drawn down so as to secure it by rolling it round a small piece of
twisted rag, or a thin piece of quill (let a native practitioner perform
this operation); and Water Dressing (394) applied, or should there be
much pain, a Datura Poultice (132). Every day gentle traction should be
made, and if this can be done whilst the limb or part is immersed in a
running stream or in a _chattie_ of cold water, the extraction is
rendered additionally easy. _Great gentleness and skill_ are requisite
to prevent the worm breaking, as this accident is followed by
inflammation and the formation of abscesses, which are difficult of
healing. See _Abscess_.
_Gums, Ulceration and Sponginess of_, may be treated with one of the
following:—Decoction of Babúl Bark (9), Alum (29*), Catechu (89*), or
Lime Juice (231).
_Hæmorrhage from Cuts, Wounds, &c._ When the blood is of a bright red
colour, and comes out in jets, indicating that an artery is wounded,
apply first a stream of _cold_ water, iced if possible, from a large
sponge, which will not only wash away all clots, dirt, &c., but promote
contraction of the vessel, and _perhaps_ arrest the bleeding at once. If
not, try the fresh juice of the Physic Nut Plant (302*), or Alum (25).
If these fail, or are not at hand, at once apply pressure with the
finger or fingers upon the exact point from which the blood is found to
issue, and there retain for some time, pressing against the bone or hard
substance. If the mouth of the bleeding vessel be clearly visible, and
the hæmorrhage still continues, it may be pinched up firmly between the
finger and thumb, or it may be seized with a pair of pincers or forceps,
drawn forward, and a ligature, silk if procurable, passed round it and
firmly tied. Not more of the surrounding flesh should be included in the
ligature than can be possibly avoided. If none of these plans succeed or
are applicable, or if the wound be large and bleeds much, apply pressure
to the limb by means of the STICK TOURNIQUET figured below.[2]
[Illustration]
In order to apply this properly, "tie tightly, at some little distance
above the wound, a pocket-handkerchief or cravat once or twice passed
round the limb; then, obtaining a piece of tough stick, push it under
the handkerchief, and, by turning the stick, twist the handkerchief more
and more tightly until the bleeding ceases. As soon as this result has
been attained, fasten the stick by another handkerchief round the stick
and limb together. This rude tourniquet may save life not unfrequently,
by enabling the injured person to be transported even for some distance
without fear of further bleeding." Position is a very important
consideration in wounds, the bleeding sometimes being at once arrested
by raising the injured limb above the level of the body.
[Footnote 2] The above woodcut, and the mode of applying it, is
reprinted by permission from _First Help in Accidents_, by Dr. C. H.
Schaibe, published by R. Hardwicke, 192 Piccadilly, London. A very
useful little book.
_Hæmorrhage from the Lungs, Stomach, Bowels, Kidneys, Uterus, or other
Internal Organs_, if attended by feverishness and heat of skin, a
solution of Nitre (267) or Sal Ammoniac (330) may be given, with the
plentiful use of Lemonade (233), Tamarind drink (346), Vinegar (379),
and other refrigerants. In the absence of fever, Alum (25) may be given
with safety and advantage. A far more effectual remedy in these cases is
the Acetate of Lead in doses of three or four grains, made into a pill
with half a grain of Opium, and followed immediately by a draught
containing a little vinegar. These pills and draughts may be repeated
every three or four hours till the bleeding begins to abate, when the
interval between the doses may be lengthened, and the quantities
decreased. In all these cases a perfect rest in a recumbent posture, in
a cool, well-ventilated apartment, and the avoidance of all excitement
and stimulants, are essential to the success of the above, or any other
remedies. In these cases Ice externally applied in bags exercises a
marked influence in checking internal hæmorrhage, especially from the
lungs. It should not be kept on sufficiently long to produce a chill.
Sucking small pieces of ice is also a useful practice. _Exhaustion from
excessive Hæmorrhage_ requires Brandy Mixture (426) and other
stimulants. _Hæmorrhage after Labour_, see _Labours_. _From Piles_, see
_Piles_.
