an emetic of Sulphate of Copper (117) or Mustard (246), and then give
copious draughts of white of eggs beaten up in milk, or a mixture of
equal parts of Lime Water and Sesamum, Cocoa-nut, or other bland oil.
Powdered Sugar has been advised in these cases, but if of any service,
it can only act like the preceding mixtures, mechanically, by enveloping
the particles of the poison; this remark applies also to Powdered
Charcoal, which has also been well spoken of. When the vomiting has
abated, give a full dose of Castor Oil (83) to carry off any of the
poison which may have passed into the intestines, and this may be
repeated every day for two or three days. Should there be great
exhaustion, a little stimulant, as Brandy Mixture (426), may be given,
and a dose of Opium may be advisable, to subdue any subsequent great
pain and restlessness.
_Asthma._ To relieve the severity of a paroxysm, try one or more of the
following: Turpentine Stupes (362*), or Hot Water Fomentations to the
chest (393), Camphor (70*), or Asafœtida (37) internally, and the
inhalation of the fumes of Nitre Paper (268*) or of Datura (129*). A cup
of hot, strong, milkless, sugarless Coffee _café noir_, drunk as hot as
can be borne, sometimes gives great relief. Daily sponging the chest
with Vinegar is thought to act in a measure as a preventive (378). A
better preventive is the careful regulation of diet. Many a fit of
asthma can be clearly traced to a hot supper, or some other error of
diet.
_Atrophy, or Wasting of the Body._ Try Fish Liver Oil (142), with
tonics, as Chiretta (98, 99), and change of air.
_Bed Sores._ To prevent these, bathe the parts daily with a solution of
Camphor in spirit (75), or with Brandy or Eau de Cologne, or apply Alum
and White of Egg (31*), and relieve the local pressure as much as
possible by change of position, &c. A small circular pillow with a
hollow centre (just like the pads worn by the _coolies_ on their heads
in carrying weights, only thinner) is most useful for this purpose.
Should a sore form notwithstanding, it should be treated as an ordinary
ulcer. See _Ulcer_.
_Beri-beri_, Petroleum (410).
_Bish_ (_Aconite Root_), _Poisoning with._ Strong stimulants, as Brandy
and Ammonia; Cold Water Affusion (386), and persistent friction of the
limbs and spine, appear to offer the best chance of success. Decoction
of Galls (152) has been advised as an antidote. Strong hot Coffee, _café
noir_, is worth a trial, if the patient can swallow.
_Bites, Venomous, and Stings, e.g., of Centipedes, Scorpions, Wasps._
All that is required in ordinary or mild cases, after immediate suction
of the bite, is application of Vinegar (380), or Alum (32), or a strong
solution of salt and water. Inunction of warm oil has been highly
recommended. If Ipecacuanha is at hand, a small portion of it made into
a thick paste with a few drops of water, and locally applied, is said in
many instances to afford great and immediate relief. Brown Sugar is said
to be specially useful in _Wasp Stings_. Soda is also said speedily to
relieve the pain in these cases. Should the symptoms be severe, as is
sometimes the case, Liquor Ammoniæ and stimulants, as advised for Snake
Bites (Appendix B), should be given.
_Bladder, Painful Affections and Irritable States of_, are best relieved
by Opium (286*), the free use of demulcents, as the Decoctions of
Abelmoschus (2), Ispaghúl seeds (305), or Rice _Conjee_ (322), and the
use of the Hip Bath (392). The Extract of Gulancha (353) seems well
worthy of a trial, especially in _Chronic Inflammation of the Bladder_.
_Bleeding._ See _Hæmorrhage_.
_Blows._ See _Sprains_.
