>i!:iiM!!saK»a8m*ttiffiia2i£ii^ / ^'>? / '' THE PEOPLE'S PHYSICIAN DESIGNED AS A MANUAL OF MEDICINE, EXPRESSLY FOE THE USE OF FAMILIES AND INDIVIDUALS, FREE FROM TECHNICAL PHRASES AND COJrPLTCATIOXS USUAL TN MEDICAL "WORKS. THE WHOLE SO SIMPLIFIED AND ARRANGED AS TO BE ADAPTED TO THE UNDERSTANDING OF ALL. TO WHICH IS ADDED A LIST OF SYNONYMS OF MANY COMMON l^IEDICAL PLANTS. L. P. MEADER. CIl^CmiS'ATI: PUBLISHED BY THE AUTHOB. 18 GO. Art> ^f Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1860, by L. P. HEADER, In the Clerk's Office of the District Court for the Southern Distinct of Ohio. Stereotyped by Hills, O'DriscoU & Co., 141 Main St., Cincinnati. Printed by P. C. Browne. PREFACE In offering to the public the present medical work, ^^ The People's Physician," the author is fully sensible of the vast responsibility of the task assumed, and has, therefore, earn- estly endeavored to make it thoroughly reliable, accurate, and comprehensive. All previous works on the same sub- jects, within the author's reach, have been consulted ; and in order to have access to the best libraries, as well as to add the great desideratum of practical observation in the preparation of the work, much time and money have been expended, during sojourns in the principal cities, and in traveling through the United States and Territories, where every possible source of information has been made availa- ble, the various medicinal plants sought in their native local- ities, and carefully collated, that any previous defective de- scription, either of appearance, properties, or use, might be corrected, and mistakes on these vital points, often fatal in their issue, thus avoided. The results of these labors are comprehended in the present volume. It has been the author's aim to furnish the information contained in it, divested of the technicalities and obscure phraseology in which, until very recently, such matters have been enshroud- ed from all but the initiated few. The language is so plain that all can understand it ; a glossary being appended, with definitions of all words not in common use, which have been unavoidably introduced. (iii) ly PREFACE. A list of the s3monyms of a large number of common medical plants, has also been appended, which will be found of great service to the unscientific reader. The work has been divided into two principal depart- ments — the first embracing a description of plant?, with their properties and uses ; the latter a treatise on the dis- eases. The alphabetical arrangement of the former enables the reader to turn almost instantly to any desired remedy, and the explanations are so full and expUcit, both as to properties and mode of administration, that error is nearly impossible. The latter portion of the work is again divided under the two heads of general and local diseases, and embraces a description of the diseases, their causes, symptoms, and method of treatment. Great pains have been taken to com- press all these particulars into a small space, and it is be- lieved they will be found stated in a clear, full, and concise manner. Immediate reference may be made to any disease by means of the index at the close of the volume. In the appendix will be found the descriptiou, etc., of several plants omitted in the first division of the volume, together with some diseases and their treatment, which should have gone in the second part. There will also be found a large number of very valuable practical recipes for the preparation of tinctures, ointments, washes, etc., be- tween the division of the work relating to diseases and the appendix. The illustrations distributed through the work have been prepared with great care, and will be found true represent- ations of the originals. They will enable those previously unacquainted with the plants, to recognize them wherever they may be found ; and the directions contained in the work, will furnish the proper mode of preparing them for use. PREFACE. V No expense has been spared to render the mechanical execution unexceptionable. The type is clear and distinct, the paper and binding fine and substantial — essential re- quisites to a book intended as this is, for daily reference andi use. If this work should prove of service in removing the ignorance which has heretofore generally prevailed among the mass of the people, on medical subjects, enabling' them to understand their d'seases, and apply the appropriate remedies, the author will feel fully compensated for the years of laborious research and toil, which have been consumed in its preparation. OTRODUCTION. Looking at man in his earthly position, it would seem that no knowledge should be so important, or should be of so much interest to him, as that relating to himself. So far as this world is concerned, he is the head of all things — the highest order of intelligence — the most complicated and beautiful in the mechanism of structure. All other ani- mated beings, even the elements and powers of nature, are subservient to him, and possess importance only in so far as they concern him. He is the central radiating point of the terrene universe. If we imagine a being of some other and higher sphere of existence, in search of knowledge, looking upon this world of ours for the first time, what sub- ject would we suppose most deeply to engross his thoughts ? This enormous body of matter, whirHng through space, with its innumerable diversities, taken as a whole and in its parts, would remind him first of the Omnipotent Creator. Exam- ining philosophically into the details of the great cosmorama, he would contemplate the expanses of ocean and of land, the varieties of climate, the wonders of the animal, vegeta- ble and mineral kingdoms; but upon man his chief atten- tion Vv'ould rest, as the key by which most easily to unlock the mysteries of nature in her minor forms ; he would study his structure, his capabilities, his relations to all surrounding phenomena, his destiny ; and, mastering this starting point vii VlU INTRODUCTION. of inquiry, the remainder of the investigation would be easy. Yet man, the being whose whole existence is in- volved, has been to himself a sealed book, possessing no interest — the task of understanding him, and ministering to his ph3^sical, intellectual, moral, and religious wants, has been committed to few persons, as a thing with which the masses have nothing to do. This blindness to the most important interests has had its legitimate results. Selfish- ness is inherent in the human constitution, and even the best are liable to have their course swayed, sometimes in- voluntarily, by its dictates. The interest of the class having in charge man's physical nature, with its treatment when disease threatened to sweep him away, was seen to be in perpetuating its own power by preserving the general ignorance, and to this end, every thing relating to the pro- fession was couched in language unfamihar to the public ear, to understand which, years of application were neces- sary. It was made a great mystery, into which it was profanation for the vulgar to attempt to penetrate ; and under this covering, impositions the most vile were, and still are, practiced upon the confiding dupes at large. An imaginary ailment is felt, and a physician called in, who sees that nothing is amiss, but who, after feeling the pulse, looking at the tongue, inquiring symptoms, etc., gravely writes oat a Latin prescription for some innocent prepara- tion, calls again and again to repeat the farce, and pocket the gain, until the patient imagines himself well. In some cases real illness is made to supersede the fancied, and the unfortunate victim goes down to his grave, or rises from his bed with a broken constitution and an impoverished purse. It is not asserted that the great body of medical men are guilty of such practices — the high minded and honorable, who wear out their own lives for the good of humanity, and INTRODUCTION. IX receive but an ill requital for their services, are many — but that such cases often occur can not be gainsayed. The pretentious charlatan is frequently employed to the exclusion of a competent adviser, because the total ignorance of the patient unfits him for distinguishing where the real knowl- edge hes. But the mysterious veil w^iich has heretofore shrouded the science and art of medicine from the public, is at length being rent away. The progress made in other branches of human knowledge, has at last reached this, which should have been the fir^t influenced, and many now determinedly think and inquire, where before they were con- tent to submit. This want of the age has been met. Books have been written which bring nearly all the branches of the science within reach of every ordinary capacity. Des- pite the opposition of the " profession " as a body — its sneers, irs denunciations — the bands of medical lore have been broken, and its treasures scattered broadcast for all who will make use of them. The ridicule which attended the first attempts to popularize things that it was pre- tended were beyond the general comprehension, has almost ceased. Physiology and anatomy are being taught as com- mon branches of education in many schools, while w^orks on those subjects, together with pathology, surgery, materia medica, practice of medicine, etc., as adapted to home use, are read and beneficially employed in many families. Truth and knowledge, among other things, have dispelled the delusion, that it is "indelicate " for w^omen to become acquainted with the human frame, its organs and their uses. To her it is peculiarly necessary to be thoroughly informed on such subjects, because of the gre iter sensitiveness and complication of her own organization, and because to her is universally committed the care of the }'oung, the awful X INTRODUCTION. mortality among whom in civilized countries — and in our own no less than others — may in great measure be attribu- ted to the incompetency of mothers and nurses. Ignorance of truth, when that truth embraces a knowledge of the most perfect of God's creations, and the means of preserving it in the state of beauty and health designed by Him, can never be a concomitant of true female refinement and deli- cacy. The prurient curiosity and false notions of which ignorance itself is the parent, are much more to be feared. But the advance in medical science is not confined to its dissemination among the people. Reform in the profession itself, though reluctantly adopted, has nevertheless steadily progressed. In times gone by, minerals were the chief remedies for all diseases, and these were administered in such quantities as often left the patient, when the disease was conquered, a valetudinarian for hfe. They are now used more sparingly, and the substitution of vegetable for mineral remedies, is being gradually accomplished. This is in accordance with analogy, and the laws of nature. It is beheved that in the vegetable kingdom, as an accessory to pure air, water, and a correct regimen, will eventually be found the cures for all diseases. Previous to the introduc- tion of the white man's habits and complaints, the Ameri- can Indian, who derived his medicines solely from this source, suffered but little from disease. It is well known that many animals, when suffering, turn instinctively to the plant which gives them relief The ancients, too, who dealt but little, if at all, with minerals as medicines, and among whom disease was much less prevalent than with us, were acquainted with the medicinal virtues of many plants ; and the destruction of the ancient hbraries and records, by which Hterature and the sciences have been such severe ^ r^ INTRODUCTION. Xl losers, has undoubtedly deprived the medical student of much valuable information. The investigation is now, how- ever, being pursued in the right direction, and the many valuable discoveries and applications of medicinal plants, that have of late years been made (which will be found in- corporated in this volume), lead to the hope that we shall soon have a complete vegetable materia medica, to which recourse can be had in all emergencies. In the meantime, such other remedies as experience has proved to be benefi- cial, have been retained, where no known vegetables would produce the desired effects. Erythronium Americancm, (Adder- tongue.) HE PEOPLE'S PHYSICIAI MATERIA MEDICA. . Materia Medica may be defined, 1. — Those substances, both natural and prepared, that are useful in the cure of disease. 2. — The science which treats of such substances. In the following pages, the various articles of Materia Medica which will be found most useful to tlie people in domestic practice, are arranged alphabetically, with full des- criptions of their properties, mode of preparation, medical uses, and the doses in which they are to be given. The amount of medicine required by different persons to produce a given result, varies as the circumstances of the individual varies ; and special directions in this important matter will be found on page 389. It is hoped that this part of the book will be of sufficient interest to command the most attentive and repeated perusal. ADDER'S TOj^GUE. — {ErytJironium Americamim) {Properties) — Anti-scrofcjlous, Emetic, Emollient, Sup- purative. [Medical Uses.l — This plant is likewise called dog's-iootA violet, snow-drop, snake-leaf, etc., the root of which has been Buccessfiilly given in colic and epilepsy. The fresh roots or leaves may be applied to scrofulous sores and scald-head, by way of poultice, which will speedily heal 13 14 people's physician. them. The infusion, moreover, should be drank at the same time. The dose for an emetic is thirty grains of the fresh, or forty of the dried root. AGEIMONY. — {Agrhnonia Eupatoria.) {Properties.) — Astringent, Deoesteuent, Tonic. [Medical Uses.'] — This phmt is likewise called cocldehur or stickwort^ the roots or leaves of which are prepared by way of infusion, and taken hot in fevers and bowel complaints, or diarrhea in children. The same is' highly spoken of as a remedy in scurvy, jaundice, etc. AMEKICAiSr COLUMBO.— (i^/W5^ra Carolinensis) {Properties.') — Antiseptic, Catiiaktic, Emetic, Tonic. [3£edical Uses.'] — This plant has a fleshy root of a yellow color, and somewhat resembling columba. It is a sim})le bitter, without astringency. In cases of gangrene or mortifi- cation it may be administered internally by infusion ; and, at the same time externally by way of poultice. It is particu- larly serviceable in diarrhea, colic, nausea, debility, dys- pepsia, etc., and may be given in the dose of a tea-spoonful of the powdered root in warm water. The fresh root is said to be emetic and cathartic. AMERICAN SE^l^A.— {Cassia Maryland lea.) \_Medical Uses.] — American Senna, otherwise called vjild senna or locustplant^ the leaves of w^hich are very similar to Agrimonia Eupatoria, (Agrimony.) MATERIA MEDICA. 15 those of the imported article, and used as a Bubstitute, proves a mild purgative in doses one-third larger. We find it growing wild in nearly all the States. Dose^ — Infuse one half ounce of senna with one ounce of manna in a pint of hot water. K\DYl^.—{Socotrine:) {Pro2yerties.) — Anthelmintic, Puegative, Stomachic. [Ifedical Uses.'] — There are a variety of Aloes, all having nearly a similar mode of operation or effect. As a medicine, aloes is held in extensive use as a purgative, not reducing or weakening in its operation, like many other purgatives. It is of great utility in promoting the healthy action of the stomach — aids digestion — obviates redundancy of the bile — hepatic and splenetic disorders — chills and fevers ; — posesses to some extent emmenagogue qualities, and is extolled as an anthelmintic for the ascarides or pin worms. The following preparation is among the best to be kept for family use : — Take of saffron, myrrh, and aloes, one ounce each, pulverize them ; let the myrrh steep in half a-pint of brandy or I^ew England rum four days, then add the saffron and aloes, per- mitting it to stand in the sun or a warm place, for two weeks, being particular to shake it twice a day : at the expiration of which time, pour it into any common sized bottle, fill with the spirits above mentioned, and at the end of three or four weeks it will be ready for use. This is a medicine well cal- culated for coughs, derangement of the digestive organs, and invaluable to be kept in families in all the States, particularly in sections of the Southern and "Western States, where chills and fever much abound. Dose^ from one to three table-spoonsful on retiring at night. — Dose^ simply of aloes, from five to thirty grains. 16 people's physician. AITGELICA. — {ArcJiangelica atrojpwrpurea.) {Properties.) — Antispasmodic, Balsamic, Cakminative, De- OBSTRCENT, SuDOKIFIC, ToNIC, EmMENAGOGUE. Description. — Tliis plant rises from a perennial root, with a herbaceous stem, smooth, of a dark purple color, furnished with ternate leaves having large footstalks, and composed of ovate leaflets, pointed, deeply notched and cut in on the edges. It produces white flowers presenting a shade of green. This species of Angelica is supposed to possess similar qualities to the common garden Angelica. Its flowers appear in June and July, and the plant is found in meadows and wet woods. \_Medical Uses.'] — A decoction of the root of Angelica ia more eflfectual than a drink made of the leaves ; and this tea, drank two or three spoonsful at a tim.e, relieves all pains and difficulties resulting from colds, — taken with some of the powder of the root, it removes pleurisy in its incipient stages, diseases of the chest and lungs, as coughs, asthma, shortness of breath, etc. A sirup made of the stalks produces a similar effect. It relieves colic, strangury, suppression of urine, removes visceral obstructions, voids the placenta or after-birth, disperses flatulent distension of the bowels, and promotes digestion. Let the decoction be taken and sweat produced before the approach of paroxysms of agues, and it will in two or three times taking entirely remove them. The expressed juice of Angelica obviates dysopsy or dimness of sight, deaf- ness and toothache. The pulverized root made into a plaster with some pitch is excellent for bites of mad dosrs and other venomous bites. Cloths saturated with the expressed juice or distilled water, ur an application of the pulverized root, cleanses and heals deep, foul ulcers, speedily covering the naked bones with flesh. The distilled water applied to parts affected with the gout and sciatic rheumatism imparts great alleviation. MATERIA MED ICA. 17 AYENS.—iGeum rivaU.) {Properties.) — Astringent, Styptic, Stomachic, Tonic. Description. — Avens at first gives rise to a species of compound leaves, proceeding directly from the root, termi- nated with large leaflets, and having long, hairy footstalks. The stems are nearly two feet in hight, upright, hairy, shaded with purple and set with leaves cora}X)sed of three sharply notched, pointed divisions. Its flowers are of a purplish hue, drooping, disposed singly on terminal peduncles or flower stems, and composed of five leaves. It has a perennial, fibrous root, externally brownish and white within, — produces flowers in June and July, and is found in low, wet soils or marshy meadows. [Medical Uses.] — It is considered very useful for diseases of the chest, and for its peculiar virtues in removing crude and raw humors from the stomach. It disperses internal coagulated blood, and is excellent for spitting of blood and ruptures, — the roots either fresh or dr}", being infused in wine for this purpose, or for external wounds as a lotion. The herb strengthens and warms the stomach, removes hepatic and splenetic obstructions, flatulent or wind colic, — promotes digestion, and is useful in fluxes. Steeped in wine, it fur- nishes a good beverage to re-invigorate 'the spirits and strengthen the brain. BALM. — (Melissa officinalis.) (Properties.) — Aromatic. Cephalic, Cordial, Diaphoretic, Pectoral, Stomachic, Sudorific. Description. — Balm rises with a number of upright stems, square, branched, between one and two feet in hight, bearing yellow flowers, set with leaves in pairs, broader at the base 18 people's physician. and diminishiDg toward tlie teriniiiation, notched with a sawlike edge. This species of B.ilm is found among garden plants, and likewise in a wild state, producing flowers in July. Its stems perish annually, but its root is perennial. \_MediGal Uses.'] — This plant strengthens nature much in all its functions. A sirup or tea, as persons may choose, is excellent in fainting or swooning, and re-invigorates the spirits exceedingly, — it clears the head — relieves weakness of the stomach, griping paius of the bowels, and aids diges- tion. This plant likewise furnishes a cooling beverage, much used in fevers, and should be given warm to promote perspi- ration and abate the fever. The leaves, combined with salt, may be used to remove wens, and glandular swellings of the throat. A cupful of Balm tea with a tea-spoonful .of pulverized saltpetre dissolved in the same, proves effectual in stoppage of urine. If attended with severe pain, let the patient take a tea-spoonful of paregoric after the lapse of half an hour. A drink, made of the expressed juice of the fresh young herb, with eggs, sugar, rose-water, and a little wine, taken warm, will be found useful in fainting attending labor or par- turition. BALM OF GYL'EM).—{Po]?uIus lalsamifera) {Properties.) — Balsamic, Pectokal, Stomachic, Tonic. [Medical Uses^ — The buds of this tree, which abound with a balsamic gum, hold a high reputation in disorders of the chest and lungs — weakness, or general languor. The mode of use is to put them into a bottle of rum — the quantity of a handful ; permitting them to infuse or steep. Dose, a table- spoonful three or four times a day. We use the same pre- pared into an ointment for bruises, scalds, burns, and tumors. It is one of the best balsamic or healing applications which can be obtained for recent cuts or wounds. Feasera Oarolinensis, (American Oolumbo.) Cheloot: Glabra, (Balmony.) MATERIA MEDICA. 19 4 '^MM.OEY .—{Chelone glabra.) (Properties.) — Antibilious, Alteeatiye, Laxative, Tonic. Description. -^Bsilmonj rises with several upright stems with blunt corners, three or four feet in hight, set with opposite, oblong leaves, having a sharp extended termination, of a very bitter taste, and of a blackish green. The flowers are white, or slightly variegated, appearing in a cluster, the coral distended or swelling out at the middle, consisting of only two lips or a mouth, at the end. This plant is often called snake's head, and produces flowers in October and November [Medical Uses.] — It promotes a healthy hepatic action- restores a lost appetite, obviates constipation and dyspepsia, and proves a valuable tonic to strengthen the system gener- ally. It is useful in intermittent fevers, scrofula or king's evil, and all impurities of the blood. BAUBERRY.—iBerheris vulgaris.) (Properties. ) — Alterative, Astringent, Eefrigekant, Tonic. Description. — This bush or shrub has roundish pointed leaves, somewhat broader at the termination than at the base, remotely serrated or sharply notched on the edges, and with ribs indurated or hard. It produces acid berries, which are red when ripe, and very much used by way of an agreeable and refreshing preserve. [Medical Uses.l — An infusion of the inner rind of the bark should be taken, a gill at a dose, each morning : — It is an excel- lent remedy to purify the blood and to remove all morbid, bili- ary humors from the system, which give rise to jaundice, 20 people's physician. cutaneous affections, fevers, etc. It proves a very cooling beverage given in levers, corrects the heat of the blood, and by its valuable, combined qualities remedies the bloody flux. As an external application the bark is used to advantage in burns and scalds. The bark or root, moreover, is effectual for the pain, smarting, and bearing down of the uterus : — Make a tea and drink freely. The berries procure a good appetite, and may be used for the above purposes. BAYBERUY.— {My rica cer?yera.) (Properties.) — Alterative, Astringent, Errhine, Stimu- lant. Description. — Bayberry, otherwise called wax-myrtle, has an erect, shrubby stem, with a full, densely branched top, well furnished with narrow, lustrous green lanceolate leaves. It blooms about May, and its flowers are succeeded by small berries enveloped with a greenish wax. l^lfedical Uses.l — Bayberry root bark is excellent to purge the head in catarrhal complaints ; and an infusion of the root may be employed with very great advantage, both internally and externally, in canker, scrofula, and other impurities of the blood. Possessing naturally a binding quality, it is well calculated to arrest looseness or fluxes of the bowels, as diarrhea, dys- entery, bloody flux : A gill of the warm infusion may be taken four times a day, an hour before eating and at bed time. The decoction of the bruised bark of the root, employed as a wash, and the bark, also, in form of a poultice, is highly use- ful in scrofulous ulcers, or any chronic stubborn sores. It is used with good success, moreover, in scarlet fever, and putrid ulcerous sore throat. In the two last cases mix bayberry tea, vinegar, and table salt — two table-spoonsful each ; — and take a little every half hour. If this is timely Cassia (Senua.) Cassia Marylandica, (American Senna.) Myrica Cerjfera, (Bayberry.) Tkillium Laterifolium, (Birtli-root.) MATERIA MEDICA. 21 used, the diseases will usually yield in the onset. When at- tended with much fever, administer first a brisk cathartic — and keep the bowels gently open throughout the disease with small doses of rhubarb and nitre. BETH llOOT.~{TriUium erectum.) {Properties.) — Alterative, Astringent, Pectoral, Tonic. [Medical Uses.] — This root is employed as an external ap- plication with very good success, in ulcers of a putrescent or gangrenous tendency, and may be employed internally in hemoptysis or spitting of blood, — in affections of the chest and lungs. It is used with very good advantage in fluor albus and profuse menses — alviue discharges, and nephritic complaints accompanied with blood. Let an infusion of the root be made and drank plentifully. There are several species of this family of plants, having nearly all the same properties. BlSTOm:.— {Polygonum Ustorta.) {Properties.) — Astringent, Styptic, Sudorific. Description. — The root of Bistort is employed in Europe and the United States for medicinal purposes, and may be obtained at the shops. This root is short, moderately thick, bent or folded together, fibrous, of a dark brown on the exte- rior, and reddish within. [Medical Uses.'] — The powder of this root has a powerful quality to resist poison — taken in drink it expels the virus of small pox, measles, purples, or other infectious diseases, de- termining the disease to the surface by exciting perspiration 22 THE people's physician. — it is very useful in bites of serpents and rabid aninials, being a singular remedy in such cases, employed by way of infusion in wine — the same may be given in cases of internal bleeding, hemorrhagic affections in their varied forms — in ruptures and injuries resulting from falls — in diabetes or ex- cessive flow of urine — in diarrhea ; and may be employed, likewise, as a preventive of abortion or miscarriage. The decoction of the root is useful as a lotion or wash for ulcers attended with profuse discharge, inflammation of the tonsils, cankers, etc. A tea, moreover, of this root and gentian is taken in intermitteuts or ague and fever. Dose. — From a half to one tea-spoonful of the powder three times a day. BITTER-KOOT. — {Apocynum androsoemifolium.) {Properties.) — Cathartic, Emetic, Tonic. [Medical Uses?[ — This plant is sometimes called Tionexj- hloom^ fly-trap.^ wandering milk-weed^ MUer-dogshane^ etc. It is intensely bitter, hence its name. When administered in laroje doses at the commencement of a fever, it purges the bowels, and thereby will often throw off the disease. It is of great utility in jaundice, intermitteuts, dyspepsia, liver complaints, etc. The dose is from eight or ten to fifteen grains. The powder of the root is also administered as an emetic, thirty grains producing about the same effect as a scruple of ipecacuanha. BITTEE-SWEET.— (<7eZ^5z^rw5 scandens.) {Properties.) — Alterative, Antibilious, Discutient, Di- uretic. Description. — This plant rises from a long, reddish yel- low, creeping root, with a brown, viny stem, thick as a common Celasteus Scandens, (Bitter-s(veet.} Apocynum ANDEoa^MiFOLiuM, (Bitter^Toot. MATERIA MEDICA. 23 grape vine, supporting itself on rocks, trees, cliifs, or adjacent bodies. In some places which are congenial, it attains to a great hight. The leaves are broadest at the central part, somewhat small at the foot, with an extended, pointed termi- nation, and denticulate or edged with small teeth. Its flowers are usually of a greenish shade, and bloom the early part of June. [3fedical Uses.'] — This plant furnishes a valuable medicine in dropsical affections, scrofula or king's evil, indolent or in- durated swellings, cankers and cancers, — hepatic or biliary disorders, and all impurities of the blood, — rheumatic disor- ders, bilious and intermittent fevers, general debilitated state of the system, — and is an eminent medicine to disperse inflam- mations. It is very cleansing, and has a direct and salutary action upon the most important organs, and thereby conduces to a good state of health. The berries possess an emollient, discutient property. The bark is principally used by way of decoction as an internal medicine — -by taking a tea cupful some three or four times a day. BLACK ALDER. — {Prinos verticillatus.) {Properties.) — Alterative, Astringent, Deobstruent, Tonic, Althelmintic. [Medical ZTses.'] — Black Alder furnishe's a suitable wash for ulcers, and a very strengthening and purifying internal medi- cine ; moreover, is well calculated for persons afflicted with a debilitated habit of body. It removes all obstructions and impurities of the blood, arrests bleeding at the lungs, etc. Some combine the bark of the root with yellow dock, and sarsaparilla, and prepare it as a beverage. The decoction of the bark expels worms, and taken with honey is very useful in hoarseness or disorders of the chest. 24 people's physician. BLACKBEUUY.'~-(Buhus oecidentaZis) {Pro;pertles.) — Astringent, Styptic, Tonic. [Medical Uses.'] — A decoction of the buds, leaves, and brauches while they are green, is very good in cases of quinsy, and putrid, ulcerous sore throat. The flowers are exceedingly astringent, and thereby very profitable to arrest the bloody flux, and hemoptysis or spittiug of blood, A decoction of the bark of the root is useful in gravel com- plaints. The dried, ripe berries, made into a tea, is a remedy for the dysentery and piles ; likewise a decoction of the bark is very efiective in diarrhea and dysentery. A beverage made of the dried berries, used cold, is good in fevers. The powder of the bark of the root and of the leaves is a very serviceable application for cankers and ulcers attended with excessive discharge. The fruit dried, or preserved, is of great use in families, and should be kept throughout the year. The following recipe is invaluable for internal cankers, and all kinds of humors : — Take Blackberry root bark, gold thread, winter green or pipsissewa — of each one ounce — boil out the strength, strain and add to it one pound of honey ; then boil it down to a sirup. Dose. — A table spoonful three times a day an hour before eating. BLACK COHOSH.— {Macrotrys racemosa.) {Properties.) — Astringent, Diuretic, Emmenagogue, Ner- vine, Sudorific. \_Medical Uses.l — This plant is also called rattle-weed.^ hlaclC'Snalce root, squaw-root., etc., and is much used by the Indians to facilitate parturition or child-birth, hence its name. Macrotrys [Botrophis] Racemosa, (Black Cohosh.) Leptandria Virginica, (Black-root.) MATERIA MEDICA. 25 The root is an excellent tonic, and sustains a high reputation as a remedy in the treatment of fever and ague, small-pox, coughs, consumptions, rheumatic disorders ; and is likewise a powerful emmenagogue. It is used by way of decoction, tincture, or powder. Dose. — Of the tincture a tea-spoonful three times a day. Of the powder a tea-spoonful three times a day, and of the de- coction a wine glassful three times a day. *ELA.Q'K-'ROOTl.—{LeptandTiaYirginica.) {Properties.) — Antiseptic, Cathaktic, Diaphoretic, Tonic. [^Medical Uses^ — This plant, otherwise called Culverts physic.^ howman-root^ 'brinton-root. etc., is esteemed as a mild and very efficient purge in pleurisy, typhoid and bilious fevers ; is excellent in derangement of the stomach or bowels, and to purify the blood. Dose. — A heaping tea-spoonful taken in a tea-cup half filled with boiling water, and repeated every two hours until it operates. BLACK-SKAKE ^0KY.— {Scutellaria latenflora.) {Properties.) — Nervine, Sudorific, Tonic. Description. — This plant rises with a square, upright stem, between one and a half and three feet in hight, with lateral branches containiug a few small leaves. Leaves broadest to- ward the base, sharply notched on the edges, and oppositely arranged. It has a stringy, yellowish root, — and is found about meadows and woods, producing flowers in the summer season. Medical Uses. — Its property as a nervine is of high repu- tation, and it can be administered in all cases with perfect safety, by way of infusion or a tea. Among other good qualities, it is eminently useful to pre- vent the ill effects of hydrophobia, in which it is said to have been successful in numerous cases. It obviates neuralgic affections of the head and face, tre- moi-s, and all nervous difficulties — determines to the surface, or promotes perspiration, thus keeping the emunctories of the skin open and free in the performance of their healthy office. It imparts strength and tone to the system. In cases of St. Yitus' dance, and cbills and fever, the first step to be taken, is to cleanse the stomach and bowels by a brisk cathartic or purgative, which is very essential in effect- ing a cure, being followed by the use of the former medicine. 30 people's physician. BOI^ESET. — ( Eupatorium perfoliatum.) {Properties.) — Emetic, Laxative, Scdorific, Tonic. Description. — Boneset, soDietimes called thorougJiwor-t^ stai-ts up with round, upright, pubescent stems, rising frequent- ly, three, four, and even five feet in hight, spreading at the top into three parts. The leaves are opposite, broadest and united at the base, diminishing to a pointed termination, each couple above being transverse to the pair next below, seiTated or notched on the edges, wrinkled, and of a hoary green. It produces white flowers at the top, disposed in a corymbous form, or rising on their peduncles in clusters to an even sur- face. It is found in low, wet, moist grounds, or by water courses, displaying its flowers during summer and autumn. Medical Uses. — This is one of those plants which possess very eminent qualities. A tea, taken warm, acts as an emetic — and employed as a cold beverage, acts as an excellent tonic in cases of dyspepsia, beins: sli2;htlv laxative ; and is invaluable for indis-estion of aged persons. There is a plant in South America, the Eupatorium Aya- pana, which possesses a strong sudorific quality, and is held in high estimation by the natives as an active repellent of the virus communicated from the bites of poisonous reptiles. They bruise the leaves, apply them to the wound, and give to the patient, at frequent intervals, doses of the expressed juice. Our plant, Boneset, is considered by eminent physicians to produce similar efiects. It eflfects the cure and is a preventive of intermittents or chills and fever. The patient should drink freely of the de- coction or tea three times a day, in the interim, or before the approach of the paroxysms. It is used with good success in yellow fever, determining the virus of the disease to the surface by means of perspiration, thereby throwing it oflT. Prepared in candy or sirup with sugar or molasses, it is ex* MATERIA MEDICA. 31 cellent for conglis and colds, soreness of the lungs and chest. Moderate doses, taken very often, open the emunctories or pores of the skin, and impart a healthy perspiration. Boneset, as has been observed, possesses rare merits, and requires only to be sufficiently known, to be justly appreciated. Administered in an emetic, and purgative form, it cleanses the stomach of all morbific or biliary matter. BOEAGE. — {Borago officinalis.) (Properties.) — Cardiac, Diaphoretic, Pectoral, Tonic. Description. — Borage has leaves alternately arranged, broadest toward the lower extremity, and with a pointed ter- mination. It is found in gardens, and frequently in neglected, uncultivated places, producing elegant blue flowers through the summer. Medical Uses. — It furnishes a remarkable cordial, and strengthens nature exceedingly. The leaves and roots are used with great advantage in putrid, malignant, epidemic fevers, to protect the system against the attacks, and counter- act the virus of such diseases. The leaves and flowers are peculiarly efficacious in the removal of melancholy or depres- sion of spirits, in correcting the blood, and mitigating im- moderate heat in fevers. The flowers, prepared into a conserve, are chiefly used as a cordial for patients in protracted sickness, attended with weakness and general debility — to raise the spirits of the con- sumptive, and reinvigorate persons subject to fainting or swooning. The distilled water is very good for redness or inflamma- tion of the eyes. The ashes of the dried herb is said to be available, boiled with some water and honey, in inflammation and aphthous or cankerous afiections of the mouth and throat. 32 people's physician. The roots of Borage prepared with sugar or honey to a thicJs consistency, are effectual for coughs and catarrh on the chest. BROOKLIME.— ( Veronica heocahunga.) {Properties.) — Alterative, Antiscorbutic, Discutient, Di URETIC, EmMENAGOGUE. Description. — Brooklime has a perennial, jointed, creeping root, stringy at each joint. The stem is of a reddish brown, round and sappy, set with thick, green, oval leaves, arranged in couplets or in pairs. From the midst of these rise racemous, lateral spikes of small, blue, pentapetalous flowers. It is a warm, pungent plant, found in ponds or watery places ; pro- ducing flowers in June and July. Medical Uses. — A combination of Brooklime, water-cres- ses, and other similar plants, should be used in diet drinks, to cleanse the blood of all offensive humors which tend to destroy the health or constitution. It is very excellent for scurvy — promotes urinary secretions and obviates calculous formations — procures the menses — ex- pels the dead fetus. This plant, moreover, being fried with butter and vinegar, as a warm application, is beneficial for tumors, swellings, or inflammations. BBYO^Y.— (Bryonia alia.) {Properties.) — Antispasmodic, Cathartic, Cephalic, Dis- cutient, Diuretic, Emmenagogue, Pectoral. Medical Uses. — Bryony acts as a powerful purgative in evacuating the bowels ; being an extremely powerful medi- cine, it should be administered in a corrected form ; when MATERIA MEDICA. 33 corrected it is highly beneficial in disorders of the head, as catarrh, epilepsy, vertigo, etc., — cramps, convulsions, palsied affections, tumefaction, enlargement and obstructions of the spleen. A level tea spoonful of the powder taken in Holland gin procures the courses, expels the dead fetus, and may be used in dropsical and gravel complaints. The root prepared into a thick consistency with honey, pow- erfully cleanses the chest of foul mucus or phlegm, — is remark- ably efficacious in colds, influenza on the lungs and chest — in chronic, inveterate coughs, and asthmatic complaints. It is very good for persons having received internal bruises or in- juries. The root, moreover, obviates gangrenous tendencies, and furnishes a serviceable application to maturate or promote the discharge of boils. For sores, cankers, ring-w^orms, or tetters, freckles and imperfections of the skin, the administra- tion should be external. BVBI)OCK.—{Arctum lappa.) (Properties.) — Alterative, Diuretic, Febrifuge, Sudo- rific, Tonic. Description. — It is very common, and may be easily dis- tinguished by its large, heart-shaped, dark-green leaves, and round burs, which contain the seeds. It is found by ditch sides, or highways, among rubbish, and in waste, neglected grounds ; producing flowers of a purple color in the months of July and August. Medical Uses. — The leaves are cooling, cleansing, moder- ately drying, and discutient, therefore, they are effectual for chronic sores and ulcers. Burdock leaves, bruised, saturated in warm vinegar, and bound to the soles of the feet, are of excellent use in fevers. The same, bruised with the white of an egg and applied to burns, afford present relief and effect a cure. A decoction of the leaves employed as a wash in can- 34 people's physician. kers and sores, stays their tendency to fret or corrode, which should afterward be dressed with an ointment composed of the same, hog's lard, nitre, and vinegar, boiled together. A strong decoction of the root or seeds of Burdock, yellow dock root, pipsissewa or winter green, taken daily with a little wine, an hour before eating, for the space of two months, will cure the jaundice, dropsy, nephritic and rheumatic dis- orders, scrofula, and remove all impurities of the blood. The roots may be preserved in sugar and taken in diarrhea, con- sumptions, or disorders of the chest and lungs, and in other cases requiring internal medicine. A tea spoonful of the powdered root, taken with pine kernels, helps persons troubled with spitting of blood, or foul mattery, blood-streaked expec- toration. BUTTER CJJF. —{Banunculus hulhosus.) Description. — This plant gives rise to upright, herbaceous stems, each bearing a number of solitary, resplendent yellow flowers ; in hight from eight to fifteen inches, and set with ternate, sessile leaves, or leaves composed of three leaflets, which are lobed and notched, those near the top being less divided. The leaves growing from the root stand on long footstalks. Petals or leaves of the flowers, inversely heart- shaped, or broader at the top and smaller at the base. Calyx, five cleft, with lanceolate acuminate leaflets. The flowers usually appear in April, May and June. Medical Uses. — This acrid, fiery plant is never suitable to be used internally, but is of great utility in drawing blisters, and may be applied to the nape of the neck to withdraw catarrhal inflammation of the eyes. An ointment should be made of the leaves and flowers to form the vesicant or blister- ing plaster. The herb bruised and mixed with a little mustard draws a blister, as well and as perfectly as cantharides, and without injury to the urinary organs, which cantharides, not unfrequently, tend to harm. MATERIA MEDICA. 35 Tliis plant has been applied to the locality of a malignant rising, considered past cure, and it saved life, even beyond hope. BUTTEENUT, or WHITE '^^.l.'^^3T.—{Juglans cinerea.) {Properties.) — Alterative, Cathartic. Medical Uses. — This is a well-known tree, abounding in various northern sections of the United States. The bark is peculiarly adapted to cases of constipation or costiveness ; and used in diarrhea and dysentery whenever cathartic effect is required. This medicine in its course of operation is accompanied with no inconvenience or weakening effects. It may be used by way of decoction or extract. Ten grains of the extract is a gentle laxative, and twenty-five grains a cathartic. CAKAWAY. — {Oarum carui.) {Properties^ — Aromatic, Carminative, 'Stomachic. Description. — Caraway sends up an herbaceous stem, less in hight than that of the carrot, branched at the top, set with finely cut bipinnate leaves, somewhat resembling those of the carrot, yet not so bushy, and bearing small, white, umbelliferous flowers. It yields seeds of a dark color, smaller than those of anise, of an aromatic odor, and a warm, pungent taste — having a white, taper root, esculent or eatable when young. The flowers usually appear in June and July. Medical Uses. — Caraway seed is an excellent carminative and diuretic ; the herb, likewise, shares the same qualities. 5 36 people's physician. The roots are a healthy food for the stomach, promotiDg a wholesome digestion, and eaten like parsnips, remarkably strengthen the stomachs of aged persons. The herb bruised and boiled, simply, or together with the seeds, and applied hot between a double cloth to the lower part of the bowels, relieves wind colic. The seed is con- ducive to remove cold affections of the head and stomach. CABIiOT.—WiLB.—{Daucus carota.) {Properties.) — Diuretic, Deobstruent. Description. — The Wild Carrot presents a concave, umbelli- ferous inflorescence, having large umbels of small, white flowers at the top of the stem, which is usually between two and three feet in hight. The leaves at the bottom are large, and like those above, finely cut or composed of linear, pointed leaflets. It has a long, taper root, produces flowers and seeds the last of summer. Medical Uses. — The leaves or seeds, used by way of in- fusion, remove pains and stitches in the side — are useful in dropsy, colic, inflations of the abdomen, and gravel com- plaints. An external application of the leaves combined with honey, cleanses and heals exuding ulcers, or those attended with excessive discharge. The grated carrot is employed in form of a poultice for cancers, after having been boiled to a soft consistency. CKT^IV .—{ISFepeta cataria.) {Properties) — Antispasmodic, Carminative, Stomachic, Nervine, Sudorific, Tonic. Description. — This plant, otherwise called catmint.^ is a well-known garden herb, having a square stalk, two or three Nkpbta Cataeia, (Oat-mint.) Capsicum Annuum, (Cajenne Pepper.) MATERIA MEDICA. 37 feet in higlit, branched, set with two leaves at each joint, broadest toward the base, and diminishing to a point ; notched or nicked on the edges, green on the upper, and somewhat hoary on the inferior disk or surface. It produces light pur- ple flowers, formed in tufts, which appear in July or near that time. Medical Uses, — The merits of this very common herb are not adequately known and appreciated. It is used with re- markable success, by way of infusion, for influenza, cold in the head, or on the chest and lungs ; coughs and shortness of breath, flatulency, vertigo or dizziness; weakness of the stomach and internal injuries; cramps and rheumatic dis- orders. As a beverage it strengthens the nervous system exceed- ingly ; and taken by the patient in bed is highly useful in fevers, throwing ofl* the heat by determining to the surface or inducing perspiration, and often prevents a threatened fever. It is likewise useful in diarrhea, and for children in time of teething. An application of the leaves is of very great benefit for bruises and swellings ; or, an ointment made of the same, is employed with advantage for the piles. The mode of use should be warm for all the above purposes. CAYENNE PEPPEE.— ((7a^5^Vwm annuum.) {Properties.) — Eubefacient, Stimulant, Tonic. Medical Uses. — There are many varieties of capsicum^ which are known under the name of cayenne pepper. It is estimated that there are cultivated in Europe, and in the United States, from fifteen to twenty-five difierent varieties. When Cayenne Pepper is used to excess, it debilitates the digestive organs. In the practice of medicine, it is a powerful and useful stimulant ; and is very advantageously given in 38 people's physician. paralysis, choleras, violent hemorrhages, severe cases of dysentery, and in cases of low fevers. It is likewise very serviceable in dyspepsia or weak digestion, and as a gargle in the putrid sore throat of scarlet fever. CELAl^BINE.—iChelidomura majus.) {Properties.) — Apekient, DeobstpwUent, Diaphoretic, Diu- EETic, Hepatic. Description. — Celandine frequently rises with stalks not ftir from two feet in hight, though sometimes less, bearing bright yellow flowers, and furnished with pinnate leaves of a dark glaucous green color on the upper surface, and of a light hue beneath. The flowers usually appear through the summer. It is found by old walls, or in waste places. Medical Uses. — This plant possesses valuable merit in afiections of the eyes ; and some of the most desperate cases have been cured by an oil or ointment prepared from the herb. The expressed juice has been successfully employed as an eye-water, in opacity of the cornea, or films intercepting the sight. A decoction of Celandine and a few anise seed, re- moves hepatic obstructions and jaundice, — is efiectual when persistingly used, in dropsy and scrofulous sores. The ex- pressed juice frequently applied to cankers, warts, ring- worms or tetters, speedily efi^ects their cure; and combined with sulphur, as an external application, clears the skin of all discolorings. CEl^TAURY.— ((7A^Vonz'c^ angularis.) {Properties.) — Astringent, Stomachic, Tonic Description. — This fine, small plant rises with a stem a foot or more in hight, spreading above into many shoots — MATERIA MEDICA, 39 the flowers thus stand at the top in one nrabel, or corymb, of a pale red, tending to carnation color. These are followed by small, short pericarps or seed-vessels, containing seeds. The leaves are small, opposite, ovate, with a pointed termin- ation, and somewhat amplexicaul, or partially embracing the stem at their base. The root is small and hard. It is found in pastures, fields, and woods, producing flowers in July and August. Medical Uses. — This plant, in all its parts, among other qualities, possesses a very bitter taste, and is well calculated as a preventive of intermittents, or what is commonly called *' fever and ague," — is beneficial in jaundice or biliary dis- eases, and expels worms. An external application, formed of the bruised herb, is of excellent service in recent cuts or wounds, and proves curative, moreover, in ulcers and sores of long standing, even though they have become fistulous or hollow. The decoction of the plant, employed as a lotion or wash, obviates freckles and blemishes of the skin, cures tinea capitis or scald head, and other herpetic disorders. Boiling water should be poured upon the herb, — when cold, add a little wine. This furnishes an excellent tonic for the stomach — or put some of the herb in a covered glass of cold water, permitting it to stand in the sun twenty-four hours, — this medicine is curative for canker, and impurities of the blood. Dose. — A table spoonful four times a day. If preferred, the dose may be taken in powder, from one to two-thirds of a tea spoonful. CHAMOMILE.— (^n^A^m?^ nohilis.) {Properties.) — Antispasmodic, Discdtient, Febrifuge, Su- dorific, Tonic. Description. — Chamomile has round, bending, slender stems, a foot or more in length, furnished with bipinnate or 40 people's physician. much divided leaves. It produces compound, radiated, white flowers, with a yellow center, solitary or separately arranged. The roots are perennial, and extend or spread. It is cultivated in flower gardens, appearing in flower in the months of July and August. Medical Uses. — A decoction or drink of Chamomile, re- moves pains and stiches in the sides; taken warm with the addition of some spirits — promotes perspiration, expels colds, mitigates aches and pains, and procures the menses — is useful in cases of languor or debility, in diarrhea or dysentery, and for children in time of teethino^. A sirup of Cliamomile, combined with white wine, is a remedy for dropsy, swelling of the bowels, jaundice or biliary complaints. The flowers, beaten and made into pills, with oil of Chamomile, remove all kinds of intermitteuts or agues, if the patient, at the same time, be rubbed with the oil, retire to bed and sweat freely. There is no application more profitable than this for the region of the liver, spleen, or overstrained sides. The oil, moreover, is valuable in hard swellings, per- ishing or contracted limbs, cramps or pains in the joints. The flowers are the part used in medicine, and are used, in lieu of quinine, as a curative medicine, in intermittent and nervous fevers. QYLIG'K-'WYED.—Cerastiiim vulgaticm) {Properties) — Discutient, Emmollient, Refrigerant. Description. — The common Chick-weed, with white flowers, afibrds a remarkable instance of the sleep of plants, for at night the leaves approach in pairs, and inclose the tender rudi- ments of the young shoots. — Encyc.^ Wiseman. The stems, with protuberant nodes or joints, are set with opposite, undivided leaves. It is found usually in moist, waste grounds, producing flowers about June. MATERIA MEDICA. 41 Medical Uses. — The leaves are nutritive or nourishing, and are considered a superior aliment for patients of a cachectic habit of body — moreover, applied frequently by way of a warm poultice, they relieve the toothache, and are of service in swollen breasts. The herb, bruised, and repeatedly bound fresh to the region of the liver, abates inflammation of that organ. The juice may be employed in the piles, cutaneous affections, redness and inflammation of the eyes, and in cases of irritative or virulent ulcers in any part of the body. A poultice, formed of the leaves, boiled with marsh-mal- lows and linseed, applied to abscesses or tumors, ripens and breaks them, — subdues the swelling and pain. A liniment, formed after the following manner, possesses remarkable efficacy in relaxing contracted muscles and re- lieving perishing limbs : — Boil Chick-weed, and dried red rose leaves, a handful of each, in a quart of vinegar, until a fourth part is evaporated, — then add a pint of oil of sheeps' feet, boil well, strain, and rub it on briskly to the part affected, warming by the fire — immediately after, bind on the leaves with the liniment. It will afford relief after a few applica- tions. Qm(:iTJY.YOll..—{Potentilla re^ptans) (Properties) — Astringent, Disgutient, Febkifuge, Refri- gerant. Description. — Cinquefoil, often called five-fingered grass^ is a creeping plant, spreading with long, slender runners, after the manner of the strawberry, having slender, bending stems, leaves serrated or notched on the edges, and usually set by fives on a common petiole. It produces yellow flowers, which appear during the summer months. The root is of a dark brown color, less in diameter than ones little finger, yet long and somewhat fibrous. It is found in the borders of fields and woods, or by pathways in pastures. 42 people's physician. Medical Uses. — The powder, taken from one half to a tea spoonful at a dose, or the decoction of the root, seldom fails to effect the cure of intermittent fevers or agues. It is useful in other fevers, night sweats, general debility, and inflammations — cools and regulates the blood, or corrects the acrimony of the humors, — is likewise used by way of gargle in sore mouths, or as a lotion in cankers, ulcers, or fistulas, and corrupt sores attended with profuse discharge. About a gill of the expressed juice taken daily, for several days in succession, cures the quinsy and jaundice — and taken for six weeks cures epilepsy or fits. A beverage of the roots, boiled in milk, is one of the most effectual remedies in diarrhea, dysentery, ^loody flux, fluor albus, inordinate menses, and other preternatural discharges. The juice or decoction, with some honey, relieves hoarseness and coughs. The roots boiled in vinegar, and employed as an external application, allays scirrhous swellings in any part of the flesh, inflammations, erysipelas or St. Anthony's fire, ab- scesses, painful sores accompanied with heat, or of a putres- cent tendency, herpes zoster or shingles, itch, etc. An infusion of the same in wine, used both internally and externally, ob- viates rheumatic disorders, and alleviates pains of the bowels. The roots should be combined with others adapted to the purpose, and employed both internally and externally for rup- tures, contusions, wounds or injuries resulting from falls. A strong decoction of the roots and leaves is considered to be a very good wash for palsied hands, being often used, and per- mitted to be absorbed or dried into the skin. CLARY. — {Salvia sclarea.) {Properties) — Discutient, Errhixe, Stimulant, Stomachic. Description. — Clary has square stems, and wrinkled, hoary., pubescent, green leaves, arranged in pairs. The flowers are Galium Aparine [Aspeeula.] (Cleavers.) MATERIA MEDICA. 43 of a whitish blue, disposed at stated spaces in axillary cymes, after the manner of sage : — after these follow brownish, and somewhat flat seeds. The root is annual, blackish, and slight- ly spreading. It is found in gardens, producing flowers in June and July, the seeds maturing in August. Medical Uses. — The mucilage of the seeds, prepared in water, as an external applicaton, disperses tumors or swellings. The leaves, applied with vinegar, alleviates the pain, and abates the inflammation of boils and felons. The powder of the root, used as a cephalic snufi*, removes catarrhal afiections of the head. An infusion of the seeds, or leaves in wine, obvi- ates weakness of the back, or kidneys, warms and strengthens the stomach, aids digestion, and abates inflammation of the throat. The distilled water is said to possess valuable merits for red, inflamed, weeping or watery eyes, and it is said, moreover, that one of the seeds of Clary, put into the eye and being permitted to remain until it shall have dropped out of itself, will remove motes, extraneous matter or humors, and even specks on the cornea, or films obstructing the sight, when the process is persistingly repeated. At all events, it is a per- fectly safe and easy remedy. CLEAVERS OR GOOSE GV.A^^.— {Galium aparine.) {Properties.) — Astringent, Antiscorbutic, Discutient, Di- uretic, Deobstruent. Description. — This plant has a slender, square, herbaceous stem, procumbent, or not rising much unless supported, set w^th leaves at the joints in a verticillate manner, somewhat in a star-like form, and producing minute white flowers on thready footstalks. The pericarp or seed vessel is two celled, containing two seeds, which, as well as the stems and leaves, cleaves to any thing coming in contact. The root is small, fibrous, and spreading. It is found by ditch sides, hedge sides, and at times is very annoying in some gardens. Its time of 44 people's physician. floweriDg is in June or Jnlj, and the seeds mature in August, bj which it is propagated, and not by its roots. Medical Uses. — The distilled water, or an infusion of this plant, taken twice a day before eating, is excellent in jaun- dice, diarrhea and dysentery. The juice, bruised leaves, or powders, are effective in chronic ulcers, arrests the bleeding of wounds, and facilitates their cure. An ointment prepared from the leaves, with hog's lard, is unsurpassed in glandular swellings or scrofula of the throat. Cleavers is highly valuable in congestion of the spleen, in nephritic, or gravel complaints, and scorbutic maladies — it strengthens the liver and purifies the blood. The plant should be put in a tight or covered vessel of cold water or spirits, being placed aside for use, and never pre- pared by fire. CLOYE, CAKXATION Vi:srK.—{Dlanthus caryoj>hyllu8) {Proj)erties.) — Cakdiac, Cephalic, Toxic. Description. — It has smooth, branched, upright, jointed, slender stems, of a sea-green color, one foot or more in higbt, and furnished at the joints with short, narrow leaves of the same color, arranged in couplets. The flowers are single, or placed separately at the termination of the branches, of a light red color, with laciniate or frini2:e-like maro^ins. This frasrrant plant, so pleasing to the eye and so grateful to the smell, is extensive in our flower gardens. Medical Uses. — The flowei*s of the Carnation Pink are very strengthening in infirmities of the brain and heart — and may be employed in the form of cordials and cephalic medi- cines, as occasion requires. A sirup or conserve made of theso flowers tends much to assist or support nature, in cases of consumptions. It is likewise excellent in burning, malignant fevers. MATERIA MEDIC A. 45 CLOYEH OR HONEY S^JCKLY„—{Trifolium pratciise.) {Pro^perties^ — Antispasmodic, Discutient, Pectoral. Medical Uses. — The leaves and heads employed by way of infusion relieve pains of the bowels, and formed into a poultice abate inflammations. It is said the expressed juice is useful when applied to films of the eyes, — that it subdues the heat, redness, or inflammation of the same. Clover boiled in hog's lard and made into an ointment, is of service for stings, bites, and wounds. A poultice formed of the decoction of the seeds and flowers, with some oil, may be used for swellings and abscesses. COLIC 1X0011.— {Liatris spicata.) - {Properties) — Anodyne, CarminativEj Diuretic, Stimu- lant, Sudorific. Medical Uses. — Colic root, otherwise called lutton snalce- Toot^ deviVs hit., etc., is a plant which we often find in the praries of the Western States. When taken in warm decoc- tion, it is very warming to the stomach, and particularly serviceable in flatulency, colic, dropsy, back-ache, etc. 001.T^-'FOOT,—(,Tussilagofarfara.) {Properties.) — Demulcent, Expectorant, Febrifuge, Pec- toral. Description. — The leaves of this plant are of a roundish form, cleft at the base, obtusely terminating, resembling a heart, sometimes slightly indented, and of a lucid green 6 46 people's physician. on the upper, and whitish on the under surface — standing on footstalks which proceed directly from the root. The stems are creased, pubescent or downy, having a number of small, rough leaves, closely clasping the caulis or stem, each of which is terminated by a compound, yellow flower, appearing early in the spring, and not unfrequently prior to the rise of the roundish, heart-shaped leaves, from the root: — this is small, white, and widely spreading. Colt's-foot is found, usually, in wet or moist grounds. Medical Uses. — A sirup prepared from an infusion of the leaves, is very valuable in dry coughs, influenza, dyspnoea or asthma, and other pulmonary complaints. The dried leaves, used in the form of tobacco, are much better, in bronchitis and catarrh, on the chest. The distilled water of Colt's-foot, simply, or together with elder flowers, is a superior remedy in ague and fever, where heat predominates, administered half a gill at a dose, applying cloths, in the meantime, satur- ated in some, to the head and stomach. The same is useful in St. Anthony's fire, burns or scalds, piles, and in any swell- ings characterized by heat or inflammation. COLUMBO. — ( Cocuhis palmatus.) (Properties}) — Antispeptic, Tonic. Medical Uses. — As a tonic, unaccompanied with astring- ency, and possessing little stimulus, it has been recommended in phthisis and hectic fever, to allay irritability and strengthen the digestive organs, and also to allay the nausea and vomit- ing which accompany pregnancy. This root may be procured at the drug stores. It is admin- istered in powder, from twelve grains to a third of a tea spoonful, every three or five hours. It obviates weakness at the stomach, cholera morbus, — and is much used in dyspeptic and consumptive complaints, — or in a languid and prostrated MATERIA MEDICA. 4T state of the system — in diarrhea, dysentery, and chronic dis- orders — being a valuable tonic. COMFREY. — {SyrnpJiytum officinale.) {Properties) — Balsamic, Demulcent, Expectorant, Pec- TOKAL. Description. — Comfrey chiefly delights in moist or humid grounds, is usually cultivated in gardens, and sends up at first large, hairy, green leaves, having a sharp, extended termination ; among these rises an angular stalk, branched, and hairy like the leaves, two feet or more in hight, furnished with alternate leaves, gradually diminishing in size as they approximate the summit. The flowers are formed in spikes, somewhat long and hollow, bearing some resemblance to the finger of a glove, — of a very pale straw color. It has a large, perennial, mucilaginous root, extending stout shoots into the ground, whose virtues are similar to those of the mallow. The time of flowering is generally in July. Medical Uses. — A sirup or conserve of the fresh roots of Comfrey is very excellent for internal weakness or injuries, spitting of blood, bloody urine, alvine discharges of blood or humors, for ulcers of the lungs, conducing to the easy expec- toration of the humors and phlegm oppressing them — for catarrhal defluxions from the head to the lungs, coughs, con- sumptions, and fits of agues. An application of the bruised roots, by way of a poultice, is highly valuable for sore breasts proceeding from lacteal redundancy — for recent wounds, swellings, or bruises, ruptures or broken bones, serving to consolidate or unite and heal the parts aflected. The same may be used to advantage to allay the heat or inflammation, and repress the bleeding of the piles. It is very profitable, moreover, in ulcers attended with profuse discharge, or of a gangrenous tendency. 48 people's physician. CRA]N"BEREY. — ( Oxy coccus macrocaiyus.) {Projperties.) — Acid, AsTEI^'GE^'T, Refrigekant. Medical Uses. — The Cranberry is very extensively used as a sauce of excellent flavor, and is produced on a delicate, droop- ing stem, growing in boggy, swampy, or wet, peat grounds. Though these berries have long served as a table sauce, never- theless, for medical purposes, very few things have proved of greater utility ; and it is somesvhat surprising, that the medi- cal virtues of an article so much used by families, should not have been disclosed until within a few years — the rare proper- ties of which were, however, primarily discovered by the Indians, and the medicine has been adopted as a remedy, at- tended with great success, in cancers, erysipelas, and inflam- mations, used by way of a topical application. For cancers they are mashed in form of a poultice, in their fresh, crude, or raw state, and when very frequently renewed, will efiect a cure in a brief space of time. Under its peculiar, cooling, and drawing tendency, some soreness may succeed, neverthe- less, healthy granulations appear as the virus is gradually subdued. With respect to erysipelas, a writer states, in the 3^ Y. Triljune^ this malignant disease is prevailing as an epidemic, and often proves fatal — and observes, that he was at first taken with headache and fever ; on the second day his nose became red and painful ; on the day following it had swollen, and the doctor pronounced it the erysipelas. The cranberry plaster was applied, cutting a breathing hole through the thick cloth, but not until the face was dreadfully swollen, had cracked open, and was oozing out the fetid matter — the plaster was kept on all night, greatly to the relief of the acute pain ; and in the morning, when it was removed, the disease was conquered, the rapid progress to the region of the brain had been arrested, and in all probability this saved life. It is observed, in the l^evj Haven Palladium^ that a complete cure oi erysipelas was efiected by the simple application of raw MATERIA MEDICA. 49 cranberries, pounded fine. The patient was a young lady, one side of whose face had become so much swollen and inflamed, that the eye had become closed and the pain excessive. A poultice of cranberries was applied, and after several changes, the pain ceased, the inflammation subsided, and in the course of a couple of days, every vestige of the disease had disap- peared. The case occurred in the family of one of the editors of the Palladium^ and we can therefore vouch for the truth. It is stated, moreover, in the Providence Journal^ that, in ninety-nine cases out of a hundred, cranberries, applied as a poultice, will effectually cure the erysipelas. There is not an instance known where it has failed to effect a cure, before the sufferer was in a dying state. Two or three applications gen- erally effect a change. Corns may be extracted from the feet by binding on a few mashed cranberries, once or twice in twenty-four hours. We have known very annoying and painful corns removed in this way, in the course of a week. CRANE'S-BILL. — ( Geranium macidatum.) {Properties.) — Astringent, Styptic, Tonic. Medical Uses. — The root of Crane's-bill fanks high as a very important astringent, and is more acceptable to the taste than many other astringent medicines. It is employed in chronic forms of diarrhea and dysentery, internal and exter- nal bleeding, leucorrhea, and in cases of flooding. The tincture, as an external application, is of excellent use in chronic ulcers, and as a wash or gargle for canker in the mouth, or ulcerations of the throat. The root, used as a mas- ticatory, or chewed, is unrivaled in diseased gums, or chronic looseness of the teeth. Dose. — Of decoction, from one half to a gill — of the pow- der, half tea spoonful. 50 people's physician. CUTTING A.'L^101Sf the roots in wine, expels all kinds of worms — is 54 people's physician. useful in hemoptysis or spitting of blood — and employed both internally and externally, serves to remove cramps or con- vulsions, rheumatic pains of the joints, internal bruises or injuries, etc. The same, used as a gargle, or the root as a masticatory, firmly fastens loose teeth, and preserves them from decay. The root, boiled well in vinegar, and made into an ointment with hog's lard, or the decoction used as a wash, is an excellent remedy in scabs, psora or itch, putrid sores or cankers. The distilled water clears the face of spots, blemishes or imperfections. Dose. — Of the powder ten grains three times a day. In decoction of an ounce of coarse powder to a pint of boiling water, the dose is one fluid ounce three times a day. EN^DIYE. — ( ClcJiorium endivia.) {Properties) — Deobstruent, Febrifuge, Refrigerant. Description. — This is a bitterish, annual plant, and starts up with a stem furnished with divided leaves, after the manner of succory, bearing blue flowers ; also, yielding seeds closely resembling those of succory, and the roots yield a milky juice. When roasted, it closely resembles cofiee, and is used to adulterate it in Europe. It is usually cultivated in gardens. Medical Uses. — Endive is a fine, cooling plant, and the decoction of the leaves serves well to abate excessive heat of the liver and stomach, or predominance of heat in the hot stages of agues ; and to allay inflammation in any part of the body. It corrects sharpness of urine, or excoriations aflfecting the urinary organs. The seed possesses a similar, or perhaps, a more eflectual quality, and is valuable in faint- ing or swooning. An external application of Endive corrects the acrimony or sharpness of humors in fretting ulcers, or M A T E R I A M E D I C A . 55 tumors and swellings attended with inflammation — and is said to help remarkably, redness and inflammation of the eyes — likewise, dimness of sight. It can not be used amiss, — a sirup made of it is an excellent cooling medicine in fevers. EYE-BmGWr.—iFnpArasia officinalis.) (Properties.) — Anticatarrhal, Cephalic. Description. — Eye-bright or eup?trast/^ is a low plant, ris- ing up usually with a dark green stem, nine inches in hight, or not much more, branching from the lower part, and set with almost round or ovate, pointed, small, dark green leaves, finely notched on the edges, and arranged in pairs. At the joints with the leaves,, from the middle to the top, appear small, white flowers, slightly variegated with yellow and purple. These are followed by round heads, small in themselves, and containing very small seeds. The root is long, and thready at the extremity. The plant usually grows in meadows and grassy grounds. Medical Uses. — The expressed juice or distilled water of this plant, should be used as an eye-water, and at the same time, a part mingled with wine for internal use, in order to remedy catarrhal inflammation of the eyes, or infirmities which tend to weaken and impair the sight. "This medicine is useful in coughs, hoarseness, headache and earache which have supervened in catarrhal afiections. It is said, the powder of the herb, mixed with fennel seed, sugar, and mace, and taken in a beverage, or the powder made into an electuary, with sugar, improves the vision decayed through age. Euphrasy is of utility in bloodshot eyes — in those oppressed with an increase of sharp humors — in cases of specks on the cornea — and in weeping or watery eyes. It strengthens, moreover, a weak brain, or memory. 56 people's physician. FEXIS'EL. — {Anet7iu7n foeniculum.) {Properties.) — Antispasmodic, Cakmixatiye, Deobstkuent, Galactopoietic, Stomachic. DesGvljption. — Pennel rises with a round, furrowed, fully branched, upright, green stalk, varying from two and a half to three and a half feet in hight, set with alternate leaves, sheath- ing or investing the stalk or stem by their base, finely divided, or composed of linear, pointed, dark green leaflets. It pro- duces resplendent yellow, pentapetalons flowers, disposed in umbels. It has a spindle shaped root, which is said to be pec- toral and diuretic. Gardens usually afibrd an ample supply of this root. Medical Uses. — A decoction of leaves, or rather of the seeds of fennel, abates the heat, and obviates the loathing or sickness, oftentimes incident to the stomach of the debilitated and feverish patient — relieves hiccough, asthmatic and rheu- matic afiections. The same, boiled in barley water, augments or increases the milk of nurses, and renders it more whole- some for infants. The seeds are aromatic and warm: they contain a large proportion of essential oil. The seeds, cr roots are eflfectual to cleanse the blood — to remove visceral obsti'uctions — and to obviate the jaundice, pain, enlargement and tumefaction of the spleen, attended with flatus. The roots may be given in form of diet-drink, which is well calculated to improve the cadaverous countenance of the con- valescent patient, after a fit of sickness, and induce a healthy habit of body — it is said,- moreover, to reduce obesity or excessive fleshiness. The distilled water, or expressed juice is useful to clear the eyes of films. "Wild Fennel is deemed to possess stronger and more warming qualities than the sative or o-arden kind. MATEEIA MEDICA, 57 FEEI^. — {Aspidium felix mas.) {Properties.) — x^nthelmintic, Astringent, Emmenagogue, Tonic. Description, — Male Fern sends up lucid green fronds, or divided leaves, with the fructification on the inferior disk or under surface, proceeding directly from the root, after the man- ner of dense masses or collections ; varying between one and three and a half feet in hight, in form oblong, sharply termi- nated, and composed of deeply lobed, oblong divisions or leaflets, notched with roundish incisures on the margins. The root is perennial, not descending, but growing parallel with the surface of the ground. This plant is usually found in shady grounds, and soils adapted to the growth of pines. Medical Uses. — Male Fern, bruised and boiled in mead or honeyed water, is a vermifuge, especially for the taenia or tape worm, and lum'briGi^ or long, round worms. This is a bitter, astringent, and strengthening medicine, well calculated to remedy biliary, watery humors, and reduce enlargement and tumefaction of the spleen. The roots, bruised and boiled in hog's lard, furnish a good ointment for wounds. The powder may be used to dry up the profuse discharge of obstinate ulcers, and facilitate their cure. This plant should not be used by women in a state of pregnancy, as it is most certain to pro- duce abortion. The same, burned in sleeping apartments, is said to expel gnats and musquitoes, which are frequently a source of great annoyance to persons by night. Meadow Fern, {Myrica gale^) is considered to possess pec- toral, astringent, and herpetic properties, and is employed in disorders of the chest and cutaneous affections. The infusion is also stomachic and vermifuge. Sweet Fern, {Comptonia asplenifolia^ is an herb of great utility, and many persons are not aware of its valuable properties — it holds a high repu- tation in domestic use, in cases of chronic debility, diarrhea, 7 58 people's physician. dysentery aDd bloody flux. It possesses noted astringent and tonic properties. It is good for night sweats. It is also used in rheumatism, inflammations, fevers, asthma, etc., and often as a fomentation. YEVEFJP'KW.—{Pyrethru7npartAe}num.) (Properties.) — Emmenagogue, Xeryixe, Stimulant, Stom- achic, Tonic. Descrijption. — Feverfew rises with a branching stem, between two and three feet in hight, furnished with lively green, pinnate leaves, composed of leaflets cut into jags, or toothed. It produces compound, radiated, white flowers, with a yellow disk or center, on short footstalks, which spread at the summit of the stem. The odor of the whole plant is very strong, and its taste bitter. It is a congener, or allied to cham- omile — and inherits its name, doubtless, from its febrifuge qualities. It is usually fouud in gardens, flowering in June and July. The root is somewhat hard, with radicles or strong fibers. Medical Uses. — Feverfew, sometimes Q,2i\\Qdifeatlier-fevj., is invigorating to the stomach, tranquilizing and bracing to the nerves, cleansing and strengthening in uterine, or female complaints ; and remedies such infirmities as a careless mid- wife may have occasioned, provided an infusion of the herb in white wine be administered as a drink, — or an infusion of the flowers in wine, with the addition of a little nutmeg or mace, drank frequently during the day, is an approved medicine to procure speedy menstruation, and to void the still-hirth and after-hirtJi : — sitting over the hot fumes of the decoction of the herb made in water, may answer the same purpose, and in some cases, a warm application of the boiled herb to the parts, may be necessary. An infusion thereof, with the addition of some sugar or honey, is used by many 1 MATEEIAMEDICA. 