_Hæmorrhage from the Nose_ may generally be checked by one of the
following simple means: 1. the application of a cold body, as a key or a
piece of ice to the nape of the neck. 2. By compressing the _opposite_
nostril. 3. By standing in the upright position and holding both arms in
the air for a few minutes. If these measures fail, recourse may be had
to Alum (25*), Sulphate of Copper (116), or Vinegar (379). Should
feverishness be present, treat as directed in preceding article.
_Hæmorrhage from Leech Bites._ _See_ Paragraph 205.
_Head, Affections of, where there is determination of blood to the head,
with sleeplessness, restlessness, and anxiety._ Mustard Bath (249*).
_Headaches_ generally must be treated with reference to their cause. _If
from Constipation_, Castor Oil (83), Kaladana (187), Myrobalans (256),
or other purgatives. _Of Fever_, hot water stupes to the nape of the
neck (393). _From Bilious derangement_, the same purgatives preceded by
a dose of Calomel (three grains) if at hand, and followed by Sal
Ammoniac (328*). _Nervous, Hysterical, and Rheumatic Headaches_ often
yield to Sal Ammoniac (328), persevered in for a few days, and the local
use of Camphor Lotion (71*). _From suppression of the Menstrual_
_Discharge_, Leeches to the inner surface of the thighs (210). _From
stoppage of bleeding from Piles_, Leeches to the verge of the anus
(210); in both these last cases Aloes (19) should be given internally.
The other measures occasionally useful are Ginger Plaster (157), Hot
Water Fomentations (393), and Mustard Poultices or Mustard Foot-baths
(248) to the extremities.
_Heart, Palpitations of._ See _Palpitations_.
_Heartburn_ often yields to Lime Water (221) given with milk or with
Omum Water (317); or with Chiretta (98), if associated with indigestion.
_Hepatitis._ See _Liver, Inflammation of_.
_Hoarseness_ may be treated by inhalations of the vapour of Hot Vinegar
(377*), or Decoction of Abelmoschus (3), by gargles containing Capsicum
(78*), Black Pepper (300), or Moringa root (238); by chewing Ginger
(158), or allowing a piece of Catechu (89) to dissolve in the mouth.
_Hooping Cough._ In the early stages regulate the bowels with Castor Oil
(83), and give Country Ipecacuanha (370) and Sal Ammoniac (329). As soon
as the feverish symptoms have subsided give Alum (28*); should this
fail, try Sulphate of Iron (180), with or without Asafœtida (37). If
weakness and emaciation exist, or in very obstinate cases, give Fish
Liver Oil (140); Mustard Poultices (252) and friction with Opium
Liniment (291) to the spine seem useful in the chronic stage.
_Hydrocephalus_ (_Water on the Brain_) occurring in weak, emaciated
children of a scrofulous habit occasionally improves under Fish Liver
Oil (139).
_Hysterical Affections._ Amongst the means useful in controlling these
are Asafœtida (35*), Aloes and Asafœtida Pills (19), Jatamansi (184),
Omum Water (318), Turpentine Enemas (364), and Cold Water Affusion (386).
_Indigestion, or Dyspepsia._ Tonics, as Chiretta (98, 99*), Sweet Flag
Root (12), Country Sarsaparilla (163), and Guluncha (352), combined with
stomachics, as Cloves (105), or Cinnamon (102), Capsicum (79), and Omum
Water (318*), offer the best prospect of success. _With great increased
Secretion_, Butea Gum (62). _With acidity of the Stomach_, Lime Water
(221). _With torpidity of the Bowels_, Tincture of Kariyát (192),
Without strict attention to diet, and careful regulation of the bowels
and other secretions, medicines will have comparatively little effect.
_Inflammations, Local or External_, require, according to circumstances,
Leeches (212), Hot Water Fomentations (393), Water Dressings (394),
Evaporating Lotion (380), Sal Ammoniac Lotion (332), and Rice-Flour or
Rice Poultices (322) as external applications. A solution of Acetate of
Lead (30 grains in a pint of water) forms an excellent soothing lotion,
and one which may always be resorted to with safety. The inflamed parts
should be kept constantly wet with it by means of moistened cloths.