_Boils_ are to be treated much in the same way as Abscesses, by Hot
Water Fomentations (393), Sal Ammoniac Lotion (332), and Rice Poultices
(322). Leeches (212) are rarely necessary, unless there should be much
pain and inflammation. Decoction of Country Sarsaparilla (163) may be
given internally if there is any constitutional disturbance. A popular
and useful "drawing plaster" is a compound of equal weights of Brown
Sugar and English Yellow Soap; a still better one is the ointment
described in paragraph 399; a portion of either of these spread on rag
should be applied over each boil. _Rajah Boil._ See _Carbuncle_.
_Bones, Scrofulous Affections of._ Give Fish Liver Oil (138).
_Bowel, Lower, Descent of._ The protruded part having been carefully
washed, should be replaced by gentle pressure with the hand: should
there be any difficulty in doing this, the forefinger well oiled should
be pushed up into the anus; and it will, unless the parts be greatly
swollen, carry the protruded part in with it. The patient should then
remain quiet for some hours in a recumbent posture, and apply cloths
saturated with Decoction of Galls (147), or Babúl Bark (9), holding Alum
(25*) in solution. Subsequently enemas of the above solutions, or others
containing Sulphate of Iron (179), act usefully in constringing the
parts and preventing a return of the accident. In weak, debilitated
subjects, Confection of Pepper (300) proves very serviceable. The bowels
should be kept open by mild aperients, of which Sulphur and Cream of
Tartar (344) is by far the best. All straining at stool should be
carefully avoided. A person subject to this accident should wear a pad
to keep the parts up.
_Chronic Descent of the Bowel in Children_ may be frequently cured by
making the child, when at stool, sit on a seat sufficiently high, so
that its feet cannot touch the ground or have other support. (Dr.
Aitchison.)
_Bowels, Spasmodic, and other Painful Affections of._ Mild cases
generally yield to Omum Water (318*), Lemon Grass Oil (216), or the
Infusions of Ginger (155), Dill Seeds (134), or Cloves (105), with or
without a single dose of Opium (284). Severe cases require the
repetition of the Opium (284) in Omum Water, &c., together with either
Hot Water Fomentations (393), Mustard Poultices (251), or Turpentine
Stupes (362) externally to the abdomen; followed in protracted cases by
an enema of Turpentine (364), or Asafœtida (36). In all cases a dose of
Castor Oil is advisable when the pain has abated. _In Children._ See
_Colic_. _For Irregularity of the Bowels_, try Bael Sherbet (45); _in
that of Children_, Decoction of Kariyát Leaves (193). _Constipation of._
See _Constipation_. _Bleeding from._ See _Hæmorrhage_.
_Breast, Abscess of, in Women._ See _Milk Abscess_.
_Breathing, Difficulty of, occurring without evident cause or in
connection with a cold_, sometimes yields to Camphor and Asafœtida Pills
(70), and Turpentine Stupes (362), or Mustard Poultices (247) to the
chest. Great relief, especially in the case of children, is often
derived from external application of Betal Leaves (48), or bags of hot
salt. See also _Cough_.
_Bronchitis, Chronic._ Decoction of Sweet Flag (13), Country Ipecacuanha
(370), Asafœtida (37), and Fish Liver Oil (140) internally, with Rice
Poultices (322), Croton Liniment (122), and Turpentine Stupes (362)
externally, may be used with advantage. The inhalation of the vapour of
hot Decoction of Abelmoschus (2) is also serviceable. The temperature of
the apartment should be kept as uniform as possible. For the relief of a
paroxysm of cough, the fumes of burning Nitre Paper (268) are worthy of
a trial in all cases. A blister to the chest often affords great relief.
_Bronchocele._ See _Goitre_.
_Bruises._ See _Sprains_.
_Buboes_ often subside under a non-stimulant diet, perfect rest in the
recumbent posture, and the continued application of Sal Ammoniac Lotion
(332), the bowels being at the same time carefully regulated. Should
matter form, treat as Abscess (_which see_). Should ulceration result,
apply Borax Lotion (59), Resin Ointment (372), &c., as advised for
ulcers. "Buboes, especially of the groin, when not in an inflamed
condition, are often immensely benefited by having a smooth stone of two
pounds weight or thereabout, laid over them; this rapidly causes
absorption." (Dr. Aitchison.)
