BY JOHN ELLIS, M. D'., LATE PROFESSOR OF THE THEORY AND PRACTICE OF MEDICINE IN THE NEW YORK MEDICAL COLLEGE FOR WOMEN; FORMERLY PROFESS)R OF THE THEORY AND PRACTICE OF MEDICINE WE THE WESTERN HOM(EOPATHIC MEDICAL COLLEGE OF CLEVELAND, OHIO; AND OF THE NEW YORK HOM(EOPATHIO MEDICAL COLLEGE; AUTHOR OF THE "AVOIDABLE CAUSES OF DISEASES," "MARIAGE" ETC. TENTH EDITION. DETROIT, MICH: E. R. ELLIS, M. D., Secretary of, and Professor of SURGERY in the DETROIT HOM(EOPATHIC COLLEGE, AND u. NGHUSBAND, M. D., LL. D., President of, and Professor of TIHEORY AND PRACTICE in the DETROIT HOMEOPATHIC COLLEGE. 1872. VNTETED, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1896 by JOHN ELLIS, in the Clerk's Office of the D)istrict Court of the United States, for t b.'outcher District of New York.. PR E F A C E. ON presenting a treatise on domestic medicine to thle lomcaopathic portion of the comrnmuity, while there are so many worlk-; already in existence, it is propel' that the author should state some of the motives which lhave indluced him to write it. First: Hle has done it in compliance -with the often expressc.d wish of many of his patrons, for a work of the chlaracter of tlle one he here presents, and at the request of some of thle leading pharmaceutists of our country. I-Iis aiml lias been to present i:l a compact form, as good a description of the symptoms of the various diseases, as possible in a small compass, and to give the prominent indications for thie use of a limited number of our most important remedies, with specific and soniewhat. positive directions as to tile stage of the disease in which they sllhould 1) wedl, and the length of time during wlhich they shouil generally be contihued; thus sia.plifying the practice, and leaving as littl1 an possible to the discretion of the prescribe;'. 1e is satisfied that tile success of even a lphyyician does not 3always depend upon tile number of remedis with which lie is acqu.linted, but upon his understanding how to maleo the best possible use of such as hle does admrinisterl, and this is more manifestly true in the cals (,f lay practitioners. If a large number of remedies, and numerous indications for their use are given, tfle domestic prescriber is of';et confused,.and fin(s it impossible to deci(le between the merits (,f the different remedies; and if no directions are given as to tie, period of time a remedly s!hould be contiinued, a frequent cllaoig ofttein prevents any good effects beinl derived fronm the treatuileilt. Tihe -autio:' lhas purposely avoided t!le alphaletical arrangemllellt in roticing the remedies indicated for the va'rious diseases.''ie. first one on the list has been lacedl thlere, eitller because it is gll erally required at the commencement of the disease, or is mleo frequently required than those which follow. The reader will 4 PREFACE. please bear in mind thllit this is a domestic work, and has not been written to instruct pIhysicians iil regard to the proper treat ment of diseases, but to guide those comparatively unacquainted with medical lore; therefore the aim has been to make it as sim pie and useful as possible. If the author iad written this wo, for the profession he certainly would have recommended earnetly tlte h;gh dilutions; and that a frequent repetition of doses and the alternation of remedies should be avoided as far as practicable. Second: One of the leading motives which has induced tile author to write this volume has been to have an opportunity to call the attention of the homoeopathic portion of the community to another work, which he has written, dlenominated, " The Avoidablle Causes of Disease, Insanity, and Deformity," published by Messrs. Mason Brothers, 5 and 7 Mercer street, New York; a work which, in the opinion of the author, is of far more importance, and of much greater value to every man, woman, antd child, than any work on domestic medicine can possibly be.'lllat is a work to be read while well, so as to be able to shun the caIuses of disease; and if sick it should be read so as to understand the conditions required for a restoration to health. The most skiiful application of remedies often fails to relieve, for the w-ant of the very information contained in that volume; and, although the work was written for general circulation, yet the author has no hesitation in expressing the opinion that even physicians can obtain as much practical information from its pages, which will enable them to treat successfully, especially chronic diseases, as they can find in any other single volume which }has ever been written. Knowing, then, the value which the author sets upon that voik, the reader of this will pardon the frequent reference to the " Avoidable Causes of Disease," in the following pages. NEW YORK, June, 1864. IN TRODUCTION. TAW OF CURE. HOMiEOPATIiY differs from all other systems of medical prac, tice, in being based upon a law of nature; and it is, therefore, strictly a scientific system. " Like is cured by like," is the fundamental law —that is, a remedy will cure symptoms when they arise from some other cause, similar to those which it will itself cause if it is taken during health. The allopathic materia medica, or knowledge of the action of remedies, is derived from the empirical administration of poisons to the sick, their use in domestic practice, their being taken through accident or design, and the giving of them to brutes; and allopathists are guided simply by past experience in administering them to the sick, with no fixed rule or law to guide them. The homoeopathic materia medica is the result of carefully proving remedies on the healthy, or the giv* ing of them during health, and accurately noting down the symptoms which they cause; and when given to the sick, they are administered in accordance with the law of cure named above. Homceopathic remedies, then, act in the direction of the disease, and simply excite a reaction which overcomes the diseased action. It follows, as a necessary consequence, that if remedies are given which will excite symptoms similar to those which already exist, they Fist be given in small doses, or they will most certainly aggravate the symptoms seriously, and experience has shown that this is Unnecessary, hence the small doses of homceopathy. 6 INTRODUCTION. SIZE OF TIIE DOSE. The siz, of thi doses which art adrminiitere 1 by h1omeopathists is simpt.ly the result of experience; every p'lysician acimi to give such doses as he finds most e~icac'ous. The selection of the righlt relnedy is of far more importanlce, as a general rule, than the size cf the dose, provided the latter is not so great as to cause any serious aggravation of the symptoms. Yet, in some cases, the right dose is very important. According to the author's experience, many of the happiest cures ever effected are the result of using the hligh dilutions, but it requires accurate knowledge and great skill to select the riglht remedy, and to decide on tire frequency of the repetition of the dose, when the high dilutions are used. The low dilutions are generally used in domestic practice, and the author is by no means satisfied that they should not be, for they can be repeated, with a prospect of success, and without injury, more frequently than the high dilutions, and there i:s less objection to alternating two remedies, when the low dilutions are useil, which is generally satisfactory to the patiefit and friends. The action of the low dilutions is more transient than th at of the high, and when they are used, a second remedy wvill often be required long before the first can safely be dispensed with, therefore, if the low dilutions are used, it is difficult for the physician even to avoid alterhating remedies to a greater or less extent. The directions in this volume in regard to the repetition of doses and alternlating remedies, in the treatment of the various diseases, have been given upon the supposition that the low dilutlons are to be used. If the thirtieth, or higher dilutions are used(, they should not, generally, be repeated in acute diseases more frequently than once in from six to twelve, or twenty-four lolurs; in chronic cases, once or twice a week —nver more frequently than once a (lay at most; generally it iJ better not to repe:tt so long as the patient continues to improve. I DEDICI NA L AGGRAVATIONS. If the symptoms are worse uifter t1,king on:e or more doscs of tlle remedy, especially if they grow suddenly worse within half an rNTIRODUCTION. 7 hour of taking the medicine, omit the remedy; and if t'le aggravation has been caused by the remedy, it will generally soon cease, but if it should not cease, select another remedy, and give one dose, and repeat it at long intervals. A remedy which has cause(l an aggravation may be repeated when the relief which follows the aggravation has ceased, but it should be given at longer intervals, or be made much weaker by being diluted with a large quantity of water. If relief to the symptoms follows the use of a remedy, continue it, but lengthen the intervals between the doses. If the patient ceases to improve, select another remedy, but do not change the remedies while there is any manifest improvement. DOSE AND ADMINISTRATION OF REMEDIES. In acute diseases, and in other cases where a prompt action of the remedy is desired, it is generally best to give the medicine dissolved in water. If the remedy is in the form of globules, dissolve twelve of them in half a glass of cold water; if it is in the form of a tincture, drop one drop into a glassful of water; if it is in the form of powder, put half as much as will lie on a three-cent piece into half a glass of water-in either case stir the solution well, and give to an adult two teaspoonfuls or one tablespoonful for a dose; to a child, one teaspoonful for a dose. Powders may also be given dry on the tongue, giving for a dose as much as will lie on the point of a penknife blade. In chronic cases, or in acute cases which are not very urgent, the remedy may be given either dry on the tongue or dissolved in cold water. If it is in globules, give four to an adult or two to a child; if in powder, give as much as wll lie on the end of a penknife blade to an adult, or half as much to a child; if it is in the form of a tincture, drop one drop on a lump of sugar, or into a spoonful of water, and give tile whole of it to an adult, or one fourth of it to a child, it ouly a single dIse is to be given, but if several d;)ses will probably be required, dissolve the same quantity of the tincture in ten spoonfuls of water, and give as directedl in acute cases, to an adult twio spoonfuls, or to a child one teaspoonful. XNcver uso 8 INURODUCTION. the same glass or spoon for two remedies without carefully washinag it. DIET. Patients under homrnoeopathic treatment should avoid high-seasoned dishes and all condiments, with the exception of salt and Fugar, which should be used only sparingly. Smoked meats and fish, all strong-scented and pungent vegetables, pastry of all kinds, and confectionery, should be shunned. He should avoid all alcoholic and fermented drinks, tobacco, and opium, except when he has been long addicted to their use, in which case he should use them very sparingly, or, what is better, gradually discontinue their use. It is generally better that he should drink neither tea nor coffee, or certainly nothing more than black tea. More specific directions in regard to diet will be found in connection with the treatment of the various diseases. LIST OF REMEDIES RECOMMENDED IN THIS WOt,`. ABBREVIATIONS. FULL NAMES, AND COMMON NAMES. 1. Aconite-Aconitum napellus —Monk's lood. 2. Aconite-tincture, or globules saturated with the tincture. 3. Apis mel.-Apis mellifica-poison of the Honey Bee. 4. Arnica-Arnica montana-Leopard's Bane. 5. Arsenicum-Arsenicum album-Arsenic. 6. Belladonna —Deadly N'ightshade. 7. Bryonia-Bryonia alba —White Bry 8. Calcarea carb. or Calcarea carbonica-Carbonate of lime. 9. Cannabis or Cannabis sativa-Hemp. 10. Cantharis-Cantharides-Spanish Fly. 11. Carbo veg. or Carbo vegetabilis-Charcoal. 12. Chamomilla-Chamomile. 13. China-China officinalis-Cinchona-Peruvian Bark. 14. Cina —Wormseed. 15. Coffea-Coffea cruda-Coffec. ] 6 Colocyntb-Colocynthis —Bitter Cucumber..7. Cuprum-Cuplrum met. or metalicum-Copper. 18. Drosera —Round-leaved Sun-dew. 19. Dllcamara-Bitter Sweet. 20. Gelsemium semp. —Gelsemium sempervirens-Yellow Jes~amine. 21. Helleborus-Helleborus niger-Black liellebore. 22. Hepar sulph. or Hepar sulphuris-Sulphuret of Lime. 23. Hyoscyamus or Hyoscyamus niger-Henbane. 24. Ignatia or Ignatia amara —St. Ignatius' Bean. 25. Ipecac or Ipecacuanha. 26. Lachesis-Poison of the Lance-headed Serpent. 27. Lycopodium —Wolf's Claw. 28.:Mercurius prot. —Miercurius protiod.-Protiodide of lMercury. 29. MIercurius viv.-M- ercurius vivus (Mercurius sol. may be used in ite place) —-Mercury. 30. Mercurius cor. -Mercurius corrosivus-Corrosive Sublimate. 31. Natrum mur.-Natrum muriaticum-Muriate of Soda 10 LIST OF REMEDIES. 32. Nitric acid-Nitri acidum. 33. Nux vom. -Nux vomica. 34. Opium. 35. Phosphorus. 3f3. Pulsatilla-Pasque Flower. 37. Platina 38. Rhus tox.-Rhus toxicodendron —Poison Oak. 39. Rheum-Rhubarb. 40. Sabina-Savine. 41. Secale cor.-Secale cornutum —Ergot of Rye. 42. Silicea-Silex. 43. Spongia-Burnt Sponge. 44. Stannum-Tin. 45, Stramonium-Thorn Apple. 46. Sulphur. 47, Tartar emetic-Tartarus emeticus-Stibinm. 48- Veratrum-Veratrum album-White Hellebore. TINCTURES FOR EXTERNAL AND INTERNAL UStE 1. Arnica-Arnica montana- Leopard's Bane. 2. Calendula-Calendula officinalis-Marigold. 3. Urtica urens. 4. Camphor or Camphora in tincture or globules. The reader will please bear in mind that the above list of abbreviations and variations-of the names of the remedies, contains simply those which are in this book, and not all that are sometimes used in putting up domestic cases. For instance, Aconite, Acon. Aconitlum nap.. Aconitum napellus, all denote the same remedy, and so in other cases. If the first three or four letters are right on your label, and there is no second naame on the label, you have the right remedy. If there is a second naame, tlie first two or three letters should correspond with those of the remediy named in the book, if in the book there is any second name; but if there is no second name to the remedy in the book, you have the right rem'edy, for when there are two remedies with the same first name, the first three letters of the second name are always given. DOMESTIC HOMLEOPATHIC PRACTICE. CHAPTER I. FEVERS. No class of diseases has attracted more attention, or has been the subjz ct of more speculation, than febrile diseases. As this is a practical work, I do not intend to spend either much time or space in considering such speculations; but a few remarks on some of the theories which have prevailed seem necessary, to counteract certain pernicious methods of treatment which are prevalent, having such theories for their foundation. Among the most pernicious of the various theories which have prevailed will be found the one which ascribes fevers to the fluids of the body, especially to the bile, the phlegm, and blood-to a superabundance of these fluids, or to their depraved state. The " black bile" was a bug-bear with Hippocrates, the father of allopathy, and his descendants have been bilious ever since; and if we can judge from the common expression so frequently:sounding in our ears, "' I am bilious," they have not laborel in vain in their efforts to convince the community that an excess of bile is the cause of a large share of their ills, especially fevers. " You are bilious," says the doctor, bly which the patient understands that his stomach is filled with bile; and what is more simple, or apparently natural, than to cure this state of things by an emetic or cathartic. If an emetic is given, the first cffort of vomiting may 12 FEVERS. not reach the bile, simply because the stomach contains none; but by the efforts of vomiting, an 1 the irritation caused by the emetic, the inverted action which has been established in the stomach extends to the upper portion of the intestines, below the entrance of the gall duct, and the bile, which should flow down through the bowels to aid in the process of digestion, passes up into the stomach, and is thrown up; and the more the patient vomits the more bile he discllarres, until he is astonished to think he was not sick before, from being so bilious. So the poor patient is humbu-gged into the belief that he is bilious, through his own senses; the doctor makes a convert to his sagacity and method of practice, but he fails to show his poor deluded victim how the throwing off of the small quantity of bile which is secreted for an hour or two during the operation of the emetic, is to furnish any permanent relief, or prevent its continued secretion; but as, after the action of the emetic is over, the bile pursues its usual course, and does not trouble the patient more than heretofore, le is satisfied with the wonderful skill of his doctor. Even if there is an excess of bile secreted, the fault is with the liver, and remedies should be given to correct its deranged action; simply evacuating the stomach and bowels by emetics and cathartics amounts to little, except to do injury. Although priding themselves in a " combined experience of three thousand years," only a few of the most intelligent physicians of the dominant school are beginning to make the discovery that blood-letting exercises little or no control over febrile or inflammatory diseases, except for injury —often exhausting the vital energies, and cdestroying the power of resistance which is so much needed at the critical stage of the disease. Hoffman and Cullen introdluced the nervous theories of fever. Hoffinan taught that tile chill is caused by a spasm of the capillary, or most minute blood-vesselk, and that the heat anfl excitement which follow are but the reaction of the system to overcome this spasm. Blit there would seem to b3 much greater evidence of a collapse of the minute blood-vessels than of spasm. The nervous theories, in a great measure, overthrew the theories founded upon the blood and secretions, but, as we llave seen, did EPHEMERAL FEVER. i3 not destroy the methods of practice founded upon them, for the latter continue to this day. Having said this much in regard to the theories of the past, I shall allow all theories to rest in the grave.with their authors, for they are of no practical value. Tile hommopathist has a practical law to guide him in the selection of his remedies, and so strong is my confidence in the superiority of the system for the treatment of all febrile diseases, that I would rather trust an intelligent layman, with simply a good domestic work and case of medicines to treat me, than to risk the treatment of the best allopathic physician in tile world, in any febrile disease. We have what physicians call idiopathic fevers; by which are meant diseases which are essentially and primarily febrile diseases, and do not depend upon local disease. Among the fevers of this class we have ephemeral fevers, typhus and typhoid fevers, intermittent, remittent, and yellow fevers. During the course of such diseases, local congestions, and even inflammation, may supervene; but these local affections are secondary-rather the consequence of the fever than the cause of it. We have also symptomatic fevers, or fevers which are caused by local inflammation or local disease. Such fevers sometimes assume a typhoid or an intermittent form during their course, or become complicated with the latter affections, especially when they occur in localities where, or during seasons when, typhoid or intermittent fevers are prevailing. Then we have eruptive fevers. EPHEMERAL FEVER. This consists of a single paroxysm of fever, commencing gene, rally with chills, pains in the head, back, and limbs, followed by fever, attended by the latter symptoms, and terminating, in the course of twenty-four or forty-eight hours, in a profuse perspiration, or some other critical discharge, such as a profuse flow of urine, or a diarrhoea. This is a very common disease, especially during the prevalence of other febrile and eruptive diseases. It is not improbable but that the causes which produce such fevers, acting on constitutions partially protected against them, 14 TYPHIUS FEVER. or' which are not very susceptible, may produce simply this ephemeral fever; as it is more common, as has just been noticed, during the prevalence of other febrile affections. It is not always easy to distinguish this disease from the commencement of other febrile diseases, except by its duration, and this is of no great moment, as we always select our reme(ly by the syniptoms which exist, and not by the name of the disease. It may also hb, caused by exposure, sudden changes of temperature, errors of diet, mental emotions, &c. Treat:nent. —Aconite, if the skin is hot and dry, the pulse full and hard, and the face flushed, is the proper remedy. It may be given in solution every hour until perspiration ensues. Dose, see page 7. Bryonia: If typhoid or typhus fever is prevailing, or if the pains in the head are dull, and the hands and feet disposed to be cool, Blyonia may be given instead of Aconite, or it may follow the latter remedy at the end of twelve hours, and be repeated once in f&ur hours. Be!ladonna may be selected instead of Bryonia, and given once in two hours, if the pains in the head are sharp and cutting, the eyes red, with sensitiveness to light and noise; and if there is delirium. A warm bath, when it is convenient, or simply bathing the feet in warm water, if great care is used against exposure afterward, will be useful. A glass of cold water, or even of hot water, milk, and sugar, and covering up warm in bed, will often afford considerable relief, by aiding the Aconite in promoting perspiration. TYPHUS FEVER. Very little is known in regard to the cause of this disease. It occurs most frequently in situations where persons are crowded together, especially vhen there is added'to this, unwholesome food and vitiated and confin d air, as aboard ships, in crowded hospitals, prisons, camps, and large cities. But this disease not unfrequently occurs in country places, and even in mountainous regions, and also among those who are well housed and fed, and 16 TYPIHUS FEVF:R. fourth of an inch in diame~tr, varying in color from red to purple, violet, or even black. A fine rash, of transparent vesicles, from the size of a mustard-seed to that of a pin's head, firequently makes its appearance at this stage of the disease. There is almost always more or less deafness. There is often a very great tendency to excoriation, ulceration, and mortification of the parts of the back and hips, on which the patient lies, caused by pressure, when the utmost care is not used to prevent it. The average duration of this fever is about fourteen days, but it may abate by the seventh or ninth, or continue until the twenty-first day. Favorable Symptoms.-The tongue gradually begins to clean at the tip and edges, the pulse becomes less frequent and fuller, the skin over the body becomes cooler and less dry, the extremities warmer, a gentle uniform perspiration may ensue, the de!iriumn, stupor, and deafiless, subsitle, the patient takes more interest in the things around him, and begins to feel some appetite, and steadily recovers. Unfaro: able Symptonms. —A very frequent or an irregular pulse, or slJw and scarcely perceptible pulse. The extremities become cold and clammy, or the whole surface becomes coveredl with a cold clammy sweat. The countenance assumes a death-like aspect, add the patient gradually sinks and dies. Sometimes death is preceded by convulsions, and often by profound coma or insensibility. Treatment. — To prevent this disease, pure air and cleanliness are very essential; all decaying vegetables should be carefully removed from the cellar; stagnant water should be drained from the cellar, and from beneath the house; the sink should be kept clean, dish washings and vegetable substances should not be thrown about the doors, and in gutters, to decompose and vitiate the air. If the disease is prevailing, and individuals hlave been exposed to patients sick with it, or to the same causes which have produced it in those already suffering, mhus tox. and Bryonia may be taken alternately, folty-eiglit hours apart, as preventives. Dose, see page 7. Bryonia: During the first stage of the disease, before the stage of prostration or collapse arrives, Bryonia is generally the TYPIIt'S FEVER. 17 most important remedy, especially when there is dull pain in the head, with mental an(l physical torpor, great heat over the body' and temples, with cold extremities, coated tongrue, light colored or brown, and dry, and when there is great soreness over the body. If the disease commences with a full pulse, and warm extremities, great benefit will result froma giving Aconite once in two hours, for twelve or twenty-four hours, or until the extremitics are cool, before giving Bryonia. It should be remembered that we can rarely if ever " break up" either this disease or typhoid fever. It is the opinion of many writers that this can never be done; it is quite certain that it generally runs its course, and all we can expect is to lessen its severity, and bring it to a favorable termination. IF we would derive the full benefit which remedies are capable of exertir, in this and other diseases which have a somewhat specific duration, we must avoid changing our remedies often. Bryon a, when indicated in this disease, should generally be continued once in two or three hours, untilt the sixth or seventh day, or even longer if the p Itient seems to be doing well. The patient may be regarded as doing well, so long as he is not getting materially worse. If there are sharp pains in the head, with sensitiveness to noise and light, with or without delirium, early in the disease, Bellidonna may be given instead of B'jgonia once in two hours, until such symptoms are relieved. Nux vomica: This remedy may be given in the first stage of the disease, when there is pain in the top and back of the head, when the skin and eyes are yellow, and the tongue yellow or dry, when there is pain, soreness, or fullness and weight in the right side beneath the short ribs, in the region of the liver, and constipation. This remedy will rarely be required for more than two or three days, when it should be followed by Bryonza. Naltx vomica may be given during any stage of the disease, if the above symptoms occur. lRhus tox.: As the disease approaches the stage of collapse, or great prostration, and the extremities become colder, the pulse weaker, and sordes begin to appear on the teeth and gums, and '18 TYPIIS FEVER. the tongue becomes dry and dark, Rhaus tox. should take the p'ace of Bryonia, anl be given once in two hours. R.Wus tox. may be given early in the disease, if the prostration is very great, but in the stage of prostration it is our main remedy, especially when there are muttering delirium, sliding down in bed, cold perspiration, or the dark spots on the skin, and the eruptions natned in the description of the lymptoms; also, if the bJwvels should becomn3 loose with dark offensive passages, and the breath very offensive. Arsen:cumn: If, notwithstanding the use of Bryonia and Rhus tox., the tenrlency to decomposition and dissolution increases until the pulse becomes very small, or irregular, and the surface cold and clammy, Arsenicuz should be given either alone or alternately with i/hus, one hour apart. Tills remedy is especially indicated, if there a e profuse, watery, or offnj.ive discharges from the bowels, with or witl:out burning thirst. Ca bo veg.: If A rsenicamn fiails to clheck the tendency to dissolution, and the pulse becomes scarcely perceptible, or irregular, the skin even over the body cool and clammy, this remedy may be given instead of Arsenicuan every hour. Camlnor: If, during the course of the disease, especially about the seventh or fourteenth day, very great prostration of strength suddenly ensues, t lie pulse becomes small and irregular, the surface cold and clammy, give one drop of the common tincture or spirits of Ccamlphor, in a little sugar and water, every fifteen minutes, until the symptoms of excessive prostration are relieved, provided they mire relieved within two hours. If at the end of that time reaction does lot ensue, give Arsenmculn and Cwarbo vey. alternately, one hlour apart. Glosenliunl semrp.: This is fa new remedy, which has been used to a greater or less extent by man) phlysic(ians, in this and tylphoid fever. At the commencement of the fever it sometimes does very well, but at present the particular indications for its u e are not sufficiently understood. It may h1)e g'ven at the comnencemrnent of the attack, when the veins of thI heali1 are congested or full, with dull headache, delirium, or wavering of s:hit, and be repeated every hour until free persl)iration elsues. If no TYPHOID FEVER. 19 chlange i:i the symptoms results within from twenty-four to fo, tyeight hours, select another remedy. Some physicians give )rop doses of the tincture, others prefer the dilutions or globules. Either will answer. There are other remsdies which may be required for the successful treatment of certain cases of typhus fever, especially for the various complications which may arise, such as congestion of t!he lungs, diarrhcea, vomiting, hemorrh'ige from the bowels ~r nose, and bed sores, but as these complications quite as frequently occur in the course of typhoid fever, and as the indications are similar, the reader is referred to the treatment of that disease in such cases; also for suggestions as to diet, &c. TYPtIOID FEVER. It is the opinion of many physicians and writers, that this is iut. a milder and modified iorm of typhus fever, and that it arises from the same cause. There is the same tendency to decomposition of t!he blood and solids of the body as witnessed in genuine typhus; and in cases which tend to a fatal termination, in the l;st stage, the symptoms are generally the same as in the latter disease. Typhcid fever generally commences more g'radually, is slower in its progress, and longer in its duriation than typhus fever. In typhus fever the bowels are generally constipated, whereas in typhoid fever there is predisposition to diarrh!ca and soreness iqi the bowels on the right sitle of the lower halF' of the abdomen. Diarrlcca and soreness of the bowel. are not always plresent, especially under honceopathic treatment, for I have seen wellmarked cases of typhoid fever run their courlse without the occurrence of such symptoms. In fact, under our treatment, whien t'ley do occur, they are rarely very troublesome, when they have neither been developed nor nagravated by c:tthartic remedies. Diarrhma- may precede the febrile syrnptoms, it may commence with them, or it mlay commence (lurintg the middle or later stages of the disease. The average duration of typhoid fever is twentyone days, but it may terminate i:a fourteen days, or linger for 20 TYPHOID FEVER. four or five weeks, but rarely for so long a period under homceopathic treatment. Symaptoms.-The disease sometimes commences abruptly by a chill, followed by symptoms'of fever; but it often comes on insidiously, and increases gradually, so that it is difficult to fix the exact point of the commencement of the disease. The patient complains of weariness, uneasiness, soreness of the limbs, slight headache, torpor of the mental faculties, and indisposition to muscular action; there is heat of the body and temples, with a tendency to cool extremities. The disease may be so slight as scarcely to require the patient to take to his bed during its course, or it may be very severe, with severe headache, great mental and physical torpor, deafness, delirium, cold extremities, burning heat of body, frequent and small pulse, and, during the latter stages of the disease, dry tongue, Lordes on the teeth, offensive breath, and twitching of the tendons. Between the mild and severe cases described above, we may have every degree of severity in different cases. We have the same tendency, to hemorrhage from the nose and bowels, effusions of blood in and beneath the skin, and bed sores, as in typhus fever. There is frequently a troublesome cough, caused lby a slow inflammation of the air-passages, or bronchia, and also obstinate vomiting caused by irritation or inflammation of the stomach. The tendency to diarrhoea and abdominal tenderness has already been noticed. For the symptoms which denote a fatal tendency, consult the section on typhus fever. Treatment.-To prevent the disease in the case of individuals exposed, RNlus tox. and Brgonia may be given two days apart, as suggested for the prevention of typhus fever, and the same care In regard to cleanliness and ventilation is essential. Bryonia: This remedy is about as important for the treatment of this disease as in the treatment of typhus fever, especially during the first ten or twelve days of the disease, and when the bowels are constipated. The reader may consult the indications for this remedy, lihus tox., Arsenicum, Carbo veg., and Gelsemziuni semp.., under the head of t3yphus fever. In slight cases where TYPHOID FEVER. 21 there are no local complications, no other remedy may be required during the first stage of the disease but Bryonia. Dose of this and other remedies, see page 7. Rlus tox. may take the place of Bryonaa during the latter stages of the disease, provided there is great prostration, with sordes or crusts on the teeth, and twitching of the tendons. If R,aus tox. does not check the tendency to a typhus state and dissolution, Arsenicum must be given every hour, and finally Carbo veg. —if Arsenicum fails-in desperate cases. Gelsemium semnp. will often do well at the commencement of the disease when there is great fullness about the head, severe headache or delirium, with or without derangements of sight. Also, if in the course of the disease head symptoms occur, which are not relieved by other remedies, give Gelsemium every hour. The above are all the remedies generally required in uncomplicated cases, where there is neither local congestion nor inflammation, but in a majority of cases there are symptoms which requ'ire other remedies. Pulsatilla: This remedy, either alone or alternately with Bryonia, will often be useful when typhoid fever commences with a diarrhea., or when this symptom occurs early in the disease, if there is a bitter taste, whitish tongue, or watery, bilious, or even mucous evacuations from the bowels. Later in the disease, if the stomach is acid, if there are nausea and vomiting, with diarrhcea, it may still be of service. China is often of service during the forming stage of the discase, when there is a painless, watery diarrhcea, with rumbling in the bowels, paleness of the face, and ringing in the ears. Arsenicurn: This remedy should be given at any stage of the disease when there are watery, slimy, whitisc, greenish, or more particularly brownish evacuations from the bowels. If the pass:.ges from the bowels become bloody or slimy, or if there is straining with the discharges, 31iercurius viv. may be given instead of A rsenicum. For dark mahogany-colored passages, Nitric acid is the remedy. If nausea and vomiting occur, with tenderness of the stomgch on pressure over it, Ipecac may be given; and if at the end of 2;2 TYPHOID FEVER. twelve Lours these symptoms are not relievel, give Vera'fru7m. Arsenicumn should follow Veratrun at the end of tw nty-fo lr hours, if the symptoms are not relieved. If the nausea a cd vorni:ing are very obstinate, an-l not relieved by remnelies, and everything the patient takes is im'nediate!y thro-wn up, let himl take nothing into the mouth, except the proper medic:in, dissolve,in a few drops only df water, and give an injection of thin rice water, arrow root, or corn starch, night and morning —ibout a teacupful. This will relieve the thirst, sustain the strength, and not aggravate the stomach symnptoms. This course can be continued until the stomach will tolerate nourishment, when the above liquids may be cautiously administered1 by the mouth, at first only a teaspoonful at a time. When there is a troublesome cough and bronchial irritation, which are not relieved by Bryonia or l'ius tox, Belladonna is generally the most important remedy, and may be given alternately with one of these remedies. If Belladonna fails to relieve, Sulphuhtr should take its place at the end of twenty-four hours. P/op~horus will be, useful when there is great oppression of the cllest, with cough with or without expectoration. For great oppression of the brain, when the patient lies in an unconscious state, or with muttering delirium, if Bryonia and jl.Aus fox. do not relieve, give Arnica once in two hours. If Arnica fails to relieve the above symptoms within twelve hours,. give Belladonna. If there are great stupor and drowsiness, which other remedies fail to relieve, give Opium. If the above remedies fail to relieve severe pain in the head, delirium, or oppression of the brain, wet a large towel in cold water, and wrap it around the entire head and face above the eyes, and cover the wet towel entirely with four or five thicknesses of dry flannel; pin the flannel snugly around the head, so that it will keep its place and exclude the cold air. Wet the towel once in two or three hours, until there is some improvement, then only once in six hours. For bleeding from the nose, if it occurs in typhus or typhoid fever at the commencement of the fever, give Aconite alternately with Bryonia. If it occurs during the fever before the stage of TYPI1OID FEVER. 23 prostration, give Pulsatilla every hour, ani if it fails to relieve, give Cllcar'ea carb. If during the latter statge of the disease, give A rnica every hlour, and follow it with Carbo veg., if necessary. If the remedies do not soon stop the bleeding, consult.the article on hemorrhage from the nose, especially the mechanical measures there described. For hemorrhage or bleeding from the bowels, give Pulsatilla, followed by C/dna, if the patient becomes very weak and faint. Apply clothls wrungl from cold water over the bowels, and change them often until the bleeding stops. Cathartic remedies should never be given during the treatment of either typhoid or typhus fevers, for I have in several instances, especially in typhoid fever, seen an irritation of tlse stomach and bowels caused by their use, which no subsequent treatment could cure. Many die from this cause. If the bowels are costive, give nothing more, in addition to the remedies named, than a free injection of tepid water once in two or three days. I lhave often had patients go one, two, or even three weeks, without a passage, and do well. Still injections, as directed above, will do no harm. To prevent bed sores, carefully watch the back and hips, and if there are any red, dark, or excoriated spots on the skin, wash them in a solution containing a teaspoonful of Arnica tincture to a teacupful of water, once a day, and apply over the parts strips of the common adhesive plaster of the shops. Remove them every day, and wash in the Arnica wash. If this does not relieve the parts, all pressure should be taken off the red or excoriated points by the means of cushions and pillows. GeJicral Directions.-The sick-room should be well ventilated by the admission of fresh air, instead of being fumigated by burnino substances. The Iight of the sun should b3- feely admitted, all day, into the sick-room, to purify the atmosphere, and cheer the patient. The patient should be freely sponged over the entire surface of the boly with tepid water at least once a day, aud the bed and the patient's linen should be often changed. Dnit.-In cases of typhus fever, and even of typhoid fever, where there is no irritation of the mucous membrane of the 24 TYPHOID FEVER'. stomach and bowels, manifested by nausea, vomiting, diarrhcea, pain and tenderness on pressure over the stomach and bowels, the patient, from the commencement of the disease, may be encouraged to eat regularly, but moderately, of boiled rice, tapioca, sago. and roasted potato, or of dry toast or cracker, with a small quantity of baked apple. The moderate use of such articles will sustain the patient's strength, and keep up the secretion of gastric juice, so that the patient will be able to take other nourishment much earlier than he could otherwise do with safety. If he has continued to take the above articles from the commencement, when the stage of collapse or great prostration ensues, if the prostration is very great, as it generally is in malignant t3yphus, the patient, if able, may be allowed to chew a little beefsteak and swallow the juice. Or the juice of the beef may be obtained by cutting or slicing the beef thin, putting it into a bottle, and setting it into boiling water for an hour or two. When the prostration is not very great, as is generally the case in typhoid fever wlere there is no irritation of the stomach and bowels, it is better, perhaps, not to resort to animal nourishment until the fever has entirely abated. But in all cases where there are nausea and vomiting or diarrhoea, with tenderness on pressure over the right side of the lower part of the abdomen, no nourishment should be taken but liquids, such as rice water, arrow root, toast water, the thin part of oat meal or ccrn meal gruel, and weak black tea. Nor should food in substance or animal food be given in such cases until after the fever has entirely passed off, and been gone for three or four days, and the patient has a good appetite. And even then it is necessary to use the utmost care in changing to a more substantial and stimulating diet. At first, for a day or two, the rice water, arrow root, or gruel, should be made thicker simply; then, after a day or two more, be made into a thin pudding; and then, after a few days more, dry toast may be given three times a day-never more frequently; after a daty or two more, the patient may be allowed to chew beefsteak, and swallow the juice, and after hlaving done this for two days he may swallow the meat. Be thus careful and relapses will rarely follow; but if the patient is allowed to take INTERMITTENT FEVER. 25 food in substance, or animal food, especially broth, as soon as he begins to desire it, a relapse will often follow, and death not unfrequently. Nothing is lost by being thus careful, for the patient will gain strength steadily, in fict, rapidly, on rice water, gruel, &c. I have often known relapses follow, and in several instances death, when animal broths, toast or rice, and other solid articles of food, have been given too soon. In all febrile diseases, if the patient has been several days or weeks without solid food, or without animal food, it is necessary to return to its use with great care, as directed above; for little or no gastric juice is secreted in such cases, and the food, if taken, will not be digested, but will decompose and irritate the stomach and bowels. The patient may be allowed, in addition to the above liquids, to drink cold water, molasses and water, or warm water, milk, and sugar, freely during the course of these fevers when there is no irritation of the stomach and bowels, which is aggravated by their use. A roasted apple put into a bowl of water makes a pleasant drink; also steep a few dried apples in water and drink the liquid. As far as possible have arout:d the patient only those who are needed to take care of him. INTERMITTENT FEVER, (FEVER AND AGUE.) This disease is supposed to be caused by poisonous exhalations arising from decomposing vegetable substances. It rarely occurs north of fifty-six degrees of north latitude; for although there may be sufficient heat, the seasons are too short. The nearer we approach the equator the more violent do these fevers become, and the more constantly do they prevail; whereas, in temperate climates they do not usually prevail until the latter part of sumruer and autumn. If individuals are attacked with intermittent fever in the winter or spring, it is generally from the disease, or rather its cause, being latent in the system, and then developed by some exciting cause, such as over-exertion, over-eating, or exposure. Persons do not take this fever from residing in sections of country where it prevails during the winter, spring, and latter 2 26 IN-TERMITTENT FEVER. part of the fall, after severe frosts have come. Heat and moisture are essential for the development of its cause, but too much wMet weather may prevent the generation of the poison in certain localities by covering up decomposing vegetable matter; therefore, in very wet seasons, the lower grounds are usually most healthy, and higher grounds which are ordinarily exempt from disease become sickly. It is inferred that decomposing vegetable substances are necessary for the production of the poison which ca uses this fever, from the fact that in no situations are intermittent fevers so prevalent as along the banks of rivers, and in the deltas of tropical streams, which, in their periods of flood, deposit large quantities of vegetable substances, which, upon the subsidence of the waters, are exposed to the heat of the sun; also; when grounds are overflowed and then allowed to dry up, as in the case of mill-ponds, where the water is drawn off, exposing moist, dead vegetation. These fevers are very prevalent in new countries, but it often happens that they do not prevail to any considerable extent among new settlers, until they have cleared up the forests so as to expose a large extent of soil to the sun. VARIETIES OF INTERMITTENT FEVER. —By an intermittent fever, we understand a febrile disease in which there are paroxysms of fever, with an intermission between them, during which the patient is free from fever. When the paroxysms occur once in twenty-four hours the fever is called a quotidian. When they occur once in forty-eight hours it is called a tertian. When they occur once in seventy-two hours it is called a quartan. We sometimes have what are called double types. In the double quartan the patient has a fever two days and skips one day. In the double tertian the patient has a fever every dOay, as in a quotidian; but it is known from the latter by the fact that the paroxysm either occurs at a different hour every other day, or is more severe, or not as regular in all its stages, on alterna.te days. V oe may have intermittent fever without or with very slight chills or sweat; we may have a severe paroxysm of fever followed by profuse perspiration without being preceded by chills. A very slight fever may be followed by a profuse sweat. A paroxysm of intermittent fever may consist principally of chills without being INTERMITTENT FEVER. A2d -followed by much fever or perspiration; or we may have a chill followed by heat and perspiration-regular ague and fever. SyUmptoms.-Each paroxysm of an intermittent fever, when regular and fully developed, consists of three stages, namely: a cold, hot, and sweating stage, which usually succeed each other in the order named. Sometimes the chill comes on suddenly, without premonitory symptoms; but it is often preceded by a feeling of languor, weariness, stretching and yawning, impaired appetite, with slight fever and pain in the back and limbs. There are sometimes slight paroxysms of such symptoms for two or three days before regular paroxysms commence. The cold stage is usually ushered in by yawning, stretching, pains in the head, back, and limbs, and by feelings of chilliness in the limbs, which soon extend over the whole body, sometimes seeming to run in streaks, especially up and down the back. Shivering or trembling soon ensues, and. even shaking; the teeth chatter, the surface is pale and contracted, the hands are shrunken, and the ends of the fingers often purplish. The breathing is irregular and hurried, and there is oppression of tile chest, with a disposition to sigh. Nausea and vomiting frequently occur during this stage. The pulse is small, sometimes very fiequent, sometimes slow and irregular. There may be very great thirst or very little, also severe pains in the head, back, and limbs, irritability of temper, delirium, and in children, convulsions. Tile cold stage generally lasts about one hour, but it sometimes continues but for a few minutes, whereas in other instances it lasts for three or four hours, or even for a longer period. The hot stage generally follows the cold gradually, chills alternating for a time with flashes of heat, Gradually tlv whole surface becomes warm, but for a time the least exposure of the surface of the body causes chilly sensations. At length the heat prevails, the skin is distended with blood, the eyes sparkle, the mouth is hot and dry, the tongue furred, and there is often, but not always, great thirst. Nausea and vomiting are occasionally present, the breathing is rapid, the pulse is generally frequent, full, and strong, the skin dry, the urine scanty and high colored. There is almost always violent pain in the forehead and temples, 28 INTERMI TENT FEVE]R. with throbbing and feeling of distension, and severe pain in the back. There is sometimes delirium, and, in cases of children, frequently convulsions. Sometimes a rash, like nettle resh, makes its appearance and vanishes with the fever. The duration of the hot stage varies from one to twelve, or even twenty-four hours, before it begins to abate. The sweating stage follows gradually, the perspiration commencing on the face, neck, and breast, and extending over the whole body. It may be scanty, profuse, or very ccpious. When the perspiration commences, the febrile symptoms begin to abate, and gradually pass off, and the pains in the back and head cease, the skin becomes cool, and the pulse less frequent, the mouth moist, and the urine, which had been scanty during the fever, becomes free, and often deposits a sediment on cooling. The whole duration of the paroxysm varies greatly. The averagte duration of the paroxysms in the quotidian variety is perhaps eight or ten hours; in the tertian, six or eight hours; in the quartan, five or six hours. Sometimes they are much longer, instead of shorter, in the tertian and quartan than in the quotidian. The paroxysms may last in some cases but two or three hours, in other cases for eighteen hours, and in tertian and quartan fevers from thirty to fifty hours. The paroxysms generally shorten as the disease becomes of longer continuance. Young children rarely shake, but the hands, feet, nose, and ears, become cold, and perhaps blue; even such symptoms may be absent. During the intermission the patient is free from fever, but feels languid, with slight uneasiness in the head, back, and stomach. The appetite is poor, the countenance is pale and sallow; but the above symptoms generally abate, as the disease continues, if the patient improves. The first attack of intermittent fever is usually the worst the patient ever has, and subsequent attacks are milder, and more easily controlled by homceopathic treatment. In sections of the country where intermittent fevers prevail, various affections, such as neuralgia, rheumatism, hysterics, hiccough, diarrhoea, and even epilepsy, occasionally occur in a INTERMITTENT FEVER. 29 regular intermittent form, but without chills and fever, evidently caused by the poison which gives rise to intermittent fever. These diseases, when they become thus paroxysmal, are regarded as masked cases of ague, or intermittent fever, and require the same class of remedies as regular intermittents; at least such remedies should be given alternately with the remedy appropriate for the disease which has assumed a paroxysmal character. Preventive Trealment of Intermittent Fever.-Persons residing in sections where these fevers prevail, from the beginning of summer to late in the fall, should avoid the early morning air; also the late evening and night air, as far as practicable; admit the solar rays freely all day into their sleeping rooms, for sunlight is the great purifier of the atmosphere; and avoid building their houses in the neighborhood of marshes, mill-dams, &c., especially on the side, where they will be compelled to breathe the atmosphere from such localities, as the wind ordinarily blows. Higher grounds in such a direction will generally be more unhealthy than lower grounds on the opposite side of the marsh, pond, or stream. During the months of July, August, September, and October, take China and Arsenicum alternately, one week apart. Treatment of Intermittent Fever. —Little difficulty will generally be found in curing old cases of ague promptly, by the use of homceopathic remedies, in ordinary doses, even though they may have been treated allopathically and empirically, for months and years. Sometimes, under such circumstances, a single dose of the proper remedy will accomplish a permanent cure. Bnt it will be found far more difficult to cure. promptly recent cases, where the patient has never had the disease before. In such cases, if we use the ordinary dilutions, it will generally require from two to four weeks to get entirely rid of the fever, but after such a treatment the disease is cured, and relapses are rare; whereas, if the paroxysms are suppressed, by quinine and other remedies, relalpses generally occur again and again for about two seasons, and sometimes for a longer period. I expect this work to fall into the hands of many individuals in the Western country, especially in the section where the author has long re 30 INTEERMITTENT FEVER. sided, who have not access to a homceopathllic physician, and I shall endeavor to give them such information as will prevent them, under any circumstances, from being tempted to resort to the empirical treatment of allopathy and nostrum venders. Calomel, blue pills, and cathartics, are of no use in any form of miasmatic disease, and, where used, they often endanger the future health, and even lives of patients. I well know that patients who have the ague for the first time are not always satisfied to wait for a permanent cure by the homccopath!ic dilutions; they are generally a little better satisfied to wait the treatment after having suppressed the disease repeatedly by large doses, without curing it. I well know that patients may be travelling, or away from home, or have important business to attend to, when it may be desirable to stop the paroxysms at once. This disease may occur for the first time during the latter months of pregnancy, or soon after childbirth, when, in my opinion, the paroxysms should be stopped. Or it may assume a dangerous character, when it must be checked at once to save life with any certainty. This last class of cases is so important, that I have thought best to consider it separately, under the head of congestive or pernicious fever. The article on this form of the disease will be found after the section on remittent or bilious fever. For the above reasons I shall tell the reader how to cure the disease with the ordinary dilutions by a persevering treatment; how, in case the patient becomes impatient, to hurry up the cure with very small doses of quinine; and finally, how to stop it at once by the use of large doses of quinine, with the greatest certainty and s:afety practicable. In all cases where dangerous symptoms occur during the course of intermittent or remittent fevers, the reader should consult carefully the section on congestive or pernicious fevers. Among dangerous symptoms which may occur will be found the following: Great drowsiness, stupor, difficulty of speaking, loss of consciousnest, much delirium, or convulsions. Again' A long-continued chill, with great paleness or blueness, folloNed by slight fever, excessive and long-mntinued perspiration, great faintness and oppression, with weak and irregular pulse, sinking at the pit of C INTERMITTENT FEVER. 31 the stomach, or profuse vomiting and diarrhoea. If one or more of the above symptoms occur, do not fail to consult the section on congestive fevers. Aconite: If the paroxysms of an intermittent fever arc very severe, the skin hot and dry, the pu!se full, with violent pain in the head, Aconite may be given every hour until perspiration ensues, commencing about one hour before the chill is expected. Dose of this, or any of the following remedies, except Quinine, see page 7. Ipecac: In recent cases, especially if there is any nausea or vomiting during the palroxysm, or feeling of fullness and oppression in the chest, with great thirst during the fever, Ipecac should be given once in three or four hours, when the patient is awake, during the intermission, and Aconite as directed during the fever. This remedy (ipecac), in such cases, should be continued for five or six dalys at least. It will also be useful, at the commencement of the treatment, when symptoms like the above occur, in old cases of ague. Nux veon.: This remedy is perhaps more frequently required at the commencement of' thre treatment of recent cases of ague than any other, excepting Ipecac. It is indicated if there are bilious symptoms, yellow skin and eyes, bitter taste, fullness or pain in the region of the liver or stomach, nausea and vomiting, or constipation, thirst during the chill, but moderate thirst during the fever and sweat, and thirst after the sweat. It may be given alone once in two or three hours; or, if nausea is a prominent symptom, it may be given alternately with ipecac, two hours apart. Nux vorm. is also very frequently required in old cases of intermittent fever, and in such cases it is especially indicated when the above symptoms pertaining to thirst are present, also when there are derangements of the stomach or liver. Pulsatilla: This remedy will be found useful, either in recent attacks or long-continued cases, when there is watery or bilious diarrh.Ea, with or without sick stomach and acid vomiting; and if the paroxysms occur in the afternoon or evening, and if the patient be of a mild disposition, or a woman, these will be still further indications for this remedy. I 32 INTERMIITENT FEVER. In recent cases of ague the above are generally the most important remedies for the first eight or ten days of tYhe treatment, after which either'Arsenicun or China will often be required, either to take their place, or, if derangements of the stomach and liver still linger, to be given alternately with the YNux r Vo:'., two hours apart. In such cases Arsenicurn will generally be required, and, if necessary, to be followed by China, at the end of a week or ten days more. A rsenicum: After the bilious and stomach symptoms have been relieved by the above remedies, and the disease somewhat modified by their use, as it will be, no remedy is as firequently required as this, and no one will more frequently cure old cases of ague than the one we are considering. The following are the chief ind:cations for Arsenicun2: Very little thirst during the fever; chill and heat set in about the same time, or alternate with each other; burning heat, as if boiling water were flowing through the veins; watery diarrhoea, distress in the region of the heart, great debility; and when all the stages are not well marked, as, for instance, if there is little or no chill, or chill and fever but little or no sweat. This remedy is useful when there is with this disease a tendency to dropsy. Arsenicurn may be given once in two hours during the intermission. China: This remedy will be of service where Quinine has not been administered recently, when there is a sallowness of the skin, a well-marked chill or shake, fever and sweat, with thirst before and during the chill, and during the sweat, but not much thirst during the fever; and especially if the patient is hungry during the fever and intermission; soreness, tenderness, and enlargement in the region of the spleen, or beneath tl e left short ribs, is a particular indication for the use of this remedy. China may be given once in three hours d uring the intermnission. In all new cases of regular ague; or of attacks occurring in individuals who have not had the disease for several years, which practically amounts to nearly the same thing, too much should not be expected of the remedies in a short time. Select the proper remedy or remedies, and persevere in their administration, INTERMITTENT FEVER. 33 and do not change oftener than has been directed above, nor as often, if the patient is doing well. In addition to the above, there are several other remedies which may be required in obstinate cases of recent argue, and also in old cases which have been dosed with Qu;nine, Fowler's solution, Chola:ogue, patent pills, &c., &c.; or which have continued a long time without treatment. Ignzalia: This remedy will be found useful when the chills are moderated by external heat, pale face, or alternately pale and red —thirst during the chill only; and in the case of children, if either the cold or hot stage is attended with convulsions. Igna_ tia may be given once in two hours during the chill, fever, sweat, and intermission. Natritm mtur.: This is one of our best remedies for the treatment of old cases of ague where the disease has been frequently suppressed, especially if there is thirst during the chill and fever, with dry tongue, pains in the bones, yellowish complexion, and great debility. Success with this remedy will be more certain if, in addition to the above symptoms, the paroxysms occur in the morning, or fore part of the day, and the fever has but a single type. I have rarely found NVatrum onur. of any service in recent cases; but late in the fall, after patients have had the disease during the summer, it often acts like a charm. Six globules may be taken dry on the tongue, or dissolved in water, night and morning only. Corbo veg.: This is a valuable remedy in old cases of the disease, especially where patients have had the ague frequently f(or years, and when there are rheumatic pains in tile teeth and limbs before or during the fever, and when paroxysms occur in the evening or at night, and terminate with a profuse perspiration. A dose may be given night and morning. Arnica: In old cases of ague, where the following symptoms exist, a drop of the tincture of this remedy, dropped on the tongue at the commencement of the chills will sometimes stop the chills, and cure the disease at once. Pains in the bones before the paroxysm, constant disposition to change position, each one being found uncomfortable during the fever, loathing of meat 2* 34 INTEIMITTENT FEVER. during the intermission, loss of appetite, and yellowish comr plexion. Bryonia: ~When the paroxysms have been composed almost entirely of chills, followed by little or no fever or sweat, this remedy has rarely failed to afford prompt relief from all the symptoms. Qulinine: It is better, as a general rule, to avoi I Quinine entirely, excepting when dangerous symptoms occur; but it sometimes happens, in recent cases of ague, that after three or four weeks' treatment the paroxysms, although lighter, still persist; the countenance becomes very pale, and the spleen swollen and tender, with perhaps bleeding from the nose; and the patient and friends become alarmed and impatient, and it seemns desirable to hurry up the cure. In such cases give to an adult one grain, or to a child one half a grain of QGtiine four hours before the paroxysm is expected, and the same quantity at the termination of the paroxysm; continue this treatment until they cease; then give one dose only a day, for a few days. The first decimal trituration of Quinine will do even better than the above if you have it, or can readily get it,; commencing five hours before you expect the paroxysms, give one grain of this trituration every hour until the patient has taken four or five doses, and continue this treatment until the patient is cured. It will be well to continue other remedies once a day for two or three weeks, especially Nux vo7n. or Arsenicum. By pursuing the course here directed, you will generally get a permanent cure, if you do not commence with the Quinine sooner than I have named. Such small doses of Quinine will have little or no influence over recent cases of ague at their commencement, except to aggravate the symptoms and do harm. If the patient is not willing to wait to be cured by the homceopathic dilutions, or, if for any reason it is thought advisable to stop the paroxysms at once, this can be done by the proper use of Qzcinine with far more safety than by the use of any other remedy known. It will require, for an adult, about eighteen or twenty grains of Qnzrine to stop the paroxysms. One half should be given about ten hours before the chill is expected, and INTERMITTENT FEVER. 35 the other half at the end of six hours from the time of taking the first dose. In a majority of cases, no chill or fever will follow, but sometimes a short paroxysmn will follow, which may either be delayed or commence earlier than usual. It is well to give six or eight grains of Quinine six hours before the next paroxysm would occur if the disease had continued. But to stop the paroxysms is not to cure the disease; but after the paroxysms have been thus suppressed, the disease can often be Iermanently cured, without any return, if the following directions are carefully followed. The disposition of the paroxysms to return is much stronger every seventh day, for several wetks, than on other days; therefore, let the patient take eight grains of Quinine once a week, about thirty-six hours before the same day and hour of the week when the last chill occurred, andl continue to do this punctually for at least four weeks. Also take a dose of Arsenicurm morning and noon, and ATutx voin. before tea and at bedtime, andl continue them for at least four or five weeks. Carefully avoid over-exertion, over-eating, anl exposure, and the disease will not generally return again the same season, but the next MIay, June, or July, there will be daner of a return. To present this, the patient may take five grains of Quinine once a week for a few weelks; and the Arsenicunz and Nr-us veorn should again be taken for several weeks. In the first attack a cure call often be effected in this way, but if the disease has heen broken up with Quinine, even once or twice only, and allowed to return, it will rarely succeed, and in such cases to give Quinine, except it may be in minute doses after at least two or three weeks of previou- treatment with the ordinary dilutions of other remedies, will be but to prolong the duration of the disease indefinitely. If Quinine is to be used to stop the paroxysms, I much prefer the full doses I have named, and few of them, to giving it in small doses often repeated. About so much is required to break up the disease, and if it is given inl full doses in the intermission, as I have directed, its admniistration is almost always followed by a profuse perspircition, and relief to all local congestious andl general symptoms; whereas, if it is given in one, two, or three grain doses, often repeated, it excites the circulation and nervous sys 36 TYPHlOID) INTETIMITTENTS. tem, and increases local congestions, and is very apt to increase the following paroxysm. If Quinine is to be given to children to break up the paroxysms, it will require about as many grains as the child is years oll, to accomplish this object. The dose shoull be divided and given as directed for adults. It may be given to children by the mouth, or by i:jection in a little starch. Adults generally prefer Quininse in the form of pills. The pills can be made by moistening the Qtdinine with a thick solution of Guma Arabic. In conclusion, I desire to say, distinctly, that the use oft Quinine is rarely necessary, or for the best, in the treatment of intermittent fever, as it generally prevails in our country. Under thle use of the ordinary dilutions of our medicines, the disease will gradually abate, the paroxysms become less severe and delayed, and the patient will feel better during the intermissions, and he will be radically cured. In old cases, or where the patient has frequently had the disease before, he will generally be cured promptly by our remedies, often without the return of another paroxysm; and generally the patient will be relieved in a few days. TYPHOID INTERMITTENTS. It not unfrequently happens, during the fall of the year, that persons residing in sections of country where both intermittent and typhoid fevers are prevailing, are attacked by a fever partaking the character of both, and furnishing corresponding symptoms. In this form of the disease patients rarely have a regular shake, and the sweating stage is generally somewhat deficient. Thie patient has a regular paroxysm of fever every day, or every other day, at about the same hour, with perhaps at first very few symptoms of fever between the paroxysms, excepting a frequent pulse; but as the disease continues, and the paroxysms grow less severe, the tongue becomes dry, the body constantly hot, the extremities cool, and sordes, or dried mucus crusts, collect on the teeth in severe cases, and the disease continues the usual course of REMITTENT OR BILIOUS FEVER. 37 typhoid fever, but generally rather tedious, lasting three or four weeks. Treatment.-Bryonia, Ipecac, and Arsenicum, arle the chief remedies for the early stage of the disease; Brloni t and Iprecc, if there are nausea and vomiting, or fullness and uneasiness in the chest and stomach. Arsenricum should take the place of Ipecac in a few days, and be given alternately with Bryonia, especially if there is any disposition to diarrhoea; and even if there is not, this is generally the most important remedy for the successful treatment of this disease, and may be continued alternately with Bryonia until the stage of prostration, when, if the teeth become covered with sordes, or dark crusts, the breath offensive, and the extremities cold, it may be given a!ternately with Rhus fox.' For suggestions as to diet, in this and intermittent fevers, consult the paragraph on that subject at the end of the section on remittent fevers. REMITTENT OR BILIOUS FE;VER. The disease denominated, in the W'estern country, chill fever, is usually but a light form of this disease; in other instances it is only an intermittent fever. Remittent fever prevails in afl parts of the United States where intermittent fevers originate, and it is but a severer form of the same disease, arising from the same cause. It usually prevails during August, September, and October: but it may occur at any season of the year. As remittent fever is but a modification of the same disease as intermittent fever, we find every shade of the disease, from the slightest intermittent to the severest remittent, and likewise one running or passing into the other. Remittent fever is subject to the same types as intermittent. but the quotidian is the most frequent, the paroxysms occurring at about the same hour every day. The paroxysms may consist of chills, fever, and sweat, or the clills may be slight or absent, and the sweat may be trifling. Symptoms.-The premonitory symptoms are similar to those of intermittent fever-languor, drowsiness, aching pains in the head, back, and limbs, followed, sooner or later, by slight chills, alter 38 REMITTENT OR BILIOUS FEVER. nating with flashes of heat. The chills may be quite severe, or entirely absent. The flashes of heat increase until the fever is fully developed, when the pains in the head, back, and limbs, become very severe. The pains in the back and limbs are often so severe as to resemble those of inflammatory rheumatism, but they may be distinguished from the latter by the absence of pain on motion. The pains in the head, back, and limb~, are generally much more severe in this disease than in typhoid or typhus fever, and the patient suffers intensely, and is alive to his sufferingrs. Sometimes during the fever the patient becomes chilly on the slightest exposure of the body, as when raising the bedclothes. The skin is hot and dry, the surface reddened and expanded, the respiration hurried, and the pulse fiequent and full. The eyes soon become yellow, the tongue coated with a white or brownish filr. Sometimes there are nausea and bilious vomiting, and a sense of weight and fullness is often felt at the pit of the stomach, and to the righlit of it, or in the region of the liver. The urine is scanty and high colored, and there is generally a loss of appetite. Sometimes there is great thirst, in other instances very little. The patient is restless and wakeful, but seldom delirious. The above symptoms continue without abatement for from twelve to twenty hours, and in some instances for thirty-six hours, after which they begin to abate, with the appearance of moisture about the neck and face. This gradually increases, until the body is covered with a gentle perspiration, and the patient is much relieved, and perhaps able to sleep. The headache, thirst, and nausea are much relieved, but not gone, and the pulse is nearly natural. This is the remission; it is not always as complete as described above; there may be less perspiration, and more heat and headache. The remission generally occurs in the morning. The remission is exceedingly variable in duration, sometimes lasting not more than two or three hours, and in other cases twelve or even twenty-four hours, when the paroxysms occur only every other day. When thell remission is over, another paroxysm of fever commences, which may, or may not, commence with a chill and end with a perspiration, but frequently without either. Another remission followa REMITTENT OR BILIOUS' FEVER. 39 the paroxysm, and thus the paroxysms and remissions alternate. Sometimes the paroxysms grow less severe and shorter, and the remissions longer andl more distinct until the disease becomes an interrnitlent whereas in other cases the paroxysms become longer and more severe, and the remissions less distinct and shorter, until the disease reaches its height, when the skin generally becomes yellow, and there is often more or less pain and tenderness in the region of the stomach. The bowels are-usually constipated, but occasionally there is diarrhoea. Sometimes the disease assumes a typhoid character, with dry and dark tongue, sordes, or crusts on the teeth, and cool extremities. The usual duration of this fever, under the ordinary hom.eopathic treatment, is from one to two weeks; if complicated with typhoid fever, about three weeks The disease terminates, usually, either at the end of one of the paroxi sms, which ends in a free perspiration, a bilious diarrhoea, a profuse flow of urine, or it becomes intermittent. In some instances it abates gradually, without any marked crisis. The first signs of a favorable change are a return of moisture to the tongue, with a disposition to clear offabout the tip and edges, a less frequent pulse, a cooler and moister skin, especially when uniform over the whole body. Copious dark passages from the bowels sometimes occur, and are regarded as favorable. Unfavorable symptoms: Very small or irregular pulse; cold extremities, with a cold, clammy sweat extending over the limbs and body, with increasing frequency of pulse; eructations of dark or bilious matters fiom the stomach; reddish watery evacuations from the bowels, discharged involuntarily; sunken features, or muttering delirium or stupor. In all severe attacks where dangerous symptomns occur, especially during the first two or three paroxysms, the reader should consult carefully the next section on congestive or pernic(ious fevers. Treatment of Remittent Fevers. — Emetics and cathartics should be carefully avoided, for by their use a simple remittent fever is often changed into a dangerous gastric or pernicious fever. A simple copious injection of tepid water may be used once in three or four days; but even this is generally unnecessary, unless the bowels feel full.and uncomfortable. During febrile diseases the 40.REMITTENT OR BILIOUS FEVER. patient eats but little, and takes no exercise, and we cannot expect him to have passages from the bowels regularly as in health; nor is it desirable that lie should have. Aconite: This is one of the most important remedies at the commencement of this disease, especially when the skin is hot and dry, the pulse full, and there is violent pain in the head, back, and limbs, red eyes, faintness on rising up, shooting pains in the chest, with oppression, and short and anxious respiration, palpitation of the heart, and red and scanty urine. Give this remedy every hour. Dose of this. or any other remedy named, see page 7. Belladonna: It is generally best to give either Belladonna or BryGnia after giving three or four doses of Aconite, dclui ing severe paroxysms of this disease. Belladonna should be selected when there are sharp cutting or throbbing pains in the head, especially over the eyes, with intolerance of light, restlessness, sleeplessness, or delirium; and in children when there are starting and jerking, or convulsions; repeat the dose every hour. Bryonia: This remedy should be selected in preference to Belladonna, and be given after Aconite during the paroxysms, when the pains in the head are dull, or throbbing, with intense pains in the back and limbs, sensation of load or weight at the stomach, pain and soreness in the region of the liver, or beneath the right short ribs, yellow skin, cough and oppression of the chest, and offensive breath and bitter taste, with a dry tongue. If Belladonna is indicated at the commencement, it should generally give way to Bryonia at the end of three or four days. If the above remedies are faithfully given during the paroxysms, they will rarely fail to render the latter lighter, and the remissions more distinct in the course of a few days. They need not be continued during the remission when the remissions become distinct, but one of the following remedies may be given once in two hours. Ipecac when there are nausea and vomiting, painful pressure and fullness at the pit of the stomac'h. with aversion to all food, and a yellow complexion. Ipecac need not be continued longer than during two or three remissions. Nux vqmica may be given instead of Ipecac, or follow that remedy during the remissions, when there are marked bilious symp REMIITENT OR BILIOUS FEVER. 41 toms, such as yellow skin and eyes, swelling and tenderness, with pain in the region of the liver; cramp-like pains in the stomac(h, with sensitiveness on pressure and bitter taste, with or without bi:ious vomiting; also where there is a sensation as if the brain were bruised, and humming in the ears, or pain in the back portion or top of the head. Arsenicumn: If INux vomica does not relieve the stomach symptoms in the course of a few days, especially if nausea and vomiting continue, with great thirst, and soreness of the stomach on the slightest pressure, Arsenicurn should take the place of NTlux vonica. This remedy will be still further indicated if in connection with such symptoms the extremities begin to become cool, and the pulse more frequent and less full, and the remissions less distinct. When such symptoms exist Aconite will not be needed, but Arseniumrn may be given alternately with Br.Jonia one hour apart, during both the remission and the fever. If at the end of twenty-four or fortyeight hours the nausea, vomiting, thirst, burning and tenderness of the stomach, are not relieved, Veratr'um should be given instead of Bryonia, alternately with Arsenicumn, one hour apart, aind be continued until such symptoms are relieved. In a cace like the above the reader will do well to read what is said in regard to the treatment of similar symptomns, when they occur in the course of typhus and typhoid fevers. But it rarely happens that such aggravated symptoms arise when the patient has been treated from the commencement with Homoeopathic remedies. Generally when Aconite, Belladonna, Bryonia, Ipecac, and /Vux vomzica, or such of these remedies as are indicated have been given as directed, after a week or ten days, the paroxysms become lighter, and the stomach symptoms and bilious derangement are somewhat relieved. The disease may even approach an intermittent form by the remissions becoming more distinct. When the severity of the disease has been thus relieved, Nuax vomica may be given once in two hours during the fever, and Arsenicum may be given during the intermission once in two hours, and be continued until the febrile paroxysms cease. China: This remedy may be required in lingering cases, and when given two or three times a day, it will generally aid in restoring the appetite and strength after the fever has abated. 42 REMITTEN'r OP. BII IOUS FEVER. Quinine: This remedy exercises the same control over remittent fever that it does over intermittent. It will rarely fail to break up tile paroxysms at once in any case where there is a distinct remission, if given in a sufficient quantity during the renission. It for any of the reasons named for breaking up the ague, it is thought best to stop this disease, Aconite, Belladonna, or B,:yonia, should be given as directed above, until the close of the second paroxysm, in order to be certain as to the character of the disease; then as soon as thle skin becomes moist, and the pain in the back and head is relieved in a measure, give ten grains of Quinine, if the patient is an adult, and after waiting six hours, give ten grains more; at the end of twenty-four hours give eight or ten grains more, especially if any fever follows the first two doses; after which treat the case precisely as directed in the treatment of intermittent fever when full doses of Quinine are used. If the disease returns, it will generally be as an intermittent, and rarely as a remittent; but it should not be permitted to return. General licasures.-Frequent sponging the body with warm water, or a warm bath, often affords great relief. When it is not convenient to give a bath, the patient may be set on a stool in a tub, a sheet wrung from warm water may be wrapped around him, and then warm water may be poured over the sheet for ten or fifteen minutes, or even longer if the patient is not faint. This measure will not generally answer during the latter stages of the disease, as the patient will not bear the erect position without feeling faint or exhausted. I generally prefer hot water to cold, and think it has a better influence over the febrile excitement; alid also, its use is more likely to relieve the severe pains in the back and limbs than the application of cold water, For local congestions, or pain and soreness of the liver, spleen, stomach, or even of the head, a towel may be wrung from cold water and applied over the part, and four or five thicknesses of dry flannel placed over the wet cloth so as to cover it entirely; then bind a day cloth around the body or head and over the flannel, so as to confine the whole and exclude the cold air. The wet cloth when first applied is cold, but it soon becomes warm, and even hot iiom the reaction which it excites. The towel requires to be wet only once in six or eight CONGESTIVE OR PERNICIOUS FEVER. 43 hours, and on that account this cold compress is far less troublesome than warm applications, and as a general rule it is much more efficacious. The patient should occupy a light room into which the sun shines during the day, and an abundant supply of fresh air should be admitted. Diet, 4.c.-Both in this disease and in intermittent fever, if there is no irritation of the stomach or bowels manifested by vomiting, diarrhoea, pain or soreness on pressure, the patient may be allowed to eat moderately of rice, toast, cracker or other light food three times a day, and to drink corn or oat-meal gruel, toast-water, milkand-water, and cold water. But if there are symptoms of irritation or inflammation of the stomach or bowels the same care is required in regard to diet as in typhoid fever when it is attended by a similar irritation. For directions in such cases consult the paragraph on diet in the section on typhoid fever. When either this disease or intermittent fever has been broken up by the use of Quinine within a few days after the attack, the patient can return to a nourishing and substantial diet much sooner than when the disease has continued for a longer time, as the digestive organs do not become so debilitated in such cases. CONGESTIVE, SINKING, OR PERNICIOUS FEVER. Thus far I have been treating of intermittent and remittent fevers as they usually occur, but in this section the attention of the reader will be called to much more dangerous forms of these fevers, which are occasionally met with, and which require to be promptly and properly treated to rescue the patient from death in a majority of cases. Although I would not recommend any layman to treat such formidable cases, or in fact any severe attack of disease when a homceopatlic physician can be obtained, yet it is very important that all who nurse or attend the sick should understand what symptomns denote a dangerous attack of intermittent or remittent fever. I feel constrailiecl to notice tliis disease and its proper hommopathic treatment distinctly, in a domestic work, from the fact that a large and increasing number of the citizens and 44 CONGESTIVE OR PERNICIOUS FEVER. travellers in the Western country, who have no convenient access to a physician of our school, rely upon a domestic book and case in preference to sending for an allopathic physician, except in surgical or obstetrical cases. It is very important that all such have a work upon which they can rely with safety in our febrile diseases. I have known within the circle of my acquaintance not less than three patients lose their lives, as I have every reason to think, for the want of the very information contained in this see. tion. This disease may be intermittent or remittent, but its most common type is tertian, in which the paroxysms occur once in two days; they may return every day. There are two varieties of the disease, one in which the poison seems to spend its force on, or at least seems chiefly to affect, the brain; in the other the organs of circulation, respiration, secretion, and digestion. Symptoms and Treatment where the Brain is involved.-Symptoms of this form of the disease may marifest themselves during the first, or any subsequent paroxysm of an intermittent or remittent fever. The paroxysms of chills and fever, one or both, are attended with a greater or less decree of stupor; generally the first symptom noticed is simply drowsiness, coming on with or during the paroxysm, and disappearing with it. The patient is forgetful, does not remember what he has done, desired, or said; he often stammers, and uses one word for another, and even stops when speaking in the middle of a sentence. This dullness may gradually increase until it is with difficulty that the patient can be made to attempt to answer questions, and he fails to complete his sentences if he attempts. At length he passes into a state of profound stupor, from which he cannot be aroused. There are sometimes snoring and blowing out of the lips during respiration, as in apoplexy. Sometimes there is rigidity of the muscles about the jaws, and swallowing is difficult or impossible; occasionally- convulsions ensue. The pulse is often full, not very frequent, and sometimes even slower than natural; but as the disease progresses, if it is towards a fatal termination, it becomes small, irregular, and perhaps frequent. In some cases severe symptoms occur during the first paroxysm, but more frequently simple drowsiness occurs in CONGESTIVE OR PERNICIOUS FEVER. 45 the first, with a degree of slowness and hesitation of speech, and the state of stupor is not fully developed until the second paroxysm. If the paroxysm does not end fatally after continuing from two or three to twenty-four hours, some perspiration takes place; sensation gradually returns, and the patient becomes conscious, or at least partially so, for there generally remains during the intermission or remission, some dullness of hearing and of the mental faculties, with more or less drowsiness. The length of the remission will depend on the type of the fever, and will vary from a few hours to thirty-six hours, when another paroxysm will follow if the disease is not arrested by remedies, and the second or third paroxysm generally proves fatal, when uninfluenced by treatment. Treatment when the Brain is the chief Organ affected. —Nux vom. is the most important remedy for the paroxysm, when there is drowsiness, forgetfulness, confusion of ideas, or stupor, and when the bowels are constipated. Repeat the dose every hour. Dose of this or any of the following remedies, see page 7. Opium: If the stupor is very profound, the pulse small and irregular, with snoring respirations this remedy may be given instead of Nux vom. during the paroxysm, if the latter remedy fails to relieve the stupor. Bmyonia: Next to Nux vom. this remedy is more frequently required than any other, especially if there are in addition to the head symptoms, dryness of the tongue and lips, yellowness of the eyes and skin, and if there is fullness in the region of the liver and stomach. When it is indicated it should be given every hour during the paroxysm, but Nux vom. may be given every hour during the remission. But it will not do to rely upon these or any of our other remedies in the dilutions, for if we do, more than one half of those suffering from a severe attack of this disease will be very sure to die. During the paroxysm warm applications should be made to the feet, such as warm dry flannel, hot bricks or stones wrapped in flannel, or bottles of ht water, taking care not to burn the patient's feet if he is unconscious. The head should be slightly elevated, and the temples, forehead, and top of the head, frequently 46 CONGESTIVE -OR PERNICGOUS FEVEr. sponged with a cloth wet in warm water; or what is generally more efficacious, a large towel may be wrung from cold water and spread over the entire head, and four or five thicknesses of dry flannel over the wet cloth, and pinned so as to keep it in place, and exclude the cold air. The cloth may be wet every hour until consciousness returns, or the symptoms of drowsiness are relieved. Qu'nine: The prompt use of this'remedy is our main depend, ance; and it will rarely disappoint our-expectations. In all cases of this fever, as soon as the paroxysm begins to abate, or the skin becomes moist, and the drowsiness and forgetfulness are in a measure relieved, ten grains of Quinine, if the patient is an adult, must be given, and repeated once at the end of six hours. Twenty-four hours from the last dose ten grains more must be given; after this the patient should be treated exactly as directed for the prevention of a return of intermittent fever when it has been broken up with Quinine. Nux vom. if there is a sensation of weight or load at the pit of the stomach, may be continued while the patient i~ taking Quinine. If it fails'to relieve give Bryonia. It is not necessary that the patient should become unconscious during the paroxysm, in order to require that Quinine should be given to insure his safety, for if there is simply unusual drowsiness, forgetfulness, confusion of ideas, and hesitation in speaking, or symptoms of convulsions, especially when the patient is an adult, we shall have good reason to fear that he will die during the next paroxysm, if we do not give Quinine and prevent it. Symptoms when the Organs of Circulation and Respiration, or the Heart, Lungs, and Digestive Organs, are chiefly involved.-The first paroxysm of chills and fever which the patient has may manifest the dangerous character of the disease, or dangerous symptoms may not occur until the patient has had one or two, or even several paroxysms. The appearance of the patient is peculiar, the features are shrunken, and the face and extremities of a livid paleness; the skin contracted and the fingers shrivelled; the eyes sunk in their sockets, though clear and bright; the extremities, and sometimes the whole body, are chillingly cold, and perhaps moistened with a cold clammy perspiration, or the body may be hot while the extremities and face are in a cold or clammy state. There is CONGESTIVE OR PERNICIOUS FEVER. 47 often sighing respiration, and sometimes inspiration requires a double effort for its accomplishment. There is generally hurried or irregular breathing, want of breath, and a desire to be fanned and to have the windows open The pulse is small, very frequent, often from 120 to 160 in a minute; it may be fluttering, irregular, intermittent or even absent at the wrist; the heart may beat hard or very feebly; the tongue may be natural, pale and cold, or dry; there may be a feeling of weight at the pit of the stomach, tenderness on pressure, and intense internal heat, with unqu.enchable thirst, even when the extremities and surface of the body are cold. Vomiting is a very frequent symptom; sometimes there are excessive nausea and retching; the bowels may be costive, but frequently the reverse, with copious watery or bloody evacuations. Instead of vomiting or diarrhoea there may be great faintness on the least exertion. Frequently there is great restlessness or uneasiness; occasionally there are cramps in the calves of the legs, and ia the upper extremities; sometimes the patient is able to walk about when the pulse is absent at the wrist. Some of the symptoms resemble those of Asiatic Cholera. All of the above symptoms are rarely present in any one case. Sometimes a paroxysm of intermittent or remittent fever runs its usual course, but ends in an exhausting perspiration. The febrile reaction is generally slight; sometimes very little fever follows the coldness and prostration, but generally in the first paroxysm, after the symptoms described have continued for three or four hours, the skin becomes gradually warmer and the pulse fuller, and some fever follows; or the skin may lose its clammy feel, and the ghastly expression disappear, the vomiting and purging cease without perceptible fever. In sonle cases there are only slight attempts at reaction, the paroxysm continuing on for from one to three days, when, if not relieved, the patient dies. In such cases the coldness increases, the respiration becomes slower, with increased sighing, with a gradual failure of the pulse, and at last of the mental faculties; the patient usually dies tranquilly in such cases. During the intermission or remission, the patient may feel very comfortable and be able to be up and around, with a natural pulse 48 CONGESTIVE OR PERNICIOUS FEVER. and surface, and some return of appetite. If the disease is a ret mittent, there are more or less symptoms of the paroxysm remaining during the remission, such as a frequent pulse, uneasiness at the stomach, general languor, or distress. Generally if the disease is not arrested by treatment, the same train of symptoms set in at the end of twenty-four or forty-eight hours from the commencement of the first attack, and with increased severity. The second paroxysm often proves fatal, and the third generally does, but not always, even without treatment, for sometimes the paroxysms grow lighter instead of harder, and the disease ends in an ordinary remittent or intermittent. Not a few cases of simple intermittent or remittent fever are converted into a pernicious sinking fever by the use of emetics and cathartics, and so frequently have such results followed, that many of the most successful allopathic physicians at the West shun their use entirely in the treatment of patients suffering from these fevers. The free use of stimulants and stimulating doses of Quinine, by increasing the paroxysms of fever, or by over-exciting the organism during the remission, may cause fatal prostration, and I am satisfied from my observation that many patients die from this cause. Unnatural stimulation, if continued steadily for days, must be followed by corresponding or unnatural depression. Stimulants should never be used in the treatment of ordinary intermittent or remittent fevers, and if they are ever useful in sinking fevers, as they may be sometimes, it is only when they are given simply during the great prostration of the paroxysm, and carefully avoided during the fever and intermission or remission. Treatment when the Organs of Ci culatior, Respiration, and Digestion, are chi(fly involved. — Give one drop of the tincture of Camphor every five minutes, in a little sugar-and-water, and if, at the end of all hour, the alarming symptoms are not relieved, select another remedy. Veratrum: This is one of the most important remedies for the treatment of the form of the disease we are now considering, during the paroxysm, especially when there are great nausea and vomiting, or profuse, watery, or bloody evacuations from the bowels; also when there are great coldness and lividness of the sur CONGESTIVE OR PERNICIOUS FEVER. 