gripe.
_Dose,_ of the _powder,_ from ten to thirty grains, combined with a
drop or two of aromatic oil; of the _compound powder,_ from fifteen to
forty grains; of the _tincture,_ from one to three drachms; of the
_extract,_ from ten to twenty grains. The watery extract is better
than the alcoholic.
741. Colocynth
Colocynth is a powerful drastic cathartic, and should never be given
alone, unless ordered by a medical man, as its action is too violent
for some constitutions.
_Dose,_ of the _extract,_ from five to fifteen grains; of the
_compound extract,_ from five to fifteen grains; of the _compound
colocynth pill,_ the best of all its preparations, from ten to twenty
grains.
742. Buckthorn
Buckthorn is a brisk purgative for children in the form of syrup.
_Dose_ of the _syrup,_ from one to six drachms.
743. Aloes
Aloes is a purgative and cathartic in large, and tonic in smaller
doses.
_Dose,_ of _powder,_ from two to ten grains, combined with soap,
bitter extracts, or other purgative medicines, and given in the form
of pills; of the _compound pill,_ from five to twenty grains; of the
_pill of aloes_ and _myrrh_ from five to twenty grains; of the
_tincture_, from four drachms to one ounce; of the _compound
tincture_, from one to four drachms; of the _extract_, from six to ten
grains; of the _compound decoction_, from four drachms to two ounces.
[TO-DAY, HE FLOATS ON HONOUR'S LOFTY WAVE.]
744. Cream of Tartar
Cream of Tartar is a purgative and refrigerant.
It is _used internally_ in dropsy, especially of the belly, in doses
of from one scruple to one drachm. As a refrigerant drink it is
dissolved in hot water, and sweetened with sugar, and is used in
febrile diseases, care being taken not to allow it to rest too much
upon the bowels.
_Dose_, as a _purgative_, from two to four drachms, as a _hydrogogue_,
from four to six drachms, mixed with honey or treacle.
_Caution._--Its use should be followed by tonics, especially gentian
and angostura.
745. Scammony
Scammony is a drastic purgative, generally acting quickly and
powerfully; sometimes producing nausea, and even vomiting, and being
very apt to gripe.
It is _used internally_, to produce watery evacuations in dropsy, to
remove intestinal worms, and correct the slimy motions of children.
_Dose_, of the _powder_, from five to sixteen grains, given in
liquorice water, treacle, or honey; of the _confection_, from twenty
to thirty grains.
_Caution._--Do not give it in an irritable or inflamed state of the
bowels.
746. Epsom Salts
Epsom Salts is a purgative and diuretic. This medicine generally
operates quickly, and therefore is extremely useful in acute diseases.
It is found to be beneficial in dyspepsia when combined with infusion
of gentian and a little ginger. It forms an excellent enema with olive
oil.
_Dose_, from a half to two ounces, dissolved in warm tea or water.
Infusion of roses partially covers its taste and assists its action.
_Note_, that with regard to Epsom salts, the _larger in reason_ is the
amount of water in which they are taken, the _smaller_ the dose of
salts required: thus, half an ounce properly dissolved may be made a
strong dose. The action and efficacy of Epsom salts may be greatly
increased by adding one grain of tartar emetic to a dose of salts.
747. Glauber's Salt
Glauber's Salt is a very good purgative.
_Dose_, from a half to two ounces, dissolved in warm water.
748. Sulphate of Potash
Sulphate of Potash is a cathartic and deobstruent. It is _used
internally_, combined with aloes or rhubarb, in obstructions of the
bowels, and is an excellent saline purgative in dyspepsia and
jaundice.
_Dose_, from ten grains to one drachm.
749. Venice Turpentine
Venice Turpentine is cathartic, diuretic, stimulant, and anthelmintic.
It is _used externally_ as a rubefacient, and is given _internally_ in
flatulent colic, in tapeworm, rheumatism, and other diseases.
_Dose_, as a _diuretic_, from ten grains to one drachm; as a
_cathartic_, from ten to twelve drachms; as an _anthelmintic_, from
one to two ounces every eight hours, till the worm be ejected.
750. Diuretics.
Diuretics are medicines which promote an increased secretion of urine.
They consist of nitre, acetate of potassa, squills, juniper, oil of
turpentine, and others, vegetable and mineral.
751. Nitre
Nitre is a diuretic and refrigerant.
It is _used externally_ as a detergent when dissolved in water, and as
a lotion to inflamed and painful rheumatic joints.
It is given _internally_ in doses of from ten grains to half a drachm,
or even one drachm; in spitting blood it is given in one drachm doses
with great benefit. It is beneficial in sore throat, a few grains
being allowed to dissolve in the mouth.
