refrigerant. In the former case its evaporation is prevented by
covering a rag moistened with it with oiled silk, in order to relieve
headache; and in the latter case it is allowed to evaporate, and thus
produce coldness: hence it is applied over scalded surfaces by means
of rags dipped in it.
_As a local application_, it has been found to afford almost instant
relief in earache, when combined with almond oil, and dropped into the
ear.
It is used _internally_ as a stimulant and narcotic in low fevers and
cases of great exhaustion.
_Dose_, from fifteen minims to half a drachm, repeated at short
intervals, as its effects soon pass off. Give in a little camphor
julep, or water.
697. Nitric Ether
Nitric Ether is a refrigerant, diuretic, and antispasmodic, well known
as "_sweet spirit of nitre_."
_Used externally_, its evaporation relieves headache, and it is
sometimes applied to burns. It is used _internally_ to relieve nausea,
flatulence, and thirst in fevers; also as a diuretic.
_Dose_, from ten minims to one drachm. The smaller dose taken in a
little warm water or gruel is useful as a sudorific in cases of cold
and chill, to induce and promote the proper action of the skin which
has been checked. If a larger dose be taken, it acts as a diuretic and
not as a sudorific, and so fails to produce the desired effect.
[TO-DAY, HIS FOOD IS DRESSED IN DAINTY FORMS.]
698. Compound Spirit of Sulphuric
Ether
Compound Spirit of Sulphuric Ether is a very useful stimulant,
narcotic, and antispasmodic.
_Used internally_ in cases of great exhaustion, attended with
irritability.
_Dose_, from half a drachm to two drachms, in camphor julep. When
combined with laudanum, it prevents the nauseating effects of the
opium, and acts more beneficially as a narcotic.
699. The Hop
The Hop is a narcotic, tonic, and diuretic; it reduces the frequency
of the pulse, and does not affect the head, like most anodynes.
_Used externally_, it acts as an anodyne and discutient, and is useful
as a fomentation for painful tumours, rheumatic pains in the joints,
and severe contusions. A pillow stuffed with hops acts as a narcotic.
When the powder is mixed with lard, it acts as an anodyne dressing in
painful ulcers.
_Dose_, of the _extract_, from five grains to one scruple; of the
_tincture_, from half a drachm to two drachms; of the _powder_, from
three! grains to one scruple; of the _infusion_, half an ounce to one
and a half ounce.
700. Opium
Opium is a stimulant, narcotic, and anodyne.
_Used externally_ it acts almost as well as when taken into the
stomach, and without affecting the head or causing nausea. Applied to
irritable ulcers in the form of tincture, it promotes their cure, and
allays pain. Cloths dipped in a strong solution, and applied over
painful bruises, tumours, or inflamed joints, allay pain. A small
piece of solid opium stuffed into a hollow tooth relieves toothache. A
weak solution of opium forms a valuable collyrium in ophthalmia. Two
drops of the wine of opium dropped into the eye acts as an excellent
stimulant in bloodshot eye; or after long-continued inflammation, it
is useful in strengthening the eye. Applied as a liniment, in
combination with ammonia and oil, or with camphorated spirit, it
relieves muscular pain. When combined with oil of turpentine, it is
useful as a liniment in spasmodic colic.
_Used internally_, it acts as a very powerful stimulant: then as a
sedative, and finally as an anodyne and narcotic, allaying pain in the
most extraordinary manner, by acting directly upon the nervous system.
In acute rheumatism it is a most excellent medicine when combined with
calomel and tartrate of antimony; but its exhibition requires the
judicious care of a medical man.