59 with good success, in coughs, colds, ii]fluenza, or catarrah on the chest. The powder taken in wine, with the addition of squills, purges the bile, mucus or phlegm — is available for shortness of breath, melancholy, or depression of spirits. The bruised leaves applied to the crown of the head, and the cold tea drank daily, is an effectual mode of treatment, in vertigo or dizziness, paralysis, St. Yitus' dance, stammer- ing, and pains of the head resulting from colds. An infusion of Feverfew^ drank warm, at the same time some of it beaten together with salt and applied to the wrists, prior to the ap- proach of the paroxysms of agues, prevents or removes them. The distilled vvater may be employed in afiections of the eyes, freckles, and discolorings of the skin. This herb bruised and heated with some wine and oil, is applied to the abdomen with advantage in flatulent colic. Y\LWY:M)V>\.K.—{SiyircBafili:pendula>^ {Properties^ — Antilithic, Astringent, Carminative, Diu- KETic, Pectoral, Tonic. Deseription. — This plant, sometimes called drojpwort^ rises with a stalk usually two feet in hight, slightly branched, furnished with a species of compound or pinnate leaves, alter- nately arranged, and composed of several paii's of leaflets, indented or notched on the edges, the terminal leaflet having three parts. or divisions. The top of the stalk spreads into flower stems, variously subdivided, and bearing many white, pentapetalous, sweet-scented flowers on short peduncles. The root is perennial, consisting of a number of small, black, roundish, tuberous pieces, hanging down from the principal root, and connected together by threads. It is cultivated in gardens and likewise inhabits dry fields and meadows, pro- ducing flowers in June and July. Medical Uses. — Filipendula is highly spoken of as a medi- cine in cases of strangury, nephritic or calculous complaints. 60 people's physician. The root should be administered in form of powder, or by way of decoction, with the addition of a little honey. It aids to expel the ofter-hirth. The powder of the roots prepared with honey, in the form of an electuary, or made into a thick consistency, promotes the expectoration of tenacious mucus or phlegm — and is of great benefit in flatulent distensions of the stomacii, — in diseases of the lungs, as shortness of breath, wheezing respiration, hoarseness, coughs, etc. FOXGLOVE. — {Digitalis purpurea.) {Properties.) — ANXEPiLErTic, Discuteent, Diuretic, !N'ae- COTIC. Description. — Foxglove has hoary, green leaves, indented or notched on the edges, and set upon the stem from the bot- tom to the middle: from thence to the top, are arranged long, hollow, bell-shaped, pendulous, purple flowers, containing dark dots. The capsules are ovate, and contain small, dark or brown seeds. The root is biennial, small, and fibrous. This plant grows in sandy grounds, usually, yet sometimes else- where, and generally produces flowers in July. Medical Uses. — An application of the bruised leaves of Foxglove, is well adapted to heal fresh wounds ; and the ex- pressed juice may be used to cleanse, dry, and heal chronic sores, — an ointment made of this, is said to be efiectual in scrofula or kiug's-evil. A level tea spoonful of the powder, infused in a pint of boiling water, with the addition of some hone}^ or sugar, cleanses and purges the body of tenacious phlegm or viscous humors, — removes hepatic and splenetic obstructions. For epilepsy, a level tea spoonful of the pow- dered leaves, and two tea spoonsful oi polypody, should be put into a pint bottle of ale or beer, and kept tight for use. Dose. — From one to two table spoonsful, morning and even- ing. This medicine has been known to cure epileptic fits of fifteen years standing, — it is of much use in dropsy, being an MATERIA MEDICA. 61 active diuretic. Foxglove should be administered with caution, being a very powerful medicine, and not unfrequently fraught with ill or dangerous effects, from overdoses. The usual dose is from one-half to three grains, in powder. It is sometimes administered in tincture, beginning with ten drops, night and morning, and increasing the dose until slight nausea is produced. Y\]MlT01lY.—{Fumaria officinalis.) {Properties.) — Alterative, Diaphoketic, Diueetio, Laxa- tive, Tonic. Description. — Fumitory is a tender herbaceous plant, con- taining a watery juice, and having a square, brittle stem, with branches leaning or bending, set with multifid, or much di- vided leaves, of a sea-green color. It produces numerous purple flowers. These are followed by round seed vessels containing small black seeds. The root is yellowish, moder- ately long, small, and full of watery juice, when fresh. It is found in gardens and tilled grounds, or fields, usually flower- ing during May, June, and Jul^^ Medical Uses. — The juice, made into a sirup, or the decoc- tion of the plant made in whey, in conjunction with other purging or aperient herbs and roots, to render it the more active, is effectual to remove obstructions of the liver, and to cleanse the blood of morbid, inflamed humors, which give rise to herpetic affections, as ring-worms or tetters, scabs, and sim- ilar eruptions of the skin. This medicine, after freeing the body from impurities, reinvigorates, or strengthens the whole system. It is very good in jaundice ; and acts, in large doses, as a powerful diuretic. The powder of the herb, taken for some time, cures hypochondriac complaints. The seed is con- sidered more effectual for the above purposes. The distilled water, with a little rose-water, employed as a gargle, helps canker in the mouth and throat. 62 people's physician. The juice may be applied in inflammation of the eyes, and dimness of sight, — it may be miDgled, likewise, with the juice of docks and vinegar, as a valuable lotion or wash, in cuta- neous affections, or disorders of the skin. GARLIC. — {Allium sativum..) {Properties.) — Expectorant, Diuketic, Pectoeal, Stimu- lant, Tonic, Yekmifuge. Medical Uses. — Every part of this plant, but more especi- ally the bulb, has a pungent, acrimonious taste, and a peculi- arly offensive, strong smell. It powerfully promotes urina- tion, — is effectual for bites of mad dogs, and other venomous bites, — is valuable to expel worms in children, — cuts and voids tough mucus, or phlegm, — purges the head and obviates lethar- gic complaints, — it is a good preventive against infectious or malignant diseases, and remedies virulent ulcers, — removes spots and blemishes from the skin, — pains in the ears — more- over ripens and breaks abscesses, boils, and similar swellings. The onion may be substituted for the above purposes ; but the garlic has some virtues peculiar to itself — it possesses a special quality to throw off derangements of the system, arising from ague and fever, mineral fumes, or from drinking stagnant water — also ill effects resulting from the imprudent use of wolfs-hane., henbane^ fiemlock^ etc. It is valuable in dropsy, jaundice, epilepsy, cramps, con- vulsions, hemorrhoids or piles. Persons of a phlegmatic tem- perament, having dull, sluggish circulation, or derangement of the secretory vessels, realize, from the use of garlic, very beneficial results, — but those of a plethoric habit should dis- pense with its free use. A sirup made of garlic is excel- lent for inveterate coughs and other pulmonary complaints. It should be used in its crude or raw state, by way of expressed juice, or otherwise, in the foregoing disorders, since prepara- tion by fire has a tendency to counteract its medicinal force... MATERIA MEDICA. 63 GENTIAN. — {Gentiana purpurea:) {Properties) — Alterative, Antiseptic, Diuretic, Emmen- AGOGUE, Stomachic, Tonic, Vermifuge. Deseription. — Purple Gentian rises with an upright, stout, herbaceous, unbranched stem, between one and two feet in hight, varying according to the soil, of a brownish green color, furnished with long, pointed, dark green leaves, undivided, and even on the edges, clasping the stem at their base, and set in couplets up to the top. The flowers are purple, long, hollow or bell-shaped, and terminated at the border by five pointed lobes or segments. It has a perennial root, long, and growing deep in the ground. The time of flowering is in August. The order of Gentianworts, comprises species having near- ly similar properties, varying chiefly in intensity, — Gentiana lutea is what we usually find in drug stores. Medical Uses. — The root removes morbific or biliary de- rangements — strengthens the stomach exceedingly^ — and there- by restores lost appetite and relieves dyspepsia — likewise removes tough, viscous mucus or phlegm, stitches, or shooting pains in \h.Q sides, imparts new vigor to the spirits, and pre- vents fainting or swooning. An infusion of the root in wine revives persons overwearied by traveling, excessive labor, or exposure, afibrds relief in cramps or convulsions ; and is an excellent remedy in ruptures, bruises, or like injuries, as well as for sores or ulcers. It very effectually promotes urination and menstruation, therefore should be withheld in cases of pregnancy, as it is attended with abortive consequences. A tea spoonful of the powdered root, taken in wine, each morn- ing, is an admirable vermifuge — and is profitable moreover, in scrofula or king's-evil, intermittents, or ague and fever. Gentian counteracts putrescent tendencies, poison, and infec- tion. The powder may be used or taken in wine to expel the virus communicated from venomous bites. 64 people's physician. GINSENG. — {Panax quinquefolium.) {Properties.) — Diapiioketic, Demulcent, Nekvine, STniu- LANT. Medical Uses. — ^The American has the same properties, yet is somewhat inferior to the Chinese plant. The roots have an agreeable smell, and slightly bitter, aromatic taste. It has been found serviceable in paralysis, convulsions, dizziness, dysentery, and nervous affections . It may be taken either in decoction, tincture, or powder. Dose. — Of the pulverized root from one to two tea spoonsful. GOlA)Y^-V^OV>.—{Soliclagovirgaurea.) (Properties^ — Astringent, Diuketio, Lithontkyptic, Tonic, Vulnerary. Description. — This plant has a round, virgate, or rod-like stem, usually two feet in hight, though sometimes higher, fur- nished with long, numerous, dark green leaves, very seldom, however, if any, notched on the edges. The stem, which is of a brownish hue, is divided at the top, bearing small, yellow fiowers, all turned the same way, and after maturing, changed to down, which is carried away by the wind. The root is pe- rennial, not growing deep, comprising many small shoots or radicles, and sends up annually new stems. It is found in open grounds of woods, or similar places, both in moist and dry soils, flowering about the month of July. Medical Uses. — This species of Golden-rod is a powerful diuretic, and relieves strangury or nephritic complaints, and is considered a solvent in calculous formations. The infusion of the fresh or dried herb, drank, and applied externally, as occasion requires, is effectual in ruptures, inward bleeding, or bleeding of wounds, debility, and chronic laxity of the Panax Quinquefolium, (Ginseng.) Hydrastis Canadensis, (Golden Seal.) MATERIA MEDICA. 65 bowels, bloody flux, dysentery, profuse menses, exudation, or profuse discharge of humors. As a wound herb it is in- ferior to none, both for internal and external uses, curing speedily fresh wounds, chronic sores or ulcers. It is a sov- reign remedy, in the form of a wash, for diseased gums, or chronic looseness of the teeth, ulcerations in the mouth and throat or other localities. The sweet-scented Golden-rod, {Solidago odora^) is used by way of warm infusion, as a stimu- lant, carminative, and diaphoretic, — allays flatulent pains, and regulates the unpleasant efiects, or taste, attendant on the use of other medicines of a harsh or irritative nature. GOLDEN-SEAL. — {Hydrastis canadensis.) (Properties.) — Antibilious, Aperient, Tonic. Description. — This small plant, known also by the name of yellow puccoon., has a yellow root, with some knobby portions, connected by fibers, which gives rise to one or two leaves, gashed or divided into a few parts, and irregularly notched on the edges. It bears a flower of a white color, or with a shade of purple, terminating the scape or naked flower Btalk. It is found in moist, shady woods of thS West, and in some localities near the Atlantic coast of the United States. Medical Use^. — The root is bitter and pungent, and is highly useful, employed in conjunction with other tonic roots, in the form of a bitter, to raise the debilitated patient, and restore a good appetite. A decoction of the root is likewise used as a topical tonic. It is of very great value in jaundice and biliarly diseases, dyspepsia, weakness and oppression of the stomach. An infusion of the root in wine is useful in constipation. Golden-seal is also very valuable in inflam- mation. Used both externally and internally, by way of powder or decoction. 66 people's physician. GOLB-TRRE AD. —{Co2?tls trifoUa.) (Properties.) — Astringent, Stomachic, Tonic. Description. — This small evergreen, called Gold-thread, from its yellow, fibrous roots, has leaves on slim footstalks, divided into three parts, the leaflets being sessile, smallest at the base, and largest at the termination, cut into segments, and acutely notched. A single white flower terminates the flower stem, which appears in the spring. It is found plenti- fully in the Eastern section of the United States, and in some other localities, growing in shady woods, low, wet grounds, and sometimes in elevated places. Medical Uses. — The root of Gold-thread furnishes a pure, efiectual, tonic bitter, highly valuable in weakness or derange- ment of the stomach. It will prove of much advantage to the convalescent patient, after a fit of prostrating sickness, in restoring a wonted degree of health and strength. It is of much use, likewise, in aphthous disorders of the mouth and fauces, or canker in the mouth and throat. It may be given in the form of powder or tincture, in tea spoonful doses, two or three times a day. An ointment, made of the root and hog's lard, is very good for sore lips, chapped hands, etc. GOOSEBERRY.— (i?/5^5 grossularia.) {Froj)erties.) — Antibilious, Antilithic, Refkigeeant. Description. — This bush or shrub is usually found in gar- dens. It is armed with spines, furnished with alternate leaves, lobed, and irregularly notched, or having inequalities on the edges. The berries possess a grateful, cooling, reviv- ing flavor. CopTis Teifolia, (Gold-thread.) """ MATERIA MEDIC A. 67 Medical Uses. — The green berries being stewed, are well calculated to restore decayed or lost appetite, especially of those whose stomachs are afflicted with excess of bile. An external application of the leaves, prepared by way of de- coction, abates erysipelas or St. Anthony's fire, allays the excessive heat of swellings or inflammations. E-ipe goose- berries correct the heat of the stomach and liver. A decoction of the tender, young leaves is useful in calculous disorders or gravel complaints. GKAPE Ym^.—{Yitis vinifera.) {Properties) — Antilithio, Hydeagogue, Eefkigeeant. Description, — The Grape Vine is a well-known, woody, climbing vine, clinging to trees or fixed objects, by means of its tendrils or claspers, having sappy stems, and leaves gashed into a few lobes, notched on the edges, standing on footstalks, the upper being alternate and the lower leaves opposite. It produces racemous clusters of round fruit. Medical Uses. — The exudation of cut Grape Yines, or tears, taken two or three spoonsful at a time, is an effectual medi- cine in calculous affections of the bladder and* dropsy. A decoction of the leaves is a very good lotion in sore mouths, and is useful in cases of diarrhea : — the same, boiled with barley meal, and made into a poultice, may be employed as a cooling application for inflammation of wounds. The ashes of the Grape Yine forms a dentifrice unsurpassed. Taken in Maderia wine, it is curative in cases of dropsy : it should be taken at two or three stated or regular times during the day. Dose. — A dessert spoonful in a half or entire glass of wine. The sap or tears of the vine are used in France in cases of chronic ophthalmia, or, in plainer words, inflammation of the eyes. The expressed juice of the unripe fruit, which is 8 C8 people's physician. called verjuice, is considered to be a very useful application in bruises and sprains. GREEK Y ALERl AS. —{Pole7no?iium reptans.) {Properties.) — Altekatite, Asteingkn't, Sudoeific. Medical Uses. — This is sometimes called JacoV's ladder.^ hlue-hells^ abscess-root^ and sweat-root. The root of this plant is the part used in medicine. It is asserted to be curative in scrofula, boils, scrofulous ulcers, consumptions, and all pul monary and hepatic complaints. "When this article is used externally, in form of poultice for ulcers, boils, or other sores, an infusion or tincture should be taken at the same time in- ternally, to cleanse the system and remove the redundant hu- mors from the blood. A warm infusion, drank plentifully, is of great utility in pleurisies and fevers, by inducing a free or copious perspiration, and thereby throwing off the disease. GEOUXD IVY. — ( GlecTioma hederacea.) {Properties) — Demulcent, Pectoeal, STOMAcmc, Tomc. Description. — This plant is found in various parts of the United States, inhabiting groves, or shady grounds by hedges, or skirts of woods. It possesses no deleterious qualities, — usually called, Gill-go-over-tJie-ground. Medical Uses. — A decoction of the leaves is very useful in disorders of the chest and lungs — obstructions of the liver, or in cases of jaundice, laxity, and debilitated state of the bowels, — impurities of the blood, dyspnoea, or asthmatic affections. It has a peculiar and direct action in ulcerations of the lungs, kidneys, etc., and is considered useful as an errhine and vul- nerary. PoLEMONiUM Reptans, (Greek Valerian.) MATERIA MEDICA. 69 {Properties.) — Abortive, Cephalic, Deobstruent, Diu- EETic, Emmenagogue, Stimulant. Description. — Ground-Pine grows low, seldom rising above three inches in hight, running over the ground, and furnished with small, linear, or slender, grayish, resinous scented leaves — some like pine leaves — frequently many bushing together at the joints — sometimes a few scatteringly placed on the stems. The flowers are small, of a pale yellow, and standing at each joint with the leaves. These are succeeded by small roundish pericarps of seeds. The root is annual, small, and woody. The plant grows in neglected fields, or waste barren grounds, flowering and yielding seed during the summer months. Medical Uses. — The decoction of Ground-Pine is very ef- fectual in cases of strangury, or nephritic complaints, jaun- dice, obstructions of the liver and spleen, and powerfully promotes menstruation, — therefore this should not be taken by women in a state of pregnancy, since by determining pow- erfully to the parts, it most inevitably produces abortion. An infusion of the plant in wine, taken in conjunction with the external application of the same, is efiectnal, when persisting- ly used, in paralytic and rheumatic maladies — likewise, as an internal medicine, has proved to be of great service in dropsy, epilepsy — in catarrh, and disorders of the head proceeding from cold watery, or serous humors, colds, coughs, griping pains of the bowels, or other internal pains. The powder, mixed with bruised figs, produces an effect mildly laxative on the bowels, and taken in wine, is said to counteract the ill effects of aconite, poisonous stings, etc. An external appli- cation of the fresh herb disperses scirrhous swellings of the breasts, or other localities. The expressed juice, applied with the addition of some honey, heals wounds, sores, or foul, malignant ulcers. A con- serve of the flowers may be used for many purposes. 70 people's physician. GY.OJJ^DSEL.—iSejiecio vulgaris.) (Properties.) — Diuketic, Emetic, Purgative, Refeigerant. Description. — Common Groundsel has a round, brownish green stem, spreading near the summit into branches, set with somewhat long, green leaves, sinuated or cut in on the edges, resembling the leaf of the oak, yet less in size, and roundish at the termination ; at the top of the branches appear small, green heads, out of which arise many small, yellow thrums or threads, or rather florets : these, after re- maining awhile, are turned to down, and carried away by the wind. The plant is propagated by its seed. The root, which is small and fibrous, soon perishes. It is found in various places, at the foot of walls, among rubbish, or in waste, neglected grounds, being in flower, more or less, the greater part of the year. Medical Uses. — The decoction of this plant is a successful medicine in diseases attended with acrimony of humors, or excessive heat of the body. When the stomach is over- charged with biliary matter, it would be well to have this medicine act as an emetic, being perfectly safe and harmless in its nature, and by its soothing, cooling tendency, rendering the stomach and bowels exempt from the sensation of heat, so frequently consequent on the use of some emetics and purgatives. Groundsel should be administered in large doses to induce emesis or vomiting. A decotion of it taken with some wine, is available in jaundice, epilepsy, sciatic rheumatism, griping pains of the bowels, bilious colic, and strangury. An application of the expressed juice, or distilled .water, is especially valuable in catarrhal inflammation of the eyes. A poultice of the fresh plant, applied to swollen breasts accompanied with pain and inflammation, as well as in hemorrhoidal difficulties, affords great relief; likewise, used with some salt, serves to resolve indurated or hard swellings, in any part of the body. MATERIA MEDICA. 71 HEAET'S-EASE oe TA'NSY.— {Viola tricolor.) (Properties.) — Antysyphilitic, Cephalic, Pectoral. Description. — ^Heart's-ease is a small, herbaceous plant, sometimes called pansy or tri-colored violet. We find it cultivated, likewise, growing wild in fields, especially in such as are barren or neglected, and occasionally on the tops of high hills. It is very generally known, from the fact that it is a pleasing, pretty little flower in our gardens. The flowers are in bloom through the spring and summer. Medical Uses. — Heart's-ease is cooling, emollient, and muci- laginous. It is considered useful in epileptic fits, convulsions in children, inflammation of the lungs and breast, pleurisy, nephritic complaints, — tinea capitis or scald head, and other cutaneous disorders. Mode of use, — make a strong decoction or tea, and drink freely ; also, apply externally at the same time, in cutaneous eruptions. HAHT'S TO!N'GUE. — {Asplenium scolopendi'ium.) {Properties.) — Astringent, Deobstruekt, Tonic. Description. — This has leaves rising separately from the root, and folding themselves as they rise, about a foot long when full grown, somewhat narrow compared with their length, small at the end, hard, with little sap, smooth, and green on the upper surface, containing on the back transverse, brownish, fine, vein-like streaks, and slightly bent down at their base, on both sides of the midrib. The root consists of many black fibers, folded or interlaced. This plant is not deciduous, but retains its verdure through the winter. It has a slightly astringent and mucilaginous, sweetish taste. 2 people's physician Medical Uses. — As a medicine, tkis species of fern is nse- fal in enlargement and obstructions of the liver and spleen — burning sensations of the stomach, excessive, or morbidly frequent alvine evacuations — hemorrhages, etc. The dis- tilled water may be used with advantage in disorders of the heart, likewise by way of gargle, in cases of prolapsus uvula, or falling of the soft, spongy body of the palate, and in bleed- ing, spongy gums. HEDGE OE VriLD Wi<^0?.—{Gva1io:j c:^dna:i8) {Properties.) — DiuEmc. Ezmc. Hyteagck^ue, PrBSAXivE. Description. — This is a low plant, less than a f-, -^r'-n c^/':i:7^;.) {Properties) — Ditez— :. Einm:. Ex?zr7:EA>~-. Sni:Ti.A2rr. Bescripilon. — Hedge-mnsrari has a dark green, tough, flexible stalk ; and someMmes rises with several stalks, far- MATEEIA MEDICA. 73 nished with a good supply of branches, set with alternate, long, tough, muddy green leaves, deeply cut in, or divided on the edges into a number of parts. At the tops of the branches appear small, yellow, cruciform, tetrapetalous flowers, on peduncles, or flower stems, alternately arranged. These are gradually succeeded by minute, yellow seeds, contained in slender, small, round pods, which possess a pungent, biting taste. It has a perennial, slender, descending, woody root, and is found by way sides, or in neglected fields, usually flowering in July. Medical Uses. — A decoction, or syrup of the Hedge-mus- tard, made with honey or sugar, may be given in diseases of the chest and lungs, as chronic coughs, wheezing respiration, shortness of breath, hoarseness, and entire loss of voice. This also, is of utility in jaundice, pleurisy, pains in the back and loins, pains of the bowels, and colic. The seed, employed as an emetic, given in hot water, will speedily counteract the ill eflects of poison, which has been inadvertently taken into the stomach. The seed, moreover, used in any convenient, suitable form, is very good in rheumatic disorders, ulcerations of the mouth and fauces, and swollen breasts. HELLEBOEE.— (Black.)— (^6ZZe5(?rw5m>6r.) {Properties^ — Cephalic, Diuretic, Puegative. Description. — Black Hellebore has a number of compound leaves, supported by long footstalks, proceeding immediately from the root, composed of smooth, tough, dark green, ellipti- cal leaflets, the upper half of which is serrated, or notched in a saw-like form. The flowers terminate round, tapering, upright stalks, reddish near the root — they are composed of roundish petals or flower leaves, of a purplish or reddish cast, but changing, however, in time, to green,— the anthers are yellow— seeds black, glossy, and in form, oval. The root is 74 people's PHYSICIAN. perennial, black on the exterior, whitish within, not descend- ing, but growing in a parallel form, and having numerous fibers attached. When the weather proves mild and favorable, it sometimes flowers in December and January, — hence the name, Christmas Jlovjer or rose. Medical Uses. — The root of this plant has long been in use, and its qualities are well-known to be such as require caution in its administration. It is very effectual in hypo- chondriasis, quartan agues, mania or madness, j^ellow and black jaundice, epilepsy, sciatica, and convulsions. The powder of the root strewed upon foul ulcers, consumes the proud or fungous flesh, and facilitates their cure. It coun- teracts gangrenous tendencies. It is also recommended in dropsies and some cutaneous diseases. For internal use: — a third of a tea spoonful is a sufficient dose — and let this be corrected with half as much cinnamon. Any person experiencing ill effects from the excessive use of Black Hellebore, may find an antidote by drinking goafs milh.^ which is a common remedy — if this is not obtainable, drink plentifully of lemon juice or vinegar. Poisonous effects from the injudicious use of medicine are usually manifested by an inclination to vomit, and this obviously shows immediate recourse should be had to some antidote. HEMLOCK.-^(6'6)?^^w?7^ maculatum.) (Properties.) — Deobstkuent, Karcotic, Resolvent. Description. — The ordinary large plant rises with a large, smooth, hollow, shining stalk, from three to five feet in hight, discolored frequently with reddish spots, and having lower leaves tripinnate or thrice compound, a foot or more in length, — the principal leaf stem having arranged on each side opposite bipinnate leaves, — these last are subdivided into pinnate leaves, with opposite leaflets, notched on the edges, MATERIA MEDIC A. 75 and of a dark green. The upper leaves are smaller and less compound. The stalk spreads into terminal umbels of small, white flowers, which are followed by flat seeds of a light color. The root is long, white, and sometimes crooked. The whole plant emits a very strong, heady, and ofiensive scent. It is found by old walls, among rubbish, or in waste places, flower- ing and seeding in July, or about that time. Medical Uses. — Hemlock is exceedingly cooling in its nature, but is dangerous when imprudently taken. Persons ,11 sing this, should commence with extremely small or minute doses, — one grain or less, daily — gradually increasing as the constitution will bear. It is taken in scrofulous disease, when characterized by glandular indurations ; in constipation, attended with painful piles ; and in bronchial afiections, accom- panied with catarrh. As it possesses the power to cool and repel the heat arising from the acrimony of humors, it may be safely and advan- tageously applied externally to inflammations, swellings, tumors, St. Anthony's fire, and herpetic eruptions. The bruised leaves laid upon the brow or forehead, is a remedy for red and swollen eyes. Should any person swallow Hem- lock, mistaking it for some other umbelliferous plant, cure may be efiected by taking gentian in wine, or by drinking freely of good, sharp vinegar. Hemlock is found at the druggists under the name of CiciUa. HEMP. — {Cannabis sativa.) {Properties.) — Discutient, TsTakcotic, Parturient, Stimu- lant. Medical Uses. — The seeds of Hemp are very useful in flatulency, dry coughs, biliary obstructions, looseness, pro- longed diarrhea, colic, pains and spasms — allays restlessness, and quiets the nerves. It has a decided and ready action upon the uterine contractions, and promptly aids in cases of 76 people's physician. parturition. A decoction of the roots allays inflammation in the head or other parts — likewise, being internally used, and externally applied, reduces indurated tumors or swellings — obviates pain and contraction of the muscles. The fresh juice, with a little oil or butter, is a very good application for burns. The extract of Hemp is deemed a very efficient form of medi- cine, and may be obtained at the druggists. This fibrous plant has a strong, narcotic smell, which causes vertigo, dim- ness of sight, and intoxication. It is extensively cultivated in the Western States. HEXBANE. — {Hyoscyamus niger.) {Pi'ojperties.) — Narcotic, JXeryin-e, Nauseant. Descri/ption. — This is an herbaceous, biennial plant, hav- ing a stalk some two feet, or more, in hight, branched, fur- nished with soft, woolly, glaucous leaves, sinuated, or cut in on the edges. It produces hollow, monopetalous flowers, five cleft, on the limbus or border, of a dead yellow color, near the edge of a paler hue, containing purple veins, and scarce ap- pearing above a hard, close, five parted calyx. The pyxis, or capsule is circularly divided into an upper and lower part, the former of which acts as a kind of lid — this contains seeds, small, numerous, and of a dusky or grayish color. The root is large, tapering, containing some shoots or fibers, very simi- lar to that of the parsnep. The whole plant possesses some- thing of an ill, soporific smell. It grows by old walls, in borders of fields, or in neglected places, flowering in June or July. Medical Uses. — An external application of the leaves of Henbane is valuable in scrofulous and cancerous ulcers — cools and allays heat or inflammation of the eyes, or other localities. A decoction of the leaves, employed by way of warm fomentation, or poultice, is found very useful to obviate swellings in the breasts, or elsewhere — to subdue painful MATERIA MEDICA. 77 glandular swellings, pains of the gout, inflammatory rheu- matism, nervous or neuralgic headache, and is a most admir- able application for toothache. The juice, extract, or tincture, equally answers all purposes. This, dropped into the ears, relieves deafness, ringing, or buz- zing noises. It may be used by way of enema, or injection, for irritation of the rectum, bladder, etc. It is often taken to tranquilize the nerves, and to relieve pains and spasms. As deleterious results are sometimes experienced from the too free use of Henbane, it should be cautiously given, in small doses — from five to ten grains. It may be obtained at drug stores, in form of tincture, or extract, under the name of Hy- oscyamus. In an overdose it produces delirium, tremulous pulse, and an eruption of petechige, and the stomach has been found gangrenous. When antidotes are required for the ill efiects resulting from the injudicious use of this medicine, re- course maybe had to an infusion orpine kernels in sweet wine — drinking goats-milk^ or honeyed-water ; in the absence of these, fennel^ or nettle seeds ^ seeds of cresses^ mustard^ or radish^ as well as onions^ or garlics in wine — or drink freely of good, sharp vinegar. HERB ROBEET.— ((9e?mnmm Rolertianum) {Proj)erties.) — Antixephritic, AsTEiiS^GEXT,. Discutient. Description. — An annual plant, with a reddish stem, about two feet in hight. The leaves, which are supported on very long footstalks of a reddish cast, are divided into several parts, having each part, likewise, cut in, and notched on the edges. It produces flowers of a red color, with five petals, or flower-leaves. Like other plants of the family to which it belongs, it is distinguished by the long, awl-shaped, or beak- like appendage of the seed-vessel. The root is small and fibrous. This species of Geranium.^ is found in Europe and in the United States, usually flowering in June and July. 78 people's physician. Medical Uses. — As a medicine, this holds a- high reputation in the cure of nephritic or gravel complaints, jaundice, in- termittent fevers, profuse menses, pulmonary complaints, he- morrhage or bleeding. Employed by way of external appli- cation, it speedily heals recent cuts, or wounds ; likewise, is effectual for swollen breasts, or other swellings, and obstinate chronic ulcers of whatever nature or locality. HOREHOUND. — {MarruUum vulgare.) (Proj^erties^) — Pectokal, Stomachic, Tonic. Description. — Common Horehound rises with square, hairy stems, from one to two feet in hight, set at the joints with two opposite, roundish, rough, crumpled leaves, in color of a sullen, hoary green — in scent comparatively pleasant, and bitter in taste. Jt produces small, white, monopetalous, labi- ate or gaping flowers, arranged round the stem at the joints, from the middle to the summit, in axillary whorls, and stand- ing in rough, hard calyxes, wherein are subsequently contained small, round, dark seeds. The root is perennial, of a dark color, hard, woody, and fibrous. This plant is usuallj^ found in dry grounds, and waste green places, flowering about July. Medical Uses. — An infusion of the dried herb and seed, or the juice of the fresh herb, together with honey, — otherwise, if you please, a sirup may be taken, as a popular remedy, in dyspnceic and asthmatic maladies, severe colds, and chronic coughs. It reduces irritation of the lungs, and restores tone to the stomach, where other medicines often prove futile or of no effect. The same may be taken by persons verging on consumption, who have been debilitated by protracted sickness, or a deranged, vitiated state of the body. "When taken with the roots oi flower-de-luce.^ it furthers or aids the expectoration of viscid mucns or tenacious phlegm — and is said to obviate the effects of swallowed poison. The juice, with honey and brandy, has been used in dimness of sight, and dropped into MATERIA MEDICA. 79 the ears with oil of roses in cases of earache. An infusion of Horehound is available for pains in the sides, visceral ob- structions, and acts as a vermifuge. An ointment made of the fresh, bruised leaves and old lard allays swelling and pain resulting from punctures in the flesh, or other similar injuries. Horehound is said to be good for poisons, and to check and cure salivation. HOPS. — {Humulus lu^ulus.) {Properties.) — Anodyne, Aromatic, Diuketic, Tonic. Medical Uses. — An infusion of Hop-heads, is very useful in nephritic complaints, in impurities of the blood, herpes, and other cutaneous disorders, regulates the bowels, obviates the effects of debility, and imparts new tone to the system. It counteracts and expels poison, whether its effects be inter- nal, or external, being drank in the former case, and in the latter used outwardly, by way of bath. A tea spoonful of the seeds in powder, may be used in drink to expel worms. A sirup made of the juice and sugar, cures jaundice, affords re- lief in cases of bilious headache, corrects heat of the liver and stomach ; also, is considered of use, in protracted ague and fever. An external application of Hops, well moistened in vinegar, subdues pains of pleurisy, acute pains of the head and stom- ach : — this should be bound on, as warm as can be borne, to the places affected, and some of the infusion, made with water, drank at the same time. Hop-beer is considered to be very wholesome, and will be found profitable, as a common beverage, in the above range of use. The Hop flower loses a considerable quantity of its narcotic power in drying ; hence those who sleep in Hop-houses are with difSculty aroused from their slumber. A pillow stuffed with these flowers is said, in some instances, to have induced sleep when other remedies had failed. 80 people's physician. HOESEMINT.— (J/bnar^^. punctata.) {Properties) — Stimulant, Stomachic, Tonic. Description. — ^Horsemint has hoary, braDchiog stems, be- tween one and two feet in hight, supplied with opposite, oblong, gradually tapering leaves, interspersed with dots on the surface, sharply, but not closely notched on the edges. It produces yellow flowers, interspersed with spots of a reddish brown, arranged in a verticillate or ring-like form, around the stem, one ring or whorl above another. It is found in sandy, barren grounds, flowering from June to September. Medical Uses. — Horsemint is considered to possess a higher degree of stimulant quality than ordinary mints. It remedies shortness of breath, flatulence, colic, sickness at the stomach, and vomiting — as well as weakness of the stomach and bowels. A warm, local application of the juice helps scrofula of the throat. HOUND'S-TOKGUE.— ( Cgnoglossum officinale) {Properties.) — Balsamic, Demulcent, Pectokal. Description. — This plant, which derives the name it bears from the shape of its leaves, rises with a rough, hairy stalk, set with alternate, hairy, narrow, dark green leaves, slightly resembling those of hugloss^ and spreads at the top into branches, along each of which are set monopetalous flowers, of a dull, purplish red color. It has a long, thick, black, mu- cilaginous root, and grows in moist, waste, untilled grounds, flowering about May and June. Medical Uses. — The root of Hound's-tongue is efiectually used by way of decoction, pills, or other forms, to obviate catarrhal defluxions, from the head to the eyes, stomach and MATEKIA MEDICA. 81 lungs — to remove coughs, difficult respiration, etc. A decoc- tion of the leaves with oil and salt, acts as a mild, emollient purgative ; and is, likewise, an asserted remedy for bites of rabid animals, — by drinking of the decoction, as well as using some of it, together with the leaves, as an external applica- tion. An ointment made of the leaves, with lard, obviates falling of the hair, and cures burns and scalds, — or an appli- cation, simply, of the bruised leaves, may be used, to facili- tate the cure of cuts and wounds. The root may be wrapt in paste, or wet paper, and roasted under embers, then beaten up and applied, to relieve painful hemorrhoids or piles. The distilled water of the herb and root, equally answers all pur- poses, and may be used for incised, and punctured wounds, as well as for foul ulcers. Acids are said to counteract the ill effects from an overdose of this medicine. HOUSE-LEEK. — {Se7nj)ervivum tectorum.) {Properties.) — Astringent, Detergent, Refrigerant. Medical Uses. — House-leek is distinguished for the peculiar succulent nature of its stems and leaves, depending for nutri- tion, more particularly on the dews of night, than on support derived from the soil. It obviates heat or iuBammation of the eyes, as well as of other localities. The juice, taken in wine-wJiey^ is remarkably good, in hot stages of intermittent fevers or agues, to allay excessive heat, to quench thirst, and resuscitate or raise the spirits. The juice, alone, remedies diarrhea and acute rheumatism, cools and subdues erysipelas or St. Anthony's fire, herpes zoster or shingles, salt rheum, ring-worms, and similar fierj^, acrid humors of the blood. Employed persistiugly by way of lotion, and the leaves bound to the part, it removes corns and warts ; and the same may be advantageously applied to the forehead and temples to subdue the pressing pains 9 82 people's physician and inordinate heat of the head occurring in delirium, or through want of sleep. The bruised leaves applied to the crown of the head, very speedily arrests bleeding at the nose ; and being gently rubbed upon places stung by bees, affords immediate relief. HYSSOP. — {Rijssopus officinalis.) {Properties.) — Cephalic, Expectorant, Pectoeal, Stimulant. Medical Uses. — Hyssop is usually cultivated in gardens, its leaves possessing an aromatic scent, and a warm, pungent taste. When persons are troubled with colds, coughs, tough mucus or phlegm, asthmatic or catarrhal affections, such may derive great benefit from the use of the sirup, or infusion of Hyssop with a little of rue. When taken with sqicills^ it works off, or evacuates by stool, vitiated humors or impurities of the blood. Employed with honey, it acts as a vermifuge, and is mildly laxative, when used with bruised new figs ; but is rendered the more effectual combined with the root of flower- de-luce and cresses. It restores the natural color of the com- plexion, which has been impaired by jaundice. Hyssop is beneficial, in any convenient form of use, for epilepsy or fits. It should be used with figs and nitre for dropsy and affections of the spleen. INDIAN CUP-PLAXT.— (^^7pA^^m perfoliatum.) {Properties.) — Alterative, Deobstruent, Diaphoretic. Medical Uses. — The infusion of this plant, (otherwise called ragged-cup,) is of great utility in ulcers, fevers, debility, SiLPHiuM Peefoliatum, (Indian Cup-Plant.) MATERIA MEDICA. 83 bruises or internal iujuries, and hepatic or splenetic difficul- ties. It is taken in strong infusion, the root requiring much steeping. mDIA:N" FEYSIC. —{GiUenia tnfoUata.) (Properties.) — Emetic, Tonic. Description. — Indian Physic has stems two and a half feet in hight, more or less, — ^slim, smooth, slightly bending, and branched — these are furnished with leaves composed of three leaflets, with a tapering point, sharply notched on the edges, the principal leaf having small, narrow, pointed stipules or appendages at its base. It bears white, pentapetalous flowers, with yellow anthers — petals narrow, pointed, bending back, presenting a very slight shade of red on the margin. The calyx is bell-shaped, hollow, distended, with five pointed divisions. The flowers are supported on long peduncles or flower stems, and disposed in a loose, bending, terminal panicle. The root is perennial, containing numerous shoots, somewhat dark in color, proceeding from a thick bulky, head. It is found growing in many places, throughout most sections of the United States, and is called by some American ipeoaG- uanha. Medical Uses. — ^Indian Physic should be administered in moderate doses, of three or four grains each, in order to pro- duce a tonic or strengthening efiect. It is a very eflectual, yet gentle emetic: — and for this purpose should be given every quarter, or half hour, until it produces vomiting. Dose. — Half a tea spoonful of ihQ> powder. The root, which is usually employed by way of powder, is the part used in medicine, and answers well as a substitute for Ipe- cacuanha, 84 people's physician. mmGO.—(WiLi>.)—{Baptisiati7ictoria.) (Properties.) — AntiseptiCj Diaphoketic, Tonic. Description. — Wild Indigo has a smooth stem, varying from one to two and a half feet in hight, extremely branchy, and furnished with small leaves of a glaucous color, broad, and somewhat blunt at the termination, diminishing down to the base, arranged in ternaries.^ that is, leaves attached hy tJirees to a common petiole or leaf stem. It produces yellow flowers, usually in the months of July and August. The whole plant, in its dry state, assumes a dull, rusty black color. The B. alha^ or Prairie Indigo has a white flower, and may be employed as a substitute for the former. Medical Uses. — A poultice made of the roots of this plant, is highly useful to reduce swellings and inflammations attend- ant on bruises, sprains, or falls, and is invaluable in difficul- ties or injuries manifesting gangrenous tendencies. The root may be used, either internally, externally, or in both forms, as. occasion requires, in symptoms or manifestations of morti- fication. It is very useful in malignant foiTos of febrile dis- orders, such as scarlet and typhoid fevers — and has, likewise, much celebrity as an external application, by way of ointment, or lotion, in indolent ulcers, as well as those of a painful and virulent nature. The root of indigo given in small doses, proves mildly laxative, and in large doses, emetic and cathar- tic. It is highly recommended in putrid or ulcerous sore throat. ^ « — T^^CA.C\JK^B.K.—{Cep7icBlis ijpecacuanha) {Properties) — Antidysentekio, Diaphosetic, Emetic, Ex- pectorant, Sudorific, Stimulant. Description. — Both the gray and the brown varieties of the root are in short, wrinkled, variously bent an-d contorted Baphsia Tinctoria, (Indigofera.) MATERIA MEDICA. 85 pieces, whicli break with a resinous fracture. They are brought to this country packed in bales, from Rio Janeiro. The gray is about the thickness of a small quill, full of knots and deep circular fissures, that nearly reach down to a white, woody, vascular cord that runs through the center of each piece; the external part is compact, brittle, and looks smooth ; the brown is smaller, more wrinkled, of a blackish brown color on the outside, and white w^ithin : the wdiite is woody, and has no wrinkles. In selecting Ipecacuanha, the larger roots, which are compact, and break with a resinous fracture, having a whitish gray, somewhat semi-transparent appear- ance in the inside of the cortical part, with a pale, straw- colored, medullary fibre, are to be preferred. Medical Uses. — The powder of these plants is slightly odorous and very nauseous. As an emetic, it is mild, safe, and certain in its operation ; when given in very large doses, it does not operate powerfully, but merely in a shorter space of time. It does not act so speedily as some other emetic substances, but it completely evacuates the contents of the stomach, and does not weaken it as antimonial emetics. When it is given at the commencement of continued fevers, the progress is often cut short by its operation ; and it is, likewise, frequently found to arrest the paroxysm of an inter- mittent, when given just before the approach of the cold stage. At the commencement of inflammation of the pharynx, larynx, and trachea, when the inflammation does not run very high, in cynanche tonsillaris, purulent opthalmia, ab- scess, and every case in which it is necessary to evacuate the stomach, or to increase the energy of the absorbent system by full vomiting. Ipecacuanha has been found useful. In doses sufficient to excite nausea, without producing vomiting, Ipecacuanha is given with excellent eflfects in dysentery and obstinate diarrhea, in which cases its efficacy seems to arise, in a great degree, from the nausea, which is kept up by the repetition of the small doses, diminishing the arterial excite- ment and determining to the surface. iSTauseating doses are also beneficial in spasmodic asthma, epilepsy, uterine and 86 people's physician. pulmonary hemorrhages. As a sudorific, it is used in acute rheumatism, arthritic affections, dropsy, and other diseases in which sweating is necessary. It is generally given, in these cases, in combination with opium and neutral salts* Dose — As an emetic is thirty grains for an adult, given in three separate portions, fifteen minutes apart. JALAP OR BIXD-TTEED.— (6'c?7n-(?Zi'wZw.s jalaj>pa.) (JPro^erties.) — Catiiaetic, HrDrwAGOGUE. Description. — This kind of Jalap is imported from the southern part of Mexico. The soil of warm climates is most congenial to this plant; though it has been cultivated to some extent in the United States. It has slender, shrubbv, twisted stems, growing variously from eight to eleven feet in hight, and supporting itself on adjoining bodies — the leaves differ slightly in their form, being generally somewhat cordate, or heart-shaped, of a lucid green, alternately ar- ranged, and on slim footstalks. Short branches give rise to two peduncles, each containing a single, large, bell-shaped fiower, slightly of a purplish red on the outer side, and crim- son within. The root is perennial, of an oblong, roundish, or oval form, large, solid, and heavy, of a dark color, and containing a milky juice. Medical Uses. — It is held in high estimation, as being an efficient cathartic, in the generality of cases requiring the administration of such remedies. It possesses remarkable hydragogue powers, and is successfully used in evacuating the extravasated or hydropic water, in cases of dropsy. The root of Jalap usually comes cut in ti'ausverse slices, some- times whole, and is prepared by way of powder for medical purposes, which can be obtained at the druggists. The active principle of this plant is partly dissolved both by water and alcohol, and entirely by diluted alcohol. The active princi- ples appear to be resin and extractive matter. MATERIA MEDICA. 87 Dose. — A tea spoonful of the powder, combined with a tea spoonful of cream of tartar. It is particularly useful in bilious fevers, jaundice, etc. JUMPER. — {Juniperus communis.) (Properties.) — Cakminative, Diuretic, Stimulant, Tonic. Description. — Juniper, though a native evergreen tree of Europe, has been introduced into the United States, attaining a different size, according to the locality or latitude where found. It is not unfrequently a small tree or shrub, fur- nished with small, narrow, pointed leaves, on the upper disk approximating to a sea-green color. Medical Uses. — Juniper berries possess a warm, pungent, sweet taste, yielding by expression, when fresh, a rich, sweet, aromatic juice. They are said to be an antidote to poison, or infection— they procure the menses, restore appetite, strengthen the stomach exceedingly, and obviate flatulence. Indeed there is scarcely a better carminative medicine, or a better remedy for colic than the oil extracted from the fruit of this tree. The ripe berries, eaten, are extremely good in coughs, short- ness of breath, consumption, pains in the bowels, ruptures, con- vulsions, — they strengthen the memory and brain, are valuable in paralysis and epilepsy, improve the sight by strengthening the optic nerves — are useful in chills and fever, rheumatic disorders, as well as to impart vigor to all the limbs of the body — obviate fluxes, relieve hemorrhoids or piles, and expel worms in children. As a diuretic, they are very available in strangur}^, or gravel complaints. Persons troubled with dropsy may drink an infusion of the berries in gin, or a lye made from the ashes of the bush, which will effect a cure — the same, applied as a lotion, cures the itch or scabious eruptions ; and the ashes simply, applied or rubbed on, cures scurvy of the gums-. 88 people's physician. K:^0T GV.K'^^.— {Polygonum aviculare.) {Properties) — Astringent, Nervine, Styptic, Yulneraet. Medical Uses. — This kind of grass, which we find so com- mon by highway sides, by footpaths in fields, and old walls, arrests bleeding, cures fresh wounds, as well as chronic sores attended with profuse discharge — and is useful in those forms of diarrhea and dysentery, where astringents are requisite. It cools and regulates the blood, or corrects the acrimony of the humors. The distilled water, or expressed juice, simply, or employed in conjunction with the powder, is very profitable as an ex- ternal application, in swellings and foul ulcers attended with irritation or inflammation. LADY'S SLIPPER. — {Cyprijpedium Jcumile.) {PrOjpei'ties.) — Antispasmodic, Nervine, Sedative. Description. — It rises with a number of low, upright, pu- bescent stems, and with two large leaves, which are radical, or proceeding directly from the root, ovate lanceolate, or gradu- ally tapering to a point. The flowers are red or purple, with four spreading petals — the two at the side beiug less in width. Its time of flowering is in May and June. Medical Uses. — The difierent species of plants bearing this name are considered to possess nearly the same medical proper- ties. Its great value consists in its excellent virtues as a ner- vine — not being accompanied by any injurious tendencies — but having very beneficial results in cramps or spasms, in allay- ing pain and quieting the nerves, or in imparting rest and repose. It is useful in nervous fevers, epilepsy, trembling, delirium, and other nervous disorders. The root is the part Ctpripedium Humile, (Red Lady's-Slippfer.) MATERIA MEDICA. 89 selected for medical purposes, and may be prepared by way of infusion. It should be gathered in the spring before the tops begin to grow much, or in the fall, after they begin to die. After digging they should be carefully separated, washed clean, and dried in the sun or in a dry, airy room. When fully dry they should be packed away for use. The yellow Lady's Slip- per is called American valerian. IjA.YE^T>YR.— {Lavandula spica.) {Properties.) — Akomatic, Cakminative, Nekvine, Stimu- lant, Tonic. Description. — The stem of this plant is two feet or more in hight, spreading into many square, slim, pubescent branches, and set with opposite, narrow, sea-green leaves, without foot- stalks. It produces small, blue, labiate flowers, arranged in the form of terminal spikes, which usually appear in August. Medical Uses. — This, as a medicine, strengthens the head and brain, and may be used with good success in apoplexy, epilepsy, paralysis, lethargy, vertigo, frequent fainting or swooning, nervous headache, and hysteria. An infusion of the flowers of Lavender, Tioreliound and fennel.^ with asparagus roots, and a little cinnamon, may be profitably used in epilepsy and vertigo. It strengthens the stomach and obviates obstructions of the liver and spleen. Some of the infusion of the flowers in wine, held in the mouth, remedies pains in the teeth — likewise taken, and externally applied, afibrds relief in cases of colic. The distilled water of the flowers, taken in the dose of two spoonsful each, reme- dies loss of voice, trembling, or palpitation of the heart, and is valuable to regulate the menses. The essence is a very convenient form of medicine, and may be substituted for the above complaints. When the body is replete with blood and humors, it would be weU to dispense with the use of Lavender. 90 people's physician. LETTUCE. — {Lachica sativa.) {Properties^ — Anodyne, Aperient, Dhjeetic. jjfedical Uses. — Garden Lettuce is naturally cooling, and is available in heart-burn. The expressed juice with the oil of roses, applied to the temples, or forehead, procures sleep, allays heat and pains of the head. This plant when boiled and eaten is a mild aperient — it aids digestion, quenches thirst, increases milk in nurses, relieves griping pains of bilious colic, etc. An external application of the expressed juice, with red roses, to the regions of the heart, liver, and kidneys, represses heat and inflammation. The use of Lettuce should, however, be withheld from persons who expectorate blood, or have any imperfection of the lungs. It is prepared, and sometimes used in the form of extract. Lettuce is esteemed a wholesome, aperient, bitter anodyne. LICOEICE.— ( GhjcyrrUza gJalra.) {Properties.) — Demulcent, Expectoeant, Pectoral. Medical Uses. — This root, boiled in pure water, with some of the herb maidenhair and figs, is of very good use in dry coughs, hoarseness, shortness of breath, asthmatic difficulties, and other affections of the chest and lungs. The extract or juice of Licorice, with some of the white gum tragacanth, dissolved in rose-water.^ is also a very profitable medicine in hoarseness, wheezing respiration, etc. Infusions, or the ex- tract made from Licorice, which is called Spanish licorice,, afibrd likewise very commodious vehicles for the exhibition of other medicines. Ctpripedixjm Pubescens, (Lady's- Slipper.] 10 MATERIA MEDICA. 91 LIFE-E YEEL ASTIN"G.— ( Gna^phalium polycepMum.) (Properties.) — Pectoeal, Sudorific, Tonic. Description. — This is a sweet s'cented, herbaceons plant, growing a foot or more in hight, and producing many heads of flowers, of a tawny color, which appear in Jnly and August. It is found about fields and woods, or in dry, sandy grounds. Medical Uses. — Persons affected with colds, coughs, or threatened with fever, will derive much benefit from drink- ing a warm infusion or tea of this plant, as it is calculated to throw off the disease, by determining to the surface through perspiration. It is also useful in other affections of the chest, and in hemorrhages, diarrhea, or weakness of the bowels, strains, and internal injuries. LILY OF THE Y KLLWi .—Convallaria magalis.) {Properties) — Caediac, Cephalic, Purgative. Description. — The root of Lily of the Yalley or May Uly.^ is small, fibrous, and creeps in the ground, after the manner of grass roots. It has a considerable number of leaves, and a dwarfish stem, half a foot in hight, supplied with many small, white flowers, with turned borders, like little bells, of a strong, agreeable odor. These are succeeded by red berries, somewhat resembling those of asparagus. It is frequently cultivated in European gardens, as well as in the United States, and is found growing wild on both continents. As its name implies, it flowers in May. The fruit or berry is three- celled, containing seeds which mature in September. Medical Uses. — Thi&, as a medicine, is very well ealeulated 92 people's physician. to stimulate and reinvigorate the brain, heart, or vital parts. The distilled water may be successfully used in inflammation of the eyes, films, or specks on the cornea. The flowers, infused in wine, helps palsy, and are excellent in apoplexy. The roots are considered emetic and purgative: — half a tea spoonful of the powder is generally sufficient to produce an active purga- tive effect. The powder of either flowers or roots, acts as a sternutatory, or promotes sneezing. The cathartic action, or operation of the roots, is not very dissimilar to that of aloes and squills, which are held in popular use as purgative medicines. LIYEWW OUT. —{mpatica irilola.) {Properties.) — Astringent, Demulcent, Deobsteuent, Pec- toral. Description. — Liverwort has radical or root leaves, sup- ported on footstalks from three to seven inches in length, trilobed, or divided into three lobes, somewhat smooth and tough., like leather or parchment, and of a sea-green on the inferior di-sk or under surface. The root, which is peren- nial and fibrous, gives rise, likewise, to some round, short pubescent stems, each surmounted by a solitary flower, white, and presenting a shade of blue. TV^e find this plant in flower in the early part of the year, growing in damp, shady soils, in forests, or by sides of elevated grounds. Medical Uses. — This plant possesses remarkable eflScacy for persons whose livers have become corrupted or deranged, by surfeits or luxurious living, which usually gives rise to cutaneous eruptious. It is useful in jaundice, as well as in all hepatic complaints; strengthens and protects the liver against disease, arrests fluor albus, the spread of ring-worms, and running sores, obviates the heat, irritation, or inflam- mation of the kidneys, and other organs. It is given, also, iR diseases of the chest and luno-s. Liverwort should be Lobelia luflata Lobelia Lnflata, (Lobelia.) i MATERIA MEDIC A. 93 taken after having been first bruised, and prepared in small- leer^ by way of decoction, as a remedy for the foregoing dis- orders. LOBELIA. — {Lobelia injlata.) {Properties.) — Antispasmodic, Emetic, Expectoeant, Su- dorific. Description, — This plant is sometimes called Indian to- hacGO, or bladder-podded Lobelia. It rises with an upright, branched, hairy, angular stalk, between one and two feet in hight, furnished with ovate, tapering leaves, sessile, or without footstalks, serrated or sharply notched on the edges, scattered or thinly set, and alternately arranged, — supplied, moreover, with racemous branches of bluish flowers. The capsule is oval and inflated. The seeds are brown, and very small. Medical Uses. Lobelia, as an emetic, is very valuable, acting with pecuKar, prompt, and most salutary efiect on the entire system, by producing a sudden and radical change in the morbid or diseased state of the organs, in all cases which indicate an emetic form of medicine. It is highly useful in cases of asthma, and has been administered with admirable success against the effects of all poison, or bites of mad dogs, which are so often attended with fatal consequences. The mode of use is by way of a tea, tincture, or powder, — two or three tea spoonsful of the spirit tincture, for adults, speedily renders the respiration free and easy in cases of asthma. This tincture, likewise, may be used externally for contusions, cuts or wounds, inflammations, swellings, and sores. Small doses promote the expectoration of phlegm in coughs. This species of Lobelia is a sedative, the operation of which is very similar to that of tobacco, but is safer and more man- ageable. It has been employed very successfully in diseases of the air passages, and as an arterial sedative in fevers, as it acts in the same wa}^ as large doses of tartarized antimony. It acts as an emetic in doses of one scruple. 94 people's physician. LOOQESTmYE.—{Zyt]irumsaUcaria.) {Properties.) — Astringent, Demulcent, Yulneraky. Description. — Purple Loosestrife has a stalk some three feet in hight, set with entire, opposite, ternate leaves, incli- ning to a dark green color, pubescent on the inferior disk, somewhat narrow, broadest at the base, and gradually taper- ing to a point. The flowers are purple, axillary, or arranged in a spike like form, in clusters, one above another, consist- ing of five petals, with a roundish, waved termination. These are succeeded by membranous capsules, covered by the calyx, and containing numerous small seeds. It grows wild in the Eastern States, usually by rivers, water courses, or in wet grounds, displaying its flowers in the months of July and August. Medical Uses. — Loosestrife possesses a cooling quality, and is of great use as an application for sore eyes ; at the same time, ewphrasia or eye-hright.^ should be used internally. The distilled water is a present remedy for injuries of the eye, and for blindness, provided the crystalline lens be not too much injured or impaired ; this has been proved from ex- perience. It clears the eyes of dust, or of any thing \yhich may casually have found its way into them, and preserves the sight. It is available in gashes or incised wounds, pre- pared by way of ointment, after the following manner : To every ounce of the distilled water, add sugar, bees-wax, and May butter without salt — one ounce each. Simmer these in- gredients together: in this, when cold, linen tents should be dipped, applied to the wound, and the part covered, also, with a linen cloth folded, and spread with the ointment. The distilled water quenches inordinate thirst, and used in the form of a lotion, together with an application of some of the leaves, cleanses and heals all kinds of ulcers and sores. Employed as a gargle, it cures quinsy and scrofula in the throat. It may be used, likewise, as a wai'm lotion, MATERIA M E D I C A . 95 to remove spots, blemishes, and scabious eruptions from the skin. In inveterate cases of diarrhea and dysentery, the bowels should be first cleared by suitable purgative medi- cines ; after which, loosestrife may be successfully adminis- tered by way of decoction, or powder. Dose. — Four table spoonsful of the decoction of the root, or a tea spoonful of the powder, three times a day. LOYAGE. — {Ligusticum levisiicum.) {Properties.) — CAEirmAxivE, Diaphoeetic, Stimulant, Sto- machic. Description. — This is an herbaceous plant, having a large fistular, furrowed, green stem, furnished with pinnate leaves, on the large petioles of which are set smooth, glossy, dark green leaflets, cut about the edges, broader at the termination than at the base, — the stem branches at the top into large, terminal umbels of yellow flowers. These are followed by small, flattened, ovate oblong, aromatic seeds, of a brownish color. The whole plant, moreover, is stongly aromatic, and of a warm, biting taste. The root is perennial, grows large, thick, deep and spreading, brownish externally, and whitish within. It is cultivated in gardens, and flowers in July. Medical Uses. — Lovage may be administered in the form of infusion, or powder, as best suits convenience. A tea- spoonful of the powder of the root, taken in wine, obviates waterbrash, warms the stomach, aids digestion, alleviates flatulence and colic, — also pains of the body proceeding from colds. It is a powerful diuretic and emmenagogue. An infusion, of the herb or root has proved advantageous in chills and fever. The distilled water may be employed as an eye- water, for redness of the eyes and dimness of sight ; as a lotion, for freckles and blemishes of the face, and as a gargle in cases of quinsy, — also, taken several times, it helps pleu- risy. An application of the leaves, bruised, and fried in a little lard, speedily ripens and breaks boils. 96 people's physician. LUNGWOET. — {Fulmojiaria officinalis.) {Properties.) — Demulcent, Pectoral, Styptic. Description, — Lungwort has a rough, upright, cornered stem, a foot in hight, set with leaves between ovate and oblong, having a pointed termination, with white dots interspersing the upper surface, and alternately arranged on the stem. The flowers appear at the top, irregularly set, and growing in bunches of a crimson color. The root is perennial. Medical Uses. — Lungwort is employed in consumption, coughs of long standing, hemoptysis, catarrhs, and other dis- orders of the lungs and chest. An infusion of this plant, together with hyssop^ elecampane^ JioreJioiind^ and the herb maidenhair., is considered a sure remedy for coughs. Dose. — Half a wine glassful night and morning. The plant, moreover, employed in the form of a lotion or wash, promotes the cure of ulcers attended with profuse discharge. MADDER. — {RuMa tinctorium.) {Properties.) — Diuketic, Emmenagogue, Tonic. Description. — Madder has long, slender, square, somewhat reddish, procumbent stems — widely trailing or climbing — rough and jointed. At each joint, are arranged around the stem in a whorl, or star-like form, long, rough, pointed, ellip- tical leaves. At the separate joints, likewise, are a couple of shoots, branching, and bearing at the termination small, yellow, monopetalous flowers. ISText follow round heads, or berries, green at first, then reddish, and black when matured — with two cells and two seeds. The root is red and very clear, w^hen fresh, assuming a darker hue when dried, comprising long, descending, as well as long, lateral radicles or fibres, near MATERIA MEDICA. 97 the surface of the soil. We find it cultivated in Ohio and some other States. It flowers toward the last of summer, and the berries mature quiekly after. The root is kept at drug stores. Medical Uses. It is an asserted remedy for jaundice, by removing obstructions of the biliary duct, or by cleansing the liver and gall, and a remedy, also, for depression of spirits, paralysis, sciatica, and external or internal injuries. An infu- sion should be prepared, and some honey or sugar added, when used for the above purposes, as occasion requires. The seed, taken with vinegar and honey, obviates tumefaction and en- largement of the spleen. The root is considered to be emmen- agogue. MAGNOLIA 'm'EE.—{21ag7iolia yulan.) {Properties.) — Diaphoretic, Stimulant, Tonic. Description. This fine tree, which is most elegant in its flowers and foliage, seldom attains an elevation above twenty- five feet, its stem frequently deviating from an erect line. The leaves are coriaceous, thick, oval, irregularly placed, of a light green on the upper, and of a fair -gea-gi-een on the inferior disk. The flowers are solitary, or singly set, highly fragrant, of a snowy whiteness, and consisting of fourteen leaves, with a broad, rounded terminatioiR, or in form inversely ovate. We find this tree near the eastern seaboard of the United States, extending south, but seldom very far in the interior. It is found in blossom, variously, according to climate, usu- ally between May and July, abounding in woods, by sides of hills, and about swamps or low grounds. Medical Uses. The bark of the root furnishes an excellent tonic, and as such, soon restores the impaired digestive organs to a healthy action, obviates weakness of the stomach, and removes general knguor or debility. It possesses a febrifuge 98 people' S PHYSICIAN. quality, and is of great use in intermittent fevers ; from one to two even tea spoonsful is the usual dose, in powder. The seed, likewise, is very effectual, and is often used in cases of protracted rheumatism and dyspepsia. A more strengthen- ing bitter than the bark furnishes will seldom come within ransre of use. •to' MAIDENHAIR. — {Adiantuvi pedatum.) {Properties.) — Expectorant, Pectoral, Yebmifuge. Medical Uses. — This plant is a species of fern, having properties, for the most part, similar to those of other ferns. Its leaves, usually called fronds, are somewhat bitter in taste, and contain an astringent, aromatic mucilage. It expels worms, promotes the expectoration of mucus, is useful in coughs, colds, influenza, and other afiections of the chest and lungs. MALLOWS. — {Malva sylmstris.) Description. — ^This kind of mallows abounds in England, nevertheless, is found in some gardens of the United States. It has a long, stout, perennial root, with a goodly number of strong fibres, giving rise to a round, upright stalk, strong, and varying in high t, ..^sometimes one and a., half feet, and again two feet or more, well furnished%ith alternate leaves, on long footstalks, roundish, slightly divided into segments or lobes, and irregularly Botched on the edges. The flowers arepenta- petalous, or consisting of five petals, inversely heart-shaped, purple, marked with veins, each flower surmounting a pe- duncle, which proceeds from the axil of the leaf stalk. It is found in the flower throughout the summer. From the difier- ent species of mallows I here designate three kinds, which are used for medical purposes, being closely allied in their MATERIA MEDICA. 99 properties. The common, low, dwarf mallows — {Malva ■ToUindifolia^ is very common in the United. States, especi- ally in Kew England, by fence sides, in lanes, and about resi- dences. The whole order is characterized by wholesome and mucilaginous qualities. ^LKK^'miLKlAJdl^'^.—^Althma officinalis) {Properties.) — Astringent, Demulcent, Emollient, Pec- toral. Description. — This plant rises with a stem usually three or four feet in hight, hoary, branched near the summit, and set with pubescent or downy leaves, oblong, broad at the base, lobed, somewhat pointed at the termination, and un- equally notched on the edges. It produces flowers consisting of five petals, of a very light purple or blush color, scalloped, and broader at the termination than at the base, or inversely heart-shaped. The root is perennial, and contains long shoots, proceediog from a common head, pliant and tough, of a pale straw color on the exterior, and whitish within. It is found about marshes, near the sea, flowering in July and August. Medical Uses. — In malignant, or severe cases of dysentery and bloody flux, attended with much pain, erosion or excori- ation of the bowels, a decoction of Mallows in'milk or water, is greatly relied on, as a very salutary remedy : this obtunds and incrassates the acrimonious humors or thin fluids, sub- dues the irritation and pain, and heals the internal soreness. It is useful in strangury, gravel, or nephritic complaints, to cleanse, lubricate, and relax the passages, and abate the attend- ant heat, irritation, and pain in such cases. It may be profit- ably taken in ruptures or internal injuries, hurts or strains, resulting from blows, falls, or over-exertion — and is, moreover, beneficial in asthma, hoarseness, whooping cough, pleurisy, and other disorders of the chest and lungs. The mucilage of the roots, together with the mucilage of linseed, may be used 100 people's physician. by way of poultices, ointments, etc., in burns and scalds, erysipelas or St. Anthony's fire, scrofula of the throat, scrofu- lous sore eyes, swollen breasts of women, and to emoUi- ate and disperse tumors, swellings, or inflammations in any locality. Such persons as are troubled with enlargement of the liver and spleen, should make use of a poultice prepared from a decoction of the leaves, with the addition of hean or harley flour, and oil of roses, from which they will derive great benefit. A decoction of the flowers or leaves, with some alum, used as a gargle, speedily cures cankers or ulcer- ations of the mouth and fauces — and these leaves, bruised with 7iitre, may be applied to extract or draw splinters from the flesh. The juice or decoction, with a little wine, conduces to an easy and speedy parturition. The root of Marsh- mallow is the part chiefly used in medicine, or the roots and leaves of the two former mallows. An infusion of either kind, or of any part, may be used to suit convenience, and as circumstances require. MANDRAKE. — Podophyllum peltatum.) {Properties.) — Cathartic, Deobstruent, Emetic, JSTarcotic. Description. — Mandrake or May apple, has a smooth stem, usually a foot in hight, parted at the top into two foot- stalks, each supporting a broad, peltate leaf, deeply divided or cut into lobes, somewhat of a yellowish green on the upper surface. At the top of the stem, also, on a flowerstalk between the leafstalks, appears a nodding, white flower, being in bloom the last of May, the petals of which are blunt at the termin- ation and smaller at the base. The flower gives place to a large, roundish head or fruit, of a delicate yellow when mature, interspersed with spots of a dark hue. It is found in shady, humid soils, or low, moist grounds of woods. Medical Uses. — The root of this plant is the part designed Podophyllum Peltatust, (May-apple.) 11 MATERIA MEDICA. 101 for medicinal purposes ; which is a sure and actire cathartic ; not attended, however, bj any unpleasant results, but produc- ing full and free evacuations. It is considered to act as an alterative, when moderately taken, in hepatic or liver com- plaints. Every part of the plant partakes of a narcotic property. The root is emetic as well as purgative. Useful in dropsy and pleurisy. Dose. — For purgative or cathartic effect, half a tea spoonful of the powder. The Cherokee Indians put a few drops of the fresh juice into the ear for deafness. MAEIGOLD. — ( Calendula offidnalis.) {Properties) — Apebient, Aromatic, Cardiac, Stomachict, Sudorific. Medical U^es. — Marigold is a plant usually growing in gardens, and bearing yellow flowers, which appear through- out the summer. It is strengthening to the stomach, and as a medicine, is little less effectual in small-pox, chicken-pox, rash, and measles, than saffron^ which it is sometimes used to adulterate. The juice of the leaves, with some vinegar, may be used to advantage in ulcers, and swellings attended with irritation or inflammation. The flowers, either fresh or dried, are of good use in sirups and drinks, to reinvigorate the spirits. A plaster, prepared from the powder of th« flowers, lard, turpentine, and resin, applied to the breast, strengthens and supports the debilitated patient in fevers. 'M.KB.^OUA.'K.— {Origanum vulgar e.J {Properties.) — Ai^riPHARMic, Diuretic, Stimulant, Sudo- rific, Tonic Description. — ^Wild Marjoram has an agreeable, aromatic smell, and a pungent taste. It rises from a spreading, per- 102 people's physician. ennial root, with square, hard, brownish stems, branched into three parts, about a foot and a half in hight, furnished with opposite, ovate leaves, in color inclining to a deep green. It bears monopetalous flowers, of a roseate hue, placed in the form of tufts, or spiked panicles. The seeds are small, and somewhat darker than those of the Sweet Majoram. It is found about the borders of fields, or similar places, flowering from June to 0-ctober, Medical Uses. — Wild Marjoram is strengthening to the head and stomach — restores lost appetite — and there is scarce a better remedy known for dyspepsia, or acidity of the stomach. It is useful in coughs, or pulmonary disorders, cleanses the stomach of biliary matter, and obviates infirmities of the spleen. This is said to counteract ill efiects of hemlock^ hen- hane^ or opium. It acts as an emmenagogue and diuretic ; and is considered available in dropsy, jaundice, scurvy, and cutaneous eruptions. It is usually employed by way of in- fusion. The dried leaves are employed in medicinal baths and fomentations. MA'RSK-T^.OSE^AUY.—iStaticeCaroUniana.) {Properties.) — Antiseptic, Astringent, Tonic. Description. — Marsh-rosemary rises with bunches or clusters of leaves, blunt, ending with a small point, much broader at the termination than at the base, and with long footstalks. The flowerstalk, which varies from one half to a foot in hight, more or less, spreads near the top, and bears loosely imnicled, small, purplish flowers, the petals of which are blunt, and with a narrow, dwindling base. It is found about salt marshes and sea-coasts, — its time of flower- ing is in August and September. Medical Uses. — The large, tapering, brownish root of this plant, is the part used in medicine, and furnishes one of the most powerful astringents which we find in the Materia Angelica Atropurpurea, (Masterwort.) AscLEnAS Syeica, (Cotton-weed.) MATERIA MEDIC A. 103 Medica. It is principally used as a gargle in complaints of canker in the moutli and throat — likewise, in malignant or putrid sore throat, by way of external application, and taken in the form of a tea. It is considered to be tonic and anti- septic, and may be used to advantage in gangrenous tenden- cies and dysentery. MASTEEWOET.