drops, put them into four quarts cold water, boil down to two quarts
and sweeten with loaf sugar; after proper evacuations, patients subject
to the rose or erysipelas, may take a teacup full of this, four times
a day; apply clean linen rags, wet with the decoction not sweetened,
over the inflamed parts, until perfectly well. Do not take the above
when your courses are flowing, or when you expect them. The above is
an excellent wash for children that are chafed, either in the neck or
groins; wash the parts affected as often as necessary, using a clean
cloth; the cleaner the cloth you wash any sore with, the sooner it
will heal; never use the same cloth on any sore twice; it ought to be
instantly washed in clean water, before using the second time.
CARBUNCLES.--Take equal parts beth root and blood root, powdered fine
and mixed with honey; bind it over the carbuncle, and renew it every
two hours. Make a purge of the following: take a handful each of
thoroughwort, tanzy, and tamarack bark, one ounce culver root, half
ounce mandrake, ten grains sassafras bark, and half ounce angelica
seed; put all together in three quarts cold water; boil seven minutes,
and keep hot nine hours. Take from half a wine glass full to a whole
one, three times a day. Drink, as a common beverage, a strong tea of
princes pine, or red ozier.
EMETIC.--Take a large handful leaves and blows of thoroughwort, (called
by some boneset,) put them into one quart boiling water, and let them
stand near the fire three hours; then stir, and strain off. Give the
patient one gill, as hot as it can be drank, and if it does not operate
in half an hour, give another, or half the quantity; drink every
morning, a wine glass of the remainder cold, as it is a tonic in all
cases of general debility.
DEAFNESS.--Take a beaver’s tail, roast it, squeeze out the oil and
apply on cotton. Or, roast a turnip in ashes, squeeze out the juice,
and put four drops, twice a week, into the ear. Take cleansing syrup
daily.
CATHARTIC FOR FEVERS.--Take half ounce American ipecacuanha, three
ounces culver root, three ounces snake root, sliced and bruised, and
one quart good old rum; keep them in a covered earthen vessel by the
fire, for five days, and then strain the tincture for use. Dose--a
tablespoonful twice a day.
As a diaphoretic, in low stages of fever, and in confluent small pox,
when sores appear gangrene, and the powers of life seem sunk, take the
following mixture: four drachms of bruised snake root, one pint boiling
water, two drachms tincture snake root, four drachms syrup of ginger.
Dose--two tablespoonsful, to be taken every three hours, in the above
complaint.
LUMBAGO.--Take one pound of fresh brake root, or female fern, one ounce
sumach root, cut fine, half ounce culver root, half ounce mandrake
root, and half ounce angelica seed; boil them in two quarts whiskey,
until they become slimy; then dip cloths in and bind on. Take a
tablespoonful nights, inwardly, and half a wine glass full mornings.
Repeat the application on the spine, very frequently.
RICKETS IN CHILDREN.--Take one ounce of brake root, or female fern, cut
fine, and pour one quart of boiling water on it; sweeten it, and give
the child a teacup full four times a day; if the child is too young
to take this dose, give less, according to age. At the same time, use
the decoction in rum, for bathing the spine and limbs of the child; it
would be well to bathe the child in a spring, every morning in summer.
SCROFULOUS SWELLINGS.--Take the inner bark of bayberry bush, pound it
soft, and apply it over the swellings and sores, nights and mornings.
Drink a strong tea made of bayberry leaves--a teacup full four times a
day.
WIND, OR CHOLIC.--Take one ounce of bayberry berries, bruise them well,
and half ounce masterwort seed, well pulverized or bruised; infuse them
in three pints of best cogniac brandy for a week, and shake the bottle
frequently. Take a half wine glass full in the same quantity warm
water, twice a day, on an empty stomach; if necessary, take it three
times a day.
INDIAN REMEDY FOR FEVERS.--I find the Indians more incident to fevers,
than any other disease, and they rarely fail to cure themselves, by
sweating, and then plunging themselves into cold water, which, they
say, is the only way not to catch cold. I once saw an instance of this
kind. Being in search of a particular root, at the Lake of the Two
Mountains, about thirty miles from Montreal, I called on an Indian
chief, and found him ill of a fever; his head and limbs were apparently
much affected with pain; his wife was preparing a bagnio, or bath, for
him. The bagnio resembled a large oven, into which he crept by a door;
on the side opposite the door was a hole, in which she put hot stones.