_Influenza._ Give plentifully of Solution of Nitre (264), and treat
otherwise as described in _Catarrh_.
_Insanity._ A free action on the bowels by Croton Pill or Croton Oil
(120, 121), and the employment of a Mustard Bath (249), are of service
in the early stages. No time should be lost in placing the patient under
proper medical care.
_Insensibility_, from whatever cause arising, may be treated in the
first instance by the cautious use of Cold Water Affusion (386). A
Turpentine enema (364) may also be of service.
_Irritation of the Genital Organs._ See _Genital Organs_.
_Itch._ Use Sulphur Ointment (341), or Kerosene Oil (416).
_Jaundice._ Mild cases often yield to Sal Ammoniac (331), and the free
use of purgatives, as Kaladana (187), or Myrobalans (256).
_Joints, Injuries or Enlargement of._ In the early stages apply lotions
of Alum (32), and Sal Ammoniac (332), and subsequently liniments of
Camphor (68), and Turpentine (366). _In Chronic Enlargements_, Croton
Liniment (122). _Scrofulous affections of the Joints_ improve under the
use of Fish Liver Oil (138).
_Kidneys, Irritable state, and painful affections of._ Give plentifully
of diluents, as Decoction of Abelmoschus (2), Ispaghúl Seeds (305), or
Rice _Conjee_ (322). These, with Opium (286), and the use of the Hip
Bath (392), are calculated to afford great relief.
_Bleeding from._ See _Hæmorrhage_.
_Labours._ Don't interfere unnecessarily; Nature, if left to her own
unaided efforts, will accomplish her work in natural, uncomplicated
labours. Many a woman has _lost her life through meddlesome interference
on the part of ignorant midwives. Should the labour be very prolonged,
apparently for want of action or power in the womb_, a few doses of
Borax and Cinnamon (58) may be given. _For Flooding_ (_hæmorrhage during
or after labour_) lose no time in resorting to Cold Water Affusion
(388), and subsequently use Vinegar locally (379). _To promote the
Lochial Discharge, if scanty or arrested_, use Hot Water Fomentations
(393). _For After-pains_ give a dose of Opium (289). _Convulsions,
attendant on_, see _Convulsions_.
_Leech Bites, to arrest bleeding from._ See Paragraph 205.
_Leeches, to dislodge from nose and other passages._ See Paragraph 206.
_Leprosy._ Chaulmúgra (94), Gurgun Balsam (161*), Hydrocotyle (169*), or
Mudar (242); with these may be advantageously conjoined a prolonged
course of Fish Liver Oil (142), or the latter may be tried alone. _For
the ulcerations_, poultices of Hydrocotyle (169) or Ním Leaves (261) may
be applied with advantage. Opium (283) is often necessary _to relieve
pain and procure sleep. Whatever other treatment may be adopted,
diligent oily frictions over the whole body should form an essential
part of it_ (161-338). Carbolic Acid promises to prove a most valuable
agent in this disease. The treatment of Leprosy by Carbolic Acid Vapour
Baths, introduced by Surgeon-General W. Johnston, M.D. (_Times_, June 3,
1882), promises good results, and seems well worthy of further trials.
All that is required is an ordinary vapour bath apparatus (397), in
which the patient sits, and _outside a chattie_ or vessel of sufficient
size to contain about a quart of liquid, and made with a lengthened
curved spout, to fit accurately on an elastic tube of sufficient length
as to pass within the vapour-proof envelope. The calibre of this elastic
tube should be such as would admit of a continuous and abundant supply
of the vapour as it comes from the vessel, resting on a spirit-lamp
having a flame sufficient to keep the fluid in the vessel boiling
briskly. Prior to the use of this bath, sponging the body with tepid
water, holding a piece of washing soda in solution, seems to aid the
absorption of the vapour. The Carbolic Acid should be Calvert's
Disinfecting Fluid, of which a mixture of three or four parts to six or
seven of water may be employed. In this vapour bath the patient should
remain from 30 to 60 minutes (care being taken that a continuous supply
of vapour is kept up from outside), and it may be repeated every second
or third day according to circumstances. Dr. Johnston informs me that he
has never seen any ill effects result from the use of this carbolised
aqueous vapour, even in cases presenting extensive ulcerated surfaces.