— (Zr^mcZ^wTTi lannatum.) {Projoerties.) — Carminative, Diuretic, Nervine, Stimulant. {Description.) — Masterwort, or cow-parsnip^ is an indige- nous species, and rises with a large, fistular, pubescent stem, about three or four feet in hight, furnished with ternate leaves, comprising leaflets, lanate or woolly on the inferior disk, somewhat of a roundish, or cordate form, cut into lobes, and with footstalks. It bears large umbels of white flowers, each consisting of five petals, — these give place to round seeds. It inhabits meadows, borders, or corners of fields, having a long whitish, perennial root, with a few fibres, and displays its flowers in June. Medical Uses. — Masterwort is useful in sick-headache, cold aflections of the stomach, flatulency, dropsy, jaundice, epilepsy, gastric disorders, or inflammation of the stomach, colic, and nervous afi*ectious. Dose — Of the dried root from two to three drachms. MAYWEED OR WILD CHAMOMILE.— (^?^^Am^5 cotula.) {Properties) — Antiseptic, Anthysteric, Diaphoretic, Stomachic, Stimulant, Tonic. Description. — This also bears the name of dog fennel. It has a very disagreeable smell, and the leaves a strong, 104 people's physician. acrid, bitterish taste. The stem is herbaceous, well branched, usually growing between one and two feet in bight, and fur- nished with soft, finely divided, bipinnate leaves, or leaves comprising pinnate leaflets — these are pointed, linear, slen- der, or of very small width. On the tops of the branches, the flowers appear singly, with a yellow disk or center, radi- ated or bordered with white leaves. It has a small, taper root, with numerous small fibres, of a light brownish color. We find this plant cultivated in gardens, as well as growing wild, by roadsides, or in waste, neglected grounds. It flowers from the last of May to September. Medical Uses. — This plant possesses qualities much Hke those of cliamoTiiile., though not of equal strength. The flowers, prepared by way of infusion, are used to great ad- vantage in hysteria, and various female complaints ; biliary derangements, irritable and sensitive conditions of the nervous system, spasms of the bowels ; and is excellent in bilious, watery diarrhea, also in diarrhea of children in time of teeth- ing. This infusion or tea is excellent drink for the debilitated patient in cases of dysentery or bloody flux, as it both strength- ens the stomach, and by its antiseptic quality, tends to prevent mortification of the bowels. It likewise procures appetite, aids digestion, and is rendered more eflective, in some cases, with a little wine. MELILOT OK KIXG'S Ql.O\EV..—{Jj:eUloius officinalis.) {Properties.) — Axodyxe, Cephalic, Demulce>"t, Discm- ENT, EmOLLIEXT, ToXIC. Description. — Melilot is an herbaceous, leguminous, plant, with green stems, rising from a perennial, long, tough, white root. Leaves alternate, and trifoliate — leaflets unequally notched about the edges. Flowers, yellow, of a pleasant scent, alternately arranged three or four inches apart, on long, terminal spikes. These are followed by legumes, or pods, containing flat, brownish seeds. This plant in taste is un- MATERIA MEDICA." IQS pleasant, subacrid, subsaline, but not bitter ; when fresh it has scarcely any smell ; in drying it acquires a pretty strong one, of the aromatic kind, but not agreeable. It flowers in June and July. Medical Uses. — The flowers of Melilot and of cTiamomile may be used in form of enemas to expel flatulence, and alle- viate pain : in form of poultices, likewise, to remedy swelling of the spleen. A poultice, made of boiled Melilot with the addition of the yolk of a roasted e^g^ and either fine flour, poppy seeds^ or endive^ is well calculated to emolliate and re- duce tumors and indurated swellings in any part of the body. It allays pains of the stomach, either applied fresh, or boiled with any of the above ingredients. The head may be washed with a lye, prepared from Melilot, to arrest the spread of tinea capitis, or ringworm of the scalp. The expressed juice is said to obviate specks on the cornea. To wash the head often with the distilled water of the herb and flowers, or with a lye made of the herb, is considered of advantage in cases of sudden temporary deprivation of the senses, — it strengthens the memory, and imparts new vigor to the brain — preserves it from pain, and shields it from the attacks of apoplexy. The principal use of Melilot has been in clysters, fomentations, and other external applications. MILK- WEED OE SILK- WEED.— (^5C%^^ syriaca.) {Properties) — Axodyxe, Antisteumous, Diueetic, Expec- TOEAXT, SUDOEIFIC. Description. — The stems of this milky plant are from two to four feet in hight, undivided, or having no branches, and furnished with opposite, entire, oblong leaves, gradually taper- ing to a point, preseiiting a soft, somewhat downy under surface. Flowers, light purple, sweet scented, arranged in two or three umlels^ proceeding from between the petioles, and being nutant or nodding — calyx, five parted — corolla, 106 people's physician. monopetalous and five lobed — seed vessel follicular, with one valve opening longitudinally — seeds numerous, and attached to a long, silky down. We find it in barren, sandy grounds, on hills and banks of rivers, or waste places, near the Eastern coast of the United States, and elsewhere, producing flowers in July and August. Medical Uses. — The root of Milkweed is much used in cases of asthma, scrofula, strangury, and dropsy. The best mode of administration is by way of decoction : — for this pur- pose, add a pound of the root to one gallon of water, and boil to the consumption of one-half; permit to cool, then add a quart of the best Holland gin ; — cork tight, and place aside for use. Dose. — A wine glassful, three or four times a day. MOTHER- WOKT.—(Z^^72 urus cardiaca.) {Properties.) — Diaphoretic, Emmenagogue, Xervine, Par- turient, Pectoral, Stomachic. Description. — It has a hard, square, rough, brownish stalk, from two to four feet in hight, spreading into branches. Leaves opposite, somewhat long and elliptical, crumpled or wrinkled, of a dull green color, deeply edged with teeth, and with long footstalks. Flowers of a red or purple color, placed at stated distances, in opposite, nearly sessile axillary cymes, or in a whorl-like form, after the manner of halm or hoar- Jiound. These give place to a provision of small, round, blackish seeds. The root sends forth a number of long strings and small fibres, taking strong hold in the ground, of a dark yellowish, or brownish color, and is perennial. It usually grows in gardens. Medical Uses. — The leaves of Mother-wort have a dis- agreeable smell and a bitter taste, yet are familiarly and effectually brought into requisition for female complaints, MATERIA MEDICA. 107 and perhaps, for this purpose, no medicine is more exten- Bively used. It is a universal uterine medicine. A spoonful of the pulverized herb in Holland gin, is an invaluable aid in parturition. It acts as a vermifuge, diuretic, and emmena- gogue — likewise, may be employed in palpitation of the heart, fainting or swooning, neuralgic pains, or nervous disorders, cramps or convulsions, lassitude, or drooping spirits. It removes cold phlegm oppressing the chest. The herb, or root, procures sleep, allays pain and spasms. This may be prepared by way of infusion or sirup, for many purposes. The tincture is used in table spoonful doses. MUGWOET. — (Artemisia vulgaris.) {Properties.) — Antepileptic, Deobstruent, Discutient, Keevine, Tonic. Description. — Mugwort is a perennial plant, having radical leaves much divided, or deeply cut in about the edges, after the manner of wormwood^ but larger, of a dark green on the upper surface, and hoary beneath. The stem rises from three to four feet or more, in hight, furnished with smaller leaves than those proceeding from the root ; spreading near the top into racemous branches, set with smaR, yellowish, hemispheri- cal flowers, or in form resembling buttons. These are followed by small seeds, inclosed in indehiscent, dry pericarps. The root is loDg, taking strong hold in the ground with many small fibers. It is found by water courses, and elsewhere, flowering the latter part of summer. Medical Uses. — An ointment may be prepared from the root of this plant, lard, and some field daisies^ if obtainable, as an efiectual remedy for wens, glandular swellings, or king^s- evil. The expressed juice is said to be an especial antidote for persons who have swallowed overdoses of opium. The powder of the leaves, taken by the dose of three spoonsful 108 people's physician. in Holland gin, is considered a sure and speedy remedy in sciatica, and epilepsy or fits. An infusion of the herb, to- gether with chamomile^ employed in the form of an external application, obviates pains of chronic rheumatism, cramps, etc. MULBEEKY.— (J/brw5 nigra.) {Properties.) — Anthelmintic, Antiphakmic, Antiptrotic, Astringent, Cathartic, Demulcent. Description. — This kind of Mulberry is a tree of medium size, and is very common in the United States, where it has long been introduced. It has rough, lobed, irregularly den- tate leaves, in form between heart-shaped and ovate ; and its fruit is well known to be of a dark purple, or approaching to black, being ripe in July and August. Medical Uses. — Mulberries are sub-acid, cooling or reviv- ing, lubricating and laxative, and are considered by some to furnish a very good drink in fevers. The unripe berries are the reverse, being astringent or binding, especially when dried, and may be used to check some forms of diarrhea and dysentery. The bark of the root is said to expel the tape worm, and to act as a cathartic. A sirup made from the juice of the fruit, may be used as an agreeable gargle, in in- flammation and canker in the mouth and throat, as well as in prolapsus uvulse, or falling of the uvula, commonly called palate. The expressed juice of the leaves is said to be an antidote for overdoses of aconite. Bruised Mulberry leaves, employed by way of external application, arrest the bleeding piles, and may be used as a styptic for other purposes, — the same, beaten with vinegar, are considered useful in burns and scalds, being applied or bound on to the part affected. MATERIA MEDIC A. 109 MULLEIIT. — ( Yerbasciim tJiapsus.) {Properties) — Anodyne, Astkingent, Demulcent, Discu- TiENT, Pectoral, Tonic. Description. — This plant appears with large, somewhat^ elliptical, whitish green, woolly leaves, lying upon the ground. The stem is usually from two to four feet in hight, erect, un- divided, or very rarely branched near the top, leafy up to the flowers, which are yellow, and formed into a long, dense spike ; — these are followed by brownish seeds, contained in small heads compacjjy attached to the spike. The root is somewhat long, wmti^h, and slightly tapering. It grows by roadsides, in pastures, neglected fields, as well as in other places, flowering in July, or near that time. Medical Uses. — A decoction of the root or leaves of Mul- lein may be used with very good efiect in diarrhea and dysen- tery, in ruptures, cramps, pains of the stomach, deeply-seated protracted coughs, colds, and other pulmonary complaints. A tea of Mullein, likewise, is useful in stoppage of urine, and agues. An infusion of the leaves with sage, marjoram, and chamomile flowers, is employed successfully as an application in rheumatic afi*ections of the joints and limbs, in conjunction with a strong infusion of the flovrers as a beverage. - Though this disorder may not seem to yield to medicines, immediately, yet they should still be persisted in. Excellent medicines are discontinued, frequently in this disease, because they do not perform an immediate cure, — whereas, nothing would be more certain than their efiect, were they duly persisted in. Want of perseverance in the use of medicines, is one reason why chronic diseases are &o seldom cured. The powder of the flowers ob- viates colic, or pains of the bowels, and formed into an oint- ment, is a cure for the piles, scalds, and burns. An external application of the leaves or roots, prepared by way of decoc- tion, is valuable to resolve or disperse tumors, indurated and white swellings, and inflammation of the throat. Also, use- 110 people's physician. ful in poultices applied to swellinanis7i cham- omile^ has a perennial, descending root. The stems are somewhat procumbent, furnished with pinnate or much divi- ded light green leaves, bearing single flowers, with a yellow disk, and a ray of white leaves. It flowers in June and July. Medical Uses. — For disorders of the head, this is deemed one of the best detergents existing among plants. The herb or root used as a masticatory or chewed, powerfully excites the flow of saliva, purges off watery humors from the head, alleviates painful neuralgic affections of the head, face, or teeth, obviates defluxions to the eyes, lungs, and chest, — which ultimately, if suffered to remain unchecked, variously gives rise to bronchitis, coughs, asthma, apoplexy, epilepsy, and consumption. The same has been found useful in re laxation of the uvula; is an excellent remedy in lethargic complaints, or drowsiness, and paralysis of the tongue, in MATERIA MEDICA. 119 which it affords relief by stimulating the salivary glands. For all the above purposes, it should be used as a masticatory. Persons troubled with intermittent fevers, or agues, should take two table spoonsful of the expressed juice in a draught of sweet wine, an hour before the approach of the paroxysms, — ' it will assuredly remove them if taken the third or fourth time. Headache may be relieved by making use of the pow- der as a snuff, which excites sneezing, and thus *lias its de- signed effect. An ointment, prepared from the powdered root and hog's lard, is useful in rheumatic disorders, sprains j bruises, contracted muscles, tuDiors, etc. PEN'NY^OY AL.—{Redeomapulegioides.) (Properties.) — Cakminative, Emmenagogue, Stimulant, Stomachic, Sudokific. Description. — Pennyroyal rises with a stem a foot, more or less, in hight, branched with slender branches, leaves opposite, oblong, somewhat sharp pointed, sharply, yet not closely nor deeply notched on the edges, and diminished or slender at the base. It bears extremely small, light blue flowers, which are set on the branches in clusters one above another, arranged in a verticillate form. The root is small, brownis'h, and having some slender shoots and fibres. This is a very common indi- genous plant, and emits an aromatic, pungent fragrance. Abounds and thrives best in dry fields or neglected grounds. Medical Uses. — This herb is warming and strengthening to the stomach. Taken warm, prepared with honey and salt, it attenuates and removes tenacious mucus or phlegm from the lungs, — or infused in milk, is beneficial in coughs, colds, or influenza. Employed as an external application with salt, it is useful in affections of the spleen and enlargement of the liver. After sweating, or taking a warm bath, the herb may be infused in spirits' with some salt and honey, and applied 120 people's physician. warm, to remove rheumatic affections of the joints. A warm infusion relieves gnawing and sinking sensations at the stom- ach, headache, jaundice, pains of the chest and of the bowels, and acts as an emmenagogue. An external application of Pennyroyal with barley meal, has been found useful in burns and scalds. It may be used in infusion, tincture, or essence, for the above purposes. PEOXY. — {PcBOiiia officinalis.) {Properties.) — Anodyne, A ntepileptic, Antephialtic, Anthelmintic, Nervine. Description. — This plant is fostered in gardens for the beauty and elegance of its flower. On its stems are set a species of compound, or pinnate leaves, composed of oblong leaflets, gradually tapering to a point, and of a lucid green color, though sometimes slightly tending to a reddish cast. At the tops of the stems, bloom very large, purplish red flowers, the petals of which are roundish at the termination. These are succeeded by round, black, lustrous, seeds. The root is perennial, considerably large, slightly spreading, and grows somewhat deep in the ground. Ifedical Uses. — The root of Peony has the reputation of being antispasmodic — the seed emetic and cathartic. The root, fresh gathered, cut fine, placed in a bottle of sweet wine to infuse about twenty-four hours, then strained, and taken in the dose of three table spoonsful in the morning, and again at night just before retiring, for a number of days in succes- sion, before and after the full moon, has been found by experi- ence to cure epilepsy or fits, in cases where the disorder has not been of too long continuance, and beyond the reach of all possible curative means. The powdered seeds, taken in wine night and morning, are of great service to persons troubled with incubus, or what is usually called night-mare. A sirup, prepared from the flowers, may be used for the same purpose. This troublesome disorder proceeds from certain derange- ^ i I Mentha Piperita; (Peppennint.) MATERIA MEDICA. 121 ments of the system ; it is not unfrequentlj a nervous affection, and has its origin principally in indigestion. TEFFEmilNT.— (Mentha piperita.) (Properties.) — Antispasmodic, Carminative, Stimulant, Stomachic, Sudorific. Description. — Peppermint is an aromatic plant, with a more penetrating smell than any of the other mints, and a strong, pungent taste. It rises with a square stem, a foot or more in hight, set with leaves broader toward the base, with a pointed termination, sharply notched on the edges, of a dark green on the upper, and of a lighter hue on the under surface. It produces spikes of purple flowers ; grows in low, wet land. Medical Uses. — It is administered with advantage in ner- vous and spasmodic affections of the stomach — spasms or pains in the bowels, vomiting, flatulence, and colic, — is very useful in bowel complaints, such as cholera morbus, cholera infantum, — weakness of the stomach or bowels. A tea should be made of a handful of this herb in a quart of boil- ing water, and drank freely. Dose. — Of essence, a tea spoonful — essential oil a few drops at a dose, mingled with spirits if thought necessary, or preferred. The bruised fresh herb furnishes a good applica- tion to place over the regions of the stomach and bowels in colic and vomiting of infants. PIMVElil'NEL.—(AnagaUis arvensis.) (Properties.)— AsTumGiii<^T^ Demulcent, Diuretic, Errhine, Sudorific Description. — Scarlet Pimpernel has square, slender, pro- cumbent stems, on which are arranged opposite, ovate leaves. 122 people's physician. The flowers, which are of a scarlet color, are placed singly, each on a peduncle proceeding from the axils of the leaves. These are succeeded by a smooth, round, pj'xis or capsule, containing numerous small seeds. The root is annual, small, and fibrous. It grows in open fields, meadows, or on banks of rivulets, flowering between May and August. Medical Uses. — A decoction of Pimpernel, mixed with Holland gin, is a good remedy in contagious and malignant fevers : — persons, however, after taking it, should lie warmly covered in bed and be thrown into a free perspiration ; and employ the medicine twice at the least calculation. The de- coction is also excellent in hepatic or liver complaints, nephritic disorders, suppression of urine and dropsy, — and has been used in bites of rabid animals, employed at the same time both internally and externally. A tea, likewise, made of this plant, has some reputation in epilepsy, mania, or madness, internal pains and ulcers, and is used to alleviate pains of the hemorrhoids or piles. It may be beneficially employed as an errhine to purge the head, and is well adapted as an external application, to cleanse and heal wounds, obstinate, or foul ulcers, and to extract thorns or splinters from the flesh. The expressed juice or distilled water dropped into the eyes, obviates dimness of sight, and may be used as a lotion or wash to remove roughness, or imperfections of the skin. Vl.KBllM^.—{Plantago major.) {Properties.) — Antiseptic, Detergent, Deobsteuent, Diu- KETic, Refrigerant, Yulnerart. Medical Uses. — This broad-leaved Plantain is an herb so common that it requires no description. It follows the foot- steps of man in almost all parts of the world, but usually prefers cool oi temperate climates. A decoction of the root or seed, or the same taken in the MATERIA MEDICA. 123 form of powder, persistiagly for a number of days, as occasion requires, is attended, with very beneficial results, in painful excoriations, or erosions of the bowels, serous defluxions from ttie head, diarrhea, dysentery, profuse menses, expectoration and urination of blood, — is effectual in bronchitis, inflamma- tion and ulcers of the lungs, tertian and quartan agues, obsti- nate ulcers, piles, cankers and sores in the mouth, or in any part of the body — dropsy, jaundice, hepatic and nephritic derangements. The distilled water, or expressed juice, dropped into the eyes allays the inflammation of the same. Persons afilicted with the earache, otorrhea, or deafness, may, likewise find it profitable, employed by way of drops, combined with salt. An ointment made of Plantain and Jioiiseleelc^ boiled in cream, and strained before cooling, furnishes a very soothing, cooling application in inflammations, eruptions of the skin, scalds and burns. The expressed juice, mingled with the oil of roses^ and applied to the forehead and temples, has a sahitary efiect in pains of the head attended with heat, and in cases of delirium. Persons suffering from the poisonous bites of serpents and rabid animals, should take immediately a table spoonful of the expressed juice of Plantain and horeJiound^ mingled with some vinegar. In about three quarters of an hour, take an- other, if requisite — likewise a tobacco leaf, saturated in whisky or rum, should be immediately applied to the 'part affected. One pound and four ounces of the leaves of Plantain, pre- pared in decoction with two quarts of beef-brine, is an excellent application in itch, salt rheum, ring-worms, shingles, etc. A decoction should, however, at the same time, be taken to purify the blood, prepared from peach meats ^ Tieartsease^ gentian^ sweet fern^ and hiirdoch seeds and roots. The Plantains have the reputation of being excellent in the cure of wounds — their herbage is astringent, and somewhat bitter, and their seeds furnish demulcent drinks. The ancients considered it useful in visceral obstructions, hemorrhages, consumptions, and other complaints. 13 124 people' S PHYSICIAN. FLEJJmSY -V.OOT. ^{AsGlepias tuherom.) {Properties.) — Carminative, Diaphoeetic, Expectorant, Febkifcge. Medical Uses. — This plant is also called lutterjly-weed^ and is a purgative medicine. In Virginia and the Carolinas it is much used in pulmonary affections. It is excellent in pleurisies, and hence its name ; is likewise beneficial in all cases of difficult respiration or shortness of breath, and all diseases of the lungs ; relieves pain in the breast, stomach, and intestines. The usual form of use is in decoction, or syrup, but the alcoholic extract is far preferable. The dose of this is five grains. VOl.Y?OI>Y. —{Polypodlum vulgare.) {Properties.) — Cathartic, Demulcent, Pectoral. Description. — Polypody is a small plant belonging to the order of ferns, having its fructification on the inferior disk of its dark green fronds or leaves, in roundish points, which occasion a slight degree of roughness, the upper disk being smooth. It has a creeping, shallow root, with slender radicles, and grows in the clefts of decayed trees, in open places of rocks, and old walls about woods. The root is the part used in medicine, and has a sweetish taste. It is kept by tho druggists. Medical Uses. — Polypody is a valuable medicine to clear the system of biliary and pituitous humors, or promote healthy excretions when the humors are in a crude and vitiated state. Taken in form of sirup, in barley-water, or employed in decoction with maUoics^ it is of much utility in melancholic or hypochondriac disorders, quartan agues, enlargement and AecLKPiAS TuBEROSA, (Pleurisy-ioot.) i PopULUs Tremcloides. Populus Balsamifera. P0PU1.US Geandidentata. Pofulus Candicans, Xanthoxtlttm Fraxineum, (Prickly Ash.) MATERIA MEDICA, 125 tumefaction of the spleen, pains and stitches in the sides, and colic. Two tea spoonsful of the powdered roots taken in honeyed water, and abstaining from food, answers the fore- going purposes. The distilled water is a good medicine, with the addition of some sugar, in coughs, shortness of breath, or labored respiration, asthma, bronchitis, catarrh, or defluxions upon the lungs, which often terminate in consumption. An external application, prepared from the fresh roots pounded fine, or the dried, powdered roots, with honey, possesses an active efficiency in sprained- joints. POPLAE. — {Populus tremuloides.) {Properties) — Astringent, Febrifuge, Stomachic, Tonic. Medical Uses. — This Poplar tree is also called American aspen. The bark, prepared in the form of a tonic bitter, is highly valuable in dyspepsia, or a debilitated habit of body. It strengthens the stomach, and restores the digestive organs to a healthy state; — this is employed, moreover, in intermit- tent fevers, or agues. It possesses cleansing, healing and cooling qualities, and is well calculated by way of external application, or ointment, in cases of inflammation, wounds, tumors, scalds, and burns. Druggists keep 'it usually pre- pared in form of extract, ointment, etc. POPPY. — {Papaver somniferum.) {Properties.) — Anodyne, Narcotic, Stimulant. Description. — White Poppy has a number of light green leaves, gashed or cut into segments or jags, on the edges, 126 PEOPLE S PHYSICIAN. alternate, and at their base clasping the stem : this is round, smooth, and of a sea-green color. The peduncles are long, and terminated bj a single flower, with four white, roundish petals. These are followed bj a round, green capsule, con- taining numerous seeds. From incisions made in the capsule, or in any other part of the plant, when half grown, exudes a milky juice, from which opium is obtained. The root is an- nual, whitish, branching, and tapering. This and the red poppy are usually cultivated in gardens. Medical Uses. — A decoction or sirup, prepared from the ;eaves, or empty heads of poppies, may be used with good efiect to procure rest and sleep for weak or debilitated per- sons, to stay catarrhs, or serous defluxions from the head to the stomach and lungs, which cause a continual cough — to ob- viate hoarseness, or loss of voice, diarrhea, or looseness of the bowels, and to allay pain. An external application of the bruised leaves, or capsules, with some vinegar, or a poultice prepared from them with barley meal, cools and abates the erysipelas, or other inflammatory disorders, heat and delirium, in intermittent fevers, or agues. An infusion, comprising one third part of Poppy flowers, and two thirds of new rum, prepared in a bottle, or in any tight, convenient vessel, and kept for use, furnishes an invaluable application in swellings, sprains, inflammations, lameness, pains, bruises, or injuries, cuts or wounds, pains in the teeth, swellings of the face and breasts arising from colds. It is useful, likewise, as a lotion in weak, inflamed, sore eyes, and dimness of sight. FEICKLY ASH. — {Xanthoxylum fraxineum.) {Propei'ties) — Asteixgext, SialoCtOgue, STnI^LA^'T, Sudo- EIFIC. Medical Uses. — The bark of this shrub or tree, applied to the gums or chewed, remarkably promotes the flow of saliva, and besides cures the toothache, — hence the name which Prickly Ash sometimes bears, tootTiacTie tree. As a modi- MATERIA MEDICA. 127 cine it powerfully induces sweat, is very warming and strength- ening to the stomach, and holds a high reputation in paraly- sis of the muscles of the mouth, indigestion or dyspepsia, coma or drowsiness, palsy, rheumatic disorders, ulcers or ill- conditioned sores, and is highly beneficial in all offensive or virulent humors of whatever nature or source. It imparts a full, healthy circulation to the blood. Dose. — About thirty grains, or half a tea spoonful of the powdered bark infused in a gill of water with a little sugar, taken three times a day, an hour before each meal. In decoc- tion, two scruples. The bark, prepared by way of decoction, may be used both internally and externally in inveterate or ill-conditioned sores, etc. It is proper to observe here. Prickly Ash, as well as other species belonging to the same genus, is useful in inter- mittent fevers, or agues. The berries and bark are alike use- ful and valuable as a medicine. PUESLAI^. — {Portulaca oleraoea.) {Projperties^ — Antiscokbutic, Antiseptic, Astringent, Eefrigerant. Description. — Purslain is an annual, low, spreading plant, with small, roundish, fleshy, succulent leaves, of a dull green color. It abounds in gardens and fields, and has been used as a salad or in other forms, from remote antiquity to the present time. Medical Uses. — As a medicine, this is valuable to cool and correct the blood — to allay heat of the stomach, of the liver, or heat attending nephritic complaints, affections of the urinary passages, or hemorrhoids. It subdues bilious diarrhea, fluxes, and excoriations of the bowels, catarrhal affections, pains of the head, and delirium proceeding from fevers, or deprivation of sleep. A decoction of the bruised seed of Purslain, is said to be a vermifuge for worms in children. The expressed 128 people's physician. juice answers the above purposes, and may be employed to arrest vomiting ; likewise used with good effect in inveterate coughs, shortness of breath, asthmatic affections, and im- moderate thirst. The herb bruised and applied to the forehead and temples, imparts rest or repose to the patient when de- prived of sleep through excessive pains of the head, heat, or other causes. It may be used as an application, to remove redness and inflammation of the eyes, ring-worms, or tetters, and other eruptive disorders, as erysipelas or St. Anthony's fire. The expressed juice, with the oil of roses^ is employed to good advantage in sore breasts, and to allay inflammation of ulcers, wounds, or injuries. An application of this is use- ful in umbilical, or navel ruptures in children, and furnishes a wash or gargle which cures canker in the mouth, swollen, or spongy gums, firmly fastens loosened teeth, and remedies scorbutic affections. QUEEN OF THE l^^ADOW .—{Eupatorium purpureum.) {Properties) — Astringent, Deobstkuent, Stimulant, Tonic, Medical Uses. — This plant is sometime called gravel-root., and resembles the honeset or tJiorougJiwort in its tonic action. It is said to afford immediate relief in backache, and is re- markably useful in dropsies, urinary suppressions, gravel com- plaints, and female weakness and obstructions. For these purposes it should be taken freely by way of strong decoction. QUEEN OF THE MEADOW .—{Spircea ulmaria.) {Properties) — Astringent, Diuretic, Diaphoretic, Tonic, DesGription. — This species of spiraea, sometimes called meadow-sweet., rises with a stalk slightly shaded with red, EuPATORiuM PuRPUREUM, (Queen of the Meadow.) MATERIA MEDIC A. 129 three feet or more in hight, furnished with alternate, com- pound, or pinnate leaves, consisting of leaflets of a dark green on the upper, and grayish on the inferior disk, some- what deeply serrated or sharply notched on the edges, broadest toward the base, and diminishing to a point, the end one being three lobed, and largest. At the top appear numerous, small, white flowers, emitting a sweeter fragrance than the leaves. The root is perennial, blackish on the exterior, and slightly brownish within, extending radicles and fibers. It prefers, usually, wet meadows, or banks of water- courses, and flowers in July and August. This plant was introduced into the United States from Europe. MediGol Uses. — This plant has been much used in diarrhea and bloody flux, as well as to arrest vomiting and colic. It possesses strengthening, and highly useful diuretic qualities, and is found valuable in nephritic complaints, or obstructions of the urinary passages. It is employed by way of external application, to cure corrosive or cankerous ulcers. The dis- tilled water is said to be useful to abate heat, or inflammation of the eyes. The root and other parts are medicinal. The leaves are recommended as mild astringents. Tlie flowers are supposed to possess antispasmodic and diaphoretic virtues. QUEEN'S J)'£lAQllT.—{Stillingia sylve^tica.) {Properties.) — Alterative, Cathaetio, Emetic. Description. — This plant rises with stems usually two or three feet in hight, and furnished with leaves alternately arranged, oblong, blunt at the termination, tapering at the base, finely notched on the edges, stipuled., and without foot- stalks. It bears yellow flowers, which appear in May or June. Medical Uses. — The root of Queen's Delight, the part used for medical purposes, has been much extolled as an alterative, 130' people's physician. surpassing mercury in its salutary effects in derangements of the liver, and in purifying or freeing the blood from scrofu- lous affections, or from vitiated, virulent humors proceeding from any disease whatever ; and thoroughly removes disorders of the skin. It should be borne in mind, however, moderate doses act with alterative effect, and that large doses prove emetic and cathartic. It is usually prepared in form of decoction : — put six or eight ounces of the root in four quarts of water, boil down to two quarts, add one pint of Holland gin, cork ti^jlit, and place aside for use. Dose. — Thi-ee or four table spoonsful, to be repeated three times a day, half an hour before each meal. QUIXCE.— (Pyr^^s Cydonia) {Properties) — Astringent, Demulcent, Stomachic. Description. — This favorite tree derives its name from Cydonia, a town in Crete, where it abounds, and from whence it is said to have been first introduced. It has widely spread- ing branches, and attains the size of the ordinary apple tree, having leaves somewhat similar, yet thicker, broader, and containing more veins, smooth or even on the edges, and of a lighter color on the under suriace. It produces large, wliite blossoms, usually slightly tinged with pink. The fruit when green is covered with a white nap, or frieze-like downy sub- stance, gradually diminishing as the fruit matures, which is yellow, when ripe in October, and of a harsh, sour taste, but when prepared in preserves, is delicious. Low, humid soils are most congenial to this tree. Medical Uses. — The juice of ripe quinces, when in their crude or raw state, (and not prepared by fire, since, by this process they are rendered less astringent.) may be used to check vomiting, bilious diarrhea, and other fluxes, whenever the nature of the case requires astrictive or checking medi- cines. The juice of the preserved quince, with a little vin- MATERIA MEDICA. 131 egar, restores a languishing or decayed appetite ; with some spices is beneficial for persons who are subject to throwing up or vomiting food, strengthens the stomach, and invigorates the spirits of the debilitated patient, obtunds the acrimony of the bile, and promotes digestion. If you .would have it slightly laxative, prepare with honey instead of sugar, or, if more laxative, with rhubarb. The mucilage, obtained from the seeds boiled in w^ater, furnishes a good application to abate heat and soreness of women's breasts ; and mixed with sugar, is very excellent in cases of hoarseness, aphthous affections, and excoriations of the mouth and fauces. The downy substance found on green quinces, boiled and employed as an external application, is said to effect the cure of malignant sores. EASPBERRY.— (i^'i^^'ws strigosus) {Properties.) — Astringent, Tonic. Description. — The red Easpberry has a reddish stem, branched, armed with prickles, four feet, more or less, in hight, furnished with alternate leaves, sharply notched on the edges, whitish on the under surface, and terminating in an extended point. The flowers, which are white, usually appear in June, in drooping clusters, and are followed by a great abundance of red berries. It is found in many of the States, growing in waste, uncultivated lands, and in stony places. Medical Uses. — The leaves are somewhat astringent, and employed by way of infusion, are very valuable in dysentery or bowel complaints. The Easpberry is cooling and well adapted to abate heat and thirst. An infusion of the leaves furnish, likewise, a good ex- ternal application for humors, attended with inflammation, or for any external disorders attended with soreness and irritation. 14 132 people's physician. EED LOBELIA. — {Lobelia cardinalis) (Properties.) — Antispasmodic, ISTervine, Yermifuge. Medical Uses. — This plant is sometimes called cardinal flower., the root of which has been highly esteemed as a nervine, and is asserted, moreover, to be employed by the Cherokee Indians for the expulsion of worms in children. Of its other properties but little has yet been ascertained. HO^Yil^A.'RY .-^{Rosmarinus officinalis) {Properties) — Astringent, Garminatiye, Cephalic, Tonic. Description. — Rosemary has a stalk usually between three and four feet in hight, parted into numerous slender branches of a grayish color, supplied with many small, linear or very narrow, green leaves, oppositely arranged, turned back at the edge, blunt at the termination, somewhat whitish on the under surface, and without footstalks. It bears moderately large flowers, white, or presenting a slight leaden hue, disposed near the ends of the branches in clusters, or in a verticillate manner. The leaves and tops of this plant have a fragrant, aromatic smell, and a warm, bitterish, pungent taste. They are said to be a nervous stimulant. Medical Uses. — Rosemary has long been in use as a medi- cine, and is deemed valuable in cold complaints of the head, liver, stomach and bowels. A strong decoction of the foliage or leaves, applied to the forehead and temples, and snuffed up into the nose, at the same time used internally, abates cold defluxions to the eyes, catarrh, vertigo or giddiness, headache, attacks of paralysis resulting in loss of speech, epilepsy and lethargic disorders, — helps weakness of memory, reinvigorates the functions of the brain, or excites the mind liOBELiA. Cardinalis, (Red Lot alia.) ^ ! MATERIA MEDICA. 133 to vigorous action. The decoction, likewise, strengthens the retentive force of the stomach, aids digestion, obviates en- largement of the liver, flatulence, diseased gums, and pos- sesses remarkable efficacy in promoting the growth and re- storing loss of the hair, — the same, employed by way of bath or lotion, or made into an ointment, is very beneficial for persons afflicted with cold and torpid limbs, or rheumatic affections. The dried leaves, cut fine and smoked in a pipe as tobacco, are of much utility in bronchitis, asthma, coughs, or pulmonary complaints. The plant when burned in the apartments or rooms of houses, renders the air pure and salubrious. The oil of Eosemary can be extracted after this manner : — Put a quantity of the flowers into a glass vessel, tie a thin linen cloth over the mouth, turn its top down into the open- ing of another glass, making it tight; then expose the same to the heat of the sun, and it will produce by distillation an oil into the lower glass. This may be kept as a very useful medicine, for internal and external use, in the foregoing cases. It has, also, been employed in dimness of sight. EOSES. {Properties^) — -Astkingent. Styptic, Tonic. Medical Uses. — These possess very agreeable and valuable medicinal qualities, being prepared in various forms — by way of conserve, sirup, oil of roses, infusion, decoction, rose water, etc. - Those which are partially blown, possess more cooling and astringent qualities than the full blown flowers. An infusion of them in wine, is useful as an application in headache, earache, inflammation and pain of the eyes, and as a wash in soreness of the gums and throat; the same, likewise, may be used internally, and applied with some of the flowers externally, to relieve inflammation of the heart, or stomach. A decoction of the heads or cups with the seeds, 134 people's physician. checks diarrhea, dysentery, and spitting of blood. Roses strengthen the liver and retentive force of the stomach, alle- viate pain attended with heat, allays inflammation, and procures rest or repose. Rose water is of much utility in redness or inflammation of the eyes. The conserve is excellent in tremors, and palpitation of the heart, fainting or swooning, weakness at the stomach, dyspeptic complaints, bleeding, weakness and ulceration of the lungs. It may be taken in the quantity of three or four ounces a day, by itself, or dis- solved in a little warm milk ; if the patient be afflicted with a cough, a little of the sirup of poppies should be added — administer an hour before eating. Honey of roses may be used in form of a gargle, or wash, to cleanse and heal canker, or sores in the mouth and throat, to stay defluxions of humors, catarrhs, etc. RUE. — {Ruia graveolens.) {Properties) — Anthelmixtic, Antispasmodic, Diuretic, Emmenagogde, Stimulant, Stomachic, Sudorific, Tonic. Description. — Ordinaiy garden Rue possesses a strong, un- congenial odor, and a bitter, penetrating taste. It is peren- nial, and has a number of stems, more than two feet in hight, branched, sufii'uticose, or woody at the base, but above, green and soft, not woody. Leaves of a sea-green color, bipinnate, consisting of leaflets thick and slightly uneven on the edges, inversely ovate, and without footstalks. Flowers terminal, yellow, and on peduncles, branching into a corymb. It is found in gardens, producing flowers through July and August. Medical Uses. — Rue has been employed as a medicine from remote antiquity, and there has been ample room to test its true medicinal power. An infusion of the leaves with some leaves of .001..—{I)io8Coreavillo8a) {Properties.) — Diaphoretic, Expectorant, Stdiflant. Medical Uses. — The tincture of this root is highly recom- mended as an expectorant; and an infusion of the root is highly extolled as a remedy in bilious colic. Dose. — One and a half ounce of the powder may be boiled in a pint of water, and one-third given at a time. YAEEOW. — {Achillea millefolium.) {Properties.) — Aromatic, Astringent, Styptic, Tonic. Description. — Yarrow rises from fourteen to twenty inches in hight, furnished with bipinnate, very finely divided leaves. Its llowers are white, and arranged in clusters or in a corym- bus form. It is found in pastures, by fence sides, and in waste places, flowering from August until the middle of autumn, and is a perennial plant. Medical Uses. — Yarrow is a highly valuable plant for medi- cal purposes, and employed by way of infusion, strengthens the retentive force of the stomach, is excellent in spitting of blood, diarrhea, dysentery, or bloody flux — fiuor albus, pro- fuse menses, cramps or spasms, measles, small-pox, scarlatina, colic, convulsions in infants, ague and fever, and incontinence of urine. The same as a wash prevents falling of the hair. DioscoREA ViLLOSA, (Yam-root.) Mknispeemum Canadense, (Yello"w Parilla.) I MATERIA MEDICA. 173 A tea of Yarrow, sweetened with honey, has cured the bleed- ing piles, when all other remedies have proved ineffectual. An external application by way of ointment, is not only very good to dry and heal recent cuts or wounds, but also ulcers, or sores, especially such as are attended with profuse discharge. YELLOW 'DOCK.~{Bumex crispus.) (Properties.) — Alterative, Deobstkuent, Tonic. Medical Uses.— Yellow Dock is a very valuable purifier of the blood, expelling bad humors from the system, besides, is very strengthening in cases of debility, and removes biliary obstructions, A decoction of Yellow Dock root is considered useful in the cure of cancers. A poultice of the bruised root scatters indolent swellings, and an ointment made of this reduces swellings of the glands, cures the itch and other eruptions. A sirup of the root is excellent to remove scrofu- lous, mercurial, and other taints of the system YELLOW PAEILLA. — {Menispermum canadense.) {Properties.) — Antisyphilitic, Laxative, Kervine, Tonic. Medical Uses. — This plant grows plentifullyin the Western country; and is likewise called moon-seed., or vine-maple. The root is a grateful bitter tonic and laxative, and an excel- lent medicine in dyspepsia, and cases of debility. It gives tone to the nervous system ; and hence is useful in cases of nervous irritation, hysterical affections, spasms, and all de- rangements of the functions of the brain. This root sustains a high reputation as a remedy in mercurial diseases ; a vitiated or corrupt state of blood, proceeding from any infection or malady which poisons the blood, or engenders virulent, dele- terious humors. It may be taken freely by way of infusion or extract. 174 people's physician. YELLOW-B,OOT.—(XantAorrMzaaj){ifoUa.) {Properties) — Antiseptic, Tonio. Descrijption. — This is a low, busliy tree, growiDg from two to three and a half feet in hight. The flowers are of a dark purple color, bark smooth, and the wood of a bright yellow. It is a native of the Southern States, and is found very plenti- fully along the Ohio river. Medical Uses. — This plant is sometimes called yellow-wort^ yellow-wood^ or parsley-leaved yellow-root. The root of this shrub is a pure bitter tonic, and it possesses properties very similar to coliiviba. Both the wood and bark of the roots may be employed for medicine. It may be prepared by itself, and given in decoction, or combined with other tonics, and used in many cases of disease. Dose. — Two tea spoonsful of the root in decoction. DISEASES. PwEMAKKS O^ DISEASE. Those who have but a superficial knowledge of disease and the practice of medicine, will very likely come to the conclu- sion that diseases are exceedingly numerous and diversified, but when subjected to analysis, they are found to consist of but comparatively few constituent states of derangement, by the combination of which, in various modes, in relation to number, seat, and degree, the great apparent diversity is pro- duced. Therefore we may infer that disease is of a more simple and elementary character than has heretofore been admitted by the medical profession. Though we may not be able to push the analysis of diseases to their absolute ele- ments, yet we are able to appreciate to a great extent their less complex combination, forming the proximate ingredients of those associations of morbid states or actions of the func- tions of the system, which we call disease. GElsTEEAL DISEASES. For the sake of convenience, and that the reader may better understand us, we will divide disease into two great classes, general and local. The former includes those which affect the whole system at the same time ; the latter those which. affect some particular structure or function, and in which the general or constitutional phenomena are only secondary. (175) 176 FEVERS. CHAPTER I. FEVEES. this class is composed of the followes'g names : irritati\t: fe^-er, typhus fever, INTERMITTENT OR SMALL-POX OR MIASMATIC FEVER, VARIOLA, remittent fever, VACINE DISEASE, BILIOUS FEVER, CHICKEN-POX, REMITTENT BILIOUS FEVER, MEASLES, YELLOW-FEVER, SCARLATINA, TYPHOID FEVER, ERYSIPELAS. The term fever is employed in two different senses ; one to denote a peculiar state of the system, which may be present in any disease, and which exhibits itself chiefly by an increase of temperature ; the other to signify certain affections, in which the above, with other symptoms, are usually present. Thus we speak of intermittent, remittent, and typhus fevers as special diseases, whilst in a more general sense, we speak of an individual having fever as an accompanying symptom of a pleurisy a pneumonia. The importance of bearing in mind the above distinction between the application of the term fevei' will be obvious, when it is recollected that in many cases, the so called fever, the symptom fever may be entirely absent ; this is familiar in the cold stage of an intermittent, or as a characteristic condition of the fatal cases of pernicious or congestive chills. In fevers there is usually more or less de- rangement of all the functions, the most striking symptoms being pain in the head, sensorial or nervous irregularity, in- creased heat of the skin, increased frequency of the pulse, and loss of appetite. Various premonitory symptoms usually in- FEVERS. 177 timate its approach. These constitute its forming There is a sense of lassitude and weariness, general aching of the body, slight chilliness, and occasional headache, with disin- clination for food. These symptoms may continue for days, and are sometimes wholly absent. They are most apt to occur in protracted fevers, as the typhus and typhoid. The coldstage or cTiill^ is the first decided evidence of the disorder. Its approach is sometimes gradual, and sometimes sudden, and varies much in intensity. The sensations are of a nervous character, though it is often attended with some reduction of the temperature of the body. The pains which accompany it are purely of a nervous character. Its duration is variable, in some cases not exceeding a few minutes ; in others, con- tinuing for hours, or even days. The cold stage is gradually merged into the liot stage^ in which there is an actual increase in the temperature of the body, rising occasionally as high as one hundred and seven ; along with this, there is an increased fullness and frequency of the pulse,|varying, however, very much in this respect, occasionally reaching as high as one hundred and fifty or one hundred and sixty per minute. There is also a flushed face generally, together with more or less pain in the head, and an increase of sensibility to light and sound. The secretions are always deranged in fever; they are usually diminished, or entirely suppressed. In the declining stage of fever there is frequently profuse evacuations from the skin, kidneys, bowels, etc. These are termed critical dis- charges. The duration and course of fever varies ; it occasionally runs through all its stages and terminates in a day ; in which case it is called an ephemera. Again, it may return after an interval, differing in length, when it is named intermittent or fever and ague. Again, it may partially decline, and after- wards return with its former intensity, when it is called remittent; and finally it may continue with little or no ten- dency to remission, in which case it receives the name of con- tinued fever. There is two opposite grades of fever ; the one denominated the inflammatory, marked by an increased 178 I Pv Pw I T A T I Y E F E V E R . vital action : the other, the 7(9 1^ grade or typhus fever; it is characterized by a feeble condition of the vital forces. Some of the foregoiDg fevers are propagated by contagion, and are hence called contagious ; some have the property in common of being attended with an eruptive affection, and are denomi- nated eruptive or exanthematous fevers. SECTION I. IRRITATIVE FEYER. By this is meant a simple fever, arising from an irritating cause, but unattended with any local inflammation. Usually its duration is short, — from one to five or six days. K it extends beyond this time, the probability is that some local inflammation has been developed. It evinces a tendency to remit. Symptoms. — Are those of fevers generally, only milder. In infants it may commence with convulsions or spasms, and during the paroxysm there may be drowsiness, even approach- in2: coma. Causes. — Any cause producing irritation. In children the causes are more frequently such as teething, undigested sub- stances in the bowels, worms, etc. Hence it is often called worm fever. Treatraent. — This is usually very simple. Remove the cause, and diet the patient, if there seem to be nothing more than febrile excitement. Cooling purgatives will be found effectual. A dose of salts and senna followed by a refrigerant diaphoretic. In children, if there is much nervous excite- ment, it may be met with asafoetida tea, given every five minutes ; also, apply a garlic poultice to the feet, which are usually all that is necessary. INTERMITTENT FEVER. 179 SECTION II. MIASMATIC FEYEES. There are three different fevers that we shall arrange under this name, because they all have their origin in the same cause, miasma. They are the intermittent^ remittent., and pernicious. Miasma is caused by the concurrence of the heat, moisture, and vegetable decomposition. It prevails to some extent in all low, marshy districts, except in some of the extreme Eastern States, and is much more malignant in warm southern climates than in high northern districts. Miasma having a great affinity for moisture, is more condensed early in the morning and late at night, consequently there is more danger of being affected if exposed at such times. SECTION III. mTERMITTENT YYN'E.'R.— {Fever and Ague.) This is characterized by febrile paroxysms, returning at stated intervals, and by the absence of fever between the paroxysms. There are three varieties ; 1st, the quotidian.^ in which the chills and fever comes on every^ day ; 2d, the tertian^ which comes on alternate days, and 3d, quartan., which comes ^ once in three daj^s. Symptoms. — An intermittent has three stages ; First, the cold stage, beginning with chilliness and violent shiverings ; the finger nails blue, headache, backache, quick, small pulse, and sometimes vomiting. This lasts from one to two or three hours, then commences the second or Jiotstage^ beginning with flushes of heat, which gradually increase, the skin becomes hot and dry, the face flushed, the pulse full and frequent. After a duration of several hours, the third, or sweating stage., makes its appearance, and perspiration becomes profuse all 180 INTERMITTENT FEVER. over the body. The urine is high-colored and copious. Now the patient feels tolerably well, but weak till the next paroxysm. These are the usual symptoms, with some vari- ations, of which the plan of our present work will not allow us to speak. Cause. — Marsh miasma being absorbed by the lungs, enters into the circulation, deranges the excretory organs, especially the liver and spleen, consequently the patient is more or less bilious. Any thing which debilitates the system is a pre- disposing cause. Treatment. — In cases where the stomach is loaded or the patient is bilious, commence with an emetic, and follow it with an active cathartic, such as the compound cathartic pills, or compound extract of colycinth ; or where the liver is dor- mant and the stools are of a liglit color, two large blue mass pills may be taken at night. In mild cases, an emetic is not indicated, and a cathartic is all that is required to cleanse the stomach and bowels. During the cold stage give the patient warm drinks of tea, and hot foot baths. In the hot stage give cold drinks, as ice water, lemonade, and refrigerant diaphoretics. After sweating, rub the skin dry with warm towels. "When the paroxysm is over, commence giving some anti- periodic remedy to prevent its return. Sulphate of quinine is an excellent remedy ; from two to four grains may be given every two hours till from twelve to eighteen grains are taken. The reader must bear in mind that the system must be brought under the influence of quinine. To prevent the chill, it is best to commence giving the quinine about six or eight hours before the chill comes on, and give it in such quantities that all may be taken before the period for the chill an-ives. To prevent its return^ the patient should use a tonic mixture. Peruvian bark, • 1 oz., Rhubarb, 2 drachms, Ginger root, 1 " Carbonate of iron, i oz. REMITTENT FEVER. 181 These should be pulverized and put into one pint of the best of brandy or other good spirits, of this the patient should take a table spoonful three times a day before each meal, and not omitting to shake the bottle before pouring out for use. This should be taken for two or three weeks, or until the sys- tem recovers its former health and vigor. Among the prescriptions in the latter part of this work will be found several which may be resorted to if the case should prove obstinate. SECTIOIST lY. EEMITTEIS'T FEYER. {Bilious Fever, — Bilious Remittent.) This fever is usually caused by marsh miasma. It is most common in the southern and middle portions of the United States ; the localities where it is the most prevalent are the valleys of streams, the borders of lakes and ponds, the neigh- borhood of marshes, and the western prairies. It occurs mostly during the summer and autumnal months. Symptoms. — Several days before the invasion of the disease, the patient complains of uneasiness in the region of the sto- mach, lassitude, pains in the limbs, back, and head, espe- cially over the eyes. Finally the disease commences with a chilly, shivering sensation, which is soon superseded by febrile flushes, or by alternations of heat and cold, by nausea, and sometimes vomiting. The pains in different parts of the body become aggravated ; the mouth is dry, the tongue is usually coated with a white or yellow fur ; the pain in the head is attended with a feeling of distension and throbbing, often passing to delirium. The pulse is full, hard, and frequent ; thirst is great, bowels constipated, and the urine scanty and high-colored. These symptoms usually continue from ten, twelve, or 19 182 REMITTENT FEVER. eighteen hours ; when the perspiration breaks out, the pulse falls in force and frequency, the delirium and the irritability of the stomach subsides. There is the remission, which varies exceedingly, from two to three hours to whole days. Another paroxysm then occurs, but usually without a chill, running the same course as the first, and each successive paroxysm becoming more severe and remission less decided. About this period the disease may be checked by proper and active treatment, but if it is obstinate and does not yield, the symp- toms may become more violent. The skin becomes dry and harsh, or moist and clammy ; the tongue is black and crusted. Vomiting and pain in the epigastrium are more constant. In unfavorable cases the skin becomes yellowish, the bowels irritable, the evacuations become watery, greenish, and at last almost black; the urine is scanty, high-colored, and sometimes of a yellowish brown color. The headache is intense, accompanied with much nervous derangement and delirium. Treatment. — If there is much sickness at the stomach, and vomiting of small portions of bile, an emetic should be given: for this purpose five grains of tartar emetic, and twenty grains of ipecac, made into a draught, and a table spoonful given every five or ten minutes till the desired effect is produced. Copious drinks of warm water should be taken, which facili- tates the vomiting and cleanses the stomach more thoroughly. A cathartic should then be given ; this may consist of the compound cathartic pills of the United States Pharmacopoeia, found at the druggists, or a dose of calomel and jalap, con- sisting of from ten to fifteen grains of the former and from five to eight of the latter ; this we regard as an excellent cathartic, it not only carries off all acrid excrementitious matter from the alimentary canal, but rouses up the excretory organs and assists them in throwius; off from the svstem all miasmatic poison and all impurities that may exist in the blood. Where there is not much derangement of the biliary organs, an infusion of salts and senna, or senna and manna will an- PERNICIOUS FEVER. 183 swer the purpose. After this the bowels should be kept open by using gentle aperients, such as cream of tartar, or rhu- barb in tea spoonful doses. During the hot stage, refrigerant diaphoretics should be used. We know of none better than the neutral mixture, or solution of the citrate of potash, which may be obtained in any drug store ; lemonade, or tamarind water also answers this purpose. By pursuing this course a few days the disease may gen- erally be brought to a decided intermission, in which case the sulphate of quinine may be administered, in the same manner as spoken of in the treatment of fever and ague, and it seldom fails to perfect a cure. SECTION Y. PEROTCIOUS FEYER. {Congestive Fevers. — Pernicious Intermittent. — Perni- cious Remittent.) In this disease there is a sudden and great prostration of the nervous power. It is a modification of miasmatic fever, and may be remittent, intermittent, or continued ; however, it can only be called a continued fever in the first part of the disease, for in a few days, if the disease persists, it becomes paroxysmal, — either intermittent or remittent. In many cases the organic functions are afiected ; chiefly the digestion, respiration, circulation, and secretions; and again sometimes it attacks the brain, the heart, or the alimentary canal. At times it approaches like an ordinary intermittent, at others it has peculiar features of its own. It may occur at any hour of the night or day. "When the disease is fully formed, the face and hands are of a livid paleness, the features shrunk and expressive of alarm, the skin contracted and shriv- eled like a washer-woman's hands. The extremities, and 184 PEKNICIOUS FEYER. sometimes even the breath are cold. At times the surface is moist, with a clammy perspiration, or bathed in a profuse sweat. The tongue is sometimes pale, cold, or dry, and sometimes unaltered. There is tenderness of the stomach, internal heat, and great thirst. Xausea and incessant vomit- ing are present, with constipatiou, or the reverse. When there is diarrhea and discharges of bloody serum, the pulse is small and irregular, sometimes hard, but oftener feeble and flutter- ing, and at times intermittent. The above symptoms are those which accompany the chill. The duration of the i)aroxysm varies ; sometimes it lasts only a few hours, and at others it is extended to two or three days, mingled with attempts at reaction, and when reaction does come, it is in no degree equal to the preceding depression. At other times a slight degree of fever remains ; it is only a remission that has taken place ; again it may approach more near to an intermission. If the disease is not arrested, the same train of symptoms present themselves the next day, or the day after, with increased violence ; the second is usually fatal, though the third often occurs before death takes place. Sometimes the whole force of the disease is spent upon the heart, then the prominent symptom is excessive prostration of the circulation. When the animal functions are aflected, the paroxysm begins with drowsiness, loss of memory, con- fusion, generally passing into deep coma, or an apoplectic state. Sometimes convulsions are present. In some cases coma is preceded by delirium. Causes. — The same as that of intermittents and remittents. It is estimated that three fourths of the cases when not prop- erly treated, die. Sometimes whole settlements are swept off by the disease. If seen in the first or second paroxysm, the danger may be averted. Treatment. — We should endeavor to bring about a reaction as soon as possible. One of the best remedies is artificial heat ; a warm, moist application the whole length of the ab- domen, mustard plasters to the feet and wrists, or on the in- YELLOW-FEVEE. 185 side of the thighs, friction along the spine, and other parts of the body with turpentine or cayenne pepper. If there is no delirium, and diarrhea be present, a grain to a grain and a half of opium may be given. Internal, stimu- lants may be given for this purpose; the sulphate of quinine may be taken even in the paroxysm, and it should be admin- istered in decided, or large doses. Cayenne pepper is of great benefit, and may be given in connection with the qui- nine, and opium added if necessary. The remedies should be varied to suit the case. As we value the life of the patient, we must endeavor to prevent the second paroxysm, and for this purpose we should commence to administer sulphate of quinine as soon as the intermission commences, and from thirty to sixty grains should be given between the paroxysms. SECTION VI. YELLOW-FEYEE. This is a disease of warm climates, depending upon a special cause, and occurs mostly during the summer months, and ceasing after frost. It prevails chiefly in towns on the seaboard and streams emptying into the ocean. Symptoms. — The attacks sometimes come on without any warning, occurring in the midst of apparent health. It generally comes with a chill, and severe pains in the head, back and limbs. Yfhen febrile reaction is established, the skin is hot and dry, the respiration hurried, the face flushed, the eyes red and watery, and the conjunctiva much injected. There is a sense of uneasiness, and sometimes tenderness in the region of the stomach, accompanied by nausea and vom- iting. At first, the tongue is moist, and covered with a 186 YELLOW-FEVER. yellowish white fur, there is also extreme thirst. Tlie pulse varies from sixty to one hundred and twenty, or even one hundred and forty. At times it is unnaturally slow ; either extreme is indicative of great danger. Sometimes the mind is clear, and the muscular strength unimpaired; at others, there is delirium and prostration. Usually the bowels are costive, and when passages are obtained they are unhealthy in character; as the disease advances the pain in the limbs increases, especially in the calves and front of the legs. The above by some authors is called the starje of increase^ and lasts from a few hours to three days; the shorter the duration the more violent the disease. After this there is a remission, all the symptoms abate, and the patient seems to be recovering, but there are symptoms by which we may be warned of the further continuance of the disease. The epi- gastrium is even more tender upon pressure, the skin of a yellow orange color, the urine is of a yellow tinge, and the pulse sinks as low as forty in the minute. After a short calm the stomach assumes its former irritability, and the peculiar substance called hlack vomit is ejected. The tongue is dry, brown, and chapped. The patient becomes more and more prostrated ; at times, passive hemorrhage, and at others, sup- pression or retention of urine. The pulse becomes more feeble, the respiration sighing, the matter ejected from the stomach is brought up without effort, and discharges of the same matter takes place from the bowels. This condition is sometimes called the collapse stage. Sometimes, instead of the collapse, symptoms of reaction set in, which are always to be regarded as salutary efforts of nature, sometimes termi- nating in health, sometimes, however, running on to extreme exhaustion, or assuming a typhoid form. Causes. — There is various speculation as to the cause of this disease. There is no doubt that it is as specific as small- pox, though of its precise nature nothing definite is known. Filth and heat alone are not able to produce it; neither is marsh miasma, independent of other causes. It is erroneous to suppose that it is owing to the same YELLOW-FEVER. I8T causes which produce remittent fevers, for in many parts of the world where the latter are constantly occurring, Yellow- fever has never been known. Again, Yellow-fever prevails in IsLY^Q towns, this is not the case with remittent fevers. Those who are acclimated are seldom attacked with Yellow- fever, while it is well known that one attack of bilious fever secures no exemption from another, nor are the symptoms of the two diseases alike. Many believe it to be contagious, while many others deny it. Strangers are more liable to it than residents, and whites than negroes. The predisposing causes are exposure, intemperance, fear, and sudden changes of weather. Treatment. — In the early part of the disease, an emetic is of much service, especially if the stomach is irritable and loaded ; however, it should only be used under those circum- stances. Cold effusions are highly recommended. Mercu- rials are admitted on all sides to be of great service. Fifteen to twenty-five grains of calomel may be given to act as a cathartic, and repeated in smaller doses till the gums are slightly touched, — ice given internally, together with cool spongings externally; the latter with caution. Ice will often allay the excessive irritability of the stomach ; for the same purpose the effervescing draught may be given. In the second stage the febrifuge depleting remedies should be suspended, except the calomel, which should be continued in small doses. From one-half to two grains of sugar of lead may be given occasionally, to subdue the inflammation of the stomach, and also to act as an astringent. A blistering plaster may also be applied over the stomach. The muriate tincture of iron is highly recommended, in doses of from twenty to sixty drops every two hours — its administration, should be commenced before the black vomit appears. In the tJdrd stage cordials and stimulants are required. Two ounces of pulverized Peruvian bark, and an ounce of serpentaria, may be digested forty-eight hours in a pint of good brandy, and a dessert spoonful taken occasionally ; — from five to ten drops of spirits of turpentine taken every six 188 TYPHOID FEVER. or twelve hours, — wine whey, brandy and water, capsicum, etc., are all excellent remedies. Hot baths will also be found beneficial. The apartments should be well ventilated, and all excrementitious matter removed. SECTION VII. TYPHOID ^EYER.—(Mrvous Fever.) The term tyjplioid as applied to this disease is regarded by some as objectionable, because it expresses only a condition common to many other diseases. Sym.jptoms. — Usually there is a sense of weariness, languor, and general uneasiness, slight headache on rising in the morning, dullness of intellect, irregular flushes of heat, or chilliness, slight accelerations of the pulse, furred tongue, and a disposition to diarrhea. These symptoms, with various modifications, generally last for three or four days, and some- times are extended to a week, or more, after which the dis- ease is fully formed, and commences with a chill, followed by the usual phenomena of fever. When' the disease is fairly established there is an increased frequency of the pulse, from ninety, to one hundred and two, the latter usually in females. As a general rule the pulse is under a hundred. There is headache, with a dull, heavy expression of countenance ; with pain in the back and limbs, restlessness, bleeding at the nose, and yellow, watery stools. As the disease advances all symptoms become a^'^gravated, the pulse more frequent and strong ; the skin hot and dry, the tongue becomes dry, red at the tip and edges ; there is pain in the lower part and right side of the abdomen, with a gurgling sound upon pressure ; the abdomen is somewhat swelled. Sometimes, about this period in the disease, the symptoms of pneumonia, or bronchitis, make their appear- ance. From the seventh to the ninth day, if the surface of TYPHOID FEVER. 189 the abdomen be carefully examined, there will be found upon it a number of small, round, red spots, disappearing upon pressure — these are called the rose-colored spots^ and consti- tute a characteristic eruption ; they are about the diameter of a pin's head and slightly elevated. About this time, or later, a crop of vesicles will be detected on the neck and breast. At this period the symptoms are still more aggravated ; delirium, with a ringing or buzzing sound in the ears, fol- lowed by dullness of hearing or deafness. The eyes are injected or sunken, the tongue becomes incrusted with a black coating, which cracks and peels off, leaving the raw surface exposed ; the teeth are also colored with sordes ; the pulse becomes more feeble and frequent, accompanied by a low muttering delirium, and sometimes twitching or spasms of the muscles. As the patient becomes more feeble, he slips down in bed ; involuntary evacuation from the bowels ; hem- orrhage from the bowels, or other mucus — the skin shows a disposition to slough. This is the usual course of the disease when it terminates fatally. If the disease is to terminate favorably the symptoms subside, the countenance brightens, the pulse lessens in frequency, and the evacuations become more healthy. If the tongue ceases to clean, and becomes dry, it is an evidence of intestinal disorder ; it often happens at this time that emaciation becomes more evident than it was before. It sometimes happens in the course of the second week, the patient is seized with violent pain in the abdomen, vomiting of green, bilious matter, a small, fluttering pulse, faintings, constipation, and coldness of the extremities. The cause of these symptoms, perforation of the intestines and escape of their contents into the cavity of the peritoneum, producing inflammation. It occurs mostly in the mild forms of the disease, and is almost always fatal. Cause. — This is not definitely known. It attacks all classes, rich and poor, though it is often generated where a number of persons are crowded together, with unwholesome or insufficient food, and confined and vitiated air. Hence it 190 TYPHOID FEVER. is frequently called sliip-fever ; it is not considered bj some to be contagions ; it seldom attacks those beyond thirty ; stran- gers are more liable to it, and males than females. It occurs at any season, but more frequently in autumn and winter. Treatment. — This may usually be commenced by some mild laxative, such as a dose of castor oil, a small dose of sulphate of magnesia, rhubarb and magnesia, or a seidlitz powder, according to the nature of the case. We should always bear in mind the diarrhea or the ten- dency to it, and avoid all drastic or irritating cathartics ; we should endeavor next to subdue the fever; cold applications should be employed to the head. Diaphoretics are of much benefit throughout the whole course of the disease ; for this purpose the neutral mixture, tartarized antimony, sweet spirits of nitre, etc., may be used in the early part of the disease, and a decoction of elder flowers in the latter part of tlie disease. The cold applications may be employed to the head by means of ice in bladders ; these are very serviceable in relieving pain in the head and delirium. The hair should be cut very close. If the diarrhea is profuse, it may be arrested by opium and ipecac, a half grain each given every two hours, till the bowels are checked. If there is much nervous derangement, it may be combated with Hoffman's Anodyne in tea spoonful doses, every three hours, or camphor water. As the disease advances, if the tongue becomes dry, the urine scanty, and the skin parched, with delirium, or stupor, and an abatement of vital action, no remedy is better than mercury, given so as to slightly aflect the gums. Blue mass or calomel may be given in small doses every four or six hours, till an impression is made. If the disease should not yield, and especially should the tongue remain dry, and the abdomen distended, spirits of turpentine may be given occasionally in doses of from five to twenty drops every two hours, and continued for a day or two. If debility increase, the patient's strength should be SMALL-POX. 191 supported with beef tea, wine whey, milk punch, etc., together with the use of small doses of quinine, opium, or serpentaria. The diet should be mild in the first part of the disease, and more nutritious as the disease advances. SECTION YIII. SMALL-POX— ((^r Variola.) This disease is contagious, and is characterized by an initial fever, of three or four days duration, succeeded by an eruption, which passes through the difierent stages of pimple, vesicle, and pustule. The ancient Greeks and Eomans give us no accounts of Small-Pox, but we have some accounts that it originated, and prevailed, in India, and China from time immemorial, and was introduced into Europe by the Arabs, about the time of Mahomet's birth. The Small-pox usually appears towards spring, it is very frequent in summer, less so in autumn, and still less in winter. It is said that children are more liable to this disease than adults ; this may be accounted for from the fact that patients never have it the second time. The disease is divided into two varieties, the distinct and confluent, the latter is attended with more' danger. There are other distinctions, as the crystalline and the bloody. Symptoms. — Small-pox is so well known that a minute description is hardly necessary. The patient is usually dull, listless, and drowsy for a few days before the violent symptoms of the disease are developed; they are inclined to drink more than usual, have no appetite for food, and complain of wea- riness, flushes of heat and cold, pains in the back, irritability of the stomach, and sometimes obstinate vomiting ; sore throat is frequentl}^ present, and in children there is sometimes con- vulsions. The fever is of a remittent type, and subsides very 192 SMALL POX. decidedly, on tlie appearance of the eruption. In the distinct variety this comes out about the third day. At first they resemble flea-bites, and are discovered on the face, arms, and breast, and soon spreads over the lower extremities. This is generally completed in about two days. N'ow commences the second stage^ when the eruption is fully out, and begins to change on the different parts of the body, in the order in which they came out. The pimples are conver- ted into vesicles on the second or third day of the eruption, and umhiliGated^ or depressed at the summit, on the fourth. From this time they gradually increase in size, the lymph becoming apparent till the vesicle has changed with a pustule. About the fifth day of the eruption, they lose their umbilica- ted appearance, and become convex, and distended at the top, and about the eighth day of the eruption, or the eleventh or twelfth from the commencement of the disease, they com- mence to turn of a brown color, sometimes burst, and then dry up ; about the twelfth day the crust Mis off, usually leav- ing a permanent pit or depression in the skin. The secondary fever comes on about the sixth or eighth day of the eruption, and tenth or twelfth of the disease ; it depends on the sympathy of the constitution with the local afiection, and is proportionably severe, according to the in- tensity of the latter. When the disease is matured, there is a peculiar, greasy odor given ofi^from the body of the patient, by which the disease is recognized; it is also characterized by a severe itching. In the conftuent kind, all the symptoms are more violent; the derangement of the stomach, and nervous complication are more intense, there being a great deal of vomiting, and either delirium or convulsions. These afiectious may cause the death of the patient before the ap- pearance of the eruption. The eruption, which is commonly slraultaneous^ and seldom successive, occurs about the second or third day, rarely on the fourth, and very seldom on the fifth. It is sometimes accompanied by a rash, resembling scarlatina, or erysipelas. The eruption usually begins to scab upon the face, about the tenth day of the disease. The skin is here exceedingly swollen ; the matter oozes out be- SMALL-POX. 193 neath the crusts, and mingles with a bloody serum. The mucous membrane sufferB greatly, especially of the nose, eyes, and throat. Causes. — A specific contagion. All are liable to take it who are not previously protected. Treatment. — In mild cases, the only treatment necessary is refrigerant diaphoretics, and occasional laxatives. The diaphoretics may consist of cool, diluting drinks, lemonade, the solution of the citrate of potassium, neutral mixture, or from five to twenty grains of salt-petre, taken three or four times a day. The patient should be kept in a cool room, well ventilated. To keep the bowels open and act as a gentle laxative, a small dose of salts and senna, or mag- nesia and rhubarb in tea spoonful doses may be used. In severe cases, a large dose of salts and senna may be given, or a dose of calomel, from ^lyq to fifteen grains, may be taken, according to the size of the patient, and followed in eight or ten hours with a table spoonful of epsom salts. Occasional sponging with cool, or tepid water, will be beneficial and agreeable when the skin is hot and dry. It must be recollected that the disease can not be cut short, and that the patient must husband his strength. From one to one and a half grains of Dover's powder, may be given at night to combat restlessnesss. After the first stage, very little ia required ; if there is much nervous derangement, it may be corrected by giving a tea spoonful of Hofiinan's Ano- dyne, or sweet spirits of nitre, every three or four hours. In malignant cases, it is necessary to support the system under the abundant suppuration and vast irritation of the pustules. Opiates may be used at this period with advantage. They may be combined with calomel and ipecacuanha. To answer the same purpose as the above, a grain and a half of Dover's powder may be added to five or ten grains of calomel, and taken at night. When the pulse begins- to become weak, the tongue dry and dark, and the extremeties to show a want of due action, recourse must be had to stimulants and tonics, 194 VACCINE. and Diitritons diet, to suit the wants of the system. Small doses of the sulphate of quinine may be given two or three times a day, or a compound infusion of Peruvian bark, the muriated tincture of iron, malt liquors, wine, wine whey, soft boiled eggs, animal broth, etc. It is very desirable to prevent the pock-marks or pits which are left by the disease ; this may be prevented by the opening each pock as soon as it becomes vesicular, with a lance, apply- ing a strong solution of nitrate of silver, or by inserting a stick of nitrate of silver, which is brought down to a point. To be eflectual, it should be applied early to each vesicle as they appear. Prevention of Small-pox. — There are two methods ; in- oculation and vaccination, the first is very effectual, because it actually imparts the disease in a mild form ; but in it there is some danger. The other mode, vaccination, is the one now universally practiced. SECTION IX. VACCINE. The vacine disease or coio-jjo?:. is a name given to a disease produced by inoculation, to protect the human system. The disease was first noticed in the cow, (whence its name.) in which animal it appears upon the teats, in small vesicles ; the matter taken from such vesicles is protective. From numerous experiments it appears that about one-half of those who are vaccinated are liable to a modified form of small-pox or varioloid, on exposure ; still, cases of varioloid are so rarely fatal, that it may be considered as almost a sure protective. Yaccination is usually practiced on the upper part of the arm, a lancet charged with lymph being thrust below the skin in several points ; vesicles mature on the ninth or tenth day. MEASLES. 