_Doses of the various preparations._--. _Confection of opium_, from
five grains to half a drachm; _extract of opium_, from one to five
grains (this is a valuable form, as it does not produce so much after
derangement of the nervous system as solid opium); _pills of soap and
opium_, from five to ten grains; _compound ipecacuanha powder_
("Dover's Powder"), from ten to fifteen grains; _compound kino
powder_, from five to fifteen grains; _wine of opium_, from ten minims
to one drachm. _Caution._--Opium is a powerful _poison_ when taken in
too large a quantity (_See_ POISONS, _pars._ 1340-1367), and thus
should be used with extreme caution. It is on this account that we
have omitted some of its preparations. The best antidote for opium is
camphor.
701. Antispasmodics.
Antispasmodics are medicines which possess the power of overcoming the
spasms of the muscles, or allaying any severe pain which is not
attended by inflammation. The class includes a great many, but the
most safe and serviceable are ammonia, assafoetida, galbanum,
valerian, bark, ether, camphor, opium, and chloroform; with the
minerals, oxide of zinc and calomel.
702. Ammonia.
Ammonia, or Sal Volatile, is an antispasmodic antacid, stimulant and
diaphoretic.
_Used externally_, combined with oil, it forms a cheap and useful
liniment, but it should be dissolved in _proof_ spirit before the oil
is added. One part of this salt, and three parts of extract of
belladonna, mixed and spread upon leather, makes an excellent plaster
for relieving rheumatic pains. As a local stimulant it is well known,
as regards its effects in hysterics, faintness, and lassitude, when
applied to the nose, as common smelling salts.
It is used _internally_ as an adjunct to infusion of gentian in
dyspepsia or indigestion, and in moderate doses in gout.
_Dose_, from five to fifteen grains. _Caution_.--Overdoses act as a
narcotic and irritant poison.
[TO-MORROW, IS HIMSELF A FEAST FOR WORMS.]
703. Bicarbonate of Ammonia
Bicarbonate of Ammonia is used internally the same as _sal volatile_.
_Dose_, from six to twelve grains. It is frequently combined with
Epsom salts.
704. Solution of Sesoquicarbonate of Ammonia,
Solution of Sesoquicarbonate of Ammonia, used the same as _sal
volatile_.
_Dose_, from half a drachm to one drachm, combined with some milky
fluid, like almond emulsion.
705. Asafoetida
Asafoetida is an antispasmodic, expectorant, excitant, and
anthelmintic.
_Used internally_, it is extremely useful in dyspepsia, flatulent
colic, hysteria, and nervous diseases; and where there are no
inflammatory symptoms, it is an excellent remedy in hooping cough and
asthma.
_Used locally_ as an enema, it is useful in flatulent colic, and
convulsions that come on through teething.
_Doses of various preparations_.--_Solid gum_, from five to ten grains
as pills; _mixture_, from half an ounce to one ounce; _tincture_, from
fifteen minims to one drachm; _ammoniated tincture_, from twenty
minims to one drachm.
_Caution_.--Never give this drug when inflammation exists.
706. Galbanum
Galbanum is stimulant, antispasmodic, expectorant, and deobstruent.
_Used externally_, it assists in dispelling tumours when spread upon
indolent leather as a plaster, and is useful in weakness of the legs
from rickets, being applied as a plaster to the loins.
_Employed internally_, it is useful in chronic or old-standing
rheumatism and hysteria.
_Doses of preparations_.--Of the _gum_, from ten to fifteen grains as
pills; _tincture_, from fifteen minims to one drachm. It may be made
into an emulsion with mucilage and water.
707. Valerian
Valerian is a powerful antispasmodic, tonic, and excitant, acting
chiefly on the nervous centres.
_Used internally_, it is employed in hysteria, nervous languors, and
spasmodic complaints generally. It is useful in low fevers.
_Doses of various preparations_.--_Powder_, from ten grains to half a
drachm, three or four times a day; _tincture_, from two to four
drachms; _ammoniated tincture_, from one to two drachms; _infusion_,
from two to three ounces, or more.
708. Peruvian Bark
Bark, or, as it is commonly called, Peruvian bark, is an
antispasmodic, tonic, astringent, and stomachic.
_Used externally_, it is an excellent detergent for foul ulcers, and
those that heal slowly.