Some care is requisite in arranging the fold or frill round the aperture
through which the head protrudes. "Were the patient to breathe a little
of it," Dr. J. remarks, "little injury would result, possibly good, but
still, for obvious reasons, he should not be allowed to breathe too
much." Dr. Aitchison directs leprous ulcerations to be treated with a
solution of Carbolic Acid (one to seven or ten of Sweet Oil, according
to circumstances), and that at the same time the whole body should be
rubbed with a weaker solution (1 to 20). This treatment, he remarks, at
once removes the horrid odour usually attendant upon these cases, and
the patients will readily adopt it, when they distinctly refuse to wash
or clean themselves. With a change in diet, under this treatment, these
cases, he adds, improve remarkably.
_Leucorrhœa_ ("_Whites_"). Cubebs (125), Nitre (269), Gurjun Balsam
(160), or Sulphate of Iron (174*), internally; with vaginal injections
containing Babúl Bark (9), Alum (30*), Galls (149), or Lime Water (224),
are indicated.
_Lice infesting the hair on various parts of the body, especially the
pubes_, may be destroyed by Cocculus Indicus Ointment (107), Vernonia
Seeds (373_b_), or Kerosene Oil (416). Carbolised Oil (1 Acid to 20 of
Sweet Oil), applied night and morning, is said to be an effectual remedy.
_Lime, Particles of, in the Eye_, may be dissolved and removed by dilute
Vinegar (382).
_Liver, various Affections of_, are often greatly benefited by Sal
Ammoniac (331). _Enlargement of_, Sal Ammoniac (331*), Papaw Juice
(296). _Congestion of this organ, especially if arising from
over-feeding_, often subsides under a dose of Calomel (three or four
grains) at night, followed, in the morning, by an active aperient of
Kaladana (187), or Castor Oil (83). Further relief may be obtained by
Hot Water Fomentations (393), Turpentine Stupes (362), or Betel Leaves
(48) over the region of the liver; if these fail, Leeches to the same
site, or to the verge of the anus (211), may afford manifest relief.
All, however, will be useless without strict attention to diet, and
careful avoidance of all stimulating articles of food and drink.
_Lock-jaw._ See _Tetanus_.
_Loins, pain in the._ See _Lumbago_.
_Lumbago._ Sal Ammoniac (326) internally, with Liniments of Camphor
(68), Lemon Grass Oil (217), Opium (291*), Datura Liniment or Poultices
(130), or Turpentine (366) externally, often succeed in affording
relief. Turpentine Stupes (362) may be tried in severe or obstinate
cases.
_Lungs, Affections of._ See _Coughs_, _Consumption_, _and Bronchitis_.
_Bleeding from._ See _Hæmorrhage_.
_Maggots on surface of Ulcers, to destroy._ Butea Seeds (65).
_Maggots in the Nose_ (_Pecnash_). Injections of Oil of Turpentine
(363_b_).
_Measles._ An occasional mild aperient, just sufficient to keep the
bowels gently open, the plentiful use of Lemonade (232), or Rice
_Conjee_ (322), with or without Nitre (264), together with confinement
to bed in a cool, well-aired apartment, and farinaceous diet for a few
days, will generally suffice for recovery in mild, uncomplicated cases.
_To allay irritation of the surface_, sponge with diluted Vinegar (376)
or Water (385), and dust the surface well over with Rice Flour (322).
_Should Cough occur_, use some of those means enumerated under Coughs.
_The advanced stages, in bad cases, characterised by great exhaustion_,
call for the use of Camphor (74), Brandy Mixture (426), and plentiful
nourishment.
