_Delirium Tremens_; it is applied as follows: Strip the patient naked
and roll him in a wet sheet till he looks like a mummy, and then roll a
blanket round this again. In many cases the delirious excitement will
subside as soon as a hot vapour surrounds the patient, and he will fall
into a quiet sleep. It should be used with caution in the case of an old
debilitated drunkard.
398. +Wax.+
Móm (_Hind._, _Duk._, _Beng._, _Punj._), Si'úth (_Kash._), Mozhukka
(_Tam._), Máinam (_Tel._), Mezhuka (_Mal._), Ména (_Can._, _Mah._), Mín
(_Guz._), Ittí (_Cing._), Phayoui (_Burm._), Libu lubah (_Malay_).
399. Wax, obtainable of good quality in most bazaars, has no especial
medicinal properties; it is, however, extensively used in the formation
of ointments, plasters, &c., for the purpose of giving them consistence,
and a mildly stimulant action. The following is stated to be an
excellent stimulant application to "_Blind Boils_," so common at certain
seasons in many parts of India; it is thought to bring them to a head
sooner than any other remedy. Take of Indian Bdellium—Gúgul (_Hind._,
_Punj._), Kánt-i-gun (_Kash._), the gum resin of Balsamodendron Mukul
(_Hooker_), and B. pubescens (_Stocks_)—Wax, and Sesamum oil, of each
one ounce; melt together with a gentle heat, stirring well, and strain.
A portion of this, spread on rag or lint, should be placed over each
boil. It is also a good dressing for subsequent _Ulceration_.
ADDENDA.
400. +Cinchona Febrifuge, or Darjeeling Cinchona Alkaloid.+ This was
really employed as a cheap substitute for Quinine.
In 1875 Mr. Wood, the Government Quinologist, prepared from the bark of
Cinchona succirubra and other species under cultivation at Darjeeling an
alkaloid, or rather a mixture of alkaloids, which has received the
provisional names of "DARJEELING CINCHONA ALKALOID," and "CINCHONA
FEBRIFUGE." A rough analysis shows that it contains: Quinine, 15·5;
Cinchonidine, 29·0; Cinchonine, 33·5; Amorphous Alkaloid, 17·0; and
Colouring Matter, 5·0 in 100 parts. It occurs in the form of a
buff-coloured powder, of a peculiar disagreeable smell, and bitter,
nauseous taste; insoluble in water, soluble in mineral and vegetable
acids.
401. In the treatment of _Intermittent Fever_ this remedy ranks next to
Quinine, over which it possesses the advantage of being comparatively
cheap, and, from its being manufactured in India, is within the reach of
all. It has its disadvantages, however, being apt to create nausea,
vomiting, with a burning sensation at the pit of the stomach, extending,
in some instances, to the throat, and occasionally diarrhœa. Like
Quinine, if given in sufficient doses to produce its specific effect, it
gives rise to headache, singing in the ears, giddiness, and other
symptoms included under the term "Quinism;" but all these pass away on
the discontinuance of the remedy, leaving no after ill effects. It is,
in fact, a thoroughly safe and efficacious remedy in ordinary simple
Intermittents, but its use is limited to these. In the severer forms and
in Remittent Fevers it is not to be depended upon: here Quinine remains
the sheet anchor. The dose is from 5 to 10 grains twice or thrice daily
during the intermission or in anticipation of an expected paroxysm.
Dilute Sulphuric Acid (one and a half minim to one grain of the
alkaloid) is said to be the best solvent, but given with Dilute
Hydrochloric or Citric Acid, its disagreeable taste and smell are
partially masked, and hence is more easily borne. Fresh Lime Juice is
recommended as an eligible vehicle for popular use.
402. _In Debility after Fevers_ it promises to be of great value as a
tonic, given in small doses. It is worthy of a trial in _Enlargement of
the Spleen_ in combination with Sulphate of Iron (176). In _Neuralgia_,
_Faceache_, _Tic Douloureux_, when assuming a periodical form, this
remedy is well worthy of a fair trial. It should be given in full doses
(10 grains) thrice daily for adults.