_Burning of the Feet in Natives._ Apply Henna or Mhíndí Poultice (197)
locally, and try Bromide of Potassium, 5 to 10 grains dissolved in
water, twice or thrice daily.
_Burns and Scalds._ As soon after the accident as possible, apply freely
to the whole of the burnt surface Lime Liniment (229), or in its absence
Jinjili Oil (337), or any other bland oil, dusting thickly over with
Rice Flour; or even with simple Rice Flour without any oil as directed
in paragraph 322. The object in each case is to prevent, as far as
possible, the access of air to the burnt surface. These first dressings
should remain undisturbed for at least twenty-four hours, and should
then be repeated in the same, or in a modified form. Subsequent
ulcerations should be treated with Ceromel (167) or Resin Ointment
(372). Carbolised Oil or Liniment is advocated by Dr. Aitchison. Dr.
A.'s directions are as follows: "Employ a Liniment of Carbolic Acid, one
part Acid to 15 of a sweet Oil, carefully mixed; apply this freely over
the burnt or scalded surface, cover the whole with a thick piece of
cotton wool, and apply a bandage over all. On no account change the
cotton dressing unless there is any disagreeable odour. If the dressing
is becoming dry and thus causing irritation, take off the bandage and
moisten cotton wadding thoroughly with the same Liniment without moving
it. On no account allow water to come in contact with the injured part."
The treatment of very extensive burns of the lower limbs with carbolic
acid is considered to be prejudicial, but not so of the upper
extremities. Should the injured surface be extensive, the constitution
should be supported by liberal diet, tonics, and stimulants, as Brandy
Mixture (426) at stated intervals. Any great restlessness or excessive
pain may require a dose of Opium at bedtime (283). N.B.—Whenever the
burn is in the neighbourhood of the joint, or in the neck, it is
important that the parts should be kept in a straight or stretched
position, otherwise contraction is apt to result during the healing
process.
_Cancer._ To relieve the pain and restlessness, give Opium (283) or
Tincture of Datura (128). _To correct the fœtor of the discharge_, apply
relays of Charcoal Poultices (91), cleansing the ulcer each time the
poultice is changed with Borax Lotion (59). N.B.—On the smallest
suspicion of a cancer forming, no time should be lost in placing the
case under regular medical care.
_Carbuncle "Rajah Boil" of the Natives._ The treatment of the early
stages is similar to that for Abscess (_ante_); only if leeches are
deemed necessary, they should be placed round the edge and not on the
hardened surface. When ulceration sets in, the _Toddy_ Poultice (355) is
useful in stimulating to healthy action; and the removal of the slough
is greatly accelerated by the daily practice of Irrigation (395).
Turpentine Ointment (367) or Petroleum (412) also prove useful in this
stage. Should there be much fœtor, apply Charcoal Poultices (91) and the
Borax Lotion (59) as advised in _Cancer_. Opium (283) may be necessary
to relieve pain and give rest. When the slough has come away, the
ointments advised in paragraphs 367 and 372, or Ceromel (167), may be
used as dressing. A generous animal diet, with a daily portion of
stimulants, should be allowed, and tonics as Chiretta (98, 99), or
Country Sarsaparilla (163) administered. Whenever practicable, the case
should be placed _under proper surgical care_, as incisions are often
necessary for the removal of the slough.
_Cassava Root, Poisoning by._ Give Lime Juice (234).
_Castor Oil Seeds, Poisoning by._ Give Lime Juice (234).
_Cataract._ Datura (128).