195 SECTION X. Y AmOLOID.— {Modified Smdl-pox.) This is a modified form of small-pox, occurring in those who are protected by vaccination. The treatment is the same as for very mild cases of small-pox. SECTION XI. CHICKEN'-POX.— ( Varicella.) This is a contagions fever ; the eruption is vesicular. Symptoms. — A slight fever is sometimes present, but gener- ally very slight, and continues from a few hours to two days, when it disappears on the occurrence of the eruption. This comes out in sinall, red spots, w^iich soon become vesicular. The eruption is frequently accompanied with a tingling, itching sensation, which causes the child to scratch and rub the vesicles, and rupture them. They attain maturity about the fifth day. One attack protects the patient from a second one. Treatment. — It is not dangerous, and is always so mild as to be quite insignificant, and requires but little treatment. A small dose of magnesia, or salts, may be 'given; cooling drinks, and light vegetable diet, is all that is required. It may be advisable, after the scabs fall ofi*, to bathe the child in warm water. SECTION XII. 'MEK^'LE.^.—{Ruleola.) This is a contagious fever, accompanied with a peculiar eruption. Measels, as an epidemic, usually prevails in winter, but may occur in any season. 196 . MEASLES. Syiivptoms. — It commences as most of the fevers — with slight chilliness, with flushes of heat, watery appearance of the eyes, running at the nose, frequent sneezing, hoarseness, and cough, with soreness of the throat. The eruption appears on the fourth day, in the form of small, red spots, slightly elevated above the skin. They appear first on the face, and extend to the rest of the body ; in the course of a day or two, nsually, the small spots are succeeded by larger ones. The red tint of tlie rash assumes its greatest intensity on the face about the fifth day. The rash is attended with itching when at its hight. When the eruption is fully developed, the frequency of the pulse, redness of the eyes, and thirst disappear, or are much alleviated; the nausea and vomiting also subside. On the third or fourth day the eruption begins to change to a paler hue, until it finally assumes a pale yellowish color. In Measles, tlie mucous membranes are very apt to be affected; generally membranes of the wind-pipe, or trachea, bronchia, throat, nostrils, and eyelids are principally affected ; but sometimes the membranes of the stomach and bowels, producing nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, or the membranes of the brain, causing convulsions, stupor, or coma. The chief danger of Measles is its complications with pneumonia. Causes. — A specific contagion. Treatment. — In mild cases, where the symptoms are slight, the treatment consists in keeping the patient in' a mild tem- perature, a spare diet, and the bowels open with a gentle laxative, and also giving diaphoretic medicines ; such as a solution of gum arable, flax-seed tea, an infusion of slippery elm, etc., to which may be added small quantities of antimo- nial wine, and if the skin is very hot the effervescing draught may be given. If there should be much inflammation of the mucous mem- branes, small doses of calomel may be administered, fifteen grains, iu five grain doses, eight hours between. Should symptoms of croup threaten, an emetic may be given, con- SCARLET FEVER. 197 Bisting of ipecacuanha and tartrate of antimony, followed by a good dose of calomel, and afterwards wine of antimony, or ipecacuanha. Convulsions in children may be treated with the warm bath ; this, or the vapor-bath, is excellent in cases where the eruption is retarded, or has receded from the effects of cold. The principal object is to keep the eruption on the surface, and guard the mucous membranes from inflammation. The malignant form should be treated with stimulants, both internal and external. SECTION XIII. SCAELET YYNY^.— {Scarlatinal^ This is a contagious, eruptive fever, which particularly affects the mucous membranes of the throat. Symptoms. — The disease commences like other fevers, with the usual coldness and shivering, and flushes of heat, but without any violent sickness. About the second day the scarlet rash makes its appearance ; at first the body is covered with little points, which are soon followed by patches of a deep scarlet color, which become confluent, and terminates by the cuticle falling off, from the fifth to the ninth day. The fever is of various grades, sometimes so mild as scarcely to amount to disease, and at other times it puts on the most dangerous symptoms ; when these are putrid or malignant, it is always dangerous. Treatment. — Dr. Wood says that in a majority of cases the Scarlet Fever would end favorably without any treatment. In mild cases, all that is necessary is to keep the bowels open, give cooling drinks, regulate the diet, and see that the apart- ment is well ventilated and of a comfortable temperature. 20 198 ERYSIPELAS. At the commencement of the disease, a gentle emetic may be administered ; it has the most happy efiect in modifying the future course of the disease ; it will do no harm in mild cases, and may prevent violent symptoms which would pre- sent themselves, if it were not administered. Ipecacuanha alone, or a mixture of it and tartar emetic may be used. Unless the case should prove very mild it may be necessary to follow the emetic with a purgative dose of calomel, and if this does not operate in six or eight hours, a dose of castor oil, or magnesia may be given. Afterwards the bowels should be kept open with mild depletive cathartics, such as epsom salts, or, if there is nausea and vomiting, the seidlitz powder may be given. When the fever is fully formed the patient's body and limbs may be sponged with warm water, especially if the skin is hot and dry. The internal refrigerant treatment may now be adopted. The patient may be allowed to drink frequently, but moderately, of cold water, and hold ice in the mouth. Small doses of the neutral mixture may be given every two or three hours. ISTervous derangement maybe counteracted by sweet spirits of nitre, or camphor-water. TVe should always be on the watch for symptoms of debility, and meet them promptly with tonics and stimulants. Sulphate of quinine, the com- pound infusion of Peruvian bark, or mineral acids ; and, in cases of great debility, still stronger stimulants may be used, such as capsicum, carbonate of ammonium, oil of turpentine, and wine diluted with water. SECTION XIY. EEYSIPELAS.— (6*^. AntJionys Fire) This is an exanthematic fever, which affects the skin, or sub-cntaneoiTS cellular tissue, or both. Every part of the body ERYSIPELAS. 199 is liable to be attacked, but the most frequent locality is the legs, face, and hands. It is caused by a peculiar poison, and is not contagious. Sometimes it is a local disease, and the immediate cause^ some local injury. Symptoms. — Erysipelas generally begins with the usual symptoms of fever. The patient also complains of languor, general uneasiness, aching, soreness, and stiffness in the joints ; frequently there is soreness of the throat, and swell- ing of the lymphatic glands in the vicinity of the part affect- ed. Generally about the second or third day of the fever, the phenomenon of the disease shows itself in the form of a small, reddish spot, somewhat elevated above the skin, pain- ful and tender to the touch. This may present itself on any portion of the body, but is much more frequent upon the face than elsewhere, especially about the nose, cheek, or the rim of the ear. The inflamed spot gradually spreads, exhibiting almost always, as it advances, an irregular, abrupt, and somewhat elevated margin, which shows a striking boundary between the sound and diseased skin. The diseased part is red and shining, hot to the hand, and generally harder than the sound part. The redness disappears under pressure, and quickly returns when the pressure is removed. There is usually much swelling, the skin is thick and hard. The face is often so much swollen that the features are obliterated. There is a burning, tensive, prickling pain, with much tenderness. Sometimes the inflammation gradually rises for three or four days, and then subsides, and terminates by the cuticle falling off. Treatment. — The treatment may be commenced with an emetiG to advantage ; and if the patient is plethoric it should be followed by a purgative dose of calomel, with refrigerant diaphoretics; for this purpose the neutral mixture may be used, or nitrate of potassium. At night, after depletion, the Dover's powder may be given. If the disease continue 200 RHEUMATISM. beyond a week it may be proper to gently affect the system with mercury^ calomel combined with ipecacuanha and opium. Local treatment. — Some bland mucilage should be applied to the swelling, such as flax-seed, or slippery elm. When it is disposed to spread and invade important organs, it should be circumscribed with nitrate of silver, or tincture of iodine. When there is inflammation of the cellular tissue, and matter forms under the skin, free incisions should be made, and fol- lowed by poultices of mashed cranberries in their crude or raw state. SECTION XV. EHEUMATISM. There are four varieties of this disease, — the acute, sub- acute, chronic, and nervous. ACUTE RHEUMATISM. Symptoms. — The acute form of the disease usually attacks the large joints, sometimes a single joint is affected, and others follow in succession. The tissues and muscles may also be attacked. There is considerable fever, commencing with, or soon following the local inflammation. The pulse is full and strong, the tongue thickly furred ; tliere is exces- sive pain in the joints, which is much increased by pressure or movement. It is apt to change from one joint to another. Causes. — It is brought on by exposure to cold and damp, after free perspiration, especially in persons constitutionally predisposed. It is hereditary. It seldom occurs in old age, or in childhood. Treatment. — In acute Rheumatism, a large proportion of cases recover with very slight care ; and in many, medical treatment is of little further service than as obviating the tendency to internal inflammation. The further treatment RHEUMATISM. 201 of the disease may commonly be intrusted to purgatives, calomel and opium, antimony, colcliicum, and the common saline diuretics. In many cases calomel and opium have been very successfully employed. SUB- ACUTE RHEUMATISM. This is very common ; it occurs in the muscles, but it may attack the joints, involving either the synovial membrane, or the surrounding ligaments. This is often attended with very severe pain, but much less swelling than in the acute form. When it attacks the muscles it causes pain on movement; when the mucous membrane of the bowels, it produces diarrhea ; in the bronchial tubes, symptoms of a bad cold, etc. It sometimes causes disease of the heart, it also attacks the diaphragm, or the womb, — in the latter case it causes dys- menorrhoea. It often resembles neuralgia, and may last many months. The treatment of the sub-acute form is about the same as the others, except that calomel is used sometimes to produce a constitutional impression. CHRONIC RHEUMATISM. This variety may exist in the fibrous, synovial, or muscular tissue, but most frequently in the joints. There is no fever or heat, and but little redness. There is an obscure, dull pain, usually worse at night, and in cold, damp weather. The joints affected frequently become permanently stiffened. It may last for a lifetime, and it is frequently the result of the acute form, or produced by the same cause, partially modified by the constitution. It may be cured, or relieved for a time, but is very apt to return. It sometimes resists all treatment, and in the course of years wears the patient out with constant pain and suffer! ug. Treatment. — At first we should give a moderate purge of the compound extract of colocynth, and afterward keep the bowels open by giving a small tea spoonful of sulphur 202 RHEUMATISM. three times a day ; the hot bath, especially the sulphur springs, are excellent. Dover's powder may be given at night, from one grain to a grain and a half of iodide of potassium may be taken three times a day, and if the rheumatism is in the joints, they should be painted every day with the tincture of iodine till the skin is rough and cracked, when it should be discontinued, and stramonium ointment applied. A long journey or a sea voyage often proves very beneficial. KEKVOUS RHEUMATISM. In this form of the disease it is altogether of a nervous character, and there is no inflammation. It is analagous to the nervous gout. Treatment. — In the acute variety, if the patient is plethoric or robust, and there is much inflammation, blood should be taken freely from the arm, or cups applied in the vicinity of the affected part. Dr. J. K. Mitchel who regards it as a disease of spinal origin, has had much success in the acute form, by the appli- cation of cups along the spine, in the neighborhood of the affected part. Active purgatives should be given at the commencement, salts and senna will answer ; it should be repeated every two or three days, or the bowels be kept steadily open by frequent doses of Rochelle salts. Fifteen drops of the wine of colchi- cum should be given three times a day. Refrigerant dia- phoretics should be administered every few hom'S during the day, and a full dose of Dover's powder given at bedtime. Treatment. — As regards the local treatment, the joints, or the parts affected may be rubbed with a liniment made as follows : '^. Spirits of turpentine, 2 ounces. Alcohol, 2 " Tincture of camphor, 1 " Oil of sassafras, h " Oil of cedar, i " GOUT 203 Mix and shake well. After the application of the liniment, the part should be covered with flannel. A hop poultice is also recommended. SECTION XVI. GOTJT.— {Arthritis.) This is a constitutional disorder, much resembling rheuma- tism ; it is characterized by pain in the joints, and inflamma- tion, or irritation, in difierent parts of the body; it generally commences in the great toe, and then moves to the smaller joints. It occurs in adults, and in persons of active and strong constitutions. Sometimes it is preceded by a slight fever, but usually the patient is attacked in the night, without warning ; being seized with excruciating pain. There are usual signs of heat, swelling, redness and great tenderness. In about nine or ten hours all these symptoms subside, except the swelling, which presents an appearance very much like dropsy. The fever remits as the other symptoms subside, but the parox- ysms return the next night ; it continues this intermittent course for seven or eight days, when it passes away with profuse perspiration. After the paroxysm is over the patient feels greatly relieved and much better. But it will be highly necessary, after his recovery, for him to exercise great care for a long time, or it will return again ; and each recurrence will be at a less interval and more severely, till it really assumes the chronic form ; by which time the joints become contracted and stifi*. Persons subject to the Gout, who are attacked with inflam- mation in any part of the body, will derive great benefit from colchicum, when other ihedicines prove futile. Gouty persons often suffer dangerous disorders. They are sometimes attacked with shivering, cramp, or severe pain in the stomach, headache and delirium, or palpitation of the heart, etc.; and as the disease makes its appearance in the 204 GOUT. foot, the patient is relieved of these symptoms, from which we may form a just conclusion that they originate H'om gouty poison. CHRONIC GOUT. This is usually the result of the acute. The attacks are frequent but without fever; parts affected are of a red or purplish color, with a dropsical appearance from the symno- vial effusions. It moves about from joint to joint. Cause. — This is very obscure. Too much rich, stimulatiug food, wine, etc., without sufficient exercise, may have much to do in predisposing a person to an attack of the Gout. Treatment. — We must bear in mind that the external symptoms are not all of the disorder, and therefore it should not be repelled. An active cathartic should be given, of calomel and senna, followed in a few hours with from twenty-five to thirty drops of colchicum, which may be administered every two or three hours, together with magnesia or epsom salts, in such doses as will keep the bowels freely open ; and a full dose of Dover's powder should be given at night. An occasional dose of blue mass and bicarbonate of soda will be beneficial. As regards local treatment, little should be done. The part should be bathed in warm water, and dressed with a mild camphor liniment and wrapped in flannel. It is dan- gerous to apply cold water or revulsives. Treatment during the interval should be such as to correct the habits of the patient so as to remove the tendency of the disease. The diet should be plain but not too abstemious ; vigorous exercise, especially on horseback. A pill contain- ing one grain of blue mass, one-half grain of exti-act of col- chicum, and three grains of the compound extract of colo- cynth, may be taken every other night. In chronic gout the digestive organs should be attended to, iodide of potassium, or iron may be given as an alterative. A long journey, or sea voyage, sometimes has the most happy and salutary effects. CHAPTER II. LOCAL DISEASES SECTION I. INFLAMMATIOlSr OF THE STOMATITIS, The inflammation of the mouth occm'S in several varieties, We shall speak first of the Common Diffused Sore Mouth. It is diffused over the whole surface, or occurs in patches. It is sometimes attended with submucous infiltration. It is characterized by a whitish, curdy matter. Both infants and adults are liable to this disease. Treatment. — A gentle purgative may be given, such as epsom salts. The local application consists in mild astrin- gents ; alum and borax, dissolved in sage tea, and sweetened with honey, is an excellent gargle ; the patch may be touched with a solution of the sulphate of zinc. SECTION II. TSR^'^^.— {Infantile Sore MoutJi.) This complaint exists chiefly in infants, although it some- times manifests itself in adults, in the last stage of diseases, when the patient has become much debilitated, as in cases of consumption, dysentery, etc. It first makes its appearance with an eruption of small, round, whitish spots, inside of the lips and at the corners of (205) 20G SORE MOUTH OF NUESING VT M E N . the mouth, which shortly become confluent or run together, and form a whitish coating, spreading over the whole surface of the mouth ; it often extends to the throat and stomach, and very frequently the whole length of the alimentary canal, sometimes terminating in small ulcers. It may proceed from some constitutional derangement of the parents, improper diet, inattention to cleanliness, and other causes. Treatment. — Borax dissolved in sage tea, with the addition of a little honey, is considered to be one of the best remedies for this complaint, used as a gargle or wash. If the disease does not yield, then apply a solution of nitrate of silver. K the patient is constipated, make use of magnesia ; should diarrhea be present, give an infusion oi yarroio or sweet fern ; if this fails to produce the desired effect, administer small doses of Dover's powder ; and tonics in cases of debility. It would, however, be advisable in good constitutions to give at first a laxative, as magnesia, or castor oil. SECTION III. SOEE MOUTH OF XUESIXG WOMEX This is an ulcerative sore mouth peculiar to women while nursing, or in an advanced stage of pregnancy. The first manifestations of the disease is a loss of taste, and a painful, scalding sensation in the mouth ; its attacks upon the patient are frequently very sudden. Sometimes the ulcers commence with the disease ; at other times inflammation may exist for several days before they ma,ke their appearance. They are very tender, and the patient experiences much pain upon takins: food, or drink, unless it is of the blandest character. The disease is at first local, and unattended with fever, but, if not arrested, it soon extends to the smTOunding parts, cre- ating serious consequences. Sometimes it extends to the nose or throat, and frequently to the stomach and bowels, QUINSY. » 207 producing diarrhea. The patient becomes very much debili- tated and emaciated. It sometimes terminates in death. Treatment. — This should be of such a character as will prove to be an alterative and purify the blood. An infusion of Peruvian bark and Virginia snake-root, or sulphate of qui- nine, carbonate of magnesia, or soda, may be given to correct the acidity. Iodide of potassium is highly recommended; also the compound mixture of iron. The local treatment should consist in the application of mild astringents, infusions, or a solution of the nitrate of silver, sulphate of zinc, or creosote water. If these remedies fail, the child should be taken from the breast, when a cure usually follows. The diet should be of milk or farinaceous substances. SECTION lY. Qi'^SV^^Y.— {Tonsillitis:) Quinsy commences with soreness of the throat. The ton- sils, which are situated at the root of the tongue on each side, are swollen and inflamed, and cause much pain in swallow- ing. It is usually caused from sudden exposure, or by taking cold while in a state of perspiration. Young persons are more subject to its attacks than those more advanced in life. Treatment. — ^When the first symptoms show themselves, a cloth wet with cold water and applied to the neck, and dry flannel wrapped around over it, often arrests, and removes the disease. The patient must be kept in doors, and out of the wind, and the flannels continued ; also tartrate of antimony and ipecacuanha will usually repel it in the forming stage. A gentle cathartic may be given to open the bowels; and a Dover's powder at night. The force of the circulation may be kept down by small 208 INFLAMMATION OF THE STOMACH. doses of tartar emetic or refrigerant diaphoretics ; the tonsils may be touched with a strong solution of nitrate of silver or powdered alum. SECTION V. mFLAMMATION OF THE STOlSiACR.— (Gastritis.) The mucous membrane of the stomach is usually the seat of this disease ; though it sometimes extends to the other coats, and may even implicate the whole stomach. There are two forms of this disease, chronic and acute. Inflammation of the stomach is considered to be dangerous, and should therefore receive immediate attention. Sf/rnptoms. — This is usually attended with constipation, and great prostration of strength ; the skin hot and dry ; intense thirst, and a strong desire for cooling drinks, which immedi- ately produce vomiting when taken. There is acute pain over the stomach ; and it is aggravated by breathing, or pres- sure, or by coughing; it is also much aggravated by taking any kind of food, or drink ; especially if it be either too hot, or too cold. The pulse is small, quick, and intermittent; the tongue red at the tip and edges. In the last stage of the disease, hiccough, vomiting, and convulsions appear, which we may regard as the most dangerous symptoms. Causes. — This frequently results from taking immoderate drinks of cold water while the system is overheated, or from having taken into the stomach acids or poisons, or from external injuries. Treatment. — If it results from poison, an emetic should be given, or the appropriate antidotes ; as we can readily judge of the election from the circumstances of the case. Warm fomentations, such as wheat bran poultices, or a cloth wrung out of hot water and applied to the region of the stomach ; a little laudanum, or infusion of poppy leaves sprinkled on the SEA-SICKNESS. 209 poultice will add mncli to its efficacy in allaying the pain ; or a mustard plaster may be applied, and permitted to remain long enough to produce irritation, without drawing a blister ; also sinapisms to the feet. It will not be proper to administer any medicine by the mouth except calomel. The most pru- dent form of internal medicine for this disease, is by way of injection. These may be made of warm water, or thin water- gruel ; and if the bowels are constipated, a little sweet oil and honey, or manna maybe added; these nourish the patient, who is often unable in this complaint to retain any food upon the stomach. For this cause they should not be neglected, as the patient's life may depend on them. SECTION yi. SEA-SICKlSrESS. Symptoms, — This disease is very sickening and distressing. It commences with a sensation of uneasiness, sinking, and great distress in the region of the stomach, which sometimes last upon the ocean, for several days, or even weeks. Vomit- ing, however, usually comes on soon after the first symp- toms, and is very distressingly accompanied ivith convulsive heavings of the stomach. The wretched .feelings of the patient are often so great as to render him quite indifferent to every thing that passes around him. It. is usually harm- less, but there are some few instances where it has proved fatal. Treatment. — Generally little can be done besides a palli» ative course of treatment. Persons can alleviate their dis- tress by fixing their attention on, or employing themselves with something calculated to interest the mind. The system should be kept free from bile, or any other irritating sub- stance ; the food should be taken in moderate quantities, and of such kind as is easily digested. Carbonic acid, acidulated 210 SICK-HEADACHE. drinks, and opiates, may be used. For some constitutions colchicum proves of great service. In order to obviate the sickness, the patient should keep out in the open air as much as possible. SECTION yii. SICK-HEADACHE. Symptoras. — Sick -Headache is fluctuating or spasmodic; attended with faintness in the morning, and is to be con- sidered a symptom of gastric, uterine, or other disorders, and to be treated accordingly. There are usually some pre- monitory symptoms which indicate its approach, such as a confused sensation about the head, dullness, irritability, etc.; but sometimes the pain in the head comes on abruptly, slightly at first, but increases till it becomes intense, l^ot unfrequently the patient complains of pains in the back and loins, and a feeling of uneasiness. The foregoing symptoms, or some of them, accompanied with nausea and sickness of the stomach, increase till vomiting sets in. The matter ejected from the stomach is usually of a sour or bilious character. The vomit- ing often affords relief, and the patient may sleep, and awake in a few hours, usually feeling much better. Treatrnent. — If acidity of the stomach is suspected, a drachm or less of sulphate of magnesia may be given ; or if we do not want an action on the bowels, we may substitute a drachm of carbonate of soda. If we suspect bile to be the cause, some quick, gentle cathartic must be administered, as half an ounce of epsom salts, or salts and senna, or if the liver is affected, and dormant, a dose of calomel should be given. Kervous stimulants will sometimes remove it. A cup of strong tea produces the happiest effect in many cases where there is nervous disorder. INDIGESTION. 211 SECTION VIII. mBlGE^TlOl^. —{Bijspejma.) This is a disorder of so frequent occurrence, that but little will be required by way of explanation, although it is a dis- ease which varies greatly in different cases. Digestion is one of the most important functions ppformed in the human system. Indigestion is a derangement, or de- pression of the functions of the stomach, and is sometimes attended with irritation, though rarely with inflammation. Symptoms. — It is characterized by a vague sense of uneasi- ness in the epigastrium; and is usually attended with an extended series of nervous symptoms, such as loss of appetite, flatulency, nausea, acrid and bitter eructations, heart-burn or water brash, and palpitations. There is a gnawing sensation in the stomach when empty, and it is frequently replaced, after eating, by a sense of fullness, or distention ; pain in the side, much constipation, languor, paleness of countenance, and depression of spirits. A part of the foregoing symptoms may be present in some cases, while others may be attended with sick-headache, vertigo, dimness of vision, etc. Causes. — This is sometimes occasioned by partaking of indi- gestible food ; eating rapidly, and without proper mastication ; immoderate repletion, and over distention of the stomach ; the excessive use of alcoholic liquors, opium, or other stimu- lants, particularly strong tea and cofiee ; also the use of tobacco ; grief and anxiety, intense, and protracted study ; much exposure to damp and cold air, and profuse evacuations. Treatment. — The treatment of this disease consists in restoring the tone of the stomach by tonics, exercise, a regu- lation of diet, and gentle laxatives, which usually are efiectual in removing the causes. The bowels should be kept regularly open ; small doses of blue mass are often useful ; also a com 212 INFLAMMATION OF THE EOVTELS. bination of tonics, laxatives, and antacids, prove beneficial. Aloes, or rhubarb, are medicines well adapted to this dis- ease ; rhubarb is used in all cases ; aloes in all where piles and uterine irritation is not present ; magnesia should be used where there is acidity of the stomach ; tonics should be used with moderation ; nausea, and a sense of fullness or weight at the stomach, may be relieved by an emetic; flatu- lence by a decoction of catnip. Quassia, gentian, and columbo, make excellent bitters ; chamomile is recommended in mild cases ; wild cherry when there in an intermittent cir- culation, indicated by the occurrence of palpitations ; serpen- taria in cases of great prosti-ation of the system. Valerian should be combined with the bitters when the patient is suffer- ing fi'om nervous derangement. Dose. — A wine glassful three times a day upon an empty stomach. The patient should take exercise by riding as much of the time as possible ; this will often effect a cure when medicine fails. Eiding on horseback is very beneficial. Diet. — This should be light, easy of digestion, and nutri- tious ; and taken frequently, but in small quantities. Pastry and all kind of greasy food should be avoided. The patient should eat nothiDg but what agrees perfectly well with his stomach. SECTIOX IX. INFLAMMATIOX OF THE BOWELS.— (^/i^m^/*.) This disease is very similar, usually proceeds from the same sources, and requires nearly the same manner of treatment as for infiammation of the stomach. CoMses. — It may be occasioned by worms, costiveness, eat- ing large quantities of nuts, or unripe fruits, drinking hard cider, beer, malt liquors, etc. The inflammation of the intestines is denominated the iliac passion^ enteritis^ etc., according to the parts affected. DIAREHEA. 213 It 13 exceediDgly dangerous, and speedy in its progress. Doubtless it may be considered one of the most dangerous diseases that mankind is liable to. It is most apt to occur at the meridian, or advanced stage of life. When the pain and inflammation continues to increase with severity, it often terminates in gangrene, sometimes in the space of a few hours from its commencement ; the indications are an entire absence of pain, shrinking of the features, sinking of the pulse, and distention of the belly. TVhen terminating favora- bly, it greatly abates, and passes off by resolution. SECTION X. DIARKHEA. This may usually be regarded a morbid state of the func- tions, which arises from various causes. It should therefore never be checked, unless we find it to reduce and debilitate the patient from too long continuance, for the sudden arrest of this complaint many times produce evil consequences, and often fatal results. A looseness which is periodical should never be checked. It is always regarded as an effort of nature to carry off some offending matter, which, if retained in the body, may terminate seriously. Children are very subject to this complaint, more especially while teething. It seldom proves injurious to them, but often such children cut their teeth much easier. Symjptoms. — Diarrhea is indicated by frequent loose or liquid evacuations from the bowels, without tenesmus or fever. The discharges are preceded by rumbling, distention, and hardness of the bowels ; griping pains, eructations, nausea, etc. The complaint is often attended with loss of appetite, and a sinking or general sense of exhaustion. Bilious DdarrJiea is manifested by slimy, watery, greenish, or yellowish colored evacuations. 21 214 DYSENTERY. Causes. — This sometimes proceeds from hepatic deraDge* ment, acrid, or poisonous substances taken into the stomach, violent emotions, or exercise of the mind, obstructed perspi- ration, worms, drinking bad water, or excessive draughts of cold water; excess of fruit, or when in an unripe state, or from eating spoiled provisions. It is a frequent attendant of fever, phthisic, etc. Treatment. — The treatment in this complaint should be slow, or of a mild character ; yet we may be governed by circumstances. When diarrhea is the result of improper food, and medi- cine is required, a dose of rhubarb and magnesia, oi castor oil may be given, succeeded by chalk mixture. The patient Bhonld be kept warm in all cases. In the acute and chronic forms of this complaint, the treatment may be similar to that of dysentery. In the chronic form a milk diet, when boiled, or rice will be found very beneficial to the patient if it agrees with him. SECTION XI. DYSEXTERY.— (^Zoo^y Flux) This disease prevails mostly in the latter part of summer and autumn, though it may take place at any time during the year. It usually prevails to a great extent in marsh- miasmatic sections, and is considered to be epidemic. Persons are most liable to its attacks who reside where the air is bad or confined. Hence it often proves fatal in hospitals, on ship board, and in similar places, or where many are crowded together. It is very frequently communicated by infection. This should lead us to be very cautious in being near per- sons sufiering with the disease. We should keep camphor about us, or vinegar, and often smell of it; the room, likewise, should be sprinkled often with vinegar ; rub the patient's face aid hands, and permit him often to smell of it. DYSENTERF. 215 Cleanliness is of the greatest importance in tins disease, as it contributes largely to the recovery of the patient, and no less to the safety of such as attend him. We find in all con- tagious diseases the danger is increased and the infection spread by the neglect of cleanliness ; perhaps in no one dis- ease more than in this. Every thing about the patient should be frequently changed. The excrements should not be per- mitted to remain in his chamber, but removed immediately and buried under ground ; even the smell of these has been known to communicate disease. Pure fresh air should be permitted to pass through the room, but the patient should be placed where the wind may not pass directly over him. Sijmjpioms, — This complaint commences somewhat like other fevers, with chilliness and fever; loss of appetite and strength ; intense thirst ; sometimes nausea, or an inclination to vomit, or costiveness, and it is soon succeeded by loose evacuations, attended with griping, and violent pain in the bowels. The discharges are usually at jBrst frothy, or mucus ; the mucus mingled with blood ; and at last pure blood, attend- ed with tenesmus, or a constant straining and desire to evacu- ate the bowels. Persons in the last stages of the disorder are sometimes troubled with flatulency. We may readily discern Dysentery from diarrhea, by the sharp pain in the bowels, and evacuations of blood. When vomiting and hiccough are present, it is an indication of inflammation of the stomach. When the evacuations are very davTc^ or green, or have an exceeding ofiensive odor, the danger is very great, as it indicates the disease to be of the putrid character. Causes. — From taking cold, and obstructed perspiration: drastic purges ; worms ; acrid, indigestible food ; the effluvium from putrid animal substances, and vegetable miasmata. Treatment. — First give an emetic of ipecacuanha. From one scrapie to half a drachm is usually sufficient for an adult; let him drink warm, weak chamomile, or dog fennel tea. In 216 DYSENTERY. about three hours after the operatioD of the emetic is over, give a dose of rhubarb, or, from an ounce to an ounce and a half of epsom salts. After this operation is over, give an infusion of black or wild cherries in Xew England rum. Dose. — A table spoonful every hour through the day ; in the intervening time give a tea made of mallows. Mallows alone, boiled in milk, has cured, in many instances, wuthout the aid of any other medicine. Let this be the patient's bev- erage. Sometimes injections are found very profitable, made of the mallows and blackberry roots. The patient should avoid all cold drinks, and the less he drinks the better, as large quantities of drinks feed the disease. If these remedies should not prove suflScient, give for a cathartic a dose of blue mass. If the disease should not begin to yield in about a week, the mercurials may be more freely administered, so as to affect the mouth. Two or three grains of ipecacuanha, mixed with a table spoonful of the syrup of poppies, and taken three times a day, for some time, usually effects a cure. Flannel worn next to the skin proves very effectual in this disorder, as it promotes perspiration without overheating the body; great caution, however, should be exercised in leaving it off. For whatever purpose this part of dress is worn, it should never be left off but in a warm season. Also in this disease the greatest attention must be paid to the patient's diet. Flesh,^ fish, and every thing that has a tendency to turn putrid or rancid on the stomach must be avoided. Sound ripe apples boiled in milk and eaten by the patient is calculated to coun- teract the tendency to putrefaction, from whence the most dangerous kind of Dysentery proceeds. The chronic forms of this complaint may be treated nearly after the same manner. Tonics are very useful when it assumes an asthenic form ; of these may be given cinchona and the infusion of serpentaria, colomba or simarouba barks. The bowels should be kept regularly open. A very suitable drink in this disorder is whey. Dysentery has often been cured by this alone. A diet of sound ripe fruits and boiled milk has cured this dis- order after medicines have failed. CONSTIPATION. 217 SECTION XII. FLATULENCE. By thiG is understood a morbid collection of gas in the stomach and bowels. Flatulency is often a symptom of other diseases, especially indigestion, colic, cholera, hysteria, and hypochondriasis. Treatment. — For the cure of this disease, carminatives, aperients, and tonics are resorted to, as nutmegs, cardamoms, pimenta, pepper, capsicum, camphor, peppermint, cinnamon, rosemary, lavender, pennyroyal, etc. The aromatic essential oils are powerful carminatives. If these do not succeed, etherial preparations and warm tonics should be given, and the strictest attention paid to the diet, in which all oleraceous vegetables, and all kinds of peas, beans, and flatulent fruits, should be avoided ; also, large draughts of fluids. The diet should consist of plain animal food. SECTION XIII. COXSTIPATION".— (<7^5■^^^^5?^^5s..) Constipation is usually dependent upon some other derange- ment of the organism, and on this account it is frequently alluded to as a symptom of other derangements. Costiveness is not always a disease, for many persons in robust health are not accustomed to have their bowels emptied oftener than twice a week. The sluggishness or torpitude of the bowels may be pro- duced by various causes: sometimes the food is not suf- ficiently stimulating, sometimes there is a deficiency, or de- praved condition of the bile, which is a natural stimulus to the bowels. In other instances there is a defect of tone in 218 CHOLERA MORBUS. the muscular fibres of the bowels themselves, so that they are not sufficiently affected by natural and healthy stimuli. Treatment. — The treatment of Constipation consists in adopting a diet free from all astringents, using corn or rye bread, and regulating the exercise. In most cases, laxative articles of diet, such as stewed fruits, and the frequent use of gentle laxatives, will be found more effectual than the stronger cathartics. Where costiveness occurs in persons of a ple- thoric habit, the moderate use of venesection will often prove the most effectual laxative. In all cases, emollient and laxa- tive enematas are useful auxiliaries, and in many cases are alone sufficient to restore the healthy action of the bowels. In obstinate cases, the more powerful cathartics, as the croton oil and elaterium, must be had recourse to, conjoined with stimulating clysters. It will be preferable, however, to try a number of different cathartics in succession, -than to persevere in violent doses of any one of them ; for, owing to peculiarity of constitution, it sometimes happens that obstipation which has resisted the most drastic medicine, will yield readily to a few grains of aloes, a moderate quantity of epsom salts largely diluted, or something equally simple. SECTION XIV. CHOLERA MORBUS. Synvptoms. — This complaint is usually preceded by cardial- gia or heart-burn, acrid eructations, and flatulencies ; with pain in the stomach and intestines. These are succeeded by excessive vomiting and purging of bilious, green, or dark colored matter, with distention of the stomach and acute griping pains. There is likewise a very quick pulse ; intense thirst, and a seated pain about the region of the navel ; urine high-colored, scanty, or suppressed. The severe forms of the disease are sometimes attended with cramps and coldness of CHOLERA MORBUS. 219 the extremities. At first the contents of the stomach is ejected, and afterwards bile. When faintings, convulsions, and vio- lent hiccoughing are present, thej indicate the approach of death. Its attacks are sudden, and most usual in the latter part of summer and autumn. Perhaps there is no disease that destroys life more speedily than this, when it does not receive prompt and due treatment. Causes. — It is caused by repletion or overloading the stomach ; excess of cold drinks ; eating cucumbers, or unripe fruits ; and indulging in too great a variety of luxuries at once ; extreme fatigue, and sudden changes of temperature. « Treatment. — At the commencement of the disease, the efforts of nature to expel the offending cause should be assist- ed, by encouraging the vomiting and purging. For this pur- pose the patient should drink freely of diluting liquors, as warm water, thin water gruel, or very thin, weak chicken broth. This should not only be drank freely to induce vom- iting, but an injection of it given every hour and a quarter, in order to promote the purging. After these evacuations have been continued for some time, an infusion of black cher- ries in new rum or brandy may be taken ; give at first a tea spoonful of the liquor every five minutes ; as soon as the patient is able to retain this upon his stomach, a table spoon- ful may be given every ten minutes. My own life was saved by the above treatment, after I had become greatly debilitated, and all other means had proved ineffectual. I did, however, take no drink for the space of eight hours, while taking the cherry liquor. If this should not stop the vomiting, in about an hour and a half from the time the patient begins to take it, a table spoonful of the saline mixture, with eight drops of laudanum, may be administered every three quarters of an hour till it ceases. The purging and vomiting, however, should never be stopped too suddenly. As long as these dis- charges do not debilitate the patient, they are healthful, and may be permitted to continue, or rather ought to be promoted. But w^hen the patient is weakened by the evacuations, which 220 worms'. may be known by the sinking of the pulse, etc. ; and the vom iting can not be arrested, recourse must immediately be had to opiates, as prescribed above ; in addition to these means, opium may be employed in the form of an external embroca- tion. Take tincture of opium one ounce, spirit of camphor half ounce, when mixed together, rub frequently over the region of the stomach. The application of a blister to the stomach will sometimes arrest the vomiting. After the vio- lence of the disease is over, to prevent a relapse, it will be necessary for some time, perhaps a week, to continue the use of the infusion of wild cherries in rum. As the stomach and intestines of the patient are usually much debilitated, the food should be nourishing, but taken in small quantities, and he should use moderate exercise. Sometimes, where the sur- face of the body becomes extensively cold, and symptoms of exhaustion appear, it will be necessary to administer stimu- lants, as camphor, ammonia, etc. SECTION xy. WOEMS. — {Invermiiiation.) These are chiefly of three kinds, viz.: the icenia^ or tape- worm ; the teres^ or round and long worm ; and the ascaricles, or round and short worm. There are many other kinds found in the human body, but they proceed, in a great meas- ure, from similar causes, have nearly the same symptoms, and require almost the same method of treatment as those already mentioned. The existence of the long round worm is indicated by sick- ness at the stomach, vomiting, inordinate appetite, picking the nose, distention of the bowels, and sometimes colic. This worm is also indicated by convulsions, epileptic fits, slimy stools, a dry cough, and sometimes a deprivation ot speech. The tape- worm is white, very long, and full of joints. It is generally bred either in the stomach or small intestines. TV K M S . 221 The ronnd and long worm is likeTrise bred in the small bowels, and sometimes in the stomach. The round and short worms usually lodge in the rectum^ or lower bowel, and sometimes occasion a disagreeable itching about the anus. The effects of the tape-worm are nearly the same with those of the long and round, but rather more violent. The short round worms, called ascarides^ besides an itching of the anus^ cause swoonings, and tenesmus, or an inclination to go to stool. Small bodies in the excrements resembling melon or cucumber seeds are symptoms of the tape-worm. Causes. — "Worms may proceed from various causes ; but they are seldom found except in weak and relaxed stomachs, where the digestion is bad. Sedentary persons are more liable to them than the active and laborious. Those who eat large quantities of unripe fruit, etc., are generally subject to worms. Worms frequently arise, likewise, from a peculiar constitutional taint. Treatment. — The most proper medicines for the expulsion of worms are strong pui'gatives, and to prevent their breed- ing, stomachic bitters, with now and then a glass of good wine. The best purge for an adult is jalap and calomel. Dose. — From twenty to thirty grains of the former, with five or seven of the latter, mixed in sirup, may be taken early in the morning. The dose may be repeated once or twice a week, for a fortnight or three weeks. On the intermediate days the patient may take a drachm of the filings of tin, two or three times a day, mixed with sirup, honey or molasses. Those who do not choose to take calomel may make use of the bitter purgatives ; as aloes, tincture of senna, and rhubarb, etc. Oily medicines are sometimes found beneficial for ex- pelling worms. ]Many practitioners administer flower of sulphur in very large doses, mixed with honey or molasses, which often proves very successful for the expulsion of worms. Common salt and water may be taken in the morning, and the flower of eulphur may be taken over night ; after which may be taken 222 SCROFULA. an infusion of tansy, water trefoil, chamomile flowers, tops of wormwood, or the lesser centaury. The above directions are intended for adults, but for chil- dren the medicines must be more agreeable, and in smaller doses. For a child five years old, seven grains of rhubarb, six of jalap, and two of calomel, may be mixed in a spoonful of sirup or honey, and given in the morning. This dose may be repeated twice a week for three or four weeks. The dose must be increased or diminished according to the age of the patient. Some of the most certain remedies for the expulsion of worms, are pink-root, spirits of turpentine, worm seed, etc. Pink-root may be prepared by boiling an ounce of the root in a pint of water, down to half a pint. This quantity is to be drank in the course of three or four hours, by a child from six to ten years old. Half an ounce of senna may frequently be added to the root, at the time of boiling, with advantage. The decoction should always be sweetened with manna or sugar. If the bowels are not moved in a short time after the whole of the decoction is taken, an active dose of oil and tur- pentine should be administered. Half an ounce of castor oil to two drachms of turpentine is a proper dose. Take of saffron, aloes, and myrrh, one ounce each; steep the myrrh four days in half a pint of rum or brandy, then add the saffron and aloes. Dose. — Give a tea spoonful twice a month to children, and they will never be troubled with worms. SECTION XVI. SCROFULA.— (X^;^ ^^^5 E}:il) Scrofula is a disease very difficult to define: it consists in hard, indolent tumors of the conglobate glands in various parts of the body, but particularly in the neck, behind the ears, and under the chin, which, after a time, suppurate and SCROFULA. 223 degenerate into ulcers, from which, instead of pus, a white, curdled matter, somewhat resembling the coagulum of milk, is discharged. It is most common between the third and seventh year of childhood, but it may arise at any period between this and the age of puberty. Symptoms. — This disease is indicated by certain external peculiarities of appearance. The majority of scrofulous persons have a fair, soft skin, and rosy complexion, large blue eyes, and a tumid upper lip ; their constitution is languid and yet irritable ; the muscles are slender and deficient in tone; but those of a different character are not exempt from it. Scrofulous individuals who are characterized by a dark, sallow complexion, black hair, a harsh skin, a torpid constitution, suffer much, and in such persons it is very inveterate. It is, for the most part, heredi- tary. Treatment. — In conducting the treatment of this disease, it must always be borne in mind, that it is one of debility, so that our chief dependence must be on a tonic and stimulating plan, so modified as to meet the patient's age, temperament, and manner of life. It is of the greatest importance to select a dry, equable, and salubrious situation for the residence of the patient. The diet should be as invigorating as the stomach will bear, and consist of a free use of tender beef and mutton, dilute wine, and good porter. Tonio and stimu- lant medicines are to be exhibited regularly, either alone, or in combination with alkalies, or acids, or some of the anti- scrofulous remedies, among which, the principal are the preparations of iodine, cinchona, chalybeates, the alkalies, with decoctions of yellow dock and sarsaparilla. Ilyoscyamus and conium are preferable to opium where there is much pain ; they are also applied in poultices. A mixture of equal parts brandy and salt, applied externally, is very good ; take also two table spoonsful of the same, morning and evening; or, bathe daily in sea water, and drink small quantities of the same. 224 FELON, OR WHITLOW. SECTION XYII. FELOX, OR WHITLOW.— (Pa?iar^5 ParonycJda) There are three kinds of whitlow. 1st. — The roild, which is seated around the nail. 2d. — That seated under the skin and fascia of the inside of the finger ; and 3d. — That which is situated under the membrane covering the bone. The last is the most distressing, and often, when not attended to in time, causing the loss and destruction of the bone. Treatment. — The application of a plaster composed of un- slaked lime and soft soap, is a sovereign remedy in either of the above species of the complaint. This should be kept on from ten minutes, to one, two or three hours. After this is removed, the sore, by the frequent application of a warm bread and milk poultice, will soon heal. If proud flesh be present, a little pulverized burnt alum should be strewed upon the poultice. If the plaster is applied previous to suppura- tion taking place, it will arrest the disease at once. If mat- ter is formed, it will be discharged with comparatively little pain. SECTION XVIII POISOXS. That which, when applied externally, or taken into the human body, uniformly eflects such a derangement in the ani- mal economy as to produce disease, may be defined a poison. There are four kinds of poisons, viz: mineral, vegetable, aerial, and animal. Treatment. — In cases of poisoning by arsenic^ active emet- ics should be administered, mucilaginous and warm drinks — whites of eggs are to be freely administered, to enable the POISONS. 225 operator to collect all the particles in the stomach ; and, as soon as it can be prepared, a table spoonful of fresh Jiydrated sesquioxide of iron is to be given every five minutes until relief is obtained. If the means do not exist at hand for the preparation of this antidote, lime-water is the next best means within reach. The after treatment is chiefly counter- irritant and demulcent, but must be directed according to the urgent symptoms, for the poison may act almost entirely on the heart and nervous system, prostrating their action. Clys- ters and suitable means are to be taken to evacuate the whole alimentary canal. Bismuth. — The antidote for this, is milk and mucilaginous diluents, which should be given along with purgatives. Preparations of Lead. — The antidote to these is epsom or Glauber's salts, taken in hard water. Corrosive Sublimate. — Its antidote is albumen : as soon, therefore, as it is known to have been swallowed, the white of eggs should be given, mixed with water, every two or three minutes. If eggs can not be obtained, large draughts of milk may be useful as a substitute. Inflammation is to be combated by the ordinary means, as also the ptyalism occa- sioned by this in common with the other preparations of mercury. Nitrate of Silver. — A table spoonful of common salt may be dissolved in a pint of water, and a wine glassful -given every five minutes. This may be followed by mucilaginous drinks. Preparations of Tin. — For this, milk is as good an anti- dote as any. The Mineral Acids. — When the sulphuric, nitric, or mu- riatic has been swallowed, calcined magnesia, mixed with water, should be immediately administered ; or, if this be not at hand, chalk or soap, which can always be procured in one form or another, may be substituted for it. Oxalic Acid. — The antidote for this is calcined magnesia or chalk. 226 POISONS, Alkalies and tlieir Carbonates. — These are best neutral- ized bj vinegar. Nitre. — Mucilaginous diluents an-d opium are most service- able; bleeding may also be required. Lime. — For this also, the best antidote is vinegar. 2[uriate of Ammonia. — Yomiting is to be encouraged by large draughts of water, and inflammatory or nervous symp- toms to be treated in the ordinary way. Pliospliorus. — No antidote is known for this. Large draughts of water or demulcents are naturally indicated, and emetics. Alcoliol. — The effects of excessive intoxication from alco- holic liquors are best counteracted by the immediate use of a strong emetic, as the sulphate of zinc or copper, and the stom- ach pump. Yomiting should be encouraged by draughts of warm water, and the intestines stimulated by saline enemata. Should there appear to be great determination of blood to the head, venesection, and the application of cold water to the head, are indicated. Poison of FisTi. — Yomiting and purging, and diluents, are indicated to get rid of the offending matter, and weak alkaline solutions have been thought useful. Spasm is to be allayed by opium, and inflammation by the ordinary means. CantJiarides. — Sweet oil should be given in large quantity to excite vomiting, and Unseed tea or milk as a demulcent. Emollient enemata are to be administered. Inflammation of the intestinal canal or urinary passages is to be treated on ordinary principles. Venomous Insects. — Hartshorn and oil may be gently rubbed on the injured part ; and if much inflammation ensue, an emollient poultice may be applied. Bite of a Rattle-snake. — Half a wine glass of olive oil, taken internally, is said to be a certain cure for the bite of a COLIC. 227 rattle-snake and other poisonous reptiles. A little should also be applied to the wound. Another remedy is tlie following. — The root and branches Qi plantain and hoarhound^ bruised in a mortar, and the juice expressed ; of which give a table spoonful as soon as possible. In an hour if necessary give another spoonful. Apply to the wound a leaf of tobacco moistened in rum. This remedy was discovered by a negro, for which his free- dom was purchased, and an annuity settled upon him by the General Assembly of Carolina. SECTION XIX. QOlAQ.—{Enteralgia.) Colics are variously denominated according to their causes, as i\iQ flatulent^ the hilious^ the liysteric^ and the painter^ s or lead colic ; and each require a peculiar mode of treatment. Causes. — From indigestion, costiveness ; and an injudicious use of unripe fruits ; excessive use of alcohol ; from wetting the feet, and taking cold, or an obstructed perspiration, etc. Symptoms. — Colics are usually attended with costiveness, or vomiting and diarrhea ; acute pain of the bowels, more especially about the region of the navel. Sometimes the bowels are distended, at other times the reverse. It usually comes on suddenly. The patient experiences an internal rumbling, and is usually relieved by a discharge of flatus or wind. FLATULENT OR WIND COLIC. This may be distinguished from the enteritis by the absence of fever. The pain wanders about from one part of the abdo- men to another till it finds vent, and is seldom confined to any particular part. 228 COLIC. WheD this disorder proceeds frora windy liquor, green fruit, or similar things, the best medicine is an infusion of hot 2)ej)per^ or dog-fennel tea, or the essence of horsemint^ pejyper- rnint^ or spearmint on sugar. Dose. — From twenty-five to sixty drops. Also, apply hot bricks to the feet. A mustard poultice may be applied over the region of the stomach, and permitted to remain from a quarter to half an hour, where the case proves more severe, and give a dose of castor oil at the same time ; or, give a dram of brandy, gin, or any good liquor. This is the only kind of Colic that will admit of the use of ardent spirits, or any thing of a stimulat- ing nature. Xor indeed are they to be used here unless at the beginning, before any symptoms of inflammation make their appearance. It is considered that a Colic occasioned by wind or flatulent food, might always be cured by spirits and warm liquors, if they are taken immediately upon the first symptoms of un- easiness ; but when the pain has continued for a considerable time, and there is reason to fear an inflammation of the bowels is already begun, all hot things are to be avoided as poison, and the patient is to be treated in the same manner as for the inflammation of the intestines. Several kinds of food, as honey, eggs, etc., occasion colics in some particular con- stitutions. We usually find the best method of cure for these is to drink freely of diluting liquors, as water gruel and what is called toast-bread-cofiee or tea, etc. Colics which are occa- sioned by excess and indigestion, usually cure themselves, by occasioning vomiting and purging. These discharges are by no means to be stopped, but promoted, by drinking freely of warm water, or weak posset. TThen their violence is over, the patient may take a dose of magnesia or any gentle cathar- tic to carry ofl' the dregs of his debauch. The flatulent Colics, which prevail so much among country people, might generally be prevented were they careful to change their clothes when they get wet. They ought likewise to take a glass of good COLIC. 229 v^SLvm peppermint water, after eating any kind of green trash, or- take a dram of warm spirituous liquor. We do not design to recommend the practice of using spirits unless for medicinal purposes. BILIOUS COLIC. The Bilious Colic is usually preceded by a bitter taste in the mouth, yellowish coated tongue, which is succeeded by excruciating pain about the navel. Tlie patient is usually costive, and complains of great thirst and uneasiness. After suffering awhile from the pain, he vomits a bitter, yellow colored bile, which being discharged, appears to afford some relief, but is quickly followed by the same violent pain as before. As the complaint advances, the propensity to vomit sometimes increases so as to become .almost continual, the bowels are freely moved with bilious stools, and the proper motion of the intestines is so far perverted, that there are all the symptoms of impending enteritis. Clear whey or gruel, sharpened with juice of lemon, or cream of tartar, must be drank freely. Weak chicken broth, with a little manna dis- solved in it, or a slight decoction of tamarinds, are likewise very proper, or any other thin, acid, opening liquor. In addition to this, it will be necessary to foment the abdomen with cloths dipped in the warm infusion of poppy flowers in rum, and if this should not produce the desired effect, the patient must be immersed up to the breast in warm water. In Bilious Colic, the vomiting is often very difficult to restrain. When this is the case, the patient may drink a decoction of toasted' bread, or an infusion of spearmint in boiling water. Should these not succeed, the saline mixture, with a few drops of laudanum, may be given, and repeated according to the urgency of the symptoms ; injections, with a proper quantity of liquid laudanum in them, may likewise be frequently administered. HYSTERIC COLIC. The Hysteric Colic bears a great resemblance to the bilious. It is characterized by a great depression of the spirits, with 22 23C COLIC. dejection of mind and difficulty of breathing. It is accom- panied with sharp, lancinating pains about the region of the Btomach, vomiting, etc. What tlie patient ejects in this case is usually of a greenish color. It is sometimes attended with jaundice, but this gen- erally passes off of its own accord in a few days. In this colic, all evacuations, as bleeding, purging, vomit- ing, etc., do injury. Every thing that debilitates the patient, or sinks the spirits, is to be avoided. If, however, the vom- iting should prove violent, lukewarm water or weak wine whey may be drank to cleanse the stomach. Afterwards the patient may take from ten to thirty drops of laudanum in a glass of cinnamon water. This may be repeated every eleven or thirteen hours till the symptoms subside. The patient may likewise take five or six of the asafoetida pills every seven hours, and drink a cup of pennyroyal tea after them. If asafoetida should prove disagreeable, (which is some- times the case,) from thirty-five to forty -five drops of the 'balsam of Peru, dropped upon loaf-sugar, may be taken as a substitute. This is a disease very common among painters, miners, manufacturers of lead, glaziers, plumbers, etc. No disease of the bowels is attended with more acute or lancinating pain than this; nor is it soon at an end. It sometimes continues eight or nine days with very little inter- mission, the bowels all the while continuing bound in spite of medicine, yet at length yields and the patient recovers. It usually, however, leaves the patient weak, a;id often termi- nates in palsy. The general treatment of this disease is so nearly the same with that of inflammation of the bowels, that we may pass over it. An excellent mode of treatment, however, consists in the free use of purgatives with opiates, such as calomel and opium, followed by castor oil and laudanum ; we sometimes INFLAMMATION OF THE LIVER. 231 use the croton oil to subdue the constipation. Barbadoes tar is highly recommended in this disease. Do%e. — Two drachms, three times a day, or oftener if the stomach will bear it. This tar, mixed with an equal quan- tity of strong rum, is likewise proper for rubbing the spine, in case any tingling or other symptoms of palsy are expe- rienced. When the tar can not be obtained, the back may be rubbed with strong spirits, or a little of the oil of nutmegs, or of rosemary. If the patient remains weak and feeble after he has recovered from the disorder, he must take exercise on horseback, and use an infusion of the Peruvian bark in wine. In order to avoid this kind of colic^ persons should shun all sour fruits, acids, and austere liquors, etc. Those who work in lead should never go to their business fasting, and their food should be oily or fat. They may take a glass of salad oil with a little brandy or rum every morning, but should never take spirits alone. Liquid aliment is best for them, as fat broths, etc., but low living is bad. Great attention should be paid to the bowels, and on the least indication of costiveness, the purgative salts should be administered. SECTION XX. ACUTE INFLAMMATION OF THE LIYER.— (//^«^^J^^5^5.) The liver is less subject to inflammation than most of the other viscera, as in it the circulation is slower ; but when an inflammation does occur, it is with difficulty removed, and often ends in a suppuration or scirrhus. Hepatitis varies also in its degree of violence and rapidity ; being sometimes acute, and sometimes chronic, and often of intei-mediate grades. 232 INFLAMMATION OF THE LIVER. Symptoms, — The distinguishing characteristics of this com- plaint, are a painful tension of the right side under the ribs, attended with a febrile affection, and a sense of weight or full- ness of the part ; the pain sometimes lancinating and acute, and is increased by lying on the left side ; difficult respira- tion; the bowels usually constipated, with a yellow furred tongue, loathing of food, great thirst, and yellowish color of the eyes and skin. When the inflammation occurs in the upper or convex part of the liver, the pain is more acute, the pulse quicker, and the patient is often troubled with a dry cough, a hiccough, with a pain extending to the shoulder, etc. Causes. — It is often occasioned by the free use of calomel or mercury, powerful emetics or cathartics ; exposure after the liver has been overheated, gall stones, drinking strong liquors, using heating, spicy aliment; protracted remittent and intermittent fevers ; sometimes by hypochondriacal dis- orders, etc. Begimen, — The same is to be observed in this as in other inflammatory complaints. All hot things are to be carefully avoided, and cool, diluting liquors, as whey, barley water, etc., drank freely. The food must be light and thin, and the body, as well as the mind, kept easy and quiet. This disease, if properly treated, seldom proves fatal. A constant hiccough, violent fever, and excessive thirst, are very unfavorable indi- cations. If it ends in a suppuration, and the matter can not be discharged outwardly, the danger is great. When a scirrhus of the liver ensues, the patient, if he observes a proper regimen, may live a number of years tolerably easy ; but if he indulges in animal food and strong liquors, or takes medicine of an acrid or irritating nature, the scirrhus will be converted into a cancer, which must infallibly prove fatal. Treatment. — Mercurial and saline purging, diaphoretics, etc., may be the treatment in the early stages of this complaint. All violent purging, however, is to be avoided. x\fter which, the bowels must be kept gently open ; a decoction of tama- JAUNDICE. 233 rinds with a little honey or manna, will answer this purpose very well. The side affected must be frequently fomented with warm water, in the manner directed in the foregoing dis- eases. Mild laxative injections should be frequently adminis- tered ; and if the pain should, notwithstanding, continue vio- lent, a blistering plaster may be applied over the part affected. Medicines which promote the secretion of urine, have a very good effect here. For this purpose half a drachm of purified nitre, or a half tea spoonful of the sweet spirits of nitre, may be taken in a cup of the patient's drink three or four times a day. When there is an inclination to sweat, it ought to be promoted, but not by warm sudorifics. The only thing to be used for that purpose, is diluting liquors, drank about blood warm. Indeed, the patient in this case, as well as in all other topical inflammations, ought to drink nothing that is colder than the blood. If the stools should be loose, and even streaked with blood, nothing must be given to stop them unless they be so frequent as to weaken the patient. Loose stools often prove critical, and carry off the disease. If the disorder, in spite of all endeavors to the contrary, should end in a scirrhus, the patient must be careful to regu- late his diet, etc., in such a manner as not to aggravate the disorder. He must abstain from flesh, fish, strong liquors, 'or any highly seasoned, or salted provisions ; but should, for the most part, live on mild vegetables, as fruits and roots, taking gentle exercise, and drinking whey, barley water, or butter- milk. If he takes any thing stronger, it should be fine, mild ale, which is less heating than wines or spirits. SECTION XXI. J AUl^mCE.— (Icterus.) This disease may first be discovered in the white of the eye, which presents a yellow color; after which the whole 234 JAUNDICE. skin assumes a yellow appearance. Tlio urine, too, is of a saffron hue, and dies a white cloth of the same color. There is another species of this disease, called the black Jaun- dice. This disease makes its appearance usually in a gradual, and often in an un observable manner. Symptoms. — The patient at first complains of headache, slight fever, excessive weariness, and has a great aversion to every kind of motion. The digestive functions are deranged ; the bowels usually costive ; the tongue foul and yellow ; and the patient very often complains of pain in the region of the liver. The skin is dry, and there is usually a kind of an itching or pricking pain over the whole body. The stools are of a whitish clay color. The respiration is difficult, and the patient complains of an unusual load or oppression on the chest. There is heat in the nostrils, a bitter taste in the mouth, loathing of food, sickness at the stomach, vomiting, and flatulency. If the patient be young, and the disease complicated with no other malady, it is seldom dangerous; but in old persons, where it continues long, returns frequently, or is complicated with the dropsy or hypochondriac symp- toms, it generally proves fatal. The black Jaundice is more dangerous than the yellow. Causes. — These are various. It may arise from an obstruc- tion of the bile ; excessive use of quinine, rhubarb, or calo- mel in fevers, or from disorders of the stomach and bowels ; the bilious or hysteric colic ; violent passions, as grief, anger, etc. Strong purges or vomits will likewise occasion the Jaun- dice. Sometimes it proceeds from obstinate agues, or from that malady being prematurely stopped by astringent medi- cines. In infants it is often occasioned by the meconium not being sufficiently purged off. Pregnant women are very sub- ject to it. Taking cold, or the stopping of customary evacua- tions, as the menses^ the bleeding piles, issues, etc., will occa- sion the complaint. Regimen. — The diet should be cool, light, and diluting, consisting chiefly of ripe fruits and mild vegetables, as apples, JAUNDICE. Zoo boiled or roasted, stewed primes, preserved plums, boiled spinnage, etc. Yeal or chicken broth, with light bread, are likewise very proper. The drink should be buttermilk, whey sweetened with honey, or decoctions of cooling vegetables, which are calculated to keep the bowels soluble, or open, as marsh-mallow roots with licorice^ etc. Tapioca, sago, or rice, and gruels made of arrow-root, corn starch, or farina, are also articles of diet very suitable for the patient. The patient should take as much exercise as he can bear, either upon horseback or in a carriage; walking, running, or even jumping, are likewise proper, provided he can bear them without pain, and there be no symptoms of inflamma- tion. Patients have been often cured of this complaint by a long journey, after medicines had proved ineffectual. Amusements are likewise of great use in the Jaundice. The malady is often occasioned by a sedentary life, joined to a dull, melancholy disposition ; whatever, therefore, tends to promote the circulation and to cheer the spirits, must have a good effect, as dancing, laughing, singing, etc. Treatment. — In this complaint an emetic should be admin- istered, and if the disease prove obstinate, it may be repeated once or twice. ISTo medicines are more beneficial in the Jaundice than emetics, especially where it is not attended with inflammation. Half a drachm of ipecacuanha^ in pow- der, will be a sufficient dose fur an adult. It may be wrought off with weak chamomile tea or lukewaj-m water. The bowels must likewise be kept open by mild purgatives. Eubbing about the region of the stomach and liver, with a flesh brush, and fomenting the parts with an infusion of the flowers of poppies in rum, are likewise very beneficial ; but perhaps it may be still more so for the patient to sit in a vessel of warm water up to the breast. He should do this frequently, and should continue in it as long as the strength will permit. Emetics, purges, fomentations, and exercise, will seldom fail to cure the Jaundice when it is a simple disease ; and when complicated with the dropsy, a scirrhus liver, or other 236 INFLAMM^-iflON OF THE SPLEEN. chronic complaints, it is hardly to be cured by any means. The soluble tar is likewise a very proper medicine in the Jaundice. A drachm of it may be taken every night and morning in a cup of tea or water gruel. If it does not open the bowels, the dose may be increased. Persons subject to the Jaundice, should take as much exercise as possible, and avoid all heatins: and astringent aliments. SECTION XXII. INFLAMMATION OF THE SFLEE^.