magnesia, and half a drachm of ginger.
_Dose_, from fifteen grains to one drachm. Use as a purgative for
children.
572. Sulphur and Potash.
Mix one drachm of sulphur with four scruples of bicarbonate of potash,
and two scruples of nitre.
_Dose_, from half a drachm to one drachm. Use as a purgative,
diuretic, and refrigerant.
573. Anti-Diarrhoeal.
Mix one grain of powdered ipecacuanha, and one grain of powdered
opium, with the same quantity of camphor.
_Dose_, one of these powders to be given in jam, treacle, &c., once or
twice a day; but to adults only.
574. Antispasmodic.
Mix four grains of subnitrate of bismuth, forty-eight grains of
carbonate of magnesia, and the same quantity of white sugar, and then
divide in four equal parts.
_Dose_, one-fourth part. Use in obstinate pain in the stomach with
cramps, unattended by inflammation.
575. Antipertussal, or against Whooping-Cough.
Mix one drachm of powdered belladonna root, and two ounces of white
sugar, together.
_Dose_, six grains morning and evening for children under one year;
nine grains for those under two and three years of age; fifteen grains
for those between five and ten; and thirty grains for adults.
_Caution_, this should be prepared by a chemist, as the belladonna is
a poison, and occasional doses of castor oil should be given while it
is being taken.
576. Purgative (Common).
Mix ten grains of calomel, with one drachm of powdered jalap, and
twenty grains of sugar.
_Dose_, one-half of the whole for adults.
577. Sudorific.
Mix six grains of compound antimonial powder, two grains of
ipecacuanha, and two grains of sugar together.
_Dose_, as mixed, to be taken at bed-time. Use in catarrh and fever.
578. Miscellaneous.
579. Anthelmintic, or Vermifuge.
For ridding the bowels of tape-worms, an excellent medicine exists in
the male fern--_Aspidium felix mas_. A decoction may be made of the
fresh roots, or the root may be dried and powdered.
_Dose_, of the powdered root, from ten to thirty grains; of the
decoction, from a tablespoonful to a wineglassful, according to age. Use
to kill tape-worm.
580. Another Anthelmintic.
For thread-worms, which infest the rectum and especially the lower
portion, near the orifice of the body, an injection of salt and water,
in the proportion of one ounce and a half of salt to a pint, or twenty
ounces of water, or of quassia chips, will generally prove effectual,
and obviate the necessity of administering medicine.
581. Emulsion, Laxative.
Rub down an ounce of castor oil in two drachms of mucilage of gum
arabic, add three ounces of dill water, and a drachm of tincture of
jalap, gradually.
_Dose_, as prepared, the whole to be taken while fasting in the
morning.
582. Emulsion, Purgative.
Rub down six grains of scammony with six drachms of white sugar in a
mortar, and gradually add four ounces of almond emulsion, and two
drops of oil of cloves.
_Dose_, as prepared, early in the morning.
583. To Prevent Pitting after Small Pox.
Spread a sheet of thin leather with the ointment of ammoniacum with
mercury, and cut out a place for the mouth, eyes, and nostrils. This
forms what is called a mask, and, after anointing the eyelids with a
little blue ointment, it should be applied to the face, and allowed to
remain for three days for the distinct kind, and four days for the
running variety. _Apply before_ the spots fill with matter, although
it will answer sometimes even after they have become pustulous. It may
be applied to any part in the same way.
584. Another Method,
and one more reliable, is that of touching every pustule, or poc, on
the face or bosom with a camel-hair pencil dipped in a weak solution
of lunar caustic (_nitrate of silver_), made in the proportion of two
grains of nitrate of silver to one ounce of distilled water. The time
for application is about the seventh day, while each pustule is filled
with a limpid fluid, or before suppuration takes place, the lotion
arresting that action, and by preventing the formation of matter,
saving the skin from being pitted; a result that follows from the
conversion of the adipose tissue into pus.
