THE YOUNG MOTHER AND NURSE'S ORACLE, FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE UNINITIATED. BY ANN H. AXLEN, CINCINNATI: PUBLISHED BY E. MENDENHALL, WALNUT STREET. 1858. Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the Year 1858, by ANN H. ALLEN AND E. MENDENHALL, In the Clerk's Office of the District Conrt, for the Southern District of Ohio. CONTENTS PAGE. Preface, - - 5 Curiosities of the Human Body, - 9 Introduction, - - 15 To Young Mothers, - 21 Pregnancy, m m - 22 Evidences of Pregnancy, - J*£ Duration of Pregnancy, - - 28 Diseases incident to Pregnancy, 30 The Preparation, - - 34 Obstetrics, - - 36 Duties of Nurses, ■ • - 57 Care of Patients, - 61 Care of the Infant, • - 69 The Breasts, - 76 The Lochia, - - 77 The Patient's Food, • 82 Education of Children, - - 90 Duty of the Accoucheur or Midwife, 106 Treatment after Delivery, - - 116 Diseases of Children, - 124 Recipes, - - 136 Pernicious Effects of Mercury in Various Dis- eases, iii - 155 4 CONTENTS. PAGE, On the Pernicious Effects of Blood-letting, 173 The Knife, or the Abuses in Surgery, - - 187 Medicines, ----- 201 Vegetable Materia Medica, - - - 205 Terms of Classification of Medicines, • 212 Remarks, ... 215 Botanical Synopsis of Plants occasionally used and recommended for further investigation, - 224 Air, ----- 257 Exercise, ..... 263 Sleep, ..... 072 Clothing, ..... 277 Tobacco, - 284 Glossary of Terms used in this Work, - - 291 PREFACE, In commencing this small volume, my design was to confine my remarks principally to mothers and their children, and nurses. Believing by recommending a careful attention to health (Hygeia,) or nature and her perfect lawgiver, who formed all things, and pro- nounced them good. I am confirmed in the belief that a remedy for any of our diseases, incident to climate, is to be found in the Vegetable Kingdom of that climate. And pursuing the subject, and consulting authors, of the different schools, I am surprised that even the use of calomel, the lancet and the knife, could have maintained such a general ascendency over the minds of the people as they have. For this course is so directly opposite to our nature, and the best physicians have always been those, who only assisted nature, to relieve her from disease and to cure, not those who would lay waste the powers of the human body. I have therefore given a synopsis of the medical V 6 PREFACE. qualities of many plants and their uses, in the dis- eases to which we are all liable. I have compiled some valuable information, from Dr. Webster Beach's American Practice. It is an excellent work, his pre- scriptions and method of treating disease is unsur- passed; and all persons who are interested in their own health should have a copy, and consult it when ill. It treats first of the description, symptoms, cause, treatment and regimen. This work consulted and followed, with good nursing, will enable us to admin- ister to our several wants, in the use of food and med- icine. Temperance in all things ; and sufficient ex- ercise and good air, and we shall require but little medicine. I have been long of the opinion that all persons who have lived to the age of forty years, should be their own physician. 11 As matters stand at present," says a writer, " it is easier to cheat a man out of his life, than of a shil- ling, and almost impossible to detect or punish the offender." Notwithstanding this, people still shut their eyes, and take every thing upon trust, that is administered by any pretender to medicine ; without daring to ask him a reason for any part of his con- duct. Implicit faith, every where else the object of ridicule, is still sacred here. It would certainly be PREFACE. 7 for our safety, to have some check upon the conduct of those, to whom we intrust so valuable a treasure as health." The veil of mystery which still hangs over medi- cine, renders it not only a conjectural, but even a suspicious art. This was long ago removed from the other sciences, which, induces many to believe that medicine is a mere trick, that it will not bear a fair and candid examination. Medicine, however, needs only to be better known, in order to secure the gen- eral esteem of mankind. Its precepts are such as every wise man would choose to observe, and forbids nothing which is incompatible with true happiness. Any man can tell when a medicine gives him ease, as well as a physician ; and if he only knows the name and dose of the medicine, and the nature of the disease, it is sufficient to perpetuate the fact. And the man who adds one single fact to the stock of med- ical observation, does more real service to the art, than he who writes a volume in support of some favo- rite hypothesis. No argument can be brought against laying open medicine, that does not apply with equal, if not with greater force, to religion ; yet experience has shown that since the laity have asserted their right of in- 8 PREFACE. quiry into these subjects, theology has been improved, and the interests of real religion have been promoted. It is irrational to trust our life, our happiness, or the salvation of our immortal souls, into the hands of any one; as we are accountable beings to God, in whom we live, move, and have our being. The Author. CURIOSITIES OF THE HUMAN BODY. It is established by chemistry that there are seven- teen elementary substances in the composition of the human body. More than nine-tenths of the whole bulk of the system is comprised of four gases, invisible, when in a free uncombined state, viz.: oxygen, hydrogen, carbon and nitrogen. Besides these substances, there is in every fall man, enough phosphorus and sulphur to tip a gross of friction matches ; enough potash, soda and lime, to form a lye sufficiently strong to bear up half a dozen eggs at once ; enough flint to load the lock of an old fashioned "Queen's arms ;" and enough copper to give a flea a hea- vier burden in proportion to its size, than was ever borne on the back of a camel. The entire body, or that part of it that possesses vitality, is but a collection of cells, each one of IX 10 CURIOSITIES OF THE HUMAN BODY. which is a mere round, pearl-colored bag, filled with fluid, and far too small to be seen by the naked eye, so small, in fact, that 12,000 of the smallest of them, could be strung on a single inch in length, of the thread of a spider's web. All the bones before birth are soft, like jelly, only 6 of the 246, which we find in the adult, being fully formed or ossified at birth ; these are the bones of hearing, three in each ear. Every bone in the body is in the immediate connexion with some other bone, except the hyoid bone, which is situated at the upper part of the wind pipe, just under the lower jaw ; its length is about two inches; but twenty-two muscles, six ligaments and one membrane, are attached to it. More than one-half of the substance of the bones is composed of the phosphate of lime, the substance about which so much has been said, as a remedy for consumption. Some physicians appear to have just discover- ed that phosphorus composes a part of the hu- man system, although the more scientific mem- CURIOSITIES OF THE HUMAN BODY. 11 bers of the profession have long used it with great advantage, especially in chemical union with iron. The muscles of the human body are somewhat over five hundred in number. Some of them, as on the back of an adult, are twenty- seven inches in length ; and some, as in the ear, not over the fourth of an inch long. Muscles are termed lean meat. Muscle is divided into fibres, which can be seen by the naked eye ; and place it in the field of a powerful microscope, we shall find that it is, in itself, a bundle of fibres, each of which is not more than a ten thousandth part of an inch in diameter, and some of them are even less than half that size. A noose form- ed by twisting fifty of these fibres together, would be too small to be seen by the naked eye. Could we but unravel the fibres of a single cubic inch of clean muscle, they would be found to stretch out over six thousand miles in length. Could all the muscular fibres of an adult be placed in a continuous fine, they would form a thread which would reach more than four hun- 12 CURIOSITIES OF THE HUMAN BODY. dred times round our globe, or 10,000,000 of miles. Chemically examined, dried blood and dried muscle are found to be precisely the same. The little glands that produce the sweat, are situated just beneath the cuticle, or skin. Each gland sends up through the skin a little tube, about a quarter of an inch long, through which the sweat is poured out. These glands number about 2,500 in a square inch of the palms of the hands and soles of the foot ; and about 2,800 in a square inch of the remainder of the surface of the human body. The total number of pores, therefore, in the human system, is about seven millions ; and the total length of all the tubes, through which the sw T eat is poured out, is nearly tw T enty-eight miles. The weight of the brain and spinal of the male, ranges between forty-six and fifty-three ounces ; that of the female is often found as low as forty- one ounces. In man one thirty-sixth of the whole is brain ; yet it receives one-sixth of the blood of the entire system. Surrounding and CURIOSITIES OF THE HUMAN BODY. 13 withm the convolution of every healthy vein, there is abou: two ounces of water. The process through which sound is communicated to the brain is very curious ; the ear is divided into three parts — external, middle and internal ear, or porch to the house in which sits the god of listening. Every sound, as we all very well know, spreads out upon the air, in an undulatory or w T avy manner, just as when we cast a stone into the stream, certain waves are produced, which spread out in constantly widening cir- cles. This wave in the air enters the ear, and raps as it were upon the little door, called the membrana tympani, which is situated at the bot- tom of the external ear. Within the middle chamber, and on the inner side of this door, stand those three little bones, which act the part of servants in the hall, to communicate the mes- sage to the brain. No sooner then, does a sound rap upon this door, than the mallet or hammer, the handle of which is fastened upon the inner side of the door, strikes a blow 7 upon the anvil. 14 CURIOSITIES OF THE HUMAN BODY. The anvil throws all of its burthen into the bone called the stirrup, to which it is fastened by a ring, to the oval window, which opens into the internal ear, to vibrate, and thus tells the story to the nerves which surround it, and through them it is communicated to the brain. INTRODUCTION Kings were the physicians of the ancients, and their teachers in medicine ; and of such import- ance, in olden times, was a knowledge of the human body regarded that it formed the last and holiest rite of the magic taught in the 'Egyp- tian temples. Esculapius, a physician of eminence, became the god of medicine for the Greeks. Hygeia one of his four daughters was elevated by the ancients to the rank of goddess of health. It was thought to be the duty of the physician to prevent disease as well as to cure it ; and a foil expression was given to this sentiment by place- ing the daughter with the father on the same monument. Several works of art now remain- ing, have both figures thus represented. Of late years the moderns, equally with the ancients, have felt the necessity of the proper xv 16 INTRODUCTION. teaching and observance of the laws of health ; and they have become a distinct branch of med- ical science under the name of Hygiene. These laws show the indications of nature; and the danger of deviating from those indica- tions in every period of life ; beginning with in- fancy, and ending with the alloted span of human existence. Commencing with the young infant, they show that from the softness of every part, and its inability to bear the least fatigue, it should be allowed as much rest and be handled as little as possible. As the brain is a most delicate organ, it is proper the infant should be in an upright position a part of the time. It will begin of itself to move about and play as soon as its muscles are strong enough to exer- cise without injury. Only fluids, as milk, are required before the teeth protrude through the gums ; but as these appear the diet may grad- ually change to more solid food. Now is the time to pay more attention to the formation of regular habits or hours for sleep, meals, and INTRODUCTION. 17 play. Washing every morning in cold water ; limited to the simplest articles of diet, and per- mitted free exercise in the open air and in loose clothes ; it grows strong and hardy, and in a few years is old enough to commence learning the alphabet with advantage. Hygeia still continues her supervision, points out the fact that the brain and nervous system, are yet very soft, and can endure at first, only a small degree of exertion, and that they are but strained by directing the child to objects of sense. She shows the morning to be the best time for severe exertion, leaving the lighter studies for the afternoon; that two or three hours attention in school are enough for young children; as they grow older, gradually extending the period to five or six hours. The school-room should be in a pleasant loca- tion, where the sun may shine into it at all hours of the day ; curtains and blinds of course pre- venting inconvenience to the pupils. It should be thoroughly ventilated and comfortably furnished 18 INTRODUCTION. with seats, arranged that the feet may touch the floor, and with backs to rest against. Teachers alternating the exercises to prevent sitting or standing too long at a time, and allow intervals of play. Children can only he taught the right con- struction of words in sentences, by imitation; when the expression is erroneous, the parent or teacher should correct, and make them repeat the whole again. They receive at an early age an impression that lasts through life, and due attention to this matter in youth will not only prevent the necessity of much unlearning when they are about to appreciate the rules of gram- mar ; but also lay a sure foundation for elegant writing and conversation in all future time. Peace of mind and cheerfulness, are the conse- quences of such discipline. Obedience and re- spect are freely yielded to teachers, and there is shown a sincere desire to act up to their duties on all points. As the character is gradually forming, habit makes self-denial easy ; the things INTRODUCTION. 19 of time are studied in their true contrast with those of eternity. They are aware that He who formed the lily, and lent its perfume to the rose, has not given them perception of the beautiful in vain, and that taste is to be exercised in both dress and deportment ; but they also know that the "ap- parelling of the spirit/' is to be mainly sought after, and with measures founded on true Chris- tian models, are not ashamed to be singular in doing right TO YOUNG MOTHERS. Feeling for you a deep interest, and a corres- ponding sympathy for yourselves and your pre- cious offspring, was an inducement for me to undertake to suggest many things for your bene- fit, that my humble experience * has tested the worth of. And which, if strictly attended to, will greatly lessen the amount of human suffer- ing, and increasing our happiness with the enjoy- ment of health. For the invaletudinary cannot enjoy the many comforts, with which she may be surrounded. And with care and prudence, with the enjoyment of air, and proper exercise, a woman's health may be good in the main, un- til of an advanced age, although the mother of a large family. It is expected and confidently hoped that she is blessed with a kind and judicious husband, xxi 22 PREGNANCY. that participates with her in all of her joys and sorrows ; and therefore the state of pregnancy is one of deep interest to him as well as to her. I say interesting, because there is no time in wo- man's life, when she is so lovely in her appear- ance, as when she is growing into the maturity of motherhood. It is then that female beauty as- sumes the greatest dignity. PREGNANCY. During this period in the extreme effort of na- ture, the common functions of the body are, in a measure, thrown out of their • ordinary chan- nel, and the irritability of the nervous system is such, that she requires during this season, all of the sympathy and kindness of her husband and friends, and to use (for the sake of her offspring,) great patience ; yet philosophy, and a firm trust in the good and kind providence of God, who comforts and sustains all, who put their trust in Him. In this delicate situation, the stomach may point out the proper kind of aliment to be PREGNANCY. 23 used ; which, to reason upon the subject, would appear very objectionable ; perhaps in fruits or drinks, in quantity or quality ; but use sufficient to satisfy the longing, for your particular circum- stances demand it Yet it is important to guard yourself against an active imagination for far stretched indulgences j and be as reasonable and rational as possible, without endangering your peace and happiness, and the welfare of your off- spring. . The mind, the gem of immortality, should be kept as comfortable and easy as your situation will permit. Never allow yourselves to go a sight-seeing on any account ; and guard your- selves as much as possible against unpleasant sights ; and if met with accidentally, do not suf- fer the mind to dwell upon the object ; but ban- ish it in some way, as often as it presents itself to your imagination ; great injury often results, from dwelling on shocking sights, to the precious offspring ; whereas, with prudent care, it might have been avoided. 24 EVIDENCES OF PREGNANCY. EVIDENCES OF PKEGNANCY. Many young women, after marriage, are very desirous of knowing whether their case is of that " delicate nature/' there is no one thing that can justly be denominated an unequivocal sign of pregnancy. And it is only by a judicious com- parison of the different phenomena, that it is known to exist, as signs of that situation that we will be enabled to obtain satisfactory evidence of its existence. It is true that there are several peculiarities accompanying gestation, almost from the very commencement, but they cannot be relied on separately as proof, because they are known to exist under other circumstances, as characteris- tic of other peculiar conditions of the system, and evidences of the existence of some diseases peculiar to the female sex. For instance, a sup- pression of the menses, is one of the most une- quivocal signs of pregnancy, and that on which we generally place the greatest reliance, and EVIDENCES OF PREGNANCY. 25 from which we usually reckon, as to the time of our confinement ; but a suppression of the menses we do know, is produced by a variety of other causes, so that alone, it cannot be relied on as indubitable evidence. Morning sickness, irritability and peevishness of temper, are also reckoned among the signs of pregnancy ; but they are not proof of this condition, because they are known to exist as symptoms of disease in both sexes. An enlargement of the breast, with a tender- ness, and sometimes darting pains, is generally indeed, usually produced by pregnancy. But these symptoms are frequently connected with, and are evidences of a diseased condition of the uterus. A darkened and enlarged areola, or circle around the nipple, is also an evidence that con- ception has taken place, and to those who notice the change minutely, it is, with the increased size of the breast, a good sign ; but some expe- rience is necessary to make it of much practical 26 EVIDENCES OF PREGNANCY. advantage in determining the point in question. While therefore it is admitted that all of the foregoing symptoms taken separately, do not furnish indubitable evidence of pregnancy ; yet, nevertheless, when all of these signs are present in any one female, whose general health was not much interrupted previous to the suppression of the Catamenia, they may be considered, at least strong presumptive proof that she will be a mother ; as they have rarely, if ever been known to all exist in any other condition of the system. And yet there are many freaks in nature, I have been told by mothers, that in that state, the smell of a rose would make them sneeze, but in no other. And in that condition, myself with five children, I have never been similarly affect- ed, but which I attributed to a change in my system. Quickening, or perception of the first move- ments of the child, is considered the most cer- tain sign, but even this sensation may be pro- duced by the action of wind in the bowels, ex- EVIDENCES OF PREGNANCY. 27 citing a convulsive motion, like that produced by the foetus; but an experienced woman could hardly mistake the one for the other, and yet it is often the case that they do. Quickening us- ually occurs about the end of the fourth calen- dar month, or eighteen weeks, and is demonstra- tive evidence of the existence of a child in the womb. The abdomen generally beginning to enlarge gradually after the fourth month. The womb having previously been confined in the pelvis below the brim, now rises out of it, and enters the cavity of the abdomen, where it increases in size with the growth of the child, until the period of gestation is completed, when by the established laws of nature, it begins to contract upon its contents, which contraction continues until the child and its appendages are expelled from the uterus, when it leaves the ca- vity of the abdomen, and descending again into the pelvic regions, to perform Its original func- tions. 28 DURATION OF PREGNANCY. DURATION OF PREGNANCY. The usual time allowed for the completion of gestation, is forty weeks, or nine calendar months. It is rarely the case that it continues longer .han forty weeks from the time of conception; and but seldom consummated in a much shorter time, unless by accident, when it is termed abortion. Premature births often occur in cases of the first child ; where young mothers have not had proper instruction. To prevent such a misfortune, (as the birth of my two first children were both premature,) a liniment of sweet oil and brandy was recommended to me, of equal quantity, leaving room in the bottle to shake it, as it will separate by stand- ing. This was of great service to me, as I got through ever after safely; this or some emollient liniment, I would recommend to all mothers to use, af:er the sixth month, to the abdomen, at least once in twenty- four hours. It has a strengthening and soothing effect at DURATION OF PREGNANCY. 29 the time, and facilitates parturition. And a comfortable state of the bowels should also be carefully maintained. If the use of fruits, and corn or brown bread, will not keep them in a proper state, the ground slippery elm, (a tea- spoonful to a tumbler of water) mixed and drank quickly, two or three times a day, may answer the purpose. But if with every atten- tion to diet, avoiding cheese, toast, crackers, and rice, boiled milk, etc., etc., the constipation con- tinues, I found great relief, from the use of sen- na and manna. Take a pint jelly cup, (and if in warm weather,) fill only one quarter with sen- na and manna, and half full of boiling water, and place either on a hot hearth or stove, as you would tea to draw, fifteen or twenty minutes, then set it away to cool, and drink two or three good swallows on retiring at night ; and if ne- cessary, on getting up in the morning. When the bowels are in a proper state, the sickness of the stomach is greatly mitigated. But there is too much authority, not to believe that parturi- 30 DISEASES INCIDENT TO PREGNANCY. tion may not even be delayed until the forty- fifth week. On the other hand, it is a pretty well established fact, that the term of gestation may be completed in thirty-seven or eight weeks from the time of conception, so that a perfect child may be expelled two or three weeks be- fore the termination of the ninth month. DISEASES INCIDENT TO PREGNANCY. Were we all to use proper diet and exercise, with care, we would suffer comparatively but little by pregnancy. Civilization and fashion have produced a train of diseases, of a serious nature, to our sex, such as the projection or falling of the womb, even among our young unmarried females, which were never known in my youthful days ; when the sj: inning-wheel was in general use, instead of the piano-forte. But this is a day of fast travel- ing in all ways, and if the other sex were not fast in their ways, they might get the chance of DISEASES INCIDENT TO PREGNANCY. 31 having two or three wives in this day of luxury and fashion. Some women suffer very little during this de- licate state of the system, but most women suf- fer from sickness after conception, more or less, for three months, and are then quite relieved ; while in other cases, they are more or less afflic- ted with sickness, the whole time of gestation, being incapable of retaining the least thing on their stomachs, and are thereby reduced to a state of extreme debility. But I am happy to say this is rarely the case. I know one in this city, but she got through well, and was blessed with a fine healthy boy, and her own health was much improved by the whole operation. Dur- ing the last three months, or third stage of preg- nancy, general uneasiness, restlessness, (particu- larly at night), especially if the bowels are cos- tive, swelling of the feet and ankles, cramps in the lower limbs, and a difficulty of retaining the urine for any length of time, varicose swellings of the abdomen and lower extremities, together 32 DISEASES INCIDENT TO PREGNANCY. with the piles, often prove troublesome ; and the heartburn is also a great affliction to many. But I found great relief from using only such aliment as agreed with my stomach, at that time I could use nothing sweet, and neither tea nor coffee, etc. Sometimes the common magnesia has relieved the heartburn ; and if that fails, a teaspoonful of carbonate of magnesia, taken in a little milk or syrup, the neutralizing mixture is a great remedy for some ; a glass of Sarato- ga Water is a relief to some. When there is a sense of fulness in the head, with a headache and giddiness, reduce the sys- tem by dieting, and a common dose of physic ; but do not be bled. Also bathe the head and feet in salt and water, and apply mustard plas- ters to the soles of the feet. A vegetable and spare diet should be strictly adhered to ; which will prevent the necessity of bleeding. For restlessness and want of sleep, a hop- pillow, and a little of the tincture of hops taken in milk or syrup, on retiring, is a great DISEASES INCIDENT TO PREGNANCY. 33 relief to some, after good exercise through the day. False pains, resembling those attendant upon actual labor, are apt to come on at a late period of pregnancy; often occasioning great alarm. After shaking up the liniment, pour out a suffic- ient quantity to bathe, then add to that a tea- spoonful of laudanum, and bathe the back and thighs, (and if not costive,) the abdomen, and take a recumbent position, and if possible go to sleep, and it will pass over ; but if costive, take some laxative medicine, and after an operation, perhaps an anodyne, if not relieved. For the suppression of urine, take equal quantities of the spirit of mint and sweet nitre, add a little gum of camphor ; of this take a tea- spoonful every hour until relieved. Barley tea is also good, also fomenting the bowels with hops and vinegar. Should these remedies fail, recourse must be had to use a female catheter. When an un- usual palpitation of the heart occurs during 34 THE PREPARATION. pregnancy ; it is usually from a disordered state of the stomach, which must therefore be cleansed by moderate doses of physic. THE PREPARATION. With what animation and delight the shopping cutting, making and preparing is carried on by the young mother. " And hope, like the rainbow's vision of light, Is born like the rainbow in tears." How feelingly I do enter with her into all of her arrangements, remembering my own intense interest, and happiness, in doing all things in my power, for the comfort of the expected visi- tor : and after the whole arrangement was com- pleted, and a drawer contained the complete outfit, one suit was selected and laid by itself, (we did not know the convenience of a basket in those days,) to be used upon the occasion, and that was the best model suit, and to descend to the wearer. The cushion for baby occupying a conspicuous position in the drawer. THE BASKET. 35 My own was a large dove-colored silk velvet, one side, the other white lutestring, and these words were marked with red marking thread : Welcome, welcome, Little stranger. I might in justice too, have added, "to this busy world of care," but that they find sufficient- ly soon, coming from so warm a climate, if it is in warm weather, how cold this world is to them. More on this subject. The Basket — Should contain an entire suit of clothing, selected for the occasion, which should contain a pinning-blanket, (or burrow coat as the southerners say,) the fashion to the contrary notwithstanding. For comfort is indispensable to the health of the little one, whose very existence and life, seem to hang upon a slender thread. And if there is a human being that commands my ten- derest regards, it is a new r ly born infant. But let us return to the basket, which should also contain a roll of old thick linen for the na- 36 OBSTETRICS. vel, and some old flannel to use as cloths for oil- ing, etc. Also some good soap, old castile, a pin cushion containing small pins for the infant, and large stout ones for the mother ; and an in- fant's powder box, an ivory comb of sufficient size. There are few infants but have sufficient hair to require a fine comb to cleanse their head from the greasy mucus that surrounds it. The bands (called belly bands) should be of flannel, of a proper size, turned down an inch at the sides, and two or three inches at the ends, and either cross-stitched or cat-stitched down. In one of the pockets of the basket, some small strong braid or twine, a pair of sharp scis- sors, and some mutton tallow. It would also be well to have a few common napkins or towels handy, or in the basket, for the use of the ac- coucheur, in the time of labor. OBSTETRICS. It is humbling to my best sense of propriety to feel the incompetence of our own sex to afford OBSTETRICS. 37 the necessary aid to each other at this trying time, that tries the system and soul of woman. And I hope, and confidently believe a change will take place in this custom, and is called for. Formerly, matrons assisted in all cases ; it was even thought indelicate, even a violation of de- cency, to consult a man on these occasions. Scarcely an instance was there known of a wo- man dying in child-bed, and the loss of a child was a rare circumstance ; but in the present time, it is no unusual occurrence. No man ac- coucheur ought to be employed, but one of tried experience, and one of good principles. I have known bad cases, where young medical men have been impatient to close such an unpleasant scene, in closing the life of their patients. It is extremely unpleasant, even to us females, to be only a spectator of such an event as par- turition, and how much more so for a male. But I shall ever remember, with a grateful recollec- tion, the delicacy, patience, forbearance, kindness and skill of some of the physicians I have met 38 OBSTETRICS. with in this city ; and wish there were more of the same class, to practice obstetrics. But I am of opinion that there are some physicians who would be happy to resign their practice in mid- wifery, if they could do so to competent female accoucheurs. This has been a painful subject to me, since in early life, with my first child in my sixth month; I took a severe pleurisy, and having a strong constitution, the conflict was severe ; an old experienced physician was called, he said a fever was seated, and through copious bleeding, a premature birth was produced. I was young, but nothing could induce me to have a male at- tendant, and the midwife did not succeed in withdrawing the placenta, and I had two physi- cians before it was removed, and it remained thirty-eight hours then, notwithstanding; and they were old practitioners. I have always been opposed to the presence of many, on such an occasion, and ever felt happy to be exempted from being present ; yet I have no recollection OBSTETRICS. 39 of refusing my assistance in such a casa As far as I know, I have done all in my power, for my suffering sex ; and I have, in this city, in a case of protracted labor, been obliged to act as accoucheur, and the child was born in the absence of the doctor, with the umbilical cord twice around the neck ; he was black in the face, but I removed the cord, and after two or three sprinklings with water, restored the child, and the doctor came and took the placenta, and all was well. I have been inquired of, if I would act in those cases having a doctor in the house, which I have ever refused to do. Firstly, I felt the compensation too small for the labor and the risk. And if my patient's mind was not en- tirely at rest in the belief of my qualifications, it would operate in an unfavorable manner upon her. But a female accoucheur that has borne children, has personal experience, such as a man can never acquire, acknowleged by Dr. Dewees and others. And the care of the mother and infant is much better under her supervision, hav- 40 OBSTETRICS. ing passed through the same scenes hereelf. u The attendance of one female on another, is all that is required in the views of many nations at the present day, and even in one of the most difficult of cases, one that has been shown about as a wonder, I mean the Siamese twins, the phe- nomena were brought into the world, by female aid only, without instruments. Ancient histo- rians only mention the assistance of females ; I will just call to remembrance the Old Testament account, that when Pharoah ordered the mid- wives to destroy the male children of the He- brew women : " But the midwives feared God, and did not as the King of Egypt commanded them, but saved the male children alive." Therefore God dealt well with the midwives and gave them houses. 'Tis humiliating to learn from authen- tic sources, that the person who changed this con- sistent order of propriety, w r as the mistress of Louis the Fifteenth of France (Mad. Pompadour) and the male attendant was ushered into her OBSTETRICS. 41 apartment, from a secret entrance in the most private manner. From the French, it was acloptr ed at the English Court and we are copyists of these two nations. Dr. Buchan, a member of the Royal College of physicians in Edinburgh, and who, in fifty years' practice, endeavoured to extirpate some of the craft and mystery from medical practice, especially in midwifery, makes this assertion : " Nature, if left to herself, will seldom fail to expel the foetus, so that, according to the doctor, it is not leaving nature to her- self if she fails to expel the child from the womb. It is important to keep up the strength of the female as she advances in pregnancy, so that at the time of labor she may be in possession of all her powers. To effect this, she should use proper diet and exercise, and medicine from time to time, as they will carry off the humours that weaken the system: they will also open the pores and keep the body in a good state of perspira- tion during labor, and prevent severe after-pains. I have witnessed numerous instances, and 42 OBSTETRICS. Know from experience, as well as many others on record, that the vegetable medicines are all the medicines required during pregnancy, wheth- er a fulness or determination of blood in the early stages, accompanied with nausea, or cost- iveness, or as is sometimes the case, relaxedness in the latter stages. Experience teaches us, that proper regimen and gentle cleansing medi- cines are the reasonable and natural methods to keep the blood in healthy action, and the mind temperate and calm. A contented mind is a prelude to a safe delivery. "So long as there is no obstruction or hinderance to the operations of nature, she performs her work with unerring pre- cision. " In case of any obstructions, a female may require assistance, but never more than females can give. Obstructions will be very rare where the practice now recommended is pursued. Sufficient can be shown to satisfy the most skep- tical that men are inefficient as midwives. It is not by a familiarity with rules alone, that a OBSTETRICS. 