—{Splemtis.) The first stage of the disease is indicated by a chill, fol- lowed by fever, which may have the continued remittent, or intermittent type, and is attended with very great thirst. It greatly resembles the inflammation of the liver, but the pain and tumefaction is in the left side. Symptoms. — Some of the symptoms characteristic of this disease are tension, and deep pain in the left hypochondrium, sometimes acute, sometimes vague and dull, usually increased by pressure over the region of the spleen ; and the paroxysms generally assume a quartan form. It is considered to be as- sociated with the liver in purifying the blood. In the severe forms it is attended with vomiting of blood. The bowels are usually costive; but sometimes they become involved in the irritation, and diarrhea or dysentery results. When the patients expose themselves for a short time to the free air, their extremities grow very cold. Like the liver, the spleen is also subject to a chronic inflammation, which often happens after agues, and is called the ague cake. Causes. — It is sometimes occasioned by marsh miasms; sometimes from an inaction of the liver; external violence ; the suppression of habitual discharges; rheumatic, and vari- ous afl;ections of the skin. In the great majority of cases, MUMPHS. 237 simple iuflammation of the spleen, under proper treatment, terminates favorably in resolution. Sometimes, however, it is otherwise, and violent cases may end fatally in a week or ten days, or even in less time. Treatment. — The treatment in this disorder should be simi- lar to that of inflammation of the liver; active purgation, first with combinations of calomel and other cathartics, and afterwards with saline purgatives or senna ; warm fomenta- tions or cataplasms, and the warm bath. In connection with purgatives, the sulphate of quinia will be found highly useful. Medicines should be used which are calculated to act on the liver, equalize the circulation, and to purify the blood. SECTION XXIII. MX]^1?11^.— {Far otitis.) This disease is considered to be epidemic and contagious. It consists of inflammation, and a swelling about the throat. Young persons of both sexes are far more liable to be attacked by it, than those further advanced in life. It is not usually dangerous unless the patient exposes himself when the disease is upon him, and they are throwm back upon the system, so as to involve some of the vital org-ans. •&' Symptoms. — It is preceded by heaviness, lassitude, and a general sensation of uneasiness, which continue for several days. There is a swelling on the cheek and under jaw ; and sometimes the whole neck is involved, so that chewing and swallowing are both obstructed. The swelling increases for four or five days, and sometimes to so enormous a magnitude as greatly to disfigure the countenance. About the fourth day from the commencement of the tumefaction, the disease is at its hight, and on the fifth it begins to disappear. A gentle moisture then begins to exude from the surface of the swell- 238 PILES. ing, accompanied with a general perspiration of the whole body, which, if it be encouraged, by keeping warm in bed, and drinking diluent fluids, appears to form the natural crisis of the disease, and the whole terminates favorably about the sixth or seventh day. But, if from exposure to cold, or im- proper management, this natural process of the disease be interrupted, a singular translation of the morbid action takes place. The tumors about the throat suddenly subside, and are followed by swellings of the breasts and other parts. If the swellings of these parts be imprudently checked by ex- posure to cold, or if they suddenly subside, the brain is apt to become aifected, occasioning convulsions, delirium, and other dreadful symptoms, which finally terminate in death. Treatment. — In the treatment of this complaint, evacua- tions of all kinds are not only improper but dangerous. If the bowels are much constipated, they may occasionally be relieved by an injection, but active purgatives must on no account be employed. The patient should keep warm in bed, and encourage perspiration, by drinking freely of diluting liquors, such as whey, mint or talm tea, with a few drops of the spirits of hartshorn. The effort of nature to resolve the tumors by exudation, should be promoted by covering the parts with soft flannel. If the swelliugs show a disposition to subside too soon, they should be covered with blistering plasters, or rubbed with the volatile liniment. SECTION XXIV. '^W.Y.^.—iHemorTJioids) A discharge of blood from the hemorrhoidal vessels, is termed the Meedlng piles. Piles are either internal or extru- ded, and discharge mucus or blood. This flux may often be regarded favorable, as preventing more serious or dangerous diseases ; often when the bleeding from the tumors is sud- PILES. 239 denly arrested, disease of a more serious character takes its place. Piles occur in persons who lead an inactive and sedentary life. Men are more liable to it than women, espe- cially those of a sanguine, plethoric habit, or of a melancholy disposition. Preo-nant women are often afflicted with this complaint. When the vessels only swell, and discharge no blood, but are exceedingly painful, the disease is called the Uind piles. It is often hereditary ; and where this is the case, it attacks persons more early in life than when it is accidental. A flux of blood from the a7ius is not always to be con- sidered a disease. It is even more salutary than bleeding at the nose, and often prevents or carries off diseases. It is peculiarly benelicial in asthma, rheumatism, and hypochon- driacal complaints, and often proves of great benefit in colics and inflammatory fevers. The bleeding piles is sometimes periodical, and return regularly once a month, or once in three weeks. In this case it is always to be considered as a salutary discharge, and by no means to be stopped. Some have entirely ruined their health by stopping a periodical discharge of this character. Symptoms. — The piles are accompanied by uneasiness in the loins and rectum, inability to use exercise without dis- tress, costiveness, and general ill health. Causes. — The piles may be the result of strong aloetic purges, high-seasoned food, drinking great quantities of sweet wines, or an excess of blood; the neglect of any of the cus- tomary evacuations, much riding, great costiveness, or any- thing that occasions hard or difficult stools. Anger, grief, and other violent passions, will likewise occasion it. Treatment. — In treating this disease we must regard the patient's habit of body, his age, strength, and manner of liv- ing. A discharge which might be excessive, and prove hurt- ful to one, may be very moderate, and even salutary to another. That only is to be esteemed dangerous which continues too 210 PILES. long, and is in such quantity as to waste the patient's strength, hurt the digestion, nutrition, and other secretions necessary to life. TThen this is the case, the discharge must be checked bv a proper regimen and astringent medicines. The diet must be cool but nourishing, consisting chiefly of bread, milk, cooling vegetables, and broths. The drink may be chaly- beate water, orange whey, decoctions or infusions of the astringent and mucilaginous plants, as the tormentil root^ histort^ the marsJi-malloio rooU^ etc. The old conserve of roses is an excellent medicine in this case. It may be mixed with new milk, and taken in the quantity of an ounce three or foui' times a day ; when taken as here directed, and duly persisted in, it has been known to eliect very extraordinary cm-es in violent hemorrhages, especially when assisted by the tincture of roses; a tea spoonful of which may be taken about an hour after every dose of the conserve. The Peru- vian bark is likewise very useful, both as a tonic and as- tringent. It may be taken in wine, sharpened with the spirit of vitrol. The diet must be light and thin, and the drink cool or diluting. It is likewise necessary that the bowels be kept gently open. This may be done by small doses of sulphur and cream of tartar. These may be mixed in equal quantities, and a tea spoonful taken from two to four times a day, or as often as is necessary to keep the bowels open. Or an ounce of sulphur and half an ounce of purified nitre may be mixed with three or four ounces of the lenitive electuary, and a tea spoonful of it taken three or four times a day. Eniollient clysters are here likewise beneficial; but there is sometimes such an astriction of the anus that they can not be thrown up. In this case an emetic sometimes has an exceeding good efiect. When the Piles are exceedingly painful and swelled, but discharge nothing, the patient should sit over the steam of warm water. He may likewise apply a linen cloth dipped in warm spirits of wine to the part, or poultices made of bread and milk. If these do not produce a discharge, and the piles appear large, leeches must be applied as near them as possi- ble, or if thev will take hold upon the Piles themselves so HEAKTBURN OR WATER BRASH. 241 much tlie better. When leeches will not take hold, the Piles may be opened with a lancet. The operation is very easy, and is attended with no danger. When the pain however is very great, a liniment, made of one and a half ounces of emollient ointment and half an ounce of liquid laudanum, beat up with the yolk of an egg, may be applied. SECTION XXV. HEAETBURK or WATER BR ASR.— {Porosis.) This complaint is so nearly allied to dyspepsia, that the class of medicines for that disease are to be regarded the best adapted for this. Symptoms. — This disorder is attended with an uneasy sen- sation of heat or acrimony about the pit of the stomach, which is sometimes succeeded by anxiety, nausea, and vomit- ing, or a plentiful discharge of a clear, watery fluid. There is often faintuess, debility, and coldness of the extremeties, Cardialiga is often a symptom of other diseases; as dys- pepsia, scirrhus, chronic inflammation of the stomach, worms, rheumatism, suppressed menstruation, and various diseases of the heart, liver, pancreas, kidneys, and intestines ; but it is likewise found, in many instances, as an idiopathtic affection. Treatment — In idiopathic cases, the treatment consists of a proper attention to diet, rejecting such articles of food as we find are apt to become acid or sour upon the stomach. Animal food and shell fish may be indulged in ; whilst vege- tables, as much as consistent, should be avoided. Tonics, with gentle stimulants, when there is no inflammation present. Alkaline medicines, combined with rhubarb, are very useful ; exercise, with a proper attention to the bowels, is likewise necessary ; and bathing the region of the stomach with the tincture of myrrh, bathing drops, or other stimulat- ing wash, has been found very serviceable. CHAPTER III. DISEASES OF THE URINARY ORGANS. SECTION I. INFLAMMATION OF THE lUJ)l^'E,YS.—(N^ephritis.) Symptoms. — This disease is known by a forcing, sharp pain in the back, each side of the spine in the lumbar region, shooting along the uterus to the bladder ; difficulty in passing urine ; an entire stoppage, or suppression of the urine ; when both of the kidneys are involved, the urine is hot and highly colored, and frequently discharged. Chills, fever, deranged stomach, constipation, and colic pains usually attend it. It sometimes terminates in suppression or in coma. The pains of the patient are much aggravated when he attempts to walk or sit upright. He lies with more ease on the affected side, and has usually a nausea or vomiting, resembling that which occurs in colic. This disease, however, may be distinguished from the colic by the pain being seated further back, and by the difficulty of passing urine, which is a constant symptom of the former, but does not always take place in the latter. Causes. — Blows, falls, or strains, or other external injuries ; and the action of irritants passing into the blood, as canthar- ides, turpentine, a calculus in the pelvis of the kidney, etc. It may proceed from any of those causes which produce an in- flammatory fever; immoderate use of wine, or alcoholic drinks ; suppressed piles or menstruation. Treatment. — Leeches may be applied to the hemorrhoidal veins, as a discharge from these will greatly relieve the patient. Cloths wrung out of warm water, or the warm infusion of poppies in rum, should be applied to the affected part, and (242) INFLAMMATION OF THE KIDNEYS. 243 renewed as they grow cool. Emollient enemata ought fre- quently to be administered; and if these do not open the bowels, a little salt and honey, or manna, may be added to them. The same course is to be pursued where gravel or a stone is lodged in the kidney ; but when the gravel or stone is separ- ated from the kidney, and lodges in the ureter, it will be profitable, besides the fomentations, to rub the part with a little sweet oil, and to give gentle diuretics ; juniper water sweetened with the sirup oi marsh-mallows^ or a tea spoonful of the sweet spirits of nitre, now and then, in a cup of the patient's drink. He should likewise take exercise on horse- back, or in a carriage, as he can bear. When matter in the urine indicates that an ulcer is already formed in the kidney, the patient must be careful to abstain from all acrid, sour, and salted provisions ; and to live chiefly upon mild mucilaginous herbs and fruits, together with the broth of young animals, made with barley and common pot-herbs, etc. His drink may be whey, and buttermilk that is not sour. The latter, is by some considered a specific remedy in ulcers of the kidneys. To answer this purpose, however, it must be drank for a considerable length of time. Chalybeate waters have likewise been found beneficial in this complaint. The latter must also be used for a considerable time in order to produce any salutary efiects. Those who are subject to frequent returns, of inflammation or obstruction of the kidneys, should abstain from wines, especially such as abound with tartar, and their food should be light and of easy digestion. They should use moderate exercise, and should not sleep too hot, nor too much on the back. 244 GRAVEL. SECTION II. INFLAMMATION OF THE BLA'DBY.U.— (Cystitis.) This complaint proceeds chiefly from the same causes as that of the kidneys, and requires about the same manner of treatment. This disease may either be acute or chronic. The acute form is recognized by acute pain in the region of the bladder, accompanied with fever and hard pulse ; pain- ful and frequent discharge of urine, or a suppression, and generally tenesmus. If the disease be not soon subdued, the restlessness and anxiety increase, the extremities grow cold, vomiting supervenes, and delirium and other marks of great general irritation: the disease runs its course with rapidity, and abates or destroys the patient in a few days. Treatment. — The patient should abstain from every thing that is of a hot, acrid, and stimulating character, and should live wholly upon weak broths, gruels, or mild vegetables; and administer the sweet spirits of nitre, where the mucous coat is involved ; but if the muscular or peritoneal coat be the seat of the disease, give fluids sparingly; and administer diaphoretics ; Dover's powder and anodyne enemata. Chr 07110 cystitis^ or catarrli of tJie hladder^ is indicated by a highly irritable state of that organ, and a very copious excretion of mucus along with the urine, often without pain, and sometimes very thick. SECTION III. GE A YEL.— ( Calcidus.Stone) The treatment of this disorder has been fully pointed out under the articles, inflammation of the Mdneys.^ and inflam- mation of the hJaddei\ to which we refer the patient. DIABETES. 245 In all obstructions of urine the body should be kept open. This is not, however, to be done by strong purgatives, but by emollient clysters, or gentle infusions of senna and manna. Clysters in this case, not only open the bowels, but answer the purpose of an internal fomentation, and greatly assist in removing the spasms of the bladder, and adjacent parts. If the patient has been accustomed to the moderate use of liquors, he may drink gin and water not too strong, or weak gin punch, if there is no inflammation. Gravel or stone in the bladder, is known from the urine being discharged by drops, attended with pain, and bloody urine. Gentle exercise is beneficial ; but violent riding either on horseback or in a carriage is injurious. Lime-water is highly recom- mended in this disorder. Dose.-^'Begin with a pint a day, and gradually increase as the patient can bear; persevere in its use for months, if necessary. SECTION IV. DIABETES. — (Immoderate secretion of urine.) Diabetes is a frequent and excessive discharge of urine. This disorder usually comes on gradually and uiiperceived, with voracious appetite and intense thirst, which are found difficult to satisfy ; these symptoms generally remain throughout the complaint, and sometimes they afford the only indications of the disease, making their appearance at the commencement. It is seldom to be met with among young people, but often attacks persons in the decline of life, especially those who follow the more violent employments, or have been hard drinkers in their youth. Symptoms. — In Diabetes the urine generally exceeds in quantity all the liquid food the patient takes. The mouth is 23 24G DIABETES. dry, and there is a frothy spittle ; the strength fails, the appe- tite decays, and there is a gradual emaciation of the whole body. It often attends on hysteria, hypochondriasis, dyspep- sia, and asthma ; but it is always milder when symptomatic than when it appears as a primary affection. There is heat of the bowels, and often the loins and feet are swelled, when all the appearances of hectic prevails. Causes. — Occasioned by intemperance in eating, drinking, or exposure, or from the long continued abuse of diuretics or cathartics, or other powerful depleting courses, such as bleed- ing, etc. It is, likewise, often the consequence of acute dis- eases, as fevers, fluxes, etc. In a word, this disease may either proceed from too great a laxity of the organs which secrete the urine, from something that stimulates the kidneys too much, or from a thin, dissolved state of the blood, which makes too great a quantity of it run off by the urinary passages. Regimen. — Every thing that stimulates the urinary pas- sages or tends to relax the habit must be avoided. For this reason the patient should live principally on solid food. His drink should be diminished to the smallest quantity, and be free from stimulating or diuretic property. His thirst may be quenched with acids ; as sorrel, juice of lemon, or vinegar. The mucilaginous vegetables, as rice, sago, and salep, with milk, are the most proper articles of food. Of animal sub- stances, shell-fish are to be preferred, as oysters, crabs, etc. For his drink, is recommended an ounce of gum Arabic dissolved in every pound of lime-water. The clothing should be warm, and sudorifics, with the hot bath, be frequently employed ; irritation about the bladder or kidneys must be subdued by demulcents or counter-irritation, and opiates. Debility must be counteracted by tonics. Hygienic means should be at all times adopted. The mineral acids, especially the phosphoric, and also iodine, have been recommended as a means of arresting the saccharine formation. The patient should take daily exercise, but it should be so gentle as not to DIABETES. 247 fatigue him. He should lie upon a hard bed or mattress ; nothing hurts the kidneys more than lying too soft. A warm, dry air, the use of the flesh-brush, and every thing that pro- motes perspiration, is of service ; for this reason the patient must wear flannel next his skin. A piece of flannel wet two or three times a day with the infusion of wormxcood in rum, and worn around the loins, will remarkably strengthen the parts afiected. Treatment. — Gentle purges, if the patient be not too much debilitated by the disease, have a good effect. They may con- sist of rhubarb, with cardamom seeds, or any other species, infused in wine, and may be taken in such quantity as to keep the bowels gently open. The patient must next have re- course to astringents and corroborants. A dram oi Peruvian harlc^ taken three times a day in a glass of claret or port wine, is an excellent corroborant. Alum whey, taken in the dose of a gill three times a day, is an excellent astringent in this complaint ; prepared by boiling two quarts of milk over a slow fire, with three drachms of alum, till the curd separates. Opiates are of service in this disorder, even though the patient rests well. They allay the spasm and irritation, and at the same time lessen the force of the circulation. Ten or twelve drops of laudanum may be taken in the patient's drink two or three times a day. There is a disease incident to laboring people in the decline of life, called Incontinence of Urine, — {Enuresis.) But this is entirely different from Diabetes, as the water passes off involuntary by drops, and does not exceed the usual quantity. This complaint is rather more troublesome than dangerous. It is owing to a relaxation of the sphincter of the bladder, and is often the effect of palsy. Sometimes- it results from injuries occasioned by blows, bruises, preternatural labors, etc. Sometimes it is the effect of a fever. It may likewise be occasioned by a long use of strong diuretics, or of stimulat- ing medicines injected into the bladder. The treatment should be similar to that in Diabetes. CHAPTER IV. DISEASES OF THE SKIN CUTANEOUS DISORDERS. SECTION I. ITCH. — {Scahies. — Psora.) The Itch is, as every body knows, contagious ; but it is contagious only in that particular sense which implies contact. This disease in all its forms has but one cause, and requires the same treatment. The eruption appears all over the body, except the face ; it is very rare in the scalp. The Itch is seldom a dangerous complaint, unless when it is rendered so by neglect or improper treatment. If it be sufiered to continue too long, it may vitiate the whole mass of humors ; and if it be suddenly drove in, without proper evacuation, it may occasion fevers, inflammation of the viscera, or other internal disorders. SyTiiptoms. — The first sign of this disease is an itching sensation, which upon examination, is found to proceed from a peculiar eruption of pointed vesicles, transparent at the top, and filled with thin matter ; sometimes these pimples or vesicles terminate in pustules or blisters ; unattended with fever. The disease is often confined to particular spots, as the hand, space between the fingers, or toes, or the wrist, etc. Sometimes, however it spreads over all parts of the body. Treatment. — The best medicine yet discovered for the Itch is sulphur, which ought to be used both internally and ex- ternally ; and there is every reason to believe that if duly persisted in, it never will fail to efiect a cure. An ointment may be made, of sulphur two ounces, crude salammoniac ( 243 ) ITCH. 249 finely powdered, two drachms, hog's lard four ounces ; when cold, if half a drachm of the essence of lemon be added, it will entirely destroy the offensive odor. About the bulk of a nutmeg of this may be rubbed upon the different parts. It is seldom necessary to rub the whole body, but when it is, it ought not to be done all at once, but by turns, as it is danger- ous to stop too many pores at one time. The patient should begin by taking a dose of sulphur at bedtime, and rubbing on the ointment before a hot fire for three or four nights in succession, then omit three, and continue this course till the cure is affected. It is, however, often the case a cure is effected the first week. Before the patient begins upon this course, he ought, if of a full habit, to take a purge or two. He should beware of taking cold, should wear more clothes than usual, and take every thing warm. The same clothes, (the linen excepted,) should be worn all the time of using the ointment ; and such clothes as have been worn while the patient was under the disease are not to be used again, unless they have been fumigated with brimstone and thoroughly cleansed, otherwise they will communicate the infection anew. People ought to be extremely cautious lest they take other eruptions for the itch, as the stoppage of these may be attend- ed with fatal consequences. Many of the eruptive disorders to which children are liable, have a near resemblance to this disease, and infants have often been killed Iqj being rubbed with the greasy ointments, that made these eruptions strike in suddenly which nature had thrown out to preserve the pa- tient's life, or prevent some other malady. SECTION II. BOILS. — (Furunculus.) Boils are very tedious, inflammatory, hard and circum- scribed tumors, that occur in the soft parts on the exterior of 250 RING-W'ORM OF THE SCALP. the body, and are apt to suppurate. It seldom exceeds the size of a pigeon's egg. It always has a central core, and is generally found in persons in strong health and the vigor of youth. Sometimes, however, boils occur in persons of cachec- tic habits. This disease rarely requires medical or surgical treatment, unless the person has many, and then bleeding and purging are required in plethoric constitutions, and an altera- tive course of sarsaparilla in weak and unhealthy ones. It is said the application of turpentine, when the boil first makes its appearance, soon disperses it. Apply a poultice of warm bread and milk, or a poultice of rye meal, with the addition of a tea spoonful of paregoric. SECTION III. EIXG-WOKM OF THE SCALF.—{Ti?iea capitis.) Eing-worm of the scalp is often called scaldhead ; this and chilblains are the most obstinate of all eruptions inci- dent to children. Ring-worm of the scalp is a very con- tagious complaint, communicating itself readily among chil- dren who use the same comb or brush, or even the same towel, for any length of time. It is exceeding difficult to cure, and often indeed the cure proves worse than the disease. Children have frequently been seized with internal com- plaints, of which they have died, soon after their heads were healed by the application of drying medicines. Syinptoms. — This disease makes its appearance upon the scalp, forehead, and neck. It begins with clusters of small, light yellow pustules, which soon break, and form thin scabs over each patch, which, if neglected, become thick and hard by accumulation. K the progress of the disease be unimpe- ded, it will often cover tlie whole head by a scab. Causes. — The eruptions of children are principally owing to the following causes, viz : neglect of cleanliness and im- EING-WOEM OF THE SCALP. 251 proper food. If a child be stulBTed at all hours with food that its stomach is not able to digest, such food, not being properly assimilated, instead of nourishing the body, fills it with gross humors. These must either break out in the form of erup- tions upon the skin, or remain in the body and occasion fevers and other internal complaints. The children of the poor, and of all who neglect cleanli- ness, are almost constantly found to swarm with vermin, and are generally covered with the scab, itch, and other eruptions. When eruptions are the effect of improper food, or want of cleanliness, a proper attention to these alone will usually be sufficient to remove them. If this should not be the case, some drying mediciues will be necessary ; but they should never be applied without the greatest caution. K drying medicines are applied, the bowels ought at the same time to be kept open, and taking cold is carefully to be avoided. Perhaps there is no remedy more safe for drying cutaneous eruptions than sulphur ointment, provided it be sparingly used. The parts affected may be frequently rubbed with this ointment. The cure should always first be attempted by keep- ing the head very clean, cutting off the hair, combing and brushing away the scabs, etc. If this be not sufficient, let the head be shaved once a week or oftener, and washed daily with soap-suds or lime-water. Should these fail, a plaster of black pitch may be applied, in order to pull out the hair by the roots ; and if there be proud fiesh, it should be sprinkled with a little burnt alum. While these things are being done, the patient must be confined to a regular, light diet. To prevent any bad consequences in stop- ping this discharge, it will be proper, especially in children of a gross habit, to burn an issue on the neck or arm, which may be kept running till the patient becomes more strong, and the constitution be somewhat mended. In cachectic children, internal medicines will be necessary, especially the vinum ferri, or wine of iron, found at the druggists. Mix the tincture of cantharides, and the tincture of blood-root together ; rub the part affected with the same, and a cure may be expected in about a week. Children while at the breast 252 SCURVY. are seldom free from eruptions of one kind or other. These, however, are not often dangerous, and should never be stop- ped but with the greatest caution. They tend to free the bodies of infants from hot and acrid humors, which if re- tained, might produce fatal complaints. SECTION IV. SGURYY.—iScorhutus,) This is a disease of an adynamic character, much more prevalent in cold climates than in warm ones, especially in low, damp sections, near large marshes, or great quantities of stagnant water. Sedentary persons of a dull, melancholy disposition, are most subject to it. It proves often fatal to sailors on long voyages, particularly in ships that are not properly ventilated, have many people on board, or where cleanliness is neglected. Symptoms. — Scurvy comes on gradually, with heaviness, weariness, and an unwillingness to move about, together with dejection of spirits, considerable loss of strength, and debility. As the disease advances in its progress, the counte- nance becomes sallow and bloated, respiration is hurried on the least motion, the teeth become loose, the gums are spongy, the breath is very offensive, livid spots appear on different parts of the body; old wounds, which have been long healed, break out afresh; severe wandering pains are experienced, particularly in the limbs ; the skin is dry, the urine small in quantity, turning blue vegetable infusions to a green color ; and the pulse is small, frequent, and, toward the last, inter- mitting ; but the intellect is, for the most part, clear and dis- tinct. In the worst forms of this disease, there arises a tend- ency to putrefaction, and the last stage is truly distressing. The slightest motion brings on faintness, and sometimes im- mediate death. The joints become swollen and stiff, the ten^ scunvY. 253 dona of the legs are rigid and contracted, general emaciation ensues, hemorrhages break forth from different parts, fetid evacuations are discharged by stool. At last a wasting or hectic fever comes on, and the miserable patient is often car- ried off by a dysentery, diarrhea, dropsy, the palsy, fainting fits, or mortification of the bowels. Causes. — This disease chiefly affects seamen, and such as are shut up in beseiged places, owing, as is supposed, to their being deprived of fresh provisions. The land scurvy shows itself in circular, dark or purple spots on the skin, of difierent sizes. The same causes which produce this fatal malady at sea, will also do it on shore. The causes which usually give rise to Scurvy are, intemperance, confinement, severe labor, want of exercise, weak or unwholesome diet; neglect of cleanliness, breathing an impure air, anxiety of mind, debilitating menstrual evacuations, etc. Treatment. — In the cure as well as the prevention of Scurvy, much more is to be done by regimen than by medi- cines. If the patient has been obliged to breathe a cold, damp, or confined air, he should be removed as soon as pos- sible, to a dry, open, and moderately warm one. If there is reason to believe that the disease proceeds from a sedentary life, or depressing passions, as grief, fear, etc., the patient must take daily as much exercise in the open air as he can bear, and his mind should be diverted by cheerful company and other amusements. When the Scurvy has been brought on by a long use of salted provisions, the proper medicine is a diet consisting chiefly of fresh vegetables, and what meat he does eat should be fresh. Of vegetables, he should use of those termed alkalescent, such as garlics.^ scurvy-grass^ water- cresses., IrooUhne^ etc. The use of these, with milk, pot- herbs, new bread, and fresh beer or cider, will seldom fail to remove a scurvy of this kind, if taken before it be too far advanced ; but to have this effect, they must be persisted in for a considerable time. "When fresh vegetables can not be obtained, pickled or preserved ones may be used ; and when these are wanting, recourse must be had to the chemical acids. 254 SCURVY. All the patient's food and drink should in this case, be acid- ulated with cream of tartar, elixir of vitrol, vinegar, etc. It has been found that those articles are especially useful which contain a native acid, as apples, oranges, lemons, and tamarinds ; mustard^ horse and common radish^ and lettuce, may be freely eaten without cooking, together with beets, carrots, parsnips, cabbage, etc., which may be prepared by the common process of cooking. All kinds of salad are good in Scurvy, and should be eaten very plentifully, as spinnage^ 'parsley^ celery^ endive^ radisTi^ dandelion^ etc. It is aston- ishing to see how soon fresh vegetables, in the spring, cure the brute animals of any scab, or foulness which is upon their ekins. A decoction made of the roots of the narrow docTc should be drank often during the day, which will effect a cure in Scurvy if persevered in for some time. A good handful of the fresh roots may be cut up and steeped in three pints of water, of which the patient may drink one-third of a tea cup- ful three or four times a day, or a table spoonful of the pow- der may be steeped in a tea cupful of hot water, which may be divided into tJiree doses, and taken through the day. The hurdoch and hroad-leqfed-dock are said by some to possess equal medicinal properties to the former, in the cure of cuta- neous diseases. For the cure of lepra or leprosy, the same course should be pursued in diet and medicine, as in the Scurvy. SECTION y. QmLELAl^^.—^Periiiones.) This complaint usually attacks children in cold weather ; and is of an inflammatory character. ■ Causes. — They are usually occasioned by the feet or hands being kept long wet, or cold, and afterwards suddenly heated. When children are cold, instead of taking exercise to warm themselves o-raduallv, they run to the fire. This occasions a ULCEias. 255 sudden rarefaction of the humors, and an infarction of the vessels ; which being often repeated, the vessels are at last over-distended and forced to give way. Treatment. — When Chilblains become much ulcerated and painful, they denote some constitutional taint, that should receive proper treatment, in accordance with the indicat- ing symptoms, and the temperament of the person. This complaint prevails chiefly in damp and temperate climates ; it takes its departure in the summer time, and returns annu- ally. Persons who have once experienced this troublesome disorder, are liable to subsequent attacks. To prevent it, severe cold and sudden heat must be equally avoided. When the places begin to swell and look red, the patient ought to be purged, and to have the affected parts often rubbed with mus- tard and brandy, or something of a warming, stimulating nature. They should likewise be covered with flannel, and kept warm and dry. Some apply warm ashes between cloths to the swelled parts, which frequently helps to reduce them. When there is a sore, it must be dressed with some drying, healing ointment. Sulphur is useful, employed both inter- nally and externally. Covering the affected part with cotton wool has sometimes proved curative in this complaint. A baked turnip also, applied as a poultice, is recommended as a cure. SECTION YI. ULCERS.— (C^c^m.) By an Ulcer is understood a purulent solution of the soft parts of an animal body. These may result from a variety of causes, as all those which produce inflammation, from wounds, specific irritations of the absorbents, from scurvy, cancer, or scrofulous virus, etc. Symptoms. — An Ulcer may be distiDguished from a wound by its discharging a thin, watery humor, which is often so 256 ULCERS. acrid as to inflame and corrode the skin ; by the hardness and perpendicular situation of its sides or edges ; by the time of its duration, etc. Its formation is preceded by pain, heat, redness, and swelling of the part. Causes.— IJlcevs usually originate from an ill state of the numors, or what may be called a bad ha*bit of body. It may also arise from gross, or otherwise unwholesome living, and neglect of exercise. ■ Treatment. — When there is an Ulcer formed it ought not to be too hastily dried up, otherwise it may prove fatal to the patient ; they might often be prevented by retrenching some part of the solid food, or by opening artificial drains, as issues, setons, or the like. It requires considerable skill to determine when an Ulcer should be healed and when not. In general, all Ulcers which proceed from a bad habit of body, should be permitted to remain open at least till the constitution be so far changed, by proper regimen, or the use of medicine, that they seem disposed to heal of their own accord. Ulcers which are the efiect of ma- lignant fevers or other acute disorders, may usually be healed with safety after the health has been restored for some time. The cure should not, however, be attempted too soon, nor at any time without the use of purging medicines and a proper regimen. AYhen wounds or bruises have, by wrong treat- ment, degenerated into Ulcers, if the constitution is good, they may generally be healed with safety. When Ulcers either accompany chronical complaints, or appear in their stead, they must be cautiously healed. If an Ulcer conduces to the patient's health, from whatever cause it proceeds, it ought not to be healed ; but if, on the contrary, it wastes the strength, and wears upon the patient by a slow fever, it should be healed as soon as possible. A strict attention is recommended in these particulars, to all who have the misfortune to labor under this complaint, particularly those in the decline of life ; persons frequently have thrown away their lives by inattention to them, while ULCERS. 257 they were eulogizing and generously rewarding those whom they ought to have looked upon as their destroyers. The most proper regimen for promoting the cures of Ulcers, is to avoid all spices, salted and high-seasoned food, all strong liquors, and to lessen the usual quantity of flesh-meat. The bowels should be kept open by a diet consisting chiefly of cooling, laxative vegetables, and by drinking buttermilk, whey, sweetened with honey, or similar drinks. The patient should be kept cheerful, and take as much exercise as he can possibly bear. "When the bottom and sides of an Ulcer appear hard and callous, they may be sprinkled twice a day with a little red precipitate of mercury, and afterwards dressed with the yellow basilicon ointment. Sometimes it will be necessar}'" to have the edges of the Ulcer scarified with a lancet. Lime-water has often been known to produce very happy efiects in the cure of obstinate Ulcers. It may be used in the same manner as directed for the stone and gravel. The solution of corrosive sublimate of mercury in brandy, is highly recommended, for the cure of obstinate, ill-conditioned Ulcers. Dose, — A table spoonful night and morning ; likewise, washing the sore- three times a day with the same. When there is proud flesh present, a little pulverized mandrake root and blood-root, or pulverized burnt alum may be strewed upon the part two or three times a day. A fistulous Ulcer is very difiicult to cure ; an*d often requires an operation, or some corrosive application. It is often neces- sary to inject the articles used into the opening of the Ulcers by means of a syringe made for the purpose, which can be ob- tained at the druggists. In gangrenous Ulcers, antiseptic poultices, made as directed for mortification, should be employed. When the Ulcer is very indolent and slow to heal, it is sometimes beneficial to sprinkle some capsicum or its oil, or the oil of lobelia into it. When there is fungous flesh in it, some pulverized blood-root, mandrake root, and burnt alum, may also be sprinkled on it ; and then a poultice should be laid over the whole. CHAPTER Y. DISEASES OF THE RESPIRATORY ORGANS. SECTION I. COLD AND COJJGES.— (Catarrhal Affections.) It is usually admitted, that colds are the effect of an ob- structed perspiration ; it may not, however, be amiss to ob- serve, that nearly every cold is a kind of fever, which differs only in degree from some of those that have already been treated of. No age, sex, or constitution is exempted from this affection ; neither is it in the power of any medicine or regimen to prevent it. The inhabitants of every climate are liable to catch cold, nor can even the greatest circumspection defend them at all times from its attacks. Indeed, if the human body could be kept constantly in an uniform degree of warmth, such a thing as catching cold would be impossible : but as such can not be affected by any means, the perspiration must be liable to many changes. Such changes, however, when small do not affect the health; but when great they prove hurtful. Hence, the chief secret of preventing colds lies in avoiding, as far as possible, all extremes, either of heat or cold. When oppression of the chest, a stuffing of the nose, un- usual weariness, or a pain of the head, etc., give ground to believe that the perspiration is obstructed, or, in other words, that the person has caught cold, he should immediately lessen his diet, at least the usual quantity of his solid food, and ab- stain from all strong liquors. Instead of flesh, fish, eggs, milk, and other nourishing diet, he may eat light bread pud- ding, veal or chicken broth, panado, gruels, etc. His drink ( 258 ) COLD AND COUGHS, 259 may be water gruel sweetened with a little honey, an infusion of halm or linseed tea sharpened with the juice of lemon or orange, a decoction of barley water and licorice with tama- rinds^ or any other cool, diluting, acid liquor. Above all, his supper should be light, as weak wine whey, or water gruel sweetened with honey, with a little toasted bread in it. If honey should disagree with the stomach, use coarse sugar, and flavor with the jelly of currants. Those who have been ac- customed to strong liquors, may take wine whey instead af gruel, which may be sweetened as above. The patient should lie longer in bed than usual, to encourage a gentle sweat, which is easily brought on towards morning by drinking tea, or any kind of warm, diluting beverage. This course has been often known to remove a cold in one day, which, in all probability, had it been neglected, would have cost the patient's life, or confined him for some months to his bed. Would people sacrifice a little time to ease and warmth, and practice a moderate degree of abstinence when the first symp- toms of cold appear, we have reason to believe that most of the bad efiects which fiow from an obstructed perspiration might be prevented. But after the complaint has gathered strength by delay, all attempts to remove it often prove vain. A pleurisy, pneumonitis, or a fatal consumption of the lungs, are the common efiects of colds which have been either totally neglected or treated improperly. Many attempt to cure a cold by getting somewhat intoxicated ; but this, to say no worse of it, is a very hazardous and an indiscreet experiment. No doubt it may sometimes succeed, by suddenly restoring the perspiration ; l^ut where there is any degree of inflamma- tion, which is frequently the case, strong liquors, instead of removing the disorder, will increase it. By this means, a common cold may be converted into an inflammatory fever. When those who labor for their daily bread, have the misfor- tune to take cold, they can not afibrd to lose a day or two in order to keep themselves warm and take a little medicine, by which neglect the complaint is often so aggravated as to con- fine them for a long time, or even to render them ever after unable to sustain hard labor. But even such of the laboring 260 COLD AND COUGHS. class as can afford to take care of themselves, are often too hardy to do it ; they affect to despise colds, and as long as they can crawl about, scorn to be confined by what they call a common cold. Hence it is, that colds destroy such numbers of mankind. Like an enemy despised, they gather strength from delay, till, at length they become invincible. We often see this verified in travelers, who, rather than lose a day in the prosecution of their business, throw away their lives by pursuing their journey with this disease upon them even in the coldest season. It is certain, however, that colds may be too much indulged. "When a person for every slight cold shuts himself up in a warm room, and drinks great quanti- ties of warm liquor, it may occasion such a general relaxation of the solids as will not be easily removed. It will then be proper, when the complaint will permit, and the weather is mild, to join to the regimen mentioned above, gentle exercise, walking, riding on horseback, or in a carriage, etc. Bathing the feet and legs every night in warm water, has a great tend- ency to restore the perspiration, but care must be taken that the water be not too warm, otherwise it will do harm. It should never be much warmer than blood warm, and the patient should go immediately to bed after using it. Bathing the feet in warm water, lying in bed, and drinking warm water gruel, or other weak beverages, will sooner remove the spasm and restore the perspiration than many hot, sudorific medicines. This course is usually all that is required for removing a common cold, and if taken at the beginning, it will seldom fail. But when the symptoms do not yield to abstinence, warmth, and diluting liquors, there is reason to fear the approach of some other disorder, as an inflammation of the breast or lungs, an ardent fever, etc. K the pulse therefore be hard and quick, the skin dry and hot, and the patient complains of his head or chest, it will be necessary to give the cooling cathartic powders recommended in scarlet fever, every three or four hours, till they produce a stool, and treat the patient in all respects as for a slight fever. There are two forms of catarrh ; the common^ called in ordinary language a cold, and ejpidemiG catarrJi or ijvfluema. COUGH. 261 The symptoms of the common catarrh, are sense of fullness in the head, and of weight over the eyes, which are weak and watery, and muscular pains. The nostrils are obstructed, and pour forth a fluid. There is frequent sneezing, hoarse- ness of voice, cough, generally attended with expectoration, and frequently a sense of fullness or soreness in the fauces. It results from exposure and atmospheric changes. In epidemic catarrh or injluenza^ the attack is very sudden ; there is great heaviness over the eyes ; and the fever is attended with great depression. Its violence usually subsides in forty-eight hours. It is occasioned by unknown epidemic causes, and sometimes precedes more violent epidemics. The treatment consists of sudorifics, febrifuges, and laxatives. SECTION II. QOJ]Qll.—{Tussis) A Cough is doubtless most frequently a symptom of some other disorder, as pleurisy, pneumonitis, quinsy, asthma, catarrh, phthisic, hysteria, etc. A Cough is in some cases attended by expectoration, and sometimes it exists without any: hence the distinction of Cough into moist or raucuSy and dry Cough. In the mucits Cough the expectoration is chiefly mucus, and is excreted very freely. .It is common and of long continuance in aged and debilitated persons. The dry Cough is mostly unattended by any expectoration, and often returns periodically. It is observed in highly irri- table, nervous, and hysterical temperaments, and is obviously nervous. A Cough is usually the efiect of a cold which has either been improperly treated or entirely neglected. When it proves obstinate, there is always reason to fear the conse- quences, as this shows a weak state of the lungs, and is often the forerunner of a consumption. When the Cough is not attended with auy degree of fever, and the spittle is viscid and tough, sharp pectoral medicines are to be administered, 24 262 COUGHS. as gum ammoniac, squills, etc. The solution of gum ammo- niac may be prepared after the following manner. Let two drachms of gum ammoniac be well rubbed in a mortar, and a pint of barley water gradually poured upon it till it is quite dissolved. Three or four ounces of Bimple pennijroijal water may be added to the above quantity, and two table spoonsful of it taken three or four times a day, more or less, according to the age and constitution of the patient. Squills may be given in various ways. Two ounces of the vinegar, oxymel, or the syrup, may be mixed with the same cpiantity of simple cinnamon water, and an ounce of balsamic sirup. Two table spoonsful of this mixture may be taken three or four times a day. A sirup made of equal parts of lemon juice, honey, and sugar candy, is likewise very proper in this kind of Cough. A table spoonful of it may be taken at pleasure. But when the defluxion is sharp and thin, these medicines rather have a tendency to harm. In this case gentle opiates, oils, and mucilages, are more proper. A cup of an infusion of the leaves of the flowers o^ ivildjjoj^pies^ and marsJi-niallow root^ or the jloivers of colts-foot^ may be taken frequently ; or a tea spoonful of the paregoric elixir may be put into the patient's drink twice a day. When the Cough is occasioned by acrid humors tickling the throat ^\i(i fauces^ the patient should keep some soft pectoral lozenges almost constantly in the mouth, as the common balsamic lozenges, licorice ball, barley sugar, etc. These blunt the acrimony of the humors, and by taking off their stimulating quality help to appease the Cough. In obstinate Coughs, proceeding from a flux of humors upon the lungs, it will often be necessary, besides expectorating medicines, to have recourse to issues, setons, or some other driiin. In this case the most happy effects have often been wit- nessed from a Burgundy pitch plaster having been applied between the shoulders. This simple remedy has been ordered in a great number of cases, and in many different constitutions, and it has afibrded relief in most obstinate coughs, with- COUGHS. 263 out an instance of failure, unless where there were evident signs of an ulcer in the lungs. About the bulk of a nutmeg of Burgundy pitch may be spread thin upon a piece of soft leather, about the size of the hand, and laid between the shoulder-blades. It may be taken off and wiped away every three or four days, and ought to be renewed once in a fortnight or three weeks. This is a cheap and simple remedy, and consequently apt to be de- spised. It has been affirmed that an application more effi- cacious than this can not be found, in almost any kind of Cough. It has not, indeed, always an immediate effect ; but if kept on for some time, will succeed where most other medi- cines fail. The only inconvenience attending this plaster is the itching which it occasions ; but surely this may be easily borne, considering the advantage which the patient may expect to reap from the application ; besides, when the itching becomes very uneasy, the plaster may be taken off and the part rubbed with a dry cloth, or washed with a little warm milk and water. Some caution indeed is necessary in dis- continuing the use of such a plaster; this, however, may be safely done in making it smaller by degrees, and at length quitting it altogether in a warm season. But Coughs proceed from many other causes besides de- fluxions upon the lungs. In these cases the cure is not to be attempted by pectoral medicines. Thus, in a Cough proceed- ing from foulness and debility of the stomach, sirups, oils, mucilages, and all kinds of balsamic medicines do injury. The stomach Cough may be known from one that is owing to a fault in the lungs by this, that in the latter the patient coughs whenever he inspires or draws in his breath fully, but in the former that does not happen. The cure of this Cough depends principally upon cleansing and strengthening the stomach ; for which purpose gentle emetics and bitter purgatives are the most proper. Thus, after one or two emetics, a tincture may be taken which is prepared after the following manner. Aloes four ounces, Virginia snake-root and ginger, each, half an ounce, infused 264 COUGHS. in two quarts of white wine, permitting it to remain in a tight vessel one week, and then straining off, and keeping tight for use. Dose. — One or two table spoonsful twice a day, or as often as it is found necessary to keep the bowels gently open. This should be taken for a considerable time. In Coughs which proceed from debility of the stomach, the Peruvian bark is likewise of considerable service. It may be chewed, taken in powder, or made into a tincture with other stomach bitters. A nervous Cough can only be removed by change of air and proper exercise ; to which may be added the use of gentle opiates. Instead of the spontaneous pill, the paregoric elixir, etc., which are only opium disguised, ten, fifteen, twenty, or twenty-five drops of laudanum, more or less, as circum- stances require, may be taken at bedtime, or when the Cough is most troublesome. Immersing the feet and hands in warm water will often appease the violence of a nervous Cough. When a Cough is only the symptom of some other com- plaint, it is in vain to remove it without first curing the disease from which it proceeds. Thus, when a Cough is occasioned by teething., keeping the bowels open, lancing the gums, or what- ever facilitates the cutting of the teeth, likewise appeases the Cough. In like manner, when worms occasion a Cough, such medicines as remove these will generally cure the Cough ; as bitter purgatives, oily enematas, etc. The following, it is said, will cure many kinds of Coughs. Take equal parts of the loose, coarse moss, which grows on white oak, white maple, and white ash trees, make a strong decoction, sweeten and drink freely. Women, during the last months of pregnancy are often greatly afflicted with a Cough, which is generally relieved by bleeding and keeping the bowels open. They should avoid all flatulent food, and wear a loose, easy dress. A Congh is not only a symptom, but is often, likewise, the forerunner of diseases. WHOOPING-COUGH. 265 SECTION III. WHOOPIXG-COUGH. This disease may be known by a convulsive, strangulating cough, accompanied with a peculiar, sonorous inspiration or whoop, returning by fits, that are usually terminated by vomiting; and by its being contagious. It is a complaint so well known, that but little description of it is deemed neces- sary. It may be very slight, though it is often very distress- ing, and sometimes fatal. It usually attacks children, and occurs but once ; the fits are most violent at night and morn- ing ; and it usuaUy lasts six weeks or more. Children who live on thin, watery diet, breathe unwholesome air, and have too little exercise, are most liable to this complaint, and usu- ally sufier most fi-om it. Regimen. — ^Whatever injures the digestion, obstructs the perspiration, or relaxes the solids, disposes to this disease ; consequently its cure must depend upon cleansing and strength- ening the stomach, giving tone to the solids, and at the same time promoting perspiration and the diflerent secretions. The clothing should be warm ; and the diet must be light and of easy digestion ; for children, good bread made into pap, toast, or pudding, chicken broth, with other light spoon-meats, are proper ; but those who are further advanced may be allowed sago gruel, and if the fever be not high, a little boiled chicken, or other white meats. The drink may be hyssop.^ or penny- royal tea, sweetened with honey or white sugar candy, and weak wine whey. One of the most effectual remedies in the Whooping-cough is change of air. This often removes the malady, even when the change appears to be from a purer to a less wholesome air. This may in some measure depend on the patient's being removed from the place where the infection prevails. Most of the diseases of children are infectious ; nor is it at all uncommon to find the Whooping-cough pre- vailinof in one town or villao-e, when another at a verv small 2G6 WHOOPING-COUGH. distance is quite free from it. Bu4 whatever be the cause, we are sure of the fact. Ko time should therefore be lost in re- moving the patient at some distance from the place where he caught the disease, and, if possible, into a more pure and warmer atmosphere. Treatment. — It is usually considered a favorable symptom when a fit of coughing makes the patient vomit. This cleanses the stomach and greatly relieves the cough. It will, therefore, be proper to promote this discharge, by warm chamomile tea, or lukewarm water ; and when these are not sufiicient, small doses of ipecacuanlia may be given. A child five years old may take seven or eight grains ; and to others more or less must be given, according to their age and strength. Half a drachm of this may be infused in half a pint of boiling water, and a small tea cupful gii^n every fifteen minutes, till it operates. TVhen they begin to vomit there will be no occasion for drinking any more, as the water already on the stomach will be sufficient. Emetics not only cleanse the stomach, which in this dis- order is usually loaded with viscid phlegm, but they likewise promote the perspiration and other secretions ; and should therefore be repeated according to the obstinacy of the com- plaint. They should not, however, be too strong; gentle emetics frequently repeated are both less dangerous and more beneficial than strong ones. As the complaint is sometimes attended with constipation, it will be proper to keep the bowels gently open. Perhaps the best medicines for this pur- pose are rhicbarb and its preparations, as the sirup, tincture, etc. Of these a tea spoonful or two may be given to an infant two or three times a day, as occasion requires. To such as are further advanced, the dose must be proportionately in- creased, and repeated till it has the desired eflfect. Those who can not make up their minds to take the bitter tincture, may have an infusion oi senna and prunes, sweetened with manna., coarse sugar, or honey ; or a few grains of rhuharh mixed with a tea spoonful or two of sirup, or currant jelly, so as to disguise the taste. WHOOPING-COUGH. 267 Many persons have an idea that oily, pectoral, and balsamic medicines possess wonderful virtues for the cure of Whooping- cough, and accordingly administer them freely to patients of every age and constitution, without considering that every thing of this nature must load the stomach, hurt the digestion, and naturally aggravate the complaint. Opiates are sometimes requisite to allay the violence of the cough. For this purpose a little of the sirup of poppies, or seven, eight, or nine drops of laudanum, according to the age and constitution of the patient, may be taken in a cup of hyssop or pennyroyal tea, and repeated occasionally. The garlic ointment is an excellent application in this complaint. It is made by beating in a mortar garlic with an equal quan- tity of hog's lard. With this the soles of the feet may be rubbed two or three times a day ; but the best method is to spread it upon a cloth, and apply in the form of a plaster. It should be applied every night and morning at least, as the garlic soon loses its virtue. It is not only excellent in this complaint, but in most other coughs of an obstinate character. It ought not, however, to be used when the patient is very hot or feverish, lest it increase these symptoms. The feet should be bathed once in two or three days in lukewarm water, and a Burgundy pitch plaster kept constantly between the shoulders. When the disorder proves very severe, it will be necessary, instead, to apply a blistering plaster, and to keep the part running for some time with issue ointment. When the malady is prolonged, and the patient is free from fever, the Peruvian lark and other bitters are the most suitable medicines. The bark may be either taken in sub- stance, or by way of decoction or infusion, at the pleasure of the patient. For a child, twelve, fifteen, or twenty-five grains, according to the age of the patient, may be administered three or four times a day ; for an adult, half a drachm, or two scruples will be a suitable dose. It will be found useful to administer a few grains of castor oil along with the bark. A child eight or nine years of age, may take ten grains of cas- tor oil with twenty grains of powdered bark, for a dose. This may be formed into a mixture with tv/o or three ounces of 268 CROUP. any simple distilled water and a little sirup, and taken three or four times a day. The following will sometimes alleviate the spasm : Mix a tea spoonful of castor oil with a table spoonful of molasses. Dose — Give a tea spoonful whenever the cough is trouble- some. SECTION IV. CEOUP. — {CynancJie Laryngitis^ Cynanclie^ Tracheitis.) This disease is characterized by a violent inflammation about the windpipe and mucus tissues, although the complaint as- sumes different forms. Symptoms. — It is confined principally to the period of childhood, or before the fifth year. It is generally accompa- nied by laborious and suffocating breathing, stridulous noise, a short and dry cough, and frequently, toward the close, an expectoration of a concrete, membranous sputum. The acute Croup usually begins with hoarseness, a slight cough and sneez- ing, as though the patient had taken cold. To these symptoms, in a day or two, and sometimes in a few hours, succeed a peculiar shrillness and ringing of the voice, as if the sound ■were sent throus-h a brazen tube. At the same time there is a sense of pain about the larynx, some difiiculty of respira- tion, with a wheezing sound in inspiration, as if the passage of the air were straitened. The cough which attends it is sometimes dry ; and if any thing be spit up, it is matter of a purulent appearance, and sometimes films, resembling por- tions of a membrane. Together with these symptoms, there is a frequency of the pulse, a restlessness, and an uneasy sense of heat. Causes. — The effect of a north-east wind in early spring or fall ; yet with those who are disposed to it, almost any sudden BRONCHITIS. 269 transition, which shall too suddenly arrest the perspiration, will be attended by the same consequences. It prevails to a great extent near the sea-coast, and in wet, marshy districts. Treatment. — Emetics are very valuable ; and in many instances have speedily removed the cause. Immediately upon the first indication of the disease, a full dose of tartar emetic should be given, or one of ipecac, or lobelia. One of the principle remedies now in use, and which, in many in- stances, has acted with decided advantage, is large and re- peated doses of calomel. Of this, not less than five or six grains are generally given to very young children, and con- tinued every two or three hours, till there is a discharge of green, bilious matter, which appears to be the criterion of its having taken efiect. If the disease still continues, the appli- cation of a blister upon the back of the neck, or between the shoulders may be very profitable. Other means of counter irritation are also to be employed. A piece of linen cloth saturated in sweet oil, butter, or lard, and sprinkled with yel- low Scotch snuff, is said to have performed wonderful cures in cases of croup; it should be placed where the distress is greatest. For a sudden attack of quinsy or Croup, bathe the neck with bear's grease, and pour it down the throat freely. Goose grease may be considered as good as bear's oil. SECTION y. WSSMQ'Eni^.— {Inflammation of the BroncUa.) There are two forms of this disease ; the acute and chronic. It is an inflammation of the mucous lining of the bronchial tubes. In the acute form, it sometimes commences in the bronchial tubes themselves, and sometimes extends to them from the trachea. In the majority of cases, the complaint arises from exposure to cold, and it is then usually accompa- nied with coryza, and a general inflammatory state of the 270 BRONCHITIS. mucous membrane of the nose, frontal sinuses, and windpipe. Acute Bronchitis, in its lighter and more common form, is not a serious affection, and amounts in fact to nothing more than what is termed " a cold on the chest." Symptoms. — Tliis disorder commences with difficult respi- ration, or shortness of breath, hoarseness, rattling, with wheez- ing, or coarse, rough sounds in the chest. It is also attended with fever, chilliness, and distressing cough, etc. This state of things having continued for some days, the patient usually begins to recover, or becomes very rapidly worse. In those cases where the disease takes an unfavorable turn, a state of great debility and collapse supervenes very suddenly to that of excitement. Where the event is to be favorable, Acute Bronchitis often runs on for a week or more, before a change for the better takes place ; but in fatal cases, the stage of collapse usually commences within four or five days, and in some instances the complaint is very rapid in its pro- gress, death ensuing within fortj^-eight hours from the first attack. Emetics are highly recommended in Acute Broncliitis. At the commencement, in the cases of young children, they are very beneficial, by exciting expectoi-ation. Blisters and counter irritation are serviceable, after the first violence of the fever is over. Yery small doses of {jpeoac- lean ha and diaphoretics by antimony, are highly necessary. Where it is considered necessary, a full active purgative should be given, as a dose of calomel and jalap ; and the bowels should be kept free throughout the course of the disease. Large doses of tartar emetic are recommended to be given in this complaint, in the same manner as in pneumonia ; and the exhalation of vapors is oftentimes, likewise, of service. CHRONIC BEOXCniTIS. Chronic Bronchitis is of a much milder character, and its symptoms continue longer ; the duration of which varies from INFLAMMATION OF THE LUNGS. 271 one week to many years. The expectorated matter is of en- tirely a different character, being, in this disease, of a thicker consistence, opaque, and of a greenish or yellowish-white color, and sometimes streaked with blood. It occurs at all ages, but attacks the largest number of elderly persons. In its milder forms, it is scarcely noticed in the summer time ; but in the winter, or when there is much inclement weather, the patient is apt to be afflicted with a very trying cough, and copious viscid expectoration, especially in the morning. In its severer forms, it is of a still more distressing character. At an early period, blisters and the tartar emetic oint- ment are of great service, and should be frequently applied ; throughout the course of the malady they are useful occasional exacerbations. Where the disease proves obstinate, and the patient has sufficient strength, issues and setons may be very advantageously used ; but in the advanced stage, or where the constitution is feeble, their effect is much too exhausting. Digitalis and colcJiicum are sometimes recommended, where there is too much irritation ; squill and ijpecacuanha^ with the terebinthine balsams, are considered the best expec- torants, but proper attention to air and diet are most servic- able. Inhalation of tar vapor is also recommended. SECTION VI. IXFLAMMATIOK OF THE Lir:N^GS. {Pneumonia. — Lung Fever.) This is a complaint which very often proves fatal to those who have a flat breast or narrow chest, and to such as have previously suffered with asthma, especially in the decline of life. As this disease affects an organ which is absolutely necessary to life, it must always be attended with danger. The pleurisy and pneumonia are often complicated. Symptoms. — It is indicated by cough, fever, difficult res- piration, quick pulse, and a sense of weight and pain in the 272 INFLAMMATION OF THE LUNGS. thorax. Many of the symptoms of a pleurisy likewise attend an inflammation of the lungs ; only in the latter the pulse is more soft, and the pain less acute ; but the difficulty of breath- ing, and oppression of the chest, are usually greater. It generally attacks those of a plethoric habit and vigorous con- stitution, and occurs oftener in the winter and spring seasons of the year. In the beginning, the cough is often dry, and without expectoration : but in some instances it is moist, even from the first, and the matter expectorated varies both in color and consistence, and is often streaked with blood. The crisis usually terminates in about twelve days. Treatnunt. — In the early period of this complaint, we may be encouraged, by active measures, to bring about im- mediate resolution ; but when it is more advanced, we must look for a discharge by expectoration, as the means of restor- ing the part to a healthy state. In the first instance, the bowels must be well evacuated, and subsequently kept reg- ular ; and antimonials may be administered with great advantage, to promote the discharge from the skin and lungs. In the treatment of this disease, very large doses of tartar emetic has been particularly recommended. Digitalis^ also, is well calculated to lessen the activity of the circulation. After the forcible febrile symptoms have subsided, counter- irritation is of great service. Regimen. — As the medicine and regimen are in all respects the same in pneumonia as in pleurisy, it will not be nec- essary here to repeat them, but refer the reader to that dis- ease. It may not be improper, however, to add, that the aliment should be lighter and thinner in this than in any other inflammatory disorder. It has been asserted that even common whey is sufficient to support the patient, and that decoctions of barley, and infusions of fennel roots in warm water with milk, are the most suitable, both for beverage and nourishment. The steam of warm water, taken in by the breath, is likewise recommended : which serves as an internal fomentation, and aids to attenuate the impacted humors. PLEUEisr. 273 If the patient lias loose stools, and is not weakened by them, they are not to be stopped, but rather promoted by the use of emollient enematas. It may be necessary to aid the expectoration by some mild balsamic medicine, recommend- ed for that purpose in pleurisy. Blistering plasters have proved very advantageous, and should be employed at an early period. They may be either applied to the neck or ankles, or both, if necessary. When an Inflammation of the Lungs does not yield to blistering and other evacuations, it usually terminates in sup- puration, which is more or less dangerous, according to the part where it is situated. Where this takes place in the pleura, it sometimes breaks outwardly, and the matter is dis- charged by the wound. When the suppuration occurs within the substance or body of the lungs, the matter may be dis- charged by expectoration. But if the matter floats in the cavity of the breast, between the pleura and lungs, it can only be discharged by an incision made between the ribs. If the patient's strength does not return after the inflam- mation is to all appearance removed ; if bis pulse is quick, though soft, his breathing difficult and oppressed ; if he has cold shiverings at times, his cheeks flushed, his lips dry; and if he complains of thirst and want of appetite ; there is rea- son to fear a suppuration, and that a phthisis, or consumption of the lungs will ensue. The spurious pneumonia results from a viscid pituitous matter, obstructing the vessels of the lungs. It usually attacks the aged, infirm, and phlegmatic, in winter or wet seasons. If relief is not afibrded in time, and the inflammation pro- ceeds with violence, it will often produce sufibcation. SECTION yii. TLEJJmSY. —iPleuritis.) The regular Pleurisy is an inflammation of that membrane called the pleura, which lines the inside of the breast, or 274 PLEURISY. chest. There is likewise another form of this disease, which is called the spurious pleurisy, in which the pain is more ex- ternal, and principally affects the muscles between the ribs. This fever prevails among the laboring class of people, espe- cially such as work without doors, and are of a sanguine con- stitution. It occurs mostly in the spring season. Symptoms. — This fever, like most others, usually begins with an acute stitching, catching, cutting, lancinating pain in the side, and is greatly aggravated by coughing, or by drawing in the breath ; chilliness and shivering, which are followed by heat and thirst. Sometimes the pain extends towards the backbone, sometimes towards the front part of the chest, and at other times towards the shoulder-blades. When the substance of the lungs as well as the pleura is affected, the case is called pleuro-peripneumony. The tongue is parched ; cough short and dry ; pulse quick and hard ; urine scanty and high colored. If blood is drawn and per- mitted to stand for a short time, it will be covered with a tough crust or buffy coat. The patient's spittle is at first thin, but afterwards it becomes thick, and is often streaked with blood. Causes. — This disease is occasioned by cold northerly winds; exposure to cold, or by whatever obstructs the per- spiration ; drinking cold liquors when the body is in a heated state ; sleeping where there is dampness ; wet clothes ; plung- ing the body into cold water, or exposing it to the cold air when covered with perspiration, etc. It may also be occa- sioned by drinking strong liquors ; by the cessation of usual evacuations, as chronic ulcers, issues, sweating of the hands and feet, etc, ; the sudden striking in of any eruption, as the measles, small-pox, or itch. A pleurisy may likewise be caused by violent exercise, as jumping, running, wrestling, blows on the chest, or by lifting great weights, etc. The very formation of the body sometimes renders persons more sub- ject to this disease, as a narrow chest, a straitness of the arteries of the pleura, etc. PLEURISY. 275 Regimen. — Nature usually endeavors to carry off this dis- ease by a critical discharge of blood from some part of the body, by expectoration, sweat, loose stools, thick urine, etc. We should therefore second her intentions by lessening the force of the circulation, relaxing the vessels, diluting the humors, and promoting expectoration. For these purposes the diet, as in the former disease, must be cool, weak, and diluting. His drink must be sweet whey, or decoctions and infusions of pectoral and balsamic vegetables, which may be prepared after the following manner : Take a quarter of an ounce of licorice root sliced, half an ounce of the leaves of Golfs-foot^ and two table spoonsful of linseed. Put these ingredients in a close vessel, pour on them a quart of boiling water, and let them stand near a fire for eight or ten hours ; afterwards strain off the liquor ; of which the patient may take a tea cupful frequently for his ordinary drink. This may be flavored to the patient's taste by the addition of a little jelly of currants, or juice of bitter oranges, etc. The patient must avoid every thing that is hard of digestion by way of food, and that is viscid, or affords much nourishment, as flesh, eggs, milk, butter, cheese, and likewise every thing that is of a stimulating nature. The decoction of figs, raisins, and barley, etc., are likewise recommended for his beverage. These and other diluting drinks are not to be used in large quantities at a time, but the patient should, in a manner, keep continually sipping them, so as to render the mouth and throat always moist. Barley water, mixed with* a little honey or the jelly of currants is a very suitable drink in this fever. It is made by boiling an ounce of pearl barley in three pints of water down to two ; it must afterwards be strained. All the patient's food and drink must be taken a little warm. The hands and feet of the patient should be bathed once a day in warm water ; he may sit up in bed a short time in order to relieve his head. He should be kept cool, comforta- ble, and in every way quiet. Treatment. — The treatment of this fever consists in the application of leeches, purgatives, diaphoretics, blisters, and 276 PLEURISY. a strict antiphlogistic regimen. Emollient fomentations may be applied to the side. These may be made by boiling a handful of the common mallows^ cJiamomUe and elder Jfmcers^ or any other soft vegetables, in a proper quantity of water. The herbs may be put into a flannel bag, and applied a3 warm to the side as the patient can bear. As this grows cool, it should be changed by dipping another in some of the hot liquid kept for the purpose ; and gi^eat care must be taken that the patient does not take cold at the time. Fo- mentations not only relax the vessels, but alleviate the pain, and prevent stagnation of blood and other humors. The side may likewise be frequently rubbed with a little of the volatile liniment, which is made by shaking together in a bottle, two ounces of oil of olives, or almonds, and one ounce of spirit of hartshorn, till they be perfectly united. An appli- cation of the petals oijpojypies^ which have been in rum, some- times prove veiy beneficial. Leaves of various kinds might be applied to the patient's side with advantage ; great benefit has been derived from a warm application of young cahhage leuves to the side in this complaint. These not only relax the parts, but also draw off a little moisture, and may prevent the necessity of blistering plasters, which, however, when other things fail, must be applied. If the bowels be in a constipated state, an enema of thin water gruel, in which a handful of inal- lows^ or any other emollient vegetable has been boiled, may be daily administered. This will not only empty the bowels, but have the effect of a warm fomentation applied to the in- ferior viscera, which will help to make a derivation from the breast. The expectoration or spitting, may be promoted by acid, oily, and mucilaginous medicines. Should squills dis- agree with the stomach, two ounces of oil of sweet almonds, or oil of olives, and two ounces of the sirup of violets^ may be mixed with as much white sugar as will form it to the consistence of honey. The patient may take a tea spoon- ful of this frequently, when the cough is troublesome. Should oily medicines prove nauseous, which is sometimes the case, a solution of gum ammoniac in barley water may be admin- istered : which is prepared after the following PLEURISY. 