585. A Third Method
of effecting the same purpose is by passing a fine needle through each
poc, when fully distended with lymph; the escape of the fluid
averting, as in the other mode, the suppuration which would otherwise
ensue.
[A FOOL OR A PHYSICIAN AT FORTY.]
586. Another Method.
A fourth and much more simple method of preventing pitting from
small-pox is to lightly touch every part of the face with a feather
dipped in sweet oil. It also tends to prevent this disfigurement to
cause the light in the patient's apartment by day to assume a yellow
tinge or colour, which may be easily managed by fitting the room with
yellow or brownish yellow linen blinds.
587. Mucilage of Gum Arabic.
Rub one ounce of gum arabic in a mortar, with four ounces of warm
water. Use for coughs, &c.
588. Mucilage of Starch.
Rub one drachm of starch with a little water, and gradually add five
ounces of water, then boil until it forms a mucilage. Use for enemas,
topical applications, and demulcents.
589. Diseases.
_For the proper Remedies and their Doses see "Prescriptions"_ (_par._
650).
590. Seek Medical Advice.
It should be clearly understood, that in all cases of disease, the
advice of a skilful physician is of the first importance. It is not,
therefore, intended by the following information to supersede fhe
important and necessary practice of the medical man; but rather, by
exhibiting the treatment required, to show in what degree his aid is
imperative. In cases, however, where the disorder may be simple and
transient, or in which remote residence, or other circumstances, may
deny the privilege of medical attendance, the following particulars
will be found of the utmost value. Moreover, the hints given upon what
should be AVOIDED will be of great service to the patient, since the
_physiological_ is no less important than the _medical_ treatment of
disease.
591. Apoplexy.
Immediate and large bleeding from the arm, cupping at the back of the
neck, leeches to the temples, aperients Nos. 1 and 7, one or two drops
of croton oil rubbed or dropped on the tongue. Avoid excesses,
intemperance, animal food.
592. Bile, Bilious, or Liver Complaints.
Abstinence from malt liquors, cool homoeopathic cocoa for drink, no
tea or coffee, few vegetables, no broths or soups; lean juicy meat not
over-cooked for dinner, with stale bread occasionally and a slice of
toasted bacon for breakfast. Nos. 44 and 45.
593. Chicken Pox.
Mild aperients, No. 4, succeeded by No. 7, and No. 8, if much fever
accompany the eruption.
594. Chilblains.
Warm, dry woollen clothing to exposed parts in cold weather, as a
preventive. In the first stage, friction with No. 48, used cold. When
ulcers form they should be poulticed with bread and water for a day or
two, and then dressed with calamine cerate. Or, chilblains in every
stage, whether of simple inflammation or open ulcer, may always he
successfully treated by Goulard's extract, used pure or applied on
lint twice a day.
595. Common Continued Fever.
Aperients in the commencement, No. 1, followed by No. 7, then
diaphoretics, No. 8, and afterwards tonics, No. 13, in the stage of
weakness. Avoid all excesses.
596. Common Cough.
The linctus, No. 42 or No. 43, abstinence from malt liquor, and
protection from cold damp air. Avoid cold, damp, and draughts.
597. Constipation.
The observance of a regular period of evacuating the bowels, which is
most proper in the morning after breakfast. The use of mild aperients,
No. 47, and brown bread instead of white. There should be an entire
change in the dietary for a few days while taking opening medicine.
598. Consumption.
The disease may be complicated with various morbid conditions of the
lungs and heart, which require appropriate treatment. To allay the
cough, No. 42 is an admirable remedy. Avoid cold, damp, excitement,
and over exertion.
599. Convulsions (Children).
If during teething, free lancing of the gums, the warm bath, cold
applications to the head, leeches to the temples, an emetic, and a
laxative clyster, No. 20.
600. Croup.
Leeches to the throat, with hot fomentations as long as the attack
lasts; the emetic, No. 16, afterwards the aperient, No. 5. Avoid cold
and damp.
[DESPISE SCHOOL AND REMAIN A FOOL.]