403. Closely allied to the foregoing is another form of collective
Cinchona Alkaloids, to which its discoverer, Dr. de Vrij, has given the
name of QUINETUM. It is said to represent the whole of the alkaloids in
Cinchona succirubra bark in proportion of Quinine, 25; Cinchonidine, 50;
and Cinchonine, 20 in 100 parts. Dr. Vinkhuysen, who tried it
extensively in the treatment of _Intermittent Fevers_, says that
"Quinetum is of great value as a febrifuge, but that it takes longer to
act, and will not replace Quinine in pernicious fever. It has the same
apyretic effect as Quinine, but is less powerful; larger doses are
therefore required at longer intervals before the paroxysms. It produces
no ill effects, no noises in the ear, and can be taken by those who
cannot take Quinine. It is more efficacious in chronic cases and as a
tonic, whilst in masked malaria it is incomparably superior to Quinine."
This statement is quoted from Sir Joseph Fayrer's valuable work _On the
Climate and Fevers of India_ (London, 1882), and to it he (Sir Joseph)
adds the expression of his own belief that "it is a very valuable drug."
We learn from the same authority that it is now largely prepared in
India. This being the case, and as it is less than half the price of
Quinine, it may be regarded as an important addition to Indian Materia
Medica. The dose is from 8 to 16 grains in diluted Lime Juice or other
acidulated water.
404. +Sugar.+
Shakar (_Hind._, _Duk._), Bhúra, Chiní (_Beng._), Misri (_Punj._),
Sakkará, Sharukkarai (_Tam._), Shakkara (_Tel._), Sharkkara, Panjasára
(_Mal._), Síní, Sakkere (_Cing._), Saghia or Tagiya (_Burm._), Gúla
(_Mal._).
405. This article is not usually regarded as a medicine, but Dr.
Aitchison in his valuable notes, points out how he has utilised it as
such with excellent effect; and as it is procurable throughout the
length and breadth of India, it seems well worthy of notice in this
place. Only the best and purest kinds should be employed for medicinal
purposes.
406. In all forms of _Ophthalmia_ (_Country Sore Eyes, &c._), Dr. A.
states that he has found a solution of one drachm of Sugar in three
drachms of Water dropped into the eye every hour or so, never fail to
afford relief, and that generally, if applied early, cuts short the
disease at once. This practice, he adds, he has followed for twelve
years, and used nothing else. Children, according to his experience,
will actually come and ask to have the remedy dropped into their eyes,
so great is the relief it affords. At bedtime, in these cases, it is
advisable to apply to the eyelashes a little sweet oil or grease, and
the first thing in the morning carefully to wash the eyes with hot milk
and water. This solution is also useful for _removing small foreign
substances from the eye_.
407. _In Gonorrhœa and Vaginal Discharges_ the above solution is an
excellent application, though not so uniformly useful as in Ophthalmia.
In Gonorrhœa, it may be commenced with at once, the injections being
repeated frequently during the day, in addition to general remedies; but
in Vaginal discharges other remedies may be tried first. (See _Index._)
408. Sugar is an excellent dressing for certain forms of _Foul,
Gangrenous looking Ulcers_, the Sugar (white or refined) in grain being
merely sprinkled over the sore, which under its use soon assumes a
healthy appearance. As a drawing plaster for _Boils_ equal parts of
Sugar and Yellow Soap, is an old remedy. (Dr. Aitchison.)
409. +Petroleum. Rock Oil.+
Mittí-ká-tél (_Hind._, _Duk._), Mátiyá-tail (_Beng._), Man-yenney,
Man-tayilam (_Tam._, _Mal._), Manti-tayilam, Manti-núné (_Tel._),
Mannunyanné (_Can._), Mattí-cha-téla (_Mah._), Mattí-nu-tel (_Guz._),
Yé-ná (_Burm._).
