common and convenintone :—Place
two strips of board, two or three in  lies wide,
across the top of a large  wash tub, in such a
manner as to support a oo;n mm splint bottom
chair  with the  back feet over  the edge of the
tub.  Within the tub is placed a wash ba-iu, or
some other vessel, containing two or thrju quarts
of boiling water. Having these  things arranged
the patient is seated on the chair, covered only
with a blanket, which is pinned around the tub
and chair in  snch a manner as to exclude all the
air except from the fare.  As  soon as the pa-
tient is seated, a heated brick, or stone, is placed
in the  basin  of water, by opening  the  blanket
a little at the bottom, and replaced by another
whenever it becomes so cool a; not to create a
sufficient a nount of vapor.  The brick sh-ibid
not be thrown into  the basin at once, but may
beheld in the tongs,and introduced gradually,
by which means the temperature of i he bath tan
be graduated to suit the feelings of the patient.
It is usual ior  the  patient to  drink  freely  of
composition  or ginger tea, before applying the
vapor.
  Instead of the foregoing plan  of applying the
vapor so  ne place the patient on a chair,with her
feet in a  bucket of water  as warm as can ba
borne, and surroun led with a blanket as before.
The basin of water for creating the vapor is
placed under  the chair, and the operation is con-
ducted ui in the prcc-'dwig one. 
    ADMINISTRATION OF MEDICINE, HYGIENE, ETC.  249

  There  are various other modes of applying
vapor in use among practitioners  and others in
different  parts  of the country.  A very conve-
nient arraugemmit consists of a small boiler,with
a, tin pipe or tube for the purpose  of conducting
die vapor.  The  boiler may be constructed in
such a manner as to fit an opening in a stove,
or into the mouth of a teakettle.   The patient
may be placed on a chair as before, and the va-
por conducted under the blanket.
  The vapor box is extensively employed through-
out the United  States, and  is the best arrange-
ment known for applying vapor.
  This is a wooden box, about seven feet high,
two and a half wide, and  three in depth, and
has a door in front, large enough to admit a per-
son.  The box is furnished  with two bottoms a
few inches apart, the upper one being perforated
in such a  manner as to permit the vapor, which
is introduced between the  floors, to  be distribu-
ted into a large number of small streams as it
enters  the box.  The box is also furnished with
a seat, and has a small window or opening fur-
nished with a  curtain, which may be removed
to admit  the air if necessary, or through which
the patient may inhale air, if the  vapor feels
oppressive.  The vapor is conveyed to the box
by  means of the pipe before described.  The
top of the bcx is furnished with  an apparatus
for admitting the cold  shower.  This  may con-
sist of a small  box or frame, having the bottom 
250 ADMINISTRATION OF MEDICINE, HYGIENE, ETC.

pierced like a seive, and may be closely fitted
to an opening in the cover of the. vapor box.
  The patient may be furnished with a basin of
cold water while in  the box, wdth which  the
head may be bathed if  any oppression or disa-
greeable  feelings are produced by the vapor.—
Dashing  cold water  on the  face or breast will
give relief if the patient feels faint.
  The  length of time necessary  to apply  the
vapor, must be  determined by the condition of
the patient, and the result  to be accomplished.
Generally fifteen or twenty minutes will suffice.
  Hip bath.—This is simply the vapor bath ap-
plied to the lover part of the  body, by confi-
ning the  blanket around the waist.   It is peeu-
liady serviceable in female obstructions, painful
men truation, &c.   Its  advantage  arises from
the  fact  that the vapor bath may be  applied
more directly to the  region of the disease, and
may  be continued for a great  length of time
without producing faintness, or other disagreea-
ble symptoms. *
  Cold Shower  Bath.— This is simply  the  ap-
plication  of cold water in  a shower, by means
of so.ne  convenient  apparatus,  to the whole
body.   The morning is  the most suitable time
  * It hIiouIJ h no buon ronia-'t.-d wh.l .• *\>:.\\t\ng ol* ti e va-
por b.ilh. tint it is u*u il to in koan application erf cold  >.uter
to llie Murl'ice of the p..tient, j.jst before leming the b.ilh and
wh Ijat ils 'liglienl temper ilure.by d lulling on several quart* at
once, or by  wa.ihiii„' it .villi a n.-tt towel.  In weakly per*oiu
tliij tern peril lure of  the water may be raised soinewh it  to
prevent the ili.-ck being  loo severe.  No injury will r.sult
from  turn application—bat it will prav«mt taking gold. 
    ADMINISTRATION OF MEDICINE, HVCIKNE, ETC. 251

time for its use.   Persons unajcuston'11 to it,
may begin  with a  tepid bath, and employ it
cooler each time, until the col lest water may be
used.  After the application of the shower, the
whole  body should  be bri-kly rubbed  with  a
ciar.-»e towel, until a complete »1 nv is produced
over the whole  surface.  If any chill  remains,
the individual may  throw ba k the shoulders,
aad expand the  chest as much as possible, and
in this position walk the room b,-i kly for a fe,v
minutes, until the chilly sen ation is relieved.
Sponoe Bath.—This  is the application  of  coll
water to the surface by means of a sponge.   Its
use is designed  to serve the same purposes as
the foregoing.
  Alkalink Bath, or Wash—Thi> has been Pre
quently refered  to in the foregoing pages.  Tj
prepare it dissolve a tablespoonful 01 salaeratus
in a quart  of warm  water.
  Saline Bath or Wash.—This is prepared by
dissolving a table-ipoonful or mare of salt in a
quart of water.   It  may be used warm or cold,
according to circumstances.
   Warm Bath —This  is a convenient bath, es-
pecially for children, and may be employed when
it would be difficult to ad minister the vapor bath.
Tue  only apparatus, nec's^a y, is a hvge tub
two-thirds  full of warm water in which the chill
may be  placed,  an I  covered over with  a blan-
ket, excepting its head.  The water may be as
warm as it can be comfortably borne. 
252 ADMINISTRATION OF MKDIC1NE, H VIJILNK, 1.T0.

  Steaminc,  brioks.—These have been referred
to very frequently in the preceding  pages.  To
prepare a steaming  brick, place it in the fire un-
til of a red heat.  It may then be  placed in a
vessel of water until nearly done hissing, when
it may be wrapped in  a wet cloth, and surroun-
ded by one which is dry.  '.' he-o may be placed
to the feet and sides of persons, who are unable
to sit up for the purpose of being vaporized.
  Ivmi rrea.—These are  substances which evac-
uate  the stomach by vomiting, and are among
the  most important of  our medical  agents.
  The importance of emetics may be understood,
whim we remember that the .stomach i> the great
center cf sympathies—that disease,  wherever
located, cannot fail  to afleet  this  organ, and
that elicits  produced  upon it, are,  in a similar
manner, transmitted to other organs.
  There is another  important advantage de-
rived  from the u e of emetics of lobelia.  Lo-
belia  is a powerful  relaxant, and this effect, al-
ways precedes and accompanies the act  of vom-
iting.  The. relaxation thus produced assists the
mechanical  action  of vomiting in  distributing
the  circulation equally through every part.  This
is one of the most important remits to be ac-
complished in  the administration of medicine.
Hence the almost universal applicability of this
agent.  And hence the astonishing results that
are  witnessed in its  use.
   Directions for 'jiving an emetic.—When an
emetic is given without the vapor bath, the pa- 
    ADMINISTRATION OF MEDICINE, HYGIENE, ETC. 253

tient should be prepared for its operation, by ly-
ing in bed, and drinking freely of composition,
or some  other warm tea, until perspiration is
produced.   The operation of the  teas  may be
assisted by placing a steaming brick to the feet.
  The emetic is prepared in various wavs.  The
following are examples.  Take of the pulverized
leaves of lobelia, five teaspoonsful, or ofthepul-
ized seeds three teaspoon.sful, cayenne half a tea-
spoonful, lady's slipper and bayberry a teaspoon-
ful  each, add a teacupful of boiling water, let
it stand fifteen miuutes.  The infusion may then
be strained off and divided  into five or six do-
ses, one of which may be given every ten or fif-
teen minutes, until a sufficient amount of vom-
iting is effected,   fcome persons may not require
as large a quantity of the emetic as above, and
others may require more.
  Another method is as follows :  Put three or
four teasp*onsful of  the pulverized seeds  into
a teacup, and pour on boiling water enough to
make  four  or five do.ses of two  teaspoonsf^l
each.   One of these doses  may be taken  in a
teacup, half full of bayberry  tea  every ten or
fifteen minutes  until the patiet vomits  suffi-
ciently.
  Some  administer the emetic in  substance.
The dose is  a half teaspoonful of the finely
 fmlvenzed seeds,  or somewhat more  of the
 eaves, which may be  repeated  every fifteen
minutes, until a proper effect is produced. 
 S54 A»>bi.s<i--rRATir>N OF MEDICINE, irVOIENr, KTC.

   If the emetic produces considerable nausea,
 without the  patient hcin;r  able  to vomit, ghe
 {alaciatus water, w hit li will correct the acidity
 nf  the ytoinach, and assist the operation of the
 emetic.
   The  patient may drink  freely of  gnirl. or
 warm teas while \omiting.  1 hc.-e will  make
 the operation of the emetic more ra^y than if
 the stomach is allowed to I  ecome emptied.
   After the emetic, the patient may be washed
 off with the alkaline wash, and take  such  nour-
 ishment as is suitable to his  condition.
   Injections.—These are fluids to be thrown in-
 to  the bowels, by means of a syringe.   They
 are prepared of various articles, and are de-
 signed for various purposes.  A  very good in-
jection  to  be administered  during a course af
 medicine, may be prepared  by steeping a tea-
 spoonful of composition, and half a teaspoonful
 of  lobelia, in two-thirds of  a teacupful of boil-
 ing water.  This should be strained and admin-
 istered blood warm.
  Codrbb of Medicine.—This has been so fr©r
 quently referred to, that a description  become*.
 necessary.   It consists in the  administration of
 injections to cleanse the bowels—of an emetic,
 and of the vapor bath  before and after taking
 the emetic.
  It is usual to commence by giving a stimula-
 ting injection, which is immediately followed by
 the vapor bath, the patient  drinking  freely of 
    ADMINISTRATION OF MEDICINE, HYGIENE, ETC 255

bayberry or composition tea before, and while
in the bath.  After fee sweating is effected, the
patient may take the first  dose of the emetic,
while in the bath, and  immediately get into bed.
A jug of warm water, or a steaming brick, may
be placed to his feet, and the  remainder of the
emetic given as before directed.
   When the emetic  is done operating, it is usu-
al to let the patient rest, and sleep if so in-
clined, an hour or two, after which another in-
jection is administered, and followed by the va-
por  oath as before   Before  leaving the  bath
the  patient  may  receive  the  cold shower,  or
may be washed off with a cool alkaline wash,
and  the surface  may be wiped dry with a coarse
cloth.
   Modified  course.—The complete  course  of
medicine fnlfils more indications, and accom-
plishes  greater  results in the  treatment of dis-
ease, than any other process ever known.  It is
applicable in all diseases, and under nearly  all
circumstances.   Sometimes, however, it is in-
convenient, or unnecessary to  administer a full
course, hence it is frequently  modified to con-
form to circumstances.
   Sometimes the  latter  vapor bath is omitted,
and sometimes one or both of the infections.  In
many cases the emetic,  administered  as before
directed,  will perform all  we wish to accom-
plish by the  course. 
256          HEALTH, BEAUTY, ETC.
              HEALTH, BEAUTY, *C