_Menstrual Discharge, Suspension, or Irregularity of_ (_Amenorrhœa_).
Aloes (18), Borax (58), and Sulphate of Iron (174*), alone or combined,
may prove serviceable. Try also hip bath with Sesamum Seeds (338_a_).
_Excessive or long-continued Menstruation_, Alum (25) and Vinegar (379).
_When attended with much pain and distress_ (_Dysmenorrhœa_), Opium
Liniment (291) or Datura Poultice or Liniment (130) to the loins; also
hip bath containing Sesamum Seeds, which also may be tried internally
(338_a_).
_Mercury, salts of, as Corrosive Sublimate, Poisoning by._ If vomiting
is not already present it must be excited by a Mustard (246) or other
emetic, and the stomach having thus been emptied of any of the poison it
may contain, prompt recourse should be had to the white and yolk of raw
eggs, which may be given alone or beaten up with rice-flour into a paste
with milk or water. The after-treatment consists in the free use of Rice
_Conjee_ and other demulcent drinks, gargles of Alum (29) or Borax (55),
to control the salivation; small doses of Opium, should there be much
pain, and a milk or farinaceous diet.
_Mesenteric Affections of Children_ are best treated with Fish Liver Oil
(139).
_Milk, for Increasing the Secretion of_, Leaves of Castor Oil Plant
(85), or of Physic Nut Plant (302); _for Diminishing or Arresting the
Secretion of_, Betel Leaves (49), or flowers of Jasminum Sambac (Aiton).
This twining plant is cultivated throughout India for the sake of its
white fragrant flowers, which are used as votive offerings. The
lactifuge property of these flowers was first brought to notice by Mr.
J. Wood (_Ph. of India_, p. 136), who speaks of the fact being well
known in Madras. Two cases illustrative of their efficacy occurring in
the practice of Dr. Mackenzie, C.B., are recorded by Dr. Bidie (_Madras
Jour. Med. Sci._, Aug. 1870). In one case especially, an English lady,
all ordinary means had failed to arrest the flow of milk before the
flowers were applied; within a few hours they afforded complete relief,
and the secretion of milk, which had been unusually copious, was from
that time entirely arrested. The results of the other trial were equally
satisfactory. For this purpose two or three handfuls of the fresh
flowers bruised are to be applied unmoistened to each breast and renewed
once or twice a day. The secretion is sometimes arrested in twenty-four
hours, though this generally requires two or three days (Wood). The
native names of these flowers are Mogra ka phúl (_Hind._, _Duk._), Mogra
phúl (_Beng._, _Guz._), Malligraip-pú, Mallip-pú (_Tam._), Mallelú
(_Tel._), Mullup-pú (_Mal._), Pich-chi-mal (_Cing._), Múgra (_Punj._).
_Milk Abscess._ In the early stages apply either Sal Ammoniac Lotion
(325), or hot Vinegar Stupes (381). Should matter form, treat as
_Abscess_.
_Mouth, Ulceration of._ Try first Sulphate of Copper (112) or Lime Juice
(231); if these fail use some of the other remedies mentioned in Art.
_Gums, Ulceration and Sponginess of_. _For Aphthous Ulcerations, i.e.,
small white specks or ulcers in the mouths of infants and young
children_, apply Borax (55*), or Alum (29), or Sulphate of Copper (112);
Country Sarsaparilla (163) may at the same time be advantageously given
internally. _In severer forms_ (_Ulcerative Stomatitis_), try Alum (29).
_Mumps._ Beyond a dose of Castor Oil (83) or Infusion of Senna (336), so
as to keep the bowels gently open, little is required beyond keeping the
swollen parts covered with a piece of flannel, to protect them from cold
draughts of air, and the use of a farinaceous diet for a few days.
Should there be much pain, Opium Liniment (291) may be smeared over the
surface of the swollen gland at bedtime. Should there be much fever,
heat of skin, &c., a few doses of solution of Nitre (264) may be given.