409_a_. Petroleum, a mineral oil, semi-liquid, somewhat of the
consistence of treacle, tenacious, semi-transparent, of a deep sherry
red or nearly opaque, tar-like brown, with a peculiar though not
unpleasant aromatic odour and pungent acrid taste, exudes spontaneously
from the rocks in volcanic regions, and collects on the surface of
certain lakes in Persia, Burmah, Assam, and the islands on the Arracan
Coast, as well as in Barbadoes, Trinidad, and other West Indian Islands.
As a medicinal agent, it is a terebinthinate (turpentine-like)
stimulant, and as such appears to act specially on the kidneys,
increasing in a marked degree the urinary secretion. The dose is about
half a fluid drachm (thirty drops) suspended in mucilage.
410. Petroleum is very generally employed by the Native practitioners
externally as a stimulant in _Paralytic Affections_ and in _Chronic
Rheumatism_, and Dr. Fleming (Cat. p. 53), commenting on this, adds that
he can, from his own experience, recommend it in the latter disease as
an efficacious remedy, having derived more benefit from it than from the
more costly Cajeput Oil, which he had previously used. A case of
_Beri-beri_ successfully treated by it, externally and internally, is
recorded by Mr. S. Arokeum (_Madras Quart. Med. Journ._, July 1863), but
how far the recovery was due in this instance to the Petroleum seems
doubtful. Still, it seems worthy of further trials in this obscure
affection.
411. _In Skin Diseases_, it is a useful external application, and a case
of _Chronic Eczema_, which had resisted a host of remedies cured by it,
is recorded by Dr. J. W. Mudge (_Indian Ann. of Med. Science_, 1854, p.
450). He used it incorporated with Soap in the proportion of a drachm to
an ounce.
412. _As an Antiseptic agent in Surgical Practice_, some trials have
been made with it by Sir Joseph Fayrer (_Indian Med. Gazette_, Sept.
1869, p. 184), and he comes to the conclusion that it possesses some, if
not all, the advantages assigned to Carbolic Acid in this character. He
used it, pure or diluted, with equal parts of oil or glycerine; and he
states that whilst it certainly has some deodorising power, it appeared
also to have that of limiting suppuration and of restraining the
development of septic miasmata in the discharges. He likewise found it
useful as a stimulating and detergent application to _Sloughing and
Ulcerated Surfaces_, and in one case of _Carbuncle_ it proved most
efficacious. It causes little inconvenience beyond slight smarting. "The
evidence of its virtue," Sir J. Fayrer observes, "is as yet but limited,
yet it is such as to suggest the advantage of making further trial of
what may prove to be a valuable addition to our surgical resources, and
it has the advantage of being produced in the country." The summaries of
twenty cases are appended to illustrate the use of this hydrocarbon. It
is to be hoped it will meet with further trials.
413. +Kerosene Oil.+ A burning oil, refined from crude Petroleum.
Pathar-ka-tél (_Punj._).
414. Owing to the extensive use of this mineral Oil for lighting
purposes during the past few years, it can now be obtained in nearly
every bazaar in the country. According to the experience of Dr.
Aitchison, no local remedy is so pre-eminently useful in all _Skin
Diseases_ as this, especially when of a parasitic origin. It is
comparatively of little use in syphilitic eruptions.
415. The oil may be employed pure when no large surface is involved, but
if the disease to be treated extensively covers the body, it should be
diluted with equal parts of sweet oil. Nothing can come up to it, he
asserts, in removing and _destroying bugs_ from old wood. It is also
said to be of use in _removing white ants_.