   We had intended to devote a lon«r chapter to
 the discussion  of some general principles con-
 nected with the  preservation of female  health
 and  beauty.   We have,  however, already oc-
 cupied the space which we design for that pur-
 pose, and can only give a  few hints, in addition
 to  what has been said already.   These for the
 sake  of brevity, we will arrange  under a few
 general heads.
   Physical  Symmetry.—S3'mmetry  of form is
 essential to both health and beauty.  The hu-
 man  frame unpen cited,  is the  mot  perfect
 specimen of symmetry found in the  Creator's
 works.  While  it retains its original perfection
 in this respect, the essential organs of the body
 are. afforded proper space, and sustain such re-
 lations to each other, that, separately and com-
 bined, they perform their appropriate functions.
 The result is, so far as physical  conditions are
 concerned, health and beauty in their  highest
 perfection are promoted.
  Deviations from this standard may be preven-
 ted in children,  by allowing them exercise, and
 by  attentions to their dress and  habits, as  be-
 fore noticed, but can the.-e  deviations be correc-
 ted after they exist in  persons  who have arri-
 ved at maturity '.   \\ e  answer, in many instan-
ces they can. 
health, beauty, etc
257
    Before fully answering this question, howev-
  er, we will  notice  some of those  deformities
  which most  commonly exist.   These  relate
  chiefly to the neck, shoulders, chest, and waist
    1 he proper position of the  neck is in a line
  perpendicular to the spine of the back.  If it is
  bent  in either direction, especially  forward, it
  injures the voice and interrupts the  perfect op-
  eration of breathing.
    The proper position of the shoulders is seen,
  when  they are thrown bark in such a manner
  as to have the shoulder blades lay perfectly flat
  against the  ribs  beside the  spine.  The  edges
 should not turn up at all. When the shoulders
 are brought forward habitually, the weight  of
 the arms and .shoulders hang  upon the chest,
 which  becomes contracted, thus laying the foun-
 dation  for weak  lungs, or consumption.
   'j he  chest, should be round, large, and erect.
 This is nof only an  important ingredient in  a
 beautiful form, but is absolutely essential to good
 health.  A narrow, flat, or  sunken chest, pre-
 vents the proper  expansion-  of the lungs, with-
 out which health cannot exist.
   Deformity of the waist is  principally caused
 by the foolish habit oJ tight lacing, and is to be
 remedied, in some measure, by leaving off the
 absurd  practice, which causes "it.
   These deformities, we now remark in answer
to the  previous question, are all the result of
faulty habits, and are to be  corrected by chan-
ging them.  Let the head and  neck be carried! 
258          health, beauty,etc.

erect, the shoulders thrown  back, the chest ex-
panded, and the waist left  unconfined, and the
evils  of  which wp speak may  be  in  a great
measure  overcome.
  Patience and perseverenee will be necessary,
however, to accompli-h  any good.   The  atti-
tudes must be carefully watched, a stooping pos-
ture must be avoided in sitting, standing, or
walking, and the lungs must be entirely filled
in the  act of breathing.  These changes  may
be somewhat unpleasant at first, but in the end
will become the most agreeable.
  >v houlder braces were invented to  remedy the
deformity of  the  shoulder  before   described.
'.I hey are po constructed  as to bring  the shoul-
ders downwards and backwards, while at the
same time they furnish  support to the whole
spine.  These may be worn  in all cases when
the shoulders and chest are deformed as before
noticed.
  Before leaving Ibis subject, we would rpcom--
mend each one of our readers to  procure a copy
of Dr. Fitch's book,  entitled " Six  I oturcs on
the  Uses  of the Lungs" &c.  It  is  a valuable
book and will richly  repay the cost of obtaining
it.  It may be found at most of the  book stores
in the country.
  Symmetry of the Mind.—By this meant a per-
manent condition of the mind, in which the pas-
sion.-- are all properly balanced, none acting in
excess, and no one acting at the  expense of the
others.  A tranquil and contented state Of mind 
HEAI.Tn. BEAUTY, FTC
2E9
  is esrentialir health Irm fy.tnd Imp. life. "JVev-
  cr allow remor.-e. rev < nge. env v hnt;i d, or malice
  to take posscviin  of your minds.  Thete  con-
  ditions cf the mind deepen  all the lines ol  the
  face, .sharpen  all the features, and give to their
  possessor the appearance  of  premature  age,
  and call  down upon her, who should  and could
  be the delight of all eyes, the epithet of "hag."
  But, on  the other  hand, internal purity,  and
  the practice of benevolence, the exerc.ee cf ge-
  nero:«ity, of kindness to all, "thinking no e\n;'
  practicing no evil, cultivating the fullest cheer-
 fulness, will soothe and soften the coarsest brow.
  Above all,  the whole mind requires an anchor
 that shall stay it in  all the storms, vicissitudes,
 and troubles of life.  This anchor is obtained
 in pure and undefiled religion—a constant reli-
 ance, in all trials, upon God our t avior.  Prac-
 tice, judiciously, the precepts of health I have
 taught y*u, for your  bodies.  For your minds
 " uever be wise  above  what is written," but
 learn and practice all the teachings of our bles-
 sed  Savior, and your  persons  will fee Ml of
 strength  and beauty, your days will  be filled
 with joyous health, and your lives be long, pros-
 perous  and  happy.'"—Piitch.
   Attentions to the Skin.—Cleanliness sustains
 nn intimate relation to a state  of health.  To
 promote  this, therefore, should  be cne  of  our
first considerations.  The whole  body should be
washed daily with cold water. Those who have
not tried the practb-r, would be a tonished at the 
 260          health, beauty, f.tc.

 change which it woul 1 produce in their feeling*.
 The shower bath b-dbre recom a"iided, will, in
 general, suffice for the ablution.
   Attention  to the condition  of the Bowf/.s,
 &c.—When  the  b nvels are costive, the  fluids
 that should be discharged that  way are thrown
 upon  other  organs, by which means extensive
 derangement are effected.   The eiiecls are seen
 in the thick, sallow, and unhealthy appearance
 of the. skin, loss of brilliancy in thv. eye, head
 ache,  offensive  breath,  Alc   The best  rem-
 dy for costiveness is habit.   No  day should be
 allowed to pass, without an evacuation  froai
 the bowels.   " Observe one particular exait
 time for it, and at that  exact perio I  solicit the
 evacuation.   A few days, or weeks, patient so-
 licitation, will usually restore nature  to its full
 health in this repect."  Should this not  suc-
 ceed alone, aid it by eating bread male of un-
 bolted flour, or corn meal.   Injections  may be
 used if these mean- are iasuiiieieiit    Th^sics
 generally iucrease the dilacuity.
.  The retention of the  urine beyond  its natural
 period, wh^-n  habitual, is  the  origin of many
 unpleasant consequences.   It  prodnx-s a sal-
 lovvness of the complexion, loss of flesh, a bad
 odor of the  person,  gravel. A-c.   The  calls  of
 nature in this respect, should always be atten-
 ded to.
   Fkmaf.f. Dr.it woF.vti:\-ts —These have been no-
 tic -1 before.   The  subject  is intra bleed  here,
 only for the purpose of  remarking, that a heal- 
HEALTH, BF.At'Tl', FTC.
261
thy condition of the sexual orgnns is essential
to beauty.   There cannot be any extensive de-
rangement of the menses, or disease of these
organs, without making an unfavorable impres-
sion upon the complexion, and otherwise inju-
ring the beauty of the countenance.
   Attentions; to the Tkkth.—This is a subject
of  more consequence,  than might  appear  at
first view.   Clean and healthy teeth are one of
the most essential  elements in female beauty.
This is not all.   Healthy teeth are  essential to
health.  Many eases of  dyspepsia  arise from
decayed  teeth.  They should be daily washed
with  a brush, and if any  are  decayed  they
should be extracted or filled.  Acids are hurtful
to the  teeth, and should not be used to cleanse
them.
   Feet.—Cold feet should be  avoided.   In  a
state of health the blood is properly di. tributed
to ever}* part. This cannot be the case when the
feet are  cold.  Habitual coldness  of the feet,
necessarily  deranges  the  general  health.  To
correct this condition then, bathe them frequent-
ly in water as hot as can be borne.  If there
are any spots of  hardened skin  upon  them,
scrape them off, and  make the skin covering
the feet as thin a> possible. Ashes,  added to the
water, will iivrease the efficacy of  the bath
After  the bath, the feet  sh  old  be wiped  d<-y,
and briskly rubbed with a ennr.-r  cloth   vYn h-
jng them with :i strong fiuMincn'. made by .vt. ep- 
Sdl          health, beauty, etc

tng cayenne in vinegar, will assist in establish-
ing the ciiculation in these parts.
  Exercise and Air.—One of the most common
evils to which the customs of society in  this
country subject females, is confinement to in-
door and sedentary pursuits.  Without exercise
and healthy ah, the best constitutions will soon
fail.    Yet how many  females  deprive them-
selves  of these essential elements of a proper
attention to health.  Exercise should be taken
daily, and in the open air.  This should be con-
tinued through every season of the year.  It
will not do to exercise during the summer and
autumn, and then remain withindoors  through
the long winter season, as most females do.
  The human  frame should be inured to all
seasons, and trained  to resist the influence of
every change—and this can only be accomplish-
ed by habitual exercise in the open air.  Walk-
in the open air should be practiced every day,-
when  the weather   will permit.  When the
weather is too inclement to allow this,  exercise
in large rooms, or on an open porch.  Riding
on horseback, or in an open carriage, furnishes
and excellent mode of exercise for feeble per-
sons.   There are  many other ways of taking
exercise, which our space will not permit a des-
cription of.  The follow ing rules should govern
in our attentions  to  this subject.  Employ the
morning for exercise when possible.  The  walk
should be conducted through scenes  calculated
to iutwrest the mind, and protraeted until  some 
HEALTH, BEAUTY, «TC.
tft3
 degree  of fatigue is  produced.   All  exercise
 should have a  tendency  to  expand the chest,
 and favor a full inspiration of air.  While walk-
 ing or riding, therefore, throw back  the  should-
 ers,  and carry  the head  erect.   All exercise
 should be so conducted as to furnish an agreea-
 able interest to the mind.  If it be  undertaken
 as a  mere task, without affording any  amuse-
 ,ment, it will accomplish little good.   These di-
 rections are necessarily limited, still they mav
 furnish some useful hints upon which the good
 sense of our readers may make such improve-
 ment as particular circumstances require.
   Dress.—Little need  be s&xA upon this  subject
 in addition to what has been remarked  before,
 especially since  this subject has been   so fre-
 quently  presented before the minds of all clas-
 ses in community, that it is beginning to be tol-
 erably well understood.   Still  many evils are
 connected with our habits of dress.  The principal
 are, wearing too much clothing, wearing it too
 tight,  and wearing it improperly distributed.—
 Too much clothing debilitates the system, and
 renders it sensible to the  least change. We
 know  of know better rule by which to be guided
 in reference to the amount of clothing necessa-
 ry, than  that given by Dr. Fitch.   Use as little
 clothing  as possible.  Never  wear clothing for
 health but  for comfort.  Many persons have
ruined their health, by overloading their bodies
with excessive clothing, with  a view te its pre-
servation.  In reference to the second evil above 
264
HEALTH, BEAUTV, ETC
named, we  will  only remark that our  dresa
should be so adjusted, always, as to permit the
air to come  in contact with the whole body.—
This is necessary to  carry off the vapor that
constantly exhales from the skin, which would
otherwise collect on the surface, and occasion
obstruction and debility.  The dress must, con-
sequently, he worn loose, and permitted to hang
lightly on every part.   But a  proper distribu-
tion  of clothing  is necessary to meet the wants
of the body.  This subject has  hitherto  been
neglected by females  in  this  country.  The
practice has been to envelop the body in  a large
amount of  clothing, while  the extremities are
left comparatively unprotected.  This is wrong.
The  extremities  need  the largest  amount of at-
tention.  L.;t them,  then,  even  the Jeet,  be
warmly clad, and one of the common causes of
female derangement,  will be removed.
   Diet.—This subject, also, has excited consid-
erable attention, for several years past, and ma-
ny evils have been  charged upon our habits in
this  respect, which belong to other causes. Still
there arc errors in our dietic habits. The only ad-
vice Wf» can give, on this subject, at present, is,
—avoid hot  tea  and  coffee, drink cold water,
use such food as experience has demonstrated
to agree with you, avoid excess, and take your
meals. at regular hours.
   Si.EEriNo.—Sleep is designed to afford rest to
those organs whose constant action must neces-
sarily exhaust the system   StiU, when exces- 
HEALTH, BEAUTY, ETC.
265
sive, itself becomes the cause of exhaustion and
debility.   Sleep, to accomplish its intended pur-
pose, should always be  taken in the early part
of the night.   Avoid  late hours, and rise early
in the morning.  Most  old persons  have been
early risers.  Some attention  to  the kind  of
beds  on  which we  sleep, as well  as  to the
amount  of clothing used  while sleeping, be-
comes necessary also.   The best rule is,  let the
bed be hard, the  amount of covering as small
as consistent with comfort, and use only a small
pillow under the head.
  Medicines.—Medicines  are designed  for  a
state  of disease, and are not to be used while
in health.  They are also designed  to aid, not
supercede, the efforts  of nature.    Therefore
never use them while in a state of health.  Nei-
ther should we employ them upon trifling occa-
sions.  Better train nature to defend itself by
the use of proper diet, exercise, bathing, clean-
liness, &c. When medicines become necessary,
use such as are known  to be harmless.  By all
means avoid,  as  you would the pestilence, the
use of mercury, antimony, arsenic, opium, and
all of the most common medicines  of popular
physicians.   They  have been  an unmitigated
curse  to the  human family, doing  more  to
abbreviate human existence,  than  all   other
causes now existing.  In the language  of one
of the most distinguished physicians* of the old
school, who ever lived, " they have  already de-
•John Mason Good. 
266          HEALTH,BEAUTY, ETC.

stroyed more lives than famine, war, and pesti-
lence combined."   We will  even go farther
than this, and advise you to do as many others
have done, avoid those who use such  poisons
under the  foolish pretence of giving medicine.
Study the treatment recommended in this book,
and if  you  are   sick,  and  cannot  find  a
physician too conscientious  to poison you, why
then cure yourself.   I can assure you that a lit-
tle attention wdll qualify you to treat yourselves
with more success, and greater safety, than the
most scientific and  popular physicians of the
alloapathic school, that can be found. 
MEDICINAL PLANTS AND COMPOUNDS.      267
CHAPTER  IX.
         MEDICINAL PLANTS, AND COMPOUNDS.