43 knowledge of the practice of midwifery is to be obtained. It is not sufficient to have a knowl- edge of, and exact acquaintance with, the struct- ure, situation, and functions of the different org- ans, which constitute the living body. It is not sufficient to have surmounted the disgust, diffi- culty, and fatigue, which must necessarily be en- dured by such as investigate the cold remains of mortality, and with a view to learn from the dead body, the structure of the living. It is not this that makes a successful assistant in labor or in the practice of medicine. This study on the dead has often led to scientific operations on the living, to the prejudice of both mother and child. This scientific parade and useless number of attendants have been more injurious than no at- tention at all. This was the case of the Princess Charlotte of England, wife of Prince Leopold, now king of the Belgians. It was in a measure the indecent presence of the ministers of State, who, with royal physici- 44 OBSTETRICS. ans are obliged by law to be present at the ac- couchement of a royal princess, that brought on that anxiety of mind and excessive fatigue, fol- lowed by haemorrhage and convulsions, and ter- minated in a fatal syncope, which all of their united skill, it appears, could neither prevent nor cure. I quote this case, because the rank of the sufferer made it a matter of public notoriety, although far from being a solitary instance of females who have died from the excitement and distress occasioned by the unseemly presence of too many attendants." "The employment of men as midwives, in addition to the reasons previously stated, is tol- erated on the ground that it is difficult to find females who have studied the subject sufficiently to aquit themselves with propriety. This may be an evil, but it is not without a remedy. When females bave a sufficient inducement in the shape of a remuneration, it will be more respected as an occupation, and cause many intelligent females better qualified to follow midwifery as a profes- OBSTETRICS. 45 sion, who now are deterred by the fact, that the male practitioner receives the credit, and the greater part of the emolument, while indifferent wages, and the drudgery part only are the lot of the females." "The essential requisites in a female prac- titioner are patience, attention, cleanliness, and watchfulness, accompanied with experience and that presence of mind which are peculiar to a well-regulated woman. The work must be left to nature. Labor is a natural act. It does not require the interference of art for its pro- motion or accomplishment. We have been told of the improvements made in this branch of medical science ; but it is notorious that, as the science of anatomy advanced to what is called its present splendid development, labors were thought by the professors to be more difficult, and needed medical assistance to protect." "But this is easily refuted by fact, by referring the reader to the quick and very easy deliveries which the Indians in this country are well known 46 OBSTETRICS. to have. They use as a liniment bears oil, and when the pangs of parturition come on them, they fly to solitude and retirement, and refuse the assistance of either male or female, and a speedy labor and a quick return to convales- cence are the result of leaving nature to her unassisted operation." This is also the course pursued by the women at the South, and indeed, in every part of the globe, where what the doct- ors call great ignorance prevails. u But they are also in happy ignorance of the separation of the bones of the pelvis, the inversion of the uterus, and the numerous excruciating tortures and fetal results which have followed the unne- cessary deliveries by instruments and the hasty efforts of some male practitioners. The Caesar- ian operations is unknown to them, and those useless and cruel experiments which have been brought into practice, because the powers of nature were not understood, and the powers of art too much relied on." After nine years' close observation, and prac- OBSTETRICS. 47 tice, as a successful nurse in this city, I ever found the most successful practitioners, were those who inspired confidence, and hope, in their afflicted patients, but left nature free in her op- erations, until necessity compelled them to inter- fere. And those were old experienced accouch- eurs, and men of feeling, and good established religious principles. I think it a great blessing «m these days of excitement, when physicians are sent for on every minor occasion, when rest, and proper aliment, would be all that was necessary in their case, at the time ; that the physician should be a man that " would do as he would be done by," and prescribe in that feeling even at the risk of offending his employer. That he may not be like the man who said, " I was well, I took physic, and now here I am." At best we are poor creatures, let us cultivate patience and a firm trust in God, so much wanted in this day of wild speculation in all things, yes even in that which deeply concerns the situation of an immortal soul. I am equally afraid of old, as 48 OBSTETRICS. well as of young physicians, having known old ones called in council, that recommended the wrong course, which not being attended to, the dear mother and child got safely through the trying scene, by the patience and skill of the at- tending physician. And in my humble experi- ence, I am not conscious of ever having being present where instruments were brought into use but once, and that, even not in this city ; but th^ mother and child did well. I could quote much authority, and many authors, from the different schools, which practice obstetrics, as well as medicine, who enforce the propriety of female accoucheurs. But fashion, and the want of con- fidence in their skill is the great barrier to a successful effort. But my dear young mothers calmly reflect on the impropriety of banishing your husband from the room, and admitting a man-midwife. Some physicians have renounced the practice, as lead- ing to impurity. Yes, some affirm it to be, the secret of adultery. OBSTETRICS. 49 At least it is extremely disagreeable to a deli- cate mind ; I always felt deeply for them, as well as for my patient and myself, and I must confess myself to have been misinformed in one thing, supposing the doctor could change the position of the child, if it is presented wrong. I was always anxious for an early investigation for that purpose. But an old midwife who brought her Credentials from the Edinburgh University informed me, that was mostly a means to delude the unwary ; that all accoucheurs know that when they could ascertain the posi- tion, it would endanger the life of the patient, as well as the child, to change it. She said she had officiated in more than fifteen hun- dred cases, and in the whole of her practice she had only twelve breech presentations, and very few feet or arms, and mostly all did well. I thought her skilful, but her washing and dressing the infant, were not well done ; she was not cleanly. Cleanliness in all of its branches 5 50 OBSTETRICS. is an important requisition in a sick room : I think her fee was ten dollars. I will close my remarks on Obstetrics, by quoting from Dr. Beach's American Practice and Family Physician : " Women, in general, are ignorant of partu- rition and delivery. Almost all of them are un- der the impression, that labor is completed more by art than nature ; hence the most noted ac- coucheurs are employed to attend during this interesting period ; and professional men, in general, have no wish to undeceive them on this subject, as their interest is too much con- cerned. I have often been astonished to see the credulity and ignorance manifested on these oc- casions. Thanks and blessings have been pour- ed upon me, under the idea that I had saved their lives in labor, when I had merely looked on, and admired the perfectly adequate power of nature, and superintended the efforts of her own work ; and it is nature that accomplishes OBSTETRICS. 51 all ; while the accoucheur gets the credit of it. There is not one case in a thousand, in which you can do more than remain a silent spectator except to calm the fear of the timid attendants. The mischief and injury that is done by the untimely interference of art, is incalculable." u In pregnancy, women are bled until they have not strength enough to accomplish delive- ry ; and when it takes place, the forceps or other instruments are used ; which often prove fetal to the mother or child, or both. " Were all women properly instructed in this branch, many lives would be saved ; and it is in this branch, that I wish to see a reform, as well as in other branches of medicine. All wo- men ought to be instructed in midwifery, and those of a proper turn of mind, should be well qualified to act in the capacity of midwives ; no man should ever be permitted to enter the apartment of a woman in labor, except in con- sultation on an extraordinary occasion. The practice is unnecessary, unnatural, and wrong. 52 OBSTETRICS. " And now reader, if I have succeeded in awak- ening your attention and enlisting your feelings on a subject important to you. to me, to all our fellow-creatures. Reader ! if you be a woman, forget that I am a man ; if a man listen to me as you would to a brother. Let us converse, not as men, not as w r omen, but as human beings, with common interests, instincts, wants, weak- nesses. Let us converse without prejudice, and without passion, let the poet's exhortation be ap- plied to the investigation." " Retire • the world shut out, thy thoughts call home ; Imagination's airy wing repress • Lock up thy senses, let no passion stir, Wake all to reason, let her reign alone." u I may invoke your aid in carrying out the great principles I advocate, namely, of insuring your greater safety at the hour of trial ; and the future health and happiness of yourselves and little ones, and the banishment from your bed-side of the anomaly so offensive to the re- fined delicacy of j^our natures, the man-midwife, and the substitution of a qualified female in his OBSTETRICS. 53 place. Well assured am I, from a long inter- course with my fellow-men, that if you will but allow your own feelings of self-respect to exercise their due influence, and induce you to proclaim your reluctance (rather your abhorrence) to have the privacy of such sacred moments invaded by the disgusting presence of a strange man (ex- cept on extraordinary occasions) your husbands will be foremost to second you in your good resolutions and in securing your welfare, and will not fail to appreciate, by their increased re- gard for you, the aspirations of such true deli- cacy." Before confinement, if the bowels are not free, a fall large enema should be taken, it will facili- tate parturition and greatly relieve the patient. Calculation is now necessary to arrange the bed- covering, in such a way that we can add or di- minish without endangering the health of the patient. If in winter, a thick comfortable is not proper, but a thin one with blankets. The bed in all cases, should be a mattress, it is more 54 OBSTETRICS. easily adjusted and comfortable, then a thick comfortable spread entirely over, then the oil cloth, on the side to be occupied by the patient, and afler the sheet is spread over an amount of sufficient texture, (either a small comfort or blanket) to absorb all things, and a thick folded sheet over that, and then the covering for the bed. The clean clothing of the patient (night gown and chemise) may be put on, and the others slipped off the shoulders but kept on, and the clean kept up until after parturition, and a folded sheet under all, fastened, to be easily re- moved, that the patient can then be made com- fortable without exposure or a check to the perspiration ; a simple broad piece of russia lin- nen is the best for bandages, nicely pinned, as I am of opinion that a sudden check of this perspiration is often the cause of puerperal fever. The nurse should have in readiness, if in sum- mer, a flannel petticoat and cotton sheet for the infant, if in cold weather a blanket four double, OBSTETRICS. 55 in folds, and receive the infant from the accouch- eur in the petticoat, and cover head and all up, and wrap the sheet or blanket well around, al- ways leaving an open breathing place ; and if the weather is cold all of those things should be warm; then lay the infant comfortably away and attend to the Doctor, having seen all was ready (chamber, etc.,) for the placenta (or after birth) and the bandage adjusted ; when at liberty, and the room in good condition, get all things in readiness for washing and dressing the infant as quick as possible, and do it well ; (work once w T ell done, is reputed to be twice done) but in this case, I think it is four times done Hence a piece of old holland linen when doubled about six inches square, cut a hole in the centre the size of the end of your thumb, and oil the hole, and arrange the articles for dressing and all in readiness be- fore uncovering the infant at all ; then having the water a proper warmth and soaped ; your oil or lard ready, take a small piece of the flan- nel dip it in the oil and gently oil the face, eyes, 56 OBSTETRICS. ears, head, around the neck, and arm pits plenti- fully and also the groins and under the knee . keeping the infant as well covered as you consist- ently can ; after oiling, then with a larger piece of flannel commence with the face, (as before, and suffer no bright light to come to the eyes) and cleanse with the soap and water, but before wiping, hold up the infant and get some one to turn the petticoat inside out, then wrap up your baby, and wipe and oil and w T ash again, if not properly cleansed in every part. I always found a oomb to properly cleanse the head nec- essary. And be careful to not get any water in- to the ear or eyes, but cleanse them nicely. When done, take the linen with the hole in it pass the umbilical cord (or navel string) through the hole and wrap it around, having the belly-band spread on your lap, lay the infant on the back and wrapping the linen nicely around the cord so that the cord cannot touch the skin turn it towards the chin, and commence pinning the belly-band at the bottom pretty snug, but DUTIES OF CURSES. 57 so loose, that your three fingers can pass readily under ; after reaching the navel then pin loose, to give the lungs free room to play ; mind and commence on the Jeft side to pin, if you are right handed, then it will come handy. Then the shirt, burrow coat, etc., and other clothes for the season, after the infant is dressed and warmed if cold, the mother requires some nourishment, and other attention to make her entirely com- fortable, which must be done without exposing her ; the sheet and soiled linen from her person, and the sheet underneath, can now (if no unus- ual flow,) be removed. And the placenta, (or after birth) can be disposed of. If the vault of the privy is deep, and no improper persons in your path, put it in ; the former practice was to burn them. DUTIES OF CURSES. Your duties are next in importance to the phy- sician. The design of this work is intended for the initiate, or those persons who are desirous to 58 DUTIES OF NURSES. be informed how to be successful in attending upon mothers after their confinement, and their infants. I do not expect this work to claim any attention from those who are established in their own way of doing for the sick ; I wish them en- tire success, and my kind regards are for the good of all, who claim my warm sympathy. I re- member in early life, whilst attending upon a sick sister, that I felt myself so awkward, that I re- marked, I wanted to be so sick, as to know how to wait, and properly attend upon the sick. The first time I saw my sister, after an ex- treme illness, she inquired if I thought I could then wait upon the sick. Yes, my lessons were deep and instructive, and it is an art that re- quires a personal knowledge of its requirements and duties, to be well done. And it is my opinion, that any one should not adopt nursing as an occupation in confinements, that have not a strong sympathy with mothers and their ten- der infants. If they have a proper regard and feeling for DUTIES OF NURSES. 59 them, they will do all in their power to make them comfortable and their minds quiet and hap- py ; avoiding all noise, wearing quiet slippers, and never whisper in a sick room. If necessary to speak, do so to be understood; strangers should not intrude themselves for at least two weeks. Never allow any thing to keep you out of the room unnecessarily ; and spend no time chatting with domestics. But ever be respectful and kind to them, and they will be in return. In using various articles, after learn- ing their places, be careful to put them in their right place It is important to carry out the old maxim: "A place for every thing, and every thing in its place." In my opinion, there is great injury done to a patient, for the nurse to use authoritativeness with the children, if there are others, be kind, or " do to every one as we would wish them to do to us," if we were similarly situated, bear and forbear. And ever bear in mind that, in ano- ther's employ we are, in duty bound, to do all 6 DUTIES OF NURSES. in our power to please them ; and do as nearly so as we can, without asking too many questions. But the children, if admitted two or three times during the day, should have other sleeping rooms, the mother and infant are all you should be expected to take the care of through the night. The use of tobacco in any way by a nurse is very offensive to the sick ; I was terribly annoyed in a severe illness, with my nurse's snuffing, which I think the least obnoxious of any other way of use, And the use of any other stimulant is dangerous to yourselves, and to your patient ; for any thing we love, we will be giving or recommending to others. Opium in all of its variety of mixtures is deleterious to the human system, and should never be given to infants, in paregoric, or in cordials, carminatives or any other way. More anon. If there is no fear of a flowing, and the after pains are severe, hot hop tea is a soothing ano- dyne, and the tincture of hops given cold, re- lieves. CARE OF PATIENTS. 61 CARE OF PATIENTS. After all things are arranged in the room, be- fore retiring for the night, select an entire change for the bed, and your patient, not omitting the bandage, and arrange them under your own pil- low ; after sleeping upon them, there is no dan- ger of cold from dampness, this course I con- tinued my whole time. The napkins or clothes to be in use for the lochia, should be entirely dry ; and then keep a sufficient supply under your patient's bolster, for her use, as they are wanted. Have a box or basket, or a bag of suf- ficient dimensions to receive those clothes in, often remove them from the room, to some pro- per place, paying a constant attention to the dis- charge, that it is not too much, nor too little of which you must inform the physician. The room should be well aired, and kept as free as possi- ble from any unpleasant odor. The diet of the patient must be directed by the accoucheur and her own inclination ; but in 62 CARE OF PATIENTS. nearly all cases, it should be light, such as pana- da, gruel, either of oatmeal or corn ; consult her wishes as to the thickness, etc. In every thing consult her wishes and her comfort. The infant should be kept in bed as long as the mother re- mains there ; and only taken up to examine it, it should not be suffered to remain wet, and they should be kept comfortable, and not suffered to cry with hunger. It is my confirmed belief, that no infant will cry, unless they are in pain, sick or hungry. Dear little ones, how often they are drugged, when the mother's breast and bosom is the only panacea they want ; and the one pro- vided by the good God of nature. And the dear young mothers : I feel for you, as you take your infant to your breast, it is a pleasing, al- though a painful sensation; but dear hearts shrink not from it, if you would be a happy mother. But come up nobly to your self-sacri- ficing duties, and be a faithful mother, and you will be rewarded daily. As soon as practicable put the infant to the breast ; as they, soon after CARE OF PATIENTS. 63 birth, show an inclination to suck ; and if no milk is yet secreted, there is an oily substance important to remove, and prepare the breast gently for the milk ; and it acts as a charm on the infant's stomach and bowels ; removing the meconium from the bowels in most cases, without resorting to oil. And when this is done effectu- ally, the milk comes, without the great effort of nature, producing a chill and fever, the third or fourth day after confinement. The nurse must daily examine as she pins on the bandage, whe- there is any soreness on the touch of the lower part of the abdomen, if so, wet a flannel in strong camphor, heat it hot, and apply it until it is removed. It is important for the patient to make water soon after confinement, or within twelve hours. It will afford great relief, although she may not be conscious of feeling any necessi- ty for it. A bed pan should be used for the purpose ; but if she cannot succeed with the pan, and there is no danger of flowing too much, let her 64 CAKE OF PATIENTS. turn on her knees, and with a small chamber, perhaps she can accomplish the desired object. If an injection were taken every morning, with a French syringe, with from a half pint to a pint of warm water, with a little castile soap in it, there would be no necessity of taking any cath- artics. The temperature of the room should range from sixty to sixty-six degrees of a Fahrenheit thermometer, and never more than seventy; and kept about the same temperature. A nurse should therefore, be always provided with a ther- mometer, and consult it often, and regulate the warmth of the room accordingly. It will not be necessary to undress the infant for twelve hours, and even then, I would not dis- turb the belly-band much, but see that all was right : they are so sore, they should be handled gently, and as little as possible, avoiding dandl- ing or trotting for a few days at least after birth. I think it best to keep them in bed, even if they do worry a little, for they soon acquire the habit CARE OF PATIENTS. 65 of being nursed, and it exposes them to an un- comfortable draft of air. The ear is a sensi- tive organ, and for the first week should be mo- derately protected; but gradually with using cold water on the head, and around the ears every morning, it can soon with safety be more exposed. Many infants often cry with ear-ache, and no one knows or thinks of the cause. But notice their motions, the ear that is painful they will be putting up their little hands to it ; and if it is only an itching sensation, rubbing it gently will relieve it ; but if from cold, some animal oil should be applied, which will soften the parts and give relief. But never use a vegetable oil ; it may be a temporary relief mixed with lauda- num, but will harden the parts, and increase the difficulty in the end. This I found to be the case with my own children. I used to put a little salt butter in a tea spoon, and melt it ; let it cool, the salt would then descend to the bot- tom, I then dropped three drops of the oil off at the top into the ear, and blew tobacco 6 66 CARE OF PATIENTS. smoke in, holding a napkin between the ear and the mouth, which always gave relief. Never lay the infant near the mother in bed, with a blanket on, but always put it on when it is taken up. In changing the bed, make up one side, with the clean linen, and then assist your patient to change her own dress, then help her over into the clean part, after which, remove the offensive articles, and make up that side; it can be done so nicely by gathering the under sheet half up in your hands, and placing it where you had removed the under one, pretty well over, then take the upper sheet in the same way, having the right side of both sheets towards the patient, in this way it is all done so quickly, and so easy no exposure and no trouble. It is important in cold weather to have the water tepid for the pa- tient's use in washing ; and if she is free from perspiration, she should bathe well around the neck, breasts, armpits, but quickly ; not expos- ing herself, and if she is in the habit of taking cold baths daily, the water need not be warmed, CARE OF PATIENTS. 67 after the fourth day, but use the water that has remained in the room all night, except at her request, if she wishes it tepid, have it so. But the cold water hardens the breasts and nipples, and operates as a safe guard against her taking cold. The nipples should be carefully attended to, from the first of the infant's nursing, some think themselves benefitted by using a har- dening solution, the two last months of preg- nancy, viz. : Take equal parts of borax, alum and loaf su- gar, dissolve in rain water, after they are in pow- der, put in more of the ingredients than will dissolve; and bathe the nipple around every day. Some have been benefitted by the use of this solution, and others have received no ad- vantage from it. But I have an Elixir for can- ker, which, if used when they begin to feel ten- der, and persevered in the use of, I never knew it fail to permanently cure. But patience must, in tiiis, as in other things, have its perfect work; 68 CARE OF PATIENTS. my nurse told me not to expect them to be en- tirely sound, until I could ride out and take the fresh air. But my patients were not that long afflicted ; but thought a week or ten days a long time. Have a soft linen cloth and a cup of cold water, to wash the nipples off, after the child nurses, and before. And never fail to give the babe one. whole tea-spoonful of cold water every morning. Washing its mouth is not sufficient, the water should reach the stomach, to prevent the thrush. If that is done, they will never have a sore mouth, unless from another cause ; I have known the mother's mouth sore before and after confinement, and to wet the nipple from their mouth, and give the infant a sore mouth, that was very hard to cure. But a cloth and cold water is the best thing; if in cold weather, and the patient is in a perspiration, hold the cloth to the fire a moment, before handing it, lest it gives a chill to her. CARE OF THE INFANT. 69 CARE OF THE INFANT. If it does not get sufficient nourishment from the breast, and cries from hunger, they will show pretty good signs, such as sucking their fingers or their tongue, are good indications of hunger. If cream can be obtained that is pure, take five of water, to one of good cream, having the water warm, and sweeten it with loaf sugar, but very little, about as sweet as milk from the breast, and give sufficient to satisfy, but do not fail to put it to the breast as many as four or six times in twenty-four honrs, that it may not forget how to suck ; and how to work for its liv- ing. I think a table spoon is better than a tea spoon,, and not pour it down, but let it suck it out. But, if possible, give nothing but the mo- ther's milk, the infant will not in general suffer as much from cholic, and many other ways, and thrive much better, and avoid giving them many remedies, they had better worry a little; and make them comfortable, but never walk with 70 CARE OF THE INFAOT. them, for their pleasure ; a nurse can do many- things with them in her arms, which is very well; but the habit of walking with them is a bad one, doing them no good. The washing and dressing the infant should be done quickly ; therefore all things wanted on the occasion should be in readi- ness with the basket, and if in cold weather, the room of a proper temperature. Then undress, taking off the shirt but not the burrow-coat, keep that fastened with the lower pin around the feet; wash the head, and well around ears, face, and neck, and use a little soap for the bosom and hands with cold water, then with a soft old lin- nen pocket handkerchief, if to be had, dry it as quickly as possible and put on the shirt, and wrap a soft small blanket or the burro\j coat, cover the upper part; and put a little hot water into your water for the lower part, but do not disturb the belly-band only to see that all is right the first washing. * Before the second washing, take a piece of old linen six inches long and three wide ; double it, CARE OF THE INFANT. 71 and tear it half way down in the middle double, then either with sweet oil, or lard, touch the torn edges the width of a finger nail around, when the belly-band is opened, slip this under the cloth on the navel close around, bringing the ends close together ; this, if done right, will prevent the hard parts from coming in contact with the skin of the abdomen, which it would excoriate if it did so. The band must not be so loose as to move about and irritate the navel, and also lie smooth, all of which is easily done by attend- ing to the explicit directions here given on the first dressing. But attend carefully to your pins before the fourth dressing, and indeed from the first, attention must be given to the breasts of the infant, and if no roundness nor hardness, moisten them with a little sweet oil when dressing, or strong camphorated spirit ; this will in many cases prevent a hardness ; and if the hardness should appear, make a little cerate of sweet oil and bees-wax; melt the wax in a tincup and then add sweet oil, and simmer them a few minutes 72 CARE OF THE INFANT. together; when cold take a piece of canton flannel sufficiently long to reach across the breast, and wide enough ; then round the upper side out to the breasts, and spread the napped side with the cerate and keep renewing the cerate until the lump is entirely softened. I always succeeded with this and think it much better than a poultice. It is necessary to rub the parts again with camphor when this is removed. The infant if laid on one side, should be gently turned over once an hour for its comfort, as well as the more perfect circulation of the blood, and development of the entire human system. But when entirely well, the back is the most proper position ; for then the lungs can play more freely; and the head raised a little, that if it throws up its milk, it will not choke ; but if it have cholic (a hot compress of flannel is better for cholic than teas) it cannot he long on its back ; apply the compress below the navel. If there is any obstruction in making water, or the meconium does not pass off by the third or CARE OF THE INFANT. 73 fourth day, the doctor should be informed, and if he recommends oil, lay the infant on its back the head a little raised on the lap, and the oil having been a little warmed, place the spoon upon the tongue and moderately press it down, having some of the mother's milk to rinse it down, or put the infant to the breast. Some- times in warm weather, when the umbilical cord is small, it comes off the fourth day ; therefore it is best to prepare two pieces of old holland : I prepared them double ; brown one side and spread on as thin as possible a coat of mutton tallow, then grate some nutmeg over that side. I al- ways prepared two pieces, and placed them in one of the pockets of the basket and changed them every dressing, but kept those same two pieces scraping off any matter or impurity, and adding more of the tallow if necessary, and then it is ready for use, without waiting and exposing the child. "Order is Heaven's first law," which also accelerates dispatch. It is a German notion not to remove the old cloths for fresh ones, and 74 CARE OF THE INFANT. I was always so successful that I continued them. If the powder provided does nob keep the groins and skin entirely well, prepare some flour nicely, a dark brown color, nearly as brown as coffee ; it is a slow process to do it rightly, but it will heal any skin I ever met with. A kitchen shovel is the best implement to use, and with a broad bladed knife and a proper heat it can be evenly browned ; but it requires constant turning over : then put it into a little box or strong paper in the baby's basket, and it is always ready. Never make use of pins in the infant's blankets, as it has sufficient annoyances without the ad- dition of suffering from pins in pillows, blankets, etc. But a cushion should always be near, to place any stray pin in, or for getting one for use. Some infants appear to be tongue-tied, but if they ever extend their tongue over their lip, the difficulty of their nursing is from some other cause; either the nipple is too short for them to get their tongue around, or they have been im- properly fed, or wind in their little stomachs CARE OF THE INFANT. 75 may prevent; but cease not to use all your patience, and perseverance, to acquire such an important result ; especially so, if the mother's milk is hard to draw. The powers of a little infant are one of the wonders of nature, and show the entire perfection of the works of the Great Architect, adapting the means to the end. But like the children of a larger growth, they prefer to live without labor ; especially, if it is sweetened, and pleases their taste better. But too much sweet- ening is very pernicious to the human stomach; for if it becomes an acid in the stomach, it des- troys the gastric fluid of the parts, and is pro- ductive of indigestion. If the infant does not make w T ater without pain, and there is a defi- ciency in quantity after they have a full diet, water-melon seeds steeped, and the water a trifle sweetened with loaf-sugar and given, will some- times relieve. Raw coffee ground and made into a tea in the same w 7 ay is also good, w^hich is one of Doctor Richards' remedies. If these do not relieve, I never knew Harlem oil to fail ; two 76 THE BREASTS. drops given morning and evening a few times, will answer the purpose, given in a little of the mother's milk, or warm sweetened water. THE BREASTS Will feel in most cases extremely uncomforta- ble and distended, the third or fourth day ; and the patient is greatly alarmed, fearing the great affliction of a bealed breast ; then is the time for the active exercise of both faith and patience, doing nothing rashly, but perseveringly, and coolly ; with proper care, and prudent manage- ment, all will result well; if they are, in a gentle way, rubbed once or twice with sweet oil to ame- liorate them, then with a glass to fit, with a good india rubber bulb, the milk can be extracted with little trouble ; but on no account apply cam- phor, as this will dry up the milk and scatter it off from the nipple, and then as it flows into the breast it cannot be drawn out, and a broken breast is the result ; to prevent which, I would not use external applications ; there are more THE LOCHIA. 77 sure internal remedies, which do not render the breast sensitive, and therefore less liable to cold. The diet of the patient at this time should be solids; the thirst is extremely great, but if the patient prudently abstain from liquids, this difficulty will soon subside. If the nipples are tender, redouble your diligence in applying a remedy, and if they do not grow worse by the constant sucking of the infant, they will soon be better; therefore be encouraged, it takes time and care, to harden them; but to wipe or wash the nipple, in cold water, before and after the nursing of the child, is an excellent practice, and should never be omitted THE LOCHIA Will change or nearly cease for the time, about the fifth day, and if there has been no sudden change of perspiration, no fears should be permitted to obscure the prospect that all is well; and the anticipation of coming evil, is one of the greatest sources of misery in this state of 78 THE LOCHIA. being. Therefore, our Divine lawgiver impresses this excellent truth, that "sufficient unto the day, is the evil thereof; " and cultivate a full be- lief and trust in God. The discharge will return perhaps, changed in color, and extremely un- pleasant. The room should have fresh air admitted every day, but it is now imperative and necessary to be well ventilated, and it may also be necessary to have the chloride of soda to sprinkle the carpet and bed with ; but this is of short duration, and the improvement of your general health is now apparent, the use of a little animal food is invit- ing, and the time to sit up approaching. I am in hopes, that if your nurse is not qualified to be- guile the time with a little interesting reading, that your dear husband will at least dedicate his evenings to that object. The home social circle; is too much neglected in these days of fast liv- ing, and the joy of contentment is nearly un- known. Sitting up. — On the tenth day, all things ready, THE LOCHIA. 79 if in winter, your nurse must have your room of a proper warmth, your chair and stool before the fire, all of the clothing by the fire, slippers and all ; and when dressed, let her bring- the chair to the side of the bed: rise out on your feet, and remain until your clothes are properly ad- justed, then sit down in the chair which has a large blanket in it, and the nurse will wrap up your feet in the blanket and draw the chair to the fire, placing your feet upon the stool in the blanket. It is also important to have some restorative at hand, that if a faintness, giddiness, or a sick sensation from the change of posture take place, immediate relief can be obtained. Half an hour is about the proper length of time, to remain up, at first, prudence is the great safe guard, to a speedy return to health ; and never use all of your strength, and get the back ache, a prelude to serious difficulty. And that affords sufficient time to adjust and arrange the bed, which ought to be freshly aired during the ar- 80 THE LOCHIA. rangement, if it can be done and not expose the patient. The chair can again be drawn to the bed, loosen the clothes, and let the patient again bear her weight upon her feet, and assist her into bed, which will feel more than comfort- able. The second time of sitting up, if all things continue right, it would be proper for the patient to walk a few steps, if she is able to do so, to her chair. The broad bandages should be well pinned on to the lochia cloth, when she thinks of getting up ; and it is pleasant to hus- bands to see their wives up, therefore the time to be up is most proper when he will be expected to be at home. The room should always be in as good order as possible, therefore I always swept the carpet, very early, in winter by candle-light, in summer at four o'clock ; changing the bed seldom occa- sions less litter, and if anything should litter the carpet, take it up with the dust pan. The infant should be with the nurse at night, excepting when it is nursing. If it get a good THE LOCHIA. 