49 face, thirst, cramps in the extremities, and cold clammy perspiration. This remedy, when the above symptoms exist, should generally be given every half hour, and if relief does not soon follow, Arsen2ic7m may be alternated with it, at intervals of half an hour. Dose of this or either of the following remedies, see p. 7. If the patient vomits up the medicine immediately on taking it, dissolve it in less water, and give but a part of a teaspoonful at a time. Arsenicum: This is a very important remedy, not only during the paroxysm, but also during the intermission, and should generally be continued until the severity of the disease is overcome, especially when the stomach and bowels are the chief organs affected-when there are vomiting, great thirst, profuse watery or bloody evacuations from the bowels, and a cold surface, or a cold clammy perspiration; also when there is very feeble or irregular pulse with great oppression of the chest. Arsenicum may be repeated every half-hour or hour; if there is much vomiting, it should be given alternately with Veratrum or Ipecac. Ipecac: This remedy should be given when there are nausea and vomiting, which Veratrum does not relieve. It may take the place of the latter remedy at the commencement of the treatment, when with the nausea and vomiting, there is great oppression of the chest with sighing respiration. It may be given every halfhour or hour. Bryonia: This remedy will be found useful in cases where there is little or no vomiting or diarrhoea, but great chilliness and coldness, oppression of the chest, with a frequent disposition to draw in a long breath, or sigh; it should be given alternately with either Arsenicurn or China, in such cases; generally with the former. Brayonia is also one of the most important remedies during the reaction or fever; also in all cases where the fever does not terminate fatally, or in recovery, within the first few days, but tends, as it frequently does, to assume a typhoid character, with a dry tongue, crusts on the teeth, and offensive breath. It may be given once in one or two hours. C/hina: If we were to risk the treatment of this disease with3 o0 CONGESTIVE OR?PRNICIOUS FEVER. out the use of Quinine —which I think we should never do —-China would become the most important remedy when there is great faintness on the slightest movement, small and fluttering pulse, or intermittent pulse, without nausea, vomiting, or diarrhoea, but with great oppression of the chest, with a desire to be fanned, and for fiesh air. Quinine: This is the chief remedy upon which we must depend, to prevent a return of the paroxysm or lessen its severity, nor need we be very particular about waiting for a remission before giving Quinine in this form of the disease, for we have not to fear excessive reaction or febrile excitement, for the danger is that we shall not be able to get up any reaction and that the patient will die during the stage of prostration. I am satisfied that we have no remedy equal to this to sustain the vital energies during desperate paroxysms of this disease. Then in all cases where there are great faintness and'prostration of strength, small fluttering or irregular pulse, death-like coldness of the surface, the skin perhaps bathed in a cold perspiration, oppression of the chest and want of breath, if the remedies named above do not soon cause an improvement, ten grains of Quinine should be given at once, and after waiting six hours, teu grains more should be given; and at the end of twenty-four hours ten grains more should be given. If there are great nausea and vomiting but no diarrhoea the Quinine may be given by injection, stirred up in two tablespoonfuls of thin starch. If there are both vomiting and diarrhoea, the stomach will often tolerate and be settled by ten grains of Quinine, if it is made into pills and taken at once; but if it should be thrown up, Arsenicum and Veratrum should be given alternately until the paroxysm is over and the stomach in a measure settled, when the Quinine must be given, as directed above. If it has not been thought necessary to give Quinine during the prostration of the paroxysm, it should always be given, as directed above, as soon as the paroxysm is fairly over and the patient feels relieved, so as to prevent a return of the dangerous symptoms. We should never risk, in an adult, less than two ten-grain doses the first twenty-four hours, and in severe cases in robust individuals, give two doses of twelve grains each. CONGESTIVF, OR iNITCIOUS FEVER. 51 It is not necessary that all of -the symptoms named should be -present in any case to justify, and absolutely require, the use of Quinine in order to insure the safety of the patient. If one or more of the following symptoms are present it will not be safe to risk another paroxysm: An unusual paleness or lividness of the face during the paroxysm, absence of chills when the extremities are very cold; a want of uniform heat during the fever; excessive vomiting and purging with great prostration during the paroxysm; a gone and sinking sensation at the pit of the stomach, and disposition to faintness; a very frequent, feeble, or irregular pulse; also if-there is a prolongation of the cold stage, and this is very severe and followed by less fever than might have been anticipated,. If any of the above symptoms are prominent Quinine should be given. After the paroxysms have been broken up by Quinine, the patient should be treated as directed under the head of intermittent fever when Quinine has been used, If the disease returns it will generally be as a simple intermittent or remittent, without dangerous symptoms. In all cases where Quinine is used the other homoeopathic remedies should be selected as directed above, and given regularly during the interval between the doses of Quinine, when the patient is awake. Neither in this nor in any other febrile affection, where there is no unusual disposition to sleepiness or stupor, should the patient be awakened for the purpose of giving him medicine; for undisturbed rest is very important. It sometimes happens, in the western country, that this disease is complicated with typhus or typhoid fever; in such a case Quinine should be given when there are distinct and well-marked paroxysms, but it will only break up the paroxysms, after which the typhus or typhoid fever will run its course, and should be treated as directed under the head of that disease; excepting that eight or ten grains of Quinine should be given every seventh day, counting the day on which the last paroxysm occurred, for at least three weeks. When in the case of children, -the paroxysms of intermittent fever cause convulsions, it perhaps is generally best to stop the -paroxysms by the use of Quinine, as their frequent return may establish a tendency to convulsions, which it is desirable to avoid. 5 2 YELLOW FEVER. Quinine is most readily given to young children by injection, suspended in a tablespoonful of thin starch. To a child from six months to one year old, one grain may be thus given and repeated at the end of six or eight hours, and again at the end of twentyfour hours, and after that every seventh day, giving at the same time, as directed under the head of intermittent fever, such remedies as are indicated, for several weeks. One half grain of Quinine may be added to the doses directed above for every year of the child's age over one year, whether it is given by injection or by the mouth. General Measures. —When there are great coldness of the extremities and prostration of strength, warm applications may be made to the cold parts and the patient should be kept quiet in bed. If there is a cold clammy perspiration on the limbs it will be better simply to rub them with a warm dry flannel or the dry hand beneath the bedclothes. Fresh air should be freely admitted, and the patient's diet should be as liberal as the stomach will. bear. If the patient has been but a few days sick and there is very great prostration of the vital energies, beef-tea, chicken or mutton broth may be given, if the stomach does not reject it. YELLOW FEVER. The yellow fever is a disease of hot weather and warm climates, beginning the latter part of summer or fore part of autumn, and disappearing with the occurrence of fiost. It seldom appears north of the fortieth degree of latitude, owing, as it is supposed, to the summer being too short, and it is confined, to a great extent, to the inhabitants of cities, towns, forts, and to the crews of ships; although it occasionally occurs in rural districts. It occurs more frequently in towns upon the seacoast, or upon streams emptying into the ocean, and it is confined almost exclusively to the intertropical regions, and the southern portion of the northern temperate zone of the American continent, and southwestern Europe, and western Africa, while it is almost unknown in southeastern Europe, eastern Africa, or southern Asia. YELLOW FEVER. 53 Symptoms.-Premonitory symptoms, such as loss of appetite, debility, aching in the back and limbs, may or may not precede the attack, which frequently commences in the night, sometimes with, in other instances without, chills or chilliness. Severe pains in the back and limbs are among the first and most prominent symptoms of the early stage of the disease. The skin soon becomes hot and dry, the pulse frequent, respiration hurried, the face flushed, and the eyes red and watery, a white fur appears upon the tongue, which is usually moist at the commencement; the throat is sometimes sore, and nausea and vomiting may attend the disease from the commencement, but generally these stomach symptoms are not fully developed until after from twelve to twenty-four hours, when they become very prominent. There is tenderness in the region of the stomach, on pressure, and a constant feeling of weight and oppression with burning pain; the stomach becomes very irritable, rejecting everything that is swallowed, and throwing up its own secretions, when undisturbed, accompanied by great distress, owing to the tenderness of that organ. The patient craves cold drinks, the bowels are costive, and the head and eyes ache; the mind is often disturbed, and delirium is not uincommon, sometimes violent; in some instances there is stupor. These febrile symptoms continue with little or no remission, for a period varying from a few hours to three days, or even longer in some cases; the more severe the attack the shorter the duration of the fever, as a general rule. Whlen the fever abates the skin becomes cooler and softer, the pulse and respiration nearly natural, the headache and pain in the back and limbs disappear, the stomach becomes comparatively quiet, and the patient feels relieved. In mild cases the patient may steadily recover when the fever abates, but we may know that the great struggle is yet to come, when during this apparent calm, there is increased tenderness, on pressure, over the stomach, and the eyes and skin begin to become yellow or of an orange color, vw.hich gradually extends over the body, and the urine hals a yellowish tinge. In such cases the pulse may even be slower than natural, and in bad cases there may be heaviness or stupor. This period of apparent abatement may last but for a few hours, 5at ~TELLOW FEVER. or it may continue for twenty-four hours, when the stage of prostration ensues. The pulse becomes quick, and, in severe cases, irregular and feeble, the circulation returning slowly in a portion of skin where pressure has been made; the fingers and toes become of a dark purplish hue; the skin becomes yellow, and presents a bronzed aspect; the tongue becomes brown and dryish in the centre, or smooth, red, and chapped; and the teeth sometimes become covered with sordes, or crusts of dried, offensive mucus. The stomach again becomes irritable, everything swallowed is thrown up, and sooner or later a new matter is vomited, consisting at first of brown or blackish flakes, or particles, in a colorless fluid, which at length becomes black and opaque. In very malignant cases the above symptoms may occur as early as the first day. The urine is usually more natural than during the fmbrile stage, but it is sometimes retained or even not secreted. There is often oozing of blood from the nose, gums, tongue, and throat, and it is sometimes discharged from the stomach, or bowels, or by urine, and dark spots appear on the surface of the body, caused by its extravasation into and beneath the skin. There is often discharged from the bowels large quantities of black matter, similar to that thrown from the stomach. The patient may become indifferent to his fate; the pulse grows more feeble, the respirations slow and sighing, with occanional hiccough: the skin becomes cold and clammy; an offensive odor arises from the body; muttering delirium sets in; the eyes become sunken, the pulse extinct, and the countenance collapsed. Death may ensue quietly or in convulsions. Instead of pursuing the dangerous and even fatal course de. scribed above, the system often reacts after the period of abatement, and a secondary fever sets in, which may be of various degrees of violence, but may always be regarded as a sign that the vital energies are not yet exhausted. This fever may terminate more or less speedily in health, it may soon end in fatal exhaustion, or it may assume a typhoid form, and continue two, or three, or even four weeks. If the patient dies, it is generally on the fourth, fifth, or sixth days, but death may ensue as early as the the third, or not until the ninth or tenth day, and in typhoid cases YELLOW FEVER. 55 even much later. Such are the usual course and symptoms of this fever; but this disease is subject to great variations, often, no doubt, from being complicated with typhus and remittent fevers. Very little is known in regard to the cause of yellow fever. It is evidently an epidemic disease, and perhaps to a limited extent contagious; in this respect about on a par with typhus fever. Treatllent -Dr. Holcombe, of Louisiana, to whose writings I am largely indebted for the following directions for the treatment of this disease, in an article on yellow fever, in the North American Journal of Homoeopathy, speaking of the epidemic of 1853, says: " The friends of homoeopathy, the rational, specific system of medicine, the new dispensation of science, awaited with anxious hope its trial in this frightful malady. Nor was the confidence engendered by its success in cholera, inflammation of the lungs, and other dangerous diseases, misplaced in this. Before passing to the treatment of yellow fever, I cannot forbear making a few strictures on the methods by which allopathic physicians flatter themselves they can encounter this formidable disease. No outsider could be more severe on the whole school than the adherents of different practices in it have always been, and still are on each other. They harmonized in little but in blistering the epigastrium and abusing homoeopathy. There were several theories in vogue during the present epidemic, but they were the old ones revamped, with little revision and no amendment. The wonderful advances in chemistry, physiology, and pathology, gave no new light to the medical management of yellow fever. The dominant molochs of allopathy, the lancet, calomel, quinine, and'expectant medicine' each had his altar, and each received a satisfactory quota of victims." Camphor: If the chill at the commencement of the disease is very severe and long continued, drop doses of the tincture or spirits of Camphor, in a little sugar and water, may be given every ten minutes until it is relieved. Aconite: This remedy is required during the febrile stage, when the skin becomes hot and dry, the pulse full, and the eyes are red, with severe pain in the head and back. It should generally be 56 YELLOW FEVER. continued until the febrile stage is relieved; and, if perseveringly used, it will often materially lessen the prostration which follows the fever. It should generally be given alternately with Belladonna at intervals of one half ]hour. Dose of this or either of the following remedies, see page 7. Belladonna: This remedy should be given during the febrile stage, alternately with Aconite, a dose every hour, and a dose of the latter remedy between, when the patient is awake. Belladonna may be continued when the fever abates, especially when the pain in the eyes, head, and back, lingers; in such cases it should be given alternately with Arsenicum during the remission. It will also be required later in the disease if much fever follows the re-r mission, with delirium or pain in the head and back. Ipecac: If there is nausea and vomiting during the first febrile stage, a dose of Ipecac may be given after every effort at vomiting, but the regular administration of Aconite and Belladonna should not be omitted when this remedy is given, until the fever abates. Arsenicum: As soon as the remission in the fever occurs, give Arsenicum every hour, when the patient is awake, and continue it until the disease is cured. This is the chief remedy after the first febrile stage is over, and should not be omitted. If other remedies are indicated, give them alternately with this. For the burning in the stomach, for the black discharges, and for the great prostration of desperate cases, Arsenicum is our main dependence, aided by other remedies. Lachesis: If, notwithstanding the use of Belladonna and Arsenicum during the remission, yellowness of the skin is steadily increasing, with increased tenderness of the stomach on pressure, and the pulse becomes frequent and small, and the stomach irlitable, Lachesis tmay be given alternately with Arsenicum, at intervals of one hour. Veratrum: If, notwithstanding the use of the above remedies, after the remission of the symptoms is over, nausea and vomiting become excessive, a dose of Veratrumn may be given after every effort at vomiting; and if there is much pain in the bowels, it will be another indication for this remedy. Chamomilla If yeratrum fails to believe the pain in the bow YELLT.OW FEVER. 57 els, and even vomiting, especially in the case of women and children, this remedy may be given instead of it. Cantharides: If the urine is retained or suppressed, or if its passage is painful, an occasional dose of Cantharides may be given. Byonia may take the place of Laches;s, and be given alternately with Arsenicum, if the disease lingers, and typhus or typhoid symptoms occur; and if, after two or three days, such symptoms seem to be increasing in severity Rhus tox. may take the place of Bryonia. For further instructions in such cases, consult the sections on typhus and typhoid fevers. If the patient has been intemperate, an occasional dose of Nux vorn will be useful; also when there is great oppression at the stomach without vomiting. For sleeplessness, a dose of Belladonna or Coffee may be given at bedtime. It will not be best to disturb the patient while asleep, for the purpose of giving him medicine, excepting when there is an unusual tendency to sleep. If there are severe pains in the bowels, cloths wrung from hot water may be applied. If diarrhcea occurs, give Colocyntlh, and if it does not relieve, give Phosphorus. If the passages are slimy or bloody, with straining, give MiJercurius viv., and consult the section on dysentery. Dzet.-In all cases, if there is not already irritation of the stomach, there is a great tendency to it, therefore the utmost care is required in regard to diet. During the first or febrile stage, nothing should be allowed but rice water, barley water, arrow-root, thin gruel, or weak black tea, with a little milk and sugar in it. During the second stage, nothing more should be allowed, unless the patient has a great craving for food; in that case a teaspoonful of thin fresh cream may be given once in three or four hours, in addition to these drinks. Even after the fever and irritation of the stomach have abated, it is necessary to use the utmost care in returning to a more substantial diet. The above drinks may then be made thicker and more nourishling, and after a few days the patient may be allowed to chew a piece of beef-steak and swallow the juice. For further suggestions, consult the paragraph on diet, in the section on typhoid fever, for the same care is required here as in such cases of that diseabe as are attended with irritation of the stomach and bowels. a. 168 INFLAMMATORY FEVER. The room should be well ventilated, sun-light should be freely admitted, if the patient has no intolerance of light, and the utmost attention should be paid to cleanliness. The surface of the patient's body may be freely sponged with tepid water, but during the stage of prostration it must be done beneath the bed-clothes, without exposure to the air. The statistics thus far collected, show that the mortality, when this disease is treated homceopathically, rarely if ever exceeds ten per cent., and often does not exceed five or six per cent.; whereas, under allopathic treatment, it often exceeds twenty five per cent., and is rarely less than fifteen. This disease is a formidable one, anid a homoopathic physician should always be called when practicable; but it is safe to say that it is always better to trust to the judgment of a friend, or layman, and a homoeopathic book and case of remedies, than to send for an allopathic physician. INFLAMMATORY FEVER. Symptoms. —" Rigors, sometimes severe chills followed by burning heat; pu4se strong, hard, and greatly accelerated; dryness of the skin, mouth, lips, and tongue; the latter generally of a bright redl, in some cases lightly coated with white, thirst, urine red and scanty, constipation, respiration hurried, in accordance with the Imlise, amelioration of symptoms as the pulse assumes a more natultal state. It runs its course with rapidity, rarely exceeding fourteen days, and progresses with regularity to a crisis, which sliows itself in profuse perspiration," or flow of urine, a diarrheea, or hemorrhage from the nose (Laurie's Practice) Such a fever as is described above, uncomplicated with local inflammation, is a very rare disease in this country. Typhus or typhoid fever sometimes commences with symptoms similar to the above, but the true character of the disease is manifested in a few days, when the characteristic symptoms of the fever manifest themselves. Treatment. —Aconite is the chief remedy and may be given every bour. If there is pain over the eyes, with shooting pains in the Wead, and in different parts of the body, Belladonna ay be given HECTIC EVER. 59 after the patient has taken six or eight doses of Aconite. If the headache is dull, with pains in the back and limbs, if there is constipation and hurried respiration, give Bryonia once in four hours, and Aconite every hour between. HECTIC FEVER. This fever is caused by some form of internal or external local chronic disease. It commences slowly, with lassitude, impaired appetite and gradual emaciation; the skin looks pale, with the exception of the hectic flush upon the cheeks; chilliness, followed by heat of skin, flushing of the cheeks, and a burning sensation in the palms of the hands and soles of the feet-not always followed by perspiration-occurs at irregular intervals. These slight paroxysms of fever may occur once or twice in twenty-four hours, usually at about the same period of the day; and one of them often occurs towards evening, reaches its height about midnight, and goes off in a free perspiration the latter part of the night. The pulse varies from ninety to one hundred and twenty. The paroxysm, when there is but one a day, sometimes occurs in the forenoon, and when there are two a day, one of them generally does. As the disease progresses the pulse becomes excited continually; after the disease is fully developed the appetite is somnetimes better for a temporary period, but as it progresses the stomach often becomes irritable, and vomiting of food is not uncommon. The tongue and throat, in the latter stages of the disease, often become tender, and covered with a thrush-like exudation, and there is often in this stage a watery diarrhoea; earlier in the disease the bowels may be regular or costive. There is generally great thirst, and the urine is high colored. Swelling of the feet, ankles, and legs is common toward the termination of the disease. The mind is often clear, and the patient hopeful until near the close of the disease, when mild delirium is not uncommon. Hectic fever may be distinguished from intermittent fever by the irregularity in the return of the paroxysms; the excessive sweats the latter part of the night, the continued frequo.wcy of the pulse, 60 IHECTIC FEVER. the clearer complexion and brighter eye, and the comparative ab. sence of headache; also by the presence of chronic organic disease. Treatment. —This will depend almost entirely upon the character of the organic disease of which this fever is but a symptom, and it would be impossible to treat it with a reasonable prospect of success, without a knowledge of the disease which has caused a given case of it. When the disease has been caused by a profuse secretion or formation of' matter or puq, Phosphorus may be given at night, and Clina in the morning; and if these remedies do not relieve the symptoms, Silicea may take the place of the Phosphorus in a few days. A dose of M]Iercurizes at bedtime will often relieve, temporarily at least, the night sweats; a dose of Aconite given in the morning by lessening the fever wnill often have the same effect on the night sweats. Corn-coffee is often useful as a drink. An abundance of sun-light and fresh air is all important. The diet should be as nourishing as the digestive organs will bear. Corn-bread should be used, or what is better, bread made firom canel and shorts, or coarse wheat or rye flour, including everything between the superfine flour and the very bran, as in such flour will be found an excess of Phosphoric acid and other mineral substances, as well as oil and gluten, which hectic patients need. CHAPTER II. DISEASES OF THIE SKIN. ERUPTIVE FEVERS —ACUTE AND CHRONIC ERUPTIONS, SMALL-POX. THIS is one of the most contagious diseases to which the human family is subject. It appears to have prevailed in India and China from time immemorial; but was unknown in Europe until after the commencement of the Christian era. About twelve days usually intervene between the expomure and the commencement of the disease. Sometimes the attack may be two or three days earlier or later. There are two forms of smallpox: the confluent, where the pocks are so thick as to run together, and the distinct, where they are separate; then we have vari;,loid, or small-pox modified by vaccination or constitutional predisposition. Exposure to varioloid may give rise to either varioloid or small-pox, and exposure to small-pox may cause either confluent or distinct small pox, or varioloid; all depending on the susceptibility of the individual exposed. There are three stages to the disease, the febrile, the eruptive, and the declining stage. Symptoms.-Chills followed by fever, with fiequent pulse, hot skin, headache, uneasiness at the pit of the stomach, sometimes vomiting, and intense pain in the small of the back, with great muscular weakness, are among the first symptoms. The pain in the back resembles rheumatism, but differs from the latter by not being seriously aggravated by moving the body. Sometimes there is wakefulness, in other cases delirium, or even stupor, and with children sometimes convulsions. Occasionally there is great irritation of the stomach, excessive vomiting, and even inflammation; sometimes there is diarrhoea. At the end of forty-eight hours 62 SMALL-POX. from the commencement of the chills, sometimes a little later, minute pimples, sensibly elevated above the surface of the skin, make their appearance, first on the face, then on the neck and arms, and by degrees extend over the body, and on the lower extremities last. It usually requires from one to two days from the commnencement of the eruption on the face until it appears on the feet. When the eruption has made its appearance over the entire surface, if the case is a mild or distinct one, that is, if the pimples over the face and chest are not so thick as to run together when they become pustules or pocks, the fever generally abates; but if the case is to be a confluent one, the fever keeps on with very little mitigation on the appearance of the eruption. The second stage commences when the eruption has made its appearance over the entire body. The minute pimples gradnally enlarge, and at the end of twenty-four or thirty-.ix hours from their first appearance, a little clear fluid may be seen at the apex or top of each pimple, which has therefore been converted into a vesicle; on the third or fourth day the pocks are distinctly formed, being round and flattened on the top, in the centre of which is often a little depression. They are hard to the touch and are generally surrounded by a red circle From this period they gradually become larger, and their fluid contents become opaque, and at length purulent, when they are called pustules. When this takes place, they lose their depressed appearance and become convex. Those on the face become fully developed, and begin to turn on the eighth day of the eruption, but it is two or three days later before the same change takes place on the lower extremities. If the fever abated when the eruption made its appearance, it returns about the eighth or ninth day in all cases where the eruption is at all extensive. The declining stage generally commences about the eleventh or twelfth day, when the pustules begin to become brown and dryish, and the inflammation of the skin abates. On the fourteenth or fifteenth day, the scales begin to fall from the face, but from the extremities three or four days later. The eruption often maklcs its appearance on the mucous membrane of the mouth, nose, and eyes. As the eruption declines, the fever abates, the appetite returns and the patient steadily improves. 64 SMIALL-POX. parents of the chilil, for scrofulous parents frequently have healthy looking children. With such precautions there is no danger of injury from vaccination, arn it is strictly a honoeopathic remedy for the prevention of small-pox, as it causes a similar disease and thus destroys the susceptibility to that fearful and loathsome malady. If there is no danger of exposure to the disease it is not best to vaccinate a child until it is six months or a year oldChildren which are vaccinated within the first year will require to have the operation repeated within one or two years, for a single vaccination does not always destroy the susceptibility to the disease, and they will be liable to have varioloid, at least, if exposed, if not vaccinated; and all who are vaccinated during childhood should be vaccinated after they arrive at puberty, or man or womlanhlood; and again by the time they are thirty or forty years of age. If an individual has been exposed to snmall-pox, if he is not well protected by having been recently vaccinated, the operation should be immediately performed, without regard to age, state of health, or condition; for no consequences which will result will be so much to be dreaded as the small-pox, and if the vaccine matter will work, the patient would be very sure to have either small-pox or varioloid. If the patient is vaccinated within seven or eight days after exposure, it will generally prevent the disease, but he may have the operation performed later and be benefited. It is always very desirable to prevent pitting over the face and neck; for this purpose rub three parts of Carbonate of zinc and one part of Oxide of zinc in a mortar, with Olive oil, to the consistency of a thin paste, and apply it over the face and neck once or twice a day, So as to form a somewhat firm coherent crust, w'lich, if it is applied as soon as the eruption makes its appearance, will plrevent its development and lessen the fever and general irritation. During an attack of small-pox or varioloid the patient should be kept comfortable, neither too hot nor cold; and his diet should be light, and his drinks cold, during the first stage at least. Aconite: This is perhaps the most important remedy during the febrile stage, and may be repeated every hour. If there is great SMALL-POX. 65 nervous excitability, especially with children, an occasional dose of Confea may be given instead of Aconite. Dose of this or other remedies, see page 7. Belladonna: If there is severe headache, delirium, or symptoms of convulsions, this remedy should be given alternately with Aconite one hour apart. Tartar Emetic: If during the febrile stage there are excessive mnausea and vomiting this remedy may be given after a few doses of Aconite, or alternately with Aconite, if the fever remains high with hot skin. Tartar emetic is one of the best remedies which can be given during the eruptive stage, and may be continued until the pocks are fully developed. Bryonia: If during the febrile stage there is violent pain in the back, which is not relieved by Aconite or Belladonna, Bryonia may be given once in two hours during the forepart of the day and Aconite every hour during the evening and night, until the fever and back-ache are somewhat relieved, when Tartar emetic may be given in their stead. Mlercurius viv.: When the pocks are fully developed, or when they begin to become opaque, this remedy may take the place of Tartar emetic, and be given once in two hours until the pustules begin to dry and become brown over the face and body. Sulphur may follow lI-ercurius once in two or three hours until the scabs are all separated. The above are all the remedies usually required, but if during any stage of the disease the symptoms assume a malignant character, which may be known to be the case if the pulse becomes small, the extremities cold, and dark spots appear on the skin, cr the teeth are covered with crusts or sordes, Rhus tox. may be given once in one or two hours, and if it does not relieve the tendency to dissolution Arsenicum may be given alternately with it one hour apart. If the breathing becomes difficult and hoarse, with a hoarse cough, HIepar sulph. should be given alternately with Aconite at intervals of one hour, and if these remedies do not relieve the difficulty of breathing and cough Lachesis may take their place. Cloths wrung from water as warm as the patient can bear may be applied over the neck and chest until 66 CHICKEN-POX-VARICELLA. these symptoms are relieved. If diarrhema occurs 10Posplorusmay be given, and if it does not afford relief in a few hours give C2hina. When the scabs begin to separate, %wash the bod.ly-once or twice a day with tepid water, or with tepid water andl bran. The patient shpuld not be allowed to go out or into the company (f the unprotected who may be exposed, until all the scabs are separated and removed from every part, and he has been thoroughly and repeatedly washed. It matters not how light the case of small-pox or varioloid may have been, nothing can justify the patient in exposing others. Varioloid requires the same remedies as small-pox. CIHICKEN-POX (VARICELLA) This is a contagious disease, and perhaps sometimes epidemic, and confined in a great measure to children. The eruption is often the first symptom noticed, in other cases a fever of greater or less severity with some headache precedes the eruption for fiom a few hours to one or at most two da3ys, and goes off when the eruption appears. The eruption usually shows itself first upon the shoulders, back, and breast, and extends over the face, head, and extremities. The pocks may be numerou or but few. Small, irregular-shaped, transparent vesicles make their appearance on a slightly red surface, and rapidly enlarge to a sixteenth or an eighth of an inch in diameter, sometimes even larger. There is more or less itching, causing the child to scratch, and as the vesicles are very delicate many of them are ruptured in this manner, and also by the garments. At the end of three or four days those which are not ruptured become opaque and present a pearlly aspect when they begin to dry up, forming small brown crusts which separate, and fall off at the end of eight or nine days. Scratching and rubbing the vesicles sometimes cause ulceration of the skin, and the formation of large scabs which may leave pits when they separate. It is very important to distinguish varioloid from this disease, although sometimes difficult, and almost impossible even for a SCARLXT FEVER 67 physician to say with absolute certainty to which form of disease a given case belongs, so near do the symptoms of the two diseases sometimes approach each other. In all doubtful cases the same care should be exercised in regard to exposing others, and in vaccinating, those unavoidably exposed as in small-pox. But generally there is no difficulty in deciding as to the character of the disease. In varioloid the fever is more severe and long continued, generally lasting forty-eight hours before the eruption makes its appearance; whereas, in chicken-pox the eruption is often the first symptom which attracts attention, and the fever rarely continues more than twenty-four hours before the eruption makes its appearance. The eruption in chicken-pox is more rapidly formed and developed, appears more superficial, and the vesicle is more readily broken by scratching, less regular in form, and none of the vesicles are depressed in the centre, although some of them may present this appearance from having their tops scratched off while fborming, but a slight scab will make this manifest; whereas in Varioloid the vesicle is much firmer, and its base is more hardened and elevated, and we can generally find occasionally a vesicle with a depressed centre, but tnot always. Then the fact that one or the other disease is prevailing, and that the patient may have been exposed, should always be taken into consideration. Treatment.-This disease is attended with little or no danger to life. If there is much fever, a few doses of Aconite may be given; if there is head-ache, Belladonna or Pulsatilla. The above remedies may be followed by Sulphur night and morning, during the declining stage of the disease. SCARLET FEVER. This is a contagious, febrile eruptive disease, which may occur at any season of the year, and not unfrequently prevails as an epidlemic. Children are far more liable to contract this complaint than adults, as very few of the latter will have the disease when exposed. It is not as cont-gioous as small-pox or measles, and many 68 SCARLET FEVER. children when exposed escape entirely. The interval between th, exposure and the attack varies from two or three days to three weeks. Patients may have the disease without exposure to those who are sick with it, especially when it is prevailing in the neighborhood. Sylptomns.-A fever, attended with pain in the head, back and limbs, frequent pulse and hot skin, generally precedes the eruption, for from a few hours to twenty-four, or even for a longer period in some instances, whereas in other cases the rash commences with the fever. The throat soon becomes sore and red, the tongue coated white, with little red points projecting through the coating. The edges of the tongue are red, and when the coating peels off the whole upper surface becomes red. The rash first makes its appearance on the neck, face, and breast, and gradually extends over the body and extremities in the course of twenty-four hours. It commences in very minute red points, which coalesce in broad patches in a short time, of a continuous scarlet blush, around the edges of which can usually be seen the separate red points, like those left by the prick of a needle. The rash is sometimes very abundant, covering almost the entire surface; in other cases there are only here and there scattering patches. The redness disappears under pressure, but returns when it is removed. In some instances the skin is smooth, in other cases slightly rough, like that of " goose-flesh." There is more or less burning and itching of the skin, and sometimes fine transparent vesicles make their appearance, especially on the neck, chest, and on the bends of the elbows. The fever does not abate with the appearance of the rash, the pulse becomes frequent, the skin dry and burning. The fever is worse towards night, often attended with restlessness and delirium. Vomiting is a frequent symptom at the commencement of severe attacks, and dia rrhcea occasionally occurs during the course of the disease. The throat may simply present a red appearance, with slight soreness, or it may become very much inflamed, swollen within and without, with great difficulty in swallowing, and even impeded respiration. The disease attains its height, usually from the fourth to the ninth day, when, in favorable cases, the symptoms begin to decline, the fever abates, the rash fades, the SCARLET FrZYER. 69 throat improves, and sometimes there is a profuse perspiration, or diarrheca, but not always. The scarf-skin soon begins to separ:ate in scales and often peels off in large flakes where it is thick, as on the palms of the hands and soles of the fiet. Troublesome itching often attends this process. In some instances during the febrile stage in severe cases, the brain becomes seriously affected, and great restlessness, delirium, convulsions and stupeor result; or the disease may commence with stupor, and death may ensue speedily from this oppressioen of the brain. In some cases the inflammation of the throat is very severe, extending to the nostrils, causing obstruction to the passage of air through them, or to the larynx and windpipe, causing croupy symptoms. Patches of false membrane frequently appear on the throat, presenting a dirty white, yellowish or ash-colored appearance. There is a profuse secretion of tenacious mucus in the throat, which the patient finds it difficult to either swallow or discharge from the mouth. The glands of the neck beneath the jaw and ear become swollen, and it is not uncommon for the swelling to linger, and abscesses to form after the fever has abated, retarding recovery. This disease sometimes assumes a malignant form, when it becomes a very dangerous malady. In some cases of this kind the disease may commence with great anxiety, faintness, and oppression, with feeble and irregular pulse, and labored respiration, pale or livid face, and cold extremities and surface, or cold in one part and hot in another. Feeble attempts at reaction may be made, and slight and irregular febrile action ensue; or, if the above symptoms are not so severe, a low form of fever may ensue, with a tendency to delirium and stupor, and a feeble circulation, -with a livid or dark-red eruption, dark spots in and beneath the skin from effused blood, and hemorrhage from the nose, bowels, or urinary organs. In the worst cases, the eruption may never make its appearance, and the patient dies within twenty-four or forty-eight hours, if not rescued by treatment. In other cases the symptoms of the attack may be less violent, and the malignant symptoms may not be so manifest at first, but are more gradually developed.- In such cases, instead of high fever, hot skin, and early appearance of the rash, 70 SCARLET FEVER. as in the simple form of the disease, typhoid symptoms early manifest themselves; the pulse is small, the extremities incline to be cool, and the rash is postponed, sometimes to the third or fourth day, and then it is dark and scanty. As the disease progresses, there is a tendency to delirium and stupor, offensive breath, dark offensive secretions from the throat, and early disappearance of the rash. The tongue becomes brown, crusts, or sordes appear on the teeth, gums, and palate; blood oozes from the lips, throat or other mucous surfaces. Ulcers and gaugrenous spots often appear in the throat, a and an exhausting diarrhea not unfrequently occurs. If the tendency is to a fatal termination, the pulse becomes thready and irregular, the countenance sunken, and the surface bathed in a cold, elammy perspiration, and death ensues generally within one or two weeks fro:n the commencement of the attack. But, instead of dying, the patient may slowly improve, but recovery is often retarded by abscesses, diarrhoea, ulcerations, etc. Few diseases leave so many unpleasant symptoms behind them as scarlet fever. Among these may be named: abscesses in the ear, often impairing hearing; ulcerations in the nostrils, causing chronic catarrh, andl pain and swelling of the joints. Dropsy not unfrequently follows scarlet fever, and is quite as likely to follow mild cases as severe ones, and is liable to occur at any period for at least three weeks after the abatement of the fever. There may be dropsical swellings of the face, body, hands and feet, or dropsy of the abdomen, chest, heart, or head. When there is difficulty of breathing on lying down, with or without cough, there is reason to fear there is dropsy of the chest, which will require prompt relief. If there is heaviness and stupor, we have to fear dropsy of the brain. Rheumatism sometimes follows this affection. This disease may be confounded with measles, but the rash is much finer in scarlet fever, and generally appears within twentyfour hours after the commencement of the fever, whereas in measles it is coarser, and appears on the fourth day of the fever. Prevention of Scarlet Fever. —It is always desirable to prevent this disease during childhood if possible, for if an individual escapes during this period of life he is not very liable to have it at a later period. When practicable, children sick with this di' SCARLET FEVER.- 71ease should be separated from. the healthy children of the same family, and children out of the family should never be (allowed to visit those sick with it, or evenr to enter the house, or attend the funeral of a child which has died from scarlet fever. Bclladlonna first recommended by Hahnemann as a hommeopathic preventive of this disease, has now been used for many years for this purpose by both homeeopathic and allopathic physicians, and many writers and physicians have borne favorable testimony as to its efficacy. During the prevalence of the disease in the family or neighborhood, a dose of Belladonna may be given to the healthy child at bedtime for two nights, and a dose of Sulplhur one night, and so continued until the epidemic is over. Treanmzent.-Homceopathy has gained much credit from the success which has attended the treatment of this disease in accord, ance with its law of cure. Not that patients can always be cured by this or any other treatment, for occasionally the disease is of so malignant a character that tLere is very little chance of curing the patient; whereas, in a majority of cases it is so light that patients would recover without any treatment, yet Ihere are many cases where much will depend on the treatment. There is, perhaps, -no disease which varies so much in severity and fatality in different localities, and during different seasons as this. Even in the same family at the same time, we not unfrequently witnes% the most malignant case by the side of the mildest. Belladonna: In mild cases of the disease this is often the only remedy required; and in all cases it will be found useful when the following symptoms exist: soreness and inflammation of the throat, with difficulty of swallowing, especially if there is spasmodic contraction of the throat; Tedness of the eyes, violent headache, with sleeplessness and nervous excitement or deliriumn; a bright scarlet color of the eruption and of the throat, are further indications for this remedy. A dose may be given once in two hours when the patient is awake, and continued during the course of the disease, unless a change of symptoms should suggest some other remedy. Also give a dose of Sulphulr two or three times a day, but let one hour elapse between the taking of this remedy and the Belladonna. 72 SCARLET FEVER. Dose of this or any of the following remedies, see page 7. Unless there is an unusual tendency to sleep, approaching stupor, it is not well to awaken the patient to give medicine, as it will increase the nervous excitability. Aconite; This remedy is often required at the commencement of this disease, either alone or alternately with some other remedy, generally either Belladonna or Sulphur. If the symptoms are similar to those described under the head of Belladonna, with a very violent fever, and bright eruption, a few doses of Aconite should either precede the use of that remedy, or they may be given alternately with it at intervals of one or even one half hour. But if with burning heat, there is great itching, burning and roughness of the skin, with or without minute vesicles, Sulphur may take the place of Belladonna, and be given after Aconite, or alternately with this remedy, until such symptoms are in a gre"at measure relieved, when Belladonna may be given instead of Aconite, and the Sulphur continued. Jifercurius viv.: If the above remedies fail to relieve the inflammation of the throat, and there is a profuse flow of saliva, great difficulty of swallowing, bright redness of the mucous membrane, with or without the appearance of light-colored patches in the throat, and especially if the glands beneath the jaw begin to swell,.Mercurius is the remedy. In such cases it should generally be given alternately with Belladonna one hour apart. Coffea: If Belladonna or Aconite fails to relieve sleeplessness, and great restlessness, this remedy will often succeed. Give a dose every hour until three or four doses have been taken, omitting other remedies during the time. Tartar emetic may be given when there is nausea, vomiting, and diarrhcea. Apis rmel.: If there is great excitement of-the brain, violent headache, startings, delirium, stupor, or convulsions, which other remedies do not relieve, give a dose of Apis every hour. When this disease assumes a malignant form, other remedies will often be required from the very commencement of the attack. Camphor: Two or three drops of the ordinary tincture or spirits of Camphor, dropped on sugar and dissolved in half a glass of water and given by the spoonful, will answer. This remedy should SCARLET FEVER. 73 be given when the disease commences with great anxiety, faintness, irregular pulse, pale or livid face, and cold extremities and surface. A dose may be given every five or ten minutes until the above symptoms are relieved, when either ryjonia, PR,:us tox., or Arsenicurn, will generally be required. Bryonria; If the eruption does not make its appearance, or if having appeared, it is indistinct and dark colored, Bryonia will be indicated. especially if the extremities are cold, with dull pain in the head and mentul torpor, with or without delirium. If Bryonia fails to relieve the above symptoms, lihus tox. may take its place, especially if the breath becomes offensive, with crusts of dark matter collecting on the teeth, and the throat is covered with dark-colored patches of false membrane. Arsenicum: If nhus tox. does not soon relieve the malignant tendency of the disease, Arsenicum should be given alternately with it, especially if the disease of the throat becomes dark and offensive, the extremities cold, and the pulse small and irregular with great prostration of strength. Repeat the dose every hour. If improvement does not soon follow Lachesis may take the place of Rhzus. Carbo vejg.: This is our last resort if other remedies fil to check the tendency to dissolution, and the extremities become very cold, and the pulse and respiration irregular. This remedy may be given every hour. General 3Aeasures.-Frehl air and sunlight are very important in this as in all other diseases, yet it is important to avoid exposure to currents of cold and damp air. We should study the comfort of the patient, neither keep him too cold nor too hot. Few measures will relieve the fever, restlessness, nervous excitability, and even delirium, more promptly than frequently sponging, the body with water; generally tepid or warm water should be used; but if the skin is very hot and dry, and the patient craves it, and it seems grateful to liim, cold water may be used. Sponge the entire body over with a wet towel several times a day, and if the patient is very restless anld sleepless at night, repeat the sponging every half hour or hour until quiet sleep results. Keep the feet warm and wipe them dry after sponging. For the thick tenacious 4 74 SCARLET FEVER. and offensive mucus wh-lich accumulates in the mouth and throat, make a tea of dried apples and lt't the patient gargle his throat with it and drink of it. The diet should be light if the fever is high; nothing more than gruel, rice, toast, &c.; but if the disease is of a malignant character, the patient may require beef tea, mutton broth, and even a little meat if he desires it, and can sw-allowr it in addition to the lighter articles named above. There is no objection to the use of cold water as a drink if the patient desires it. For at least three weeks after the fever has abated keep the patient in doors, except it may be during the middle of the day when the weather is very pleasant. Treatment of the Diseases consequent on Scarlet Fevcr.-For swelling of the glands beneath the ears give Calcarea carb. once in four hours. For car-ache give Pulsatill:t every hour, and if it fails to relieve, alternate it with Cham7nomilla, and as soon as the pain is somewhat relieved give Silicca and Palsatilla four hours apart. For running from the ears give Pulsatilia at night and Sulphur in the morning, and continue them as long as the patient improves, then give Calcarca carb.; follow these remedies if necessary with Lycopodium, and afterwards give S/licca every night. For the dropsical symptoms which frequently follow scarlet fever, if the extremities and abdomen seem chiefly affected, give l1elleborts once in two hours, and if it fails to afbrIl any relief within twenty-four hours, give Apis rmel. once in two hours; afterwards give Arsenicum, if necessary. Bryonia and Ilclleborusare the remedies when the brain seems to be oppressed by a dropsical effusion, if Beladolnna and Apis mel. do not relieve the symptoms; give them alternately one or two hours apart. For bloody urine give Pulsatilla once in two hours. While it is undoubtedly generally safer to trust to a homreopithic domestic book and case of medicines than it is to employ an allopathic physician for the treatment of this disease, yet no layman should undertake to treat a severe case if the services of a llomceopathic physician can be obtained. SCARLET RASH —MEASLES. 7 SCARLET RASH (ROSEOLA). This is a non-contagious eruptive disease, often mistaken for scarlet fever or measles. It is sometimes preceded for a day or two, and accompanied, by considerable febrile excitement, whereas in other cases there is very little fever. This disease has not the catarrhal symptoms, such as watery and red eyes, sneezing, stuffing and discharges from the nose, of measles, nor has it the sore throat of scarlatina. The eruption is generally of short duration, lasting but a day or two, only occasionally running on for three or four days. The eruption is darker than that of measles, and although it occurs in patches as in the latter disease, yet none of the patches assume the semilunar shape which is frequently noticed in mrasles. The rash is not as fine and uniform as that of scarlet fever; it usually commences on the face, neck, and chest, with small specks or patches, which sometimes run together form. ing larger patches one half or one inch in diameter, in other cases they remain distinct. This eruption may be caused by dentition, improper diet, sudden changes of temperature, &c. The same individual may have this disease repeatedly. Trcatment. —A few doses of Aconite is generally all that is required, give a dose once in two or three hours. If there is headache, or the disease occurs with teething children, Belladonna may either follow Aconi'q or be given alternately with it. If the disease has been caused by errors of diet give Pulsatilla once in two or three hours after Aconite. MEASLES (RUBEOLA). This disease is contagious; and is characterized by catarchal symptomS, fever, and a rash. It occurs more frequently during the winter, but may occur at any season of the year. The disease rarely attacks the same individual more than once; but few escape l:aving it sooner or later, for it pays little or no respect to 76 IMEASLES. age; and adults generally suffer more than children from an attack of measles. From one to two weeks generally intervene between the exposure and the attack. This disease frequently prevails as an epidemic, although at the same time contagious. Sy3mptoms.-Languor, aching in the back and limbs, chills followed by fever, hot and dry skin, headache, furred tongue, and loss of appetite, are among the first manifestations of the disease; but catarrhal symptoms, such as red and watery eyes, sneezing, watery discharges from the nose, slight soreness of the throat, husky voice, and a dry hoarse cough, sometimes precede the above symptoms, almost always accompany them, or are manifested soon after their commencement. The symptoms are very similar to those of an attack of catarrh or cold in the head. With children, especially while teething, convulsions frequently occur. The eruption generally makes its appearance on the fourth day, or at the end of thrae full days from the commencement of the fever; sometimes it appears a day earlier, and occasionally a day or even several days later. The rash appears first on the face, then on the neck and trunk, and last on the extremities. Distinct minute red spots, slightly elevated, which momentarily disappear under pressure, first make their appearance. These spots soon enlarge, coalesce, and occasionally form semilunar-shaped patches, with healthy skin between them. The amount of the eruption varies greatly in different cases, sometimes it is very extensive, in other cases but a few patches. The color is not generally as bright as the rash in scarlet fever, and is generally brighter or darker, according to the violence of the fever. The fever and catarrhal symptoms do not abate when the rash appears, but are often aggravated. When the eruption i-s fully developed, which occurs on the second or third day of the eruption, there are usually more or less heat and itching of the skin. The disease generally begins to decline on the eighth day of the fever, or the fourth of the eruption, when the rash begins to fade, first on the face, then on the neck and trunk, and last on the extremities; the catarrhal symptoms and the fever abate, and the patient is soon restored to health. Sometimes the whole duration of the eruption is not more than two days, whereas in other rare instances it is pro MEASLES. 77 longed to a week or more. As the disease abates, thin scales separate from the surface which has been occupied by the eruption, with more or less itching. Comlylications -Sometimes the fever assumes a malignant character, and typhoid symptoms early manifest themselves. In such cases the eruption is dark colored, irregular and partial, and there is great prostration of strength, and also a tendency to faintness, congestion of the lungs, and exhausting diarrhaea. Fortunately this form of the disease is very rare in this country. Inflammation of the air passages is by far the most frequent and dangerous complication. A croupy inflammation of the larynx and windpipe or trachea, or inflammation of the bronchia, or of the lungs, not unfrequently occurs during the height of the disease, or follows as the eruption abates; and if such acute attacks are not carefully treated, they are very liable to become chronic. Diarrhcea is an occasional symptom; also inflammation and abscess of the ear, chronic inflammation of the eyelids, and chronic catarrh, not unfrequently follow an attack of measles. This disease and scarlet fever, occasionally occur at the same time, when there is a mixture of the symptoms of the two diseases. The measles in the first stage may be very readily mistaken for catarrhal fever or influenza. When the eruption makes its appearance it is liable to be mistaken for either scarlet fever or small-pox. In scarlet fever the rash generally appears on the first or second day of the fever, in measles on the fourth; in scarlet fever it is very fine and punctuated at first, and more uniform at last, and brighter colored than in measles. Then if we bear in mind that red, watery eyes, sneezing, and a hoarse cough, are characteristic of measles, we cannot well mistake the disease. But it is not always so easy to distinguish this disease from the smallpox when the rash first begins to make its appearance; but the Iimples in small-pox are harder to the feel under the finger, more prominent, and soon become vesicular and depressed in the centre, when all doubt is removed. Then in cases of small-pox, which are not so severe as to be confluent, the fever generally disappears temporarily on the appearance of the eruption, which is not the case in measles, and the severe pains in the small of the back, 778 MEASLES. which are almost universally present in the former disease, are absent in the latter. Tref-tment.-As almost every individnal who lives to adult age is quite sure to have this disease, sooner or later, it is hardly advisable to strive to prevent children being exposed to it, unless the prevailing epidemic is of unusual severity, as it is better to have it at home beneath the paternal roof during childhood than to risk contracting the disease during adult are, often among strangers. If a child or an adult, who has never had the disease, is exposed, it is well to give a dose of Aconite one night and Pulsatilla the next, and continue them until the commencement of the attack, as the previous administration of these remedies will generally lessen the severity of the disease. For the treatment of the attack select as follows: Aconite: This is perhaps the most important remedy for the treatment of this disease, not only to relieve the severity of the febrile affection, but also to prevent inflammation of the air passages. A dose may be given every hour or two, when the patient is awake, and continued until after the e:uption is fully developed and the fever begins to abate. Dose of this or other remedies, see page 7. Pulsatilla, next to Aconite, is more frequently required than any other remedy. The following are the chief indications which should lead to its selection: A tardy appearance of the eruption, nausea, diarrhoea, hoarseness, ear-ache, inflammation of or discharge from the ears, and discharge from the nose. Pulsatilla should generally be preceded by a few doses of Aconite, or, if a high fever continues it may be given alternately with Aconite, one or two hours ap:irt. In a majority of cases the above are all the remedies required, until the declining stage of the disease, when a dose of Sulphur should be given every night for a few days. When the above remedies are perseveringly used it is rare that there is any serious local inflammation developed during the course of the disease. We do not expect to cut short the fever and eruption, but simply to lessen their severity and prevent local affections; and in this the homceopathic treatment is eminently suc cessful. But if croupy symptoms occur, notwithstanding the use of Aconite or Aconite and Pulsatilla, Ilepar sulph. must be given MEASLES. 79 alternately with Aconite, one half an hour apart, and continued until the hoarseness and difficulty of breathing are entirely relieved. Large cloths must be wrung from warm water, as hot as the patient can bear, and be applied over the neck and chest, andl over them dry flannel; and the wet cloths should be cllanged every fifteen minutes or half hour, until the patient is relieved. If symptoms of bronchitis occur, or of inflammnation of the lungs, give Bryonia once in six hours, and if there is much fever give Aconite every hour between. If at the end of four or five days from the commencement of the eruption, when it begins to decline, the cough and oppression of breathing do not abate, and the expectoration becomes opaque and less tenacious, give PRosphorms before tea and at bedtime, and Biyonia morning and noon. If, after three or four days more, the above remedies do not entirely relieve the cough, uneasiness in and oppression of the chest, give Sulphur, and Pulbatila in the same manner, until such symptoms and all expectoration are relieved. If, during the course of the febrile or eruptive stage, there is violent headache, startings, or convulsions, give Belladonna and Aconite alternately, one half hour or hour apart, and wring a large towel from cold water, wrap it around and over the entire head and forehead, and place several thicknesses of dry flannel over the wet cloth, so as to entirely cover it, pin it snugly so as to exclude the cold air. Wet the towel every hour until the head symptoms are relieved. For earache, or inflammation in the ears, give Pulsatilla, and if it does not relieve give Ci/ainomilla, or Nux vonifca. If a discharge from the ears follows the measles, give Pulsatilla at night and Sulphur in the morning, and follow them at the enl of three or four weeks, if necessary, by Calcarea carb. every night for a week. Then omit it for a week; afterwards give, if it is required, Lycopodiumn. If a discharge from or chronic inflammation of the mucous membrane of the nose or eyes follows the measles, give the same remedies in the same manner as directed for discharge from the ear. If the eruption suddenly disappears after having made its appearance, or if it does not make its appeanance on the fourth day, give a few doses of Bryotics, especially if the patient complains of 80 ERYSIPELAS-ST. ANTMIONY'S FIRJE. a feeling of a load, weight, or pressure at the pit of the stomach, o'l of oppression at the chest. If diarrhoea occurs during or soon after the disease, if Pulsatlla does not relieve it, give Jlercurius riv., followed, if necessary, by C/ina, at the end of twenty-four hours. If the disease assumes a typhoid character, Pulsat,'la and Bryoiaz are the chief remedies during the first stage, and Pulsatilla and Arsenicurn during the stage of prostration; give them alternately, one hour apart. General Directions.-Keep the temperature of the sick-room comfortable, neither too hot nor cold; and be very carefal about exposure to currents of cold or damp air, for a week or ten days after the disease has abated. Allow the patient to drink cold water only in small quantities at a time, but freely of warm water, milk, and sugar. Allow no stimulating drinks, or hot herb teas. Let the diet be light during the fever, nothing more than gruel, milk-and-water, rice or toasted bread, or cracker; and only gradually more nourishing as the patient improves. ERYSIPELAS (ST. ANTHONY'S FIRE). This disease is characterized by a spreading inflammation of the skin, sometimes involving the deeper tissues, with fever which may precede, commence with, or soon follow the local attack. Some individuals are very liable to this disease, and it occasionally presails as an epidemic, or depends upon an atmospheric influence; and in some instances it is of a very malignant character; in such cases the fever is of a low typhus form, and there is a great tendency to gangrene or mortification. Under such circumstances the disease is, to a limited extent, contagious, which, doubtless, depends on the typhus form of fever, rather than upon the eruption, for, ordinar;ly, eirysipelas is not contagious. Where there is a con, stitutional predisposition to the disease, or when it is prevailing as an epidemic, it may be excited or caused by cold, excessive heat, improper oi stimulating articles of food or drink, excessive fatigue, mental emotions, etc. It frequently originates from wounds, sometimes even from slight scratches or bruises; also from ulcers ERYSIPELAS —ST. ANTIIONY'S FIRE. 81 burns, blisters, the sting of insects, and stimulating applications to the skin. I have known two instances a ri-e from piercing the ears for rings. It not unfrequently results from surgical operations, and in hospital and army practice, it is one of the chief sources of danger after operations. rym7pioms.-If tho fever precedes the eruption, the patient complains of the usual. premonitory symptoms of fever, such as languor, uneasiness, impaired appetite, aching in the limbs, followed by chilliness and fever, headache, sometimes nausea and vomiting, and perhaps swelling of the glands in the neighborhood of the part about to be attackedl; sooner or later, sometimes not until the second or third day of the fever, a small red spot, somewhat elevated, painful and tender to the touch, makes its appearance upon some part of the surface. Sometimes the appearance of such a spot is the first symptom, and the fever is only developed as the local disease progresses. The face is the most frequent seat of the disease when it does not arise from a wound or local point of irritation; although it may attack any part of the surface of the body. On the face it generally commences upon the side of the nose, the cheek, or the rim of the ear. and spreads more or less rapidly over the face, sometimes in every direction, but more generally in one. In some instances it only extends over one side of the face, but frequently it spreads over both sides and into the hairy scalp, over the head and down on the neck. As the inflammation travels from point to point, it frequently happens that as new portions of the skin are involved, the disease abates in the parts first affected. The skin is red in the part diseased, more or less elevated, and harder than the sound skin; if the cellular tissue, and other structures beneath the skin, become involved, the swelling may be very great, so as to close the eyes and almost obscure the features. The pain is of a burning, smarting, pricking character. If the inflammation of tlhe surface of the skin is very violent about the third or fourth day, vesicles or blisters frequently appear on the diseased parts. If the scalp is involved, there is frequently violent headache, delirium, or a tendency to coma or stupor. When the erysipelatous inflammation extends to the cellular and other structures beneath the skin, as it not unfrequently does when the face 4* 82 ERYSIPELAS-ST. ANrTHONY'S FIRE. and especially when the extremities are the seat of the disease, it is not uncommon when the inflammation is not checked by treatment, for it to cause death of the cellular tissue which connects the skin to the muscles, and which surrounds the latter, and for large collections of matter to form beneath the skin, which when evacuated, either by ulceration or the lancet, escape with shreds of the cellular structures. In such cases, when recovery takes place, it is often with more or less deformity and inability to use the parts, owing to adhesions between the muscles, or between the muscles and skin. As the inflammation of the skin abates, the scarf-skin separates in scales. Erysipelas sometimes shifts from one part of the skin to another, and sometimes from the skin to internal organs. When the disease arises from wounds, it may terminate in gangrene, inflammation of the veins, or deposits of matter in different parts. Treatment.-He alone who has treated, and seen this disease treated by both methods, can realize the wonderful superiority of the homceopathic over the empirical treatment of allopathy. A conite is one of the most important remedies in all cases where the fever is high, with great heat and redness of the diseased part. If given alone, a dose may be given every hour or two when the patient is awake. Dose of this, or other remedies, see page 7. Belladonna: Next to Acolite, this is the most important remedy, whether the disease involves simply the skin, or extends to the deeper structures. In all acute attacks, it should either be p:'eceded by several doses of Aconite, or be given alternately with it, one hour apart. If the skin is hot, the pulse full, and the diseased part very red, with but little or with much swelling, they should be continued for at least two or three days. At the end of this period, if vesicles or blisters appear, or even if they do not, and the patient does not seem to be improving, huis tox. may take the place of Aconite, and be given either alone or alternately with Belladonna, two or three hours apart. If, at the end of twenty-four hours m-nre the patient is not improving, omit tile Belladonna for a time, and give a few doses of ltepar sulphuris instead of it. If, in any case, matter or pus forms, give Silicea once in four hours. ERYSIPELAS-ST. ANTHONY'S FIRE. 83 If the disease has been caused by a wound, or by an ulcer or sore, if the pulse is full and the surface hot, give Aconite every hour for twelve hours; after which, if the symptoms are not better alternate it with lihZs tox., one or two hours apart, and continue these remedies until the fever and swelling are relieved, or if, at the end of twenty-four hours, there is no improvement, omit the _Rhus lex., and give Belladonna in its stead. If, at the end of three or four days from the commencement of the attack, the symptoms are not in a great measure relieved, give Ilepar sulph, and Rhus tox., alternately, two hours apart. If at the commencement of the disease, or at any time during its course, it assumes a malignant character, which may be known by the fever assuming a typhoid form, and the eruption changing to a purple or livid hue, with a slow return of blood to the part after it has been pressed, or the appearance of small blisters filled with a darkish or reddish fluid, other remedies will be required, In fact, in such cases, Aconite will be of very little use, and Belladonnla will not generally be required, unless it may be a dose or two to quiet active delirium early in the disease. Give Lac/hesis and Rhus lox. alternately one or two hours apart, as soon as any of the above symptoms occur, even if it be at the commencement of the attack. If the extremities are cool, the pulse small, and there is great prostration of strength, with offensive breath, early in the disease, with an intense burning pain in the part diseased, you have a malignant attack which will r6quire the above remedies from the very commencement. If at the end of two or three days the symptoms are not improved, omit the Ri:us and give Arsenicum alternately with Lachesis one or two hours apart, and continues them until the disease is relieved, unless symptoms of mortification ensue, or sinking of the vital powers, denoted by a small and perhaps irregular pulse, and cold extreinities. If such symptoms appear, omit the above remedies, and gi e Carbo veg. every hour. In all cases, in the declining stage of the disease, after all the acute symptoms have. been relieved, a dose of Sulphur may be given every night. Erysipelas cannot always be cured in a day, it may require several days, and the remedies must not be changed too often, for if they are, the patient may fail to get any relief. 84 ERYSIPELAS —ST. ANTIIONY'S FIRE, General Directions.-As a general rule very little benefit will be derived from local applications. Internal remedies are far more efficacious than external, and the latter often interfere with the action of the former. One of the very best which can be applied, is simply dry wheat starch, finely pulverized, and there is no objection to its use. The diet should be light, nothing more than gruel, rice, toasted bread, and cracker, until the fever has abated, andl there is a return of appetite, when it may be gradually made more nourishing. In a malignant attack, if the vital forces seem to be giving way, it may be necessary to resort to beef tea or mutton broth. ERYSIPELAS, CAUSED BY POISONOUS VEGE'rABTLES. -Poison ivy, oak, or sumach, when brougllt in contact with the skin, will cause an erysipelatous inflammation on miany individuals. Some are so susceptible that an eruption will be caused even by the odor or exhalation from these vegetables. The skin becomes red, burns and itches, and vesicles soon form. The fluid contained in these vesicles seems to be poisonous, and by scrat(hEng and rubbing, and afterwards handling other parts, the disease is often communicated from the hands, ankles, or feet, to the face, genital organs, and other parts. The disease, without treatment, is tedious inl its (luration, and often causes obstinate ulcerations. It is a singular fact that while some individuals are very susceptible to the action of these poisons, others are not at all so, and can handle these'vegetables with impunity. Treatmnent. -Bryonia is perhaps the most important homeeopathic remedy we have. A dose may be given once in from two to four hours, and the remedy may be continued for several days. If there is much swelling and inflammation of the skin Belladonna may be given alternately with Bryonia, two hours apart, until the a(cute symptoms are relieved. Give li6pcr sulph. night and morning, as soon as the vesicles begin toG dry, and continue it until the skin is healthy. SIINGLES —NETTIE RASH. 85 SHINGLES (HERPES ZOSTER). This is a vesicular eruption, occurring on one sidle of the body, in a majority of cases the right side. The banal of' vesicles rarely extends more than half way around the body, although they sometimes extend up to the arm or down on the thigh. Sometimes the eruption is preceded for two or three days by febrile symptoms, and pains through the side and chest. Minute vesicles or blisters make their appearance, which enlarge -to the size of half a pea, and often run together, attended with burning, smarting pain. The contents of the vesicles at first are transparent, but in the course of three or four days they become opaque, when they gradually dry up. Successive crops of vesicles may appear and pro,long the disease for two or three weeks, although it generally subsides within one or two weeks. Treatment. —Rhus tox. may be given once in two or three hours, and a dose of Ilepar sulp&h night and morning. If at the end of twenty-four hours the fever, pain in the chest, and soreness, are not relieved, in a great measure, omit the RIus. for one day, and give Bellado:nna once in two hours, after which give RJus. again. Continue the Ie59ar sclp/t. night and morning, until the scales fall off. COLO SonEs.-This is another herpetic eruption. For this affection give Bryonia once in two hours, and dissolve solre in a teaspoonful of water, and wash the eruption with the solution. NETTLE RASH (URTICARIA-HIVES). This is a non-contagious eruptive disease, characterized by elevations of the skin resembling those caused by the nettle, or by a blow from a small stick, or the lash of a whip. These elevations aregenerally reddish about the borders, and white on their summits, although occasionally red. The eruption is attended by intolerable itching, tingling and burning, and appears most frequently upon the inside of the arms, thighls and legs; it also frequently appears over the body, and sometimes on the face. It is frequently caused by irregularities of diet, derangements of the stomach, 86 ERYTHEMA. and certain articles of food, such as shell-fish, mushrooms, honey, green cucumbers, etc. It occurs at all ages, but more frequently with children, especially with teething childtren. It is very uncertain in its duration, lasting sometimes but a few hours, or less than a single hour; in other instances two or three days, especially when attended with much fever. Its appearance is sometimes preceded, for two or three days, by febrile symptoms, he.adaclle, and deranged stomach, faintness, and chills, which usually dislappear in a great measure, when the eruption makes its appearance. Sometimes this disease assumes an intermittent form, and in some cases it becomes chronic. rcoetment.-If the eruption is attended by fever, give Aconite once in two hours until the fever abates, then discontinue the Aconie, and give Bryonia, once in two hours during the day, and a dose of Lycopodium at night. If the disease has resulted from exposure to wet, damp weather, give Dulcamara once in two hours. If caused by errors in diet or by the. use of particular article of food, give two or three doses of Palsatilla, and afterward give Bryonia, once in two hours. If teething children suffer from this disease, give a dose of Calcarea carb. at night, and if they are feverish, give a dose of Aconite, once in two hours during the day, If not attended with fever, give Byonia every morning, instead of Aconite. If the disease has become chronic, give a dose of Calcarea carb. every night for one month, then give Lycopodium for a month, and afterwards, if necessary, Arsenicum. Dose of the remedy selected, see page 7. ERYTHEMIA (RED SPOTS ON THE SKIN). This disease resembles erysipelas, but it differs from it in being less severe, less disposed to spread, generally more superficial, and attended with little or no fever. It may be accompanied by a sensation of heat and tingling, but rarely with much burning or pain. It may occur on the face, limbs, or body. It occasionally occurs during febrile diseases, also during teething. The surface of the skin is generally not much elevated, although sometimes slightly so. ITCII-SCABIES. 87 There is a form of the disease which frequently attacks the front of the legs, between the knee and ankle, consisting of large oval patches, which become somewhat elevated, hard, and painful, but gr. ldu:dly soften, assume a bluish color, anld go off in eight or ten.cdays, without the formation of matter. This form of the disease is generally attended with some fever and various nervous symptoms. Treatment. —Pulsatilla is the remedy for the last variety named, or when it is located on the front of the legs. Give a dose once in two hours. This remedy will often be found useful when the disease occurs in other parts, if the eruption is dark-colored, and without much heat. When it occurs in the course of febrile affections, or during recovery, Arsenicum, followed by Sulphur, will be found useful. Repeat the remedy two or three times a day. In the case of teething children, Chamonzilla may be given morning and noon, and Calcarea carb. every night. Dose of either of the above remedies, see page 7. ITCI-I (SCABIES). This is a contagious eruption, consisting of small pointed vesicles, which generally first make their appearance between the fingers, on the wrists, inside of the joints, and on other parts where the skin is thin. In its progress it may occupy any part of the surface excepting the face and scalp, which are rarely affected. It may occupy a large extent of the surface or only a slnall portion. The vesicles are generally.separate and not clustered, and contain a little transparent fluid.'They are attended with intense itching, especially at night in bed. This disease is attended by a small insect, which is found burrowed beneath the surface of the skin, a short distance from the vesicle. In some cases pustules form which fiil with yellowish matter, and end in scabs and sores. The itch, without treatment, does not tend to a spontaneous cure, but may continue for years, or an indefinite length of time. i'reatmnent.-Sulphur is the chief remedy for this disease, and it may be used internally, and if necessary, externally. As this is 88 MILK-CRUST. perhaps more strictly a local disease than any other eruption, and as it is very difficult to de stroy the insect by internal remedies alone, especially by the use of low dilutions, there is less objection to local applications than in almost any other disease, if they are applied early. Give a dose of Sulphur three times a day for three or four days. At the end of this period, after washing lhe bodly with warm water and soap, rub fresh lard freely over every part diseased, night and morning. If at the end of two weeks the disease is not nearly or quite cured, make an ointment by stirring a teaspoonful of the Flowers of sulphur into a teacupful of melted lard, continuing the stirring until the lard is cold. It is not necessary nor well to rub the whole surface of the body over with strong sulphur ointment. It will be sufficient to apply the weak ointment prepared as directed above, to the parts diseased every night for three nights, and afterward simply to touch the vesicles and sores, if' there are any of the latter, every other night with a little of the tame ointment, continuing at the same time the homemopathic preparation of Sulphulr internally, as directed. If at the end of two weeks the disease is not entirely cured, give Mlercurius viv. night and morning for ten days, then Carbo veg. for ten days, and afterward Ilepar sulphuris. Dose of either remedy, see page 7. MILK-CRUST (CRUSTrA LACTEA). This is a disease of childhood, occurring most frequently between the ages of three and eighteen months. One or more red blotches appear on the cheeks, or some portion of the face; these soon become studded with small yellowish pustules, attended with great itchling. At the end of a few days, the pustules burst, and their contents dry on the skin, in the form of brittle, semi-transparent, yellowish or greenish crusts, which grow thicker from the constant secretion of matter beneath them. The crusts remain attachel, from two to three weeks, and when they fall off the surface of the skin is red and shining. The disease may be pro SCALD-HEAD. 89 longed for an indefinite period, by the appearance of fresh crop of pustules. Treatment. -Give six globules of Sepia two or three times a day, and continue this remedy for three weeks, when, if the patient is not well, or nearly well, give Rlhus tox. and Sulphur, alternately, forty-eight hours apart, until the disease disappears; or if they fail to cure, give Mlercurius cor. night and morning. SCALD-HEAD (TINEA CAPITIS-FTAVUS). This is a very offensive and obstinate disease, and is, to a certain extent, contagious. It is often compounded with eczema and lichen, and the reader will do well to consult what is said under the head of the above diseases, in any case of disease of the scalp for which he may wish to select the proper remedy. S/ymptoms.-SSmall, elevated, dry spots or crusts, about the size of a pin's head, of a yellow color, seated on the surface of the skin, which is depressed by them, make their appearance on the scalp, or in the edge of the hair. These crusts are concave or cupshaped, externally, and convex on the surface, which adheres to the skin. These gradually enlarge, until they are from one eighth to one fourth of an inch in diameter, still presenting upon their free surface the cup-shaped appearance, except when they unite in large masses, when the entire surface is covered with alternate elevations and depressions, around the edges of which will be found some of the concave crusts. The whole head, forehead, neck and parts of the trunk, in some cases, become covered with these crusts. The crusts of favus are of a pale yellow color, hard, dry, and break with a short fracture, presenting within a mealy appearance. WVhen the eruption first appears, there is very little itching or irri. tation, but as it becomes developed, small pustules form on portions of the skin not affected, which give rise to a copious discharge, and there is a great itching, tingling, and heat, and an offensive odor, resembling that of mice. Under the microscope, the crusts of scald-head present the appearance of a vegetable growth. The disease is contagious, but may occur without exposure from neglect of cleanliness, unwholesole diet, want of pure air and sunlight. It occurs in children from two to twelve years of age. 90 ECZ EMA. Treatment.-Cut the hair with a pair of scissors close to the head, and apply a large linseed meal poultice every night, washing it off in the morning with soap and water, and brush the head carefully with a soft hair-brush, and continue these measures until the crusts are all removed. Give internally at the same time one of the following remedies, commencing with SulpJhur, every night for one month, then give Calcarea carb. for a monrth. HIepar sulph.: This is one of the best remedies for this disease. Give a dose every night and morning, and continue the remedy for three weeks; then give Lycopodium every night for two or three weeks; after which, if the patient seems to be improving, give Hepar sulph. again for the same length of time, and after that Lycopodium. To cure this disease a persevering treatment is required. Sepia and Sulphur may follow the above remedies if necessary, and may be given in the same manner. If other remedies fail, give Arsenicum three times a day, and continne it several weeks; only twice a week omit one dose, and give a dose of Rhus lox. instead. The diet should be light but nourishing, principally bread made from unbolted flour, milk, and vegetables; no pork, and( very little meat of any kind. Fresh air, out-door exercise, and sunlight, are all important. ECZEMIA (SCALL OR IUMID TETTER). This is a very frequent disease characterized by the eruption of numerous minute transparent vesicles, closely set on an inflamed surface, generally attended with intense itching and burning pain. On the second or third day after their appearance, the vesicles become opaque, and either dry up or burst, and become converted into thin crusts, from beneath which a thin watery fluid exudes. When these crusts are removed, or fall off, the surface looks glassy and bright red, and there oozes from it a watery fluid. In acute attacks there may be very little inflammation of the portion of skin occupied by the vesicles, or it may be very red and highly inflamed; there may be no fever, or a high fever, at the commence ECZEMA. 91 ment of the attack. Eczema may be seated on any part of the body. It may occupy a large extent of surface, or but a small space. WVhen it appears on the scalp or face, in the case of children, it is often mistaken for scald-heald, or tinea capitis; but it can be distinguished from the latter disease by the absence of the concave or cup-like appearance of the crusts, and by the presence of the profuse thin, watery discharge which sticks the lait together. Eczema frequently commences behind the ears, and in the edges of the hairy scalp, also on the forehead and cheeks. In chronic cases this watery discharge is rapidly dried into scales, which are pushed forward by the hair as it grows. In some cases pustules form here and there, so that we have in connection with the watery discharge more or less pus or matter. The chronic form of the disease is quite common, and is one of the eruptions frequently denominated salt-rheum. It appears frequently on the back of the hands, fingers, arms, back of the ears, and around the nipples. When the disease becomes chronic the skin becomes swollen and thickened, assumes a dark crimson hue, with numerous deep cracks or chaps, which discharge a bloody, watery fluid. From constitutional disturbance, or the action of any local cause, the parts are apt to become tense and painful to the touch, when there escapes fromn them a profuse watery discharge. If the disease is extensive, after a time the general health becomes impaired, the digestive organs deranged, and general debility ensues. Eczema may occur at any period of life, fiom the earliest infancy to old age, and it affects females more frequently than males. It is not contagious. A predisposition to this disease sometimes seems to be hereditary. It may be caused by the direct rays of the sun, turpentine liniments, the alkali in soap, or by the handling of sugar. When caused by soda or potash it is termed the washerwoman's itch; when by sugar, the grocer's itch. It occurs not unfrequently on the legs of aged persons, especially when the veins are enlarged, and often degenerates into troublesome ulcers. The use of mercury, in large doses, may cause this eruption. When this disease appears on the fingers it is very liable to be mistaken for the itch, but can be readily distinguished, if we bear in mind that in the latter disease the vesicles are solitary, or stand alone, 92 ECZEMA. are large and cone-shaped, whereas in eczema they are crowded together, small, and more fi-equently sented on the back of the fingers than between them. Eczema is rarely dangerous to life. Treatment.