_Used internally_, it is particularly valuable in intermittent fever
or ague, malignant measles, dysentery, diarrhoea, intermittent
rheumatism, St. Vitus's dance, indigestion, nervous affections,
malignant sore throat, and erysipelas; its use being indicated in all
cases of debility.
_Doses of its preparations_.--_Powder_, from five grains to two
drachms, mixed in wine, water, milk, syrup, or solution of liquorice;
_infusion_, from one to three ounces; _decoction_, from one to three
ounces; _tincture_ and _compound tincture_, each from one to three
drachms.
_Caution_.--If it causes oppression at the stomach, combine it with an
aromatic; if it causes vomiting, give it in wine or soda water; if it
purges, give opium; and if it constipates give rhubarb.
709. Sulphuric Ether
Sulphuric Ether is given internally as an antispasmodic in difficult
breathing and spasmodic asthma; also in hysteria, cramp of the
stomach, hiccough, locked jaw, and cholera. It is useful in checking
sea-sickness.
_Dose_, from twenty minims to one drachm.
_Caution_.--An overdose produces apoplectic symptoms.
[TO-DAY HE'S CLAD IN GAUDY, RICH ARRAY]
710. Camphor (2)
Camphor is given internally as an antispasmodic in hysteria, cramp in
the stomach, flatulent colic, and St. Vitus's dance.
_Dose_, from two to twenty grains.
711. Opium (2)
Opium is employed internally in spasmodic affections, such as cholera,
spasmodic asthma, hooping cough, flatulent colic, and St. Vitus's
dance.
_Dose_, from one-sixth of a grain to two grains of the solid opium,
according to the disease.
712. Oxide of Zinc
Oxide of Zinc is an antispasmodic, astringent, and tonic.
_Used externally_, as an ointment, it forms an excellent astringent in
affections of the eyelids, arising from relaxation; or as a powder, it
is an excellent detergent for unhealthy ulcers.
_Used internally_, it has proved efficacious in St. Vitus's dance, and
some other spasmodic affections.
_Dose_, from one to six grains twice a day.
713. Calomel
Calomel is an antispasmodic, alterative deobstruent, purgative, and
errhine.
_Used internally_, combined with opium, it acts as an antispasmodic in
locked jaw, cholera, and many other spasmodic affections. As an
alterative and deobstruent, it has been found useful in leprosy and
itch, when combined with antimonials and guaiacum, and in enlargement
of the liver and glandular affections. It acts beneficially in
dropsies, by producing watery motions. In typhus it is of great
benefit when combined with antimonials; and it may be given as a
purgative in almost any disease, provided there is not any
inflammation of the bowels, irritability of the system, or great
debility.
_Dose_, as a deobstruent and alterative, from one to five grains,
daily; as a cathartic, from five to fifteen grains; to produce
ptyalism, or salivation, from one to two grains, in a pill, with a
quarter of a grain of opium, night and morning.
_Caution_.--When taking calomel, exposure to cold or dampness should
be guarded against, as such an imprudence would bring out an eruption
of the skin, attended with fever. When this does occur, leave off the
calomel, and give bark, wine, and purgatives; take a warm bath twice a
day, and powder the surface of the body with powdered starch.
714. Tonics.
Tonics are given to improve the tone of the system, and restore the
natural energies and general strength of the body. They consist of
bark, quassia, gentian, camomile, wormwood, and angostura bark.
715. Quassia
Quassia is a simple tonic, and can be used with safety by any one, as
it does not increase the animal heat, or quicken the circulation.
_Used internally_, in the form of infusion, it has been found of great
benefit in indigestion and nervous irritability, and is useful after
bilious fevers and diarrhoea.
_Dose_, of the _infusion_, from one and a half to two ounces, three
times a day.
716. Gentian
Gentian is an excellent tonic and stomachic; but when given in large
doses, it acts as an aperient.