81 supper, it will mostly sleep until after midnight. As a general thing, the sick room should be all quiet at nine o'clock ; for no one can know how long that quietude can last. Riding out must depend upon the patient's health, the time of year, the weather must not be damp; if her health is good, and the weather cold, but dry, with proper care she may ride out in two or three weeks, which would improve her general health, then she ought to go well attend- ed ; in a close carriage, having either a buffalo robe or blanket to place her feet on, then bring it over her lap. And not ride too far, but re- turn to the sick room for one month at least ; and on no account change her bed, yet, after ten days, then it is her privilege to increase the time of sitting up, according as her strength will bear, without overdoing it ; which should be carefully avoided. If the weather is cold and dry, after two weeks, properly attired, a little ex- ercise, by walking in another room, with a kind arm to lean upon, would be very salutary to the 82 the patient's food. patient, and prepare the way for riding out safely. And if the use of injections every morning, has been attended to, they can, now that she is up, be dispensed with, and stewed prunes and peaches will, in all probability, be sufficient to aid nature in her operations. THE PATIENT'S FOOD. If a patient can be prevailed upon, she should always take her breakfast before the nurse, as it can then be prepared fresh, and in good order, of the material the most agreeable to her taste, and she is in want of nourishment from her nurs- ing the infant through the night. I always enjoyed my own meals best if I could wait upon my patient first with every meal. But if that cannot be done, they should never be served with the remains of the table, but have some- thing nice to suit, cooked in the neatest manner, and served up with a napkin, on the waiter, and one for their own use also. It is important for the patient, that a nurse should maintain a kind, THE PATIENT^ FOOD. 83 cheerful, countenance, and " never be weary in well doing." If there is any situation in life, that calls for the sacrifice of self, it is that of a nurse. And it is with much pleasure that I can say, there are very few cases in which such interest is not appreciated : dear young mothers, your entire good, both soul and body, is very near my best life, and I often recur to the time, I have passed with many of you, with your little ones, with great satisfaction. The use of corsets, or any hard, or tight pressure upon the abdomen, should be avoided during pregnancy, for nature with great care, lest the infant should be injured, entirely sur- rounds it with a fluid, and any hard substance, that might cramp or confine their motions, might be attended with the serious consequences of clubbed feet or other marks. But now, for your own welfare, when the bandage is re- moved, put on the French corsets, sufficient- ly low and roomy, not to bear in, in the 84 the patient's food. least degree upon the breasts. And form your shape the natural size. If there is any hard substance that excoriates the breast, it may have a very serious termination ; yes, even a cancer has arisen apparently from a small cause, when the system was disposed to it. And the breast is a sensitive and delicate part of the human system. Children in nursing should not be al- lowed to pinch and handle the other breast roughly. And after weaning, some mothers, by way of indulgence, permit them to handle them in a way, that they may suffer for exceedingly some day. It is well to understand that the food of the mother has an extended effect upon the infant, therefore, for a time acids should be avoided, and some kinds of vegetables will cause the little ones pain, I have known them even suffer from their mothers using prunes, but if they do, they would suffer more from her taking a cathartic, of two evils choose the least. And the mind of the mother also affects the THE PATIENT'S FOOD. 85 little one, as well as her own health, a mind free from excitement, and cheerful, greatly promotes convalescence. And I think, it is wicked to be unhappy, for we are indulging a repining dis- position, when we ought to be returning thanks to God for our many blessings. When the mother does not have a sufficient flow of milk for the infant, the use of ale, wine, and even milk-punch, I have known Physicians recommend as well as others, to increase the quantity, which, in most cases has a contrary effect, as it creates a fulness not natural in the system, and sometimes a fever, even depreciating the quantity of milk. I would increase the quantity of liquids, with weak tea and coffee, but by all means take air and exercise, they are as im- portant to our being as our food. Indeed, we can exist longer without food than air. But with the proper stimulant of good air, and a proper degree of exercise, with attention to our daily habits, not allowing a constipated habit to take posses- 86 the patient's food. sion of our system, we can enjoy a good degree of health and happiness. Health is the medium through which we alone can enjoy the many good things of this life, and it often makes my heart sad to see some who appear to value the continuance of it so lightly. Those persons who are determined not to be troubled with a large family and apply to those wretches who daily advertise their assistance to women in this business, cannot consider that a violation of the laws of nature will be visited even upon their own heads in their loss of health, perhaps of life ; with the bitter reflection, if they are favoured to scan the motive in the light of truth, that it is murder and they must pay the penalty. Many try to relieve their consciences with the absurd idea, that there is no life, there- fore there is no sin committed. But this reflec- tion is from the wicked one, who ever was, and is, a liar. In the beginning he prevailed with our mother Eve to disobey God, and would fain THE PATIENT^ FOOD. 87 seduce the whole human family, if they will listen to his arts, his wiles, and his stratagems, from the path of virtue, peace, and love, which, alone is that of happiness. The embryo cannot be considered to be with- out life, because, we know it is susceptible of growth, but it possesses anima, the prin- ciple of life, and when endowed with the breath of life it becomes a living soul pos- sessed of animation. And many can with a grateful heart to God, refer back to the time, when their health, hopes and happiness, were entirely prostrated by protracted disease (my- self is among the number) that after being blessed with a well and lovely child, and nurs- ing it, the system was renewed and health again resumed its sphere of happiness, to cheer us on- ward. And peradventure this living embryo, if nur- tured and suffered to come to maturity, may grow up the staff, and the comfort and joy of its mother's declining years. 88 the patient's food. And although I have treated on the import- ance of maintaining a happy cheerful mind dur- ing pregnancy, as essential for their own safe getting along ; it is doubly so important for their offspring. For, if the mother indulges in a re- pining and a sorrowful state of mind during pregnancy, it is more than likely the same pas- sions will predominate in this innocent offspring. This is one way that the sins of parents are vi- sited upon their children. Beautiful, and truly wonderful are the ways of Providence. And in the formation of man, I believe God designed he should be happy. But man, poor, weak, proud, and selfish being, has sought out many inventions, which lead to the destruction of his life, as well as his happiness. Dear little ones, this would be a solitary world, without children, and when well trained, they are the flowers among the many thorns, with which our life abounds. And to me, it is one of my sweetest recollections, to review my life, with my little ones in childhood. And when I meet some of THE PATIENT'S FOOD. 89 the sweet innocent faces in the street, my mind rises involuntarily for them, that they may be preserved in innocence and virtue. I shall close these remarks by copying a few sentiments contained in Dr. Buchan's Domestic Medicine. "No part of medicine is of more general importance, than that which relates to the nursing and management of children. Few parents pay a proper attention to it. They trust their tender offspring too much to nurses, who are ignorant and careless of their best wants. The diseases of children are by no means so difficult to be understood as many imagine. It is true, they cannot tell their complaints ; but the causes of them can be pretty certainly dis- covered by carefully observing their symptoms. "Besides, the diseases of infants being less com- plicated are more easily cured than those of adults. It is really astonishing, that so little attention should, in general, be paid to the preservation of infants ; who might be useful in life, while much expense and labor is bestowed on a worn-put 8 90 EDUCATION OF CHILDREN. carcass that can neither bestow health, or even comfort upon the individual." For the benefit of parents I transcribe some remarks from Dr. J. Witherspoon's valuable let- ters on the education of children. "The fundamental rules for preserving the health of children, are cleanliness, liberty, and free air. By cleanliness, I do not mean, keep- ing the outside of their clothes in a proper con- dition to be seen before company, not hinder- ing them from fouling their feet and hands, when they are capable of going abroad; but their under-clothes, and frequently washing their bodies in cold water, and other things of the same nature and tendency. The second rule is liberty. All persons, young and old, love li- berty ; and as far as it does them no harm, it will certainly do them good. Many a free born subject is kept a slave for the first ten years of his life ; and is so much handled and carried about by women in his infancy, that the limbs and other parts of his body, are frequently mis- EDUCATION OF CHILDREN. 91 shapen, anc 1 . the whole system very much weak- ened ; besides, the spirits, when under confine^ ment, are generally in a dull and languishing state." The best exercise in the world for children, is, to let them use their limbs, creep about and manage their own play-things, paying them no more attention, than to prevent their doing them- selves an injury, and give them a crust of bread to exercise their gums on, instead of candy; and as they get able, let them romp and jump about, according to their own fancy. This in the country is best done in the fields ; in a city a well-aired room is better than sending them into the streets under the care of a servant ; very few of whom are able so far to curb their own inclinations, as to let the children follow theirs, even, where they may do it with safety. As to free air, there is nothing more essentially necessary to the strength and growth of animals and plants. I have seen a bed of beans in a garden, under the shade of a hedge or tree; 92 EDUCATION OF CHILDREN. very long and slender, which brought to my mind a young family of quality, trained up in a delicate manner, who, if they grow 7 at all, grow to length, but never to thickness. So univer- sal is this, that I believe the body of a sturdy, or well built make, is reckoned among them a coarse and vulgar thing. There is one thing with regard to servants, that I would particularly recommend to your attention. All children are liable to accidents, these may happen unavoidably ; but they gene- rally arise, from the carelessness of their ser- vant, to this they are almost always attributed by parents. This disposes all servants, good or bad, to conceal them from the parents, when they can possibly do it. By this means, child- ren often receive hurts, in falls or otherwise, which if known in time, might be easily reme- died, but not being known, either prove fatal, or make them lame or deformed. A near relation of mine has a high shoulder and a distorted waist from this very cause. To EDUCATION OF CHILDREN. 93 prevent such accidents, it is necessary to take all possible pains to acquire the confidence of domestics to convince them of the importance of concealing nothing. There are two dispositions in parents, which hinder the servants from making discoveries. The first is, when they are very passionate, and storm and rage against their servants, for every real or supposed neglect. Such a person can never expect a confession, followed by such a terrible vengeance. The other is, when they are tender-hearted or timorous to excess, which makes them show themselves deeply affected or greatly terrified upon every little accident that befalls their children. In this case, the best of servants are unwilling to tell them through fear of making them miserable. In such cases therefore, I would advise pa- rents, whatever may be their real opinions, to discover them as little as possible to their ser- vants. Let them still inculcate this maxim, that there should be no secrets concerning children, 94 EDUCATION OF CHILDREN. kept from those most nearly interested in them. And that there may be no temptation to such conduct, let them always appear as cool and com- posed as possible, when any discovery is made, and be ready to forgive a real fault, in return for a candid acknowledgment. " Establish as soon as possible, an entire and absolute authority." I would have it early, that it may be absolute, and that it may not be se- vere. If parents are too long in beginning to exert their authority, they will find the task ve- ry difficult. Children, habituated to indulgence for a few of the first years, are exceedingly im- patient of restraint, and if they happen to be of stiff or obstinate tempers, can hardly be brought to an entire, at least to a quiet and placid sub- mission ; whereas, if they are taken in time, there is hardly any temper but what may be made to yield, and by early habit, the subjec- tion becomes quite easy to themselves. And it is truly astonishing, how soon they detect the views of their father and mother, if there is the EDUCATION OF CHILDREN. 95 least dissimilarity between them, respecting themselves. Therefore, parents should govern themselves, and be united in their views of gov- ernment, and one in authority. The father should confirm, and strengthen the hands of the mother, and in return she ought to endeavor to carry out his wishes in all things. But, if there is a difference in their views, which they cannot reconcile between themselves, do not let it be known by your tender offspring, as it will lessen the control of both ; their minds are very sus- ceptible, and alive to any subterfuge in their power for their own benefit. For want of reflection, men are so much en- grossed with the care of the mighty dollar, that young America, almost controls the household in many families. But the more complete and uniform a parent's authority is, the offences will be more rare, punishment will be less needed, and the more gentle kind of correction will be abundantly sufficient. We see every where about us examples of this. A parent that has once 96 EDUCATION OF CHILDREN. obtained, and knows how to preserve authority, will do more by a look of displeasure, than an- other by the most passionate words, and even blows. The parent stung with shame at the misbehavior or indiscretion of the child, desires to persuade the observers, that it is not his fault, and thereby effectually convinces every person of reflection that it is. I would therefore recommend to every parent to begin the establishment of authority much more early than is commonly supposed to be possible ; that is to say, from about the age of eight or nine months. You will perhaps smile at this : but I do assure you from experience, that by setting about it with prudence, delibera- tion and attention, it may be in a manner com- pleted by the age of twelve or fourteen months. Do not imagine I use the rod at that age, on the contrary I mean to prevent the use of it in a great measure, and to point out a way, by which children of sweet and easy tempers may be brought to such a habit of compliance, as to EDUCATION OF CHILDREN. 97 never need correction at all ; and whatever their temper may be, so much less of this is sufficient, than upon any other supposition. Habits in general may be early formed in children. An association of ideas is, as it were the parent of habit. If then, you can accustom your child- ren to perceive that your will must always pre- vail over theirs, when they are opposed, the thing is done, and they will submit to it, without diffi- culty or regret. To bring this about, as soon as they begin to show their inclination by desire or aversion, let single instances be chosen now and then (not too frequently) to contradict them. " For example, if a child shows a desire to have any thing in his hand, that he sees, or has any thing in his hand, with which he is delight- ed ; let the parent take it from him, and when he does so, let no consideration whatever, make him restore it at that time. Then at a consider- able interval, perhaps a whole day is little enough, especially at first, let the same thing be repeat- 98 EDUCATION OF CHILDREN. ed. In the mean time, it must be carefully ob- served, that no attempt should be made to con- tradict the child in the intervals. Not the least appearance of opposition if possible, should be found between the will of the parent and that of the child, except in those chosen cases, when the will of the parent must prevail. I think it important that those attempts should always be made and repeated at proper intervals by the same person. It is also better, it should be done by the father than by the mother, or any female at- tendant, because they will be obliged in many cases, to do things, displeasing to the child, as in washing, dressing, &c, &c. But no one must show that they condole with the child, or show displeasure at its having been crossed ; but on the contrary, give every mark of approbation, and of their own submission to the same per- son. This experiment, frequently repeated, will in a little time so perfectly habituate the child to yield to the parent whenever he interposes, that he will make no opposition." And ever EDUCATION OF CHILDREN. 99 perform your promises with minute exactness to all children ; for they have good memories and they are right to remember, but we should consider and be slow to promise. When cor- rection is unavoidable, never suffer yourself to undertake it, when in anger, but if done from a sense of duty, your child will be more or less impressed with your spirit, and more deeply feel their error. Never make mere play-things of your child- ren. Many fathers treat their little ones as if nothing was to be sought in their society but mutual amusement. And therefore, all is sup- posed to be right, though there be little besides folly and self-indulgence on one side, and impro- per liberties, caprice, self-will, or artifice, on the other. He who would preserve his authority over his children, should be particularly watch- ful of his own conduct. You may as well pre- tend to force people to love what is not amiable as to reverence what is not respectable. Parents should therefore, acquire, as much as \ 100 EDUCATION OF CHILDREN. possible a composure of spirit, and meekness of language ; nor are there many circumstances, that will more recommend religion to children, when they see that self-command is the effect of principle, and a sense of duty. Humility is the very spirit of the Gospel. There is a weak- ness I have observed in many parents, to show a partial fondness for some of their children, to the neglect, and in many cases great injustice of others, this ought to claim the most minute attention of all parents. Does a child, too young to listen to reason, want something it ought not to have. Its mother will suddenly turn its attention to an- other object, and thus prevent the rise of im- proper tempers, to arrest them in their course. Is it jealous of the attention paid to a brother ? w r hile she perseveres, perhaps in showing to the brother the kindness which has raised this jea- lousy, she will pour such a stream of affection on both the children as shall at once show them how much each is the object of her love, and EDUCATION OF CHILDREN. 101 lead them by sympathy to feel a similar love for each other. If a mother devotes much time to her child- ren^ she can then become intimately acquainted with their different traits of disposition, and can treat them, as she in her best wisdom may think proper. " For wisdom is profitable to direct in all things." But more especially in the train- ing of the immortal mind. " There is no object more important in itself, so standing connected with a greater number of interesting considerations, than the proper edu- cation of youth. By proper education I mean the union of correct and upright example, with reasonable, prudent and firm discipline, com- bined with the exercise of those means, calculat- ed to open the views of the mind — to give pro- per excitement to idea, afford correct stimulus, direction, and object to pursuit, — energy and effect to application and perseverance, and, by every possible means, to communicate a vigor- ous and healthful tone to the general powers of 102 EDUCATION OF CHILDREN. intellect. An education of this kind, under the opening influences of religious principle, could hardly fail to be productive of salutary and be- neficial effects, salutary and beneficial to the child or pupil, salutary and beneficial to the pa- rent or preceptor, salutary and beneficial in re- lation to the interests of particular and general society. This threefold view of the advantages of a proper education, I hope will appear of suf- ficient importance to claim the particular atten- tion of every parent and preceptor, nor be deemed by any inconsistent with the nature or progress of true religion. To enlighten the human mind, to correct its errors, to ameliorate its moral nature, to improve, qualify, and sanc- tify its intellectual powers for celestial enjoyment, are objects which stand firmly and unalterably embraced in the nature of the gospel design. Next to the influence and agency of the spirit itself, whose office it is to enlighten, rectify and redeem the mind of man, what can be more pro- motive of the attainment of these objects, than EDUCATION OF CHILDREN. 103 the extension and reception of a proper educa- tion — an education addressed to the reasonable principles in our nature — illustrated by -correct and upright example — confirmed and rendered effectual by the benign operation of religious principle. May we not reasonably hope a Di- vine blessing will attend our endeavors in these respects, enabling those who sow, and those who reap, to rejoice together — to rejoice in the con- scious discharge of mutual duty — to rejoice in the mutual reception of that cordial sympathy, which will always more or less cover the minds harmoniously engaged to promote the interests of truth. "In turning our attention to the advantages of a proper education to the child or pupil, we may remember a testimony left on record by wisdom itself, extended through a mind particularly con- versant with the theory, operation, and action of the human faculties." a Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it." 104 EDUCATION OF CHILDREN. So great is the power of habit, grounded on early impressions in the human mind, that they seldom or never become wholly obliterated, when those impressions are good. And what a fear- ful result, we may anticipate from the opposites. There is reason to believe, that virtuous habits, founded on early impressions, have often long restrained individuals from the paths of impro- priety and irregularity, even after the obliga- tions of religion had become relaxed on the mind. There is little doubt, even after virtuous impressions and habits have become consider- ably effaced, they have yet operated as the means of recalling the deviating footsteps of many an unhappy wanderer. Allured by the soft blan- dishments of sense, by the deceptive appearances of things, many a virtuous youth has been over- taken and led in the pursuit of idle or dissi- pated pleasures : the dark cloud of vice has been ready to gather around, and cover him for- ever from the radiance of virtue, when lo ! in the calm of solitude his recollective powers have t EDUCATION OF CHILDREN. 105 been aroused, he hath remembered the days of other years — remembered the purity, innocence, tenderness of other years, and the softness of former feelings ; — he hath contrasted, his past, with his present situation, and being met with as in a narrow place, the convicting evidences of truth have shone with irresistible power in his understanding and subjected his will — the tear of contrition has relieved his swelling bos- om and aching heart; his intellectual powers and moral nature have yielded to the renovating in- fluence of religious principle; to virtue and piety he has dedicated the remainder of his days. If we could penetrate or uplift the veil that covers the wide spread ranges of human society, we might see a numerous train of individuals pro- gressing in some one or other of these stages, of this representation, so varied and extensive are the means capable of acting on the human mind, or standing as a medium through which Divine goodness may possibly act. Thus the conscien- tious parents and preceptor's care and labors are I 106 DUTY OF THE ACCOUCHEUR. often like bread cast upon the waters, found af- ter many days. DUTY OF THE ACCOUCHEUR OR MIDWIFE. \_From Dr. Beach's American Practice.'] Every thing being thus adjusted, very little more will be necessary, but to wait patiently the efforts and operations of nature. There should be but few attendants in the room, and these are not to whisper to each other, or express any fears or doubts. When the pains become very severe, quickly succeeding each other, the midwife, who offi- ciates, may sit by the side of the woman, and upon every severe pain, may keep her hands upon the parts even though no manner of as- sistance can be afforded, and occasionally, when the head of the child presses hard, it may be gently touched or pressed with the longest fin- ger, in order to ascertain the part that presents, the progress of labor, as well as to be able to give from time to time suitable encouragement : DUTY OF THE ACCOUCHEUR. 107 not only so, in the last stage of labor the hand may be kept near the parts, to know the mo- ment when the head of the child presents, as some little assistance at this time is called for ; not by supporting the perineum, as some ad- vise, but, First. To remove any obstruction which of- ten arises from the clothes. Second. To support the child in its passage, and in the intervals of pains, and to keep the head from pitching downward, and thus obstruct- ing the labor. Third. To detach the umbilical cord or na- vel-string from the neck when it encircles it, as is often the case, and which endangers the life of the child. Fourth. To deliver the woman in case of haemorrhage or great flooding ; but at the same time there must be no further interference of art ; little or nothing can be done toward the delivery of the child, except when a large bag or collection of water presents and appears, 108 DUTY OF THE ACCOUCHEUR. when it may be ruptured with the longest finger, which often affords much aid ; although such is the ignorance and credulity of some women, that they suppose almost every thing to be accom- plished by art. Physicians or midwives who watch only the progress of labor and do little or nothing, are, by some pronounced inhuman and cruel, and ignorant, because they are honest in not interfering with the simple and beautiful process of labor, or in other words, for relying upon the great resources of nature, but such is the fashion and credulity of womankind, that physicians are obliged to take the advantage of such ignorance and credulity, and regulate their proceedings accordingly. I have often been obliged to stand by for hours over a woman, under pretense of aiding delivery, when, in reality, I did nothing at all. The labor would have progressed just as well had I been out of the room ; but this deception I had to practice, in order to satisfy ignorant, gossiping, or crying attendants. DUTY OF THE ACCOUCHEUR. 109 When the woman is disposed to make much noise, she should be directed to hold her breath during the pains, and aid or assist them by pressing downward as much as possible. The feet may press against the hed-post, and the woman take hold of a handkerchief and pull when a pain occurs, or she may grasp the hand of an assistant for that purpose. Sometimes from various causes, labor is very much retarded, from the rigidity of the parts, the situation of the child, debility, &c, when this occurs, and labor is tedious and protracted, our reliance must still be upon the powers of nature. We may, however, aid her efforts, by warm fomen- tations of herbs, often applied to the lower part of the abdomen, which, will prove relaxing, and will facilitate the labor, warm diluent drinks may also be given such as tansy, pennyroyal, &c. If the labor still continues stationary, we have nothing to fear provided there is a right presentation; but should the pains become feeble or lessened from flooding, debility, or any 110 DUTY OF THE ACCOUCHEUR. cause, or should they prove unavoidable after a reasonable length of time, a drachm of ergot or spurred rye, may be put into a tea-cup, and a gill of boiling water poured upon it, and when cool, a tablespoonful given every fifteen minutes. This will increase the pains, and speedily accom- plish a delivery, but it should be very seldom, or never used, except when there is a right pre- sentation, and under the most urgent circum- stances. It is prudent, by judicious prevention and care, to remove obstructions, prevent accidents, by holding or supporting the child in a proper position, and giving such aid as reason and judgment will dictate. Receiving the child, pre- venting its fall, securing the navel-cord, assist- ing in the removal and disposal of the after- birth, are objects, which are to be accomplished, and all, in the most calm and simple manner ; no hurry or excitement is necessary, but on the contrary, they embarrass. Yet, how common is it, that females in gen- DUTY OF THE ACCOUCHEUR. Ill eral, married and unmarried, are so stupid and ignorant, that instead of attending to those du- ties, if necessary, or in case of emergency, they are thrown into the greatest consternation, and perhaps run out of the room and let the child suffocate by the bed-clothes, or by the navel-cord twisted around the neck, and die merely for want of a little common sense and knowledge, which might be acquired in an hour. Is it not disgraceful, if not highly criminal, that persons can and do, attend to these duties towards their stock, and yet remain entirely ig- norant of them toward their nearest relations. Young women are taught music, dancing, drawing, and needle-work, and many ornamen- tal branches considered so essential to a polite education ; yet they are suffered to remain en- tirely ignorant on a subject of so much vital importance. Is there any hope or prospect of enlightening this generation, or must it be delayed till the next, and have them look back with amazement 112 DUTY OF THE ACCOUCHEUR. at our ignorance. I hope, there is something yet redeeming in a large proportion of the com- munity, that the people will yet awake to their own interests. When the head is delivered, all that is neces- sary to be done, is, to support it, and to wait for the pains to expel the child, except it seem livid, and in danger of injury, or the cord he twisted around the neck, then assistance must be rendered, to accomplish the delivery. The face of the child must now be turned upward, and the cord freed from the neck or body ; the person who assists will pass a narrow piece of cord around the cord or navel-string, about an inch from the body, and tie as tight as it can be drawn, otherwise hemorrhage or bleeding will take place, another must be tied at a little dis- tance from it above, and the navel-string be sep- arated between them with a pair of scissors. The child is then to be given to the nurse, to be washed and dressed. The mother must now be covered and directed to lie quiet. DUTY OF THE ACCOUCHEUR. 113 The after-birth — The after-birth or placenta must be detached or removed if nature does not accomplish it in a short time. Generally, after about twenty or thirty minutes, a pain is felt, which may be sufficient to expel it ; if it should not, and should there be no pain, gentle, man- ual attempts may be made to remove it. The head and breast may be elevated, and the cord taken hold of by the left hand : the two first fingers may be carefully introduced into the vagina, and the anterior or forepart of the placenta or after-birth held in this situation for some minutes, in order to excite a contraction of the uterus. The woman may now be directed to hold her breath and press down, which forces it forward, and at the same time a little extension is made upon the cord with the left hand, while exten- sion may be made upon the after-birth with the right, this will almost invariably extract it in a few minutes. If from any cause it should not, no further attempt must be made for the pre- 10 114 DUTY OF THE ACCOUCHEUR. sent, but left for a few hours, when, if the natu- ral contractions of the uterus do not remove it, it must be done in the manner recommended, with this difference, that a little more force be used. In the interval, however, every thing wet must be removed. All of the subsequent treat- ment is found on the fifteenth page of this work which is important to observe, and I consider the safety of the patient greatly depends upon this treatment and care. "Preternatural labor , or cross-births" are those in which, some other part than the head presents. We cannot in general, assign any reason for such occurrences, nor can the woman, by any sensation of her own, be assured that the presentation is unusual. Apprehensions of this kind, should not be indulged in. If the feet or breech present, the delivery is to be ac- complished by properly accommodating the po- sition of the child to the capacity of the pelvis, but no force should be employed, and though DUTY OF THE ACCOUCHEUR. 115 there is always some risk to the life of the in- fant, yet there is none to the mother. If the arm, shoulder, or sides of the child present, the delivery is not impossible, but difficult until the infant be turned and the feet brought down into the passage. This is an operation, which may be done with comparative ease and safety, if the wrong posi- tion of the infant be discovered before the wa- ters are discharged, but otherwise, both mother and child are in considerable danger; though there is often a spontaneous evolution, and deli- very is affected. The womb closely contracting around the body of the infant after the water is drained away, and being soft and spongy in its texture, it is liable to be torn if much force be employed, and then the child may either escape into the cavity of the abdomen, or, if it be ex- tracted by the feet, blood may be effused from the womb into that cavity, and such injury be done as to prove fatal. Women too frequently add to the- danger of the operation of turning, 116 TREATMENT AFTER DELIVERY; by their restlessness or impatience, they should remember how much is at stake, and exert all of their fortitude, so as not to embarrass the practitioner. The labor having been thus accomplished, it will be necessary to guard against any subse- quent symptoms which may occur or take place- In tedious and very difficult labors, and where common physicians use the lancet, the hot bath will be found of extraordinary benefit in facilitat- ing labor, by relaxing the system without de- bility, altogether better than bleeding. First apply spirits, water, and salt to the head ; then let the woman remain in the bath about fifteen minutes." TREATMENT AFTER DELIVERY. After-pains. — Soon after delivery these usu- ally come on, and with some women are remark- ably severe. The quicker the labor has been, the slighter will they prove in general. Women with their first child are seldom troubled with TREATMEOT AFTER DELIVERY. 