_Muscles, Pains in._ Give Sal Ammoniac (327) internally, and use
Liniments containing Camphor (68), Lemon Grass Oil (217), Opium (291),
or Turpentine (366) externally.
_Mosquito Bites, to relieve the irritation_, try Lime Juice (235), or
Vinegar (380).
_Nettle-rash, to allay irritation_, apply Borax Lotion (57).
_Neuralgia._ Try Sal Ammoniac (326), or when the pain returns
periodically, Sulphate of Iron (177), or better still Cinchona Febrifuge
(402*). When Neuralgia of the Head or Face (_Tic Douloureux_) recurs at
stated periods, and is apparently of malarious origin, no remedy is
equal to Quinine, which may be given in one large dose (ten grains)
shortly before the time when the pain is expected to return. Should it
not yield after three or four doses, no advantage will be gained by
continuing it. Another plan is to give it in three-grain doses in a
glass of wine thrice daily between the paroxyms of pain. Some obstinate
cases which resist these and other remedies yield to a course of Fish
Liver Oil (141). Among external applications are Datura Liniment or
Poultices (130), Lemon Grass Oil (217), Mustard Poultices (253), and the
Camphorated Opium (291), or Turpentine Liniment (366).
_Nipples, sore or cracked_, are benefited by Borax Lotion (56), or
Castor Oil (84), or Lime Water (225), locally applied. As a preventive
use Infusion of Catechu (90). [To ensure prevention, the nipple should
be carefully washed and dried immediately the child is removed from the
breast, and the tissues may be hardened by washing them for a short time
before delivery, and after each application to the breast, with a little
brandy and water. It is also a useful practice to wear over the nipple a
metallic shield, which should be constantly applied when the child is
not at the breast.—_Prof. Ringer._]
_Nodes, or Painful Swellings on the Shin-bone._ Apply Datura Poultice
(130), or other means mentioned in _Tumours, painful_.
_Nose, discharge of Matter from._ Use injections of Lime Water (225), or
tepid Milk and Water, and give Fish Liver Oil (138) internally. _Maggots
in_, see _Pecnash_.
_Nux Vomica, Poisoning by._ Follow the treatment advised for poisoning
by Cocculus Indicus (see _Index_). Bland Oils, _e.g._, Til, Cocoa-nut,
or Ground-nut Oil, seem to retard its action, hence may be given largely.
_Ophthalmia._ See _Eyes, Diseases of_.
_Opium, Poisoning by._ The stomach having been emptied as speedily as
possible by an emetic of Sulphate of Copper (117) or Mustard (246),
every means should be adopted for rousing the patient; this is to be
effected by dashing cold water over the head and chest, walking him
quickly about, supported by two attendants in the open air, applying
strong salts, &c., to the nostrils, irritating the leg by flagellation
with a wet towel, and administering strong coffee, _café noir_, or if
there should be great depression, a little brandy or other stimulant.
When the patient can swallow, Decoction of Galls should be given as
directed in Paragraph 152. In extreme cases artificial respiration
(subsequently described in Appendix, in Art. _Drowning, Recovering
from_) must be tried. These measures should _be long persevered in_; as
long _as life lasts, hope_ of recovery is _not to be banished_.
_Pains, Muscular._ See _Muscles, Pains in_.
_Palpitations of the Heart, Nervous._ These may in a great measure be
controlled by Asafœtida (35), Camphor (70), or Infusion of Jatamansi
(184), either alone or used conjointly. _Palpitations or flutterings in
the region of the Heart_ which occur in weak, nervous, hysterical
subjects, often yield to Bromide of Potassium, in dose of five to ten
grains dissolved in water, twice or thrice daily.
_Paralysis._ Little can be done by non-professionals beyond giving
internally Fish Liver Oil (142), alone or with Sulphate of Iron (177),
in anæmic or debilitated subjects, and applying irritants, as Croton
Liniment (122), Petroleum (410), externally.
_Pecnash_ (_Maggots in the Nose_). Oil of Turpentine (363_b_).