It is _used internally_ in all cases of general debility, and when
combined with bark is used in intermittent fevers. It has also been
employed in indigestion, and it is sometimes used, combined with sal
volatile, in that disease; but, at other times alone, in the form of
infusion. After diarrhoea, it proves a useful tonic. Its infusion is
sometimes applied _externally_ to foul ulcers.
_Dose_, of the _infusion_, one and a half to two ounces; of the
_tincture_, one to four drachms; of the _extract_, from ten to thirty
grains.
717. Camomile.
The flowers of the camomile are tonic, slightly anodyne,
antispasmodic, and emetic.
They are _used externally_ as fomentations, in colic, faceache, and
tumours, and to unhealthy ulcers.
They are _used internally_ in the form of infusion, with carbonate of
soda, ginger, and other stomachic remedies, in dyspepsia, flatulent
colic, debility following dysentery and gout. Warm infusion of the
flowers acts as an emetic; and the powdered flowers are sometimes
combined with opium or kino, and given in intermittent fevers.
_Dose_, of the _powdered_ flowers, from ten grains to one drachm,
twice or thrice a day; of the _infusion_, from one to two ounces, as a
tonic, three times a day: and from six ounces to one pint as an
emetic; of the _extract_, from five to twenty grains.
[TO-MORROW, SHROUDED FOR A BED OF CLAY.]
718. Wormwood
Wormwood is a tonic and anthelmintic.
It is _used externally_ as a discutient and antiseptic.
It is used _internally_ in long-standing cases of dyspepsia, in the
form of infusion, with or without aromatics. It has also been used in
intermittents.
_Dose_, of the _infusion_, from one to two ounces, three times a day;
of the _powder_, from one to two scruples.
719. Angostura Bark
Angostura Bark, or Cusparia, is a tonic and stimulant. It expels
flatulence, increases the appetite, and produces a grateful warmth in
the stomach.
It is _used internally_ in intermittent fevers, dyspepsia, hysteria,
and all cases of debility, where a stimulating tonic is desirable,
particularly after bilious diarrhoea.
_Dose_, of the _powder_, from ten to fifteen grains, combined with
cinnamon powder, magnesia, or rhubarb; of the _extract_, from three to
ten grains; of the _infusion_, from one to two ounces.
_Caution_.--This drug should never be given in inflammatory diseases
or hectic fever.
720. Astringents.
Astringents are medicines given for the purpose of diminishing
excessive discharges, and to act indirectly as tonics. This class
includes catechu, kino, oak bark, log wood, rose leaves, chalk, and
white vitriol.
721. Catechu
Catechu is a most valuable astringent.
It is _used externally_, when powdered, to promote the contraction of
flabby ulcers. As a local astringent it is useful in relaxed uvula, a
small piece being dissolved in the mouth; small, spotty ulcerations of
the mouth and throat, and bleeding gums, and for these two affections
it is used in the form of infusion to wash the parts.
It is _given internally_ in diarrhoea, dysentery, and hemorrhage from
the bowels.
_Dose_, of the _infusion_, from one to three ounces; of the
_tincture_, from one to four drachms; of the _powder_, from ten to
thirty grains.
_Caution_.--It must not be given with soda or any alkali; nor metallic
salts, albumen, or gelatine, as its property is destroyed by this
combination.
722. Kino
Kino is a powerful astringent.
It is _used externally_ to ulcers, to give tone to them when flabby,
and discharging foul and thin matter.
It is _used internally_ in the same diseases as catechu.
_Dose_, of the powder, from ten to fifteen grains; of the _tincture_,
from one to two drachms; of the _compound powder_, from ten to twenty
grains; of the _infusion_, from a half to one and a half ounce.
_Caution_.--Kino is used in combination with calomel, when salivation
is intended, to prevent, by its astringency, the action of the calomel
on the bowels, and thereby insure its affecting the constitution.--
(See CATECHU [para. 721]).