601. Dropsy.
Evacuate the water by means of No. 10, and by rubbing camphorated oil
into the body night and morning.
602. Epilepsy.
If accompanied or produced by fulness of the vessels of the head,
leeches to the temples, blisters, and No. 1 and No. 7. If from
debility or confirmed epilepsy, the mixture, No. 18. Avoid drinking
and excitement.
603. Eruptions on the Face.
The powder, No. 30, internally, sponging the face with the lotion, No.
31. Avoid excesses in diet.
604. Erysipelas.
Aperients, if the patient be strong, No. 1, followed by No. 7, then
tonics, No. 27. No. 27 may be used from the commencement for weak
subjects.
605. Faintness.
Effusion of cold water on the face, stimulants to the nostrils, pure
air, and the recumbent position; afterwards, avoidance of the exciting
cause. Avoid excitement.
606. Frost-Bite and Frozen Limbs.
No heating or stimulating liquors must be given. Rub the parts
affected with ice, cold, or snow water, and lay the patient on a cold
bed.
607. Gout.
The aperients No. 1, followed by No. 24, bathing the parts with
gin-and-water; for drink, weak tea or coffee. Warmth by flannels.
Abstain from wines, spirits, and animal food.
608. Gravel.
No. 5, followed by No. 7, the free use of magnesia as an aperient. The
pill No. 22. Abstain from fermented drinks and hard water. Another
form of gravel must be treated by mineral acids, given three times a
day.
609. Whooping Cough.
Wooping cough may be complicated with congestion or inflammation of
the lungs, or convulsions, and then becomes a serious disease. If
uncomplicated, No. 43.
610. Hysterics.
The fit may be prevented by the administration of thirty drops of
laudanum, and as many of ether. When it has taken place open the
windows, loosen the tight parts of the dress, sprinkle cold water on
the face, &c. A glass of wine or cold water when the patient can
swallow. Avoid excitement and tight lacing.
611. Indigestion.
The pills No. 2, with the mixture No. 18, at the same time abstinence
from veal, pork, mackerel, salmon, pastry, and beer; for drink,
homoeopathic cocoa, a glass of cold spring water the first thing every
morning. Avoid excesses.
612. Inflammation of the Bladder.
Bleeding, aperients No. 5 and No. 7, the warm bath, afterwards opium;
the pill No. 11, three times a day till relieved. Avoid fermented
liquors, &c.
613. Inflammation of the Bowels.
Leeches, blisters, fomentations, hot baths, iced drinks, the pills No.
19; move the bowels with clysters, if necessary, No. 20. Avoid cold,
indigestible food, &c.
614. Inflammation of the Brain.
Application of cold to the head, bleeding from the temples or back of
the neck by leeches or cupping; aperients No. 1, followed by No. 7;
mercury to salivation, No. 15. Avoid excitement, study, intemperance.
615. Inflammation of the Kidneys.
Bleeding from the arm, leeches over the seat of pain, aperients No. 5,
followed by No. 49, the warm bath. Avoid violent exercise, rich living.
616. Inflammation of the Liver.
Leeches over the right side, the seat of pain, blisters, aperients No.
1, followed by No. 7, afterwards the pills No. 19, till the gums are
slightly tender. Avoid cold, damp, intemperance, and anxiety.
617. Inflammation of the Lungs.
Bleeding from the arm or over the painful part of the chest by
leeches, succeeded by a blister; the demulcent mixture, No. 14, to
allay the cough, with the powders No. 15. Avoid cold, damp, and
draughts.
618. Inflammation of the Stomach.
Leeches to the pit of the stomach, followed by fomentations, cold iced
water for drink, bowels to be evacuated by clysters; abstinence from
all food except cold gruel, milk and water, or tea. Avoid excesses,
and condiments.
619. Inflammatory Sore Throat.
Leeches and blisters externally, aperients No. 1, followed by No. 7,
gargle to clear the throat, No. 17. Avoid cold, damp, and draughts.