416. _In Itch_, when of limited extent, after opening each pustule, rub
into the part carefully twice or thrice daily pure Kerosene Oil. If it
be extensively diffused over the whole body, after thoroughly washing
with soap and water, rub in a solution of equal parts of Kerosene and
Sweet Oil. This, observes Dr. Aitchison, far surpasses the Sulphur
treatment. _In Ringworm_ it is sufficient to paint the affected spot
with the pure oil twice or thrice daily. _In Scalled Head_, after
cutting the hair as short as possible, apply a poultice to clean off the
scab from the scalp, and then thoroughly saturate the cleansed surface
with Kerosene Oil. During treatment the patient should wear an oil-skin
cap. Oil alone, applied thus, adds Dr. Aitchison, will cure the disease,
but Kerosene does it more quickly and effectually. _Lice_ of all kinds
are at once destroyed by rubbing Kerosene Oil into the parts they
occupy, and are totally exterminated by two or three free applications.
(Dr. Aitchison.)
417. +Rock Salt+, an impure Chloride of Sodium.
Senda-lon, Senda-namak (_Hind._, _Duk._), Indúppú (_Tam._, _Tel._),
Intúppa (_Mal._), Nímak, Lun (_Punj._).
418. Rock Salt occurs in large masses varying in weight from 2 or 3 to 8
or 10 lb.: dull or brownish-white externally, white and crystalline
internally, of a pure saline taste; procurable in all large Indian
bazaars at four or five annas per lb. Though known to be a mere variety
of Chloride of Sodium (common salt) it is possessed of far stronger
purgative properties, it is also stronger than Cream of Tartar; but like
this, it is not a satisfactory cathartic given alone; in combination
with other purgatives, however, it is equal if not superior to it, and
may advantageously replace it in Kaladana and other officinal Powders.
(Dr. Moodeen Sheriff.)
COOKERY FOR THE SICK.
419. +Mutton Broth and Beef Tea.+
Take a pound of meat, free from fat; chop it up fine, and let it stand
for one hour in a pint of cold water. Then add half a dozen Okra (1) cut
transversely, and boil at a gentle heat to half a pint; strain and
flavour with salt and pepper to taste. It should be freshly prepared
daily.
420. +Chicken Broth.+
This is prepared in the same manner as the preceding, a full-grown fowl
being substituted for the pound of meat. The two essential points to be
attended to being that the flesh is cut small or well bruised, and that
it stands for an hour in cold water previous to being put on the fire.
Half-grown fowls will answer for children. Like the preceding, it should
be prepared fresh daily.
421. +Raw Meat Juice.+
The juice of raw meat is an invaluable remedy in sickness, more
especially in the many diseases of the intestinal canal from which
Europeans suffer in Indian, whether during infancy or in adult life. For
obtaining this juice any meat will do, but beef is to be preferred. From
a piece, say, a pound in weight, remove all the fat; then mince the
meat; after which cover the mince with as much water as it will absorb
in four or five minutes; then reduce the soft mass into a pulp in a
mortar by means of a pestle. Pass this pulp through a cloth forcibly:
the fluid which passes through the cloth is meat juice. Children will
take this readily without any addition being made to it. Adults,
however, frequently cannot do so, owing to its peculiar raw odour. In
such cases it can be made palatable by the addition of a little salt,
sometimes sherry, Worcester sauce, or even a little acid jelly; but
whatever is done to this juice to make it palatable, on no account add
mineral acids, or cook it, as in both cases the albumen of the juice
becomes coagulated, making it less digestible. Where ice is procurable,
meat in this form can be conveniently kept fresh for more than
forty-eight hours. Where ice cannot be obtained, and the climate is at
summer heat, the juice should be extracted from the meat fresh each time
it is to be given. (Dr. Aitchison.)
422. +Rice Milk.+
Boil one table-spoonful of ground Rice with a pint and a half of Milk,
or equal parts of milk and water; stir it smooth, and boil for two
minutes; flavour with sugar and nutmeg. A very nourishing food for
children.
423. +Arrowroot.+
Take a table-spoonful of the best Arrowroot, and make it into a thin
paste with a little water; then add gradually half a pint of boiling
water, stirring it the whole time. Put it on the fire for two or three
minutes, still continuing to stir it till the whole is uniformly mixed;
then remove it from the fire and add grated nutmeg, sugar, &c., to
taste. If made with milk instead of water, it is more nourishing, but
when the stomach is weak it sometimes disagrees, and then water is
preferable. It should be prepared fresh when required.