723. Oak Bark
Oak Bark is an astringent and tonic.
It is _used externally_ in the form of decoction, to restrain bleeding
from lacerated surfaces. As a local astringent, it is used in the
form of decoction, as a gargle in sore throat and relaxed uvula.
It is _used internally_ in the same diseases as catechu, and when
combined with aromatics and bitters, in intermittent fevers.
_Dose_ of the _powder_, from fifteen to thirty grains; of the
_decoction_, from two to eight drachms.
724. Logwood
Logwood is not a very satisfactory astringent.
It is _used internally_ in diarrhoea, the last stage of dysentery, and
a lax state of the intestines.
_Dose_, of the _extract_, from ten grains to one drachm; of the
_decoction_ from one to three ounces, three or four times a day.
725. Rose Leaves
Rose Leaves are stringent and tonic.
They are _used internally_ in spitting of blood, hemorrhage from the
stomach, intestines, &c., as a gargle for sore throat, and for the
night sweats of consumption. The infusion is frequently used as a
tonic with diluted sulphuric acid (oil of vitriol), after low fevers,
or in combination with Epsom salts and sulphuric acid in certain
states of the bowels.
_Dose_ of _infusion_, from two to four ounces.
[TO-DAY, ENJOYS HIS HALLS, BUILT TO HIS MIND.]
726. Chalk
Chalk, when prepared by washing, becomes an astringent as well as
antacid.
It is _used internally_ in diarrhoea, in the form of mixture, and
_externally_ as an application to burns, scalds, and excoriations.
_Dose_ of the _mixture_, from one to two ounces.
727. White Vitriol
White Vitriol, or Sulphate of Zinc, is an astringent, tonic, and
emetic.
It is _used externally_ as a collyrium for ophthalmia (See DOMESTIC
PHARMACOPEIA, _par. 475 et seq._), and as a detergent for scrofulous
ulcers, in the proportion of three grains of the salt to one ounce of
water.
It is _used internally_ in indigestion, and many other diseases; _but
it should not be given unless ordered by a medical man, as it is a
poison._
728. Local Stimulants.
Local stimulants comprise emetics, cathartics, diuretics,
diaphoretics, expectorants, sialogogues, errhines, and epispastics.
729. Emetics.
Emetics are medicines given for the purpose of causing vomiting, as in
cases of poisoning. They consist of ipecacuanha, camomile, antimony,
copper, zinc, and several others.
730. Ipecacuanha
Ipecacuanha is an emetic, diaphoretic, and expectorant.
It is _used internally_ to excite vomiting, in doses of from ten to
twenty grains of the powder, or one to one and a half ounce of the
infusion, every half hour until vomiting takes place. To make it act
well and easily, the patient should drink half pints of warm water
after each dose of the infusion. As a diaphoretic, it should be given
in doses of three grains, mixed with some soft substance, such as
crumbs of bread, and repeated every four hours.
_Dose_ of the _wine,_ from twenty minims to one drachm as a
diaphoretic, and from one drachm to one and a half ounces as an
emetic.
_Caution._--Do not give more than the doses named above, because,
although a safe emetic, yet it is an acrid narcotic poison.
731. Mustard
Mustard is too well known to require describing. It is an emetic,
diuretic, stimulant, and rubefacient.
It is _used externally_ as a poultice. Mustard poultices are made of
the powder, bread crumbs, and water; or of one part of mustard to two
of flour; or, especially for children, of linseed meal, mixed with a
little of the powder, or having some of the powder slightly sprinkled
on the surface. Sometimes a little vinegar is added under the idea
that it increases the strength of the poultice, but this is not
necessary. In all cases where a stimulant is required, such as sore
throats, rheumatic pains in the joints, cholera, cramps in the
extremities, diarrhoea, and many other diseases. When applied it
should not he left on too long, as it is apt to cause ulceration of
the part. From ten to thirty minutes is quite long enough.