117 after-pains, but as the uterus is thought to con- tract less readily after each future labor, so they are more liable to suffer from them in any suc- ceeding delivery than in the first. When after-pains prove so troublesome as to deprive the patient of her rest, it will be necessa- ry to have recourse to fomentations or anodynes, red pepper and spirits, simmered together a few minutes, and flannels dipped in it and applied to the abdomen, will generally relieve them, if it fails apply a fomentation of bitter herbs, and give two tea-spoonfuls of the tincture of hops in milk or tea. If this fail, which I never knew, give half a tea-spoonful of capsicum in milk. These remedies are to be assisted by keeping up a sufficient pressure on the bowels, at the same time, by means of the broad bandage. Costiveness. — Costiveness is apt to prevail af- ter delivery, and should always be removed by a laxative clyster or some gentle purgative, such as senna and manna, or about an ounce of cas- 118 TREATMENT AFTER DELIVERY. tor oil. The anti-dyspeptic pills are also excel- lent. Flooding or Lochia. — After delivery there is a flow of blood from the womb, and sometimes it is excessive. When this is the case, apply vinegar, spirits and water to the lower part of the bowels, and give some astringent, as a cold tea of flea-bane, birth-root &c, a little salt and water is good. Milk Fever. — From cold, or other causes, the milk becomes obstructed and the breasts are hard, swelled and painful, attended with fever nausea, pain in the head and back, with thirst. Treatment — Apply the child to the breast as early as possible, and, if necessary from any cause, let the milk be drawn two or three times a day. If there is too much milk, use a spare diofc, no animal food, and avoid liquids as much as possible. The breasts may be gently bathed with the bitter-sweet ointment or with the soap liniment. Keep the bowels regular. A little TREATMENT AFTER DELIVERY. 119 physic may be required. Have the room well ventilated, but free from dampness. Milk or stvelled leg. — A short time after de- livery this disease sometimes appears. It usually attacks one leg, and may extend to the other, and the whole system may become affected. The limb appears firm, glossy, swollen and painful. The attack is generally preceded by a chill, succeeded by fever, the limb is stiff, heavy, and is irritated by motion, is tender, the skin is not discolored, but has an increase of heat. After a period of about two weeks these symptoms subside leaving the limb stiff, benumbed, heavy and weak, and is very liable to remain more or less so for a great length of time. It may arise from a suppression of the lochial discharge, or the milk, or from cold. Treatment — Give occasionally a cathartic, and promote a moisture of the skin. Foment the limb with clothes immersed in a strong de- coction of hops, and repeat two or three times a day. It may also be steamed over bitter herbs, 120 TREATMENT AFTER DELIVERY. and a bandage applied and kept wet with the de- coction. If hot applications aggravate it, keep the limb wet with stramonium leaves, simmered in spirits, and applied cool. If obstinate, ley water may be used in the same manner, like- wise salt and water, and the whole limb may be anointed with bitter-sweet or mullein ointments. But if the limb will bear hot applications a poultice of soft soap thickened with indian meal, in quantity sufficient to envelope the whole limb in, has been very efficacious in that disease. Falling or projection of the womb. — This hap- pens to women after confinement ; and others, either partially or wholly. The womb descends into the vagina and sometimes protrudes entire- ly out, which causes much distress, pains in the back, groin, bearing down, with great weakness, and nervous symptoms. It arises from various causes, as over-exertion, straining, lifting, or any violent exercise. The ligaments that secure the womb to the body become relaxed, which permits it to fall down. TREATMENT AFTER DELIVERY. 121 Treatment — A broad bandage should be worn over the lower part of the bowels and drawn moderately tight, a strengthening plaster applied fco the back, the restorative wine bitters used, the bowels kept regular, and the surrounding parts bathed twice a day with salt and water. A decoction of oak bark, to which add a little alum, may be injected into the womb or vagina, once or twice a day. If this does not restore, make a tincture of. 1 ounce of cardamom seed, 1 do coriander, 1 do rhubarb, 1 do chamomile flowers, i do the filings of steel, pulverize fine, and add one quart of the best brandy, digest in a warm place, and shake dai- ly, until an oil rises. Then take a tea-spoonful in sweetened water, the same quantity on an empty stomach, until recovered. This tincture has been very efficacious in ma- ny cases of this kind, and in debilitated cases 11 122 TREATMENT AFTER DELIVERY. about the turn of life in females it has been found useful For that I would add 1 ounce of castor oil. There are several kinds of abdominal sup- porters invented to take off the weight and ten- sion from the womb, which may prove very ser- viceable. These can easily be made, or one can be purchased already made. Where the womb protrudes, it ought to be replaced by laying the woman in a recumbent position, applying the fingers and thumb to the lower part of the tumor, and then by a gradual and gentle pressure, carried upward into its centre, and continued until the parts are re- turned to their natural place. This being effect- ed, a proper-sized sponge is to be introduced, and the woman kept in a recumbent position for several hours. A sponge ought to be intro- duced as high up the vagina, as can easily be borne, and it must occasionally be removed and well cleansed. As the parts recover their proper TREATMENT AFTER DELIVERY. 123 strength and tone, one somewhat of a smaller size should be substituted. The same bandage may be worn as recom- mended under the head of fistula. Inflammation of the tvo?nb. — This disease sometimes takes place. For symptoms and treatment I refer the reader to it under inflam- matory complaints. Sore and Excoriated Nipples. — This com- plaint often happens, and is very distressing. Wash the parts with a little borax water ; also with a tincture of the balm of Gilead buds. The celandine, and mullein ointments are very good ; after applying one or more of them, cover the parts with slippery elm bark, mixed with cream or milk. This course will in general cure. Should it fail, anoint the nipples and excoriated parts with the oil of eggs. This cured one very bad case, when some of the above applications failed. The oil is secured by boiling the egg hard, and pressing it out between two pewter plates. 124 DISEASES OF CHILDREN. DISEASES OF CHILDREN. Still-Born Infants. — This occurs from diffi- cult labors, or the cord encircling the neck ; or a membrane may cover the head or body. I once attended a woman who was delivered of a child that had a singular appearance when it was born, and I was at a loss for a few seconds to account for it v I discovered that a thin mem- brane covered nearly the whole body, and pre- vented the child from breathing. I immediately removed it, and brought it home, and laid it aside to keep. But from a superstitious notion that the child would possess a "second sight," or see into futurity, some females, I believe, hearing the circumstance, destroyed it. When any thing of the kind occurs, the mem- brane should be immediately removed. If no signs of life appear, the infant may be put into a warm bath, and the mouth and body wiped dry. A little cold water may be dashed in the face, the lungs inflated by some person, and a DISEASES OF CHILDREN. 125 slight motion made upon the chest in imitation of breathing. The navel-string may be permit- ted to bleed a little. I attended a woman whose child was still-born in consequence of having been in labor for a long time, locked in the pas- sage with the face upward. The pains were terrible. The head and face were bruised and swollen, and I supposed it dead; but after a time it gasped, and finally recovered. Retention of the Meconium. — The bowels of infants, at the time of their birth, are filled with a blackish colored and viscid matter of the con- sistency of syrup, known by the name of meco- nium. The efforts of nature are in general sufficient to dislodge and carry it off, if assisted by the mother's milk, which is at first of a laxative qua- lity ; therefore infants should be applied to the breast as soon as they show an inclination to suck. Should it be retained, or not sufficiently car- ried off, a tea-spoonful of castor or sweet oil, 126 DISEASES OF CHILDREN. may be given, particularly if the secretion of milk in the mother's breast is rather tardy. Acidity, Flatulency and Gripes. — From vari- ous causes the infant is sometimes afflicted with these complaints. They arise generally from impure milk from the mother ; when this is the case, the mother should take the neutralizing mixture ; and if it does not relieve, give some to the infant. The bowels may likewise be bathed with warm spirits of brandy, to which a little salt must be added. The mother should be careful about diet and avoid taking cold, both of which affect the child. Catnip and soot teas are good ; also Calamus. Looseness or Purging. — This is soon removed by giving both the child and mother a little of the neutralizing mixture. Teething or Dentition. — A great many chil- dern are taken off, from teething. It causes heat and pain in the head, restlessness, and fever, and the gums are swollen and painful, it often occasions fits. DISEASES OF CHILDREN. 127 Treatment — In extreme cases, the gums may be scarified. A little physic may be adminis- tered every other day : the feet often bathed ; also the head with spirits ; the warm bath is excellent. If the child cannot sleep, give a few of the diaphoretic powders. "A crust of bread/' says a writer, is the best gum-stick. A strength- ening plaster may be put between the shoulders. Galling and Excoriation. — Young children are very apt to become excoriated in particular parts of the body, especially about the groins, wrinkles of the neck, behind the ears, and un- der the arms, such places being kept much moistened by urine or sweat. These complaints are troublesome, and annoy them exceedingly; and are in some measure owing to a want of due cleanliness in the mother or nurse. To prevent and likewise to remove them when they do occur, it will be necessary to wash the parts well with cold water once or twice a day, and wipe dry ; to change the clothes often, and keep the child perfectly clean. After 128 DISEASES OF CHILDREN. the child is washed and dried, the parts affected may be sprinkled with a little fine elm bark. When the excoriation is considerable, the parts after having been washed with cold water, may be anointed with celandine, elder, or mullein ointment. Aphtha, Thrush or Canker. — Infants and chil- dren are often affected with little sore spots or eruptions about the mouth ; the disease usu- ally extends from the stomach to the end of the bowels, giving rise to many painful and un- pleasant symptoms. This complaint arises from a morbid state of the stomach, and must be treated by giving a gentle neutralizing physic, such as mentioned of the above medicine. The mouth may be often washed with a decoction of sage, gold thread, and hyssop, sweeten with honey; a little fine borax may be added. Says a physician, "among the vegetable pro- ductions of our country, perhaps none excel the wake-robin, or wild turnip finely pulverized, and DISEASES OF CHILDREN. 129 rubbed into a paste with a little honey, which should be placed in small quantities on the in- fant's tongue ; often repeated, to have it spread through the mouth." Convulsions. — When fits or convulsions arise from teething, or any other cause, the feet must be immediately bathed in warm ley water, and an anodyne be administered, such as the syrup of poppy or paregoric. Garlic should be bruised, and applied to the stomach ; and if there is heat of the head, spir- its, rain water, and vinegar, may be applied. These means must be repeated as often as the fits occur : in obstinate cases, it may be neces- sary to use a warm bath. Soreness or Excoriation of the Umbilical Cord. — About the time the navel-string separates, there is sometimes soreness and inflammation ; for such symptoms, sprinkle with a powder of slippery elm bark, and apply the black salve ; also the brown ointment. Rupture {Hernia) — Sometimes, from crying 130 DISEASES OF CHILDKEN. or other causes, infants are afflicted with rup- tures ; when this happens the earliest attention is required. The infant or child should be placed in a recumbent position, or on its back ; then press the tumor or protruded part back, make a com- press of linen, which has been previously wetted in a decoction of oak bark ; apply it over the rup- ture and secure it by a bandage. If this fails to keep it in its place, apply a truss. Tongue Tied. — Sometimes thefrsenum of the tongue is so contracted that the child cannot nurse or suck. When this occurs, and only then, there must be a very slight incision made with a pair of scissors or lancet. The cut must be small and superficial, lest a blood vessel be wounded. If the child can nurse, this practice must never be resorted to. In al- most every case, this is an imaginary complaint ; and when a parent (or parents,) insists upon its being done from a mistaken notion, the back of the lancet may be used, and this will satisfy them. DISEASES OF CHILDREN. 131 Imperforated Vagina. — Sometimes a thin membrane forms across the mouth of the vagina, which partially or wholly closes it. This is very easily divided by a lancet or pair of scissors. I have had but one case of the kind. Club, Crooked, or Deformed Feet — When children are born with this deformity, an intel- ligent person informs me that a certain practi- tioner is always in the habit of immediately turn- ing them at birth into a right position, and secu- ring them with proper splints and bandages. This he says, always obviates the deformity. Choking. — Infants often become choked by getting various substances into their mouth and throat. When this accident occurs, let the child be placed upon the lap of the mother or nurse, and its face turned downwards, while it is gently struck a few times on the back between the shoulders ; if this does not remove it imme- diately, let the fore-finger be introduced and ex- tract it ; should this fail give a mild emetic. Snuffles or Difficulty of Breathing. — Infants, 132 DISEASES OF CHILDREN. from cold, are often troubled to nurse ; anoint their nose and forehead with sweet oil, also the bottoms of their feet, and heat them ; or bathe them in pretty warm water, in which has been dissolved a little soda. It will soon relieve them. Diet — If the mother has enough milk, the child will need little or no food for the third or fourth month. It will then be proper to give it a little of some food that is easy of digestion, once or twice a day ; this will ease the mother, and will accustom the child by degrees to take food, and will render the weaning both less diffi- cult and less dangerous. All great and sudden transitions are to be avoided in nursing ; for this purpose the food of children ought not only to be simple, but to resemble as nearly as possible the properties of milk ; indeed if milk of a pure quality can be obtained, it should form a principal part of their food, not only before they are weaned, but for some time after, if it agrees with them ; some children cannot digest it. DISEASES OF CHILDREN. 133 Next to milk, we would recommend good bread, which may be given a child as soon as it shows an inclination to chew ; and it may at all times be allowed as much as it will eat. The very chewing of bread will promote the cutting of the teeth and the discharge of saliva ; while, by mixing with the nurse's milk in the stomach, it will afford an excellent nourishment. Many are in the habit of pouring down vari- ous liquids and mixtures made of rich substan- ces, and so much sweetened that the tender or- gans of digestion are impaired, and acidity, and bowel diseases follow; articles of this nature should be avoided: no food should be given, except the milk of the mother, unless absolutely necessary ; nature has designed this liquid exclusively for the nourishment of the infant, and indeed I may say for children. Weaning. — Diet for infants after weaning may be pure milk, 2 parts milk, 1 part water slightly sweetened; this approaches the nearest to the nature of the mother's milk, and therefore is 134 DISEASES OF CHILDREN. more suitable than any preparation of milk and flour, or any other that can be given. A child, as a general rule, one year old ought to be weaned, and the appearance of the teeth shows the propriety of giving food a little more sub- stantial than milk. Bread a day old, mixed with milk, may be given in connection with nur- sing. Gruel, arrow-root, bread, &c. One of the most pernicious habits in which children can be indulged, is that of almost inces- sant eating. Children should never eat between meals ; but if allowed to eat anything, it should simply be a piece of dry bread between meals ; and then they will enjoy their meals. Many mothers encourage it, from the facility with which for a time, the offer of "something nice," procures peace. Even from infancy, the child ought to be gradually accustomed to eat only when hun- gry, and when food is really required. After two years of age an interval of four hours be- tween meals, will hardly be more than enough j DISEASES OF CHILDREN. 135 and to give biscuit, fruit, or bread in the mean- time, is just subtracting from the digestive pow- ers of the stomach. Like almost every organ of the body, the stomach requires a period of repose after the labor of digestion ; and accord- ingly in the healthy state, the sensation of appe- tite never returns till it has been for some time empty. To give food sooner therefore, is ana- logous to making a weary traveler walk on with- out the refreshment of a rest. When we reflect that the object of digestion is to furnish materials for the growth of the body, and to supply the waste which the system is con- stantly undergoing, it must appear self-evident that, if the digestive powers be impaired by dis- ease, by improper quantity or quality of food, or by any other cause, the result must necessa- rily be the formation of an imperfect chyle, and consequently of imperfect blood. The elements of the blood are derived from the chyle, and if it be vitiated, the blood also must suffer ; if the blood be diseased, so must necessarily be all the 136 RECIPES. organs which it supplies ; and if the body be thus debilitated, can any wonder be felt that it should no longer be able to resist the action of offending causes which full health alone can with- stand. Clothing. — Infants and children are often in- jured by improper clothing. They should be kept just comfortably warm, and they often suf- fer with cold feet, when they appear otherwise warm ; then they are liable to colic, but mod- eration should be observed, and a due regard paid to that which is sufficient to render them comfortable. RECIPES FOR THE SICK. White Wine Whey. — Take two pints of new milk, one pint of water, white wine, 1 gill. Put the milk into a well tinned, or porcelain lined sauce-pan, with the water, and over a clear fire ; and when it begins to boil throw in the wine. Boil it about fifteen minutes, during which time as the curd or cheesy part collects, RECIPES. 137 take it off with a spoon, and if the whey is not clarified enough with this quantity of wine, add a spoonful or two more ; then boil it a little longer and skim it, by which means it will be- come sufficiently fine ; and then it may be poured into a bowl for use. Or it may be clarified thus; beat the white of an egg, let the whey cool, mix them together ; boil them for a minute or two, and then strain off the whey through a fine sieve or cloth. Vinegar Whey. — Is made in the same man- ner as the wine whey, using vinegar instead of wine. Treacle Posset — Take one pint of milk, and put it into a stew pan upon coals till it begins to boil ; then add two or three table-spoonfuls of treacle or molasses, stirring the milk as it is poured in. When mixed, it is fit for use. . Lemonade. — Take of the outer rind of fresh lemon peel, about one drachm ; lemon juice, one ounce ; double refined sugar, two ounces ; boil- ing water, a pint and a half. When they have 12 138 RECIPES. stood in a stone or porcelain bowl about ten minutes, strain off the liquor. Orangeade. — Take of the fresh outer rind of Seville orange, one drachm ; orange juice, two and a half spoonfuls ; double refined sugar, one ounce and about three quarters, or enough to make it of an agreeable sweetness ; boiling water one quart. When they have stood in a white stone, or porcelain vessel about ten minutes, strain off the liquor. The Imperial Drink. — Take of cream of tar- tar, one drachm ; the outer rind of fresh lemon or orange peel, half a drachm ; loaf sugar, one ounce; boiling water two pints. When they have stood in a white stone or porcelain vessel about ten minutes, strain off the liquor. Oxy crate. — Take of white wine vinegar, four table spoonfuls; virgin honey, an ounce and a half; spring water, one quart. Mix them to- gether in a white stone or porcelain vessel. If honey disagrees with the patient, this drink may be sweetened with loaf sugar. RECIPES. 139 The Vulnerary Brink — Take of ground-ivy, catsfoot, licorice, each one ounce; elecampane half an ounce. Boil them in .two quarts and a half pint of water, to four pints, and then strain off the liquor. The Pectoral Drink — Take of common barley and raisins stoned, each two ounces; licorice root, half an ounce ; water two quarts. Boil the water first with the barley, then add the rai- sins, and afterwards near the latter end of the boiling, the licorice. The decoction then will be fully completed, when one quart only of the liquor will be left after straining. Linseed, or Flax-Seed Tea. — Take of the whole linseed, one ounce ; double refined sugar, one ounce and a half; lemon juice two ounces, boiling water, two pints. Infuse them in a stone or porcelain vessel for some hours, and then strain off the liquor. An ounce of licorice shaved, may sometimes be used instead of the sugar. Barley Water. — Take of the barley, two oun- 140 RECIPES. ces ; wash it well in cold water ; then add half a pint, and boil it fifteen minutes, this water will be colored ; drain it off, and add two quarts of boiling water ; boil the half of this away, and then strain off the liquor for use. Water Gruel — Take of oatmeal two table- spoonfuls ; water one quart ; boil the water in a nice stew pan, and mix up the oatmeal with a little milk or water ; add a little salt, and stir it into the boiling water ; boil twenty minutes, stirring it often to prevent its burning. When approved with sweetening, a handful of raisins stoned, or if without stones, cut open, added to the water, and boiled ten or fifteen minutes before adding the oatmeal, is an im- provement. Or take of oatmeal grits, two handsful ; water three quarts ; boil it until only two quarts re- main, then strain off the liquor, and season it to the taste, with salt, sugar, and nutmeg. Rice GrueL — 2 oz. of ground rice ; 2 quarts RECIPES. 141 of water ; ioz of cinnamon ; sugar of roses or syrup of quince. Put three pints and a half of the water into a nice stew-pan, and set it over a clear fire ; stir up the rice with the remaining water, and when the water boils stir it in ; boil them an hour then add the cinnamon ; after boiling up, strain the gruel through a sieve, and add of double refined sugar, (sugar of roses or syrup of quinces,) enough to make it agreeable to the taste of the patient. When this is used as a meal, take half the quantity of water and cinnamon. Rice Milk. — Take two cupfuls of rice, picked and washed nicely : put it in a stew-pan with one pint of water ; boil it for half an hour, then add a quart of new milk ; let it simmer over a slow fire till it is sufficiently done, then add to it a little sugar and nutmeg. Panada. — Put a Boston cracker into a pint china bowl, with some crushed sugar, a little nut- • meg if liked, and nearly fill the bowl with boil- ing water ; cover it close with a plate, let it stand 142 RECIPES. fifteen minutes, and serve with a napkin on the waiter, and the plate under the bowl. Also with a napkin for the use of the patient. Bread Panada. — Take of bread, one ounce ; mace one blade ; water, one pint. Boil them without stirring, till they mix and turn smooth, then add a little grated nutmeg, a small piece of butter and sugar, enough to make the mix- ture agreeable. When butter is not approved of, wine may be used in its stead. Sago. — Take of sago one large spoonful ; water three quarters of a pint. Boil them gently, stir- ring often, till the mixture is smooth and thick; then add two tablespoonfuls of wine, a little nut- meg, and sweeten it to the taste. Arrow Root — Take of the powder, a large teaspoonful; mix it with a gill of milk, and pour the mixture, (after adding a little salt) into a pint of boiling water; stirring it in until smooth, w r hen it will be fit for use; sweeten with loaf sugar ; it is a restorative in bow r el com- plaint, and nourishing aliment for children. RECIPES. 143 If made with a larger proportion of the ar- row-root powder, and milk, seasoned with nut- meg and cinnamon, it is adapted to diseases of the stomach and bowels in adults. Elderberry Syrup. — To a pint of the berries, add a pound of the best muscovado sugar, and boil it until it becomes a syrup • carefully ta- king off the scum, as long as it rises. One or two tablespoonfuls of this syrup ad- ded to a pint of water, makes a wholesome and pleasant beverage. Syrup of Turnips. — Pare and slice nice fresh turnips, placing brown sugar between every slice ; let them stand a few hours, and the syrup will collect. This simple remedy has been found very useful in coughs. Onion Syrup. — Take of the large red onions, and slice them evenly and thin, put them in an earthern bowl, place white powdered sugar be- tween every two slices of onion, and set the bowl near a moderate heat ; this is an excellent reme- dy, for all diseases of the lungs ; especially ex- 144 RECIPES. cellent for infants. The red onion is stronger than the white. Tapioca Jelly. — 1 oz. of tapioca, or two table- spoonfuls ; 2 tea-spoonfuls of lemon juice, 4 ta- blespoonfuls of milk ; sugar to taste, and salt ; a little nutmeg, a little lemon peel. Mix the tapioca with one pint of cold water, let it stand one hour ; then boil over a clear fire- stirring until well dissolved and becomes clear) another hour ; near the end of boiling, add the lemon juice, and grate in some of the peel, and a little nutmeg. Strain it off through a sieve, then add the milk with the seasoning. When prepared as above directed, it is both an agreeable and nutritive aliment. Calves' Feet Jelly. — 2 calves' feet, £lb. of loaf sugar, 4 lemons, 8 eggs. Boil the feet intone gallon of water till it comes to a quart ; then strain it, and when it is cold skim the fat entirely off, and take the jelly up clean; if there is any settlings at the bottom leave it. RECIPES. 145 Put the jelly into a sauce-pan with half a pound of loaf sugar ; the juice of the lemon, and the whites of the eggs, finely beat with the whisk ; mix all well together, set the saucepan upon a clear fire, and stir the jelly until it boils. When it has boiled a few minutes, pour it through a flannel bag until it runs clear. Slice the lemon peels as thin as possible, ready in a large china bowl, and strain the jelly warm upon them ; from these it will acquire both an amber color, and an agreeable flavor. Afterwards it may be poured into glasses. Mutton Broth — 1 lb. of loin of mutton ; 1 small onion, 2 blades of mace. Put the mutton into a nice saucepan with three pints of water, over a clear fire with a little salt ; take off the scum as it rises, with a skimmer, and slice the onion fine and add with the mace, if approved by the patient. Boil till the meat is very ten- der, then take it out, and pour the broth into an earthen vessel ; when cold, skim the fat part which is congealed on the surface entirely off; 13 146 RECIPES. after which a part of the broth may be warmed and given to the patient as often as needful. A little boiled rice may also be added here occa- sionally. Beef Broth. — Take of lean beef as free of fat as possible, a quarter of a pound; place it in a stewpan with' a pint and a half of water, and salt to season ; when it begins to boil, skim it for five minutes ; then add two blades of mace and continue the boiling ten minutes longer, which being done, the broth may be poured into a bowl for use. Chicken Broth. — Divide a middling sized chicken in two parts, take the skin and fat en- tirely off, put the half into a stewpan with a quart of water, add some salt ; as the scum rises take it off; then add a blade or two of mace, and some bread, and when boiled about three quarters of an hour in all, the broth is fit for use. Cat some thin slices of bread, pour some of the prepared chicken broth upon them; then RECIPES. 147 lay the chicken as then boiled over them. Let this be eaten without any other sauce. Alum Whey. — Boil two drachms of alum in powder, in a pint of milk, till it is curdled ; then strain out the whey. This astringent is often used with advantage in weakness. Mustard Whey. — Boil one ounce and a half of mustard, in one quart of equal quantities of milk and water, until the curd is entirely sepa- rated ; after which the liquid is strained through a cloth. This preparation is one of the most pleasant and efficacious forms in which mustard can be given. A tea-cupful sweetened with su- gar, taken three or four times in a day, is ex- ceedingly beneficial in low fevers, as a diapho- retic cordial. Beef Tea. — Cut one pound of beef that is free from fat, into thin slices or shreds, and boil it in a quart of water for twenty minutes ; remov- ing the scum as it rises. After it grows cold the liquor should be strained, in which state it resembles a light infusion of green tea, has a 148 RECIPES. very grateful flavor, and is more strengthening than other broths To Mull Port Wine. — Boil some spice in a little water, till the flavor be gained ; then add an equal quantity of wine, sugar and nutmeg \ boil it together and serve with toast. Another way: Boil some allspice or a bit of cinnamon, and some grated nutmeg a few minutes, in half a pint of water ; then pour on a pint of wine, add sugar to your taste, beat it up, and it will be ready. To Mull White Wine. — Boil a good wine with a tablespoonful of allspice ; beat up the yolk of an egg with a little sugar, and add it to the wine while boiling. Refreshing Drink in Fevers.— Boil two oun- ces of tamarinds, with an equal quantity of cur- rants and raisins, in two quarts of water, till a fourth be consumed. Strain it on a piece of lemon peel, which remove in one hour, as it gives a bitter taste if left long. Tamarinds, currants fresh or in jeHy, scalded RECIPES. 149 currants, or cranberries, with cold water, make an excellent drink : a little sugar may be added if agreeable. Lemon tvater. — Put two slices of lemon thinly peeled into a teapot, a small piece of the peel and some white sugar ; pour in a pint of boiling water, stop it close for two hours. Apple water. — Cut two large apples in slices, and pour boiling water, one quart over them ; let them stand two hours and sweeten lightly. Rules for the Diet (of Invalids^) — Bread made of the ground wheat unbolted ; Indian Rye, good butter, potatoes, rice, and stewed fruit. Plain puddings, and custard, milk, and molasses when they agree; Cocoa shells made the same as cof- fee ; weak black tea, oysters, fresh and salt water fish, and salt codfish ; eggs cooked rare, onions thoroughly boiled. I have mentioned the kind of diet, that should be taken ; but there may be some exceptions, inasmuch as what may agree with one, will not with another. In such cases whatever relishes 150 RECIPES. and digests well, or rests easy on the stomach, may be safely taken in moderation ; but the stomach should never be overloaded even with light food : and never indulge in late suppers. As much depends upon the quantity as qual- ity of the food, and as great an amount of guilt is attached to the man who gluts, or poisons him- self to death, as to one who cuts his throat, or hangs himself. Rise with an appetite. " After breakfast walk awhile, After dinner sit or lonnge awhile, After supper walk a mile. u Let supper little be, and light, But none makes the best night." Masticate or chew the food well ; eat slowly. Meals should be taken at regular intervals, as near as possible through the day, at six hours apart, and nothing between them; and none just before going to bed ; avoid very hot liquids. Abstinence should be preferred to medicine. It is beneficial to omit a meal occasionally, par- ticularly if a little unwell. Sleeping apartments should be well ventillated ; but no current of air should come directly on the bed. All bed clothes RECIPES. 151 should be well aired ; and use no tight clothes, or corsets in common cases. Flannel should be taken off on going to bed, and it is best to wear it over the shirt. Muslin is better than linen ; it preserves a more uniform temperature. A shower bath should be taken daily, or at furthest weekly ; after which, rub the whole surface brisk- ly with a coarse towel, and particularly any part which is weak. Bathe the top of the head, tem- ples, behind the ears, back of the neck, throat, arm-pits, breast, &c, with cold water every morning, and rub them briskly, not omitting the face and eyes. It preserves the part from cold, and nervous affections. Ablution or bath- ing the body, is a good substitute for the shower bath ; if the skin is hard, add a little ley or soda to the water. Exercise in the open air is very necessary. Walking, riding, digging, ploughing, and the spinning-wheel are all very good. Feather beds should not be used in the summer season ; the hair or husk mattresses should be substituted. 152 RECIPES. Avoid over-exertion and fatigue as much as indolence. Also avoid a stream of air while in a state of perspiration, as you would an arrow. The mind should be composed, not giving place to a fretful temper or corroding care. Avoid the crowded party, ball-room, and theatre. Says Hassar Imma an Arabian ; " Start from your couch betimes. The moments of the morning are sacred and salubrious ; then the Genii of health descend and communicate with those who visit the herbage of the field while rich with the dews of heaven. How pure and sweet the smell of the air in this unpolluted state, before it is contaminated by corporeal effluvia ! The fragrance of the groves will regale your senses, and the melody of birds allure your hearts to gratitude and praise." Your regimen ought to be simple and inarti- ficial. Drink only the simple water ; it is the beverage of nature, and not by any means, nor in any way to be improved by art. No spirits whatever are half so salutary. It is stronger RECIPES. 153 than the strongest wine, purer than the virgin honey, and sweeter than the sweetest nectar. " Cleanliness is one of our greatest concerns. All animals, are subject to its laws. The means of it are always at hand ; the limpid stream and the briny wave are for this purpose ordained and given to the inhabitants of the earth. They purify the surface, and strengthen and brace, at the same time, all the nerves of the system, and fibres of the human frame. In this manner have the destinies proscribed filth. It is the source of innumerable diseases. It is loathsome and detestable ; and the man or the woman who is averse to bathe or wash, ought not to live." "Forget not to mingle moderation and absti- nence even with the holiest rites of wedlock. A proper and habitual restraint in conjugal pleas- ure, is like incense to the flames of the altar. So far from quenching, it cherishes and improves the heavenly fire. Healthy, happy, vigorous, and beautiful, are the offspring of chaste and rational love." 154 RECIPES. " Study to acquire a composure of mind and body. Avoid agitation or hurry of the one or the other, especially just before or after meals, while the process of digestion is going on. To this end govern your temper ; endeavor to look at the bright side of things ; keep down as much as possible the unruly passions ; discord, envy, hatred, and malice, and your head upon your pillow in charity with all mankind. Let not your wants outrun your means. Whatever diffi- culties you have to encounter, be not perplexed, but only think what is right to do in the sight of him who seeth all things, and bear the result without repining." " In a word, there must be universal temper- ance, regularity, and exercise, in order to secure health ; and in those cases of milder disease, where exercise, drink, sleep, &c, can be regu- lated so as to bring about the restoration of health medicine should be avoided." "It is only by obedience to these constitutional laws, fixed and immutable as the laws of the PERNICIOUS EFFECTS OF MERCURY. 