-Fexw diseases are more troublesome, or obstinate, than this, especially when chronic. It requires a persevering and long-continued treatment. Aconite: This remedy will be required when an acute attack of eczema is ushered in by fever, local heat, and swelling of the affected part. A dose may be given once in two hours. Dose of this or other reme(lies, see page 7. If the disease has been caused by the rays of the sun, or by heat, it is sometimes called prickly heat. If any fever attends such cases, A coruite may be given three times a day for a few days, afterward give Belladonna night and morning. If the direct rays of the sun on an exposed surface of the skin, have caused the eruption, give Arnica internally, and drop five or six drops of the tincture into a tablespoonful of water, and wash the parts three or four times a day. Dulcamara: If the eruption is attended by fever, Dulcamara should either follow Aconrte, or be given alternately with it., and continued several days. Dulcamnara will often be found useful in chronic cases, when it should be repeated night and morning, and continued as long as there is any improvement. Mfercurius cor.: This is perhaps the most important remedy we have, after the acute symptoms have been somewhat relieved by the above remedies, especially when the disease occurs during childhood, and occupies the scalp or face. A dose may be given once in six hours, and the diseased parts may be washed once or twice a day, in a spoonful taken from the same solution which is given internally. This remedy should be continued in recent cases for one or two weeks at least, and in' long-standing cases, night and morning for one or two months. Apis mel. may follow AIercurius cor., if it is needed; give a dose night and morning and oontinue as long as there is any improvement. Sulphur should follow the above remedies in recent attacks, and may precede them in chronic cases, one dose every night. If there are scattering pustules discharging matter or pus, in connec 'PEMIPIIGLUS. 93 tion with the watery discharge of eczema, give Sulphlur one night and Thus tox. the next for three or four weeks, and follow these remedies by Ilpca, suli)/uris night and morning if necessary. If irritation of the urinary passages attends this eruption, give Apis izcl. night and morning. Arsenicnum is a very important remedy in obstinate cases; give a dose night and morning, and continue it for several months, substituting DOlcaiara occasionally fir a week. When the disease occurs on the legs of aged persons, give Arsenicum night and morning and follow it with Carbo veg. at the end of a month. General Directions.-Do not use soap in washing; use simply tep:d water, or water containing a small quantity of carbonate of soda, and dry the surface well after washing. Iil eczema of the scalp, the hair should be cut close with a pair of scissors, and if the head is covered by scurry crusts, poultice it with linseed meal and wash with tepid water, with or without a little soda, until the crusts are removed. In chronic eczema, great benefit often r( sults firom the nightly application of a poultice of slippery-elm bark, prepared with warm water. Children, after the period of nursing, should be kept on a bread-and-milk diet, not bread made from superfine flour, but from the second and third runnings, xwhich contain the dark and nutritive portions of the wheat, phosphoric acid, &c., -which children affected with this disease need. It is not always safe to dry up suddenly the secretion which attends this disease by external ap)plications, for fatal internal disease not unfrequently results from such treatment. PEMPHIGUS (WATER BELBS). This eruption is characterized by the appearnce of round or oval red spots, upon which blisters from the size of a pea to that of a hickory-nut, or even larger, make their appearance, often prcceded by chills and fever, and loss of appetite. It may appear on the thighs, abdomen, arms, hands, and other parts. IreatIenlt. —lepqar. sull)h. alternately with RNI.us tox., two or 94 LICHEN. three hours apart, are generally the remedies required for the acute form of the disease. Give one at night and the other in the morning when the affection has become chronic. LICHEN. This disease is characterized by the development of numerous minute pimples of the color of the skin, or of a reddish hue, in clusters or scattered over the surface of the skin, attended with itching or tingling and heat, and terminating either in the separation of scales or scurf, or in superficial ulcerations. The simple form of the disease is rarely attended with much fever, but minute pimples, about the size of a pin's head, make their appearance in irregular patches on the extremities, neck, face, or breast. and may spread over a large extent of surface, or be comparatively limited. The pimples become fully developed on the third day, and by the seventh or eighth day they fade, lea-ing on their snmmits minute scales. As all the patches do not appear at the same time, the disease is generally prolonged for two weeks, and in chronic cases, by successive crops of pimples fur months and even years. There is a severer form of the disease, in which the pimples are clustered in large patches, are small, very red, and the skin is inflamed. It occurs most frequently on the outer surface of the limbs, forehead, and on the cheeks, and is attended by smarting, burning pain, especially at night, and is preceded by considerable fever. which abates when the eruption appears. In a few days the points of the pimples become slightly ulcerated, and pour out a watery fluid, which dries and forms thin yellowish scales or scabs. The disease may terminate in a fortnight or three weeks, (r it may be prolonged for months, or even for several years, with occasional remissions during cold weather. In chronic and severe cases the skin is apt to become thickened, of a dark, livid color, uneven on the surface, and chapped or cracked, and discharges a thin, watery fluid. When it occurs on the back of the hands, and even when it appears elsewhere it is one of the eruptive diseases usually denominated salt-iheum. This disease, when there LICHEN. 95 is a thin, watery discharge, often resembles eczema, but the skin is more swollen, thickened, and uneven, and the watery discharge is less than in eczema, and the itching is more intense. Bear in mind that lichen commences with pimples which may, in the course of a few days, ulcerate and discharge moderately; bnt eczema commences with vesicles which secrete a profiuse watery fluid. The disease denominated ringworm is often but circular patches of lichen; in other cases it is a vesicular or herpetic eruption Lichen is frequently caused by heat, when it is called prickly heat. It may be caused by stimulating drinks and food, stimulating substances applied to the skin, chronic inflammation of the stomach, derangements of the stomach and bowels, &c. recatlnent.-If the eruption is preceded or accompanied by fever, give a dose of Aconite once in two hours until it abates. Even if there is not much or any fever, this remedy will often be useful, especially if the disease has been caused by heat, and there is intense itching and burning. Dose of any of the following remedies, see page 7. B2,yonia: This is generally the most important remedy in all recent or acute attacks, after Aconite, or when the symptoms do not require Aconite. Give a dose once in two hours. If the patient is not better at the end of three days, especially if new crops of pimples are making their appearance, give.Dulcamara once in four hours. Salphlur may follow the above remedies as soon as the symptoms are in a great measure relieved, or if they fail to relieve; also in chronic cases, give a dose every night, and continue this remedy for a week, then omit it for a week, after which give LycopodIum for a week, then omrit and at the end of another week give Sulphur again, and so continue. A tepid bath may b- employed daily for the relief of the itching and burning, and after the skin has been well dried, the seat of the eruption may be smeared over with Olive oil, or Cold cream. In chronic cases, the surface of the eruption may be moistened with water, and then rubbed over, lightly with Glycirine once or twice a day. Patients affected with this disease should use very little salt. 9 5 PRURIGO-RINGWORU —CHmLBLAINS. ITCHING OF TTIE SKIN (PRURPIGO). This disease is characterized by an intense itching of the skin, without any eruption, or with a very slight appearance of pinlples, sometimes quite large pimples, but without redness of the skin, or fever. The disease is not contagious, and is generally chronic. Treatment. -Give a dose of Sulphur every night for two weeks, and if the patient is then improving, continue it, but at longer intervals-once in three nights. When Sulphuris fails to benefit, give \Nux vomica night and morning as long as improvement follows; then give JHepar sulphuris every night, and afterwards Dulcamara. If the disease is on the scrotum, give Sulphur, aud then Dulcamara. If on the vulva, give Sulphur as directed above, then Sepia, and afterward, if necessary, Calcarea carb. Wash in all cases, frequently with warm water, and use a warm bath two or three times a week. RINGWORM. This disease is frequently a variety of lichen, or simply an eruption of pimples in a circular form, without any vesicles; when this is the case, consult the section on lichen, and follow the general and local treatment there recommended. In other cases, the disease is a vesicular eruption (hIerpes circennatus) characterized by the appearance of very minute vcsicles, closely set, and forming circles, often with healthy skin in the centre. Treatment.-Give a dose of Sulphnr night and morning for three days, and then give Sepia in the same manner for a week, when, if there is no improvement, you may give Calcarea carb. every night. Arsenicumn may be required in obstinate cases. CHILBLAINLS. This affection gene-ally attacks the feet, and results from sudden changes of temperature in the part, which causes the skin to become inflammed, swollen, and painful. CORNS-BOILS 97 Treatment. -Give Pulsatilla at night and A rsenicum in the morning. Put one teaspoonful of Arnica tincture into a cup of water, and wash the parts once in three or four hours. CORNS. Some persons are much more liable to suffer from corns than others. The disease is generally, in fart always, caused by wearing tight shoes. The external layer of the skin becomes thickened from pressure, which, by pressing on the parts beneath, causes pain, soreness, and i-flammation. Treatment —W~ear loose shoes. Carefully dissect off the corn with a sharp knife, commencing at one side and slowly cut with the point of the knife, as you raise the edge of tie corn with a finger nail of the other hand or a hook, between the almost transparent corn, and the whiti-h surface of the true skin; and if you have patience and are careful, you can remove the corn entirely, without drawing blood or causing pain. Then wet a soft rag in Arnica water prepared as directed for chilblains, and wind round the toe or foot. Give Calcarea carb. alternately with SSulphur, at intervals of three or four days, to prevent a return of the complaint. BOIL (FURUNCULITS). This is an inflammation of the skin, and of the areola tissue beneath it, ending, if not subdued, in the death of the latter, which separates and escapes in the form of a slough or core, with pus. The swelling is of a conical shape, and if left to itself, breaks at its apex. Treatment. —Put twelve globules or one drop of Arnica tincture into a glass of water, and give a teaspoonful of the solution once in six hours, and wash the boil in the same solution. If, at the end of twenty-four hours, the inflammation is not abating, omit the A rnca and give a dose of Belladonna three times a day, and if this reme-ly does not check the progress of the disease within twenty, '98 CARBUNCLE. four hours; give Mercurlus viv. alternately with it, at intervals of two or three hours, and apply a poultice of bread and milk, or of linseed meal. If the pain is throbbing, and you have reason to think that matter has formed, give Hepar sulph. night and morning, and Belladonna once in four hours in ihe intervals, until the abscess breaks. To remove the predisposition to boils give Sulphur at night and Belladonna in the morning for a week, then give them alternately, at intervals of three or four days, for two or three months, if the patient has suffered long from the disease. Afterward give Lycopodium once or twice a week. CARBUNCLE (ANTHRAX). This disease bears some resemblance to a boil, but the swelling is generally larger, darker, and more spongy. The cellular tissue beneath the skin early becomes gangrenous, or mortifies, and as the disease progresses, several openings form through the skin, through which a thin, offensive matter issues, with portions of dead cellular tissue. Typhoid symptoms are early manifested, and the disease, especially when it attacks the aged, or those of bad habits, or of a depraved constitution, is attended with great danger to life. The usual seat of carbuncle is on the back, neck, or head, although other parts may be affected. It may be small, not larger than a prune, or it may be as large as a tea-saucer, or even larger in some cases. Treatmnent. —At the commencement of the disease give S'licea night and morning, and give Bdlladonna once in two hours in the intervals, until either the inflammation and swelling are relieved, or you are satisfied that they are not likely to check the progress of the disease. Then omit the Sdlicea and give A,'senficnm alternately with Belladonna, at intervals of two hours. If, ntltwithstanding the use of the above remedies, severa;l openings make their appearance, through which a thin matter ooz. s, the skin should be freely divided over the dead substance beneath, so as to allow the slough and matter to escape readily; then apply a poultice of bread and FEL'ON —WHITLOW. 99 milk, or linseed meal, until the dead tissue is separated and discllarged. If symptoms of great debility ensue, omit the Belladonna, and give China once in four hours. If there is burning pains, give it alternately with Arsenicutn, once in two hours. To heal up the sore or ulcer which remains, give Ch na in the morning, and S licea at night. Dose, see page 7. The diet should generally be nourishing, especially after the first few days; milk, beef, or mutton, or beef tea, toast, mashed potatoes, &c., used with moderation. FELON-WHIITLOW (PANARI). This disease is an inflammation, resulting in the formation of an abscess on the fingers, or in the palm of the hand. It frequently attacks the balls or ends of the fingers; also the spaces between the joints. The inflammation may commence in the skin, or the fleshy part beneath the skin, or deeper among the sheaths of the tendons or chords; or, again, in the external covering of the bone, or periosteum. One form of this disease extends around the roots of the finger-nails, and is therefore called a run-around. The disease is very painful. There is often heat and swelling of the whole hand, with'violent throbbing of the arteries. It usually commences with a pricking pain, as though a splinter were in the part. Treatnent.-Give Silicea once in six hours, and if, notwithstanding the use of this remedy, the hand becomes hot, and the patient feverish, give a dose of Acornite every hour between the doses of Silicea. Often Silicea alone will cure the disease if given early. Dose, see page 7. At the very commencement of the inflammation wet a strip of cotton or linen cloth, half an inch wide, and six inches long, in Arnica water, ora spoonful of water containling a few drops of Arnica tictiure, and commence at the end of the finger and wind it around the finger as snug as the patient can bear, without -causing much pain, and allow it to remain, if it affords relief at 100'ULCERS. the end of one or two hours. If the disease has been continuing unchecked for several days, and the pain is throbbing, the sooner it is freely lanced the better, for if this is not done when the disease is on the end of the finger, the bone is very liable to be destroyed, and come away after a long period of suffering; or if the disease is nearer the hand, between either of the joints of the finger, the matter is apt to follow down among the tendons, into the palm of the hand, and cause much suffering and deformity. As soon as it is evident that the form:ltion of an abscess cannot be avoided the parts should be freely laid open, and a poultice of bread and milk, slippery elm, or linseed meal, applied. Any physician can perform the operation. Continue the Silicea afterward. ULCERS. These may arise from external inrjuries, the action of chemical agents, &c.; or they may arise from internal or constitutional causes, scurvy, a scrofulous or cancerous diathesis, the poisonous action of mercury, and of the venereal virus. They are firequently caused by the sluggish circulation, which results from enlarged or varicose veins on the lower extremities. Ulcers caused by external agents will generally disappear readily if there is no constitutional predisposition, but if they fail to heal, proper internal remedies must be given.. Treatment.-If the patient l as symptoms of scurvy, such as swollen and bleeding gums, fetid l'eath, livid spots on the skin, and swelling of the lower extremities give Carbo veg. night aind morning for one week, and Arsenicum the next week, and so continue. Follow the general directions you will find in tho section on scurvy. Dose, see page 7. If the patient has scrofulous symptoms, such as swelling of the glands of the Ieck or arm-pits, chronic inflammation of the eyes and lids, chronic discharges fiom the ears and nose, give Sulphur every night for one week, and Calca ea cat b. for the next; afterward give iepar sulph. and consult the section on scrofula. For cancerous ulcers give Sulphlur every night for a week, then CTrCErfs. 101 Arsenicum night and morning for a month, and longer if the ulcer improves; afterwards give Silicea. Consult a homceopatbic physician. If an abuse of mercury has been the cause of the disease, give Sulphur night and morning for two weeks, then Ilepar sulph until the ulcer heals. If the disease has been caused by syphilis or the venereal disease, Mercurius viv. is the main remedy. Give a dose night and morning, omitting it every third week, substituting Lachesis. For ulcers on the legs connected with varicose or enlarged veins, or for varicose veins without ulcers, give Pulsati/la night and morning, and apply every morning a bandage moistened in half a teaspoonful of A rnica to a cup of water, to the foot and leg, commencing at the toes and ending at the knee. Call on a physician and let him show you how to apply it properly. At the end of two weeks omit Pulsatilla and give Carbo veg. night and morning, and continue it as long as the ulcer improves. Arsenicum or Lachesis may follow Carbo veg. in such cases. When there is a burning sensation in an ulcer, give Arsenicum night and morning, and follow it with Carbo veg.; if there is itching give Sulphur, followed by Hepar sulphulris. For fistulous ulcers give Sulphur night and morning for a week, then Calcarea carb. for tNwo weeks; and afterward, if necessary, Silicea until it is healed. Also, confine with a bandage, a compress of cotton or cloth, so that it shall press firmly upon the portion of the cavity, or track from which the pus comes farthest from the external opening, so as to bring the two sides of the cavity in contact and allow them to heal; leave the opening free. If ulcers are irritable and painful apply soft rags or cotton wet in w-aIm water. If they are indolent, or inactive, apply cloths wet in cold water, and several folds of dry flannel over themchange once in six hours. If the ulcer seems to be doing well and the matter is thick and healthy, apply a soft cloth with a little simple cerate or mutton tallow, spread upon its surface; do not remove it more frequently than once in twenty-four hours, unless the discharge is very great, and then do not wash off the matter from the surface of the sore, as it is nature's dressing 102 ABSCESSES-RED-GUM AND TOOTH-RASH. If the ulcer is on one of the lower extremities, the cure will be expedited by keeping the limb in a horizontal position. When an ulcer is in a healthy condition, the healing process can often be hastened by drawing the edges towards each other by thle means of straps of adhesive plaster, so as to lessen the extent of surface to be healed over. ABSCESSES. Abscesses may form on almost any part of the body, and also in internal organs. They result from local inflammation. S;uch inflamnmation may be slow or rapid in its progress; usually several days intervene between the commencement of the inflammation and the formation of pus, sometimes weeks, and even months. Treatment.-For local inflammation which threatens to result in the formation of an abscess, give Belladonna when there is heat, redness, and swelling of the parts. If there is fever and thirst, give Arnica alternately with Bjlladonna. If the above remedies fail to check the inflammation within two or three days, give,Mer-.clrius viv once in three or four hours. If the pain becomes throbbing, and slight chills occur, give Lachlesis, and if no improvement follows at the end of twenty-four hours, give Hepar sulph. If an abscess is slow in coming to a head, without being very painful, give Sulphur at night and Silicea in the morning for a week, then omit the Sulphur and give Ilepar sulplh. at night. After the abscess breaks, give Silicea every night and morning. If the swelling is very painfiul during the formation of an abscess, apply a bread-and-milk or linseed poultice, and change when it becomes cold; or apply cloths wrung from cold water, and put over them dry flannel, so as to exclude the air and excite perspiration; change once in four hours. RED-GUM AND TOOTH-RASH. (STROPHULUS.) These are but varieties of lichen. The former consists in an eruption of pimples, and is peculiar to children during the early RED-GUM AND TOOTH-RASH. 103 periods of life, occurring most frequently a few days after birth The pimples are generally of a reddish or crimson llue, alnd scat tere(l on the surface over the face, back of the hands and arms, and so.netimes on the body, intermingled with small red patches of sklin The eruption begins to fade in two or three days, and has disappeared at the end of a week or ten days. This diseaJse is generally caused by keeping the child too warm, by the irritatioil of flannel, or by the action of the atmosphere on the delicate skin of a new-born child. The tootb-rash is caused by teething; the pimples may be red, white, or the color of the skin, and are numerous, in patches, and attended with itching, and sometimes with fever. The pimples gradually disappear in the course of ten days or two weeks, but fresh patches may be developed as the old disappear, and the disease be prolonged for months. Treatment. — For the red gum, keep the surface of the body cool-not cold, and omit flannel. Wash the surface with tepid water, or milk-and-water, and give Aconite once in twelve hours, and at the end of two or three days, give Sulphur-one dose a day. For the tooth-rash, use the same external measures, and give Aconite at night and Bryonia in the morning, for a week, then give Sulphlur every night. CHI APTER III. ACUTE RHEUMATISM. TJ3ERE are two forms of this disease; one inflammatory, attended with fever and local inflammation, one or both; the other nervous, often without the least sign of fever or even local infiammation. In inflammatory rheumatism, the fever sometimes precedes the local inflammation, but much more frequently the first symptoms are local, and in a majority of cases seated in the extremities, generally, but not always, in the lower extremities first. The first local symptom may be acute pain, or it may be simply uneasiness and stiffness in a part, soon follo,wed by soreness and pain, especially on motion. If the pain is severe at first, it often abates somewhat when the swelling commences, but extreme soreness and pain on motion remain. The swelling is generally tense and elastic; the skin may be unchanged in color, or reddened of a light rose color. The disease may involve almost the entire exterior of the body at once, but more frequently it commences in one or more limbs, or parts of the body. It not unfrequently changes somewhat rapidly from one part to another, abaling where it first commenced, in other instances it extends to other parts without abating in those previously involved. Somatimes parts are attacked several times before the discase abates. A whole limb may be involved, or only the joints; in some instances the muscles between the joints are chiefly affected.'the pains are usually tearing or rendinLr, often with shootings, and movement almost alwa) s cau-es great suffering. The febrile symptoms are generally, but not always, in proportion to the local symptoms, and soon follow the latter. The pulse is full and Strong, but not very frequent, in a majority bf cases ranging from ACUTE RHIEUMATISM. 105 ninety to one hundred, and the surface is not as hot as in manyother febrile affections, and is sometimes b)athed in a profuse perspiration, which does not relieve the sufferings. Thle tongue is; generally white and coated with a thick fur, the stomach quiet, and thile bowels constipated, the urine scanty, high-colored, and depositing a sediment on cooling. The fever is usually remittent, and worse in the evening or at night, when the pain is also worse. The disease sometimes changes from external parts t- internal orgars, especially to the membranes upon the external and internal surfaces of the heart, cansing pain, oppression, palpitation, and, faintness. It is not uncommon to have a local inflammatory rheumatic af-' fection either so limited, or so slow in its progrcss, as not to cause fever. It may involve one or more joints, but this variety of the disease often attacks the muscles, sometimes but a single muscle, causing pain, soreness on pressure, and pain on motion. The' muscles of the scalp, the eye, face, neck, chest, back, sides, abdomen, and hips, are frequently thus affected. The stomach, bowels, liver, kidneys, uterus, and testicles, are not exempt from a liability to this disease. The previous or present existence of rheumatic inflammation in other organs or parts, will aid us in distinguishing this from other diseases. NERVOUS RHEUMATISM. —This form of the disease is evinced by pain, or other disordered sensations, in organs or parts, and derangements of function or of motive power. It may affect almost any part of the body, and often resembles neuralgia. It may cause colic, spasms in the stomach, palpitation of the heart, headaches, dizziness, buzzing in the ears, earache, toothache, and a great variety of other symptoms of a nervous character, which, may be known to be of a rheumatic nature, or at least complicated with rheumatism, in all cases where such symptoms alternate with rheumatic disease of the joints or muscles, appearing when such rheumatic affections are relieved, and disappearing when the joints or muscles become again affected. In regard to the cause of rheumatism we know little; we simply know that there is a certain predisposition existing with many individuals, which renders them liable to attacks of this disease on 5* 106 ACUTE RHEUMXTISM. exposure to cold when the boly is hot, or to wet and damp weatlher, or currents af air, changes of weather, or any of the causes which develop coldls or inflammatory diseases in others. Rheumatism is not a hereditary disease; it occurs frequently during childhool, and among those exposed to hardships, privations, and accustomed to excessive labor; in all these respects it differs essentially fiom its next door neighbor, the gout. Treatmenlt. —In few diseases is the superiority of the homoeopathic treatment over the allopathic more manifest than in many cases of acute rheumatism; not that this disease is always easily cured by our treatment, but allopathy has a knowledge of but few -remedies which hold a specific relation to this affection, and does not possess the science requisite to guide, with any considerable degree of accuracy, in the administration of those she uses; therefore she can do little or no good in a large proportion of cases, and very many linger on for months, and in not a few instances the disease becomes chronic; whereas homceopathy has a knowledge of many remedies, and a law to guide in the selection of the right one, therefore she is able to cure promptly most cases, and it is rare that the disease becomes chronic under this treatment. Aconite. —This is a very important remedy in most cases which are attended with fever and swelling, and should be continued once in one or two hours until the severity of the symptoms is somewhat relieved. It will be found useful when the skin is moist as well as dry, provided it is hot and the pulse full. It should generally be followed by one of the remedies named below. Dose of this, or other remedies, see page 7 Belladonna is next in importance to Aconite, when the fever is of an active Inflammatory grade, and may be given once in two hours after the latter remedy, especially when the pains are shooting and burning, and the surface over the part diseased is red and shining, and there is much swelling, and the patient is worse at night. If a high fever persists after you commence giving Belladonna, omit the latter remedy during the evening and night, and give Aconite, returning to Belladonna in the morning. Aconite and Belladonna should be continued until the severity of the febrile and general inflammatory action is in a measure relieved, when, if ACUTE RHEUMATISMI. 107 the local symptoms do not steadily abate, you can select one of the following remedies, and give instead of Belladonna. Belladonna is albo useful for nervous rheumatism, when the pains are sharp or shooting. Bryonia: After the acute symptoms have been somewhat relieved by Aconite, or this remedy and Belladonna, and in cases not attended by much fever from the commencement, no remedy is so frequently required as Bryonia; if there is much fever lingering, it is well to give a dose once in four hours, and Aconite every hour between. Bryonia will be found especially useful when motion or moving the part diseased, causes stitching, catching tearing or shooting pains, also when there is profuse perspiration. It is one of the best remedies for nervous rheumatism, when the symlptorns are aggravated by motion, and are worse at night, or in the morning. It may be given once in two hours, when the patient is awake, excepting when Aconite is required. R]hus tox.: If Bryonia fails to relieve the symptoms in acute rheumatism, Rhus tox. should generally follow it. It may take the place of the former remedy at the commencement, if the disease has been caused by exposure to wet, or cold damp weather. In cases not attended with fever, or where it is very slight, nhus tox. should be selected when the symptoms are relieved by exercise or motion. The pain and stiffness may be very great upon first attempting to move the part after rest, or when awaking in the morning, but if these symptoms are lessened after moving for a while, Rhus is particularly indicated, whereas, if they are increase:, as the patient continues to exercise, Bryonia is the remedy. A dose may- be given once in two hours. Palsatilli should be given when the pains shift rapidly from one joint or part to another; when there is a sensation of numb~ness or lameness of the affected part, or a feeling of coldness at every change of weather. Also when the pains are aggravated in a warm room, and relieved by cool air. It is more frequently required for women and children, and persons of a mild or phlegmatic temperament thanl for others. A dose may be given once in two hours..Nux vomica: When there are costiveness, great sensitiveness to the open air, and numbness of the affected parts, with drawingl 108 ACUTE RHEUMATISM. pains in the muscles, Niux vtom. may be given once in two hours. It is especially useful for those addicted to the use of alcohlolic and fermented drinks; also for nervous rheumatism;; but rarely of much service at the commencement of very inflammatory attacks. Chlnomilla, in the case of women and children, and for sensitive men, will often be found useful when there are drawing, toaring, continuous pains, which are worse at night, with great' restlessness and tossing about. Alercurius viv. should be selected when the pains seem to be in the bones, also when they are in the joints and muscles, if there is a profuse perspiration which affords no relief; and when there is a feeling of coldness in the affected parts, and the pains are burnling or tearing, and worse in cold or damp weather, and also worse at night. Repeat the dose once in two or three hours. Arsenicum may be given when the pains are burning and tearing, worse at night, aggravated by cold, and relieved by warm applications. This remedy is especially indicated wl:en there are paroxysms of pain, which are intermittent. When the heart becomes involved, after the use of Aconite, Belladonna, and Br!/olia, or Rhus fox., Arsenicum becomes our main remedy. It may be given alternately with Bryonia or Rhus tox. Repeat once in two hours. Arn.ca is the remedy when there is a sensation as if the parts diseased were resting upon something very hard, with violent pains as if contused. Give a dose every hour, and put a teaspoonful of the tincture into a teacupful of water, wet a cloth in it and lay it on the diseased part, and over the wet cloth place four or five thicknesses of dry flannel so as to exclude the cold air; change once in six or eight hours. Ignatia is the remedy when there is a sensation as if the flesh were loose on the bones in consequence of blows, or a contused feeling, and when the local symptoms are temporarily relieved by a change of position. Give a dose once in two hours. China is often a valuable remedy after the acute symptoms have been relieved, when there is great weakness and profuse perspiration, also in intermittent cases. Repeat the dose once in four hours. CHRONIC RHIIUMATISM-GOUT. 109 CHRONIC RHEUMAT'IS_ I. This is a very obstinate disease. It generally results from an uncured acute or a sub-acute attack. It may be limited to one part, or extend to several; it may be fixed or shifting. If the muscles are involved, they often waste away and become contracted, and in old cases there are frequently stiffniess, distortion, thickening, and immobility of the joints, especially of the hands and fingers. Tratiment.-Several of the remedies named for acute rheuniatism, will be found serviceable, especially Bdlladozna, Bryonit, Rhus fox., Ml1ercuries viv., Pulsatilla, and Nux vo-nz., and the indications for their use there given, are sufficient. Sulphur: In all cases of acute and sub-acute rheumatism, which linger and threaten to assume the chronic form, Sulphur should be given; also when chronic rheumatism has been caused by an abuse of calomel or mercury. It may be given night and morning. If Sulphur fails to relieve such cases elepar sulphuris may be given in the same manner. Lycopodium, Lachesis., PLosphorus, Sepia, and Cablarea carb. may be used in turn, giving a dose night and morning, and continuing the remedy for at least two weeks, and longer if the patient improves. Electricity, carefully applied, is often of service, and also vapor baths, and warm bathing; but it is better to consult a homemopathic physician, when practicable, than to attempt to treat the disease simply by the aid of a domestic book and case. Rubbing over and pressing upon the parts diseased, gently pressing or slapping them with the hand, and moving the parts, or bending and extending the joints, are exercises which are of great importance, in chronic cases, when properly applied. GOUT. This is not a very frequent disease in this conntry, except in instances where it is hereditary. It is caused by high living, especially by the use of high-seasoned animal food by those who do not labor or pursue an active life, and by the use of vinous and 110 GOUT. fermented drinks, or malt liquors, such as porter, lager beer, &c. Gout seldom occurs before the are of thirty, and is much more common with men than with women; and the attack is more liable to occur during the spring or autumn than during either summer or winter. The first attack generally commences suddenly during the night; the patient awaking about midnight, with an acute pain in the first joint of the great toe of one foot, which by the morning becomes much swollen, of a bright red color, and very sore to the touch. Slight chills followed by fever and restlessness attend the local disease. Toward morning there is often a remission of the pain and fever, and the patient obtains some rest, but in severe cases there is but little if any relief until the second morning, when the pain abates and the part diseased becomes more swollen, but less red and firm, and when pressed by the end of the finger a pit or depression remains for a time after it has been removed. The pain, fever, and restlessness, return the following night, but again abate in the morning; and thus the disease continues, but steadily abating in severity until the patient is restored to his usual health, at the end of from five to ten days, if the disease is not arrested sooner by treatment. Some swelling often remains for a time, and the scarf skiin generally peels off, which is attended by itching. There is thirst during the fever, the urine is scanty, and deposits, on cooling, an abundant brick-dust sediment. If the patient does not entirely change his manner of living, the first attack is but a foretaste of the future, and at the end of from one to two or three years he has a return of the disease; and afterward the attacks gradually become more frequent, and also both great toes and other joints of the foot, the ankles, knees, elbows, wrists, and many other parts may suffer in their turn; or several may be affected at the same time. After the patient has had several attacks, the disease may commence in other parts; and even the first attack does not always commence in the first joint of the great toe, but sometimes in the ball of the foot, or the ankle, and occasionally in one of the finger joints, or in the wrist. Gouty subjects are extremely subject to heart-burn and sour stomach at all times In chronic cases earthy or chalky matter is frequently GOUT. 11I deposited within anwl around the joints, mnsees, and ligaments, impairing theirl functions and causing deformity. Gout bears quite a resemblance to rheumatism, and sometimes both diseases exist at the same time. Gout attacks high livers, the indolent, but children are generally exempt; whereas rheumatism is common among those who work hard, are much exposed, and children frequently suffer from this disease In gout, the fever is more variable, and there is little disposition to sweat; whereas in rheumatism the fever is more constant, and there is often profuse perspiration. The hands and feet are much more liable to be affected, and leave the rest of the body free, in gout than in rheumatism.'Treatment -We are first to strive to, relieve the attack if the patient is suffering from one, and then to prevent a return of the disease, for it is almost sure to return if the utmost care is not used to prevent it. Aconite may be given every hour in all cases where there are much fever and heat of the skin, and continued until these symptoms are removed. Dose, see page 7. B:yonia: After a few doses of Aconite, Bryonia should generally be given once in two hours during the day, and Aconite during the night, until the acute symptoms are relieved. If these remedies do not relieve the symptoms within two days, Rhus tox. may take the place of Bryonia. Nux vomica: As soon as the acute symptoms have been somewhat relieved by the above remedies Nux vom. may be given, especially when the stomach is sour, or otherwise disordered, the bowels costive, and if the patient is addicted to the use of stimulating drinks, give a dose once in two hours. Pulsatilla: If Nux vorn. fails to relieve the symptoms named, Pulsatilla should be given; and this remedy may be administered instead of Nux vom. when the bowels are loose, or if the patient is of a mild temperament or a female. To prevent a return of the paroxysms, or to cure chronic gout, Nux vomica and Pulsatilla will be found veriy efficacious, and should be administered when there is the slightest derangement of the digestive organs. If the stomach is sour or the bowels are loose, Tr1 NEURALGIA. Pulsatilla may be given every night; but if the bowels are cnnsti. pated, and the patient is subject to the piles, Nlux vomnncc every night will do better. In addition to the above remedies Calcarca carb. may be given every morning when there are earthy concretions about the joints, and when there is irritation of the urinary passage, with an earthy sediment in the urine, especially if it is light colored; whereas if the se:liment in the urine is reddish, like brick dust, or even yellowish, give Lycopodium in the morning instead of Ca/carea carb. But if a patient expects to get a permanent cure of this disease, or even anything like satisfactory palliative relief, he must change entirely his manner of living in the intervals between the attacks, for the same course of life as that which induced the disease in the first instance, if continued, will most certainly bring on a return of the symptoms, in spite of remedies. There is but one course which can save the patient from untold sufferings, and the longer it is delayed, the less efficacious will it prove No sudden changes should be made, for they will not always be tolerated, but gradually, as Lis digestive organs will bear it, the patient must. cease entirely to use alcoholic, vinous, and fermented drinks, and all stimulating condiments, and use very little animal food, and never eat meat more than once a day at most, and very temperately then. Regular systematic exercise is all-important, so as to keep the digestive organs in a healthy state. NEURALGIA. This is a disease of the nervous system, and consists of severe paroxysms of pain, of a purely nervous character, unattended by inflammation, lasting from a few minutes, or even seconds, to several hours, days, or weeks, in different cases. There are always more or less perfect remissions when the paroxysms continue any considerable h.ngth of time, generally occurring at irregular intervals. Sometimes, especially in sections of tile country where intermittent fevers prevail, the disease assumes an intermittent form, and the paroxysms occur at regular intervals,once in one, two,three, sev NEURALGIA. I13a en, or fourteen days, as do those of regular intermitteut fevers, and subject to the same variations. Such cases are called masked ague, as they undoubtedly arise from the poison that causes ague, and require similar remedies. Persons who have once had an attack of neuralgia, are very liable to have a return of the disease sooner or later, unless there is a resort to a persevering medical and general treatment, for the purpose of eradicating the tendency to it. The pain is generally very severe, and more or less darting or lancinating, and sometimes burning, tearing, aching, beating, benumbing, or tingling. In some instances it seems like electric shocks, and car ses the patient to start suddenly, and spasmodic twitchings of the muscles, are not uncommon. Sometimes there is tenderness of the part on pressure, especially on slight pressure; strong pressure often affords partial relief, and friction with the hand frequently relieves even when hard pressure seems to increase the pain. The paroxysms may come and go off suddenly, or gradually, and may return several times a day, or only at long intervals, and may cease enti:rely, or continue to recur during life. This disease may attack almost any part of the body, external or internal, but all parts are not equally susceptible. It frequently attacks the head and face, and may be confined to a single small spot or extend over half of either. When its seat is in the nerves of the jaws and teeth, it causes one of the forms of toothache; when in those of the ear, it causes earache. The eyes, temples, heart, stomach, and bowels, are not unfrequently affected, also the upper and lower extremities, the back, and walls of the chest. It fiequently shifts from one part to another. Very little is known ia regard to the causes of neuralgia, but it is quite certain that a predisposition to this disease, and to its recurrence is caused by whatever tends to impair the general vitality of the system, such as exposure, excessive labor, intemperance, exc'esses of every kind, especially sexual excesses and abuses, indolence, and the want of pure air and sunlight. It sometimes depends upon a local irritation of, or pressure on a nerve, but the pain is often at some distance from the diseased point which causes it. Neuralgia is frequently complicated with rheumatism or gout, or at least, patients subject to the latter diseases, are very liable to the former. 114, NEURTALGIA. Treatment.-We should not only strive to relieve the paroxysm when the patient is suffering, but also endeavor to eradicate the tendency to the disease, by remedies and general measures. Flor present relief during the paroxysm, one of the following remedies may be selected. Aconite tincture, or globules saturated with tincture: This is one of the best remedies when the pains are very acute, almost insupportable, especially at night, or even during the day, if the pains are shooting, and the disease is located about the face or head. Three drops of the tincture, or twenty globules, saturated with Aconite, may be put into a half-pint glassful of water, and a tablespoonlful may be given to an adult, but only from a half to a whole teaspoonful to a child, every ten minutes, and the parts diseased may be wastled with a spoonful of the same solution until the pain is relieve1; then a dose may be given three or four times a day, to prevent a return of the symptoms. The dilutions of Aconite will rarely relieve the symptoms, it requires generally either the prime tincture, or globules saturated with the tincture. Bllcadonna: If Aconite fails to relieve the symptoms, Bellaclona may be selected, or take the place of it at the commencement, when the pains are piercing and burning, with or without muscular twitching, and aggravated by a bright light, noise, a current of air, or by the warmth of bed; and if the paroxysms of pain occur in the afternoon or forepart of the night, this will be another indication for this remedy; although it may be found useful when they occur at any period of the twenty-four hours. A dose may be repeated every hour unless it aggravates the symptoms; in that case it should not be repeated, at least for several hours, or until the aggravation has passed off. After the symptoms are relieved, it may be given three or four times a day to prevent a return of the disease. Dose of this or other remedies, see page 7. Nux vom. will be found especially useful in case the patient is subject to the gout, or if he is addicted to the use of alcoholic and fermented drinks, or if he is a hligh liver, of sedentary habits; and with others when the following indications exist: Drawing or jerking pains, sensation of numbness, shocks like electric shocks, NEURALQGA. 115 symptoms worse after a meal, also at night, and in the morning, aggravate(l by cold air, and reading or thinking. Give a dose every hour until the pain is relieved, and then repeat two or three times a day to prevent its return. Chaoomnilla: Excessive nervous sensibility, which renders the least pain insupportable, beating and tearing pa'ins-more firequently required for women and children than for men. Repeat the dose every half hour or hour. Pulsatilta: Pulsative and piercing pains, aggravated on lying down in the evening, during repose, and while sitting, relieved by cold air; especially useful in the case of women, and persons of a milhl disposition, but may be of service in the case of men. Give a dose every hour. C(,fftamy be given when there is great nervous sensibility, tearfulness and discouragement; it may be repeated every half hour, and if it does not relieve, it may be followed by Ignatia, especially if the pain is partially relieved by movement, or change of position. _Bryonia: This remedy should be selected in case the patient has suffered from rheumatism, especially it' the pains are pressive or drawing, tearing and piercing; and are aggravated by movement of the body. If similar symptoms occur, but are relieved by exercise or movement, lhuls tox. may be given instead of Bryonia. Repeat either every hour. China: This is an important remedy in intermittent cases, especially when the patient has frequently had intermittent fevers. It will also relieve in other cases when there is excessive sensibility of the skin to the slightest touch, and there is a sensation of torpor and weakness in the affected part. Give a dose once in four hours. Arsenicum is more frequently required than any other remedy when tl:e disease assumes a regular intermittent form. In such cases it may be given alternately with Nux vomica. B;urning or tearing pains, or a sensation of coldness in the affected parts, are also in(di( ations for Arsenicurn. Give a dose every hour, and gradually lengthcn the intervals as the patient improves. For further suggestions in regard to the medical treatment of 116 SCURVY. this disease, consult the sections on the treatment of headache, toothache, gastralgia, colic, &c. It is all-important that the patient change his manner of living, so as to conform strictly to the l:aws of health; otherwise remedies will do little more than palliate his sufferings. The great essentials for health and life, are sunligllt, pure air, regular active exercise, and plain wholesome food anl drink, free fromn stimulants and stimulating condiments. Patients who persist in shunning the light of the sun, and active exercise, alnd live in the confined air of over-heated rooms, and eat superfine flour bread, need no expect to be cured of neuralgia. Consult the " Avoidable Cause of Disease." SCURVY. This disease is generally c:Aused by the absence of fresh vegeta_ ble food. Impure air, or whatever else tends to debilitate the system or deprave the blood, will favor the development of the scurvy. Sailors, when long confinel to salt me:its, brea l, beans, &c., are very liable to this dise'ase. When it occurs on land, it is generally in fortifications, or toward the close of winter and during the forepart of spring, when fresh vegmtables are scarce. The worst case I have ever seen on land, was caused by living entirely on bread made from superfine flour. Symptoms.-Achincg and weariness in the limbs, paleness of the complexion, swelling, tenderness, redness and bleeding from the gums, are among the first symptoms. As the disease.progresses, the paleness increases, sometimes with a livid hue; hard and paLinful swellings appear on the lower extremities, lower jaw and hands, causing contraction, stiffness, and pain on movement. The gums become excessively swollen, sometimes so as to conceal the teeth; bleed freely, may present a blackish appearance, the teeth become loose, and in some instances fall out; chewilg is very difficult, and the breath excessively offensive. Purple spots appear on the surface of the body, hemorrhage occurs frcquently firom the mouth, nose, stomach, bowels, and urinary organs. In desperate cases, old scars tulcerate, united fractures may separate, End the debility is SCURVY. 117 extreme. The bowels are generally costive, and the appetite good. Scurvy is freqoently coinplicated wlthl dysen{tery and typhoid fever, and soinetimnes with congestion or ilfiamrnation of the lungs and other organs, whichl adds much to the danger. "Dr. Garro(l, from an examination of the composition of food, under the use of which scurvy was capable of occurring, as well as of such substances as had been proved beyond doubt to be antiscorbutic, was led to the conclusion that the absi.n('e of potash was the cause of the scurvy. In; this waly he shows: 1st. That potash is deficient in scorbutic diet; 2d. That all bodies proved to be anti-scorbutic, including fresh meat and vegetables, milk, lemon juice, etc., contain a large amount of potash; 3d. That in scurvy the blood is deficient in potash, arid the amount of that substance thrown out by the kidneys, is less than what takes place in health; 4th. Tlhat scorbutic patients, when kept under a diet which gave rise to the disease, recover when a few grains of potasiu are a(lded to their food. The salts of potash, such as the nitrate, oxalate, and bitartrate, are well-known anti-scorbutics, but their cfficacy has always beaen ascribed to the acid, rather thlan to the al!:kali; 5tll. rtrat deficiency of potash in the system, seems capable of explainilng some of its symptoms, especially muscular weakness, as potash is a necessary constituent of the muscular syste:n." (Bennett.) The above conclusions of Dr. 0Garrod require further confirmation before we carn rely upon them, but they are worthy of being borne in mind. Treatment.-A proper diet is far more important than medicine, in fact the latter can be of little use when the former is neglecte(l. All vegetables are not equally efficacious as anti-scorbutics. Amlong the most important are acid fruits of all kinds, especially lemons, limes, and sour oranges; potatoes cooked or raw are perhaps next in importance; then raw cabbage, turnips, and carrots. If in the early spring, the above vegetables are scarce, or if among ernigrants in new countries or soldiers, miiners, &c., they are not to be had, and symptoms of scurvy appear, it wi; not do to be too par!ticular in the selection of vegetables, but any of the following wh'ich can be ob'tained, may be freely used: Radishes, mustard, 12 0 HIIP DISEASE AND WIIITE SWELLING. Calcaea carb.: Give six globules of this remedy, or, if in powder, as much as will lie on the end of a penknife-blade, every night for one month. Then give Sulphur every night for two weeks; rep-at these remedies if' necessary. If the enlarged glands become sore and painful at any time, give a dose of Belladonna once in four hours, between the doses of tile above remedies. If an abscess threatens, or forms, notwithstanding the use of the above remedies, give Hepar sulph. night and morning, until it bursts; then give Sdlicea night and morning, until the ulcer heals. The diet should be nutritious, consisting of bread made frown coarse flour, butter, milk, meat, and vegetables. Pastry and bread made fiorn superfine flour should not be used, as the former deranges the digestive organs, and the latter contains too much starch, and not enough nutriment. HIP DISEASE AND WHITE SWELLING. These are scrofulous affections of the joints. In the hlip disease there is an inflammation of a scrofulous clharacter in the bones and joints, which comes on very insidiously, and, if not checked, it progresses until the joint is destroyerd, an abscess forms, and if the -patient survives, it is only with a shortening of the limb and deformity. Among the first symptoms noticed are generally the following: A disposition to stumble, lameness, pain in the knee or ankle, sometimes in the thigh or hip. As the disease- progresses the limb sometimes becomes elongated, and generally emaciated; the pain increases, and is often very troublesome at night; then swelling and an absces, and finally shortening of the limb. nd flattening of the nates. Pressing the thigh-bone into the socket by a sudden push or blow on the foot or the upper end of the thigh-bone causes pain. White Swelling, is a somewhat similar affection of other joints, which often results in disorganization of the joint, and anchylosis or stiffjoint, if not in the loss of the limb. Treatment. —lercurius viv. is the most important remedy at the commlenlcement of the disease. Give a dose night and morning, IlIP DISEASE AND WHIITE SWELLING. 121 and if there is much pain, give Belladonna occasionally between the doses of Mercurius. Colocyntlz will also sometimes relieve the pain. Continue Mercurius as long as there is any improvement; but when it ceases, or the patient is apparently well, do not stop the treatment, but give Sulphur every night for one week, and Calcarea carb. every night for the next week, and so continue. If, notwithstanding the treatment, an abscess begins to form, give Hepar Sulph. night and morning and after it breaks, give Sdicea every night for one week, and Calcarea carb. every night for the next week, and so continue until the discharge ceases. A current of electricity passed through the hip for a short time daily, will often hasten the healing process. Treat white swellings in the same manner. A. homceopathic physician should always be consulted in all cases of disease of the joints or bones when practicable, and he should be consulted early if possible. DISEASES OF THE BONES AND PEIuIOSTEUM.-Bathing in cold water when the body is hot, and other causes, not unfrequently excite inflammation of the periosteum, or external covering of the bones, or of the bones themselves. If this inflammation is not soon checked by treatment, it goes on to the formation of matter, or pus, and finally to the death of the bone itself. Only the external surface of the bone may be involved, or the entire shaft may be destroyed. In the first case scales and pieces of dead bone, after much suffering, and at the end of months, are separated and work their way to the surface with the discharge; but if the entire shaft is involved before it is detached froim living portions, a new bone often forms around it, from which it can only be removed by a surgical operation. At the commencement of the disease tnere is deep-seated pain; soreness and swelling soon make their appearance, attended by fever, a hot skin, frequent and full pulse, and loss of appetite. This disease is often, at its commencement, mistaken for rheumatism. Syphilitic and mercurial poisoning often cause nodes or swelling and soreness of the periosteum, but the symptoms are generally much less acute than when the disease results from the other causes named. Trcatment.-At the commencement of the attack, give Mercu6 122 DROPSY. rius viv. once in two hours, and if relief is not soon afforded, alternate it with Belladonna, one hour apart; and continue these remedies for two days, and longer, if the patient is doing well or improving; but if there is no improvement, give Phosphorus once in two hours. This is a good remedy in cases where the bone is involved; and it is especially useful when the disease commences in the periosteum; and in such cases, it may even precede the other remedies above named, but if, at the end of two days, it does not relieve the symptoms, Mrercurius and Belladonna should take its place. A remedy in this disease should be continued at least two or three days before it is changed, and never change as long as there is any improvement. If, at the end of four or five days, the above remedies do not relieve the symptoms, give Silicea once in two hours, but omit one dose in the course of the twenty-four hours, and give a dose of' Sulphur. If, notwithstanding the treatnlent, an abscess forms, Silicea, Calcarea carb., Sulphur, and Phosphorus, are your chief remedies —one dose of one of these remedies a day. If the disease has been caused by syphilis, give rercurius viv. once in two hours, but if it does not relieve, give Nitric acid; also give this remedy once in four hours when mercury is the cause. DROPSY. This affection may be caused by exposure; it may follow eruptive febrile attacks, especially scarlet fever, blt it is very frequently caused by disease of the kidneys, heart, lungs, liver, or spleen. Dropsy of the different cavities may result from inflammation of the membrane which lines them. There are various forms of the disease named by authors, such as cellular dropsy, called anasarca; this affects the extremities, face, and body, externally to tile various cavities. Next, abdominal dropsy, named ascites; dropsy of the chest, named hydrothorax Then we have dropsy of the brain, named lydrocephalus; and d;ropsy of the scrotum, named hydrocele. If the disease results from inflammation of the various cavities, it is usually preceded by fever and pain in the plart, but not always. For dropsy on the brain, consult the sections cn hydro' DLiOPSY. 123 cephalus and inflalmmation of the brain. So if the dropsy is confined to the chest, consult the sections on pleurisy and pericarditis; if to the abdomen, consult the section on peritonitis. If the disease foblows scarlet fever, consult the section on that disease. If there is no evidence of disease of the heart, lungs, liver, or spleen, and the lower extremities commence to bloat unexpectedly, without any cause whicth can be traced to organic disease, pregnancy, or scarlet fever, consult the section on Bright's disease of the kidneys. If the dropsy is caused by disease of the heart, consult the section on diseases of the heart. Treatment.-If this affection is caused by exposure to wet or damp weather, give Dulcamara once in two hours. If Dulcarnara fails to relieve give Apis mel. in the same manner. In dropsy of the chest there are shortness and difficulty of breathing, which are aggravated by lying down, and during exercise, and dullness on percussion. For dropsy of the chest, Bryonia, Sulphur, Arsenicum, Mercurius, and Ilelleborus, are the chief remedies. If they fail to relieve, give Apis mel.: One of these remedies may be given once in four hours. For dropsy of the abdomen, Apis m 1., Arsenicum, Mercurius, Hclleborus, Sulphur, and China, are important remedies, and one of them may be given once in four hours. For cellular dropsy, Apis mel., Arsenicum, Dulcamara, Helleborus, JIlercurius, and Sulphur, are the principal remedies. If the disease follows scarlet fever, Arsenicum and itelleborusareuseful remedies, and may be given alternately two hours apart. If they do not relieve the symptoms, give Apis 7mel. once in two hours. If this disease follows the abuse of Quinine, give Arsenicum. If it follows the abuse of Arsenic give China. If it has been caused by the abuse of mercury, give China alternately with Sulphur two or three hours apart. If it follows the loss of blood or other animal fluids, give China. In all cases consult the sections on the diseases named above; ascertain if possible the cause of the dropsical effusion, for it is impossible to make a satisfactory prescription without some knowledge of the cause. Dropsy is generally but a symptom of some other disease. CHAPTER IV. DISEASES OF THE CIIEST AND RESPIRATORY ORGANS. INFLAMMATION OF THE RESPIRATORY PASSAGES. THE inflammation may be confined to the nostrils, or to the larynx, trachea or windpipe, or to the bronchia or small air passages throughout the lungs; or it may commence in one part and travel to other parts, and perhaps abate where it first commenced; or it may involve all of the air passages at the same time. It may be either acute or chronic. COLD IN THE HEAD (CORYZA). This is a very common and annoying disease. A cold in the head may involve simply the nostrils, or it may extend to one or more of the neighboring sinuses or bony cavities existing over the eyes and in the bones of the upper jaw. Sometimes it is confined to one nostril. It is caused by the partial application of cold as to the back of the hlead, neck, or feet, and by sudden changes of weather. Some persons are much more liable ta this affection than others, and the disease is often epidemic, being a very general attendant on influenza and the first stage of measles. Symptom. — The first symptoms are dryness, fullness and tickling in the nostrils, with sneezing, which are soon followed by a!Irofuse thin watery transparent discharge, which often causes irllitation of the external surface of the nostrils and the upper lip. The nostrils are sometimes closed by the swelling of the mucous nembrane, and there may be heat and burning in these passages,:also either a dull aching, or a stinging pain. The eyes often become red and watery from the extension of the inflammation. If the COLD IN THE HEAD. 125 disease extends to the sinuses, or cavities over the eyes and in the upperjaw, there is a dull pain in the forehead and cheek-bones, on one or both sides, with burning and heat. The sense of smell is often impaired for the time being, and there is fiequently mo:'e or less deafness. If the local inflammation is not severe, or extensive, there may be little or no fever, but in severe cases there is chilliness, pains in the head, back, and limbs, with a high fever, furred tongue, and loss of appetite. This disease usually attains its height in three or four days when left to itself, after which the symptoms abate, the secretion becomes thicker, opaque, less acrid and less copious; sometimes it becomes bloody, greenish, or even deep yellow. Sometimes for a week or two the patient constantly feels that he is getting more cold; in such cases the disease retains its acute character, and the discharge remains watery until this symptom abates. In some cases the nostrils remain dry and swollen, without any watery discharge, until thick opaque matter makes its appearance. In the case of very young children, the stoppage of the nostrils causes difficulty of nursing, as the child cannot breathe except when he lets go of the nipple; without attention on the part of the mother, he may become black in the face, and have convulsions from obstructed respiration. The child may become discouraged in his attempts to nurse, and suffer for the want of nourishment, if he is not fed. Treatment.-At the very commencement of the disease when there is dryness, swelling of the mucous membrane, and sneezing, give a dose of Nux vom. once in two hours. Aconite: If NYux vom. fails to relieve, and there commences a profuse watery discharge with heat and burning, aching in the bones of the face, chills and fever, dissolve six pellets, or one drop of the tincture of Aconite in a tumblerful of water, stir it well, and let the patient, if an adult, drink the whole of it, and if at night, lIt him go to bed, cover himself up warm, and get into a free perspiration. If the first dose is given during the day, it can be repeated at night. This remedy when thus given, will rarely fail to lessen the severity of the disease. A child may take one fourth of the quantity directed above; if a very young child, give but a teaspoonfuL 126 COLD IN THE IHEAD. n.rsenicum: Give a dose of this remedy once in two hours, when there is a thin watery discharge which Aconite fails to relieve, if there are burning heat, but little thirst, and an aggravation of the symptoms in the morning, and especially if they are palliated or relieved by warmth. Continue the remedy for at least twentyfour hours. Mercurius viv. may be given instead of Arsenicum, if the symptoms are aggravated by warmth instead of being relieved by it; and also if there are great thirst, pains in the limbs, sore throat, copious watery discharge from the nostrils, and pains in and soreness of the nose and face. Hepar sulph. is often required after the remedies already named, when they fail to entirely relieve the disease; also, if notwithstanding the above remedies, the patient feels that he is constantly getting additions to his cold. If the disease is confined to one nostril, or if a susceptibility to it has been caused by an abuse of mercury, this is an indication for this remedy. Give a dose once in three hours. Bryonia: Give this remedy once in two hours when there is dry obstruction of the nose which has continued for over twelve hours. Belladonna may be given either alone or alternately with either of the above remedies, if there are sharp pains through the forehead and face, with swelling and soreness of the nose and loss of smell, which are not relieved by other remedies. If the discharge becomes thick, whitish, yellow, or green, and does not soon abate, give a dose of Pulsatilla at night, and of Sulphur in the morning, until it is relieved. For this disease, or snuffles, in infants, oil the nostrils and upper lip, and even the nose itself with Glycirine, first moistening the surface with water. If you cannot obtain Glycirine, use Sweet cream or Sweet oil. Give a dose of Chamomilla once in four hours if the nostrils and lips are chapped, and the child is either very restless, or there is dullness and drowsiness. NXu vom. is often useful at the commencement of the disease. Also consult what is said above in regard to Arsenicum, Mercurius, and Bryonia. CLIRONIC INFLAMMATION OF THE NOSTRILS, OR CATARRH —(OZ4.NA). -This affection frequently follows acute inflammation, COLD IN THE HEAD. 127 and is often a very obstinate disease. It sometimes results from measles, or scarlet fever, and in other instances it has a scrofulous origin, and it may be caused by the venereal disease. With chronic inflamma!ion there may be dryness of the mucous membrane, heat and swelling, so as to obstruct the passage of air; if the disease affects the back part of the nostrils, there is a frequent disposition to clear them out by a sudden and forcible inspiration of air. In other cases there is a copious secretion of a whitish opaque mucus, or of a yellowish or greenish matter, which may have an odor more or less offensive, and it is often very disagreeable. Sometimes ulcers form on the mucous membrane, and occasionally, especially in syphilitic cases, the bones of the nose become diseased and die, and pieces escape with the discharge. In some cases lalrge sclid flakes of exceedingly offensive matter are occasionally discharged either from the surface of ulcers or of the inflamed membrane. The sense of smell is often impaired, and sometimes lost. Treatment. —In all cases, especially in children, when the disease is in a great measure coifined to one nostril, examine carefiully and see if there is not a foreign substance or body in the nostril which has caused the affection; for children frequently crowd into the nostrils pebbles, beans, kernels of corn, pieces of cloth, worsted, cotton, &c.; and such substances cause inflammation, which will continue until the foreign body is removed. To remove such foreign bo(lies bend the flat end of a probe, or of a tape-needle, or the crooked eld of a wire hair-pin, sidewise, so as to form a sligllt hook, and pass it into the nostril, and carry the end up over the foreign body, then press down upon it and draw it forward on the floor of the nostril. In this way you can remove, in half a minute, almost any substance a child can crowd into the nostril; whereas, if you attempt to remove it with forceps, you will generally fail. In slight cases, especially in such as follow the acute disease, or the measles, or scarlet fever, give a dlose of Pulsatilla every night and a dose,;f Sulphur every morning for one week; then give Pulsatilla one night and Sulph.ur the next, for two weeks; after which give them two or three nights apart as long as there is an improvement. If the above remedies do not entirely cure the dis 128 LARYNGITIS. ease, give Calcarea carb. night and morning for a week, then every night for a week or two, and afterwards once or twice a week. If there is swelling of the mucous membrane of the nostrils, with heat, dryness, and obstruction, without discharge, give a dose of B yonia every morning, and a dose of Lycopodium every night, for two weeks; then give these remedies twenty-four hours apart for an equal length of time, and afterward two or three days apart. If the disease occurs in a scrofulous habit, the above remedies will be found useful, especially Sulphur, Calcarea carb., and Lycopodium. If in such cases there are ulcerations with the discharge of large offensive scales, or if the bones are diseased, Sulphur, followed by Calcarea carb., will still be useful, but Silicea will often be required to complete the cure; give this remedy every night and gradually lengthen the intervals. If the disease has had a syphilitic or venereal origin, give Mliercurius cor. night and morning, and if the patient ceases to improve under the use of this remedy, at the end of three or four weeks, give Nitric acid night and morning. If the above remedies fail to relieve cases which have had a venereal or syphilitic origin, obtain at a druggist's ten grains of Iodide of potassium, dissolve the whole in forty.spoonfuls of water, and take a spoonful three times a day. Cork the solution up in a bottle. Chronic inflammation of the nostrils is a very obstinate disease, and requires a persevering treatment for a permanent cure. If convenient, you will do well to consult a homceouathic physician, and follow his directions. LARYNGITIS, OR INFL/AMTi- ATION OF TIIE UPPE1R PORTION OF THE WINDPIPE. A superficial inflammation of the mucous membrane of this part is very common, and is the cause of the hoarseness which often occurs during a cold, especially at its commencement; but the disease now under consideration, involves the structures beneath the LARYNGITIS. 129: mucous mernbrtne, causing swelling, and a narrowing of the passage, and, consequently, an obstruction to the entrance of air, and it is one of the most formidable and dangerous of all the diseases to which man is subject; fortunately it is not very common. It may be either acute or chronic. The acute form may occur in a person in full health, with a high fever at the commencement, or the patient may be weak and debilitated from other diseases, and have little or no fever. The causes are sudden changes of temperature, exposure of the neck and shoulders when the body is hot, the inhalation of hot or irritating vapors, an attempt-to swallow hot or corrosive liquids, and the inhalation of flame in cases of burning about the head and neck. Inflammation of the throat occasionally extends to the larynx, or upper portions of the windpipe; and this affection is a fiequent cause of death, in diphtheria, scarlet fever, and small-pox. Sym7ptoms.-Hoarseness, a hoarse cough, constriction, tenderness, and pain in the upper part of the windpipe, with difficult, prolonged and sonorous inspiration. Swallowing usually causes convulsive fits of coughing, and increased difficulty of breathing. At first there are generally chills followed by fever, flushed face, hot skin, and full pulse; but in delicate and debilitated patients there may be no fever. If the disease is not relieved by treatment, the cough becomes more painful, harsh and squeaking; the act of drawing in the breath is prolonged, wheezing, whistling, and requires a great effort on the part of the patient; expiration, or the passing out of the breath is performed easily. The patient is restless, and feels that he is on the point of suffocation; he sleeps but a few moments at a time, and awakes gasping for breath. The countenance becomes anxious and pale; the eyes staring; the nostrils raised; the lips livid; the voice reduced to a whisper; the: pulse becomes very frequent, feeble, and irregular, and the extremities bathed in a cold, clammy sweat; Delirium, drowsiness, and stupor, often precede the termination of the disease in fatal cases; and death usually occurs on the fourth or fifth day, although sometimes as early as the first day, and in other instances not until the end of two or three weeks. Sometimes in hysterical females, and young children there is a spasmodic affection of the larynx, wbich6* 130 LARYNGITIS. bears some resemblance to the affection now under consideration, but in such cases there is no fever, and the attack is more suddlen, and apparently alarming at its very commencement than in the genuine disease. Treatment. —This disease requires a prompt and persevering treatment, and if the symptoms are not soon relieved by the remedies named, a homceopathic physician should be called without delay. Generally this disease will be readily cured by the early use of homoeopathic remedies, but not always. If a homceopathic physician cannot be had, and notwithstanding your treatment the symptoms become alarming, the face pale or livid, the pulse small and frequent, and the extremities cool and moist, you should send for an allopathic physician, as the life of the patient can sometimes be saved, in such cases, by making an opening into the trachea or windpipe, and allowing the p:atient to breathe through the opening, until the inflammation is cured. Aconite: In all cases attended with chills and fever, or fever alone, give a dose of this remely every half hour, and if at the end of two or three hours the symptoms are not relieved, give Spongia alternately with it, at intervals of one half an hour. If these remedies do not relieve the symptoms within twenty-four hours from the commencement of the disease, or even twelve hours, in severe cases, omit the Spongia and give Hepar sulph. alternately with Aconite, at intervals of one half an hour. Do not discontinue the Aconite unless the pulse becomes small, and the extremities moist and cool; but if such symptoms appear, with lividity of the face, omit the Aconite and give Lac1lesis alternately with Htepar suzlph at intervals of one hour. When this disease occurs in consumptive patients, and those debilitated by chronic diseases, or chronic laryngitis, where there is no fever, Aconite will not be required, but Sfpongia and Hepar sulph. may be given, and if they do not relieve the symptoms, give Arsenicurnm every hour. In addition to the internal remedies, at the commencement of the disease wring a small napkin from cold water, fold it and place it over the front part of th. neck, and ovr' that five or six thicknesses of dry flannel, so' as to cover the wetAth entirely; confine CHRONIC LARYNGITIS. 131 the whole snugly to its place by a bandage or'handkerchief around the neck; wet the napkin once in four hours. If at the end of twenty-four hours the patient is not improving, omit the cold cloths and wring a large towel from warm water, as hot as the patient can bear it without scalding, and place it on the front part andl sides of the neck and chest; cover it with dry flannel. Wet the towel often, every ten or fifteen minutes, during the paroxysms of difficult breathing. If convenient give a warm bath once a day. The diet should be light, and contain no animal food or stimulating condiments. CHRONIC LARYNGITIS, OR CHRONIC INFLAMMATION OF UPPER PORTION OF THE WINDPIPE. This form of disease is much more common than the acute variety just described, and is of various degrees of severity. If it is slight, and confined to the mucous membrane, it may exist for months without much inconvenience, excepting hoarseness, habitual husky cough, and perhaps slight soreness on pressure. It frequently results from a neglected cold, and may follow an acute attack. The causes are similar to those which produce the acute form of the disease. Clergymen who neglect active exercise, so that their general systems become debilitated, and especially if they do not use their vocal organs in reading, speaking, and singing, during the week, are very liable to this disease. In aggravated forms of the disease, the mucous membrane, and celliar structure beneath it, and the vocal chords, become thickened, and even ulcerated; the hoarseness increases, the voice may be squeaking, and even lost. The cough is generally dry early in the disease, but as it advances it becomes loose, and the expectoration often contains matter or pus. Sometimes there is considlerable pain, but in other cases there is little or none. A sensation of dryness, tickling, itching, smarting, or burning, is common, and if ulcers form there is often a pricking sensation, as if a sharp body were in the throat, A sudden loss of voice may occur with a slight disease affecting the vocal ligaments, or it may be simply a nervous affection; in either case it- is generally soon reliev 143 CHRONIC LAYNGCITS. ed; but when the voice becomes gradually impaired until it is lost, the disease is almost always more serious. The dry, squeak!ing kind of hoarseness implies a more permanent and worse form of disease than the deep, loose, or rattling hoarseness, which may be the result of relaxation. Sometimes earthy concretions form in the larynx, and are expectorated. In rare instances the inflammation extends to the cartilages, or gristly structures of the larynx, and they become bony, and perhaps die, and abscesses form around them, which discharge either externally or internally, and portions of the cartilages are sometimes separated and expectorated. Respiration becomes affected sooner or later in this disease, and is generally worse during the night, and on exertion. Sometimes there are severe paroxysms of difficult breathing, and the patient is frequently unable to lie down. If the disease continues on unchecked, the patient is worn out by hectic fever, night sweats, or diarrhcea, and dies. Or he may be cut off at an earlier stage by an attack of acute inflammation; and, as was stated in the section on acute laryngitis, the disease in such cases is often unattended with fever; it is generally, in fact, in such cases, but a dropsical swelling of the parts, which threatens or causes suffocation by mechanically closing the passage. Chronic laryngitis frequently occurs during the latter stages of consumption of the lungs, and in those who die from the former disease, tubercles are often found in the lungs. This disease may result from an abuse of the vocal organs in speaking and singing, the inhalation of air loaded with dust, neglected colds, suppressed erupltions, the abuse of mercury, and the extension of syphilitic or venereal disease of the throat. Scrofulous and intemperate individuals are more liable to it than others. Trcatment. —To prevent this affection gentlemen should avoid s!havillg, not even deprive the upper lip of nature's covering. A man can talk all day as easily as he can walk all day, if he only does it every day. Very few can perform any kind of active labor but one day in the week only, without causing, sooner or later, actual disease. If the reader would avoid this disease, or get rid of it, if already affected, let him obtain -and read without fail, the author's work on the " Avoidable Causes of Disease," and he will CIRONIC LARYNGITIS. 1 33 there find information more important than medicine, not but that the latter is needed, for without shunning the causes which have induced the disease, medicines can but pa!liate it:it lest. Hepar sulphl.: Give this remedy night and mnorning, when there is a short, hacking cough after eating, dry cough in the evening, or cough with scraping and rawness in the larynx, chronic hoarseness, or a deep, dry, hoarse cough. iepar is also useful when the cough is loose, with rattling of mucus; and also when there is seated pain and soreness in one spot, which is aggravated by pressure, speech, cough, and breathing If a predisposition to this disease has been developed by an abuse of mercury, this rem. edy is especially indicated. Dose, see page 7. If it fails to relieve give Jlercu7rius protiod. three or four times a day, especially if the soreness extends to the throat, and there is soreness on swallowing, and frequent inclination to clear the throat, with or without hoarseness. Afterward give Jiepar sulph. if it is needed. Sponqia will often benefit the patient in the earlier stages of the disease, and when the symptoms have been aggravated by taking c-old, especially when the cough is dry, deep, and hoarse, and the respiration squeaking or sonorous. Give a dose once in six hours. Give Lachesis once in six hours when the symptoms are worse after sleeping; when the slightest pressure causes pain and cough; also when there is a dry cough, caused by tickling, and hoarseness, with feeble voice, noisy, squeaking respiration, with suffocative paroxysms. I Phosphorus is indicated by burning, roughness, painful sensitiveness of the larynx, and hacking cough caused by tickling, also by morning hoarseness and loss of voice. It will often be useful afterother remedies, in the advanced stages of the disease, when there is profuse expectoration, and if diarrhcea ensues, or the disease is complicated with consumption of the lungs. Give a dose night and morning. Calcarea carb.: Give this remedy night and morning when there is chronic hoarseness, worse in the morning, dry, hacking cougb 134- CHRONIC LARYNGITIS. on retiring to bed, or a loose cough with profuse whitish or yellowish expectoration. It is especially useful for young subjects, and also xwhe n the cartilag es are diseased, lIercur'ins viv. may be given once in six hours, when the infiammation extends to the throat, and there is pain and soreness on empty swallowing, with hoarseness and cough. This remedy is especially useful if the disease has been caused by syphilis or the venereal disease. In such cases Nitric acid should follow Mercurius. AArsenicumn: Give this remedy once in six hours when there is a feeling of d!ryness and burning in the larynx; cough as if from the fumes of sulphur, with a sense of suffocation, and especially if the cough is aggravated by cold air. Carbo veg. is indicated when there is hoarseness in the evening, aggravated by talking, and by cold and damp weather; also when there are tingling and itching in the larynx, with wheezing respitation; cough in the morning when rising, or on going into the open air. Silicea will be found useful in cases where there is reason to fear the existence of ulcerations, when there is a profuse, yellowish, perhaps offensive expectoration, and when the cartilages are diseased. Give a dose night and morning. Sulp]hur: If the patient has been subject to eruptive diseases, or if the disease is of long standing, give a dose of Sulphur every night for a week, at the commencement of the treatment: also if the disease does not seem to yield, or is only partially relieved by other remedies, give Sulphur a week, and as much longer as there are signs of improvement. As this is an important, and a somewhat common and obstinate disease, I have given the chief indications for a large number of remedies. Select carefully your remedy, and do not change it in less time than one week, nor then if there is any improvement. If a patient improves under the use of a remedy, lengthen the intervals between the doses, and continue it as long as there is the slightest improvement. HOARSENESS.-This symptom is generally caused by inflammation of the mucous membrane of the larynx or upper portion of CRoUP. 135' the windpipe, and as a symptom of acute and chronic laryngitis it has alreadly been considered. It is also present in croup or inflamma'ion of the windpipe or trachea. But it sometimes happens that from exposure to cold and other causes, there is hoarseness without fever, soreness, or any other symptom. WVhen this is the case give a dose of Drosera once in oiur hours, and if it does not relieve this symptom within twenty-four hours give Belladonna once in two hours. If there is soreness of the throat in connection with the hoarseness, give Mercurius viv. alternately with the latter remedy. Pulsatilla often does better than either of the other remedies named, in the case of females. If the above remedies do not soon relieve the symptoms, consult the sections on acute and chronic laryngitis and croup. CROUP (TRACHIETIS, This is one of the most alarming and even fatal of the diseases of childhood. The croup consists of an inflammation of the windpipe or trachea; the disease generally extends to the larynx or upper portion of the windpipe, and sometimes to the bronchia or air passages throughout the lungs. In some cases the inffammation is accompanied by the formation of a false membrane, which mechanically obstructs the passage of air to a greater or less degree. The croup occurs most frequently between the ages of one and twelve years; although children younger than one year, and persons older than twelve, are not exempt. It is more frequent among males than females, and is more common during cold than during warm weather. This disease is caused byexposure to cold and damp weather, when the neck, shoulders, and arms, are not properly protected by clothing. Dr. Eberlie says that during a practice of six years in a German settlement, he saw but one case, and that occurred in a family where the American style of dress had been adopted. Hot rooms, and the confinement of children indoors, are also fruitfnl causes of this affection. When a child is thus confined, the least breath of cold or damp air from an open window or door may cause this disease. Thin shoes and 1306 CROUP. stockings, especially with children who live in warm roomr, highs seasoned food, and all stimulating condiments, faveor the development of croup and bronchitis. This disease frequently occurs duriig the progress of scarlet fever, small-pox, and measles. S/mptons. —Before the attack the child is often peeN i/l, fretful and perhaps feverish; there may also be symptoms of cold in the head, and slight hoarseness. Toward evening, or sometime before midnight, the hoarseness and fever increase. In other instances, without any premonitory symptoms, the child awakens suddenly during the night, with a sensation of suffocation, with a hoarse ringing cough, hurried and hissing respiration, and a rough hoarse voice, sometimes almost as if the patient were speaking through a brazen instrument. There are great agitation, alarm, and distress; and there is usually more or less heat of skin, and frequency of pulse. The difficulty of breathing at the commencement of the disease generally depends, in a great measure, on a spasmodic contraction of the larynx, for it occurs in paroxysms. The symptoms are usually worse during the night, especially about midnight, and the patient is often quite comfortable dnring the day. I If the disease continues on uninfluenced by treatment, generally, at some period between the second and the sixth days,;ymptoms of great prostration ensue, the difficulty of breathing increases, the cough becomes squeaking, the pulse small and irregiular, the extremities bathed in a cold clammy sweat, and the countenance, during the severe paroxysms of difficult breathing, becomes of a livid or dusky hlue. The duration of the disease, in fatal cases, is usually from three to six days, although patients sometimes die within twenty-four hours, whereas, in other cases, not until the end of nine or ten days. Cases in which the symptoms are the most violent at the commencement, are not always the most dangerous, for such patients necessarily receive prompt treatment, and the disease is often, in such cases, in a great measure spasmodic, with very little inflammatory action; and if there is considerable fever and inflammation, there is frequently very little tendency to the effusion of fL.Jse membrane; whereas, in those cases which commence gradually, with a slight fever, hoarseness, and cough:, the disease often progresses to the membranous stage' cnOUP. 137 before attention is seriously callell to it; and in /such cases the tendency to a membranous formation is often ver' strong. "The prognosis, in all cases of croup," says Dr. Condi i, " is very serious; the probabilities are against recovery." Ti s may be true, under the " heroic treatment" of allopathy, but it, certainly is not true where patients are treated hornceopathically, and bloodletting, leething, emetics, cathartics, swabbing the throat with caustic, etc.. etc., are omitted, for comparatively few patients die from this disease, under our treatment, yet they cannot always be cured. Treatment.-The symptoms, as has been stated, are almost always worse during the night, and even when the,Isease is -teadily progressing toward a fatal termination, the patient is often comfortable during the day, therefore give the proper remedies regularly during the day, and do not omit them, nor lessen the fieqlency of the doses until the last symptom has been remove:. Always awaken the patient regularly to give the medicines until after midnight, then, if he is comfortable, give them only when he awakes, until morning, then give them regularly again during the day and until after midnight. Aconite: Give this remedy every half hour until the patient has taken four doses, when, if he is improving, continue it at intervals of one hour; but if there is no improvement, give Ilepar upliph. alternately with it at intervals of half an hour. Give these remedies during the afternoon and n;ght, but every day during the forenoon, give Spongia every hour, and omit the oth: r remedies until afternoon; then omit the Spongia and give Hepar sulph. and Aconite again. If you persevere in the use of the above remedies, you will rarely fail to prevent the formation of a false membrane, and the nightly paroxysms will grow less, and at the end of from one to three or four days, the patient will generally be restored to health. Do not change the above for other remedies, so long as the symptoms improve, or the nightly paroxysms grow less, even though it be but slowly. Dose for any of these remedies, see page 7. Lachesis: If, after using the above remedies from two to three or four days, instead of improving, the symptoms seem to be gettfng worse, the difficulty of breathing more constant, the cough 138 CROUP, and voice squeaking, the pulse small or irregilar, and the extremities cool, give Lachesis alternately with Hepal sdp/l. at intervals of half an hour or one hour; and if at tile eil ( of twkvlve or twentyfour hours there is no improvement, omit th IlHepar sulph. arld give Phlosphorwus once an hour during the forenoon, and Tartar em, tic during the afternoon and illdht. A homoeopathlic physitcian should always be consulted, if practicable, if the symptoms are not promptly relieved by the treatment. Sometimes, as the croupy symptoms abate, symptoms of bronchitis become manifest, the breathing is hurried, the cough is loose, buit not croupy, and if you apply your ear to the walls of the chest, you hear a rattling of mucus, or bubbling in the air passages; when such symptoms occur, omit other remedies and give Brqonia during the forenoon once in two hours, and Ta tar emntic every hour during the afternoon, evening, and night, when the patient is awake. Consult the section on bronchitis, if the above remedies fail to relieve. EKtenal applications, Diet, dc. —At the commencement of the disease, wring a small napkin, or a few thicknesses of cotton or linen cloth from cold water, and apply over the front part of the neck; put over it four or five thicknesses of dry flannel, and confine all by a bandage or handkerchief, so as to exclude the cold air. Wet the cloth once in six or eight hours. If, notwithstanding the above application and the use of the remedies, the paroxysms of difficult breathing become very severe, wring large towels or cloths from warm water, as hot as the patient can bear without scalding, and apply them over the entire front and sides of the neck anzd chest, and cover the wet cloths with dry flannel. Wet the cloths every ten or fifteen minutes. A warm bath once or twice a day, is also useiul. The diet should be light and without animal food. If you would prevent this disease, or eradicate a predisposition to it in your children, read carefully the chapters on the " Conditions requisite for Physical Development and Preservation," " Use and Abuse of the Digestive Organs," and on the "Management and Education of Children," in the author's work on SPASM OF THE GLOTTIS —INFLUENZA. 139 the "Avoidable Causes of Disease." Also give Hepar sulph. and Spongia, alternately, one week apart. SPASM OF THE GLOTTIS, OR CROWING DISEASE. This affection is sometimes called spasmodic croup, as there is no inflammation or fever attending it. It generally occurs in children under three years of age and those of a delicate and nervous temperament, are more liable to it than others. S/l/mptoins.