   Our descriptions under this head must, necessarily,
 be very  brief, yet sufficient, we trust, to enable our
 readers, by the help of other means of information with-
 in their reach, to administer to their own relief in all
 ordinary cases of disease.   For the  convenience of
 reference, we have adopted  a plan of classification for
 simple raticles, in which they are arranged according to
 their most prominent properties.  By attention  to this
 arrangement, persons  afflicted  with disease may be
 enabled to select a variety of medicines to meet any
 indications which  may exist.  If any medicines  are
 mentioned with which our readers are  not acquainted,
 or which they cannot procure, we advise them to con-
 sult any Botanic  Physician, for such  information at
 they may need.

                   STIMULANTS.

  Stimulants are among the most important medicines
found in  the materia medica.   They are  defined to be
medicines which exert an exciting and invigorating
effect upon the nervous and vascular systems, without 
268
STIMULANTS.
giving rise to any particular evacuation, either  from
the bowels, skin, or any other organs.  In other words,
they are  medicines  which stimulate  and  assist the
vital powers.
  Stimulants are useful  in all cases of debility, in low
fevers, cholera, diarrhoeas, Sic.   They also assist the
operation of  other medicines when given in conjunc-
tion with them.

          Capsicum—(Cayenne Pepper.)

  Cayenne pepper is composed of the pods of one or
more of  the  different  species  of capsicum, reduced
to apowder.
  Capsicum is  one of the most powerful and perma-
nent stimulants known.   It is at the same time devoid
of any narcotic or dangerous property, will not excite
fever or inflamation, as its enemies assert, and is con-
sequently admissible in almost any form  of disease.
  . Useful in dyspepia  or weak digestion, choleras, de-
bility, palsy,  diarrhoea, costiveness, bleeding from the
lungs, or hemorrhages of any  kind, &c.  It is  also
useful as a gargle in  the sore throat of scarlet fever,
and as an essential ingredient in liniments.
  Dose, from a half to  a whole  teaspoonful, laken  in
substance, or made  into  tea.  If it cause pain in the
stomach it  may be taken in milk.

          Zingiber, (Ginger,)  The Root.

  Grows in the East and West Indies.   Ginger is an
agreeable aromatic stimulant, and  is  an  excellent sub-
stitute for cayenne  pepper,  especially wh:u  given  ly
children. 
GUM MYRRH.
5>69
  Useful—in colds, flatulency, colic, coughs, debility,
cholera infantum, &c.

Xanthoxylum FRAXiNEUM,(PncA:/j/ Ash,Tooth-ache
          7 ree,) The Berries and Bark.

  Prickly ash is a valuable stimulant, diaphoretic, and
the seeds, tonic and laxative.
  Useful—in flatulency, colic, rheumatism, cold feet
and hands', cramps, indigestion, &c.
  Dose—0f the powdered  bark from one to two tea-
spoonfuls  in  substance, or twice as much made into
tea.   Oi the berries, a teaspoonful in the form  of tea.

as arum  canadense.—( Wild  Ginger,  Coltsfoot,
        Canada Snakeroot, fyc.)^ The Root.

  Grows throughout the country, in shady places, in
low groi;n Is, and on  the norlb side of hills.
  Wild ginger is an  aromatic stimulant, diaphoretic,
emmenagngne, and nervine.
  Useful.—In  uterine obstructions,  culds,  coughs,
pains in the stomach and bowels, &c.
  Dose.__A teaspoonful of the powdered root in warm
water sweetened, and repeated according to  circum
stances.   It  sbou'd  always  be  taken   in substance.
Large doses will sometimes produce vomiting.

                    GUM MYRRH.

  Gum  Myrrh is  the concrete juice of a small tree
growing in Arabia and Abyssinia, which exudes spon-
taneously, and collects in masses on the bark.
  Myrrh is  stimulant, tonic, diaphoretic, anti-septic,
and emmenagogue. 
27C
MINT—TONICS.
   Useful—in female derangements, indigestion, palsy,
debility, dysentery, cholera, &c.  Injected  into deep
wounds, or applied to offensive  sores, it speedily pro-
motes the healing process.  It also forms an excellent
wash for spongy gums, and the  canker-mouth of chil-
dren.   It is used in the form of  a tincture.
   Dose—a table spoonfull.

                       MINT.

   Both peppermint and spearmint abound in all partf
of the country.
   Mint is  an agreeable aromatic stimulant, carmina-
tive, and diaphoretic.
   Useful—in relieving pains in the stomach and bow-
els, allaying nausea, expelling wind in preventing  the
griping effects of cathartics, and to cover up the disa-
greeable taste of medicines.   The spearmint is a valu-
able medicine in diseases of the  urinary oigans, prov-
ing a  good diuretic in such cases.
   Wild  Marjorum, Dittany, Cinnamon, and  Cloves,
are all valuable aromatic stimulants, and are useful in
colics, cramps, flatulency, dysentery, &,c.
   The oils, however, are most frequently  used as in-
gredients in liniments.

                      TONICS,

   These are  substances which lone up  and invigorate
the system, and assist digestion, without increasing the
circulation, 
TONICS.
271
cornus Florida (Dogwood, Boxwood)—The bark of
                     ihe Root.

  A small tree abounding throughout the United States,
attaining the height of from 20 to 30 feet.  This  is a
powerlul  tonic, anti-septic, somewhat astringent, and
When fresh, laxative.
   Useful—in all cases of debility, prolapsus uteri, dys-
pepsia, whites, intermittent fever, dyssentery, &c.
  Dose—frpm |a  half to a whole teaspoonfoll of the
powered root, and from a tea  to a table  spoonfull  of
the tincture, repeated as often as the case may require.

Hydrastis canadensis (Golden  Seal,  Yellow puc-
         coon, Gall-qf-the-earth.) The Root.

  Golden seal is  found throughout the United States1,
but most abundantly in the west.  It is a valuable bit-
ter  tonic,  and slightly stimulant.
   Useful—in all  cases of debility, dyspepsia, dysen-
tery, and  is a valuable article in sore mouth and eyes,
in which cases it  should be used in decoction.
  Dose—^a teaspoonful of the powdered root.

HELONf As dioiCa  ( Unicorn, Blazing star,  Star root,)
                     The Root.

  Found  in abundance throughout the western states
in  almost every  variety  of  soil.  The root of this
plant is tonic, expectorant and nervine.
   Useful—in all  cases  of uterine debility,  and  is an
excellent article to prevent abortion.  It  is highly re- 
272                   TONICS.
commended for colic,  strangury, hysterics, rheuma-
tism; jaundice, coughs, and consumptions.
  Dose—from a half to a whole teaspoonful, in sub-
stance.

berberis  canadensis (Barberry) The bark of the
                      Root.

  This shrub is chiefly found in the northern and east-
em states.   The bark of the root is a good tonic, lax-
ative, and slightly astringent.
   Useful—in jaundice, dyspepsia, but  particularly ser-
viceable in flux and dysentery.
  Dose—a teaspoonful of the  powdered root in sub-
stance, or twice as much in decoction.

chelona glabra (Balmony, Snakchead,Tiirtlchead,
     Turetlebloom)  The Leaves and  Blossoms.

  This plant  is found throughout the United States,
along  the  borders  of small streams,  and wet places.
Balmony is intensely bitter,  and  a most valuable tonic,
laxative, anthelmintic, and when taken in large doses,
proves cathartic.
   Useful—in all cases of debility, impaired digestion
or depraved appetite.  It is likewise recommended in
eruptive diseases, boils, sores, and  piles.
   £)ose—a  teaspoonful of  the plant  in  substance,
or a tablespoonful in infusion.   In case of worms, an
ounce of the herb in decoction  should be  given, and
followed by a cathartic.

   Yellow Poplar,  Quaking Asp, Gentian, Centaury,
Columbo, Virginia-Snakeroot, and Bitter-Ash, are all 
astringents.
273
valuable tonics, and may be used as substitutes for any
of the foregoing articles.

                   ASTRINGENTS.

   Astringents are substances that contract or condense
and support the tissues of the body.   When taken in-
to the mouth, they prodnce a sensation of roughness,
or puckering of the lips, tongue and palate.

geranium maculatum ( Crancsbill,  Crowfoot ) The
                       Root.

   Cranesbilt is a small plant, generally growing from
six  inches lo a foot in height, and is found in all the
state--.                                            .
   Craneshill  is a  pure and powerful astringent, and
styptic, and is free trom any unpleasant taste or smell.
   Useful— in prolapsus uteri, rluor albus, profuse men-
struation, diarrhoea and dysentery.   It is  valuable in
sore  mouth, and proves beneficial as a wash lor sores
of long  standing,  piles, cancers, &c.
   Dose—from half to a whole teaspoonful in substance,
 oi twice  as much in decoction.

 myrica  cerifera  (Bayberry,  Wax-myrtle,) The
                   bark of the  Root.

   Bayberry is a shrub, from  three  to  four feet high,
 crowing along the coast from  Maine to Georgia.
    Bayberry is one of the  most valuable articles of this
 class that we possess.  It is astringent, tonic,  stimu-
 lant, diaphoretic and  auti-septie- 
274
ASTRINGENTS.
   Useful—in dyxentery, cholera morbus, ttuor albua,
 difficult or profuso  menstruation, and is excellent to
 facilitate labor.   It  is likewise beneficially employed
 in dyapepsis, and in removing  canker from the mouth,
 stomach, and bowels.
   Dote—a teaspoonful  of the  powder,  or double the
 quantity in  infusion.

  nympha odorata (White Pond Lilly) The Root.

   White Pond lilly is  found  in most of the states,
growing  in  wet ponds,  and marshy grounds, and  it
well known.   The  root of this  plant is a pure  and
powerful astringent, with but little taste or smell.
   Useful—in  prolapsus, leucorrhcea, dysentery,  flux,
diarrhu).i, canker, scarlet lever,  <fcc.
   Dose—from  a hall  to a  teaspoonful, or twice as
much in-iitfusion.

  tmmacM latifolium  (Beth root, Jcwshffrp,) The
                       Root.

   Beth root is found in  most of  the states, delighting
in damp woods, on the  north side of hills, and in rich
soil.
   This is a most valuable article, and is second to none
of this class.  It is astringeut, styptic, antiseptic, ex-
pectorant, and tonic.
   Useful—in whites, prolapsus uteri, rwthma, catarrh.
cough,  dysentery, diarrlitea, flooding, profane mens-
truation, Sic.
   Dose—from a half to a teaspoonful in substance. An
infusion or decoction is  almost  inert, ,aud should nev-
er be used. 
EMETICS.
37&
  rubus strigosus — Red Rasbcrry—The leaves.

  The red  raspberry is a mild  and agreeable astrin-
gentgent.
  Useful—m  the  treatment  of bowel complaints of
Children, in  which case it should be given in decoction
by mouth and injection ; but this article is- especially
valued for the direct tendency it has to the uterus.
When used freely during  parturition, in conjunction
with cayenne, it never fails  in allaying false, or promo-
ting true labor pains.

   Sumach,  Witchhazel, Whiteoak bark-   The leaves
of Hemlock, and Alum  root, are all  valuable astrin-
gents, and may be used wfeenever this class  of reme-
dies is indicated,

                     EMETICS,

   These  are  substances,  as before  noticed, which
have a specific action on the stomach, producing alter-
nate  contractions and  relaxations of the  muscles  ot
this organ, by whicb means its contents are ejected.

lobelia  intlata (Indian  Tobacco, Emetic Herb,
    Eyebright, Sfc.) Pods and leaves, and seeds.

