Antimonium, for cough with wheezing and difficulty of expectoration;
Belladonna, for spasmodic cough, with tickling in the throat, or sore
throat; Bryonia, for hard, dry cough, with expectorations streaked
with blood; ipecacuanha, for children.
943. Croup.
As this disorder frequently and quickly terminates fatally, recourse
should be had to a duly qualified practitioner as soon as possible.
The disease lies chiefly in the larynx and bronchial tubes, and is
easily recognisable by the sharp, barking sound of the cough. A warm
bath and mustard poultice will often tend to give relief.
_Medicines_. Aconitum napellus, in the earlier stages of the disorder,
and spongia and Hepar sulphuris, in the more advanced stages, the
latter medicine being desirable when the cough is not so violent and
the breathing easier.
944. Diarrhoea.
The _medicines_ to be used in this disorder are those which are
mentioned under colic and bilious attacks.
945. Dysentery
Dysentery is somewhat similar to diarrhoea, but the symptoms are more
aggravated in character, and the evacuations are chiefly mucus
streaked with blood. As a local remedy hot flannels or a stone jar
filled with hot water and wrapped in flannel, should be applied to the
abdomen.
_Medicines_. Colocynthis and Mercurius in alternation.
946. Dyspepsia
Dyspepsia or Indigestion arises from weakness of the digestive organs.
Symptoms. Chief among these are habitual costiveness, heartburn and
nausea, disinclination to eat, listlessness and weakness, accompanied
with fatigue after walking, &c., restlessness and disturbed sleep at
night, bad taste in the mouth, with white tongue, especially in the
morning, accompanied at times with fulness in the region of the
stomach, and flatulence which causes disturbance of the heart.
The causes of indigestion are too numerous to be mentioned here, but
they may be inferred when it is said that scrupulous attention must be
paid to diet (see _par_. 961); that meals should be taken at regular
and not too long intervals; that warm drinks, stimulants, and tobacco
should be avoided; that early and regular hours should be kept, with a
cold or chilled sponge bath every morning; and that measures should be
taken to obtain a fair amount of exercise, and to provide suitable
occupation for both body and mind during the day.
_Medicines_. Arnica montana for persons who are nervous and irritable,
and suffer much from headache; Bryonia for persons who are bilious and
subject to rheumatism, and those who are listless, disinclined to eat,
and have an unpleasant bitter taste in the mouth; Hepar sulphuris for
chronic indigestion and costiveness, attended with tendency to vomit
in the morning; Mercurius in cases of flatulence, combined with
costiveness; Nux vomica for indigestion that makes itself felt from 2
a.m. to 4 a.m., or thereabouts, with loss of appetite and nausea in
the morning, and for persons with a tendency to piles, and those who
are engaged in sedentary occupations; Pulsatilla for women generally,
and Chamomilla for children.
947. Fevers.
For all fevers of a serious character, such as scarlet fever, typhus
fever, typhoid fever, gastric fever, intermittent fever, or ague, &c.,
it is better to send at once for a medical man. In cases of ordinary
fever, indicated by alternate flushes and shivering, a hot dry skin,
rapid pulse, and dry foul tongue, the patient should have a warm bath,
take but little nourishment, and drink cold water.
_Medicine_. Aconitum napellus.
[AND FAITH BE OUR STAFF.]
948. Flatulency.
This disorder, which arises from, and is a symptom of, indigestion,
frequently affects respiration, and causes disturbance and quickened
action of the heart. The patient should pay attention to diet, as for
dyspepsia.
_Medicines_. China and Nux vomica; Pulsatilla for women, and
Chamomilla for children. See DYSPEPSIA (946).
949. Headache.
This disorder proceeds from so many various causes, which require
different treatment, that it is wiser to apply at once to a regular
homoeopathic practitioner, and especially in headache of frequent
occurrence.
_Medicines_. Nux vomica when headache is caused by indigestion;
Pulsatilla being useful for women; Belladonna and Ignatia, for sick
headache; Aconitum napellus and Arsenicum for nervous headache.
950. Heartburn.
For this unpleasant sensation of heat, arising from the stomach,
accompanied by a bitter taste, and sometimes by nausea, Nux vomica is
a good medicine. Pulsatilla may be taken by women.
951. Indigestion.
See DYSPEPSIA (946).
952. Measles.
This complaint, which seldom attacks adults, is indicated in its early
stage by the usual accompaniments and signs of a severe cold in the
head--namely, sneezing, running from the nose and eyelids, which are
swollen. The sufferer also coughs, does not care to eat, and feels
sick and restless. About four days after the first appearance of these
premonitory symptoms, a red rash comes out over the face, neck, and
body, which dies away, and finally disappears in about five days. The
patient should be kept warm, and remain in one room during the
continuance of the disorder, and especially while the rash is out,
lest, through exposure to cold in any way, the rash may be checked and
driven inwards.