752. Acetate of Potassa
Acetate of Potassa is diuretic and cathartic.
It is given _internally_ as a diuretic, in combination with infusion
of quassia; in dropsy, in doses of from one scruple to one drachm,
every three or four hours.
_Dose_, as a _cathartic_, from two to three drachms.
753. Squills
Squills is diuretic and expectorant when given in small doses; and
emetic and purgative when given in large doses.
It is _used internally_ in dropsy, in combination with calomel and
opium; in asthma, with ammoniacum; in catarrh, in the form of oxymel.
_Dose_, of the _dried bulb powdered_, from one to two grains every six
hours; of the _compound pill_, from ten to fifteen grains; of the
_tincture_, from ten minims to half a drachm; of the _oxymel_, from a
half to two drachms; of the _vinegar_, from twenty minims to two
drachms.
[TO-MORROW, LEAVES HIS TITLE FOR A GRAVE.]
754. Juniper
Juniper is diuretic and stomachic.
It is given _internally_ in dropsy.
_Dose_, of the _infusion_, from two to three ounces every four hours,
of the _oil_, from one to five minims.
755. Oil of Turpentine
Oil of Turpentine is a diuretic, anthelmintic, and rubefacient.
It is _used externally_ in flatulent colic, sprinkled over flannels
dipped in hot water and wrung out dry.
It is _used internally_ in the same diseases as Venice turpentine.
_Dose_, from five minims to two drachms.
756. Diaphoretics.
Diaphoretics are medicines given to increase the secretion from the
skin by sweating. They comprise acetate of ammonia, calomel, antimony,
opium, camphor, sarsaparilla.
757. Solution of Acetate of Ammonia
Solution of Acetate of Ammonia is a most useful diaphoretic.
It is _used externally_ as a discutient, as a lotion to inflamed
milk-breasts, as an eye-wash, and a lotion in scald head.
It is given _internally_ to promote perspiration in febrile diseases,
which it does most effectually, especially when combined with camphor
mixture. This is the article so frequently met with in prescriptions,
and called spirits of mindercrus.
_Dose_, from a half to one and a half ounces every three or four hours.
758. Antimony.--_Tartar emetic_
_Tartar emetic_ is diaphoretic, emetic, expectorant, alterative, and
rubefacient.
It is _used externally_ as an irritant in white swellings and
deep-seated inflammations, in the form of an ointment.
It is given _internally_ in pleurisy, bilious fevers, and many other
diseases, but its exhibition requires the skill of a medical man, to
watch its effects.
_Dose_, from one-sixth of a grain to four grains.
_Caution_.--It is a _poison_, and therefore requires great care in
its administration.
759. Antimonial Powder
Antimonial Powder is a diaphoretic, emetic, and alterative.
It is given _internally_, in febrile diseases, to produce
determination to the skin, and is useful in rheumatism, when combined
with opium or calomel.
_Dose_, from three to ten grains every four hours, taking plenty of
warm fluids between each dose.
760. Sarsiparilla
Sarsiparilla is diaphoretic, alterative, diuretic, and tonic.
It is given _internally_ in cutaneous diseases, old-standing
rheumatism, scrofula, and debility.
_Dose_, of the _decoction_, from four to eight ounces; of the
_compound decoction_, from four to eight ounces; of the _extract_,
from five grains to one drachm.
761. Expectorants.
Expectorants are medicines given to promote the secretion from the
windpipe, &c. They consist of antimony, ipecacuanha, squills,
ammoniacum, and tolu.
762. Ammoniacum
Ammoniacum is an expectorant, antispasmodic, diuretic, and
deobstruent.
It is _used externally_ as a discutient, and is given _internally_,
with great benefit in asthma, hysteria, and chronic catarrh.
_Dose_, from ten to twenty grains.
763. Tolu
Tolu is an excellent expectorant, when there are no inflammatory
symptoms.
It is given _internally_ in asthma and chronic catarrh.
_Dose_, of the _balsam_, from five to thirty grains, combined with
mucilage and suspended in water; of the _tincture_, from a half to one
drachm; of the _syrup_, from a half to four drachms.
764. Sialogogues.
These are given to increase the flow of saliva or spittle. They
consist of ginger and calomel, pellitory of Spain, tobacco, the acids,
and some others.
765. Ginger
Ginger ia a sialogogue, carminative, and stimulant.
It is _used internally_ in flatulent colic, dyspepsia, and to prevent
the griping of medicines. When chewed, it acts as a sialogogue, and is
therefore useful in relaxed uvula.
_Dose_, from ten to twenty grains of the _powder_; of the _tincture_,
from ten minims to one drachm.