-The attack frequently occurs during sleep, the child awaking much agitated, alarmed, and struggling for breath; there is sometimes cramping of the hands and feet, and occasionally the whole body is convulsed. These symptoms are caused by a spasmodic contraction of the opening to the windpipe or glottis, which mechanically prevents the entrance of air to the lungs. This spasm may abate suddenly and the air enter freely without any unusual sound, but more frequently it abates gradually, and the air, as it enters, causes a crowing sound. In other cases, or perhaps in the same patient the attack occurs when the child is awake, perhaps when tile nurse is tossing him up and down, or when he is frightened. A patient, after having once had the disease, is very liable to a return of the symptoms, and attack may follow attack, if the disease is not cured, until at length the little patient is not free from it for a single hour, and may finally die from suffocation or convulsions. There is usually no cough, and the child breathes freely in the intervals between the paroxysms. Treatment.- Give Belladonna and Cltpru2n alternately at intervals of four hours, when the child is awake, and as soon as the paroxysms cease, give the former at night and the latter in the morning. If the above remedies fail to cure the disease, give a dose of Calcarea carb. every morning and Hyosciamus once in four hours during the afternoon and forepart of the night. Keep the ctilid quiet and avoid exciting it, or tossing it up and down. INFLUENZA (GRIPPE). This is an epidemic disease, which generally proceeds from east to west, or from the south northward, but sometimes the reverse. 140 INFLUENZA. Such epidemics usually appear at intervals, varying from two to three years. Symptoms. — Influenza generally commences with symptoms of cold in the head, sore throat, pains in the limbs, back and head, weariness, chilliness, followed by fever, and soon afterward by cough and uneasiness in the chest. The most characteristic symptom is the great debility which attends this affection. The pulse is feeble, there is often giddiness and faintness on sitting up; the spirits are depressed, and the sight and hearing ale sometimes affected. Nausea and vomiting are more common than during ordinary colds. There is usually a remission of the symptoms in the morning, and an aggravation toward night. In some instances, instead of catarrhal symptoms, there are simply violent headache, flushed face, delirium, and fever. In other instances, nausea and vomiting; and in still other cases, diarrhoea or dysentery; and all these various affections apparently caused by the same epidemic poison acting on different individuals. The duration of an attack of influenza, when uninfluenced by treatment, varies from two or three days to two weeks. A cough sometimes remains after the other symptoms are removed. Treatment. —At the very commencement of the disease if there is great prostration, chilliness, with or without nausea and vomiting, a drop of Camphor, repeated at the end of an hour, will sometimes relieve the symptoms, especially if the patient covers up warm in bed, and gets into a gentle perspiration. In case there is much fever early in the disease, six globules of Aconite or a drop of the tincture, dissolved in a glass of water, and taken at one dose, the patient covering himself up well in bed, will either relieve or lessen the severity of the symptoms. Aiercurius, viv.: Give this remedy once in two hours, if the above remedies fail to cure the disease, and there are great prostration of strength, pains in the bones of the face, sore throat, and especially if there are symptoms of dysentery or bilious diarrhcea, or the symptoms are aggravated by warmth. Arsenicull may be given once in two hours instead of Mercurius viv., if there is little or no soreness of the throat, but a profuse watery discharge from the nose, with burning and excoria. COUGH, AND COLD ON TilE CHEST. 141 tion of the nostrils, thirst, oppression of, and burning in the chest, great prostration of strength, aggravation at night and relief from warinth. If there is much cough attending or following the disease, consult the section on cough and bronchitis, and select a re:;edy, and give either alone or alternately with either MJercurius or Arscnicam. COUGH, AND COLD ON TU-IE CHEST. Cough may be caused by irritation or inflammation of any portion of the windpipe, bronchia or air-passages through the lungs, the air-cells and substance of the lungs themselves, also of their external covering or the pleura. It may be caused by tubercles in the lungs, also by an elongation of the uvula or the little body which hangs down from the back part of the palate. The cough lay be either acute or chronic, there may be fever attending it, or the patient may be free from fever. In this section I simply propose to treat of recent coughs, and those unattended by fever. If the disease is chconic, or of some weeks' duration, and the cough is hoarse or squeaking, and the voice is impaired, consult the section on chronic laryngitis, or chronic inflammation of the upper portion of the windpipe. If the disease is of weeks' or mlonths' standing, and the cough at its commencement was short and hacking, and is attended with shortness of breath, consult the sections on consumption an:! chronic pleurisy. If the chronic cough seems to originate in the chet, and there is more or less soreness of the chest, with difficulty of breathing, and expoctoration, consult the section on chronic bronchitis. If a recent attack of cough is attended by chills and fever, hot skin and frequMnt pulse, if the cough is hoarse, shrill, or squeaking, and the patient is an adult, consult the section on laryngitis; if a child, consult the section on croup, If the cough is not hoarse and is attended with high fever and oppression and difficulty of breathing, contllt the sections on inflammation of the bronchia, lungs, and t)leure. But when the cough has been of but few days' or weeks' standing, without fever, -consult the remedies in this section. 142 COUGH, AND COLD ON THE CHEST. A cold on the chest is a slight inflammation of the bronchim or air tubes, sufficient to cause a cough, which it at first dry, but afterward becomes loose, but without much if any fever, pain, soreness, or difficulty of breathing. It is a mild bronchitis, involving simply the mucous membrane of the air tubes, which, although sufficient to cause cough, is either not severe enough, or not sufficiently extensive to cause much fever, oppression or other alarming, symptoms; still it differs from the most formidable cases of bronchitis only in the severity and extent of the diseased action, and of the symptoms, and not in the character of the disease. In all cases attended by fever and oppression of breathing consult the section on acute bronchitis. Treatmeit of Coughls.-Give Belladonna once in two hours when the cough is spasmodic, not allowing time to breathe, or a short dry hollow ccugh, especially if it is caused by a tickling or itching in the throat or larnyx, and if there is a sensation of dryness in the chest. This remedy is generally most important for dry coughs It is sometimes useful when there is tenacious mucus expectorated, especially at night. Dose, see page 7. C/hamomilla may be given once in two hours when there is a dry suffocative cough, caused by dryness, burning, and tickling in the throat and upper portion of the windpipe, and also when there is.a tickling in e hthroat pit, and cough at night or during sleep.'T'his remedy is often required for children. Nux VOnz.: rhis remedy, like the two named above, is frequently required at the commencement of colds in the chest, when the coulgh is dry, and caused by tickling, roughness, and scraping, in the windpipe, with a spasmodic sensation, and when the cough is worse towards morning, and during the fore part of the day. The following remedies, also, will often be found useful for dry coughs. Rus tox., when there is a rough scraping feeling, or tickling sensation, in the windpipe, and the cough is aggravated by cold air and relieved by exercise and warm air. Lachesis, whetn the cough is worse after sleeping, also on arising from a recumbent position and in the cold air, alad whecn it is COUGH, AND COLD ON TIlE CHEST. 143 aggravated by the least pressure on the upper portion of the wind. pipe. Arsenicum when there is burning in the chest, with a wheezy sensation in the lungs. Hyosciamus when the cough is aggravated by lying down, and relieved by sitting up, and if there is dryness and heat in the air passages. Igna/ia when there is a constrictive sensation as if from the vapors of sulphur, or dust, in the air passages. If this remedy does not relieve, give Calcarea carb. Cina when children are troubled with worms, and are subject to a dry cough. Dulcamara ~ Vhen there is a short, hacking cough, without or with the expectoration of tenacious mucus, caused by exposure to wet, and cool, damp air. Ipecac: When the cough is short and dry, and ex(ited by a tickling in the throat and upper part of the windpipe, with asthmatic or wheezing breathing. For loose coughs, some of the remedies already named, especially Belladonna. Dulcamara, and Ipccac, will often be useful, particularly when the expectoration is tenacious and transparent, but when it is whitish or yellowish, they will less frequently be efficacious than one of the fol'owi g remedies: Bryonia: This remedy will sometimes be found of service atthe commencement of a couglh, when it is dry, but generally some one of tthe remedies already named vwill do better, but when there is a profuse, or more or less free, transparent, whitish or yellowish expectoration, especially in the morning, or after eating and drinking, and the cough is somewhat spasmodic, with pain in the sides or chest, give Bryonia once in four hours. Pulsatilla may follow Bryonia, or be gi yven instead of the latter remedy, when there is a free expectoration of yellow or white tasteless or bitter, salt or sweet tasting mucus. If there is nausea and vomiting, with a suffocative sensation, pain and soreness in the abdomen, or involuntary passage of urine while coughing, these are indications for this remedy. 144 ACUTE BRONC1tITIS. In addition to the above, if the loose cough is not relieved, one of the following remedies will often cure it: P/hosphorus: Give this remedy when the expectoration is transparent, green. or white, and of a sweetish or saltish taste, and if the cough is excited by talking, laughing, or walking in the open air. When the latter symptoms are present it will often be useful even though the cough is dry. Give Stannum night and morning, if there is a very profuse expectoration of transparent or whitish, sweet tasting mucus. Give Sulpiur for either a dry or loose cough, if it does not yield to other remedies, especially when there is a congested or full feeling of the chest, which seems to cause the cough. Be careful and not change the remedies too often. Select your remedy with care and give it at least for twenty-four hours, and longer if the patient improves. If you fail to relieve the symptoms, and the disease is without fever, consult the sections on chronic bronchitis, laryngitis, and consumption. ACUTE BRONCHITIS. (INFLAMMATION OF THE AIR-PASSAGES IN TIlHE LUNGS.) An ordinary cold on the chest is the lightest form of this disease, but that affection has already been noticed in the preceding section. It now remains to consider acute bronchitis in its severer forms. The causes of this disease are the usual causes of colds; such as sudden changes of temperature, exposure when the body is hot, etc. This affection may commence with a cold in the head, sore throat and hoarseness; in other cases witllotit any such symptoms, a sensation of coldness, roughness, or dryness, is felt in the chest, near the top of the sternum or breast-bone; then follows a sensation of heat, lightness, soreness, or pain, in some part of the chest, usually beneath the breast-bone, with a cough, which is at first short and dry, but soon becomes deeper and more urgent, and accompanied by the expectoration of a tranQp:arnt, glary, saltish-tasting mucus, which does not relieve ACUTE ERONCIIITIS. 145 the cough, but seems to aggravate it by its irritating qualities. Chills, followed by fever, either precede, accompany, or soon follow, the above symptoms. The fever is generally worse toward evening, when the pulse is quick, the breathing short, the skin hot, the urine scanty and high-colored. If you apply your ear to the chest, at the commencement of the disease, you will hear a hissing or whistling sound, caused by the narrowing of the air-tubes from the swelling, the result of the inflammation; gradually this whistling ceases, and you hear a bubbling sound, caused by air passing through the bronchime which are partially filled with mucus. If you apply your ear over a healthy chest, you hear, as the air passes through the bronchive, a sound similar to that caused by the passage of a gentle wind through the leaves of a tree. By applying the ear to the chest, both in front and on the back, and on both sides, fl:oui the top to near the lower ribs, you will be able to judge, with considerable certainty, as to the extent of the disease, and tile danger, by the extent of the mucus rattling. If it is confined to one lung,there will not be much danger, and even if a part only of one lung is free, so that you can hear the natural breathing, the danger will not be very great; but if the mucus rattling is universal over both lungs, completely masking the natural respiration, the danger will be very great. If the disease is severe, and is not arrested by treatment, the difficulty of breathing increases, there is great oppression, the pulse is quick and weak, often irregular; there is great weakness, the countenance is anxious, pale, or partially livid, the mental faculties are confused or disturbed, the tongue becomes loaded with a brown fur, the thirst intense, and the urine scanty. In this severe form of the disease the patient may die between the fourth and eighth days, during a severe paroxysm of difficult breathing, or from a steady increase of the symptoms, or else he will gradually recover. When recovery is about to take place, the difficulty of breathing diminishes, and is chiefly confined to the evening the expectoration becomes less adhe-ive and frothy, and at length opaque; the fever abates, the countenance improves, and either the patient steadily recovers, or the inflammation passes into a chronic form. As the disease declines and the expectoration becomes whitish, if 7 14 6 ACUTE BRONXCHITIS. you apply your ear to the chest, you will hear occasionally a click. ing sound instead of a rattling of mucus. In debi'itated habits, where the countenance is pale, and the blood thin and watery, in adults and young children, and also in those vwho are debilitated fiom age, or chronic diseases, we sometimes have a very formidable variety of this disease without much febrile excitement. In such cases there is a profuse secretion of mucus into the bronchia, which causes great oppression of breathir,, extreme debility, small, frequent, and often irregular pulse, and severe suffocative paroxysms. The expectoration in this form of bronchitis may be scanty at first, but soon becomes copious and frothy. Young children, when affected with bronchitis, swallow the mucus when it is raised into the throat by coughing and breathing, and do not eject it; it passes into the stomach and docs no particular harm. Sometimes children have convulsions, twitchings, or symptoms of stupor, at the commencement of an attack oiL bronchitis, and if you neglect to apply your ear to the chest, you may suppose that the child has disease of the brain, until symptoms of threatening suffocation, purple countenance, small and irregular pulse, reveal the seat of the disease. In some of these cases there may be but little heat or fever. Trcatmet of Bronchitis.-There are perhaps few diseases where tbe superiority of the hommeopathic treatment over the cruel timehonored treatment of allopathy, is more marked than in the one under consideration. Very few, except the very aged or those deb:litated by other diseases, or of bad habits, die from this affect-on even young children, except those of very feeble constitutions, generally recover under a prompt and persevering hoinceopathic treatment. Aconite: This is the first and most important remedy in al! cases attended by any febrile excitement, or heat of skin. Give a dose every hour, and continue it for twelve hours. If at the end of this period, there is a violent dry cough, or spasmodic cough, or a sensation of dryness in the chest, or tickling in the throat, whiiich excites cough, give Belladonna, and if fever continues, give it alternately with Aconite, one ].our apart. Belladonna will still be ihxdicated, when a tenacious and glary.mucus begins to be expec ACUTE BRONC IIlTIS. 147 torated This remedy is especially efficacious in the case of children, and it is indispensable when there are symptoms of congestion of the brain or convulsions. Dose of this or of other remedies, see page 7. Br'yonia: If Aconite, or Aconite and Belladonna, fail to cut short the disease at the end of two or three days, Bryonia will generally be required, especially when there is a profuse transparent or opaque, whitish or yellowish expectoration, dryness of the throat, stitches in the chest, or a free perspiration. Give a dose of Bryonia once in four hours, and a dose of Aconite every hour between the doses of Bryonia, whenever there is any fever or heat of skin. As soon as ihe patient is free from fever during the forepart of the day and latter part of the night, omit Aconite, and only give it when there is fever. If, after the fever has been in a great measure relieved, the cough remains troublesome, with oppression of the chest, give Phosphorus during the afternoon and evening once in two hours, and Bryonia during the forepart of the day. Tartar emetic: If the above remedies fail to check the progress of the disease, and the rattling of mucus is heard throughout both lunas, and there are great oppression and severe paroxysms of difficult breathing, give this remedy every hour. Also give it at the commencement of the disease, when in aged persons, or delicate young children, and persons debilitated by other diseases, there are great oppression without much fever, cool extremities and small pulse, and it fails to relieve the symotoms; give it alternately with Bryonia, one hour apart. Sulp/hr and Arsenicum are our.main reliance in desperate cases of this disease; they are rarely useful at the commencement; but when, notwithstanding the use of other remedies, there are threatening symptoms of suffocation, from an accumulation of mucus in the air passages, with rattling, give a dose of Sulphur every hour, until the patient has taken five or six doses, and if the symptoms improve, continue it; but if there is no improvement, give a dose of Arsenicurn every hour. For the declining state of the disease, after the fever has been relieved, and the expectoration has become opaque, whitish or yellowish, to prevent the disease from becoming chronic, give a dose 1i 8 CHRONIC BRONCHIITIS. of Sulphur morning and noon, and a dose of Pulsatillc before tea and at bedtime. Diet, &c.-The patient should be kept in an even temperature; the diet should be light, gruel, arrow-root, rice-water, soft boiled rice, and the like. For severe paroxysms of difficult breathing, wring large cloths, from warm water, as hot as the patient carl bear, and apply them around the chest, and place over them dry flannel, and change them often. CHRONIC BItONCHI[TISo This generally follows an acute attack, although the latter may have been slight in some cases, nothing more than the mild form of the disease, or a cold on the chest. The inhalation of air loaded with dust, frequently causes this disease, therefore, needlegTinders, stone-cutters, workers in hair rand feathers, are very liable to this affection. In such cases, it generally begins with d fficulty of breathing; and, after a time, cough and copious expectoration make their appearance; sometimes the latter is mixed with blood and matter, or pus. The slighter forms of chronic bronchitis are indicated only by habitual cough and expectoration, which are increased by sudden changes of weather, and are most troublesome during the winter and spring. Aged persons are very subject to this disease during such seasons of the year. In severer forms of the disease there are paroxysmal cough, difficulty of breathing, soreness, tightness, and wandering pains in the chest. The expectoration is whitish, yellowish or greenish, and sometimes contains pus or matter. If the patient happens to get a severe cold, so as to cause an attack of acute inflammation of any part of the bronchia, tenacious transparent mucus will be mixed with the opaque matter. When the expectoration is very copious there are usually prostration of strength, wasting of flesh, hectic fever, and night sweats, and sometimes diarrhmea. This affection not unfrequently follows measles, scarlet fever, and small-pox, whven the irritation of the air passages which frequently attends these eruptive diseases is neglected. If CIHRONIC BRONCIITIS. 1 19) you apply your ear to the chest of a patient sulffering from chronic bronchitis you will hear over different parts mucous rattling, clicking and whistling sounds, which often change places. Treatmnent.-Several of the remedies named under the head of acute bronchitis will be found useful in this form of the disease, especially Bry/onia, Sulphullr, P/hosphorus, Pulsatilla, and Arsenicum. Bryonia: Give this remedy morning andl noon, and Sulphur before tea and at bed-time, if the disease has not been of long standing, and is the result of an acute attack; and if these remedies do not relieve the symptoms, omit Bryonia andl give Sulphur and Pulsati/la, in the same manner. Bryonia is especially indicated for morning coughs and expectoration, with pains in the sides, shortness of breath, and cough after eating and drinking, with vomiting of food, and when there is an aggravation from taking cold. Dose, see page 7. Sulphur; Give a dose night and morning when there is a dry cough at night, without or with a copious expectoration of thick whitish or yellowish mucus during the day, cough and raising at. night, stitches in the sides, a feeling of tightness of the chest, and when the symptoms are aggravated by every change of weather. Pulsatilla often follows Sulphur to advantage, especially in the case of females. Pcosphorus may be given three times a day when the cough is excited by walking in the open air, laughing, talking or drinking; also for a dry cough, from tickling in the throat or chest; and also when there is a free expectoration of salt, sour, or sweet mucus or inatter. Stannurn: Give this remedy night and morning, when there is a profuse, greenish, or yellowish expectoration, of a disagreeable, sweetish taste, or of a putrid taste and offensive smell. Calcarea carb. may be given night and morning, when there is, in the early stage of the disease, a dry cough in the evening, or in bedl, especially if the cough is caused by a sensation of tickling, as if from feather dust, or even breathing through feathers. Also when there is a profuse yellowish, perhaps offensive expectoration in the morning, or during the whole day, with difficulty of breathing. 150 RHOOPING-COUG H. Lycopodium: Give a dose night and morning, when there is a short hacking cough from tickling in the throat or windpipe. when deep breathing causes coughing; also when the cough is loose, with a profuse thick whitish, yellowish, grayish, or greenish colored expectoration, of a saltish taste, and there is soreness of the chest and shortness of breath. Give Lachesis when the cough is worse after sleeping, and is aggravated by pressing on the windpipe. Give Sepia night and morning, when the cough causes nausea and vomiting, and is dry and spasmodic; also when there is a copious yellow, green, salt, or putrid mucous expectoration morning or evening. Give Drosera if, early in the disease, there is a dry hoarse cough, and if it fails, give Spongia or Hiepar sulph. Give Silicea when there is a profuse watery expectoration which is not relieved by other remedies. Pure air and sunlight are all-important in all chronic affections of the air passages, and of the lungs. If the patient can well avoid it, he should not occupy a room, even during the night, where the sun has not shone during the day, for the atmosphere will be unwholesome for him. He should frequently draw in a full breath, and gently thump the walls of his chest with his hand or fist; and let an assistant vibrate the chest, by pressing wih the hand suddenly at any point where there is pain, soreness, or uneasiness. The patient should not be starved on miserable superfine flour bread, but should have good brown bread, which contains the dark nutritious portion of the grain. For much valuable information, which is all-important to patients snffering from this affection, consult the work on the "Avoidable Causes of Disease." HOOPI5NG-COUGH. This is an epidemic and contagious disease, and is generally confined to children; but adults, who have never had it, are liable to contract it, on exposure. Individuals rarely suffer from this dis HOOPING-COUGH. 15.1 ease the second time. The symptoms, at the commencement, are similar to those of mild bronchitis, or cold on the chest. There are generally more or less fever, some difficulty of breathing, and cough. The fever often gradually abates after a few days, but the cough becomes more troublesome, and begins to recur in paroxysms. At the end of ten days or two weeks the characteristic symptoms make their appearance. Paroxysms of rapid coughing occur, which interrupt inspiration until the lungs seem to be exhausted of air, the upper portion of the windpipe is spasmodically contracted, the face becomes swollen and livi(l, and the patient seems on the point of suffocation, when the coughing ceases, the spasm gradually relaxes, and the air enters the larynx with a long crowing or hooping sound. In severe cases the blool sometimes starts from the mouth and nose during the paroxysms. The latter may return often, every half hour or hour, or not more. frequently than two or three times a day. The disease generally reaches its height in about six weeks from the commencement of the cough, and terminates at the end of six weeks more, unless its duration is prolonged by colds, or an attack of bronclhitis. During the winter or spring it is liable to be thus ptolonged until warm weather. When the crude, nauseating and debilitating drugtging of allopathy is avoided, and homeopathic remedies are carefully administered, there is very little danger in this disease; in fact, although the disease is very distressing, the lungs are generally,developed and made stronger by the involuntary training which they receive. Treatment. -As at the commencement of the disease there is generally more or less fever, give Aconite once in two hours, until the fever is lessened. If at the end of two or three days the fever has abated give Belladonna once in two hours for the cough; but if feverish symptoms sWill persist give Aconite alternately with Blclladonna, at intervals of two hours. These remedies may be continued when the patient is awake, until the Thooping commences, unless the cough should become moist, with vomiting of mucuq or food, or a diarrhoea should occur, in which case give Pulsatlla once in two hours. Carbo veg. will sometimnes be of service during 152 fLURIRSY. his stage if there is a convtulsive cough in the evening, or before midnight. Dose, see page 7. When the hooping commences, if the patient has been taking Bellaldon.na, let him omit it, and give him Cuprunz after every paroxysm of coughing; if there is fever, lleadache, or symptoms of convulsions, give a dose of Belladonna two or three timles a day, in addition to the Cruprum, but not within half an hour of the doses of the latter remedy. If, at the end of four or five days, Cuprum makes no impression on the severity or frequency of the paroxysms, omit it, and give one dose of Drosera, and repeat it once in twenty-four hours, until there is some improvement, but as soon as there is a perceptible change for the better, do not repeat the remedy as long as the patient improves, but if improvement ceases repeat the dose. If the above remedies do not lessen the severity of the disease give Veratrum after every paroxysm, especially if there is vomiting and great debility. In obstinate cases give Tartar emnet.c after every paroxysm, and if it does not relieve the symptoms, give a dose of Sulphur every night, and Belladonna once in two houls during the day, until the patient is well. The neck, shoulders, arms, and legs, should be well clothed, and the feet kept dry with good thick-soled shoes. PLEUTRISY. The pleura is the smooth membrane which covers the external surface of the lungs and lines the walls of the chest, and inflammation of this membrane is called pleurisy. Syinptoms. —A sharp, cutting p!dill in the side, usually a short distance below the nipple, but sometimes lower, occasionally:at the lower ma gin of the ribs, which restrains every attempt at full inspiration, and renders the breath short and often catching, is frequently the first symptom; sometimes chills and fever prec'ede the pain; if not, they may accompany or they soon follow the attack. There is generally a:hort, dry, hacking cough. Even PLEURISY. 15&3 without treatment the pain generally grows less at the end of two or three days, but the difificulty of breathing often increases, owi:ng to the filling up of the pleura, which is a closed sac, with the watery portion of the blood and lymph, which are poured out on its surface when this membrane is inflamed. Without treatment the fever generally grows less at the end of four or five dayqs, and sce.netimes is quite moderate; perhaps the patient has little the forepart of tile day even when the eflusion is increasing, with increased oppression of breathing. If at the end of two or three days you apply your ear to the walls of the chest on the diseased si(le, when the patient is sitting up, you will not hear, over the middle and lower portion of the chest, the gentle murmur caused by the passage of air through the bronchim as the patient breathes, which you will hear on the well side, and if you percuss or strike the chest with the end of your fingers you will find dullness on the diseased side, when compared wt:h the well side, caused by the accumulation of fluid in tile pleuraL sct:. If the patient recovers, the fluid is gradually,bsorbed, but the lymph which is poured out on the surfaces of the pleura is not aosorbed, and as the two surfaces covered with this lymph came in contact as the fluid disappears they unite and form adhesions, but, the latter do not usually seriously interfere with breathing after a few weeks or months. The patient generally recovers, but he may die, or the disease may pass into a chronic form, and the whole side of the chest become filled with fluid, and tl-e walls of the chest may even become distended, the spaces between the libs pressed out, and the heart crowded out of place. There Will be absence of respiration and dullness on percussion over the whole side. Sometimes we have what physicians call latent pleurisy, where there is no pain, and but little fever or cough, but general debility, and slowly increasing shortness of breath and oppression. This form of the disease can only be detected by applying the ear and by percussing the chest. False pleurisy, which is nothing more than a rheumatic or neuralgic pain in the chest, often bears a very great resemblance to the genuine disease; but there is in such cases, generally no chills or fever, and no effusion of fluid follows, and there is usually no 7* 154 PLEURISY. cough. If in such cases you rub hard with the ends of your fingers on the spaces between the ribs over the seat of the pain, it will almost always increase the suffering to a far greater extent than in pleurisy. Treatment of Acute Pleur's/.-W5Vring a large towel from cold water and place it over the diseased side, extending from the breast bone to near the spine, cover the wet cloth with five or six thick. nesses of dry flannel, and pin a dry towel around the body over the whole so as to exclude the air. Wet the towel once in six or eight hours. Aconite: Give a dose of this remedy every hour in all cases where there are any chills, heat of skin or fever; even if there is but little fever this remedy should be given. As soon as the skin inclines to become moist lengthen the intervals between the doses to two hours. Continue this remedy for twenty-four hours, then give a dose of Bryonia once in six hours, and if there is much fever or heat of skin, give a dose of Aconite every hour between the doses of Bryonia; but if the skin is moist, and there is but little heat about the body, give the Aconite but once in two hours. Continue the above remedies until the fever is gone, or nearly so; then give Sulphur once in two hours during the afternoon and night and Bryonia at intervals of two hours during the latter part of tile night and forenoon, whenever the patient is awake. Continue these remedies until the patient is entirely relieved from all cough, soreness and shortness of breath. The above remedies will rarely fail to cure this disease; but in case of failure consult what is said as to the treatment of chronic pleurisy below Dose of the remedies, see page 7. Treatment of Chronic and Latent Pleurisy. - Commence the treatment with Bryonia once in two hours during the forenoon, and Sulphur once in two hours during the afternoon and evening, and continue these remedies as long as there is ally improvement. It at the end of three or four days the patient is not better, omit the Bryonia and give Arnica during the forenoon once in two hours, continuing the Sulphur during the afternoon and niglht when the patient is awake. Continue these remedies as long as there is improvement. When there seems to be no ca:lge for the better omit PNEUMJONIA. 155 the above remedies and give Arsen'cum once in two hours; if the patient improve.s, lengthen the intervals to four hours. Ifepar suill~l. or Sullphur. may in somve cases be reqlur.d after Arss nicrum. If the above treatment fails, as it rarely mill, to cure chronic l)leurisy, send for a ho:nceopathic physician, and not for an all.pathlst, for, according to my experience, this disease can very generally be cured by the use of homoeopathic remedies, carefully an:l persoveringly administered, provided an opening is not made to draw off the fluid, for the fluid is almost always simply serum or water containing shreds of lymph, and can be absorbed; whereas, if an opening is miade. more or less air is quite sure to be admitted, when the whole cavity of the pleura will be converted into one vast surpuratilg or maturating surface, and the discharge will be quite sure to wear the patient out with symptoms of hectic fever. After the fluid has been absorbed in cases of chronic pleurisy, the side of the chest affected is liable to become contracttd, from the lung being bound down by lymph, which has belen organized on its surface during the long compression lby the fluid, but the patient m'ty live and enjoy good health with the use of only one lung. Treatment o:f Ial.se l'lcurisy (Pleurodynia).-Give Nux vom. once in two hours. If this remedy fails, give Arnica, one dose, and if at the end of twelve hours the disease is not relieved, give Bryonia once in four hours. In the case of nervous females give Pul. satilla instead of Nrux vo2n., and if it does not relieve the symptoms, give Arnica alternately with it, two hours apart. The diet in cases of pleurisy should be light during the febrile stage, nothing but gruel, rice, barley water, and the like, INFLAMMATION OF THE LUNGS (PNEUMONIA). This disease consists of inflammation of the air cells and substance of the lungs. There is alm st always more or less inflammation of the bronchia, and sometimes of the pleura. S..mnptoms. —Chills followcd by fever generally precede, accompany, or soon follow the local symptoms. In persons of full habit, the fever is intense, skin hot, fice flushed, witlh red eyes and more 156 PrNEUMONIA. or less headache. The pain in the chest is usually either beneath the breast bone or shoulder blade, and is sometimes intense, but in other instances, dull or aching; in some cases there is simp'y a deep-seated feeling of heat and weight rather than pain. There is imore or less cough, which.aggravates thie pain; at first it is dry, and the patient raises nothing nmore than a little transparent mucus, but in the course of a d:ty or two the expectoration becomes tenacious or sticky, and tinged with blood, and it gradually changes to a rusty color from the presence of blood. Respirat'ion becomes hurried, the pulse frequent, the urine scanty and high colored, the tongue furred, and the appetite poor. There is sometimes nausea and vomiting, and in some instances jaundice. In mild cases the disease may decline on the third cr fourth day, the skin b(ccoming cool and moist, the expectoration less bloody andl sticky, and more friee and opaque, as in the declining stage of broncllitis. In severer cases when the disease is not checked by treatment, the symptoms increase on the third or fourth day, the breathing becomes quicker, the cough more firequent, the pulse weaker and(l incre.ased in frequency, the tongue loaded or dry, an(l the skin hot or cool, and partially perspiring. In some cases there is delirium or stupor, which, in aged persons, is an alarming symptom. If the disease is not cut short within the firs.;t tNwo or three days, the portion of lung diseased, which at first was simply congested, becomes indurated so as to resemble liver, and it will usually require from one to two weeks, for the cure of the fever and symptoms. If you app:y your ear to the chest, over the seat of the disease during the first day or two, when the lung is simply congested, you may hear a fine crackling sound like that caused by the rubbing of hair between the fingers; two or three (lays later, when the lung is indurated, this sound will be absent, and you will hear nothing when the patient br-athes, except perhaps a whistling sound as the air passes through the bronchirx; but if you a.Rk the patient to speak while your ear is applied over the diseased part, you will hear the vibrations of the voice much more distinctly than over the well lung at a corresponding point; sometimes it will seem almost as though the patient were speaking fiecm the diseased spot. If you percuss with the ends of your fin PNEUNIONIA. 137 gers, a finger of the opposite hand laid smoothlyl on tie walls of the chest, you will find after the diseavse h!as colntinlued tllree or four days, more or less du'lness when compared with thle well side. If tlhe patient recovers, these signs gradual'y disappear, the expectoration becomes wliitish or yellowish, and less slicky, tlhe fever abates, perhaps with a prIofuse perspiration, or a fiee flow of urine, and the tongue cleans off. A degree of frequency of the pulse and breathing with some cough and expectoration, often lin. ger some days, but gradually abate. If the disease tends to a fatal termination, the strenAtlh fails, the pulse becomes frequent, small, or irregular, the difficulty of breathing increases, the coun. tenance btecomes pale or livid, the skin cold, and covered with a cold clammy sweat, and expectoration ceases; rattling in the throat and perhaps stupor precede death. TYPHOID PNEUMONTA. -Inflammation of the lungs sometimes occurs in connection with typhoid fever. In such cases there is unusual prostration of strength early, the pulse is small and weak, the face dusky,.and the extremities cool; the teeth are covered with sordes or dark crusts of dried mucus, and the tongue is dry and dark; there is often muttering delirium, and sometime.s diarrhma. 1) I.Esuno-I'NEui1IoxI-..-Somet.imes we have both tlle lung and pklur:l inflamed at the same time. In such cases we generally have both the sharp catching pain of pleurisy, followed by effusion of serum, or a watery fluid, into the sac; and tlhe dull heavy oppression of inflammation of the lung, followed by the signs of induration of the lung named above, together with the bloody or rusty expectoration of pneumonia. Treatmenzt of the Iaflammation of the -Lungs.-A conite: In all cases where there are chills or fever, give a dose of this remedy every l:otlr, and continue it for twelve hours; if, at the end of that time, the fever is not relieve], and the patient is troubled with cough, give Belladonna alternately with Aconite, at intervals of one hour. These remedies, if given at the commencement of the disease, will of:en cut it short cr lessen its severity. within two or three days. Dose, see page 7. Br~yonia: If, at the end of two or three days, the symptoms 15 8 PNEUM5ONIA. are not relieved, and the expectoration becomes streaked with blood, or rusty, the breathing hurried, with increase of oppression, give a dose of this remedy once in six hours, and Aconite every hour between the doses of B.yonria, and omit the Bellaclonnca. Cont;nue thlese remedies as long as the extremities are warm, andl the body hot and dry. It may be necessary to continue them for four or five days. Phosphorus: If, as the fever abates, the cough remains tro.b!esome; or if, after continuing Bryonic as directed above, for several days, the symptoms seem to be getting worse, the breathing becomes more frequent and difficult, and the cough troub'esome, omit the above remedies, and give a dose of Phosphorus once in two hours. Persevere with this remcdy reveral days. Bult if alarming symptoms occur, such as cold extremities, rattling in the throat, or great oppression, omit the PhosphAorus, and give a dose of Sultlhur every hour, until there is some improvement, then lengthen the intervals between the doses. Sulphur is generally tlhe most important remedy during the declining stage of the disease, and may be given once in four hours. In cases of typhoid pneumonia, give Aconite and Brgonia as directed above, the l:itter once in six hours, and Aconite every hour between, until the commencement of manifest typhoid symptoms, s-ach.as coolness of the extremities, small pulse, dusky countenance, and sordes or dark crusts of dried mucus on the teeth, with dry and dark tongue, then omit the Aconite and give Bryonia once in: two hours during the forenoon and Phosl)portts once in two hours during the afternoon and evening. If after a few days great debility and delirium ensue, omit the Bryonia and give Rhus tox. in its stead, continuing the Phosphorus. If the above remedies fail, and the pulse becomes very small or irregular, and the extremities covered with a cold clammy sweat, with great oppress:on, give A rsenicum every hour. I'X cases of pleuro-pneumonia, give Aconite every hour at the commencement of the disease; at the end of twenty-four hours give a dose of Bryonia once in six hours and Aconite every hour or two between the doses of Bryonia, until the fever is in a great measure relieved, then omit the Aconite and give Sulphur during the afternoon and evening, and Br9,ojia during the forenoon. ASTHMA. 159 In all cases you can apply a wet cloth, well covered with dry flannel, to the side of the chest disactsed, as directed under the head of pleursy, and if it fails to afford any relief, apply cloths, wrlung from warm water, in the same malnner-only change hot cloths at least every hour. The diet should be light and consist of gruel, rice-water, arrow-root, etc. In typhoid cases, milk and water may be added to the above articles. Yo;l had better do nothinog than send for an allopathic physician, for experience has shown that more patients die when this disease is treated by bloodletting and tartar emetic, or calomel and opium in large doses, than die without any treatment. I would much rather risk any intelligent layman with simply this book, and a domestic case, than to trust a physician of any other school in this disease; but in all severe cases, if a homccopathic physician can be had, send for him ASTHMAA. The symptoms in this disease are caused by a spasmodic contraction of the air-tubes or bronchiwe, which lessens their calibre, and prevents the free passage of air to the air-cells. An attack imay be cxcited, in those who are subject to it, by strong odors, dust, close rooms, sudden changes or particular conditions of the atmosphere, derangements of the stomach, and mental emotions. If the paroxysm is severe the patient is compelled to sit up with the body bent forward, the arms resting on the knees, a chair or table. The chest is contracted with the feeling of a tight cord around it, or a heavy weight upon it, the face has an expression of great anxiety and distress, the veins are distended, and there is often a free perspiration, but no fever before or -after it. If the patient holds his breath as long as he can he can then draw it in without difficulty, but the spasm soon returns as strong as ever. There is heard, upon the alpplication of the ear to the chest, various whistling and wheezing sounds. The attack may 1 ist but a sh )rt time, or for several days. The spasm often partially relaxes and returns, again and again, before it entirely ceases. Those who are troubled with severe paroxysms of asthma, are seldom entirely free 160 ASTHMA. from shortness of breath in the interv.lls. The disse f. equently terminates with a free watery dlischa, ge or exl)ectoration. Asthma. is occasiolnally cau-ed by disease of th'e heart. It is sometimes inherited. Childi-en who are affected witlh it, but ldo not inherit it, often overcome the tendency to the disease at puberty. Those who are subject to this disease are very liable to have a return of a paroxysm when they take cold. The asthma, although a very distressing, and app:arently alarming, disease in its attacks, is seldom fatal when uncomplicated with organic disease of tlhe heart, or with other organic diseases. Notwithstanding frequent and severe paroxysms, patients often live to old age, nor are they more sublject to consumption than others, yet they are not exempt. Treatinent.-We should not only endeavor to relieve the paroxysms but also strive to prevent their return by the persevering use of hlomrcopathic remedies in thle intervals between them. If the paroxysm ha:s been caused by getting cold or exposure, or sud len atmospherical changes, give Aconite once in two hlours, and continue it as long as there is any improvement, then Ipecac once in two hours. If these remedies fail to relieve the paroxysm, give Arsei'cuim once in two hours. If the liscase occurs in a nervous person, a child, or hysterical female, or is caused by mental emo:ions, give Bll'adtonna every hlour; if there is any fever which is not relieved by this remedy, give Acon,.e alternately with it, at i:lt rvals of one hour. Ipecac may be required if the above re nedies fail, or P'ulsatilla if there i.4 much cxpectoration. Give Pulsat;la also when the disease occurs a:fter a suppression of the Imenses from any cause. If this affection is connected withl disease of the heart, give Lachesis every hour, arind if it does not relieve, give Arsenicum. LacAesis will also be found useful in other cases, especially in aged persons. To prevent a return of the p aroxysms, and overcome the predisposition to them, give Sulph/ur anid NIV.ux vom., alternately, at intervals of forty-eight hours. If they fail or lose their effect, Palsatlla and Aroenicumn mly follow, an]l be given in the same manner. HUMID AST:IMA — SpITTING OF BLOOD. 161 HUMID ASTHMA. Ti}is disease commences suddenly, withl a paroxysm of oppressed breathing, with congh, generally in the evening, and is soon followed by the expectoration of a profuse, thin, fiothy liquid, sometimes to the extent of a pint or more. The paroxysm lasts fi'on a few moments to several hours. This variety of asthnla generally occurs in persons of a relaxed habit who have a languid circula' icn. Treahtmet.-Give Arsenicumn every half hour during the paroxys-m, and if it does not soon relieve the symptoms, give Lachesis.'lTo prevent a return of the paroxysms give Arsenicam every night for one week, and Lachesis the next week, and so continue, and follow these remedies with Phosphorus, if necessary. SPITTING OF BLOOD-HEMORRHIAGE FROM TIIE LUNGS. A patient may spit blood without its coming fromn the lungs; it m:ly (lescend from the back paIt of the nostrils into the throat, or it mnav come from the throat itself, and even firom the mouth. Hemnorrhage from the lungs is generally preceded by a sensation of weght, fullness, tightness, sorencss, heat, and oppression, over a part or the whole of the chest, with more or less frequency of pulse, flushing of' the cheeks, and sometimes even chills and fever. A dry cough often precedes the attack. In other cases the hlemorrhage commences without any prernonitory symptoms. Tlce patient may feel a slight tickling in the windpipe or in the bronchia, which causes an inclination to cough, when the blood follows. Sometimes the first sensation the patient has is a warm f celing in the windplipe, which gradually ascends toward the throat, with a salt, sweetish taste, when he simply hawks and raises blood. The blood is generally liquid, florid, and nio'e or less firothy, owing to the admixture of air in the air passages. When- it is thrown off very rapidly in large quantities it is less fiothy. The quantity di-clharged varies from a few d.ops to, 162 SPIrxING OF BL.OOD. several pints; althoucgh generally it is not large. Sometimnes when the bleeding is rapid it is attended x it'l orniting, and you may suppose, at first sight, that the bWood co.les fromn tile stomach, but the dis!urbed respiration, inclination to coughl, and rattling in the air passages, will generally enable you to form a correct opinion. Patients may have a single attack and never hlave a return, but not unfrequently it returns at uncertain intervals, varying firom a few hours to days, months, or years. Hemorrhlagfe fiom the lungs may be caused by external violence, severe exertion in speaking, singing, coughing, violent muscular exertion, tiglht lacing, very cold or hot air, and disease of the heart or lungs. It is frequently caused by tubercles in the lunlgs, and is not an uncommon symptom during the progress of consumption. Treatment. —If the hemnorrhage hnas been cause(t by mechanical injuries, speaking, singing, or violent muscular exertion, give a dose of Arnica every fifteen minutes, until it ceases; then give a dose once in four hours, to prevent a return. If any fever follows give Aconitc every hour between the doses of Arnica. Dose, see page 7. Aconite: Give this remedy in all cases when the hemorrhage has been preceded by a sensation of fullness, heat, oppression of the chest, or palpitation of the heart, and when the flow of blood is copious. In the latter case give Ipecac alternately with Aconite, at intervals of fifteen minutes; as soon as the bleeding ceases lengthen the intervals to one hour. If the patient has been troubled with a severe, dry cough before the attack, give these remedies; and they are especially useful to relieve any febrile symptoms which may follow the attack. PPulsatilla may be given every half hour when, with females, the hemorrhage is connected with a suppression of the menses, and also in other cases when the blood is dark and clo:ted, from escaping slowly and remaining a long time in the air passages. Chiznaz: When the hernorrhage occurs in weak and exhausted subjects, and when it is so profuse as to cause great exhaustion and faintness, give Caina Repeat the dose every fifteen minutes until the symptoms are relieved, then two or three times a day, until the debility is relieved. 164 CONSLMPTtION. contain the nourishing materials, and especial'y the oil, phosphorus, and other mineral ingredients, which the young absolutely require. But there are so many errors in the habits of the Ame,'ican people, which tend to develop this disease, that it would require a volume in which to point them out clearly, and show how to avoid them. Such a treatise is in print, and accessible to all. If you have symptoms of consumption, or fear this disease yourself, or if you would train up 3-our children so that they will not die from it, especialy if they inherit from either parent a tendency to this disease, obtain and carefully read the author's work on the " Avoidable Causes of Disease," and you will there obtain the iuformation you need. You will find the table of contents of that work, and where you can obtain it, at the end of this volume. Symptoms -The immediate cause of the symptoms, is a deposition in the lungs of a substance called tubercle, which somewhat resembles cheese. This is deposited in masses, varying in size irom that of a mustard-seed to the diameter of one or two inches. In some cases the lungs are studded with fine tubercles of the size of a millet-seed, without any large masses, and this is one of the worst forms of the disease, and most difficult to detect. Tubercular masses are found more frequently in the upper pl)otion of the lungs, beneath the collar-bone, than in the lower portions. It is rare that both sides are equally affected, and the disease occurs most frequently on the left side, but not unfrequently on the right. There is a tendency in tubercles to soften, and sooner or later this process is apt to take place; whlen it does the softened tubercle gives rise to irritation and inflammation of the adjoining lung, which results in ulceration with the formation of matter or puis, and an abscess is thus formed containing softened tubercle and matter. At length an opening is formed by ulceration itnto some of the neighboring air tubes or bronchim, and the contents of the abscess are discharged by coughing and raising. When tubercle is first deposited in the lungs, before it b:egins to soften, it often causes a dry hacking cough, with some shortness of breath; when it begins to soften and excite irritation of the lung, it causes chills, fever, and night sweats, or symptoms of hectic fescr, anti an increase of the cough. These symptoms increase untLli the abscess coNSuMPTIoN. 1'05 breaks and its contents are discharged, when they often abate temporarily, or until other tubercular masses begin to go through the same process, when they rceturn again. If there is a very extensive deposition of tubercles in the lungs, a constant softening of different masses may keep up symptoms of hectic fever, night sweats, atnd profuse expectoration, until at last diarrhena or dro,)sical symptoms ensue and the patient is worn out and dies; or perhaps lie may be cut off prematurely by hemorrhage, acute inflammation of the lungs, bronchise or larynx, or perforation of the pleura fiom ulceration, which may allow air to enter and til the sac, and cause the lung to collapse. This acciJent when it occurs produces sudden and great difficulty of breathing, and generally hastens the fatal terminttion. Bult if the tubercular masses are no:: too extensive, by a change of habits and proper medication, we may often prevent a deposition of more tubercles, and those already existing may soften and be discharged and the patient recover; or softeningt may be prevented, and portions of the tubercle be absorbed and carried out of the sy t;l,.n tll:oll the kildneys, skin, bowels or air passages, and the patient rccover, there remaining nothing mnore than tthe earthy part of the tubercle, which may be found after death of a chalky consistency. Such remains of tubercles may exist for malny years and cause little or no trouble. It is not always easy to detect with certainty the existence of tubercles in the lungs, especially if they are very small; but when, as often happens, large masses are situzated near the summit ot the lung beneath the collar-bone, it is less difficult. In examining the chest for signs of disease, always compare the two sides at corresponding points If the upper portion of one of the lungs is ind1urated, or more or less filled up with tuberculous matter, there will be some dullness on percussion on that side, compared with the other. If before softening, you apply your ear beneath the colarbone on the diseased side, you will hear the respiratory murmur less distinctly on that than on the healthy side; and often there is a slight roughness, and even in some cases, jerking, as the air passes through the air passages in the part diseased, and there is a prolongation of the sound as the air passes out in expiration. If you ask the patient to count aloud when your ear is applied, you will 1 6 CONS IMTmION. hear the vibrations of the voice and feel the jars more distinctly on the diseased side, than on the healthy, from the fact that the solid portion of a lung conveys sound and impulse more distinctly than the spongy structure of the healthy lung. When a tuberculous mass has softened and begins to discharge through the bronchim, if the ear is applied over the part, a gurgling sound is often heard as the air enters the cavity, sometimes a cavernous sound, as if blowing into an empty vessel, is heard. When the cavity is nearly or quite empty, if the ear is applied while the patient speaks, it will sound as if the voice came directly from the part; and there will be less dullness on percussion than before the discharge of the contents of the abscess. It is only in a few well-marked cases that the unpractised ear is able to detect this disease with much certainty by an examination of the chest. If you find a patient with a short hacking cough, or a more severe cough, with some frequency of breathing, and the pulse beats constantly one hundred a minute, or more frequently, and these symptoms have been gradually coming on for several weeks or months, you have reason to fear the existence of this disease. The occurrence of hemorrhage during the existence of such symptoms, will be another suspicious circumstance. The average duration of tubercular consumption is firom one to three years, although patients sometimes die within from three to four months, whereas in other instances, they have been known to linger for twenty or thirty years. This disease is most frequent between the ages of fifteen and thirty, although it sometimes occurs during childhood, and not unfrequently after the thirtieth year. It is more common with females than with males, and, as a general rule, it commences earlier with the former than with the latter, and runs a more rapid course. Treatme7tt.-The first and great object of treatment should be to check the further deposition of tuberculous matter. In a domestic work like this, little more can be done than to throw out a few hints. If the consumptive patient would obtain all the information he needs, let him read the author's work on the " Avoidable Causes of Disease," to which reference has been already made. Sunlight: Let the naked body be exposed to the sunshine in a comfortable temperature, in a room or in the open air, for at least CONSUM'TION. 167 one half-hour every pleasant day; at the same time rub the body all over wsith the dry hand or a dry towel, and gently percums or strike over the chest and shoulders with the palm of the hand or fist. Also let the patient work in the sunlight, and sit in it-excep:inc when the weather is very hot-also let him ride and walk in the sunshine all he is able to; and let him never sit in a room where the sun does not shine, nor sleep in a room where it has not shone all day, if it can possibly be avoided. I am satisfied that sunlight is all-important for consumptive patients. Air and Exercise: Time patient should live in the open air during daylight, whether the weather be cold or warm, wet or dry — always well protected by proper clothing. Active employment out-doors, such as will busy the body and satisfy the mind, is always best; next to this, horseback riding, riding in an open carriage, over rough roads, ball-playing, skating, &c., and Nwalking and dancing, will do very well. The patient should never overexert himself, but should, every day, without fail, exercise to the full extent of his ability. I-Ie must always stand, sit, and rile erect, and never stoop over: and he should frequently throw back his shoulders, put his hands upon his hips, and draw in a full breath, and then contract the upper portion of the windpipe, and allow it to escape as slowly as possible, but still forcing it out with the abdominal and chest muscles. After doing this for a few times, draw in a full breath, and expel it gently, but somewhat rapidly, to the utmost extent, once or twice. If the the patient is already so debilitated as not to be able to leave his room, or sit uip, let an assistant commence by exercising his arms and legs, bend and extend them, turn them from side to side, and rotate them; as the patient gains strength let him resist slightly, and so continue until he is able to exercise himself. Diet. —Let the chief articles of food be milk and bread, the the latter made from canel and shorts, or the second and third runnings, which contain, in excess, the mineral ingredients, and the oil which such patients require; cream and baked potatoes, fat beef and fat mutton, if the stomach will digest them; and moderately of fruits and vegetables. If possible, as soon as a patient nas reason to fear from his 168 CONSUMPTION. symptoms, the commencement of this disease, he should consult a skilful homcmopathic physician, and be sure and consult one who has the time and patience to spend an hour or two in making a thorcugh physical examintation of the chest, and in making careful inquiries into the history of the case; for if the physician does not do this he cannot make a prescription which will be likely to benefit the patient. Everything depends on the selection of the right remedy, and then holding on to it until it has had time to exert its curative action. Lycopodium: Thi3 remedy is perhaps more frequently required in the early stage than any other, especially when there is a short dry cough, caused by a tickling in the chest or in the lower part of the windpipe, and when there is a dry cough day and night, with wheezing, and if deep breathing causes irritation and cough. Also later in the disease, when there is a loose cough, with a sore or raw-sensation in the chest, and a salt, Erayisll, mwhite, or yellowish expectoration. Give a dose every night until improvement commences, and then give a dose once a week and continue it as long, as there is any improvement. Dose of this or other remedies, see page 7. Sulphur is the chief remedy in all cases where patients have been troubled with chronic eruptive diseases; and if such eruptions have disappeared on the appearance of disease of the lungs, this'will be another indication for Sul7phur. Also give it when there is a short dry cough with soreness, and a sensation of fullness of the chest, and aggravation of the symptomns in cold damp weather. This remedy will sometimes be found useful late in the disease, when there is a copious, thick, whitish, or yellowish expectoration. When Sulphur seems indicated, give one dose every night for three nights, and then omit it for a week, and if at thQ end of that time there is any improvement, give nothing as long as it lasts, after which Sulphur may be repeated again. If there is no change for the better, give some other remedy; generally Calcarea carb. should follow Sulphur. Cclcarea carb. is especially adapted to young persons who have been subject to bleeding from the nose, and young females who have been troubled with profuse menstruation; also when the pa DISEASES OF TfIE HIEAlT —PERIICARDITIS. 169 tient is of a full habit, and there is a suppression of the menses. It is also indicated at any age when there is a violent dry cough, with tickling as if from feather dust in the air passages. It often follows'Sulphur to advantage, when the expectoration becomes profuse and whitish, or yellow, during the softening of tuberculous masses. Give a dose every night. Lycopodium is often required after Calcarea carb. Phosphorus: Give this remedy early in the disease, when there is a short dry cough from tickling in the chest, which is aggravated by laughing, talking, or walking in the open air, and still later in the disease, when there is a loose cough and a sore feeling in the chest, tightness, shortness of breath, saltish, purulent expectoration morning and evening, hectic fever, night sweats, and a debilitatinc diarrhoea. Give a dose every night. Avoid changing your remedies as long as there is any improvement, even though it. is slow. If you change frequently you will get no benefit from any renedy. If acute inflammation of the lungs, pleurisy, bronchitis, laryngitis, hemorrhage, or diarrhmea, occurs during the progress of consumption, consult the section on that disease, and give the remedies as there directed, but as soon as the acute symptoms are removed, return to the proper remedy for this disease. In addition to the above remedies, if they fail to cure, you can consult those under the head of chronic bronchitis. DISEASES OF THE HEART. It is more difficult to detect, with certainty, affections of the heart, than almost any other class of diseases, and even physicians of long experience are sometimes mistaken. PErRrCARDITIS.-Inflammation of the smooth membrane which covers thle external surface of the heart, and then surrounds the heart, except at its base, in the form of a sack-sometimes denominated the heart-case, is called pericarditis. This disease more friequently results from acute rheumatism affecting this membrane, than from any other cause, although it may arise from exposure, sudden changes of temperature, and other causes of acute diseases. 8 170 PERICARDIrnmS. It sometimes occurs during recovery from scarlet fever and erysipelals. It is more common in early than in advanced life, and men are more subject to it than womnen. Sl.nmitoms. —The attack usually commences with chills, fo'lowed by fever; but sometimes there is a great faintness, instead of e(hills, followed by fever. The pulse, at the commencement of the fever, may be full and strong, and beating from 110 to 120 in a minute, but ais tile disease advances it often becomes very irregular, beating rapidly for a few strokes, then slowly; and sometimes it is intermittent. In dangerous cases it becomes very small, so as scarcely to be felt, even when the heart is acting violently. There may be little or no pain, but simply a feeling of tightness, weight, burning, or pressure, in the region of the heart. In other cases there are sharp pains, which may extend through to the left shoulder, and even down the left arm. There is difficulty of breathing or speakirg, and the patient is often compelled to sit up with his body leaning forward. Respiration is frequent, palpitation of the heart is often violent, and sometimes there is hiccough; these symptoms are often worse during the nig yht, and occur in paroxysms. In severe cases there is great restlessness, with an anxious countenance, headache, disturbed sleep, frightful dreams, perhaps delirium, and great prostration. If the ear is applied over the heart, at the very commencement there can sometimes be heard a friction sound, caused by the rubbing of two roughened surfaces of membrane together; but this is of short duration, for in the course of a day or two a watery fluid is effused into the sac, which separates its two inflamed surfaces. IWhen the quantity of fluid becomes considerable, the sounds of the heart become diminishel and apparently distant, in consequence of the intervening fluid. If the hand is applied over the heart, its impulse often seems to be lessened, and sometimes there is an undulatory or wave-like motion felt, which may even be visible to the eye, caused by the action of the heart in the fluid. Sometimes, on applying the car over the heart, there is a kind of churninrg sotlnd heard. If thle patient recovers, as the fluid in the pe:icardium is absorbed, so that the two surfaces of the membrane come togethler, coverled as they are by more or less lymph which was poured out witch the trE ACArITm. 11.I serum or watery fluid, the friction sound may ogain be heard, but generally for a temporary period, for the two surfaces soon adhere, unless they have been very long separated, and such adhesions are frequently found after patients have died from other diseases. Pericarditis sometimes terminates fatally within fortyeight hours, but more frequently, when patients die, it is not until tlhe end of from five to ten days, sometimes several weeks. If the patient recovers, the disease generally begins to yield within a few dais, the cftused fluid is gradually absorbed, and the symptoms disappear. The prognosis is generally favorable when the disease is promptly treated by the use of homceopathic remedies. Symptoms of Chronic Pericarditis.-This form of the disease may result from the acute. There may be dull pain in the region of the heart, which may extend to the left shoulder, or arm, or but little or no pain, simply oppression, tightness, or weight, with shortness of breath, perhaps difficulty of ly3ing down, and frequent feeble and often irregular pulse. There is dullness on percussion, and absence of the respiratory sounds to a greater distance than during health, owing to the distension of the pericardium, with fluid and other signs, similar to those which have been described as occurring in the acute disease; sometimes there is fullness in the region of the heart. The face is usually pale and puffy, the lips purplish; swelling of the extremities, and symptoms of hectic fever may ensue. The disease may not confine the patient to his bed, or even to his house, and he may be better for days and months, and finally rcoover or die. Death often occurs suddenly in such cases. Treatment of Pericarditis.-Aconite is the most important remedy in all acute cases, where there are any chills, faintness, or fever, and this remedy should be given every hour, and it is very important that it be not discontinued so long as there is the slightest fever, or heat of skin, even over the body, for you must bear in mind that there is a tendency in this disease, to great debility, coldness of the extremities, -andl small pulse, even while the inflammation is unchecked. If any other remedy seems to be indicated, it is better to give it alternately with Aconzte than to discontinue that remedy. Read under the head of Bryouia. 172 tERICARDITIS. Dose of this or other remedies, see page 7..Byonia: After continuing Aconite for from. twelve or twentyfour hours, until the febrile symptoms are somewhat arnmeliorated, give a dose of lBrgonia once in four hours, and Aconite every hour between the doses. Not only is Bryonia useful when the disease is caused by exposure and sudden atmospheric changes, but it is especially useful when the disease has a rheumatic origin. The above remedies should generally be continued several days, especially if the patient gets no worse, until the heat, even over the body, has been entirely relieved, when Sultphur should follow, either alone or alternately with Bryonia, at intervals of two hours. But if, instead of improving, the symptoms get worse, Arsenlicumn will generally be required. Arsenicurn may be given when, notiwithstanding the use of the above remedies, the patient becomes very weak, the pulse small, frequent or irregular, the extremities coll, and if there is great tightness, weight, and difficulty of breathing, and inability to lie down, with great anxiety of countenance. Belladonna: When at the commencement of the disease the pains are shooting and darting, extending through to tile shoulder, perhaps down the arm, give this remedy alternately with Aconite, at intervals of one half-hour until the pains are somewhat relieved, then give Bryonia and Aconite, as directed under the head of Br'yonia. In case there is violent headache, great restlessness, or delirium, a few doses of this remedy may be given at any time In cases where- this disease is complicated with rheumatism, if Aconite and Br-yonia fail to relieve the symptoms, give Rhus lox. instead of Bryonia. Treatrzent of Chronic Pericarditis. —If an acute attack lingers, *and threatens to become chronic, and the above remedies do not relieve the symptoms, give Cannabis once in tNwo hours during the forenoon, and Sulphur once in four hours during the afternoon and evening. If, under such circumstances, the disease is associated with rheumatism, give /lhus tox. and Sulphur in the same manner. The above remedies are also useful in the chronic form of the disease. If they do not cure in either the acute or chronic form of the disease, give Arsenicurn. once in Jix hours. ENDOCARDITIS. 173 General Measures.-At the commencement of an attack of acute pericarditis, apply over the heart a towel wrung from cold water, and over that four or five thicknesses of dry flannel; confine the whole to its place by a bandage around the body; wet the towel once in six hours. If, notwithstanding this application and the use of the remedies, the sympto(ms get worse, omit the cold cloths, and make hot applications-cloths wrung from hot water. The diet should be light at first, but if symptoms of great prostration ensue, give milk-and-water, mutton or chicken broth, or let the patient chew beef-steak. ENDOCARDITIS. (INFLAMMATION OF THE LINING MEMBRANE OF TIlE HEART.) Rheumatism is by far the most frequent cause of this affection, although it may arise from exposure and other causes of acute diseases. The general symptoms are very similar to those of pericarditis. Chills, followed by fever, uneasiness and oppression, a frequent, and at length a small and perhaps irregular pulse, great debility, faintnes, and in severe cases, paleness and lividity of the surface, cold sweats and extreme anxiety, with. in desperate cases, symptoms of impending suffocation, are among the symptoms of this disease. There is generally little or no pain. On applying the ear over the heart we hear a sound somewhat similar to that caused by the passage of wind out of a bellows, therefore it is called the bellows murmur. It is generally soft at the commencement of the disease, but may become more or less rough. When we hear this sound in connection with the above symptoms, especially fever or rheumatism, we may be reasonably certain that the patient is suffering from the disease under consideration. But it will be well to bear in mind that in case of nervous and debilitated females especially, when the blood is thin and watery, and the face pale, we may have a similar sound without any disease of' the heart, and without fever. Illflarnlation of the substance of the heart itself is very rare, 174 CHRONIC VALVTLAR DISEASE OF THE HEART. except when it accompanies inflammation of its lining or external membranes, and there are no symptoms by which it can be detected if it exists. Treatment of En!ocarditis.-The treatment is very similar to that which has been recommended for pericarditis; make the same external applications, and follow the same directions as to diet. At the commencement of the disease give Aconite and Belladonna alternately at intervals of one hour. If the symptoms are not soon relieved give Bryonia once in four hours and Aconite every hour between. If the disease has been caused by rheumatism, and the above remedies do not relieve it within two days, give Rius tox., once in two hours. If there is much fever remaining, give a dose of Aconite between the doses of Rhlus. If the patient is a female, and has never been troubled with rheumatism, after giving Aconite every hour for twelve hours, give Pulsatilla once in two hours. A rsenicum should generally follow the above remledies as soon as the acute symptoms are relieved. Give a dose once in four hours. If great prostration ensues at any time, with symptoms of threatening suffocation, small or irregular pulse and cold extremities, give Arsenicurn every hour, and if at the end of twelve hours there is no improvement, give Lacl/esis at intervals of one hour, and beef-tea, or mutton-broth, and milk and-water for drink; let the patient if able, chew beef-steak, and swallow all but the fibrous parts. CHRONIC VALVULAR DISEASE OF THE HEART. IHYPERTROPLHY AND DILATATION. From-. slow or chronic inflammation, the valves of the heart sometimes become thickened, indurated, and in some instances even bony, especially during advanced life. When such a change takes place, more or less mechanical obstruction is offered to the circulation of the blood through the heart. If the progress of the disease can be arrested before the obstruction becomes too great, the patient may continue to enjoy good health to old age; but if the degeneration increases, it gives rise to a train of symptoms CHRONIC VALVULAR DISEASE OF THE HEART. 175 which sooner or later terminates in death; among which are the following: enlargement of the heart, dilatation of this organ, cough, spitting of blood, difficulty of breathing, congestion and inflanimation of the lungs, dropsy of the chest, pale or livid face, swelling of the extremities, hemorrhage fioro different organ-s, nausea and vomiting, bilious derangements, drowsiness, and even apoplexy. When the disease is on the left side of the heart, the pulse is apt to be small, weak, and irregular, and sometimes it is jerking, being at first quick and strong, but rapidly rapidly receding s it were from the fingers, caused by the backward current of tile blood through the imperfectly closed valves of the aorta. Disease of the valves of the right side of the heart has very little effect on the pulse. If we apply the ear over the heart we generally hear: sound similar to the bellows murmur, described under the lhead of endocarditis, but generally rougher and harsher, sometimes like the sound of a rasp or file. The sound, when heard most distinctly at the apex of' the heart, which lies about one inch to the right and a little below the left nipple, often resembles the whispered word " who." If it is heard most distinctly above the base of tile heart and in the direction of thle large arteries which pass firom the heart, if near the upper portion and toward the riglht side of the breast-bone, in the direction of the aorta, or large artery which cormes of firom tile heart and through which the blood passes to every pal t of the system, the sound often resembles the whispercd letter R; whereas if the sound is most distinctly heard near the upper portion of the breast-bone, toward the left, in the direction of the pulmonary artery which conveys the blood to tile lungs, it often resembles the whispered letter S. We not untfrcquently hear a sound over the heart very closely reselnbling a valvular mulrmur, which is simply a friction sound, and results from inflammation of tile pericardium; but this sound is often heard d(tstinctly over the entire heart, although sometimes it is mucth nmore circumscribed than the sounds which result from valvular disease, and occasionally cannot be heard over a space larger than a siingle square inch, and it is mnore superficial, and increased by pressing the ear firmly against the chest; still this sound is not unfrequently mistaken for that of valvular disease, even by physicians. 31 76 ENLARGEMENT OF THE HEART. We occasionally have enlargement or hypertrophy of the heart. This affection may be caused by valvular disease, or it may exist without such disease; the same is true of dilatation of the heart. In hypertroplly the impulse, or stroke which is felt on applying the hand or ear over the heart during its pulsations, is much stronlger than in health, and may be felt over a somewhat larger extent of the chest, but the sounds of the heart are generally less distinct than when there is dilatation. On the contrary, when there is dilatation, although the impulse is felt over a large space, it is soft and neither forcible nor heaving; and the sounds of the heart are loud and clear, and heard over a larger portion of the chest than in hypertrophy. But it requires a nice ear and much experience to detect with much certainty these chronic diseases of the heart, for we may have nervous aff:ctions so perfectly simulating them that physicians are often deceived. I have known patients who were told by more than one physician that they had incurable disease of the heart, and that they were liable to die any moment, when there was no disease. Nervous palpitation, and nervous pains about the heart, are often quite as severe as occur in any case of organic disease. In nervous females especially, when the countenance is pale and the blood is watery,'we often have bellows murmurs, similar to those of organic disease, but generally less constant, and without roughness. Bear in mind that organic disease of the heart is exceedingly rare in young persons, except when caused by rheumatism, and even then, if recent, it is simply rheumatic inflammation, which can generally be cured. If mental emotions seriously increase the symptoms, the disease is generally simply nervous, especially if such emotions produce a greater effect on the symptoms than active exercise. Treatment. —The remedies recommended for pericardlitis and endocalditis, are the chief remedies for the various organic ati;'ctions just described. If the disease has been causedl by rheu matism, B,'yonia and Rhus tox. are often useful, long after the active rheumatic symptoms have disappear-d. SaulpAur may follow the above remedies, and be continued as long as there is any improvement; afterward give Arsenicaum. When there is violent palpitation with strong impulse, give Nua ANGINA PECTORIS. 177 yornica at night and Arsen;icun in the morning; and even when the impulse is feeble, or yoil far valvular disease, these are valuable remedies; Pulsatilla andl Po/lsporus may be given in the same manner. Llchesis and Belladonna are also valuable remedies. If dropsical symptoms occur, give Arsetoicum once in six hours, and if it fails to relieve, give Apis mel. once in two hours and consult the section on dropsy: but the use of the remedies named above, especially Arsenicum, will tend to prevent such symptoms. For palpitation of the heart in nervous or hysterical individuals, if a female, give Pulsatilla, if a male, give iVux vomica; if one does not relieve give the other, in either case. Give a dose every hour until the symptoms are relieved, and then once a day to prevent a return. Chamomilla, Belladonna, and Coffea, are often useful. If the palpitation is caused by fright, give Opium or Confea; if by fear, and the above remedies do not relieve, give Veratrzan. If caused by sudden joy, give Aconite or Coffea. If by chagrin, give Ch/amo'nilla, Ignatia, or Nux vrolica. If it occurs after the loss of blood, or other fluids, such as results in diarrhoea, leucorrhcea, and seminal emissions, give Cidna two or three times a day. ANGINA PECTORIS. This is a nervous or neuralgic disease. It rarely attacks individuals under forty years of age, and it is more frequent with men than women. The indolent, corpulent, intemperate, gouty, and rheumatic subjects are more liable to it than others. Symptomns.-This disease is characterized by severe paroxysms of pain, generally shooting pains, in the region of the heart, extend, ing through toward the back and into the left shoulder, sometimes flown the arm, with a sensation of numbness, and lasting from fifteen minutes to an hour. At first the paroxysms may only return at intervals of months, but gradually, if not checked by treatment, they are apt to become more frequent, perhaps occurring two or three times a day, or after the slightest exertion or mental excitement. They frequently occur after the first sleep at night. There is generally oppression of breathing and palpitation of the 8* 17 8 INTERI1MITTENT PULSE. heart, with sometimes a strong and filll pulse; in other cases it is weak and irregular. The paroxysins differ much in severity in different cases; and even the pains are sometimes dull and aching, with a sensation of numbness, instead of sharp and acute. The paroxysms sometimes end in fainting, or in convulsions. Treatmnnt.-Dulring the attack if the patient is of a full habit, and even if he is not, give Aconite, and if in fifteen minutes the symptoms are not relieved, give Belladonna. If these remedies do not relieve the symptoms soon, give Nux vomica. To prevent a return of the paroxysms give Nttx vomica at night and Arsenicum in the morning; at the end of a month lengthen the intervals between the doses to two or three days. If the paroxysms occur at night, after sleeping, give Laclhesis at night instead of Nux vomica. Pulsatilla and Ignatia iwill sometimes be found useful in obstinate cases. The patient must not use tobacco when troubled with this disease, or any affection of the heart, if he wishes to recover. Nor should he use tea or coffee. The diet should be light, easily digested and nourishing, but plain. INTERMITTENT PULSE. Persons otherwise in the enjoyment of pretty good health, sometimes find that their pulse intermits, or skips a beat occasionally, and are often very much alarmed. This irregularity of the pulse is perhaps more frequently caused by indigestion or dyspepsia than by any other cause, and is rarely an alarming symptom, but it should be enough so to induce a man to quit tobacco if he is using it, and also green tea. Treatment.-Gi-ve Nux vomica at night and Natrum muriaticum in the morning. Be careful in regard to diet, and direct regular exercise. Gradually lengthen the intervals between the doses of the above remedies to three or four days. FAINTING OR SWOONING. 179 FAINTING OR SWOONING (SYNCOPE). This affection is characterized by a loss of consciousness, diminution, and perhaps in some instances a temporary cessation of the heart's action, with a more or less complete suspension of respiration. It sometimes occurs suddenly, in other instances it is preceded by clouded or deranged vision, mental confusion, nausea, sinking at the stomach, weak pulse, and paleness. Such symptoms sometimes pass off without loss of consciousness, but in other instances they increase until the fainting becomes complete, when the countenance is deadly pale and sunken, the surface of the body cool, the pulse absent or nearly so at the wrist, the breathing suspended, and consciousness gone. In some instances the uwine and contents of the bowels pass off involuntarily. The durat on of this state may be but for a few seconds or minutes, but in rare instances it may extend to hours, and even days, and yet the patient recover. Death occasionally results, especially when the fainting occurs from the loss of blood, or after an acute disease, or when there is organic disease of the heart. This disease may be caused by the loss of blood, debilitating discharges, nauseating medicines, tobacco, and other narcotics, depressing mental emotions, unpleasant sighlts, severe pain, drinking cold water when thle body is hot, and by suddenly assuming the sitting or erect posture when the body has been debilitated by disease, the loss of blood or other fluids. Treatment -Always immediately place the patient in a horizontal position, with his head as low or even lower than the body. If you leave the patient sitting up, or even with a pillow under his head he may die. If he is sitting in a chair, tip him right over back in his chair, or lay him on the floor if no bed or lounge is at hand. Remove everything tight from around the neck and body. Dash a handful of cold water over the face, neck, and chest, wipe it off and dash on more, rub the limbs with your hands and slap the surface of the skin with tLe open hand. Let the patient smell of Camphor, and give a drop of it in a few drops of water. Admit fiesh air freely. If the fainting results fromn a loss of blood, or 180 FAINTING OI SWOONING. from the loss of other fluids, give China two or three times a day until strength is restored. Carbo veg. and Nux vomica are also useful in such cases. When caused by fright, fear, grief, or other mental emotions, and Camphor does not relieve the symptoms, give Ignatia or Coffea. If, when the disease has been caused by mental emotions, there is faintness during every attempt to raise the head, give, Opiun, once in six hours, afterwards Aconite, if it is needed. If it is caused by violent pain, give Aconite or Chamomilla. GOITRE-BRONCHOCELE. This is an enlargement of the thyroid gland, which causes a swelling on the lower part of the neck, in front, just above the breastbone. The gland lies upon both sides of the trachea or windpipe; the two sides connecting by a thin portion, or bridge, extending over the latter organ. The.enlargement may involve the whole gland, or it may be confined to one side, or even to the connecting portion in front of the windpipe. The cause or causes of this disease are unknown. Treatment.-Give a dose of Spongia every night, and continue it for two or three months; rub hard and press the swelling frequently. If the above does not cure it, obtain at a Homoeopathic Pharmacy, or at a Druggist's, one grain of Iodine and two grains of Iodide of Potassa, and dissolve them in one ounce of water, and give one drop of the solution in water, or on sugar, night and morning. Also obtain one drachm of Iodide of Potassa, and dissolve it in a pint of water, and every night wet a few thicknesses of cotton or linen cloth in it, and lay over the swelling, then cover well with dry flannel. Dr. E. R. Ellis, of Detroit, formerly a student of the author's, reports having cured several cases of Goitre by means of mechanical pressure. For this purpose an elastic band or rubber, of from one-half to two and a half inches in width, is passed around the neck and over the swelling, and gradually tightened, but only to a degree that will neither render it uncomfortable nor cause fulness of the head. CHAPTER V. DISEASES OF TIIE DIGESTIVE ORGANS. DISEASES Of the rrouth, teeth, andl throat, will hbe considered first, with the exception of the thrush, which will be left for the chapter on diseases of children. CANKER OF THE M/IOUTH (CANCiRUM OeITS). Withl many individuals, while in comparative good hlealth, occas;onally a sligcht roughness and soreness will appear on tlle inside of the checks, on the gums, or on or beneath the tongue, followed by a small ulcer or two in the course of twenty-fotr hlours. This is a slight disease, and of little consequence. A (lose of fercurius viv. two or three times a day will generally suffice to cure it soon; and thle alternate use of Ml]ercuriztls viv. and Sulphur, once or twice a weck will tend to prevent a return of the ulcers. lut the disease denominated cancrum oris, is a much more formidable and troublesome affection. It, generally attacks children or young persols, and mniost fiequently tllose who are ill-fed anlld lixe in damp and dark lhabitations. It is therefore found airong the rich who feed their clildren en the miserable bread which superfine flour malkes, and keep them in dark-curtained or shaded rooms; an(d also among, the poor, such as lack proper food, and live in dark cellars and hovels. Sympctomls.-The mucous membrane covering the sides of the tongue, and insidle of the cheeks, becomes red and inflamed, and afterwards covered % ith large, ulcers, which may exteiid so as to cover both si(les of the tongue, from near the tip to its roots, and also the in-ide of the cheeks. Tile tongue becomes swollen, showing upon its sides indentations caused by the teeth; there is a pro 182 NURSnED- SORIE MOUTH. fuse secretion of saliva or spittle, the breath is offensive, and eatina and swallowing difficult; gradual emaciation ensues. This disease may last for weeks or months if not properly treated, and even cause death. Treatnent.-First of all the child requires fresh air and sunlight, and next suitable food, milk thickened with coarse flour (the second and third runnings), a thin pudding made of the same, beef-tea, mashed potatoes, and, as soon as the patient can chew it. beef or mutton..Mrcurius viv.: This is perhaps the most important remedy, and a dose may be given once in six hours. Nux vom.: If.7Iercurius fails, in the course of a few days, to cause an imps:ovement of the symptoms, give Nux von. alternately with it three hours apart; and these remedies should be continued at least ten days or two weeks, unless the symptoms get worse under their use. Arsenicurn may follow the above remedies if necessary, or it may take the place of them at the commencement of the treatment, when there is much burning pain and the breath is very offensive. Give a dose once in six hours, and continue it as long as any improvement follows. Carbo veg. may be given after Arseni-curn if necessary. tlepar sulph. is sometimes useful, especially if the patient has ever been salivated, or taken large doses of calomel or blue pills. If the above remedies do not cure the disease, get at a druggist's one grain of Iodine and two grains of lodde of potassium, put both into an ounce bottle of water and drop three drops of the solution thus formed, into a glass of Bwater and give a teaspoonful from the glass to the patient once in six hlours. Washes are of very little use, and aside from washing the mouth frequently with tepid water, it is better to shun them. NURSING SORE MOUTH. A peculiar form of sore mouth frequently attacks females, either during nursing, or during the latter months of pregnancy. It commences with bright redness of the edges, upper and under sur NURSING SORE MOUTH. 18-3 face of the tongue, and inner surface of the cheeks, which gradually extends to the thro'at, -with a burning, smarting, and sore sensation. All hot or stimulating subs'ances, salt, and acids, taken into the mouth, aggravate the sufferings. After a few days, small whitish vesicles or prnples make their appearance on the edges of the tongue or beneath it, which may after a ti:te degenerate into ulcers. If the disease is not checked, it gradually extends to the stomach, and there is burning at the stomach and tenderness, with perhaps nausea and vomiting; and at last the same burning sensation extends to the bowels, and exlhau.;sting diarrhoea takes the place of the costiveness which existed while the disease was confined to the stomach. The blood becomes watery and the countenance pale, a hoarse loose cough sometimes sets in, and the vital powers are gradually exhausted, and the patient dies if not rescued by treatment. Trealment. —At the commencement of thle disease, whlile it is confined to the mouth, give Belladonna once in two hours, but if it involves the mouth and stomach, before there is diairrhcca, give'Belladonna alternately with Nux vonzica two hours apart. These remedies will rarely fail to relieve at this stage. The disease is one of debility, ttherefore give meat and a nourishing diet. If ulcers make their appearance, and the above remedies do not relieve them, give Ariercurius viv. once in two hours. If the burning extends to the bowels, and a diarrhlea ensues, give MHercurius; if at the end of two or three days there is no relief, give Suliphtr once in two hlours, and continue it as long as there is any improvement. If these remedies fail to relieve, give Arsenicum once in two hours. If there is acid vomiting with diarrhoea, Pulsatilla is sometimes useful. When there is great debility with diarrhcea, Cidna alternately with Arsenicurn two hours apart, will often benefit the patient. Call on a homceopathic physician. Weaning the child will generally cure the disease if it is not de. layed too long; but it can generally be cured by hornmceopathic remedies without weaning, but not always without too great a risk. 184 INFLAMMATION OF THE MOUTH. SALIVATION. (MERCURIAL INFLAMMIATION OF THE3 MOU'rH) This disease may be caused by calornel, blue pills. o01 any of the p:reparations of mercury, whi n they are given in la:,ge doses. It may also be caused by rubbing mercurial ointment on the external surface of the body. S:lnptoms.