swmf %% m JVi M m. yk' m^ *£k %: m n) V>AT >J ^h m COPYRIGHT DEPOSIT. '^^^^M ^ 1 ^M p '^^^mm^^^s ^^^ /2'^ /f/d MOTHERS REMEDTK S Dno mmmm Over One Thousand Tried and Tested Remedies from Mothers of the United States and Canada. Also Symptoms, Causes, Prevention, Diet, Nursing, Treatments, Etc., of Every Known Disease. Poisons, Accidents, Medicinal Herbs and Special Departments on Women, Children and Infants, by DR. T. J. RITTER Formerly connected with Medical Faculty of University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, Mich. REVISED with INTRODUCTION by DR. W. E. ZIEGENFUSS 1916 Copyright. 1910 by G. H. FOOTE PUBLISHING CO. All rights reserved Copyright. 1915 by G. H. FOOTE PUBLISHING CO. All rights reserved JAN 10 1915 GI.A428ia3 PREFACE Medicine is not an exact science, and it is reasonable to presume that even Time, with all its qualifying influences, will fail in its effects on this one branch of science. As the millions of faces seem each to present some differentiating feature, so each human system seems to require special study of its individual temperament. So physicians find it necessary to have more than one remedy for a given ill; they still find truth in the old adage, "What is one man's meat is another's poison." But Mother finds a variety of rem- edies necessary for another reason. Her medicine-chest is usually lacking the full quota of drugs required to meet the many emergencies, and she must turn to the ''remedy at hand." Necessity has again proved its influence and with the years thous- ands of simple home concoctions have found their way to the relief of the daily demands on Mother's ingenuity. These mothers' remedies have become a valuable asset to the raising of a family, and have become a recognized essential in a Mother's general equipment for home-making. For fifteen years the Publisher has handled so-called home medical works; during that time he has had occasion to examine practically all the home medical works published. He has been impressed with the utter uselessness of many, perhaps most, of these books because the simple home remedies were lacking. A few years ago he conceived the idea of gathering together the "Mothers' Remedies" of the world. This one feature of this book he claims as distinctly his own. Letters were sent by him to Mothers in every state and territory of the United States, and to Canada and other countries, asking for tried and tested "Mothers' Remedies." The appeal was met with prompt replies, and between one thousand and two thousand valuable remedies were collected in this way. Through courtesy to these Mothers who helped to make this book possible, the book was named "MOTHERS' REMEDIES." Dr. T. J. Ritter, of Ann Arbor, Michigan, a graduate of the regular School of Medicine at the University of Michigan, at Ann Arbor^ and iii later one of the medical staff of the University, consented to furnish the necessary material to complete the Medical Department. Dr. Rit- ter, in over thirty years of actual practice, has met with all the exigencies of both city and country practice v^hich have brought to him the ripe experience of v^^hat would be called a "physician's life-time/' His success has been, in part, due to his honesty, kindliness and consci- entiousness, as well as to his thorough training anaigitis. When you wish to use a large quantity, mix an equal quantity each of soda and borax and put a couple teaspoonfuls to each pint of warm water and use. CATARRH. (Chronic Inflammation of the Nose, Chronic Rhini- tis). Causes. — Frequent attacks of colds, irritating gases and dust, adenoids, enlarged tonsils, spurs on the septum (partition bone) or foreign bodies in the nose, like corn, beans, stone, etc. Symptoms and Course. — There are alterations of the secretions; the amount varies in the same case at different times. Sometimes it is thin and watery, or thick, sticky mucus or this may alternate with more watery discharges. It may be mucus and pus or entirely pus. Frequently the secretions discharge into the throat and cause efforts to clear it by hawking and spitting. The secretion sometimes dries and forms crusts in the fore part of the turbinated bones and partition. Patients frequently pick the nose for this crust and ulceration may result at that point from its doing. Bleeding often occurs from picking the scales from the ulcers, and perforation of the partition may take place from extension of the ulceration. There is a feeling of stuffiness. There is some obstruction to breathing. If there is much thickness of the structures, nasal obstruction is a persistent symptom. Changed voice, mouth-breathing, etc., are noticed. A sensation of pain or weight across the bridge of the nose is sometimes complained of and this symptom is especially found associated with enlargement of the middle turbinated body on one or both sides, etc. MOTHERS* REMEDIES. 1. Catarrh, Successful remedy for.— ''Dissolve in one-half ounce olive oil as much camphor gum as it will take up. Moisten a little ginger with the oil, rub into the nostrils and snuff well up into the head." The olive oil is very soothing to the dis- eased parts and the camphor contracts the swollen mucous membranes, thereby relieving the catarrh. This is an excellent remedy. 2. Catarrh, Cleansing Antiseptic Remedy for. — "Snuff about one teaspoonful of salt in cup of warm water every morning in nostrils. I have found this remedy simple but fine for catarrh and also having sleeping room well ventilated summer and winter will help in curing disease." This remedy will be found very effective in catarrh because it loosens up the secretions and cleanses the nose of the foul secretions and also has an antiseptic action. This can be used twice daily. Snuffing should be done v&ry gently so as not to draw the water too far back. 3. Catarrh, V/itch-Hazel for. — "Pond's extract applied with nose snrav." Pond's extract is simply witch-hazel water and every one RESPIRATORY DISEASES 15 knows that witch-hazel water is healing and soothing to the membranes of the nose. This may be used regularly twice a day. 4. Catarrh, Cure for.