277 Take two draclims of gum ammoniac that has been well ground or rubbed, pour upon it gradually till all is dissolved, one pint of barley water. This emulsion is used for attenuating tough, viscid phlegm, and promoting expectoration. In obsti- nate coughs, two ounces of the syrup of poppies may be added. J)ose. — Two table spoonsful three or four times a day. If the patient has no perspiration upon the skin, but on the con- traiy, it is dry and burning, with scanty urine, small doses of nitre and camphor will be found useful. Two drachms of the former may be rubbed with five or six grains of the latter in a mortar, and the whole divided into six doses, one of which may be given in the patient's ordinary beverage, every five or six hours. The decoction of seneka snake-root is a medicine consid- ered by some to be possessed of almost sovereign efficacy in the relief of Pleurisy or pneumonia. Dose. — Two table spoonsful four times a day,^if the patient can bear it, or from ten to thirty grains of the powder at a dose. The patient may take this, after other evacuations have been premised ; and if it should occasion vomiting, two or three ounces of simple cinnamon water may be mixed with the quantity of the decoction here directed, or with the pow- der, or it may be taken in smaller doses. As this medicine promotes perspiration and urine, and also keeps the bowels free, it is well calculated to answer many of the intentions of cure in Pleurisy, or any other inflammation of the breast. No person will imagine that these medicines are all to be used at the same time ; difierent things have been named for the purpose, that people may have an opportunity to select ; and also, when one can not be obtained, they may make use of another. Difierent medicines are doubtless necessary in difierent stages of the complaint ; and where one proves futile, or disagrees with the patient, it will be proper to try another. 25 278 ASTHMA. When this fever attains its height, or crisis, it is some- times accompanied with very terrifying indications, as an in- termittent pulse, convulsive motions, difficult respiration, etc. These frequently excite the attendants, and induce them to make some other experiments, as depletion, or admiDistering to the patient strong stimulating medicines, etc. But these are odIv strufrsfles of Nature to overcome the disease, iu which she should be assisted by plenty of diluting drink, which is then peculiarly necessary. If the patient's strength, however, be much exhausted by the disease, it will be nec- essary at this time to support him with frequent small draughts of wine whey. After the patient has recovered sufficient strength, and the pain and fever are gone, it will be proper to administer some gentle purges ; he should likewise make use of a light diet, of easy digestion, and his drink should be buttermilk, whey, and other thino;s of a cleansino; character. SECTION YIII ASTHMA. Asthma is distinguished into the moist and dry, or hu- moral and nervous. The former is accompanied with expec- toration, or spitting; but in the latter, the patient seldom spits, unless sometimes a little tough phlegm-, by the mere force of couo;hinor. This is a disease which seldom admits of a cure ; and persons in the decline of life are most liable to it. Symptoms. — This malady is characterized by a quick, laborious respiration, occurring in paroxysms, accompanied with cough, suffocation and wheezing, and terminating in expectoration, more or less copious. In the beginning of the paroxysm there is a cough, hoarseness, inability to sleep, ASTHMA. 279 flatulency, headache, heaviness over the eyes, and difficulty of breathing. These are succeeded by heat, fever, sickness and nausea, a sense of weight, and great oppression about the lungs and chest ; a weak, and sometimes intermitting pulse ; an involuntary flow of tears, palpitation of the heart, bilious vomitings, etc. All these symptoms are greatly aggravated towards night. The patient finds more relief up, than in bed, and is very desirous of cool air. Causes. — This is sometimes caused by the fumes of metals or minerals having been taken into the lungs ; the obstruc- tions of customary evacuations, as the menses, hemorrhoids, etc.; violent exercise, especially running; violent passions of the mind, as sudden fear, or surprise. It may likewise pro- ceed from a peculiar formation of the chest ; the sudden retrocession of rheumatic afiections, or striking in of erup- tions, as the small-pox, measles, etc. This is sometimes hereditapy, and the disease may proceed from any cause that either impedes the circulation of the blood through the lungs, or prevents their being expanded by the air. Regimen. — It is necessary that the food should be light and of easy digestion. All flatulent food, or whatever kind is calculated to distend the stomach, is to be avoided. Light puddings, white broths, and ripe fruits baked, roasted or boiled, are very suitable. Boiled meats are to be preferred to roasted, and the flesh of young animals to that of old. Strong liqnors of all kinds, especially malt liquor, is inju- rious. The patient should eat a very light supper, or rather, none at all. His clothing should be warm, especially in the winter season. As all affections of the chest and lungs are much relieved by keeping the feet warm and dry, and pro- moting perspiration, a red flannel shirt, or waist-cover- ing, may be worn next the skin, which will be found of singular service. But pure and moderately warm air, is of the greatest importance in Asthma, together with the exercise of riding on horseback, or in a carriage upon rough ground, as much as the patient can possibly bear; this course 280 ASTHMA. continued for some months, will often effect a cure, where medicines prove of no avail. Persons afflicted with this complaint, can seldom bear either the sharp, keen atmosphere of a bleak, hilly country, or the close, heavy air of a large town. The air, however, near a large town is often better than at a distance, provided the patient is removed so far as not to be affected by the smoke. Some Asthmatic patients, indeed, breathe easier in town than in the country ; but this is seldom the case, especi- ally in towns where much coal is burned. Asthmatic persons who are obliged to be in town all day, ought, at least, to sleep out of it. Even this will he found often of great utility. Those who can afford it should travel into a warmer climate. There are many persons troubled with this complaint who can not live in the north, yet enjoy very good health in the south. Treatment. — About all that can be done by medicine in this malady is to relieve the patient when seized with a violent paroxysm. This, indeed, requires the greatest expedition, as the complaint often proves suddenly fatal. During the parox- ysm the bowels are usually constipated ; a clyster ought, therefore, to be administed ; this should be a solution of asa- foetida, and if there is occasion, it may be repeated two or three times. The patient's feet and legs should be immersed in warm water, and afterwards rubbed with a warm hand, or dry cloth. Should the spasms be severe about the chest or stomach, warm fomentations, or bladders filled with warm milk and water, may be applied to the part affected, and warm cataplasms to the soles of the feet. The patient must drink freely of diluting drinks, and may take a tea spoonful of the tincture of castor and saffron^ mixed together, in a cup of valerian tea, two or three times a day. Sometimes an emetic has a very good effect, and snatches the patient, as it were, from the jaws of death. This, however, will be more safe after other evacuations have been premised. In the moist Asthma, such things as promote expectoration or spitting should be employed, as gum ammoniac, the sirup ASTHMA. 281 of squills^ etc. A common spoonful of the sirup, or oxymel of squills^ together with an equal quantity of cinnamon water, may be administered three or four times a day ; and four or five pills, made of equal parts of asafoetida and gum ammoniac, may be taken every night upon retiring. In the convulsive or nervous Asthma, antispasmodics and tonics are the most useful medicines. Peruvian harh may be profitably administered in this case ; and the patient may take a tea spoonful of the paregoric elixir twice a day. It is considered that every thing which strengthens the nerves, or removes the paroxysms, may be of service in ner- vous Asthma. It has been proved also, that cow's milk, drank warm every morning, has produced a very good eSect in this complaint. In every species of Asthma, setons and issues are very useful. They may either be set in the back or side, and should never be permitted to dry up. We shall here, lastly observe, that not only in Asthma, but in most chronic diseases, issues are extremely beneficial. They are a safe^ as well as an efficacious remedy ; and though they do not always cure the disease, yet they prolong the patient's life. The tincture of ipecac.^ -or lobelia^ may be given in this malady till it produces nausea without vomiting. SECTION IX. SPITTING OF '^'LOOV^.—iRcBmoptysis^^ The intention here, is to treat of that discharge of blood from the lungs merely, which is called hcBmojJtoe^ or Spitting of Blood. Persons of a lax fiber, and slender make, who have long necks and straight chests, are most liable to this disease. It mostly occurs in the spring, and usually attacks persons before they arrive at the prime or middle period of life. It has often been observed, that those who have been 282 SPITTING OF BLOOD. subject to bleediog at the nose when young are afterwards more liable to hsemoptoe. Symptoms. — The symptoms which precede this complaint, are a difScult respiration, hacking congh; a sense of weight and oppression of the chest, and hoarseness ; these are some- times succeeded with pains in the back and loins ; coldness of the extremities, with shivering, flatulence, costiveness, extreme lassitude, etc. As these indicate a general stricture upon the vessels, and a tendency of the blood to inflammation, they are usually the prognostics of a very copious discharge. Discharges of blood from the gums or fauces, are not attended with the above symptoms, by which means they may always be distinguished from an hsemoptoe. The blood that is spit up is sometimes thick, and of a dark color, at other times it is thin, and of a florid red color; nothing, however, can be inferred from this circumstance, but that the blood has lain a longer or shorter time in the breast before it was discharged. When a vigorous, healthy person, of a strong constitution, is attacked with Spitting of Blood, it is not usually dangerous ; but when it attacks those of a weak, lax fiber, or of a tender and delicate frame, it is with difii- culty removed. When it proceeds from a scirrhus or polypus of the lungs it is unfavorable. Wlien the extravasated blood is not spit up, but lodges in the chest, it corrupts and greatly increases the danger. When it is caused from an ulcer in the lungs, it usually proves fatal. Causes. — This is sometimes occasioned by external violence ; calculus matter irritating and eroding the vessels : sometimes by congestion, or a plethoric state of the vessels of the lungs, or by the suppression of some customary evacuation, as the bleeding piles in men, or the menses in women, etc. It may be produced by excess of blood, from a peculiar weakness of the lungs, or an ill conformation of the chest. It is often caused by running, wrestling, speaking loud, singing, or excessive drinking. Those who have weak lungs, should avoid all violent exertions of that organ, as they value life. SPITTING OF BLOOD. 283 They should, likewise, guard against all violent emotions of the mind, excessive drinking, and every thing that pro- duces a rapid circulation of the blood. When it is the effect of a loDg and violent cough, it is usually the harbinger of consumption. A violent degree of cold suddenly applied to the external parts of the body will occasion an hsemoptoe. It may likewise be occasioned by breathing air which is too much rarefied to be able properly to expand the lungs. This is often the case with those who work in hot places, as fur- naces, glass-houses, etc. Spitting of Blood is not always to be considered as a primary complaint. It is often only a symptom, and in some cases, not an unfavorable one ; this being the case in pleurisy, peripneumony, and many fevers. In scurvy, dropsy, or consumption, it is an unfavorable symp- tom, and indicates that the lungs are ulcerated. Regimen. — The strictest silence should be enjoined upon the patient, or at least he should speak in a very low voice ; and should be kept cool and easy ; every thing that heats the body or quickens the circulation increases the danger. Every occasion that has a tendency to excite the passions should be avoided, and his mind, moreover, should be soothed. The diet should be light, soft, and cooling, as rice boiled with milk, weak broths, barley gruels, panado, etc. The diet, in this case, can scarce be too low. Even water gruel is suf- ficient to support the patient for some days. All strong liquors must be avoided. The patient's beyerage may be milk and water, whey, buttermilk, etc. Every thing should be drank cold, and in small quantities at once. Treatment.— ^\i\^.^ like other involuntary discharges of blood, should not be too suddenly stopped by astringent medicines. A greater amount of injury is sometimes done by this course, than if it were permitted to go on. It may, however, pro- ceed so far as to reduce the patient's strength, and even to endanger his life, in which case proper means should be used for restraining it. The bowels should be kept open by a laxative diet, as roasted apples, stewed prunes, etc. If these should not produce the desired effect, a small quantity of 284 SPITTING OF BLOOD. some lenitive medicine may be given. If the patient is feverish, small doses of nitre may be administered, which will be of service ; a scruple, or half a drachm may be put into the patient's drink three times a day, and immediately given. His beverage may likewise be acidulated so as to quench the thirst, (without too much liquid being taken,) by the juice of lemon, or a few drops of sulphuric acid ; or he may take frequently a cup of the tincture of roses. The feet and legs may be bathed in lukewarm water, which will like- wise produce a very good effect in this disease. Sometimes opiates are very profitable ; but these must be administered with caution. Ten or twelve drops of laudanum may be given twice a day, in a cup of barley water, and continued for some time, provided they be found beneficial. The con- serve oi roses will likewise be found an excellent medicine in this case, provided it be taken in sufficient quantity and long enough persisted in. It may be taken to the quantity of three or four ounces a day ; and if the patient be troubled with a cough it should be made into an electuary with some balsamic sirup, and a little of the sirups o^ poppies. Those who are subject to frequent attacks of this disease, should avoid all excess, and vigorous eftbrts of the body, and also all violent agitations of mind. The tincture of digitalis may be ad- ministered with great advantage in this complaint, particu- larly where the pulse is very quick, from its sedative influence upon the heart and arteries. Dose. — Eight or ten drops night and morning ; this should be used with great caution, as an overdose often becomes suddenly dangerous. Antimonials, when given in nauseating doses, sometimes have an excellent action, as well by promoting diaphoresis, as by checking the force of the circulation. Astringents, especi- ally acetate of lead, with opium, or supersulphate of potass, are very useful. The shower bath, and cold bathing, have some- times proved of great use. But we consider fine salt to be the most effectual remedy in this complaint, and have proved its efficacy by administration in quite a number of instances* VOMITING OF BLOOD. 285 Dose, — A tea spoonful should be swallowed every half hour till the bleeding is arrested ; and it should be repeated every twenty hours to prevent another attack, till the patient has sufficiently recovered. This is equally beneficial in hemorr- hage or 'bleeding of the lungs^ or vomiting of Uood. SECTION X. YOMITIXG OF B'LOOTi.— {Hemorrhage from the Lungs.) The symptoms, causes, and treatment here, are very nearly allied to those in the preceding disease. This complaint is not so common as the other discharges of blood, which have already been mentioned ; but it requires special attention, as it is very dangerous. It is sometimes, however, periodical ; in which case it is less dangerous. In hysterics, Vomiting of Blood is quite frequent, but by no means an alarming symp- tom. A great part of the danger in this disorder arises from the extravasated blood having lodged in the bowels, and become putrid, by which means a dysentery or putrid fever may be occasioned. The best method for preventing this, is to keep the bowels gently open, by frequently employing emollient enemata. Purges must not be given till the dis- charge is stopped, otherwise the}^ will irritate the stomach and increase the disorder. All the food and drink must be of a mild, cooling nature, and taken in small quantities. Even drinking cold water has sometimes proved a remedy, but it will succeed the better when acidulated with a few drops of weak sulphuric acid. Opiates may be of utility; but they must be given in very small doses, as four or five drops of laudanum, two or three times a day. After the discharge is over, as the patient is usually troubled with griping pains, occasioned by the acrimony of the blood lodged in the intes- tines, gentle purges will be found of great utility. 286 CONSUMPTION OF THE LUNGS. SECTION XI. COXSUMPTIOX OF THE LUXGS. {PJitJdsis Puhnonalis.) This is for the most part a hereditary disease, occnrriDg iu cold, changeable climates, or Dear the sea-coast, which may be excited bj almost every cause. It usually attacks persons between the age of fourteen and thirty. Consumption is a wasting or decay of the whole body from an ulcer, tubercles, or concretions of the lungs, an empyema, a nervous atrophy, etc. The latter of which in old age, is to be met with by the most nutritious food, wine, and warmth. Symptoms. — This malady usually commences with a dry cough, which often continues for some months. If a disposi- tion to vomit after eatins: be excited bv it, there is still orreater reason to fear an approaching consumption. The patient complains of more than ordinary degree of heat, pain and oppression of the chest, especially after motion ; his spittle is of a saltish taste, and sometimes mingled with blood. His appetite is poor, his thirst great ; and he is apt to be despond- ing. There is usually a soft, quick pulse; though sometimes it is pretty full, and rather hard. After this the patient begins to spit a greenish, white, or bloody matter. His body is attenuated by the hectic fever, colliquative sweats, which mutually succeed one another, viz : the one towards night, and the other in the morning. There is a burning heat in the palms of the hands, and the face usually flushes after eating; the hair falls ofl""; the fingers become remarkably small, and the nails are bent inwards. A looseness, and excessive dis- charge of urine, are often annoying indications at this time, and greatly debilitates the patient. At last the swelling of the feet and legs, total loss of strength, sinking of the eyes, difficulty of swallowing, and the coldness of the ex- tremities indicate the immediate approach of death, which, however, the patient seldom believes to be so near. This CONSUMPTION OF THE LUNGS. 287 malady when confirmed and extensive, is nearly always fatal; recoveries do, however, occur when the tubercles are few in number. Causes. — It has already been observed, that an inflamma- tion of this character often terminates in an apostume, or abscess ; consequently, whatever disposes persons to this dis- ease, must likewise be considered as a cause of consumption. Other diseases, by vitiating the humors, may likewise occasion consumption ; as the scurvy, scrofuh\ or king's evil, asthma, small-pox, measles. Another cause is want of exercise ; hence it comes to pass, that those artificers who sit much, and are constantly leaning forward, or pressing upon the stomach and breast, as cutlers, tailors, shoemakers, and seamstresses, etc., often die of consumption. When the fumes of metals or minerals impregnate the air which is inhaled hy an individual, it is extremely injurious to the lungs, and often corrodes the tender vessels of that essential organ. Great evacuations, as sweatings, diarrheas, diabetes, the floor albus, excessive men- struation, etc. Yiolent emotions of the mind, as anxiety, ..grief, disappointment, or a close application to study, etc. The sudden cessation of customary evacuations, as the bleed- ing piles, sweating of the feet, bleeding at the nose, the men- ses, issues, ulcers, or eruptions of any kind. Making a sud- den transition from a hot to a very cold climate, change of apparel, or Vv^hatever greatly lessens the perspiration. Infection. — Consumption is often caught by sleeping with the diseased ; for which reason this should be carefully avoid- ed. It can not be of great benefit to the sick, and must natur- ally injure those in health. Cold. — A large number of consumptive patients date the beginning of their complaints from wet feet, damp beds, night air, wet clothes, etc. Aromatic, saline, and sharp aliments, which heat and inflame the blood, are also frequently the cause of consumption. Regimen. — On the first indication of consumption, if the 288 CONSUMPTION OF THE LUNGS. patient resides in a large town, or any place where the air is confined, he ought immediatsia) This disease is sometimes termed falling sickness, and is characterized by violent convulsions, with coma, and gener- ally foaming at the mouth ; its attacks are usually sudden, sometimes, however, it is preceded by giddiness or dimness of vision, followed immediately by a deprivation of all the senses, in which the patient falls suddenly down. It more frequently attacks men than women, and is very difficult to cure. "When Epilepsy attacks children, there is reason to hope it may wear off; when it attacks any person after twenty- five years of age, the cure is very difficult ; but when after forty-five, a cure is hardly to be expected. It is considered a very unfavorable symptom when the patient is seized with the fits in his sleep. Symptoms.— Th.Q^Q^\.^ are immediately preceded with flashes, or a determination of blood to the head, palpitations, noise in the ears, difficult respiration. In most cases it is preceded by flatulency in the stomach and intestines, weariness, pain of the head, and dullness ; at times there prevails a sense of something like a cold aura or vapor arising up to the head, etc. Causes. — The causes which give rise to the fits, are wtuads, blows, fractures, and other injuries done to the head by exter- nal violence, together with lodgments of water in the brain, tumors, concretions, and polypi, intense study, and violent emotions of the mind. Regimen. — The diet of epileptic patients should be light, but nourishing. They should breathe, if possible, a pure and free air. They should not drink any thing strong — should avoid pork, water-fowl, and likewise all flatulent and oily vegetables, as cabbage, nuts, etc. The mind should be kept cheerful, carefully guarding against all violent passions, as anger, fear, etc. Exercise is likewise of great importance ; CHOREA. SOS but the patient must be careful to avoid all extremes, either of heat or cold, as such would be apt to occasion a fit. Treatment. — If the patient be of a sanguine temperament, and there be reason to fear an obstruction in the brain, bleed- ing and other evacuations will be necessary. "When the dis- ease is occasioned by the stoppage of customary evacuations, these, if possible, must be restored y if this can not be done, others may be substituted in their plac^. Issues or setons, in this case, have often a very good effect. When there is reason to believe that the disease proceeds from worms, proper medicines should be used to remove them. When the disease proceeds from teething, the bowels should be kept open by emollient clysters, the feet frequently bathed in warm water, and, if the fits prove obstinate, a blistering plaster may be put between the shoulders. The same method is to be followed when epileptic fits precede the eruption of the small-pox, measles, etc. When it is owing to a debility, or too great an irritability of the nervous system, such medi- cines as tend to brace and strengthen the nerves may be used, as the Peruvian harlc^ preparations of steel, etc. Chalybeate waters are found to be beneficial in this disease. Convulsion fits proceed from the same causes, and must be treated in the same manner as the Epilepsy. SECTION yi. CHOEEA.— (^^.F^'^Jws'a Dance) This disease is characterized by convulsive movements of the limbs, or portions of the body, occasioning unusual and involuntary gesticulations. It usually attacks the young, though it has been occasionally found to occur at a more advanced period of life. Females are more liable to it than males. 306 CHOREA. Symptoms, — ^The approaches of this disease are by moder- ate advances. The bowels are in a constipated state, aggra- vated as the disease progresses ; a variable and often a ravenous appetite, loss of usual vivacity and ekeerfuluess ; and there is a slight, irregular, involuntary motion of the different muscles, particularly those of the face. The muscles of the head, neck, arms, and legs, become affected ; the gait is staggering, and the movements often violent. Deglutition and speech are impeded ; the eyes become vacant The con- vulsive movements are almost incessant, except during sleep. When it is of long standing there is much mental depres- sion, and a vacant and languid air. Treatment. — The treatment consists in the use of purga- tives and tonics, especially preparations of iron, cold bathing, pure air, and a nutritious diet. Sea voyages often produce an excellent effect. Chorea is a tedious, but not dangerous disease, and often defies all remedial agents. In obstinate cases, camphor is sometimes remarkably useful. Exercise in this complaint, as well as in all other nervous diseases is far more beneficial than medicine. If the patient will pass the principal part of the time in walking and riding, he may expect a cure without the aid of medicine. Riding on horse- back is considered the better, if the patient is able to bear it. CHAPTER VIII. AFFECTIONS OF THE ORGANS OF THE SENSES. SECTION I. INFLAMMATION OF THE Wi'Y.^.—^OjpTithalmitis.) Symptoms. — Inflammation of the eyes is attended with, redness, heat, swelling, and with acute pain. The patient is not able to bear the light, and sometimes he experiences a pricking pain, as if his eyes were pierced with a thorn. The eyes are filled with scalding rheum, which rushes forth in great quantities whenever the patient attempts to look up. At times he imagines his eyes are filled with dust, or thinks he sees flies passing before him. The pulse is usually quick and hard, with some degree of fever. When the inflamma- tion is great, the surrounding parts swell, and there is a throbbing or pulsation in the temporal arteries, etc. If the patient is seized with a looseness, it has a good effect, and when the inflammation passes from one eye to another, as it were by infection, it is no unfavorable symptom. But when the complaint is accompanied with a violent paiji in the head, and continues long, the patient is in danger of losing his eight. Causes. — This disease may be occasioned by a common cold, and obstruction of the tear passages. The difficulty may arise from external injuries, as blows, likewise from dust and other substances getting into the eyes. It is often occasioned by the obstruction of customary evacuations ; as the healing of old sores, drying up of issues, the suppression of gentle morn- ing sweats, or the sweating of the feet. Long exposure to the night air, especially in cold, northerly winds, or whatever suddenly checks the perspiration, especially after the body has (307; 308 INFLAMMATION OF THE EYES. been much heated, is very apt to cause Inflammation of the Ejes. Viewing snow, or other white bodies for a long time, or looking steadfastly at the sun; a clear fire, or any bright object, will likewise occasion this malady. A sudden tran- sition from darkness to very bright light will often have the same effect. IN'othing more certainly occasions an Inflam- mation of the Eyes than sitting up late at night, and especi- ally reading or writing by candle-light. Drinking spirituous liquor is likewise very hurtful to the eyes. The acrid fumes of metals, and of several kinds of fuel, are also very per- nicious. Sometimes an Inflammation of the Eyes proceeds from scrofulous, or gouty habit, sometimes it is epidemic, especially after wet seasons, and it frequently proves infec- tious, particularly to those who live in the same house with the patient. In children it often proceeds from imprudently drying up of scabbed-heads, a running behind the ears, or any similar discharge. Inflammations of the Eyes often succeed the small- pox or measles, especially in children of a scrofulous habit. Regimen. — The diet, unless in scrofulous cases, can hardly be too spare. The patient must abstain from every thing of a heating nature. The food should consist principally of mild vegetables and gruels. The drink may be barley-water, halm-tea^ and common whey. The patient's chamber must be darkened, or his eyes shaded by a cover so as to exclude the light, but not press upon the eyes. He should not look at a candle, the fire, or any lumi- nous object ; and ought to avoid all smoke, as the fumes of tobacco, or any thing that may cause coughing or sneezing. He should be kept quiet, avoiding all violent efforts, either of body or mind, and encouraging sleep as much as possible. Treatment. — Leeches are often applied to the temples, or under the eyes, with good effect. The wounds must be allowed to bleed for some hours, and if the bleeding stop soon, it may be promoted by the application of cloths dipped NIGHTMARE. * 309 in warm water. In obstinate cases, it will be necessary to repeat this operation several times. The patient should take a small dose of salts and cream of tartar, every second or third day, or decoction of tamarinds with senna. If these be not agreeable, gentle doses of rJiu- "barb and nitre^ or any other mild purgative, will answer the same purpose. He should likewise, at bedtime, partake freely of weak wine whey, in order to promote perspiration, and his feet and legs must be frequently bathed in warm water. This has often a remarkably good effect. In catarrhal ophthalmia purgative medicines are indispensably necessary. Active doses should be given at first ; and afterwards the bowels may be kept open by smaller doses. If the inflammation does not yield to these evacuations, blisters must be applied to the temples, behind the ears, or upon the neck, and kept open for some time. These, if long enough kept open, seldom fail to remove the most obstinate Inflammation of the Eyes. When the heat or pain of the eyes is very great, a poul- tice of bread and milk, softened with sweet oil or fresh butter, may be applied to them, at least all night ; and they may be bathed in lukewarm milk and water in the morning. Or they may be bathed three or four times a day with the infusion 0^ poppy leaves in rum, which will often remove all inflam- mation from the eyes, and strengthen the sight. SECTION II. NIGHTMARE.— ( OpUaltes) This disagreeable complaint is dependent upon certain dis- eased conditions of the system. Persons of a nervous tem- perament, whose digestive powers are feeble, or whose bowels are much disordered, are most liable to its attacks. This disease is characterized by distressing sensations daring sleep, mostly preceded by a fearful dream, in which 27 310 NIGHTMARE. some known or unknown enemy is in close pursuit, and from whom the person affected can not escape, and is unable, though he is constantly endeavoring so to do : in this struggle a great oppression or weight is felt on the chest. The causes of thia affection are lying on the back, mental irritation from fatigue, and a dyspeptic state of the stomach. Causes. — It is sometimes caused by flatulence, by indigesti- ble matter in the stomach, after too heavy a supper, which, pressing the stomach against the diaphragm, impedes respi- ration, or renders it short and convulsed. Inflated intestines may likewise produce similar effects, or mental perturbations ; as grief, anxiety, dejection of mind, etc. There is another species, which has a more dangerous tendency, arising from an impeded circulation of blood in the lungs when lying down, or too great relaxation of the heart and its impelling powers. Epilepsy, apoplexy, or sudden death, are sometimes among the consequences of this species of disturbed sleep. Treatment. — The patient should take proper exercise, and a dose of some bitter tonic, or cayenne^ at bedtime, which will usually prevent the nightmare. SECTION III. FAINTma. ^WOOl^ll^Qr.— {Syncope.) Fainting is an affection in which the respiration and action of the heart either cease, or become much weaker than usual, with paleness and coldness, arising from diminished energy of the brain, or from organic affections of the heart. Symptoms. -^ThiQ disease is sometimes preceded by anxiety about the prsecordia, a sense of fuUness ascending from the Btomach toward the head, vertigo, or confusion of ideas, dim- ness of vision, and coldness of extremities. The attacks are FAINTING — SWOONING. 311 frequently attended with, or end in vomiting, and sometimes in epileptic or other convulsions. Swoonings often occur in the progress of diseases. In the beginning of putrid diseases, they generally denote an oppression at the stomach, or a mass of corrupted humors, and they cease after evacuations either by vomit or stool. "When they take place at the beginning of malignant fevers, they indicate great danger. In these cases vinegar, used both internally and externally, is the best remedy during the paroxysms, and plenty of lemon juice and water after it. Faintings which happen in diseases accompa- nied with great evacuations, must be treated like those which are owing to weakness, and the evacuations ought to be re- strained. When they occur towards the end of a severe fit of an intermittent fever, the patient must be supported by small draughts of wine and water. From whatever cause fainting fits may proceed, fresh air is always of the utmost importance to the patient. His mouth may be wet with a little rum, or sugar and cinnamon, which is an excellent cordial, and may be poured into the mouth. A compress of flannel dipped in hot wine or brandy, must be applied to the pit of the stomach, and warm bricks, or bottles filled with hot water, laid to the feet. Sometimes spirits of camphor may be applied to the nose, should the before-mentioned remedies fail to produce the desired efiect. SECTION lY. jyROY^Y.— {Hydrops.) Dropsy is a preternatural swelling of the whole body, or some parts of it, occasioned by a collection of water. It is distinguished by difierent names, according to the part afiect- ed, as anasarca^ or a collection of water under the cellular membrane ; ascites^ or a collection of water in the abdomen ; hydrotliorax^ or dropsy of the chesty liydrocejpJiahis^ or dropsy of the brain, etc. 312 DROPSY. Symptoms. a — Anasarca usually begins with a swelliDg of the feet and ankles towards night, which for sometime disap- pears in the morning. In the evening, the parts, if pressed with the finger, will pit. The swelling gradually ascends towards the bowels, the arms, and the head. Afterwards the breathing becomes difficult, the urine is small in quantity, and the thirst is great. The bowels are constipated, and perspi- ration is greatly obstructed. To these succeed torpor, heavi- ness, a slow, wasting fever, and a troublesome cough. The last usually proves a fatal symptom, as it indicates that the lungs are aflfected. In the asGites^ besides the above symptoms, there is a swell- ing of the bowels, and often a fluctuation, which may be observed by striking the belly on one side, and laying the palm of the hand on the opposite. When anasarca and ascites are combined, the case is very dangerous. When the disease comes on suddenly, and the patient is young and strong, there is reason to hope for a cure, especially if medicine be given early. But if the patient be old, has led an irregular or se- dentary life, or if there be reason to suspect that the liver, lungs, or any of the viscera are unsound, there is great reason to fear the consequences. <, Regimen, — The patient must abstain as much as possible from all drink, and must quench his thirst with whey, or acids, as juice of lemons, oranges, sorrel, etc. His aliment should be of a stimulating, diuretic quality, as toasted bread, the flesh of birds, or other wild animals, roasted ; pungent and aromatic vegetables, as garlic^ mustard^ onions^ horse- radish^ etc. Some have actually been cured of Dropsy by abstinence from liquids, and by taking the expressed juice of raw red onions. Dose. — ^Four table spoonsful four times a day one or two hours before eating ; or, take juniper ashes^ with molasses and gin. This will carry ofi* the water and efiect a cure. Exercise is likewise of the greatest importance in dropsy. If the patient is able to walk or labor, he ought to continue DEOPSY. 813 these exercises as long as he can. If he is not able to walk or labor, he must ride on horseback, or in a carriage, and the more violent the motion so much the better, provided he can bear it. His bed should be hard, and the air of his apart- ment warm and dry. If he lives in a damp section of country, he ought to be removed into a dry one, and, if pos- sible, into a warmer climate. In a word, every method must be taken to promote the perspiration, and to brace the solids. For this purpose, it will likewise be proper to rub the pa- tient's body, two or three times a day, with a rough cloth, or a flesh brush, and he ought constantly to wear flannel next his skin. Treatment. — K the patient be young, his constitution good, and the disease has come on suddenly, it may generally be removed by strong emetics, active purges, and such medi- cines as promote a discharge by perspiration and urine. For an adult, half a drachm of ipecacuanha^ in powder, and half an ounce of oxymel of squills will be a proper emetic. This may be repeated as often as is found necessary, three or four times intervening between each dose. A cup or two of chamomile tea will be sufficient to work it ofi*. Between each emetic, on one of the intermediate days, the patient may take the following purge : jalap^ in powder, half a drachm, cream of tartar, two drachms, calomel, six grains. These may be made into a bolus, with a little sirup, and taken early in the morning. The less the patielit drinks after it the better. The patient may likewise take every night at bedtime the following bolus. To five grains of camphor, add two grains of opium and as much sirup of orange-peel as is sufficient to make them into a bolus. This will usually promote a gentle sweat, which should be encouraged by drinking now and then a gill of wine whey, with a tea spoonful of the spirit of hartshorn in it. Dose. — A tea spoonful of the following infusion may likewise be taken every four hours through the day : 314 DROPSY. Take juniper-herries, mustard-seed, and horse-radish, of each half an ounce, the tops or leaves of broom, three-quar- ters of a pound ; infuse them in a quart of Rhenish wine or strong ale for a few days, and afterwards strain off the liquor. Those who can not take this infusion, may use the decoction of seneJca snake-root, which is both diuretic and sudorific. Cases of obstinate anasarca have been cured by an infusion of the ashes of broom in wine. The secretion of urine may be greatly promoted by nitre. It is said that dropsy has been cured by taking a drachm of nitre every morning in a draught of ale, after being given over as incurable. The powder of squills is likewise a good diuretic. Six or eight grains of it, with a scruple of nitre, may be given twice a day in a glass of strong cinnamon water. CHAPTEE IX. CASUALTIES. SECTION I. COKCTJSSIOK OF THE BRAIN. This is occasioned by a blow, shock, or stunning, more or less severe, which is communicated directly or indirectly to the brain. In severe cases, the loss of sensation may exist for many hours, and it is attended by partial reaction, which increases if treatment be not employed, to inflammation of the brain. In the first stage little can be done ; as consciousness returns, bleeding may be employed ; and should the febrile symptoms increase, cold to the head, purgatives, and counter-irritation are to be employed. The prognosis is often unfavorable, from the occurrence of extravasation, which may take place during convalescence. This is marked by the return of tor- por, with stertorous breathing, etc. SECTION II. ^FUAINS.—iSuUuxation.) A sprain is an injury of a joint, in which it has been twisted or strained in any direction further than its natural range of motion allows, but without actual dislocation of the bones. In every sprain, the ligaments of the joints are preternaturally stretched, and in severe ones they are often partially torn. Hence follows inflammation of the ligaments ~ (315) 316 DIMNESS OF SIGHT. and the soft parts suiTounding the joint, and in bad cases, of the capsular ligament itself. Treatment. — This class of troublesome injuries are profit- ably treated with arnica^ at the commencement, both as an internal remedy, and externally as a lotion. The first indi- cation is to allay inflammation ; and where this is considera- ble, the copious and repeated application of leeches is often required, with purgatives, and an antiphlogistic regimen, and sometimes general blood-letting. The local application may sometimes consist of cold lotions or hot fomentations, according to circumstances. When all danger of inflamma- tion is past, the joint is to be strengthened by friction with stimulating liniments, the application of bandages, etc. While any inflammation prevails, perfect rest of the joint must be insisted on ; when weakness merely is present, gentle ex- ercise is serviceable. SECTION III. DIMKESS OF SIGHT. Symjptonis, — ^The patient often imagines he sees flies, cob- webs, and particles of dust floating in the air, and can not dis- tinguish clearly any object, either near to him or at a distance. Causes. — Pressure on the optic nerves within the skull, by tumor or other causes, as apoplexy, intemperance, etc. Treatment. — Blisters, issues, or a seton to the back of the neck. Snufi", by exciting a discharge from the nose, is very serviceable. As many causes of this disease are seated in the stomach and intestines, a light emetic may be first ad- ministered, and then a succession of purgatives for several days or weeks. COMPOUNDS. SELECT MEDICAL PREPARATIONS FOR FAMILY USE AND CONVENIENCE. By a componnd we mean the union of two or more ingredi- ents in one mass or body, as bitters, sirups, decoctions, in- fusions, tinctures, confections, pills, liniments, plasters, oint- ments, poultices, clysters, lotions, etc. There being a number of preparations, which have been found of great practical use, but which would not properly find a place in either of the foregoing diyisions of this work, it has been deemed advisable to place them in the position they here occupy. For greater convenience they will be found divided under several appropriate headings. ALTERATIVE BITTERS, rOR IMPUEITIES IX THE BLOOD. Take of black cohosh, gentian, ginseng, sarsaparilla, dwarf elder, prickly-ash bark, blue-flag root, seneka snake-root, wintergreen, or pipsissewa, gold-thread, yellow-dock root, and Virginia snake-root, each, half an ounce ; blood-root, one-fourth of an ounce. Put the whole in a vessel ; pour upon them two quarts of boiling water ; stir the preparation well ; keep it as near the fire as can be done without boiling, for twelve hours, but not over the fire ; when cool put the dregs with the liquor into a large jug, then add three pints of the best Holland gin ; shake it once, and not again. ( 317 ) 318 MEDICAL COMPOUDS. This medicine is designed to be just laxative enough not to weaken the patient ; after having taken it a day or two, should it not prove laxative, add a pint of water to the con- tents in the jug ; if not then, add a little more ; and if not then, add until it is ; for if too strong it will not produce a cathartic effect. Dose. — Half a wine glassful, (more or less in quantity as the patient can bear), three times a day, half an hour before each meal. DEINKS m FEYERS. 1. Take of mulberry juice, strained, one pint ; refined sugar, one and a half pounds. Dissolve and make a sirup. This is both aperient and demulcent, and may be exhibited with advantage in fever drinks. 2. Or, the juice of sorrel may be put into the patient's drink, which will prove peculiarly servicable in intermittents, or other fevers. POISON. When a person has swallowed poison deliberately or by chance, get half a glass of warm water, and mix with it fine salt and ground mustard, of each, one tea spoonful; catch firm hold of the person's nose, and the mouth will soon fly open, then give him to drink the mixture ; in a few minutes the poison will be ejected ; then have the patient swallow the white of an ^gg^ followed by a cup of strong coffee. SCARLET FEYER. The Baltimore Sun says: "We published a year or two ago, a simple remedy for scarlet fever ; being no other than MEDICAL COMPOUNDS. 319 nibbing the patient thoroughly with fat bacon. We have since, at different times, received assurances from different parties, whom the notice led to make a trial of it, of the entire suc- cess of the experiment. Others are just now sending us testimonials of the astonishing and speedy cures recently wrought by it. "We mention the matter that others ' may go and do likewise.' " CURES FOE CANCERS. 1. Arsenic and sulphur, with powdered crow-foot leaves mixed with white of egg. 2. Arsenic and extract of conium. 3. Sulphate of zinc, and extract of blood-root. 4. Chloride of zinc and blood-root. 5. Potash alone, boiled down to the consistence of a plaster. 6. Evaporate the spirituous infusion of bitter-sweet, stra- monium, conium, belladonna, yellow-dock and poke, adding fresh butter to make an ointment ; the poke and dock roots are used separately. 7. A celebrated Cancer powder is composed of arsenic, charcoal, and cinnebar. 8. The acetate of copper mixed with vegetable extracts is also used. 9. Or, take the yolk of an egg^ with as much fine salt as it will absorb ; stir it to a salve, and apply a plaster of it spread upon silk, twice a day. 10. Or, bathe the Cancer three or four times a day with a solution of brandy and salt. 11. Or, a grated carrot, boiled quite soft makes an excellent poultice for Cancers. 12. Or, take of white arsenic and brimstone in powder, each, three small tea-spoonsful ; dog fennel, two or three sprigs ; 320 MEDICAL COMPOUNDS. rananculus flammula, about a handful ; the two last should be well pounded, all mixed in a mortar, and made into small balls the size of a nutmeg and dried in the sun. These balls are to be powdered and mixed with the yolk of an egg^ and laid over the sore or Cancer upon a piece of bladder, which must be cut to the size of the sore, and smeared with the yolk of an egg. The plaster must not be moved until it drops off of itself, which will probably be in from seven to eight days. Clean bandages are often to be put on. DEY COUGH AND CROUP. 1. Take of squill root, and seneka-root, bruised, each, four ounces ; tartar emetic, forty-eight grains ; water, two quarts ; sugar, three and a half pounds. Make a decoction of the roots and water; add the sugar to the strained liquor; simmer it down to three j)ints of sirup, and add the tartar emetic while warm. It is emetic and expectorant according to the quantity. Dose. — For an adult half a tea spoonful. 2. Or, an infusion of lungwort, together with horehound, elecampane, and hyssop, is considered a very valuable remedy in coughs. Dose. — Half a wine glassful night and morning. DROPSY. 1. Mustard whey is used in Dropsy. This is made by boil- ing an ounce of bruised mustard seed in a pint of milk, and straining. Dose. — A gill three times a day. MEDICAL COMPOUNDS. 32] 2. Or, take two ounces of the inner bark of elder, infuse it in five pints of white wine for twenty-four hours. Dose. — A wine glassful every morning fasting, and another at bedtime. S. Or, take every day, cream of tartar dissolved in water. COUGHS. Take of horehound, Irish moss, white balsam, liverwort, boneset, licorice ball, elecampane root, and comfrey root, of each, one ounce ; water, two quarts ; boil to the consumption of one quart, and strain ; then add one pound of loaf sugar, and boil ten minutes ; when cold add one pint of Jamaica spirits. This makes an excellent sirup in^ pulmonary com- Dose. — A wine glassful three times a day, an hour before eating or drinking. STRAISTGUAEY, 1. Make a decoction of either juniper berries, wild hyssop, or hops, and drink freely. 2. Or, take for the same purpose a tea spoonful of powdered gum arable in a tumbler half full of any mild drink. FEVER AND AGUE. Take of black cohosh root, one ounce; gum guaiacum, one and a half ounce, pulverized ; put these into a bottle contain- ing one pint of good Madeira wine. 322 MEDICAL COMPOUNDS. Dose. — One tea spoonful three times a day ; one tea spoon- ful before the approach of the paroxysm of the ague. Half the quantity for a child. Continue the use of this medicine a week after the ague is broken. WEAK EYES. A valuable eye- water for weak and sore eyes, may be made by dissolving five grains of acetate of morphia, ten grains of sugar of lead, and six grains of sulphate of zinc, in five ounces of rose-water. With this wash the eyes three times a day. COLDS AND COUGHS, 1. Take one-third salt, two-thirds vinegar, half a tea spoon- ful of essence of anise, and a little cayenne pepper. Mix. Dose. — A tea spoonful every hour or two. 2. For a common cough a sirup may be made of equal parts of lemon juice, horehound and sugar candy. ULCERS. 1. In Ulcers of every kind, it will be advisable to admin- ister an alterative course of medicine, and this will be more particularly necessary if the sore has been of long continu- ance, or is attended by a considerable discharge. 2. A poultice made of slippery elm bark and white lily, greased with a little fresh butter or lard, will be found a val- uable application in Ulcers and fistulas. 3. When there is fungous flesh present, some fine blood-root, mandrake-root, or burnt alum, may be sprinkled on the fun- gous parts, and then a poultice should be laid over the whole. MEDICAL COMPOUNDS. 323 EKYSIPELAS. This malignant disorder, so often prevailing as an epidemic, and extending its ravages among young and old, has too frequently proved fatal, and must inevitably do so when it comes in contact with the brain, and such is very frequently the case if neglected too long. In order therefore to prevent this awful result, and effectually cure the disease, mash a sufficient quantity of raw cranberries, and apply blood warm in form of poultice to the part affected ; and continue to re- new this until every vestige of the disease is eradicated. PILES. Take of sweet fern and bayberry, equal parts ; make a de- coction and drink freely. It is an excellent medicine for the above complaint. ca:n"kek. Put some of the herb of centaury in a covered glass of cold water, permitting it to stand in the sun twenty-four hours. This is of great value in Cankers, ulcers, and sores of long duration ; in scald-head also, and all impurities of the blood. Dose. — A table spoonful three or four times a day. II^DIGESTIOK Let the daily bread be made of unbolted wheat; also, make free use of the cold bath and flesh brush ; and exercise much in the fresh air. DIAEEHEA. An infusion of sweet fern is invaluable in Diarrhea, dysen- tery, and bloody-flux ; it is very strengthening, hence it is use- ful in chronic debility. 324 MEDICAL COMPOUNDS. It is also used for inflammation, rheumatism, and night sweats. COUGHS AND COLDS. Flax-seed tea sweetened with sugar is highly beneficial for Coughs, and Colds on the chest ; bronchitis, and catarrhal affections. An application of flax-seed meal, prepared by way of poultice, is very valuable for inflammations. BRUISES AND SWELLINGS. Put wormwood in a pint bottle of rum, and add a tea spoon- ful of salt-petre ; wash the wound, bruise, or swelling with it, and bind on a cloth saturated with the same ; being particular to keep it constantly moist. JAUNDICE. 1. Take an emetic to cleanse the stomach, then use a bitter to regulate the bile and restore the digestive functions. 2. The patient should take daily as much exercise as he can bear, either on horseback or in a carriage. This course has affected a cure in very many instances. 3. A long journey often performs a permanent cure. PAEALYSIS OE PALSY. 1. Take of spikenard and ginger, each, two drachms ; of the seeds of sage toasted by the fire, one ounce ; black pepper, one and a half ounce, — these being reduced to fine powder, put as much of the juice of sage as may make them into a mass for pills. Dose, — Take a drachm's weight night and morning, fasting ; drinking a little pure water after them. 2. As an external application, bruised nettle leaves are good to excite the skin. MEDICAL COMPOUNDS. 325 TAPE-WOEM. The root of the plant male-fern, Felix mas^ has been highly extolled for its effects upon the taenia or Tape- worm. Dose. — From two to three spoonsful in powder, followed by a cathartic. CHEOlSriC DISEASES. Tar water, is drank with advantage in many chronic dis- eases, particularly of the lungs and skin. It is made by infusing tar in water, stirring it from time to time, and, lastly pouring off;the clear liquor, now impregnated with the color and virtues of the tar. SUB-ACUTE KHEUMATISM. Take of bitter-sweet bark of root, prickly-ash bark, wild- cherry bark, elecampane-root, pipsissewa tops, horse-radish roots, and mustard seed, each, half an ounce; tar, one gill; brandy, one pint ; a larger quantity in the same proportion. Dose. — A small wine glassful three times a day. INFLAMMATIOlSr OF THE KIDI^EYS. 1. Eub the lower part of the back with sweet .oil, and drink freely of the infusion of balm. 2. Or, apply cloths wrung out in hot vinegar ; and leeches to the hemorrhoidal veins, as a discharge from these will afford the patient great relief. SCUEYY. Eat freely of vegetables and fresh meat; also of apples, oranges, lemons, tamarinds, etc., and gargle the throat often with cayenne pepper. 28 326 MEDICAL COMPOUNDS PALSY. 1. Keep the bowels open, and encourage perspiration by the use of hot or stimulating drinks. 2. Apply mustard poultices to the feet, and rub the part affected briskly with a flannel wet in hot drops. PILES. 1. Make a constant use of warm water and molasses, with a syringe ; if persistingly used it will certainly affect a cure. 2. For an ointment, make use of sulphur, cream of tartar, and lard, simmered together. KING-WOKM. 1. It is said that the common mushroom catsup, rubbed upon the afiected part, was never known to fail of effecting a cure. 2. Strong tobacco juice, used as a lotion or wash, is an in- fallible remedy. QUIXSY. 1. Make an infusion of the buds, leaves, and bark of the blackberry bush, and use as a gargle. 2. Or, use hyssop boiled with figs. 3. In mild cases of sore throat, a strong tea of witch-hazel leaves and golden seal, with the fourth of a tea spoonful of cayenne in each dose, will usually remove it. SPRAINS. 1. Bind to the part affected wormwood saturated with hot drops. 2. Or, apply a poultice made of wheat bran, or rye bran and vinegar. MEDICAL COMPOUNDS. 327 HICCOUGHS. 1. Take thirty-five or forty drops of paregoric, and apply hops and wormwood, after having been slightly simmered in vinegar, to the stomach. 2. Or, take a long draught of cold water, or a few swallows of vinegar. ASTHMA. 1. Skunk cabbage root, administered in form of sirup, or dried and smoked through a clean pipe, will afford relief. 3. Or, the tincture of lobelia, or ipecacuanha, may be given at intervals, till it produces slight nausea without vomiting. 3. Small doses of sirup of squill is a very simple remedy. 4. It is said, that to burn in a lodging room on retiring, a piece of brown paper, about a quarter of a yard square, which has been saturated in strong salt-petre water, will afford great relief in Asthma. PALPITATION OF THE HEART. 1. Take from eight to sixteen drops daily of the tincture of stramonium. 2. Or, take tincture of gum guaiacum. Dose. — A tea spoonful twice a day in a little milk. MEASLES. This is a contagious disease, usually prevailing in the winter. The principal object we should have in view, is to keep the eruption upon the surface of the body. Let the patient drink freely of boneset, or saffron tea, which are both valuable. Let these be his only drinks, taking care to be well covered with a blanket or comforter so as to produce copious perspiration Mustard plasters applied to the feet are very serviceable. Let the bowels be kept gently open with rhubarb. 328 MEDICAL COMPOUNDS LOCK-JAW. 1. When Lock-jaw is apprehended from any wound or scratch, cut the rind from pickled or salt pork, and bind it to the affected part. 2. Or, apply a soft salve, made of pulverized chalk, mixed with strong soft soap. 3. Or, bathe the part freely with either lye, or saleratus water. LITER COMPLAINT. 1. Take a strong infusion of Virginia snake-root three times a day. 2. Or, make free use of composition powder, and wear a plaster on the side constantly. PILES. 1. A decoction of the roots and leaves of mullien, both taken as a beverage and used as clysters, is considered to be very useful for the Piles. 2. An ointment made of the bruised leaves in lard is also a good external application. PLEUPJSY. 1. Make a drink of the herb called heart's-ease, or mallows, and also at the same time make use of an external application of hops. For this purpose they may be put into a bag, thoroughly saturated with hot vinegar, and applied to the painful part as hot as can be borne. This course will remove acute pains in any part of the body. 2. Or, take a tea spoonful of pleurisy-root in powder, or half a tea cupful of the decoction several times a day. This is usually considered curative. MEDICAL COMPOUNDS. 329 HEMOEEHAGE OF THE LUKGS. 1. Boil one ounce of driecl yellow-dock root in a pint of milk. Drink a tea cupful three times a day. 2. Or, eat freely of raw table salt. 3. Or, take a tea spoonful three or four times a day of equal parts of rosin and powdered loaf sugar. LOSS OF APPETITE. 1. A tonic bitter is made as follows : One part tansy, one part wormwood, six parts bayberry root ; boil out the strength, and sweeten to the taste. Dose. — Half a wine glassful three or four times a day. 2. Or, steep two ounces of thorough wort, one ounce quassia, in one quart of water; when cool, strain, and add half a pint of good port wine. Dose. — Half a wine glassful three times a day, half an hour before each meal. BLEEDmO AT THE NOSE. 1. Pour cold water upon the back of the neck, and put a ball of rag up the nostril, dipped in equal parts of white of ^gg.^ sugar, and burnt alum. 2. Or, soak the feet in warm water ; put lint up the nose, wet with hot drops; and keep the temples -wet with cold water. EHEUMATISM. Put one swamp or meadow cabbage root into a quart of boiling water ; boil it away to a pint ; when cold, add a pint of rum and a little salt-petre ; always shake before apply- ing, and rub it well on the parts affected. Some of the clear iisfusion of the root will be found very useful, if taken inter- nally just before making use of the external application. 330 MEDICAL COMPOUNDS. COUGHS AXD COLDS. Black or wild cherries, or the bark, put into a bottle, or tight vessel, filled with any kind of spirituous liquor, ia invaluable for colds, coughs, hoarseness, and shortness of breath, asthmatic affections, dyspepsia, diarrhea, dysentery- cholera-morbus, etc. Dose. — A table spoonful five or six times a day. ASTHMA. 1. A sirup or conserve of the flowers of woodbine has been found by experience to be very beneficial in Asthma ; also the fresh roots of elecampane made into a sirup. 2. Or, the powder of the dried roots mixed with honey, has also been employed for the same purpose. WEAK NERVES. Drink freely of scullcap tea, and take exercise by riding, as often as circumstances will permit. These are considered the very safest and best of remedies. SCROFULA. 1. A mixture of brandy and salt, equal parts, applied ex- ternally, is of utility ; take also four table spoonsful of the same during the day. 2. Or, bathe daily in sea-water, and drink small quantities of the same. 3. Or, bathe the swellings with a strong decoction of hemlock. SICKNESS AT THE STOMACH. Drink an infusion of peppermint ; or, of peach leaves and spearmint. MEDICAL COMPOUNDS. 331 BUKlSrS AIS^D SCALDS. 1. The juice of onions is considered to be good for scalds and burns, by fire or gunpowder. 2. An application of the ointment of white-lily root is said to answer a similar purpose. 3. Apply cotton wool to the part, saturated in sweet oil. 4. Or, bathe the burn frequently with strong green tea. 5. An ointment of lard and soot is excellent for burns. Keep the bowels open. SOEE THROAT. 1. Chew white pond-lily root ; or, gargle with an infusion of the same. 2. Or, gargle the throat with a mixture made of two tea spoonsful of fine salt, one of cayenne pepper, and a cup of water. 3. Or, inhale through a tunnel the steam of hot vinegar, in which sage leaves have been steeped. TOOTH-ACHE. 1. Take of alum, powdered, two drachms ; nitrous spirits of ether, seven drachms ; mix, and apply a little to the tooth. This is said to be a certain cure. 2. The oil of cinnamon is a powerful stim*ulaut, a little of vhich may be put on lint, and applied to hollow teeth to cure the Tooth-ache. CEOUP. 1. Take goose grease, rubbing the throat with it at the same time till it produces vomiting. 2. Or, cut raw onions into thin slices ; between and over them put brown sugar, and let it dissolve. A tea spoonful of this sirup will produce immediate relief. 332 MEDICAL COMPOUNDS TUxMOPvS. Apply a poultice made of corn meal and slippery elm, equal parts, with a little salt added ; mix with weak lye. WAKTS. "Wash the wart with milk-weed ; or, apply caustic to the same. CUTS AND WOUNDS. Apply tobacco saturated in whisky to the injured part keep it wet, and a cure may be speedily expected. ULCERS. Apply a poultice made of cracker, wet with New En- gland rum. This has proved one of the most effectual appli- cations which has come within our range of use, for old, indolent ulcers, or putrid sores. CHICKEN-POX. Keep the patient cool, and administer a dose of salts. Let him remain in bed. After the salts have performed an operation, a little saffron tea may be advantageously given. These will be sufficient to remove the symptoms. MUMPS. This disease is considered to be contagious ; it seldom attacks adults, but is principally found in children. It is not confined to any particular season of the year. A dose of cream of tartar, or epsom salts, and warm fomentations to the parts, together with quietude and confinement to the house, are sufficient to perfect a cure. MEDICAL COMPOUNDS. 333 WEAK STOMACH. Put a good handful of wormwood in a quart pitcher of cold water, and let it remain ; cover it, and stand it away in a cool place. Dose. — Take two or three swallows, three times a day, upon an empty stomach. FEYERS. Take half an ounce of gum camphor; pour upon it a pint of boiling water. Stir it. "When cold, take a table spoonful every two hours, on the day when a cathartic is not given . Bind also each night the half of a raw onion upon the sole of each foot. This course will have a great tendency to check the fever, as well as to aid the other medicines given. INTERl^^AL WOUKDS OR INJURIES. For internal injuries resulting from blows or falls, mix of spermaceti and molassess, equal parts, and take a tea spoon- ful three or four times a day, as hot as can be conveniently swallowed. DROPSY. Lemons are recommended for Dropsy in a Russian medi- cal journal, and are said to be beneficial in the most hopeless cases. The first day one lemon was given, after taking the peel off and cutting it into small pieces, in sugar ; the two following days three were given, and afterwards eighteen every day. For nourishment meat was given. In every case the water came off the seventh day. 331 MEDICAL COMPOUNDS COXSUMPTIOX. 1. In this complaint, medicine will not always produce the desired effect. Make free use of the warm bath and the flesh brush. 2. Take a small quantity of the expressed juice of hoar- hound, (the herb,) and mix it with a half pint of new milk; drink it warm every morning ; — if persistingly used, it will prove a highly valuable remedy in the above complaint. 3. Or, let the patient take as much exercise as he can bear, both by walking and riding, and be temperate and regular in all his habits. COLDS AXD COUGHS. 1. Pour a gill of molasses over a hot boiled turnip, per- mitting it to stand fifteen minutes, then turn off the sirup and squeeze the turnip. To be taken warm on going to bed. 2. Or, drink freely of life-everlasting tea ; — it is excellent. 3. Or, take of molasses, four ounces; honey, five ounces; vinegar, seven ounces. Mix, and simmer over the fire fifteen minutes ; then add wine of ipecac, two drachms. Dose. — A tea spoonful every hour. COSTIYENESS. 1. Make use of coarse wheat and rye, or rye and corn meal bread. 2. Or, golden-seal infused in wine, and taken as a bitter. 3. Or, take a little rhubarb every day. CAIS^KER. 1. Make an infusion of the leaves of raspberry, or the low, blackberry bush. 2. Or, burnt alum held in the mouth is very good. MEDICAL COMPOUNDS. 335 WHOOPIXG COUGH. 1. Take frequently slight emetics of tincture of lobelia, or wine of ipecac. Keep the bowels open. 2. Or, put a tea spoonful of castor oil to a table spoonful of molasses. Dose. — A tea spoonful whenever the cough is annoying. CRAMPS IX THE STOMACH. 1. Take freely of composition powder, or hot drops. 2. If the pain is severe, give sixty drops of paregoric. 8. Or, a tea spoonful of essence of peppermint. 4. Or, a half gill of raw brandy, with ten drops of laudanum. CHOLERA MORBUS. 1. Apply a flannel cloth, wrung out in hot water or spirits, over the whole surface of the stomach. Give freely the com- position powder and hot drops, so as to produce a copious sweat. 2. If the pain is very severe, make use of any of the remedies prescribed for cramps. CORXS. 1. Take equal parts of roasted onion and soft soap ; beat well, and apply the mixture hot on retiring to bed. 2. Or, dissolve half an ounce of caustic potash in one ounce of water, and wet the corn every night. 3. Or, bind the half of a raw cranberry on every night. 4. Or, wet a piece of licorice ball and rub the Corns with it every night. 5. Or, apply a plaster of white turpentine to the corn, per- mitting it to remain till it falls off. Repeat this three times. 336 MEDICAL COMPOUNDS. DEINKS FOE THE SICK. 1. Put a lemon sliced and thinly pared into a close vessel; add a small piece of the peel, and a sufficient quantity of sugar ; pour upon them a quart of boiling water, and close them tight for two hours. 2. Another may be made by cutting two large apples in thin slices, or by taking two roasted apples, and pouring upon them a quart of boiling water ; strain them after they have stood three hours, and sweeten slightly. 3. Or, put a little sage tea, a little wood sorrel, and two or three sprigs of balm, into a stone jug (having first washed and dried them), peel thin a lemon, slice it, and put in with it a small piece of the peel ; then pour in two quarts of boiling water, sweeten, and cover it close. WORM EEMEDY. Take of myrrh, aloes, saffron, each, one ounce ; infuse the myrrh five days in half pint of rum or brandy, then add the aloes and saffron. Dose. — Give a tea spoonful twice a month to children, and they will never be annoyed with "Worms. BILIOUS COLIC. 1. A decoction of squam-bcrry is available in this com- plaint ; when that will not produce the desired effect, take the tobacco worm from the under part of the leaf, squeeze out all, and take with molasses. This has saved life when aU other medicines proved futile or of no effect. 2. Or, take of hog's lard. West India molasses, the urine of beast, and West India rum, each, one gill. Simmer well together. This compound, when taken, it is said, will seldom fail of performing an effectual cure. MEDICAL COMPOUNDS. 337 lEKITATIOX OF THE LUNGS. Balsam of honey is of great service in hoarseness, and allay- ing Irritation of the Lungs. It has often cured coughs which have been considered of a dangerous character. The balsam is made after the follovs^ing manner. Take of balsam of Tolu, two ounces ; opium, and gum storax, each, two drachms ; honey, eight ounces. Dissolve these in one quart of spirit of wine. DECAYED TOOTH. Take of gum camphor, spirits of turpentine, and opium, equal parts ; rub them in a mortar to a paste. Put into the cavity of the tooth. This, it is said, will cure, and prevent a defective tooth from ever aching. WHITE SWELLmOS. Melt in a small iron, or earthen vessel, soap, two ounces; litharge plaster, one ounce. When nearly cold, stir in of Balammoniac, in fine powder, one drachm; spread it upon leather, and apply to the part afiected. FKEOKLES. Take of lemon juice, two ounces ; borax powdered, half a drachm ; sugar, one drachm ; mix together, and let them stand in a glass bottle, for five days ; then rub it on the face and hands occasionally. SCEOFULA. A decoction of pipsissewa is considered a very effectual medicine in Scrofula, and often proves curative when persist- ijDgly taken. 338 MEDICAL COMPOUNDS. LOCK-JAW. Bind npon the wound, and in close contact with it, a com- mon cent, or any piece of copper. It is said this will afford immediate relief, and effect a cure. Tarnished copper is considered best. SALT KHEUM. 1. A wash or lotion made of one pound plantain leaves, two quarts beef brine, one quart urine, — boiled one hour, is said to be a certain remedy in this complaint, provided somo internal medicine is taken at the same time to purify the blood. 2. Or, take a strong decoction of swamp sassafras bark, and wash the part affected ; to the remainder of the decoction, add hog's lard, simmer it over a moderate fire till the water is gone. Anoint the part affected after washing. Continue five days. Considered an infallible remedy. RATTLES IN CIIILDREX. Administer to the patient blood-root, powdered. Dose, — A small tea spoonful. If the first does not remove the complaint in half an hour, repeat again three times. This has invariably proved curative. CANKER. Take of blackberry root and bark, gold-thread, and winter- green or pipsissewa ; each, one ounce. Boil out the strength, and strain ; put in one pound of honey, and make a sirup by again boiling. This is excellent for Canker in the mouth, throat, and stomach, likewise for all impurities of the blood. Dose.— -A. table spoonful three times a day, an hour before each meal. MEDICAL COMPOUNDS. 339 HECTIC COUGH. Take three table spoonsful of honey, three yolks of hen's eggs, and one spoonful of tar ; beat well together ; add one gill of wine. Dose. — A tea spoonful three times a day, an hour before each meal. WETTING THE BED AT NIGHT. Infuse two ounces of good red-bark in one quart of wine for twenty-four hours. Dose. — A table spoonful for a child three years of age ; if older a little more. DROPSY. 1. Take of mountain cranberry, herb and root together ; make a decoction and drink. This is highly serviceable in Dropsy, suppression of nrine, and gravel complaints. 2. Or, take a table spoonful once or twice a day, of the expressed juice of red onions, in their crude or raw state, and also take a little wine occasionally to make new blood. The juice of the onion will afford relief in suppression of urine in fifteen minutes. It may be bottled in gin and kept for use. Its virtues are improved by age. 3. Or, take of elecampane root, blue-flag root, each, half a pound ; soft water, two gallons ; boiled down to one quart, and sweetened with a pint of molasses. Dose. — Half a gill half an hour before each meal. 4. Or, a decoction of checkerberry is considered excellent in Dropsy, if persistingly used. Make use of it as a common beverage, or drink. 6. Whortleberries, and the roots of the shrub, possesses 310 MEDICAL COMPOUNDS. powerful diuretic qualities. When infused in Ilolland gin they are very valuable in dropsical and nephritic complaints. 6. Or, take juniper ashes, with molasses and gin. These will carry off the water, and prove curative. 7. Or, Take one gallon of sound cider, a double handful of parsley tops and roots cut fine ; a handful of horse-radish scraped or grated fine ; two spoonsful of mustard seed, bruised ; three ounces of juniper berries ; half an ounce oxymel of squills. Put into a jug ; set it near the fire, and shake frequently during twenty-four hours. Dose. — For an adult half a wine glassful three times a day, half an hour before each meal. TUMORS. Many obstinate tumors and ulcers have been cured by an application of chloride of zinc mixed with the exti'act of blood- root. It is principally used to kill tumors and make them fall out of their places ; for which purpose it is said to have been in use for a hundred years. FAIXS IX THE TEETH. Take two poppy heads ; break them, and put the seeds in a saucepan, with half a handful of chamomile flowers ; add a pint of water. Boil and strain. "With a soft brush wash the teeth in this decoction. A frequent application wiH remove all soreness. EAR-ACHE. 1. Put into the ear the heart of a roasted onion. 2. Or, mix a little sweet oil and paregoric, and put a few drops warm, into the ear, by lying the head down on the opposite side. 3. In cases of abscess, use poultices of bread and milk, or of roasted onions. Renew them till the abscess breaks. MEDICAL COMPOUNDS. 341 DEAFI^ESS. Place the head upon a pillow, and put a little fine salt into the ear daily. This has proved curative in very many cases. PROFUSE MEKSES. Take of lavender seeds and rosemary, each, one ounce ; put them in a bottle with a pint of good brandy. Dose, — Half a wine glassful three times a day. GOUT. 1. Keep the foot and leg lightly bandaged, cover with soft wool, saturated in sweet oil. 2. Make use of the composition and pennyroyal freely. HEAD-ACHE 1. If the stomach be overcharged with mucus, or bile, remove it by an emetic. 2. Or, take one or two doses of cathartic medicine. 3. Or, drink freely of boneset tea, which will prove very efficient. SOEE EYES. 1. Wash the eyes with warm milk and water ; apply the ointment of white precipitate night and morning, if very sore. 2. Or, the essence of peppermint. 3. Some persons have derived great benefit in sore eyes by a frequent application of an infusion of the flowers of poppies in rum. 29 342 MEDICAL COMPOUNDS GRAYEL. 1. Take a handful of smartweed ; make an infusion, and add to it one gill of Holland gin. Drink it all in ten hours. This is considered to be one of the best of remedies. 2. Make a strong decoction of china-root, and drink freely. 3. Or, make a strong decoction of the herb heart's-ease, or pansy, and drink copiously. These are considered to be cer- tain remedies. 4. Or, drink warm gum arable tea, or strong coffee without Bugar. Keep the bowels open. 4. Lime-water is recommended, to be drank frequently. Dose, — One gill. HEART-BURN. 1. Take a dose of composition powders. 2. Or, take a tea spoonful of carbonate of soda, dissolved in a gill of water. COUGHS m CHILDREN. Take of fresh garlic, sliced, six ounces; distilled vinegar, one pint ; sugar, two pounds. Digest the garlic in vinegar four days ; express ; allow it to become clear, and make a sirup of the liquor. This is considered a stimulating ex- pectorant. Dose. — For a child one year old, a table spoonful four times a day; abstaining for half an hour after, from eating and drinking. PAINS IN FACE OR JOINTS. Take one ounce of belladonna salve, put it in half a pint of water. With this mixture bathe frequently ; wet a piece of flannel with the same and bind on the part affected. MEDICAL COMPOUNDS. 343 SPRAIKS AISTD BEUISES. Take of olive oil, ten ounces ; oil of turpentine, four ounces ; dilute sulphuric acid, three drachms. Mix. This prepara- tion is considered to be a highly useful liniment in chronic affections of the joints, and in the removal of long-existing effects of sprains and bruises. JSriGHT SWEATS. 