155 planetary world, which a wise and benevolent Creator has established in our nature, that life and health can be secured. If I were asked on what conditions more than others, health and pu- rity depend, I should reply, active exercise, at- tentive industry, and healthful employment for body and mind." Beach. THE PERNICIOUS EFFECTS OF MERCURY, IN VARIOUS DISEASES. " In slight cases of indigestion, popular prejudices may have led practitioners to attribute the most usual symptoms of indigestion to a retention of bile, and to suppose that nothing else than cal- omel or the blue pill can afford them relief. " Hazardous as it always must be to oppose popular prejudice, it is incumbent on practition- ers, in every instance of serious indisposition, to act according to their own deliberate judg- ment respecting the nature of the case, and not in compliance with the caprice of the patient. "Physicians ought absolutely to refuse giving 156 PERNICIOUS EFFECTS OF MERCURY. or sanctioning the use of mercury; especially in cases of pregnancy, as in many cases it pro- duces abortion ; and is in general deleterious to the child. " Those who are subject to occasional fits of dyspepsia, particularly those who have resided in hot climates are accustomed to appeal to their own personal experience, as directly evincing the great utility of calomel in such complaints. But if those persons could attend impartially to the effect of that medicine, they would find that its immediate operation is severe, and that it is followed for some time by uncomfortable feel- ings, and by an unusual susceptibility of derange- ment of the stomach and bowels. Perhaps, indeed these very effects of Calomel furnish in a majority of cases an antidote to the poison, for they compel the sufferers to adopt restrictions in diet and other necessary precautions, which the immediate relief that would ensue from the operation of such medicines might make them suppose to be useless. PERNICIOUS EFFECTS OF MERCURY. 157 " Sometimes, it is true, a single dose of Calomel seems to remove in a few hours the oppressive feelings produced by indigestion ; and this hap- pens from the sudden discharge of the acrid contents of the stomach and bowels. But a re- petition of the same medicine, instead of being equally serviceable, generally aggravates the sufferings; inducing alarming fits of palpitations or of faintings, or of such unaccountable feelings as lead to the dread of immediate death. The author can truly affirm, that in several cases to which he has been called, where patients had been under a course of mercury for stomach complaints, the irritable feelings described, were in a much more violent degree than he ever wit- nessed from the same medicine given in other diseases. Nor is it wonderful that this should happen, since it is well known that one of ihe most common disorders occasioned by the use of mercury, is indigestion. "When symptoms resembling those of dyspepsia arise from organic disease of the stomach, or 158 PERNICIOUS EFFECTS OF MERCURY. through sympathy from tubercles in the lungs, or altered texture of any other part than the liver, it may be questioned whether any benefi- cial effects were ever produced by mercury. In almost all the instances of this kind which have fallen under the author's notice, the original af- fection was hurried on." It may be alleged, that in every complaint of infancy and childhood, calomel within these few years, has been had recourse to, not only by practitioners, but by parents and nurses ; a prac- tice which must have been long ago exploded, if its bad effects had been known. Although a dose of calomel may seem merely to affect the stomach or bowels, it may, by its latent influence upon some disorder, such as tu- bercles in the lungs, or slight enlargement of the mesenteric or other internal glands, give activity to a disease, the source of which might other- wise have been removed by the natural powers of the constitution. The author has for several PERNICIOUS EFFECTS OF MERCURY. 159 years been impressed with the conviction of this important truth. That there are many individuals who have often with impunity taken calomel as a purgative, is not to he denied • but it is equally true, that extreme irritability of the stomach and bowels, ulceration of the mouth, with caries of the teeth, dropsy, epilepsy, and various other modifications of disease, have followed the use of that prepa- ration. In several cases the author has deci- dedly ascertained, that ulceration of the villous coat of the intestines in infants and young chil- dren, has been induced by the frequent repeti- tion of doses of that medicine. Had these injurious effects of calomel upon delicate constitutions been hid from the rest of the profession, and known only to the author, some apology might be offered for the pertina- city with which that medicine is still prescribed ; but so far is this from being true, that it may be. confidently asserted that no medical man of competent knowledge and observation, could 160 PERNICIOUS EFFECTS OF MERCURY. administer calomel as a purgative, in a hundred instances, without being convinced of its injuri- ous tendency. Of this, innumerable proofs could be cited, but it is sufficient to appeal to the tender mercy of Professor Carlisle, and of Dr. Blackall. Dr. Carlisle has expressed himself very strong- ly on the subject. "That grave men should per- sist in large doses of calomel, and order these doses to be daily reiterated in chronic and debi- litated cases, is passing strange. "Men starting into the medical profession from a cloistered study of books, and from abstract speculations ; men wholly unaware of the fallibi- lity of medical evidence, and unversed in the doubtful effects of medicines, may be themselves deluded, and delude others for a time ; but when experience has proved their errors, it would be magnanimous, and yet no more than just, to re- nounce both the opinion and the practice." Dr. BlackalTs remarks being very specific, afford a little more satisfactory proof of the vali- dity of the author's opinions. PERNICIOUS EFFECTS OF MERCURY. 161 "It appears to me/' he says, "that no acci- dents proper to the disease, can account for all those fatal conversions to the head, which of late years have so frequently taken place in the fevers of children ; and I have on some occasions been disposed to attribute them to excessive and repeated doses of calomel, which either not mov- ing the bowels, as was expected, have given evidence of being absorbed; or on the other hand, have purged too violently, and been suc- ceeded by diarrhoea without bile, and a prostra- tion of strength, from which the little patient has never risen. The less severe effects are sometimes of no slight importance ; a slow and imperfect recovery, a languid and feverish habit, and a disposition to scrofula. "It need not surprise us that in children, this disposition, particularly if so excited, should often be formed on the part most liable to every impression, and most actively developing itself, — the brain ; since even in adults, mercury is inimical to the nervous system. Parents have 14 162 PERNICIOUS EFFECTS OF MERCURY. something to regret, who are so perpetually giv- ing calomel to their children, without any dis- tinction or care as a common remedy ; and it is difficult to conceive on what view of the subject even practitioners proceed, who indulge in its use with less scruple than ever, with less caution as to management, while they are observing and lamenting the daily increasing ravages of here- ditary scrofulous diseases. "Small doses of calomel may seem useful in bowel complaints, when in reality the amendment is to be attributed to the regulation of diet, and to the opiates, which are commonly recommend- ed at the same time. This is the case in all diseases. "The author can confidently declare, that he has seen a number of infants and very young children destroyed, as he apprehends positively, by the indiscriminate use of calomel for com- plaints of the bowels. "In dropsies there is either increased activity of the exhalants, or some altered condition of the PERNICIOUS EFFECTS OF MERCURY. 1G3 circulating mass, which renders it acrimonious or stimulating when exhaled ; it is perfectly ob- vious that all medicines capable of aggravating such causes, ought to be most carefully avoided ; and since it is clearly established, that prepara- tions of mercury have a direct tendency, both to increase the action of the arterial system and constituent parts of the blood, they must be re- garded as most especially inadmissible. "The author has never met in consultation, with any practitioner of discernment and expe- rience, who has not admitted the fact, both that mercury and squills frequently fail to give relief in cases of general dropsy ; and also, that in many instances their exhibition has been suc- ceeded by a rapid and mortal aggravation of the symptoms. "If any reliance can be placed on the validity of the observations in the preceding pages, the reasons for their failures may be easily compre- hended. "Were any further illustrations required, the 164 PERNICIOUS EFFECTS OF MERCURY. author could state several distressing cases to which he has been called. The patients allu- ded to, while under a course of mercury and squills, had been unexpectedly seized with alarm- ing breathlessness, or violent pain in the side, or sudden delirium, with a sharp pulse. "But although a rapid amendment followed this change of treatment, the use of the mercury had been resumed whenever the alarm had fairly subsided, and a hopeless recurrence of all the bad symptoms had ensued. "Although the consideration may be humilia- ting, it is too instructive to be passed over, that the very reasons urged by practitioners of de- served eminence for the employment of dropsy of the head, are not unfrequently in direct con- tradiction to their own explanation of the na- ture of the disease. "On this subject the author can express his sentiments with more than usual confidence, hav- ing from his earliest years, had innumerable op- portunities of attending to the effects of mercury PERNICIOUS EFFECTS OF MERCURY. 165 in this disease. In no instance under his obser- vation has that medicine ever proved successful ; and he fully agrees with Dr. Blackall in opinion that on many occasions the injudicious use of that mineral, has actually occasioned the disease. To his certain knowledge, affections of the stom- ach and bowels, have been converted into dropsy of the brain, by the use of mercury prescribed on the presumption, that the patient labored under that disease. "Upon what principle mercury has been uni- versally employed in all cases of enlarged ova- rium, notwithstanding the variety of age r consti- tution, and state of general health of the indivi- duals affected with it, no satisfactory explanation has hitherto been given. "Far less can experience be pleaded in justifi- cation of this practice ; for the author speaks within bounds when he avers, that he has known mercury employed in some hundred cases of di- seased ovarium, without its having proved useful in a single instance. A few apparent exceptions 166 PERNICIOUS EFFECTS OF MERCURY. have been reported to him by old pupils ; but from the uniform result of all the cases which have been under his own notice, he is induced to believe that in these alleged exceptions, the disease had not been the enlargement of the ovary. "But while mercury can be of no utility what- ever, it may, and certainly often has produced irreparable injury, upon the general constitution. A most impartial attention to many of those cases has convinced the author that indurations which might have remained for years without inconvenience to the patient, have been forced into morbid activity by a course of mercury. " In some parts, calomel has been employed for many years as the chief remedy in croup. But frequently two children in the same family, treated according to this plan, have died within a few days of each other. "About sixteen years ago," says a distinguish- ed physician, "I was induced to give calomel a fair trial ; and I solemnly assert, that according PERNICIOUS EFFECTS OF MERCURY. 167 to all that I have seen, no relief whatever has been afforded by that medicine, unless copious dark green colored stools like boiled spinach, have been discharged, and that it requires large and repeated doses of the medicine to produce even that effect. For example, to a child of seven years old, one hundred and thirty-three grains were given within sixty hours. "In reasoning upon this subject, it is extremely difficult to explain in the first place, the safety with which a hundred and thirty-three grains of calomel could be given, within sixty hours, to a patient of seven years of age. "It has been shown, that the action of calomel tends by exciting inflammation and effusion, to produce thickening of various membranes, par- ticularly of the pleura ; and several instances are recorded of that kind, where the fact was proved by the appearances on dissection. This effect of mercury has been long remarked by the author. "Many practitioners imagine that mercury is a 168 PERNICIOUS EFFECTS OF MERCURY. specific in the venereal disease. But this is not the case. Indeed it is very questionable whether it has any other than a deleterious effect in this disorder. "This remark is exemplified in the experi- ments lately made in England, by the head sur- geon of the army. It is stated, that about two thousand patients were cured without mercury, simply by abstinence and rest ; or rather, by the natural efforts of the constitution; whereas no more were cured by mercury. "Thus it is evident, that the mineral exerts no influence in the removal of syphilis, and that physicians impute to art, or rather to a danger- ous medicine, what is due to nature. "When we reflect that in fevers, mercury is given with little scruple, w r e are led to remark, that "within^ the last thirty years, either a sud- den revolution in the law r s of the human machine had taken place, or that medical men had ceased to reason on the operations of medicines. "Every practitioner who has paid the least PERNICIOUS EFFECTS OF MERCURY. 169 attention to the effects of mercury in fevers, must be convinced of its immediate and subse- quent injurious effects. No further proof need be adduced than is found in the preceding pages ; it is shown that it produces an augmentation of feverish and inflammatory symptoms ; that from the time that the influence of mercury becomes evident, the general strength declines rapidly, a dangerous emaciation, debility, with an irritable state of the whole system ; also paralysis, epi- lepsy, loss of senses, and many other distressing and dangerous complaints. "Who then, in the possession of his senses, would think of exhibiting mercury in fevers. But strange as it may appear, it is universally administered, and constitutes the chief medicine in the materia medica. We hope however, that those who see its pernicious and fatal effects por- trayed in this work, will in future flee from it, as from the face of the most poisonous serpent. It would require years to give an account of the number of deaths it has occasioned. It has the 15 170 PERNICIOUS EFFECTS OF MERCURY. power of decomposing the bones, and to cause rottenness and exfoliation. "Mercury appears to destroy the energy of the nervous system, producing weakness, tremors, palsies, fatuity, epilepsy, and mania, the most dreadful of its bad consequences ; and indeed no part of the body is exempt from its deleterious effects. "The patient becomes hectical, has a small quick pulse, and there is often a tendency to a colliquation on the skin and bowels, and a wast- ing atrophy of the flesh ; his countenance is pale and wan, his nights bad, his appetite impaired, his strength much reduced, and he complains of general irritability, with headache and flying pains in his bones, especially on the approach of bad weather, of rain of frost, or of north or south winds." Dr. Beech. A Bishop of Massachusetts, both deaf and dumb, states that his deafness, and that of his brother's, was the effect of haying mercury ad- PERNICIOUS EFFECTS OF MERCURY. ' 171 ministered to them during their sickness with the typhus fever. We are inclined to imagine that intemperance and abuse of mercury predisposes to onanism, as to many diseases, by impairing the general constitutional powers. — Porter on Onanism. Testimony of Dr. J. King. — Dr. John King of New Bedford, Massachusetts, writes as follows, on the subject of midwifery ; "I agree with you, and I insist upon it wherever I go, that this is not the part of the physician's labor. "It is not sickness in reality, but a natnral effect, intended by our Creator, and should be solely in the hands of women ; yet owing to pre- judice and the custom of society, however much they concur with me in this fact, when the hour arrives, the man is called, and she, whose mod- esty would at any other time mantle her cheeks with crimson, willingly submits to the laws of custom. "About four fifths of the female patients whom I attended for falling of the womb, and other 172 ' PERNICIOUS EFFECTS OF MERCURY. diseases, have satisfied me beyond a doubt, that the sole cause of their afflictions, was the im- proper interference of their man midwife ; and you would not only laugh at the ignorance and stupidity of some of our most educated physici- ans, but would be surprised and disgusted, were I to inform you of their manual operations for dilating the vagina, &c, that the woman might get through labor sooner and with less pain. I shall continue to decry this unnatural and im- modest practice as long as life remains. "I conversed with a person a few days ago, who stated that his wife had been afflicted nearly twenty years with falling of the womb, produced while living in England, by her doctor during parturition. He was in a great hurry to get through, and took such means to facilitate deli- very as thus to injure her. "Females, dare you any longer hazard your health and lives, by employing men to attend you instead of females, whose province alone it is to officiate in this branch ? Remember if you PERNICIOUS EFFECTS OF BLOOD-LETTING. 173 do, it is at your peril, and I fear a curse instead of a blessing will attend you. Let the public be aroused to a proper sense of the evils and abuses connected with this subject, and let them adopt proper means for instructing suitable per- sons in midwifery. Let selfishness and ignor- ance be sacrificed on the altar of true benevo- lence." Dr. Beach. ON THE PERNICIOUS EFFECTS OF BLOOD-LETTING. Having myself been a great sufferer in early life from habitual bleeding, I consider it a duty to insert an article, that was published in the Medical Reformer of New York City, in the year 1823 ; although our physicians of all the schools have nearly laid aside the practice, as far as my knowledge extends. " Among the various means made use of to restore the sick to health, there is none so irra- tional and absurd as blood-letting. It is at pres- ent, considered almost as a universal remedy, and resorted to for the cure of the slightest in- 174 PERNICIOUS EFFECTS OF BLOOD-LETTING. disposition ; and, although daily slaying its thou- sands, it still continues to be the main pillar of the profession. " Indeed were bleeding and mer- cury to be altogether prohibited, physicians would find themselves in a sad dilemma ; their hands would be completely tied. We are unable to determine precisely tbe commencement of this pernicious custom, but we find it to be very an- cient. It appears to have been commensurate with the declension of the healing art in the ear- liest ages of the world. It was not however car- ried to such a fury, till after the discovery of the circulation of the blood by Harvey. It was at this period, that the whole faculty began their mad career, in committing the most wanton vio- lation to the laws of nature. Those who were so unfortunate as to fall victims to disease, were doomed to suffer the most extravagant effusion of blood. The poor sufferers were soon hurried to an untimely grave, secundum artem. The guillotine of France hardly surpassed this sys- tematic murdering. In process of time practi- PERNICIOUS EFFECTS OF BLOOD-LETTING, 175 tioners began to witness the mischief they were committing, which, in some measure clamped their ardor in these bloody scenes. This check induced one physician to remark, that the pro- portionate disuse of the lancet was one of the greatest improvements in modem medicine. We find however, that blood-letting has been prac- ticed for many centuries almost with the same infatuation; and, lamentable for mankind, in the present day-, it Is regarded as the most pow- erful weapon to subdue disease. There are few maladies in which it is not recommended. In pleurisy, and all inflammatory complaints, an astonishing quantity of blood is drawn from the system. It is very common to take from five to seven pounds in twenty-four hours. One of the professors in the medical college of this city stated that he had frequently bled his patients to the amount of two hundred ounces in three days. Another professor declared that he had taken three hundred ounces in the short space of three days, and for proof of this fact, appealed 176 PERNICIOUS EFFECTS OF BLOOD-LETTING. to one of his students. The effect of this prac- tice we shall leave for people of common sense to determine. How much is it to be regretted that such an awful scourge of humanity should exist! A little examination into the conse- quences of blood-letting, will prove that so far from being beneficial, it is productive of the most serious and fatal effects. " Nature has endowed the animal frame with the power of preparing, from proper aliment, a certain quantity of blood. This vital fluid, sub- servient to nutrition, is, by the amazing struc- ture of the heart and blood-vessels, circulated through the different parts of the system. A cer- tain natural balance between what is taken in and what passes off by the several outlets of the body, is, in a state of health, regularly preserved. When this balance, so essential to life, is, con- trary to the laws of the animal constitution, in- terrupted, either a deviation from a sound state is immediately perceived, or health, from that moment, is rendered precarious. Blood-letting PERNICIOUS EFFECTS OF BLOOD-LETTING. 177 tends artificially to destroy that natural balance in the constitution. Nature, deprived of a quan- tity of the circulating fluid, being fitted with means for repairing the loss she has sustained, begins immediately to repair it. The secretions and excretions in general are diminished ; the appetite is increased ; and for a short time, the process of nutrition is unusually quick. " Thus, by the wisdom of Providence, nature soon restores to the constitution what art had taken from it.* The consequences therefore, of having been once bled are rarely considerable. This single operation however, is an imprudent violation of nature, and of common sense. " But too often the practice has not rested here. For various are the incidents which favor the repetition of blood-letting. The patient, if addicted to an easy, indolent, luxurious way of * Tt very frequently happens however, that in many habits, the loss of even small quantities of blood, induces such a debility as to pre- vent a reaction of the system, whereby the blood becomes thin and watery dropsical; and other diseases follow, and very commonly death itself. 178 PERNICIOUS EFFECTS OF BLOOD-LETTING. life, may find himself, after the evacuation, sen- sible of some present ease. The system, being before, too full of blood, enjoys a short respite from its usual oppression. Or, after the bleed- ing, though it was improper, and tended rather to increase the disease, yet the hope of relief, or a change of weather, the benefit of exercise and country air, or some other alteration in an ac- customed manner of living, may by palliating or removing the complaint, prejudice the patient in favor of the lancet. The disorder it may be, was of such a kind as really to admit of allevia- tion from the use of bleeding ; but, nevertheless, the remedy unhappily proves of worse effect to the constitution than the disease itself would have done, though entirely left to nature. Great numbers of people who have been relieved by bleeding, are apt to be partial to the means of their own recovery, and to become strenuous advocates for its use, even in cases by no means similar to their own. " These, and a variety of accidental causes, PERNICIOUS EFFECTS OF BLOOD-LETTING. 179 often persuade to repetitions of blood-letting. The consequences now become more serious. The constitution, though it did not suffer mate- rially from one bleeding, yet far from being able to undergo with impunity repeated opera- tions of a similar kind, turns against itself those powers which were given for its preservation, and co-operates with the imprudent use of the lancet, in promoting the accomplishment of its own destruction. For now the constitution not only repairs the losses of blood it sustains, but if the common intervals of time be interposed, makes more blood than is naturally required for the purposes of health and life, it may be able to bear such repeated evacuations. " Thus the habit of blood-letting is establish- ed. But in fact, habitual blood-letting augments the very evil it was intended to remove. For sanguine evacuations necessitating the constitu- tion to make more blood than is requisite, pro- duces too great fulness of the system* The *This state of the system is denominated plethora. 180 PERNICIOUS EFFECTS OF BLOOD-LETTING. balance between what is taken into the body, and what passes off by its several outlets, is no longer maintained. As the disposition to ple- thora exists, plethora itself, if the person con- tinue to live in his accustomed manner, will un- doubtedly prevail, except at that time when the constitution has just received the unnatural as- sistance of the lancet. The habit of letting blood increases and becomes stronger by repetition. In this state, the constitution in spite of human art, will at times labor under various degrees of plethora, till the vessels arrive at that point of fulness, which again creates the necessity of bleeding. Though some constitutions are so robust, or so peculiarly framed by nature, as to bear such treatment without any evident bad consequences, yet this is but the privilege of few. Many will severely suffer, though they themselves may often be the first to extol in the highest terms of praise that very remedy which has proved so pernicious to their own constitu- tions. They have been bled till stated bleed- PERNICIOUS EFFECTS OF BLOOD-LETTING. 181 ings become necessary, not only for the support of health, but even for the preservation of their lives. They have injudiciously created to them- selves the necessity of bleeding, and are even happy to find that it relieves complaints, which • it at first tended to induce, and afterward to confirm. 6 The effects of plethora are many and dan- gerous. A slight degree of it often produces strange commotions in weak and irritable habits. No person who depends for the preservation of his health on an artificial discharge of blood, can ever be pronounced out of danger. Before the usual means of relief be employed, the sanguine fulness at one time or another may have pro- ceeded to a morbid, or even to a fatal length. The anticipation of the stated bleedings may with the greatest inconvenience lessen, but it can never remove the danger. An increase of fat- ness, unnatural heat, torpor, inactivity, and a sense of lassitude are common effects of plethora. The whole vascular system is unnaturally put 182 PERNICIOUS EFFECTS OF BLOOD-LETTING. upon the stretch, and along with it, the nervous and muscular fibres. Thus by slow degrees, the tone of the body, in consequence of so consider- able an over-distension, is in danger of being destroyed. The constitution itself, in proportion to its native vigor, is rendered liable, exclusive of every other cause of disease, to break many years sooner than it might otherwise have done in the common course of nature, if nature's laws had not been wantonly violated, or presumptu- ously despised. Hence old age sets in at an earlier season, and becomes afflicted with heav- ier infirmities. Frequently the appetite fails, the powers of digestion and nutrition are im- paired, the body shrinks, the mind becomes dejected, the stomach and bowels are disordered, sleep is interrupted and unrefreshing, and in short, the whole constitution fundamentally sha- ken and debilitated. a These are the flow and frequent consequen- ces of plethora. Others in fact occur, which, though on the whole they are perhaps less des- PERNICIOUS EFFECTS OF BLOOD-LETTING. 183 tractive, are however more painful, and better distinguished. " Too great a fulness of blood predisposes the constitution to a world of disorders. Inflamma- tory fever, and external inflammation, thephren- sy, the pleurisy and the quinsy, rheumatism, haemorrhage, &c, are frequently the disorders of a sanguine habit, depending greatly on the plethoric state. Physicians likewise are per- fectly agreed, that too great a quantity of blood increasing irritability, has a strong tendency to excite, in habits where the predisposition to such disorders exists, convulsions, St. Vitus' dance, epilepsy, and hysteric fits; complaints which otherwise might never have made their appear- ance. We may further add, pains of the head, vertigo, night-mare, often the forerunners of apoplexy and palsy, which are justly ranked among the unhappy effects of plethora. Habit- ual blood-letting tends indeed particularly to bring on apoplectic and paralytic complaints. — > The morbid habit, acquiring strength by repeti- 184 PERNICIOUS EFFECTS OF BLOOD-LETTING. tioiij produces its fullest and most trying effects in advanced age, when venous plethora occurs ; and when the veins of the head, in old people are particularly subject to rupture, and the con- sequent effusion of blood, far the most frequent and fatal cause of apoplexy. " Thus much, by way of example, to show the bad effects of bleeding. It has been proved, that habitual artificial discharges of blood, in- stead of diminishing, tend to produce plethora ; the pernicious consequences of which, on the human constitution, have been briefly enumer- ated. u Some may object to this reasoning, that in many instances of habitual blood-letting, the ef- fects here mentioned have not followed ; and that, where they have, other causes more power- ful have principally produced them. We answer, that such argument is inconclusive in itself, and foreign to the present subject. Not uncommonly the slighter effects of blood-letting are inaccu- rately overlooked, or ignorantly neglected. But, PERNICIOUS EFFECTS OF BLOOD-LETTING. 185 where that is not the case, it may be observed, that particular causes of disease, when not alone completely efficient, are often applied without inducing any morbid effect. Hard would be the fate of mankind, were every species of contagion to infect every person to which it might be ap- plied. To argue, that habitual bleedings are no cause of apoplexy, because apoplexy is not con- stantly induced, is just as rational as to deny the very power of a pestilential contagion, be- cause it has been applied to thousands without exciting the pestilential fever. To produce a disease, two particulars in general are requisite : first, predisposition of the body ; secondly, the application of the exciting cause. Without the predisposition we are often exposed with impu- nity to otherwise very active causes of disease ; and, without the application of the cause, the predisposition may continue with us through life without inconvenience. With regard to the lat- ter part of the objection, that other cases, more powerful, acting in conjunction with habitual 16 186 PERNICIOUS EFFECTS OF BLOOD-LETflNG. blood-letting, may probably have produced the effects which have been enumerated, it is evi- dently foreign to the purpose. We grant that full living, and the neglect of exercise, may very powerfully assist in exciting the bad consequen- ces of plethora. It is believed too, that there are men who would rather submit to be bled even once a month, with the privilege, in the mean time, of indulging their vitiated appetite at large, and of enjoying the pleasures of ease, than by living a temperate, active life, possess the most perfect state of health, the free gift of heaven, independent of the assistance of art. Yet the argument, just advanced, appears still decisive, that habitual blood-letting often produ- ces a sanguine fulness of the vascular system, liable to be followed with pernicious effects, and is therefore absurd, and highly detrimental to health." ABUSES IN SURGERY. 187 THE KNIFE, O R THE ABUSES IN SURGERY, The limits of this little work will only enable me to make some brief extracts on surgery, and the knife, of sentiments, which have long been confirmed by my own observation, and know- ledge of the healing art, as practiced by the different schools. — Author. 1. Amputation. — "It is customary to ampu- tate a limb, when mortification takes place, but it is directed not to remove it until a line of demarcation is formed between the mortified or dead, and the living or sound flesh ; assigning as a reason, that if it is done the stump will slough, or that the disease will return. "Now, I ask in the name of reason, common sense, and philosophy, where is the propriety or necessity for amputating a limb for mortification, or any other disease, when it has been stopped or arrested? In this case, according to the very directions given, or principles laid down, the limb will, if left to nature alone, be saved." 188 ABUSES IN SURGERY. The extract already quoted from Gibson, proves that a surgeon who understands the heal- ing art, may practice perhaps all his lifetime, without cutting off a single limb. How then, can surgeons in this day, reconcile their cutting and carving system with their consciences, or with correct principles of the science of medicine? "It is a very common circumstance, for per- sons to apply to us for the treatment of some disease, for which amputation, or an operation has been proposed ; and I now do not recollect a single case in which we have not been success- ful, where our prescriptions have been followed ; a great share of the abuse and calumny which has been heaped upon the author of this work, has arisen in consequence of having cured those very diseases, for which operations have been prepared and recommended as absolutely neces- sary. I must however here state, that it is al- leged that some improvements have taken place within a few years past, in operative surgery. A medical gentleman informed me, that not one ABUSES IN SURGERY. 189 half of the limbs are now amputated, that were some years ago. "Compound Fractures and Dislocations. — It has been customary to amputate in compound frac- tures and dislocations ; but this is seldom if ever necessary. The worst cases of which I have any account may be cured ; and indeed, ampu- tations now, are not so frequently performed for these accidents, as they were some years ago. "Sir Astley Cooper proves conclusively, that these accidents are to be cured without amputa- tion. Why, then, do other surgeons in this day amputate for them ? But I humbly trust, that a new era in medical science will soon dawn upon the world. "White Stvelling. — It is customary to ampu- tate for white swelling. This is truly a cruel unnecessary, and shocking practice. How must the hearts of parents bleed to see ihe limb or limbs of their beloved children amputated or cut off for disease, that can be infallibly cured, as I have demonstrated in a number of cases. 190 ABUSES IN SURGERY. "Operations for Cancer. — It is recommended by authors and lecturers both in Europe, and America, to use the knife for cancers, in the fe- male breast and other parts of the body. But how this practice has so long prevailed, in face of all the facts on record, I can not divine. J can not account for it in any other way, except on the same principle that error always prevails. I know by a life time's experience, that the method of extirpating cancers with the knife, is not attended with success ; but on the contrary, I have found that it aggravates the complaint. I have been called to treat the disease in all stages, both before and after excision, and there- fore I consider myself a competent judge ; and now have to state, that this operation is uncertain, ineffectual, and generally renders the complaint worse; and therefore ought to be abandoned, and other means substituted. Among all the operations performed for cancer of the female breast, I have never known a solitary cure per- formed. ABUSES IN SURGERY. 191 "Dr. Alexander Munroe of Edinburgh states he has been present at the extirpation of sixty- two cancers of the female breast, and not two of the individuals remained free from the disease two years afterward. Is there then, any en- couragement, or any authority, for continuing this barbarous practice. Attempts to cut a can- cer, may be compared to the cutting down a tree and leaving the roots to sprout. It grows with renewed vigor. "The method that we pursue in the treatment of this disease, is altogether better. Dr. W. Beach. My Dear Sir.—" I beg your acceptance of a copy of the last edition of my Treatise on the Diseases of the Joints. I also send you some pamphlets, which you may perhaps, find leisure to peruse on your voyage. I hope that my work on the joints has at all events, contributed to diminish the number of amputations performed in this countrv, on account of this class of di- seases. Certain it is, that many diseased joints were amputated in the earlier part of my pro- 192 ABUSES IN SURGERY. fessional life, which the London surgeons would not even dream of amputating at the present time ; and that in several of the cases recorded in my treatise, as having been the subject of amputation formerly, (and to which by the way, I am indebted for many of my pathological ob- servations) a cure would now have been obtained by easier means, and without the mutilation of the patients. "Altogether the proportion of severe opera- tions has of late years, become very much di- minished in the hospitals of our metropolis, and I attribute this mainly to the improvements that have taken place in our art. Without under- rating the importance and value of operative surgery on many occasions, I must say, I could never bring myself to regard it as constituting the glory and pride of our profession. The mu- tilation of the human body, is at least, but a sorry expedient, since operations are always at- tended with more or less hazard ; and I con- ceive that it is a greater triumph for science ABUSES IN SURGERY. 