[TO-DAY, HIS BEAUTEOUS VISAGE WE EXTOL.]
766. Epispastics and Rubefacients.
These are remedies which are applied to blister and cause redness of
the surface. They consist of cantharides, ammonia, Burgundy pitch, and
mustard.
767. Cantharides, or Spanish flies
Cantharides, or Spanish flies, when used internally, are diuretic and
stimulant; and epispastic and rubefacient when applied externally.
_Mode of application._--A portion of the blistering plaster is spread
with the thumb upon brown paper, linen, or leather, to the size
required; its surface then _slightly_ moistened with olive oil and
sprinkled with camphor, and the plaster applied by a _light_ bandage:
or it is spread on adhesive plaster, and attached to the skin by the
adhesive margin of the plaster.
_Caution._--If a blister is to be applied to the head, shave it at
least ten hours before it is put on; it is better to place a thin
piece of gauze, wetted with vinegar, between the skin and the blister.
If a distressing feeling be experienced about the bladder, give warm
and copious draughts of linseed tea, milk, or decoction of quince
seeds, and apply warm fomentations of milk and water to the blistered
surface. The _period required_ for a _blister_ to remain on varies
from eight to ten hours for adults, and from twenty minutes to two
hours for children: as soon as it is removed, if the blister is not
raised, apply a "spongio-piline" poultice, and it will then rise
properly. When it is required to act as a rubefacient, the blister
should remain on from one to three hours for adults, and from fifteen
to forty minutes for children.
_To dress a blister._--Cut the bag of cuticle containing the scrum at
the lowest part, by snipping it with the scissors, so as to form an
opening like this--V; and then apply a piece of calico, spread with
spermaceti or some other dressing. Such is the ordinary method; but a
much better and more expeditious plan, and one that prevents all pain
and inconvenience in the healing, is, after cutting the blister as
directed above, to immediately cover it with a warm bread and water
poultice for about an hour and a half, and on the removal of the
poultice to dust the raw surface with violet powder; apply a
handkerchief to retain the powder, and lastly dust the part every two
hours. It will be healed in twelve hours.
_Caution._--Never attempt to take cantharides internally, except under
the advice of a medical man, as it is a poison, and requires extreme
caution in its use.
768. Burgundy Pitch
Burgundy Pitch is warmed and spread upon linen or leather, and applied
over the chest in cases of catarrh, difficult breathing, and hooping
cough; over the loins in debility or lumbago; and over any part that
it is desirable to excite a mild degree of inflammation in.
769. Chemical Remedies.
These comprise refrigerants, antacids, antalkalies, and escharotics.
770. Refrigerants.
These are medicines given for the purpose of suppressing an unnatural
heat of the body. They are Seville oranges, lemons, tamarinds, nitre,
and cream of tartar.
771. Seville Oranges
Seville Oranges and sweet oranges are formed into a refrigerant
beverage, which is extremely grateful in febrile diseases.
The _rind_ is an agreeable mild tonic, carminative, and stomachic.
_Dose_, of the _tincture_, from one to four drachms; of the
_infusion_, from one to two ounces.
[TO-MORROW, LOATHSOME IN THE SIGHT OF ALL.]
772. Lemons
Lemons are used to form a refrigerant beverage, which is given to
quench thirst in febrile and inflammatory diseases,
Lemon _juice_ given with carbonate of potash (half an ounce of the
juice to twenty grains of the salt), and taken while effervescing,
allays vomiting; a tablespoonful, taken occasionally, allays
hysterical palpitations of the heart, it is useful in scurvy caused by
eating too much salt food, but requires to be taken with sugar.
The _rind_ forms a nice mild tonic and stomachic in certain forms of
dyspepsia.
_Dose_ of the _infusion_ (made the same as orange peel), from one to
two ounces.
773. Antacids.
These are given to correct acidity in the system. They are soda,
ammonia, chalk, and magnesia.
774. Soda, Carbonate of, and Sesquicarbonate of Soda
Soda, Carbonate of, and Sesquicarbonate of Soda, are antacids and
deobstruents.
They are _used internally_ in acidity of the stomach and dyspepsia.
_Dose_ of both preparations, from 10 grains to half a drachm.
775. Antalkalies.
These are given to neutralize an alkaline state of the system. They
are citric acid, lemon juice, and tartaric acid.
776. Citric Acid
Citric Acid is used to check profuse sweating, and as a substitute for
lemon juice when it cannot be procured.
_Dose_, from ten to thirty grains.
777. Tartaric Acid
Tartaric Acid, when largely diluted, forms an excellent refrigerant
beverage and antalkali. It enters into the composition of
extemporaneous soda and Seidlitz waters.