When _used internally_ as an emetic, a large teaspoonful mixed with a
tumbler of warm water generally operates quickly and safely,
frequently when other emetics have failed. In dropsy it is sometimes
given in the form of whey, which is made by boiling half an ounce of
the bruised seeds in a pint of milk, and straining off the curd.
From three to four ounces of this is to be taken for a dose three
times a day.
732. Cathartics.
Cathartics are divided into laxatives and purgatives. Manna,
tamarinds, castor oil, sulphur, and magnesia are _laxatives;_ senna,
rhubarb, jalap, colocynth, buckthorn, aloes, cream of tartar,
scammony, calomel, Epsom salts, Glauber's salts, sulphate of potash,
and Venice turpentine are _purgatives._
733. Manna
Manna is a very gentle laxative, and therefore used for children and
delicate persons.
_Dose for children,_ from one to two drachms; and for _adults,_ from
one to two ounces, combined with rhubarb and cinnamon water.
734. Tamarinds
Tamarinds are generally laxative and refrigerant. As it is agreeable,
this medicine will generally be eaten by children when they will not
take other medicines.
_Dose,_ from half to one ounce. As a refrigerant beverage in fevers it
is extremely grateful.
[TO-MORROW, IN A COFFIN IS CONFINED.]
735. Castor Oil
Castor Oil is a most valuable medicine, as it generally operates
quickly and mildly.
It is _used externally,_ combined with citron ointment, as a topical
application in common leprosy.
It is _used internally_ as an ordinary purgative for infants, as a
laxative for adults, and in diarrhoea and dysentery. In colic it is
very useful and safe; and also after delivery.
_Dose_ for _infants,_ from forty drops to two drachms; for _adults,_
from half an ounce to one and a half ounces.
736. Sulphur.
Sublimed sulphur is laxative and diaphoretic.
It is _used externally_ in skin diseases, especially itch, both in the
form of ointment and as a vapour bath.
It is _used internally_ in hemorrhoids, combined with magnesia, as a
laxative for children, and as a diaphoretic in rheumatism.
_Dose,_ from one scruple to two drachms, mixed in milk or with
treacle. When combined with an equal proportion of cream of tartar, it
acts as a purgative.
737. Magnesia.
_Calcined magnesia_ possesses the same properties as the carbonate.
_Dose,_ from ten to thirty grains, in milk or water.
_Carbonate of magnesia_ is an antacid and laxative, and is very useful
for children when teething, and for heartburn in adults.
_Dose,_ from a half to two drachms, in water or milk.
_Fluid Magnesia_ is a useful preparation by whose use is avoided the
grittiness that is inseparable from magnesia when taken in the form of
powder.
738. Senna
Senna is a purgative, but is apt to gripe when given alone; therefore
it is combined with some aromatic, such as cloves or ginger, and the
infusion should be made with _cold_ instead of hot water. It usually
acts in about four hours, but its action should be assisted by
drinking warm fluids.
_Dose,_ of the _confection,_ commonly called _"lenitive electuary,"_
from one to three or four drachma at bedtime; of the _infusion,_ from
one to two ounces; of the _tincture,_ irom one to two drachms; of the
_syrup_ (used for children), from one drachm to one ounce.
_Caution._--Do not give senna, in any form except confection, in
hemorrhoids, and never in irritability of the intestines.
739. Rhubarb
Rhubarb is a purgative, astringent and stomachic.
It is _used externally_ in the form of powder to ulcers, to promote a
healthy action.
It is given _internally_ in diarrhoea, dyspepsia, and a debilitated
state of the bowels. Combined with a mild preparation of calomel, it
forms an excellent purgative for children.
_Dose,_ of the _infusion,_ from one to two ounces; of the _powder,_
from one scruple to half a drachm as a purgative, and from six to ten
grains as a stomachic; of the _tincture_ and _compound tincture,_ from
one to four drachms; of the _compound pill,_ from ten to twenty grains.
740. Jalap