620. Inflamed Eyes.
The bowels to be regulated by No. 5, a small blister behind the ear or
on the nape of the neck--the eye to be bathed with No. 35.
621. Influenza.
No 4 as an aperient and diaphoretic. No. 14 to allay fever and cough.
No. 27 as a tonic, when weakness only remains. Avoid cold and damp,
use clothing suited to the change of temperature.
622. Intermittent Fever, or Ague.
Take No. 13 during the intermission of the paroxysm of the fever;
keeping the bowels free with a wine-glass of No. 7. Avoid bad air,
stagnant pools, &c.
623. Itch.
The ointment of No. 28, or lotion No. 29.
624. Jaundice.
The pills No. 1, afterwards the mixture No. 7, drinking freely of
dandelion tea.
625. Looseness of the Bowels (English Cholera).
One pill No. 19, repeated if necessary; afterwards the mixture No. 21.
Avoid unripe fruits, acid drinks, ginger beer; wrap flannel around the
abdomen.
626. Measles.
A well-ventilated room, aperients No. 4, with No. 14 to allay the
cough and fever.
627. Menstruation (Excessive).
No. 40 during the attack, with rest in the recumbent position; in the
intervals, No. 39.
628. Menstruation (Scanty).
In Strong patients, cupping the loins, exercise in the open air, No.
40, the feet in warm water before the expected period, the pills No.
38; in weak subjects, No. 39. Gentle and regular exercise. Avoid hot
rooms, and too much sleep. In cases of this description it is
desirable to apply to a medical man for advice. It may be useful to
many to point out that pennyroyal tea is a simple and useful medicine
for inducing the desired result.
629. Menstruation (Painful).
No. 41 during the attack; in the intervals, No. 38 twice a week, with
No. 39. Avoid cold, mental excitement, &c.
630. Mumps.
Fomentation with a decoction of camomiles and poppy heads; No. 4 as an
aperient, and No. 9 during the stage of fever. Avoid cold and attend
to the regularity of the bowels.
631. Nervousness.
Cheerful society, early rising, exercise in the open air, particularly
on horseback, and No. 12. Avoid excitement, study, and late meals.
632. Palpitation of the Heart.
The pills No 2, with, the mixture No. 12.
633. Piles.
The paste No. 34, at the same time a regulated diet. When the piles
are external, or can be reached, one or two applications of Goulard's
extract, with an occasional dose of lenitive electuary, will generally
succeed in curing them.
634. Quinsey.
A blister applied all round the throat: an emetic, No. 16, commonly
succeeds in breaking the abscess; afterwards the gargle No. 17. Avoid
cold and damp.
635. Rheumatism.
Bathe the affected parts with No. 23, and take internally No. 24, with
No. 25 at bedtime, to ease pain, &c. Avoid damp and cold, wear flannel.
636. Rickets.
The powder No. 33, a dry, pure atmosphere, a nourishing diet.
637. Ringworm.
The lotion No. 32, with the occasional use of the powder No. 5. Fresh
air and cleanliness.
638. Scarlet Fever.
Well-ventilated room, sponging the body when hot with cold or tepid
vinegar, or spirit and water; aperients, No 4; diaphoretics No. 8. If
dropsy succeed the disappearance of the eruption, frequent purging
with No. 5, succeeded by No. 7.
639. Scrofula.
Pure air, light but warm clothing, diet of fresh animal food; bowels
to be regulated by No. 6 and No. 26, taken regularly for a
considerable time.
640. Scurvy.
Fresh animal and vegetable food, and the free use of ripe fruits and
lemon juice. Avoid cold and damp.
641. Small Pox
A well-ventilated apartment, mild aperients; if fever be present, No.
7, succeeded by diaphoretics No. 8, and tonics No. 13 in the stage of
debility, or decline of the eruption.
642. St. Vitus's Dance.
The occasional use, in the commencement, of No. 5, followed by No. 7,
afterwards No. 46.
643. Thrush.
One of the powders No. 6 every other night; in the intervals a
dessertspoonful of the mixture No. 18 three times a day; white spots
to be dressed with the honey of borax.
