the early stages of gestation. It is the diseased seeds of the common
rye, called grown rye. It acts specifically on the uterus, or womb,
increasing its contractile energy. Ergot is not only a powerful promoter
of abortions and miscarriages, but it is given to women as a stimulant to
uterine action during labor, and also to check hemorrhage. The dose, in
powder, is fifteen to twenty grains repeated every twenty minutes until
the desired effect is produced, or until one dram is taken. Or, a dram of
ergot may be infused in four fluid ounces of boiling water, and one-third
taken as a dose, and the other two doses (if necessary) at intervals of
twenty minutes. On some women it will produce not only abortion at three
or five months, but even a miscarriage, particularly when the fœtus is
male. There is no doubt that many women can escape child-bearing by the
use of ergot, but it would be better for any one to get it from her
family physician, who would know something of her constitution, than to
pay a hundred times its worth to a quack, and perhaps endanger life or
health by taking more than is prudent, and at an improper time. Oil of
Tansey is another article used to bring on the monthly turn, and in some
cases it will stop the course of gestation if taken at the time the turn
is due. Two or three drops only are necessary for a dose. In some women,
a considerable dose will cause a miscarriage at three months.
Abortions are sometimes produced under the direction of physicians by
inserting a small hand up into the Vagina, and feeling for the mouth
of the Womb with the finger. A little extract of Belladonna is used
to promote the relaxation of its mouth, and by the most gentle means
possible the finger may force a passage, when flooding at once ensues,
and the fœtus will generally be expelled soon after. Women who submit to
this operation run some risk of losing their lives, and hence a physician
will seldom endanger his reputation by advising it, except in extreme
perilous cases.
Abortions and Miscarriages being in collision with Nature’s laws, should
never be resorted to except in extreme cases, and then only under medical
advice.
APHRODISIACS, OR LOVE POWDERS.
Many quack doctors advertise medicines to stimulate the procreative
powers, and thus create a desire for sexual intercourse. These are sold
at enormous prices, and are often useless, for the reason that the
venders of them cannot know anything at all of their patients, and must
fix the dose so as to suit the most delicate temperament for fear of
injurious effects. The drugs used for this purpose are sold by every
apothecary, and indeed at almost any country store. We will mention some
of them:
_Cannabis Indica_ is the principal article used in making love powders.
It acts powerfully on the nerves, excites the sexual organs, and
increases their activity. The quantity to be taken differs with different
persons—too large a dose producing extraordinary excitement and sexual
desire, which is followed by corresponding prostration, both mental and
physical. The proper use of this drug is not detrimental to health.
_Phosphorus_ is another article used in making preparations to excite
the sexual organs. It has a disagreeable smell, and must necessarily
be disguised as much as possible. It is powerful in its effects, and
has frequently been known to excite women so furiously as to make them
discard all prudence and abandon themselves to licentious indulgence.
Phosphorated Oil of Almonds, flavored with bergamot, can be introduced
into almost any gelatinous substance to disguise the taste of the
phosphorus. Dose, from five to ten drops of the oil.
_Ether_ will affect some females very curiously, making them amorous and
imparting a strong desire to cohabit with their husbands. On some, again,
it has no such effect at all. The dose of Nitrous Ether is from ten to
forty drops; or if you prefer Sweet Spirits of Nitre, take half a fluid
dram up to twelve drams.
_Strong Coffee_ is a direct stimulant of the generative organs, and if
taken in large quantities does not fail to produce marked effects.
_Ergot of Rye_ is taken by some women to bring on their expected monthly
turn when they fear they may have become pregnant. It acts as a stimulant
and an invigorater of the sexual powers. Dose, in powder, fifteen to
twenty grains.
_Saltpetre_ acts also as a stimulant to the sexual organs, and causes a
desire to cohabit. It is taken in daily doses of five to ten grains, in
the form of purified Nitrate of Potassa.
_Cantharides_, or Spanish Flies, is a direct stimulant of the sexual
feeling in some people. It is taken as a tincture, in doses of ten to
twenty drops, and should be used with great caution.
THE END.