-SIettallic or coppery taste, increased flow of saliva, swelling of the gums, and soreness when pressed, and tendeI'ne-s of the teeth when striking them together, are among the first symptoms. Then follows stiffnless about the jaw., and the teeth feel elongated, and the gums, palate, tongue, glands beneath the ears and jaws, become swollen an I painful. There is fireqiuently toothache, pains in the jaws, ulcers on the inner surfacet of the chleeks, or on the lips, throat, and gums. Tile teeth become loose, and sometimnes there is sloughing and exposure of the jaw. Treatment.-Give lclpar sulpzh. once in three or four hours. If there is much pain give Belladonna alternately with it two hours apart. Sulp]hur may follow the above remedies, and may be given two or three times a day. Tihfs remedy and Ilepar supl7A. are the Imost important remedies to cure the chronic effects which often follow the abuse of mercury. For this purpose give one evely niglht for a week, then the other, and change every week. N:ittric aci;d is also a valuable remedy to counteract the poisonous action of mercury. It may be given once in six hours. It may be given instead of Ilear It tlhe commencement of the attack if no improvement follows the use of the latter remedy. GANGRENOUS INFLAMMIATION OF THE IOUTII. This is not a very frequent disease, and generally, but not always, occurs durinrg childhoodl, and when tile system is debilitated by bad air, unwholesome food, or by sonle febrile or inflammatory disease, such as typhoid fever, measles, inflammation of the lungs, dysentery, &c. GANGRENOUS INTFLAIMIA.TION OF THE MOUTH. 185 Synptoms. —It attacks the inside of the cheeks, lips, or gums. If the cheek or lip is attacke!l, the first sympto-n generally noticed is a white swelling on the external surface of the cheek, generally near the angle of the mouth, or on the lip, which looks as thlough th- p art had been varnished. If when this swelling is,oticed the inside of the cheek or lip is examined, there will be found a grayish or ash-colored spot opposite the swelling, which is the beginnina of,angrene. If this disease is not checked soon, the mortificati;mn extends more or less rapidly through the cheek or lip, until a d(ark spot appears upon the external surface, which spreads rapidly until much of the cheek is destroyed, or the patient (ties. If the dlisealse commences on the gums it is generally between the lower front teeth, although it may commence at other points, over the upper or lower jaw, and the ash-colored spot appears on the gums, preceded by slight swelling, and the disease soon penetrates the bony structure, and if the patient lives, portions of the jawbone, and more or less of the teeth, die, and after a time are separated from tlhe living structure, often causing much deformity. The disease is not painful, and there is very little soreness. There is sometimes sligllt febrile excitement as the gangrene progresses, and diarrhoea is apt to supervene, followed by great debility, cold extremities, and death. T'eatment. —My experience has satisfied me that it will not generally do to rely entirely on internal remedies, in the treatment of this disease. We must apply locally a homvcopathic remedy of sufficient strength to change the diseased action in the part, or serious deformity, if not death, will be very likely to result. Touch the gray or ash-colored spot on the inside of the cheek or lip, or on the gums, with a stick of Nitrate of eilrer, bring it in contact with tihe entire (lead surface, and touch lightly the healthy surface for t lie eighth of an inch around the diseased part; then let the pAint rin:e his mouth with warm water. Repeat the application if necessary once at the end of twenty-four hours. Sulpl)ate of copper or Blue vitriol, will do quite as well as Nitrate of silver. Dissolve a piece as large as a small pea in a teaspoonful of warm water in a cup, and with a feather wash the diseased mucous membrane twice a day, until the progress of the disease is checked. 186 INFLAMMATION OF THE TON'GUE. Give at the same time internally, the following remedies. Alternate Carbc, veg. and China two hours apart. If, liotwithstanding the above remedies, the disease is not soon checked, o0pecially if diarrhcea commences, give AT-senicul instead of Carbo veg. The diet should be as nourishing as the stomachl wi'l bear, similar to that which was directed under the head of canker of the mouth; especially milk and beef-tea. INFLAMMATION OF THE TONGUE (GLOSSITIS). There are two forms of inflammation of the tongue, one superficitl, and the other deep-seated. It is not uncommon, especially in children and young persons, to have an inflammation of the mucous membrane of the upper surface, edges, and end cf the tongue, with intense redness, great sorcness, and a profuse flow of saliva. Little white points or vesicles soon make their appearance, which form ulcers after a day or two. The disease is attended with a high fever, which is often mistaken for an attack of typhoid fever. Nux vom. is the chief remedy for the disease described above, and the fever which attends it. Give it dissolved in water once in two hours, and a dose of _Mercurius night and morlning. If at the end of two days the disease is not almost curel: g've A rsenicuin night and morning instead of Mercurius, and continue the Nux t'omica. Inflammation of the substance of the tongue is a rare, but more serious disease. It may be caused by mechanical injuries, the sting of insects, chemical agent3, exposure, &c. The disease may involve but a part, or the whole of the tongue; generally if it commences in a part, the whole organ soon becomes red, swollen, and painful, and sometimes so much enlarged as to fill the entire mouth, and project beyond the teeth and lips. It may even press backwards so as to seriously obstruct respiration, and cause d.anger of suf.'ocation. Spealking and swallowving become difficult, tle tongue becomes dry upon the surface, or moist and coveredl with a thick fur. Ganarene occasionally results; sometimes matter!folrms, but generally the disease is cured without either. The inflammation MUMPS. 1.87 is atttnded with a ligh faver during its first stage; but later if respiration is obstructed, or the disease tends to gangrene, the pulse becomes small and irregular and the extremities cold. Treatment. — If the disease has arisen from a mechanical injury, Arnica mny be given internally and applied to the organ. One drop of the tincture in a glass of water, of which give a tablespoonful for a dose; but for a wash, one half a teaspoonful of the tincture may be put into a teacupful of water. Aconkie: This remedy may be given alternately with Arnica when the fever is high, or the skin hot and the pulse full..Mercurius viv. is generally the most important remedy when the disease hlns neither been caused by mechanical injuries nor by taking mercury in large doses. If there is much fever, give it alternately with Aconite, one hour apart; and if at the end of twelve hours the patient is not better, give Belladonna alternately with Mercurius viv. instead of Aconite. If the above remedies do not check the disease, but the tongue becomes dark, black, or greenish, give Lachesis every hour, and if it does not relieve the symptoms soon, give Arsenicurn alternately with it one hour apart. If symptoms of suffocation occur, and they are not promptly relieved by your remedies, send immefdiately for a physician; if you cannot get a homoeopathic physician, send for an allopathist, for it may be necessary to make an incision lengthwise on both sides of the upper surface of the tongue, so as to allow it to bleed freely, to gain time for the action of your remedies, in a very severe and sudden attack, but the remedies will rarely fail to relieve, without a resort to this severe measure. IIUMPS (PAROTITIS). This is an inflammation of the parotid glands, which lie immediately beneath and in front of the lower part of the ears, and are among the glands which secrete the saliva. The disease is generally caused by contagion, and the same gland is rarely affected twice, but if the gland on one side only is attacked, that on the other will be liable to contract the disease on subsequent exposure. 188 TOOTHACHE. S/ynmptoms.-The swelling is usually preceded by a slight fever, or at least such a fever generally accompanies the inflammation. There is soreness and stiffness in the region of the swelling, with move or less difficulty of chewing and swallowing. On the fourth day the disease begins to subside, and during or after the abatement of the inflammation, it is not uncommon to have the breasts in females, or the testicles in males, become swollen and painful, and even serious inflammation of these organs may ensue. Treatment. —Great care is requisite that the patient be not exposed to sudden changes of temperature, or to damp and cold weather, during the continuance of the mumps, and for several days after the disease has abated. It is also best to avoid active exercise, and all stimulating drinks, during the same period. lilercurius viv. is the chief remedy, and a dose may be repeated once in two or three hours; and if there is much pain or headache, Belladonna may be given alternately with Mfercurius, two hours apart. If, at the end of three or four days, the fever and swelling do not abate, omit the above remedies, and give Carlbo veg. once in four hours. Make no application over the swollen gland with the exception of a dry warm handkerchief, a piece of flannel, or of cotton batting. The diet should be light and free from stimulating condiments. No animal food should be allowed. If, at the time, or after the disease abates, the breasts become painful and inflamed, give Belladonna once in two hours. If the testicles become swollen and painful, give Pulsati/la once in two hours; and if, at the end of twelve hours, it fails to relieve the symptoms, give Nux vom. once in two hours. UMake warm applications, and if simple hot dry cloths do not relieve, use a warm hot poultice-beans boiled soft and mashed up do well. TOOTHACHE (ODONTALGIA). The pain may be caused by inflammation of the nervous pulp within the teeth, or by inflammation of the socket, after the death of the nerve; or, again, the disease may be simply neuralgic, or TOOT:I \CIIE. 189 rheumatic, involving the nerve of one tooth or of several, and even the nerves of the jaw. The nerve of a sound tooth sometimes, but very rarely, becomes inqamned; generally the inflammation is causedl by the decay of the tooth and exposure of the nerve to the air, heat, cold, or prCssure in eating. If the inflammation is not relieved, it goes on to suppuration, and matter or pus is formed, which escapes at the end of the fangs andl causes inflarnmation of the socket. Or if the nerve of a tooth is dead, inflammation may commence in the socket and pus form there. Tihe inflammation soon extends to the gums, and oven to the cheek and lip, and they become swollen and red; the pain is severe and throbbing. The pressure caused by the accumulation of pus in the socket, either produces a loosening of the tooth which allows the matter to escape by its side bet3ween it and the gum, or it causes an absorption of the bony process over the end of the fang, which allows the pus to form an abscess at that point, where it breaks spontaneously, if not lanced, anl is called a gumboil. Tile whole duration of the disease is usually from four to seven or eight days, and the sufez ing, is often intense; the entire face sometimes becoming very much swollen. This disease is denominated alveolar abscess, or ague in the face, and may arise more than once from the same tooth, if it is allowed to remain in the j iw; unless, as.often happens, pus continues to be secreted in the socket, and, by escaping, keeps up for years a fistulous opening —a very disagreeable and filthy disease, and one which, as a general rule, can only be cured by the removal of the offending tooth or fang. The nerve of a tooth may become sufficiently irritated to cause severe pain, which may abate spontaneously in a few minutes or hours, an: this may occur repeatedly without continuing, at any one time, until the formation of matter. It is not uncommon to have a slow inflammation in the sockets of decayed fangs and teeth, which may last for months and cause severe pain in the jaws, face, and even in the temples, without resulting in suppuration or the formation of pus. The pain in such cases is often in sound teeth, and not at all in the one which causes the mischief, and ignorant practitioners not unfrequently extract the sound teeth, which of course affords no relief. If in any case you fail to get relieved from pain in the teeth, jaws, face, or head, by the use of hommcopathic remedies, and you think of having a tooth extracted, and the pain is in a sound tooth, or. if in a decayed tooth and you are not satisfied which defective tooth is the cause of the suffering, strike all the decayed teeth and fangs in your mouth with the end of a heavy pencil, key, or some other metallic body, and if you find one more sensitive than the rest have that extracted without any regard to the apparent seat of the pain. Treatment of Toothlache. — First, the preventive treatment. This disease is generally caused by the decays of the teeth; and the early decay of the teeth among Americans, is caused by the violation of the laws of physical development in the management and education of children. The proper consideration of such causes would rcquire a volume. In the author's work on the " Avoidable Causes of Disease" you will find the needed information. Consult the chapters on the conditions requisite for physical development, use and abuse of the digestive organs, children, and education. To prevent your teeth from decaying keep them clean by frequently washing them with water. If the least appearance of decay manifests itself, do not delay a single day, but apply to a good dentist, and have the cavity carefully filled with gold. Do not wait until the tooth begins to ache, for it is generally too late, then, or at least the operation at this late hour will be found very uncertain at best. If your teeth are already badly decayed, and you have useless old shells and fangs, have them extracted, for they tend to contaminate o!hers, and injure the general health. If tartar collects and separates the gums from the teeth apply to a dentist and have it removed occasionally, or it may crowd out the teeth. In all cases of toothache which results from acute inflammation of the nerve of the tooth, or of the socket, it is very desirable to check the disease before the commencement of suppuration, for if matter once forms, we can do little more than palliate the symptoms until it is discharged; fortunately we can generally cure the disease promptly, if the remedies are applied early. Aconite is an important remedy in all cases where there is heat:bout the face and head, fever, and great nervous excitemIent 192 SORE THROAT. Pllsatilia, when there is a toothache with earache, and pain in the side of the head; aggravation or renewal of the pains in the evening, or at night after midnight, and in a warm room, and from eating warm substances, relief from cold water and cool fresh air. Repeat every hour or two. Bryonia is a valuable remedy, when there are drawing pains, with looseness of the teeth, a sensation of elongation, especially during and after a meal, and when there is soreness of the gumrs. If the pains are of a rheumatic character, which may be suspected when the patient has recently been, or is at present, subject to rheumatic pains elsewhere, Bryonia is one of the most important remedies. In such cases, it will often require to be followed by lihus tox. In obstinate cases, consult the sections on rheumatism and neuralgia. For the toothache of children, Aconite, Belladonna, or Chanonmilla, is generally required, or Cofea, if there is great nervous sensibility. To prevent a return, give Miercurius viv. every night for a week, and then give Calcarca carb. every night. For toothache during pregnancy, give Sepia, Calcarea carb. or BeMkadonna. During nursing, give China three or four times a day, and any other remedy which may seem indicated, every hour during the pain. SORE THROAT (ANGINA FAUCIUM) Ve have simple diffused inflammation of the throat; membranous inflammation, or diphtheria, which sometimes assumes a maglignant form; and inflammation of the tonsils or quinsy. The first variety, or simple inflammation, is the most common form of sore throat. It is seated in the mucous membrane, tlut sometimes extends to the cellular structure beneath. It is charac.. terized by increased redness and fullness of the membrane, but without much swelling. The uvula or end of the palate sometimes hangs down like a bag of water, and may be paler than natural. IThere is soreness, irritation, or tickling, a frequent disposition to hawke and spit, a feeling of choking, and a difficulty in swallow SORE TUROAT. 193 ing and speaking. There is often some deafness, arising from the extension of the inflammation to the Eustachian tube or the passacge which ext:nds f'orn the throat to the ear. The severity of the fever will depend, ill a great measure, on the severity of the local affection. The causes of simple sore throat are the usual causes of catarr'hal d'seases, such as sudden changes of temperature and exposure. Treatment.-XVhen there is much fever, or heat of surface, a few doses of Aconite should be given, one every hour, and this remedy alcne will sometimes cure the disease, but generally oither Belizdonna or Ignatia, will be required after Aconite: Belladomna may be given when there are sore pains, burning, spasmodic contraction, with a constant desire to swallow, and a free flow of saliva, with fever and pain in the forehead. Ignatia. —Give this remedy when there are burning and sore pains when swallowing, and a sensation as if a lump or crumb were in the throat, causing a constant inclination to swallow. Give a dose of either this remedy or Belladonna every hour. e'fercurius viv. may follow either of the above remedies when there is a profuse flow of saliva, difficult swallowing, especially of drinks, or on empty swallowing, and when there is a chill toward evening, and an aggravation at night, or in the open air. Repeat the doses once in two hours. Lachesis will often be found useful in case the above remedies fail, especially if there are a burning and dry throat with a constant inclination to swallow, and a sensation as if a lump were sticking in the throat; aggravation in the afternoon, morning, and especially after sleeping, also from contact-relief from eating. CGhamomilla may be given when there are tickling and cough, especially useful in the case of women and children. Continue a remedy as long as there is any improvement, but if no change is effected, at the end of from twelve to twenty-four hours, select some other remedy. Dose of either of the above remedies, see page 7. 9 194 ME.MBRANOUS SORE THROAT. MEMBRA N'OUS SORE THROAT, OR DIPHTHERIA. There are two forms of this d isease, the one active and inflammatory, with a full pulse, hot and dry skin, the other malignant, *witlh a low fever, small pulse, and cool extremities. Diplhtheria is characterized by the formation of a false membrane of l)ymph, or fibrinous matter, on the surface of the mucous inembrane of the throat. The patches are of various extent, sometimes small and only here and there one, in other cases covering almost the entire throat, and sometimes extending up into the nose, of down into the air passages. In mild cases they are separate, small, and of a white or ashy color, presenting the appearance of superficial slouglts, or of ulcers, for which they are often mistaken; but in other instances they are connected, anld form one uniform crust. In some cases the membrane is thin, but in others it is thick, sometimes soft, but in other instances it is dense and touch. In some of the worst, or malignant cases, the false membrane is discolored by the exudation of bloody and vitiated secretions of the throat, so as to present the appearance of mortification, and the offensive discharge and breath cause it to still more closely resemble the latter affection, but it is extremely rare, even in the most malignant form of the disease that there are actual mortification and sloughing; still they sometimes occur. The fever which attends the disease will be in keeping with the local affection. If the mucous membrane of the throat is bright red, and the patches light-colored, the fever will be active and inflammatory; whereas, if thle mucous nembrane is dark colored or livid, and the false membrane discl.ored, dark, offensive, manifesting, a malignant form of l>cal disease, the fever will be of a low typhus character, with rapid and fteble pulse, delirium, followed Rby stu:por, sunken face, cold extremities and great exhaustion. This form o' the disease is frequently epidemic, especially among those wh'lo inhabit crowded dwellings, and the poor and ill-fed classes of lthe community. Sometimes there are great sinking of the v'ital powersl, prostration and death early in the disease, without the occurrence of marked symptoms of putridity. The symptoms of diphtheri:a are similar to those of ordinary sore .MEMBRANOUS. SORE THROAT. 195:throat, excepting what we discover by an examination of the throat. If the breath is very offensive and the fever is of a typhoid character with sore throat, or if there i3 unusual prostration, we may suspect the existence of this false membrane, but we may have the latter without such symptomns. There are two sources of danger, one from the malignant character of the disease, and the other from the extension of the false membrane to the air passages, when it causes symptoms similar to those of the worst form of croup. Hoarseness, a hoarse cough, and paroxysms of difficult breathing, should lead you to fear the extension of the disease to the larynx and trachea. When such symptoms occur, in addition to what is said in this section, consult the sections on laryngitis and croup. Treatment.-If the fever is high, the skin hot, the breath not very offensive, and the patches of false membrane light colored, Aconzite will be found of great service at the commencement of the disease. Give it alternately with ikiercuriusprot. at intervals of one hour. Mercurius prot. is generally the most important remedy when the disease is not of a malignant character, and even when it is, it will often be of great service at the commencement of the attack. If the fever is very high and the skin hot, give Aconite alternately with it; but if the fever is less active, B/lladonna may be given one hour and Mercurius prot. the next. You will not expect as immediate relief as in cases of simple sore throat, and after you have carefully selected a remedy, you should not change it for another sooner than twenty-four or forty-eight hours, unless the patient is manifestly getting worse. Mercurius prot. may require to be given for four or five days, or even longer in some cases, but if at the end of two or three days no impression is made on the symptoms, it will be better to omit the Mercurius prot. and give in its place Mlercurius viv. Dose of either of the remedies named, see page 7. Laclhesis: When the acute symptoms are somewhat releived, and the fever is less active, this remedy may be given either alone or alternately with Mercurius, at intervals of one hour, especially if there is a-sensation as if a foreign body were sticking in the 196 -MEMIBRANOUS SORE THROAT. throat, and the symptoms are worse after sleeping. If sudden and alarming prostration ensues, either at the commencement of the disease, or during its progress, with cold extremities and small pulse, give either six globules or a drop of the Tincture of' campi or every ten minutes, until the prostration is relieved. If croupy symptoms occur, or the patient begins to be troubled with a hoarse or a squeaking cough, and paroxysms of difficult breathing come on, especially after midnight, give Lachesis every hour, and if it does not soon afford relief, alternate it with Hepar sulph. at intervals of one hour, and apply large towels wrung from hot water, over the throat, neck, and chest, as hot as the patient can bear without burning or blistering the skin, and apply dry flannels over the wet cloths. Change the wet towels every ten or fifteen minutes, when there is much difficulty of breathing; at other times once an hour. In the putrid or malignant form of diphtheria other remedies will often be required, but iMerc. prot., JIlercurius viv., and Lach/esis, are generally very useful during tlhe earlier stages of the disease, an(l Lachesis at a later period. Then at the commencement of such cases, when the breath is offensive, the extremities cool, and there is great debility, give Mlercurius prot. every hour alternately with Rhus. tox,, and if, at the end of two or three days, the symptoms are getting worse, omit the.Mercurius and give Lachesis alternately with R3hus tox. Arsenicurnm: If, notwithstanding the use of the above remedies, the symptoms get steadily worse, the breath more offensive, the throat dark and putrid, the extremities cool, omit the Mllercurius and give Arsenicurn alternately with Lachesis, at intervals of one hour. Carbo veg. may be substituted for Lachesis if the pulse becomes small or irregular, and the extremities cold. China: This remedy may be given night and morning after the disease is cured, for thie debility which it causes. General Lirection, I)iet,.c. —A dry, light, and airy room is very important, in this as in almost all other diseases. The patient may wash the mouth and gargle the throat with a tea made by pouring boiling water on dried apples. The diet in all cases of QUINSY. 197 of inflammation of the throat,'except when there is a decided malignant tendency, must be light, consisting of rice water, arroWroot, thin flour gruel, soft boiled rice, or soft toast, if the patient can swallow it without difficulty; to which may be added in malignant cases, especially when there is great prostration of strength, milk, thin custard, and beef-tea; as the patient recovers, mutton-broth, and even beef or mutton, if the patient can chew and swallow it. The diet must very gradually be made more nutritious. QUINSY (INFLAMMATION OF THE TONSILS)..We have superficial inflammation of the tonsils in the varieties of sore throat we have been considering; but the disease now under consideration, consists in a phlegmonous or deep-seated inflammation of the body of the tonsil itself. The following are the symptoms of this disease: A sense of fullness in the throat, pain and difficulty of swallowing, heat and dryness of the throat, and shooting pains in the ear. The voice has a croaking sound, and on examination we find one or both tonsils projecting, and the surrounding parts more or less swollen and covered with mucus. In severe cases the swelling may be so great as to almost close the throat, and even to impede respiration. The fever attending this disease is generally active and inflammatory, with hot skin and full pulse. If the inflammation is violent, and not soon relieved, but continues active several days, it generally terminates in an abscess; but if less active, it may continue several days and abate without the formation of matter. The distress caused by large abscesses in the tonsils is very great; the formation of pus is often announced by throbbing in the part, and slight chills. Those who have once had this disease are more liable lo be attacked than others. Tile causes are sudden changes of temperature, exposure, especially of the neck, &c. T eafment -Aconite and Belladonna are tle principal remedies at the commencement of the disease, if the fever is high, tile skin hot, and the pulse full, especially if there are pricking or shooting, INFLAMMATION OF THE rIrR0XT. 199 given in ne namre manner afterward if necessary. If the symptomrs are aggravated by taking cold, a few doses of Acoaite, B.dallzdonna, or Ignatia,' will be required. FOLLICULAR INFLAMMATION OF THE THROAT. There is sometimes a chronic inflammation andt enlargement of the follicles of the totisils and throat, which results in the secretion of a cheesy matter, until those sacks are so far distended and enlarged, as to allowv these little accretions to be hawked anml raised up with the secretions of the throat. These ma.-sses vary fiom the size of a pin's ]head to that of a pea, and are often mlistaken for tubercles from the lungs, blt may always be distin ui.llkcd by the peculiarly nauseous odor which arises when they are crushed between the fingers.'ubercles are nearly odorless. LacAesis is the chief remedy for this disease, and a dose may be given every night. After this symptom is in a great measure relieved, give Sdic'a every night, and afterward Calcarea carb., to preveut a return of the disease. CELLULAR INFLAMMIATION OF THE THROAT. Inflammation and suppuration sometim.-s take place in the cellular tissue, back of the throat, between it and the bones of the spine. When there is a deep-seated pain in the throat, tendern:ess upon pressure from without, stiffless of the neck, great difficulty ill swallowing, suppression of tile voice and difficulty of breathing, carefully examine the back part of the thlro-at, for you will have reason to fear the existen.e of thisdisease. If you find tne parts are much swollen, and the symptoms have been of several days' duration, and you have reason to fear tiat an abscess has formed, especially if thle pain is throbbing, and the patient has chlills, sen(l for a physician, for the abscess should be lanced early, otherwise it may burst suddenly, and, by overwhelming the air passages, may cause suffocation, a result which I have known to occur in one instance. But if the disease is promptly and early 200 INFLAMMIATION OF Tile GULLET. treatel, an <abscess can generally be prevented. This is a rare dlsease. Treatment -The chief remedies are Aconite and( Belladonna, to be given as directed in simple sore thri"'lt. If the symptoms are not very acute, or even if they are. after they are somewhat relieved, Mercurius viv. and Pulsatilla will be preferable, andl may be given in alternation, at intervals of one or two hours. If, notwithstanding the above remedies, the disease threatens to go on to the formation of an abscess, give Lachesis every hour. If an abscess forms, an incision should be made for the escape of the pus, as near the centre of the back of the throat as possible, so as to avoid arterial branches; but you had better send for a physician, and not make the attempt to lance it yourself INFLAMMATION OF THE GULLET OR PASSAGE TO TIHE STOMACH ((ESOPHAGITIS). This is a rare affection unless caused directly by irritating substances, yet it sometimes occurs. A sense of heat and pain, increased by swallowing, frequently referred to the lower part of the throat, or else to the upper part of the stomach, is one of the first symptoms, no matter what part of the tube is affected. Swallowing is difficult, and sometimes impossiole; hiccough is a frequent symptom. There is usually little or no fever. Sometimes the membranous inflammation of diphtheria extends down this passage. In some instances ulcers and even an abscess result, but rarely. This disease is sometimes chronic. It may be caused by very hot or corrosive substances, mechanical injuries, exposure, &c. Treatment.-If the disease has been caused by mechanical injuries, or by burns, put one drop of Arnica into a glass of water, and give a spoonful every hour or two. Belladonna, when the diseise arises from cold' or exposure, is the chief remedy. Give a dose once in two hours. If.B lladonna fails to relieve, give Arsenicum alternately with it. Sulp)hur may follow the above remedies. This remedy and Arsenicum are also useful when the disease becomes chronic. STRICTURE AND SP.aSM OF' THE GULLET-GASTRITIS. 201 STRICTURE OF THE (ESOPH'AGUJS OR GULLET. Stricture of the passage occasionally occurs. It may be of the upper, or quite as frequently of the lower portion of the tube. It may be but slight, simply sufficient to cause the patient to choke reladily on attempting to swallow large pieces of me:tt or bread, or it mnay gradually increase so as to entirely obstruct the passage.'Treatbnent.-G-ive NVux voinica at night and SulphurI in the morning for one month; then give Arsenicunm in the morning for a month; then Silicsa. If the patient becomes choked by meat, or other food, it is sometimes n:oc-ssary to crowd it down into the. stomach by the aid of a probang, or a small sponge fastened securely on the end of a long, slender piece of whale-bone. SPASM OF THE (ESOPHAGUS OR GULLET. Spasm of the passage may be distinghuished from permanent stricture by its coming on suddenly, and by the ability to swallow readily at times, when the spasm is not on. The food is arrested, and is often rejected immediately if the spasm is at the upper part of the (esophagus: if it is lower down, it may remain for some time and then rise by regurgitation. Occasionally after the food has been a short time in contract with the stricture, the latter gives way, and the food pals es into the stomach. Treatment. —Billadonnan is one of the best remedies for this difficulty, and may be given three or four times a day. Nux vomica may follow Belladonna and be given every nigh:t. Continue the above remedies several weeks, and if they do not entirely cure the disease give Cuprun every night. INFLAMil ATION OF THE STOMACH., (GASTRITIS ) This disease is generally caused by substances takcn into the stomach, either improper articles, or such as are wholesoine in excessive quarntities. It is often a very rapid disease, sometimes ter9* 20i INFLAMMATION OF TIlE STOMACH. minating fatally in a few hour-, or within two or three days; or it may extend two or three weeks, and even become chronic; or the patient may recover. Acid and corrosive poisons, when taken into the stomach, cause this disease. Synmptoms.-Intense pain in the region of the stormach, with a peculiar feeling of distress extending up under the breast-bone, and to the sides, beneath the short ribs. There is fiequently a burning sensation, sometilnes extending up the cesophagus or gullet. Pressure, swallowing, and breathing, aggravate the suffering; vomiting is very common and very distressing, and alternates with nausea and ietching. At first the contents of the stomach and bilious matters are thrown up; afterward simply mucus, perhaps mixed with blood. Tllere are excessive thirst, and a craving for cold drinks, which are rejected the moznent they are taken, and but increase the sufferings of the patient. There are heat and fullness in the region of the stomach. The countenance, in severe cases, is pale, sunken, and altered, and there is great prostration of strength, with a frequent and small pulse, and cold extremities. In less severe cases, the countenance, early in the disease, may be flushed, and the skin hot, dry, and harsh. If Ehe inflammation does not extend to the bowels they are generally costive; the urine is scanty and high colored; the edges of the tongue are generally red, and the centre covered with a thick, flaky fur. Chronic inflammation of the stomach not nnfie(luently follows tile acute form of the disease, or it may come on gradually without any severe attack. It may be caused by an indigestible and iirritating diet, acrid medicines, ice water, alcoholic drinks, and exposure. The local symptoms differ but little from those of the acute variety, except in'degree, and in being more variable. There is pain or uneasiness more'or less constant, which is generally increased by eating. Hot liquids, tea or water, usually aggravate or induce pain; whereas, in dyspepsia, they generally relieve the sufferitigs temporarily. There is tendernless on pre-sure at the pit of the stomach, and sometimes a gnawing sensation. Great faintness at the pit of the stomach, or a gone feeling, is not uncommon. There may be loss of appetite, a variable appetite, or an unnatural craving for fool, even for the mo-t inappropriate INFLAMMATION OF' T11E STOMACFI. - 203 articles. Various symplthetic svmptom. frequently occur, such as headaclhe, confusion of thlought, sleeplessness, and distlessiJgr dreams; derayngements of sight, hearii:g, and of sensation); a hard, sounding,pasmoedic cough; irrita;tion of the utiiiary patssages and of the genital apparatus; a scdly and dry pimply eruption orl tile skin. In inveterate cases, there is emaciation, with an inahi!ity to pinch up the skin, owing to its being drawn tight over thn muscles. There is sometimes hectic fever. T7reatmnent oJ the Acute Form of tAe DS~ease.-If tle ilflammatio't blas been caued by a poisonous substance, consult the section on poi-ons, and follow the directions there given, until the poisonoas substance is either evacuated fiom the ston:ach, or properly antidoted, then follow the directions in this section; only if Arsenic has caused the disease, do not give A'senicurn. Aconite should generally be given at the commencement of all acute attacks of this disease; even if the pulse is sma!ll and frtqaient, and tie surface of the bodly cool, it will be well to give a few doses of this remedy every half Iour c;r hour. If in such cases there is excessive nausea, alternate it with Veratrum at intervals of one half hour. If at the end of a few hours the prostrat.on and coldness are increawing, omit the Aconite aad give Arsenicurn alternately wi h Veratruln, in the same malner, until there is a manifest improvement, then lengthen the intervals to one or two hours. Dose of these or other remedies, see page 7. If' the vomiting is frequent, either give the medicine dry, or dissolve it in a very small quantity of water, and give the patient but a few drops of the liquid at a time for a dose. In all cases, if symptoms of great prostration come on, either at the commencement of the disease or later, with burning pain and excessive nausea, Veratrlum and A rsenicum are our main remedies. But in case there is high febrile excitement qat the conlmence.ment, ol if the attack is not very sever e, other remedies will often do better. In suclh cases Aconite will requlire to be continued longer, or until the acute febrile symptoms are rclievcd; and if tljeie is incessant vomiting, with pain in the stomach, anxiety, restlessnrss and difficulty of breathing, Iptrac mray be given 4ternate 204 INFIAMIlATION OF 7:;4' STAO.IAI1I. ly with it. Belladonna may follow Acor,ite if there are cerebral or heald symptoms, such as ptain in die head, delirium, or stupor, and m;ay be given alternately wilth I)ecac, or if Ij-ec,,c fails to relie-o.he nausea aind vomiting, a:ternat~.ly with Ve atrlvm. Brpr;ni: If the disease has been (cmauseCd by cold drinks, taken when the patient wa:s hot and in a perspiration. and there is a ifeling of Meight or load at the pit of the stornmach, give this remedy. BRyonia will also be found useful when the disease continues several days, with s'ow fever which is not relieved by other remedies. Give a dose once in firom one to two hours. If the vomiting is excessive and long continued, and the patient very thirsty, keep the stomach empty, but give injections of ricew:ater, arrow-root, or corn-starch, two or three times a day, not to move the bowels, but to relieve the thlirst and supply the system with fluids and nourishment. In all cases nothing more than boiled water, thin arrow root, rice-water, or toast-water, should be used until the inflalmmation is sulbdued, and then gra(lually make these wlarm drinks thicker, an(d very slowly retlrn to a more substantial diet. You cannot be too careful. WVarn applications over the stomach sometimes afford some relief. At tlhe very commencement, if there is great nausea, but not free vomiting, and you have reason to suppose that indigestible or improper fovd remains in the stomach, let the patient drink freely of warm water (all he can) until he vomits. Aid l)y tickling the throat with the finger, if necessary.'Treatment of CIhro:ic LJifltnmmation f t'ie Stomnach. -Give Arsen-.cum night and morning when there -are acrid and bitter ertuctations, (lry or red tongue, great tllirst, nausea, burning pains in ttle ipit of the stomach, and great sensitivene-s on pressure. If there is much nausea or vomiting, which Arsetnicum does not relieve, give; an occasional dose of Veratrum. Nuxz. oren. may precede or follow Arsenicum when there are bitter eructations, naulsea, and vomiting of food, ten-ion and pressure in the region of the stomach, constipation, headache, confusion of mind, restlessness or peevishness; give a dose before every meal until the symptoms are in a great measure relieved, then give a dose at night, and a dose of Sulphur in the morning. If Nux NEURALGIA OF THE STOMACH. 205 vom. fails to relieve the above symptoms, especially if the p'iticnt is a female, give Pulsatilla in tile same nlanner. If the symptoms are relieved by eating, give Lachesis beflore every mleal; ar(d if other remedies fail to entirely remove the symptoms, give Carbo veg night and morning. A warnl bath every day, or once in two days, is a very import-. ant auxiliary. Stimulants must be avoided, and the diet unirri. tating, but more nourishing than in the acute form of the disease. A milk diet often does well when it agrees with the patient. NEURALGIA OF THE STOMACH (GAVSTRALGIA) This affection is frequently confounded with spasms of the stomach, and in fact the two diseases sometimes coexist. Neuralgia of the stomach is often connected with a general neuralgic predisposition; in other cases with either rheumatic or a gouty diathesis. It frequently attacks patients recovering fioln acute diseases, and those exhausted by pro!frlse discharges. Nursing females are very subject to it. Mental emotions, an(l improper articles of food, may -cause an attack of this disease. The pain is usually acute and severe, sometimes occurring in shocks, like electric shocks, causing the patient to start suddenly. The pain may leave altogether for a time, then return suddenly; it may be reliteved by piessure, but not always. The pain is less constant thlan iln chronic inflirmmation of the stomaclh, and the appetite is often unimpaired. Hot drinks generally temporarily relieve the suffering in this atrection, whereas, they aggravate it in cases of chronic inflammation. Treautent. -iNux vomica is one of' the niost important remedies for this disease, especially when the pains are severe like an electric shock, or the attack has been caused by improper diet, and the palins are worse after a meal, at nightt or in the morning. In such cases, if Nux Vomica fails to relieve, give Pulsatilla. Give a dose of either every hour. Dose of the above or other remedies, see page 7. 206 SPASMS OF THE STOMACH. Belladonna: Give this remedy when there are Violent lancina-. ting or cutting pains in the pit of the stomach, and also if the pains are brought on by eating or drinking. In the case of weak and exhausted persons, Clina is the most,important remedy, especially to prevent a return of the paroxysms. For this purpose give a dose three or four times a day. If nursing females have this disease, Belladonna or Nux ronica may be given during the paroxysms of pain, and Pulsatilla may be given at night, and China in the morning during the intervals, to prevent. a return of the symptoms. Also, consult the general directions under the head of neuralgia and follow them. If the patient is subject to gout or rheumatism, Brz/o~nia will often be found useful, and if thlis fails Nux vom'ca or Pulsatilla will generally be required, Nux vomn. in the case of men, and Pulsatilla for women. If one fails give the other. Also consult the sections on rheumatism and gout. SPASMS OF THE STOMACH, OR CRAMP IN THE STOMACH. This disease is characterized by paroxysms of pain, stricture, and spasmodic contraction in the region of the stomach. In the intervals between the spasms the patient may be free, or nearly free from pain. The stomach sometimes feels as if it were gathered in a ball, and in some instances as if drawn backward. Pressure often affords partial relief, and the patient generally bends forward. The spasms may be slight, or so severe as to cause screams from the most resolute individual. The pulse and skin may remain natural in moderate cases, but when the spasm is very violent, the pulse sornetimes becomes small and fluttering, and the stkin covered with a cold clammy sweat, and even death sometimes ensues, but very rarely. When the disease has been caused by offending matters in the stomach, there is often nausea and vomiting between the paroxysms. Sp-sms of the stomach are frequently caused by indigestible food, such as unripe fruit, boiled cabbage, lobsters, clam-, &c.; even cheese and honey will cause the disease in come individuals. Gout, rheumatism, spinal irri SPASMS OF THE STOMACH. 207O tation, intemperance, or the use of tobacco, may cause this affec, tion. Hysterical females are very subje('t to it. WVhen a predisposition exists, tile least irregularity of diet, or unusual mental emotion, may i(nduce an attack. Treatnment. —Nux voica is perhaps more frequently indicated than any other remedy, especially when the disease attacks the intemperate, coffee-drinkers, or tobacco-users; also when the attack occurs after eating. This remedy may be selected a when there are contractive (ra;mp-like pains in the stomach, with pressure as of a load or weight, and a sensation as if the clothes were too tight over the stomach. Repeat the remedy every hour. Dose, see page 7. Pulsatilla may be given if Nux vomica aggravates the symptoms, or fails to relieve. It may be given at the commencement if there are heartb'urn and acrid vomiting, especially if the patient is a female. If the above remedies fail, give Igna.ctia every half hour. C/hamomilla will be found useful for spasms of the stomach, particularly for persons who are addicted to the use of coffee, when Nux vom. fails to relieve such cases, and also in the case of children, when the stom ach is distended with air or gals. Give Bryionia if the patient is subject to rheumatism or gout, especially if there is a sensation of weight or load at the pit of the stomach betw, en the spasms, and Nux vom. fails to relieve the symptom.s. Carto veg. If the above remedies fail to afford relief, or only partially relieve the suffering, give this remedy once in six hours. Caibo veg. is especially useful to prevent a return of the spasms. For this purpose give a close morning and noon, one half an hour before eating, and a dose of either N1lux vorn. or Pulsatilla, before tea and at bedtime. To eradicate a predisposition to this disease, coltinue the al:ove remedies for four weeks, then give Sulplzur every night, or if the patient is young alid of full habit, and apt to bleed fromr the nose, or a female, and subject to frequent and profuse menstrual discharges, give Calcarea carb. every night. The patient sl:ou'd shun all articles which excite attacks of the disease, and live on plain, easily digested fbod, spend his time in the fresh air and sunlight, and take regular active exercise. 208 7WATERBRASH-HEARTBURN, ETC. WvATERBRAStI (PYROSIS). This is a paroxysmal disease, commencing with a spasmodic sensation in the stomach, accompanied by an irritation of the mucous mneml)rane, resulting in a profuse watery secretion, which either flows fiom the stomach and mnlouth in a constant strearm, or is removed iby eructamions; after w!hic(h the pain and spasm gradually abate. The attacks mo:'e firequently occur in the mo: ning or forenoon, when the stomach is empty, but they may happen at any time, ar:d are very apt to be repeated. Very little is known in regard to the causes of this disease. It generally attacks those whose digestive organs are debilitated. T;rcatment.-B?,yonia is more frequently required than any other remedy, and it will generally cure the disease. Give a dose during the attack, and before every meal, one half hour before eating. Give Nux vton. in the case of drunkards or those accustomed to high living. If the water which is discharged is sour or acrid, give Pulsatilla before every meal. If the diseawe is not entirely cured by the above remedies, give Carbo veg. every night for a few weeks, then omit it and give Calcarea carb. oglc or twice a week. HIEARS3BURN, SOUR STOMACH, ERUCTATIONS. These are generally symptoms of deranged or weak digestion and in add(ition to what is said below, consult the section on cdyspepsia. If the food we eat instead of being digested, decomposes in the stoItmach, it gives rise to acidity and heartburn. Sometimes there is an exces-ive secretion of acid by the stomach itself, causing a burning sensation, which may extend up the ceaophagus or gullet. In either case the patient may be troubled by sour eructatiens and even vomiting. Suzch symptoms are very common dulig, pregnancy. Occasionally there are offensive eructa_ tions, resemblingl. in smell, rotten eogs; suclh firequently precede a diarrhlea, when the latter is caused b1) undigested food. Sometimes the eructat ons are bittv(r. HTCCOUGH. 209 Treatnelt. - Shun all alkalies, for they simply neutralize the atifl in the stomach for the time being, and they weaken the digestive organs, and thereby increase the evil. Nux'ominra: Give this remedy night and morning, and at any time when the patient is sufferiilg fiom heartburn, sour or bitter e. uctation%, especially if the bowels are costive. If it fails to reliuve, give Pulsatilla in the same manner I) se of this or other remedies named, see page 7. Pulsatilla: Give this remedy for heartburn, sour stomach, or sour eructations, especially if the bowels are loose: also for eruc.. tations smelling like rotten eggs, and if it fails to relieve, give ClaLmomilla. Give a dose night and morning, and one when the patient is suffering. Give Bryonia for bitter eructations, if Nux vomn. fails to relieve. It is sometimes useful for heartburn, if the stomach feels distended, and there is either headache or pains in the limbs. As soon as the symptoms are somewhat relieved by the above remedies, give a dose of Calcarea carb. every night for two weeks; then give Iepar~ sulph. for a week or two. Carbo veg. may follow the above remedies, if there is lany disposition to a return of the symptoms. As to diet, consult the section on dyspepsia. HICCOUGH. This symptom is generally connected either with derangement of the digestive organs, or with an irritation of the stomach. It is cilused by a spasmodic contraction of the midrlliff or diaphragm. in severe cases, ec en the muscles of the abdomten, and other musc'(, of the chest, trnay be involved in the ilnvoluntary action, caus]," a shking of the'whole trunlk.;h'e,ltmenat. —Nurx. voin. is generally the most important remedy. Give a dose every half hour, until thissymptom'abates, then give it every night to prevent a return. IgAlatatl is next in ilnportance, aid may be given if N.x. vton. fails. Belladoinna will sometimes be required, and may be given as directed for Nux vom. 210 SEA-SICKNESS -NAUSEA AND VOMITING. SEA-SICKNESS. This disease is the same as that whichli is produceld by ridiig backward in a close carriage, or by whirling around. The disease is evidently produced by the impress'ons nade on the brain by the unusual motion; and that the impressions madle tlhrough the organs of sight have much to do with cau-ing this dseasc, is evident, from the fact that the symptoms are materially relieved, if the eyes are closed.. The symptoms are lessened, altholghll not generally entirely relieved, by keeping the horizontal position. The sick stomach is often preceded and accompanied by dizziness, and even headache; and these symptoms sometimes remain for several days after landing from the ship or carriage. Treatnent.-If an individual is liable to this affection, a dose of Nelx vowmca taken a few hours previous to going on bo:ard a ship, or into a carriage, will often prevent the disease. This remedy will sometimes check the symptoms if taken at the commrencement of the dizziness or headache, and it will generally relieve the latter symptoms if they continue after l aving the ship or carriage. VWhile seasick take Ipecac alternately with Nux vorn., one hour apart, and if they fail, take Arsenicumn once in two hours. In obslinate cases, omit other remedies for a time, and take SullJhur once in six hours. Dose, see page 7. NAUSEA AND VOMITING, Sickness of the stomach and vomiting may be sympathetic, arising from irritation of the brain, as in sea-sickness, inflammation of the brain, concussion of the brain from a fall or blow, dizziness and threatening symptoms of apoplexy, sickbeadache, offensive odors, disgusting sig.ts, &c., or from sympathy with the womb, as during pregnancy, or when there are ulcerations on, or displacement of; this orga'n. In all such cases consult the section on the disease fiom which tile patient may be suffering, Also when it occurs during fevers, inflammation of the stomach, and other diseases, do thie same. VOMITING: OP BLOOD. 21t Sickness of the stomach and vomiting may arise from an irri' tation of the stomach, whic.h does not <moullt to inflammation. This may be supposed to be the case when there is no fever, frequency of pulse or pain, or evidence of disease in other parts. It may arise from overloalding the stomach, and intemperance; also firom the debility of this organ, which results from the want of active exercise, masturbation, and fiom over mental exertion. In all such cases the patient should shun the causes which produce the symptoms. Treatment. —Give Ipecac for sickness of the stomach, caused by overeating, and if it does not soon relieve, let the patient drink freely of tepid water until he either vomits freely or the nausea is relieved; then give another dose of Ipecac. If Ipecac fails to relieve, give Veratrum. If the stomach is sour give Pulsatilla instead of Veratrun. Give Nux vomica if the patient is intemperate, also if the disease results from over mental exertion or from lack of exercise. In obstinate cases give Sulphur every night for a week, then Arsenicurn or Carbo veg. may be of service. As to diet, consult the section on dyspepsia. VO.MITING OF BLOOD (H.IEMATEMESIS). Tils affection may result from mechanical injuies, over-exertion, rupture of the vessels of the stomach from chronic ulceration or violent vomniting. It sometimes results fiom a sudden suppression of the menses, and in other cases suppression of the discharge from bleeding piles. Treatment.-If the disease has been caused by mechanical injulies, or by over-exertion, give Arnica alternately with Ipecac, at intervals of half an hour. If the blood is of a bright red color, and there is fullness and urneasiness of the stomach, and the patient is of a full habit, and the affection has not been caused by a mechanical injury, give Aeonite alternately with Ipecac, at intervals of half an hour. ICf suppression of the menses is the cause, give Pul.sotilla every hour, and follow it With Nux voniica if necessary. If caused by a suppre-sion of the 212 DYSPEPSIA OR INDIGESTION. discharge fiom bleeding piles, give Nux vtomica every hour, and a dose of SUIP/7ur at night. G:ve ArseniC'ct7n if the patient has been suffering from chronic infllmnmalion of the stomach, and there is burning paia or soreness. In such cases Carlbo veg. may follow Arsefnicum, or be given alternately awith it at intervals of two or three hours. In any case il tile patient loses a large quantity of blood, and becomes faint, give China every half hour until the latter symptom is relieved. Quiet and rest of mind and bo(ly are essential. Let the diet be light and unirritating for some days; all drinks should be cold; and a cloth wrung fiom cold water and placed over the stomach during the attack of hemorrhage will be useful. DYSPEPSIA OR3 INDIGESTION. This af'fection is often confounded with chronic inflammation of the stomach, but it, is very important to distinguish between these two diseases, as in one case the stomach is simply weakened and unable to perform its functions from this cause; whereas, in the other it is owing to undue excitement that this organ fails. The following are among the causes of this disease: Sedentary habits; intense and protracted study, or absorbing mental emotions, by calling off the nervous energy from the stornac(h, cause this disease; also errors of diet, a clhange from an active to a sedentary or inactive mode of life, over-eating, the use of alcoholic liquors, highseasoned food, spices, tea, coffee, and narcotics. ]Beyond all question the use of tobacco is one of the most fruitful causes of the prevalence of this disease among Americans. Let every dyspeptic who uses this poisonous weed read the chapter on tobacco, in the author's work on the " Avoidable Causes of Disease," and let every parent wlio cares for the llealth, morals and lives of his sons, place that rwook in their lands if possible, before they have commenced its use, as prevention is far better than cure. Symptoms of Dyspepsia.-A feeling of vague uneasiness in the region of the stomach, which does not amount to pain, but is often worse than pain, is one of the most prominent symptoms. DY6PEPSIA Olt INDIGESTION. 213 This symptom of.cn extends to tile chest, sides, and even shoulders, and uppe2r parts of the arm, especially on the left side. The uneasinmss is oftn greatest when the stoac!i is epteny, and is frequently changed after cating to a feeling of fullness, distension, and weighllt. Patients frequently strike themselves over the stomach and sides, so as to change the sensation. Sometimes there isa slight sensation of heat, or burning and gnawing pain, which arises from irritation of the stomach. Not unfrequently there are spasnlodic or neuralgic pains and distension from flatulency. The appetite may be impaired or wanting, craving or perverted. There is frequently a gone or sinking sensation at the pit of the stomach, especialily when the disease has been caused by the use of tea. Eructations of wind, and regurgitationls of sour, bitter, acrid, oily, or offensive liquids, are common. symptoms; there may be waterbrash or vomiting. Heaviness of the head, dizziness, headache, perverted visions; ringing in the ears, pains between the shoulders, and in arious pI:rts of the body, not unfrequently occur; also stricture or uneasiness about the throat, and irritation of the throat and larynx, with a frequent inclination to clear the th:oat, and a sensation of coldness between the shoulders, are not uncommon sytnptoms. The patient is apt to be low-spirited, irritable, anxious, fretful and.apprehensive. Not unfrequently patients imagine themselves affected with consumption or disease of the heart, and t.he frequent occurrence of palpitation and irregularity of the pulse, tend to contirm themn in their impressions. Unpleasant dreams disturb the sleep; thle bowels are generally constipated; the surface of the body dry and of unequal temperature. The feet and hands may be cold or hot, and sometimes there is a profuse perspiration. The urine may be almost colorless, or scanty and high coloreld. The symptoms above enumerated are not all present in every case. As has been stated, it is important to distinguish this disease from chronic inflammation of the stomach, for the two affections require very different treatment. In cases of chronic inflammation, the pain is generally more severe, and there is greater tenderness, on pressure, over the stomach; vomiting is more common, and the pulse more frequent, than in dyspepsia. The tongue, espe 2 14 D)YSPEPSIA Oi.t IXNDIESTION. cially its edges, is often red, which is seldom the case in dyspepsia. Whlen there is mucus, bloodl, or dark matter, like coffee grounds, thrown up by vomniting, intflammnation may be inferred; and the same i. true when hot or stimulating drinks increase the uneasiness in the stomach, for such drinks generally relieve the dyspeptic, and food is more acceptable to the latter. Diarrhoea is more frequent in cases of chronic inflammation, than in dyspepsia, and the same is true of febrile excitement. Treatment.-As in this disease the gastric juice is either lessened in quantity or deteriorated in quality, which allows the food to be decomposed instead of being digested, it is all-important that the patient abstain entirely from drinking with his meals, so as not to dilute the gastric juice. The patient should Plso abstain from drinking for one hour before eating, and for at least two or three hours after eating. lHe may gratify his thirst at other periods. We can only expect to permanently cure this or any other chronic disease, by removing the cause; therefore the reader will do well to consult the chapters on the use and abuse of the digestive organs, the conditions requisite for physical development and preservation, excessive labor, and amusements, in tilhe author's work on the " Avoidable Causes of Disease," and he will there find information more valuable to him than all the medicine in the world. In this connection there is space for only a few hints. The patient should avoid all substances which are of difficult digestion, or whicl disagree with him, and he must not be constantly trying different articles of food. As a general rule, he should avoid all veegetables with the exception of well-boiled rice, Irish and sweet potatoes, and these should be cooked dry and mealy. Sweet peaches and ripe blackberries may be used with moderation. Good fresh milk can generally be taken, unless it disagrees with the patielnt. Sweet creamn and good fresh butter, cold, may be uwed moderately with stale brown bread, rice, or potatoes. Also tender mutton, beef, venison, turkeys, chickens, partridges, and some of the smaller birds, if kept some time before being cooked, may be usedl; and even soft boiled eggs are often allowable. Salt may be used moderately, but all other condiments should be avoided. Among the abe a articles the patient will find all he needs, DT.S0EPSTA OR IN-DIGESTION. -21~ and he must confine himself strictly to the above list, and above all thirgs shun the use of stimulating drinks, for if they afford temporary relief, they are sure to weaken the stomach still more. Cold walter is the best drink, or milk and hot water, only moderately sweetened, weak cocoa, and at most, weak black tea, drank a couple of hours before eating. He should eat at regular hours, never more frequently than three times a day, and cat slowly, and masticate or chew his food well. If the disease has been caused by sedentary Labits, severe study, or mental anxiety, active exercise in the open air and sunlight are all-important. Nuxvonom.: When this disease occurs in persons of sedentary habits, or those who have been given to fiee indulgence in the use of stimulants or condiments, or are subject to costive bowels, with or without piles, a dose of this remedy every night will often afford great relief. If there is a gnawing sensation in the stomach, craving or aversion to food, bitter eructations, headachlle, drowsiness, andl mental depression, these are still further indications for Tx vtonm. A dose may be given every night for a week, then omit for two or three days, after which give a single dose of Sulphur, then omit all medicine for one week, after which give Nux vons. again, and follow it by Sulphur in the same manner, and continue these remedies as long as there is any improvement. Dose of the above or other remedies, see page 7. P ulsatilla is especially suitable for females, arid it is also useful for males when there is great acidity of the stomach or acid eructations, and a when there is little or no thirst. A dose may be given every night for a week, then after omitting the remedy for two days, give a dose of HJJpar sucph. and wait a week; then give these tw;o remedies in the same manner again, and continue them as long as there is any improvement. C/hina may be given every night if the disease has been caused by the loss of blood, or secretions from the blood; also if the patient is constantly troubled with flatulency or wind. If the above remedies do not entirely relieve the symptoms giv! a dose of Calcarea carb. once a week. Consult a homceopathi! physician, if one is accessible. 216 CHOLERIA MORBU&S CHOLERA MORBUS. This disease is characterized by vomiting and purging. It may commence suddenly without premonitory symptoms, or it may be preceded for hours and even days by a feeling of weight or uneasiness'of the stomach, with or without the same sensation in the bowels, and with a coated tongue. Long-continued hot weather, especially with cold nights, predisposes the system to this disease. It may also be caused by overeating, improper food, and by poisonous substances taken into the stomach. There Fmay be severe spasmodic pains in the stomach, and( colic pains in the bowels, or there may be very little pain. At first, simply the contents of the stomach and lower bowel are discharged, but bilious mlatter, green or yellow, and more or less acrid, soon makes its appearance. If the disease is not soon relieved, the pulse becomes feeble, the countenance pale and shrunken, the skin cool and damp, the urine scanty, and sometimes painful cramps appear in the muscles of the abdomen and extremities. If the disease is neglected, alarming symptoms may ensue, such as brown, blackish, or bloody discharges, great thirst and burning in the stomach and bowels, small, fiequent, and irregular pulse, short and frequent respiration, cold extremities, sunken eyes, cold sweat, hliccough and distention of the abdomen, with perhaps a cessation of the vomiting; and, if not relieved by treatment, the patient may sink and die within a period of from twelve or twenty-four hours to two or three days, often retaining his mental faculties until the last. In some severe cases, the discharges are colorless or whitish, almost like those in Asiatic Cholera. In some cases a diarrhea follows the attack, and in some instances a gastric or typhoid fever seems to result. Cholera morbus is rarely fatal in persons of a good constitution, especially under hlomceopathic treatment, as the disease is generally soon relieved by our remedies. When the difficulty has been caused by offending matters taken into the stomach, as soon as they are evacuated the patient is often relieved, even without medicine, but in other instances the symptoms continue unabated. Vomiting and purging are not unfrequent attendants upon other diseases, such as bilious fever, inflammation of the stomach, bowels, and liver, but such CHOLERA MORBUS. 217 cases may be distinguished from the disease under consideration by the presence of fever, headache, tenderness and soreness of the stomach and bowels; whereas, in cholera morbus there is no fever, especially at the commencement of the disease. It is not always so easy to distinguish cholera morbus from the effects caused by various irritating poisons such as A rse:zic, Tartar emnetic, Corrosive sublimate, or Calomzel. If this disease is not prevailing, and the attack is sudden, without premonitory symptoms, and has not been caused by any irregularity in diet, such as over eating or drinking, or the use of unusual articles, it is well to bear in mind the possibility of the disease having been caused by the accidental or intentional use of a poisonous substance. In all cases where you have the least reason to suspect that the disease has been caused by a poison, carefully save all the discharges, give the hommeopathic remedy or remedies as directed below, and send immediately for a physician. If you know that the disease has bzen caused by a poison, consult the section on poisons, and send for a physician. Treatment of Cholera MAorbus.-When there are premonitory symptoms of this disease, such as a coated and yellow tongue, weight and- uneasiness, or pain in the stomach or bowels, give a dose of Cl/amnonliza every hour until the symptoms are relieved. It may still be useful after vomiting and diarrhoea have commenced, if there is great pain. Dose of this or other remedies, see page 7. Ipecac: Give this remedy every half hour, if there is great nausea and vomiting, with profuse watery diarrhoea, especially if the disease has been caused by overloading the stomach, or by indigestible substances. If there is severe pain in the bowels, give it alternately with Chanmomilla, one half hour apart. If the disease has been caused by cold or acid drinks, acid and unripe fruits, or if there is great acidity of the stomach, give Pulsatilla and Ipecac, alternately, one half hour or hour apart, according to the severity of the symptoms. Veratrum: This is by far the most important remedy in very severe cases of this disease; and in lighter cases, when the above 10 21i ASIATIC Ol EPIDEMIC CHOLERA. remedies fail to relieve them, within a few hours, give Yeratrnm every half hour, when the evacuations are very profuse, with or without pain, especially if there are cramps in the calves of the legs, hollow and sunken eyes, and cold extremities. It may be giv, n alternately with Arsenictnu, in severe cases. A rsenicUm: Give this remedy every half hour, if Veratrumn fails to check the progre-s of the disease, and the eyes become s unken, the extremities cold, and there are great thirst and a burning sensation at the pit of the stomach. If, during the progress of the disease, there is very intense pain in the bowels, a dose or two of Colocyntz will often relieve it. China may be given night and morning, after the symptoms are re Ieved, for the debility which remains. Diet, 6.c.-During the continuance of the disease, nothing should be taken into the stomach but rice-water, arrow-root, toast. water, and boiled water, and the like unirritating drinks. When there is much pain, cloths may be wrung from warm water, and applied over the stomach and bowels. ASIATIC OR EPIDEMIC CHOLERA. An attack of this disease is generally, but not always, preceded by certain premonitory symptoms, such as a furred tongue, poor appetite, impaired digestion, thirst, uneasiness, distention. and weight of the stomach and bowels, with,general weakness. A profuse, watery, painless diarrhmoa, with rumbling in the bowels, generally precedes the attack of fully-developed cholera, for from a few hours to several days. This diarrhcea is attended with so little suffering, that patients are exceedingly liable to neglect it until attacked by cholera. If a watery diarrhoea is attended wi:h pain, there ii far less danger of an attack of cholera, than when it is painless. During the prevalence of an epidemic, overeating or irr'egularities of diet, exposure, mental excitement or fatigue, may induce an attack, or it may come on without any exciting cause. A feeling of weakness, and sometimes clhils, copiolis sweats, feebleness of the pulse, disordered vision, dizziness, and ringing, in AAMLIC'OR EPIDEIM[ CHOTERA. 21t the-ears, are symptoms which frequently occur about the comnlencement of the attack; or without any premonitory symptoms except the painless diarrhaea, and occasionally even without this, the patient is seizcd with violent vomiting and purging, with severe pains in the ablo:nen, neuralgic or cutting sharp pains in different parts of the body, and cramps in the muscles, esp:cially of tie arms aInd lower extremities. The passages from the bowels soon become thin, watery, and whitish, resembling thin gruel or rine-water, which, when allowed to stand, separates into a colorless fluid and a white, insoluble matter, which settles in the bottom of the vessel. In some instances the passages are brown, and in mild cases, when the disease is. abating, they are sometimes tinged with bile. The matter vomited may be white and glairy, or similar to the stools. The evacuations are often very copious, and apparently without much effort, and rapidly exhaust the systenm of its fluids. The features become shrunken, the extremities cold, the pulse small, and the fingers and toes often distorted by cramps in the muscles of the arms and legs. If the disease is not arrested, the pulse becomes very feeble, and almost imperceptible at the wrist, the skin begins to assume a leaden or dark purple color on the face and extremities, and is shrunken and inelastic, and on the hands and feet wrinkled and shrivelled as if long soaked in water. The eyes are deeply sunken in their sockets, and surrounded by a livid circle. Tile urine is scanty and sometimes suppressed, the thirst intense, with a constant desire for cold drinks, and also for fresh air. The respiration is short, hurrie, and oppressed, and there are great restlessness and extreme prostration of strength. The patient often complains of great heat over the entire body, when the surface is very cold to the touch. There is more or less dullness of the mental faculties, although the mind is generally free from any derangement. The patient usually gives himself very little uneasiness about the result of his disease. We have now followed the symptoms up to the beginlning of tlhe collapse, when if the patient is not relieved, the pulse becomes imperceptible, the voice feeble, the breath cold, the respiration very feeble, and the urine suppressed. The vomiting and purging mar 220 ASIATIC OR EPIDEMIC CHOLERA. continue or cease some time before death. The cramps may abate some time before the patient dies or not until after respiration ceases. Sometimes stupor precedes the fatal termination, in other instances the patient is conscious to the last. Death may occur within from four to twelve hours froal the commencement of the attack, but more frequently not sooner than from one to three days. The patient may recover from any stage, even from the collapse; the appearance of bile in the passages is generally a favorable sign. If the patient has been very much reduced by the evacuations when reaction becomes established, more or less febrile excitement is apt to ensue. This is generally of a typhoid character, and during its continuance there is a great tendency to congestion of the brain, giving rise to headache, delirium, convulsions and stupor. A fatal collapse sometimes occurs without vomiting, and in some instances vomiting occurs without diarrhoea. Occasionally, but very rarely, the collapse almost immediately follows the attack. The cholera is an epidemic disease, and nothing is known in regard to the poison which causes it. The intemperate and those who use alcoholic and fermented drinks even moderately, are more liable to have the disease than others; but while the temperate should never commence the use of such drinks during the prevalence of the disease with any thoughts of thereby preventing it, as they will be far more likely to contract it if they do, the intemperate and those who have been accustomed to their use should simply use them more moderately, but not break o: Ien. tirely until the epidemic is over, as the sudden change may cause an attack. Preventive Treatment. — Eat temperately of vegetable and animal food, if you have been in the habit of using both; simply shun indigestible food, unripe fruits and crude vegetables, small beer, cider, ice-water, ice-cream, &c. Follow the following directions and you need have very little fear of being attacked during the prevalence of any epidemic of cholera. Avoid excessive physical or mental labor, and all undue mental excitement. Take Veratrum, Cuprum, and Sulphur, in the order they are named, at bedtime, two days apart; and after taking each of them twice, lengthen the intervals between the remedies to thrve or four days; and then ASIATIC OR EPIDEMIIC CIOLERA. 221 continue them to the and of the epidemic. Take four globules of either for a dose. Treatmernt of thle _Painless Diarrhcea which precedes CGholera.Never neglect such a diarrhcea during the prevalence of cholera, for a single hour, but resort immediately to the use of homoeopathic remedies, which, if carefully selected and promptly administered, will rarely, if ever, fail to cure the diarrhoea, and thereby prevent the cholera; so that very few hornceopathic patients can ever have this disease, except through gross neglect. Take no other than homceopathic remedies, either for this diarrhoea or for the cholera. It is all-important that you shun all allopathic nostrums and quack medicines, for a single dose of a remedy which contains any of the preparations of opium, will often so far paralyze the system that it will be impossible to get a sufficiently prompt action from our remedies, to save the life of the patient. All experience shows that from one fourth to one half of all the patients who take opium, in:iny form, during a well-marked attack of cholera, will die, in spite of any known treatment. Arsenicum is perhaps more frequently required for this diarrhoea, than any other remedy, especially when the passages are very profuse and watery, with or without much pain, and if there is great thirst, give a dose every hour. If there is any nausea or sick stomach, or if the diarrhoea is very painful, with profuse evacuations, give Veratrum alternately with Arsenicum, at intervals of half an hour. Pio0pholorus: If the passages are light colored and nearly painless, with moderate thirst, give a dose of this remedy once an hour, but if it does not relieve the symptoms within a few hours, give Arsenicumz. China may be given once in two hours, in obstinate cases, when the passages are painless and watery, and there are rumbling and distention of the bowels with wind. Relief will be more certain and speedy, if the patient keeps quiet, and covers himself up well in bed. Treatm7ent of C/iolera. —At the commencement of the attacK, if there are great weakness, or chilly sensations, copious sweats, and feeble pulse, disordered vision or dizziness, give either six globules, :222'ASIATIC Ori EPIDEMIC CHOLERA. or a drop of the Spirits of camphor, every five or ten minutes, until such symptoms are relieved; at the same time cover the patient up in bed, and apply hot dry fannels to hiis feet, so as to get him into a gentle perspiration if possible. This course will often check the disease in an hour or two, but if is should not, give - Veratrurm: This i-s the chief remedy at the commencement of'the attack, after Campnhor, especially when there are profuse vomiting and purging, coldness, blueness. cramps, and rice-water passafges. Repeat the dose once in fifteen minutes. Dose of this or any other remedy, see page 7. Cuprurn may be given alternately with Veraturom, at intervals of fifteen minutes, if, notwithstanding the use of that remedy, the patient begins to be troubled with cramps in the extremities, and -distortion of the fingers and toes. A rsenicunL: If, in the course of three or four hours, there is no improvement (and even sooner if the patient seems to be getting rapidly worse), omit the Cuprum and give Arseictm alternately with Veratrum at intervals of fifteen minutes or half an hour, and rpersevere with these remedies until the patient is either relieved orsytmptoms of collapse approach, such as very small pulse, livid'surface, and cold perspiration on thle extremities. If such syrump-:toms appear, omit the Vcratrumn and give a few doses of Camp,'~or, a.s directed for the commencement of the disease, and then give 4arbo veg. alternately with A rsenicunm, at intervals of lhalf an hour, until either reaction ensues or the patient dies. External Applications, Diet, 4c.-At the commencement of the disease, cover the patient up warm ila bed, and apply warm flannels or bottles of hot water, or a warm iron, or brick, to the feet; but if the patient is in the stage of collapse, at-id the surface is bathed with a profuse cold perspiration, do not apply external heat, as it will only make him uncomfortable, and increase the exhausting perspiration. In this stage, rub the surface, especially the extremities, freely with the dry hand, or a dry warm piece of flannel, or a coarse towel —the bare hand is the best. During the active stage of the disease, nothing but the most simple drinks, such as rice-water, arrow-root, corn-sta coh, and toast-water, should be allowed, and even such liquids only in small quantities at a time. INFLAMMATION OF THE BOWELS. 2'3 WVhen the vomiting and purging cease, the above drinks may be made thicker and more nourishing, and when the appetite seems to demand it, ttlin puddings of arrow-root, rice, or cornstarch may be allowed, and after a day or two more, toast, cracker and meat. Food in substance, like toast, rice, or meat, should never be giverl more than three times a day, to a patient wlhile recovering from this or any other disease, as the stomach needis seasons of rest. INFLAMMATION OF THE BOWELS (PERITONITIS). There are two forms of inflammation of the bowels; one in which the disease involves the smooth membrane which lines the internal surface of the abdominal -walls, and the external surface of the intestines, and sometimes extends to their muscular coat; the other consists of inflammation of the mucous membrane or internal lining of the intestines. The former will be considered in this section, the latter under the hleald of " Inflammation of the Mucous Membrane of the Bowels, or Small Intestines " Syzmptosp s -Either after, or without preceding or accompanying clii Is, lanulor, and loss of appetite, the patient is seized with acute or sharp pain in the abdomen. generally in the lower part, sometimes on one side only. It mn.ay be circumscribed, or extend over a large portion of the abdomen, according to the extent of the disease. The pain is aggravate d by movement, coughing, sneezing, sighing, &c. Pressure causes great distress, and even the weight of the bedclothes often intcreases the suffering, and the patient lies w itl his knees drawn up so as to relax the muscles over the parts dlseased. The abdomen is hlot und hard, and, as the disease advances, distended by g:ls; the bowels are g3nerally constipated, or soo:I become so, I)ut sometimes they are regular, and nausea and vomniting are not uncommon; thll, skin is dry and hot, the pulse rapid, small, and lalrd. Trhe countenance indicates great distress and depression, the cheeks are pale, the eyes sunken, and the tongue and lips are dry. The frequency of the pulse var:es froim eighty to one hundred and thirty in a minute. 224 INFLAMMATION OF THE BOWETS. The disease may be caused by exposure to cold, mechanical in, juries, irregularities of diet, lthe breaking of abscesses, or by the perforation of the intestinal tube from ulceration, and the escape of the contents of the bowels into the abdominal cavity. In one instance of the latter kind, in a child, on examination after death we found that the ulceration and perforation were caused by:-n accumulation of magnesia which had been administered months before; and I have good reason to think that the use of this drug, and prepared chalk, is not an unfrequent cause of this accident, and thereby of fatal inflammation of the bowels, for an examination in another instance of perforation rendered it quite manifest that it arose from the same cause. When this disease results from perforation of the intestine it almost always terminates fatally; only in rare instances, under the most favorable circumstances, can the patient be expected to recover. Therefore, let every one beware of giving or taking either crude magnesia or prepared chalk. Peritonitis, or the form of inflammation of the bowels under consideration, when not caused by perforation of the intestine, or the bursting of an abscess, can generally be cured by homceopathic treatment, provided always that the bowels are allowed to remain constipated until the symptoms are entirely relieved. If the disease is attended by a low or malignant form of fever, denoted by an early prostration of the vital powers, cold extremities, small irregular pulse, sordes or crusts on the teeth, and delirium, there is more danger of a fatal termination. Treatment. —The first and most important point is, to let the bowels alone, and never attempt to obtain a passage even by injections, as the motion of the intestines and of the patient, necessary for an evacuation, is sure to increase the severity of the disease. Wring a large towel from cold water and apply over the abdomen, over that put four or five thlicknesses of dry flannel large enough to cover entirely tlhe wet cloth; then pinl a dry towel around the body and over the flannel so as to confine the whole to its place. Wet the towel once in six or eight hours. Later in the disease, if the above and proper remedies fail to relieve promptly, cloths wrung from hot walter and changed every fifteen minutes or half an hour, or an oil-meal or ground flaxseed poultice, will often ilo better. 2B6B IENTERITS. If in any case there is irritation of the neck of the bladder, with frequent and painful passage of urine, Cuanthlarides is the remedy, and an occasional dose may lbe admninistered for this symptom; and if it fails to afford relief, give Apis reel. Acute inflammation of the bowels sometimes, instead of being cured, assumes a chronic form, or the inflammation may come cA' so gradually as not to manifest acute symptoms. For this forme of the disease, give Sulphlur night and morning for a week, the:t omit and give Lachesis in the same manner. These remedies may be continued as long as there is any improvement, when Arsenicumn may be given night and morning. Diet.-During an attack of acute inflammation of the bowels, notlli:ng but rice-water, arrow-root, corn-starch, toast-water, or weak gruel should be allowed. iNFLAMMATION OF THE MUCOUS MEAMBRANE OF THE SMALL INTESTINES (ENTERITIS). This disease may be caused by exposure to sudden changes of temperature, but more frequently by excesses in eating or drinking, or by improper articles taken into the stomaclh. Like inflam. mation of the stomach, it not unfirequently occurs during the course of febrile diseases, especially during t3yphoid fever. It may a!so be caused by a change of water. Symnptoms.-This disease generally begins with uneasiness in the bowels, followed by griping pains, which gradually become more severe, especially about the navel and a few inches bQlow, and at the sides, and there is almost always more or less tenderness on pressure. Diarrhcea usually soon follows, and the stools follow the attacks of griping pain, and consist of watery and natural dischares, mixed with bile, mucus, and undigested food, sometimes tinged with blood; occasionally they are green cr clay-colored. Chills and ftvcr either precede, accompany, or soon follow the local symptoms; the pulse is frequent and full, the skin dry, and the tongue somewhat furred. There is generally little or no headache. This disease is often mild and attended with but little pain, but ENTERITIS. 227 in other instances the pains are very severe, the bowels very tender and distended, with flatulence, and the discharges offensive. Sumetimes the inflammation ascends to the stornach, and vomiting occurs, with great thirst and tenderness of the stomaclh on pressure. Tile liver, in some cases, Iecomes involved, causing yellowness of the skin and eyes. If the disease continues, the torigle becomes red and dry, and the pulse frequent and feeble, and tile patient either sinks or slowly recovers. An acute attack not unfrequently terminates in chronic inflammation, or the disease may be so gradually developed as not to manifest any acute symptoms. Diarrhoea is a general attendal:t on the chronic form of the disease, and in fact many of our most obstinate cases of diarrhoea are caused by this affection. There may be but two or three passages in twenty-four hours, or they may be very frequent. They are sometimes scanty, but in other instances profuse. The evacuations are similar to those of the acute form of the disease; sometimes portions of false membrane ale discharged, and in some instances of a tubular form, resembling portions of the intestine, but lacking the smooth external surface of the latter. In advanced stages of tle disease, the evacuations are sometimes mingled with pus or matter. If there is pain, it is generally partially relieved after the discharges. The abdomen may be distended or very flat, the appetite craving or moderate. The pulse is generally increased in frequency, the tongue slightly furred, and in the advanced stage often smooth and red, and the skin dry and harsh, with more or less rapid diminution of streng:h and emaciation. The spirits are often depressed, and cases of insanity have sometimes lhad theyr origin fotm chronic in flammation of the mucous membrmane of the bowels. Towards the close of fatal cases, hectic fever usually occurs, and the patient becomes much emaciated. The duration of the disease is exceedingly variable, in light cases it may last years. Treatment. -In acute cases, when there are thlirst, lhot skin,'and full pulse, Aconite should be given-a dose every hour, until the febrile symptoms are relieved. Dose of this or other remedies, see page 7, Mlercurius ziv. If, at the commencement of the disease, there 228 1 N-E'r'rns. are severe griping pains, causing a weak or faint sensation, or it the passages from the bowels contain mucus, give a dose of this remedy once in two hours; and if there is much fever, give a dose of Aconite between the doses of Mercuris viv. These two remedies alone will very frequently cure the disease; but in some instances, if the pain is severe at the end of twelve or twenty-four hours, the Aconite may be omitted, and Cooibc/nth may be given alternately iwith AMercurius viv. If the symptoms improve, lengthen the intervals between the doses to two or three hours. Pulsatilla: If the disease has been caused by green fruit, acids, or other errors of diet, and the passages are watery, without much mucus, and not attended by much pain, give this remedy once an hour, but if it does not soon relieve, give Arsenicum: This is a very important remedy -after Pulsatdl'a; or at the commencement, especially when there are great thirst, burning in the bowels, or profuse, watery, browni:h, or yellowish evacuations, containing shreds of mucus. In severe cases, give a dose every hour. Bryonia will often be of service during hot weather, if the passages are watery and contain mucus, with or without pain, e pecially if the tongue inclines to be dry, and the bowels are tender. Arsenicum may be req uired after Bry onia. Give C/hamonil/'a when the pains are very severe and long continued, anl Colocynth and Mercurius viv. fail to relieve them. If the di-sease threatenas to become chronic, give Sulphur every night. In the chronic form of the disease the above remedies, especially Arsenicumn and Sulphur, may still be useful. Give a doeo of Sulp/hur night and morning for a week, unless the symptoms improve before the end of that period; in that case, give but one doze a day, and continue it as long as the pn:tient improves. If tJeie is much thirst, or heat in the bowels, and the passages are swatery, give Arsenicumr night and morning after Sulphur, but if there is but little thirst or pain, give Phosphorus instead of Arrilculn. If the passages contain pus or matter, give Lachesis night and morning for one week, and Silicea the next week. If diarrhoea alternates with costiveness, give Nux romica at night while the DYSENTERY. 229 bowels are constipated, and one of the above remedies when they are loose. If the passages arc painless, and contain unldiested food, and the patient is troubled with flatulency, give a dose of CIinla one hour before every meal. -Liet, 4c.-During an acute attack, if the disease is attended with fever, soreness in the bowels, and (liarrlcea, the pIatient should retain the horizontal position, and eat neither food in substance nor animal food, but simply use rice-water, arrow-root, barley-water, toast-water, and the top or thin part of oat-meall. or corn-meal gruel. As the disease abates and the appetite returns, make the above drinks thicker, and very cautiously return to a more nutritious diet. In chronic cases, milk may be.ladded to the above articles. A warm bath daily, especially in chronic cases, will be found of great service. DYSENTERY, OR INFLAMMATION OF THE LARGE INTESTINE. This disease may be caused by unripe and acid fruits, indigestable food, cathartics, exposure to cold night air after a hot day, and sudden changes of temperature. It is not contagious, but it sometimes prevails as an epidem c. Dysentery may be either acute or chronic, and of every grade of severity, from the lightest without fever, to the most severe form, with a high grade of febrile excitement. Symptorns.