1. Persons troubled with night sweats, may usually be cured by the remedial effects of cold sage tea, which should be taken copiously night and morning, abstaining from food. 2. Or, take elixir of vitriol in a little sweetened water. Dose, — From twenty to thirty drops. CHEONIO COUGHS. Take of gum ammoniacum, ten grains ; salts of hartshorn, six grains; spermaceti, one scruple; sirup, a proper quan- tity to make into a thick consistence. This is administered with advantage in Chronic Coughs, and colds of long stand- ing, asthma, and in the incipient stages of consumption. SCUEYY. Take of the leaves of sorrel and succory, each, ten hands- ful; water-cresses, scurvy grass, and fir tops, of each, five ounces ; coriander seeds, one ounce. When bruised, add to them of orange juice, five ounces ; and common whey, three pounds. Let them stand awhile, then press out the liquor ; sweeten it with a little refined sugar, and clarify for use. It will not keep long, and therefore should be made as it is needed, Dose.—J)nioik from a quart to three pints through the day. 344 MEDICAL COMPOUNDS KHEUMATISM. 1. One remedy for Eheumatism is, to mix four table spoons- ful of castor oil, three of laudanum, two of camphor, one of spirits of turpentine, one of hartshorn ; put all in a bottle and shake it well, and apply frequently. 2. Or, take half an ounce of gum camphor, half an ounce of hartshorn liniment, one gill of good whisky ; scrape a piece of castile soap the size of a walnut ; put the whole in a bottle ; shake it well and apply frequently. 3. Or, take one pint of alcohol, one ounce of gnm mjrrh, and one table spoonful of cayenne pepper. Mix. Dose. — Take a tea spoonful of this mixture with sugar and water three times a day, half an hour before eating. 4. Or, take two ounces of blue-flag root ; add a pint of Holland gin, and take a table spoonful three times a day; increase by degrees to a double dose. EHEUMATISM AXD STIFF JOIXTS. Take one ounce of gum guaiacum, and half a pint of the best brandy. Mix in a bottle. Dose. — One table spoonful every morning in half a glass of water. DKOPSY ON THE CHEST. Take half a pound of dried milk-weed, cut fine ; pour upon it five pints of boiling water ; put it over the fire and evapo- rate to a pint — when cold, add one quart of Holland gin, and bottle for use. Cork it tight, and let it stand twenty-four hours. Dose. — ^Half a wine glassful every four hours. If it nause- ates too much, the dose may be varied. Eflect perceptible in from four to six days. MEDICAL COMPOUNDS. 345 WOEM EXPELLEE. Take of the best rhubarb, in powder, half a drachm ; calo- mel, six grains ; sirup, a proper quantity to mix. This is a very suitable purge for hypochondriac persons, but its princi- pal use is to expel "Worms. ^ Where a more powerful cathartic is required, jalap may be used in place of rhubarb. mTEEMITTEi^T FEYEES. Take of Peruvian bark, two ounces ; orange peel and cinnamon, each, half an ounce. Let the bark be powdered, and the other ins-redients bruised. Macerate the whole in a quart of wine or brandy for seven days in a close vessel ; then strain ofi* the tincture. Thisisnotonly applicable to Intermittent Fevers, but like- wise in the low, nervous, and putrid kinds, especially towards their decline. Dose. — From one to four tea spoonsful every six hours. It may be administered in any suitable beverage, and occasionally acidulated with lemon, or a few drops of some suitable acid. DEINKS IK FEYEES. 1. An infusion of dried blackberries, or of sage, mixed with a little lemon juice, and taken when cold is a very good drink for the patient in fever. 2. An infusion of white lily roots, or wood sorrel, with the addition of a roasted apple, drank cold, is of equal service. 3. Or, take of lemon juice, strained, one pint; refined Bugar, two pounds. Dissolve and make a sirup. Tiiis is a very grateful, cooling, and acid sirup, which may be put into water, and very profitably given in febrile and bilious afiec- tionSj as a beverage. 346 MEDICAL COMPOUNDS. COUGHS. Take of the fresh roots of marsh-mallow, bruised, half a pound ; refined sugar, two and a half pounds ; water, two quarts. Boil down the water with the roots to half, and press. Set it bj for twenty-four hours to subside ; then pour off the clear liquor, add the sugar and boil down. This is an emollient and demulcent sirup, given in hoarse- ness, as well as in Coughs. Dose. — From a desert spoonful to two table spoonsful. DYSEXTERY. 1. Take a dose of castor oil, apply a mustard poultice to the bowels, and bathe the stomach and bowels frequently with hot drops. 2. Or, take one or two doses of rhubarb, and regulate the bowels by a proper diet. 3. Or, make a tea of either dried blackberries or roots. 4. Or, of the leaves and roots of mullien. 5. Or, of marsh-mallow root, and continue its use. 6. Let the diet be light and free from meats, or any thing which is improper for the stomach. FEYERS. Horseradish leaves bruised, and saturated in warm vinegar, and bound to the soles of the feet, are of excellent use in Fevers. CHILBLAINS. 1. Make use of pig's-foot oil, which will effect an immedi- ate cure. 2. It is said, also, that copal varnish is a very efficacious remedy. MEDICAL COMPOUNDS. 347 INFLAMMATOEY EHEUMATISM. 1. Mix olive oil and hartshorn to the consistence of cream ; then add a tea spoonful of pulverized salt-petre ; shake well each time before using ; apply, and rub well the parts affected three or four times a day, by the fire. 2. Make use internally at the same time of an infusion of a handful of swamp cabbage or blue-flag roots, which have been previously steeped in a pint of good spirits three or four days. Dose. — A table spoonful three or four times a day ; half an hour before meals. 3. Or, apply a poultice of hot potatoes — renew as often as it becomes cool or hard. Considered to be a valuable remedy. NEUEALGIA. 1. " An application of the bruised leaves of horseradish for neuralgic or nervous pains in the teeth, face, or any other part of the body, has proved itself of great utility, by afibrd- iug almost instantaneous relief." 2. Or, scrape the root of horseradish and bind on the part affected, which will afford relief in a short time. 3. An application of belladonna will prove -equally service* able. TO STEE^GTHEIST THE KIDXEYS. Xidney beans, dried, powdered fine, and a tea spoonful taken at a time in Madeira wine, is said to strengthen the kidneys exceedingly, and prevent or remove the calculus for- mation, and suppression of urine ; they aid digestion, and tend to expand the chest, contracted by diseases of the respi- ratory organs. 348 MEDICAL COMPOUNDS. PEEYENTIYE AGAINST MALIGNANT FEYERS. Cut in two, a raw onion, place one piece under each arm next the skin, before enteriDg the room of the patient. The onion imbibes the virus, thereby preventing it from entering the body; throw it immediately away after leaving the room. DIAERHEA. 1. Take of the sugar from molasses, "West India rum, sweet oil, each, one table spoonful; simmer well together. A valu- able remedy. 2. Or, parch half a pint of rice perfectly brown ; then boil it as usual, and eat it slowly, — this will restrain the disease in a few hours. NAUSEA. Take of the infusion of mint, two tea cupsful; white sugar, two dessert spoonsful; oil of spearmit, three drops; compound tincture of cardamom, half an ounce. Mix. This is a grateful carminative ; and it is very useful in nausea or sickness at the stomach. DYSPEPSIA. 1. Take a bottle half full of wild cherries, and fill it with any good pure spirits. Use no sugar. This has cured many. Dose. — Half a wine glassful three times a day. 2. Or, beef bones, burnt and reduced to powder. This is also highly recommended. Dose. — A tea spoonful three times a day, mixed with molasses. MEDICAL COMPOUNDS. 349 PULMO^AEY COMPLAIIsrTS. Take of balsam of Tola one ounce ; spirit of wine, one pint. Infuse in a gentle heat until the balsam is dissolved ; then strain off the tincture. This possesses all the virtues of the balsam. In coughs and other complaints of the chest and lungs, it will be found very useful. Dose. — Take two tea spoonsful upon loaf sugar. Probably the best mode of use is in sirup. Take one ounce of the tincture, mix it thoroughly with two pounds of simple sirup. This makes what is usually called the balsamic sirup. EMBROCATIOISr FOR HEAD-ACHE. Take of red roses, half a pound ; strong vinegar, half a gallon. Infuse in a close vessel for a number of weeks in a gentle heat; and then strain off the liquor. This is princi- pally used as an embrocation for head-aches, etc. EROSIOiSrS OF THE mTESTUSTES, Take of sweet or olive oil, one pint ; yellow was half a pound ; medicinal turpentine four ounces ; red sanders, six drachms. Melt the wax with some of the oil over a gentle fire ; then add the remaining part of the oil and turpentine ; afterward mix the sanders, having been previously reduced to 'powder, and continue to stir them till the compound is cold. This is recommended in erosions of the intestines, hemor- rhages, dysentery, internal bruises or injuries, and in some complaints of the chest. Externally it is employed for heal- ing and cleansing wounds and ulcers. Dose. — Internally, from one-third of a tea spoonful to two whole tea spoonsful. 350 MEDICAL COMPOUNDS. FELOX OE WHITLOW. 1. Soak the finger in strong, hot lye of wood ashes, fre- quently, for half a hour at a time. 2. Or, make use of poultices in connection with weak lye. PAIX IX THE BOWELS. Take of starch jelly, half a pint ; tincture of opium, from forty to sixty drops. Mix. Used in cases of dysentery or violent purging, and pain in the bowels. PILES. A large handful of the common mallow, or, of either kind of mallow, to suit convenience, simmered in a pint of milk ; when strained, mix with half the quantity of West India molasses, and take warm. It is an invaluable remedy for the Piles. CUTA^^EOUS DISEASES. The wood and resin of guaiacum are now in general medi- cinal use, and employed in gout and rheumatic pains, and many cutaneous diseases, either in form of tincture of the resin, or decoction of the wood. TO PKEYEXT THE HAIR FROM FALLING OFF. Take one pint of Bay rum ; half an ounce of lac sulphur ; quarter of an ounce of sugar of lead ; to one quart of rain water. Wet the head everv dav in this mixture. CO]SrSTlPATIOX. Take compound extract of colocynth, two scruples ; castile soap, one ounce ; water one pint. This injection is very useful in obstinate constipation. MEDICAL COMPOUNDS. 351 FLATULENCY. 1. Spearmint is an excellent stomachic as well as car- minative. Take of dried mint leaves, two drachms ; boiling water, two tea cupsful. Infuse and strain. Dose. — A wine glassful, or more. 2. Or, drink a tea made of the seeds of anise, caraway, and coriander. 3. Or, take the essence of peppermint, with a few drops of paregoric. INFLAMMATION". Cranberries in their crude or raw state, mashed and spread in form of a poultice, and applied blood warm, is excellent for burns, inSlammations, or inflammatory eruptions, sore throats, or lungs, and ague in the face proceeding from de- cayed teeth. THRUSH. Take of borax, powdered, one drachm ; honey, one ounce. Mix. A gargle or wash of this preparation is found highly serviceable in aphthous affections of the mouth and fauces, or canker in the mouth and throat ; being particular to keep the bowels open with magnesia. INTERNAL ULCERS. Take of winter bark, socotrine aloes, blood-root, gum myrrh, each, one ounce ; colt's-foot root, sassafras root, each two ounces ; put them in a tight vessel with two quarts of spirits. Dose. — Half a wine glassful twice a day, an hour before eating or drinking. 352 MEDICAL COMPOUNDS. ITCH AND CUTANEOUS EKUPTIONS. The following liniment is a French preparation. It is composed of sulphuret of potassium, one part ; oil of poppy, ten parts ; common soap, five parts. SPASMODIC AFFECTIONS OF THE BOWELS. Take of tinctm-e of asafoetida, half ounce ; tincture of opium, forty drops ; gruel, half pint. Mix. This is considered an excellent antispasmodic enema, for the above named complaint. CATAERH IN THE HEAD. Common table salt, used as a snufi" several times during the day, is always attended with beneficial results, and in many instances effects a cure. HIYES. 1. This exanthematous complaint, most common to small children, is called urticaria or nettle rash. An application of either salt water, salt and vinegar, or acetate of ammonia, will usually effect a cure. It will be necessary, however, to occasionally administer a cathartic, in connection with the application. 2. The Indians drink an infusion or tea of the root of sanicle or black-snake root, which they consider to be peculiarly ser- viceable in this complaint, as well as in croup, sore throat, cutaneous eruptions, fevers, etc. OIITMENTS The usual consistence of ointments is about that of butter. Some officinal ointments receive the name of cerates in differ- ent pharmacopoeias. OINTMENT FOE ULCERS. Take of distilled vinegar, six ounces ; prepared chalk, eight ounces ; plaster of lead, three pounds ; olive oil, one pint. Melt the plaster in the oil with a slow fire ; then gradu- ally add the chalk, separately mixed with the vinegar ; the effervescence being finished, stir constantly until they have cooled. This preparation is used as a dressing for indolent ulcers. NERYE OINTMENT. Take of beefs gall, one ounce ; spirits of turpentine, one ounce ; neat^s-foot oil, one gill ; brandy, half a pint. Simmer till mixed, and bottle for use. It is an excellent application for rheumatism, and perishing or contracted limbs. COLD CREAM OINTMENT. Take of rose-water, two ounces ; oil of almonds, two and a half ounces ; spermaceti, half an ounce ; white wax, two drachms. Put the spermaceti, oil, and wax, into a vessel, then put the vessel into a kettle of water over the fire, per- mitting it to boil until the ingredients are melted, then add the rose-water, and stir till cold. This is a fine, cooling, and emollient application. (353) 354 MEDICAL COMPOUNDS. OINTMENT OF STRAMONIUM. Take of fresh stramonium leaves, one pound; lard, three pounds ; yellow wax, half a pound. Boil the leaves in lard until crisp ; strain through a linen cloth ; add the wax, pre- viously melted, and stir till cold. This is anodyne ; and applied to irritable ulcers, etc. I OINTMENT OF HEMLOCK. Take of the fresh leaves of hemlock, and prepared hog's lard, each, two pounds. The hemlock is to be bruised in a marble mortar and mixed with the lard. They are then to be gently melted over the fire, and strained through a cloth. It is applied to cancerous, scrofulous, and ill-conditioned sores. TOBACCO OINTMENT. Take of fresh tobacco leaves, cut, one ounce;' lard, one pound. Boil till the leaves are crisp, and strain through linen. It is_applied to irritable ulcers and eruptions. ZINC OINTMENT. Take of oxide of zinc, one ounce ; lard, six ounces. Mix. It is a very useful application in chronic ophthalmia and re- laxed ulcers. EMOLLIENT OINTMENT. Take of yellow wax, half a pound ; Venice turpentine, four ounces ; olive oil, a pint and a half; palm oil, one pint and a half. Melt the wax in the oils, over a slow fire ; then mix the turpentine, and strain the ointment. This is used in cases of external inflammation, etc. MEDICAL COMPOUNDS. 365 OINTMENT FOR THE ITCH. 1. Take of white hellebore root, powdered, two ounces ; prepared lard, half a pound; oil of lemon, one drachm. Mix. This is considered a very good application for itch. 2. Or, take of sulphuric acid, one drachm ; prepared lard, one ounce. Mix. Used in itch and eruptive affections. 3. Or, take of sublimed sulphur, one pound ; lard, two pounds. Mix. This is one of the most effectual prepara- tions to destroy the itch. It is also serviceable in the cure of other cutaneous eruptions. OINTMENT FOR GOITRE. Take of iodide of potassium, one drachm ; iodine, half a drachm ; alcohol, one drachm ; lard, two ounces. Mix. It is applied by way of friction to goitre, scrofulous tumors, etc. TAR OINTMENT. Take of tar and suet, each, one pound. Melt together and strain the mixture through a linen cloth. This is applicable to cases of scald-head, and many eruptive complaints ; also, to some kinds of irritable sores. OINTMENT OF IODIDE OF LEAD. Take of iodide of lead, one ounce; lard, eight ounces. Rub together, and mix. This ointment is employed by way of friction to chronic enlargement of the joints, and indolent, scrofulous tumors. OINTMENT OF GALL-NUTS. Take of galls, powdered, two drachms ; lard, two ounces ; opium, powdered, half a drachm. Mix. This is an astringent anodyne ointment, applied chiefly to piles and indolent ulcers. 356 MEDICAL COMPOUNDS. CREOSOTE oixtme^:t. Take of creosote, half a drachm ; lard, melted, one ounce. Rub them together till they are mixed. This is a stimulating ointment. It is used in scald-head or ring-worm of the scalp. DETERGEXT OIXTMEXT. Take of ammonio-chloride of mercury, one drachm; lard, one and a half ounce. Mix. A mild, detergent application, used in skin diseases, and to destroy lice. CALOMEL OIXTMEXT. Take of calomel, one drachm ; lard, one ounce. Mix. It is very valuable in skin diseases, and to heal ulcers and sores. PITCH OIXTMEXT. Take of pitch, yellow wax, yellow resin, each, nine ounces ; olive oil, one pound. Melt together, and strain through a linen cloth. This is useful for the same purposes as the tar ointment. ELDER OIXTMEXT. Take of elder flowers, prepared lard, each, two pounds. Boil the elder flowers in the lard until they become crisp ; then strain the ointment through a linen cloth. A very cool- ing and emollient preparation. LDsIMEXT OrXTMEXT. Take of linseed oil and lime-water, equal parts; shake them well together, so as to form a liniment. This will be found an excellent application for recent scalds or burns. It may be spread upon a cloth and placed upon the part afiected. TIICTURES TiNCTUEE is the pure alcohol, or proof spirit containiDg medicinal substances in solution. TINCTURE OF GUAIACUM. Take of guaiacum resin, powdered, half a pound ; alcohol, one quart. Infuse for fifteen days, and strain. This is diaphoretic, stimulant, and antarthritic. DoBe. — ^From one to two table spoonsful. TINCTURE OF JALAP. Take of jalap root, powdered, half a pound ; dilute alcohol, one quart. Infuse for fifteen days, and strain. This is a good cathartic. Dose. — Two table spoonsful. TINCTURE OF HOPS. Take of hops, five ounces ; dilute alcohol, one quart. In- fuse in the spirit for fourteen days, and strain. This is both tonic and sedative. Dose. — From one to two table spoonsful, or more. TINCTURE OF MYRRH. Take of myrrh, bruised, four ounces ; alcohol, one quart. Infuse for fifteen days, and strain. This tincture is both applied ta ulcers, and used as a gargle. SO (357) 358 MEDICAL COMPOUNDS. TIXCTUEE OF EHUBARB. Take of rhubarb root, sliced, two and a half ounces ; lico- rice root, bruised, six drachms; proof spirit, one quart. In- fuse for fifteen days, with a gentle heat, and strain. This is a mild stomachic aperient. Dose — From half an ounce, to one and a half ounce. TINCTURE OF SQUILL. Take of squill root, dried, four ounces ; dilute alcohol, one quart. Macerate for fifteen days, and strain. The virtues of the squill resides in the tincture. JDose. — From ten drops to a dessert spoonful. APERIENT TINCTURE. Take of senna leaves, three and a half ounces ; caraway seeds, bruised, three and a half ounces; cardamom seeds, bruised, one drachm ; raisins, stoned, five ounces ; proof spirit, one quart. Infuse for fifteen days, and strain. This preparation is purgative, carminative, and aperient. Dose, — ^From two spoonsful, to half a w.ine glassful. TINCTURE OF LOBEZIA. This is made by putting two ounces of the herb and seed together, in a pint of common gin. Let it stand eight days, when it w^ill be fit for use. Dose, — ^For children, from one to two tea spoonsful. For adults, from half to a whole wine glassful ; repeating the dose every fifteen or twenty minutes, till it produces emesis or vomiting. A little warm saleratus water will promote the operation of it, whenever desired. MEDICAL COMPOUNDS. 359 CATHAKTIC TmCTURE. Tako of senna leaves, three ounces ; jalap, powdered, one ounce; coriander, and caraway seeds, bruised, each, half au ounce ; cardamom seeds, bruised, two drachms ; sugar, a quar- ter of a pound ; dilute alcohol, three pints. Infuse for fifteen days, and strain. Dose. — ^From two spoonsful to half a wine glassful. TINCTUEE OF YIRGIOTA SNAKE-ROOT. Take of the root, bruised, three ounces ; proof spirit, one quart. Infuse for fifteen days, and strain. This is both tonic and stimulant. Dose. — ^From one to two table spoonsful. TINCTURE OF VALERIAN. Take of valerian root, bruised, three ounces ; proof spirit, one quart. Infuse for fifteen days, and strain. This is both tonic and stimulant. Dose. — From one to two table spoonsful. EMMENAGOGUE TINCTURE. Take of saffron, two ounces ; dilute alcohol, one quart Infuse for fourteen days, and strain. Dose. — Two tea spoonsful. TINCTURE OF PEPPERMINT. Tincture or essence of peppermint may be made by dissolv- iDg two ounces of oil of peppermint in one pint of alcohol. 360 MEDICAL COMPOUNDS. STOMACHIC TmCTURE. Take of gentian root, bruised, two ounces ; orange peel, dried, one ounce ; cardamom seeds, bruised, half an ounce ; dilute alcohol, one quart. Infuse for fifteen days, express, and strain. This is stomachic as well as tonic. Dose. — Two tea spoonsful. PURGATIVE TINCTURE. Take of aloes, powdered, three ounces ; safii-on, one ounce; tincture of myrrh, two pints. Macerate for fifteen days, and strain. This is a useful application to old, indolent ulcers, and is likewise an emmenagogue. Dose. — ^From one half tea spoonful to two whole tea spoonsful. ANTISPASMODIC TINCTURE. Take of asafoetida, four ounces ; alcohol, one quart. In- fuse the whole for fourteen days, and strain. This preparation is stimulant as well as antispasmodic. Very useful in hysteria. Dose. — ^From one half tea spoonful to two whole tea spoons- ful. CRAMP TINCTURE. Take of essence of peppermint, and camphorated spirits, each, four ounces ; spirit of ammonia, half an ounce ; cayenne pepper, one tea spoonful ; ginger, two tea spoonsful. Dose. — In quantity according to the age and urgency of the complaint ; a table spoonful at first, and a tea spoonful every half hour afterward, till the pain is mitigated. Dilute with a little water. MEDICAL COMPOUNDS. 361 EHEUMATIC TmCTURE. Take of gum guaiacum and nitre, each, one ounce ; balsam of Tolu and camphor, each, two drachms ; spirits, one quart. Mix well. Dose. — Half a tea spoonful in a little water three or four times a day. SWEET TINCTURE OF RHUBAEB. Take of licorice root, one ounce ; rhubarb, in coarse powder, two ounces ; anise seed, bruised, one ounce; fine white sugar, two ounces ; new rum, three pints. Macerate in a warm place for eight days, then strain. Dose. — ^For an adult, from half to a whole wine glassful. TINCTURE OF CANTHARIDES, Take of Spanish flies, reduced to fine powder, two ounces ; spirit of wine, one pint. Infuse for fifteen days, and strain. This is intended as an acrid stimulant for external use. Parts afiected with palsy, or chronic rheumatism, may be frequently bathed or rubbed with it. STOMACHIC AND TONIC TINCTURE. Take of cinchona bark, in coarse powder, two ounces ; orange peel, bruised, one and a half ounce ; Virginia snake- root, bruised, three drachms ; saffron, cut, red sanders wood, rasped, each, one drachm ; dilute alcohol, twenty ounces. Infuse for fifteen days, express, and strain. This tonic is not only of service in debility of the stomach and intestines, but may likewise be taken as a preventive against intermittent fevers by persons who reside in places where the disease prevails. It will be of utility also to the 362 MEDICAL COMPOUNDS. convalescent patient in recovering from fever of any kind, a3 it aids digestion, and assists to restore the tone and vigor of the system. Dose. — ^From one to three tea spoonsful an hour before each meal. TINCTUKE OF GINGEE. Take of ginger root, bruised, a half pound ; alcohol, one quart. Infuse for fifteen days and strain. This is a stimulating carminative. Dose. — From half to a whole tea spoonful. CATHAKTIC AIN^D STOMACHIC TINCTUKE. Take of rhubarb, bruised, ten drachms ; aloes, powdered, six drachms ; cardomom seeds, bruised, half an ounce; dilute alcohol, one quart. Infuse for fifteen days, express, and strain. Dose. — From two tea spoonsful to one ounce. TOOTC TINCTURE. Take of rhubarb, bruised, two ounces ; gentian root, bruised, half an ounce ; dilute alcohol, one quart. Infuse for fifteen days, express and strain. This is likewise stomachic. Dose. — ^From one to four tea spoonsful. PILLS A pill is a small, round, nauseous mass, to be swallowed whole, whose disagreeable taste, or smell, renders it necessary that it should be exhibited in this form. IN'o medicine, how- ever, that is designed to operate quickly should be made into pills, as they often lie for a considerable time in the stomach before they are dissolved, so as to produce any perceptible action. ACTIVE PUEGATIYE PILLS. Take of gamboge, powdered, one drachm ; aloes, powdered, one and a half drachms ; ginger, powdered, half a drachm ; soap, two drachms. Mix. Dose. — From ten grains to one scruple. CALOMEL AND OPIUM PILLS. Take of calomel three parts ; opium, one part, confection of roses, a proper quantity. Mix, and divide into pills. Each contains about two-thirds of a grain of opium. These pills have proved of great service in rheumatism, and various inflammatory and painful disorders, and to pro- duce ptyalism. ANTISPASMODIC PILLS. Take of extract of hemlock, four drachms ; ipecacuanha, powdered, one drachm ; mucilage, sufficient to form into a mass. These pills are not only antispasmodic, but slightly narcotic and expectorant, and much used in spasmodic coughs, etc. Dose. — From two to three grains four times a day. (363) 364 MEDICAL COMPOUNDS. EXPECTOEAXT PILLS. Take of powdered ginger root, ammoniacum, and squill- root, each, two drachms ; soap, three drachms ; and a proper quantity of sirup. Mix, and divide into one hundred and ten pills. These are not only expectorant, but also diuretic, and chiefly employed in the cure of dropsy and asthma. Dose, — From five grains to a scruple. COMPOUIsTD CATHAETIC PILLS, Take of gamboge, in powder, two scruples ; extract of jalap, in powder, and calomel, each, three drachms; compound extract of colocynth, in powder, half an ounce. Mix thor- oughly with water, and divide into one hundred and seventy pills. Dose. — From two to four pills. CATHAETIC PILLS. Take of powdered aloes aud soap, each, one ounce. Beat with water into a proper mass, and divide into two hundred and thirty pills. Dose. — From two to five. PUEGATIYE PILLS, Take of aloes, two ounces ; safii'on, half an ounce ; myrrh, one ounce; sirup, a sufficient quantity. Beat into a uniform mass. These pills are stomachic, as well as laxative, and calculated for delicate females, especially where there are uterine ob- structions. Dose. — From ten grains to a scruple. MEDICAL COMPOUNDS. 365 MILDLY PUKGATIYE PILLS. Take of aloes, powdered, one ounce ; extract of gentian, half an ounce ; oil of caraway, half a drachm ; simple sirup, sufficient to form a uniform mass. These pills are moderately purgative and stomachic. Dose. — From twenty to twenty-five grains. LAXATIVE PILLS. Take of aloes, powdered, seven drachms ; rhubarb, powder- ed, one ounce ; myrrh, powdered, half an ounce ; soap, one drachm ; oil of peppermint, half a drachm ; and a sufficient quantity of sirup. Mix together, then beat the whole into one mass, and divide into two hundred and thirty pills. These pills, it is said, with the assistance of proper diet, will effect a cure in jaundice. They are also considered use- ful stomachic laxatives, Dose. — From five to twenty grains. ASAFGETIDA PILLS. Take of asafoetida, aloes, and soap, each, half an ounce. Beat with water into a proper mass, and divide into one hundred and seventy pills. Used in costive dyspepsia. Dos^. — From two to four pills. ASAFCETIDA ANTISPASMODIC PILLS. Take of asafoetida, one and a half ounce; soap, half an ounce. Mix well with water, and divide into two hundred and thirty pills. Dose. — From two to four. MISCELLAIEOUS REMEDIES,. Method of preparing and compoiindiDg the following medi- cines, and naanner of applying the difierent preparations. CORDIAL. Take of the seeds of cardamom and caraway, powdered, each, two drachms ; cochineal, powdered, one drachm ; cin- namon bark, bruised, five drachms ; rasins, stoned, five drachms ; proof spirit, one quart. Infuse for fifteen days and strain. Dose. — From a desert spoonful, to two table spoonsful. EESOLYENT. Take of camphor, one ounce ; olive oil, four ounces. Dis- solve. This is a useful anodyne resolvent liniment. LENITIVE CONFECTIO]^. Take of the pulp of tamarinds, and French prunes, each, one pound ; senna, in fine powder, half a pound ; coriander seeds, also, in powder, quarter of a pound. Mix the whole together, with a sufficient quantity of simple sirup to form it into confection. This proves an agreeable laxative, and it likewise serves as a convenient vehicle for exhibiting other more active medi- cine, as jalap, scammony, etc. Dose. — Three tea spoonsful during the day. (367) 368 MEDICAL COMPOUNDS. TONICS. 1. Take of chamomile flowers, one ounce; boiling water, one pint. Infuse for fifteen minutes in a lightly covered vessel, and strain. Dose, — ^Half a wine glassful two or three time a day. 2. Or, take of boneset or thoroughwort, bruised, one ounce; boiling water, one pint. Infuse for two hours, and strain. Dose. — A wine glassful two or three, times a day. 3. Or, take of wild cherry-bark, bruised, half an ounce ; cold water, one pint. Infuse for fourteen hours, and strain. This beverage is not only tonic, but slightly sedative. Dose. — A wine glassful three times a day, an hour before eating, and at bed-time. 4. Or, take of columba root, sliced, half an ounce ; boiling water, one pint. Infuse for two hours, and strain. Dose. — From half a wine glassful to one and a half, 5. Or, a strained evaporated decoction of wormwood. Dose. — From ten grains to one scruple. 6. Or, take of dogwood bark, bruised, one ounce ; water, one pint. Boil for ten minutes, and strain while hot. CATHARTICS. 1. Take of rhubarb root, sliced, two drachms ; boiling water, one pint. Infuse for three hours, and strain. Dose. — From one-half to a whole wine srlassful. 2. Or, take of the leaves of senna, one ounce ; coriander seeds, one drachm; boiling water, one pint. Infuse for two hours, and strain. Dose. — ^From one to two ounces MEDICAL COMPOUNDS. 369 KEFKIGEKAISTT. Take of tamarinds, one ounce ; senna, and coriander seeds, bruised, each, one drachm ; sugar, half an ounce ; boiling water, half a pint. Infuse for five hours, and strain. This preparation is refrigerant, as well as aperient. Do8e, — From one to two ounces. CATHARTIC CLYSTER. The common or domestic clyster, is composed of gruel, or molasses water, from one-half to a whole pint ; a c^poonful of salt, and a little oil. STIMULANT AKD DIURETIC. Take fresh hoi-se-radish root, sliced ; mustard seeds, bruised, each, one ounce; boiling water, one pint. Infuse for ten minutes, and strain. Dose. — Half a wine glassful. NARCOTIC. A narcotic bitter may be made by taking half an ounce of hops; boiling water, one pint. Infuse for two hours, and strain. This is both narcotic and tonic. The tincture of hops is both agreeable and efficacious. Dose. — A wine glassful. PECTORAL. Take of linseed, bruised, half an ounce ; licorice root, sliced, two drachms ; boiling water, one pint. Infuse for five hours, and strain. Dose, — A wine glass^ful three times a day. 370 MEDICAL COMPOUNDS STOMACHIC BITTEPwS. Take of orange-peel, dried, half an ounce ; lemon-peel, fresh, two drachms; cloves, bruised, one drachm; boiling water, one pint. Infuse for twenty minutes, and strain. Dose. — A wine glassful. CONFECTION IN PALSY. Take of confection of roses, mustard seed, powdered, each, one ounce; sirup of ginger, a sufficient quantity to make into a soft consistence. Dose. — A tea spoonful four times a day. AROMATIC FOMENTATION. Take of Jamaica pepper, one ounce ; wine, one pint. Boil them a very little ; then strain off the liquor. This is designed, not only as a topical application for ex- ternal complaints, but likewise for relieving the internal parts. Pains of the bowels, which accompany diarrhea and d^^sen- tery, flatulent colic, unpleasant sensations at the stomach, and vomiting, are frequently relieved, by fomenting the abdomen and region of the stomach with this warm prepar- ation. DIAPHORETIC CONFECTION. Take of sulphur and cream of tartar, each, one scruple ; gum guaiacum, in powder, ten grains ; sirup, a proper quan- tity. Given in eruptive or cutaneous diseases, and rheumatic disorders ; likewise in inflammatory quinsy. Dose, — The above may be given daily. MEDICAL COMPOUNDS. 371 COMMON FOMENTATIOK Take of chamomile flowers, and the tops of wormwood, dried, each, two ounces and a half. Boil out the strength. Brandy, or spirit of wine may be added, if the circumstances of the case recLuire, but they are not always considered neces- sary. yULKERAEY BALSAM. Take of hepatic or Barbadoes aloes, in powder, half an ounce; benzoin, powdered, three ounces; balsam of Peru, two ounces ; spirit of wine, one quart. Infuse with a gentle heat six days, and strain. This is externally applied to heal recent wounds and bruises. It is likewise internally employed to remove cough, asthma, and other pulmonary complaints. It is said to strengthen the kidneys, relieve colic, and heal internal ulcers, etc. Dose. — From twenty to fifty drops. ASTPJXGEXT COXFECTIOX. Take of alum, powdered, sixteen grains ; gum kino, live grains ; sirup, a sufficient quantity to mix. Thisis given in profuse menstruation, and violent hemorr- hages proceeding from relaxation. Dose, — A little every five hours till the disease is arrested. MEECUEIAL PEEPAEATIO^^ Take of confection of roses, half a drachm ; calomel, six grains. Mix. "Where mercury is required, this may be taken over night, two or three times a week ; should it not operate, the next day it wiU be necessary to give a few grains of jalap to carry it off. 372 MEDICAL COMPOUNDS. SmUP OF SAKSAPAEILLA. Take of the sliced root of sarsaparilla, one pound ; boiling water, one gallon; sugar, one pound. Infuse the roots in the water, for twenty-four hours ; then boil down to two quarts, and strain the liquor while hot ; after which add the sugar, and evaporate to a proper consistence. It is used chieflj as an adjunct to the decoction. STIMULANT LmiMENT. Take of camphor, two and a half ounces; solution of ammonia, seven ounces ; spirit of lavender, one pint. Mix the ammonia and spirit in a glass retort, and distill a pint. Dissolve the camphor in the product. This furnishes an anodyne stimulant, in paralytic, spas- modic, and rheumatic diseases ; and for bruises, sprains, etc. LOTIO]Sr. Take of Peruvian bark, bruised, one ounce ; water, one pint. Boil for ten or fifteen minutes in a vessel slightly covered ; strain the decoction while hot. Any other prepar- ation may be mixed with it, if necessity requires. It is considered a very excellent astringent lotion for pro- lapsus of the uterus or rectum. Dose, — ^From a tea spoonful to two ounces. PULMONIC SIRUP. Take six ounces of comfrey root, and twelve handsful of plantain leaves ; cut and beat them well ; strain out the juice, and, with an equal weight of sugar, boil to a sirup. This is said to be an infallible cure for coughing of blood. MEDICAL COMPOUNDS. 373 APEEIENT. Take of bruised dandelion roots, two ounces ; water, one quart. Boil to a pint, and strain. This is both aperient and laxative. SALYE. The following makes an excellent salve for burns. Take of chamomile, parsley, the green of elder-bark, and wild laven- der ; stew them in fresh butter. Strain, and add resin, bees- wax, and white diachylon, equal parts. HOT DEOPS. This preparation is made after the following manner. Take of gum myrrh, pulverized, four ounces ; cayenne pepper, one ounce ; fourth proof brandy, or alcohol, one gallon. These drops will afford relief, when taken in cramp, colic, cholera morbus, etc. An external application may be made of the same in the above cases, and likewise in pleurisy. Dose. — A tea spoonful. ANTHELMHSTTIC WINE. Take of rhubarb, half an ounce ; worm-seed, one ounce. Bruise them, and infuse without heat in a bottle containing one quart of Port wine, for five days ; then strain. As the stomachs of persons troubled with worms are always debilitated. Port wine alone, will often prove of utility. It must, however, produce still better effects, when combined with bitter and purgative ingredients, as in the above form. Dose, — A wine glassful two or three times a day. 31 374 MEDICAL COMPOUNDS. COMPOSITIOX POWDER. Take of bayberry bark, one pound ; ginger, half a pound ; cloves and cayenne pepper, each, two ounces. Mix them well together. This powder is used in heart-burn, liver complaint, cramp, colic, and cholera morbus. Dose. — A tea spoonful mixed with a little warm, sweetened water. MUSTAED WHEY. Take of milk and water, each, one pint ; bruised mustard seed, an ounce and a half. Boil them together till the curd is perfectly separated, and strain. This is the most agreeable, and by no means the least effi- cacious method of exhibiting mustard. It warms and in- vigorates the stomach, and promotes the different secretions. Hence, in the low state of nervous fevers, it will often supply the place of wine. It is likewise of utility in chronic rheuma- tism, paralysis, dropsical complaints, etc. The addition of a little sugar will render it more grateful to the taste. Dose. — An ordinary-sized tea cupful four times a day. A number of other wheys may be prepared nearly after the same manner, as orange whey, cream of tartar whey, etc. These are cooling, pleasant drinks in fevers, and may be rendered cordial, when necessary, by the addition of wine. CEPHALIC SXUFE. Take of rosemary, sage, lilies of the valley, and tops of sweet marjoram, each, one ounce, with a drachm of lavender- flowers, nutmeg, and asarabacca root ; these should be pow- dered very fine and mixed. This snuff will relieve the head wonderfully. MEDICAL COMPOUNDS. 375 BITTER WIKE. Take of gentian-root, one ounce ; yellow part of the rind of lemon-peel, fresh, one ounce; black pepper, two drachms. Wine, one quart. Infuse in a bottle for eight days, and strain. OIL OF LAYEKDER. Though chiefly used as a perfume, this essential oil may be administered internally, as a stimulant, in nervous headache, hysteria, and debility of the stomach. This oil possesses both stimulant and tonic properties. Dose, — Erom one to five drops. OIL OF BAYBEERY. The oil of bayberries is sometimes rubbed on sprains and bruises, unattended with inflammation. ANTHELMINTIC. Take of scammony, calomel, and sugar, each, half a drachm. This is both a cathartic and vermifuge. Dose, — From eight to sixteen grains. EXPECTORANT. 1. Take of vinegar of squill, one pint; sugar, two pounds. Make a sirup. Dose. — From one to two dessert spoonsful. 2. Or, take of seneka-root, bruised, four ounces; water, one pint ; sugar, one pound. Make a decoction, boil to one- half, strain, and make a sirup. This is also used in pleurisy, dropsy, rheumatism, and cutaneous afiections. Dose, — From one to two dessert spoonsful. 376 MEDICAL COMPOUNDS. PURGATIVE. Take of senna leaves, two ounces ; fennel seeds, bruised, one ounce; refined sugar, one pound ; boiling water, one pint. Infuse the senna leaves and fennel seeds in the water for an hour, with a gentle heat ; strain the liquor, and make a sirup. Dose. — For a child, a dessert spoonful ; for an adult, half a wine glassful or more. VERMIFUGE. Take of pink-root, half an ounce ; boiling water, one pint. Infuse for three hours, and strain. ; Dose. — For a child three or four years old, one grain : it is usually mixed with a cathartic. CARMINATIVE. 1. Take of ginger, bruised, two drachms; boiling water, half a pint. Infuse for three hours, and strain. Dose, — Half a wine glassful. 2. A sirup of rue is made by adding ten drops of oil of rue to a pint of ordinary sirup. It is used by some nurses for children. lEFLAMMATIOK OF THE EYES. Take of alum, half a drachm ; beat it well, to a froth, with the white of an Qgg. This may be spread upon a linen cloth and applied to the eyes, but should not be permi-tted to remain longer than three hours at one time. It is considered useful in inflammation of the eyes, to allay heat, and restrain the flow of humors. MEDICAL COMPOUNDS. 377 ALUM WHEY. Boil two drachms of powdered alum iu a pint of milk till it is curdled ; then strain off the whey. This is an excellent astringent. It is found very useful in immoderate menses and diabetes, or excessive discharge of urine. Dose. — A wine glassful, or more, according as the stomach will bear, three times a day. If it should occasion vomiting, it may be diluted. COLLYRIUM OF LEAD. 1. Take of crude sal ammoniac and sugar of lead, each, three grains ; cold water, eight ounces. It would sometimes be advisable to add thirty drops of laudanum. 2. Or, twenty drops of extract of lead to eight ounces of water, and a tea spoonful of brandy. 3. Or, take one ounce of brandy to five ounces of water ; if the eyes are weak bathe them with it night and morning. COISTFECTIOI^ OF EOSES. Take a pound of rose petals, fresh gathered ; beat them well in a mortar ; add by degrees two pounds of white sugar, in powder ; then put the preparation over a slow fire, to bake until slightly candied. This is one of the most grateful, and beneficial compounds belonging to this class. It is a tonic, and mild astringent ; administered in weakness of the stomach, and likewise in asthmatic coughs, spitting of blood, and ulceration of the lungs. Dose. — One or two tea spoonsful dissolved in warm milk. To produce any very considerable efiect, however, it must be taken often through the day. 378 MEDICAL COMPOUNDS DYSPEPTIC BITTERS. Take of poplar bark, peach meats, goldeu-seal, each, four ounces ; bitter root, two ounces ; boiling water, three quarts. Make a decoction. When cold, add two quarts of Holland gin. This is excellent in dyspepsia, weakness of the stomach, etc. Dose. — A wine glassful an hour before each meal. ALTERATIVE. 1. Take of guaiacum raspings, three ounces ; raisins, stoned, two ounces; sassafras root and licorice, each, one ounce; water, ten pints. Boil the guaiacum and raisins with the water over a gentle fire, to one half; adding toward the end, the sassafras and licorice. This is slightly diaphoretic, and calculated to purify the blood. Dose. — One or two pints, daily. The French are said to use a similar preparation, made purgative by senna and rhubarb. 2. Or, take of sarsaparilla-root, sliced and bruised, six ounces; boiling water, six pints. Boil them to one quart, and strain. This beverage is supposed to be very excellent to purify the blood. Dose. — From one pint to one and a half pints, daily. 3. Or, take of the bruised leaves of pipsissewa or winter- green, one ounce ; water, one and a half pints. Boil to a pint, and strain. It is excellent in scrofula, and well calculated to remove all vitiated humors from the blood. Dose. — A pint daily. MEDICAL COMPOUNDS. 379 COLLYEIUM. . Take of rose-water, seven ounces ; white vitriol, half a drachm. Dissolve the vitriol in the water and filter the liquor. This, though simple, is a very efficacious wash or lotion, in watery, weak, and inflamed eyes. FOMEKTATIOX. Take of white poppy capsules, bruised, four ounces ; water, two quarts. Boil for a quarter of an hour, and strain. This preparation possesses slightly anodyne properties, and is employed as a fomentation in acute ophthalmia, painful swellings, etc. ASTEINGENT. 1. Take of oak bark, one ounce; water, one and a half pints. Boil down to a pint, and strain. This astringent decoction is principally employed for exter- nal purposes. 2. For internal use, take of dried red rose petals, two ounces ; boiling water, one pint ; pure sugar, one and a quar- ter pounds. Make an infusion; strain; and, adding the sugar, boil to a sirup. DIAERHEA COEDIAL. Take of rhubarb, one ounce ; saleratus, one tea spoonful ; pour on them a pint of boiling water. When cold, add two tea spoonsful of essence of peppermint. This is used both in dysentery and diarrhea. Dose, — A tea spoonful every fifteen minutes, till the symp- toms subside. 380 MEDICAL COMPOUNDS STOMACH PLASTER. Take of resin, Burgundy pitch, and beeswax, each, one ounce ; melt them together in a clean earthen dish, and then stir in one ounce of turpentine, and half an ounce of mace. Spread it on a piece of sheep-skin, grate some nut- meg over the whole plaster, and apply it quite warm to the region of the stomach, for a cough. LIME-WATER. Pour one gallon of water, gradually, upon half a pound of good, unslacked lime. When the ebullition ceases, stir them well together ; then permit the preparation to remain till the lime has settled ; after which, filter the liquor through paper, and bottle for use. Lime-water is principally used in gravel complaints, and impurities of the blood. For these purposes, a pint may be drank daily. Externally, it is employed as a wash in foul ulcers, in re- moving the itch, and other cutaneous eruptions. COMPOUl!TD LIME-WATER. Take of simple lime-water, three quarts ; coriander seeds, three drachms ; sassafras bark, half an ounce ; licorice root, one ounce ; shavings of guaiacum wood, half a pound. In- fuse without heat for four days, and strain. In the same manner may lime-water be impregnated with the virtues of other vegetable substances. Such impregnation not only renders the water more grateful to the taste, but also a more efficacious medicine, particularly in cutaneous diseases or impurities of the blood. JDose. — A gill may be taken four times a day. MEDICAL COMPOUNDS. 381 DEMULCENT DEINKS. Take of dried marsh-mallow roots, four ounces ; raisins stoned, two ounces ; water, seven pints. Boil to five pints, and strain. LESTIMEjSTT. One of the most valuable kinds is made by mixing six ounces of spirit of wine ; two ounces of camphor ; and then adding two ounces of spirit of sal ammoniac, and two drachms of oil of lavender. VIIffiGAR OF SQUILL. Take of dried squill, two ounces ; distilled vinegar, one quart. Infuse for fifteen days in a moderate degree of heat ; then strain ofi* the liquor, and add to it about one tenth part of its quantity of proof spirit. This medicine produces excellent efiects in diseases of the chest, occasioned by a large quantity of viscid mucus, or phlegm. It is also of utility in hydropic cases, by promoting a discharge of urine. Dose. — ^From two tea spoonsful to a table spoonful, varied according to the intention for which it is given. When de- signed to produce emesis or vomiting, the dose should be large. In other cases, it must not only be exhibited in small doses, but likewise mixed with cinnamon water, or some other grateful aromatic liquor, to prevent the nausea it might other- wise occasion. YINEGAE ENEMA. Take of water gruel, five ounces ; vinegar, three ounces. This answers all purposes of the ordinary clyster, with the peculiar advantage of being very profitable either in inflam- matory or putrid disorders, particularly in the latter. 382 MEDICAL COMPOUNDS. EMOLLIEXT GAEGLE. 1. Take an ounce and a half of marsh -mallow roots ; three figs ; boil them in a quart of vrater, till one half of it is con- sumed, and sti-ain. 2. If an ounce of honev and half an ounce of spirit of sal ammoniac be added to the above, it will then be a veiy ex- cellent attenuating gargle. This is highly beneficial in fevers where the tongue and fauces are rough and parched, to soften those parts, and pro- mote the discharge of saliva. DETEPvGEXT GAEGLE. Take of the emollient gargle, one pint ; tincture of myrrh, one ounce; honey, three ounces. Mix. When exulcerations require to be cleansed, or the excreation of tough, viscid saliva promoted, this gargle will prove of utility. GAEGLE. Take of rose-water, seven ounces ; sirup of carnation pink, half an ounce ; spirit of vitriol, a sufficient quantity to render it agreeably acid. Mix. This gargle, in addition to cleansing the tongue and fauces, acts as a mild repellent, and will sometimes remove a slight quinsy. EXPECTOEAXT MIXTUEE. Take of sirup of squill, two ounces; emulsion of gum ammoniac, seven ounces. Mix. This is highly useful in asthma, cough, and obstructions of the chest. Dose. — A table spoonful every three hours. MEDICAL COMPOUNDS. 383 INFUSION OF EOSES. Take of red roses, dried, one ounce ; boiling water, one quart; oil of vitriol, half a drachm; loaf sugar, an ounce and a half. Infuse the roses in the water for five hours in an unglazed earthen vessel, and strain ; then pour in the acid, and add to it the sugar. Given in profuse menses, vomiting of blood, and other hemorrhages. It likewise furnishes an excellent gargle. Dose. — A gill every three hours. ANODYNE BALSAM. Take of opium, unprepared, two drachms ; white Spanish soap, one ounce ; spirit of wine, eight ounces. Infuse them in a gentle heat for five days, then strain off the liquor and add two drachms of camphor. This preparation is designed to alleviate pain. It is pe- culiarly serviceable in violent strains, and rheumatic com- plaints, when not attended with inflammation. It must be rubbed with a warm hand on the part affected, and renewed every three hours till the pain subsides. ATTENUATING GARGLE. Take of honey, one ounce ; nitre, one drachm ; water, five ounces. Mix. This refreshing gargle may be used either in fevers, or in inflammatory sore throat, for cleansing the tongue and fauces. PEOTOEAL DEINKS. Take of decoction of barley, two pints ; figs, sliced, two ounces ; licorice root, sliced and bruised, half an ounce ; raisins, stoned, two ounces; water, one pint. Boil down to two pints, and strain. 384 MEDICAL COMPOUNDS VOLATILE LiyDIEXT. Take of linseed oil. one ounce ; spirit of hartshorn, half an ounce. Shake them well together. A piece of flannel moistened with this, and applied to the throat, is pecnliarlv serviceable in quins v, and it will often arrest the complaint if applied in the beginning. It is like- wise of utility for soreness and inflammation in the flesh in other parts where the skin is not broken. For this last pur- pose it may be rubbed on. CARMIXATIYE POWDER. Take of coriander seeds, half and ounce; ginger, one drachm ; nutmegs, half a drachm ; fine sugar, two drachms. Keduce them to powder. Mix, and divide into twelve doses. This powder is employed in flatulencies arising from indi- gestion. It may likewise be administered in small quantities to children in their food, when troubled with griping pains. STAECH EVEAIA. Take of linseed oil, half an ounce ; jelly of starch, four ounces. Make the starch into a liquid over a gentle fii*e ; then mix with it the oil. "VThen cool enough, forty drops of laudanum may be added : in which case it will usually supply the place of an asti'ingent injection. In dysenteiy or bloody flux, tkis may be administered after every stool, to heal the ulcerated intestines, and to re- press the acrimony of the humors. LAXATIVE EXEMA. Take of sulphate of magnesia, two ounces ; dissolve in two thirds of a pint of warm gruel or broth, with an ounce of fresh butter or sweet oil. MEDICAL COMPOUNDS. 385 DECOCTIOX OF LOGWOOD. Take of the chips or shavings of logwood, four ounces ; water, two quarts. Boil till half is consumed, and strain ; then add three ounces of simple cinnamon water. This is profitably given in bowel complaints, where more powerful astringents would prove too harsh. Dose. — A gill three times a day. DECOCTIOX OF CHALK. Take of the purest chalk, in powder, three ounces ; gum arable, one ounce; water, two quarts. Boil to one quart, and strain. It may be sweetened with sugar as it is used, with the addition of two ounces of cinnamon water. This is a very suitable beverage in acute diseases, attended with looseness of the bowels, and where there is acidity of the stomach, especially in children, likewise for persons troubled with heart-burn. EMETIC. Take of ipecacuanha, one scruple ; water, half an ounce ; sirup, one drachm. Mix. Persons who require a more powerful emetic, may add to the above a grain of tartar emetic. Those who object to the powder, may take half an ounce of the wine of ipecacuanha, in an equal quantity of the sirup of squill. CLYSTER. Take of mallows, dried, one ounce ; chamomile flowers, dried, half an ounce ; water, one pint. Boil for a quarter of an hour, and strain. This is useful in clvsters and fomentations. 386 MEDICAL COMPOUNDS. POULTICE FOR ABSCESS. 1. Roast a cracker very brown ; soak it in warm milk and a little water ; after having laid it on a cloth, spread over it a little sweet oil, or fresh butter, to prevent it from sticking, and apply for ten or twelve hours. 2. Then make another by stirring pulverized slippery elm into warm water ; grease and apply ; change when dry. When the abscess is broken, put on two or three poultices of slippery elm ; after this, use nothing but cracker poultices. POULTICE FOR BOIL. A poultice for a boil may be made by putting the meal of flax-seed, or linseed, into boiling water; w^hen cool enough, put it on a cloth ; spread over it a little fresh lard, or sweet oil, and apply. This will cause the boil to speedily maturate and break. Dr. Thompson recommends the application of turpentine to a boil in its first, or incipient stage, and states that it will soon disperse it. DIURETIC. 1. Take of the fresh roots of colchicum or meadow safiron, sliced, one ounce; vinegar, one pound; refined sugar, one and a half pounds. Macerate with the vinegar two days, shaking occasionally; strain, with gentle expression; add the sugar to the liquid, and make a sirup. Dose. — ^From one large tea spoonful, to two table spoonsful. 2. Or, take of broom tops, juniper berries, and dandelion roots, each, half an ounce ; water, one and a half pints. Boil to a pint and strain. This is considered to be laxative as well as diuretic. Dose. — From one half to a whole wine glassful. MEDICAL COMPOUNDS. 387 FAMILY RESTOEATIYE. Take of rhubarb and ginger, each, one ounce ; gum aloes, half an ounce ; myrrh, one drachm ; cayenne pepper, one tea spoonful; spirits, one quart. Infuse for twenty-four hours, then add a tea cupful of sugar, and half pint of water. Dose. — From one to three table spoonsful, half an hour before eating. This is an excellent medicine for dyspepsia, and all derange- ments of the stomach, both in adults and children. HEALIXG SALYE. Take of olive oil, beeswax, and resin, equal parts ; melt and mix, stirring till cool. This is an excellent healing salve for all ordinary sores ; but if a more healing remedy is required, add to this, when nearly boiling hot, two pounds of red lead ; when nearly cold, half an ounce of pulverized camphor. This should be spread thin, and renewed twice a day. SUDORIFIC. Take of decoction of sarsaparilla, boiling, four pints ; sassa- fras root, sliced, guaiacum wood shavings, and licorice root, braised, each, one ounce ; mezereon-root bark, three drachms. Boil for a quarter of an hour, and strain. This is a gentle sudorific and alterative Dose. — ^From one pint, to a pint and a half, daily. LAXATIVE. Take of rhubarb, bruised, two ounces ; boiling water, one pint; sugar, two pounds. Macerate the rhubarb in the water twenty-four hours ; strain, and make a sirup. Dose. — For a child one year old, from one to two tea spoonsful. 388 MEDICAL COMPOUNDS. DEMULCENT. 1. Make a decoction by putting two ounces of quince seeds into a pint of boiling water. Boil over a gentle fire for ten minutes, then strain. 2. Or, take of valerian, half an ounce ; boiling water, one pint. Infuse for two hours, and strain. Dose. — Half a wine glassful. 3. Or, take of fresh slipper j-elm bark, bruised, four ounces ; water, two quarts. Boil to one quart, and strain. This is very profitably used as a coUyrium dn chronic oph- thalmia. EOOTS AND HERBS. TIME OF GATHERINa, AND MODE OF PRESERYIXG PLANTS, BARKS, AXD ROOTS. Plants that are designed for decoctions or teas, should be gathered while in fiower, or shortly after, on a clear, dry day, after the morning dew is off, and either spread very thin in the shade, or exposed to the sun to dry. It is preferable, however, that they should be dried in the shade, as by it they retain their natural hue. If they are not cut till they have gone to seed, the strength goes into the seeds. Herbs that are designed to be distilled, should be cut when the seeds are ripe or matured, at which time they yield the most oil. In gathering leaves for medicinal use, Select only those which are green, and full of juice ; Pick them carefully, and cast away such, As are wholly imperfect, or not very much. Observe particularly grounds in which plants most delight to grow, and collect them in such places. Where we find plants flourishing best near the water, in those places let them MEDICAL COMPOUNDS. 389 be gathered, even though we may sometimes find them grow- ing oh dry ground. After having dried them well, put them in a brown paper bag, sewing it up like a sack ; press them not too hard together, and keep them in a dry place. As regards the duration of dried herbs, the exact time can not be given. Those which are found growing in dry grounds, will keep better and longer, than others in moist or wet. Plants which are naturally succulent or juicy, will not keep 60 long as others of a drier nature. Such as are well dried will keep much longer than those which are ill dried. When dried herbs have lost their color or smell, they should never be used by the patient, as they tend rather to do injury than good. Barks from the bodies of trees should be peeled in the latter period of their running, which is usually in July, as they are then much thicker and stronger than when they first begin to flow. These may be dried either in the shade or in the sun. The rough, outward bark or ross, should be taken ofi" when peeled. Barks of roots should be collected early in the spring or late in the fall, while the sap is in the root. Eoots should be collected in the spring, before the tops begin to shoot forth, or in autumn after they have decayed. Those that are large and fleshy should be cut into slices, or strips, and strung; after which they may be exposed to a moderate heat, in order to dry gradually. After the bark, roots, and herbs, are thoroughly dried, they should be kept close from the air ; also when pulverized, and especially those that possess an aromatic property. DOSES OF MEDICmE. The general portion of medicine to be exhibited as a dose, throughout the whole work, is designed for an adult, unless 32 390 MEDICAL COMPOUNDS. otherwise specified. There are, however, Dnmerous circum- Etances which modify the dose, as sex, constitution, tempera- ment, the effect desired, etc. On all these points, except the age, the dose must be graduated according to judgment. The doses for children may be administered according to experience, and the following proportions may also be ob- served : For the patient twenty- one years of age, a full dose may be given ; Sixteen years of age, two-thirds ; Eleven years of age, half; Six years of age, one-third ; Three years of age, one-fourth ; One year old, one-twelfth. TABLES OF WEIGHTS AXD MEASURES. APOTHECARIES' WEIGHT. 20 grains, gr., make 1 scruple, scru. 3 scruples, '' 1 drachm, dr. 8 drachms, " 1 ounce, oz. AYORDUPOIS WEIGHT. 16 drachms, dr., make 1 ounce, oz. 16 ounces, '' ■ 1 pound, S), WIXE MEASURE. 4 gills, gls., make 1 pint, pt. 2 pints '* 1 quart, qt. 4: quarts " 1 gallon, gal. DRY MEASURE. A tea spoon contains 60 grains. A tea spoon contains 1 drachm. A table spoon contains i drachms, or half an ounce. MEDICAL COMPOUNDS. 391 WEIGHTS OF FLUIDS. A tea spoon contains about 60 drops, or a fluid draclim. A table spoon contains 5 fluid drachms. A wine glass contains 2 ounces. A tea cup contains a gill, or 4 ounces. A pint contains 16 ounces, or a pound. Those who wish, can purchase at the druggists a marked glass, designed expressly for measuring fluids, called a gradu- ated glass, as spoons and other domestic utensils do not all measure the same quantity. APPEIDIX. fer the following pages will be found, arranged under sepa- rate headings, quite a number of articles accidentally omitted from the first part of the work, and some diseases also, pro- perly belonging to the second. The attention, moreover, will be directed to the medical uses of each plant or drug, which is often most efficacious in the simplest form it can be admin- istered. Multiplying the ingredients of a medicine, not only renders it more expensive, but also less certain, both in its dose and operation. Nor is this all. The compound when kept is apt to spoil, or acquire qualities of a different nature. "When a medicine is rendered more safe, efficacious, or agree- able by the addition of another, or others, they ought, no doubt, to be combined ; in all other cases, they are better to be kept disunited. The combination of medicines often em- barasses the private individual, when in the act of preparing for his own use. It is impossible to ascertain the precise effect of any one medicine, as long as it is combined with others possessing either similar or dissimilar properties. Multiplying forms [of medicine for the same intention, tends also, rather to bewilder, than assist the young practitioner, and the experienced physician can never be at a loss to vary prescriptions as occasion requires. The chemical and other difficult preparations are for the most part omitted. The preparations made and sold by distillers and confectioners are also generally left out. All of them that are used by any (393; 394 APPENDIX. private practitioner are not worth preparing. He will buy them at a much cheaper rate than he can make them. Great care, however, is necessary to obtain genuine. They are often adulterated, and ought never to be purchased unless from per- sons of known veracity. The different medicines, their proper doses, and manner of applications, are mentioned in the dif- ferent practical parts of the work, wherever they are prescribed. The quantity ordered of every medicine is as small as well could be prepared, both to prevent unnecessary expense, and that the medicine might not spoil by keeping. Nearly all medicines suffer by being kept, and should be used as soon after they have been prepared as possible. Even simple drugs are apt to spoil, and therefore should be laid aside in small quantities; they either rot, are consumed by insects, or evaporate so as to lose their peculiar taste or flavor, and hence are rendered quite useless. The coloring ingredients are for the most part omitted. They increase the price and bulk of the medicine, without adding any thing to its value. It would be profitable if they were never used at all. Medicines are often adulterated for the sake of color. Acrid and even poisonous substances are, for this purpose, sometimes introduced into those medicines which require to be most bland and emollient. Yerdigris, for in- stance, is often mixed with ointment of elder, to impart to it a fine green color, which entirely frustrates the intention of that mild ointment. Persons who w^ish to obtain genuine medicines should not select those having a preternatural color. Some regard has likewise been paid to expense. Such sub- stances as greatly increase the price of any composition, with- out adding considerably to its virtue, have been generally either omitted, and others that are less expensive substituted in their place. Medicines are by no means effectual in proportion to their price. The cheapest or most common kind are often the best ; besides, they are the least apt to be adulterated, and are always most readily to be obtained. APPENDIX. 395 The dose of every medicine has been mentioned whenever it appeared necessary. "Where this is omitted, it is to be under- stood that the medicine may be used at discretion. It is not an easy task to proportion the doses of medicine exactly to the different constitutions, ages, etc., of the patients. Attempts have been made by very many individuals to ascertain the proportional doses for the different ages and constitutions of patients ; but, after all that has been said on the subject, we can only add, that a great deal must be left to the judgment and skill of the person who administers the medicine. In regard to the recipes or prescriptions which we find in the work, laid down, where it is not convenient to obtain all the articles specified, others possessing the same properties may be substituted. A more scientific method in the arrangement of this work, would, perhaps, have been more agreeable to some persons, but less useful to the generality of readers. Much suffering might be avoided, expense saved, and good done, were per- sons frequently and carefully to consult a work of this char- acter. EED CJ]UUAl^T.—{R{hes ruhrum.) {Properties.) — Antiseptic, Aperient, Attenuant, Ke- FRIGERANT. Medical Uses. — This is the fruit of a well-known garden shrub, from which wine is often made. It is profitably used to allay thirst in most febrile complaints ; to lessen an in- creased secretion of the bile, and to correct a putrid and scor- butic state of the fluids. The black currant is a small kind of dried imported grape, much used in cookery. It is considered to be highly useful in sore throats, and to possess a diuretic property ia a very considerable degree. 396 APPENDIX. AKISE. — (Pimjpinella anisum.) Medical Uses. — The Anise plant is a native of Egypt. The seeds have a warm and sweetish taste, and a grateful, aromatic smell. An essential oil and distilled water are pre- pared from them, which are administered in weaknsss of the stomach and diarrheas: also in flatulencies and gripes, to which children are very subject. Dose. — Of the oil, from two to ten drops. llK}sLA.Y.ll^T)^.—{TamarindusIndica. {Properties.) — Antiseptic, Laxath'E, Hefrigeeant. This tree grows in hot climates, and is abundant in the West India islands. The preserves, called in the shops Tamarinds, consists of the fruit. They are used as a laxative and refrigerent, especially in bilious disorders, in which they have been found very useful. They are also given in drink. WILD CHERRY.— (Prwnw5 virgmiana.) {Properties.) — Anthelmintic, Antemetic, Astringent, Se- dative, Tonic. Medical Uses. — The bark of this tree is bitter, and aro- matic to the taste. Its sedative property is in consequence of the presence of an oil resembling that of bitter almonds. It is a medicine of rare merit in cases of debility of the gas- APPENDIX. 397 trie mucous membrane, with nervous irritability, which so often occurs in dyspepsia. It is also administered in inter- mittents. In large doses it reduces the pulse. It is given by way of infusion or powder. Dose. — Of powder, from one-half to a whole tea spoonful. LEOPARD'S BKE^.— {Arnica,). {PTojjyerties. — Diaphoretic, Erehine, Narcotic, Stimulant, Tonic. Medical Uses. — Arnica of the pharmacopoeias, is called Leopard's bane. The plant, when dried, has a slight aro- matic odor ; the leaves and flowers have a weak, bitter, and aromatic flavor ; the root is bitter and acrid. The leaves and flowers are narcotic, stimulant, diaphoretic, and errhine; the root is aromatic and tonic. The leaves and flowers have been highly recommended in paralysis, amaurosis, gout, rheumatism, and other cases : in an overdose they are narcotic. Dose. — In powder, from five to ten grains, two or three times a day ; or an infusion may be made with one and a half drachms of the dried leaves or flowers, or one drachm of the root, to a pint of water, and given in the quantity of a wine glassful. ALUM. {Properties.) — Astringent, Escharotic, Styptic, Tonic. Medical Uses. — Alum has a sweetish and very astringent taste. In medicine it is employed internally as an astringent. 398 APPENDIX. in cases of passive hemorrhage ; in those of an active char- acter it is less applicable. Dose. — From five to twenty grains every hour or two, till the bleeding is restrained. As an astringent tonic, Alum may be given in the dose of ten grains, in honey or sirup, or in whey, three times a day. Externally, Alum is much employed as an astringent lotion for the eyes. From two to five grains, to an ounce of rose-icater^ forms a proper colly rium. It is also applied as a styptic to bleeding vessels ; as a mild escharotic to fungous ulcers, and as an astringent to those with flabby granulations. It is much employed as an ingredient in gargles, or as a wash in sore mouth and throat, relaxation of the uvula and aphthae, and injections for leucorrhoea. QUIXIXE. — ( Quince dlsidphas.) Medical Uses. — The commercial sulphate of Quinine is prepared on a large scale in France, and imported from thence. As a medicine it possesses the febrifuge power of the cinchona bark in the highest degree, and is applicable in every instance in which the bark is exhibited, except as a stomachic bitter in dyspepsia, in which case it often proves too stimulating, and is inferior in efficacy to a decoction of the bark. Dose. — The quantity is usually from one to ten grains. In cases of fever and ague, after the primoe vice have been pro perly cleansed, three grains of the sulphate, given every three hours during the intermission, will prevent the access of the paroxysm, with a certainty that appears at times almost in- credulous. It seems, also, to act as a prophylatic agaijjst intermitteuts, if taken occasionally. APPENDIX. 399 STA'RCR.—(AmyIu?n.) {Properties.) — Absokbent, Demulcent. Medical (Tses. — This article is manufactured frora un- ground wheat. Starch exists abundantly in most plants, and is readily separted by pounding and washing. Ta-pioca^ sago.^ arrow-root^ cassaxla^ etc., are forms of impure Starch. A mucilage prepared from it is often beneficial, especially in the form of clyster, in dysentery and diarrhea. The powder is sometimes externally applied as an absorbent in erysipelas and abrasions of the skin. mOT,—{Fuligo ligni.) {Properties.) — Antispasmodic, Escharotic. Medical Uses. — ^Wood soot has a pungent, nauseous, bitter taste. It is considered to be much better than burnt alum to remove fungous or proud fl.esh from ulcers or wounds. The tincture prepared from this substance has been recommended as a powerful antispasmodic in hysterical affections. YmY.QA.'R.—{Acetum.) {Projperties .) — Antiseptic, Febrifuge. Medical Uses. — The vinegar employed for domestic pur- poses is obtained from an infusion of malt, from wine, or cider. Acetic acid of considerable strength may be prepared 400 APPENDIX. by saturating perfectly dry charcoal with common vinegar, and distilling; the water comes over first, and, as the heat increases, it is followed by the acid. Strong acetic acid is also obtained by. exposing vinegar to a freezing temperature; the water congeals, while the acid remains liquid, and may be strained ofi". The distilled vinegar of wood is also used in manufactures. EPSOM SALT.—iMagnesice sulphas.) {Properties.) — Cathartic, Diaphoretic, Refrigerant. Medical Uses. — This is a mild purgative medicine, operat- ing with sufficient efficacy, and in general with ease and safety, seldom occasioning any gripes, or the other incon- veniencies of resinous purgatives. About an ounce may be dissolved in common water, or five or six tea spoonsful in a pint or quart of the purging mineral waters. These solutions may likewise be so managed, in small doses, as to produce evacuations from the other emunc- tories ; if the patient be kept warm, they increase perspiration, and by moderate exercise in the cool air, increase the urinary discharge. It is said that Epsom Salt has a peculiar efiect in allaying pain, as in colic, even independent of evacuation. miSH ^0^^.—{Chondrus crispsus.) {Properties.) — Demulcent, Pectoral. Medical Uses. — This plant is sometimes called carrageen. It is found plentifully upon rocks on the sea-coast of Ireland, APPENDIX. 401 and is indigenous to the United States. It is slender, yellow- ish, and much curled. The decoction is gelatinous, from the pectine of the plant, and is a useful demulcent in pectoral and gastric irritations. By steeping the plant in cold water some minutes, any unpleasant flavor is separated. RADISH. — {RapTianus sativus.) (Properties.) — Diuretic, Pectoral, Stimulant. Medical Uses. — This is the ordinary or common garden kind ; and is much used as an esculent or salad. The several varieties of this plant are said to have been employed medi- cinally in the cure of calculou-s affections ; the juice, made into a sirup with honey or maple sugar, is given to relieve colds, coughs, and hoarseness. CTJ CUMBER.— {CuGumis sativus.) (Properties.) — Aperient, Diuretic, Refrigerant. Medical Uses. — ^For medicinal purposes, the Cucumber pos- sesses aperient and cooling qualities. They are very excellent for persons who are troubled with excessive heat of the liver and stomach, yet disagree with many bilious stomachs. The juice, used as a lotion, removes from the skin freckles, sunburn, redness, and other imperfections ; and is also bene- ficial for inflammation of the eyes. The seeds are excellent for suppression of urine, and are considered among the best remedies for ulcers in the bladder, used by way of a constant beverage. 402 APPENDIX.' nOHSERADISH. — ( Coclilearia armoracia.) {Properties.) — Antiscorbutic, Diuretic, Stimulant, Eube- FACIENT, YeRMIFUGE. Medical Uses. — Horseradish has a sharp, pungent taste, approaching to that of mustard. An infusion of the root in spirit and water is very stimulating. It is considered very effectual in scorbutic affections ; promotes digestion ; is a use- ful anthelmintic for worms in children ; being taken, and also applied to the region of the bowels. The root bruised, is em- ployed as an effective application for sciatic and rheumatic dis- orders — for the tumefaction or enlargement of the liver and spleen. For internal use, perhaps the distilled water taken with sugar, may be more grateful to the palate in the above cases. " An application of the bruised leaves of Horseradish, for neuralgic or nervous pains in the teeth, face, or any other part of the body, have proved themselves of great utility by affording almost instantaneous relief." A sirup prepared from the juice of the root is employed for gravel complaint? and suppression of urine. COD-LIYER OIL.— {Oleum jecoris aselli.) {Properties.) — Alterative, Pectoral. Medical Uses. — There are several varieties of this oil, but that which is most in use, is of a brown color, and has the odor of cod-liver. It contains a very small quantity of iodine and bromine, and is much employed in chronic rheumatism, bronchitis, coughs, and other pulmonary complaints ; in scrofulous diseases, and obstinate swellings of the joints. It APPENDIX. 403 has proved highly valuable, and is much used for curvatures of the spine or rickets in infants — a decided improvement being manifest in a short time, followed by a speedy cure. It is also said to be serviceable in skin diseases. This medicine produces no apparent action, and must be continued along time. Dose. — For infants, a tea spoonful three or four times a day ; for adults, a table spoonful three times a day, gradually increased to double the quantity. CASTOR 0IL.-^{Bici7ius vulgaris.) Description. — This plant is sometimes called ricinus com- munis or palma christi. It is a native of both the East, and West Indies, where it attains the hight of from twenty to thirty-five feet, but it is now cultivated in many parts of the world, and to a considerable extent in the United States. In this country it seldom grows large, or very many feet in hight. The oil is obtained from the nuts or seeds, by expression or decoction. That obtained by decoction is preferred, as less liable to become rancid, being free from the mucilage and acrid matter which is mixed with the oil when -expressed. Medical Uses. — Castor oil is a medicine which has been much and successfully employed, from remote antiquity to the present time ; it was used by Ilipprocrates and others, in his time; it is one of our most certain, prompt, and com- mon cathartics in use, usually operating in an hour, or less time. The seeds of the plant are a drastic cathartic, but the oil expressed from th^m is mild, thick, of a nauseous taste, and proves a very gentle and safe cathartic. The unpleasant, nauseating taste of the medicine is partially removed by 404 APPENDIX. mixing with it, (wlien taken,) a little brandy or other spirits. It may be usually combined with one-third part of the tinc- ture of senna. Dose. — Of the oil, from one to four table spoonsful. WINE.— (Fmwm.) {Properties) — Antiemetic, Antiseptic, Astringent, Dia- PHOEETic, Stimulant, Tonic. Medical Uses. — The Wines employed in medicine should be ripe, of the mildest quality, and free from unnecessary acidity. Port Wine is preferred where a tonic effect is de- sired, but good Madeira is perhaps most worthy of confidence, from its being procured of better quality. Wine is universally admitted to be of important service, especially in fevers of the typhus kind, in which it is found to raise the pulse, support the strength, promote a diaphoresis, and improve the state of the blood ; and in many cases it proves of more immediate advantaofe than the Peruvian bark. Delirium, which is the consequence of excessive irrita- bility, and a defective state of nervous energy, is often entirely removed by the free use of wine. In malignant sore throat ; in the secondary fever of small- pox, when attended with great debility; in gangrenes and typhus fevers, it is to be considered as a principal remedy ; and in almost all cases of languor, and of great prostration of strength. Wine is experienced to be a more grateful and efficacious cordial than can be furnished from the whole class of aromatics and tonics. The Wines used by invalids should be old and free from acidity ; but Claret, Port, Champagne, etc., are sometimes prescribed to meet certain indications as well as to act as diffusable stimulants. The wines so employed APPENDIX. 