_Medicines_. Aconitum napellus, and Pulsatilla, which are sufficient
for all ordinary cases. If there be much fever, Belladonna; and if the
rash be driven in by a chill, Bryonia.
953. Mumps.
This disorder is sometimes consequent on measles. It is indicated by
the swelling of the glands under the ears and lower jaw. It is far
more painful than dangerous. Fomenting with warm water is useful.
_Medicines_. Mercurius generally; Belladonna may be used when mumps
follow an attack of measles.
954. Nettlerash.
This rash, so called because in appearance it resembles the swelling
and redness caused by the sting of a nettle, is generally produced by
a disordered state of the stomach.
_Medicines_. Aconitum napellus, Nux vomica, or Pulsatilla, in
ordinary cases; Arsenicum is useful if there be much fever; Belladonna
if the rash is accompanied with headache.
955. Piles.
The ordinary homoeopathic remedies for this painful complaint are Nux
vomica and Sulphur.
956. Sprains.
Apply to the part affected a lotion formed of one part of tincture of
Arnica to two of water. For persons who cannot use Arnica, in
consequence of the irritation produced by it, a lotion of tincture of
Calendula may be used in the proportion of one part of the tincture to
four of water.
957. Teething.
Infants and very young children frequently experience much pain in the
mouth during dentition, and especially when the tooth is making its
way through the gum. The child is often feverish, the mouth and gums
hot and tender, and the face flushed. There is also much running from
the mouth, and the bowels are disturbed, being in some cases confined,
and in others relaxed, approaching to diarrhoea.
_Medicines_. These are Aconitum napellus, in ordinary cases; Nux
vomica, when the bowels are confined; Chamomilla, when the bowels are
relaxed; Mercurius, if the relaxed state of the bowels has deepened
into diarrhoea; Belladonna, if there be symptoms of disturbance of the
brain.
958. Whooping-Cough.
This disease is sometimes of long duration, for if it shows itself in
the autumn or winter months, the little patient will frequently retain
the cough until May or even June, when it disappears with the return
of warmer weather. Change of air when practicable is desirable,
especially when the cough has been of long continuance.
In this cough there are three stages. In the first the symptoms are
those of an ordinary cold in the head and cough. In the second the
cough becomes hard, dry and rapid, and the inhalation of the air,
after or during the paroxysm of coughing produces the peculiar sound
from which the disease is named. In the final stage the cough occurs
at longer intervals, and the paroxysms are less violent and ultimately
disappear. In this stage the disease is subject to fluctuation, the
cough again increasing in frequency of occurrence and intensity if the
patient has been unduly exposed to cold or damp, or if the weather is
very changeable.
Children suffering from whooping-cough should have a light nourishing
diet and only go out when the weather is mild and warm.
_Medicines_. Aconitum napellus in the very commencement of the
disorder, followed by Ipecacuanha and Nux vomica when the second stage
is just approaching and during its continuance. These medicines may be
continued if necessary during the third stage.
959. Worms.
The presence of worms is indicated by irritation of the membrane of
the nose, causing the child to thrust its finger into the nostrils; by
irritation of the lower part of the body; by thinness, excessive
appetite and restlessness in sleep. Children suffering from worms
should eat meat freely and not take so much bread, vegetables, and
farinaceous food as children generally do. They should have as much
exercise as possible in the open air, and be sponged with cold water
every morning. The worms that mostly trouble children are the thread
worms, which are present chiefly in the lower portion of the
intestines, and the round worm.
_Medicines, &c_. Administer an injection of weak salt-and-water, and
give Aconitum napellus, to be followed by Ignatia and Sulphur in the
order in which they are here given. These are the usual remedies for
thread worms. For round worms, whose presence in the stomach is
indicated by great thinness, sickness and discomfort, and pain in the
stomach, Aconitum napellus, Cina, Ignatia and Sulphur are given.
960. Extent of Doses in Homoeopathy.
Homoeopathic medicines are given in the form of globules, pilules, or
tincture, the last-named being generally preferred. The average doses
for adults are from half a drop to one drop of the tincture given in a
tablespoonful of water, from two to four pilules, or from three to six
globules. In using the tincture it is usual to measure out a few
tablespoonfuls of water and to add to it a certain number of drops
regulated by the quantity of water that is used. For children medicine
is mixed at the same strength, but a less quantity is given. The
proper quantity for a dose is always given in books and manuals for
the homoeopathic treatment of disease. Small cases of the principal
medicines used in homoeopathy can be procured from most chemists, and
with each case a little book showing the symptoms and treatment of all
ordinary complaints is usually given.