   Thi*  plant is  found in nearly every  part of this
country,  and  is too well known to need any descrip-
tion.                   ,            .   .        «
   Lobelia is the best  and safest  emetic  known.  In
addition to  this  it  is diaphoretic, expectorant, relaxant,
and anti-spasmodic.  All of these properties are prom- 
270                  epjetics.
inently exhibited in  the operation of this most valua-
ble medicine.   As an anti-spasmodic, it is wholly un-
rivalled by anything in the emire  range of the mate-
ria medica.
   Useful—In  fevers, inflamation*, fits, cramps, con-
vulsions, coughs, asthm i,  croup, and every variety of
diease where either a relaxant or emetic is needed.
   No article in use among medical reformers has exci-
ted so much opposition on the  pait of those  who ad-
vocate the mineral  poisoning system, as this.  Inte-
rested persons have been industriously engaged in cir-
culating false reports about its dangerous effects—tho
medical faculty have exerted against it the weight of
their  entire influence—and a considerable  portion of
community, with only intellect enough to believe what
the doctor says, and swallow what he gives asking no
questions, has joined in the crusade against the pro-
scribed artiele and those who  employ  it—exceeding
their  masters,  if possible, in the  work of falsehood
and persecution.   Still, amid an  opposition stronger
than was ever encountered by any cause, Christianity
excepted, it has won its way into favor among the think-
ing unprejudiced portion of community, and established
a reputation that can never be overthrown.
   In  its favor we may present the testimony of all the
botanic physicians in  the country—many of  whom
were  once eminent in the ranks of alloapathy—who
prescribed itdaily with unj arallelled success—the tes-
timony of thousands who have been saved by its use
after being given over by their physicians to die, and
the testimony of entire communities, who use it indis-
criminately as  a family medicine, with no bad effect,
save to render the services of tho physician seldom
necessary. 
EMETICS.                  277
   Dose.—Of the pulverized seeds, half a teaspoonful
 repeated every ten or fifteen minutes until thorough
 vomiting is effected.   Of  the pulverized  pods  and
 leaves somewhat more  is required.   When  an  infu-
 sion is used, a larger quantity  of the lobelia is neces-
 sary than when it is taken in substance.
   Should any symptoms arise  during the operation of
 lobelia that appear alarming, as  restlessness  tossing
 about, sighing, extreme relaxation, convulsive breath-
 ing, rolling of the eyes in  their sockets, pahness of
 the countenance, coldness of the extremities and  skin,
 mental derangement, &c, no  fears need be indulged
 in, as such symptoms, though  seldom occurring, only
 indicate the favorable influence of the  medicine over
 existing disease.   Universal experience in the use of
 this article,  has demonstrated that there is nothing real-
 ly alarming in the occurrence of these  symptoms,
 since, ir the patient be left  alone entirely, a safe and
 certain reaction takes place,generally resulting in the
 complete removal of disease.   We may, however, fa-
 cilitate  the  reaction by giving  freely of cayenne tea,
 combined with astringents and  nervines.  To prevent
 their taking place, keep the  patient in a free perspira-
 tion while the emetic is operating.

   verbena hastata  (Blue Vervain)—-the herb.

  This plant is found generally throughout tho States,
growing by  road sides and in dry fields.
  Blue Vervain is emetic, diaphoretic, &c.
  Useful—In intermittent fevers, dispepsia, liver com-
plaints,  coughs, &c.   Dose---For an  emetic  from a
teaeupfull to a pint of the strong deeoetion may be ta-
ken in  two or  three doses. 
278                  emetics.
 bupatorium perfoliatum  (Boneset Thoreughwort)
              tlie leaves and flowers.

   This plant is common  to  the  whole country, and
 needs no description. The warm infusion of this plant,
 given in large doses, operates as an emetic—in sn>all
 doses, frequently repeated,  it produces free  perspira-
 tion. The decoction, taken cold, is both laxative and
 tonic.

          oephalis  ipecacuanha (Ipecac.)

   Ipecac is  emetic, expectorant, and  diaphoretic—
 somewhat mild  in its operation, but inferior in every
 respect to lobelia.  Combined with lobelia, however,
 it forms a very good emetic for persons of relaxed hab-
 its.  Used by injection, it forms a valuable remedy in
diarrhoea.
   Dose.—Half  a teaspoonful taken in three portions,
 fifteen minutes apart.

 SANOUINARlA  CANADENSIS (Bloqd  RjOQt,  Red PuC-
          PQon%  Indian  Paint)  ilie root.

  Blood Root is found in  all sections of this country,
and needs no description.
  It is emetic, expectorant,  diaphoretic, cathartic, ea>
charotic, and styptic.
  Its operation  as an emetic is harsh,, and it should
not be employed when other articles of thi«* class can
be procured. 
CATHARTICS.
275
                    CATHARTICS.

   Cathartics are medicines which have a specific ten-
 dency to evncUate the bowels downwards, or which,
 when given  in proper doses, excite purging.

 podophyllum peltatum  (Mayapple Mandrake)—
                     The Root.

  Mayapple  is a well known plant, found in great abun-
 dance throughout the Slates,  in thick and shady pla-
 ces.  The root of this plant is cathartic, alterative and
 emto'enague.  Its action is mild, efficient,and although
 sometimes slow, is certain.  It has a specific tendency
 towards the liver, stimulaing this organ to an increased
 and healthy action, and exerts a stimulating effect over
 the entire  glandular system.   It is unlike any other
 cathartic we  are acquainted with, as it does not leave
 the bowels in a costive and a debilitated condition, but,
 on the contrary, in a soluble state, and, instead of de-
 biuty, tonus up the bowels and invigorates  the system.
   Useful—in fiver complaints,  dyspepsia,  habitual
 costiveness,  depraved  appetite,  intermittent  fevers*
 scrofulous affections, dropsy, &c.
  Dose —A  teaspoonful  every three hours until it op-
erates.   It is  however best to administer  with equal
 parts of cream of tartar  and  spear or peppermint, tp
prevent the griping effects, which all cathartics possess
to a greater or less extent.

     convolvulus jalapa—(Jalap)—the root.

  Jalap is a native of  South  America.   As  found in 
280
CATHARTICS.
the shops it is in powder of a light brown color, with
but little taste or smell, but a pungent sensation '.a left
in.the mouih and throat.  It is a good caiharlic, but
is "too griping in its effects lo be used alone, and should
therefore always  be combined  with  some  aromatic
stimulant.
   Useful—In fevers,  obstructions of tli5 liver, &c;
but is most advantageously employed in the treatment
of dropsies, as it produces copious  and watery  dis-
charges.  It should, however,  never  be employed in
a state of pregnancy,asits drastic effects may  produce
abortion.
   Dose—From a half to a teaspoonful in substance,
repealed in iwo hours.

          ruvxm—(Rheubarb)—the  root.

   Rheubarb is an article which has been'long in use,
but it is not yet ascertained  trom  which species of
Rheum  it  is obtained.   Those  in  our market are
known  bv  the name of  Turkey R, European R, and
Chinese R, the first of which is decidedly the  best.
  Rheubarb is one of the most valuable articles of this
c'ass;  it is cathartic, and at the same time astringent;
but the cathartic properties are always expended be-
fore the astringent effects become sensible.
   Useful—In flux, dysentery, diarrhoea, infant chol-
era, cholera morbus, sour stomach, &c.
   Dose—A teaspoonful  repeated as often as the case
may require.  t\ very valuable prepaiation  is  made
by adding equal pans of salaeratus and pepermiut, tha
dose of which is ihe sumo as above, 
CATHARTICS.
281
      cassia— (Senna)—the leaves and pods.

   We have  a number of  different kinds of  senna
brought to us, which are named after the country from
which they are brought.   The  Alexandria senna is
by far the best, and should  be used in preference to
all others.
   Senna is a prompt and  efficient cathartic, but is ob-
jectionable on account of  the griping effects it possess-
es.  This, however, may  be obviated  to some  extent
by combining it with some aromatic  stimulant.
   Useful—When  administered in conjunction with C.
Pink to expel worms in children.
   Dose—From one to two  teaspoonfuls of the pow-
dered leaves in infusion.

                   Aloe, (Aloes.)

   A great variety of aloes are brought to us from  va-
rious parts.   The  Socotorine  aloes,  is by  far the best.
   Aloes is a  very  certain  but slow  cathartic and em
menagogue.   Its action appears principally to be con-
fined to the  lower  part of the intestines, and  should
never be  used in pregnancy, nor when the patient is
troubled with  the piles.  Aloes forms the base of most
of out patent  pills, of  which an  infinite variety are to
be found, but  persons  should be careful in using such
pills, especially if  they are  pregnant or have piles, as
they will universally increase the latter difficulty,  and
in the former  may produce abortion.
   Useful—in billions  complaints, especially in torpid-
ity of the liver, obstructed menstruation, &c.
   /jose—from a quarter to half a teaspoonful, repeated
in three hours. 
283          LAXATIVE8, OR  APERIENTS.
Leptanoria Virginica   Black Root,  Bowman R.
    Brinton R.  Culvers physic, fyc.) Tlie Root.

   Black root is found  plentifully in the Western and
Middle Stales,growing in low grounds or moist places,
along fences, &c.
   This is an excllent  cathartic, certain and mild, and
is  likewise tonic and antiseptic.
   Useful—in typhus  and billious fevers, dyspepsia,
liver complaints, &c;  but is  most eminently useful in
removing  costiveness  in pregnant  women, in which
cases it may be used in all  stages  without the  least
danger of  producing abortion.
   Dose—a heaping teaspoonful  of the  powdered root
repeated in  three hours.
   Bitterroot, extract of butternut, castor  oil, ifC., are
good  cathartics and may be used as substitutes for any
of the foregoing articles.

            LAXATIVES, OR  APPERIENTS.

   Laxatives are medicines which  cause the bowels to
move gently.

menispermum  canadensis,  (Yellow  Parilla,  Moon
                 Seed,)  The Root.

   Yellow pa rilla is found in  abundance throughout the
Western States.   It is an excellent laxative, alterative
and tonic.
   Useful—in habitual costiveness, liver complaints, and
diseases of the skin. 
                    DIAPHORETICS.                283

   Dose—a teacupful of the decoction should be taken
 three times a day, or, which is  better, a tablespoonful
 of the tincture,

 sambucus nicer, (Sweet Elder,) the  Inner  Bark
                   and Blossoms.

   Elder is a vejy good and mild cathartic for children,
 and is likewise diuretic, and diaphoretic.
   Useful—in bowel complaints of children, colds, <fec.
   Dose—a half teacupful of the infusion taken  in the
 evening  will produce a mild operation in the morning.

  amygdalip persica, (Peach  Tree,)  The Leaves,

   The leaves of  the peach tree are laxative, tonic and
 anthelmintic.
 Usefu/^-m the treatment for worms, bowel complaints,
 loss of appetite,  and constipation.   It  is  principally
 used for  children.   A strong infusion should be  taken
 Ireely.
   Burning bush, or Wahoo, and Man-in-the- Ground,
 are milk laxatives and may be used whenever this class
 of medicines is indicated.

                   PIAPHORETICS,.

   Diaphoretics are  medicines, which  increase   the
natural transpiration  by the  vessels of the skin, or in
Other words which promote perspjration, 
284                diaphoretics.
asclepias tuberosa—White  root, Butterfly need,
       Milk weed, Pleurisy root—The Root.

   Pleurisy root is a beautiful plant found  throughout
the States, but most abundantly in  the Southern and
Western.
   It is a mild but certain  diaphoretic, producing per-
spiration without any sensible increase  of  the circula-
tion.   It  is  likewise a  mild expectorant,  facilitating
rather than  producing expectoration, and  exerting a
soothing  and anodyne  effect  when administered  in
coughs and consumptions.   It  has received its notori-
ety, n6 well  as  one of  iis names, from  the decided
benefit derived from its use in pleurisy.
    Useful—-in  colds,  coughs,  pleurisy,  consump-
tion, &c.
   The infusion  should be taken freely until the desired
effect is produced.

polemonium  reptans—Greek  Yaicrietn, Swcatroot,
                Bluebells—'The Root,

   Greek Valerian  is an humble plant, delighting in low
and wetlish  places,  is however  found on  high land
though sparingly, throughout the Western  and Middle
Slates.
   The Greek Valerian is a prompt and active diapho-
retic,  tonic, and  slightly expectorant.
   Useful—in fevers, colds, coughs,  consumptione.&c.
   Dose—half a wine glass full  of the tincture  three
times a day, or in decoction taken freely. 
           alteratives or detergents.       285


hedeoma   pulegioides—Pennyroyal—the Leaves.