She fastened the hole up as closely as possible, to prevent the least
air entering therein. While he was sweating in his bagnio, his wife
was preparing his road to the lake. This was in August, 1835--a very
cold season; in less than half an hour, he was in so great a sweat
that when he came out, he was as wet as if he had come out of a river,
and the steam from his body was so thick, that it was hard to discern
his form or face, although I stood near him. In this condition, naked,
a body cloth only excepted, he ran to the river, about thirty paces
distant, ducked himself two or three times, and returned, passing
through his bagnio, to mitigate the severe shock of the cold, to his
own house, perhaps twenty paces further, and, wrapping himself in his
woolen mantle, lay down at full length near a long, but gentle fire in
the middle of his wigwam--turning himself several times, till dry; he
then arose, and began getting dinner ready for us, seeming to be as
easy and as well as either of us.
The squaws wash their new-born babes in cold water, as soon as they
are delivered, often repeating the same healthy operation. I have
recommended cold water to a number of weak females, during pregnancy,
and they have borne up with a vigor scarcely less wonderful than that
of the Indian woman.
HARDIHOOD OF INDIAN WOMEN.--The great power of endurance which the
Indian woman of the forest, uncontaminated by the blighting influence
which civilization often introduces among them, many have noticed.
Every one has read the account of their remarkable health, during
pregnancy and child-birth. Washington Irving, in his “Astoria,” in
giving an account of a journey, through the dreary deserts lying
between the Snake and Columbia Rivers, says:
“And here we cannot but notice the wonderful patience, perseverance,
and hardihood of the Indian woman, as exemplified in the conduct of the
poor squaw of the interpreter. She was now far advanced in pregnancy,
and had two children to take care of--one four, and the other two years
of age. The latter, of course, she frequently had to carry on her back,
in addition to the burdens usually imposed upon the squaw; yet she had
borne all her hardships without a murmur, and throughout this weary and
painful journey, had kept pace with the best pedestrians. Indeed, on
various occasions, in the course of this enterprise, she displayed a
force of character that won the respect and applause of the white man.”
PHYSIOLOGY.
TO MY BELOVED SEX:—
SEEING so many of you daily imposed upon by those who
profess to be acquainted with prolapsus uteri, or falling of the womb,
and knowing that two-thirds of the married ladies are very ignorant,
as regards the structure of their own bodies, and therefore the more
easily imposed upon, I will endeavor to give a full description and
explanation of the living animal, which we call physiology. It is a
beautiful study, and we read of King David’s admiration, after viewing
the structure of his own body; he exclaims in rapture, “I am fearfully
and wonderfully made!” I am sorry this important study is excluded from
our schools. The reader may ask--what are the component parts of the
living animal, the heart, brain, eyes, ears, muscles, bones, and the
many other parts--how do they act, and what are their uses?
FORMATION OF THE CHEST.
The chest is formed by the back bone behind, the breast bone in front,
and the ribs, which go from the back bone to the breast bone. Seven of
the ribs are long, and five short; the five lower are the short ribs,
and they are united to the breast bone by an elastic cartilage; by this
construction, the chest is made flexible.
Now that I have explained the formation of the lungs, we will look in
and see what it contains--the lungs and heart.
The lungs are wedge-shaped--the small ends being up under the collar
bone, while the base, or larger part, is at the bottom, turned down
heavily in the midriff. The lungs are attached to the wind-pipe, and
larger air vessels and blood vessels, these likewise being connected
to the back bone with cartilages. The lungs float downward into the
midriff, and against the ribs or the side of the chest, every time
the air is drawn into the chest. They are divided into two parts, on
each side of the chest, something like a sponge, full of cells; the
most correct resemblance of these cells, or vacancies, would be, in
my opinion, a thick branch of some shrub, very full of the minutest
berries you can conceive of, and without leaves; you must imagine the
shrub as hollow, through all its branches and twigs, until quite into
the cells; then cut the extremity of all the twigs, until you bring it
to a wedge shape, and weave something like a spider web, to cover the
cells, so that nothing but the air or blood can pass through, to be
renewed.