961. Diet in Homoeopathy.
The articles of food that are chiefly recommended when attention to
diet is necessary are stale bread, beef, mutton, poultry, fresh game,
fish, chiefly cod and flat fish, avoiding mackerel, &c., eggs and
oysters. Rice, sago, tapioca, and arrowroot are permitted, as are also
potatoes, carrots, turnips, broccoli, cauliflower, asparagus, French
beans, and broad beans. Water, milk, cocoa, and chocolate may be
drunk. It is desirable to avoid all things that are not specified in
the foregoing list. Ripe fruit may be eaten, but unripe fruit, unless
cooked should be scrupulously avoided.
962. Signs of the Weather.
963. Dew.
If the dew lies plentifully on the grass after a fair day, it is a
sign of another fair day. If not, and there is no wind, rain must
follow. A red evening portends fine weather; but if the redness spread
too far upwards from the horizon in the evening, and especially in the
morning, it foretells wind or rain, or both.
964. Colour of Sky.
When the sky, in rainy weather, is tinged with sea green, the rain
will increase; if with deep blue, it will be showery.
965. Clouds.
Previous to much rain falling, the clouds grow bigger, and increase
very fast, especially before thunder. When the clouds are formed like
fleeces, but dense in the middle and bright towards the edges, with
the sky bright, they are signs of a frost, with hail, snow, or rain.
If clouds form high in air, in thin white trains like locks of wool,
they portend wind, and probably rain. When a general cloudiness covers
the sky, and small black fragments of clouds fly underneath, they are
a sure sign of rain, and probably will be lasting. Two currents of
clouds always portend rain, and, in summer, thunder.
966. Heavenly Bodies
A haziness in the air, which dims the sun's light, and makes the orb
appear whitish, or ill-defined--or at night, if the moon and stars
grow dim, and a ring encircles the former, rain will follow. If the
sun's rays appear like Moses' horns--if white at setting, or shorn of
his rays, or if he goes down into a bank of clouds in the horizon, bad
weather is to be expected. If the moon looks pale and dim, we expect
rain; if red, wind; and if of her natural colour, with a clear sky,
fair weather. If the moon is rainy throughout, it will clear at the
change, and, perhaps, the rain return a few days after. If fair
throughout, and rain at the change, the fair weather will probably
return on the fourth or fifth day.
967. Weather Precautions.
If the weather appears doubtful, always take the precaution of having
an umbrella when you go out, as you thereby avoid the chance of
getting wet--or encroaching under a friend's umbrella.--or being under
the necessity of borrowing one, which involves the trouble of
returning it, and possibly puts the lender to inconvenience.
968. Leech Barometer.
Take an eight ounce phial and three-parts fill it with water, and
place in it a healthy leech, changing the water in summer once a week,
and in winter once in a fortnight, and it will most accurately
prognosticate the weather. If the weather is to be fine, the leech
lies motionless at the bottom of the glass, and coiled together in a
spiral form; if rain may be expected, it will creep up to the top of
its lodgings, and remain there till the weather is settled; if we are
to have wind, it will move through its habitation with amazing
swiftness, and seldom goes to rest till it begins to blow hard; if a
remarkable storm of thunder and rain is to succeed, it will lodge for
some days before almost continually out of the water, and discover
great uneasiness in violent throes and convulsive-like motions; in
frost as in clear summer-like weather it lies constantly at the
bottom; and in snow as in rainy weather it pitches its dwelling in the
very mouth of the phial. The top should be covered over with a piece
of muslin.
969. The Chemical Barometer.
Take a long narrow bottle, such as an old-fashioned Eau-de-Cologne
bottle, and put into it two and a half drachms of camphor, and eleven
drachms of spirit of wine; when the camphor is dissolved, which it
will readily do by slight agitation, add the following mixture:--Take
water, nine drachms; nitrate of potash (saltpetre), thirty-eight
grains; and muriate of ammonia (sal ammoniæ), thirty-eight grains.
Dissolve these salts in the water prior to mixing with the camphorated
spirit; then shake the whole well together. Cork the bottle well, and
wax the top, but afterwards make a very small aperture in the cork
with a red-hot needle. The bottle may then be hung up, or placed in
any stationary position. By observing the different appearances which
the materials assume, as the weather changes, it becomes an excellent
prognosticator of a coming storm or of fine weather.
970. Signification of Names.
971. Christian Names of Men.
Aaron, _Hebrew_, a mountain, or lofty.
Abel, _Hebrew_, vanity.