  Pennyroyal is diaphoretic, stimulant, emmenagogue,
and carminative, and is extensively used in domestic
practice.
  Useful—in all cases  of colds and coughs, and is ex-
cellent in removing female obstructions, and in promo-
ting the operation of emetics.
  The infusion should be taken freely until a decided
impression is made.

abtrolochia serpentaria—Virginia Snake Root—■
                    The Root.

  This is an excellent  diaphoretic, stimulant, carmina-
tive and laxative.
  Useful—in  fevers, dyspepsia,  habitual costiveness,
liver affections,  diseases of the  skin, and  debiliuted
habits generally.
  Take the infusion freely until the desired effect is
produced.
  Prickly ash, catnip,  sage, and wild chamomile, are
all good diaphoretics,  and  may be used when  others
cannot be had.

           alteratives or detergents.

  Alteratives  are  medicines that have  a tendency to
change  diseased  conditions of the body, without pro-
ducing  any sensible increase of the evacuations. 
286        ALTERATIVES OR  DETERGENTS.
  bmilax sarsaparilla—Sarsapanlla—the Root.

  A varieU of sasarparillas are found in our market.
The American sarsaparilla however  is good, and we
prefer this  to any of the imported articles.
  The American sarsaparilla is found  in  great abun-
dance throughout the Western States  delighting in a
rich soil, on high lands, in thick and shady woods.
  Sarsaparilla  is one  of  the best  alteratives we  pos-
sess, and is likewise tonic and expectorant.
  Useful—in  scrofulous diseases, diseases of the skin,
consumption, &c.   It should only be used in tincture
or alcoholic extract, as water does  not extract  its vir-
tues, which reside in a resin.
  Dose—from one  to two tablespoon fuls  three  times
a day, or a common sized pill of the extract, morning,
noon, and night.

Arctium  lappa—Burdock, Clotbur — the  Seeds
                     and Root.

  The root of burdock has long been used  in decoc-
tion, and has acquired a great reputation as  an alterative,
but the seeds are by far preferable.  It may be taken
in decoction  or in  powder.   Burdock is powerfully
alterative, somewhat diuretic and diaphoretic.
  Useful—in diseases  of  the skin, affections  of the
kidneys, kingsevtl,  scurvy, and venereal  disease.
  Dose—a teaspoonful of the decoction  three  times a
day, or a teaspoonful of the powdered feeds as often. 
alteratives  or detergents.        287
aralia racemosa—Spikenard,  Spignet,  <$-c.—the
                 bark of the root.

  Spikenard is a luxuriant  plant growing thjotighou*
the United  States, delighting in rich soil, in  ravines,
along fences, in woods and  in select piles of vegetable
mould.
  Th* root  and berries of spikenard are an excellent
alterative, and expectorant.
   Useful—in scrofulous habits, female weakness, &c.
Spikenard,lijke sarsaparilla should be used only in tinc-
ture, or alcoholic extract.
   Dose—from  one to two tablespoonfuls of the tincture
three  times  a day.  A common sized pill is equivalent
to a tablespoonful of the tincture,

rumex Atyj&Ticiw-'fFatcrdockfNarrowdock—tJieroot.

  This plant is found abundantly in the western states,
growing only in low and marshy grounds,or along the
edges of stagnant pools.   It has heretofore  been  con-
founded with the Curled Dock, ("Rumex Crispus,) to
which however it bears  but little resemblance, and is
far superior  as an alterative.
   The  Water Dock is an excellent  alterative second
to none with which we are  acquainted, and  is slightly
diuretic.
   Useful—In scrofulous habits, female weakness, dis-
eases of the skin, &c.
   Dose—A  teacupfull  of the  decoction repeated  as
often  as the case may require, or a tablespoonful of
tincture, which is preferable.
   Fellow pardla. Sassafras, Black  Elder, and  Cup
plant, are good alteratives, and may be used as substi-
tutes for either  of the foregaing articles. 
288
EMMENAGOGUES.
                  emmenagogues.

  Emmenagogues  are a class of medical  agents that
promote the monthly evacuations peculiar to females.

cimicifuga raoemosa—Black  Cohosh,  Rattleweed,
    Sejuaw Root, Black Snake Root—the root.

  This stately plant is found  throughout the United
States,growing in  almost every  variety of soil, and in
great abundance.   It is so well  known that a descrip-
tion is unnecessary.
  Rattleroot is emmenagogue, anti-spasmodic, ano-
dyne  diuretic,  diaphoretic, and tonic.  It is employed
in substance, in decoction, in tincture, and extract.
  Useful—h\ fomale  obstructions, coughs, consump-
tion, epilepsy, St.  Vitus dance,  rheumatism, &c
  Hose—Half  a teaspoonful of the  powder in sub-
stance, twice as much made into tea, a tablespoonful
of the tincture, or a good sized  pill  of the extract,
three or four times a day.   Whrnever it is desirable
to produce a decided effect.the doses may  be increased,
or more frequently repeated, until a slight  dizziness
is produced.

CAULOPHYLLUM THAL ACTROIDES--BluC Cohosh, BllLC-
                 berry—the  root.

  This is  a well  known  plant  bearing  some resem-
blance to the foregoing, and is  found  in  considerable
abundance  in most of the western States.
  Blue cohosh, is  antispasmodic, emmenagogue, ner-
vine, and diaphoretic. 
EMMENAGOGUES.
289
   Useful—In  hysterics, cramp, female  obstructions,
St. Vitus dance, and  to assist in parturition, <fec.
   Dose—Half a teaspoonful  or more in substance,or
twice as much in decoction.

            rubia tixctorum—Madder.

   This is a plant which is much cultivated in Europe
as an article of commerce.
   Madder  is a valuable emmenagogue,  and  may be
employed in cases of female obstructions, with benefit.
   Dose—A teaspoonful, in decoction, two or  three
times a day.

polygonum iiydropiperoides—Smartwccd-theplant.

   Smartweed  is a valuable emmenagogue, antiseptic,
diaphoretic, &c.
   Useful—In female obstructions, and many other
diseases.
   Dose—A teaspoonful  of the  powder,  or  the same
quantity of the tinciure.   Scalding  destroys its em-
.menagogue properties.  The tinciure is the best form
in which it can  be used.

   Leom-ruf  cardiac a—Motherwort—the plant.

   This well known plant is considered emmenagogue,.
tonic, Arc.
   Useful—In  female obstructions,  and weakness.'
   Dose—A wine glass lull of the strung infusion, or
a  table spoonful of the  tincture, several limes a day.
   Tanzy,wild  ginger, and pennyroyal, all possess
ejmmemigogue properties,  and may be used  as substi-
tutes for the foregoing articles. 
290
NERVINES.
                     NERVINES.

   These are a class  of medical  agents  tfeat hnvo a
specific  effect  on  the nervous  system, and chiefly
evince their powers in quieting nervous irritation, re-
lieving pain, and stimulating the nervous system to a
healthy action.

cyppripedium pubescens—Ladys  Slipper, Indian
        Moccasin,  Nervine, Umbil—the root.

   There are many varieties of this beautiful  genus
found  in  mof»t of the States.  The  yellow has been
collide red the best, but all are generally used indis-
criminately.   Lady's Slipper is die most  valuable
nervine  we possess, and is somewhat tonic.
   U3efu|—In a|| nervous affections, hysterics, cramp,
colic, (its, delirium, mania, <fcc.
   Dose—A teaspoonful in substance.

 asarum  oanadense—Wild ginger,   Coltsfoot, &?c.
                     the  Root.

   WiJ4 ginger has already been described under the
 head of  stimulauts, as one  of the best nervines, and
 second only to Lady's slipper.

 hei.onias dioica—Star root—blazing star—the root.

   This article has been described under the head of
 tonics, and is an excellent nervine.
   Useful—in female weakness,  nervous debility, Ac.
   Dose-~\.  tablespoonful  of the  tincture, or a  tea-
spoonful  of ihe powdered  root. 
ANTISPASMODICS.
291
Scutellaria lateriflora—Scullcap, madweed,hoo~
         dwort, monkshood, fyc.—the root>

   Scullcap is found in most of  the  states, growing  in
pasture  grounds,  along fences,  and   open  woods.
This is an efficient  and prompt anti-spasmodic  it  is
likewise nervine and tonic.
   Useful—in  St.  Vitus danee, spasms, convulsions,
colic, nervous debility.  It is  likewise considered  to
be a specific against drydrophobia.
   Dose—a wineglass full of the  tincture, or a teaspoon-
ful of the infusion.

    Valeriana officinalis—English  Valerian.

   This is a native of  Europe, and can  be procured  in
any  of the shops.   It is a nervine and anli-spismndic.
   Useful—in all cases where this class is indicated.
   Dose—a tablespoonful of the  tincture, or a teaspoon-
ful of the decoction.

   Wild  Lettuce,  Assafcelida  and  Ginseng  are all
good nervines, and may be used as substitines for any
of the foregoing articles.

                  anti-spasmodics .

   Anti-spasmodics are medicines which overcome ir-
regular nervous action, and thus relieve spasm. They
differ from  nervines,  principally,  in  their  .-Mvp'rior
power and  promptness.  They are applicable in all
cases of convulsions, fits, cramps, &<:. 
292             LOBELIA—DIURETICS.
                     LOBF.MA.

  This article has been described in the class of emet-
ics.  It is the most powerful anti-spasmodic known.
   Usefuf-^ln colic, spasms, convulsions, St.  Vitus'
dance, lockjaw, &c.   (See emetics.)
  Dose—VVbere it is not designed to produce vomiting,
a teaspoonful of  the tincture,  or an equal quantity in
some other form should be given and repeated until r»
nauseates.

     SCUTELLARIA LATERIFLORA--Scullcap,  SfC

   Scullcap has been described before, and is  an excel-
lent anti-spasmodic.  (See nervines.y

    CAULOPHYLLUM THA1.ACTROID ES--Blue Cohosh.

   Blue Cohosh  has been noticed under the head of
emmenagogues.   li is  an invaluable  ami-spasmodic.
(See Emmenagogues.)

   Wild ginger. Asseifai'idu, Musk, and English Va-
lerian, may be used1 as substitutes, for any of  the Cure-
going articles.

                     DIURETICS.

   Diuretics are a class of medicines that merease the
urinary discharges. 
DIURETICS.
293
 EUPATOMCUM rURI'UTLUM---QliCTi  of tllC MediLic,
               C ravel i'ojL—the root.

  Quoen of  tlii? M'jidow grows in low  find wettish
livuuuds, near s'rearrs, but is olVn found on high land.
Found  in most of the RiuAvs.  Ii is an excellent diu-
retic, stimulant  and diaphoretic.
  L's»-ful—In ihe treatment of all diseases of the uri-
nary organs, dropsies, rh.uiuat's n, and female weak-
ness and obstructions..  It is bigluy  recommended aa
a solvent lor ihe stone,
  To-be used freely in decoction.

4Sclepias  fibrosa—// dian Hemp,  Silkweed, <$<•—
                  the whole plant.

  Indian  hemp is found plentifully  throughout the
Stales  in low and  wettish places, and along the banka
of streams.  It is diuretic, alterative and tonic.
  U'-eful—In fevers, inflamation of the liver, spleen,
kidneys, bladder, and is of great advantage in scalding
of urine, and female obstructions.
  Dose—A pint of the decoction should be taken du-
ring the day.

Galium asperrellum—Cleavers,  Goosegrass, fyc.—
                  the whole plant.

  Cleavers is  found  in  low  and  wettish  places, in
meadows, and enclosed woods, in most of the States.
It is a  good ind  effective  diuretic.
  Useful—In strangury, gravel, scalding of urine,
gonorrhoea, &c. 
294
DIURETICS.
  Tiose—A feactfpful of the cold infusion taken thrcs
 limes a day.

  juniperus   communis—Juniper—The Berries.