The heart is in front, between the two tubes of the lungs. It is
likewise wedge-shaped, the base, or larger end being up, while the
small end points downward, slanting into the left chest; it occupies
one-third more room in the left chest than in the right, measuring from
the centre of the breast bone, under which the heart is placed, towards
the middle of the breast bone.
This important organ is little known, and I wish to explain its offices
and revolutions, in a comprehensive manner, that all may understand it.
We have three different kinds of blood vessels; the largest vein
is called vena cavæ; the smaller veins are called capillaries and
arteries; every time you prick yourself, you open a capillary vein.
On the right side is the vena cavæ, one part descending and the other
ascending, but both meeting on the right side; this brings all the
contaminated blood from all parts of the body; from thence it empties
into the right ventricle, then to the right auricle, pushes on to the
pulmonary artery, through the lungs, to be purified, returns with
velocity to the left auricle, and then to the left ventricle. There are
thousands and tens of thousands little arteries, that carry the blood
to all parts of the body.
I will quote a report from Dr. Edwards. He had been speaking of the
wonderful distribution of the blood, in the little arteries, when he
added:
“Along on the lines of these little tubes or canals, (the arteries,)
through which the blood with all its treasures flows, God has provided
a vast multitude of little organs, or waiters, whose office is each one
to take out of the blood, as it comes along, that kind and quantity
of nourishment which it needs, for its own support, and also for the
support of that part of the body which is committed particularly to its
care. And, although exceedingly minute and delicate, they are endowed
by their Creator with the wonderful power of doing this, and also of
abstaining from, or of expelling and throwing back into the common
mass, what is unsuitable, or what they do not want, to be carried to
some other place where it may be needed; or, if it is not needed
anywhere, and is good for nothing, to be thrown out of the body as a
nuisance.
“Now let us follow these little organs, as they fly upward, to carry
support to the hair, to make it grow. But, as they proceed upward, the
ears will want serum--the eyes will want something for the eye-balls,
and the organs about the eye will take that and work it up into the
eyes, and cause them to grow; then proceed on to your joints, and along
the bones, muscles and nerves; the joints want strength--it is a fluid
called synovia, in physiology; then proceed to your finger nails.”
So you see the whole system is supported by the blood; all these
vessels or supports go to every organ in the body, and are called
secretions; if these secretions are obstructed by disease, they cannot
perform their regular routine, or office, and the parts will gradually
become infirm. The blood carries little atoms, or particles, to make
all parts of the body grow, and which, you may perceive, are necessary
to replace the atoms which are worn off by friction, in our motion, as
there is a constant waste in every part of the body, or system.
Now let me return to the heart. It is not larger than a man’s fist, and
is strong and muscular. It is, as I said before, situated slanting, or
obliquely; both sides of the heart fill in the same instant, and then
contract, shrink, and compresses, with as much force as a strong man
could press it with his hand. Such is the admirable circulation of the
blood, that this revolution goes regular, one hundred thousand times in
twenty-four hours.
How can we but admire the creation of such a beautiful machine! Then
consider how much resistance this poor heart has to overcome, in
sending blood to all parts of the body, and the many obstructions in
its way, which causes it to stop its motion, or it will quiver and
throb, according as it is repulsed by those obstructions. How many
there are who say, “My heart is diseased--the physician says so.”
Now, my friends, not in one case of ten is the heart diseased; but
it is obstructed in its revolutions, by not being able to send the
blood through these little vessels, to all parts of the body; they are
crooked, and the least impediment must necessarily cause agitation, or
stop this great propeller.
There is a strong partition between the right and left sides of the
heart, so that the right auricle and right ventricle, with their blood,
brought back from the veins, can have nothing to do with the blood in
the left auricle and left ventricle; it is, indeed, as if there were
two hearts, placed side by side, and pressed closely together. We know
not how the heart is kept in motion, nor can the wisest anatomist
or physiologist in the world tell us; we know that the lungs have
something to do in the case, and, when once set a-going, we can form
some idea of what keeps it in motion--but, after all, the real causes
of the continued movement of either the heart or lungs, has ever been a
great mystery, and may possibly always remain so.