193 when she teaches us to cure a disease by other means, than when she leads us to the same re- sult by the most skilful and masterly operation." I am dear Sir with great respect, Your faithful friend, B. C. Brodie. The Count La Salle, in one of his papers ad- dressed to the Academy des Arts at Paris, thus expresses himself in relation to the practice of surgery among the Indians. The paper is da- ted August 10th, 1565. u In my travels through the wilds of America, I visited most of the Indian tribes, which popu- late the regions of the west. I commenced my pilgrimage, at the mouth of the St. Lawrence, and ended it, at the passes of the Mississippi. A nobler race of beings I never witnessed ; I was surprised when I found, that though unac- quainted with any of the sciences, they were masters of the art of surgery. During my travels, I found a number of the Aborigines who had been wounded and mangled in the wars ; 17 194 ABUSES IN SURGERY. but I never found one who was in the least de- formed by the fracture of bones, and the numer- ous accidents to which Indian warfare are lia- ble — not a single amputation. I had noticed, in most of the hospitals of Europe, that but few of the inmates who had been confined, came out without being lame and deformed ; and when I recollected this, I expressed my surprise and as- tonishment to the chiefs of the tribes, that the invalids perfectly recovered the use of their limbs, and did not bear any of the marks of previous disaster. "To my observations one of the chiefs replied, ' You have men to mend limbs, who are taught by men to do so ; w r e obtain our knowledge, from the Great Spirit. We are perfect, for our knowledge comes from the clouds ; yours comes from man only.' I confess that I was thunder- struck with the reply ; but I could not but ad- mit the justice, accuracy, and pungency of the remark." The celebrated missionary John Zimmerman, ABUSES m SUEGERY. 195 as early as the year 1620, made a voyage to Patagonia, under the auspices of the Moravian church ; and in one of his letters to the Synod, took an elaborate view of the people, from which we make the following extract. " I was not more surprised than delighted, to find among this people, men who were practi- cally and theoretically acquainted with surgery, though they were unacquainted 'with the terms and phrases which are employed by civilized nations. I inquired of them, how they became acquainted with the art ; their reply was, ' our God forms not his mortals without intelligence, and he has wisely ordained, that we should all possess the capacity of supplying our wants. He that formed us, endowed us with the neces- sary knowledge, to enable us to heal our wounds and restore our fractured bones.' "Were I disposed, I could relate hundreds, if not thousands, of the most inhuman, barbarous, bloody, and fatal operations, both in Europe and America ; and that too, for those very diseases, 196 ABUSES IN SURGERY. which nature often cures without any assistance from art. It may be, that occasionally an op- eration removes a disease. But if so, this is blazoned to the world, and brings great fame to the operator ; when perhaps the scores of cures which he butchered out of the world, are kept silent. Indeed I have sometimes thought, the more patients a surgeon kills, by formidable op- erations, the more popular he becomes. I never would object to any operation, were I convinced that there was no other alternative ; but when I see persons operated upon, and destroyed for complaints which I have cured, if I did not raise my warning voice against such a practice, and express my indignation, I should be destitute of the least spark of humanity." Dr. Beach. The physician can only be the servant of na- ture, in the cure of disease. In reality we cure nothing. We can only remove the offending cause, while nature performs a cure ; and there- fore lay it down as a fundamental maxim in me- ABUSES IN SURGERY. 197 dicine, that all the physician can do, is to act as a servant or handmaid to nature The author of the "Medical Sketches," thus remarks in relation to this subject : " The an- cients says he, "not only observed the effects of that instinct by which brutes are directed to cer- tain plants for relief when they are unwell, and then applied them to the complaints of men, but they also attended with diligence to the man- ner in which nature, when left to herself entirely, received or threw off diseases. They perceived that certain disorders were carried off by spon- taneous vomitings, others by looseness,^ and oth- ers by augmented perspiration ; and having thus learned how diseases were cured by nature, whenever her powers seemed to be weak and tardy, then, and then only, they ventured to assist her by art. Here it is worthy of observation, that although that sensation or instinct by which some animals prompted to select particular vegetables for the removal of disorders, is not given in so strong 198 ABUSES IN SURGERY. or particular a degree to man ; yet nature often directs him also, though in a more general way, to the best method of relieving his complaints. In fevers, the patient generally has a desire for cooling, light, acescent drinks, and dislikes those which are of a heavier and more heating nature ; he covets jificy, ripe fruits, of various kinds, and nauseates or loathes animal food ; a free stream of air, and a spacious cool bed chamber, are equally salutary and agreeable to him; while confined air and a small heated room, are per- nicious and oppressive. In these instances what the sick person shows an aversion to, has a tendency to promote the disease ; and what he relishes, has an effect in abating its virtue. Other instances of the same kind, might be enu- merated ; I will confine myself to one which I have frequently had occasion to observe. Towards the end of very bad putrid fevers, when the patient, exhausted by the violence and length of the disease, lay constantly on his back, had continual stortings in the tendons of the ABUSES IN SURGERY. 199 wrists, his lips and teeth being covered with a black coat, his tongue trembling, and with diffi- culty held out, the pulse weak and quick ; in this deplorable condition, when the patient seem- ed insensible to every thing else, he rejected, with every mark of aversion that was in his power, medicines of every kind ; but upon his lips and tongue being moistened with wine, he sucked it greedily, and was soon cured." This doctrine is further exemplified by the writings of Dr. Hillary, who states in his secret of curing diseases by adopting a better system, " that by accurately observing all the motions, endeavors, and indications of nature to carry off and cure diseases, and by observing by what critical evac- uations, she does at last cast off the morbid matter which caused them, and so restores health ; we may, by the same method of reasoning, know both the methods and the means we should use to assist nature in producing those salutary results ; if we avoid all hypothetical reasoning, and by thus observing, following, and assisting nature, 200 ABUSES IN SURGERY. agreeably to her indications, our practice will always be more satisfactory and successful. "The human body is so wisely and wonderfully formed, that whenever any noxious matter is got into it that would be injurious or destructive, we may observe that it always so irritates, stimu- lates, and offends nature, that she always exerts her power, or the vis-vitee, to throw it off; and she acts with great regularity order and unifor- mity in her endeavors to expel the offending matter out of the body ; and by carrying off the disease, restores health, and also preserves life. "And then by observing, investigating, and truly knowing the diseases and their causes, and justly reasoning therefrom, we shall know when to assist nature according to her indica- tions ; and in this is contained the chief part of medical knowledge, and the true scientific prin- ciple of the medical art; and when we shall thus have learned of nature, by observing her laws and indications, we may reasonably hope MEDICINES. 201 to render the theory and practice of physic be- neficial to mankind." MEDICINES. Another reprehensible custom is, to pour down some nauseous drug • such as paregoric, Godfrey's Cordial, or some other articles, every time the child begins to fret or cry ; by which it becomes habituated to the use of opium, and making it necessary to increase the dose in order to produce the same effect. To let them fret a little is far better. Another injurious practice is, to give fre- quently worm lozenges, (the basis of which is calomel or mercury,) upon any attack of illness, under the impression that the disorder is occa- sioned by worms. By this imprudent course, both the health and life of the child is endangered. Therefore those w r ho wish to bring up their children in a healthy condition, must avoid these evils, and be 202 MEDICINES. content to follow the simple path of nature and common sense. Few things tend more to the destruction of children than drenching them with drugs. Me- dicine may be sometimes necessary for children ; but it injures them ten times, for once it does them good, I will venture to assert. A mother, the moment the child seems to be unwell, sends for the doctor, lest he should say he was not called in time ; or the apothecary, who throws in his powders, pills and potions, till the poor infant is poisoned ; when the child might have been restored to health, by a change of diet, air, exercise, clothing, or some very easy and sim- ple means. Care must be taken to keep the bowels regular, which in most cases can be as- sisted by the milk of the mother alone. If they are too loose have some of the mo- ther's milk drawn out with a breast pipe or glasses, and scald or boil it ; and it will correct that weakness. Most of the complaints in chil- dren arise from flatulence or wind ; to remove MEDICINES. 203 which, give common catnip or fennel tea, let them drink it freely, and let the mother regu- late her own diet. When children complain of pain in the stom- ach and bowels, it may be necessary sometimes to give a moderate dose of physic ; a little salt and water often relieves ; senna and manna is very good, after the operation of physic ; let the diet be attended to. Green fruit must be avoid- ed, and whatever is hard of digestion. The feet should be often bathed in warm water, the bow- els must be fomented with bitter herbs, and it is also necessary" to give the child sufficient exer- cise in the open air. Bathing should never be neglected, as it con- tributes much to health. Many complaints of the skin and system, are caused by the neglect of this practice. Filth collects on the surface, obstructs perspiration, which retains morbid hu- mors, and which are thrown upon some of the internal organs, and create irritation. Is it not owing to this uncomfortable feeling, that they 204 MEDICINES. fret and cry ; for after bathing, they are dis- posed to sleep. Pure Air and Exercise. — This is very neces- sary ; impure and confined air, with the want of exercise, causes disease ; and hence children in the city are more pale, feeble, and sickly, than those who live in the country, and breathe pure air, and play in the dirt. Confining children at home in low, confined, dirty houses, cellars, and in sleeping-rooms. When children are confined in small apartments, the air not only becomes unwholesome, but the heat relaxes their solids, renders them delicate, and disposes them to colds and many other dis- orders. Nor is the custom of wrapping them too close in cradles, less pernicious. One would think, that nurses were afraid lest children should suffer, by breathing free air ; as many actually cover the child's face, after they are a month old, while they are asleep, and others wrap a covering over the whole cradle, by which means, the child is VEGETABLE MATERIA MEDICA. 205 forced to breathe the same air over and over, the whole time it sleeps. Children therefore, must have as much exer- cise and air as possible, and should be employed in something useful and interesting. The pre- mature exertion of intellect, to which the mind is stimulated at our schools, by the constant ex- citement of emulation and vanity, far from strengthening, tends to impair the health and tone of the brain, and of the organs all depend- ing on it ; and hence we rarely perceive the ge- nius of -the schools manifesting in future years, any of the superiority that attracted attention in early life. VE GETABLE MATERIA MEDICA. By Materia Medica is to be understood, the nature, properties, and employment of those agents or articles used in the treatment of di- sease ; and they, it will be seen, are principally derived from the vegetable kingdom, which abounds in medicinal productions of the choicest 206 VEGETABLE MATERIA MEDIC A. kind, and shows how ample is our vegetable materia niedica, and how adequate to all need- ful purposes. How much more natural is it to look to the field and the forest for plants and roots to cure our complaints, than to dig in the bowels of the earth and procure certain metals, which prove poisonous and destructive, even in obtaining them, and much more so, after hav- ing been subjected to a chemical process. Both the untutored savage, and the beast, are taught by reason and instinct, to use those vegetables which are scattered so richly around them, to relieve their diseases. Those who have traveled among the natives of all countries, testify to these facts. The Indians of North America, know how to treat their complaints, both in physic, surgery, and midwifery ; as related by Count La Salle, Washington Irving, Catlin, Lewis and Clark, and numerous others. It is the same in the East Indies, South Sea Islands, Patagonia, Africa, &c, &c. Bosman, in his description of the coast of VEGETABLE MATERIA MEDICA. 207 Guinea, speaking of the different herbs employed by the natives, says : "I have seen several of my countrymen cured by these medicines, when our own physicians were at a loss what to do." Again he says, " I have observed the negroes cure such extensive and dangerous wounds with these herbs, that I have looked on with amaze- ment." Le Vaillant also, in his travels into the inte- rior parts of Africa, gives an interesting account of the use of vegetable remedies, by the sava- ges of that country. Upon one occasion, they cured him of a violent attack of quinsy, after he had given up his case as hopeless. His tongue and throat were so swelled, that he could only speak by signs ; and breathing became so much impeded, that he expected to be suffocated. In the meantime, he was visited by a party of sav- ages, who feeling an interest in his situation, pledged themselves to cure him. He had at this time, despaired of his life for nearly a week. The remedy was a hoi application, locally of a 208 VEGETABLE MATERIA MEDICA. certain herb. It was also to be used as a gar- gle. The poultice was renewed several times in the night, and the gargle still more frequently repeated. When day appeared, he was greatly eased; he could breathe more freely, and the swelling and inflammation of the throat were abated. By the third day, he found himself cured. He then went out to examine the plant* by which he had been restored to health. "Noth- ing in the country" says he, "was more common; it grew all around the camp, and was to be met with in every direction." He describes it as a species of sage, about two feet high, with a pleas- ant smell, and balsamic taste. Le Vaillant abounding in gratitude, no doubt for his unexpected cure, and regretting that so few of the plants which cover the surface of our globe should be unknown, says : "If there be any of real importance to us, we have been almost al- ways indebted to savages, or even to beasts, for their discovery. "The art of healing among the Sumatrans," VEGETABLE MATERIA MEDIC A. 209 says Marsden in his history of the country, "con- sists almost entirely in the application of simples in the virtues of which, they are surprisingly skilled. All the old men and women in the country are physicians, and their rewards depend upon their success." Marsden also says : — "The Sumatrans have a degree of botanical knowledge that surprises a European. t "They are in general, and at a very early age, acquainted not only with the names, but the qualities and properties of every shrub and herb among that exuberant variety with which their country abounds." Order of Arrangement. — It is generally cus- tomary in treating on this branch of medicine, to divide the various remedies or agents into clas- ses; but as every plant possesses several or many properties, and cannot be classed into any definite medical order, but belong to several at the same time, a different arrangement is adopt- ed in preference. 18 210 VEGETABLE MATERIA MEDICA. The following is the order which is adhered to in this work ; 1st., articles are treated of, which are purely vegetable, such as medicinal plants, roots, barks, etc. ; 2nd., minerals containing salts. Season of collecting Vegetable Medicines. — 1. Boots. — Roots must be collected in the spring, before the sap begins to rise, or in the fall after the top is dead. 2. Barks. — Barks may be stripped from the tree or shrub, any time when the sap prevents it from adhering to the wood. The exterior por- tion must be shaved off, the bark then cut thin, and dried in the shade. 3. Medicinal Plants. — Medicinal plants should be collected while in blossom,' and dried in the shade also ; their virtues however, are not essen- tially diminished any time before frost comes. 4. Floivers and Seeds. — Flowers and seeds should be collected when they are fully ripe, and likewise dried in the shade. All vegetables, after having been dried, should be kept from the air, and preserved air-tight, or in a dry place. VEGETABLE MATERIA MEDIC A. 211 In this way they may be preserved for many years, without losing any of their medicinal pro- perties. Preparations — 1st Extracts. — The best meth- od to obtain all the strength and virtues of a plant or vegetable, is, to mash them ; to which acid a little alcohol, if necessary, press out the juice, and evaporate in the sun to the consistence of honey ; then put it in jars, and cover tight with bladders or skins. This is the inspissated juice, and is much su- perior to extracts made by boiling. Infusions, or Teas. — Put a handful of the herb into a tea-pot, and one pint of boiling water, and let it stand fifteen or twenty minutes ; dose : a full draught three or four times a day, unless differently prescribed. To promote perspiration, take it warm. Decoctions. — Make the same as infusion; but continue the boiling till all the strength is ex- tracted, j Component parts of Vegetables. — Plants are 212 CLASSIFICATION OF MEDICINES. chemical compounds, prepared by the hand of nature ; and, although despised by the foolish as simple, they are more ingenious than can be made by the greatest chemist in the world. Nor will productions bear any comparison with them as regards beauty and medical properties ; and the reason is, because one is made by man, therefore, imperfect ; the other by the Creator, and there- fore, absolutely perfect. Vegetables in general, contain gum, fecula, gluten, sugar, oil, rosin, bal- sam, tannin, acid, wax, camphor and albumen. TERMS OF CLASSIFICATION OF MEDICINES. Narcotics, are substances which diminish the actions, and powers of the system, without occa- sioning any sensible evacuation. They have the effect of producing sleep. Antispasmodics, are medicines which have the power of allaying irritation and spasms. Tonics, are those medicines which increase the tone of the animal fibre, by which strength is given to the system. CLASSIFICATION OF MEDICINES. 213 Astringents, are medicines which have the power of binding or contracting the fibres of the body. Emetics, are medicines which excite vomiting, independent of any effect arising from the mere quantity of matter introduced into the stomach. Purgatives or Cathartics, are medicines which increase the peristaltic motion of the intestines, and thereby produce a preternatural discharge. Emmenagogues, are those medicines which are capable of promoting the menstrual discharge. Diuretics, are those medicines which increase the urinary discharge. Diaphoretics, are those medicines which in- crease the natural exhalation by the skin, or promote perspiration and sweating. Suclorifics, are those medicines which produce copious exhalations. Expectorants, are those medicines which in- crease the discharge of mucus from the lungs. Sialagogues, are those medicines which excite a preternatural flow of saliva. Errhines, are those medicines which increase 214 CLASSIFICATION OF MEDICINES. the secretion from the nose and headland excite sweating. JEpispastics or Blisters, are those substances which, when applied to the surface of the body, produce serous or puriform discharge, by exciting a previous state of inflammation. Rubefacients, are substances which, when ap- lied to the skin, stimulate, redden, or inflame it. Refrigerants, medicines which allay the heat of the body, or of the blood. Antacids, remedies which obviate acidity in the stomach. Litliontryptics, medicines which are supposed to have the power of dissolving urinary concre- tions in the bladder. Escliarotics or Caustics, substances which cor- rode or dissolve the animal solids. Anthelmintics, medicines which have the effect of expelling worms from the intestines. Demulcents, medicines which obviate and pre- vent the action of stimulating and acrid substan- REMARKS. 215 ces. by involving them in a mild viscid matter, which prevents their action on the body. Diluents, those medicines which increase the fluidity of the blood. Emollients, substances which soothe and re- lax the living fibre. Alteratives. — This term is applied to substan- ces which are found to promote a change in the system favorable to recovery from disease, but not with certainty referable to any other class. Counter-irritants, agents applied to the surface, which excite an eruption or an inflammation and thus divert the humors from internal to external parts. REMARKS. Health. — When all the functions of the sys- tem are duly performed, a person may be said to be in health. Disease. — Any alteration from that state, or when any part ceases to perform its office or function, disease is the consequence. It is a sal- 216 REMARKS. utary effort of nature to repair an injury to the system or establish health. What is termed disease appears, in reality, to be nothing more than an inherent principle in the system to restore healthy action, or to resist offending causes. Pain or disease is not the re- sult of any new or independent action in the sys- tem, but arises from an excess of excitement in the healthy functions of the body ; or in other words, is like fever, a healthy or conservative power of nature to noxious agents, or restore health. Disease a Unit — Is it irrational or unphilo- sophical, to consider disease a unit ? — all its in- numerable forms or symptoms being derived from one cause acting upon different organs or tissues of the body. Disease, Primary- or Systematic. — Disease is either primary (idiopathic) or systematic. Pri- mary, when it does not depend upon any other. Systematic, when it does depend upon some other REMARKS. 217 complaint ; for instance, when the head aches by reason of a disordered state of the stomach. Disease is Acute or Chronic. — Acute, when the attack is very severe, attended with violent symp- toms, terminates in a few days, and is danger- ous. Chronic, when it is slow in its progress, little or no inflammation, and not attended with immediate danger. Peculiarity of Constitution {Idiosyncrasy?) — A peculiarity of constitution, in which a person is affected by certain agents, which, if applied to a hundred other persons, would produce no effect : thus, some people cannot see a finger bleed with- out fainting ; and thus violent inflammation is induced on the skin of some persons by substan- ces that are perfectly innocent to others. State of the Mind. — Fear, anxiety, and fretful temper, occasion and aggravate diseases. In vain do we apply medicines to the body, for diseases which proceed from the mind. When that is af- fected, the best medicine is to soothe the pas- sions, to divert the mind from anxious thought, 19 218 REMARKS. and to keep the patient as easy and cheerful as possible. This constitutes a considerable part of the duty of those who prescribe medicine for the sick. Age. — Here it must be observed, that the do- ses of medicine mentioned in this work (with some exceptions, pointed out in their place) are those adapted for an adult ; but as in the two extremes of life, childhood and old age, the body is weaker, and in early youth, more susceptible of all the impressions, these quantities cannot be administered with safety in every case ; and hence the judgment of the prescriber must be exercised. Sex. — Although some women possess as much bodily strength and vigor of constitution as the majority of men, yet the greater delicacy and sensibility of the female frame, at every period of life, requires not only caution in apportioning the doses of active medicine, which should be less than those ordered for men of the same age ; but the medicines themselves should be such as are likely to fulfill the indications without much vio- REMARKS. 219 lence. The state of the uterine system likewise must not be overlooked in prescribing for a fe- male. Thus the employment of an aloetic and drastic purgative should be suspended during the period of pregnancy, as well as all prepara- tions of mercury. Temperaments. — It is undoubtedly true that persons of different temperament or original con- firmations of body, are differently affected by the operations of medicines. Stimulants more read- ily affect those of a sanguine than those of a phlegmatic temperament ; and, therefore, smaller doses are required. In the phlegmatic, also, the bowels are generally torpid, and require both a description of purgatives, and such doses as would endanger an irritable and delicate consti- tution. Habit — Habits have considerable influence in modifying the operation of medicines. Persons addicted to the use of spirits, narcotics, and other stimulants, are less easily excited both by med- ical stimulants and narcotics. Persons in the 220 REMARKS. daily habit of taking purgatives must take a dif- ferent article to produce much effect upon the bowels. In the employment of medicines which require to be long-continued, the beneficial effect is soon lost, if the doses are not increased. Of the Form and Composition of Prescrip- tions. — In every prescription, simplicity should be kept in view ; and when such medicine will answer the intention of the prescriber, it ought to be preferred. The nauseous taste, how r ever, and other quali- ties of some medicines, require the addition of others to modify their taste or action. But, although medicines are more generally prescribed in a compound form, yet the practice of accumu- lating a great variety of ingredients in one pres- cription should be avoided. Medicines exhibited in a fluid form, operate sooner and with more certainty, than in the solid state ; but in choosing the vehicle or solvent, the taste of the patient must not be overlooked. REMARKS. 221 Syrups do this tolerably well. Medicines which, when given alone, produce griping, require the addition of aromatics to correct that quality ; and when they operate with violence, mucilages or opiates are necessary to moderate their action. In prescribing purgatives, it is also necessary to consider the particular part of the alimentary canal on which they immediately act. Thus, rhu- barb acts chiefly on the upper part of the bow- els ; aloes on the lower, and jalap and senna on the whole intestines. Another reason for ordering medicines in a compound form is, the necessity of producing two or more effects at one time. Thus, the. same dose may be required in a case of colic ; for example, to allay pain, and to open the bowels ; or in fever, to determine to the skin, to allay irritation, and to produce sleep. But in combining medicines, care must be taken not to bring together incompatibles, or substances that decompose each other, or chemically combine ; and consequently, alter the nature of the mix- 222 REMARKS. ture, or render it inert, unless the resulting com- pound be the remedy on which the prescriber relies. Thus, acids and alkalies are incompati- ble, unless the neutral salt be required. Doses. — It should be remembered that when we speak of a teaspoonful being a dose, one of an ordinary size is meant, which is a fluid drachm. When a tablespoonful is mentioned, one of an ordinary size is also meant, and which is half an ounce. Pills. — When the weight of pills is not men- tioned, those of an ordinary size are meant ; they contain usually three or four grains. I prefer this method, because it is much more convenient than to weigh each time it is necessary to administer it, and it is sufficiently accurate for all ordinary medicines. When greater accuracy is required, the weight and measure will be men- tioned. Prescriptions. — Every prescription or direc- tion for the administration of medicine, except REMARKS. 223 the prescriber gives it himself, should be in wri- ting, and that very plain and explicit. The quantity to be given, the time when it should be given, ought to be particularly men- tioned, and the directions ought to be left only with the nurse. Many valuable lives have been lost for the want of these precautions. Cardinal rules in the practice of Medicine to he committed to memory. 1st. As far as practicable, to ascertain the disease. 2nd. What indication or intention to fulfill in treating it. 3d. The best agents or means to accomplish this object. 4th. To administer the medicine at the right time, when required. 5th. Give as little medicine as possible, to answer the purpose. 6th. Give the most simple kinds of com- pounds. 7th. To know when to omit the administration 224 BOTANICAL SYNOPSIS- of medicine, and to rely on the resources of na- ture, with diet, bathing, regimen, and nursing. In these rules consists the principal art of healing the sick. BOTANICAL SYNOPSIS OF PLANTS OCCASIONALLY USED, AND RECOMMENDED EOR FURTHER INVESTIGATION. American Columho Hoot, bitter and nauseous ; vomits and purges ; tonic, given in weakness of the stomach attended with costiveness. Motherivort, is nervine, anti-spasmodic, and emmenagogue ; useful in hysterics, and to pro- mote the menses. Given in the form of tea, it is anodyne ; relieves pains peculiar to females. Laurd — The powdered leaves are employed successfully in tinea capitis, and in certain forms of fever. Lungwort, found growing on maple trees ; is good in coughs and defluxions of the lungs. Maiden Hair. — This plant is mucilaginous and subastringent ; good in coughs, asthma, pleu- risy, jaundice, fevers, &c. BOTANICAL SYNOPSIS. 225 Watermelon. — The fruit is a diuretic, and very cooling in hot, bilious constitutions. The seeds, used in Holland gin, make an excellent medi- cine in dropsy, and in suppression of urine. Jerusalem Oafa — It is emmenagogue deob- struent, and anthelmintic ; the oil is much used as a vermifuge. Wild Marjoram — Fragrant, pungent, acid, bitterish, stomachic, corroborant, detergent, stim- ulant, emmenagogue, and diaphoretic ; useful in tea, for a cough, asthma, chlorosis, sedema ; the distilled oil has all the properties ; it is acid and caustic, burns the skin, relieves toothache, &c. Broomrape. — Astringent, antiseptic, and anti- syphilitic ; useful in obstinate ulcers, apthse, and hepatic sores, diarrhoea, and dysentery. Partridge Berry — Mild diuretic and emmen- agogue ; used in New England to cure dropsy ; given in tea. Berries mild astringent, a popu- lar remedy in the south for diarrhoea ; and for dysura in Carolina ; said to facilitate parturition. Red Mulberry — Fruit refrigerant and corrob- 226 BOTANICAL SYNOPSIS. oranfc ; useful in sore throat, angina, and putrid fevers ; syrup chiefly used. Beech Drops — Called also cancer-root. Root and stem astringent, bitterish and nauseous ; use- ful in cancers ; grows under beech trees. They are the basis of Martin's powder, (with white arsenic, sulphur, and ranunculus :) a painful rem- edy for curing cancers by application, but inju- rious in scrofula and scrofulous cancers. St. Johrfs-iuort — Is vulnerary, pectoral, pel- la nt, nervine ; blossoms chiefly used ; although, yellow, they dye oils red ; infused in bear's oil, sweet oil, &c. They make a fine balsamic oint- ment for wounds, sores, swellings, ulcers, tumors, rough skin, &c. A tea of the leaves gives re- lief in diseases of the breast and lungs ; used by empirics in diarrhoea, hysterics, hypochondria, mania, low spirits. A syrup made with sage, is a specific for coughs. Dose, a tablespoonful for a child twelve months old; half, if six months old. Corsican Worm-weed. — This plant grows in the BOTANICAL SYNOPSIS. 227 coast of the Mediterranean, and especially on the Island of Corsica. This plant, (the whole of which may be used,) is possessed of very powerful vermifuge proper- ties, which act very powerfully upon the intesti- nal worms. It is principally administered to children, for the expulsion of the limbricoid worms. The dose of the powder is from ten grains to two drachms, mixed with honey, &c. Cowhage — The operation of this article seems to be merely mechanical. It has been found par- ticularly useful in expelling the round worm ; the spicula irritating and aiding its expulsion by wounding it without affecting the intestines. It is prepared by dipping the pods in a syrup of mo- lasses, and then with a knife, scraping off the hairs along with the syrup, until they form a mixture of the thickness of honey, to be given in doses of from a teaspoonful to a tablespoonful in the morning, and followed by a brisk cathartic. Water Hemlock. — This plant acts in the same 228 BOTANICAL SYNOPSIS. manner of the narcotic poisons. It has been used of late, by several practitioners, as a sub- stitute for the coniuni maculatum. The effects were very analogous to those of the true hemlock, but rather more powerful. A pri- mary symptom which attended a large dose, was nausea and vomiting. Strong Scented Lettuce. — This plant acts upon the nervous system in a manner similar to the hyoscyamus : this is the reason why it may be substituted in many cases for opium. In suffi- ciently large doses, it produces nausea, alvine evacuations, and often, especially in cases of dropsy, a remarkable increase in the secretion of urine. It has been exhibited with success in ascites, engorgements of the abdominal viscera, jaundice, &c, and as a substitute for opium in nervous cases. Extract the dose from two grains to one scruple. Vervain {Verbena F/astata.) — The roots of this plant, when boiled down to a strong decoc- tion, and that decoction drank, are very benefi- BOTANICAL SYNOPSIS. 229 cial as a tonic in intermittents and scrofula; they open obstructions of the viscera, promote the menses, and are good in gravelly complaints, coughs, wheezing, and to expel worms. They should be prepared in strong decoctions, and drank freely. Yarroiv. — This plant possesses considerable medicinal property as a detergent, purifies the blood, opens the pores, removes obstructions, &c. It stops the spitting of blood, and cures the piles, which bleed ; and is also very beneficial in dys- entery. It may be given in form of decoction, sweetened with honey. Wintergreen. — Wintergreen is stimulant, ano- dyne, astringent, emmenagogue, anti-spasmodic, diaphoretic, milky, and cordial ; a popular rem- edy in many parts of the country. It is gener- ally used as a tea ; but the essence and oil pos- sess eminently all the properties, and are kept in the shops. The oil is used as a disguise to many of the popular panaceas. 230 BOTANICAL SYNOPSIS. Iceland Moss. — The Iceland moss is given in colds and coughs. It is soothing and nutritious. Cover a hand- ful with saleratus water ; let it stand an hour, strain and add a quart of boiling water ; this may be sweetened, and add a little lemon juice ; to be drank freely. Ice Plant — The root of this plant has been thought by some, to be an almost infallible rem- edy for fits in children. The juice, diluted in cold water, is useful in sore eyes. The roots should be pulverized, and kept in bottles. Chil- dren troubled with fits, may take from half to one teaspoonful of the powder, in a cup of piony root tea, &c. Ground Ivt/.-r—The leaves of this plant, made in a decoction, is a good purifier of the blood, a pectoral, &c. The decoction is good in consump- tion, obstructions, laxity, and debility of the vis- cera ; for cleansing and healing ulcers in the lungs, kidneys, and other internal parts ; and is BOTANICAL SYNOPSIS. 231 likewise a good remedy in jaundice, and asth- matic coughs. Golden Rod.