424. +Sago.+
Add a table-spoonful of the best Sago to a pint of Water, and let it
stand for two hours, then boil for a quarter of an hour, stirring the
whole time, till it forms a clear uniform jelly. Remove from the fire,
and flavour with sugar, nutmeg, &c.
425. +Pish-Pash+ (_Puss-Pass_).
This is a regular Indian dish for invalids, and consists of fresh meat
cooked amongst rice. Usually a chicken is cut up into small pieces, put
into the bottom of a small pan, to which are added three table-spoonfuls
of rice, well cleaned, and over the whole is poured two breakfast-cupfuls
of cold water. This is now allowed to cook over a slow fire for three or
four hours. Spices and salt, of course, can be added during the cooking
process. If the patient is extremely ill the rice part alone is used,
which has absorbed nearly the whole of the strength of the meat. Besides
being given to invalids, this is a common diet amongst European children
in India (Dr. Aitchison).
426. +Brandy Mixture.+
Take of Brandy and of Water each four table-spoonfuls, the yolks of two
eggs, and half an ounce of powdered white sugar. Beat the yolks and
sugar well together, then add the spirit and water, and flavour with
grated cinnamon or nutmeg.
This is a valuable stimulant and restorative in the low forms and
advanced stages of _Fever_, _Smallpox_, _Measles_, _Exhausting
Hæmorrhages_, _Cholera_, and other cases where the vital powers are
greatly depressed. The dose for adults is from one to three
table-spoonfuls repeated according to circumstances; for children from a
teaspoonful to a table-spoonful according to age or the urgency of the
symptoms.
427. _In Delirium Tremens_ this is one of the best forms of stimulant,
combining as it does nutritive with stimulant properties; indeed, when
other food is rejected, the proportion of eggs may be doubled or
trebled. In the young and vigorous, and in first attacks, all alcoholic
drinks may be safely and strictly withheld, but should there be a great
craving for drink, Omum water (320) may be tried, as it is said to
relieve this condition. In the old debilitated confirmed drinker,
however, stimulants become a necessity, and Brandy Mixture in doses of
one to two ounces may be given at stated intervals as required, but the
patient should not be allowed to sip it, or take it occasionally as he
thinks fit.
428. +White Wine Whey.+
Take one pint of fresh Milk, add Mace, Nutmeg and Cinnamon, with Sugar
to taste. Put it on a clear slow fire, stirring until the milk is on the
point of boiling over. Then take it off, and throw in one or two
wineglassfuls of Sherry or Madeira. Put it on the fire again, stirring
it gently one way until it curdles; then remove, and strain through
cloth or muslin. This taken at bedtime, the patient being well covered
with clothes, so as to produce copious perspiration, has often an
excellent effect in arresting incipient attacks of _Catarrh_,
_Influenza_, _&c._
429. +Egg Wine.+
Beat up one Egg (both yolk and white) with a table-spoonful of cold
Water. On this pour a mixture of a glass of Sherry and half a glass of
water previously heated together (not boiling), stirring all the time.
Then sweeten with white sugar, and add a little grated nutmeg, to taste.
Taken in this form it is more digestible, but its flavour is improved by
heating the ingredients in a clean saucepan over a gentle fire (not to
boiling), stirring them one way till they thicken. This, with a small
piece of toast or biscuit, may be advantageously taken by invalids twice
daily, or as occasion requires.
430. +Strengthening Jelly.+
Steep two ounces of Isinglass or Prepared Gelatine, one ounce of Gum
Arabic, five ounces of Sugar Candy, and a grated Nutmeg in a bottle of
Port wine all night. In the morning, simmer over a slow fire till quite
dissolved; then strain and set aside in a cool place till it forms a
firm jelly. A piece the size of a nutmeg may be taken five or six times
a day. This jelly is admirably suited for cases of debility when the
stomach is unable to bear animal food.