Our bones, nerves, and muscles receive life and nourishment from the
blood; then how necessary it should be pure and clean. As the blood
is made from our food, we should be careful as to the quality and
quantity, eating only what is conducive to health, which surely will
promote happiness. Strong spices, hot bread, rich pies and cakes, salt
pork and beef, are injurious eating at all hours of the day, especially
at bed time, and is contrary to the laws of nature. Some may laugh,
and say, “Why, I eat half a mince pie, and half a dozen pickles, every
night, and yet I am well.” You may tantalize your digestive organs for
a while, but remember, your gratifying your unnatural appetite, will be
repaid by years of pain and distress. Be rational beings; eat to live,
and not live to eat.
Mothers, as a general thing, feed their children too often; even if
you nourish your child with the breast, it should be regular--not
twenty times a day, and all night. This is very wrong; you bring your
little ones up gluttons, and, as soon as they are weaned, they will be
continually crying for something to eat--never satisfied. Always be
regular in eating your own meals, and giving the same to your children,
if you wish them to be healthy; as a general rule, give them food
according to your own judgment--not too much. I think many a poor child
has been murdered, by an over fond mother giving it all it wanted, and
not using that judgment which was required, because the child cried. O!
mothers, be firm, wise, and prudent, in raising those tender plants;
remember, if the digestive organs are too weak, the child will fall
into fits. Let a child eat mashed potatoes; all vegetables are better,
and give more nourishment, than cakes and pies; a little lean meat, is
healthy for a child. In our food, we all want a change; but let all be
well cooked, well baked, and plainly seasoned.
Now let me go back, and say a little in regard to the nerves and bones.
The nerves derive their support from the blood, but not entirely, for
the nerves may be weakened by other causes; still they depend on the
blood, in a measure, for support. For instance, a lady may fall and
break her back bone, or spine; now this is the seat of the nerves;
they all branch out from the spine, and, of course, all the nerves
are affected; perhaps the pain would be most severe at the extremity
of the nerves. Many able and eminent physicians have been baffled, in
procuring ease to their patients, as there was no pain where the parts
were injured, but at the extremity of the nerves.
The digestive organs depend entirely upon the nerves for support;
therefore, never irritate the spine by blistering, as it injures
every nerve. Everything that is applied to the spine--plasters,
bathing, or drops, should be of a cooling nature, and at the same time
strengthening, and never irritating, as it only makes you worse; I
never saw any good effect derived from it. If you want to irritate,
draw from the spine, by putting blisters on the thighs or legs, not to
the spine or head; let your motive be, in all cases, to draw downward.
How do the joints derive support from the blood? It is the secretion
we call in physiology, synovia. It serves the same purpose as the
grease which men use for wheels, to prevent their making a noise; so,
when this secretion is obstructed, or the circulation irregular, the
ligaments and muscles find no support, and consequently they become
stiff and inactive; call it rheumatism, if you like, or weak joints.
Sometimes the bones become crooked and deformed, which is often caused
by mercury, or by scrofula, which creates heat, and absorbs all the
nourishment from them. Sometimes the muscles become stiff; in all such
cases, cleanse the blood, and rub in hemlock tincture; you will find,
in this book, very good bathing drops.
THE DIAPHRAGM.
Now that I have explained the circulation of the blood, and showed you
the contents of the chest, I will proceed to the midriff. The contents
of the chest are separated from the abdomen, by a floating curtain,
called the midriff, or diaphragm. The midriff is the floor of the
lungs; the right and left portions are loose, and float upward into the
chest every time we breathe out the air in the chest; on breathing, or
drawing in the air, the midriff of a person in health, forms a floor
to the lungs and heart, and it descends until it is drawn tight, flat
and stiff, across the body. The arrangement of the midriff is such, as
always to form a strong support to the heart and lungs, as it floats
below the lungs, every time we empty the air out from the chest.