* — The flowers are aperient and corroborant, and the leaves gently astringent. The flowers have been found beneficial in remo- ving obstructions of the urinary organs, in grav- elly complaints, and ulcerations of the bladder; are good in vitiation of the humors, and in the first stages of dropsy. The leaves are good in debility and laxity of the viscera or the bowels, and all disorders pro- ceeding from that cause. They may be taken in infusion or decoction. Five Finger (PotentHIa Fejitans.) — The root is a gentle astringent, and has been found by ex- perience to be very beneficial in fevers, and par- ticularly when there is great debility, lassitude, and night sweats, which last, it seldom fails to check ; it also helps the appetite. It is taken in decoction, or may be boiled in milk. It is serviceable in allaying fluxes, immoderate flow of the menses, &c. 232 BOTANICAL SYNOPSIS. Fever Few (Matricaria Pantheniwii) — Leaves and flowers — both the wild and garden fever few have the same virtues. They are warm, aperient, carminative, bitter, and strengthen the stom- ach, expel wind, promote the menses, destroy worms, and are beneficial in hysterical complaints, and lowness of spirits. For a decoction, pour two quarts of boiling water on two handfuls of the leaves, of which a teaspoonful may be taken three or four times a day, in order to promote the menses : the same may be taken in colds and fevers. In hysterical complaints, a teaspoonful of the compound spirits of lavender may be added to the above decoction. Cleavers {Galium Aparine.) — We copy the fol- lowing from Dr. Smith's Botanic Physician : "Cleavers is one of the most valuable diuretics that our country produces. I have found it an excellent and speedy medicine in all suppressions of the urine, and gravelly complaints, and is a powerful discutient. It has also been found ben- eficial in the cure of scurvy and spitting of blood. BOTANICAL SYNOPSIS. 233 The expressed juice of this plant, mixed with oat- meal to the consistence of a poultice, and applied cold, over an indolent tumor, three times a day, keeping the bowels open in the meantime by cas- tor oil, and taking a tablespoonful of the juice every morning, will often disperse it in a few days. Infusions of this herb should be made in cold water, heat destroying its virtues ; three or four ounces of the dried herb to a quart of water are sufficient ; this should be drank for a common daily drink. It is an admirable remedy in grav- elly disorders, often curing them entirely alone. It seems to possess a solvent power over the stone or gravel, crumbling it into a sandy sub- stance, so that it is discharged without difficulty. "When urinary obstructions proceed from a collection of cold slime, or muddy substances in the kidneys or bladder, this effectually clears it out in all cases. In inflammatory affections, of the kidneys or bladder, the cleavers infusion is peculiarly applicable, from its cooling as well as diuretic quality. 20 234 BOTANICAL SYNOPSIS. Centaury (Centaurium Minor,) leaves and flow- ers. — Centaury is justly esteemed one of the most efficacious, bitters, indigenous to the United States, and is a good substitute for the English gentian, which it resembles in taste. It is a good stomachic, emmenagogue, febrifuge, and vermi- fuge. Two ounces of the leaves of centaury and one ounce of orange peel, may be infused in two quarts of brandy for two weeks. One tablespoonful of this tincture, taken before breakfast, and one before dinner, will create an appetite ; and children having worms may take two teaspoonfuls or more every morning, which will effectually destroy the worms. Caraway (Carniim Carui y ) The seeds — This plant is cultivated in our gardens, both for me- dicinal and culinary purposes. On account of their aromatic smell, and warm pungent taste, the seeds of caraway may be classed among the finest stomachics and carminatives of our climate. To persons afflicted with flatulency, and liable to BOTANICAL SYNOPSIS. 235 colics, if administered- in proper quantities, they generally afford considerable relief. Striped Bloochvort (Laplialhiim Sanguinum Ritbrum.) — The properties of this plant are, anti- septic, voluntary, astringent and pectoral. A decoction of it drank, will immediately stop im- moderate flowing of the menses, and other hem- orrhages. The powder of bloodwort, mixed with an equal quantity of bloodroot and a little alum, and used as snuff for polypus in the nose, fre- quently destroying it in the course of a week. The decoction of this root, made into a syrup, has been found very beneficial in consumptions accompanied with spitting of blood. The juice of the green leaves of bloodwort, boneset, and rat- tlesnake plantain, equal parts, and a gill drank at a dose, is said to be an infallible cure for the bite of a rattlesnake or any other poisonous rep- tile. The bruised leaves should also be applied to the wound and changed often. Whortleberry (Vacniwn) — This plant is vul- garly called "huckleberry," and is familiar to 236 BOTANICAL SYNOPSIS. most persons. The fruit is much used and es- teemed. The berries contain very considerable medicinal properties. They are, with the root, strongly diuretic, and seldom fail of relieving or curing gravelly and dropsical affections. They may be bruised, put in gin, and drank as the stomach will bear. Horsemint (Monarda Punctata?) — A powerful diuretic ; a strong tea drank, affords immediate relief in gravel and suppression of urine. It re- stored one person, aided by the warm bath, when other means had failed, and when he had nearly lost his senses from pain. The oil is very useful. Hemlock Tree. — The bark, gum, and leaves, are all useful. The leaves are good in inflamma- tory* rheumatism, to purify the blood, and to produce perspiration ; the tea given freely. The gum, four parts, white turpentine, one part, melted together, and spread on leather for a plaster, are very efficacious to remove pain. Spruce. — The leaves and branches make a BOTANICAL SYNOPSIS. 237 pleasant and healthy beer, good for scurvy and to purify the blood. Hollyhock {Althea Rosea.) — The flowers are astringent. A tea of them and rose leaves is useful in fluor albus ; may be drank freely. Culvers Physic (JLeptrandria Virginica^) — Called blackroot, brintonroot, bowmanroot, &c. A good purgative ; it operates with mildness and certainty, without debility. In typhus and bili- ous fever, it is said to remove black, tarry, and morbid matter from the intestines. Dose, a large teaspoonful in half a gill of boiling water, sweetened. If it does not operate in three hours, repeat. Balm of Gilead (Popidiis Balsamifera.) — The buds from the tree are filled with a rich balsamic gum, which is good in coughs and debility ; to one ounce of the bruised buds, add one pint of fourth proof spirits ; dose, from a tea to a table- spoonful, three or four times a day, in sweetened water. Excellent for cuts and wounds. Sweet Clover — A very handsome and fra- 238 BOTANICAL SYNOPSIS. grant plant, cultivated in gardens. The bruised plant, simmered with fresh butter or lard, and a little rosin added, makes a valuable salve for all kinds of ulcers. Siveet Fern {Comtonia Asplenifolid) — Altera- tive, astringent, and tonic. When the bloody flux prevailed in Rhenebeck, in 1781, and swept off the inhabitants daily, an infusion of this herb cured all that drank it. A strong tea expelled a tape-worm from a person in Rhode Island. The tea is good to check night sweats ; it also makes a pleasant beer. Adder s Tongue {Eryihronum Americaniurn)— Dog-tooth, violet, snake-leaf, rattlesnake violet, yellow snowdrop, &c. It is stated that this plant is a remedy for the scrofula ; the fresh leaves and root are stewed in milk, and applied to the scrof- ulous sores as a poultice, which heals them speedi- ly ; a tea of the same is to be drank at the same time. PricJdy Ash (Xanthoxylwn) — Both the bark and berries are used. They are good, in the BOTANICAL SYNOPSIS. 239 form of tea, to purify the blood ; useful in chron- ic rheumatism, pain in the breast, and debility. Nanny Berry or Bush ; Black Thorn — Good for sore mouth and throat. American Sarsaparitta (Arcdia Nudicaulis) — Alterative ; equally as good to purify the blood as foreign sarsaparilla. Old Dr. Bull considers it superior to the latter. Smart Weed {Polygonum Hydropiper) — A tea of this is good to stop vomiting. A decoction is exceedingly good to reduce swelling, by apply- ing it as a fomentation, simmered in vinegar. It soon removes the black and blue spots in bruises, and is valuable in sprains. Marsh Rosemary — Grows only in salt marshes. A powerful astringent : useful in bowel complaints, fluor albus, &c. ; make a tea and drink. Good also for gargle in the mouth. Yaw Root, Muscovy, Coclt-up Hat, Queen's De- light, {jStillingia Sylvaticu) — Large root ; purga- tive, alterative, anti- venereal. Valuable in yaws, ulcers, venereal, and leprosy. Said to be an in- 240 BOTANICAL SYNOPSIS. gredient in Swain's panacea. Make a syrup or decoction, and take sufficient to act as a laxative. Mountain Mint [Melissa Grandifiora] — Stimu- lant and sudorific. The tea of it is useful in colds, and is said to relieve the gravel when other means fail. A hot tea also returns the menses, with bathing the feet. D evil's Bit [Veratrum LutiumS] — This plant rises two or three feet high, with round, green, smooth stalk, with many long, smooth, green leaves, nipped at the edges ; at the end of each branch stands a round head of numerous small blue flowers. Grows in meadow r s and moist pla- ces. Numerous fibres shoot from the root, which are small and indented. This root is useful in pains of the breast, colic, and wind. Half a teaspoonful may be taken of the pow 7 der in mo- lasses, or in tea, or bitters. This root no doubt possesses great medicinal properties. Blessed Thistle, Holy Thistle [_Car dates Bene- dict us.~] — An annual plant, cultivated in gardens - for beauty, both in England and America • leaves BOTANICAL SYNOPSIS. 241 with sharp, barbed points or prickles; yellow flowers. Makes a good bitters to strengthen the system, and excellent to excite perspiration in fevers, in the form of tea. It cured a case of yellow fever given up as hopeless. Nettle \Urtica Dioica.'] — The juice is astrin- gent, and good in gravel, bleeding of any kind, and when snuffed up the nose, checks bleeding. A tea is good for those who pass bloody urine, and for incipient consumption. White Hellebore [Veratram A!bam.~\ — Grows by the side of brooks, and is among the first plants seen in the spring, with large green leaves. A few grains of the powder causes a continual sneez- ing. An ointment cures the itch, scald head and other eruptions. A substance called veratria, is made from it, which is powerful to deaden pain. Butternut \JugJans Cinered] — An extract of the bark, formed into pills the size of a pea, with a little essential oil, makes a very good purga- tive : about four are a dose. 21 242 BOTANICAL SYNOPSIS. Cubebs, pulverized, are useful in discharges from the urethra, gleet, &c. Dose, teaspoonful three times a day, in molasses or in sweetened water. Sweet Gale [Myrica Gale.'] — A tea is said to be a cure for the piles. White Bryony [Bryonia AVbd\ — A drastic pur- gative; Sydenham used it in dropsy. An extract may be made into pills, and give sufficient to purge freely, for dropsy and suppression of the urine. Common Raspberry. — A tea made of the leaves is used for canker. Virginia Speedwell [Veronica Officinalis^ — Highly recommended for dropsy. Make a tea and drink freely. Wild Parsley \Peirosdiniiim\ — A warm and powerful diuretic. Very efficacious in chronic inflammation of the bladder and prostate gland, suppression of urine, gravel, &c. Add one ounce of the seeds to one pint of best Holland gin, and BOTANICAL SYNOPSIS. 243 take half a wine glass full four or five times a day ; or a decoction may be taken. Uva Ursa. — Good in the same complaints as the above, and in ulcerations of the kidneys and bladder. A tea to be freely drank. Yelloiv Par ilia [3£enispermum~] — Grows plen- tifully in the western States, and is highly re- commended for purifying the blood. Make a tea and drink freely. Fever Bush, Wild Allspice, Spice Wood. — A tea of it is recommended in fevers, particularly of an inflammatory type. Fleabane, Coifs Tail, (Erigeron Canadense) — A strong styptic. Excellent to stop bleeding from wounds, in form of powder ; the tea is good to check any kind of internal bleeding, especially of the lungs ; drink it cold. Croton Oil — Procured from a tree in the East Indies. Yery efficacious in severe constipation, where other means fail of procuring a passage, 244 BOTANICAL SYNOPSIS. as in colic. From one to three drops are a dose, on sugar or in milk, every two hours. Bird Weedy Man in the Ground — One foot high, creeping, large root, deep in the earth ; flowers bell shaped, white, with a purple tinge. Sometimes grows as large as a person's leg. A purgative and diuretic. Has been found useful in coughs, asthma, debility and dropsy. A syr- up of this root and of balm of gilead buds, is very beneficial in weakly, consumptive diseases. Calamus, Siveet Flag, — A tea of this is excel- lent in flatulence, colic, wind. Agrimony. — A tea of this is highly recom- mended for asthma, scrofula, gravel and eruptions of the skin. Blue Cardinal Flower {Lobelia Syphilitica) — A milky plant, and grows plentifully in the western States ; said to be diuretic, cathartic, sudorific, purgative, and anti-venereal, and good in bowel complaints ; from half to a table spoon- ful of the pulverized root, taken in water, and repeated if necessary. BOTANICAL SYNOPSIS. 245 Pimpernel — Foreign and American plant ; a decoction is recommended for cleansing ulcers. Cinquefoi!, Five-Finger — A tea lias been found useful in fevers, and to check bowel complaints. Crosswort (Coucata.) — A tea is said to be useful in coughs, by promoting expectoration. Feather Few. — A common garden plant; a tea of it, freely drank, expels wind, promotes the menses, and relieves hysterics and low spirits. Frostivort (Cistus Canadensis^) — Said to be a remedy for the king's evil ; make a poultice and apply : also make a tea and drink freely ; this is said to have cured a number. Sometimes called Rock Rose. Fumitory (Fumaria Officinalis.) — A tonic bit- ter, anti-scorbutic, and good for cutaneous erup- tions. Make a tea and drink freely, and wash the parts with the same. Wild and Garden Lettuce. — The extract, with- out causing costiveness, is an anodyne, and allays coughs ; take two or three pills, occasionally. 246 BOTANICAL SYNOPSIS. Horseweed, JStoneroot, Ox Balm, Hardbach— A decoction is recommended for the gravel. Life Root — Says Henry, "I have found it a sure cure for all complaints of the gravel, and pains in the breast." Is a febrifuge and a power- ful diuretic ; take a teacupful of the tea three times a day. He has cured numerous cases of the gravel by it. Masterwort. — Expectorant and laxative ; "Good," says Henry, "in colic, indigestion, asth- ma, cold, catarrh and ague ;" take a teacupful of the tea three times a day. Magwort. — A woman who was affected with hysteric fits, for several years, was perfectly cured by taking a teaspoonful of the powdered leaves three times a day, after she had tried vari- ous other medicines. It is recommended for worms, and to promote the menses and urine. Common Sorrel. — An inspissated juice makes a plaster which destroys tumors and incipient cancers ; to be applied on leather ; it is very pain- ful to bear. BOTANICAL SYNOPSIS. 247 Scabious. — Excellent to purify the blood in all skin diseases. A syrup of it promotes expec- toration in dry coughs ; it is diuretic and em- menagogue. Snakeweed Polygonum Bistorta. — This root makes a good gargle in sore mouth, and is a powerful astringent ; stops all discharges by the womb or bowels ; to be given in tea, or powder. Soapwort {Saponaria Officinalis^) — A strong decoction, given freely, cures the jaundice and obstructions of the liver, and purifies the blood. Stinking Goosefoot (ChenopodinmFetidum.) — Anti-spasmodic ; better in hysterics than assa- foetida. Sweet Sicily. — Valuable in syrup for pain in the breast, coughs, and consumption. A tea- spoonful or two of the powders is recommended for worms ; to be given in molasses night and morning. Spleemvort — Laxative ; good in jaundice, hec- tic fever, nervous debility, and weakness of the bowels ; make a tea and drink freely. 248 BOTANICAL SYNOPSIS. Averts Root (G-eum Virginianum.) — Called chocolate root throat root, cure-all ; a powerful astringent and a good tonic. A strong decoction, sweetened, is useful in all cases of debility, dys- pepsia, bleeding at the lungs, relax, colic, and sore throat. Dr. Randon Lapham, of this city, (New York,) informs me that this is the best article he uses for uterine hemorrhage or flood- ing, and always gives it with success. Make a strong tea, and give freely and often. Betony {Betonia Officinalis?) — Emetic and ca- thartic ; recommended for gout and rheumatism ; take a cup of the tea three or four times a day. Snakehead {Chdone Glabra?) — Is good to ex- pel worms ; make a tea and drink ; after a few days give a purge. Snake-root, Rattlesnake-root, Cornsnake-root, (Eryngiwn Aqaaticwn.)—K powerful diuretic and expectorant ; good in dropsy and gravel ; make a tea and drink freely. The root, bruised or chewed, and laid on the wound, cures the bite of the snake. BOTANICAL SYNOPSIS. 249 Cow Parsnip {Heraeleum Sphondylium!) — Recommended in epilepsy and flatulence ; give freely a strong decoction. Thimble Weed {RuebuMa Lauinata.) — Diuretic and balsamic ; recommended in wasting diseases of the kidneys ; give freely, in decoction. Lavender. — A common garden plant ; aro- matic, carminative, pectoral and nervine. The flowers enter into the lavender compound. Mountain Dittany, Horsemint, Stonemint, Wild Basil, Sweet Horsemint — Stimulant, nervine, sudorific, cephalic, and aromatic. This plant is popular for colds, headache, and in all cases where it is necessary to excite perspiration. Good for nervous headache, hysterics, and suppressed menses and urine. Mouse Ear \Hier actum Pilosella^-The decoc- tion, drank freely, is good in jaundice, relieves the stone and griping in the bowels, and makes a good gargle for sore throat. Persimmon Bark. — A decoction is good to in- 250 BOTANICAL SYNOPSIS. ject into wounds, where there is a discharge of sinew water. Very astringent. Prince s Pine (Pipsissiway.) — A tea to purify the blood, is used. * Rue, Garden. — A tonic bitter. Tivin Leaf Jeffersonia (Piphytta.) — Grown in the west, and is highly recommended for rheu- matism. Add two ounces of the dried root to one quart of spirits ; dose, a tablcspoonful three times a day. White or Yellow Pond Lily. — A decoction, mixed with elm bark, makes a very good poul- tice for white swelling, king's evil, and other swellings. False Cromwell, Wild JoVs Tears, Gravel Weed, (Onos Madium Hispidum.) — Dr. A. Rob- inson of Indiana, says that this plant is a sol- vent for the stone. Steep the roots and seeds in water, and drink freely. Ginseng. — A pleasant tonic for weakness of the stomach. Nephritic Plant, Cutting Almond — [Partheni- BOTANICAL SYNOPSIS. 251 um Integrifolium). — A tea is recommended for the stoppage of urine in gravel and stone. Water Plantain* — Plantago Cor data. — Boil the root till soft, mash them, and apply as a poul- tice. Removes inflammation, reduces swelling and cleanses and heals the most foul and invete- rate ulcers. Greek Valerian, Abscess Boot, Blue Beds, Sweat-root {Polemonium Beptans) — Howard, in his medical work, attaches extraordinary vir- tues to this plant ; he says the Indians make a tea of the root and drink freely in fevers, pleu- risy, and where they wish to produce copious perspiration ; it cleanses the blood of humors. A person alleges, that we will find this plant ex- cellent for consumption, and all affections of the lungs and liver. It is stated, that many cases of consumption have been cured by it ; deserves further trial. Figtvort Square Stalk, Carpenters Square, Heal All — -Seroplmlaria Marylandica. — "A tea, drank freely," says Smith, restores the lochial 252 BOTANICAL SYNOPSIS. discharges, and relieves the pains of difficult menstruation. American Gentian. — A good tonic. Wolfs Bane, Leopard's Bane {Aconite?) — Nar- cotic ; the extract is used to relieve pain ; dose three or four grains. Blue Violet — ( Viola Odorata.) — Demulcent tonic, and laxative ; recommended in tea-spoon- ful doses, for the piles. Lily of the Valley. — (Convallaria Mejalis) — The root and flowers in extract, purge like aloes. Black Ash Bark — With the extract of the bark I once cured one of the most inveterate cases of salt-rheum, when other means failed. Spread and apply as a plaster. Benne Plant. — An annual plant. A few leaves, dipped in cold water, make a clear mucilage, which has been highly extolled for bowel com- plaints of children ; used as a common drink. Cramp Bark, High Cranberry {Vaccininm Ox- ycoccos.) — Anti-spasmodic. A strong tea drank BOTANICAL SYNOPSIS. 253 freely, is very effectual in relaxing cramps, and spasms of all kinds. Water Bushes.* — A popular medicine for grav- el, dropsy, and suppression of urine • make a tea, and drink freely. Tag, or Spotted Alder. — Alterative. Make a tea and drink often, for the blood. Water Fennel. — In doses of five grains, pulver- ized, given three times a day, is recommended for consumption. Labrador Tea — Ledum Latifolium. — Diur- etic, balsamic. Sweet Balsam, Life Everlasting. — A tea is good for pain in the breast, weakness of the lungs, and in consumption, stranguary, gravel, and fluor-albus Excellent to excite perspira- tion. Horse Badisli. — Grated root in cider, good in chronic rheumatism, palsy, dropsy and debility. Leaves applied to the bowels and feet, relieve colic and swelling. Flower de Luce, Blue Flag — (Tris Versicolor.) 254 BOTANICAL SYNOPSIS. The root in decoction, promotes discharge by urine, and relieves dropsy. Cat-tail, Flag-root — Simmer till soft, and ap- ply as a poultice for inflammation. Balm. — A pleasant and cooling tea in fevers. Crotvfoot Buttercups — {Ranunculus Acris.) — The bruised root applied to the skin, produces a blister. Good where a blister is required, in di- seases of the joints, and old deep-seated pains. When eruptions strike in, it may be applied to redden the skin without blistering. Prickly Pear. — Scrape the inner part, and apply to ulcers, twice a day till cured. For corns, bathe the foot in ley-water, pare off the corns, and apply on linen, till cured. Fennel Seed. — A tea useful to expel wind in adults or infants. Garlic. — A syrup good for coughs and in- flammation of the lungs, particularly in infants ; also to apply to the feet in inflammation. Ginger. — A warm aromatic root. In syrup or tea, is good to relieve pain arising from wind. ■ BOTANICAL SYNOPSIS. 255 Parsley. — Excellent to promote a discharge in suppression of urine from any cause. Orange. — The juice is good to swallow in fe- ver. The external part makes a useful tonic bitter, to promote an appetite. Lemon. — The juice mixed with water, and sweetened with loaf sugar, is very cooling in fever. Cinnamon. — Useful in flatulence and bowel complaints. Enters into the lavender compound. Hyssop. — A tea used for colds. Gam- Ar alio Water. — A fine mucilage for stranguary and scalding urine. Tobacco. — A tea used for injection in severe constipation of the bow r els, and worms of the rec- tum. Nutmeg. — Similar to cinnamon. Tincture of Hops. — Saturate alcohol with the pollen of hops. Dose. — From one to tw r o teaspoonfuls, in milk. Use. — Useful in after-pains, where opium can not be taken. 256 BOTANICAL SYNOPSIS. Tincture of Castor. — Take of castor, 2 oz; Spirits, 1 quart. Let it digest one week. Use. — Useful in nervous diseases, and sup- pressed menses. Anti- Spasmodic Tincture. — Take of tincture of lobelia 1 pint; of tincture of capsicum 1 do ; compound tincture of valerian or ner- vine, 3 gills. Mix and bottle for use. Dose. — From a teaspoonful to a tablespoonful, in a gill of water or herb tea ; to be given' every twenty minutes. Use. — Dr. Booth of Alabama, states that he fcund it an infallible remedy for fever and ague. He gives a teaspoonful just before the cold fit or stage of the disease ; to be repeated every twenty minutes until nausea or vomiting takes place. This tincture is also recommended for fits, spasms, and all violent attacks of disease ; sus- pended animation from drowning, hanging, lightning, or any other cause. air. 257 AIR. Few are aware of the effect of air in producing disease, or the promotion of health. It is the principal medium by which, animal life is sup- ported ; and so necessary is it for this purpose, that life cannot exist a moment without it ; as will appear by placing an animal in the exhaus- ted receiver of an air pump. Impure air is a very common cause of disease. Where it is very impure, it proves fatal suddenly ; and where it is mixed with that w r hich is pure, the effect of it on the system soon becomes perceptible. In- deed, it would appear that most disorders pro- ceed from unwholesome air, or an atmosphere high- ly charged with deleterious gases. The influenza, which often occurs as an epi- demic, is caused by it ; seizing thousands of persons and spreading over extensive districts. The Indian Cholera, so highly pestilential, is communicated by an impure atmosphere. Also the intermittent, remittent, and yellow fevers. 22 258 air. Cities, towns, and villages, have been almost de- populated, by reason of unwholesome air received into the circulation through the medium of the lungs. When we reflect upon the quantity of atmos- pheric air which a single person renders impure, or unfit for exhalation, we shall see the danger arising from the air of crowded assemblies. It is computed, that a man destroys the vital portion of a gallon of air per minute. To test this, let an animal be confined in a jar of com- mon air, perfectly closed ; in a short time the exhalation of it absorbs i he oxygen, and leaves only the nitrogen and a small proportion of car- bonic acid gas, which being incapable of support- ing combustion, soon takes the life of the ani- mal. In the same manner, the health of people is impaired, by being cofined in jails or prisons, or being in crowded assemblies, or sleeping in close rooms, and where there are a number of others. It is owing to this, that close stoves prove so injurious. They destroy the vital por- air. 259 tion of the air, so indispensable to health and life ; while the remaining impure air is inhaled; and the consequence is, headache, languor, and other ill effects. Those who are obliged to use small stoves, should place a vessel of water upon them, which in a great measure, qualifies the air. A free circulation of air, can be obtained by the windows, either by letting them down, or raising them up ; and no cotton or sand-bags should ever be applied to obstruct the air around the windows in the winter season. I sleep with one, (and if not too much wind) two windows down constantly, without receiving the least in- jury ; but on the contrary, I think, with much benefit. A noted physician was so impressed with the importance of this subject, that he slept with his windows open during the whole year. In the winter, snow was often found upon his bed. He considered "pure air of vital impor- tance to health." The most delicate and neat person, having 260 air. passed the night in his bed-chamber, does not when he awakes, discover any oppressive smell in his room ; but if he leaves and returns to it, after having been in the open air, before fresh air has been admitted, he will quickly discover an essential difference. The perspiration is often obstructed by night air; even in summer, this should be avoided. The dews which fall plentifully after the hottest day, make the night air more dangerous, than when the weather is cool. Hence in warm coun- tiies, the evening dews are more hurtful than where the climate is more temperate. It is very agreeable after a warm day, to be abroad in a cool evening ; but this is a pleasure to be avoided by all who value their health. The effects of evening dews are gradual in- deed, and almost imperceptible ; but they are not the less to be dreaded ; we therefore advise mothers and their little children, not to expose themselves to the evening air without their bon- nets sufficiently large enough to protect the air. • 261 head, and sufficient clothing to not suffer a check of perspiration ; also laborers that have been heated through the day, and travelers, carefully avoid the night air. The fresh air is necessary for those in health ; it is still more important for those confined by sickness, who often lose their lives for want of it. The idea that the sick must be kept so very warm, is so common, that a person is uncomfortable the moment they en- ter the sick chamber where the patient lies. How this must affect the sick, any one may judge. No medicine is so beneficial to the sick as fresh air. It is the most reviving of all cor- dials, if it be administered with prudence. We would not however, throw open doors and windows at random upon the sick. Fresh air is to be let into the chamber gradually, and if possi- ble, by opening the windows of another apart- ment. The air of a sick person's chamber, may be greatly freshened, and the patient much re- lieved, by sprinkling the floor, bed, &c, frequent- 262 • air ly with vinegar, or any strong acid, lemon juice, etc., etc. The air upon the sea, and in its neighborhood is generally distinguished by its greater cold- ness, purity and sharpness ; it therefore in many cases, is directed to patients whose complaints do not affect their respiration, and who have vigor of constitution, enough to derive benefit from the stimulus which such air occasions. A residence by the sea-side is beneficial to persons of a scrofulous habit, and debilitated constitution, provided they take care not to ex- pose themselves to cold and damp ; and in the fine season, when there is no reason against it, they ought to bathe. In complaints of the chest, the use of sea-bathing, and a residence near the sea, are more questionable ; and by such, an in- land rural situation, in a mild equable climate, is to be preferred. A sea voyage has long been famous for its good effects at the commencement of consumptive complaints ; and these good ef- fects may be ascribed partly to the good air at EXERCISE. 263 sea, partly to the affection of the stomach and skin induced by sea sickness, and the excite- ment of the mind, caused by change of scene and occupation. EXERCISE. Many people look upon the necessity of man's earning his bread by labor, as a curse. But I think, it a great blessing to the body and mind. Be this as it may, it is evident from the struc- ture of the body, that exercise is not less neces- sary than food for the preservation of health; those whom poverty obliges to labor for daily bread, are not only the most healthy, but gener- ally the most happy part of mankind. Industry seldom fails to place them above want, and ac- tually serves them instead of physic. This is peculiarly the case with those who live by the culture of the ground. The great increase of inhabitants in infant colonies, and the longevity of such as follow agriculture, every where evi- 264 EXERCISE. dently prove it to be the most healthy as well as the most useful employment. The love of activity shows itself very early in man. So strong is this principle, that a healthy child cannot be restrained from exercise, even by the fear of punishment. Our love of motion is surely a strong proof of its utility. Nature implants no disposition in vain. It seems to be a catholic law throughout the whole animal crea- tion, that no creature without exercise, should enjoy health, or be able to find subsistence. Every creature except man, takes as much as necessary. He alone, and such animals as are under his direction, deviate from this original law, and they suffer accordingly. Inactivity never fails to induce an universal relaxation of the solids which disposes the body to innumerable diseases. When the solids are relaxed, neither the digestion nor any of the se- cretions can be performed. In this case, the worst consequences must ensue. How can per- sons who loll all day in easy chairs, and sleep EXERCISE. 265 all night on beds of down, fail to be relaxed Nor do such greatly mend the matter by riding in their easy carriages. Exercise on horse back is very beneficial, and should be more generally practised, as the Hygeian method for health. Glandular obstructions, now so common, gen- erally proceed from inactivity. Temperance and exercise, are the two best physicians in the w r orld and if duly regarded, we should scarce need another. These are the most obstinate maladies. So long as the liver, kidneys and other glands, duly per- form their functions, health is seldom impaired ; but when they fail, nothing can restore it. Ex- ercise is almost the only cure we know for glan- dular obstructions; indeed it does not always succeed as a remedy ; but there is reason to be- lieve that it would seldom fail to prevent these complaints, were it used in due time. One thing is certain, that among those who take sufficient exercise, glandular diseases are very little known; 23 266 EXERCISE. whereas the indolent and inactive, are seldom free from them. Weak nerves are the constant companions of inactivity. Nothing but exercise and open air can brace and strengthen the nerves, or prevent the endless train of diseases, which proceed from a relaxed state of these organs. We seldom hear the active or laborious complain of ner- vous diseases; these are reserved for the sons of ease and affluence. Many have been com- pletely cured of these disorders by being reduced from a state of opulence, to labor for their daily bread. This plainly points out the sources from whence nervous diseases flow, and the means by which they may be prevented. It is absolutely impossible to enjoy health, where the perspiration is not duly carried on ; but that can never be the case, where exercise is neglected. When the matter which ought to be thrown off by perspiration is retained in the body, it vitiates the humors, and occasions the EXERCISE. 267 gout, fevers, rheumatism, &c. Exercise alone would prevent many of these diseases which can not be cured, and would remove others, where medicine proves ineffectual. A late author, in his excellent treatise on health, says that the weak and valetudinary ought to make exercise a part of their religion. We would recommend this, not only to the weak and valetudinary, but to all whom business does not oblige to take sufficient exercise, as seden- tary artificers, shop keepers, studious persons, &c. Such ought to use exercise as regularly as they take food. This might be done in general, without any interruption to business, or real loss of time. No piece of indolence hurts the health more than the modern custom of lying a-bed too long in the morning. This is the general practice in great towns. The inhabitants of cities seldom rise before eight or nine o'clock ; but the morn- ing is undoubtedly the best time for exercise while the stomach is empty, and the body re- 268 EXERCISE. freshed with sleep. Besides, the morning air braces and strengthens the nerves, and in some measure answers the purpose of a cold bath. Let any one who has been accustomed to lie a-bed till eight, rise at five o'clock, and spend a couple of hours in walking, or riding on horse- back, or any active diversion without doors, and he will find his spirits cheerful and serene through the day, appetite keen, his body braced and strengthened ; and all of the animal creation welcomes the rising of the glorious king of day, each one in their own sphere; and shall man created in the image of God, fail to join in the general anthem of praise and adoration. Custom soon renders early rising agreeable, and nothing contributes more to the preservation of health. The inactive are continually complaining of pains in the stomach, flatulence, indigestion, &c. These complaints, which pave the way to many others, are not to be removed by medicine. They can only be cured by a vigorous course of EXERCISE. 269 exercise, to which indeed they seldom fail to yield. Exercise if possible, ought always to be taken in the open air. When that cannot be done various methods may be contrived for exercising the body within doors, as the graces, cup and ball &c. It is not necessary to allude to any par- ticular kind of exercise. The best way is to take them by turns, to use that longest which is most suitable to the strength of the constitution. Those kinds of exercise which give action to most of the bodily organs, are always to be preferred ; as walking, running, riding, digging, rubbing furniture, and such like. It is much to be regretted, that many active diversions are now so little practised. Diver- sions make people take more exercise than they otherwise would do, and are of the greatest ser- vice to such as are not under the necessity of laboring for their bread. As active diversions lose ground, those of a sedentary kind seem to prevail Sedentary di- 270 EXERCISE. versions are of no other use, but to consume time. Instead of relieving the mind, they often require more thought than either study or busi- ness. Every thing that induces people to sit still, unless it be some necessary employment, ought to be avoided. The diversions which afford the best exer- cise, are hunting, shooting, playing cricket, hand ball, &c. These exercise the limbs, promote perspiration, and the other secretions. They likewise strengthen the lungs, and give firmness and agility to the whole body. Such as can, ought to spend two or three hours a day on horse back ; those who cannot ride, should spend the same time in walking. Exercise should never be continued too long. Over fatigue prevents the bene&t of exercise, and instead of strengthening the body, tends to weaken it. Every man and woman should lay themselves under some sort of necessity to take exercise. EXERCISE. 