Abraham, _Hebrew_, the father of many.
Absalom, _Hebrew_, the father of peace.
Adam, _Hebrew_, red earth.
Adolphus, _Saxon_, happiness and help.
Adrian, _Latin_, one who helps.
Alan, _Celtic_, harmony; or Slavonic, a hound.
Albert, _Saxon_, all bright.
Alexander, _Greek_, a helper of men.
Alfred, _Saxon_, all peace.
Alonzo, form of Alphonso, _q.v._
Alphonso, _German_, ready or willing.
Ambrose, _Greek_, immortal.
Amos, _Hebrew_, a burden.
Andrew, _Greek_, courageous.
Anthony, _Latin_, flourishing.
Archibald, _German_, a bold observer.
Arnold, _German_, a maintainer of honour.
Arthur, _British_, a strong man.
Augustus,)
Augustin,) _Latin_ venerable, grand.
Baldwin, _German_, a bold winner.
Bardulph, _German_, a famous helper.
Barnaby, _Hebrew_, a prophet's son.
Bartholomew, _Hebrew_, the son of him who made the
waters to rise.
Beaumont, _French_, a pretty mount.
Bede, _Saxon_, prayer.
Benjamin, _Hebrew_, the son of a right hand.
Bennet, _Latin_, blessed.
Bernard, _German_, bear's heart.
Bertram, _German_, fair, illustrious.
Bertrand, _German_, bright raven.
Boniface, _Latin_, a well-doer.
Brian, _French_, having a thundering voice.
Cadwallader, _British_, valiant in war.
Cæsar, _Latin_, adorned with hair.
Caleb, _Hebrew_, a dog.
Cecil, _Latin_, dim-sighted.
Charles, _German_, noble-spirited.
Christopher, _Greek_, bearing Christ.
Clement, _Latin_, mild-tempered.
Conrad, _German_, able counsel.
Constantine, _Latin_, resolute.
Cornelius, _Latin_, meaning uncertain.
Crispin, _Latin_, having curled locks.
Cuthbert, _Saxon_, known famously.
Dan, _Hebrew_, judgment.
Daniel, _Hebrew_, God is judge.
David, _Hebrew_, well-beloved.
Denis, _Greek_, belonging to the god of wine.
Douglas, _Gaelic_, dark grey.
Duncan, _Saxon_, brown chief.
Dunstan, _Saxon_, most high.
Edgar, _Saxon_, happy honour.
Edmund, _Saxon_, happy peace.
Edward, _Saxon_, happy keeper.
Edwin, _Saxon_, happy conqueror.
Egbert, _Saxon_, ever bright.
Elijah, _Hebrew_, God the Lord.
Elisha, _Hebrew_, the salvation of God.
Emmanuel, _Hebrew_, God with us.
Enoch, _Hebrew_, dedicated.
Ephraim, _Hebrew_, fruitful.
Erasmus, _Greek_, lovely, worthy to be loved.
Ernest, _Greek_, earnest, serious.
Esau, _Hebrew_, hairy.
Eugene, _Greek_, nobly descended.
Eustace, _Greek_, standing firm.
Evan, or Ivan, _British_, the same as John.
Everard, _German_, well reported.
Ezekiel, _Hebrew_, the strength of God.
Felix, _Latin_, happy.
Ferdinand, _German_, pure peace.
Fergus, _Saxon_, manly strength.
Francis, _German_, free.
Frederic, _German_, rich peace.
Gabriel, _Hebrew_, the strength of God.
Geoffrey, _German_, joyful.
George, _Greek_, a husbandman.
Gerard, _Saxon_, all towardliness.
Gideon, _Hebrew_, a breaker.
Gilbert, _Saxon_, bright as gold.
Giles, _Greek_, a little goat.
Godard, _German_, a godly disposition.
Godfrey, _German_, God's peace.
Godwin, _German_, victorious in God.
Griffith, _British_, having great faith.
Guy, _French_, a leader.
Hannibal, _Punic_, a gracious lord.
Harold, _Saxon_, a champion.
Hector, _Greek_, a stout defender.
Henry, _German_, a rich lord.
Herbert, _German_, a bright lord.
Hercules, _Greek_, the glory of Hera, or Juno.
Hezekiah, _Hebrew_, cleaving to the Lord.
Horace, _Latin_. }
Horatio, _Italian_, } worthy to be beheld.
Howel, _British_, sound or whole.
Hubert, _German_, a bright colour.
Hugh, _Dutch_, high, lofty.
Humphrey, _German_, domestic peace.
Ignatius, _Latin_, fiery.
Ingram, _German_, of angelic purity.