  Juniper shrub is an evergreen, growing on dry, bar-
ren commons, and hilly grounds, in different parts of
the United States, and in  Europe.
  The berries of juniper  are diuretic and stimulant—
and when used in large  doses sometimes produce  a
disagreeable irritation m the urinary passages.   They
may be used in substance, infusion, or  in the form of
an  essence made from the oil.*
   Useful—in  dropsical complaints, difficulty of urine,
Ac.
  Dose-*-a.n ounce of tho powdered seeds may be put
into a pint of boiling water, the whole  of which may
be taken in the course ol twenty-four hours.  The ei-
 ■ence may be taken in teaspoonful doses.

 leontodon taraxacum—Dandelion—The  whole
                      Plant.

  Dandelion is diuretic, alterative,  tonic, Ate.   It may
  * Eiencea are made by dissolving aa ounce or marc of In*
•Mential oil in a pint of  alcohuL 
                   expectorants.              295

 be used in  the  form of a decoction, an  extract; or,
 which is better,  the expressed juice may be employed.
   Dose—of the  expressed juice a tablespoonful raver
 al times a day, or a gill of the strong decoction.
   Useful—in diseases of the urinary organs, liver af-
 fections, &c.
   Turpentine,  Mallows,  Wa er nelon  ,eel,  Pars'ey
 nnd Elder, are good diuretics, and may be used when-
 ever this class of medicines is indicated.

                  expectorants.

   These are a class of medical agents which nromote
 the bronchial secretions, and favor theii »xit fronthe
 system  by expectoration.

        lobelia inflata—(See Emrtics.)

   Lobelia has been described  as  the best of <m« icf.
 It is likewise  the most  efficient expectorant we hat*
 any knowledge of.
    Useful—In  asthma,  hooping cough,  catarrhal
coughs, consumptions, inflamation of the lungs Jcroup,
bronchitis, &c.
   Dote—Half a teaspoonful of the tincture, n pea *i
 until nausea is p-oduced.

arum trifiiyllum — Indian  Turnip,  Wakerobin,
          Wild Turnip, «^c— The  root.

   Indian Turnip  is  found throughout the Statw in
 rich soil and in  low damp woods.  li i« an active ex-
 pectorant.
   Uiefvl—In coughs, consumptions, &c. 
298              carminatives.
  Dose—The fourth of a teaspoonful of tho  pow-
dered root in substance.

ictodes koetida—Skunk  Cabbage, Swamp  Cab'
                 bage—77ic root.

  This article is found in  all the States, growing in
• wampy places,   ll  is an  excellent  expectorant and
anti-spasmodic.
  Useful—in all cases where this class of medicines
is indicated.
  Dose—half a teaspoonful ihree timos a day.
  Wild cherry, Seneca  Snake root, Spikenard, and
Elecampane are  good expectorants and may be used
as substitutes for the foregoing.

                  oariminatives.

  Carminative*  are  a  class  of medicines which  fa-
cilitate the  expulsion of  wind from  lb«  stomach and
bowtls.

angelica archangelica—Mastcrworl, Garden An-
          gelica— The pulverized Seeds.

  This has already been  treated of under the head of
Emmenagogues.   ll is a  powerful  caruiinutive  and
stimulant.
  Useful—in all cases of  flatulency, colic, cramps, Sic.
  Dose—a quarter of a teaspoonful of the pulverized
■eed« in substance, repeated every half hour until the
desired effect i« produced. 
demulcents.
297
anethum  fosniculum—Fennel— The   Pulverized
                      Seeds.

   This is an excellent carminative, stimulant, and is
slightly diuretic.
   Useful—whenever this class of medicines is needed.
   Jlnise, Peppermint, Cinnamon,  and Gum Myrrh
are good carminatives, and may be used whenever this
class of medicines is indicated.

                    demulcfnts .

   Demulcents are a class of medical agents which are
capable of shielding sensible surfaces from the action
of acrid substances, by covering  them with a viscid
matter, and rendering the parts more lax  and flexible.

ulmus fulva—Slippery Elm—The  Inner  Bark.

   Slippery elm  is the  beet demulcent we have, and is
pleasant and easily procured.
   Useful—in inflamation of  the stomach and^bowels,
in which cases the mucilage should be taken freely. In
the form of a poultice, it is an  invaluable application
in burns, ulcers, contused wounds, bruises, <fec.

convallaria multiflora—Solomon1?   Seal—The
                      Root.

   Solomon's Seal is found in  most of the States, grow
ing in almost every variety ol soil.   It is an excellent
demulcent, alterative and tonic.
   Useful—in whites, scalding of urine, <fec. in  which
eases it it best used in substance, and should be taken
fres-ly.  Simmered in lard, it forms an invaluable ap- 
£98
MEDICAL vormvlas.
plication for piles, giving almost instantaneous relief.
and in nine cases out of len, if persisted in, will effect
a cure.
   Uomfrey, Gum Arabic, Flax Seed, marsh mallows,
and Linn Buds, are good demulcents, and may be used
as substitutes for the foregoing.

                MEDICAL FORMULAS.