271 Indolence, like other vices when indulged, gains ground, and at length becomes agreeable. Hence many who were fond of exercise in the early part of life, become quite averse to it afterwards. This is the case with most hypochondriac and gouty people, which renders their diseases in a great measure incurable. In some countries, laws have been made, obliging every man of whatever rank, to learn some mechanical business. Whether such laws were designed for the preservation of health, or the encouragement of manufacture, is a question of no importance. Certain it is, that if gentlemen were frequent- ly to amuse and exercise themselves in this way, it might have many good effects. They would at least derive as much honor from a few masterly specimens of their own work- manship, as from the character of having ruined most of their compan'ons by gaming or drinking. Besides, men of leisure, by applying themselves 272 SLEEP. to the mechanical arts, might improve them, to the great benefit of society. Indolence not only occasions diseases, and renders men useless to society, but promotes all manner of vice. To say a man is idle, is little better than to call him vicious. The devil a fishing said, "the idler took the naked hook." The mind if not engaged in some useful pursuit, is constantly in quest of idle pleasures, or im- pressed with the apprehension of some imaginary evil. From these sources proceed most of the mis- eries of mankind. Certainly man was never in tended to be idle. Inactivity frustrates the very design of his creation ; whereas an active life is the best guardian of virtue and the greatest pre- servative of health. SLEEP. Sleep as well as diet, ought to be duly regu- lated. Too little sleep weakens the nerves, ex- hausts the spirits, and occasions diseases ; and SLEEP. 273 too much renders the mind dull, the body gross, and disposes to apoplexies, lethargies, and other complaints of a similar nature. A medium ought therefore to be observed ; but this is not easy to fix. Children require more sleep than grown persons, the laborious than the idle, and such as eat and drink freely, than those who live abstemiously. Besides, the real quantity of sleep cannot be measured by time ; as one per- son will be more refreshed by four or six hours sleep, than another by eight or ten. Children may be allowed to sleep as much as they please ; but for adults, six or seven hours is certainly sufficient, and no one ought to exceed eight. Those who lie a-bed more than eight hours, may slumber, but they can rarely be said to sleep ; such, generally toss and dream away the lone part of the night, sink to rest towards morning, and dose till noon. The best way to make sleep sound and refreshing, is to rise be- times. The custom of lying a-bed for nine or ten hours, not only makes the sleep less refresh- 274 SLEEP. ing, but relaxes the solids, and greatly weakens the constitution. Nature points out night, as the season proper for sleep. Nothing more cer- tainly destroys the constitution, than night watch- ing. It is a great pity that a practice so des- tructive to health, should be so much in fashion. How quickly the want of rest in due season will blast the most blooming complexion, or ruin the best constitution, is evident from the ghastly countenances of those who, as the phrase is, turn day into night, and night into day. To make sleep refreshing, the following things, are requisite. First to take sufficient exercise in the open air; to avoid strong tea and coffee; next, to take a light supper ; and lastly, to lie down with a mind as cheerful and serene as pos- sible. It is certain that too much exercise will pre- vent sleep, as well as too little. We seldom however, hear the active and laborious complain of restless nights. It is the indolent and the slothful who generally have these complaints. SLEEP. 275 Is it any wonder that a bed of down should not be refreshing to a person who sits all day in an easy chair ? A great part of the pleasure of life consists in alternate rest and motion; but they who neglect the latter, can never relish the former. The laborer enjoys more true luxury in plain food and sound sleep, than is to be found in sumptuous tables and downy pillows, where exercise is wanting. That light suppers cause sound sleep, is true even to a proverb. Many persons, if they ex- ceed the least at that meal, are sure to have un- easy nights ; and if they fall asleep, the load and oppression on their stomach and spirits, occasion frightful dreams, broken and disturbed repose, night-mare, &c. When the same persons go to bed with a light supper, or sit up till that meal was pretty well digested, they would enjoy sound sleep, and rise refreshed and cheerful. There are indeed some people who cannot sleep, unless they eat some solid food at night ; but this does not imply the 276 SLEEP. necessity of a heavy supper ; besides, there are generally persons who have accustomed them- selves to this method, and who do not take a sufficient quantity of solid food and exercise. Nothing more certainly disturbs our repose than anxiety. When the mind is not at ease, one seldom enjoys sound repose. This greatest of human blessings flees the wretched, and visits the happy, the cheerful, and the gay. "Kind nature's sweet restorer, balmy sleep I He like the world, his ready visit pays ; Where fortune smiles ; the wretched he forsakes, And lights on lids unsullied by a tear." This is a sufficient reason why every man should endeavor to be as easy in his mind as possible when he goes to rest. Many by indul- ging grief and anxious thought, have banished sound sleep so long, that they could never af- terwards enjoy it. Sleep when taken in the forepart of the night is generally the most refreshing. Whether this be the effect of habit or not, is hard to say ; but as most people are accustomed to go early to CLOTHING. 277 bed when young, it may be presumed that sleep at this season, will prove most refreshing to them ever after. Whether the forepart of the night be best for sleep or not, surely the fore- part of the day is fittest both for business and amusement. I hardly ever knew an early riser, who did not enjoy a good state of health. CLO THING. The dressing ought to be suited to the cli- mate. Custom has no doubt a very great influ- ence in the article; but no custom can ever change the nature- of things so far, as to render the same clothing proper for an inhabitant of Nova Zembla and the Island of Jamaica. It is not indeed necessary to observe an exact pro- portion between the quantity of clothes we wear, and the latitude which w T e inhabit ; but at the same time, proper attention ought to be paid to it ; and our clothing should be strictly regulated by the change of the weather. In youth, while the blood flows freely, and the 278 CLOTHING. perspiration also is free, it is less important to cover the body with a great quantity of clothes ; but every part should be made comfortable, if even unfashionable ; but the plea of parents that chil- dren do not suffer with their little bare arms, and short clothing in the winter season, is to the reflecting mind cruel in the extreme. It is true habit reconciles us to many things. But the fashion of the present day renders them in their degree martyrs ; introducing also deadly diseases, such as croup, inflammation of the lungs, inflam- mation of the brain, &c. But in the decline of life, when the skin becomes rigid and the humors more cold, the clothing should be increased. Many diseases in the lat- ter period of life proceed from a defect of pers- piration; these may in some measure, be pre- vented by a suitable addition to the clothing, or by wearing such as are better calculated for pro- moting the discharge from the skin, as clothes made from cotton, flannel, &c. The clothing ought in all cases to be adapted to CLOTHING. 279 the season of the year. Clothing may be warm enough for summer, which is by no means suffi- cient for winter. The greatest caution however, is necessary in making these changes. We ought neither to put off our winter clothing too soon, nor wear our summer ones too long. In this state the changes of weather are great; and the winter comes upon us of a sudden and with rigor; and we have frequently cold weather even after the commencement of spring. It would likewise be prudent not to make the change all at once, but do it gradually ; and in- deed the changes of apparel in this climate ought to be very considerable, especially among those who have passed the meridian of life. That colds kill more than plagues, is an old proverb ; and with regard to this climate, it is strictly true. Clothes often become hurtful by their being made subservient to the purposes of pride or va- nity. Mankind in all ages seem to have con- sidered in this view ; accordingly their fashion 280 CLOTHING. and figure are continually varying, with very little regard to health, the climate or the conve- nience. For example, a farthingale may be con- sidered necessary in this country ; but in arctic regions they would be exceedingly uncomforta- ble. Yes, ridiculous in the cold regions of the north. Even the human shape is often attempted to be mended by dress, and those who know no better, believe that mankind would be mon- strous without its assistance. All attempts of this nature, are highly pernicious. The most destructive in this country, is that of squeezing the stomach and bow T els into as narrow a com- pass as possible, to procure what is falsely a fine shape. By this practice the action of the stom- ach and bowels, the motion of the heart and lungs and almost all the vital functions are obstructed. Hence proceed indigestions, syncopes, fainting fits, coughs, consumption of the lungs, and other complaints, so common among females. The feet likewise, often suffer by pressure. CLOTHING. 281 Garters when drawn too tight, not only prevent free motion and use of the parts about which they are bound, but likewise obstruct the cir- culation of the blood, which prevents the equal nourishment and growth of these parts, and oc- casions various diseases. How a small foot came to be reckoned genteel, I will not pretend to say; but certain it is,*that this notion has made many persons lame. Almost nine-tenths of mankind are troubled with corns ; a disease that is sel- dom or never occasioned but by tight shoes. Corns are not only very troublesome, but by rendering people unable to walk, they may like- wise be considered as the remote cause of other diseases. The size and figure of the shoe ought to certain- ly be adapted to the feet. In children the feet are as well shaped as the hands, and the motion of the toes as free and easy as that of the fin- gers ; yet few persons in the advanced period of life, are able to make any use of their toes. They are generally by narrow shoes, squeezed 24 282 CLOTHING. all of a heap, and often laid over one another in such a manner, as to be rendered altogether incapable of motion. Nor is the high heel less hurtful than the narrow toe. A lady may seem taller for walking on tiptoe, but she will never walk well in this manner. It strains her joints, distorts her limbs, makes her stoop, and utterly destroys her ease and gracefulness of motion; it is entirely owing to shoes with high heels and narrow toes, that not one female in ten can be said to w r alk well. In fixing on clothes, due care should be taken to avoid tight bandages. Tight bandages about the neck ; as stocks, cravats, necklaces, &c, are extremely dangerous. They obstruct the blood in its course from the brain, by which means, headaches, vertigoes, apoplexies, and other fatal diseases are often occasioned. The perfection ot dress is to be easy and clean. Nothing can be more ridiculous than for any one to make himself a slave to fine clothes. Fi- nery is often only the affectation of dress, and CLOTHING. 283 frequently covers a great deal of dirt. Robust persons are able to endure cold, better than the delicate, and consequently may clothe lighter; but the precise quantity of apparel which may be necessary for any person cannot be deter- mined by reasoning. It must be entirely a mat- ter of experience ; and each person is the best judge for him oi herself, what quantity of clothes is necessary to keep him or her warm, and suffi- ciently comfortable. While treating on clothing, I would recom- mend to persons to be careful in observing that their clothes are properly aired, previous to be- ing put on. This precaution will be particu- larly necessary, in the winter months, as washer- women are then obliged to dry chiefly in-doors by the heat of a fire, and this is apt to be very imperfectly clone. Many lives are annually sacrificed by persons putting on damp linen, as well as by sleeping in sheets not properly dried. Due care should be taken to change the stockings or other clo- 284 TOBACCO. thing as speedily as possible after their becoming wet, by any exposure to inclement weather, rain, snow, &c. Many persons are so imprudent as to neglect this very necessary change, and suffer their clothes after such an exposure to dry on them, assisted probably by going near a fire for some time ; but such a practice is always atten- ded with a risk, and not unfrequentiy gives rise to either rheumatism, fever, pleurisy, cough, con- sumption, or some other disease of a dangerous or even fatal nature. The principal advantage in the use of flannel, is its non-conducting property of sensible heat ; it is therefore, well calculated to protect the body against the too rapid escape of important fluid. TOBACCO. The use of tobacco has become so prevalent in this country, that in our city it assumes a se- rious aspect. Many persons of both sexes use it in some way ; and many men both smoke and chew it, and some snuff it. The same habits TOBACCO. 285 prevail to a great extent in almost every por- tion of the globe. When we take into consideration the disagree- able and repulsive character of this production to the unvitiated palate, it is truly surprising, that it should ever have been thought of as an article for such use at all ; and when to this con- sideration, is added the exceedingly important one, that it is highly injurious to the human sys- tem, the fact of its general use, becomes still more astonishing. Many however, are not aware of its pernicious effects ; and many have com- menced the use by the prescription of their phy- sician ; therefore it is of vital importance, that our medical advisers should have good habits, and this will in some degree, account for this extensive use. I propose to exhibit these effects in their true colors in this article, in the hope of inducing such to abandon those baneful habits. It should be understood then, that tobacco is an actual and virulent poison. Three drops of the distilled oil of tobacco, dropped upon the 286 TOBACCO. tongue of a full sized cat v actually causes death, in from three to ten minutes ; and even when used medicinally, it is so uncongenial to the sys- tem, and of so baneful a tendency, that physi- cians now seldom administer it even in the most desperate cases. In many instances, where it has been applied internally, or even externally, it has caused death in a short period. A tobacco poultice applied to the pit of the stomach, causes terrible vomit- ings in a very short time. Its application to the head produces similar effects. A girl about seven years of age, in good health, was seized with incessant vomiting, by merely having an ointment of butter and snuff applied to her head which was affected with the scabies. Fontana ranks tobacco with the vegetable poi- sons ; and begins the following account of his experiments : — "I made," says he, "a small incision in a pig- eon's leg and applied to it the oil of tobacco ; in two minutes, it lost the use of its foot. I repeat- TOBACCO. 287 ed this experiment on another pigeon, and the event was exactly the same. Two other pigeons to whose muscles I applied this oil, vomited sev- eral times all they had eaten." In the foregoing it may be added, that an ap- plication of tobacco in almost any form will pro- duce a similar effect ; and chemists tell us, that tobacco leaves, distilled in a retort without addi- tion, yield an acrid, empyreumatic, poisonous oil. Kempfer also classes it with the strong vege- table poisons; a most appropriate classification indeed, seeing that a single drop of the chemical oil of tobacco, applied to the tongue of a cat, has produced violent convulsions, and caused death in one minute ; and a thread dipped in the same oil, and drawn through a wound made by a nee- dle in an animal, has killed it in seven minutes. What can be expected, but that the strong caustic oil and acrid salt contained in it, will pro- duce incurable evils. Some of those evils we will here bring into view. 288 TOBACCO. As to smoking, every medical man knows that the saliva, which is so copiously drained off' by the pipe, is the first and greatest agent which nature employs in digesting food. Chewing like- wise drains off the liquid, so necessary to diges- tion. Snuffing injures the brain, induces apoplexy, scurvy, loss of memory, paralysis, scirrhus of the pancreas. I saw what I conjectured to be a tumor of the pancreas, with indigestion, and which terminated in the death of the patient. He had been for many years a great consumer of tobacco. He chewed it in the morning, and smoked it all the afternoon. Bat smoking and chewing not only carry off the necessary saliva from its proper place ; they likewise saturate the tongue and mouth with to- bacco juice, thereby vitiating the saliva that re- mains, which in this pernicious and poisonous condition finds its way to the stomach. Who in view of these considerations, can wonder that tobacco fixes its deadly grasp upon the organs TOBACCO. 289 of vitality, gradually undermining the health, and sowing the seeds of disease, which are sure sooner or later, to take root and spring up, car- rying away its victim to a premature grave. Who can wonder at the dizziness, the pain in the head, the faintness, the pain in the stomach, the weakness, the tremulousness, the huskiness of the voice, the disturbed sleep, the night-mare, the irascibility, the mental depression, the epi- lepsy, and even mental derangement, of the vic- tim of tobacco. "It seems," says Henry H. Brown, "to act directly upon the nervous sys- tem, enfeebling, exhausting, or destroying the powers of life. It is also especially liable to di- minish the sensibility of the membrane lining the nose, mouth, and stomach ; enfeebling the ner- vous power of this latter organ, so that instead of promoting digestion, as pretended by many, it has a direct tendency to produce dyspepsia with all its direful train of symptoms. One of the most eminent surgebns of this country, states that of the cases of cancer of the under lip which 25 290 TOBACCO. have come within his observation, all but three were those of individuals who had, at some period of their lives, used tobacco in some one of its forms. With regard to snuff in particular, Dr. Bomare says: "The least evil which you can expect to be produced is, to dry up the brain, emaciate the body, enfeeble the memory, and destroy if not entirely, yet in a great measure the delicate sense of smelling." Many cases have been observed where the appetite has been almost destroyed, and consumption induced, by its excessive use. The most delicate females have their complexion entirely ruined by it. Instead of preserving the teeth from decay, as many suppose, the chewing or smoking of to- bacco wears down or absorbs the grinding sur- face of the teeth, much faster than would other- wise be the case. So active a poison as the smoke or juice of tobacco, continually in contact with the surface of the teeth, must tend to destroy their vitality, and consequently to hasten, instead of retarding their decay. GLOSSARY, Of Terms used in the Foregoing Work. A. Abdomen, the belly ; abdominal, belonging to the abdomen. Absorbents, vessels that convey the nourishment from the intestines, and the secreted fluids from the va- rious cavities, into the mass of blood. Acrimony, a corrosive sharpness. Acute : — a disease, the symptoms of which, are violent, and tend to a speedy termination, is called acute. Abscess, a collection of matter. Anasarcous, dropsical. Adult, of mature age. Adust, dry, warm. Anginose affections, inflammatory affections of the throat. Anormal, irregular, unnatural. Anthelmintic, having the power of destroying worms, Antiphlogistics, medicines that reduce fever and in- flammation. Antispasmodics, medicines that allay spasms and cramps. Aperient, medicines that gently open the bowels. Aphthae, small whitish ulcers appearing in the mouth. (291) 292 GLOSSARY. Astriction, a tightening or lessening. Apyrexia, the period of intermission in ague. Ardor urinse, a scalding of urine. Astharitis, rheumatic pains of the joints. Asphyxia, apparent death, suspended animation. Asthenia, diminished vital energy. Axungia. hog's lard. Astringents, binding or contracting medicines. Aromatic, spicy fragrant. Accoucheur, one that performs the part of a midwife. Acetabulum, the cup-like cavity that receives the head of the thigh-bone. Ague, a species of fever. B. Bile or gall, a fluid which is secreted by the liver into the gall-bladder, and from thence passes into the intestines, in order to promote digestion. Belladonna, deadly night shade. Blenorrhcea, a morbid secretion of mucus. Bronchia, the air tubes in the lungs. Bronchotomy, an incision into the wind-pipe. Bulimia, insatiable craving for food. C. Cachexia, a general weak, relaxed and disordered state, without fever. Canthus, angle of the eye. Capillary vessels — capillaries, the very minute vessels between the arteries and veins. Cardia, the upper orifice of the stomach. GLOSSARY. 293 Cardiac region, the pit of the stomach. Carotids, the arteries that convey the blood to the head. Catamenia, the monthly discharge of females. Cataplasm, a poultice. Catheter, a hollow tube for drawing off the urine. Cephalalgia, headache. Cephalic, relating to the brain. Cerebrum, the brain. Cervical vertebrae, the joints of the spine, in the neck. Cervix uteri, neck of the uterus. Chyle, the milky fluid produced by digestion* Chyme, the food after it has undergone the process of digestion in the stomach, and has passed into the bowels. Colliquative stools, profuse watery discharges from the bowels. Collyrium, an eye wash. Coma, profound lethargic stupor, or sleep. Comatose, morbidly sleepy. Congestion, the accumulation of blood in a part. Constipation, costiveness. Cacochymic, an unhealthy state of the system. Caries, a rotteness of the bone. Chronic, a disease whose progress is slow, in opposi- tion to acute. Circulation, the motion of the blood, which is driven by the heart through the arteries, and returns by the veins. Conglobate gland, a simple gland. 294 GLOSSARY. Conglomerate, a compound gland. Contagion, infectious matter. Cutis, the skin. Cutaneous, of or belonging to the skin. Crassamentum, the red globules of the blood, collect- ed in a mass with the coagulable lymph. Clyster, an injection. Confection, a mixture. Coagula, concreted, or clotted blood. Convulsions, an involuntary contraction of the fibres and muscles. Crisis, a certain period in the progress of a disease, from whence a decided alteration* either for the better or the worse, takes place. Critical, decisive or important. Cuticle, the outer surface of the skin. Cathartic, a purgative medicine. IX Debility, weakness. Delirium, a temporary disorder of the mental facul- ties. Diaphragm, a membrane separating the cavity of the chest from that of the abdomen. Diuretic, a medicine that promotes the secretion of urine. Drastic, is applied to such purgative medicines as are violent, or harsh in their operation. Dejections, alvine evacuations by the bowels. Deliquism, fainting. GLOSSARY. 295 Demulcents, soothing mucilaginous fluids, as flax-seed tea, or slippery elm. Dentition, teething. Derivatives, remediate applications, that draw the blood from an affected part. Desquamation, scaling off, or separation of the skin in small scales. Diagnosis, the distinguishing marks of particular dis- eases. Diaphoresis, gentle perspiration. Diathesis, any particular disposition or habitude of the body. Dietetic, relating to the regulation of the diet. Diluents, bland drinks. Diuresis, increased discharge of urine. Diuretics, medicines that increase the flow of urine. Duodenum, the first twelve inches of the small in- testines. Dyspnoea, oppressed breathing. Dysuria, difficulty and pain in passing urine. Diarrhoea, a flux, a purging accompanied with fever. Dilatation, extension, enlargement. Dorsal vertebrae, the twelve middle bones of the spine. E. Empyema, a collection of purulent matter in the ca- vity of the breast. Endemic, a disease peculiar to a certain district of country. Epidemic, a disease generally infectious. 296 GLOSSARY. Exacerbation, the increase of any disease. Ejections, discharges from the stomach by vomiting. Electuary, a compound medicine, made into the con- sistence of honey. Emesis, vomiting. Emetic, a medicine that causes vomiting. Emulsion, a milk-like fluid, formed by mixing oily or resinous substances, by means of mucilage, with water. Encephalic, relating to the cavity of the skull. Encephalon, the brain with its membranes. E«iema, a clyster, an injection ; enemati, injections. Engorgement, an accumulation and stagnation of fluids in a part. Enuresis, involuntary discharge of urine. Epidermis, the outer skin. Epispastics, substances that blister the skin, as Span- ish flies. Epistaxis, bleeding at the nose. Errhines, substances used to produce sneezing. Erysipelas, St. Anthony's fire. Erythema, a slight inflammation of the skin. Eschar, the dead substance produced by applying caustic, etc. Etiology, relating to the causes and origin of diseases. Exacerbation, the period of increase of a fever. Exanthemata, acute eruptive diseases. Excitability, the capacity of being excited by stimuli. Excitement, the action caused by stimuli GLOSSARY. 297 Exfoliate, to cast or scale off, as the skin, or a piece of dead bone. Expectorants, medicines that promote spitting. Exsanguinous, bloodless, with but little blood. Epilepsy, a convulsion, falling, sickness. Epileptic, pertaining to epilepsy, convulsed. Exhaustion, debility produced by excessive discharges. Epigastric region, the region of the stomach. F. Farinaceous, made of meal. Fascia, a tendinaceous expansion. Fauces, the posterior part of the mouth, or top of the throat. Febrific, that which causes fever. Febrifuge, a medicine that has the power of arresting the progress of an intermitting fever. Febrile, feverish. Fistula, a deep tube-like ulcer. Foramen, an opening or hole. Function, the action or office performed by an organ. Furfuraceous, branny, consisting of thin, light scales. Fibre, a small thread or string, belonging to mus- cles. Funis, the navel cord. Fundus uteri, the upper part of the womb. Foetus, a child in the womb. Flatulent, producing wind. Fungus, proud flesh. 298 GLOSSARY. G. Ganglion, a small knot or roundish enlargement of a nerve or tendon. Gangrene, mortification. Gastralgia, pains in the stomach without fever. Gastric, relating to the stomach. Gastro-enteritis, inflammation of the stomach and bowels. Gustatory, relating to the taste. Guttation, by drops. Gestation, the period of pregnancy. Ganglia, venereal excrescences. Gymnastics, exercise taken with a view to promote or restore health. H. Haematemesis, vomiting of blood. Haematuria, voiding bloody urine. Haemoptysis, bleeding from the lungs. Haemorrhage, bleeding from any part of the body. Haemorrhoids, piles Haustus, a draft of liquid medicine. Hectic, a slow habitual fever, with sweats and emacia- tion. Hemicrania, pain on one side of the head. Hemiplegia, palsy on one side. Hepatization, change of structure so as to resemble the substance of the liver. Hernia, a rupture. Hectic-fever, a slow consuming fever, generally at- GLOSSARY. 299 tending a bad habit of body, or some incurable disease. Hypochondria, low spirits. Herpetic, having the character of a tetter. Humoral, relating to the fluids, particularly to the blood. Hydragogue, a purge that produces watery stools. Hydrocephalus, dropsy in the head. Hydropic, dropsical. Hypercatharsis, excessive purging. Hysteria, hysterics, or fits peculiar to woman. I. Iatraleptics,the application of remedies externally. Tcterous, yellow, jaundice-like. Icterus, jaundice. Idiopathic, an original affection of a part. Idiosyncrasy, any peculiar habit. Ilium, the lower part of the small intestines. Iliac regions, the flanks, the lateral and lower parts of the abdomen. Impetigo, a species of ring-worm. Ichor, thin bad matter. Imposthume, a collection of purulent matter. Inflammation, a surcharge of blood, and an increased action of the vessels, in any particular part of the body. Integuments, the skin. Irritability, the capacity of being excited into action. Ischuria, a difficulty or stoppage of urine. 300 GLOSSARY. Intestines, the bowels. Intestinal, belonging to the bowels. Incontinency, inability to retain the urine. Ischia, the hip bone. Innominatum, the bone at the side of the pelvis, forming the haunch, and receives the head of the thigh-bone. L. Lacta, milk. Lactation, the act of suckling. Ladentia, medicines or other agents that cause injury. Lateritous, like brick-dust, brick-colored. Leucophlegmatic, a pale, relaxed, debilitated and tor- pid state of the body. Leucorrhoea, the whites. Liniment, a very thin ointment. Lithiasis, a disposition to discharge gravelly matter with the urine. Lithontriptic, a remedy used for dissolving stones in the bladder or kidneys. Lumbago, rheumatism in the loins. Ligature, bandage. Lixivium, ley. Lymphatics, vessels that carry white fluids. Lactiferous, belonging to milk. Lotion, a wash. M. Malaria, pestiferous exhalations from marshes and putrefying substances. Meninges, the coverings of the brain. GLOSSARY. 301 Meningitis, inflammation of the covering of the brain. Miliary-eruption, eruption of small pustules resembl- ing the seeds of millet. Morbific, causing disease, or diseased. Mucus, the matter discharged from lungs or nose. Mesentery, a double membrane that connects the in- testines to the back bone. Miasm, the same as malaria. Muscle, fleshy fibrous substance. Muscular, relating to muscles, strong. N. Narcotics, medicines that blunt the sensibilities of the nerves. Nephritic, relating to affections of the kidneys. Neuralgia, painful affections of the nerves. Nausea, an inclination to vomit. Nervous, irritable. Normal, healthy, natural. Nosology, a systematic arrangement, definition of diseases. Nodes, enlargement of the bones, produced by the venereal disease. ex (Edema, swelling from a dropsical collection in the cellular membrane. (Esophagus, the gullet. Olfactory, relating to the sense of smelling. Ophthalmia, inflammation of the eyes. Opiate, a medicine whose prominent ingredient is opium. 302 GLOSSARY. Organic affection, a disease in which more or less of the substance of a part is changed or disordered. Orthopnoea, great difficulty in breathing. Ossified, changed into a bony structure. Os uteri, mouth of the womb. Occiput, back part of the head. P. Paracentesis, making an opening into the cavity of the abdomen or chest, to give exit to fluid ; tap- ping.^ Paralysis, palsy. Parenchyma, the proper substance of organs. Pathology, doctrine of the causes and nature of dis- eases. Pectoral, relating to the breast. Pectoriloquism, a peculiar sound in the lungs, when the patient speaks, heard through the sides of the chest, by the stethoscope. Percussion, striking the breast with the extremities of the fingers, to ascertain the kind of sound pro- duced. Pericardium, the membranous sack surrounding the heart Peristaltic, vermicular, or worm-like. Pharynx, the top of the gullet. Phlegmasis, inflammation. Phlogosis, superficial inflammation. Phymosis, contraction of the foreskin, so as to pre- vent it being drawn back. GLOSSARY. 303 Plethora, fulness of blood. Pleuritic, of the character of pleurisy, attended with pain in the side. Post-mortem, after death. Prolapsus, a falling down. Prostate gland, a gland situated at the neck of the bladder. Ptyalism, salivation. Pulmonary, relating to the lungs. Puruloid, resembling pus or matter. Pus, the yellowish thick fluid or matter formed by inflammation. Pylorus, the lower orifice of the stomach. Pyrexia, a fever. Pyrosis, water-brash. Pelvis, an assemblage of bones, belonging to the lower part of the body, of which the hips form a part. Pelvic, belonging to the pelvis. Pendant, a hanging position. Puerperal, the period of confinement from child- birth. Paroxysm, an exacerbation of a disease. Placenta, the after-birth. Parturient, bringing or about to bring forth. Preternatural, unnatural. Pubis, lower part of the abdomen. Perineum, the part between the anus and the vagina. Prolapsus uteri, falling of the womb. Peritoneum, a membrane in the body. 304 GLOSSARY. Peritoneal, belonging to the peritoneum. Perspire, to sweat. Parietalia, the bones forming the sides of the head above the temple. Phlegmatic, watery, relaxed. Polypus, a diseased excrescence, or a substance form- ed of coagulable lymph, frequently found in the large blood-vessels. Q. Quartan, a periodical disease, returning every seven- ty-two hours. Quotidian, a daily ague. R. Respiration, the act of breathing. Regimen, regulation of diet. Rachialgia, acute pain in the spine. Rachitis, rickets. Ramollissement, softening. Rete mucosum, the mucous-like expansion immedi- ately under the skin, in which coloring matter that constitutes the color of the surface is deposited. Rugades, chaps in the skin, deep fissures in the skin. Rubefacient, external applications that inflame the skin. Rectum, the lower bowel. S. Sanguiferous, conveying the blood. Sanguineous, bloody, relating to blood. GLOSSARY. 305 Scirrhus, a hard, degenerated tumefaction of a gland. Sebaceous, suet-like matter. Secretion, the separation of a fluid or substance from the blood, by the action of a living organ. Secretory vessels or organs, that separate a peculiar fluid or substance from the blood. Sedatives, medicines that diminish the actions of tho system. Semicupium, warm bath, the body being immersed only up to the middle. Sensorium, the brain, the centre of feeling. Serous, watery. Strumous, scrofulous. Subsultus, tendinum, a convulsive sudden twitching of the sinews. Symptomatic, the consequence of some other affec- tion. Syncope, fainting. Synocha, fever of a high inflammatory character. Solution, a substance dissolved. Saliva, a thin fluid discharge from the salivary glands called spittle. Sacro iliac, belonging to the sacrum and ilium. Sacro ischiatic, belonging to the sacrum and ischium. Sacrum, a bone that forms the posterior part of the pelvis, between the hips. Spine, the back-bone. Sacroiliac symphysis, a name given to the union bet- ween the sacrum and ilium, two bones of the pel- vis. 26 306 GLOSSARY. Sacro, words compounded of this, belonging to the sacrum. Sacro ischiatic ligaments, ligaments that connect the sacrum and ischia. Symphysis pubis, the centre of the bone that crosses at the lower part of the abdomen, just above the organs of generation. T. Tarsus, the edge of the eye-lid. Tenesmus, an ineffectual and painful urging to go to stool. Temperament, a peculiar habit of body, of which there are four, viz. : the sanguine, the bilious, melancholic and phlegmatic. Therapeutic, relating to the employment of remedies. Thoracic, belonging to the chest. Thorax, the chest. Tormina, griping pains. Tubercles, small hard tumors, resembling cheese in their internal structure. Type, the peculiar form assumed by a fever, as to the period intervening between its paroxysms or acer- bations. Typhoid, resembling typhus fever. Tincture, a liquid extract of drugs. Tonics, strengthening medicines. u. Ureters, the tubes which convey urine from the kid- neys to the bladder. GLOSSARY. 307 Urethra, the canal of the penis, through which the urine is discharged. Utero gestation, the term of pregnancy. Uterus, the womb. Uterine, belonging to the uterus. Uterine region, the part in which the uterus is situ- ated. V. Vaccina, cow-pox. Vesication, blistering. Varicose, enlarged or swollen veins. Vascular, relating to, or full of vessels Venesection, blood-letting. Ventilation, airing or letting in the air. Vagina, the passage to the womb. Vertebrae, bones of the spine. Vertex, the crown of the head. Venous, belonging to the veins. Venomous, ) Virulent, \ P 01S0n0us - Vermifuge, worm-dispel!ing medicine. Vertigo, giddiness. Villous, shaggy, rough, hairy. Virus, poisonous matter. Viscera, the entrails. Viscid, glutinous, tenacious. Vital, connected with life. w. Whites, the fluor albus. 3 47 7 4 V U' iBBftSJ OF CONGR^rt 111 022j£ tfAl