_Catarrhs or Colds_ may often be cut short at the outset by a draught of
hot Infusion of Ginger (156) or White Wine Whey (428) at bedtime, and
covering the body well, so as to produce copious perspiration. A Vapour
Bath (396) will answer the same purpose. To relieve feverishness give
Solution of Nitre (264), Decoction of Abelmoschus (2), and Country
Ipecacuanha (370). Inhalation of the fumes of burning Turmeric (359)
manifestly relieves troublesome congestion or fulness of the head, nose,
&c. See also _Cough_.
_Caterpillar's Hairs, to Extract._ Some Indian Caterpillars are armed
with a thick hairy covering, and if these come in contact with the skin
the hairs are apt to pierce the cuticle, and by their presence create
great pain, irritation, &c. To extract them the following ingenious
plan, devised by Dr. Alexander Grant, late Bengal Medical Service, is
said to be very effectual. Take a lock of human hair, tie firmly with
thread about one-eighth of an inch from the cut end, so as to form a
short, firm, even brush, not however to be used as such, but as forceps.
This held between the thumb and forefinger, is allowed to descend
perpendicularly and uncompressed among the caterpillar hairs. When the
two sets of hairs are commingled, the brush is compressed as forceps
are, and drawn straight up, bringing the hairs with it, and so on until
all the hairs are pulled out.
_Centipedes, Bites of._ See _Bites, Venomous_.
_Chest, Pains in, during Fevers._ See _Fevers_.
_Childbirth._ See _Labours_.
_Children, Debility of._ To relieve pallor and wasting, give Country
Sarsaparilla (163), and Fish Liver Oil (139), with generous diet, and
gentle outdoor exercise. A change of air will often do more good than
medicine. _Constipation of_, see _Constipation_, _Convulsion of_, see
_Convulsions_. _Colic of_, see _Colic_. _Coughs of_, see _Coughs_.
_Diarrhœa of_, see _Diarrhœa_. _Difficulty of Breathing_, see
_Breathing, Difficulty of_.
_Cholera._ To check the premonitory diarrhœa or purging, give the Alum
Powders (26), or Alum with Infusion of Sweet Flag (12), or Omum Water
(319); should these not succeed in checking it, try a few of the
Compound Pepper Pills (299), but it is unadvisable to continue them long
on account of the large proportion of Opium which they contain (285).
One of the most useful forms of Cholera Pills, which should be commenced
at the earlier stages when the purging sets in, is composed of 24 grains
of Acetate of Lead, and two grains of Opium, made into a mass with a few
drops of Honey, and divided into eight pills. Of these one may be given
every hour or half-hour, according to the urgency of the symptoms, till
the whole eight have been taken; but this number should not be exceeded,
in consequence of the quantity of Opium they contain. Each pill may be
taken in a wineglassful of Omum Water. Should the disease progress, Dr.
Ayre's plan of treatment (285*), if the ingredients are at hand, should
be pursued, together with the persevering use of Lemon Grass Oil (216)
and Omum Water (318), for the purpose of checking the vomiting and
stimulating the system. For the latter purpose also give an ounce (two
table-spoonfuls) of the Brandy Mixture (426) every half-hour or oftener,
unless Champagne or other sparkling wine is available, this being
decidedly the best form of stimulant in these cases—only it must be
given in moderation at stated periods; more harm than good is done by
over-stimulation. The patient should be encouraged to drink plentifully
of _cold_ water, iced if possible; though the first draught or two may
be rejected, it will soon be retained if persevered in. Chicken Broth,
or Lime Water and Milk, may also be given plentifully as a drink. The
other accessories to the above are Mustard Poultices (251) or Turpentine
Stupes (363) over the heart (left side of the chest), bags of hot sand
or salt to the spine, feet, and legs, and diligent friction with the
hand or hot towels. At the same time the patient should not be moved
about more than can be possibly helped.—N.B. During an epidemic of
Cholera _impress_ upon everybody the necessity of applying for medicines
_directly they feel unwell or have the slightest purging_; those who
come thus early for treatment stand a much better chance of recovery
than those who delay even a few hours. _Here time is of the most vital
importance._
_Chorea, St. Vitus's Dance._ Fish Liver Oil (141), Infusion of Jatamansi
(184), and Sulphate of Iron (177), alone or in combination, according to
circumstances, are worthy of a trial. N.B.—This, as well as other
nervous affections, is often due to intestinal worms: attention should
therefore be paid to this point. (See _Convulsions_.)