The midriff is united, or fastened to the back bone, breast bone, and
the middle of the ribs; therefore, we say the right and left portions
float upward into the chest. How often is this part strained, and then
called consumption! I allow there may be a cough, and tightness across
the chest; but the real cause is, the lungs have lost their support,
and consequently they wither and decay, unless you can strengthen the
floor or support, that is, the ligaments; the symptoms are, you are
unable to draw a long breath; if you go up stairs, your breath becomes
short.
How many of you have had relations or some female friend, whom you
considered near dying of consumption, but fortunately became pregnant;
and she, to your astonishment, enjoyed better health than for years
previous. But how could it be so? Why, this is the cause: as soon as
the fœtus rose from the vagina, it supported the midriff, and pushed
up the floor of the lungs, and the poor patient found instant relief;
she could breathe freely, could walk easily, her cough ceased, and
her sleep was calm. But alas! as soon as parturition takes place, her
symptoms all return, and, as no one understands her case, she must die,
through ignorance.
Young men very often sprain their midriff, by lifting, or in wrestling,
and frequently die of consumption, when, by a little care and judicious
treatment, they might be saved. In the first place, your lungs hang on
your wind-pipe, air vessels, and blood vessels; now, if so, they want
a support, and the midriff is this support; but if it is gone, do not
be surprised if you decap a blood vessel, and thereby spit blood from
that cause; but be not frightened to death by this, as it will, in many
cases, relieve you and be beneficial in the end.
THE GULLET.
The gullet is the food pipe; it passes through the chest, from the
back part of the mouth, along the back bone; its shape is tolerably
regular, until it passes the contents of the chest; then it opens into
a spacious apartment, called the stomach; it lies across the body,
leaning to the left side; it is more like a bag, than anything I can
describe; it is very close to the diaphragm, and one would suppose the
diaphragm rested on it. The stomach of an adult, will hold from one to
three pints.
THE LIVER.
This is the largest gland in the human body. It lies on the right side,
under the right breast; the gall bladder is attached to the liver, and
there is also a communication with the stomach; the gall bladder is the
size of your thumb, and is called secretion, or bile; if we have too
much, it overflows, and causes jaundice, sick headache, gall-stones,
and many other diseases, which cannot be cured, unless you commence by
cleansing your blood. As the liver is a gland it can be diseased in
various ways; it can be ulcerated, and may contain grubs, or worms.
THE ABDOMEN.
This contains the intestines, and commences from the stomach; that part
the ancients used to call the second stomach, is now termed duodenum;
this turns downward and backward, toward the right side, there it
turns again to the left, and I may say, zig-zags, until it joins the
larger intestines; both ends of the large intestines, are tied to the
back bone, to keep them from floating; the lower end passes through
the basket of the hips, to the end of the back bone, to keep it in
its right place; this forms the back passage, and the end of the back
bone is called the rectum. The bowels move; and if so, how often you
injure yourself by not obeying the calls of nature to evacuate them;
you put it off to some more convenient time; but nature will not be
baffled with impunity--you must suffer for your omission the next day,
or day after; the head is afflicted, and you go to your closet, force
and strain to accomplish what you refused nature at the suitable time;
as the intestines float, will you not cause debility and disease? Yes,
surely you will; then, of course, you have recourse to physic, and this
makes you worse, as the intestines become coated. Now for the results;
as I said before, the large intestines pass through the basket of the
hips; they are straight along the bone, when in a healthy condition,
but by this forcing and straining, they become drawn down, in a
wrinkled condition, and there is no action; thence arises costiveness,
constipation, piles, ulcers, fistulas, and numerous other diseases,
which assail these parts, through neglecting the calls of nature. And
here I would observe, in regard to your children, be watchful; I have
been told by girls from six to twelve years old, how they have been so
costive, that they would have to force themselves to such a degree,
that every object around them appeared black. O! what poor miserable
beings will they be all their lives, through a mother’s neglect. Never
let a young child sit too long on a vessel or chair; it weakens the
intestines, and brings on general debility. I have known many to die in
fits, and to have the relaxation of the fundament, merely by sitting
too long on a stool chair.
THE KIDNEYS.