PART II.
SYNOPSIS OR INDEX OF DISEASES.
_The numbers have reference to the paragraphs; the asterisk_ (*)
_denotes those most deserving of attention_.
_Abdomen, Flatulent Distension of._ See _Flatulence_.
_Abortion._ Use Vinegar externally and internally (379); if great
restlessness or pain is present, give Opium (289); if the hæmorrhage
continue unabated, apparently from want of power in the uterus to
contract, try Borax and Cinnamon (58), or administer a Turpentine enema
(364). In cases where there is much hæmorrhage, which does not abate
under the above means, the Acetate of Lead and Opium Pills advised for
_Hæmorrhage, Internal_, may be given with signal advantage. With these
exceptions, let nature complete her work by herself; more harm than good
may result from meddlesome interference. Perfect rest of mind and body,
a strictly recumbent posture in a cool, well-ventilated apartment, and
careful avoidance of all stimulant articles of diet and mental
excitement, are essentials to successful treatment. _Threatened Abortion
from a fall, over-exertion, &c._, may sometimes be averted by a dose of
Opium (289), and strict attention to the above hygienic rules. See also
_Hæmorrhage, Internal_.
_Abscess._ In the early stage apply Hot Water Fomentations (393); if
there be much inflammation and pain, apply Leeches (212), and keep
constantly to the part a solution of Sal Ammoniac (325), or Evaporating
Lotion (380). If matter forms, apply Rice Poultices (322); when it comes
so near the surface that it can be felt fluctuating under the finger the
abscess should be opened with a lancet at the most prominent point; and
after the matter has been evacuated by gentle pressure, the Rice
Poultices should be continued, and changed twice or thrice daily. Should
the pain be so great as to prevent sleep, a dose of Opium (283) or
Tincture of Datura (128) at bedtime is advisable. Should the discharge
be profuse and the patient weak, support the strength with a liberal
diet and tonics, as Chiretta (98, 99), or Country Sarsaparilla (163), or
Ním Bark (260). N.B.—_Abscesses in the neck should be opened only by a
doctor, or by one who is conversant with the anatomy of the part._
_Acidity of the Stomach._ See _Stomach, Acidity of_.
_Acids, Poisoning with._ Give copious draughts of Lime Water (228) and
milk, or, if this be not at hand, soap and water, or chalk, or the
plaster of the apartment beaten up with water. Rice _Conjee_ (322) and
other mucilaginous drinks, white of eggs, or draughts containing any
bland oil, should be given freely. Much of the success in these cases
depends upon the promptitude with which the remedies are applied.
_Ague._ See _Fever, Intermittent._
_Ague Cake._ See _Spleen, Enlargement of_.
_Albuminuria._ Try Alum (27).
_Amenorrhœa._ See _Menstrual Discharge, Suspended_.
_Anus, Prolapsus of._ See _Bowel, Descent of_.
_Aphthæ, or Aphthous Ulceration._ See _Mouth, Ulceration of_.
_Apoplexy._ If the patient is young and vigorous, pour cold water from a
height on the head and spine as directed in 386. Keep Evaporating Lotion
(380) to the head; give a Croton Pill (120), or if the patient is unable
to swallow, place a drop or two of Croton Oil (121) at the back of the
tongue. Apply Turpentine Stupes (363) or Mustard Poultices to the feet
and calves. Should the insensibility continue, give a Turpentine enema
(364). For the old and debilitated, and for natives generally, a little
Brandy Mixture (426), or other stimulant judiciously given, offers a
better prospect of success than _bloodletting, which should never be had
recourse to except under medical supervision_.
_Appetite, Loss of._ First try Chiretta (98, 99*); should this fail,
give one of the following: Sweet Flag Root (12), Country Sarsaparilla
(163), Ním Bark (260), or Gulancha (352). Stomachics, as Capsicum (79),
Cinnamon (102), or Cloves (105), may be advantageously combined with
them, care being taken at the same time to regulate the bowels.