_Cocculus Indicus, Poisoning by._ Having emptied the stomach by an
emetic of Sulphate of Copper (117) or Mustard (246), give copious
draughts of Decoction of Galls (152), followed by a full dose of Castor
Oil to carry off any of the poison which may have passed into the
intestines. Brandy or other stimulants are required should there be
great depression or exhaustion.
_Colds._ See _Catarrhs_.
_Colic in Adults_ is to be treated in a manner described in Spasmodic
Affections of the Bowels. _The_ _Colic of Children_, usually connected
with flatulence, generally yields to Omum Water (318*), Infusion of Dill
(134), with or without Asafœtida (36), and a Hot Bath (387), followed by
a dose of Castor Oil.
_Constipation._ For the immediate relief of this, aperients are
required. Castor Oil (83) and Senna (336) are best adapted for children
and delicate females; Aloes (18, 19) for women suffering from
irregularity or suspension of the menstrual discharge; Myrobalans (256)
and Kaladana (187) for otherwise healthy adults; and Croton Pills (120)
or Croton Oil (121) when strong and speedy purgation is indicated. _The
Constipation of Hysterical Females_ is best treated by Aloes and
Asafœtida Pills (19); _Habitual Constipation_, by Aloes, as directed in
Paragraph 20, or by Sulphur (344); _that of Children_ by Fish Liver Oil
(139), together with the use of oatmeal as an article of diet. A remedy
for habitual constipation in children, as well as in adults, is to be
sought for in tonics rather than in purgatives; the repeated use of the
latter lays the foundation of great subsequent mischief. N.B.—The
practice of native _ayahs_ (female servants) of inserting a piece of
tobacco stem into the anus of young children to relieve constipation,
_cannot be too strongly reprobated_.
_Consumption, Pulmonary (Phthisis)._ The persevering use of Fish Liver
Oil (138) is chiefly to be relied upon, with or without Lime Water and
Milk (226), as an ordinary drink. _As a preventive_ sponge the chest
daily with diluted Vinegar (378). Mustard Poultices (247) or Croton
Liniment (122) to the chest sometimes gives relief to _the Cough and
Difficulty of Breathing_, as does the inhalation of the vapour of Hot
Water (390) or Decoction of Abelmoschus (3). _For the Diarrhœa_, try the
Alum Powders (26) or Sulphate of Copper (110). _For the excessive
Perspirations_, sponge the chest with Vinegar (378). _For the Sore Mouth
or Fissures of the Tongue_, apply Borax (55), or Alum (29). _For
Bleeding from the Lungs_ try some of the means mentioned in _Hæmorrhage,
Internal_.