   For the benefit of our readers we give the formulas
for making the compounds which  have  been referred
to in the foregoing pages, to which we add a few oth-
ers that are in common use among botanies.
   Composition, or Diaphoretic Powders.—Take of
bayberry two pounds, ginger one  ponnd, cayenne and
cloves  of each two ounces; pulverize finely and mix.
   Dose—a teaspoonful in substance, or made inlo tea.
   Useful—in every vnriety and stage of disease.
   Spiced  Bitters.—Take  poplar bark  six pounds,
golden seal, cloves, ginger, and prickly  ash bark each
a pound and a half, balmony a pound, cayenne  three
quarters of a pound, and loaf sugar seven pounds; mix
and sift.
   Dose—a tenspionful, three or four times a day, in
substance, or in decoction.
   Useful—in all cases of  debility,  in recovery from
acute diseases, and whenever a medicine is needed  to
improve the appetite, or strengthen the general system.
   Astringent Tonic  Compound.—Bayberry  two
pounds, white pond  lilly root, witch hazle, hemlock,
or white oak, (inner bark,) cranesbill,  and bethroot,
each one pound ;  pulverize  finely and  mix—Dose—
same as the foregoing.   Useful—in hemorrhage!,  fe-
male weakness, dysentery, Sir..
   Nmviwb Tonic.—Sculcap  and  lady's  slipper erne 
MEDICAL FORMULAS.
299
  pound each, ginseng one half pound ; pulverize and
  mix.   Dose—same  as  the foregoing.   Useful—in
  nervous  weakness,  hysterics,  paisy, fits,  delirium,
  locked-jaw, &c.
    Female  Restorative.—Poplar bark  len  ounces,
  balmony, golden seal, unicorn  and belhroot, two oun-
  ces each, myrrh, cinnamon, and cloves one ounce each,
  cayenne a half ounce, loaf sugar ten ounces—mix well
  and sift.  Dose—a teaspoonful in substance, or made
  into tea. three  or fonr times a day.  Useful—in female
  complaints, general debility, diarrhoea, spitting of blood,
  during' pregnancy, &c.
   Female  Bitters.—Unicorn,  golden  seal, poplar
  bark, ginger, m) rrb, cloves, and bayberry, one ounce
 each, cayenne  iwo ounces,  white  sugar three  pounds.
  Use same as above.
   Anodyne Powders.—Prickly ash  berries and gin-
 ger each one ounce, sumach leaves, witch hazel leaves,
 raspberry leaves,  lady's slipper, and blue cohosh, each
 two ounces; pulverize finely and  mix.   Useful—in
 menstrual  derangements, bearing  down, affections of
 the kidneys, during pregnancy, &c.  Dose—same as
 above.
   Stimulating Injection  Powder.—Bayberry  four
 ounces, seulcap, or ladv's slipper, two ounces each, ca-
 yenne one ounce, finely  pulverized and mixed.   Use
 —Steep two teaspoonfuls of the powder in a half pint
 of boiling water, strain, and administer the fluid milk
 warm.  Valuable, whenever it is  necessary to  move
 the bowels.   In fevers, or  violent attacks ol  disease,
 half a (easpoonful or more of lobelia  *eed may be ad-
 ded to the above.                  .         .
  Astringent Ix,EcTio*.-The astringent to.tc com-
 pound  makes an excellent nation  for diarrba », dy-
• ntcrv. bowel complaints ol  elrdt.ren, Ac 
300             mebical formulas.
   Cough  Powder.—Beth riot,  sculcap, and  the
leaves of boneset, three ounces  each, cayenne and lo-
belia two ounces each; pulverize  and mix.  Use—
steep three teaspoonfuls in boiling water twenty  min-
utes, strain, and sweeten with honey, and stir in a tea-
spoonful of the flour of slippery elm.   Of this a half
teacupful may be taken five or six times a day   If it
produce nausea diminish the dose.  Valuable in coughs,
hoarseness, hooping cough, soreness of the lungs, &c.
  Expectorant Powder.—Skunk Cabbage four oun-
ces, indian turnip two ounces, blood root and  lobelia,
each one  ounce.  Dose—A teaspoonful in honey or
molasses three or four times a  day.   Useful—In the
same cases as the foregoing.
  Expectorant Svrup.—Elecampane, liquorice root,
whiteroot, spikenard equal  parts; boil and make a strong
syrup. To every gallon add three pints of honey, and
one pint, each, of lobelia tincture, and essence of anise.
Dose—A  teaspoonful  repealed  according to  circum-
stances.   Useful—In  coughs, consumption, <fcc.
  Emmenagogue Syrup.—Wild ginger and balmony
each one pound, camomile flowers, seneca snake root,
rattleroot, prickly ash berries, and  tansy, each one-
half pound ; make a strong syrup, sweeten with mo-
lasses, and add to every gallon  a  pint of the  essence
of pennyroyal.   Dose—H&K a wine  glass three or
four times a day.  Valuable in female obstructions.
  Anti-Mercurial Svrup.—American Sarsaparilla
twelve pounds, guaiac chips  eight  pounds, blue flag
root one and  a  half  pounds, blood r.jot  ten  ounces.
These may be  boiled  in two or three  waters, and all
reduced to ten gallons.  To this add, wh.-n cold, eight
gallons of inddAsjs, und five ounces of tho  oil of sas-
•*.ras.  D)se—For an adult, i win v.-  *'^, half full, 
MEDICAL  FORMULAS.
half an hour before each meal.   Useful—In all cases
where a cleansing medicine is needed—as in scrofula,
mercurial disease, &c.
  Female Strengthning Syrup.—Comfrey four oun-
ces, elecampane two ounces, hoarhound  one ounce,
water three quarts,  boil to three pints, strain, and
add, while  warm, an ounce of beth root finely pulver-
ized, a pint of brandy and a  pound of sugar.   Dose—
A wine glass  half full  throe or  four  times  a day.
Useful—In  female weakness, bearing  down, leucor-
rhoea, barrenness. &c.
  Mother's  Relief. — Partridgeberry  vines  two
pounds, high crambcrry barks and unicorn  one-half
pound  each, blue cohosh one-fourth pound, flax seed
and red raspberry leaves one pound each,—pulverize
and boil in  three gallons of water, strain  ai.d simmer
down to a gallon and a half—add four pounds loaf su-
gar, and a  half gallon  Holland gin.  D.>se—A  wine
glass half full three or four limes a day.  Unequalled
as a remedy during  pregnancy—to render  easy and
safe the process of parturition.  The use of this med-
icine should be commenced two or three weeks before
confinement.
  Hydragogue Tivctue.—Bark of sweet elder one.
pound, wine  a gallon—sinnner an  hour, strain and
bottle.   Dose—A wine glass inil three  lime a day.—
Useful—In dropsical affections.
  Butternut  Syrup.—Take butternut bark  cut into
slips, bruise with a hammer, pack close in  an earthen
vessel, pour on boiling water, cover closely, place ihe
vessel on coals near the fire and simmer four hours.—
Then strain, add molasses  enough to  make a syrup,
and one-fourth  the  quantity of proof spirits  to  pre-
serve it Dose—For a child, from one to two teaspoon
fuls every half hout or hour until it operates.  Useful 
302
medical  formulas.
—As a physic for children in bowel complaints, worms,
&c.
   Cayenne Pills.—Cayenne any desirable quantity,
form into  pills with  the  mucilage of slippery elm.
Dose—iwo or three pills, several times a day.  Useful
— Whenever a stimulant is needed.
   Emmenagogue Pills.—Extract of smartweed and
tansy equal parts, thicken with  equal parts of black
cohosh and cayenne, and form into pills.  Dose—two
,o,r three  pills, several  times  a day.   Useful—In ob-
structions of the menses.
   Stomach Pills.—Lobelia seeds, cayenne, and sail-
cap, equal   parts—pulverize  finely,  and  form in pills
with  the mucilage of slippery  elm.  Dose—One  or
two pills may be taken  every  two  hours—or from
three  to five  al bed time.   [Jseful—In  hoarseness,
tightness of the  breast,  coughs, croup, dyspepsia,
liver complaints, dzc.
   Sumach   Pills.—Sumach   gum,  and  fir  balsam,
equal  parts—pulverized  loaf sugar  enough  to form
Ihem into pills.   Vsef-l—In  leucorrhcea, strangury,
Bcaldingof  the urine,  &e.  Dose—One or  iwo pills
three tim -s a day.
   Laxative Tonic.— Poplar bark, gold-n seal, bar-
berry, Colombo  root, and biner  ;o<>t, or black rout,
each one pound—cayenne and cloves of  each  half a
pound, loaf or  lump sug.-ir.  as  much as all the rest,
pulvenz • a.id mix.  Useful—In liver complaints, in-
digestion, Sec.    Dose—A  teaspoonful three  times)  a
day.
   Vegetable  (Cathartic)  Pills.—Mandrake root
cne pound, soccotrme aloes one half pound, blood root
four ounces, cayenne two ounces, lobelia seeds one
ouuee, Pulverize . id mix with butturuut extract, and 
MEDICAL FORMULAS.
SOS
form into pills.  Useful—In fever and ague, bilious fe-
ver, jaundice, bilious colic,  liver complaint, dropsy,
sick  headache, &c.   Dose—Two every four hours
until they operate, or four on going  to bed.
  Vegetable Physic.—Alexandria senna two pounds,
jalap  and peppermint one pound  each.   Pulverize
and mix.  Dose—a teaspoonful.   Useful—Whenever
a pbyic is needed.
  Tinctures.—'These are  prepared by macerating
medical substances in alcohol.   The articles tinctured
should be bruised fine, or powdered, when they may
be placed in some convenient vessel, and the alcohol
added—after which the vessel may be closely stopped,
and occasionally shaken, for ten days or two weeks.
when the tincture may be strained off, and bottled for
Use,   As a general  rule a fourth of a  pound of the
medicine  is the  proportion for a  quart of alcohol.
Some of the  balsams and gums require  a larger pro-
portion of alcohol.
  Nervine  Tincture.—Sculcap, and lady's slipper,
four ounces each, ginseng two  ounces,  wine a quart.
Useful----In hysterics, and other nervous affections.
Dose—A teaspoonful or  more.
  Number Six.— Myrrh twelve ounces,  cayenne one
ounce, prickly  ash berries two ounces,  sculcap  four
ounces, peach me its  four ouuces, alcohol one gallon.
These  should be put  into some convenient vessel  and
shaken several times a day for ten days, after which
the  liquid may be poured  off and  bottled  for  use.
Useful—in feeble and languid states of the  system,
colic, hysterics,  rheumatism,  hemorihage,  mortifica-
tion, and in all violent attacks of disease.  Dose—A
tablespoonful  more  or  less, according to  circum-
stances. 
304
MEDICAL FORMULAS.
   Third preparation or Anti-spasmodic Tinctcre.-
 Lobelia seeds finely pulverized  one pound, cayenne
 and sculcap four ounces each. Digest for ten days  in
 a closely stopped vessel, shaking it up  two or three
 times a day.  This is the best anti-spasmodic known
 and is consequently useful in convulsions, fits, locked
jaw, suspended  animation, palsy, &c.   Dose—a tea-
 spoonful or more according to circumstances.
   Stimulating Liniment.—Alcohol one quart, cay-
 enne and camphor one fourth pound 'each,  turpentine
 one'gill.  Shake together in a closely stopped vessel for
 several days.  Useful—in  rheumatism,  pains in the
breast or side, swellings, sprains, bruises, &x.
   Another.—Tinciure smartweed, tincture cayenne,
and tincture lobelia equal parts.
   Another.—Alcohol one quart, camphor,  oil ori-
ganum and spirits of turpentine two ounces each, car-
bonate of ammonia one ounce.
  Healing Salve.—Beeswax and  salt butter one
pound each, turpentine  eight ounces,  balsam of fir
twelve ounces.   Simmer together  and  strain. Good
to heal fresh wounds, burns and other sores.
  Strengthening Plaster.—Rosin a   pound and a
half, beeswax, burgundy pitch, and  lard two ounces
each.  Melt, add half a gill of tincture of cayenne, or
No. 6, and a quarter of an ounce, each, of sweet oil,
sassafras  oil,  and camphor.    When the  whole are
thoroughly incorporated, pour into  cold water, and
work the mass with the hands as a  shoemaker works
his wax.  If the mass is too soft add more rosin, if too
hard add  more lard.   Useful—in weak  back, breast,
or  loins.   It should be  spread on leather  and worn
over the  affected part.
  Neutralizing Mixture.—Rheubarb a  large tea- 
MEDICAL  F0R.aULA8.             306
spoonful, salaeratus and pepperment the same,  boiling
water half a pint. Sweeten with loafsugar. Dose—from
a teaspoonful to a tablespoonful every half hour or hour
until it operates.  Excellent in  cholera  morbus, diar-
rhoea, dysentery, summer complaint of children, &c.
   Anthelmintic Oil.—Caster oil one pint, wormseed
oil, two ounces, oil of  anise one ounce, spirits of tur-
pentine one ounce.  Shake well  together.  Dose—for a
child a teaspoonful every two hours until it  operates.
Good to expel worms.
   Stimulating Balsam.—Essence of  anise, sassa-
fras, peppermint, pennyroyal,tincture gum  guiacum,
and tincture  cayenne,  one pinteach, tincture of myrrh
one half pint, sugar  house molasses  three  quarts.
Shake well together. Dose—from one half to a whole
table spoonful from  three to ten times a day.  Excel-
lent in pains in the chest, side, die, :  also in  coughs,
colds, hoarseness, difficult breathing, flatulency, palni
in the stomach or bowels, loss of appetite,  &c : also,
valuable in painful  menstruation,  and  other  female
difficulties.
   Balsam of Honey.—Tincture of lobelia one quart,
essence of anise & sassafras four ounces each, strained
 honey  twelve ounces.   Shake  together. An excellent
 emetic for children, good in croup,  hooping  cough,
 difficult breathing,  and  in restlessness of children.
 Dose—a teaspoonful.
   Extacts.—These are made by boiling the substan-
 ces from which  they  are made  in  water until  the
 strength is extracted, and them evaporating  the  fluid
 down to the consistence of tar.  Sarsaparilla, Spike-
 nard, and  some other articles, should be boiled in whis-
 key. Great  care should be taken in  evaporating the
   quids, or they will become  burned, and  thus  have
  hvhr properties destroyed. 
90t                •LOSSAKT.
GLOSSARY.
Adotnen, Tha bell).
Abnormal, Unnatural, irregular.
Abortion, The  premature expulsion  of  th*  fcmus
   from the womb.
Abscess, A tumor containing pus,  or  a  collection of
   matter.
Accoucheur, A  person  who  assists women in  child-
   birth.
Acids, Sour; that which imparts to the tongue a sharp
   or sour taste.
Acrid, Sharp, burning, or pungent.
Acrimony, Sharpness, corros-i veil ess.
Alkali, Substances  which  neutralize  acids, such u
   soda, potash,  &c.
Alteratives, Medicines  capable of changing the con-
   dition of the  sys.em without  producing  any sensi-
   ble increase of the evacuations.
Amnion, The external  membrane  which  surrounds
   the foetus in the womb.
Anasarca, Dropsy of the celutar membrane.
Anodynes, Substances which relieve pain.
Antacids, Alkalies.
Anthelmintics,  Medicines  which destroy  or  expel
   worms.
Antiseptics, Medicines that guard against mortification.
Antispasmodics,  Medicines  which relieve  cramps or
   apasms.
Anus, The fundament. 
GLOSSARY.
JOt
Aperient, Thnl which gently opens the bowels.
Apoplexy, A sudden deprivation of all the senses and
  voluntary motion.
Aphthae, The thrush, or canke«" sore month.
Areola, A small  brown circle  which  surrounds the
  nipple.
Ascites, Dropsy of the belly.
Astringents, Medicines which bind or contract.

Catamenia, The monthly  evacuations peculiar to fe-
  males.
Cancer, A painful ulcer exuding a corroding  sanies.
Canula, A small metalic tube.
Carminatives,  Medicines which expel wind.
Cathartics, Medicines  which evacuate the contents of
  tho bowels.
Catheter,  A small tube designed for drawing the urine.
Cerebral.  Apertaining to the brain.
Cervix Uteri, The neck of the womb.
Chlorosis, Green  sickness.
Chorion,  The  external  membrane  which surrounds
  the amnion.
Chronic, A term applied to diseases of long standing.
Cicatrix, The seam or scar  after the healing of a
   wound  or ulcer.
Coition. Intercourse between the sexes, copulation.
Colon, the large  intestine.
Congenital, Born together : a disease or defect  exist-
   ing from the time of birth.
 Congestion, An unnatural collection of blood in any
   part.
Constipation, Costivenees. 
308                 GLOSSARY.
 Cutaneous, Belonging to the skin.
 Curia, The skin.
 Cyst, A bladder.

 Decoction, A Medicine prepared by boiling.
 Delerium, Roving in mind ;  lightheaded ; disordered
   intelect.
 Demirep, A  woman of doubtful chastity.
 Demulcents,  Soothing, lubricating  and mucilaginous
   remedies.
 Dentition, Teething.
 Diaphoretics, Medicines which "promote perspiration
 Digestion, The conversion of food into chyme, or the
   process of dissolving aliment in  the stomach, and
   preparing  it for nourishment.
 Diuretics, A class of medicines which produce an in-
   creased flow of urine.
 Dyspepsia, Indigestion.
   Emaciation, A  falling away  of the flesh.'leanness.
 Embryo, The  first  rudiments  of an  animal in  the
   womb, before the  several  members  are  distinctly
   formed ; after which it is called a  foetus.
   Emmenagogues, Medicines which promote the men-
   strual discharges.
Emetics, Medicines which produce or excite vomiting.
Emolients, A class of agents which render parts more
   pliable and soft.
Encysted, Enclosed  in a bag or bladder..
Enema, An injection.
Erratic, Wandering  irregular.
Erysipelas, Inflamation of the  skin ; St. Anthony's
   fire.
Euthropics, See Alteratives.
Excitants, Stimulants. 
                    GLOSSARY.                 309

 Excoriation, The removal  of the skin  by means  of
   acrid substances ; to galling.
 Expectorants, That  class of medicines  which  favor
   discharges from the lungs.
 Excrements, Matter  thrown from the animal body af-
   ter digestion.

 Febril. Pertaining to fever.
 Fatal, Pertaining to a foetus.
 Foetid. Having an offensive smell.
 Feetus, The child in the womb of its  mother, after it
   is perfectly formed ; before which it is called, em-
   bryo.
 Fomentations, Warm applications.
 Fontanel, An interstice  between the bones of the
   head of infants.
 Function, The office of any parlicu'ar part of animal
   bodies.
 Fundus. The Upper part of the womb.
 Funis, Umbiblicus, The naval  cord.

 Gangrene, The first  stage of mortification.
 Genital,  Relating to  organs peculiar to males or fe-
   males.
 Germ, The  ovary or seed-vessel.
 Gestation. Pregnancy from the ttme of tho beginning
   to delivery.
 Gravid, Pregnant.

Hemorrhage, An unnatural flow of blood.
Hernia, Rupture.

Idiopathic, A disease is idiopathic when  it has an  in-
  dependent origin—not  symptomatic. 
310
GLOSSARY.
Imperforate, Not perforated ; not having holes.
Impregnation, The act of  making pregnant.
Indigestion, A want of  power in the stomach to pre-
  pare the food for  nourishment.
Infusion, A tea ; a medicine prepared by pouring boil-
  ing waler on it.

Labia. Lips.
Lactation, The time  of sucking.
Laxatives, Mild purgative medicines.
Lesion. An injury or wound.
Leucorrhosa, The whites.
Ligature, The  thread  or cord  by which anything ii
  tied.
Lochia, The discharges,of females from the uteras af-
  ter parturition.
Lumbar, Pertaining to the loins.
Lymph, A pale rose-colored fluid contained in the lym-
phatic vessels.