_Dose_, from ten to thirty grains.
778. Escharotics.
These are remedies used to destroy the vitality of a part. They
comprise lunar caustic, bluestone, and solution of chloride of zinc.
779. Bluestone, or Sulphate of Copper
Bluestone, or Sulphate of Copper, is used in a solution of from four
to fifteen grains to the ounce of water, and applied to foul and
indolent ulcers, by means of rag dipped in it. It is rubbed in
substance on fungous growths, warts, &c., to destroy them.
_Caution_.--It is a poison.
780. Lunar Caustic; or Nitrate of Silver
Lunar Caustic; or Nitrate of Silver, is an excellent remedy in
erysipelas when applied in solution (one drachm of the salt to one
ounce of water), which should be brushed all over the inflamed part,
and for an inch beyond it. This blackens the skin, but it soon peels
off. To destroy warts, proud flesh, and unhealthy edges of ulcers,
&c., it is invaluable; and as an application to bed sores, pencilled
over with a solution of the same strength, and in the same manner as
for erysipelas.
_Caution_.--It is a poison.
781. Solution of Chloride of Zinc,
Solution of Chloride of Zinc, more commonly known as Sir William
Burnett's "Disinfecting Fluid," is a valuable escharotic in
destroying the parts of poisoned wounds, such as the bite of a mad
dog. It is also very useful in restoring the hair after the scalp has
been attacked with ringworm; but its use requires extreme caution, as
it is a powerful escharotic. In itch, diluted (one part to thirty-two)
with water, it appears to answer very well.
_Caution_.--It is a most powerful poison.
782. Mechanical Remedies.
These comprise anthelmintics, demulcents, diluents, and emollients.
783. Anthelmintics.
These are medicines given for the purpose of expelling or destroying
worms. They are cowhage, scammony, male fern root, calomel, gamboge,
tin, and turpentine.
784. Cowhage
Cowhage is used to expel the round worm, which it does by wounding it
with the fine prickles.
_Dose_ of the confection, for a child three or four years old, a
teaspoonful early, for three mornings, followed by a dose of castor
oil. (_See par_ 491.)
The mechanical anthelmintics are strictly confined to those agents
which kill the worm in the body by piercing its cuticle with the sharp
darts or spiculae of the cowhage hairs, or the fine metallic points of
powdered tin (_pulvis stanni_). When these drops are employed, they
should be given in honey or treacle for ten or fifteen days, and an
aperient powder every fourth morning, to expel the killed worms.
[TO-DAY, HE HAS DELUSIVE DREAMS OF HEAVEN.]
785. Male Fern Root
Male Fern Root is a powerful anthelmintic, and an astringent. It is
used to kill tapeworm.
_Dose_, three drachms of the powdered root mixed in a teacupful of
water, to be taken in the morning while in bed, and followed by a
brisk purgative two hours afterwards; or from a tablespoonful to a
wineglassful, according to age, to be taken early in the morning.
(_See par 569_).
786. Gamboge
Gamboge is a powerful drastic and anthelmintic.
It is _used internally_ in dropsy, and for the expulsion of tapeworm;
but its use requires caution, as it is an irritant poison.
_Dose_, from two to six grains, in the form of pills, combined with
colocynth, soap, rhubarb, or bread-crumbs.
787. Demulcents.
These are used to diminish irritation, and soften parts by protecting
them with a viscid matter. They are tragacanth, linseed, marsh-mallow,
mallow, liquorice, arrowroot, isinglass, suet, wax, and almonds.
788. Tragacanth
Tragacanth is used to allay tickling cough, and lubricate abraded
parts. It is usually given in the form of mucilage.
_Dose_, from ten grains to one drachm, or more.
789. Linseed
Linseed is emollient and demulcent.
It is _used externally_, in the form of powder or "meal," as a
poultice; and the oil, combined with lime water, is applied to burns
and scalds.
It is used _internally_ as an infusion in diarrhoea, dysentery, and
irritation of the intestines after certain poisons, and in catarrh.
The best form of linseed meal is that which is obtained from seed from
which the oil has not been extracted.
_Dose_, of the _infusion_, as much as the patient pleases.
790. Marsh-Mallow
Marsh-Mallow is _used internally_ in the same diseases as linseed.
The leaves are _used externally_ as a fomentation, and the boiled
roots are bruised and applied as an emollient poultice.
_Dose_, the same as for linseed.
791. Mallow
Mallow is _used externally_ as a fomentation and poultice in
inflammation, and the infusion is _used internally_ in dysentery,
diseases of the kidneys, and the same diseases as marsh-mallow and
linseed. It is also used as an enema.