644. Tic Doloreux.
Regulate the bowels with No. 3, and take in the intervals of pain, No.
27. Avoid cold, damp, and mental anxiety.
645. Toothache.
Continue the use of No. 3 for a few alternate days. Apply liquor
ammoniae to reduce the pain, and when that is accomplished, fill the
decayed spots with silver succedaneum without delay, or the pain will
return. A drop of creosote, or a few drops of chloroform on cotton,
applied to the tooth, or a few grains of camphor placed in the decayed
opening, or camphor moistened with turpentine, will often afford
instant relief.
646. Typhus Fever.
Sponging the body with cold or tepid water, a well-ventilated
apartment, cold applications to the head and temples. Aperients No.
4, with refrigerants No. 9, tonics No. 13 in the stage of debility.
647. Water on the Brain.
Local bleeding by means of leeches, blisters, aperients No. 5, and
mercurial medicines, No. 15.
648. Whites.
The mixture No. 36, with the injection No. 37. Clothing light but
warm, moderate exercise in the open air, country residence.
649. Worms in the Intestines.
The aperient No. 5, followed by No. 7, afterwards the free use of lime
water and milk in equal parts, a pint daily. Avoid unwholesome food.
650. Prescriptions.
_To be used in the Cases enumerated under the head "Diseases" (page
112)._
651. List of Prescriptions.
The following prescriptions, originally derived from various
prescribers' Pharmacopoeias, embody the favourite remedies employed by
the most eminent physicians:--
1. Take of powdered aloes, nine grains; extract of colocynth,
compound, eighteen grains; calomel, nine grains; tartrate of
antimony, two grains; mucilage, sufficient to make a mass, which is
to be divided into six pills; two to be taken every twenty-four
hours, till they act thoroughly on the bowels: in cases of
inflammation, apoplexy, &c.
2. Powdered rhubarb, Socotrine aloes, and gum mastic, each one
scruple; make into twelve pills: one before and one after dinner.
3. Compound extract of colocynth, extract of jalap, and Castile
soap, of each one scruple; make into twelve pills.
4. James's powder, five grains; calomel, three grains: in fevers,
for adults. For children, the following:--Powdered camphor, one
scruple; calomel and powdered scammony, of each nine grains; James's
powder, six grains; mix, and divide into six powders. Half of one
powder twice a day for an infant a year old; a whole powder for two
years: and for four years, the same three times a day.
5. James's powder, six grains; powdered jalap, ten grains; mix, and
divide into three or four powders, according to the child's age: in
one powder if for an adult.
6. Powdered rhubarb, four grains; mercury and chalk, three grains;
ginger in powder, one grain: an alterative aperient for children.
7. Dried sulphate of magnesia, six drachms; sulphate of soda, three
drachms; infusion of senna, seven ounces; tincture of jalap, and
compound tincture of cardamoms, each half an ounce: in acute
diseases generally; take two tablespoonfuls every four hours till it
operates freely.
8. Nitrate of potass, one drachm and a half; spirits of nitric
ether, half an ounce; camphor mixture, and the spirit of mindererus,
each four ounces: in fevers, &c.; two tablespoonfuls, three times a
day, and for children a dessertspoonful every four hours.
9. Spirit of nitric ether, three drachms; dilute nitric acid, two
drachms; syrup, three drachms; camphor mixture, seven ounces; in
fevers, &c., with debility; dose as in preceding prescription.
10. Decoction of broom, half a pint; cream of tartar, one ounce,
tincture of squills, two drachms: in dropsies; a third part three
times a day.
11. Pills of soap and opium, five grains for a dose, as directed.
12. Ammoniated tincture of valerian, six drachms; camphor mixture,
seven ounces; a fourth part three times a day; in spasmodic and
hysterical disorders.
13. Disulphate of quina, half a drachm; dilute sulphuric acid,
twenty drops; compound infusion of roses, eight ounces: two
tablespoonfuls every four hours, in intermittent and other fevers,
during the absence of the paroxysm.