-Somnetimes chills and fever precede the local symptoms, in other cases they either accompany them or soon follow, if the attack is at all severe. Gripilg and cutting pains in the abdomen, irregular in their recurrence and position, followed by discharges from the bowels, which generally afford partial relief; are the first prominent symptoms. The first two or three p:.ss:ages may be composed simply of the contents of the bowels; in other cases they are of a dysenteric character from the conmmencemant, without any of the natural discharges. Weight, uneasiness of the bowels, and sometimes burning, soon follow the paroxysms of griping pain, together with a frequent inclination to 230 DYSENTErRY. go to stool, evacuating simply a small quantity of mucus each time. A straining or forcing-down sensation, called tenesmus, soon follows arind becomes one of the most distrlessing symptoms of the disease. Sometimencs the bowels protrude, owing t,, the severity of the straining, and the discharges are often followed by burning and cutting pains in the anus or passage. The discllarges Bare eeldom less than a dozen in twenty-four hours, and ini bad cases they may be as fi'equent as once in five or ten minutes. The evacuations generally consist of transparent or whitish mucus, or mucus mixed with blood, sometimes of nearly clear blood. As the disease advances, portions of thicker mucus, or shreds of membranous matter often mixed with bile, and sometimes with lumps of the natural discharge, make their appearance. At first there is very little smell to the evacuations, but after a time there is exhaled a pqculiar fleshy odor. The bladder often sympathizes with the intestine, and there are frequent and painful passages of urine. The bowels are tender on pressure, the urine scanty, and the pulse is frequent. Illn a majority of cases the disease abates within a week or ten days, but if the. symptoms are not relieved within that period, they are apt to become aggravated, the pain and st aining increase, the discharges are more frequent, and the abdomen more tend er; the pulse smaller and more rapid, the tongue brlownish and dry; and after a few days the coating peels off, leaving the surface smooth, gVassy, and sometimes gashed. In protracted cases pus or matter is often discharged, and the stools become more copious and offensive, containing bloody water and greenish mucus. In some cases the liver is deranged, the skin and eyes yellow, and vomiting is friequently present. The disease sometimes assumes a typloid or even typhus form when it is attended with great danger. In such cases, while the body is hot, the limbs are cool, the pulse small and frequent, the tongue is brown or black; crusts or sordes appear on the teeth, very offensive and copious brown or black stools make their appearance, and occasionally there are free discharges of altered blood. There is great prostration of strength in such cases, and sometimes dark spots appear, from an effusion of blood in and beneath the skin. DYSENTERY. 231 The following are among the favorable signs: Gradual abatement of the fever, pain, straining, and frequency of the stools, with the appearance of free natural discharges. When improvement commences, the passage of the natural contents of the bowels ovef the inflamed surface of the intestine, often causes intense pain, but this generally is followed by a free evacuation from the bowels, after which the pain abates. The tollowing are unfavorable syrnpr toms. Sudden abatement of pain (and strain:ng, distention of the bowels with gas, cold clammy sweat, h:ccough, involuntary stools, delirium, or stupor. Some of the above symptoms may be present and yet the patient recover, but they denote great danger. Treatment. — The first, and by far the most important measure in all cases, whether severe or light, is aIboollte rest in the horizontal position. Perhaps in no disease is it so important that the patient constantly keep his bed, as in dysentery; and in all cases of any sev,-rity, he should not even be allowed to rise up to h:ave a passage, but should use a bed-pan; or, what is better, foldl up a sheet and place under the hip-, and over that small cloths, which can be removed after the passage, without disturbing the patient; nor should he be allowed to sit, up until the disease is ~entirely cured, otherwise the symptoms will be aggravated. The next and most important point, is proper care in r.-gard to substances taken i'nto the stomach. Nothing should be allowed in any case. of much severity, excepting light unirritating drinks, such as rice-water, arrow-root, toastwater, barley-water, slippery-elm, or a thin gruel of farlina cr of oat-meal, or at most, waim milk-and- water. When the disease is cured, cautiously return to a more substantial diet. If the patient is a young child, it may continue to nurse. Aconite: Give this remedy in all cases when there are chills or fever, and soreness of the bowels on pressure. Give a (lose once an hour, for three or four hours, and if it does not relieve the symptoms, give Mcrcurius vit'. alternately with it. Dose of this, or of other remedies, see page 7. 1lIercurius vih.: In cases where there are no chills or fever, this remedy may be given at the commencement of the disease, when there are frequent discharges, with straining, which does not abate with the passages, and they consist of slimy, bloody, or green mu 232' DYSENTERY. cus, with or without severe griping or cutting pains in the bowels, which are not relieved by tuhe evacuations Give a dose once an hour. In cases attended with chills o- fever, Aconite should either precede this remedy or ble given alternately with it. Continue Alercurius for at least twenty-four or forty-eight hours, and longer it the patient is improving..lMerct'rius cor.: If the passages at first are very bloody, containing bile anl mucus, with severe colic pains and straining, and also when there is straining to pass urine, or iretention of urine, this remedy may be given instead of AMercurials vit,.; also if the latter remedly, when it seems indicated, fails to relieve the symptoms, especially when the disease occurs during the fall of the year, give a dose once in from one to two hoturs. Colo,:yth: If, notwithstanding the use of the above remedies, the pains in the bowels are very intense, causing the patient to bend up, anl there is pressure and fullness of the abdomen, omit Mercurius, or any other remedy you may be giving, for five or six hours, and give a dose of Colocynlth every hour during that period. Sulp,/ztr: This remedy is rarely of service at the commmencement of this disease, but after the acute symptoms have been relieverl by other remedies, or in obstinate case, where Mlerculrius viv. or Meir'crius cor. fails to relieve, especially if it aggravates the symptoms, Sulphur is the remedy. Give a dose once in two hours and lengthen the intervals between the doses as the patient improves. The above are the most important remedies in a majority of cases; yet, in a few instances, otther remedies will be required. Brgon;ia may follow a few doses of Aconite, when the disease occurs during the hot weather of summer, especially when it is caused by the use of cold drinks. Give a dose once in two hours. Nux vor02.: This remedy is often useful during the hot weather of summer, especially when the discharges are chiefly mucus, very frequent, small, attended wi:h pain in the abdomen, and great straining, which cease with the passages, or when the latter have a putrid smell. Give a dose once in two hours. Arsenicumr: Give this remedy, it' IVux 2omica fails to relieve, TARReTMLA. 233 when the stools are putrid involuntary, and there is great debility, offensive breath, crusts on the teeth, or dark spots on the skin. If there are nausea and bilious vomiting, give ipecac after, or alternately with Aconite, especially when these symptoms occur at the commencement of the disease, during the fall of the year. In the case of children, in addition to the above remedies, Cltumomilla may be required if the child screams before the pas. sages, and is very restless. Whlien teething children are attacked with this disease, Aconite should always precede Chamnlozilla. Generally the globules of Aconite should be used, with both children and adults, especially when the fever is high and the skin hot; but when there is but little fever, or simply a slow fever, and the disease is obstinate and does not readily yield to remedies, in the case of children or adults, drop one drop of the prime tincture of Aconite, or twelve globules saturated with the tincture of Aconite, into half a glass of water, and give a child half a teaspoonful, or an adult a teaspoonful, every hour until there is some change in the symptoms, then lengthen t'he intervals between the doses. In chronic cases, if there are passages of mucus and pus, or matter, with more or less straining, give a dose of Sulplhur night and morning, and if it fails to relieve the symptoms at the end of a week, give Lachesis night and morning for several days, and afterward Phosphorus. If the patient improves under the us3 of either of the above remedies, gradually lengthen the intervwl-s between the dose3 to two or three days, and continue the remedy as long as there is any improvement. DIARRH(EA. This affection may arise from an increased action or motion of the bowels, which may be caused by mental emotions, such as fail, joy, &c., or by overeatir.g, when the quantity of food may cause semi-liquid stools, without pain or soreness in the abdomen. Diarrhoa may depend on an irritation of the mucous membrane of 23A DIARRHIIUA. the bowels, which hardly amounts to inflammnafion. tIot weather and atmospheric influences often prediispaoe individuals to this:iffe:ction; and when this is the case ia s!'-lct, irregularty of diet or exposure may bring on an attack. Trhis afictionll may be caused by substances acting directly on the mucous membrane or inner surface of the intestines, such as var'ious cathartic renledies, iridigestible food, unripe fruits, acid and very cold drinks, &c. An increased secretion of bile, or bile of a perverted quality, may cause bilious stools of a dark brown, yellow, or black appei:ranc(, and sometimes of a tarry consistency. An insufficient secretion of bile may also cause a diarrhaea; the passages appearing clay colored, or of a dirty white. When the digestive organs are weak, undirrsted portions of food may irritate the mucous membrane and cause this affection, when undigested food will appe:ir in the passages. Diarrhcua may arise from debility, as ill the last stages of consumption, and other chronic diseas2s, when it sometimes alternates with the profuse sweats which depend on the same cause. Earlier in consumption it often depends on inflammation, and in some instances ulceration of the mucous nembrane. Thlls affection in children is frequently caused by sympathy with the gutns in teething. The evacuations in diarrhlea may be few, not exceeding two or three daily, or they may occur every few moments; the quantity may be but little greater than during health, or very great, and has been known to amount to forty pounds i-i twentyfiur hours. Sometimes there is pain before the passages, but in other instances they are painless. The skin is usually dry and the urine scanty; the pulse may be nearly natural, or small and irregular; and there may be little or no debility, or great sinking and prostration. This disease may last but for a few hours, or for days, months, and even years; there may be little or no danger, or in neglected cases, the patient may die fiom exhaustion Treatment.-If the passages from the bowels are slimy, mucous, or bloody, with or without fever, consult the section on dysentery. If there are fever and soreness of the bowels on pr~essure, with little or no mucus, especially when even if there is mucus there is no straining, consult the section on inflammation of the mucous membrane of the bowels, If diarrhcea occurs during any febrle or tnRR}MnU. 2 35 eruptive disease, consult the section on that disease; but if the remedies there recommended fail to relieve, you can then consult this section. Opium may be given when the diarrhcea has been caused l!v mental emotions, especially fright, fear, or horror. If in such cases this remedy fails to relieve at the end of six or eight hours, give Veratrum. If the disease has been caused by joy, give Cofee every hour for six hours; follow, if necessary, with Opium. If tlhe diarrhmea has been caused by grief or sorrow, give Ignatia once in two hours for twenty-four hours, and afterward, if necessary, give China, especially if there is no paina. When the disease has been caused by anger, give CGamnomnlla after every passage, and if it does not relieve the symptoms within twelve or twenty-four hours, give Colocynth. If the patient simply has semi-liquid, but otherwise natural passages, from overeating, let him eat less, and take a dose of Pulsatilla before every meal. Does of either of the remedies, see page 7. Pulsatilla: Give this remedy when the diarrhoea has been caused by errors of diet, unripe or acid fruits, acid drinks, cold water, ihubarb, or tobacco, and especially whenl the discharges are bilious, yellowish, whitish or green, very offensive, and occur during the night; also, if there are nausea, sour stomach, and acid vomiting. Give a dose as often as the passages occur. After this remedy Arsenicum is often required. Arsenicum may be given when the passages are very watery and profuse, when there is great thirst, extreme debility, and when eating or drinking causes passages with more or less pain. A senicunz is especially useful when the diarrhcea has been caused by cold drinks or acid fruits, and when the passages are brownish; also for the watery diarrhmeas of teething children, aged persons, and. consumptives. In severe cases give a dose every hour, and gradually lengthen the intervals to six or eight hours as the patient improves. In chronic cases give a dose two or three times a day. Dulcamara: Give a dose of this remedy after every passage, when the disease has been causel by a cold damp atmosphere, or getting wet. If at the end of twilve or twenty-four hours the symptoms are not in a great measure relieved, give iJlercurius viv. 236 DIARRHIRA. Mllercuris viv. is the remedy for bilious diarrhoea, when the stoo's are yellow, green or whitish, or if they look like stirred eggs, and especially if there are severe griping pains in the abdomen or any straining during the passages; also when the passages are watery, if they contain shreds of mucus or slime. Give a dose every hour, and gradually lengthen the intervals between the doses as the patient improves. Sulphlur is often required after Mercurius if the symptoms are not entirely relieved within two or three days. Ch/ainomilla: Give this remedy for bilious diarrhoea when there are severe colic pains, watery, yellowish, or greenish passages, smelling like rotten etgs or acid, and especially in the case of children where there are rumbling and distention of the abdomen, screams, and restlessness. Give a dose once in one or two hours. Colocynth is an important remedy, not only for children but also for adults, when with or without nausea there are intense spasmodic or cutting pains in the bowels with yellowish passages. Give a dose every hour. Veratrtmn: If at the commencement of a watery diar;:hoea there is nausea, give a dose of this remedy every hour, and if it does not relieve at the end of twelve or twenty-four hours give Arsenicuin. Veratrumz may also follow either A rseliculm or Pulsatilla in case they fail to relieve watery diarrhoea when they seem indicated, even though there is no nausea, especially when there are cramping pains in the bowels or extremities. Give a dose every hour. Ipecac may be given instead of Veratruon if there is nausea or vomiting, with pains in the bowels, and bilious, white, or green passages. Give a dose once in two hours, and if the symptonms are not relieved at the end of six hours, give either Veratrum, Colovcnth, or Milercurius viv., the one which seems most indicated. China: Give this remedy for a painless, watery diarrhcea, especially if the evacuations are brownish or light colored and contain undigested food, and there is a disposition to a passage immediately after eating or drinking. This remedy is useful in some cases where there is pain, provided it is simply caused by wind, and the l assages are undigested. Give a dose after every passage. C1ina is often required in the case of children when DIASLILMEA. 23 7 the passages are undigested, but in suen cases only two doses should be given a day, one at night and the other in the morning; and in chronic cases this remedy need not be repeated more fiequently. If Chaina fails when it seems to be indicated give eitler Phosp/horus or Arsenicumn. Bryonia is sometines very useful when the di.sease occurs during the hot weather of summer, and is apparently caused by the heat, or the use of cold water when overheated. In chronlic cases the remedies need not be repeated more frequently than two or three times in twenty-four hours, and if the above fail to cure give Phosphorus when there is little or no pain and the passages contain undigested food. Give Sulphur when there is soreness of the bowels on pressure, and also if there is much pain or any straining with the passages. Calcaarea carb. may follow either Phosphlorus or Sulphur if relief is not obtained after continuing the remedy for from five to seven days in chronic -cases. /Rheum, is one of the best remedies, especially when there is severe pain, or when the passages have an acid or sour smell. Give a dose every hour. For the diarrhoea of children, if the passages are watery, consult among the foregoing remedies what is said in regard to Arsenicunz, Pulsatilla, Ipecac, Veratrum and China. If the passages are biiious with severe colic or pains in the bowels, consult Charnomiila, Alercurius viv., Pulsatillk, and Ipecac. If there is nausea or vomiting with diarrI lia, consult Ipecac and Veratrum; and also consult what is said in the section on cholera morbus. Cholera infantumn is but one form of cholera morbus, occurring with children. If, (luring the continuance of diarrhea and vomiting, or soon after they have ceased, the child has fits of crying, starting, squinting, or is either very wakeful or sleepy, give Belladonna alternately with Chinza two hours apart, and increase its nourishment, if the stomach will bear it. Diet. —When attacked by diarrhcea, a patient should abstain from acid, fruits, eggs, and solid food, especially if there is much pain and soreness of the bowels, and drink rice-water, barleyw.lter, -oat-meal gruel, aind moderately of milk. If the attack is not very severe, he may eat moderately of toast or soft-boiled rice. 238 cosrvrENss. COSTIVENESS Costiveness is generally caused by either sedentary or inactive habits or cathartic remedies. Tailors, shoemakers, and others wbho follow occupations which require them to sit a great deal of the time, if they neglect general exercise, are quite sure to be troubled more or less with this affection. The disease may also be caused by neglecting to attend regularly to the calls of nature. It often results in infants from some peculiarity in the mother's milk. Symptoms.-The evacuations become either less frequent or less free, and dryer than in health, and frequently come away in knotty lumps with much straining and painful distention of the passage. They are generally natural in color, but in some instances they are clay-colored, and in other cases blackish, and occasionally covered with bloody mucus. They sometimes accumulate in large quantities in the lower portion of the intestine, so as to cause over-dis. tention of thle bpart, giving rise to much irritation and causing small mucus passages with straining, resembling dysentery, except in not being accompanr.ied by fever. If on examining the abdomen you find an unusual fullness on the left side, extending down as low as you can feel, anl this distended part when you strike it with the ends of the fingers gives forth a dull sound, you have reason to think that there is an accumulation there which should be removed. In such a case give free injections of tepid water, and the reme. dies and take the exercises hereafter named. Constipation undeo homceopathic, compared with the same disease under allopathic treatment, is of comparatively little moment; and where there is no mechanical obstruction and the patient has not been in the habit of taking cathartics, we find very little difficulty in relieving the unpleasant symptoms which arise. If the bowels have been very costive for a long time they may never get so as to move every day, perhaps not more frequently than once in two or three days, which will do very well in such cases. Treatment.-The most important measure, without which remedies will beof l:ttle use, is to make an attempt to leave a pas coslVENEs. 5Sa Aage at a regular hour every day, or every other day, and never neglect this duty. Eat brown bread, fruits, vegetables. and only moderately of meats. Never use cathartics or laxatives of any kind, nor high-seasoned food. Take active out-door exercise, walking, running, horseback-riding, &c. When lying down, 1ghlt and morning, with the lower extremities straightened out,;.ni. the head and shoulders slightly elevated, place a hand upon each side of the abdomen and vibrate it sidewise for a minute or two, then commencing at the lower part of the abdomen on the left sidle, with the ends of the fingers, knead the abdomen directly up to the short ribs on the left side, then across to beneath the right short ribs, and down on the right side of the abdomen, then knead back over the same course. In tle morning, on arising from bed, thump with the fist across the lower part of the back and hips, below the small of the back, for a minute or two. Gently vibrating and kneading the abdomen, and thumping across the hips in the erect position as directed above, -will be useful in case of nursing children, as well as for adults. Costiveness generally disappears as soon as the child is weaned, and he begins to run around, unless the bowels hlave been weakened by cathartics or laxatives. In all casos of recent costiveness, where there is soreness and pain, rest is required, therefore, in such cases, omit the above exercises. Nux vomic'a: Give a dose of this remedy every night if there are derangements of the stomach, distention of the abdomen, and headache, or frequent urging to stool, with no passage, or slight mucous d:scharges. Nux vom. is especially useful for patients of sedentary habits, and those troubled with piles, and also for pregnant females who are troubled with nausea and vomiting. In the latter case give this remedy at night, and a dose of Ipecac in tile morning. Sulphur should generally follow Ntux vom.; or give Sulphur mornings, and Nux vona. nights. Dose of either of the remedies, see page 7. Opium is an important remedy for recent cases of constipation, when there is beating and heavinless in the abdomen, or congestion of blood to the hcad, headache, and red face. It is oftetn useful during pregn:mency. Give a duse night and morning. 240 COLIC. Bryonia may be given for the constipation of aged persons, and of those who are troubled with rheumatism, also when Nux vom. fails to relieve cases for which it seems indicated. Give a dose every morning. If the patient is a female, and of a mild disposition, Pulsatilla will often, succeed when N2ux vom. fails, and it will be useful in all cases when there is acid stomach with the constipation. Give a dose every night. Sepia may follow Pulsatilla at the end of a week or two. In cases of long standing, if the above remedies fail, give a dose of Natruim mu iaticum every night, and wet a towel in cold water every morning and apply over the bowels, and over that four or five thicknesses of dry flannel, so as to completely cover the wet towel, and confine the whole by a bandage around the body, pinned or tied tight so as to exclude the cold air. In recent cases of constipation, a remedy should be continued several days without being changed, and in chronic cases several weeks. COLIC. This disease is characterized by pain in the bowels, without inflammation. The pain generally occurs in paroxysms, and the bowels are usually constipated. We have two or three varieties of this disease. 1. FLATULENT CoLIc.-This form of the disease is generally caused by undigested food in the intestinal canal, giving rise to a copious formation of gas, which produces spasms of the bowels by its irritating effects. It may be caused by cold, worm-, and improper food, and is sometimes connected with a gouty, rheumatic, or hysterical diathesis. There is usually more or less rumbling, with distention of the abdomen, and eructations of wind, which almost always afford more or less relief. The pains are severe, spasmodic, twisting, pinching, cutting, or contracting, and are generally felt in the region of the navel, but may occur in other parts, or over the whole abdomen. The patient often presses his hands upon his bowels, and bends over, and turns fiom side to side in bed. This affection is very common with children, and couic. 241 sometimes causes convulsions. Even with adults, when the attack is very severe and sudden, the countenance may be pale and shrunken, and the pulse feeble, with faintness and temporary insensibility. 2. BILIOUS Coiic, characterized by paroxysms of severe colic pains, which usually terminate, or are attended by vomiting of yellow or green bile, which affords temporary relief. The attack is often preceded by loss of appetite, nausea, yellowness of the skin and eyes, and uneasiness in the right side, beneath the lower ribs. There is often some fever; and tenderness on pressure over the region of the stomach and liver is not uncommon after a few hours. There are sometimes convulsive movements in different parts of the body, and occasionally partial paralysis of some portion of the upper or lower extremities. The bowels are generally costive, and whether they are or not there may be either an excess or a deficiency of bile in the discharges. If the colic and vomiting continue'a long time, even the offensive contents of the bowels may be thrown up; but this is rare, except when the symptoms are caused by a rupture, or by some other obstruction of the bowels. Bilious colic is very common during the hot weather, especially when the nights are cool, and among those exposed to the cool night air. It may also be caused by depressing mental emotions, improper food, over-eating, &c. 3. LEAD CorIc.-Lead miners, glaziers, plumbers, manufacturers of white lead, and painters, are subject to this affection. Persons using water, especially soft water, which has passed through or stood in lead pipes or cisterns, are liable to attacks of this disease. Many of the symptoms are similar to those of other forms of colic; but the pain generally commences less abruptly, and is at first dull and afterward increases and extends to the back and sides. The abdomen about the navel is generally retracted, but sometimes distended. The stools are usually hard, dry, and'knotty, but sometimes there is diarrheea. The tongue is flat and tremulous, the face of a dingy hue, with a dejected and anxious expression. Trembling of the hands and weakness of the wristjoints. are not uncommon. Tratmeant of Colic.-In all cases when there is vomiting, and 11 242 coLCu. even if there is not, examine the abdomen carefully, and see if you can find a rupture, which, if present, will be manifested by a tumor or swelling, usually situated either at the navel, in the groin, or a little above the groin. If you find such'a swelling, consult the secti(n on obstruction of the bowels; also do this in all obstinate cases of colic, especially if there are nausea and vomiting. A warm bath is one of the best measures in every form of colic. When you have not conveniences for giving a warm bath, fold a flannel blanket in one direction so that it will be wide enough to extend from t he knees to the shoulders, then lay it lengthwise across the beel; fold a sheet in the same manner, but not quite as wide as the blanket, wring the sheet out of warm water, and wrap it around the body and hips, and wrap the ends of the flannel blanket as the patient lies upon it, ovner the wet sheet; wet the sheet again as soon as it becomes cool. This is a very good substitute for a warm bath. Cloths wrung from hot water and applied simply over the bowels, often afford some relief. In all cases where the bowels are costive, or in any case where there is no diarrhoea, copious injections of warm water will be found useful. Also let the patient drink freely of warm water, especially if there is nausea and vomiting. Remedies for Flatulent Colic. — Give Belladonna when there are cutting pains through the bowels, and there is a swelling like a pad across the abdomen. above the navel. This remedy is often useful in the case of children as well as in that of adults. Give a dose every half hour or hour. Dose of either of these remedies see page 7. Chanmomilla will be required in the case of children and females, and even males, when the bowels are distended with wind and there are tearing and drawing pains, and a sensation as if the in. testines were drawn up into a ball. Give a dose every half hour or hour. Nux vom.: Give this remedy if the disease has been caused by errors of diet, especially if thle bowels are costive, and the patient is a man and troubled with piles, and in other cases if there is pressure in the abdomen, as if fromn a stone, with rumbling and contractive. pains, aggravation by walking, and- relief from rest and lying COLIO. 243 down. Give a dose every hour. If at the end of four or five hours the symptoms are not relieved, give Colocynth and consult what is said under the head of that remedy. Pulsatilla should be given when the disease has been caused by over-eating, or by the use of improper articles, especially if the patient is a female, or if a male, if the eructations are sour, or smell like rotten eggs, or the bowels are loose, and if the pains are worse when sitting or lying, and relieved by walking, and when the face is pale with blue margins around the eyes. Give a dose every hour, and if the patient is not relieved at the end of four or five hours, give Colocyntlh as directed under the head of bilious colic. To overcome a disposition to flatulent colic, give Carbo veg. nights, and China mornings. Remedies for Bilious Colic. —Colocynth is one of the most important remedies in this form of the disease, and also for flatulent colic,. when it is of a decidedly spasmodic character. It is indicated when there is a feeling as if the intestines were squeezed between stones, and when there are cutting, twisting: grasping pains in the bowels, which extend to the stomach with nausea and bilious vomiting, which afford partial relief. Give a dose every hour, and if the patient does not improve after taking the second or third dose, give two tablespoonfuls of common coffee, without -milk or sugar, a half an hour from the dose of C(olocJnth, and repeat it, if necessary, two or three times. As soon as the symptoms improve, lengthen the intervals between the doses of Colocynth to three or four hours. Nux vom. is next in importance to Colocynth, in the treatment of this affection. The indications are similar to those given under the head of flatulent colic, with the addition of bilious vomiting, which affords temporary relief, with pressure in the pit of the stomach. Repeat the dose every hour. If there is sour vomiting, Pulsotilla will generally do'better than INVux vom. Consult what is said in regard to Pulsatilla under the head of flatulent colic. C'harnomilla will often afford relief in the case of women and children, when there is bilious vomiting or eructations, smelling like rotten eggs, with fullness at the pit of the stomach. Give a dose every hour, until there is some change, then lengthen the intervals. '24 OBSTRUCTION OF THE BOWELS- RUPTURE. Give Veratrum when the vomiting is frequent, with cramp-like pain in the bowels, and pressure at the pit of the stomach. In obstinate cases, where there is great debility, severe pains, burning or a feeling of coldness in the abdomen, with nausea and vomiting, give a dose of Arsenicum every hour. To overcome a predisposition to this disease, give Sulphur and NVux. vom. alternately, three days apart. Remedies for Lead Colic.-When the pain is severe, give Bdladonna once in one or two hours, and if it fails to relieve, alternate it with Nux vom. at intervals of two hours; and, as soon as there is a decided improvement, lengthen the intervals between the doses, These remedies will require to be continued for several weeks. If the patient does not improve rapidly, occasionally for two or three days, omit them and give Opium three or four times a day. The patient should use to a great extent a milk diet, with more -or less meat and vegetables, and he must shun the cause of his disease-give up his occupation if it requires him to use lead. If there is weakness of the wrist-joints, they must be exercised freely every day. A warm bath once in two or three days will be useful. OBSTRUCTION OF THE OW30VELS, RUPTURE, &c. The most severe and obstinate form of colic is sometimes caused by obstruction of the bowels, preventing the passage downward of their contents. Such an obstruction is sometimes caused by a rupture of the internal layers of the walls of the abdomen, and the protrusion of a portion of the intestine, forming a tumor beneath the skin, which may become strangulated at the point where it protrudes, or at some point, so as to prevent the passage of the contents of the bowels, and also the circulation of blood through the strangulated part. If this state of things is not relieved, mortification and death usually ensue. Ruptures generally occur at the navel, in the groin, or a little above the groin, extending down t3nward the scrotum in men and labia in females. Sometimes they occur in other parts of the abdomen. In young children the intestine frequently follows the testicle in its descent'rom the abdomen down into the scrotum; and, if it is not returned and re 246 RUPTV'RE. gently but steadily on the tumor, and with those of the other, en. deavor to work the contents of the swelling black through the opening through which they have protruded. Remember that the part last protrlded or nearest the opening must return first. With a little patience and perseverance, you will often succeed. But if you do not soon succeed, send immediately for a physician or surgeon-an allopathist if you cannot obtain a homeeopathist. After the intestine has been returned, a truss should be carefully fitted, and worn constantly. In all cases of obstruction of the bowels, copious injections of warm water should be used, and repeated from time to time, as they sometimes mechanically overcome the obstruction. Also, a warm-bath will often be found useful. Nux vorn. is an important remedy for this disease, and may be given once in two hours. If, at the end of twelve or twenty-four hours, it fails to relieve the symptoms, give a dose of Bryonia once in two hours. Colocynith is sometimes useful, repeated as directed for bilious colic. Also consult the section on bilious colic. Opium: If, notwithstanding the use of other remedies, the patient becomes very much exhausted, or the substance vomited become very offensive, give Opium every hour. Dose, six globules, or one drop, dissolved in a few spoonfuls of water. If the patient becomes very much exhausted in this disease, give him beef-tea, mutton-broth, and rice-water. These articles may be given by injection, if the stomach will not retain them. This affection cannot always be cured, for sometimes the obstruction is of so permanent a character that the patient must die, but we cannot tell when this is the case, and there is always hope while there is life, for patients sometimes recover when we least expect it, especially when the disease has neither been aggravated by drastic cathartic remedies, nor the bowels rendered torpid by large doses of opium, administered during its early stage. RUPTURE (HERNIA). If this disease is attended by colic or nausea and vomiting, consult the section on obstruction of the bowels, and follow tile direc PILES. 247 itns you will find there for the treatment of strangulated hernia or rupture. A patient who is troubled with a rupture, should never go a single day without wearing a good truss, for if the intestine is allowed to protrude, it is liable to become strangulated at any moment, and life is always endangered by thbs accident. For a rupture at the navel in children, cut circular pieces of cotton cloth, from the size of a pea to that of a half dollar, and enough when stitched together to be at least half an inch in th.ckness; then cover the rounding surface of the pad thus formed, axith adhesive plaster, and stitch the back cf the pad to tLe centre and plastered surface of a strip of adhesive plaster about tewo inches wide, and long enough to extend about three quarters of the wsay around the body; then warm the plaster, press back the intestine, and place the pad directly over the navel, and carry the exids of the long strip snugly around the body, and put a belly-band around the whole. Change the plaster as often as it becomes looseonce in one or two weeks. For a rupture which descends toward the scrotum, in infants, make a compress of cotton cloth, about the size of a lien's egg, press back the intestine, and place it over the part where the intestine protrudes, and pin the diaper closely over the compress, and when you change the diaper, keep up gen tie pressure, so as to prevent the intestioe from protruding until the compress is again applied. In addition to the above mechanical measures for the relief and cure of hernia, give to either adults or children who are troubled with this affection, a dose of flaux vom. every night for three weeks, then give a dose of Silicea every night for one week, after which give Nuax tom. again and so continue; Sulphlur will sometimes be of service if the above remedies fail. In the case of children the disease will generally soon be cured if the remedies named are given, and the compress is properly applied and kept on, so as to prevent the protrusion of the intestine. PILES (HEMORRIHOIDS). This disease is frequently caused by sedentary and indolent habits, and by occupations which confine to the sitting position. 248 PILES. Sitting on cushions favors the development of piles by heating the parts. High-seasoned foo], stimulating and fermented drinks and cathartic remedies are also amonf the causes which give rise to tlis affection. Synmptoms.-A sensation of fullness, heat, and perhaps itching is felt about the anus, caused in a great measure by the dilatation of the veins in the lower part of the intestine or rectum, and inl the anus or external passage. The swelling increases until small tumors form which are sore and painful. These may be external and visible or internal, and are often of a bluish color, and when inflamed they are very sore and painful to the touch. There is frequently a discharge of blood, especially from internal piles, and such discharges often return repeatedly until a habit is established, and there is a feeling of fullness before and relief after such discharges. Treatment. —If there are much inflammation, heat, pain, soreness, and fever, give Aconite once in two hours until these symptoms are relieved. If there is hemorrhage give Nitric acid once in two hours until it is relieved, and then give a dose every morning, and a dose of 2Vuz vorm. every night for two weeks, after which give Nux vom. at night and Sulphur in the morning. These two remedies may be continued for several months. If notwithstanding the above remedies hemorrhage returns, a dose of Calcarea carb. given night and morning for a few weeks will rarely fail to relieve this symptom, and also to benefit the piles. If the flow of blood is very profuse give a dose of Ipecac every hour until it is relieved. If there is no hemorrhage and the patient is either of sedentary habits or a high liver, give N1ux torn. at night and Sulphur in the morning. With females Pulsatilla sometimes does better than Nux vom. In obstinate cases if the piles are bluish and there is burning in them, give Carbo veg. night and morning. If a patient expects a permanent cure of this disease, he must shun the causes which have produced it, or he can never obtain anything more than palliative relief from the best remedies. Ile must shun all stimulating drinks and spices, use brown bread, and but little meat, and eat temperately, and take active out-door ex FALLING OF THE BOlVT,LS. 249 ercise. Lie with the face downward, and sustain the weiglht of the body by the elbows and toes, resting on a sofa or b-d, for a few moments, and then slowly raise the hips and lower them five or six times; this tends to relieve the congestion of the veins about the anus, and if repeated two or three times a day, it is an excellent form of exercise, not only for the piles, but also for falling of the bowels, as well as for falling of the womb. FALLING OF THE BOWELS (PROLAPSUS ANI). This affection is characterized by the protrusion of the mucous membrane of the rectum, or lower portion of the intestine, through the anus. This accident is generally caused by straining at stool, and is much more common with children than with adults. Treatment. -To return the protruded portion of the mucous membrane, let the child lie onl his face, with the hips elevated higher than the shoulders, oil a soft piece of muslin, three or four inches square, with sweet oil, cream or lard, place it over the protruded part, hold it lightly but smoothly over the tumor with the fingers of one hand, and pass the fobrefingcr of the other hand directly into the centre of the tumoi, ia the dircction of the anus, carrying the muslin before the finger throug,l the anus, until the entire protruded part has been returned; then hold the finger there for a moment or two, and afterward gently withdraw it, together with tile muslin. Sometimes simply pressing the flesh on each side, over the tumor, with the hips elevated, will cause the bowel to return; this can be tried first. Patients who are much troubled. with this difficulty, should be required to have their evacuations in a position halfway between sitting and standing, and should avoid straining. Give Ignatia at night, and Calcareca carb. in the morning, and continue these remedies one month, and longer if the patient is doing well. If, at the end of a month, the disposition to this affection is not overcome, give 2lux vom. at night, and SulphLur in the morning for a month, after which Sepia will sometimes be useful; inL obstinate cases. If there is a frequent inclination to go to stool, 11* 250 ITCHING OF T!IE ANUS-INTESTINAL WTORMS. with small mucous passages, give a dose of ilfercLurius viv. once in two hours, until this symptom is relieved, then give Sulphur night and morning. Also take regularly, at least night and morning, the exercise directed for piles, in the last section. ITCHING OF THE ANUS. This may be caused by piles; in that case there is generally more or less swelling and soreness; for its relief consult the section on piles. It may be caused by pin-worms, and when this is the case there is generally a creeping and tingling sensation, and on examination the worms often canll be seen, andt they are frequently found on the passages from the bowels. This is a very frequent cause of itching of the anus in the case of children. For the proper remedies consult the section on worms. Itching is frequently caused around the anus, by a very fine eruption of pimples; they may be scarcely perceptible. In all cases when you are satisfied that the it.ching is neither caused by piles nor by worms, consult the section on lichen, and follow the directions you there find, for the treatment of that disease. INTESTINAL WORMS. There are three different kind of worms which have been found in the intestines of man-the pin-worm, the long round worm, and the tapeworm. The pin-worm inhabits the very lower portion of the intestines, the rectum, and causes an intense itching, tingling and creeping sensation, which annoys the patient excessively, especially at night, and wvhile sitting. The whole nervous system is sometimes intensely excited by them, so as to cause twitchings andl convulsions. I lave known the Imost intense headache, through the foreheadl, lasting almost without cessation for years, to result from the irritation caused by these worms; the headache disappeared immediately when the worm disease was cured. INTESTINAL WORMIS. 251 Treatment for Pin- IVorms. -I' there i, intense itching on going to bed with heat and rest'essness, give a dose of Aconite, about one hour before retiring, and if the patient when in bed does not soon fall asleep, but remains nervous, give a dose of Ijnatia. This variety of' worms generally affects delicate children, and persons whose dioestive organs are weak and easily deranged. To curP this affection permanently and prevent a return of the symptoms, it is necessary to give remedies for several weeks, and in fact months Aconite and Ignatia will do little more than palliate the symptoms for the time-being. To permanently cure the disease give a dose of Sulphur every morning for a week. If the symptoms are not so severe as to require Aconite at night, it will be better to give the Sulphnr at night. At the end of the week omit Sulphlur and give Calcarca cab. in the same manner for a week, then omit it and give China for a week, then discontinue all remedies for one week, after which give in rotation a single dose of the above reinedies at intervals of one week, and continue them for months, as they will benefit the general health of the patient, an(l tend to eradicate any constitutional predisposition on which the existence of these worms may depend. A small injection of Swe<.t oil, or of weak JVhiskey-and-water, may be given every night until the symptoms disappear, then give it once a week for a few weeks. The long round worm inhabi s the small intestines princip lly, sometimes it passes up into the stomach, and occasionally up the gullet toward the mouth; when ia the latter situation, it causes a strangling or choking sensation, and the patient may swallow it or throw it up. If an individual is troubled with these worms, they will occasionally be seen in the stools. They sometimes grow to the length of eght or ten inches. Many children who are q-omparatively healthy, are troubled with such worms, and generally without their being a source of any particular inconvenience; in fact, within my own observation, I have seen worse symptoms from the popular worm medicines, than I have ever seen from this variety of worms. We can rarely say, with any great degree of certainiy, that a child or an individual is troubled with these worms, unless we see them, for we may have, from an improper diet, or weak digestive powers, all the symptoms which are 254 INFLAMMIATION OF THE LIVER. and the patient may recover or die. Sometimes the patient dies be!o0:e the abscess breaks; in rare instances it breaks either into the abdominal cavity, or i lto the pleu. ra, and causes inflammation and death. The disease may be less acute, and last two or more weeks, and even become chronic, without the formation of an abscess. Chronic inflammation of the liver may be the result of an acute attack, or it may come on slowly and may terminate ill recovery, or the formation of an abscess; or again, the liver may become indurated and enlarged, and in other instances contracted. The symptoms are often obscure; there may be little or no pain, perhaps simply uneasiness in the region of the liver, and tenderness on pressure; and there may be some of the following symptoms: Furred tongue, bitter taste, occasional vomiting, irregular bowels, unhealthy evacuations, dry skin, yellowncss of the skin, eyes, and urine, a short dry cough, depression of spirits, slight febrile excitement toward nigllt, and emaciation. Sometimes dropsy of the abdomen and swelling of the lower extremities, result. The patient's ea-iest position, in either the acute or chronic form of the disease, is usually on the affected side. TrIeatment of Acute Inflalnmationl of thie Liver.-Give a dose of Aconite every hour if there is much fever with a dry skin, or there are sharp and severe pains. Continue it until the fever is relieved. If Aconite alone does not relieve the sharp pains in three or four hours, omit it and give a dose of Belladonna ill its stead, especially if there are great restlessness, sleeplessness, and headache. Dose of either of the remedies, see pace 7. Bryonia is one of the most important remedies after Aconite for this disease. If in the course of twelve or twenty hours Aconite does not relieve the fever and pain, give a dose of Bryonia once in six hours, and Aconite every hour between the doses; especially when there are dull aching pains, fullness, soreness on pressure ill the re ion of the liver, or beneath the right floating ribs. As 3oon as the fever is relieved the Aconite can be discontinued, and the B yonia can be given alone. Nux romica is often required after B13yonia. Nux v wmica: If notwithstanding the use of the above remedies JAUNDICE. 255 i,- shirpe.ci fo,:r days, the skin and eyes become yellow, or there are qreat sensitiveness in the region of the liver on pressure with d,,1! ptins, bitter taste, vomiting, and high-colored urine, give a dose of Nux vorn. once in four hours, and if this remedy fails to relieve the above symptoms at the end of twenty-four hours alternate it withll lercurius viv. at intervals of three hours. If the bowels are loose this will be another indication for M7lercurius viv. Lachesis may be given once in two hours, if you have reason to fear that an abscess is about to form, or if the severity of the disease is not relieved within five or six days after the attack. If an abscess forms which will very rarely happen, give Silicca three times a day, and China at bedtime. In all cases as soon as the symptoms are relieved give Sulphur night and morning. Wring a towel from cold water and lay it ever the region of the liver and stomach, and cover it entirely with five or six thicknesses of dry flannel, and with a dry towel around the body confine the whole to its place; wet the towel once in eight hours; but if at the end of twenty-four hours there is no improvement apply warm cloths. Treatment of Clhror-c Inflammation cf the Liver.-Give a dose of Nux vont. every night and SulpJhur every morning, and continue them as long as the patient improves. When the improvement ceases give Lycopodium every night and BrJyonia every morning. If the patient has recently suffered from intermittent or bilious fevers, instead of the last remedies named give Carbo veg. at night and China in the morning. JAUNDICE. This disease is characterized by yellowness of the eyes, skin, and urine. The yellow color is caused by the yellow constituent of bile remaining in the blood; and this results either when the liver ceases to secrete bile, or when there is an ob-truction in the biliary duct, so that the bile secreted cannot enter the intestine, which mechanically prevents the further secretion of this fluid. An attack of jaundice is often preceded by depression of spirits, disordered vision, general uneasiness, especially in the 256 JAUNDICE. region of the stomach and liver, loss of appetite, nausea, and vomiting. The eyes usually first become yellow, then the face, neck, and upper part of the chest; and more or less rapidly the entire surface, but sometimes oily a part of the body assumes this hue, and generally the color is the most intense where the skin is the thinnest. At first the color is a light yellow, but if the disease continues it may become of a deep orange color, occasionally of a greenish hue, and in very bad cases almost black; sometimes there is itching of the skin. The urine undergoes about the same changes of color as the skin, and the stools in a majority of cases are of a whitish gray, or clay color, from the absence of Lile. There is often some fever in connection with this disease, and there may be uneasiness, fullness, and even pain in the region of the stomach, and beneath the lower ribs on the right side. Mlore or less drowsiness is not uncommon. This disease may last but for a few days or weeks, or for months and even years in obstinate cases. New-born infants are very subject to jaundice, which generally soon disappears. Jaundice rarely proves fatal except when complicated with or caused by or:ganic disease of the liver, an]i when it occurs in a depraved state of the system, when the skin assumes a blackish or greenish hue. The first favorable sign is isually a reappearance of a healthy color to the stools and this is generally accompanied by an improvement of the general symptoms, and the patient is often much better before the color of the skin materially changes. Treatment of7 Jaundice. — When this disease is accompanied by fever, fullness, soreness, or pain in the region of the liver, give Byonia once in six hours. If there is headache or depression of spil its, give Bel'cadonna, alternately with Biyonia, three hours apart, w hen the patient is awake. These remedies should be continued several days, and even for two or three weeks, if the general and local symptoms improve. Dose of either of the remedies, see page 7. Nux torz. may follow Bryonia, in case that remedy fails to relieve all the symptoms, and it may be given at the commencement of the attack, instead of B. yonia, when the disease has been causcd by mental application, passion, intemperance, or the sup, PASSAGE OF GALL-STONES. 257 pression of an intermittent fever. Give a dose three or four times a day. Bryonia will often follow this remedy, to advantage. _IMercurius viv.: Give this remedy if, notwithstanding the use of the above remedies, the skin becomes very 3'elow, and the region of the liver painful to the touch, swollen and hard, and when the stools are of a grayish white color. Give a dose three times a day. CU/ina may be given, if the disease has been caused by the use of JMercury; also if it is connected with intermittent fever, and Nux vorn. fails to relieve the symptoms. When the disease has in a great measure abated, give a dose of this remedy every nighlt. Solphuar is useful to complete the cure. Give a dose every ni,-ht. i n obstinate cases, SulpA/ur, Nitric acid, Hepar sulph., and Lachlesis, one or more may be required. For the jaundice of new-born infants, give IlMercurius viv., two doses twelve hours apart, then give a dose of China once a day. Dose, two or three globules. The diet should be lioht and free fiom stimulants, and while the fever and uneasiness at the stomach remain, the patient i.hould abstain fiom animal food, and eat rice, stale bread, gruel, and farina, and roasted potatoes well mashed with a little salt and cream. PASSAGE OF GALL-STONES. Gall-stones are earthy concretions, of a yellowish clr brownish culor, which form in the gall-bladder, or in the gall-duct; sometimes in the intestine near the entrance of the gall-duct. When they form in the gall-bladder, there may be but one, or several; they may be small or large enough to fill the gall-bladder. So long as they remain in the gall-bladder, they generally cause little or no inconvenience, but when they find their way into the gallduct, and put the coats of that tube en the stretch, they produce the most intense pain and suffering, perhaps as severe as any to which the human frame is liable. The pain usually comes on suddenly, and occurs in paroxysms and is felt a little to the right of the stomach, beneath the lower ribs, and may shoot through to 260 INFLAMMATION OF TtIE SPLEEN. Trcatment.-If the disease has been caused by mechanical injuries or over muscular exertion, give Arnica once in two hours. If there is high febrile excitement, give a dose of Aconite every hour until it is lessened. Bryonia, after either Arnica or Aconite, in acute cases, is generally the most important remedy, especially when there are sharp or dull pains, with soreness which is increased by pressure or movement. Give a dose once in three hours. As soon as the acute symptomns have been relieved, give a dose of China once in four hours. C/hina should generally follow the above remedies, and when the disease occurs in districts where intermittent and remittent fevers prevail, if the symptoms are not very acute, it may be given at the commencement of the disease. Give a dose once in six hours. If there are vomiting, burning, and great debility, give Arsenicurm once in two hours. In chronic. cases, give Chliba every night for two weeks, then Sulphur, and afterward Arsenicumrn, each for two weeks. Wring a towel from cold water, and apply over the diseased organ, and over that four or five thicknesses of dry flannel; wet the towel once in eight hours. CHAPTER VI. DISEASES OF THE URINARY AND GENITAL ORGANS. INFLAMMATION OF THE KIDNEYS (NEPHRITIS). THis disease3 may be caused by wounds, bruises, exposure to wet and cold, the application of blisters to the skin, the use of certain medicines internally, such as turpentine, Spanish flies, and alcoholic drinks. The presence of gravel or stone in the kidneys, or in the passage to the bladder, may cause this disease. Gouty individuals are very subject to it. Sgmptorns.-A sharp and severe, a dull and heavy, or a burning pain, deep in the small'of the back on one side, is the most prlominent symptom. The pain frequently extends down in the direction of the bladder, groin, scrotuml, or even the inside of the thigh. Sudden motions of the body, or heavy pressure over the kidneys, increase the sufferings. There is often a feeling of numbness extending down the thigh, and the testicle is sometimes drawn up and sore. There is generally a frequent inclination to pass urine, and it is high colored, scanty, and perhaps mixed with blood or mucus, and it may deposit a gravelly or earthy matter on standing. Sometimes there is a suppression of urine from the diseased kidney; in that case the urine discharged may be clear, coming entirely from the well kidney. If both kidneys are inflamed, and the urine is entirely suppressed, if relief is not soon obtained, stupor and death follow. Chills followed by fever attend this disease; the fever may be slight or high, and is apt to be remittent. The bowels are generally constipated, and nausea and vomiting are not uncommon, in severe cases. The inflammation may grad 262 INFT AMMATION OF TIIE KIDNEYS. ually abate and the patient recover, or ulceration or an abscess ensues often within a week or ten days; in that case matter or pus may appear in the urine, and the patient gradually recovers or the disease miny become chronic. Sometimes the passage to the bladder may become blocked up by a stone, or from swelling from inflammation, and urine, mucus, and matter or pus, may collect in the pelvis of the kidney or commencement of the passage, and distend the part so as to form a large tumor, which may break into the colon or large intestine, and its contents be discharged by the bowels; or, in rare instances, the contents of the tumor make their way externally through the loins, in the form of an abscess, and are thus discharged. In other cases, the tumor breaks into the abdominal cavity, which causes fatal peritonitis. Inflammation of the kidneys sometimes, although rarely, terminates in gangrene or mortification; this may be suspected when there is a sudden cessation of pain, followed by cold sweat, sinking of the vital powers and death. Chronic inflammation of the kidneys sometimes follows an acute attack, in other cases it comes on gradually, with but little pain, scanty, but frequent passages of' urine, which is high-colored, and deposits an earthy sediment on cooling. If the disease continues, mucus and pus, or matter, generally appear in the urine, andl if the disease is not arrested, the patient is worn out by hectic fever, night sweats, and gradual emaciation. Chronic inflammation of the kidneys is very apt to be confounded with inflammation of the bladder, which gives rise to similar mucous and purulent discharges with the urine; but on careful inquiry, you will find that the patient feels more or less pain and uneasiness in the kidneys, and that on heavy pressure there is some tenderness. WVe sometimes have a neuralgic affection of the kidneys, in which the pain is very severe, but it occurs in paroxysms, and is without fever. Treatment. -In all cases which are attended with chills and fever, give a dose of Aconite every hour. If, at the end of twelve lours, the symptoms are not relieved, give Cannabis alternately with it, at intervals of one hour. If, at the end of twenty-four hours more, there is an abatement of the symptoms, continue the above remedies, but at intervals of two or three hours; but if no INFL.AMMATION OF TIlE KIDXIEYS.- 263 imp)rovement follows, omit the Cannabis, and give Cantharl alternately with Aconite, at the same intervals. If there are severe shooting pains extending from the kidneys toward the bladder, and there is heat, with feelings of distention in the kidneys, with a scainty discharge of oange-yellow urine, omit the (jalnabis or Canthatris, fortwelve, out of every twenty-four hours, and give Bellafldoua alterlnately with Aconite. Belkldonna is also useful for n-ura!gia of the kidneys. Dose, see page 7. As soon as the acute symptoms have been relieved by the above treatment, Nax vont. often becomes a valuable remedy, especially for gouty subjects, and the intemperate; also for those suiject to gravel or piles. Give a dose once in two hours. This remedy is also useful for neuralgia of the kidneys. Puizsatilla may be given ill the case of females, instead of Vuax vomn., especially if there is a suppression of the menses. If the disease has been caused by mechanical injuries, give Arnica, alternately with Aconite. If the disease has been caused by a blister, or by Cantharides or Spanish flies, give either six globules or drop doses of Canmphor every hour. For chronic inflammation of the kidneys, several of the above retnedles will be found useful, but others will often be required. If at the end of five or six days, in acute cases, the patient feels chilly at times and the pain becomes throbbing, or if matter appears in the urine, omit Aconite and give Hepai, sulph. once in six hours. Either Cannabis or Nux yome. may be given alternately with it, if pain and soreness linger, or if there is a frequent inclination to void urine with pain or burning. Lycopodium: Give this remedy in chroric cases, when there is a red or yellow sediment in the urine, with or without pus or matter. Give a dose night and morning, and if it fails to relieve, give Phosphorus, especially if, with or without a reddish sediment, there is whitish matter or mucus in the urine. Give Calcarea carb. when the urine is offensive, dark brown, or there is a whitish or light-colored earthy sediment. Give a dose night and morning. If while giving either of the last three remedies there is much pain in the kidneys, or irritation in voiding d34 BRIGHT'S DISEASE OF THE KIDNEYS. urine, you can give a dose of either Cannabis, Pulsatila, or Vux vorm. occasionally between the doses of the other remedy. If the above remedies fail in chronic cases, diop onpe drop of Spirits of turpentine on to some powdered sugar, rub it up well, and make ten doses of it, and give one once in six hours. Diet, 4-c.-ln all acute cases, the diet should be light, and Slipperqy-elm tea, or Gunm-arabic water may be used as a drink. BRIGHT'S DISEASE OF THE KIDNEYS. (GRANULAR OR FATTY DEGENERATION OF TIrE KIDNEYS.) This i, a somewhat rare disease, and in the acute form, the symptomts resemble those of acute inflanmmation of the kidneys, but it is distinguished from the latter affection by the urine containing albumen, or a substance similar to the white of an egg; and often byr the occurrence within a few days of symptoms of acute dropsy. To detect albumen in the urine, if it is cloudy or muddy, strain it, then heat it in a silver spoon, earthen dish, or tin cup, to the boilitng point, then if there is no cha:nge in its appearance, drop in a few drops of vinegar and heat it again. If the urine contains albumen when it is thus treated, there will soon appear white curdy flakes, if the quantity is considerable, but if it is small, there will merely be a whitish cloudiness. The chronic form of this disease is much more common than the acute. The symptoms are often very obscure at their commencement. A growing weakness, some derangement of the digestive organs, an occasional tendency to frequent pass-ages of urine, with diminution of the quantity discharged, or some irregularity in its appearance, with perhaps obscure pains in the small of the back, are usually among the first symptoms noticed; and ercvn these may escape notice, or at least may not cause the patient to apply to a physician until dropsical swellings appear, which usually commence in the face and extend over the whole body. There may be some tenderness over the region of the kidneys on strong pressure, and the quantity of urine discharged is found to be less than during health, and its density or weight is also diminished, and it usually DIABETES. 265 contains more or less albumen. As the disease progresses the blood gradually loses its coloring matter, and the patient becomes very pale. Tile albumen although generally present in the urine, is tiot always constantly so, but its specific gravity, or weight, in equal quantity compared with healthy urine, gradually diminishes, and the countenance of the patient, from the loss of the red globules of the blood, often acquires, before death, a waxen yellowish white death-like hue. Dropsy generally attends this disease, but it is not always present; nor is the presence of albumen in the urine always positive evidence of the existence of this affection; but when the urine is scanty and contains more or less albumen, although perhaps free from it at times, and when at the same time the specific gravity or'weight of the urine is steadily diminishing, until it is considerably less than during healtll, you may be reasonably sure that the patient is suffering from this disease; and the occurrence of dropsy. and a pale and bloodless countenance, will strengthen this opinion. Disease of the heart, especially enlargement of the heart, and also disease of the liver, are frequent complications of this affection, and patients suffering from this disease are vcry subject to inflammratory diseases. Tteatment. —The treatment in both the acute and chronic form of the disease is very similar to that recommended in inflammation of the kidneys. In acute cases Aconite, Canaubis, and Cantharis may be given as there directed; Belladonna will not be required. In chronic cases the last two remedies will often be useful, also Lycopodimn, Calcarta carb. and especially Spirits of turpentine. If symptoms of dropsy occur in either case give Apis mel. once in four hours, and if within a few days there is no improvement, alternate it with Arsenicunz at intervals of four hours. DIABETES. (EXCESSIVE SECRETION OF mRINE.) This disease is characterized by copious discharges of sweet urine of a pale yellowish or greenish yellow' color, and sometimes of a faint sweetish odor. The saccharine matter resembles grape 12 266 DIABETES. sugar. The first symptom wlhich usually attracts the attention of the patient is the frequency of the calls to pass urine, and he generally soon notices that the quantity is increased, and sometimes lie accidentally dicovers that it is sweetish to the taste. The patient soon begins to be troulbled with great thirst, the appetite often becomes craving, the mouth and throat dry and parched. There is a sensation of hollowness or sinking, with faintness at the pit of the stomach, and other dyspeptic symptoms with great debility and emaciation. The qluantity of urline discharged usually varies from ten to twenty, and sometimes from thirty to fifty pints or more in twenty-four hours, and this often for weeks or months together. The specific gravity or weight of the urine is generally increased owing to the presence of sugar. If sugar is p:esent in any quantity you can detect it very readily short of tasting. Add a little yeast to some of the urine and set it down ini a warm place, and if there is sugar present it will begin to ferment within twenty-four hours, whereas healthy urine will not go tlhrough the same process. Albumen is also sometimes present. This disease is very slow in its progress, sometimes lasting for many years, and in many cases patients die of some other affection, such as consumption, disease of the brain, liver, or stomach. Occasionally they die early in the disease from exhaustion occasioned by thle profuse secretion. We sometimes have a profuse flow of urine without the presence of sugar, caused by various nervous affections, especially hysteria, but this form of the disease is not usually serious. The cause of sugar being found in the urine in diabetes has been lon, a question with medical writers. Some hlave supposed that the stomach and bowels are chiefly in fault, others that the liver secretes an excessive quantity in this disease, and some of the latest writers attribute it to deficient action of the lungs, in that the sugar which is formed in the blood which comes fiomn the liver on its arrival in the lulgs fails to be decomposed by the oxygen of the air, and to disappear as in health, but passes in the general circulation to the kidneys, and is there separated from the blood. Treazment. —General measures are perhaps more important GRAVEL-STONE. 267 than medicine, although the latter may be of great service. As to diet it is necessary that it should be nutritious, but that it should contain neither sugar nor starch, therefore potatoes and fine flour in every form should be omitted. Give bran or canel bread with butter, beef or mutton, fowls and eggs, also cabbage an(l turnips. Let the patient drink moderately at a time, but in all about cnoueh to relieve his thirst. Let him spend his time in tile open air in taking active exercise, and follow the directions as to particular cxercises contained in the section on consumption. Carbo vteg.: Give a dose of this remedy night and morning for two weeks; then continue it if there is any improvement, and as long as the patient continues to mend. After the above remedy has ceased to act, give AIercurius vzv. night and morning, and continuc it as long as there is any improvement. Veratrum can follow the above if it is needed, also Natrum mur. GRAVEL-STONE-SPASMS OF THE URETER. A fine, gravelly or gritty matter is sometimes discharged with the urine, causing much pain and irritation, and earthy concretions not unfrequently form in the kidneys, from the urine, and pass to the bladder, and are either discharged with the urine, or remain and form a nucleus around which more earthy matter collect%, and forms what is denominated stone in the bladder. It sometimes happens that before the gravel-stone leaves the kidney, it becomes too large to pass readily through the ureter, or passage from the kidney to the bladder, and if it happens to be rough, as it often is, its passage causes great ir:ritation and the most terrible spasmodic pains to which the human frame is subject. The attack usually commences suddenly during comparative health. A severe pain is felt in the region of the kidney, shooting to the groin, testicle, or thigh, and extending especially obliquely down the abdomen from the kidney to the bladder, in the direction of the passagce. Sometimes the pain is felt chiefly about the hip. The pain occurs in severe paroxysms, and is often accompanied by nausea and vomit;ng, and sometimes by a small and feeble pulse, cold, -208 GRAVEL-STONE. pale surface, and profuse sweat. A frequent inclination to pass urine is another symptom which is usually present. The patient frequently changes his position without obtaining the relief which he covets. At length the stone escapes into the bladder, and the patient obtains relief immediately. Not unfrequently the symptoms return after a time, upon the entrance of another stone into the ureter, and a similar train of symptoms ensues. Occasionally the spasms may abate for a considerable time, without tlhe escape of the stone, and return again. It is well to keep watch of the urine for the stone, as it is all-important that it pass the urCthra as soon as possible after it enters the bladder, or it may become a nucleus for stone. If it does not pass, let the patient drink freely of Slil)pery-elm tea or Gunr-arabic water, and retain the urine until the bladder is distended, and then pass it in a full stream while standing up, with the legs separate(, and the body leaning forward; by s;o doing, it will sometimes pass. Stone in the bladder causes a frequent desire to pass urine, attended with severe pain toward the last that is passed, itching of the end of the penis, and sudden stoppage of urine while passing it, by the stone blocking up the passage. Treatment.-Iu all cases where you notice a gravelly, gritty, or earthy sediment in the urine, medicine should be given so as to counteract this tendency, and thereby prevent the formation of gravel or stone in the kidney or bladder. If the sediment ia the urine is red or yellowish, give Lycopodiuan every night. If it is light colored, give Calcarea carb. every night. If any derangement of the digestive organs occurs during the treatment, give NT. ux vont. before every meal; if it fails to relieve, give Pulsatilla in the same manner. The above, together with Cantharis and Cannabis, are among the most important remedies for the irritation caused by either stone in the bladder, or in the pelvis of the kidney, before it engages in the ureter or passage to the bladder. For spasms of the ureter, or the severe paroxysms of pain described above, caused by the passage of stone or gravel from the kidneys to the bladder, give Belladonna every half hour, and if, after giving four doses, no relief follows, give Nux vom. in the INFLAMMATION OF THE BLADDER. 269 same way. Put the patient into a warm-bath if convenient; if not, wring a sheet from warm water, and wrap it around the body from below the arms to the hips, and put over the sheet, dry flannel; wet the sheet often. If the above measures afford no relief, and you cannot obtain the services of a homoeopathic plhysician, if the patient is an adult, and the pains are very severe, give either twenty-five drops of Laudanumn, or one sixth of a grain uf ll]crpline, and if at the end of one hour, there is no relief, re. peat the same dose; even a third dose may be given at the end of two hours more, if necessary. The cause of the suffering is a mechanical injury, which is being done by a rough stone passing through a small delicate passage, mechanically distending it, and tearing its delicate structures, and causing spasmodic contractions. Homoeopathic remedies may sometimes, but according to my experience, not often, relieve the latter; or the stone may soon pass, and relief follow. If they fail, there is no serious objection to the use of the anodyne, as all we want is palliative relief, until the stone passes. INFLAMMATION OF THE BLADDER (CYSTITIS). The affection denominated strangury or dysuria, or painful urination, is but one form of this disease, and consists of inflammation of the mucous membrane, which is not of sufficient severity or extent to cause general febrile symptoms. There is a frequent desire to pass urine, with burning, cutting pains along the neck of the b'adder, in the course of the passage, and at the end of the penis, similar to what we have in severer cases of cystitis. The causes are similar to those which cause the severer forms of the diseaise, and the treatment is similar. Inflammation of the bladder -:ay be caused by mechanical injtlries, the introduction of instruments, stone in the bladder, over(listention fro(m retained urine, severe labor, sexual excesses, exposure to cold while perspiring, sudden drying up of o'.d ulcers, or Other habitual discha: ges; the extension of inflammation to the bladder, in cases of gonorrhoea, dysentery, inflammation of the 270 INFLAMIMATION OF TIIE BLADDER. womb or bowels; also the application of blisters, and the internal use of C'antharides, Spir/ts of' turpentine, or some other substance which'cts specifically on the bl adder. Gouty, rheumatic, and intemperate subjects, are very liab'e to this disease. Symptoms.-Chills, followed by fever; more or less severe pain, frequently with a burning sensation in the region of the bladder, whichl often extends to the end of the penis in the male, and the external orifice of the urethra or urinary passage, in the fenlale, and sometimes to the anus or passage from the bowels, and upper parts of the thighs, loins, and abdomen. The pain in the region of the bladder is generally increased by pressure on the lowest part of the abdomen; there is, in most cases, a frequent inclination to pass urine, which passes in small quantities, sometimes drop by drop, with much straining; but in some intmances tile urine is retained, and produces a feeling of distention and fullness in the region of the bladder. It ornme cases, nausea, vomiting, and distention of the abdomen, occur. The frequent and ineffectual efforts to urinate, cause great restlessness and anxiety. If tlhe severe symptoms are not relieved within a few days, tlhe patient begins to sink; the pulse becomes small, frequent, and irregular, the tongue dry with great thirst; the extremities cold, the bowels distended with gas; perhaps hiccough, or delirium, followed by stupor or convulsions, and the patient dies the latter part of the first, or during the second week. Death sometimes results from mortification, in which case the pain abates suddenly, sometime before this event. If the patient gets well, the symptoms gradually subside; sometimes there is a copious discharge of mucus in the urine, as the disease abates; in other instances. pus or matter is discharged, which may come from an abscess.in the walls of the bladder, or from ulceraltion of the mucous membrane. Abscesses may break into the lower bowel or vagina. At the commencement of the disease, the urine is often but little altered, perhaps rather scanty and highcolored, but as the case pFrogresses, it becomes cloudy, or thick, from the presence of mucus or matter; someitnies bloody at any period of the disease, and sometimes offensive at a late stage. When there is great pain and tenderness at the lower part of the abdomen, and the effort to pass urine is very painful, or impo INFLAMMATION OF TIIE BLADDER. 271 sible, so as to give rise to retention of the urine, while there is!ittie inclin;ation to strain, the probability is that the external surface. or the muscu!ar coat of the bladder, is chie-fly affected. But when there is little or no pain in the lower part of tile abdomen, but a frequent inclination to void urine, with burning andl straining, we have reason to suppose the disease is principally coifined to the mucous membrane or inner surface, perhaps in a great mreasure to the neck of the bladder. Chronic inflammation of the blaldder frequently results from the acute form of the disease, in other instances it comes on gra:lually, with symptoms similar to those of the acute disease, only less severe. There is a frequent inclination to p:las urille, sotnetilles with burning or shooting pains and straining, and even spasms of the bladder. The urine contains mucus, and sometimes pus, which gives it a whitish, yellowish, or greenlish appearance. The quantity of mucus is sometimnes very large, and it may be so thick as to be passed with difficulty, and so irritating as to cause burning pain in the passage. Occasionally blood appears in the urine. After a titne, if the disease continues, all the symptoms are aggravated, and pus or matter, in a great measure, takes tle place of the mucus,,and the patient is gradually worn out by the discharge, and hectic fever. Treatlme.2t of Aciet3 IfltlnmmCatonL of t/he Bladder.-If the disease is attended with severe synmptoms of strangury, with constant incli-nation to pass urine with scu:lding, the patient may be allowed to drink freely of Slivpery-elni tea or GCm-arcabic water. ifor these drinks tend to increase the quantity of urine, and render it less acrid, and are therefore useful. But if there are pain, soreness, and a feeling of distention in the lowest part of the abdomen, andl the contraction of the bladder causes great pain, when an atten)pt is mlade to pass urine, and there is neither straining to pass, nor scalding during its passage, the disease is doubtless in tile muscllar and external coats, and the less the patient drinks the better, as there is liable to be retention of urine in such cases; and evern if' there is not, the frequent contraction of the bladder to expel it, only increases the suffering. If tile disease has been caused by a blister, or by CUantharides 272 INFLAMMATION OF TIE BLADDER. given internally, give either six globules saturated with C'amphor or one drop of the tincture of Camphor, every half hour until the symptoms are relieved. Aconite: In all cases attended with fever, pain in the region of the bWadder, with or without burning, scalding, and straining wihile passing urine, give this remedy every hour. Even if there is not muc'h fever it will often be useful, given alternately wiLh one of the following remedies, at intervals of one hour, especially with Cannabis. Dose of these remedies, see page 7. Cannabis should either follow Ac<,nite or after a few doses of Aconite have been given, it should be given alternately with it, when there is mucus or blood discharged, and when there is:; constant desire to pass urine, and its passage is accompanied by straining or burning; also, when there is suppression or retention of urine. Canthlars: Give this remedy once in two hours if Cannabis fails to relieve the symptoms at the end of twenty-four hours, especially if there is ineffectual urging to urinate, stinging, cutting, or bui-ning pains in the region of the bladder, and if the lower part of the abdomen is distended and tender to the touch or on pressure. Nux vonica may be given after the fever and acute symptoms have been somewhat relieved by the above remedies, especially if there is a fiequent inclination attended with violent straining to urinate, pain during and after the passage, burning pain and scanty urine. This remedy is especially useful in the case of intemperate or gouty subjects, and for those subject to piles. Pulsatilla: Give this remedy after the acute symnptoms have been somewhat relieved by other remedies, when there is a frequent discel:arge of bloody or slimy urine, with straining adu ac(hillg or cutting pains in the region of the bladder. Pu/s8ttll/a is especially useful during pregnancy, and in the case of females generally, also for gouty subjects. In case tile disease is simple strangury and not attended with chills or fever, Pulbatilla or NVux vomlzia may be given at the co.nmencement, but even such casts a.e often bvnelited by Alconite, RETEN'rION OF URINXE. 273 Cannabis., or Cantliaris, and especially by Camp/nor. Let the diet be light., avoid all acids, and apply cloths wrung froin warm water over the lower part of the abdomen, hips, and between the tl:ilghs. Tr-eatmlent of CUhronic Inflanmmation of tile Bladder.-The rernedies already named, especially Palsatila, Cannabhi, and NVux vontica, are often useful. Select one of these remedies and give before every meal, about half an hour before eating, and give 9a dose of Saull/lr at bedtime; and continue these remedies as long as there is any improvement. Then give another remedy before meals,.and Calcarca carb at bedtime. D)ulcamnara and Lycopodium are sometimes useful in chronic cases. If all remedies fail vou can try one tenth of a drop of Spirits of turpcntine two or three times a day; drop one drop on some pulverized sugar, mix it well and divide into ten powders. If during the continuance of inflammation of the bladder, either acute or chronic, there is retention of urine, and the bladder becomes distended, give the patient a warm bath, or at least wring a sheet from warm water and wr:mp around the hips, thighs, and abdomen; give an injection of warml water into the bowels, give 3Belladonna internally, and if these measures fail to relieve which will rarely be the case send for a physician, even an allopathic physician if you cannot get a homeopathist, for it may be necesary to use a catheter. RETENTION OF URINE, OR INABILITY TO PASS WATER. When the urline is retained, the bladder becomes over-distended, and pressing upon it causes the peculiar disagreeable pain which arisis from pressing upon a distended bladder. Sonetimes the blalder can be ftlt in the lower part of the abdomen, and percussfon or striking with the ends of the fingers over it )iclds a dull sound. There are various causes of retention of urine. It may depend upon obstruction caused by the swelling which results from inflammation of the neck of the'bladder, andin this case we hawv 274 RIETENTION OF URINE. symptoms of an inflamed bladder added to those of retention. In old men it may arise from inflammation or enlargement of the pro.trate gland-which in the male, surrounds the passage as it Ilavcs the bladder. It may arise from the pressure of tumors, or of the womb during pregnancy, an the neck of the bladder; and strictures sometimes cause retention. A spasmodic contr action of the urethra or passage, especially in hysterical persons, sometimes causes this affection. Retention of urine may result from voluntarily restraining its flow until the bladder becomes over-distended, which causes paralysis of the organ. In diseases of the brain or spinal cord in low forms of fever, and even during old age, we may have retention from diminished innervation, or from the mnuscles losing their power of contracting for the want of due nervous energy. In such cases the retention is generally not complete; when the bladder is distended to a certain degree the patient passes a small quantity of urine voluntarily, but does not empty the bladder; if he has no control over it. and the bladder becomes distended, small discharges firequently take place from time to time; therefore we may have both retention and involuntary discharge of urine at the same time. We may.have a similar state, that is, small discharges:and retention, from inflammation of the bladder. Retention of urine if not relieved ends in rupture of the bladder anti death, or of the urethra or passage, and its escape into the cellular structure in the neighboirhood, when it causes sloughing and often death. Treatmelt.-If the disease seems to be caused by inflammation, which may be suspected when there are pain and soreness in the region of the bladder with chills and fever, also when there is pain and sealding during the passage of small quantities of urine, consult the section on inflammation of the bladder. But if it is caused by paralysis of the bladder, as frequently happens during the continuance of low fevers, inflammation of the brain or spinal cord, and during old age, give lyoscyasmus once in three or four hours, and if it fails to relieve, (live Dulcclmara in the same manner. Arsenicum in obstinate cases will be found useful. Belladonna may be given when the brain or spinal cord is diseased; also give iiljections of warm water into the bowels. SUPPRFSSION OF URINE. 275 When the retention is caused by a spasmodic contraction of the p:ts4ag, in nervous or hysterical patients, give a dlose of Pulsatiia every hour, antl if at the end of tlree or four hours there is no relief, give Opium every half hout for three lhours, afterward give Ntutx totn. To overco:ne a disposition to this forml of the disease, give Puls.itilla one nighlt and lux ton. the next. In cases of spasmodic retention, a wr!m bath, or simply a warnm lli,boath, and injections of' wartm water into the bowels, will often relieve the retention for the time being. If the retention oci'urs during pregnancy, give Pulsatilla, and if it fails, give Vux orem., and let the patient try to pass her urine lying down on her ba(k or side; or while on her hands and l;nees, and even with her hips higher than her shoulders if necessary. If the retention is caused by inflammation and enlargement of thle prostate gland, give Aconite alternately with Pulsatilla one hour apart; and a warm hip-bath for present relief: To cure the disease, give Pulsatilla at night and Sulphur in the morning. If stricture is the.cause of the retention, it must be dilated by bl,ugies, if Pulsatilla at night and Sulphur in the morning do not relieve it. Alfercur'iu and Dulcamara are also sometimes useful iiX such cases. In no case should a patient be allowed to go, longer than twenty-four hours without a passage of urine, and if he takes nluch drink or fluids, and perspires but little, twelve or eighteen hours is as long as it is safe to allow him to go without drawing Off his urine by the means of' a catheter. Any physician can perform this operation. SUPPRESSION OF URINE (ISCHU'RIA RENALIS). In this disease urine is not secreted at all; or if any is secreted only a few drops. Suppression of urine may result from infamnmation of the kidneys, and perhaps from paralysis of these organs, and various other causes not well understood. It sometimes occurs when the patient is otherwise in comparatively good health, 276 I N CONT!NENCE cG U RINE. and occasionally comes on duri,,g the progress of other diseases, sucll as cholera, febrile andl inflammatory affections. If the suppression continues for several days the blood becomes deteriorate]l, clhills, perhlaps slight fever, nausea and vomiting may enlsule. Tlie patient becomes dull and torpid, at lengtlh sleepy and l)ethaps delirious, and at the end of fouir or five days, in cases 4,f entire suppression, stupor, and perhaps convulsions, and death o(cuI', if the disease is not relieved. If a small quantity of ui, le is secreted, the patient may live for weeks, and either recover, or dic from coma, as in the cases of complete suppression. When there is suppression of urine there is generally little or no inclination to urinate; and no sensation of' fillness in the region of the bladder, nor is there any fullness in thle lower p.lrt of tlte abdomen; an(l if the catheter is introducedl, as it always should be, no urine is obtained. Treatment. -If there is fever, or pain and uneasiness in the small of the back, consult the section on inflammation of the kidneys. If the disease occurs when the patient otherwise seems well, and free firom fever, give Belladonna and Canrharis alternately,:it intervals of two hours. If these reme(lies fail to relieve, give J iqoscamnus: if drowsiness ensues give Opium once in two hllo jrs, Iid if it fails to relieve thl symptoms, or if convulsions occur, give NVux ronica every hour. If at the commencetment there is a chill, a fvew doses of Aconite may precede thle above renmedies. If suppression occurs during an attack of tile chlolera, or durin,g any feil)ile disease, give Cantharis alternately with the remedy wvhi h seems best indicated for the exi-titg general disease, at intervals of one or two hours; if this remedy fails at the end of' twenty-four holurs give ilyoscyamus in its stead. A warm bath is ofte.n a useful auxiliary in the treatment of this disease. The diet shoull be light aind lcontain no animal food. INCONTINENCE OF URINE (ENURESIS). WETrTING TIIE BED. A want of power to control the turine may depend upon an irritable condition of the bladder, est ecially of the neck of the bladder, INCONTINENCE OF URINE. 277 so that the presence of even a small quantity of urine excites the organ to contract; or it may depend upon a debilitated or paralyzed condition of the passage at its commencement, so that it cannot contract sufficiently to retain the urine. This fluid itself imay be so acrid as to excite an irritable state of the bladder. Involuntary discharges of urine are sometimes caused by fear and other mental emoiions. Involuntary discharges during sleep are very common with children, and sometimes this symptom continues until adult age. It does not usually affect the general health, but is very uncomfortable to the patient, and annoying to housekeepers. But by far the most troublesome cases of incontinence of urine are those which are caused by complete paralysis, or loss of power in the muscular fibres which usually retain it, when the urine almost constantly dribbles away. T'reatment.-If the disease seems to be caused by an irritable state of the bladder, give Pulsatilla three or four times a day, and if it fails to relieve, consult the section on inflammation of the bladder and gravel. For wetting the bed give a dose of Pulsatilla before tea, and at bedtime, for one week; then omit it for a week and give Silicea in thle same manner, for a week; after that give PIulsatilla, and so continue, clianging every week. If at the end of a month this disease is not cured, give Belladonna at night and Sulphu7 in the morning. Cina is sometimes useful for children troubled with worms. Do not allow the patient to eat or drink milk for supper, nor to drink anything after two or three o'clock in the afternoon. This is a disease which the child cannot help, and punishment should never be resorted to as a remedy, for it is cruel, and can do no good. If the disease seems to be caused by paralysis, give Ityovcydamus before every nleal, and Arsenicum at bedtime, and continue them in recent attacks, for at least one week; in chronic cases, for at least one month, and as munch longer as there is any improvement. )Dulcamnara, Belladonna, or Nux voin., can be tried, if those remedies fail. Let the patient lie on Ihis back or side, with his thighs drawn up on the abdomen, and two or three times a day, gently percuss or 278 HEMIORRHIAGE WITH THE URINE. strike, withi the end of the fingers, over the passage or urethra, as it emerges beneath the bones of the pelvis, and backward over the perineum, to the anus; continue this for a few minutes at a time — in paralytic cases-only. Never resort to this measure when there is any pain or soreness in the bladder, or irritation in passing urine. HEMORRHAGE WITH THE URINE. (IIEMATURIA.) This is a rare disease, yet it sometimes occurs during the progress of malignant forms of fever and scurvy; and in other cases, where the blood seems to be partially disorganized, as in cases where dark spots appear in and beneath the skin (pervpura hemorrhagica). It may also be caused by mechanical injuries over the kidneys or bladder, by stone or gravel in the kidneys, ureters, or bladder, and by inflammation The blood may proceed from the kidneys, ureters or passages from the kidneys to the bladder, from the bladder, or from the urethra or external passage, and it is not always easy to decide from what portion of the urinary passages it comes. If it is intimately blended with the uwine, it probably comes from the kidneys. Trealment. —If the disease has been caused by mechanical injuries, give a dose of Arnica every hour; if any fever results give Aconite alternately with Arnica, at intervals of one hour. If the disease seems to he caused by inflammation of the kidneys or bladder, and is attended with pain and scalding on urinating, consult the sections on inflammation of the bladder and kidneys, also the section on gravel. Canthlaris, Cannabis, Pulsatilla, and Calcarea carb., are among your remedies in such cases. If this affection occurs during the course of a malignant fever, or eruptive disease, or the scurvy, consult the section on the disease existing. In such cases, the remedies are generally Pulsatilla, Arnica, Atrsenicum, or Ci/dna. In all other cases, give a dose of Pulsatllla every hour during the day, and a dose of Calcarea car'b. every night. If the patient is GONORRHEt —GLEET. 