_Dose_, same as for linseed and marsh-mallow.
792. Liquorice
Liquorice is an agreeable demulcent, and is given in the form of
decoction in catarrh, and some forms of dyspepsia, and the extract is
used in catarrh.
_Dose_, of the _extract_, from ten grains to one drachm; of the
_decoction_, from two to four ounces.
793. Arrowroot etc.
Arrowroot, islinglass, almonds, suet, and wax, are too well known to
require descriptions. (_See par 487_, for "Almond Confection" for
preparations.)
794. Diluents.
These are chiefly watery compounds, such as weak tea, water, thin
broth, gruel, weak infusions of balm, hore-hound, pennyroyal, ground
ivy, mint, and sage.
795. Emollients.
These consist of unctuous remedies, such as cerates and ointments, and
any materials that combine heat with moisture,--poultices of bread,
bran, linseed meal, carrots, and turnips. (_See par 809_.)
796. Domestic Surgery.
This will comprise such hints and advice as will enable any one to act
on an emergency, or in ordinary trivial accidents requiring simple
treatment: and also to distinguish between serious and simple
accidents, and the best means to adopt in all cases that are likely to
fall under a person's notice.
These hints will be of the utmost value to heads of families, to
emigrants, and to persons who are frequently called upon to attend the
sick. We strongly recommend the Parent, Emigrant, and Nurse, _to read
over these directions occasionally_,--to regard it as a duty to do so
at least three or four times a year, so as to be prepared for
emergencies whenever they may arise. When accidents occur, people are
too excited to acquire immediately a knowledge of what they should do;
and many lives have been lost for want of this knowledge.
Study, therefore, at moderate intervals, the _Domestic Surgery_,
_Treatment of Poisons_, _Rules for the Prevention of Accidents_, _How
to Escape from Fires_, _the Domestic Pharmacopoeia_, _&c._, which will
he found in various pages of _Enquire Within_.
And let it be impressed upon your mind that THE INDEX will enable you
to refer to _anything_ you may require IN A MOMENT. Don't trouble to
hunt through the pages; but when you wish to ENQUIRE WITHIN, remember
that the INDEX is the knocker, by which the door of knowledge may be
opened.
[TO-MORROW, CRIES TOO LATE TO BE FORGIVEN.]
797. Dressings.
These are substances usually applied to parts for the purpose of
soothing, promoting their reunion when divided, protecting them from
external injuries, absorbing discharges, protecting the surrounding
parts, insuring cleanliness, and as a means of applying various
medicines.
798. Certain Instruments
Certain Instruments are required for the application of dressings in
domestic surgery, viz.--scissors, a pair of tweezers or simple
forceps, a knife, needles and thread, a razor, a lancet, a piece of
lunar caustic in a quill, and a sponge.
799. Materials for dressings.
These consist of lint, scraped linen, carded cotton, tow, ointment
spread on calico, adhesive plaster, compresses, pads, bandages,
poultices, old rags of linen or calico, and water.
800. Rules.
The following rules should be attended to in applying dressings:
i. Always prepare the new dressing before removing the old one.
ii. Always have hot and cold water at hand, and a vessel to place
the foul dressings in.
iii. Have one or more persons at hand ready to assist, and, to
prevent confusion, tell each person what they are to do before you
commence; thus, one is to wash out and hand the sponges, another to
heat the adhesive plaster, or hand the bandages and dressings, and,
if requisite, a third to support the limb, &c.
iv. Always stand on the outside of a limb to dress it.
v. Place the patient in as easy a position as possible, so as not to
fatigue him.
vi. Arrange the bed _after_ changing the dressings; but in some
cases you will have to do so before the patient is placed on it.
vii. Never be in a hurry when applying dressings, do it quietly.
viii. When a patient requires moving from one bed to another, the
best way is for one person to stand on each _side_ of the patient,
and each to place an arm behind his back, while he passes his arms
over their necks, then let their other arms be passed under his
thighs, and by holding each other's hands, the patient can be raised
with ease, and removed to another bed. If the leg is injured, a
third person should steady it; and if the arm, the same precaution
should be adopted. Sometimes a stout sheet is passed under the
patient, and by several people holding the sides, thy patient is
lifted without any fatigue or much disturbance.
801. Lint, how made.
Lint, how made. This may be quickly made by nailing a piece of old
linen on a board, and scraping its surface with a knife. It is used
either alone or spread with ointment. Scraped lint is the fine
filaments from ordinary lint, and is used to stimulate ulcers and
absorb discharges; it is what the French call _charpie_.
802. Uses of Scraped Lint.