Maf'urination, An irregular formation—not natural.
Materia  Medica, The  various substances used  as
  medicines.
Meconium, The green discharges from the bowels  of
  the foetus, thrown  off shortly after birth
Membrane, A  thin expanded substance, composed  of
  cellular texture.
Mucus M. A membrane which seeretes  a vescid fluid
  or mucus.
Serous M, A membrane which secretes a thin watery
  fluid or serum.
Morbid,  Diseased ; unhealthy.
Mortification, The death and coniequent putrifactioa
  of  any part of the body. 
• LOSSARY.
311
Mucilage, A watery solution of gum ;  as gum arabie
  dissolved in water.
Nausea, Sickness at the stomach; inclination to vomit.
Nervines, Medicines which allay nervous irritability.
Neuralgia. Painful affection of tho nerves.
Normal, Regular, natural.

Os, 1.  Bone.   2. Mouth.
Os Exlerum, The entrance into the vagina.
Os Uteri, Mouth of the womb.
Ova, An  egg.
Ovaries,  The stock or bunch  of eggs or seed vessels
  in females.

Palpitation. A convulsive motion of the heart.
Paralysis, Palsy ;  the loss of the power of muscular
  motion.
Paroxysm, An increase or aggravation  of  the syrupy
  toms of disease, which  last a certain time and then
  subside.
Parturition, Childbirth ;  the act of bringing forth, or
  of being delivered of child.
Peritoneum,  The membrane which surrounds all the
  abdominal organs.
Peristaltic motion, The vermicular motion of the in-
  testines.
Phlegmasia.  An  inflammation.
Phlegmasia dolens, White leg ; milk leg.
Placenta, The afterbinh.
Plastic, Having the power to give form or fashion to
  matter.
Polypus, A tumor with a  narrow base resembling a
  pear.
Postmortem, After death. 
312
GLOSSARY.
Pos/er/or.'Behind.
Perforate, To bore  through; to pierce; to make a
  hole into.
Prolapsus ani, Falling of the fundament.
Prolific,  Fruitful.
Puerperal, Appertaining^ child bearing.
Purgatives, Medicines which produce active evacua-
  tions of the bowels.
Puriform, Like pus ; in the  form of pus.
Purulent, Pertakingof the nature of pus.
Pus, The white or yellow matter which generates  in
  wounds, ulcers, &e.
Pustules, A pimple ;  a small  tumor.

Rectum,  The lower part of the  intestines.
Rigors, A sense of  chillyness,  with  shuddering.

Scirrous, Indurated,  hard. Knotty.
Scirrhus, A hard  tumor which frequently turns into
  cancer.
Secretion The act  of producing specifiic collectioni
r  from the  circulating  mass, as the bile, saliva, mu-
  cus, &.C.
Secundines, The afterbirth and its appendages.
Serum. The thin  or watery  part of the blood ; also
  ihe same  part or milk.
  Sloughing. Separating a dead part, by a running or
  dissolving process.
Spasm, An  involuntary contraction of the  muscular
  fiber.
Spasmodic, Consisting of spasms.
Spermatozoa, Small  animacula found  in the semen.
Sterility, Barrenness.
Stimulants, Medicines which stimulate or excite. 
                    GLOSSARY.                 313

Striclvve, The constriction of  a passage.
Superfoetation, The impregnation of a women already
  pregnant.
Suppuration, The process by which puss is formed.
Symptoms, External  signs by which diseases may be
  known.
Syncope, Fainting.

Tenia Capitis, Scalled head.
Tissue, Texture ; a general name for parte.
Tumify, To swell.
Turgescence. A full state of  the vessels.
Typhoid, A term applied to a low grade of fever.
Ulcer, A sore that discharges pus.
Ureters, The tubes that  convey urine from  the kid-
  neys to the bladder.
Uterine, Pertaining to the womb.
Uterus, The womb.
Vagina, The sheath or passage to the womb.
Varicose, Knotty.
Vascular, Pertaining to vessels; full of vessels. 
 
INDEX,
		89 •
Administration of m	edi-	
cine, Hygiene, &c.		237
		197
		219
		28l
		285
		275
		:w
Angelica Archangel	ca.	297
		299
		
Anomalous conceptions.		59
Ballottement (see note).		69
		W,
Baths .............		246
		246
		250
		250
		251
		251
		251
		251
		273
		274
		272
Cancer of the womb		14b
		269
tf-» _, * n t - .rr.a		296
		281
		282
		279
Causes of female	de	
		22
		268
		
		272
Anti-mercurial syrup...  300
Anthelmintic oil.......
Anti-spasmodics......... .  291
Anti-spasmodic tincture.  304
Apthae, or sore mouth>..  224
Astringents............  273
Astringent injection... .  299
Astringent itonic comp. .  230
Attention to the skin...  259
    u     a  ..  bowels.  260
    "     "  "  teeth..  261
          "  "  feet....  261

Bitter  root...............  282
Black cohosh............288
Black  snake root.......  288
Black  root.............  278
Blood-letting.......>...  242
Blue cohosh...........288
Blue vervain—........  277
Boneset................  278
Breech presentation....  185
Burdock,.............  286
Butternut  extract......  274
Butternut syrup........•  301
Balsam of honey........305
Chronic  inflamation of
  the  wornb............  140
Cleanliness ....,.......  218
Clitoris................    13
Clothing of children----215
Colic and griping.......  224
Columbo...............  272
Complex  labor.........  192
Composition .............  278
Convulsions...........  235
Costivenesf............ 199 
INDEX.
  Cessation of menses.....   29
  Chicken pox...........  236
  Choice of medicine.....  23"<
  Cholera infantum......  22d
  Demulcents............  297
  Detergents............285
  Diaphoretics...........  2^3
  Diet..................  264
  Difficult or  painful men-
   struation  ............   40
  Disagreeable itching....   81
  Description  of organs. ..   12
  Diseases of  pregnancy..   70
  Emmenagogues........  2^H
  Emmenagogue pill*....  302

 Emmenagogue syrup.  .. 300
 Emetics............... 275
 Enlargement of the ab-
   domen .............  CA
 Eruptions of the skin. .. 225
 Erysipelas , infantile.... 233
 Fainting and flooding... 196
 Felling of the womb... . 105
 Fallopian  tubes........  16
 Female  bitter."......... 239
    "   derangements... 200
    "   restorative......399
    "   strength.   syrup3 01
 Fennel................ 297
 Flooding............... 196
 General  management of
   pregnant women.....   97
 Generation, conoep., &c.  48
 Gentian............... 272
 H.aling  Hiilve.......... 304
 Health, beauty, &c.....256
Henrthurr..............   73
Headache..............   7g
Hemlock.............. 2l7
Hernia, Taginal........ 275
  Cough  powders........ 300
  Course ol medicine.....251
  Cramp?................  73
  Cranesbill............. 273
  Diseases of the puerperal
   state................ 195
  Diseases of children____ 212
  Diuretics.............. 292
  Dress................. 263
  Dropsy of the womb.... 14S
  Dogwood..............271
  Duration ui pregnancy..  57

  Excessive purging...... 244
  Excoriation and galling. 226
  Excoriation of the nipples 2IJ4
  Exercise and air........ 202
  Expectorants........... 295
  Extra uterine pregnancy  61
 Extracts............... 305

 Fluor albu-............ 100
 Foetation, interstitial....  03
     "    ovarian.......  62
     "    ovario tubal. .  63
     »    tubal.........  62
     "    ventrai.......  6.1
 Furor uterinus......... 158

 Ginger................ 268
 Golden sea 1............ 272
 Greek valerian......... 2eS4
 Gum myrrh............269,
 Hernia, vulvar.........  132
 Hydatids of the womb... 153
 Hydrocele.............  227
 Hydragoguetinclurc*.. . 301
 Hymen.................  14
 Ipecac.................278
Indian turnip,...,..,..  2j5 
1MPEX.
Infl.«.m«tion of the vulva 134
  it   i.    >t ovaries.... 142
  u   ,i    t> peritoneum 206
  "   "    " uterus____206
  "   "    " vagina____ 135
  "   "    " womb.....206
Injections............. 254
Jala[................... 277
Labia pudendi.........   12
Lubor,................ 164
   "  stages of........ 1G8
   "  management  of
        natural........ 171
   "  unnatural....... 181
   "  tedious..........181
   "  powerless........ 182
   "  obstructed....... 184
   "  complex......... 192
Madder................289
Mai presentation....... 185
Mammary  sympathies..   67
Management  and disea-
  ses  of children....... 212
Marriage institution... .    9
Marriageable age.......   18
M a iterwort............296
Mayapple.............. 279
Muasles............... 231
Medical plants......... 267
Medicines.............. 265
Natural labor.......... 167
Nausea Sf vomiting......   72
Nervine tincture........ 303
Nervine tonic.......... 298
Ovaries.................   16
Ovarian dropsy......... 154
Pain in the aide.........   80
 "   "  "  os  pubis......   83
Painful or difficult  men-
  struation ..............   40
Introduction...........   5
Inversion of ths uterus.. 124
Irregularities  of  the lo-
  ch ial discharges......198
Inability  to sleep  rest-
  lessness .............  81
Jaundica...........I.. 228
Lacerations.........! .. 194
t
L idy's slipper......J;...
Laxatives or aperients...
Laxative tonic.....i...
Lobelia inflata..../...
Local  disc ises affecting
  the organs of  genera-
  tion,...........i....
290
282
302
271
100
Longings........J----  84

Miliary eruptions.!......203
                     ... 199
                     ... 200
                     ... 270
Milk lever

Mint...
Moles or  deprave<| con-
  ception.........'..... 151
Mons vcjenis.....i....   12
Morning sickness. .\....   67
Mothers relief......I.. ..3-1
Motherwort............. 304
Mumps...........;..... 236

Neutralizing mixture^ ... 304
Number six.........V.... 303
Nursng............|... 216
Nymphae...........,"....   13
Over distention of the ab-
  dominal skin.........   P2
P.ural births..........,.. 191
Polypus of the womb.;.. 150
Prickly ash..........."". g§9
Pregnancy.............':.  .4$ 
INDEX.
 Parturition............
 Peach leavos............
 Peculiarities of female. ..
 Pelvis, dsscription of the
 Pennyroyal............
 Physical symetrv.......
 Piles...........'.......
 Placenta, retention of the
 Pleurisy root...........
 Quaking asp............
 Rheumatism of the womb
 Rheubarb...............
 Retention of the menses
 Retroversion of the womb
Salivation................
Sarsaparilla.............
Sbulcap.-.-.'...............
Scarlet lever............
Sennar...........
Sexual distinction. .
Signs of pregnancy.
Skunk cabbage.....
Sleeping..........
Slipery elm........
Sinartweed........
Sore mouth........
Spiced Bitters......
Steaming bricks. .. .
 164
 283
  10
  17
 285
 256
  78
 193
 281
 272
 143
 280
  32
 120
  75
 28u
 2)1
 232
 281
  9
  60
 295
 201
 297
 28.')
 224
298
252
I Puerperal fev«r.........217
J Purging................. 219
 Prolapsus ani.........•. .  2Jli
      "   of the funis um-
          bilicus......... 102
      "   uteri......... . 105
      "   of the vagina. .. 127
 Putrid or poisonous
    manses...............  47

1 Quickening.............  6$
 Retention of the meco-
   nium................."3
      "    "   "  urine... 223
 Rickets................. 223
Teething............ .. .  225
Thijd preparation......
Tongue tie____........  223
Unicorn root............  271
Urethra................   14
Use of poisons..........  239
Vagina........----____   15
Vaginal hernia..........  129
Vegetable physic.......   302
            pills..........  3>;i
Verrain..................  277
Stimulants. .-.-*.*.......
Stimulating  balsam.'....
     "      inductions- ..
     "      liniment.....
Strengthening plaster. ..
Stomach pilrs..........
Suppression ofthe menses
Superfoetation...........
Sumach..................
Swelled leg............
    "  breasts..........
Swelling of the legs....
Sweet elder......•.....
267
305
2)3
3)1
304
302
 36
 59
27;
2 10
2.J5
 02
283
Tonics..................270

Uterus..................   1"
Uterine spasms.........  157
Utero gestation.........   51
Ventral hernia..........   63
Vicarious  menstruation.   39
Virginia snakeroot.......  255
Vomiting.................  221
Vulvar hernia..........  132 
INDEX.
Warm bath.............251
Weaning.............. 221
Weed...............'.„ 210
Whites................. 100
White oak............  275
Whiteroot......,,....... 284
Yellow parilla............282
White pond lilly........274
Wild ginger............. 269
  "  turniD................ 295
Witch hazel........... 275
Worms................235

Yellow poplar.......... S7| 
-^m.
 
 
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