_Convulsions in Adults, arising without evident cause_, are best treated
by cold Affusion (386), Mustard Poultices (248), or Turpentine Stupes
(363) to the feet and legs, and a strong purgative, as Croton Pills
(120), Croton Oil (121), or Kaladana (187). If the patient be unable to
swallow, a Turpentine enema (364) may be used. _When the Convulsions are
due to poisons, &c., taken into the stomach_, an emetic of Mustard (246)
or Sulphate of Copper (117) should precede all other measures. _In the
Convulsions of Labour_, Turpentine Stupes (363) or Mustard Poultices
(248) should be applied to the extremities, and Evaporating Lotion (380)
to the head, whilst Camphor and Calomel Pills (73), or Borax and
Cinnamon (58), are given internally. A Turpentine enema (364) may also
prove useful. _The Convulsions of Children_ are best treated with a Hot
Bath (387), and a full dose of Castor Oil (83), preceded by one or two
grains of Calomel when at hand, or a dose or two of Asafœtida Mixture
(36). _In the Convulsions of Infancy and Childhood_, especially when the
cause is obscure, unconnected with teething, &c., Bromide of Potassium
is often more serviceable than any other remedy, in doses of a quarter
of a grain for a child under six weeks of age, half a grain under three
months, one grain above that age to nine months, and one grain
additional for every year up to three or four years of age. And these
doses may be safely repeated every two, three, or four hours until the
convulsions subside. The smaller doses may be obtained with exactitude
by dissolving, say, one grain of the Bromide in four teaspoonfuls of
water, and giving one, two, or three spoonfuls, or the whole quantity,
as one quarter, one half, one third, or one grain respectively is
required. It is worthy of a fair trial in all cases which resist
ordinary means, but should not be used to the exclusion of the hot bath
and careful regulation of the bowels. When the child is very much
exhausted, a few drops of Brandy, three to six, or more, according to
age, are often most useful. Convulsions of early childhood are
frequently connected with teething, hence lancing the gums is often of
essential benefit.
N.B.—Convulsions and nervous affections occurring in Natives and
Anglo-Indians are very frequently due to the presence of worms in the
intestines; their existence may perhaps be unsuspected, or even denied;
hence in all cases which resist ordinary treatment, it is advisable to
give a trial to one or more of the remedies recommended for _Worms_,
especially those for the _Lumbricus_ or _Round Worm_, which is so
extensively prevalent in India.
_Corns_ are best treated by immersion in hot soap and water, paring off
the hardened cuticle and wearing a piece of thick plaster, with or
without a hole in the centre, to ward off the pressure and friction.
_For Corns between the Toes_ nothing is more effectual than a piece of
thick blotting-paper worn so as to protect the opposing surface: it
should be renewed daily. If only ordinary thin blotting-paper be
available, two folds are advisable.
_Corrosive Sublimate, Poisoning by._ See _Mercurial Salts, Poisoning by_.
_Coughs._ Try Sal Ammoniac (329) and Country Ipecacuanha (370); with
Rice Poultices (322) or Mustard Poultices (247), Turpentine Liniment
(366), or Camphorated Opium Liniment (291) externally, and the
inhalation of the vapour of Hot Water (390) or Decoction of Abelmoschus
(2). If severe, a blister (349, 350) to the chest may be necessary. _In
Chronic cases, especially when attended with much expectoration and
debility_, give Fish Liver Oil (140). _In Spasmodic Coughs_, violent
paroxysms may be relieved by inhaling the fumes of Nitre Paper (268), or
by smoking Datura (129). _For the Cough of Old Age_, Cubebs (126) is
worth a trial. _For the Cough of Childhood_, Syrup of Country Liquorice
(6), Asafœtida (37), Honey and Vinegar (166), and Fish Liver Oil, may be
resorted to according to circumstances. Camphor Liniment (70), Mustard
Poultices (247), or bags filled with hot salt, or better still, Betel
Leaves (48), applied externally, tend to _relieve difficulty of
breathing in these cases_. Sponging the chest with Vinegar is thought to
lessen the liability to attack (378).
_Coup de Soleil._ See _Sunstroke_.
_Croton Oil Seeds, Poisoning by._ See Par. 234.
_Croup._ Sulphate of Copper (111) as an emetic, and Hot Water Stupes
(390) externally, are valuable accessories in the treatment of this
disease.
"The best and readiest emetic," writes Dr. Aitchison, "is a pinch of
Ipecacuanha Powder placed dry at the back of the child's tongue. This
usually acts instantaneously, so be prepared for the emergency. Sponges
dipped in extremely hot water, then rinsed out, and continuously applied
over the throat, will often check a coming attack. Poultices are useful,
but are apt to do much harm if allowed to become cold. Mustard poultices
should not be applied, as without due care they are apt to make the skin
tender, and thus prevent the use of hot fomentations."