279 addicted to the use of alcoholic or fermented drinks, Naux vom, will be of service. China may follow the above remedies in debilitated subjects. GONORRHCEA (CLAP)-GLEET. This is inflammation of the urethra or the external urinary passage, and is generally caused by an impure connection; although a disease of a similar character may arise from having connec ion with a healthy woman, during menstruation; and leucorrhcea in the female, in some cases, cause, inflammation of the urethra of the male. In the contagious form of the disease, the symptoms commence at uncertain intervals, from the exposure, varying from two or three days to as many weeks; but, in perhaps the majority of cases, at the end of about one week. The first symptom is a tickling or itching sensation at the orifice of the urethra, which is soon attended by a frequent inclination to make water. In a short time the orifice of the urethra becomes red and swollen, and the passage of urine painful. As the disease pi ogresses, a whitish or yello wish white discharge makes its appearance, which sometimes becomes greenish and even bloody, and is often very copious; there is severe scalding and burning during the passage of urine, which is passed with difficulty, and in a small stream. The inflammation travels up the urethra, and sometimes reaches the bladder; the passage is swollen and feels indurated, and the patient is frequently troubled, especially at night, with painful erections, the penis being bent over, and prevented fiom becoming entirely erect, owing to the inflamed passage. There is generally more or less headache, fever, and restlessness, attending the disease. The acute symptoms, under proper treatment, generally begin to abate in a few days; in somle cases they may last a week or ten days, before there is much imrprovemetnt, and evenmuch longer, if proper care is not used as to diet, exercise, &c. As the dlisease decline.;, the discharge, pain, and scalding sensation, dimilnishl; and often at the end of from three to six weeks, the disease is entirely cured; but in some cases, in scrofulous constitutions, or whea it has not 280 GON O RH I A-GLEET. been properly treated, the discharge may become chronic when it, is called gleet. The testicles sometimes become swollen and inflamed during the continuance of this affection, and strictures not unfrequently result from the inflammatory action in and around the passage. Females do not usually suffer from this disease as severely as males, although in some cases when the inflammation extends to the vagina and uterus as it sometimes does, it may be very severe. Treatment.-The patient should always abstain from sexual indulgences until the disease is entirely cured, and should restrain his thoughts, and use no animal food, alcoholic or fermented drinks, coffee, green tea, spices or other stimulating condiments, and the stiller he keeps the more certain, safe, and speedy, will be the cure, for exercise generally aggravates the symptoms and prolongs the duration of the disease. At the commencement of the symptoms, especially if there is any fever, lheadache, or restlessness, give Aconite once in two hours during the afternoon and evening, and Cannabis once in two hours during the forenoon. Continue these remedies for three or four days, and longer if there is any improvement, but if the severity of tile fever, scalding, an(l pain, are not lessened, during the morning and forenoon, omit Cannabis oand give Cantharis, but, during tile afternoon and evening, give Aconite. Continue these remedies when the patient is awake until the fever and restlessness are in a great measure relieved; then, if the difficulty of passing urine and scalding do not abate, omit Aconite and give Cannabis alternately with Cantharis. at intervals of two or three hours. Carnthai is is the best remedy for painful erections or chordee. After the acute symptoms have been removed by the above remedies, if the discharge lingers and threatens to become chronic, give a dose of Mercuries vi,. every night, and Sulphiur in the morning. These remedies are- also useful for gleet or chronic inflamnmation and discharge from the uretlhra; and if after two or three weeks they fail to afford relief, give Silicca every night for a week, and as much longer as there is any inprovement; after which return to Mlerculrius viv. and SuphuIr again. In obstinate cases of either gonorrhcea or gleet, if (,ther remediies. fail, weaek LNFI,A33!IATI0N O1' THE GLANS rENIS. 281 in'ections of Sullhate of z;nc or Nit; ate of silvcr, say from one lhalf a grain or grain of the former, or from one fourth to one half a grain of the latter, to an ounce of rain water, once a day, will often relieve, and will not be likely to do harm. Try the Zinc first. A'itrate of silver injections will permanently stain the patients linen if they come in contact with it. In using injections the fngler should be pressed firmly on the passage back of the sore p:-rt so as to prevent the fluid passing into the bladder, excepti-g when the inflammation extends to the bladder. Iii the treatment of gonorrhoea avoid large doses of Balsam ioypaiba and Cabebs, for these remedies, although they may sometimes afford some relief, are neither reliable nor safe, andt may cause swelling of the testicle and stricture. Strong injections of Nitrate of' silver are sometimes used, but they are neither reliable nor safe, although they not unfrequently cure the disease when carefully used at its very commenlcem;ent; i, other cases they aggravate the symptoms seriously; and it is best not to use them. At the commencement of an attack of gonorrhema wrap the penis in a cotton or linen cloth wrung from cold water, and surround the wet cloth with sever.:l thicknesses of dry flannel; -wet the cloth once in six hours. If at the end of three or four days the symptoms are not improvingr, use warm, instead of cold water, andl change often; once every hour or less. INFLAMMATION OF THE GLANS PENIS. (BALANITIS) This affection may be caused by an impure connection, and wlhen this is the case, gonorrhea generally exists at the same tiame. It may be caused by an accumlllatlon of the natural s.qcretion beneath the fore.kin, wh.axh due attention is not p:uii l to cleanliness It may be caused by poisonous plants, and ineclianical injuries. When the opening to the prepuce is small, especially with children, it sometimes gets drawn back over the glans, when it cannot be readily returned, and causes constriction, swell 2S2 1ORCHITIS. ilig, inflammation, and even mortification of the glans may ensue if the parts are not relieved. This is called P.ARAtrIIIMiosIS. When the glans cannot be uncovered it is c l]led P:IMI.iosIs. Trcat'nent.-If the disease results from a want of cleanliness, wash the parts two or three times a day with tepid or cool water; if the foreskin cannot be drawn back inject warm water up under' it several times a day. If the disease has been caused bly constriction of the foreskin back of the glans or paraphinmosis, oil the parts well with sweet oil or cream, and take the glans between the thumb and fingers, and gently compress them for several minutes, or until they become so far reduced that you can draw the foreskin over them with the fingers of the other hand. If the disease has been caused by poison ivy or other poisonous plants, washl the parts and give Bryonia once in two hours. If it has been caused by mechanical injuries give Arnica internally, and put ten drops of the tincture into a cup of water, andl wet clo!hs in the solution and apply to the parts. If the disease exists in connection nwith gonorrhoea, the remedies proper for that disease lwill be proper remedies, together with water applied locally. - In all other cases apply cloths wet with warm water, an:l give Acowte alternately with MJercurius viv. at intervals of two hours. If the disease follows an impure connection, and there are ulcers or sores on or back of the glans on the foreskin, or even on the penis, cons'lt the section on syphilis or the venereal disease. SWELLING AND INFLAMMATION OF THE TESTICLE (ORCHITIS). This disease is sometimes caused by gonorrheea, and when it occurs during the continuance of that diseae,, the discarge fron the urethra usually ceases until the swelling abates and then returns. This affection may be causel by the introducti(n of a catheter into the urethra, also by mechaniical injuries. It not unfrequently occurs after or during the latter stages of an attack of mumps. Thile testicle becomes swollen, hard, and very painful, and tender on pressure. There are often more or less fever, HYDROCELE —SYPHILIS. 2 83 pain in the loins, colic, nausea, and depression of spirits. In some cases the disease abates suddellly, in other instances it lasts several dalys. An absces very rarely forms, althoughl such instlnces have occurred. Treatmert. —When the disease has been caused by mechanical injuries, give Aruica internally and apply it exterrally If-Arnica fails to relicve, give Pulsatilla internally once in two hours. If the disease has been caused by gonorrhela, give Pulsatilla alternately with Mecrcurius viv. at intervals of four hours. If it has been caused by metastasis of the mumps, give Pulsatilia and l'Iercurius viv. as above: if they fatil, give Ntux vomica once in two hours. Apply cloths wrung from hot water, or A warm poultice over the parts. For chronic enlargement and induration of' the testicle, give a dose of Sullphlzr every night for a month, then give Lycopodium. DROPSY OF THE SCROTUM (HYDROCELE). This generally occurs only on one side, and the swelling is pearshaped, more or less elastic, and free fiom pain. It sometimes occurs in children, even with newly-born infants. In the latter case bathe the parts three or four times la day in a weak solution of Arnica, half a teaspoonful to a teacupful of water, and give Arnica three times a day. If it does not relieve give the remedies nalmed hereafter. In a majority of ctases Pulsatilla and Silicea a're the most imnportant remedies. Give the former at night and the latter in the morning, and continue them1 for several weeks. Sul. phur every night may follow the above remedies if it is needed. Dose, see page 7. VENEREAL DISEASE (SYPHILIS). This disease is generally caused by impure connection; although if either of t.he parents are affected with the disease tle childl may inherit it; and if a chil llas a syplilitic dise:s-e of the face, it may communicate it to the nurse; or if the nurse has a syphilitic dis 2:84 sI PIIILIS. ease about the nipples, breast or face, the child may contract it by contact. The symptoms of this disease are divided into primAry, secondary, and tertiary symptoms. The primary syrnptoms usually make their appearance in from two to ten days after (x}osule, and consist of one or more sores, or ulcers, called chant'rc.; whlich appear in the male, usually on some Fart of the pnllis, miost f. equently on either the glans or prepuce, but occasionally on thre scrotum, or penis; and in some instances accompanied with, or followed by a bubo, or swellincg in the groin. This swelling may be caused by an absorption of the syphilitic virus from the sore on the penis, in which case it is quiite sure to maturate, amnd when 4 discharges, the sore which results is similar in character to the original ulcer, and does not readily heal or change. Or tlie swelling in the grcin may be simply sympathetic with the irritation on the penis, and may disappear without maturating; or if an abse ss forms it may be a sirnmple abscess, and the resultin, cavity and opening may heal readily. When the ulcer, or chancre, is on thle fold of the mucous membrane of the foreskin or prepuce, beneath the penis which connects the latter to the passage, near the end of the penis, a bubo or swelling in the grcin is much more likely to result than when it is at any other point. In the female, chlancres may appear on the extelnal parts, on the surface cf the vagina, womb, or around the urethra or water passage. Chanctres assume various forms; sometimes they are superficial, but in othler instances the ulcer inclines to spread and grow deeper, with elevated e:.ges. In the form llwhich is most likely to be followed by secondary symptoms, the edges are elevated, and together with the base of the sore feel hard or indurated. The sturface of the ulker is usually covered with a tough adherent lardy-appearing matter. If there is no induration or hardness about the base of the sore, tlhere is comparatively little danger of its being followed by secondary symptoms. In unhealthy constitutions and persons of bad bab:ts, or when the system is suffering under the causes which produce scurvy, or malig::ant fevers, the ulcer is apt to spreadl rapidly by slouglhing, and present a dark appearance. Tlhe abuse of mercury sometimes caus:s a healthy sore to assume this character. In other cases the ulcer is attended with violent inflammation, ai;d SYHILIS.. -285 spreads rapidly, especially if irritating applications are made to the part, or mercury is freely used. Secondary 1,q/mptoms. —These consist of various eruptions, moist,warty excrescence., and ulcers on the skin, superficial ulcerations on the tongue, lips, throat, and larynx, or upper portion of the windpipe, inflammation and ulceration about the roots of tlhe flnger-nails, and inflammation of the iris, or curtain wvhich forms thle Iupil of the eye. Pains like tlose of rheumatism are not uncommon. Such symptoms appear sooner or later after the healing of the primary sore, or even in some instances while it is healing. Sypl.ilitic eruptions on the skin are of various kinds, and are generally chronic; "of a bronze or copper color; frequently scaly, and prone to excoriate; sometimes assuming the form of tubercles of a livid or brown color, surrounded by a coppery areola or circle, an(l having a tendency to degenerate into foul offensive ulcers." Occasionally they are little more than brown or dirty yellow stains. In rare instances eruptions may assume a bronze or copper color when not caused by syphilis, and on the other hand, in some eases, this color of' the eruption may not be very manifest, or evenl perceptible, %when it is caused by syphilis. Tertcary,Symnptoms. —These consist in deep-seated affections of ~the skin, as tubercles, and affections of lhc glands and bones; enlargement of bones or portions of bones or exostosis; inflammation of the periosteu.n or external membrane which covers the bones, constituting what are called nodes and caries, or ulceration and death cf the bones, especially those of the nose, palate, and shins. These symptoms rarely appear within a year from the healing of the primary sore or chancre, and it may be several years bfbore they show themselves. IL is not always easy to distinguish a chancre from a simple ulcer of the genital organs, or a syphilitic eruption from an ordinary eruption, and the most intelligent and experienced physicians somctimes have been mistaken. A late writer says: "It is only when tile symptoms arise in a certain order, that we can positively doclarc syphilis to be present. If an indivitlual has clancre, which is followed by bubo, or ulcerated throat, and this is. accompani:d ~by, or precedes eruptirns on the skin, then we may feel pretty con 286 SYPHIILIS. fident. Again, when deep-seated pains in the bones follow the previous symptoms, we may consider theln to be syphilitic." Primary and secondary syphilis are contagious, but require contact, and generally an abraded or raw surface, in order that the disease may be communicated. During the continuance of either primary or secondary symptoms, the disease is also liable to be transmitted to offspring. Tertiary syphilis is neither contagious nor tra:-mitable; although it is said that the children of parents suffering from this form of disease, are very apt to be scrofulous, consumptive, or predisposed to cancerous diseases. Treatment.-Dr. Bennett, a recent allopathic writer, says: " It is now well known that the poison of mercury produces a cachellic disease and secondary sores in the boely, which have been to a great extent mistaken for those of syphilis. It consequently las happened that mercury given to cure primary sores has produced a constitutional disorder closely resembling that of syphilis; more mercury has then been administered, increasing the mischief, and so the disease has been perpetuated. The real fact, however, is that the syphilitic poison is no exception to the general rule, which informs us that all contagious diseases of the blood run a certain course, and that we have not yet discovered a specific remedy for one of them. The great proof of this is that the intensity of the disease in modern times has declined exactly in proportion aq its treatment by mercury has diminished, and the disorder been left to follow its natural course." In regard to the treatment of the disease by allopathic physicians without mercury, he says: "' In various reports now published more than eigllty thousand cases have been submitted to experiment, by means of which it has been perfectly established that syphilis is cured in a shorter time, and with less probability of inducing secondary syphilis, ly the simple than by the mercurial treatment. ThesQ f:lcts are now generally admitted, and malignant syphilis is gradually disappearing. Twenty years ago the most frightful secondary and tertiary cases were met with, and the usual tro atment was profuse salivation. At present such cases are rare,," It will be seen from the testimony of this writer that mercury is strictly homccopathic to this disease, and I have made the above SYPHILIS. 28 quotations to show the danger which results from using homeopathlic remedies in crude or allopathic doses; and to preve'nt, if possible, hommeopathic patients from ever resorting to the old cmpirical treatment, which hlas made Euch havoc with the constitutions of thousands. EIpecially shun quacks who fill tlie columns of our newspapers with their boastful advertisements If you cannot obtain the services of a homceopathic physician be satisfiel to follow the directions contained in this section. A homocopathic physician should always be consulted immediately when practicable. The homoeopathist gives remedies for the sake of exciting a healthlly reaction in the organis n, and not for the sake of causing the poisonous effects of the drug. In proper homceopathic doses when indicated by the symptoms, this remedy may be given with perfect impunity any length of time, which may be requisite to radically cure this disease, and leave no unpleasant symptoms behind as the result of its administration. Mrercurias viv. is generally the most important remedy at the commencement of the disease, and even later if the patient has not taken mercury in large doses. Give a dose b.fore every meal and at bedtime for four or five days, then night and morning only. Generally after taking the remedy for from one to two weeks, red granulations can be perceived at the bottom of the ulcer; these increase and its lardy apearance gradaially disapears. Shlould proud flesh start up and the ulcer not heal readily, omit Jiercurius viv. fur a few days, and give Nitric acid night and morning until thle ulcer is healed, then give a dose of Jlercuriwas viv, every nighllt for a month; when if there is no appearance of sore throat or eruptions on the skin, the remedy may be discontinued. lhlercurius cor.: If, after giving Afercurius viv. for two weeks, tllere is n ) change in the ulcer, and the bottom of it still presents the lard-like appearance. give this remedy once in six hours until red granulations make their appearance, then give it only twice a day. If at the end of a week there is no cl-ange give Sulphur alternately with the Mercurius cor. for a few days at intervals of six hours. As soon as an inlp"ovement follows omit the Sullphur and give the M1fercurius cor. twice a day. If the chancre has been 283 ~SYPHILIS. t! eated by large doses of mercury, or has been neglected for six or eight weeks until it has become chronic, the lard-like appearance may have disappeared, but the edges remain raised and the bottomrn hard, in such a case given lMercurius cor. night and morning until there is a change for the better; or if no improvement follows at the end of a week give Sulphur alternately with it for a few days as directed above. As sorn as there is a favorable change in the appearance of the sore, omit the Sulphur and give the e~crcurius night and morning. If the ulcer presents a dark appearance andl spreads rapidly by sloughlling, give Lachesis alternately with M3fercurius viv. fotr hours apart; and if these remedies do not check the progress of the disease, omit the Aicrcuius and give Arsenicuin alternately with Lacesis at intervals of three hours until the sloughing has ceased; then omit these remedies and give l~1Mercurits cor. B3uboes require the same remedies as chancre, either Ml-ercu! ius viv. or l~crcurius cor. is the chief remedy; in obstinate cases Nitric acid or Sulphur may be required, but follow the directions above for chancre. Local Applications for Chancre.-The tulcer should be kept clean by the means of water, and lint wet in cold water may be applied to the ulcer, and if it becomes irritable aRd painful aDDly warm wat.er. The diet, in all cases, except when there is a disposition in the ulcer to spread rapidly by sloughing, should be light; if t he patient is of a full habit, or stout and healthy, very light; no stimulants, stimulhating condiments, or animal f:od, should be allowed, and the patient should eat modlerately, and never fully appease his hunger.'Treatment of Secondary Syp/lilis. —If ulcerations appear in the throat, or eruptions on the skin, M3ercurius viv. is still the chief remedy, provided the patient has not taken either Calomel or 11erCUry in large dt.)ses. Give a dose of the remedy night and morning for one weekl, then give lfercurius viv. at light, and Sulphlur il the morning, for a week; afterward give a dose of Mler. cu7ris Wiv. every night. If, at the end of another week, there is no change for the better, give Mercurius cor, night and morning. In obstinate cases, Lachesis, night and morn SEMINAL EMISSIONS. 2:89 ing, may follow the mercurial preparations, and afterward Nitric acid. The latter remedies are especially useful in cases where allopathic doses of mercury have been taken. For tertiary syphilis, pains in the bones, swellings, nodes, and caries, or ulceration of the bones, give AIercurius every night for one week; Lachlesis for the next week; if, at the end of four weeks, there is no change% give LTitric acid. It is often necessary to continue remedies several months. If other remedies fail, obtain at a druggist's, ten grains of the Iodide of potassium, dissolve it in thirty spoonfuls of water, cork it up tight, and give a spoonful three times a day, until gone; if benefit is derived, obtain more. Warm bathing is generally useful, if not carried to the extent of causing debility. SEMINAL EMISSIONS. This disease is generally caused by self-pollution, indulging in lascivious thoughts, or by sexual excesses; an excitable state of the seminal vesicles result from such habits, and they expel their contents during sleep, the discharge being generally accompanied by lascivious dreams; the patient, the next day, feeling weak and depressed. If the discharge does not occur more frequently than once in one or two weeks, it is of no great consequence, still it is well to take remedies for it; but if it occurs once or twice a night, or once in two or three nights, it is very important to take measures to lessen or cure this irritability. But above all things, shun quacks and their nostrums. These wretched impostors, in their advertisements in our papers, magnify the evils which result from this affection, for the sake of deceiving the young and swindling them. Treatrment. —This difficulty will generally be very readily relieved in a few weeks or months, by following the directions named. Let the patient keep his thoughts from lascivious subjects, shun all stimulants, stimulating condiments, tobacco, coffee, and tea. Let his diet be light and nourishi g; let him seek the society of virtuous females; dispel all fears as to the result of this affection; let 290 SEMIN-AL EFMSSIONS. him remember that perhaps more than three fourths of all unmarried men are troubled with these discharges occasionally. Give a dose of Pulsatilla every night for one week, then a dose of Nux vomi. every night for the next week, and so continue chllaning every week. Once a week, in the morning, give a dose of Sulphur. If there is much debility give a dose of China, every Irn.rning when you do not give,Sulphur. Cantharis and Calcarea carb. may be required in obstinate cases. Give one dose of one of them a day, as long as there is any improvement. If there is anvy slimy discharge while awake, it is in most cases from the prost:Lte gland. Pulsatilla at night, and Sulphur in the morning, will generally relieve it. If they do not, give Cantharis or Cannabis, night and morning. A tepid hip-bath in the evening, is sometimes useful. Every young man, whether troubled with this disease or not, should read the author's work on " Marriage," which is at present bound in the same volume with the "Avoidable Causes of Disease;" and every pareret who cares for the moral and physical welfare of his children, will do well to read it; for it has been carefully written expressly to give to husbands and wives the information they need, and also to protect the young from vice and licentiousness. It is a book which parents can safely place ill the hands of their sons and daughters, to give them the needed information which delicacy too frequently deters parents fiom giving orally. It is published by Mason Brothers, New York, and can be had through any bookseller. CHAPTER VII. DISEASES OF THE NERVOUS SYSTEM. BRAIN FEVER, OR INFLAMMATION OF THE BRAIN AND ITS MEMBRANES, AND HYDROCEPHALUS. IT is generally difficult, if not impossible, to distinguish with certainty between inflammation of the membranes which envelop the brain, and inflammation of the substance of the brain itself; fortunately, this is not important, as similar remedies are required in both affections, and the symptoms will be a safe guide in their selection. The causes of this disease are various. A predisposition to it is often inherited; males are more subject to it than females; children, from birth to two years of age, are very liable to it; over mental exertion and intemperance, predispose to this disease. The same is true of the cruel practice of confining young children in the school-room six hours a day. An attack may be immediately excited by mechanical injuries, exposure of tl:e head to intense heat, the irritation of teething, disease of the bones of the ear, extending to the brain, alcoholic drinks, violent mental excitement, depressing mental emotions, such as fear or chagrin, retrocession of various cutaneous affections, such as measles and scarlet fever, and a translation of gout or rheumatism; and in chi1 dren, overtaxing the brain at school, is a fruitful cause of this disease. A form of the disease sometimes occurs between the ages of two and twelve years, which depends on a scrofulous disease of the membranes of the brain, or a deposit of fine tubercles..Sjmlptomns,-Chills, followed by fcvel, commence with, precede, 292 BRAIN FEVER. or soon follow an attack of violent pains in the head. There are redness of the face and eyes, sensitiveness to light and noise, especially light, a contracted state of the pupils, great restlessness and want of sleep, delirium, either mild or violent, and spasmodic twitchings or convulsive movements. The skin is hot but sometimnes moist, the pulse frequent and hard, sometimes irregular, the tongue covered with whitish fur; vomiting is a frequent and often a prominent symptom, and when obstinate vomiting occurs in the case of children, without symptoms of inflammation of the stomach, such as tenderness over and pain in the organ, we have reason to fear the existence of disease of the brain, especially if the nausea and vomiting are aggravated by the patient sitting up. The bowels are generally constipated, but not always. Pain in the head is one of the most constant symptoms, and it is seldom entirely absent; even when there is a tendency to stupor, it is manifested by moans, cries, contraction of the brows, and putting the hands to the head; and, in case of children, by rolling the head from side to side, or pressing it against the mother's breast. The pain may occupy the whole head, or only the forehead, sides, or back of the head. It may shoot through from side to side, or seem to come from deep in the brain. It is frequently paroxysmal, often seems like the darting pains of neuralgia, and ia children it often causes quick short screams. Sometimes the disease commences with convulsions, and they may be repeated so as to constitute a prominent feature of the case; the patient being conscious or unconscious between them. In some cases stupor is a prominent symptom from the commencement. In all cases if the disease continues on uninfluenced by treatment, or the natural efforts of the organism to throw it off, sooner or later, according to the severity of the symptoms, the delirium grad rally yields to drowsiness or stupor, at first not so perfect but that the patient can be aroused, but at length profound coma or insensibility ensues. The pupils become dilated, the sight and hearing are destroyed, the surface of the body becomes insensible, and liquids will often lie in the mouth without being swallowed. Convulsions, generally less severe than at first, not unfrequently occur. Rigidity of the muscles, and contraction of one or more.of the limbs, are apt to take the place of BRAIN FEVER. 29& the convulsions. Sometimes there are picking of the bedclothes, and at imaginary objects in the air, and twitching of the tendons or cords, before the insensibility is complete. Sighing respiration ensues, and the pulse becomes slow and intermittent. The urine may be retained or dribble away involuntarily. If the disease continues on unchecked, great exhaustion ensues. In the place of the spasmodic contractions, or mingled with them, there is partial paralysis; the pulse becomes frequent and scarcely perceptible, the skin is bathed in a cold clammy sweat, the countenance sunken and deathlike, and the patient generally expires either in a state of profound stupor or in convulsions. Such is the usual course of this disease; but sometimes, in the case of children, as the disease approaches the stage of stupor, there is a treacherous amelioration; the stupor and delirium diminish, and the child recognizes its friends, and even takes an interest in surrounding objects, and a!l the symptoms seem improved; but after lasting a day or two, either complete insensibility follows, or convulsions, with screaming, tossing, rolling the head, paralysis, and at last death. The duration of the disease is very uncertain. In violent cases death may follow within one or two days, but more frequently between the fourth and seventh days, and when thus early, it is generally from convulsions; but in a majority of fatal cases death occurs somewhere between the end of one and four weeks, and tlhe disease is said seldom to pass the seventh week. We sometimes have a partial inflammation of the brain or its membranes. This form of the disease gen erally commences with hleadache, occasional dizziness, faintness, dimness of sight, loss of appetite, neuralgic pains, prickling and feeling of numbness in different parts of the body, and irritability of temper. There is usually but little fever; the pulse is generally feeble, and often irregular; the face pale, and the surface cool. Nausea and vomiting, on assuming the erect position, are common. Frequently there are squinting. stammering and difficulty of swallowing; and rigidity or continued spasm of an aram or lkg or both, on one side, is apt to occur; the attempt to benl the contra-'ted limb generally causes pain. Finally the patient dies in convulsions; or paralysis and stupor ensue, and death follows. The symptoms are 994 BRAIN FEVER. sometimes' intermittent. After death from this form of the disease, there is sometimes found softening of a portion of the brain; in other cases induration, and occasionally an abscess. This disease mly continue for wceks, montlls, and it is said even for years, before terminating in death.: In the case of children, between the ages of two and ten, or twelve years, we have to fear that the disease is of a scrofulous origin, and depends on the deposition of Ininute tubercles in the membranes of the brain, when it occurs in those who are subject to scrofulous swellings of the glands of the neck, or who inherit from their parents a strong tendency to consumption or scrofula; and we have especi-al grounds for such fears, if the disease approaches very gradually and insidiously. Great peevishness and irritability of temper often precede for weeks and months, the full development of the disease in such cases. Sometimes early in the disease, obstinate vomiting and constipation, with slight fever, are the chief symptoms, until perhaps paralysis or convulsions ensue. From the fact that water is frequently found, after death, within the membranes of the brain, especially in the case of children, both this and the ordinary f' rm of inflammation, or that first described, are often denominated dropsy of the brain, or acute hydrocephalus, if the patient dies. Treatment of Inftammation of tAe Brain. -Give Aconite every hour in all cases when there are chills and fever, hot skin, full pulse, with pain in the head. If the disease has been caused by a fail, blow, or any form of mechanical injury, give Arnica alternately with Aconite, at intervals of one hour, but if, at the end of twentyfour hours it fails to relieve, give Belladonna instead of it, alternately with Aconite. Dose, see page 7. Belladonna: This is generally by far the most important remedy, after Aconite; or if, at the end of twelve hours, Aconite fails to relieve the fever, give Belladonna alternately with it, especially in all cases where there are severe shooting, darting, or burning pains in the head, with great sensibility to light or noise; red eyes, delirium, twitching, or convulsions. Give these remedies one hour apart, and do not hastily discontinue them. If there is BRAIN FEVER. 295 an improvement, lengthen the intervals between the doses to two, and afterward three hours; but if the symptoms seem aggrav.:lted after g'ving the remedies, lengthen the intervals between the doses to six hours. Bryonia: If the above remedies fail to check the progress of the disease within two or three days, Bryonia will generally be required. It should be given earlier if the patient begins to grow. drowsy or sleepy, or the delirium becomes less violent with pickin(g at the bedclothes, and cool extremities; also if there is rigidity or contraction of one of the limbs; but if no such symptoms occur until the end of three or four days, then if the fever is less active, and the pains in the head less sharp, or the delirium lcss violent, omit the Belladonna and give Briyonilz once in four hours; if the head and body are still hot, give Aconute once or twice between the doses of Bryonia; consult Jielleborus. ilelleborus: In the case of children if Bryonia fails within twelve or twenty-four hours to relieve the symptoms, give this remedy alternately with it at intervals of two hours. If symptoms of drowsiness or stupor appear, dilatation of the pupils, or loss of sight or hearing, sighing respiration, slow or irregular pulse, or symptoms of paralysis make their appearance, our main dependence must be upon the two remedies last named. If, after giving them twenty-four hours, there is no change, omit the B)?onia for twenty-four hours, and give BlUladonna alternately with Ilelleborus; at the end of thht period, if thle patient seems to be improving, continue the Bellaelonna, otherwise omit this remedy, and give a dose of Sulp/Aur at night, and JIelleborus once i.l two hours. These are the most important remedies we have to prevent dropsy of the brain, or hydrocephalus; and if efFusion has commenced, they are the remedies to check its progress, and promote its absorption. Althoug,! when symptoms of effusion exist patients will often die, still if you persevere with the remedies you will sometimes be successful in your treatment when you least expect it. If the disease in children is attended with a scrofuilous or a consumptive habit, and you have to fear a tuberculous disease of the membranes of the brain, follow the above directions. 296 BRAIN FEVNER lyoscyjamus: If, in the case of either adults or children, Belladonna fails to reliev e t delirium, convul'ions, or sleeplessness, omit it for a few hours, and give this remedy i its stead; or if Belladonna seems to aggravate the s)ymptoims or makes no impression on them, omit it for six or eight hours, and longer if the patient manifestly improves, and give lIyoscyamus; if the improvement ceases, return to Belladonni. Stranmonium: A. few doses of this remedy will sometimes be useful for delirium, frightful visions, and screams, when Belladonna fails to relieve such symptoms. Cuprun: When symptoms of this disease occur during the progress of scarlet fever, or other febrile eruptive diseases, and Belladonna does not relieve them, give a dose of Cuprumn every hour for six or eight hours, and if the patient improves continue it, but if there is no improvement, give Apis mel. once in two hours. In the treatment of the partial and slow inflammation wnich has been described, and which is often without much fever or heat, other remedies may be required, in addition to those already named. B lladonna, Bryonia, and Ilyoscyamus, will often be required in this form of the disease, as well as in the more violent, and the indications for their use whichl have already been given, are sufficient to guide in their selection. It will be better, generally, to give but one remedy at a time, unless it may be a dose of Suilkhur once a day; and do not repeat the remedies more frequently than once in three or four hours. Nux Vom: Give this remedy once in six hours when there is drowsiness, severe drawing pain in the head, fullness or pressure, with dizziness, vomiting, pain in the arms, numbness or paralysis of the extremities, or rigidity of the muscles of one extremity. Pulsatilla may be given once in six hours when there are violent pain in the temples or forehead, which are aggravated by warm air and sitt'ng up, and relieved by cold air and pressure. Tlis remedy is especially useful also in the case of females, even in somewhat acute cases if the disease is connected with a suppression of the menses. Lachesis: Give this remedy when there is great despondency, with weakness of memory, and of the mental faculties, pressing, darting, or beating pains, dizziness, with nausea and vomiting. INFL.tIMMATION OF TIIE SPINAL CORD. 297 If there are bilious symptoms, such as yellow skin or eyes, give 2Tercurius; and especiallyv if instead of costivenecs there are mucous passages fi'om the b)wels. General Directions.-In all acute cases attended with a hligh fever, hot skin and full pulse, the diet should be light; nothing mnore than gruel, rice, arrow-root, and at most, toast, cracker, and milk-and-water. If convulsions occur during the earlly stage when the skin is hot and the fever high, showering the head with a small stream of cold water from a pitcher, holding the head over a tub, and putting the lower extremities into warm wrlter, will often relieve the symptoms. Continue the showering fr from'five to fifteen minutes, or until the extremities and head become coMl, unless the convulsions cease sooner; then omit it until there is heat of the head and extremities, when it may be repeated, even if the convulsions do not return. It may require to be applied several times in the course of the fi:rst twenty-four or forty-eight hours; or what is better after tile convulsions have ceased, andl in cases where there are no convulsions, wring a, large towel from cold water, and envelop the entire head with it, excepting the face, as high as the eyebrows, and put over the whole four or five thicknesses of dry flannel, and pin snug so as to exclude the cold air; wet the towel once inl six or eight hours. This application often affords very great relief from the pain, restlessness, and heat. If it fails to benefit, the patient, sponging the head with warm water generally haf a beneficial effect. Sometimes cloth,; wrung from warm water will do well, and some physicians use them from the commencement, but I have generally preferred the applications named above. If the bowels are constipated, free injections of warm water once in twenty-four or forty-eight hours will do no harm. INNFLAMIMIATION OF THIE SPINAL CORD AND ITS \IEMIBR \NES (MYELITIS A~ND CERE BRO-SPLNAI MIENINGITIS.) This disease may be either acute or chronic. It may be caused by mechanical injuries, exposure, alcoholic drinks) and- other 298 INFLANMMATION OF THIE SPINAL CORD. causes of inflammation. The disease may commence suddenly; or be preceded by dull an:l uneasy feelings in the back and extremities. It may be confined to one part of the spine or extend almost its whole length. Symptoms. — Sverc pain which is increased bj pressure and motion, often with a feeling of constriction around the body from the seat of pain; either neuralgic pains, or prickling or tingling, or a sensation of numbness in the parts siipp'ied with neives from the diseased portion of the spine, frequently occur. If the disease is in the upper portion of the spine, these sensations will be experienced in the upper extremities and the upper part of the chest; if in the middle of the spine, around the chest and abdomen; if in the lower portion of the spine, ia the pelvis, and down the lower extremities. The muscles along the spine are often contracted, causing the head to be drawn, and the spine to be bent backward; cramps in the extremities and convulsive movements are not uncommon. Chills and fever usually precede, accompany, or soon follow, the local symptoms. Sooner or later, if the disease is not checked by treatment, symptoms of paralysis make their appearance; there is difficulty of moving one or more of the extremities, the urine may be retained or dribble away, and there may be obstinate constipation from the same cause. If the di-ease is chronic, the symptoms are similar, but come on more gradually, and without much fever. Inflammation of the spinal cord may be nrittaken for rheumatism; but in the latter disease pressure along the sides of the spine causes more suffering than when it is made on the bones of the spine themselves; whereas, in the disease under consideration, the reverse is true. In rheumatism the pain 9n mot.ion seems to be caused by the contraction of the muscles, instead of being caused by bending the spine. If the spine becomes contracted and bent backward by rigidity of the muscles, or if symptoms of paralysis occur latei in the disease, we may be quite certain that the case is one of inflammation of the cord. General convulsions rarely occur in this diease when it does not extend to the brain. We may have inflammation of the brain and spinal cord occurring at the dame time, Thi; form of disease sometimes prevails INFLAMMATION OF THE SPINAL CORD. 299 as an epiderxic, when it is apt to be very fatal; patients in some casts dying within forty-eight hours, in other instances within one or two weeks. In this disease we have head symptoms such as pain, often a throbbiig pain, generally in thle temples or baclk of the head, intolerance of light and noise, delirium, stupor, perhaps convulsions or drawing back cf the head, wiih great restlessness, ircessant movement of the limbs, in some cases fever, thirst, anal perhaps vomiting. In some instances there is little or no fever, in otlher cases the fever assumes a typhoid form, with feeble pulse, cool extremities, and sordes on the teeth, with perhaps black or dark spots in and beneath the skin. Treatment of Ifclnmination of thie Spinal Cord. —,n all cases when th3 disease is attended with a high inflammatory fever, with a hot skin, give Acoite every hour. In fact the treatment is very similar to that required for inflammation of the brain. Belladonna will often be required after Aconite, or if tile fever persists after giving the latter remedy for twelve hours give them alternately. Dose, see page 7. Belladonna: After the patient has taken a few doses of Aconite, if the fever is not relieved alternate this remedy with it at intervals of one hour; especially when the disease is confined to the upper part of the spine; and if the inflammation extends to the brain this will b, a still further indication for the use of Belladonna; also when there are neuralgic, prickling, or tingling pains in the direction of the nerves which have their origin from the diseased portion of the spine. Aconite may be omitted as soon as the patient is comparatively free from fever, and Belladonna may be given alone. Bryonia is not less important than Belladqnna when the _ower portion of the sp.ne is the seat of the. disease, and it may follow the latter remedy when the diseaseip. at any point, provided there is great soreness on motion, with stigf.less and contraction of the muscles, which is not relieved by 9kh er remedies. Give a dose once in two hours. Dulcarnara: Give this remedy after. a few doses of Aconite, when the disease has been caused. by. e2posure to wet INFLAMMATION OF' TIlE SPINAL CORD. damp weather, especially when there are drawing pains in the muscles of the spine, lameness withll a paralytic feeling, or twitching in the arms and hands. If the patient is not relieved by this remerly select another. If the disease has been causedl by mechanical injuries, give Arnica once in two hours, and if it does not relieve the symptoms, give it alternately with Rhus tox. at intervals of two hours; or if there is much fever give Acolite instead of ]2LRs until it is somewhat relieved. When there are burning pains in the back especially opposite the heart and a little higher up, with difficulty of breathing and palpitation, give Arsenicumn every hour, and if it does not relieve the symptoms give Pulsatrlia. After the acute symptoms are somewhalt relieved by some of tie above remedies, Nux vomnica is often requiread, especiatlly vwhen the disease is in the lower portion of the spine, and there is a brui-ed sensation, with dartingrr pains increased by contact; numbness or paralysis in the lower cxtremities, and if there is retention of urine and constipation. Tliis remedy is often useful in chronic cases. Give a dose once in two hours dluring the day, and a dose of Sulphlur at night. In obstinate or chronic cases, in addition to the above remedies, Lacklesis and Sulohur will be required. In a farm of the disease which involved both the brain and spinal marrow, -vwhich prevailed as an epidemic during the continuance of the Mexican war, through Michigan and some of the other Western states, and was characterized by congestion and prostration of the vital energies, rather than by active inflammatory action, the most important remedies were: Pulsat;l/a when there were violent throbbing pains in the temples and deep in the brain; Stramnoniurn,. when there were throbbing pains in the back of the head andl neck and great restlessness; Opium in case complete insensibility (asuedl and Stramonituan didl Lot relieve it. Aconite and Bhla. (,o:na were of no use as a general rule, and Bryjonia'and aVux ro',nica rarely afforded any relief. General Lirections. —Wet a towel in cold wrater, ann lay over thle spine, and cover it with four or live thicknesses of dry flannel, aAd confine the whole to its place by a bandage or dry towel 302 SPINAL IRRITATION. weight of the head and shoulders may be sustained by the bones of the spine, and not by the ligaments and musles. Travelling, horseback-riding, walking in.the open air, contentment of mind, or, as far as the strength will admit, active useful employment, whichl slall invigorate the general sys'em, is indispensable. Tile patient had better spend most of her time in reclining or lying down, so as to relax the spine when she is not taking active exercise. If the patient is already confined to the bed, or nearly so, anld not able to sit up, ride or take exercise, she must be exercised in the horizontal position, until she gains strength, and the tenderness of the spine is relieved so that she can take active exercise. Let an attenldant bend and extend her fingers repeatedly, then her wrists, then lher shoulders, in every possible direction; then take hold of the hand and turn the hand. or rotate it inward and outw ard several times; then serve the other arm in the same way, allowing the patient to rest an hour if she becomes fatigued; then bend arid extend the toes, then the feet, then the leg, and afterward the thigh; then rotate the toes around in a circle, turn the feet firom side to side; separate the feet eighteen or twenty inches, and turn the toes of the two feet together until they touch, then turn them out as far as p'-ssible, so as to rotate the whole leg; repeat this several times. Then place one hand on each side of the body, and a few inches below the armns, and vibrate it firom side to side; afterward turn the head in every possible direction so as to exercise the muscles of the neck, and finally, gently percuss, or strike with the open hand over the chest, abdomen, and back —but very lightly, if at all, over the tender part. Go over the entire body as above directed at least once in twe.nty-four hourls; and if the pati(nt becomes fatigued, resting an hour or two occasionally. Continue the above exercises a little longer every day, and as soon als tile patient feels able, let 1her iesist — lightly at first —the various motions which her assistant gives her. Continue th!e above (xerci-es, and she will soon be able to ride out, anal at last walk out and take exercise hlerself. Remove all blinds and curtains from her windows without fail, (during the day, and have her room if possible on the south side of the house; tle sun need not shine CONGESTION OF THIE BRAIN FROM DEBILITY. 303. in her face, but it must in her room,'and the more freely, the sooner she will recover. Fresh air i also important. Give her a good nourishing diet, brown bread, beefsteak, &c.; but no tea, coffee, or stimulants. And as soon as she is able, let her read, or read to her, from the beginning to the end, the author's work on the'< Avoidable Causes of Disease;" and she will find the directions tfhere, which will keep her well if she will follow them. Medicines will be useful to palliate the symptoms when the patient suffers severely; but, so far as curing the disease is concerned, they are far less important than the measures named above. If the disease occurs during nursing, or after the loss of blood or other fluidl, give a dose of C/dna night and morning. If the menses are profuse andl frequent, Ch na may prove beneficial; but if it fails to relieve, give Plati!/a night and morning, and if necessary, afterward, Calcarea carb. If the menses are suppressed, give Paulsatilla, followed by Sepia. For palpitation of the hleart give N ux Morm. Belladonna, or Pul.atilla. For numbness, prickling, or neuralgic pains, give Belladonna, Nux vorm, or Pulsatilia; also give theseremedies for spasmns of the stomach an(l colic pains. For naus. a and vomiting, give Ipecac or Nux vomica, and if they fail, give very weak Coffee after eating, once or twice a (lay. CONGESTION OF TIlE BRAIN FROCM DEBILITY. The symptoms are simillr to those of the first stage of inflammation in many respects. The patient complains of a rush of blood to the head, and sometimes there is in different parts of the body a sensation of numbness, prickling or twitching, and slight convulsions or stupor may occur; but the patient is pale, the flesh thin and flabby, the pulse small, weak, and slow, and the least exertion or excitement causes palpitation of the heart. Tlhe pain in the head is generally in the back of the head, or over the top of the head, lengthwise; there is great languor and debility. This disease may be caused by the loss of blood from blood-letting, abortion, bleeding piles, or by long-continaled nursing, over-exertion, indigestion, diarrhrea, unnutricious diet, damp, confined, and dark air, want of exercise, or any other cause of debility. 301 CONGESTION OF THE BRAIN AND APOPTLEXY. TIreatmen'.-The cause shouldl be shunnedl as fir as possible, and the diet should ble nutritious, anJl contain more or less animal food, eopeci:lly beef, mlnt!on, anl mlilk. Chinac: Give this remedy night and morning, when there is se. verle 1leadache with pressure fiom within, out; aggravation of the headache from pressure or touch, or a contractive pain in thle scalp. China is especially useful when the disease has been caused by the loss of blood, diarrhbea, nursing, &c. Pltlatilla once in four hours will often afford temporary relief, when there is pain in the head wxhich is relieved by cool air, lying down, and by pressure; Belladonna, when the pain is in the forehead, NVux tom. when it is in the top and back of the head. CONGESTION OF THE BRAIN AND APOPLEXY. Apoplexy is caused by pressure on the brain, by some cause within the skull, producing a sudden loss, to a greater or less extent, of sensation, voluntary motion, and consciousness, without a suspension of respiration and circulation. The symptoms may be caused by simple congestion of the blood-vessels of the brain; and when this is the case, if the patient recovers, no paralysis, or other traces of the disease, is necessarily left behind; or the symptoms may be caused by hemorrhage within the skull. The blood may be effused beneath or within the membranes or within the substance of the brain. Paralysis, more or less complete, is very apt to follow this form of the disease. Lastly, the symptoms may be caused by a sudden effusion of water or serum. We cannot often, at tile time of the attack determine, with any degree of certainty, which of these conditions exists; but if the patient soon recovers witllout lFaralysis or impairment of the mental faculties, we may conclude that the case was one of simple congestion. Tilhe attack of apoplexy is often preceded by symptoms of congestion of the brain, such as a feeling of weight and fullness in the head, dizziness or a whirli,;g sensation, hleadache, drowsiness, confusion and loss of memory, apprehensions of impending evil, dimness or derangement of sight, temporary deafness and noises in theb CONGESTION OF TIlE BRAIN AND APOPLEXY. 305 ears, bleeding from the nose, numbness or prickling in some part of tMe body, faltering speech, unsteady gait, and vomiting. One or more of the above symptoms may precede the attack for weeks or months, or only for a few moments. When attacked, the patient, if in the erect position, usually falls, and is deprived either completely or to a greater or less extent, of consciousness, sensation, and the power of moving. In severe cases, there is neither sensation, sight, nor hearing, and if a limb is raised, it falls as if destitute of life. The countenance is expressionless, and often flushed, and sometimes the arteries of the neck throb violently. The pulse is usually full and slow, but sometimes intermittent. The respiration is slow and snoring, with puffing ont of the cheeks or lips. The pupils of the eyes are generally immovable, and insensible to light, and may be either dilated or contracted. There is difficulty in swallowing, the bowels are usually constipated, and the urine is either retained or passes involuntarily. There is sometimes a spasmodlic contraction of the muscles of one side. This state of insensibility may-last but for a few moments before consciousness returns, or it may continue for hours or days, sometimes to the sixth or seventh day, when, if the disease does not terminate fatally, the patient slowly recoveis. He may recover entirely, but more frequently, after severe attacks, there remains more or less paralysis of either sensation or motion, or both, on one side of the body, or of some one organ or part. If an effusion of blood occurs on one side of the brain, paralysis results on the opposite side of the body. A predisposition to this affection is sometimes inherited; high living, the use of fermented and alcoholic drinks, and disease of the heart, favor its development. This disease may be mistaken for drunkenness, or the stupor caused by opium, or other narcotics; but if you cannot detect alcohol in the breath, and can derive from atteridants, or from other sources, no evidence that the patient has taken any substance which is capable of causing stupor, you have a right to infer that the case is one of apoplexy; and if one side of the face or mouth seems settled down lower than the other, this is very good evidence; but this symptom is not always present in apoplexy. 308 PARALYSIS. PALSY (PARALYSIS). This disease frequently results from an attack of apoplexy, or rather from the diseased condition which causes the apoplectic symptoms. In some cases, we have an attack of paralysis without its being either preceded or accompanied by an apoplectic attack, owing to the pressure on, or change in the brain, being so slight, or coming on so gradually, as not to cause insensibility or stupor. In other cases, there may be slight symptoms of apoplexy at the commencement of the paralytic symptoms. Paralysis may also result from inflammation of the brain or spinal cord, and from the pressure of bone in cases of fracture of the skull or spine. Local palsy may result from injury or disease of individual nerves. We may have palsy of one half of the body laterally, the other half remaining sound; this is called hemiplegia. The palsy may be confined to the lower extremities, or the lower half of the b'ody; this is called paraplegia. When a single part is paralyzed it is called local palsy. Both sensation and motion may be impaired or lost, or sensation may be impaired or lost, and the power of moving the part remain; or the ability to move may be impaired or lost and sensation may remain. Palsy may come on suddenly or gradually. In aged persons we sometimes have what is called paralysis agitans or shaking palsy. Lead palsy sometimes occurs from the poisonous influence of lead.. Trcatment. — Vhen this disease results from apoplexy, the remedies named under the head of that disease are useful; especially Belladonna, Nux vomica, and Arnica. Give a dose of Sulphur every night at bedtime, and if the paralysis is on the right side, g:ve a dose of Belladonna before every meal, and if it fails to relieve, give Nux vonmica in the same manner. If the paralysis is on the left side, give Lachesis before every meal, and if it fails, give Arnica, and afterwards, if necessary, Nutx vomnca. When the lower half of the boly is paralyzed, give NVux voinica. Give Arnica when the disease results from rheumatism, and if it does not relieve, give Sulphur at night and BryJonia in the morning. If the fingers are paralyzed, give Calcarea carb. night and morning, IlEMI)ACHE. ZD0 and at the end of two weeks give Silicea. Rhus tox. is often useful awhen there is paralysis of the extremities, especially the lower extremities. If paralysis causes difficulty of swallowing, give Lachcsis, Belladonna, or Silicea. If it causes loss of voice give Belladonna, Nlyosecamus, or Lac/lesis. For paralysis of the eyelids give Belladonna or Sepia. Electricity is a very uncertain remedy, an1d never should be used except under the direction of a skilful physician. If the paralysis has been of some standing, and all pain, dizziness, or irritation in the head, has been removedl, regular exercise of the part paralyzed becomes not less important than medicine. Let an assistant two or three times a day for a few moments bend and extend the paralyzed limb or part in every direction, if the muscles are contracted, gradually stretch them out; also with the open hand slap repeatedly the palsied part or limb over its entire surface. After thus exercising the part for a few days, tl:e patient by an effort of his will, may try to assist in moving the weak part or limb, but he should never attempt to move it except when the assistant is moving it, until he feels that he has gained sufficient control over the part to be able to move it readily without assistance. As soon as the patient is able to move the part, without assistance, let him exercise it regularly himself two or three times a day, but never to the extent of fatigue, or until there is increased feelilug of weakness. His assistant may continue to rub and slap the p.art; and, as strength returns, he may offer a little resistance to the movements of the patient, and this may be cautiously increased until the part becomes strong. HEADACHE (CEPHALALGIA). Headache is a general attendant on all febrile affe'tions, also on congestion and inflammation of the brain, and other inflammatory affections. In this section, headaches, which are independent of all such diseases, will be considered. Often he!adache is external to the brain, being seated in the scalp or cranium. Such is the case with many rheumatic, gouty, and neura!gic headach:es; 14 310 1JEADACHE also with the pains which result from various inflammatory affections of the external coverings of the skull; and this is true of syphilitic affections of the periosteum or covering of the bones, and of the bones themselves. Headaches are of every variety as to severity, location, extent, and duration. The pain may be on both sides of the head, or on one side; it may be over the eyes; in the forehead, temples, on the sides, on the top, or in the back of the!lead. It may be confined to a small spot, as if a nail were dlriven in, or it may extend over the entire head. It may last but for a single instant, or for hours, days, and weeks. Sometimes it is periodical or intermittent. The pain may be shooting, darting, aching, throbbing, tearing or burning; it may be superficial or deepseated; there may be simply pain, or it may be mingled with dizziness, fullness, lightness, a sensation of emptiness, heat or coldness, noises in the ears, and perversions of vision. Temporary dimness of sight, or even blindness, sometimes precedes the attack of pain. Occasionally headache depends on disease of the heart, and it may be sympathetic with derangements of the stomach, constituting sick headache, or with derangements of the liver, constituting bilious headache; ulceration and chronic inflammation of the uterus, frequently cause headache in the back of the head, extending up to the crown, perhaps with a numb sensation. Nervous headache is common. Coffee causes a headache, which commences in the morning, grows worse until noon, and then gradually abates. Tea, tobacco, and decayed teeth, frequently cause this affection. 2l'eatment. —If the patient is subject to rheumatism or gout, and the pain seems to be external to the skull, if the scalp is sore to the touch, and the pain is dull and tearing, or shooting, give Bryonia once in two hours, especially when the pains are aggravated by walking, stooping, or contact, and if such pains are confined to one side of the head. If By3onia fails to relieve, give Rhus tox., especially if the pains are burning or beating, and if there is wavering of the brain when stepping, and creeping in the head, or if the pains are excited by walking in the open air. Dose of these remedies, see page 7. Belladonna will perhaps relieve more cases of hea'ache than 312 DEnlxi:uI TREMENS. Sulphnr every morning, especially if the pain during the attack was most severe on the left side of the head, but if it was worse on the right side, give Sepia; if it was alike on both sides, give Sulphur for one week, and Sepia the next, and so continue. If the headache is intermittent, give CIlina once in four hours during the intermission, especially when the pains are aggravated by contact, and whenever the hair of the head is very sensitive. If China fails to relieve intermittent headache, or those in which the patient has a return of the pain regularly every day, or every other day, give Arsenicum once in four hours, when the patient is free from pain; Nux voen. or Belladonna may be given dnring the pain. When the headache has been caused by grief, give Ignatia; when by anger, give C/zaiomilla or Nux vom. Give Calc;rca catb. for chronic headache, especially when it occurs either through the upper or the front portion of the head, and when the pains are stupifying, throbbing, cr boring, aggravated by mental efforts; also if there is a sensation of coldness in the head, or if there is falling off of the hair. In addition to the use of remedies for headache in nervous and chronic cases, let the patient, or what is better, an assistant, rub briskly with the ends of the fingers of both hands, from the root of the nose over the top of the head, to the neck, back and forth, fora minute or two; then rub from the centre of the back of the head, sidewise, in the direction of the lower part of the ears; also gently slap or percuss the head with ends of the fingers, or palmn of the hand, for a few moments. DELIRIUM TREMENS. This is a disease which follows the suspension of the habitual use of alcoholic or fermented drinks. It occurs more frequently with steady drinkers than with those who only occasionally get drunk; and persons of sedentary habits, or inactive life, are much more liable to have the disease than those who take active exercise. If habitual drinkers receivea mechanical injury, or are attacked with an acute 314 DELIRIUM. TREMEN.S. drinks, opium and tobacco, as every one should do, has not to fear this disease; but no man who uses them can count himself safe. The only sure preventive measure, then, is total abstinence. We have seen that this disease is caused by leaving off suddenly the use of stimulants. The appetite for the accustomed stimulant fails, and it is omitted, when symptoms of delirium tremens make their appearance. To prevent the full development of the disease, or cure it after it is developed, in most cases we have but to give the patient moderate, but regular doses of brandy, and then withdraw it as the disease abates. There is no danger of cultivating an appetite for it, by giving it during the disease, as the patient has no desire for it, although he will generally take anything which is offered him. A tablespoonful of brandy in water, sweetened, once in two hours, will, in many cases, be sufficient, but if the patient has been a hard drinker he may require two tablespoonfuls once in two hours, or even more frequently in some rare cases; and the brandy should be continued until the patient falls into a quiet sleep. When he awakens it need not be repeated unless symptoms of the disease return, and it should never be continued longer than is absolutely necessary to relieve the visions and sleeplessness To relieve the debility never give stimulants, but beef tea, chicken broth, lmutton, and beef; and China night and morning. Nux vonica: This remedy will sometimes relieve the disease if given early. It is indicated wken there are trembling of the tongue and limbs, frightful visions with desire to escape, and also when there is nausea and vomiting at any stage of the disease. Give a dose once in two hours. Give Belladonna when there are frightful visions, also visions of mice and rats, and when the face is red and bloated. Give Arsenicwn when there are great weakness, cold extremities, with fear of thieves and desire to hide. Give Opium when there are symptoms of convulsions or approaching stupor. Give a dose of either of the above remedies every hour. LOCKJAW. -31:5 LOCKJAW (TETANUS). This, although not very frequent, is one of the most formidable and dangerous diseases when it does occur. It sometimes follows wounds, even slight wounds, and occasionally attacks newborn infants, especially colored children in hot climates. It may occur without any assignable cause, perhaps depending on atmospheric changes or states. In this disease the muscles are in a state of constant spasmodic contraction, with periods of partial relaxation; the body may remain straight, it may be bent backward so as to rest on the head and heels; or, less frequently, it may be bent forward or even sidewise. As the disease progresses, in addition to the permanent rigidity named above, paroxysms or spasms make their appearance, at first light, but at length they may become terribly severe, throwing the body about in different directions. This affection generally commences either with stiffness in the muscles of the jaws and throat, or of those on the back of the neck, which more or less rapidly extends to other muscles. Swallowing becomes difficult, respiration more or less hurried and anxious, the pulse is often quite regular until late in the disease, except during active spasms, the skin is moist. The mental faculties remain unimpaired throughout the disease, or until very near its close, when there may be light wandering. Tetanus is more common with men than with women. Patients most frequently die between the end of the first and fifth days; if they live until the ninth day they generally recover. Treatmcnnt. —When the disease is caused by a wound or mechanic(al injury, if the patient has previously taken Arnica, give a dose of Belladonna every hour; but if he has not taken Arnica, give a dose of Arnlica one hour, and Belladonna the next. Belladonna is often useful when tile disease occurs with young children, and when it arises from unknown causes, or atmospheric changes, especially if Ilyoscyamus fails to relieve such cases. If Belladonna does not lessen the severity of the symptoms at the end of twelve hours, give Nux vom. every hour. If, at the end of twenty-four hours, this remedy does not lessen the severity of the symptoms, -31 I I H iO x iDR n 31. give THyoscyamus for twelve hours at least. Igjnatia or Lachesis may follow the latter remedy if necessary. Do not discontinue any remedy until the patient has taken it at least twelve hours, and if there is the slightest improvement continue the remedy without fail, or even if the patient ceases to get worse under its use, continue it. If the disease has not been caused by a wound, and commences with stiffness of the jaws, give Hyoscyamlus every hour. If this fails at the end of twelve hours, follow it with Belladonna. If the last remedy fails, give Nux vom. Ignatia and Lachesis are also remedies which may be required in lingering cases. HYDROPHOBIA (RABIES). This disease is usually caused by the bite of a dog, cat, or some other animal, sufferipg from this affection, although it may be caused by the saliva from an animal suffering from the disease coming in contact with a raw or abraded surface of the skin, and possibly with the mucous membrane of the lips or mouth. In the human species it is estimated as the result of observation, that only one in ten or fifteen of those who are actually bitten by rabid animals, contract the disease. If the bite is through garments, the saliva is generally wiped fromn the teeth, so that none enters tihe wound; but if on an exposed surface like the hand or face, there is far more danger. The disease rarely if ever appears within the period of eighteen days after the reception of the wound; alnd in cases whe-re it follows at all, it is rarely delayed beyond three or four months, although in rare instances it is said to have appeared at the end of twelve or eighteen months after the bite, and even at a later period. Symptoms.-Often the first warning of an app:roaching attack, is pain, or an uneasy sensation near or in the seat of the wound, perhaps nothing more than burning, coldness, tingling, aching, or stiffness. If; in such cases the wound is unhealed, is assumes an unhealthy appearance, and discharges a thin watery fluid, instead of healthty matter;. if the wound is healed, the. scar is apt to be EPILEPSY. 319 is fully developed it is characterized by attacks of convulsions with loss of sensibility and consciousness, and usually followed by stupo,'; but the paroxysms are without fever. Sometimes this disease commences with very slight paroxysms of giddiness, confusion of mind, inability to stand, although without loss of consciousness; but, as the paroxsyms continue, they become gradually more severe, until the patient becomes unconscious during them, and finally convulsed. In other instances the first paroxsyms manifest distinctly the character of the disease. Sometimes the paroxsyms are preceded by certain premonitory symptoms, such as unusual states of temper or feeling, failure of memory, confusion of thouglit, dizziness, drowsiness, fullness, or emptiness in the head, dimness or perversions of sight, ringinlg in the ears, unpleasant odors which are not real, &c. In rare instances a sensation of coldness, heat, pain, itching or tingling commences in one of the extremities, or some other part of the body, and proceeds toward the brain. When the sensation reaches either the stomach or head the paroxysm commences. After the continuance of the above premonitory symptoms for a longer or shorter period, or without any of them, the patient falls down in convulsions, sometimes uttering a fearful cry at the moment of the attack. There is generally more or less rigidity of the body, and one side is fiequently more convulsed than the other; the head is twisted round and the face is drawn to one side, and the limbs are violently convulsed by sudden contractions and relaxations of the nmascles. The eyes and face twitch and are often greatly distorted, the face is generally swollen, and of a reddish or purple hue, respiration is difficult, there is frothing at the mouth, and the pulse is small, frequent, and often irregular. The paroxysm may last from a few moments to several hours, and even with occasional periods of relaxation, for twenty-four hours or more, the patient being either convulsed or in a state of stupor all the time. A state of stupor follows the paroxysm, but gradually passes off and the patient awakens, perhaps a little confused at first, and soon returns to his usual state. In some instances headache, paralytic symptoms, or temporary insanity follows the paroxysm. At first the paroxysms may only occur at 320 EPILEPSY. - intervals of months or even years, but they are apt- to become more frequent as the disease continues. Sometimes they are very frequent at their commencement. When the disease is fully developed they may occur, only at intervals of weeks or months, or they may return daily, or even several times a day. Patients sometimes, but very rarely, die during the paroxysms. The mental faculties may become impaired from the long continuance of the disease, and even idiocy sometimes results. Tr eatment.-This is, in most cases, a very obstinate disease, and sometimes baffles the skill of the most eminent physicians, yet it is often cured by a persevering use of horneopathic remedies, and it is generally ameliorated by treatment. Belladonna: Give this remedy three times a day, one half an hour before eating, at the commencement of the disease, or even at any stage, if there are severe convulsions, with distortion and twitching of the eyes and face, if the paroxysms are excited by mental emotions, and there are great irritability of temper and sleeplessness between the paroxysms. At the same time, give a dose of Sulphur every night. If any change either in the frequency or severity of the paroxysms follows, either for better or worse, give the remedies less frequently, or give but one dose a day; BeilaJonna three nights, and Sulphur one, and so continue as long as there is any improvement. Dose of either of the remedies, see page 7. Ignatia before meals, and Calcarea carb. at bedtime, may follow Belladonna and Sulphur, and be given in the same manner, especially in the case of children. If the paroxysms occur at night, these remedies may be given before Belladonna and Sulphur. Nux Vomica: Give a dose of this remedy before every meal, and Silicea on retiring at night, in case the remedies already named fail to relieve or cure the patient. If any change follows, lengthen the intervals as directed for Belladonna and Sulphur. Lac/wesis and Iiepar sulph. may follow the above remedies, if necessary. IyIYoscyanzus and Serpia are remedies which have sometimes been found useful. Do not change your remedies too frequently, and never change them so long as there is any improvement, either in the frequency CONVULSIONS OR SPASMS. 321 or in the severity of the paroxysms. You will generally have to give a remedy several weeks before you can be fully satisfied as to the effect. If you can cure the disease by administering remedies from six months to two years, you may regard yourself as very fortunate. Look well to the diet of the patient. Read the author's work on the "Avoidable Causes of Disease," and you will find a vast fund of instruction, not less important to epileptics than medicine. If you fail to cure the patient, call on a homoeopathic physician, for he may be able to cure, by the use of higher or lower dilutions, or other remedies which you do not have. CONVULSIONS O1V SPASMS, IN CHILDREN AND OTHERS. It not frequently happens, especially with children, and occasionally with adults, that, from transient causes, such as sudden fright, anger, or other mental emotions, exposure to great heat, mechanical injuries, the irritation from teething, also from indigestible substances in the stomach and bowels, convulsions are caused, which are without fever, and more or less resemble those of epilepsy. There may be starting and twitching, and other nervous symptoms before the attack, or they may come on suddenly. They may last but for a few moments, or for hours, with occasional relaxation, but generally from ten to twenty minutes. They may extend over the whole body, or be confined to one half of it, to one limb, or to the face. The face may be pale or purplish, and often apparently swollen. The patient generally sleeps at the termination of the paroxysm. There may occur but a single attack, or several, at irregular intervals. There is very little danger attending such convulsions, as patients rarely die in them. If the attack is preceded or accompanied by fever, hot skin, headache, or delirium, consult the section on inflammation of' the brain, and follow the directions there given. If the paroxysms occur repeatedly, are without fever, and come on suddenly, and you cannot trace them to swollen state of the gums, improper diet, strong mental emotions, worms, or any other cause, consult the section on epi. 14* 822 CONVULSIONS OR SPASMS. lepsy, and follow the directions you there find, in the intervals between the attacks If the patient is a female between the ages of ten or twelve and forty-five, especially if there is a disposition to sob, cry, or laugh, at the commencement, or at the termination of the paroxysm, consult the section on hysteria and hysterical convulsions. But in other cases, follow the directions below. Trearment.-During the attack, make warm applications to the lower part of the body, and lower extremities, or put the lower half or two thirds of the body into warm water. If the head is hot, and the face red, you may shower the head for a few moments with cold water, especially if the disease has been caused by the irritation of teething. If the attack has been caused by eating green fruit, or other indigestible food, as soon as the patient can swallow, let him drink freely of warm water-all he can swallow -then tickle the throat with a feather, so as to cause vomiting; even if vomiting does not ensue, the warm water may benefit the patient. In all cases where the bowels are costive, or you have the least reason to suppose the attack is caused by irritation of the stomach and bowels, or by worms, give a free injection of warm water, and repeat it in one hour, if the bowels do not move feeely. Pelladonna: Give this remedy every half hour or hour, when the disease has been caused by teething, chagrin, or insults; also when you cannot ascertain the cause. In the case of children, give a dose two or three times a day, and a dose of Calcarea carb. at bedtime, to prevent a return of the symptoms, after the paroxysm is over. Dose: Dissolve twelve globules, or one drop of the above, or any of the following remedies, in half a glass of water, and during the convulsions, put a few drops of the solution into the mouth, but as soon as the paroxysm is over, give a teaspoonful for a dose. If the medicine is in powder, give as much as will lie on the end of a penknife bloade. Chaamcmilla: Give this remedy if the disease has been caused by irritation of the bowels, colic, diarrhwea, anger, disappointment, or by teething, if Belladonna fails to relieve in the latter instance. Give a dose. every half'hour or hour, until a disposition to spasms ST. VrTTS' DANCE. 323 los'een relieved, and then give a dose three times during the day, and if tile disease has been caused by irritation of the bowels, give a (lose of 2ercurius viv. at bedtime, to prevent a return of the paroxysms. Optium: If the convulsions are the result of fright, give Opium, and if it fails to relieve give Iqnatia. Ignatia: If the attack has been caused by grief or fright, give this remedy every half hour or hour, also in other cases where Belladonna or Clhainonmilla fails to relieve the symptoms. Stramonium when there is trembling and nervous excitement or convulsions without loss of consciousness. If the attack has been caused by indigestible food, give Nux vomt., but if the bowels are loose give Pulsatilla or Cliamnomilla. If the spasms seem to be caused by worms, give Cina, and consult the section on worms. ST. VITUS' DANCE (CHOREA). This disease generally occurs between the ages of five and twenty, although there is no period of life absolutely exempt. Fenmales are more subject to it than males. Whatever tends to impair the general health and increase nervous irritability predisposes to this disease. It may be caused by strong mental emotions or over-excitement, deranged stomach and bowels, self-pollution, spinal irritation, suppression of the menses, &c. Syrmptoms.-This disease is characterized by involuntary movements, sometimes of the whole or almost the whole body, often worse on one side than on the other, and occasionally confined to one limb or part. The patient does not lose her consciousness, and has the power to commence moving, but cannot control her novements, or at least until after several efforts. These irregular movements may be so incessant as to interfere with sleep; and are generally increased by mental emotions, especially by the consciousness that others are observing her. Tile face often becomes distorted into all sorts of fantastical shapes, and walking is frequently difficult, and in bad cases, walking, or even standing or sitting, may be impossible. Stammering is but a variety of this affection. 324 tIYSTERI{IS.. This disease may only continue for a few days, or it may last for months and years, when improperly treated, or without treatment. Treatmenit.-Sun-light, out-door air, exercise, brown bread, loose dresses and absence fiom heated school-rooms and confinement; and relief from close study, are the essential condlitions necessa.ry for a cure, without whicl remedies xvill be of little avail. Give Belladonna once in six hours, if the face is implicated, if tlhe patient stammers, or has headache, and also, if, with the abova symptoms, the disease extends to the extremities. If this remedy fails to relieve, give Cuprum at night and Belladonna before every meal. Give Ilyoscyamnus before every meal, if there are stammerinlg, involuntary action of the underjaw, neck, head, and of the extremities, and give Cuprum at bedtime. Stramnonium may follow the above remedies once in three or four hours, if it is required. If the extremities are more affected than the face, or, in other cases, if the above remedies fail, give Arsenicumn three or four tilnes a day, and if it does not relieve the symptoms within a few days, give it at night only, and if the pptient is a male, give Nux orem. before every meal; if relief does not follow, give Pulsatilla. If the patient is a female, give Pulsatilla before every meal; if it fails to relieve, give Nux vom. Ignatia before meals and Sulphur at night will be useful in obstinate cases. HYSTERICS (HYSTERIA). This affection generally occurs in females between the ages of twelve and forty-five, and it is more frequent at the menstrual periods than at other times. The present cruel method of bring-. ing up young ladies, favors the development of the disease, by lendering the whole system delicate and nervous. They are deprived to a great extent of the all-important necessaries of life — sinlight, pure air, active labor, and exercise. Hot rooms, unnatural confinement in schools, crowding the intellect to the neglect of the body, solitary vice, and novel-reading, are among the many causes of this disease; also disappointments in love, domestic troubles, strong mental emotions, and an irregular or 328 DROWSINESS OR SLEEPINESS. N"ux yvorica is the proper remedy when the sleeplessness is caused by thinking, reading, or writing late at night, and when all sorts of ideas crowd upon the patient's mind; it is especially useful in the case of cofFee-drinkers, and of those who use alcoholic and fermented drinks. ignat.a, wNhen the sleeplessness is caused by grief, sadness care, mental anxiety, and depressing emotions. Opium will be required for the sleeplessness of aged people; also give it to others if Aconite does not relieve this symptom, when it is caused by fear or fright. Give Iiyoscyamus when sleeplessness occurs during the progress of fevers, and other diseases, or while recovering from them. If it fails, select some other remedy. For sleeplessness of young children, give Aconite, especially if there is any fever or restlessness, and if the symptoms are not relieved in an hour, give Coffa; repeat these remedies if necessary. Bclladonna may be given if the child cries without apparent cause; and if there is sudden starting or twitching which is not relieved by it, give CGiamomilla. Give Chamomilla when the child is troubled with colic, or earache, and if it fails give Belladonna. Repeat the close of either every hour until relief follows. DROWSINESS OR SLEEPINESS When this occurs between the regular hours of-sleep, if it occurs soon after eating, it may be caused either by over-eating, especially of animal food, or by debility of the digestive organs. It may also be caused by derangements of the liver, and by a tendency to congestion of the brain. Treatment: If the sleepiness occurs soon after eating, cat less, and take a dose of Nux orem. before each meal, and if you do not get relief consult the section on dyspepsia. If the skin and eyes are yellow, or it there is more or less uneasiness in the right side, just beneath the right lower ribs, give NVux vom. at night and Bry/oanie in the morning. In all other cases, especially when there is a tendency to profound sleep, consult the section on congestion of the brain and apoplexy. In case of nervous females, consult also the section on hysterics. 830 INZANTTY. For grief, give Ignatia or Lachiesis. For disappointment in love, give Hyoscyamus or Ignahta. For jealousy, give IHoscyamtts, Nux vom., or Lac/iesis. For mortification, resulting from insults, disappoihnted ambition, &c., gi;e Belladonna, Ignatia, Pulsatilla, or Platina. For violent anger,,rive Aconite, Vux omnz., Chianmomilla or Blryonia. For chagrin and effects of contradiction, give Aconite, Clhamonzilla, Ignatia, or Br3j'nia. For religious excitement, give Belladonna, Laches-s, Ili.oscyamus, or Sulphur. INSANITY OR MENTAL DERANGEMENT. It would require too much space to enter into a full description of the various forms of insanity, nor do I propose to do more than to allude to this subject and point out some of the most irmportant remedies to be tried at the commencement of the disease, by those who have not access to a homecopathic physician, before sending the patient to an insane asylum. It is to be hoped that the day is not far distant, when some of our noble charitable institutions, devoted to the treatment of this disease, will be under homceopathic treatment. Never, until then, shall we be able to know the full measure of success which may be attained in the treatment of mental diseases. Delirium is common during febrile and inflammatory diseases, and will be found frequently noticed in other sections, in connection with such diseases, but what little is said here has reference to continued or intermittent derangement of the intellectual and moral faculties. A predisposition to insanity is sometimes inherited, and it is often acquired. The intermarrying of blood relations, overtaxing the brain and intellectual faculties in our schools, and neglect of the body, are perhaps the most fruitful causes of a predisposition to this disease in our country. Solitary vice is a very frequent cause; and the same is true of strong mental emotions. We have, first, cases of mental alienation, which consist in a mere perversion of the mental and moral faculties; and second, of those which consist in the impairment or loss of the same facul 332 HYPOCHONDRIASIS-CRAMPS IN TIIE LEGS. the next. If at the end of a month there is any improvement, give them at intervals of three days. Follow the above remedies, if necessary, with IIyoscyamus and Lachesis in the same manner. MELAzNCHIOLY OR IIYPOCHOND3ZRIASIS. This is often but the first stage of insanity or monomania, a1though it may depend on dyspepsia; and when that seems to be the case, consult the section on that disease. For religious melancholy, give Sulphur every night and Pulsatilla every morning until there is some improvement, then give them two or three days apart. Belladonna and Lackesis may be required. When it results from disappointment, give Belladonna, Ignalia, or Pulsatilla. Consult the section on insanity, and the one on mental emotions. CRAMPS IN THE LEGS. If this affection occurs at night, give Nux vonzica night and morning until the paroxysms cease, then give it at night and Sulp1hur in the morning to prevent a return. If the above remedies do not cure, give Veratrum, in the place of iNux vomica, and afterward give Secale cor. if it is needed. If this symptom occurs while sitting, or after violent exercise, give IlAus tox. If on stretching out the limbs, give Ca!carca carb. Colocynth is sometimes useful. SCROFULOUS INFLAMMATION OF THE EYES. 337 night. In all cases avoid reading, sewing, and a strong light. If the symptoms are more severe; if there is great redness, heat, intolerance of light, pain, or fever, give a dose of Aconite once in two hours during the day, andt a dose of Belladonna as frequently during the evening and night, when the patient is awake. Six globules of the remedy you are giving internally, may be dissolved in two tablespoonfuls of water, warm or cold, as is most grateful to the patient, and the eyes may be frequently washed in the solution; and a soft cloth may be wet in it and placed over them, and confined by a dry handkerchief, every night. Persevere with the above remedies, if necessary, several days. And at the end of three or four days, and even sooner, if the fever and heat have abated, and the discharge is mattery, omit the Aconite and give Mlercurius viv. during the evening and night, and Belladonna during the day-each once in two or three hours when the patient is awake. Continue the above remedies as long as there is any improvement. If the disease threatens to become chronic, give Salphlar night and morning. In chronic cases Sulphur,.Mercuarius viv., aid Calcarea carb., are the chief remedies. If the disease occurs with newborn infants, the above is your treatment, also when it occurs with adults; but if it has been caused by the discharge in cases of gonorrhoea or clap, give Paulsatilla instead of Belladonna, after the first few days, but otherwise the same treatment. The diet should be light; in severe cases no animal food, stimulants, or stimulating condiments, should be allowed. Generally warm applications do better than cold. Sometimes cloths wet in cold water, and dry flannel placed over them, changing only once in three or four hours, will do well. SCROFULOUS INFLAMMATION OF THE EYES. This affection is very common with children. There is great intolerance of light, profuse flow of tears, sometimes an eruption on the skin around the eyes; and often pimples, pustules, and even ulcers make their appearance around, and on the transparent 15 342 EARACHE. dy. If relief follows the use of this or either of the other remedies, lengthen the intervals between the doses to three or four hours. Pulsalilla is often required after Chamonlilla. Pulatilla: This is the chief remedy when there is inhammation, swelling, heat, or tenderness, on pressure. Give a dose once in two hours. If, at the end of twelve hours, there is no imnprovement, omit this remedy for six hours and give a dose of Belladonna every hour; if the patient improves under this remedy, continue it, but lengthen the intervals between the doses; but if there is no improvement, return to Palsatilla. In severe cases of inflammation, it may be necessary to continue the two remedies, changing occasionally, for two or three days before the disease will be cured. If the above remedies fail, Nux vonm. will often relieve the symptoms, but if that does not check the progress of the disease, or afford some relief, give lfercurius viv. once in two hours. If the pains become throbbing, and there is a roaring sound, give Hepar suipi. Nux vonz.: This remedy is sometimes useful in inflammatory earache, especially after Pulsatilla; but in neuralgic earache, it is often useful at the commencement, or after C/iamamnilla. Give a dose once in two hours. If the pains are in paroxysms, worse mornings and evenings in bed, and are very violent, tearing and stitching, extorting cries, give this remedy. If the patient is very sensitive and nervous, and there are no signs of inflammatory action, if Chrmomilla does not relieve, give Arnica, especially if there is great sensitiveness to noise. Give China, if the pains seem to be external, and are aggravated by contact, and if there is ringing in the ears. If the pain in the ear is caused by decaying teeth, which may be suspected when the pain commences in the teeth, or when the latter are sore to the touch, Belladonna or Chamomilla will often relieve it. Phosphorus should be given if the teeth are decayed and broken nearly to the gums, and the sockets are inflamed. Have worthless teeth and roots extracted. RUNNING FROM THE EARS-DEAFNESS. 343 RUNNING FROMI THE EARS (OTORRH-IIA). This affection frequently follows an abscess or inflammation, when treatment has been neglected or discontinued too soon. The discharge in chronic cases is often offensive, and of a white, yellowish, or greenish color. Trcltient.