14. Almond mixture seven ounces and a half; wine of antimony and
ipecacuanha, of each one drachm and a half: a tablespoonful every
four hours; in cough with fever, &c.
15. Calomel, one grain; powdered white sugar, two grains; to make a
powder to be placed on the tongue every two or three hours. Should
the calomel act on the bowels, powdered kino is to be substituted
for the sugar.
16. Antimony and ipecacuanha wines, of each an ounce; a teaspoonful
every ten minutes for a child till vomiting is produced; but for an
adult a large tablespoonful should be taken.
17. Compound infusion of roses, seven ounces; tincture of myrrh, one
ounce.
18. Infusion of orange peel, seven ounces; tincture of hops, half an
ounce; and a drachm of carbonate of soda: two tablespoonfuls twice a
day. Or, infusion of valerian, seven ounces; carbonate of ammonia,
two scruples; compound tincture of bark, six drachms; spirits of
ether, two drachms: one tablespoonful every twenty-four hours.
19. Blue pill, four grains; opium, half a grain: to be taken three
times a day.
20. For a Clyster.--A pint and a half of gruel or fat broth, a
tablespoonful of castor oil, one of common salt, and a lump of
butter; mix, to be injected slowly. A third of this quantity is
enough for an infant.
21. Chalk mixture, seven ounces; aromatic and opiate confection, of
each one drachm; tincture of catechu, six drachms: two
tablespoonfuls every two hours.
22. Carbonate of soda, powdered rhubarb, and Castile soap, each one
drachm; make thirty-six pills; three twice a day.
23. Lotion.--Common salt, one ounce, distilled water, seven ounces;
spirit of wine, one ounce: mix.
24. Dried sulphate of magnesia, six drachms; heavy carbonate of
magnesia, two drachms; wine of colchicum, two drachms; water, eight
ounces: take two tablespoonfuls every four hours.
25. Compound powder of ipecacuanha, ten grains; powdered guaiacum,
four grains: in a powder at bedtime.
26. Brandish's solution of potash; thirty drops twice a day in a
wineglass of beer.
27. Disulphate of quina, half a drachm; dilute sulphuric acid, ten
drops; compound infusion of roses, eight ounces: two tablespoonfuls
every four hours, and as a tonic in the stage of weakness succeeding
fever.
28. Flowers of sulphur, two ounces; hog's lard, four ounces; white
hellebore powder, half an ounce: oil of lavender, sixty drops.
29. Hydriodate of potass, two drachms; distilled water, eight
ounces.
30. Flowers of sulphur, half a drachm; carbonate of soda, a scruple;
tartarized antimony, one-eighth of a grain: one powder, night and
morning, in eruptions of the skin or face.
31. Milk of bitter almonds, seven ounces; bichloride of mercury,
four grains; spirits of rosemary, one ounce: bathe the eruption with
this lotion three times a day.
32. Sulphate of zinc, two scruples; sugar of lead, fifteen grains;
distilled water, six ounces: the parts to be washed with the lotion
two or three times a day.
33. Carbonate of iron, six grains; powdered rhubarb, four grains:
one powder night and morning.
34. Elecampane powder, two ounces; sweet fennel-seed powder, three
ounces; black pepper powder, one ounce; purified honey, and brown
sugar, of each two ounces; the size of a nutmeg, two or three times
a day.
35. Sulphate of zinc, twelve grains; wine of opium, one drachm; rose
water, six ounces.
36. Sulphate of magnesia, six drachms; sulphate of iron, ten grains;
diluted sulphuric acid, forty drops; tincture of cardamoms
(compound), half an ounce; water, seven ounces: a fourth part night
and morning.
37. Decoction of oak bark, a pint; dried alum, half an ounce: for an
injection, a syringeful to be used night and morning.
38. Compound gamboge pill, and a pill of assafoetida and aloes, of
each half a drachm: make twelve pills; two twice or three times a
week.
39. Griffiths' mixture--one tablespoonful three times a day.