405 are comprised of the following list. Burgundy ; light, acid, and astringent. Champagne ; sparkling and acid, acts as a rapidly diffusible stimulant, and is calculated, by the presence of free carbonic acid, to allay vomiting. Fort Wine ; when old and in good condition, is strong and slightly astringent. It is tonic as well as stimulant, and of great service for the invalid whose system is lax, but may sometimes disagree with a weak stomach. Madeira ; very strong and slightly acid. This is procured of better quality than the others in the United States, and is well adapted to the aged, infirm, and convalescent. Khine Wines ; the hocks are light, acid Wines: they are diuretic, and very mild astringents. In cases of low fevers they are to be preferred, unless more powerful stimulants become necessary. The Clarets are light, acid, and astringent Wines. They therefore combine a tonic property with the stimulant and diuretic. They are, with the Rhine Wines, very improper in gouty cases. BELLADONKA. ^Properties.) — Diuretic, Narcotic, Sudorific. Medical Uses. — The common name for this plant is deadly nigJitsJiade. It is a powerful narcotic. It is said to be of great utility in scirrhous and cancerous affections ; in neuroses, erysipelas, and as a preventive in scarlatina. Dose. — Of the tincture, from twenty to forty drops. Of the dried leaves, in powder, a grain, gradually increased to ten or twelve grains ; or an infusion may be made. The tincture may be made after the following manner. Take of Belladonna leaves, dried, four ounces ; dilute alcohol, one quart. Infuse fifteen days, express and strain. Exter- nally applied. Belladonna has great efficacy in allaying local pain and spasm, and in neuralgic pains of the face and teeth 33 406 APPENDIX. CALCmED UAG'NESIA.— {Magnesia usta) Properties. — Absorbent, Antacid. Medical Uses. — This medicine is employed as an absorbcDt and antacid in cardialgia, spasms, convulsions, and severe griping pains in the bowels of infants ; flatulencies, pyrosis, and some other diseases ; rickets, scrofula, constipation, leu- corrhea, crusta lactea, or milk scab, and podagra or gout in the foot. Dose. — For an adult, from a scruple to a good sized tea spoonful. «-»« AMARANTH. — {Amarantus Tiypocliondriacus.) {Properties) — Antisyphilitic, Astringent, Detergent, Styptic. Description. — The common name for this plant is Prince^'s feather. It has very elegant tufts of red flowers, and they retain their beauty a long time after having been gathered ; hence it is much cultivated in gardens for ornament. Its seed is of a shining black color. It continues in flower from August until the appearance of frost. Medical Uses. — The use of this plant is calculated to arrest bleeding ; also, to remove from the system impurities or viti- tated humors. The pulverized flowers, taken in any convenient form, checks diarrhea, dysentery, immoderate menses, fluor albus, bleeding at the nose, and other preternatural discharges. There is also a plant of the same name, producing white flowers, which is considered to possess remarkable antisyphili- tic qualities. APPENDIX, 407 OLIYE OR SWEET OlL.—{Oleicm oUvcea.) (Properties.) — Demulcent, Laxative. Medical Uses. — ^The common Olive grows to the hight of twenty-five or thirty feet, having an upright stem with numer- ous branches. The tree grows in warm climates, and is much cultivated in the south of Europe for its fruit, also called the Olive, from which is expressed the Olive oil. They are used also for pickles. The oil is frequently taken successfully for worms, and pains in the bowels, colic, and costivenesss ; and by way of external application it alleviates burns, chafes, and swellings ; likewise is considered a valuable remedy for poisoned wounds, or bites of poisonous animals or serpents. It forms an in- gredient in many useful cerates and liniments. MAPLE SUGAR. — (Acer saccharinum.) {Properties.) — Aperient, Pectoral. Description. — The Sugar Maple tree is as tall as the oak, and from two to three feet in diameter ; puts forth a white blossom in the spring, before any appearance of leaves ; its ashes afford a large quantity of valuable potash. It is found quite abundantly in the space between forty-one and forty-six degrees north latitude. From four to five pounds of sugar are afforded by the sap of one tree. It is tapped in March. In the process of boiling, the sugar is separated from the sap. When refined it is of a very fine quality. Medical Uses. — The juice which is extracted from the Sugar Maple tree is strengthening to the lungs, and useful 408 APPENDIX. in pulmonary complaints. A sirup made from the juice, by boiling to a proper consistence, will be found very available in obstructions of the liver and spleen, and to ease pains in the sides resulting from tliese disorders. A combination of marsh mallow roots, flowers of coifs- foot^ and Maple sirup or sugar, furnishes an excellent sirup in coughs. A free use of the sirup of Maple has been considered of utility in impurities of the blood, or a corrupt and vitiated state of the humors. YY.K^ll.—{Fermentum.) {Properties.) — Antiseptic, Tonic. Medical Uses, — Brewer's Yeast, or that which rises on beer while fermenting, has the property of exciting that pro- cess in various other substances. Medicinally it is antipu- trescent and tonic, and has been found useful internally in the cure of putrid and typhoid fever, and malignant ulcerous sore throat. Dose. — A spoonful every hour. Should it prove laxative, or gripe, the dose must be dimin- ished. Externally, it is used as a cataplasm, mixed with charcoal or cracker, to prevent gangrene or mortification. ASAFCETIDA.— (i^en^Z^. asafoetida) {Properties.) — Anthelmintic, Antispasmodic, Emmena- GOGUE, Stimulant. Medical Uses. — This plant is a native of Persia. That is accounted best, which is clear, of a pale reddish color, and APPENDIX, 409 variegated with a large number of white tears. It jdelds all ita virtues to alcohol. It is employed, and considered one of the most valuable remedies in hysteria, hypochondriasis, flatulent colics, and nervous diseases. Where we wish it to act with- out delay as an antispasmodic, it should be used in a fluid form, as that of tincture. When in the form of enema, one or two drachms of the solid are to be difiused in eight ounces of warm milk or water. It is sometimes applied externally in the form of plaster as a stimulant and discutient. Dose. — Of tincture, from one-half to two tea spoonsful. Of powder, from five grains to one scruple. PINK ROOT.— (Wild.)— (^z>6Zm marilandica) {Properties.) — Anthelmintic, Cathartic, JSTarcotic. DesGription. — This plant is also called Carolina pinh^ per- ennial worm-grass., or Indian pink. It rises with slender, simple stems, fifteen or eighteen inches in hight, furnished at stated spaces with entire, opposite, ovate, acuminate leaves, even on the edges, of a lucid green on the upper surface, paler, and with somewhat prominent veins on the under surface. Flowers arranged at the summit of the stems, in a corymb or cluster — crimson colored on the outer side, long, hollow, some- what inflated at the middle, dwindling down to the base, and parted at the border into five narrow, acute segments, the inner sides of which are of a light greenish yellow. Calyx deeply cleft into five slender, acuminate or subulate segments. The root is small, containing numerous fibers of a brownish color. It is mostly found in the Southern and Western States. It delights in low, moist grounds, and Sowers in June. 410 APPENDIX. Medical Uses. — The whole of this plant, but nsuallj the root, is employed as a vermifuge. Some physicians recom- mend it in continued and remitting low worm-fevers. It is slightly narcotic. Dose. — Of the powder, to be given to adults for worms, three tea spoonsful ; for children four years of age. from one- half to a whole tea spoonful. It should be mixed with calomel or some suitable purgative medicine. An overdose often produces stupor, headache, and delirium. CABBKG^.—{Brassica.) {Proj)erties.) — Antiscorbutic, Aperient, Pectoral, Re- frigerant. Medical Uses. — This garden plant having large and fleshy- leaves, is very extensively used as an esculent, and in the form of medicine it is beneficial to persons of a consumptive ten- dency. A decoction of the flowers taken with honey or maple sugar, relieves hoarseness, and restores loss of voice. The pulp of the midrib of the leaves, boiled in the milk of almonds, and made into a due consistence with honey, is a very profitable medicine for patients who are pursy and afliicted with shortness of breath, and for dyspnoea or asth- matic subjects. An infusion of Cabbage leaves used as a wash, and, at the same time, some of the fresh leaves, bruised and employed as a warm external application, is a mode of treatment calcu- lated to allay pains and swellings of the gout, and to afibrd relief in cases of pleurisy. The infusion, used as a lotion, is of sei'vice in scabious eruptions and corrupt cutaneous sores. The expressed juice is of a cooling nature ; boiled with honey, APPENDIX. 411 and used bv vray of drops, it is said to be good for dimness of sight and ulcerations of the eves. Cabbages in general, -^hen eaten as food, are somewhat hard of digestion, and are apt to produce flatulency in weak stomachs. The pickles of cabbage are considered as antiscorbutic, from the vinegar and spices they contain. CO¥IE'E.—{Cofea arahica.) {Properties) — Antisopoeic, Asteixgent, Xeeyln'e, Siniu- LAXT, Toxic. Medical Uses. — The seeds of this ti'ee furnishes one of our most common drinks. The beverage is stimulating, and when habitually taken too strong, it produces ill effects, in impariug the digestion, and inducing nervous irritability. Possessing nervine and astringent qualities, it may be drank with advantage at all times, except when there is a redun- dance of bile. It is said to be a partial antidote against an overdose of opium, and to relieve obstinate spasmodic asth- mas. Coffee, to those unaccustomed to its use, is often bind- ing or astringent, but to those in good health, rather stimulat- incf, inducinor a natural evacuation. BITTER APPLE.— (Ciiczr/722'.5 coIocyntMs.) {Properties.) — Cathaetic, Febeifuge, Toxic. Medical Uses. — This is also called hitter gourd or hitter cucurrtber. It is an annual vine, a native of Syria and Africa. 412 APPENDIX. The fruit is a round pepo, the size of a small orange, yellow, and smooth on the outside when ripe ; trilocular, each cell containing many ovate, compressed, whitish seeds, enveloped by a white, spongy pulp, which is inodorous, extremely bitter, and nauseous. Ether, alcohol, and water, extract its virtues. It is a drastic purgative, producing violent griping, and is mostly given in the form of an extract, combined with aloes and other drugs. It has been found useful in intermittents or fever and ague. Dose. — From two to five grains. LARKSPUR. — {DelpTiiniura consolida.) Medical Uses. — The root and seeds of this pretty garden plant are acrid and bitter, acting as a purgative and emetic in large doses. PERSIMMOX. — {Diospijros virgiiiiana.) Medical Uses. — The unripe fruit, which is very astringent, has been used in simple diarrhea, by way of infusion. The bark is astringent and bitter. LI]N'SEED. — {Li7iiim usitatissimum.) (Properties) — Emolliext, Purgative. Medical Uses. — ^Linseed is the common flax, usually called flax-seed.) the seeds of which have an unctuous, mucilaginous, APPENDIX. 413 sweetish taste. On expression, they yield a large quantity of oil ; boiled in water, they yield a large proportion of strong mucilage, which is employed as a demulcent in cough, hoarse- ness, and pleuritic symptoms, and is likewise recommended in nephritic pains and strangury. The meal of the seeds is also much used externally, in emollient and maturating cata- plasms. The oil is demulcent or emollient, and it is fre- quently administered in the form of clyster in colics and obsti- pation. Cold drawn Linseed oil, with lime-water and extract of lead, forms, in many instances, an excellent application for burns and scalds. Dose. — Of the oil, for internal use, from half to a whole ounce. The tea may be taken freely, without any particular regard to quantity, w^hich will produce better effect, when sweetened with honey. STAE Q^nA.^'^.—{Aletrisfarinosa.) Medical Uses. — This plant, called likewise star-root or mealy star-root^ is a very common plant in the United States ; it is a strong bitter, yet is one of our best and most simple tonics and stomachics. The root is the part employed in medicine, being of utility in cases of colic, fever, rheumatism, and debility. Dose. — Of the tincture from fifteen to thirty drops ; of the powder, from six to twelve grains. EHUBARB.— (i?Aez/m.) Medical Uses. — There are several species of this plant, but the Turkey Rhubarb is considered the best. The root is the part used for medicinal purposes ; it is much employed as a moderate cathartic. It is a medicine well calculated to arrest dysentery, cholera morbus, and cholera infantum. DISEASES. ULCERS AND PIMPLES ON THE TONGUE. Small pimples are very often found on the tongue, which at last form ulcers. Sometimes they are occasioued by the rough, uneven edge of a broken or decayed tooth : when this is the case, the parts must be smoothed by a file, or the tooth extracted ; the sore then will heal without further trouble. Greyish or whitish appeariug specks, which seem inclined to spread, are also found on the inside of the lips and cheeks. They are easily removed by touchiug their surfaces with burnt alum. NETTLE 'RASH.— (Urticaria.) Symptoms. — An eruption similar to that caused by the stingiug of nettles, whence its name. On rubbing the skin which itches, the eruption will suddenly appear, remain for a moment, then vanish, breakiug out in some other spot. The parts aflected are swelled, at one time presenting the appear- ing of welts, as from the stroke of a whip-lash, and at another that of white, solid bumps. Treatment. — A few doses of Epsom salts, and a little attention to the diet, which should be mild, are usually suf- ficient to remove it. If it proceeds from eating poisonous fish, or any unwholesome food, administer an emetic, etc., as directed in such cases. ( 415 ) 416 APPENDIX. MERCURIAL ULCERS IN THE MOUTH. Large, dark looking ulcers in the mouth, are a common effect of the abuse of mercury. They may be known by the highly offensive smell of the breath, by the teeth being loosened from the gums, and by a coppery taste in the mouth. Treatment. — Omit all mercurial preparations; wash the mouth frequently with sage tea, or vinegar and water ; drink freely of sarsaparilla tea, and keep the bowels open with sul- phur. PUTRID SORE THROAT. Sym/ptoms. — This malignant disease commences with shivering, followed by heat and languor ; all the indications of typhus are present ; on the second day a difficulty of swal- lowing is experienced ; a quick, weak, and irregular pulse ; scarlet patches break out about the lips, and the inside of the mouth and throat is of a fiery red color. About the third day, blotches of a dark red color make their appearance on the face and neck, which soon extends over the whole body. Upon examining the throat, a number of specks, of a greyish or brown color, are observed on the palate, uvula, tonsils, etc.; a brown fur covers the tongue ; the lips are covered with small vesicles or bladders, which burst and emit a thin, acrid matter, that produces ulceration wherever it touches. In bad cases the inside of the mouth and throat becomes black, and are covered with foul, spreading ulcers. It is distinguished from scarlet fever by the fever being typhus and not inflammatory, by the sore throat, dark tongue, and putrid symptoms; and from measles, by the absence of cough, sneezing, watering of the eyes, etc. APPENDIX, 417 Treatment. — Bleeding in this case is absolutely forbidden. The same may be said of active or strong purgatives. The bowels, however, should be kept open by mild laxatives or clysters. If towards the close of the complaint there is any obstruction, a few grains of calomel and rhubarb may be given. Cold water dashed over the body is one of the most powerful remedies we can employ ; it should never be omitted ; and as soon as the patient is dried and in bed, half a pint of strong mulled wine should be given to him. This practice, boldly followed, frequently puts an end to the disease. Emetics are of great utility in the beginning of the disease, but the great and evident indication is to prevent and counter- act the disposition to putrescency, and to support the strength. For this purpose the cold infusion of bark, or bark in sub- stance, with ten or twelve drops of muriatic acid, and seven or eight drops of laudanum, should be administered fre- quently, and in large doses. A mixture of one-third salt, and two-thirds vinegar, made strong with cayenne pepper, is invaluable, and often arrests the disease in the beginning. Dose. — Half a tea spoonful every fifteen minutes. Gargle the throat often with vinegar and water, to cleanse it. Any looseness should be checked by powerful astringents. The diet should consist of arrow root, jelly, panada, tapioca, and gruel, and the drink of wine whey, wine and water, etc., increasing the quantity of the wine according to the weakness and age of the patient. The greatest cleanliness is to be ob- served in the chamber. As the disease is undoubtedly con- tagious, those who are compelled to be in the room, should take frequently a spoonful of the mixture by way of pre- vention. CONCLUSION. In bringing the labors of this volume to a close, it may not be improper to express a hope that a work which has com- manded the mind and time of the author for a long period, will not be laid by with the casual perusal usually given to ordinary books ; but that it will become a work of daily reference and daily examination, even when there is no sick- ness in the family to make its pages of special interest to the reader. A careful study of any of the multitude of subjects here treated upon, will add to the store of knowledge in possession of the reader, ideas that may be of very great value in the time of need. The sufferings of a fellow-being may be as- suaged, and even the life of a beloved friend or a bosom com- panion may be saved by the timely application of knowledge obtained from such study. Certainly many anxieties and false alarms may be avoided by a thorough knowledge of the contents of this work ; and if it does no more than that, no small amount of good will be the result. That every person, and more especially every mother in the land, may become competent to properly and intelligently dis- charge the duties of a nurse, and if necessary, in ordinary cases, that of physician also, is the earnest desire of the author of this book; and if it contributes to that end, the labor that has been bestowed upon it will be amply repaid. SYNONYMS PAGE. Acetum Vinegar 399 Acer saccharmum Maple sugar 407 Acliillea millefolium Yarrow 172 Adiantum pedatum Maidenhair 98 Agrimonia eupatoria Agrimony 14 Allium cepa Onion 114 Allium sativum Garlic 62 Althasa officinalis Marshmallow 99 Amarantus hypochondriacus Amaranth 406 Amygdalus persica Peach 117 Amylum Starch 399 Anagallis arvensis Pimpernel 121 Anemone pratensis Pasque Flower 116 Anethum graveolens Dill 51 Anethum foeniculum Fennel 56 Anthemis nobilis Chamomile 39 Anthemis pja-ethrum Pellitory of Spain 118 Anthemis cotula May-weed, wild chamomile . 103 Antirrhinum linaria Toad-flax 157 Apium petroselinum Parsley .* 115 Apocynum androseemifolium . . . .Bitter-root 22 Aralia hispida Dwarf elder 52 Aralia racemosa Spignet or spikenard 151 Aralia nudicaulis Sarsaparilla 139 Archangelica atropurpurea Angelica 16 Arctium lappa Burdock 33 Aristolochia serpentaria Virginia snake-root 162 Arnica Leopard's bane 397 Artemisia abrotanum Southern wood 150 Artemisia absinthium Wormwood 171 C419) 420 SYNONYMS. PACT. Artemisia vulgaris Mugwort 107 Arum triphyllum Wake Robin or wild turnip. 163 Asarum canadense Wild ginger 169 Asclepias syriaca Milk-weed or silk-weed .... 105 Asclepias tuberosa Pleurisy-root 124 Aspidium felix mas Fern 57 Asplenium scolopendrium Hart's tongue 71 Baptisia tinctoria Wild indigo 84 Baptisia alba Prairie indigo 84 Belladonna Deadly nightshade 405 Berberis vulgaris Barberry 19 Borago officinalis Borage 31 Brassica Cabbage 410 Bryonia alba Bryony 32 Cannabis sativa Hemp, 75 Carum carui Caraway 35 Capsicum annuum Cayenne pepper 37 Cassia marylandica American senna 14 Caulophyllum thalictrodes Blue cohosh 27 Celastrus scandens Bitter-sweet 22 Celendula officinalis Marigold 101 Centaurea benedicta Blessed thistle 26 Cephajlis ipecacuanha Ipecacuanha 84 Cerastium vulgatum Chick-weed 40 Chameepitys Ground pine 69 Chelidonium majus Celandine 38 Chelone glabra Balmony 19 Chimaphila umbellata Wintergreen, Pipsissewa . . . 169 Chironia angularis Centaury 38 Chondrus crispus Irish moss 400 Cichorium endivia Endive 54 Cichorium intybus Succory 153 Cimicifuga racemosa Black-snake root 25 Cochlearia armoracia Horseradish 402 Cochlearia officinalis. Scurvy -grass 142 Cochlearia coronopus Wild scurvy -grass 142 Coculus palmatus Columbo 46 Coffea arabica , Coffee 411 SYNONYMS. 421 PAGB Colchicuni autumnale Meadow-saffron 386 Comptonia asplenifolia Sweet fern 57 Conium maculatum Hemlock 74 Convallaria magalis Lily of the valley 91 Convallaria miiltiflora Solomon's seal 147 Convolvulus jalappa Jalap or bindweed 86 Coptis trifolia Gold-thread 66 Crocus sativus Saffron 135 Cucumis colocyntliis Bitter ajDple 411 Cucumis sativus Cucumber 401 Cynoglossum officinale Hound's-tongue 80 Cypripedium humile Lady's slipper 88 Cypripedium pubescens Yellow lady's slipper 89 Datura stramonium Jamestown weed 354 Daucus carota Wild carrot 36 Delphinium consolida Larkspur 412 Dianthus caryophyllus Clove or carnation pink .... 44 Digitalis purpurea Foxglove 60 Dioscorea villosa Yam-root or china-root 172 Diospyros virginiana Persimmon 412 Erythronium americanum Adder's tongue 13 Eupatorium perfoliatum Boneset or thoroughwort. ... 30 Eupatorium purpureum Queen of the meadow 128 Euphrasia officinalis Eye-bright 55 Fermentum Yeast 408 Ferula asafoetida Asafoetida 408 Fragaria virginiana Strawberry 152 Frasera carolinensis American columbt) 14 Fumaria officinalis Fumitory 61 Fuligo ligni Soot 399 Galium aparine Cleavers or goose-grass 43 Gentiana purpurea Gentian 63 Geranium maculatum Crane's-bill 49 Geranium robertianum Herb Kobert 77 Geum rivale Avens 17 Gillenia trifoliata Indian physic 83 Glechoma hederacea Ground ivy 68 Glycyrrhiza glabra Licorice 90 34 422 SYNONYMS. TXOZ GnapTiallam polycephalum Life-everlasting : 91 Gratiola officinalis Hedge or wild hyssop 72 Hedeoma pulegioides Pennyroyal 119 Helleborus niger Black hellebore 73 Hepatica triloba Liverwort 92 Heracleum lannatum Masterwort 103 Humulus lupulus Hops 79 Hydrastis canadensis Golden seal 65 Hyoscyamus niger Henbane 76 Hypericum perfoliatum St. John's wort 137 Hyssopus officinalis Hyssop 82 Ictodes foetidus Skunk, or swamp cabbage . . 144 Inula helenium Elecampane 53 Iris versicolor Blue flag 28 Juglans cinerea Butternut or white walnut. . 35 Juniperus communis Juniper 87 Juniperus sabina Savine 140 Lactuca sativa Lettuce 90 Laurus sassafras Sassafras 189 Lavandula spica Lavender 89 Leontodon taraxacum Dandelion 50 Leonurus cardiaca Motherw^ort 106 Leptandra virginica Black-root 25 Leucanthemum vulgare Daisy 50 Liatris spicata Colic root 45 Ligusticum levisticum Lovage 95 Lilium candidum "White lily 165 Lilium philadelphicum Tiger lily 157 Linum usitatissimum Linseed 412 Liriodendron tulipifera Whitewood, tulip tree 167 Lobelia cardinalis Eed lobelia 132 Lobelia inflata Lobelia 93 Lobelia syphilitica Blue lobelia 28 Lonicera caprifolium Woodbine or honeysuckle . . 170 Lythrum salicaria Loosestrife 94 Macrotrys racemosa Black cohosh 24 Magnesise sulphas Epsom salt 400 Magnesia usta. Calcined magnesia 406 SYNONYMS. 423 Magnolia yulan Magnolia tree 97 Malva rotiindifolia Dwarf mallows 99 Malva sylvestris Mallows 98 Marrubium vulgare Horehoimcl 78 Melilotus officinalis Melilot or king's clover .... 104 Melissa officinalis ; Balm 17 Menispermum canaclense Yellow parilla 173 Mentha piperita Peppermint 121 Mentha viridis Spearmint , 151 Monarda punctata Horsemint 80 Morns nigra Mulberry 108 Myrica cerifera Bayberry 20 Myrica gale Sweet gale 155 Myrrha Myrrh Ill Nepeta cataria Catnip 36 Nicotiana tabacura Tobacco 158 Nymphsea odorata White pond lily 166 Oleum jecoris aselli Cod-liver oil 402 Oleum oliv£ea Olive or sw^eet oil 407 Origanum vulgare Marjoram 101 Oxalis acetosella * Wood sorrel 148 Oxycoccus macrocarpus Cranberry 48 Pseonia officinalis Peony 120 Panax quinquefolium. Ginseng 64 Papaver somniferum Poppy 125 Parthenium integrifolium Cutting almond ., 50 Pimpinella anisum Anise * 396 Plantago major Plantain 122 Podophyllum peltatum Mandrake 100 Polemonium reptans Greek valerian 68 Polygala senega Seneka snake-root 143 Polygonum aviculare Knot grass 88 Polygonum bistorta Bistort 21 Polygonum hydropiper Smart weed 145 Polypodium vulgare Polypody 124 Populus balsamifera Balm of Gilead 18 Populus tremuloides Poplar 125 Portulaca oleracea Purslain 127 424 SYNONYMS. PAGE. Potentilla reptans Cinquefoil 41 Potentilla tormentilla Tormentil 159 Prinos vcrticillatus Black alder 23 Prunella vulgaris Self-heal 143 Prunus virginiana Wild cherry 396 Pulmonaria officinalis Lungwort 96 Pyrethrum parthenium Featherfew 58 Pyrus cydonia Quince 130 Quercus Oak 113 Quina3 disulphas Quinine 398 Ranunculus bulbosus Butter cup 34 Paphanus sativus Radish 401 Rheum Rhubarb 413 Ribes grossularia Gooseberry 66 Ribes rubrum Red currant 395 Ricinus vulgaris Castor oil 403 Resela luteola Weld or dyer's weed 165 Rhus glabrum Sumach 154 Rosmarinus officinalis Rosemary 132 Rubia tinctorium Madder 96 Rubus occidentalis Blackbeny 24 Rubus strigosus Raspberry 131 Rumex acetosa Sorrel 148 Rumex acetosa Southern sorrel 149 Rumex crispus Yellow dock 173 Ruta graveolens Rue 134 Salix alba White willow 168 Salvia officinalis Sage '. . . 136 Salvia sclarea Clary 42 Sambucus canadensis Elder 52 Sanguinaria canadensis Blood root 27 Saponaria officinalis Soapwort 146 Satureia bortensis Summer savory 141 Satureia montana Winter savory 141 Scilla maritima Squill 152 Scutellaria lateriflora Blue scuUcap 29 Sempervivum tectorum House-leek 81 Senecio vulgaris Groundsel. 70 SYNONYMS. 425 PAQK. Silpliium perfoliatum Indian cup-plant 82 Sinapis nigra Mustard 110 Sisymbrium nasturtium Water-cress 164 Sisymbrium officinale Hedge-mustard 72 Socotrine Aloes 15 Solidago virgaurea Golden-rod 64 Solidago odora Sweet-scented golden-rod ... 65 Spigelia marilandica Wild pink-root 409 Spirtea filipendula Filipendula 59 Spiraea ulmaria Queen of the meadow 128 Statice caroliniana Marsli-rosemary 102 Stillingia sylvatica Queen's delight 129 Symphytum officinale Comfrey 47 Tamarindus indica Tamarind 396 Tanacetum vulgare Tansy 155 Thymus vulgaris Thyme 156 Thymus serpyllum Wild thyme 156 Trifolium pratense Clover or honey-suckle 45 Trillium erectum Beth root 21 Tussilago farfara Colt's-foot 45 Ulmus fulva Slippery elm 145 TJrtica dioica Nettle 112 Vaccinium uliginosum Whortleberry 167 Valeriana officinalis Valerian 160 Verbascum thapsus Mullein 109 Verbena hastata Vervain 161 Veronica beccabunga Brooklime 32 Vinum Wine 404 Viola odorata Violet 161 Viola tricolor Heart's ease or pansy 71 Vitis vinifera Grape vine 67 Xanthorrhiza apiifolia Yellow'-root 174 Xanthoxylum fraxineum. ....... Prickly ash 126 NAMES OF DISEASES PAGE. Apoplexia Apoplexy 297 Aptha infantum Thrush, infantile sore mouth. 205 Arthritis G-out 203 Calculus Stone, gravel 244 Caligo Dimness of sight 316 Carditis, endocarditis, pericarditis Diseases of the heart 293 Catarrhus Catarrh, or cold and coughs. 258 Chorea St. Vitus's dance 805 Constipation Costiveness 217 Cynanche, laryngitis, tracheitis . . Croup 268 Cystitis Inflammation of the bladder. 244 Diabetes Immoderate secretion of urine 245 Dysenteria Dysentery, or bloody-flux . . . 214 Dyspepsia Indigestion 211 Encephalitis, phrenitis Inflammation of the brain, brain fever 294 Enteralgia Colic 227 Enteritis Inflammation of the bowels. 212 Epilepsia Epilepsy, fits 304 Flatulentus Flatulence 217 Furunculus Boil 249 Gastritis Inflammation of the stomach. 208 Haemoptysis Spitting of blood 281 Hemorrhage of the lungs Vomiting blood 285 Hemorrhoids Piles 238 Hepatitis Inflammation of the liver. . . 231 Hydrops Dropsy 311 Icterus Jaundice 233 Invermination Worms 220 Nephritis Inflammation of the kidneys. 242 ( 427 ) 428 NAMES OF DISEASES. Ophialtes Nightmare 309 Oplitlialmitis Inflammation of the eyes . . . 307 Panaris paronychia Felon, or whitlow 224 Paralysis Palsy 300 Parotitis Mumps 237 Perniones Chilblains 254 Phthisis pulmonalis Consumption of the lungs. . 286 Pleuritis Pleurisy 273 Pneumonia Inflammation of the lungs, lung fever 271 Psora, scabies Itch 248 Pyrosis Heartburn or water-brash. . . 241 Scarlatina Scarlet fever 197 Scorbutus Scurvy 252 Scrofula King's evil 222 Splenitis Inflammation of the spleen. . 236 Syncope Fainting, swooning 310 Tinea capitis, porrigo Ring-worm of the scalp .... 250 Tonsillitis Quinsy 207 Trachea Bronchitis or inflammation of the bronchia 269 Tussis Cough 261 Ulcera Ulcers 255 Urticaria Nettle rash 414 Variola Small-pox 191 Varioloid Modified sinall-pox 195 GLOSSARY Abdomen. The belly. Abortion. Miscarriage. Abortive. A medicine possess- ing the power to produce abor- tion ; in botany, ilowers which yield imperfect seed. Abscess. A boil, swelling, or tu- mor containing purulent mat- ter. Absorbent. A medicine or sub- stance which dries or absorbs moisture or fluid, both in the stomach, and in external ulcers ; as starch, chalk, magnesia, etc. Abstinence. To abstain ; as to fast, or diminish the usual quantity of food. Acid. That which produces a sharp, sour taste; as vinegar, lemons, minerals, etc. Acrid. Biting, pungent, sharp to the taste, or flesh. Acrimony. Corrosive, ness ; as the acrimony humors. Acuminate. Having a long, ex- tended point or termination; as an acuminate leaf. Acute. In botany, sharp pointed ; it is opposite to blunt ; in pa- thology, the term properly be- longs to diseases which are of short duration, but are usually attended with a great degree of severity. Adjunct. An assistant; added to, or united with. sharp- of the Adult. A person or plant that has arrived to a state of ma- turity. Affection. A diseased or morbid state of the body ; as, a drop- sical affection, neuralgic affec- tion, etc. Affinity. Likeness; similarity; resemblance. Ague. A periodical fever; inter- mittent fever, or fever and ague. Albumen. The white of an egg ; in botany, the substance which forms the principal bulk of some seeds, as coffee, corn, etc. Aliment. Nutriment; food, or any substance which nourishes. Alimentary canal. The tube, or duct, which conveys the food from the mouth through the body. Alkalescent. Possessing alkaline properties in'a slight degree. Alkali. That which, mixed with acid, produces fermentation. Alterative. A medicine which has the power of changing or re-establishing the healthy functions of the system, with- out any perceptible evacua- tions. Alternate. In botany, leaves are said to be alternate w^hen they put forth at nearly regular spaces from each other around . the (429) the stem in a straight line 430 GLOSSARY. BeconcI, or line "below, tlie leaves are placed at tlie same distance apart, but opposite to those above, or alternately arranged. Alternately. Any thing which comes by turns ; as leaves are alternately arranged. Alvine. Belonging to the belly ; as alvine discharges from the intestines. Amenorrhea. An obstruction of the menses. Amplexicaul, To surround ; to fold ; as a leaf clasping or em- bracing the stem. Analagous. Any thing which bears a resemblence or simi- larity to another. Anasarca. Dropsy. Ancipital. Two-edged. Angular. A pointed stalk, or ona having corners or angles. Annually. Yearly, once a year. Annuity. Any sum of money agreed upon to be paid for a certain number of years, or for a lifetime. Anodyne. A medicine which has the power to lull and ease pain, likewise to stupify the senses and procure sleep. Antarthritic. A medicine which possesses the power of greatly relieving or curing the gout. Antemetic. A medicine calcu- lated to arrest and check vom- iting. Antephialtic. A medicine to cure the nightmare. Antepileptic. A euro for epi- lepsy. Anthelmintic. A remedy for worms. Anthers. In botany, the apex of a flower which is elevated by the filament. Anthysteric. A medicine used against hysterics. Antibilious. A medicine calcu- lated to counteract the over- flow of bile. Anticachectic. A medicine hav- ing the power to correct an ill habit of body or constitution. Anticatarrhal. A medicine used for catarrh. Antidote. A medicine which removes the effects of poison, or proves a preventive against it. Antidysenterlc. A medicine to cure the dysentery. Antifebrile. A medicine which checks, allays, and removes fever. Antilithic. A medicine which is calculated to remove calculus formations. Antlnephritlc. A remedy for diseases of the kidneys. Antiperiodic. A medicine which has the power of preventing tlie return of intermittents. Antipharmic. A medicine to resist and counteract poison. Antiphlogistic. Means calculated to lessen or reduce inflamma- tion, as purging, refrigerants, together with very spare and "simple form of diet. Antipsoric. Eemedy for the itch. Antipyrotic. Remedies used in the cure of burns. Antiscorbutic. A remedy for scurvy. Antiscrofulous. Medicines oi other means calculated to re- move scrofula. Antiseptic. Medicines which op- pose or counteract mortification or a putresent tendency in the system. Antispasmodic. Medicine which mitigates severe pain unattend- ed with inflammation, relieves spasms, cramps, etc. GLOSS ART 431 Antistrnmons. The same as antisci'ofulons. Antisyphilitic. A medicine given in syphilis or the venereal dis- ease. Anus. That part of the hody by which excrement is expel- led. Aperient. A medicine which is calculated to gently open the bowels. Apthous. Thrush, or ulcers in the mouth. Apoplexy. A sudden deprivation of sense and voluntary motion. Apostume. An abscess. Appendage. In botany, the seed vessel, or any thing added to the stem or leaf. Aquatic. Applied to plants which grow in ths water. Aromatic. In medicine, a drug or plant having a peculiar spicy odor, and a warm, grate- ful flavor. Arterial. Relating to the arteries. Arthritis. The gout, or inflam- mation of the small joints. It is considered an hereditary com- plaint, which sometimes affects the stomach. Ascarides. Intestinal worms. Asthenic. A weak state of body ; debility. Asthma. A disease characterized by difficult respiration, recur- ring in paroxyms, accompanied with a wheezing sound and cough. Astrictive. Styptic ; binding. Astringent. A medicine which tends to heal; dry; bind; or cicatrize ; as an astringent de- coction, or wash. Atrophy. The perishing or wast- ing away of a limb, from pa- ralysis ; or the wasting of any other part of the body. Attenuant. A medicine which acts as a diluent, and pos- sesses the power of making thin the blood, and the fluids or humors of the body; likewise of making the body thin or . lean. Aura. An effluvium, or exha- lation of a subtle vapor. Autumn. The fiiU, or the season preceding winter. Auxiliaries. Those means which are calculated to aid and assist. Axillar3^ In botany, the space or angle formed by a branch with the stem, or by a leaf with the stem or branch. Balsamic. Possessing the pro- perties of balsam, or having a healing quality. Base. The bottom or foot of any thing ; as the base of a leaf, or that part which unites it to the stem. Biennial. Applied to plants which exist for two years, merely putting forth leaves the first year, and producing blos- soms and seeds the second year. Bile. A bitter, nauseous fluid, of a greenish brown color, secreted by the liver into the gall-bladder, and from thence passes into the intestines, in order to promcfte digestion. Biliary. Pertaining to bile; as a medicine which removes bili- ary matter. Bipinnate. Doubly pinnate. Bipinnatifid. In botany, a divid- ed leaf, resembling a wing or feather, or doubly pinnatifid. Boil. A hard, painful, inflam- matory swelling, which forms a central core before it suppur- ates. Bronchia. Pertaining to the wind- pipe or lungs. 432 GLOSSARY. Bulb. A round root; as the onion has a bulbous root. Cachexia. A debilitated and ill- conditioned habit of body, un- attended with fever. Calculus. Pertaining to gravel complaints. Callous. Indurated or hardened ; as callous parts of the flesh. Calyx. The flower-cup. Cantharides. The Spanish fly ; used in blisters, by way of plasters. Capsule. A dry, hollow vessel, which contains the seeds of plants. Cardiac. A medicine which is considered to strengthen the heart, by animating the spirits, etc. Cardialgia. Heartburn ; a burn- ing, disagreeable sensation in the stomach, accompanied with an inclination to vomit, or a free discharge of very clear, watery fluid. Carditis. Inflammation around the heart. Carminative. A medicine which alleviates and allays pain in the bowels, and calculated to expel wind. Carotids. The arteries which convey the blood to the head. Catamenia. Menses. Cataplasm. A soft, moist sub- stance; a poultice. Cataract. A disease of the eye, by which the vision or sight is partially or entirely destroyed. Catarrh. of muGU throat. Cathartic. A medicine calculated to purge. Caulis. A stem which produces flowers as well as leaves. Caustic. An application of a An unusual discharge fi'om the head or substance to flesh which bums, eats, or corrodes. Cell. In botany, a hollow place which incloses the seeds. Cellular. Composed of small cells. Cephalic. A remedy for head- ache, or other diseases in the head. Cerate. An external application called ointment. Chalybeate. A medicine com- posed of water or liquor which has been impregnated with iron, as mineral waters, or chaly- beate wine. Chest. The part of the body which lies between the neck and abdomen. Cholera infantum. A disease pe- culiar to small children, attend- ! ed with vomiting. Chorea. St. Vitus's dance; this complaint is characterized by ! singular convulsive motions of the limbs. Chronic. A disease of long con- tinuance. Chyle. A milk-like fluid separ- ated from the aliment in the intestines. Cicatrized. Healed by leaving a slight seam or scar in the flesh. Clyster. An injection ; a liquid preparation thrown into the rectum by a syringe. Colic. A severe griping pain in the abdomen. Collapse. Any thing which falls together. Comit. Lethargic disease; stupoi or profound sleep. Compound. A union of two oi more parts or ingredients; as, compound umbels. Concave. Hollow; as a plani havini? a concave stem. GLOSSARY. 433 Confection. That wliicli is pre- pared with sugar; as fruit, flowers, or roots. Confluent. Eruptions which run together, siniilar to small-pox. Congener. In botany, plants which are nearly allied ; thus we say, a jjlant of the same genus, or possessing the same properties. Congestion. A collection of un- natural blood in any particular part of the body. Conglobate. A hard, ball-shaped substance; pertaining to the glands. Conglutinate. To unite; a te- nacious substance. Conserve. Confection. Constipated. A sluggish state of the bowels. Contorted. In botany, a twisted coral which has the edge over- lapping the next. Contracted. Shrunk ; shortened, or drawn together. Contusion. A bruise, injury, or wound. ^ Convalescence. A recovery from sickness or debility. Convex. In form somewhat round on the exterior surface. Cordate. Heart-shaped ; as a cor- date leaf. Cordial. A warming medicine calculated to animate the spirits ; and has been con- sidered, likewise, to strengthen the heart. Coriaceous. Resembling leather ; hard ; stiff; as, a coriaceous capsule, calyx or leaf. Cornea. A hard substance ; ap- plied to a membrane of the eye. Corolla. In botany, that which usually incloses the parts of fructification. Corroborant. A medicine which has the power to impart strength. Cortical. External; pertaining to the bark of trees, covering of the brain, etc. Coryza. Influenza; catarrh or a cold in the head. Counter-irritation. This is pro- duced internally by purgatives ; externally by stimulating appli- cations ; as, mustard plasters, liniments ; caustic ; issues, etc. Crenulate. The edge of any thing which is cut into very small notches, or scallops. Cruciate. In botany, a flower presenting a cross -like appear- ance. Cruciform. After the manner of cruciate. Cutaneous. Pertaining to the skin ; as, cutaneous eruptions. Cuticle. The thin skin covering a pustule or blister. Debility. Weakness; loss of strength or power. Deciduous. In botany, leaves which fall when nipped by the frost ; as a deciduous plant. Decoction. A drink made by boiling any substance or herbs in water. Defluxion. A running of humors or matter, consequent on in- flammation. Deglutition. The faculty of swallowing. Delirium. Insanity; craziness ; mania. Demulcent. A medicine calcu- lated to reduce irritation; a soft, soothing substance. Dentate. Toothed or notched on the edges ; as dentate leaves. Dentrifice. A substance formed into powder, used for cleansing the teeth. 434 GLOSSARY. Dentition. The cutting of teeth in infants. Beobstruent. A medicine which possesses the power to remove obstructions. Depletion. The various forms of evacuation ; as blood-letting, emetics, purgatives, blisters, etc. Detergent. A medicine which possesses the power of remov- ing obstructions, and cleansing any part of the body of foul matter. Diabetes. An immoderate flow or great quantity of saccharine urine. Diaphoretic. A medicine which possesses the power to pro- mote insensible perspiration, or discharges from the skin. Diaphragm. The muscle which divides the chest from the abdomen. Diarrhea. A looseness or lax- ity of the bowels, attended with slight griping, but with- out fever. Digitate. In botany, a digitate leaf is one which is divided into a number of separate leaf- lets, resembling fingers. Diluent. To make thin or reduce the strength of; as to add water to wine. Discutient. Any external or in- ternal preparation which has the power to resolve and dissi- pate morbid matter, or tumors in the body. Disk. The surface of a leaf, or the central part of a compound flower ; in speaking of a leaf we say the inferior disk. Dislocation. Any violence caus- ing displacement of a limb. Diuretic. A medicine which has the power to promote the flow of urine. Drain. Issue; a slow, gradual discharge. Drastic. A medicine which acts powerfully ; as a drastic emetio or cathartic. Draught. Fluid in quantity about a mouthful ; an ounce, or a dose. Dropsy. A preternatural ac- cumulation of water in any part of the body. Duct. A vessel of the body; a canal or tube ; thus the biliary duct. Dysmenorrhea. Menstruation which is attended with extreme suffering. Dysopsy. Imperfect vision. Dyspepsia. Difficult or imperfect digestion. Dyspnoea. Short, difficult breath- ing. It is usually a chronic disease. Dysuria. A partial obstniction in discharging urine, accom- panied with burning pain. Ebullition. Liquid agitated by heat, which produces bubbles. Effluvium. The disagreeable odor or smell, inhaled from plants, vegetable substances, or dis- eased bodies. Eject. To evacuate or discharge ; as to eject from the stomach by vomiting. Electuary. A preparation of medicine which we chiefly term confection. Emesis. Vomiting ; the act of ejecting from the stomach by the mouth. Emetic. A medicine which has the power of exciting vomit- Emmenagogue. A medicine cal- culated to promote the men- strual discharges. Emollient. A medicine which GLOSS ART 435 has tlie power to soften and relax the part to which it is applied ; likewise to alleviate pain, swelling, and inflamma- tion. Empyema. An accumulation of purulent matter in the cavity of the thorax. Emunctories. The excretory ducts, or any part of the hody which are employed to carry off matter, as the skin and kidneys. Emulsion. A medicine which is soft and greasy, and yet re- semhling milk. A combin- ation of ingredients. Enema. An injection or clyster ; they are administered for the purpose of emptying the bowels. Enteritis. Inflammation of the intestinal canal. Ephemera. A short fever, which is of one day's duration. Epidemic. A disease which is generally prevalent, and affects very many persons. Epigastrium. Pertaining to the part near the stomach. Epilepsy. Fits ; falling sickness. Epispastic. A remedy which is externally applied to irritate the skin and produce a blister. Exanthematous. A breaking out on the skin ; an eruptive fever, as rash, small-pox, measles, ect. Excoriation. An abrasion of the skin ; a chafing, or galling. Expectorant. A medicine which promotes spitting. Fauces. The back part of the mouth. Febrifuge. A medicine which has the power to allay or re- move fever. Febrile. Pertaining to fever. Fetid. Having a disagreeable or offensive odor. Fibre. A fine thready substance in animal or vegetable bodies. Fistula. A deep-seated hollow ulcer. Flaccidity. Softness ; weakness ; want of firmness. Flatulency. Wind generated in the stomach, occasioning pain. Flatus. Wind. Floret. A small flower ; a portion of a compound flow- er. Floriferous. Producing or bear- ing flowers. Fomentation. An application of flannels to any part of the body which have been dipped in hot water or medicated de- coctions. Friction. The act of rubbing the body with any thing, in order to promote a glow. Frond. A term chiefly appli- cable to the leaves of ferns and lichens. Fructification. Applied to the flowers and fruit of a plant. Fungus. Proud flesh. Galactopoietic. A medicine cal- culated to increase the flow of milk. Gall. Bile. . Gangrene. Mortification. Gargle, A medicated liquid for washing the mouth and throat. Gastric. Pertaining to the stom- ach. Gesticulation. The act of mak- ing gestures in speaking. Gland. A soft body ; a secretory organ. Glandular. Pertaining to the glands. Glutinous. Tenacious; sticky, gluey. Goitre. A swelling or tumor 436 GLOSSARY which makes its appearance on the fore part of the neck. Gout. A chronic disease, which makes its appearance in the great toe or joints. Gutta serana. A disease of the eye, accompanied with partial or total loss of sight. Heartburn. Waterbrash. Hectic. A fever which is attend- ed with debility and night sweats. Hemicrania. An intermittent, nervous pain Avhich affects one side of the head. Hemoptoe. Spitting of blood. Hemorrhage. Bleeding, or a dis- charge of blood from any of / the vessels. Hemorrhoids. Piles. Hepatitis. Pain in the right side, and inflammation of the liver. Hepatic. Pertaining to the liver. Herbaceous. Possessing the nature of an herb ; the her- baceous stem is one which is not hard or woody. Hernia. Rupture. Herpes. Cutaneous diseases, as tetters ; ring-worms, etc. ; Herpes zoster. Shingles. Herpetic. Disease of the skin ; pertaining to herpes. Hydragogue. A medicine that produces watery discharges. Hydrocephalus. Dropsy of the head. Hydropic. Swelling caused by an accumulation of water. Hydrothorax. Dropsy of the chest. Hygienic. Pertaining to health. Hypochondria. A disease that is attended with dejection of mind, lowness of spirits or melancholy. Hysterics. A disease of the womb, which occasions ner- vousness, or fits. Iliac. A bad form of colic that takes place in the lower part of the abdomen. Ill-conditioned. Unhealthy, dis- eased ; being in a bad state. Imposthume. An abscess; an accumulation of purulent mat- ter. Incision. A cut made by a sharp instrument. Indicated. The manner or course pointed out; a course to be pursued in the cure of dis- ease. Indigenous. A native, or born in a country; or, that which is peculiar to a country; as, diseases or plants. Indigestion. Dyspepsia. Indurated. Hardened. Infarction. Constipation. Infection. Contagion. Inflammation. An increased action of a part, manifested by heat, arterial action, or fever. Inflated. Swelled ; distended. Inflorescence- A flowering ; or, the opening of blossoms. Influenza. An epidemic cold or catarrh. Infusion. A tea which is made without boiling ; as, steeping. Interim. The time intervening, or between. Intermission. A cessation, or temporary pause, or the inter- val which occurs between the paroxysms of a disease. Intermittent. A disease which entirely ceases for a certain length of time, as fever and ague. Irritation. The act of exciting or reddening the skin or flesh. Issue. A small sore, made in GLOSSAET. 437 some part of tlie body by caustic, to promote discbarges. Ligament. To unite, bind, or tie one bone or part to another. Ligature. That which ties or binds to prevent hemorrhage. Lii Woody. Linear. In botany, a leaf which is long and narrow, having the same width throughout except at the termination ; in a straight direction. Liniment. A composition soft- er and thinner than ointment. Lithontryptic. Medicine which possesses the power to resolve and remove calculous con- cretions. Lobed. A leaf which is cut into segments or jags. Loins. The lumbar region of the back. Lotion. A wash. Lubricating. That which is soft and slippery. Lumbago. A rheumatic com- plaint in the small of the back or in the region of the loins. Lymphatic. Vessels that carry or convey colorless fluid or lymph. Lyrate. Lyre-shaped. Macerating. The act of infusing, with or without heat, in order to extract the virtues of plants. Malaria. An impure air which has a tendency to produce disease. Malignant. A term applied to fevers of a malignant character, or local diseases; as, cancers, virulent ulcers, etc. Mastication. The act of chew- ing- Maturant. A medicine or appli- cation to an inflamed part which has the power to pro- mote suppuration. 35 Maturity. That which is fully developed. Medicament. A medicine or application which has the power to heal. Menses. ) The monthly Menstruation. ) courses. Miasmata. The effluvia of decay- ing or putrefying bodies float- ing in the air. Monopetalous. Having one petal, or one flower leaf. Morbid. Unsound ; diseased. Mortification. A part which be- comes entirely dead. Mucilage. A substance that is of a shining, slimy, gummy nature. Mucus. A slimy fluid discharged from the nose, lungs, etc. Multifid. A leaf or coral di- vided into many parts. Narcotic. A medicine that has the power to allay pain and produce sleep ; but in over- doses often produces convul- sions and coma. Nausea. Sickness at the stomach, with an inclination., to vomit without efl'ecting it. Nauseant. A medicine that has the power to produce nausea, and reduce arterial action ; as small doses of lobelia, ipecacu- anha, etc. Nephritis. An inflammation or disease of the kidneys. Nervine. A medicine that is calculated to act upon the nerves. Nervous. Lritable ; fretful ; trem- ulous. Neuralgia. Pain in one side of the face and head; it some- times, however, is experienced in various parts of the body. Nightmare. Incubus. Frightful dreams; distressing sensations 438 GLOSSARY. during sleep, and tlie subject is unable to speak though con- stantly endeavoring to do so. Node. A hard, circumscribed tumor. In botany, the joint of a plant that has a small ele- vation. Noxious. Injurious, hurtful, per- nicious. Nutant. Nodding or drooping. Obesity. Fatness. Obtund. To dull, to blunt; to reduce the acrimony of the humors. Obtuse. Blunt, not sharp ; as, a leaf that is obtusely termi- nated. Odor. Scent ; perfume ; smell. Officinal. Drugs or medicines kept in drug stores, which re- ceive the assent of physicians. Oleraceous. Plant or herb adapt- ed to cookery. Opacity. Dimness, obscurity, want of transparency ; as, opacity of the cornea. Opaque. Dark, obscure. Ophthalmia. Inflammation or disease of the eye. Opiate. A narcotic ; a medicine which produces sleep. Optic or sight. Organic. Pertaining to an organ or organization. Otorrhea. A purulent discharge from the ear. Ovate. Egg-shaped ; as, an ovate leaf. Paroxysm. A periodical form of disease. The symptoms of a disease which may last longer or shorter. Pectoral. A medicine that has the power to relieve diseases of the chest and lungs. Pedicle. A small stalk that sup- ports one flower only. Pertaining to the vision Peduncle. The stalk that sup- ports the flower as well as the fruit of a plant. Pendulous. Pendant, hanging down. Pentapetalous. A five petaled flower. Perennial. In botany, a plant or root which survives or con- timies to exist more than two years. Pericardium. The membrane sur- rounding the heart. Pericarp. The seed vessel of a plant. Peripneumony. Inflammation of the lungs. Petal. A flower leaf. Petchiae. The spots which ap- pear on the skin in malignant fevers, resembling flea bites. Petiole. Leaves which are sup- plied with a stalk. Phlegm. Thick, white, trans- parent mucus. Phlegmatic. A cold, sluggish, inactive temperament. Phlogistic. Inflammatory, or that state which is attended with arterial action. Phthisis. . A pulmonary com- plaint or consumption. Pinnate. A winged leaf or one which has several leaflets pro- ceeding laterally from one stalk. Pituitous. Viscid mucus. As pituitous matter. Plethoric. The state in which the vessels are overcharged with fluid or blood. Pleurisy. Inflammation of the pleura, which is attended with pain and fever. Pneumonia. Inflammation of the lungs. Polypus. A tumor wdiich is usually narrow at first, and GLOSSARY 439 afterwards grows wider, in tlie form of a pear. Prsecordia. The region in front of the heart. Prolapsus. Falling. Prolapsus uteri. Falling of the womb. Prophylactic. A medicine calcu- lated to guard against or pre- vent disease. Protuberant. Swelling, as a pro- tuberant joint. Ptyalism. Salivation. Pubescence. The hairs, or soft downy substance of leaves and stalks. Pulmonary. Pertaining to the lungs. Pungent. Sharp, biting, pun- gent. Purgative. A medicine which produces intestinal discharge. Purulent. Of the nature of pus or matter. Pustule. A small purple swel- ling. Putrefaction. CorrujDtion, rot- tenness. Putrid. Pertaining to putre- faction. Quartan. An intermittent ague ; that which occurs every fourth day. Quinsy. Sore throat. Quotidian. A daily fever. Radicle. A small root or fibre of a root. Eamification. The manner of branching or producing boughs of a tree. Rarefied. Any thing that is made thin, less compact, or less dense. Recumbent. A reclining or lean- ing posture. Redundancy. Excess, or super- abundance ; as the redundancy of the bile. Refrigerant. A medicine that has the power of cooling and allaying the heat of the body or of the blood. Remittent. Applied to diseases which abate in violence for a time without any entire inter- mission. Repellent. A medicine that has the power to drive back morbid humors into the mass of the blood, as a discutient. Repletion. The act of filling the body with food. Resolvent. A medicine that has the power to resolve or dissolve vitiated humors. Respiration. The act of breathing. Resuscitation. Reviving. Retina. The organ of vision. Rheum. Any mucous discharge. Rootlet. A small root. Rubefacient. An external appli- cation, which, when left to re- main on the skin a certain length of time, induces redness without blistering. Sanative. A medicine which heals, or proves curative in diseases. Sanguine. Abounding with blood ; plethoric. Scape. A stalk that rises from the root, producing a flower or fruit at it's summit, but no leaves ; as, in the dandelion. Schirrhus. A hard or indolent tumor in its incipient stage, but which finally terminates in a cancerous affection. Scorbutic. Affected with the scurvy. Secretory. Vessels or organs which separate peculiar fluid or substance from the blood. Sedative. A medicine that is calculated to allay pain and arterial action. 440 GLOSSARY Sedentary. Accustomed to sit much, or pass most of the time in a sitting posture. Sepal. The divisions of the calyx are called sepals. Serous. Of a watery nature ; pertaining to serum. Serrated. Having the edge jagged, or divided into teeth like those of a saw ; as, a a serrate leaf. Serum. The thin, watery part of milk, or of the blood. Sessile. In botany, a leaf or any part of a plant which is placed on the main stem with- out any footstalk. Seton. A setou is produced by having a green silk thread drawn with a needle through the flesh, and turned daily, in order to keep up a constant irritation and discharge. Sialogogue. A medicine which produces an unusual flow of saliva or spittle. Sinapism. A mustard poultice. Sinuated. A sinuate leaf is one whose sides or margins are waved or hollowed out, re- I sembling bays, as in the oak. Solids. The membranes, liga- ments, bones, muscles, nerves, etc. Soluble. Any thing that is capa- ble of being dissolved. Solution. A liquid containing some substance in a dissolved state. Solvent. Any fluid that has the power of dissolving. Soporific. Any thing that has the power of inducing sleep. Spasm. Cramp ; convulsion. Spasmodic. Pertaining to cramp or convulsion. Spathe. In botany, a sheath or covering opening lengthwise on one side which may inclose the flower or fruit. Specific. An infallible remedy. Spine. Back bone ; in botany, any plant or stalk which is armed with spines or thorns. Spleen. The milt; a spongy viscus, placed in the left side. Sternutatory. A substance that has the power to promote sneezing. Stertorous. Snoring, or a loud, deep sound in respiration. Stimulant. A medicine which has the power to excite the energy or action of the system. Stipule. A leafy appendage situated at the base of leaves or petioles. Stomachic. A medicine which is calculated to excite and strengthen the action of the stomach. Stringent. A medicine possess- ing a binding quality. Strumous. Scrofulous affection ; pertaining to struma. Stupor. A suspension of sensi- bility. Styptic. A medicine which has the power to arrest and restrain bleeding. Sub. This word is designed to express an imperfect state or quality. Sub-acid. Moderately acid or sour. Sub-acrid. Moderately pungent or acrid. Sub-acute. Acute in a moderate degree. Sub-cutaneous. Pertaining to a disease situated under the skin. Sub-saline. Saline or salt in a moderate degree. Sudorific. A medicine that has the power to promote perspi- ration or sweat. GLOSSARY. 441 Suffruticose. Plants tliat are somewhat woody or shrubby, as sage, thyme, etc. Suppuration. The process by which pus is formed in an in- flamed part. Symptomatic. That which is the symptom of an affection. Syncope. Fainting; swooning. Synocha. Inflammatory fever. Synovial. Pertaining to the fluid of the joints. Temperament. A peculiar habit of body. Tendon. The white cord or shining extremity of a muscle. Tendrils. Weak creeping vines or plants, which are supplied with claspers to wind round adjacent bodies for the purpose of support. Tenesmus. A constant desire to go to stool without a discharge, accompanied by pain. Tension. The state of being ex- tended or stretched. Tent. A roll of linen or lint placed in the opening of an ulcer. Terminal. Extreme ; situated at the end, as terminal spikes. Ternate. Three together, as the leaves of clover. Tertian. A fever that returns every other day ; as, fever and ague. Tetrapetalous. Having four petals. Thorax. The chest. Thrums. The thread-like inter- nal parts of fliowers ; the stamens. Tonics. Medicines which have the power to impart vigor or stength to the system. Topical. Medicines which are externally applied to any par- ticular part are called topical. Tormina. Gripes. Torpid. Dull; inactive. Torpor. A numbness; inactivity; applied to the state of the body which has lost all power of feeling and motion. Trachea. The windpipe. Triennial. That which exists three years ; every third year. Trifoliate. Having three leaves, Trilobed. Three lobed. Tripinnate. Triply pinnate. Tubercles. Small, hard tumors, knots or lumps. Tumefaction. A transient swell- ing. Tumid. Protuberance ; swelling ; enlarged. Tumor. A morbid swelling or enlargement in any particular part. Turbid. Muddy, dirty. Turgid. Swelled; bloated; dis- tended. Umbel. Flowers in form re- sembling an umbrella ; as, the parsnip, fennel, etc. Umbelliferous. Plants are so called which have umbels. Ureter. A tube conveying the urine from the kidneys to the bladder. Uterine, Belonging to the womb. Uterus. The womb. Uvula. A small, spongy sub- stance hanging over the root of the tongue. Valve. In botany, the divisions of the fruit. Vascular. Belonging to the ves- sels of animal or vegetable bodies. Verjuice. The acid liquor pres- sed from green grapes or apples. Vermifuge. A medicine that has the power to expel worms. Verticiilate. The flowers which 442 GLOSSARY. grow around tlie stem in whorls or rings one above another at each joint, are called verticil- late flowers. Vertigo. Dizziness ; giddiness. Vesication. Blistering. Vesicatory. That which pos- sesses the power to raise a blister. Vesicle. A small elevation of the cuticle, or bladder-like tumor, containing a transparent watery fluid. Vesicular. Having the appear- ance of vesicles. Virulent. Poisonous ; pertaining to virus. Virus. Poisonous, contagious matter. Viscera. The intestines ; the internal organs of the body. Viscid. Glutinous; sticky. Viscous. Tenaceous ; adhesive ; sticky. Volatile. That which is capable of wasting away suddenly from exposure to the air. Vulnerary. Any plant, drug, or composition which aids the healing of wounds. Whorl. Flowers or leaves which surround the stem in a ring nearly on the same plane is called a whorl. INDEX. Abortion, article to prevent 22 Abscess, articles useful for, 41, 42, 62, 158. Absorbents 399, 406 Acid 148 Acute rheumatism, article use- ful in 86 Adder's tongue 13 Agrimony 14 Ague and Fever, articles useful in, l5, 16, 30, 39, 42, 124, 138, 321, 411. Aloes 15 Alteratives 23, 33, 50, 128, 378 Alterative bitters 317 Alterative sirup 24 Alum 397 Alum whey 377 Alvine discharges, articles useful in 27, 47, 72 Amaranth 406 Amenorrhea, articles useful for. 144 American columbo 14 American senna 14 Angelica 16 Anise 396 Anodynes 45, 79, 105, 109, 125 Antepileptics 60, 120 Antephialtic 120 Anthelmintics 15, 23, 57 Antibilious medicines. .19, 23, 65, 66 Anticatarrhal remedies 55, 160 Antidvsenterics 85, 406 Antiemetics 151, 396, 404 Antilithics 59, 66, 67, 402 Antipharmics 108, 110 Antiscorbutics 148, 164 Antiseptics 84, 174 Antispasmodics 27, 88 Antistrumous 148 Antisyphilitics 28, 406 Aperients 50, 90, 142, 164, 401 Appetite, articles to procure, 20, 27, 104, 156, 329. Apoplexy 297 Apothecaries' weights 390 Appendix 393 Aphthous affections, remedies useful in 50, 66, 148, 154 Ascarides 15 Asthma 278 articles useful in, 78, 90, 106, 146, 152, 327, 330. Asafoetida 408 Astringents, 23, 24, 49, 58, 66, 102, 166, 379. Avens 17 Backache, remedy in 128 Baldness, articles useful in, 118, 133, 165. Balm 17 Balmof Gilead 18 Balmony 19 Balsamic medicines 80, 136 Balsams 371, 383 Barberry 19 Bayberry 20 Belladonna 405 Bethroot 21 Biliary complaints, articles use- ful in 104, 124 Bilious colic 229 articles useful in 172, 336 Bilious fever 181 article, useful in 163 Bistort 21 Bite of mad dog, remedy in 62 Bite of snake, remedies in. . .62, 144 Bitter apple , 411 Bitter-root 22 Bitter-sweet 22 Black alder ■. 23 (443) 444 INDEX. Blackberry 24 Black cohosh 24 Black hellebore 73 Black-root 25 Black snake-root 25 Bleeding of the lungs 281 articles useful in 82, 329 Blessed thistle 26 Bleeding at the nose, articles useful in 82, 329 Blood, articles useful for 28, 59- Blood-root 27. Blue cohosh 27 Blue flag 28 Blue lobelia 28 Blue skullcap 29 Boils 224 article useful in 62 Boneset 30 Borage 31 Bowel complaints, remedies use- ful in 24,406 Bronchitis 269 articles useful in.. .46, 110, 112 Brooklime 32 Bruises 324 remedies in 126, 150 Bryony 32 Burdock 33 Burns and scalds, articles useful in 14, 100, 331 Butter cup 34 Butternut 35 Cabbage 410 Cachexia, articles useful in 146 Calcined magnesia 406 Cancers, cures for 48, 150, 319 Canker, remedies for, 54, 6Q, 134, 148, 166, 323, 334, 338. Cardiac medicines 31, 91 Carminative powder 384 Carnation pink 44 Carrot 36 Castor oil 403 Cataplasm 145 Catarrh, articles useful in, 82, 96, 144, 352. Cathartics 86, 108, 368 Catnip 36 Cayenne pepper 37 Celandine 38 Centuary 38 Cephalic medicines 32, 44 | Cephalic snuff 118, 374 Chamomile 39 Chapped hands, remedy in 66 Chicken-pox 195 articles useful in 136, 332 Chickweed 40 Chilblains 254 remedy in 346 Cholera infantum, article useful in 413 Cholera morbus 218 remedies iu. . . .46, 52, 117, 335 Chorea 305 Chronic sores, remedies in, 44, 60, 88 Cinquefoil 41 Clary 42 Cleavers 43 Clover 45 Clysters 369, 385 Cod liver-oil 402 Coffee 411 Colds 258 articles useful in, 322, 330, 334 Colic 227 articles useful in, 52, 80, 118, 134. Colic-root 45 Colt's foot 45 Columbo 46 Comfrey 47 Composition 374 Compounds 317 Concussion of the brain 315 Confections 367, 370, 371, 377 Constipation 217 articles useful for 350, 413 Consumption of the lungs 286 articles useful for, 41, 46, 96, 138, 334. Contracted muscles or limbs, articles to relax. . . .76, 110, 156 Contusions 93, 158 Cordials, 367 379 Corns, remedy for, 335 Costiveness 334 Coughs 261 articles useful for, 42, 96, 102, 114, 261, 321, 324, 339, 343, 344, 346. Cramps, remedies for, 108, 150, 156, 335. Cranberry 48 Crane's-bill 49 INDEX. 445 Croup 268 remedies in 320, 331 Cucumber 401 Cutaneous diseases 350 articles useful in, 102, 140, 350, 352. Cuts, curatives in, 93, 112, 126, 158, 332. Cutting almond 50 Daisy 50 Dandelion 50 Deafness, remedies in 142, 341 Debility, medicines to obviate, 42, 138, 104, 160. Delirium, article useful in 138 Demulcents 381, 388 Deobstruents 74, 140 Detergent gargle 382 Detergents 150, 406 Diabetes 245 article useful in 117 Diaphoretics 84, 400 Diarrhea 213 remedies in... 42, 104, 323, 348 Dill 51 Dimness of sight 316 remedies in 78, 126 Directions relative to selecting and gathering plants, etc. . . . 388 Diseases of the heart 293 articles useful in 101, 136 Discutients * 104, 148, 158 Discutient ointments 76, 107 Diseases of the skin, remedies in 130, 148 Diuretics 52, 62, 102, 369 Doses of medicine 389 Dropsy... 311 articles useful in, 52, 61, 62, 117, 128, 144, 152, 320, 333, 339, 344. Drinks in fevers 318, 336, 345 Dry measure 390 Dwarf elder 52 Dysentery 214 articles useful in.. .42, 138, 346 Dyspepsia, articles useful in, 42, 98, 102, 134, 348. Dyspeptic bitters 378 Earache, remedies in 118, 340 Elder 52 Elecampane 53 Emetics .84, 93, 385 Emmenagogues, 52, 58, 102, 117, 120, 138, 146. Emollients 41, 166 Emollient gargle 382 Endive 54 Enlargment of the liver, reme- dies in 72, 100 Enteritis 212 Epilepsy 304 articles useful in, 42, 60, 108, 120, 138. Epsom salt 400 Erosions of the intestines, ar- ticle useful in 349 Errhines 42, 142 Erysipelas 198 articles useful in.. . .42, 48, 100 Escharotics 397, 399 Expectorants . .62, 84, 144, 375, 382 Eye-bright 55 Eyes, inflammation of the 307 remedies in. 52, 376 Eye-waters 50, 134 Fainting 310 remedies in 54, 134 Falling of the palate, medi- cines to obviate 108, 114 Falling sickness ; . . 304? articles useful in 114, 120 Febrifuges 33, 58, 152 Felon 224 remedy in 350 Female obstructions, articles useful in. .104, 106, 128, 150, 152 Fennel 56 Fern 57 Fevers, articles useful in, 122, 144, 152, 333, 346. Fevers * 176 bilious 181 irritative 178 intermittent 179 pernicious 183 typhoid 118 scarlet 197 yellow 185 Feverfew . . , . i 58 Filipendula 59 Films, articles to remove ... .38, 56 Fits 304 articles useful in . . .42, 60, 120 Flatulence 217 remedies in 80, 156, 351 446 INDEX F::ix;eei 412 F::::i v. eighis 391 Floor albus, articles usevi. for, 42, 406. Fomentations 58, 102, 370, 379 Foxglove 60 Freckles, articles useful iiL.170, 337 Fumitory 61 Fungous flesh, articles useful in 74, 398 Crashes, remedies in 94, 158 Gargles 166, 383 Garlic 62 Grastritis 2;r? Gentian ; 63 Giddine^ or vertigo, remedies in 64, 132 Ginseng 64 Glands, enlariiement of, reme- dies in " 112, 148 Golden-rod 64 Crolden-seal 65 Gold-thread 66 Goitre. 355 Gooseberrv 66 Gout . . .' 203 articles useful in 16, 341 Grape vine 67 Gravel, articles useful in, 52, 128, 146, 244, 342. Greek valerian. 68 Ground ivy 63 Ground pine 69 Groundsel 70 Hair, articles useful for the, 118. 133, 165. Hart's tongue. 71 Headache, articles nsefnl in. 120. 341, 349. Heart-bum 241 remedies in 241, 342 Heart's ease 71 Hedge hyssop 72 Hedge mustaid 72 Hemlock 74 Hemorrhage of the lungs 285 articles useful in. . . 96, 371, : ~ ~ Hemp Henbane. 7 Hepatitis 2 1 remedies ii. 72. 156 HerbKrber: , '. 77 Eer-e; z:;:er. reneiv i:: 42 E::::-izh, renelies in 56, 327 Eives 352 Hops 79 Hoarseness, remedies in, 42, 126, 136. Horehound 73 Horsemint 80 Horseradish 402 Hot drops 373 Houseleek 81 Hydragogues 72, 86 Hydrops 311 Hypochondriasis 146 H^ 8i Hrsteria, articles useful in, 104, 134, 144. Hysterics, articles useful in, 399, 409 Iceland moss 400 Icterus 233 Impurities in the blood, articles useful for 112, 117 Incontinence of urine 247 Increase the milk in nurses, medicines to 56 Incubus 309 Indian cup-plant 82 Indian Physic 83 Indigestion 211 articles useful in 38, 323 Indigo 84 Infusion of roses. 383 Inflammation, articles useful in, 48^ 54, 58, 84, 100, 126, 164, 351. Ire2~~2Ti?" : :e bladder. . . 244 :: - >-^els... 212 c: z. ... 2^ i 307 ;ievs.. 242 ::.*... 251 c: :-: : - ... 271 395 in... 46, 52 ..159.398 In-: ill £51 INDEX 447 Internal braises or injuries, | remedy in 54 ' Ipecacaanka 84 Irish naass 40() Itch 248 remedies in 42, 54, 112 Jalap 86 Jaundice 233 articles useful in, 42, 44, 102, i 120, 138, 148, 324. _ i Jumper 87 Kidneys, inflammation of 242 articles useful in 90, 325 i King's evil 222 | Knot grass 88 ; Lacteal profusion, article useful j in 154 I Lady's slipper 88 | Lameness, article useful in 126 ! Larkspur 412 | Lavender 89 ■ Laxatives 30, 387 Laxative enema. 384 Leopard's bane 397 Leprosy 117 Lettuce 90 Licorice 90 Life everlasting 91 ! Lily of the valley 911 Lime water, how to prepare - . . 380 I Liniments 372, 384 ! Liniment for burns 356 ; Linseed 412 ; Liver complaints, articles useful | in 90, 100, 114, 122, 136, 328 ; Liverwort 92 ^ Lobelia 93 | Lock-jaw, articles useful in, 328, 338 : Loosened teeth, remedies in, 49, 54 j Loosestrife 94 i Loss of voice, remedies in. 126, 410 j Lotions '.142, 372 I Lovage 95 Lungs, inflammation of the 271 Lungwort 96 Madder 96 Magnesia 406 Magnolia tree 97 Maidenhair 98 Male fern 57 Malignant ulcerous sore throat, remedies in 408, 415 Mallows 98 Mandrake 100 Mania, articles useful in, 88, 122, 138. Maple sugar. 407 Marigold 101 Marjoram 101 Marshmallow 99 Marsh-rosemary 102 Masterwort . . .' 103 May apple 100 Mayweed , 103 Measles 195 articles useful in 136, 327 Melancholy, remedies in .... 97, 124 MeHlot . . .' 104 Menstruation, profuse, articles useful in 65, 341 Mercurial dise^ises, articles use- ful in 154, 173 Mercurial ulcers in the mouth. . 415 Milk sickness 302 Milk-weed 105 Mortification, articles useful in, 84, 104, 146. Motherwort 106 Mugwort 107 Mulberry 108 Mullein". 109 Mumps 237 article useful for 332 Mustard 110 Mustard whey 374 Mvrrh ' Ill Narcotics 60, 76, 126, 369 Nausea, medicines to obviate, 76, 348 Xephritic complaints, articles useful for 64, 122 Xervines 58. 64, 76, 88 Nettle ' 112 Nettle rash 414 Neuralgia, remedies in 118, 347 Nightmare 309 remedy in 120 Night-sweats, remedial articles in 42, 58, 120, 309, 343 Oak 113 Obesity, article to reduce 56 Obstructed circulation, articles useful in 127, 160 Obstructions, articles to remove, 52, 56, 138, 160. Ointments 353 Olive or sweet oil 407 448 INDEX. Onion 114 I Ophthtilmia 307 Pain in the chest, remedies for 53, 120 Pain in the face, medicines to remove 342, 402 Pain in the bowels, articles use- ful for 120, 124, 144, 350 Pain in the joints 54 Pain in the teeth, remedies for 12G, 340 Pain in the ear, remedies for, G2, 115, 118. Painter's colic 230 Pal])itation of the heart, articles useful in 134, 327 Palsy 300 articles useful in . . 138, 324, 326 Paralysis, (see palsy.) Parsley . 15 Parturition, articles useful in, 24, 156 Pasque flower 116 Peach 117 Pectorals 62, 78, 166, 383, 369 Pellitory of Spain 118 ^ Pennyroyal 119 i Peony 120 Peppermint 121 Persimmon 412 Phthisis, articles useful in. . .99, 411 Piles 238 remedies in, 173, 323, 326, 328, 350. Pills 363 mildly purgative 365 laxative 365 asafoetida 365 antispasmodic 363 cathartic 364 compound cathartic 364 Pimpernel 121 Pink-root 409 Pipsissewa 169 Plantain 122 Plasters 380. 387 Pleurisv 273 remedies in 124, 144, 328 Pleurisy-root 124 Pneumonia - . 271 article useful in 144 Poisons 224, 225, 226, 318 Polypody 124 Polypus, article useful in 112 Poplar 125 Poppy 125 Poultices 145, 166 for abscess 386 for boil 386 Preventive against malignant fever 62, 348 Prickly ash 126 Prince's feather 406 Profuse menses, remedies in. .21, 42 Prolapsus uvula, remedies in,. 14, 72 Proud flesh, articles useful for, 74, 398. Psora 248 Pulmonary complaints, articles useful in 102, 349 Pulmonic sirup 372 Purgatives 376, 412 Purslain 127 Putrescence, articles useful in, 108, 154. Putrid sore throat 415 articles useful in 84, 404 Queen of the meadow 128 Queen's delight 129 Quince 130 Quinine 398 Quinsy 207 remedies in 42, 326 Radish 401 Raspberry 131 Rattleweed 24 Rattles in children 338 Red currant 395 Red lobelia 132 Red puccoon-root 27 Refrigerants 48, 369, 400 Remittent or bilious fever 181 Resolvents 74, 367 Rheumatism 200 articles useful in, 58, 98, 108, 134, 138, 144, 150, 325, 329, 344. inflammatory 347 Rhubarb 413 Rickets, articles useful in. . .403, 406 Ringworm, remedies in, 148, 158, 326. Ringworm of the scalp 250 remedy in 117 Rosemary 132 Roses 133 Rubefacients Ill, 134, 402 Rue 134 INDEX. 449 Rupture, articles useful in . . . 42,. 150 Saffron 135 Sage 136 Salivation, article useful in.... 154 Salt rheum 338 Salve 373,387 Sarsaparilla 139 Sassafras 139 Savine 140 Scabies 248 Scald head, remedies in, 117, 148, 164. Scarlatina 197 Scarlet fever, articles useful in, 84, 318 Scrofula 222 articles useful in, 60, 100, 106, 117, 148, 158, 170, 330, 337. Scrofulous sore eyes, article use- ful in 100 Scurvy 252 remedies in, 117, 142, 146, 148, 164, 325, 348. Scurvy grass 142 Sea sickness 209 Sedatives 88, 93 Self-heal 143 Seneka snake- root 143 Ssnna 14 Shingles, articles useful in 42 Shortness of breath, remedies in 80, 112 Sialogogues 118, 126 Sick headache 210 Sickness at the stomach, articles useful in 80, 330 Silk-weed 105 Sinapisms 34, 111 Sirup, alterative 140 Sirup, expectorant 408 Sirup of sarsaparilla 372 Skunk cabbage 144 Slippery elm 145 Small-pox 191 articles useful in 101, 136 Smart- weed 145 Snake bites, articles useful in, 62, 93 123. Soapwort 146 Solomon's seal 147 Soot 399 Sore eyes, remedies in 38, 94 Sore lips, remedies in 66 Sore mouth of nursing women. 206 Sore throat, remedv in 331 Sorrel I 148 Southern sorrel 149 Southernwood 150 Spasms, articles useful in 88, 405 Spearmint 151 Spikenard 151 Spitting of blood 281 articles useful in 54, 138 Splenetic affections, articles use- ful in 100, 125 Sprains 315 articles useful for, 126, 150, 326, 343. Squaw-root 24 Squill 152 Starch 399 Starch enema 384 Star-grass 413 Stimulants 80, 164 Stimulant liniment 372 St. John's wort 137 Stomachics 80, 130 Stomachic bitters 370 Stomach, inflammation of the. . 208 Strains, articles useful in. . .150, 171 Strangury, articles useful in, 150, 321 Strawberry 152 Strengthening plaster 380 Strengthening medicines. . . .98, 171 St. Vitus' dance 305 Styptics 108, 166 Succory 153 Sudorifics. . . .86, 119, 121, 145, 159 Sumach 154 Suppression of urine, articles useful in 128, 138 Sweet gale ' 155 Swellings 324 articles useful in, 50, "76, 100, 126, 138, 158. Swooning, articles useful in, 18, 54, 134. Synonyms 419 Tamarinds 396 Tansy 175 Tape-worm, articles useful in, 108 325. Tetters, articles useful in 38, 148 Thoroughwort 30 Thrush 205 remedy in 351 450 INDEX Thyme, 156 Tic doloureaux, remedies in, 402, 405 Tiger lily 157 Tinctures 357 Tinea capitis , 250 remedies in 117, 148 Toad flax 157 Tobacco 158 Tonics 58, 66, 172, 368 Tonic bitters 66 Toothache, articles useful in 126, 331 Toothache tree 126 Tormentil 159 Tulip tree 167 Tumors, articles useful in, 41, 100, 158, 332, 340. Typhoid fever 118 articles useful in 84, 408 Ulcers 255 articles useful in, 96, 112, 117, 154, 322, 332. Ulcers and pimples on the tongue 414 Ulceration of the lungs, articles useful in 134, 377 Urinary diseases, articles useful in 50,401 Vaccination 194 Vaccine 194 Valerian 160 Varioloid 195 Vermifuges.. . .62, 63, 117, 132, 376 Vertigo, remedies in 64, 132 Vervain 161 Vinegar 399 Vinegar enema 381 Vinegar of squill 381 Violet 161 Virginia snake-root 162 Volatile liniment 384 Vomiting, articles useful in, 52, 146, 156. Vulnerary medicines, 50,64,88,94,122 Wake-robin 163 Warts, articles useful in 38, 332 Water-cress 164 Weak nerves, articles useful in, 29, 330. Weak eyes, remedies in 322, 379 Weak stomach, articles useful in, 46, 58, 66, 102, 104, 118, 134, 156, 333 Weights and measures 390 Wetting the bed at night 339 Weld 165 White lily 165 White pond lily 166 White swelling, article useful in, 337 Whitewood 167 White willoAv 168 Whitlow 224 Whooping cough 265 articles useful in.. 144, 156, 335 Whortleberrv 167 W^ild cherryl 396 Wild ginger 169 Wine...'.' 404 Wintcrgreen 169 Woodbine 170 Worms 220 Worm remedies 62, 156, 336 Wormwood ... 171 Wounds, healing articles in, 50, 60, 65, 126, 138. Yam-root 172 Yarrow 172 Yeast 408 Yellow-dock 173 Yellow parilla 173 Yellow-root 174 Zinc ointment 354 B/\pVS TO physicia:n's atstd dealers. I WISH to remind you of the fact, that for years I have given my personal attention to purchasing and forwarding Drugs, Medicines, Store and Office Fixtures, Apparatus, Books, and every thing required by Physicians and Dealers in Medicine. My position as Professor of Materia Medica, and my long experience, enables me to select and purchase in such a manner that I will guarantee that all articles forwarded by me shall be of a satisfactory character, and at the lowest market price. Having no connection with any business house, I have all orders filled where I can purchase on the best terms, and my past experience, proves that my method of doing business has been highly satisfactory and a great saving of expense, as I fill a large or a small order on as good or better terms than the purchaser could obtain if he were present in person to make the selection, and thus I save him the time and expense of visiting the city. All orders should be accompanied with a remittance sufficient to fill it, except where goods are* to be sent by Express, when the Bill can be paid on delivery of the goods. Orders or letters of inquiry should be addressed to, DR. 0. H. CLEAYELAND. Cincinnati, Ohio. !N". B. — For my ability to give entire satisfaction to all, I refer to the Dealers and Druggists of this city, and to the many Physicians for whom I have made purchases. '■r^t ^ AV^t, u- "11 i^ ii3ti«*itiiitjuiat5fiti»iUU»iiil«aotiii«ili