-In an acute or recent attack of inflammation, it' notwithlstandng tthe treatment, a discharge of matter follows, never wait to see whether it will stop spontaneously or not, but give Pulsatilla one n.ight, and Sulplhur the next; at the end of a week, lengthen the intervals between the doses of the above remedies, to forty-eight hours, and continue these remedies for several weeks. In all cases of long standing, which have been neglected, or inef'ficiently treated by allopathic measures, you may commence with the above remedies. In chronic cases, you will need to continue a remedy several weeks, gradually lengthening the intervals as the symptoms improve. If the discharge follows scarlet - fever, small-pox, or measles, give Jlferct, ius viz. alternately with BelIad'ona, the former at night and tile latter in the morning. If in the course of two or three weeks, the discharge does not cease,,ive Pulsatilla and Salnhur as directed above. Calcarea Carb.: In obstinate cases, give a dose of this remedy once a week, an:d continue it as 1nmg as there is any improvermenit. SlSicea may follow it, especially if the discharge is offensive. Carl o veg. is also useful in such cases. DEAFNESS-DEFECTIVE HEARING (DYSECCIA). Deafness may arise from an excessive secretion and accumulation of earwax. In such cases it usually comes on gradually, and is often attended by buzzing and other noises. By a careful examination, you can see that the passage is filled with hardened wax. When this is the case, drop two or three drops of sweet oil into the ear, and after a few hours, syringe out the ear carefully, but 344 BUZZING OR OTHER NOISES IN FTOE EARS. thoroughly, with warm water? so as to wash out the wax; let the head, while using the syringe, be leaning over in the direction of the obstructed ear. lepeat the above once a day, until the wax is entirely removed. Also give Pulsatilla alternately with Sulphur, one week apart, to prevent a return of the obstruction. If the deafnesr results from inflammation, or is connected with a discharge from the ears, the treatment which has been recommended for earache, and running from the ears, is the proper treatment. NERVOUS DEAFNESS is another form of this affection. It may come on gradually or rapidly, from a sudden paralysis of the auditory nerve. Together with hardness of hearing, there are often buzzing, roaring, singing, and various noises in the cars. Sometimes there is great dryness in the ears. If there are buzzing in the ears, pressure and fullness in the head, with deafness, consult the sections on congestion of the brain and apoplexy, and follow the directions therein given. Treatment of Nervous Deafness.-If there are dryness of the ears, with deafness, as if the ears were closed, and singing, buzzing, or ringing in the ears, give a dose of Calcarea carb. every night, until there is some change, then gradually lengthen the intervals between the doses. This is one of the most important remedies for nervous deafness, especially in young persons. If the patient is a female, once a month omit the Calcarea carb. for a week or ten days, and give Pulsatilla every night in its stead. If the deafness has followed the disappearance of an eruption about the head, face, or ears, give Sulphur every night, and after a few weeks give Hepar sulph. If the patient is a male, lives high, or if his habits are sedentary, and he has buzzing in the ears, or whistling, give Sulphtur in the morning and NVux vto. at night. BUZZING OR OTHER NOISES IN THE EARS. This affection is often connected with congestion of the brain, and in all cases when there is a sensation of fullness, pressure or pain ill the head, consult the section on that disease. It may be 346 BLEEDI)ING FROM THE NOSE. ical injuries, or from lifting, or straining, or when, in other cases, there is itclhing in the nostril. Give a dose every fifteen minutes; and if it fails to check the flow of blood at the end of one hour, give Rlus tox. Dose of this or other remedies, see page 7. Aconite should be given if the patient is of a full habit, witlh red face, or if there is a sensation of fullness in tile head, and when this symptom has been caused by heat. If Aconite alone fails to check the bleeding at the end of an hour, alternate it wigh Belladonna at intervals of half an hour. Cldna.-Give this remedy every half hour when the patient is weak and exhausted, and if it does not soon check the discharge, follow it with Secale cor. Pulsatilla is especially efficacious in the case of females, when this symptom occurs before the first menses, or if they are scanty or delayed. Give a dose every hour. If bleeding from the nose occurs during typhoid or typhus fever, follow the directions given in the section on th:t fever, so far as remedies are concerned, but remember the mec!ahniical measures described below. To overcome a tendency to this affection, if the patient is young and of a full habit, give Aconite one night, and Calearea carb. the next, for one week, then lengthen the intervals between the remedies to three days. If the patient is weak and exhausted, give Chinace and Secale cor., in the same manner. If 1he vitality of the blood is impaired, and dark spots appear in and beneath the skin, give Arnica in the morning and Carbo veg., at night. General Measures. —Keep the patient either in a sitting or standing position, or at least the head elevated, excepting In eases where there is fainting, when it should be lowered, until this symptom is relieved. Cold water or ice may be appled to the nose, lower part of the forehead, and back of the neck. If the attack is severe, the feet may be put into warm water. Elevating the arm of'the same side fiom whic the blood comes will sometimes check the flow. The same is true of pre;ssing with -he finger on the side of the nose, letting the pressure extend up an inch or so. sechanikcal ihreasures.-In sirious cases, where remedies and BLEEDING F'ROM THE NOSE. 347 the measures already named fail to prevent a dangerous loss of blood, the nose must be plugged, and this must be properly done or it will be useless. To simply fill up thte external orifice will do little or no good, for the blood will flow down the throat. A (lot of blood often forms in the nostril and answers as a plug if tile patient will only let it alone and avod(l blowing or c!le:ring his no-e. Tear eight or ten pieces of old cambric or soft cotton or linen cloth, about one and a half inches square; take a needle with a stout double thread and fasten it securely to the centre of one of the p)ieces, and then simply string all the rest of the pieces upon this double thread by passing the needle through each toward one corner; having done this, take another needle with a single tllrea(1, and fasten it to the first piece of cloth, or the same to which the other thread is fastened, then catch up a stitch in the centre of the next piece and tie it securely so that it will not slip, but leaving a slack thread of about three inches between the two pieces of cloth, then fasten all the rest of the pieces to the single thread in the same way about three inches apart. HIaving done tfiis, with a knitting, or tape needle carry the piece of cloth to which both threads are fastened into the nostril nearly as f.ar back as the further end of the soft palate, and hold it there firmly by the double thread while you carry in the other pieces one by one, allowing them to slide on the double thre-ad and pack the entire nost4il full, crowding somne of the pieces up well toward the ridge cf the nose. Having filled the nostril, lay a little roll of cloth across tlei opening (but so large that it cannot enter) between the double thread, and tie the thread snugly around it, so as to confine tihe whole to its place, arid prevent any part from passing back into the throat. In this way you can witll the greatest certainty stop the flow of blool. To be certain that you have succeeded you can look into the patient's mouth and see that the blood is not running down the throat, or ask him to hawk and ascertain if he raises blood. You may allow the plug to remain in for twentyfour hours before removing it; and then put in another if the bleeding returns. In one instance I was obliged to plug both nostrils to stop the hemorrhage. Of course the patient had to breathe throughl his mouth. 348 SWELLING AND INFLAMMATION.' OF TIlE NOSE. SWELLING AND INFLAMMATION OF THE NOSE. Swelling and inflammation may result from mechanical injuries, scrofula, syphilis, whiskey drinking, or erysipelas. Small abscesses not unfrequently form in the wings of the nostrils. Treatment. —If the disease results from a mechanical injury, give,Arnica and apply it externally-a few drops in a tablespoonful of water may be used for a wash. Belladonna may be given once in two hours when there is redness, swelling, or symptoms of atr abscess. It is also useful when erysipelas attacks this organ. If in either case this remedy does not relieve, apply warm water to the nose. Give Rhus to.r. once in two hours. Dose of either of the remedies, see page 7. If the disease has arisen from whiskey drinking, let the patient stop drinking and take Nux voro. at night and Sulphur in the morning. SYPHILITIC INFLAMMATION will require 2ifercurius viv. or Mercurius cor., followed by Nitric acid. Consult the section on syphilis. SCROFULOUS INFLAMMATION OF THE INOSE will be benefited by Sulphur, Colcarea carb., Phosphorus, or Mercurius viv. Consult the section on scrofula. For warts on the nose, give Calcarea carb. CANCER OF TIIE NOSE.-Give for this affliction, Arsenicum night and morning, and continue it at least a month, and as much longer as there is any improvement. Afterward give Silicea, Sulphur, or Carbo veg. For POLYPUS OF THE NOSE, give Calcarea carb. night and morning; afterward give Sepia every night. CHAPTER IX. DISEASES OF FEMALES. TARDY APPEARANCE OF THE FIRST MENSES. MENSTRUATION is a natural process, and with a hlealthy female there should be little or no suffering. There is a great variety in regard to the age at which the menses make their first appearance. Climate makes a great difference; in hlot climates they may appear as early as the tenth year, and even earlier; in very cold climates, they may be delayed until the twentieth year, or later; whereas, in temperate climates, usually between the thirteenth and the sixteenth years, although they not unfrequently appear a year or two earlier, or are delayed three or four years later. If they appear early in life, they are apt to cease early; and if they commence late, they continue late. They usually cease, in temperate climates, at about the age of forty-five years. The duration of the menstrual flow is generally four or five days, but it may last but for a day, or it may continue for nine or ten days, and the patient remain healthy; it should return once in twenty-eight days, although it may vary a few days without serious harm. I llave alluded to the variations which occur in regard to the menses, as to age, duration, &c., to impress upon the reader the important fact that a dkviation from the usual habit, does not necessarily denote a diseased state, and require treatment. Mucll injury is often done by uncalled-for anxiety and unnecessary medication. So long as the health is good and the spirits are buoyant, no anxiety need be felt owing to the delay of the menses, even though the young lady may be eighteen or twenty years of age; but if she becomes nervous, pale, or has a flushed face, with symp 850 SUPPRESSION OF TEE MENSES. toms of congestion of the brain or chest, with palpitation of the heart, it will be best to give proper attention to her case. Sunligllt, outdoor air, and active exercise, are by fir the most important measures, for they will invigorate the enti e body, and generally soon relieve the existing symptoms, and bring on the menses; without them, remedies may fail, or only partially relieve the case. Pulsatilla: This is one of the most important remedies, and may be given alternately with Sulphur, forty-eight hours apart. If the patient is of a full habit, Calcarea carb. may take the place of Sulphzur at the end of one month. Give Bryonia every morning in obstinate cases. Sepia: If, notwithstanding the above remedies, especially Pulsatlla and Calcarea carb., there ensue great debility, pale and bloodless face and lips, emaciation, unnatural craving for chalk, slate, &c., give Sepia every third night. Lq/copodium is sometimes useful, and may be given every night, when relief is not obtained from the above remedies. SUPPRESSION OF THE MENSES. (AIMEXORRIGEA. ) This may result from exposure, getting the feet wet, fright, or other strong mental emotions; and it frequently occurs, during the progress of diseases of the lungs, liver, bowels, and uterus; and in such cases is either symptomatic, or the result of debility; and we can only expect relief when the disease is cured, and health and strength begin to return. In all such cases, the principal attention should be paid to curing the existing disease, which has caused tile suppression, and not to the removal of this symptom. Treatment of Sappression of the Menses.-If it is the result of exposure, or getting the feet wet, give a dose of Palsa:illa every night. If there are headache and fullness in the head, give in addition to this remedy a dose of Belladonna in the morning; and continue these remedies until the next period arrives; or if the menses have been some time suppressed, continue them for a month, SUPPRESSION OF THE MENSES. 3 1 if relief is not sooner afforded. If they fail, give Sepia alternately with Pulsatilla two days apart. If the suppression has been caused by fright, or other violent mental emotions, give Aconite once in six hours; also when it arises from other causes, if there is fullness in the head, or a flushed face, with palpitation of the heart. As soon as these unpleasant symptoms are relieved, give but one dose a day. Lycopodium may follow Aconite if the latter fails to bring on a return of the menses. Give a dose every night for one week, then only twice a week. This remedy is also proper when the face is pale, the spirits deyVessed, and the patient suffers from the whites or leucorrhcea. If the patient is of a full habit, and other remedies, especially Aconite, Belladonna, or Pulsatilla, fail, give a dose of Calcarea carb., every night. If there is great debility, give a dose of C/ina every night. IiI obstinate cases, give Bryonia every morning. If there are frequent chills, or a disposition to cough. Give SulpAur, if there are aching pains in the back of the head, disposition to take cold readily, leucorrhcea, exhaustion after talking, and if the mind is irritable and dejected. SCANTY MENSTRU iTION, BUT NOT ENTIRE SuPPRE>ssIoN. —The remedies named for suppression are the most important remedies for this affection. Pulsatilla, if there is headache, which is aggravated by warmth, aid relieved in the cold air, palpitation of the heart, leucorrhcea (whites), diarrhcea, sadness and weeping. Calcarea carb. may be given every night if the patient is of a full habit, with rush of blood to the head, buzzing in the ears, languor and heaviness in the whole body. Give China when there is great debility. Sepia, Lycopodium, or Sulphur, may be required in obstinate cases. THE MENSES ARE SOMETIMIES TARDY IN 3MAKING THEIR APPFARANCE. Instead of occurring once in twenty-eight days, they may return only once in five, six, or more weeks. When this is the case, and the patient seems otherwise well, give a dose of Sulphlur once a week, until within four or five days of the time when tle menses should occur, then give Pulsatilla nighlt and mlorning until 352 PROFUSE MIENSTRUATION. they commence. During the next two or three months, pursue the same course. If relief does not follow, give Sepia and Bryonia in the same manner as directed for Sulphur and Pulsatilla.. In all cases when the menses are retarded, deficient or suppressed, during the progress of disease of the lungs or of other organs. you must consult the section on such disease as well as the directions given above. PROFUSE MENSTRUATION. The menses may be regular as to time, or delayed when they are profuse, but generally they are too frequent occurring, once in two or three weeks. The secretion may be natural, or it may contain clots of blood; it may continue an unusual length of time, or no longer than natural. There is sometimes severe pain in the back, and through the womb, and in the left side, with soreness. Treatmzet. -The patient should use her drinks cold, avoid tea, coffee, stimulants, shun feather-beds, and live on plain food; if there is much pain, soreness, and fullness, mostly vegetable food; if there is great debility with little pain or soreness, aniinal food, beef or mutton, should be used at least once a day. When the menses are too frequent with more or less pain and soreness, give a dose of Calcarea carb. every third night in the intervals between the menstrual periods. During the flow if the discharge is bright red give Ipecac once in two hours. If there is much pain or flowing and Ipecac does not relieve it, give Belladonna every hour. Continue this treatment for two months, and longer if the patient is steadily improving; but if no relief follows, or if the patient has ceased to improve, give Platiza every night between the periods, and if there is much pain or flowing, give Nux vomica once in two hours during the period. Chzamo. milla is sometimes useful after N~utx vomica when there are severe pains with the discharge of dark clots. Give Sabina once in four hours if other remedies fail to relieve the flowing. If there is great weakness with but little pain, give a dose of China every night. This remedy will also be found useful in obstinate cases where there are spasmodic pains through the womb, PAINFULZ MENSTRUATION OR MENSTRUAL COLIC. 353 especially if the discharge has been very profuse or causes faintness. China may be given both during the interval and the period, but if it has been given during the interval and has not prevented severe flowing at the period, give Stcale cor. every hour until it ceases. If notwithstanding the use of China for one or two months, the menses still remain profuse without pain and with great debility, give Sepia once in two days during the interval, and Secale cor. every hour during the flowing. Pulsatillh will sometimes be found useful; if the above remedies fail, it may be given instead of Secale once in three hours. If the patient does not improve under this treatment a dose of Sulphur may be given one night in a week instead of either China or Sepia. If the flowing is very profuse let the patient keep the horizontal position, with the hips elevated, and apply cloths from cold water to the lower part of the abdomen and between the thighs. PAINFUL MENSTRUATION OR MENSTRUAL COLIC, This may occur when the menses are natural, scanty or pro, fuse, and when as to time the patient is regular or irregular. Treatment.-If the menses are profuse, last too long, or return too frequently with severe spasmodic pains, and pressure in the region of the womb, give a dose of Platina every night between the periods, and night and morning during the flow. Continue this remedy at least one month, and as much longer as there is any improvement. Nux vomica may follow Platina and be given in the same manner. If the menses as to time of appearance are either regular or delayed, natural as to quantity, or scanty give Pulsatilla -and Sulphur alternately two days apart on retiring at niight. During the pain give a dose of Pulsatilla once in two or three hours. Belladonna or Chamomilla, will sometimes relieve the pain if Pulsatilla fails. If at the end of two months the patient is not relieved, omit the above remedies and give a dose of Sepia once in three days, at night, and give at the commencement of the pain a dose of Nux vomica, and repeat it at the end of two hours if necessary. 'WHITES-UTERINE ULCERATION. 355 exercises during childhood; and too lengthy confinement in school and neglect of active exercise during early youth; also tight dressing, and tile use of tea, coffee, and stimulating food. These influences all weaken the system, prevent robust and perfect development, and predispose to these affections, so that even unmarried females become subject to them. The above bad habits, by causing delicacy and deformity, render multitudes of our young ladies incapable of' enjoying the pleasures, or bearing the necessary burdens of married life, without causing these diseases, and also falling of the womb. Let the mother who cares for the health of herself or daughters, read carefully the author's works on the "Avoidable Causes of Disease and Deformity," and on " Marriage," and have her daughters read them. Symptoms. -At first the discharge may be slght, and transplrent, but gradually it becomes whitish, sometimes yellowish, and in bad cases, green, bloody, or dirty brown, and it may be acrid, so as to excoriate the external parts. When it becomes excessive, the general health begins to fail, the appetite is poor, the pulse becomes weak, and there are great debility, lowness of spirits, and pains in the back. If excoriation or ulceration on the neck of the womb ensues, there are often pains, soreness, and a sensation of rawness, with perhaps heat and smarting in that region. P'ain in the right side of the abdomen, and pain in the back of the head, and in the back part of the top of' the head, with a numb sensation, are common symptoms which attend uterine congestion and ulceration. Leucorrhlloea may exist without ulceration, or even much if any inflammation, but the latter affections rarely occur, without causing more or less discharge. Leucorrhcea or a whitish discharge, is not uncommon in young girls, and even in children. Treatment.-Sunlight, outdoor air, and exercise, are all-impor tant in the treatment of these affections; in fact, if these are neglected, remedies of any kind can only palliate the symptoins. All blinds and curtains should be removed fiom the windows (luring the day, and the patient should, if possible, occupy a south roo,|i. f;he should sit in the sunllight andl open air, ride and walk out, if able; she must have exercise in older to hlave pure blood, good FALLING OF THE WOMB. 357, Sepia: Give this remedy every night, gradually lengthening the intervals, to two or three nights, if the discharge is yellowish, or green and corrosive, and is attended with smarting or itchling, and pains in the abdomen. Lycopodium Inay follow Sejpia inl such cases, after a few weeks, and may be given in the same manner. Calcarea carb.: If the discharge is worse before the menses, or if it is bloody and thlin, and if there are pain, soreness, smartinrg and itching, give a dose of this remedy every night for one week, afterward twice a week. Sulphlur and Lycopodimn may be required after Calcarea, and may be given in the same manner. In cases of great debility from a profuse discharge, a dose of China in the morning will be useful. For leucorrhea, or a whlitish discharge, in the case of young girls or children, Cannabis sat. is the chief remedy. Give a dose night and morning for three weeks, then give a dose of C1alcarea carb. once a week. WVashing the external organs once or twice a day with tepid water is useful in such cases. In all cases of leucorrhcea the patient should avoid higll-seasoned food, tea, coffee, and stimulants, eat brown bread and pltin meats, vegetables and fruits. FALLING OF THE WOMB (PROLAPSUS UTERI). For the causes which predispose to this disease consult the above section on leucorrhea. Over-exertion, and getting up too soon after child-birth, and especially tile use of cathartic remedies during confinement, are often the immediate cause of this difficulty. The womb sometimes settles down so as to be seen externally, and in some instances so'A-s to project one or two inches. There is a bearing down pain, and a dragging sensation in the lower part of the abdomen, and pressure toward the external parts. There are faintness at the pit of the stomach, sometimes numbness of the lower extremities, nervousness, and a frequent inclination to pass urine. There is sometimes pain in the left side beneath the short ribs. The above symptoms are aggravated by lifting, over-exertion, and a long walk. It is important to state that these symptoms very INrLAMMIATION OF THE WOMB. 3 39 ural position, and to strengthen tle muscles and parts which should retain it in its true position. Persevele then with such exercises, until cured. Hommop)athic remedies will also greatly aid in restoring the patient to sound healtl, and in relieving the unpleasant symptoms which attend this disptlacement of the womb. Ill fact the remedies alone will cure many casts, where the displacement is not too great. Falling of the womb is frequently ca:lled by congestion and enlargeme:lt of that organ, and homceopathic remedies cure by relieving the congestion. Nlx voinica: If prolapsus, or symptoms of this affection follow confinement, give a dose of this remedy every night, and let the patient keep the horizontal position until she is entirely relieved. In otlher cases you may commence the treatment with this remedy, giving a dose every night. If the patient's menses are profuse or frequent, give also a dose of Calcarea carb. every third morning, but if the menses are natural or scanty, give a dose of Sepa every third morning instead of that remedy. If, at the end of a month, the patient is not relieved, omit Nlnx vorica and give Bclladonna every night, and give either Cai'carea carb. or Selpia once a week in the morning. At the end of anotlher month, N/ux vomnica can be given again if necessary, but it will be better to consult a homceopathic physician if the patient is not cured. INFLAITMMATION OF THE WOMB (METRITIS). This disease may occur at any age, although it is very rare before puberty; it not unfrequently attacks newly-married females; it occasionally occurs during pregnancy, but is far more fiequent during confinement than at any other period; and when it attacks lyilg-in females it constitutes one form of childbed fever. It may be caused by mechanical injuries, exposure, the extension of inflammation from other organs, &e. The disease may be acute or chronic. Symnptoms.-If the attack is acute and severe there are chills followed by fever, a sen.sation of uneasiness, and heat in the red 360 INFLAMMATION OF TIIE OVARIES. gion of the womb with more or less pain, which may be sharp and in paroxysms, or dull, and may extend to the back and groin. The irritation may extend to the bladder and cause irritation in the urinary passages, or to the bowels and cause diarrhoea. There is generally tenderness on pressure, and nausea and vomiting are not uncommon. Treatment.-Aconite is the most important remedy at the commencement of the disease when the skin is hot, and there are burning and pain in the region of the womb; give a dose every hotur. Dose, see page 7. Belladonlla, at the end of twelve hours, should take the place of Aconit-, or, if the skin is hot and dry, it should be given alternately with it at intervals of one hour. These remedies one or both should be continued until the acute symptoms are relieved. It is necessary sometimes to continue them several days. Ci'ia7nomilla may be given when pas-ion or disappointment has caused tile disease. Give LMLercuriats viv. when there are shooting pressive pains with little heat but free perspiration. Give NVu vonica after;he acute symptoms have been somewhat relieved by otlle remedies, where there remains a burning, aching sensation in the region of the womb, with pain in the back, and aggravatioA of the symptoms in the morning. Give a dose once in six hours. Consult the section on childbed or puerperal fever. INFLAMMA'rION OF THE OVARIES. There is pain, more or less acute, in the lower part of the abdomen, on one or both sides in front of the hips. There is generally tenderness on pressure and sometimes swelling. If the disease is acute there are perhaps chills, fever, and loss of appetite. This disease, when overlooked or neglected, is very apt to become chr'onic. Treatment.-If the symptoms are acute, give Aconite once in two bours, an(l if it fai:s to relieve within twenty-four hours, give 362 DISEASES OF rREGNANCY. tilght-dressing, even about the waist and chest, for it may not only injure her, but destroy her child, or cause it to be deformed. She should cultivate cheerfulness and contentment, avoid strong mental emotions and outbursts of passion, and have no fears as to the restilt; for under homoeopathic treatment, during pregnancy and confinement, when compared with the allopathic treatment, there is very little danger Nowhere is the wonderful superiority of lonleopatthy more mnanifest, than in the success which attends the treatment of females during pregnancy, labor, and confinement, when compared with the best results of any other system of practice. DIZZINESS AND HEADACHE. A sense of fullness in the head, chest, and, in fact, of the whole body, with dizziness or headache, is not uncommon. When such symptoms occur, give a dose of Aconite in the morning, and a dose of Belladonna at night. If these remedies do not give relief soon, consult the sections on headache, and congestion of the brain, on pages 309, 303, and 304. MORNING SICKNESS. Heartburn, sour stomach, nausea, and vomiting, are common symptoms, generally commencing about six weeks after conception, and continuing, when not relieved by treatment, for eight or ten weeks; sometimes in fact not abating until after delivery. These symptoms are generally more troublesome in the morning than at any other time, of day. Treatment.-For heartburn or sour stomach, give a dose of Pulsatilla every night. If Palsatilla fails to relieve the symptoms, give a dose of Nux voma. every night, and a dose of Pulsatilla every morning. For nausea and vomiting, give a dose of Nux voin. every night, and a dose of Ipecac at any time when there is any nausea, but not more frequently than once in four hours. DISEASES OF PRIEGNANCY. 363 If the above remedies fail, give Natrum mur. night and morning. Arsenicum will be required in obstinate cases, when there is great heat and burning in the stomach. Opium, when the nausea is aggravated on sitting up. Sepia, in obstinate cases. The remedies last named may be given two or three times a day. CONSTIPATION. This is not an uncommon symptom during pregnancy. The patient should take regular exercise, eat coarse bread and fruits, and attend to the bowels at a regular hour every day. Give a dose of Nux voom. every night and a dose of Sulp/hur in the morning. If tbese remedies do not relieve, give Natrum mur. night and morning; if this fai's, give Lycopodium at night, and Bryonia in the morning. Opilum three times a day is sometimes useful. Consult the section on constipation, page 238. DIARRHCEA. This affection is less frequent during pregnancy than constipation, but it is much more injurious when it does occur. The chief remedies are Phosphoruts, Sepia, Sulphur, and liulcanara, although other remedies may be required. For the indications for the use of individual remedies, consult the section on diarrhoea, page 233. ITCHING OF THE PRIVATE PARTS. It may be accompanied by a thrushlike eruption. In that case, wash the parts with a weak solution of Borax, and give Mercuriuo viv. one night and Sulphur the next, and so continue. If' the parts are of a dark red color, and there is oozing of a watery fluid, give Rhus tox. one night and Sulphur the next. If there is dryness of the parts, give Bryonia three times a day. Lycopodiuma every night is sometimes useful. 364 DISEASES OF PREGNANCY. PAINFUL AND INVOLUNTARY PASSAGE OF URINE-RETENTION.-The chief remedies for these affections, are Pulsatilla, Nux vom. and SulhAur. Select the proper remedy, according to the indications given on pages 272, 273, and 276. TooTuHAcnE.-The chief remedies are lNx vom., Pulsatilla, Belladonna and Calcarea carb. Give a dose of one of them once in two hours until relief is obtained. Consult the section on toothache, page 191, for the particular indications for these remedies. PAINS IN THE BACK AND SIDE11, more frequently in the right side, are not uncommon. Give Nux vorm., at night and Bryonia in the morning; if these fail, give Sepia at nigllt and Belladonna in the.morning If the pains are worse while at rest, or lying down, give Rhus tox, night and morning. Arnica sometimes will be found useful. CRAMPS IN THE LOWER EXTREMITIES, hips, or abdomen, are not uncommon. If in the legs, give Nux ron., every night and Calcarea carb., once in three mornings. If tlley filil, give flqoscyanmus night and morning. Afterward if required, give Seccale cor. If the cramps extend to the back, and Ilyoscyanmus does not relieve, give Ignatia night and morning. For cramps in the abdomen, give.Belladonna, NuY vom., Palsatilla, or HIyoscqamus. SWELLING OF THE VEINS OF THE LOWER EXTREi1ITIES (VARICOSE VEINS). This is quite common during pregnancy. The veins of the leg, and perhaps of the thigh, become enlarged, swollen and knotty, Give a dose of Arnica night arnd morning, and put one teaspoonful of the tincture of Arnica into half a pint of water, arid wash the swollen veins. If this does not soon relieve the symptoms, wet a cloth in tile solution, lay it over the veins, and apply a laced stocking or a bandage (commencing always at the toes) smoothly over the wet cloth, Make this application in the morning. If Arnica does not relieve the disease, gIve Pul.atilla night and nmorning, and afterward Lycopodium, Lachesis, and finally Carbo veg., may be required in some cases. MISCARRIAGE-ABORTIO —PREBMATURE LABOR. 365 MISCARRIAGE —ABORTION-PREMATURE LABOR. Although this accident may occur at any period of pregnancy, still it is most common about the third or fourth month, and it is less dangerous at that period. It may be caused by mechanical injuries, strong mental emotions, the abuse of drugs, over-exertion, tight —dressinr, sexual excesses, &c. It often depends upon a debilitated state of the system, or a constitutional defect, either inherited or acquired. If a patient has once miscarried, there is always great danger that it will happen again at about the same period of pregnancy; and it is sometimes very difficult to break up this habit. Although a miscarriage, when properly treated, is not necessarily attended with very great danger, yet it is far more dangerous than child-birth at the full period, and a frequent recurrence of this accident is sure to impair seriously the health of the female. The shock to the nervous system is far more serious than that which results from natural child-birth, and the liability to hemorrhage and inflammation is greater. It is therefore very important to prevent this accident when possible, on account of the mother, as well as for the preservation of her offspring. Synmptoms.-Sometimes the first symptom of a threatened miscarriage is a discharge of blood, in other instances pain resembling labor pains, or perhaps aching in the back, extending through the womb. Chlills not unfrequently attend the above symptoms, and sometimes fainting, especially when there is much flowing. If there are both pains and flowing there is always much greater danger of miscarriage, or premature birth, than when there is but one of these symptoms, even though it be severe. Treatnment.-First: to overcome a predisposition to this accident, if the patient is subject to profuse or frequent menstruation, which is often the case, consult the section on that affection, and f llow the directions there given when the patient i>. not pregnant. If she is troubled with leucorrhlea, or falling of the womb, consult the section on that difficulty. During pregnancy the patient should avoid undue mental excitement, over-exertion, and if she is subject to frequent and profuse menstruation when 368- PUERPERAL CONVULSIONS. scious, give Pulsatilla every hour, and if it fails to relieve at the end of four hours, give Nux von.. BCIladonna or Ignatia may be required, in case Nux vom. fails. At the very commencement of each convulsion, dash a handful of cold water in the patient' s face; this will often prevent the paroxysm. In the cepileptic form, or when there are fiothing at the mouth, twitching of limbs and body, with insensibility, l~ycsceyanms is perllmps more frequently required than any other remedy, especially when there are great oppression of the chest, and red and staring eyes. Give a dose after each paroxysm, and every hour when the convulsions cease, so as to prevent a return. If this remedy fais to relieve at the end of a few hours, either Ignatia or Chamomilla will often be required. If the patient is delicate, very excitable and nervous, Clawnomilla may precede or follow HIyoscyamus, and may be given every half hour or hour. Ignatia: This remedy may be given if Ilyoscyamus or Chamomilla fails to relieve the symptoms, if the patient is of a mild disposition, and there are unconsciousness, frothing at the mouth, and great oppression at the chest. If the disposition is irritable, Nux zom. will often do better than Ignatia. Either of these remedies may be given as often as the paroxysms return, and every hour or two after they cease. Opium: If, notwithstanding the use of the above remedies, the paroxysms continue and become more frequent, and there is a greater degree of stupor between. them, the countenance becoming more purple, and the oppression of breathing greater, the pulse small or nearly extinct, give a dose of Opium after every paroxysm. It should not be given early in the disease. If you give the globules of this remedy, and you see no effect friom two or three doses, give either one drop of the Tincture of opium, or a drop of Laudanum, after every paroxysm. In the most critical stage, when other remedies fail and death threatens, there is no remedy equ to this, when thus administered. For the apoplectic form of the disease, or when one or two paroxysms of convulsions are followed by stupor and paralysis, give Belladonna alternately with Nax vom., one hour apart. If at the 870 APPARENTr DEATII OF A' NEWBORN INFANT. sheet only spread on; and a folded blanket, or an oil cloth beneath it, to protect the bed; then on the righlt side of the bed toward the foot spread folded blankets, coverlets, or an oil cloth with a folded sheet over it, to protect the bed during labor; be careful and always place these over the under sheet, so that they can be drawn out fiom under the patient when she is through, without changing the sheet; then over the under sheet, place another folded sheet, beneath the patient's hips, as she is carried to her proper place in bed after labor. If the labor pains are very violent, with great suffering, and nervous excitability, give Coffea every half hour. Dose of this or other remedies, see page 7. For tedious labor, or severe but ineffectual pains, give Belladonna every hour. For deficient pains give Pulsatilla every hour. Give the patient no stimulants or herb drlinks. She may drink black tea, crust-coffee, or cold water, as she may prefer. If there is much flowing during or after labor give Sabina every half hour, and if it does not relieve, give Secale cor.; if that remedy is not sufficient give Platina. If there is much faintness give China every half hour. If the flowing is very profuse apply cloths wrung from cold water over the lower part of the abdomen until it ceases. Wait until respiration is well established with the child before you attempt to tie and cut the cord, and do not be in a hurry about delivering the afterbirth; wait for pains, and if within an hour they do not come on rub the lower part of the abdomen with the cold hand, and when you feel the womb contracting beneath the hand, draw gently on the cord, but never violently. APPARENT DEATHI OF A NEWBORN INFANT. If the skin is pale or slightly dark, and the pulsations in the cord are very small and frequent, or imperceptible, and the child does not breathe, immediately wrap it up in dry warm flannel, and gently rub it with the warm hand or dry flannel; turn the child on its face, and clear its throat carefully with piece of soft cambric drawn over the end of the finger. Dissolve a globule or two of Tartar emetic in a drop of water, and put it on the tongue. TREATMENT AFTER DELIVERY. 371 If the child dons not commence breaLthing, wash the lips, and press the sides of the child's nose between the thumb and finger, so that the air cannot escape through it, and place your lips over the lips of the chill, and gently blow into its mouth until the lungs are distended, then carefully press the walls of the chest down so as to expel the air, after which blow in the mouth again, and repeat this process of alternately filling the lungs and pressing out the air, repeatedly. If the above measures fail, put tilhe clil I into a warm bath, and afterward rub it dry, and repeat the inflAtion of its lungs. But if the face is very purple or dark, the pullsations in the cord very slow and full, if these symptoms do not very soon abate, and the child commence to breathe regularly, cut the cord three or four inches from the navel before tying a string around it, and let a few jets of blood escape, until the pulse becomes more frequent, the face lighter colored, and respiration commences. Do not let the blood flow too rapidly, and stop it the moment there is any improvement. Dissolve two globules of Opium ill a drop of water and put on the child's tongue, and rub the sur. face with dry flannel. SWELLING OF THE SCALP AND ELONGATION OF THE IIEAD frequently result in tedious or severe labor. Gentle pressure two or three times a day with the hands will bring tile head into shape in a few days, and six or eight drops of Arnica in a tablespoonful of water, used as a wash, will relieve the swollen scalp. TREATIMENT AFTER DELIVERY. You have to fear fever and inflammation; therefore let the pa~ tient's diet be lighllt, and carefully avoid stimulants, and animal food for the first week or ten days; toast, rice, farina, gruel, roasted. apples, &c., are sufficient. The patient should avoid sitting up too soon, as it frequently causes falling and inflammation of the womb. AFTER-PAINS. Give Arnica once an hour, and if it does not soon relieve them, give Clamnomilla alternately with it at intervals of Qone hour. Pul 872 MILK FAN-' UiInG. satilla may follow these remedies, if they do not suffice. Nux vom., is often useful in obstinate cases, and if that fails, give C(uprnum every hour. If there is no flowing of moment, apply warm cloths over the lower part of the abdomen. Dose of either of the remedies, see page 7. MILK FEVER. Until about the third day the secretion of milk is usually not very free; and as the breasts begin to fill on this day, there is often more or less fever, headache, and restlessness. For these symptoms, give Aconite once in two hours. NURSING. As soon after delivery as the mother is rested. always apply the infant to the breast, and never fail to do this before feeding it; for the child, before it has been fed, always knows how to nurse, but it sometimes loses this instinctive knowledge afterward. Then the breasts always contain a small quantity of milk which shlould be drawn off, and this is of the exact quality the child needs. The infant should be nursed regularly three or four times a day. There are many advantages which result from nursing the child early and regularly, if proper care is exercised, even though the breasts may contain but little milk, or, to appearance, none. The child thereby retains the faculty yf nursing, an early secretion of milk is excited, and it is regularly drawn off, so that the breasts do not become suddenly congested, thereby we avoid, to a great extent, the milk fever, and the danger of inflammation in the breasts. Then the nipples become gradually accustomed to being used, and there is less danger of their becoming sore and inflamed than when the child is not applied until the breasts are full; provided, always, that when the breasts are comparatively empty, before the third day, you never allow the child to nurse but a minute or two at -a time, and do not allow it to draw on the breasts when the mother feels that they are empty. If you neglect this precaution, yon are very liable to cause sore nipples, and even ill' flammation of the breasts. SORE NIPPLES-AGUE IN THE BREAST, ETC. 3$3 SORE NIPPLES. Before confinement it is well to wash the nipples several times a day with cold water, or weak brandy-and-water, and after delivery, do not allow tbe child to remain long at the breast, and never, for a single moment, after the breast is empty. Apply the child to the breast as soon after delivery as the mother is rested, and do not wait for Ihe filling of the breasts, when nursing will be more difficult. If the nipples become excoriated, sore, or painful, wash them in a solution of Arnica and water-six or eight drops of Arnica, to a tablespoonful of water, is the proper strength. Before nursing, wash the nipples with tepid water, or milk-and-waterAlso give Arnica internally, once in two hours; and if there is much pain and soreness, give it alternately with C/hamomilla, at intervals of two hlours. If the nipples, notwithstanding the above treatment, become cracked or ulcerated, give SulplAur every night, and Silicea in the morning; and if, at the end of one week, they are not well, give Calcarca carb. night and morning. Ilepar suTph. may follow the last named remedy if it is required. AGUE LN THE BREAST; OR, INFLAMiMITION AND ABSCESS IN THE BREAST. Indurations in the breasts are often caused by the wearing of stays and tight dresses while young, and such indurations are very liable to become inflamed when the breasts fill with milk. This disease may also result from exposure, or taking cold. Inflammation of the breasts is a very painful affection, and if not soon checked, is very liable to result in the formation of an abscess. If the breasts become distended, and feel full and painful, give Apis mel. once in two hours, and if, at the end of twelve hours, there is no improvement, give Bryonia once in two hours; if they become inflamed and red, and the patient is troubled with chills and fever, give Belladonna alternately with Bryonia, at intervals of one hour, and apply to the breast a plaster composed of one part of yellow beeswax, and two parts of lard, melted together and spread 374 LOCtIIA —BIILK LEG. on a cloth; or, what is equally as good, and perhaps better, cover the entire breast with cabbage leaves, first warming and slightly wilting them, by holding them to tile fire a minute or two. If, at the end of two days, the inflammation is not subdued, omit the T3yonia, and give Phosphorus alternately with Bclladonna, at intervals of two hours. If these remedies fail to check the disease, omit them at the end of forty-eight hours, and give ilepar su'jph. morning and noon, and Sdlicea before tea, and at bedtime, until the'abscess breaks, then give Sulphur at night, and Phosphorus in the morning. Generally, by prompt treatment, you will be able to prevent the formation of an abscess. THE LOCHIA, on TIIE DISCIJIARGE WVHICH FOLLOWS CONF1NIEMENT. This discharge should gradually grow lighter and cease at the end of one or two weeks. It should not stop suddenly; but if it should be suppressed, owing to damp or chilly weather, or mental emotions, give Pulsatilla every hour; if there is violent headache with pain in the back, give Bryonia alternately with PIulsatilla at intervals of two hlours. If these remedies do not relieve the symptoms, give Platina. If the discharge is profuse or long continued, give a dose of Platina once in six hours, and if after two or three days it fails to relieve, give Pulsatilla once in six hours. If this remedy does not relieve, give Calcarea carb. night and morning. Dose of either of the remedies, see page 7. MILK LEG (PHLEGMASIA ALBA DOLENS). In this disease, to which lying-in females are subject, one of the legs becomes swollen without redness, very tender to the touch and painful. There are also chills followed by fever. If such symptoms appear give Arnica alternately with Belladonna one hour apart, and put one teaspoonful of the tincture of CHILD-BED FEVER. 375 Arnica into a pint of water, and wring a towel from the solution thus made, and wrap it around the leg, and over that four or five thicknes3 of dry flannel; wet the towel once in eight hours. If at the end of twenty-four hours there is no improvement, give internally Rhus tox. instead of Arnica, alternately with Belladonna, at the same intervals. If the symptoms do not soon yield, omit the above remedies for twelve hours, and give a dose of Sulphur once in two hours, then return to them again. If swelling remains after the acute symptoms are removed, give Arsenicurn once in six hours; afterward Pulsatilla, and then Nux vomica, continuing each remedy several days. CHILD-BED FEVER (PUERPERAL FEVER) The attack generally commences within from twelve hours to three or four days after delivery. There occur chills followed by fever, a flushed face, and frequent pulse, headache, perhaps nausea and vomiting, with pain in the lower part of the abdomen, with tenderness on pressure, which extends and increases; the lothlis is generally suppressed, the urine scanty and highi-col*ed. This disease sometimes prevails as an epidemic, and is always. formidable. A hommopathic physician should be called when practicable. This fever is not as common, nor as dangerous under the new treatment, as under the old practice. It is frequently caused by cathartics, stimulants, and other drugs. Treatment. —At the commencement of the attack give Aconite every hour for twelve hours, then alternate it with Bellaldonna at intervals of an hour. If at the end of twenty-four hours there is no improvement, but there is increased tenderness of the abdomen, give Bryonia once in six hours, and Aconite every hour between. Also fold a flannel blanket in one direction so that it will be wile enough to extend from the knees to the shoulders, then lay it lengthwise across the bed; fold a sheet in the same manner, but not quite as wide as the blanket; wring the sheet out of warm water, and wrap.it around the body and hips, and wrap the ends of the flannel blanket as the patient lies upon it, over the wet sheet; wet the sheet again as soon as it becomes cool. 376 STATE OF TIlE BOWVELS DURING CONFINE. MENT. A few doses of ChamnominzlTa will be useful when there are very severe pains like after-painls, which are not relieved by the remedies already named, give it instead of Bryonia. In desperate cases when the pulse becomes small and the extlemities cool, give Rhius tox. every hour, and if no improvement follows, alternate it with Arsenicum. Consult the section on peritonitis on page 223. If with fever, and pain and soreness of the bowels, there is diarrhocea, consult the section on enteritis, page 226. Also consult the section on in. flammation of the womb, page 359. STATE OF THE BOWVELS DURING CONFINEMENT. It is desirable that the bowels should not move for from five to eight days after delivery, and they generally will not if they are let alone. This is natural, and gives time for the swollen and sometimes almost lacerated organs to return to their natural size and position, and for the soreness to disappear. Untold injury and suffiring often arise from the use of cathartic remedies during confinement or after labor. I have known a single dose of castor oil cause the most intense suffering, which was not even mitigated at the end of six months. If at the end of eight days the bowels do not move, give a dose of Bryonia once in six hours, and if at the end of twenty-four hours more there is no action, give JNux vonm., and also give a free iniection of tepid water night and morning, until there is a free discl arge. Eat brown or coarse bread, baked apples, and potatoes. Ion THERE IS A DIARRI1UKA, Dulcamara, Rkeum, Ilyoscyamus, and Phosphorus, are the chief remedies. For particular indications, consult the section on this complaint, page 234. FOR A KNOWLEDGE OF TIIE PRzOPiER TREATMENT OF ANY OTH. ER AFFECTION which may occur during confinernent, or while nursing, consult the section on that disease, in the forepart of this work, CHAPTER X. DISEASES OF CHILDREN. FOR information in regard to the proper management of children from the hour of birth until the completion of their education, and how to prevent disease and deformity, the author earnestly refers the reader to his work on the " Avoidable Causes of Disease." That work should be read carefully by every parent, for it contains in a small compass, an amount of practical information, such as can be found in no other single volume, as to the wants of very young children, frequency of nursing, deficiency of milk, weaning, bringing up children by hand, cows' milk, food proper for children after weaning, exercise, light, air, playgrounds, moral management of children, dress, education-physical, moral, and intellectual, &c. As, of course, the diseases of children are similar to the same diseases in adults, and the treatment nearly the same, to save unnecessary repetition, and to have the treatment as full as possible, any variation which is required in the treatment of any disease to which both the adult and children are subject, has been noticed, in speaking of such disease under its appropriate head, so that, with a few exceptions, the reader will simply be referred to the appropriate pages, where he will find a description of the diseases and treatment much more full than it would be possible to give it here without repeating much of the volume. CRYING AND WAKEFULNESS OF INFANTS. If the child cries suddenly, see that a pin is not pricking it. In other cases, see that the belly-band is not too tight, for when it is DISEASES OF CHILDREN. 379 THRUSH-SORE MOUTH —APHTHAE. In one form of the disease white curdy points or patches make their appearance on the mucous membrane of the mouth, which can be wiped off without much difficulty. In another variety, white vesicles appear over the tongue and mouth, which form, after a time, superficial ulcerations. The stomach and bowels are frequently deranged, and the disease may be attended with fever. Improper food, often causes this disease, and there is sometimes a constitutional predisposition which favors its development. Treatment.-Dissolve a piece of Borax as large as a pea in a teacupful of water, wash the mouth three times a day with this solution, and give Mercurius viv., night and morning for five days, then give Sulphur night and morning. If a watery diarrhcea attends this affection, and the above remedies do not relieve it, give Arsenicum once in six hours. If the passages contain undigested food, give China morning and noon, and Arsenicurn before tea and at bedtime. RED GuM —see diseases of the skin, page 102. PRICKI,Y IhEAT-see Eczema and Lichen, pages 90 and 94. CONSTIPATION-see page 238. DIARRIEo~A-see pages 233 and 237. INTESTINAL WnORMS-see page 250. CHOLERA INFANTUI. This affection is common with children under three years of age. Vomiting and purging, more or less severe, are the prominent symptoms at the commencement of the disease. After a few days the vomiting may cease and the diarrhoea continue. Il very severe cases the patient may die within twenty-four or fortyeight hours, but milder cases may last for weeks. Rapid emaciation, sunken eyes, and great debility soon result, and sleepiness, stupor, and symptoms of disease of the brain, are apt to ensue in severe cases. DISEASES OF CnILDREN. 381 INFANTILE REMITTENT FEVER. Children under ten years of age are subject to this disease. It is characterized by one or more daily paroxysms of fever, with intervening, remissions. There is usually headache, drowsiness, loss of appetite, pain in the bowels, and at first constipation. At the end of eight or ten days, if the symptoms are not relieved, they are apt to become more marked; chills, followed by more violent paroxysms of fever, vomiting, increased drowsiness, starting or twitching of the muscles, flushed cheeks, picking at the nose, mouth, and eyes, cough, and grindimg of the teeth. The symptoms are often improperly attributed to worms, and this affection is sometimes called worm-fever. As the disease advances, the breath becomes offelsive, there is vomiting of undigested food, and there are offensive discharges from the bowels; sometimes worms are discharged, and there is frequently delirium. The disease may be caused by improper food, impure air, and exposure. Treatnzmnt.-At the commencement of this fever, when tne bowels are constipated, give Boryoia once in two hours. If there is violent pain in the head, or drowsiness, which this remedy fails to relieve, give Belladonna alternately with it, at intervals of one hour. If there is nausea or vomiting, give Ipecac alternately with Br.yonza, one or two hours apart. If, as the disease progresses, there are offensive discharges from the bowels, with pain in and distension of the abdomen, give Pulsa.' tilla once in two hours. If there are griping pairs, with mucus or slimy passages, with straining, give.l3ercurius viv. once in two hours. If the disease does not soon abate, under the above treatment, give a dose of Sulphur every night, and continue during the day the remedy which seems most appropriate. Give Cina once in two hours, when there are picking at the nose, starting during sleep, diarrhoea, with colic. Chamomilla will often relieve such symptoms, if Cina fails If the brain becomes seriously disordered, and there is stupor or delirium, give Bela 382 DISEASES OV CIIILDREN. donna alternately with Bryonia; and if these remedies do not relieve, give Ilelleborus alternately with Brqonia, two hours apart. The diet, throughout the disease, should be light-gruels, rice, milk, batked apples, and, at most, toast or cracker. A daily warmbath, and frequently sponging of the surface of the body, face, and head, with tepid water, will be useful, so long as there is much fever. DENTITION.-This process is sometimes attended with severe suffering from an inflamed state of the gums, which gives rise to pain, headache, and fever; also to diarrhoea. If there is diarrhoea, consult the section on that affection, or if any other manifest symptoms of disease occur, consult the section on such disease. To facilitate the process of teething, and allay the irritation of the gums, give Calcarea carb. every night, and Belladonna every morning, when the gums seem to be sore and swollen. If there is much heat about the head, Aconite may be given morning and noon, instead of Belladonna. SUGGESTIONS TO PARENTS. Please remember that the essential conditions for the substantial development and health of children, are first, sunlight, outdoor air, and play; second, plain wholesome food and drink, free -from spices and stimulating condiments, Never allow children or the young either tea or coffee, for these drinks are far more injurious to the growing child than to the adult. If you would have your child healthy, do not allow him to stay in-doors during daylight longer than is necessary for meals, for if you do his blood will become watery and thin, and he will become pale and unable to withstand the diseases of childhood. Do not allow him to sleep in a room where the sun has not shone during the day, if you can help it. CHAPTER XI. EXTERNAL INJURIES, APPARENT DEATTI, POISONS AND THEIR ANTIDOTES, &c. EXTERNAL INJURIES. As such injuries are often sudden and alarming, it is desirable that every one should have some knowledge as to the best treatment. BURNS AND SCALDS. For a superficial burn, where the skin is not blistered, hold the part to the fire until the pain ceases. A linament, composed of equal parts of Lime-water and Sweet oil, spread on a piece of cotton cloth and applied, is one of the best applications for a burn. Raw cotton applied to the surface, does very well, also wheat flour, dusted over the surface repeatedly, so as to protect it firon air, is a very good application. A teaspoonful of the tincture of Urtica urens, may be put into a teacupful of water, and cloths dipped in this solution, may be applied. This is an excellent application. Also a solution containing half a teaspoonful of the tincture of 2Rhus tox. to a half-pint of water, and applied in the same manner, as Urtica urens, does well, if you have it. If there are severe pains and nervous excitement give Rhus tox. once an hour. If head symptoms should be developed, give Belladonna alternately with.Rhus tox., one or two hours apart. If there is great debility from an excessive discharge, give China, night and morning. If the ulcer which results from a deep burn, 384 FROZEN LIMBS, SPRAINS, BRUISES, ETC. is in a healthy condition, a simple plaster of either mutton tallow, or of beeswax and lard, is a suitable dressing. FROZEN LIMBIIS AND PARTS, AND.APPARENT DEATH FLiROM FREEZING. In case of frost-bitten parts, or apparent death from freezing, we have especially to guard against a sudden transition from cold to heat. Warm applications or a warm atmosphere, applied to a frozen part, is destructive to the part, and a warm room and heat, are death to the patient, in critical cases of freezing. In all cases let the patient be kept in a cool room, out of draughts of air, and apply to the frozen parts snow, ice-water, or as cold water as you can get, if you can get neither snow nor ice-water. If the whole body is apparently dead from cold, cover it with snow, or put it into cold water, leaving, of course, the nostrils and mouth uncovered in either case; and after the frozen parts are relieved of the frost, as they soon will be, take the patient from the snow or water, ar gently rub the frozen parts with snow or cold water, until they begin to look natural; then rub them with the warm hand. For the severe pains which follow, give Carbo veg. every hour, and if at the ea:d of five or six hours they are not relieved, give A rsenicum. SPRAINS AND BRUISES. Apply to the injured parts cloths wet in a solution containing a teaspoonful of Arnica to a teacupful of water, and over the wet cloths apply dry flannel. Also give Arnica internally once in three hours. If after a few days the symptoms are not relieved, give Rhus tox., once in two'hours. DISLOCATIONS AND FRACTURES. A physician or surgeon should always be called in such cases; if a homoeopathist cannot be obtained, an allopathic physician or surgeon should be called. CONCVUSION OF TUB 1BRAIN; WOUNDS, ETC. 385 Arnica may be applied to the injured part as directed in cases of bruises and sprains, and the limb should be kept in an easy and as natural position as possible until the surgeon arrives. CONCUSSION OF THE BRAIN. This results from a sudden jar, which may stun the individual for a time,-or only partially do this. Tile face is pale, the pulse small, and nausea and vomiting frequently follow. Give Arnica every half hour, and if dizziness, headache, or convulsions follow, give Belladonna alternately with it at intervals of one hour. If fever and inflammation follow, give Arnica alternately with Aconite, and consult the section on inflammation of the brain, page 291. WOUNDS. Simple incised wounds, or such as are made with a sharp-cutting instrument, will heal in four or five days without any discharge if the edges are carefully kept in contact by adhesive plaster, bandages, and perhaps stitches; but if the irritating substances, which are so popular with the public, are applied, it will require several weeks for the wound to heal, and there will be a profuse discharge, and a large scar. Then, from a wound which has been made with a sharp instrument, carefully remove all foreign substances and bring the edges together with long strips of adhesive plaster, from one fourth to one half an inch wide; and support these with a bandage around the part, if practicable. If there is much bleeding, that should first be checked. TO STOP HEMORRHAGE. If the.flow -f blood isslight, simply pressing the-edges of the wound together, and bathing it in cold water will stop the bleeding in a few moments. If the blood flows very freely, and in jets, it denotes that an artery has been wounded, in that case, if it is -of-any magnitude it will require ligaturing, or tying; but you can 17 386 LACERATED AND CONTUSED WOUNDS. generally stop the'flow of blood for the time-being by pressing with a finger directly on the end of the bleeding vessel in the wound, or by pressing over the course of the vessel between the wound and tlhe heart. The pressure will require to be kept up until the artelry can be tied. If the wound is in one of the extremities, you may t'e a handkerchief, a cord, or suspender, around the extremity above the Lnee or elbow, and then place beneath the handkerchief or cord a compress made of cloth, a stone, or stick, half as large as a hen's egg, on the inside of the thigh or arm, over the course of the main artery, and with a stick twist the cord until the bleeding stops; if it does not readily stop change the position of the compress a little either inward or outward until you get it right. But if the flow of blood is very rapid, (ldo not wait a moment, but press directly with your finger, if possible, on the end of the bleeding vessel, until the ligature can be applied, as directed above, around the limb, or the artery can be tied. Never pile on a wound rags or cloths with a view to stop the flow of blood, for they only absorb it. If the patient faints from the loss of blood, lay him on Ihis back with his head low, and give him China or a spoonful of brandy-and-water, or a drop or two of C'amphor, and dash cold water in his face. If a surgeon cannot be had readily, bend the point of a pin and hook it into the end of the artery drarw, it down and tie a stout thread around it tightly; then dress the wound, but l1cave one end of the ligature hanging out. LACERATED AND CONTUSED WOUNDS. If the parts are not too badly bruised, but simply torn or cut, you can brlng, the edges together with stitches and adhesive plaster, as in the case of incised woundls, and they will generally unite readily; but if the parts are muhll bruised or swollen, apply cloths wet in cold water, or what is better, a solution which contalins a teaspoonful of Calendula to half a pint of water. If fever an.l inflammation ensue, give A conite every hour, and if it does not lelieve, give Belladona.alternately with It one hour apart, a':d apply 388 APPARENT DEA[-:tR IROM 1B:R6W1It, IMANGING, ETC. APPARENT DEATH FROMI DROWNJINg(. The wet garments should immediately be removed, and dry warm blankets or flannels, applied to the body, and the latter should be placed in a horizontal position, with the head ard chest raised, with the mouth end nostrils open, Warmth should be diligently applied to the extremities and body, by the means of hot flannels, bricks, &c.., and the surface may be rubbed with the dry warm hand, and warm flannels. As soon as practicable, artificial respiration should be commencedl. The tube of a common pair of bellows may be fitted into one nostril, and -the other nostril and the mouth may be closed with the fingers, so as to prlevent the escape of air, and at the same time gently draw downward,- and press backward the upper part of the windpipe, so as to open that tube, and prevent the air from passing into the stomach; then blow the bellows gently, so as to fill the lungs When this is done, remove them, and let the nose and mouthl be free, while you press down the walls of the chest, so as to:expel the air; then go through the same process of inflating the lungs, and expelling the air, repeatedly, until natural respiration Commences, and is Well established, or until the limbs become rigid or stiff,:showing that the patient is actually dying. If a pair of bellows is:not at hand, the mouth of the operator can be applied over the: mouth of the patient, closing the nostrils with the fingers, air can be blown into the lung., and expelled as directed above, and this can be repeated -until a pair of bellows can be obtained, or the patient is restored. A slight current of electricity or galvanism,:passed: through the: chest is sometimes useful. APPARENT DEATHI FROM HANGING ORiCHOKING. The treatment is the same as recommended for apparent death from drowning. APPALENT DFATH FROM VARIOUS CAUSES. 389 APPARENT DEATH FROM1 NXOXIOUST GASES. Persons in descending into old wells, or wells near a recent fire, or into casks or large vessels where fermentat ion is going on, or by s'eeping in a tight room, where burning charcoal has been permitted to stand, are not unfrequently suffocated by carbonic acid gas. Other gases may also cause death by their poisonous effects. In a'1 cases of apparent death, or a near approach to it, which resu't from an exposure to such gases, remove the patient immediately into a current of fresh, cool air, and dash cold water freely over the face, neck, and chest, and wipe the patient dry, and apply warmth by the means of warm flannels and blankets; also resort to artificial respiration, as directed in the case of apparent death from drowning; if relief is not soon afforded, electricity may be tried, and as soon as respiration is established, give a. doses of Opiulm every hajf hour. APPARENT DEATH FROM; LIGHTNING. The general measures are the same as in, apparent death from noxious gases; namely: cool air, dashing with cold water, artificial respiration, and the application of warmth. In: addition to the above, give Nux vom. every half hour, dry on the tongue, or in a single drop of water. APPARENT DEATH. FROM A FALL. Place a drop of Arnica on the tongue, and resort to artificial respiration and warmth,. as directed in cases of drowning. OVERHEATING —SUN-STROKE. Give Aconite every fifteen minutes, and if it does not soon. relieve, give Belladonna alternately with it one half hour apart. Bryonia may follow the above remedies at the ernd of a few hours, 390 rOTSONS AND THEIR ANTIDOTES. if necessary, and Carbo veg., if at the end of a day or two any unpleasant symptoms, such as headache and pressure over the eyes remain. POISONS AND THEIR ANTIDOTES. As it is no uncommon thing for poisonous substances to be taken through mistake or for the sake of committing suicide, or for them to be given to others with a criminal intent, and as the life of the patient often depends on the most prompt measures, it is ilnportant that proper instructions in regard to treating such cases, should be accessible to all. If a poison has been taken into the stomach, the first thing to be done is to remove it as soon0 as possible by exciting vomiting, or by the use of the stomach pump. Then some remedy may be given which will neutralize or destroy the action of the poison. Vomiting can generally be excited by drinking a large quantity of tepid water, and then tickling the throat with the finger, or a feather. If this fails, a teaspoonful of powdered Mustard in a glass of warm water may be given, or an emetic dose of Ipecac, or even of Sulphate of zinc, or of Sulphate of copper. or Blue vitrol, may be given. Generally the tepid water and tickling the throat with the finger, will be sufficient, if the patient drinks rapidly all he can. Try this first. ARsENrc.-Excite vomiting as soon as possible, by any of the above measures, also give warm greasy water, warm milk, crea-m, equal parts of sweet oil or melted lard and lime-water, or the white of eggs. Either of the above articles, or two or three of them, should be given as soon as possible, in connection with the measures to excite vomiting, and should be repeated occasionally afterward. CORROSIVE SuBLIMATE.-Excite vomitingr as soon as possible, and at the same time let the patient immediately drink fieely of eggs stirred up ill water. If eggs are not at lhanld, give milk, and if that cannot readily be obtained, give flour and water. POISONS AND THEIR ANTIDOTES. 391 COPPER OR VERDIGRIS.-Give warm water freely, and -,also milk and water, and eags stirred up in water. LUNAR CAUSTIC (NITRATrE OF SILVER). —Give common salt in water, afterward flaxseed tea or gum-arabic water. OXALIc AcID.-Give powdered chalk mixed with water, or the carbonate of magnesia, and excite vomiting by drinking fieely of warm water. Do not give saleratus or potaslt in any fo:rn. A nMixture of lime-water and sweet oil is good. OiLr OF VITRIOL (SUI,PHURIC ACIw), NITRIC ACID, AND )IUcPIATrIC AcID. —-In case of poisoning firom either of these acids, give immediately sotapsuds, wood a:hes mixed with water, carbonate of magnesia, chalk, or lime-water, and let the patient drink freely of water or milk-and-water. Oil is also useful. IODINE AND IODIDE OF' POTTASSIUM. —Give starch or wheat flour, mixed with water. SUGAR OF LEA. —Excite vomiting and give epsom-salts or diluted sulphuric acid. Castor oil is good; also give milk freely. SA1TPETRE (NITRE). —Cause vomiting by giving tepid water, and give flaxseed tea or gum-water. ANTIMONIAL WINE AND TAR rAR EMETIC. —Give fieely of warn water, tea, milk, warm water and butter or grease, or a tea made of oak bark or of Peruvian bark. SHELL FISH. —Clams, muscles, &C., are sometitnes poisonous. Excite vomiting, give powdered charcoal or strong coffee without milk or sugar. ALKALINE SUBSTANCES, S;TRONxG LYE,&c.-Give vinegar dilu' ted with water. PHOSPrORUS. —Excite vorniting and give gum-water or flaxseed tea. Avoid all oily substances and drinks. CIIAPTER XII. EMERGENCIES, AND DISEASES AND SYMPTOMS NOT ALREADY NOTICED. TIIERE are times when prompt action is requisite to rescue individuals from immediate danger and death. At such critical moments it is all-important that the right thing should be done on the spot, and it is perhaps equally essential that improper measures be avoided. The aim in this chapter. is simply to point out separately what should be done first, and thern to refer the reader to; the page where he will find full directions for further tireatme.nt. BLEEDING. (HEMORRH-IAGE). If from a wound the blood flows in jets, press directly one or more fingers into the wound on to the end of the bleeding vessel or vessels. If from a wound on the inner part of tile thigh or leg, press in, the wound, and also with one thumb press firmly on the artery as it passes from the abdomen over the bone into the groin. For further directions, see page 335. Bleeding from the lungs, if alarming: Place the patient halfway between a sitting and lying position, unfasten the garments about the neck, chest, and waist, and apply cold water tQ the chest. The patient should not speak. If you have at hand, give Aconite alternately with Ipecac fifteen minutes apar:t. If you have no remedies, dissolve a teaspoonful of salt in half a glass of water and give a teaspoonful of the solution every ten minutes. For further directions, see page 161. BURNS AND SCALDS (IF EXTENSIVE). Protect the surface from the air by applying dry cotton, or cot. ton moistened with sweet oil, or dust the parts repeatedly with wheat flour; or if at hand, apply cloth moistened with a liniment of sweet oil'and lime-water. For further directions, see page 383. 17* 96 - EMEIRGENCIE S. hours to four or five days in different cases. The limbs and lbody are stiff, and if forcibly bent, the part does not return to its former place, but remains where the force applied has left it. " This cu.rious phenomenon is regarded by John Hunter as the last act of the vital principle," and by Nystern, as a " concentration of theremaining Nital powers in the muscular system, preparatory to its final extinction." After this rigidity or stiffness has passed of; the bodty again becomes limber, and decomposition follows.' In cases of apparent death from drowning, asphyxia, fainting, and the like, we should not give up our efforts to restore the patient until this rigidity or stiffness makes its appearance. In England, it is customary not to bury the dead until the comrn mencement of decomposition, and this is as it should be. We should iever think of interring a corpse till either decomposition has commenced, or rigidity makes it manifest recovery is impossible. VARIOUS SYMPTOMS NOT ALREADY NOTICED. FOR HABITUAL COLD FEET and coldness of the lower cxtremities, give Rhus tox. in the morning and Silicea at night. WVashing in cold water is of service. In such cases, patients sho ald shun hot water, stoves, and fires, for they increase the difficulty. FOR PERSPIRATION OF TIIE FEET, give Sulphur every night for one week, and Carbo veg., the next, and so continue. ]For an offensive cold perspiration, give Szlicea every night. FOn BURNING IN TJIE FEET, give Pulsatilla every night and Calcarea carb., every morning, and wash with warm water. Fon NUMBNESS Of the lower extremities, give Nux vomica every night and Silicea every morning. Fon NUMBNESS of the upper extremities, give Nux vomica at night and Belladonna in the morning, and in all cases of numbness consllt the sections on Paralysis and Apoplexy. FOR A BAD OR OFFENSIVE BREATH, if from bad teeth, consult a dentist, and wash the teeth and mouth frequently with water. In all cases, give.Nux vomnca at night and Sulp/hur in the morning, and if improvement does not follow within a month, give Pulsatilla instead of Nux vomica at night. 400 IX PAGO. Fever& r......................................................... 11Fever and Ague.............................................. 25 Fits, Apoplectic........................a.......304: and 394 Fits in Children, Spasms....................................... 321 Fits, Epileptic............................................ 318 Fractures and Dislocations................................... 384 Freezing..........................................384 and 394 Gallstoles, Passage of................................... 257 Gangrene of the Mouth........................................ 184 Gases, Apparent Death from........................... 389 Gastralgia.................................................. 205 Gastritis...................................................... 201 Gleet......................................................... 279 Goitre........................................................ 180 Gonorrhcea.................................................. 279 Gout.. 109 Gravel....................................................... i.. 267 Gullet, Diseases of...................................... 200 and 201 Hanging, Apparent Death from........................... 388 Headache....................................................... 309 Heartburn.................................................. 208 Heart, Diseases of............................. 169 Hectic Fever................................................. 59 Hemorrhage from the Lungs............................. 161 Hemorrhage with the Urine................................. 278 Hernia................................................. 244 and 246 Herpes Zoster................................................. 85 Hiccough..................................................... 209 Hip Disease................................................... 120 Hives......................................................... 85 Hooping Cough............................................. 150 Humid Asthma........... 161 Hydrocephalus......................................... 291 and 294 Hydrophobia................................................. 316 Hypertrophy of the Heart..................................... 174 Hysteric Fits.................................................. 324 Indigestion......................... 212 Inflammation of the Air Passages.................. 144 Inflammation of the Bladder.................................... 269 Inflaimmation of the Bowels.............................223 and 226 Inflammation of the Brain......................... 291 Inflammation of the Breast.................... 373 Inflammation of the External Membrane of the Heart............ 167 Inflammation of the Eyes...................... 336, 337, 338, and 339 Inflammation of the Glans Penis.......................... 281 Inflammation of the Gullet....................................... 200 Inflammation of the Kidneys......................... 261 Inflammation of the Labia..................................... 361 Inflammation of the Lining Membrane of t3e Heart........ 173.Inflammation of the Liver.:........................................ 253 Inflammation of the Lungs........................,.......... 155 Tnflammation of the Ovaries.................................... 360 INDEX; 401 PAGEn Inflammation of the Respiratory Passages.................. 124 and 144 Inflammation of the Spinal Cord and its Membranes............. 297 Inflammation of the Spleen.................................... 259 Inflammation of the Stomach................................... 201 Tnflammation of the Throat.................................... 192 Inflammation of the Tongue................................... 186 Inflammation of the Tonsils. 197 Inflammation ot the Windpipe or Larynx and Trachea...128, 131, & 135 Inflammation of the Womb.................................... 359 Inflammatory Fever......................................... 58 Influenza (Grippe)............................................ 139 Injuries, External.............................................. 383 Insanity...................................................... 330 Intermittent Fever...................................... 25 Intermittent Pulse.................................. 178 Introduction....................................... 5 Iodine and Iodide of Potassium, Poisoning from................. 391 Iritis......................................................... 339 Itch.......................................................... 87 Itching of the Anus...................................... 250 Itching of the Private Parts during Pregnancy................... 363 Itching of the Skin............................................ 96 Jaundice..................................................... 255 Jaundice in Infants............................................ 378 Kidneys, Bright's or Granular Disease of........... 264 Kidneys, Inflammation of........................... 261 Labor or Childbirth........................................... 369 Laryngitis.................................................... 128 Law of Cure.................................................. 5 Lead Colic............................. 241 Leucorrhca......................................... 354 Lichen................................. 94 Lightning, Apparent Death from............................... 389 List of Remedies;............................................. 9 Liver, Inflammation of......................................... 253 Lochia........................................................ 374 Lockjaw...................................................... 315 Long-Sightedness....................................... 333 Lunar Caustic, Poisoning from................................ 391 Lye andbtther Alkalies, Poisoning from......................... 391 Measle.................................................... 95 Melancholy............................................ 332 Menses, Cessation of.......................................... 354 Menses, Suppression of...................................... 350 Menses, Tardy Appearance of the First.349. Menstrual Colic............................................... 353 Menstruation, Profuse......................................... 352 Mental Emotions.............................................. 329 Milk Crust.................................................... 88 Milk Fever................................................... 372 Milk Leg..................................................... 374 IN DEX. 403 Quinsy....................................................... 197 fled Spots on the Skin......................................... 86 Red Gum, or Tooth Rash....................................... 102 Rheumatism, Acute........................................... 104 Rheumatism, Chronic....................................... 09 Remittent or Bilious Fever................................. 37 Remittent Fever in Children.............................. 381 Retention of Urine............................... 273 Retention of Urine in Newborn Infants.......................... 380 Ringworm.................................................... 96 Roseola...................................................... 75 Rubeola.................................................... 75 Rupture.............................................244 and 246 Salivation.............................................. 184 Saltpetre, Poisoning from.......................... 391 Salt-Rheum.................................. 91 and 94 Scabics or Itch................................................ 87 Scalds and Burns.............................................. 383 Scald Head................................................. 89 Scanty Menstruation......................... 351 Scarlet Fever................................................. 67 Scarlet Rash.................................................. 75 Scrofula.................................................. 119 Scurvy..................................................... 116 Sea-Sickness..:...................................... 210 Seminal Emissions............................................ 289 Shell Fish, Poisoning from..................................... 391 Shingles...................................................... 85 Signs of Death............................................. 395 Size of the Dose....................................... and 7 Sleeplessness............................................... 327 Small-Pox.................................................... 61 Sore Mouth in Children........................................ 379 Sore Nipples.................................... 373 Sore Throat............................................... 192 Sour Stomach........................................ 208 Spasms................................................ 321 Spasms of the Glottis....................................... 139 Spasms of the Stomach........................................ 206 Spasms of the Urete:............................. 267 Spinal Irritation............................................... 301 Spleen, Inflammation of.................................... 259 Sprains eand Bruises........................................... 384 FSt. Anthony's Fire.............................................. 80 Stings from Insects.............................................. 387 Stomach, Inflammation of............ 201 Stone in the Bladder or Kidneys................................ 267 Stramonium, and other Vegetable Poisons....................... 392 Strychnine, Poisoning from.................. 392 St. Vitus' Dance............................................ 323 Stye on the Eyelid........................................... 335 Rugar of Lead, Poisoning from................................ 391 4.04 INDEX. IAGO Sulphuric Acid, Poisoning from................................ 391 Sunstroke............................... 389 Suppression of Urine-...................................... 275 Swelled Neck................................................. 180 Swelling of the Scalp in New born Infants........................ 371 Swelling of the Veinr. of the Leg............................... 364 Swooning.............................................. 179 Syphilis............................... 283 Syncope...................................... 179. Testicles, Swelling and Inflammation of........................ c82 Tetanus...................................................... 315 Throat, Cellular Inflammation of............................... 139 Throat, Follicular Inflammation of.......................... 199 Thrush............................................ 379 Tinea Capitis............................................. 89 Tongue, Inflammation of........................................ 186 Toothache................................................. 188 and 364 Tooth-Rash......................... 102 Typhoid. Fever..................................... 19 Typhoid.Intermittent.....................,.............. 36 Typhus Fever.. 14 Ulcers........................................ 100 Urinary Difficulties during Pregnancy........................... 364 Urine, Bloody................................................ 278 Urine, Excessive Secretion of.................................. 276 Urine, Involuntary Evacuation of............................... 265 Urine, Retention of........................................... 273 Urine, Suppression of..275 Utterine Ulceration............................- 354 Vaccination............,., 63 Valvular Disease of. the Heart...................... 174 Varicella............................,.. 66 Varicose Ulers and Veins........................................... 101 Varicose. Veins............................................101 and 364 Varioloid, or Mlodified Smil-Pox............................... 63 Venereal Disease.............................................. 283 Verdiris, Poisoningfrom.. 391 Vomiting cf Blood.............................................. 211 Vomiting and Nausea...................................... 210 Water-Belbs or Blisters........................................ 93 Waterbrash................; 208 Wetting the Bed.......................................... 276 Whites..................................................... 354 White Swelling............................................... 120 Womb, Falling of.357 Womb, Inflammation of................................... 359 Worms..250 W orms..................................................... 250 Wounds. 385 Wounds, Lacerated or Contused................................ 386 Woundi, Poisoned..387 Yellow Fever.... 52 THE AVOIDABLE CAUSES OF DISEASE, MARR I AGE, cC., (TILE TWO VOLUMES IN ONE.) BY JOHN ELLIS, M.D. A.D O:l SAL BY )OOXST-LLFRS GINER&LLY THROUGHOUT THE COUNTRY. TABLE OF CONTENTS: PREFACE.-Diseases can generally be avoided if the requisite knowledge is possessed. Are our American people physically degenerating, —Imnportance of the Subjects Discussed. —The only true foundation for a real reformnation of the evils:of society. CHAPrTm I — Mental Causes of Disease —Specific Diseases whieh result from Miental Causes. CHArTER II.-Physieal Causes 6ofDisease-a General ViewPredisposing Causes-Exciting Causes —Individual CausesSpecific Causes. CHAPTER III.-Use and Abuse of the Digestive Organs-Uses performed by Food-Description of the Digestive Organs and the Process of Digestion-Proper and Improper Food —Bread —Animal Food-Condiments, Drutf, etc. AVOIDABLE CAUSES OF DISEASE. CHAPTER IV. —Violation of the Conditions requiite for Physi. cal Development and Preservation. TTMater. Air — Impure AirVentilation-Poisonous Gases-Jlot Air —Dry Air —Moist AirBrcathing —HIow we should lBreathe. Sunlight-Its Effects on Vcgetable Dcvelopmcnt-On Animal Development-Deformity and Disease result where Light is excluded. Exercise -Mental and l'hysical-Exercise of the Intellectual Faculties-Effects — Physical Exercise-Its Influence on Development —On HlealthIResults which tollow the Neglect of Exercise-Labor-Active Amusements-Outdoor Sports-Calisthenics and Gymnastic Ex. ercises-Thcir Importance in Schools, Cities, and Villages-Exercise as a Curative Agency. CHAPTER V.-Childlen and the Causes of their Diseases-IIereditary Predisposition to Disease and its Causes-Delicate Organ-;zation and its Causes-Wants of Very Young Children-Nursing cnd Obstacles to Nursing-Wet Nurses-Bringing up Children by I:ind, and I'roper Food-Dosing Infants-Crying-Frequency of Nursing-Deficiency of M!ilk —Beer and Alcoholic Drinks-Cow's Milk —-WVeaning and Proper Food for Children after WeaningExercise, Air, and Light —Playgrounds for Young ChildrenMoral Management of Children-Dress-Shoes-Flannel. CmIrrl-rn VI. —Education-Our Imperfect System of Education among the Causes of Dlsease, Insanity, and Deformity. Neglect of Moral Education-Consequcnecs-Inslanity-The Education of the Affections more important than Intellectual Education-Importance of Physical Education-Its almost Total Neglect andl the Consequences which result-Too Lengthy Confinement in School —Proposed Change in our Schools —Neglcet of Elocution and Oratory in our Schools and Colleges-Clergymen's Throat-ail-Its Causes -Prevention and Cure. In thlis and in the preceding chapter, compriin.g, cighty-seven p:rges, will be found more useful and practical infor'aiation in regard to the proper and improper management and education of children, than can be found in any other volume in the English langruag;e. AVOIDABLE CAUSES OF DISEASE. ij\CHIIAPTER VII. —Fashions and.Habits of the Ladies-Health of American Women-Excessive Confinement inl Schools while Young-Dark Parlors and Roo:ns —Consequences. ChAPTERR VIII. —Neglect of Amusements —Motives whichl shou!d prompt and restrain ill seeking Amusements-Improper Amusements —Those which are Proper-y-Dancing-Abuse of Amusements. CHAPTER IX.-Improper Use of Poisons-Signs by which Poisons can be recognizedcl-Opium: Its Effects-T'l'obacco: Its Effects-As a Poison-Symptoms caused by its Habitual Use. CIIAPTER X -Alcoholic and Fermented Drinks —Physiologi, cal Testimony-Natural and Unnatural Stimulants —Effects of Unnatural Stimulants-Drunkenness-Wine — leer. CHAPTrn XI. —Excessive Labor-Mental and Physical LaborClergymen-Physicians- Lawyers - Teachers - Farmers - Bad Positions of the Body. MARRIAGE, &C. EQUALITY OF TIIE SEXEs.-Mental andc Physical Characteristics of the two Sexes —lan is Superior as Man, and Woman as Woman-What Collstitutes a True Marri.age —Marriage of Similars or " Congenials," Mentally and Physically, and the Consequences which result to the Parties and their Offspring, both as to Mind and ]Body —Marriage of Opposites and the Results-'lThe only True Foundation for Hlappiless in Married Life —Want of Congeniality or Affinity —The True Remedy-LicentiousnessVice. Of the Avoidable Causes of Disease, the New York Independent sais: "In the above book, Dr. Ellis, whom we personally know to be abundantly qualified for the work he has undertaken, attacks with a vigorous and fearless pen the evils of' society, as it is at present constituted, revealing startling facts, the result of years of careful observation as to the physical degeneration of the American people, with the manifold causes which tend to produce this result Giving no quarter to the prevailing habits of rearing children from the cradle to the completion of their school education, the author follows thenm into the workshop and counting-room, dissecting out with a skilful hand the groundwork of ill health an-d premature decay, and laying bare the faulty manner of life with uncompromising fidelity. In this busy age attention must be repeatledlq called to the habits of life which engender disease, before people will heed the warning; hence we are glad to recognize in the above work, one that we can cordially recomme-ld and indeed urge upon our readers, as a.book every way worthy their careful study.' If you would like the above work, call on the nearest bookseller, and if'he has not got it, request him to send for it, and he will be able to furnish it to you at the New York price.