There are many books on household medicines, but in my opinion
this is the most useful of them all, a very present help in time of need.
You can go to it for helpful information without failing to find it. Is
there serious illness in the house? It will tell you about it concisely
and plainly, describing its symptoms, nature and course, and advise you to
consult the family physician if of a serious nature before it is too late.
In the chapters on accidents, emergencies and poisons, it tells you what
to do at once while awaiting the doctor's arrival. He will be much pleased
to see that you have made the proper effort to treat the case. Prompt
treatment makes for prompt recovery.
The real value of any book, or what is sometimes called its intrinsic
value, or utility, consists in what it avails to gratify some desire or
want of our nature. It depends, then, wholly upon its qualities in
relation to our desires. That which contributes in ever so small degree to
the wellbeing of humanity is of greater value than silver or gold. This
book contains hundreds of prescriptions, anyone of which will repay the
small cost in money that it requires to possess it. In fact, the financial
investment is so small when compared with the benefit derived from its
pages that this feature need not be considered.
Examples.
In the stillness and loneliness of the night, away from medical help,
there comes the hoarse barking cough of the child, perhaps, and a case of
croup is upon the responsibility of the parents. The struggles and terror
of the little patient throws the household into consternation, and all is
excitement in a moment. If the mother ever knew what to do in such a case
she is likely not able to recall the exact remedy at this time, the doctor
is miles away, and the case is urgent.
A reference to the medical index of "Mothers' Remedies" under croup shows
that on pages 27, 28 and 29, is a full description of the attack, and
there are fifteen (15) home remedies given, many of which can be found in
the house, and the spasm may be stopped by the use of one of them.
This is only one example of the use of this book. There are innumerable
times when cases come up in the home, or accidents befall a dear one and a
ready remedy is required; the book most likely contains it, and is willing
to tell you if you consult it carefully.
Tuberculosis.
The article on tuberculosis is full of valuable rules on diet and hygiene
for every person, whether he has the disease or not. A knowledge of the
dangers and mode of spreading the disease is the best safeguard against
having it. Where one person in every seven (7) dies of consumption it
becomes imperative that full knowledge of the disease and its prevention
should become widespread.