Isaac, _Hebrew_, laughter.
Jabez, _Hebrew_, one who causes pain.
Jacob, _Hebrew_, a supplanter.
James or Jacques, beguiling.
Joab, _Hebrew_, fatherhood.
Job, _Hebrew_, sorrowing.
Joel, _Hebrew_, acquiescing.
John, _Hebrew_, the grace of the Lord.
Jonah, _Hebrew_, a dove.
Jonathan, _Hebrew_, the gift of the Lord.
Joscelin, _German_, just.
Joseph, _Hebrew_, addition.
Joshua, _Hebrew_, a Saviour.
Josiah/Josais, _Hebrew_, the fire of the Lord.
Julius, _Latin_, soft-haired.
Lambert, _Saxon_, a fair lamb.
Lancelot, _Spanish_, a little lance.
Laurence, _Latin_, crowned with laurels.
Lazarus, _Hebrew_, destitute of help.
Leonard, _German_, like a lion.
Leopold, _German_, defending the people.
Lewis / Louis, _French_, the defender of the people.
Lionel, _Latin_, a little lion.
Llewellin, _British_, like a lion.
Llewellyn, _Celtic_, lightning.
Lucius, _Latin_, shining.
Luke, _Greek_, a wood or grove.
Manfred, _German_, great peace.
Mark, _Latin_, a hammer.
Martin, _Latin_, martial.
Matthew, _Hebrew_, a gift or present.
Maurice, _Latin_, sprung of a Moor.
Meredith, _British_, the roaring of the sea.
Michael, _Hebrew_, who is like God?
Morgan, _British_, a mariner.
Moses, _Hebrew_, drawn out.
Nathaniel, _Hebrew_, the gift of God.
Neal, _French_, somewhat black.
Nicholas, _Greek_, victorious over the people.
Noel, _French_, belonging to one's nativity.
Norman, _French_, one born in Normandy.
Obadiah, _Hebrew_, the servant of the Lord.
Oliver, _Latin_, an olive.
Orlando, _Italian_, counsel for the land.
Orson, _Latin_, a bear.
Osmund, _Saxon_, house peace.
Oswald, _Saxon_, ruler of a house.
Owen, _British_, well-descended.
Patrick, _Latin_, a nobleman.
Paul, _Latin_, small, little.
Paulinus, _Latin_, little Paul.
Percival, _French_, a place in France.
Percy, _English_, adaptation of "pierce eye".
Peregrine, _Latin_, outlandish.
Peter, _Greek_, a rock or stone.
Philip, _Greek_, a lover of horses.
Phineas, _Hebrew_, of bold countenance.
Ralph, contracted from Randolph, or Randal, or Ranulph,
_Saxon_, pure help.
Raymond, _German_, quiet peace.
Reuben, _Hebrew_, the son of vision.
Reynold, _German_, a lover of purity.
Richard, _Saxon_, powerful.
Robert, _German_, famous in counsel.
Roderick, _German_, rich in fame.
Roger, _German_, strong counsel.
Roland/Rowland _German_, counsel for the land.
Rollo, form of Roland, _q.v._
Rufus, _Latin_, reddish.
Samson, _Hebrew_, a little son.
Samuel, _Hebrew_, heard by God.
Saul, _Hebrew_, desired.
Sebastian, _Greek_, to be reverenced.
Seth, _Hebrew_, appointed.
Silas, _Latin_, sylvan or living in the woods.
Simeon, _Hebrew_, hearing.
Simon, _Hebrew_, obedient.
Solomon, _Hebrew_, peaceable.
Stephen, _Greek_, a crown or garland.
Swithin, _Saxon_, very high.
Theobald, _Saxon_, bold over the people.
Theodore, _Greek_, the gift of God.
Theodosius, _Greek_, given of God.
Theophilus, _Greek_, a lover of God.
Thomas, _Hebrew_, a twin.
Timothy, _Greek_, a fearer of God.
Titus, _Greek_, meaning uncertain.
Toby / Tobias, _Hebrew_, the goodness of the Lord.
Valentine, _Latin_, powerful.
Victor, _Latin_, conqueror.
Vincent, _Latin_, conquering.
Vivian, _Latin_, living.
Walter, _German_, a conqueror.
Walwin, _German_, a conqueror.
Wilfred, _Saxon_, bold and peaceful.
William, _German_, defending many.
Zaccheus, _Syriac_, innocent.
Zachary, _Hebrew_, remembering the Lord.
Zebedee, _Syriac_, having an inheritance.
Zechariah, _Hebrew_, remembered of the Lord.
Zedekiah, _Hebrew_, the justice of the Lord.
972. Christian Names of Women.