— Menthol 10 grains Camphor Gum 10 grains Chloroform 10 drops Fluid Alboline 8 ounces Mix. Apply in the nasal cavities with alboline atomizer. 5. Catarrh of head, Mullein Leaves. Treatment, etc., for. — "Smoke dried mullein leaves and blow the smoke through the nose, and in addi- tion to this, piii; a heaping tablespoonful of powdered borax in a quart of soft water; syringe this up in the nose, and in addition to both of the above, frcHj,r.cntiy inhale a mixture of two drams of spirits of ammonia, half a dram tincture of iodine and fifteen drops of carbolic acid; smoke the mullein, syringe the borax water and inhale the last mixture all as frequently- as convenient and it frequently will cure if kept up faith- fully." 6. Catarrh, Milk and Salt Wash for. — "Mix together one teaspoon- ful common salt, a teacupful milk, and half pint of warm water. Inject this into the nostrils three times a day. You may use the same quantity of borax in place of the salt, if you choose to do so." PHYSICIANS* TREATMENT for Catarrh.— If the patient is run down, give tonics, plenty of fresh air and sunshine in the sleeping room, change of climate to a dry, unchangeable climate is sometimes neces- sary. Local. — Attend to any disturbing cause, such as adenoids, spurs on the partition , turbinate bone, etc. It is first necessary to render the parts clean, through the use of some mild antiseptic solution, such as glyco-thymoline, listerine, borolyptol, salt, etc. Salt should not be used stronger than one-quarter teaspoonful in a glass half full of water. The others can be used in one to two teaspoonsfuls, to same amount of warm water. The solution should always be mild and warm. To use any solution pour it gently through the nose, tilting the head backward, with the mouth open ; then as the solution flows through the head should be put forward and downward. The solution flows out of the mouth, and also out of the other nostril. A nasal douche cup made purposely should be used if possible. 1. Spray for. — After cleansing the nostrils with the solution the following soothing mild spray will be found of great benefit. Menthol 5 grains Camphor 5 grains Liquid Alboline 2 ounces Mix and make a solution. Use in an atomizer or nebulizer. 2. Powders for. — Antiseptic powders are also very useful in some cases, such as, compound stearate of zinc and boric acid, or compound stearate of zinc and alum or compound stearate of zinc and menthol. 16 MOTHERS' REMEDIES One or two drams is enough to buy at once as it is very light; always use it in a powder in the following way : First take a long breath and while holding the breath, puff some of the powder into each nostril; then gently puff the breath out through each nostril. Do not snuff powder up the nose or use the powder- blower while breathing. If this is done, some will get into the pharynx and larynx and cause annoying coughing. 3. Solution for. — Bicarbonate of soda ^ ounce Borax J^ ounce Salt y2 ounce White sugar 1 ounce Mix all. Half a teaspoonful to be dissolved in one-half tumbler of warm water; used with spray producer or a syringe. 4. Spray, for. — Bicarbonate of soda 1^ drams Listerine 6 drams Water 1 ounce Use as a spray. OZENA. — (Foul odor from nose, not breath, due to catarrh of the nose). The membrane is dry and shrunken. It is a very offensive odor, thus called ''ozena." Causes. — It is usually seen in people who are very much debilitated, in young factory girls, and sometimes in healthy boys. Retained secre- tions in the nose, usually cause the odor. These decompose and ferment. The nose is large and roomy, the nostrils are filled with scabby secre- tions ; hard masses are formed which sometimes fill the nostril. PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT.— The first few weeks, cleansing the nose with peroxide of hydrogen will stop the odor. First, remove the scabs with forceps and then wash and cleanse the nose with the peroxide solution. It can be used from one-quarter strength to full strength, but warm. This will leave the nose in a foamy, soapy con- dition and this can be cleansed with a mild solution of glyco-thymo- line or salt water. HOME TREATMENT.— This is very important. The patient should use a douche three or four times a da}-. In the solution glyco-thymoline or borolyptol one or two teaspoonfuls to one-half cup of warm water, and follow by a nebulizer or atomizer in which the following solution can be used : 1. Lysol 10 drops on of Pine 15 drops Liquid xMboline 2 ounces Mix and make a solution, spray into the nose after douch- ing. 2. The following ointment can be used if there is no atomizer or nebulizer at hand: RESPIRATORY DISEASES ly lo^ol • •; ; • 5 grains Boric acid 10 grains Cold cream 2 ounces Mix and make into an ointment, and rub a little into each nostril before retiring. 3. Dr. Ferguson of New York uses the following: A new antisep- tic enzymol. This is used as follows. — Use one part of enzymol, three parts of warm water. Rub and cleanse the nose thoroughly with the solution, saturate a piece of absorbent cotton with this solution, place it in the nostril and leave it there fifteen to twenty minutes. HAY FEVER. (Rose Cold, June Cold or Hay Asthma).— This in- flammation of the nose occurs in August and September. It is really a nervous affection of the nose membrane. - Causes. — A predisposition : A peculiar sensitive area in the mucous membrane of the nose. An exciting cause circulating in the air, the dust or pollen of certain plants, such as rag-weed, hay and barley ; the odor of certain flowers, such as roses and golden rod; dust of some drugs as ipecac and benzoic acid; the odor of some animals. It usually comes about the same date each year, growing worse each year and, in time, affects the bronchial tubes. Symptoms. — The earliest symptoms are, usually, an itching sensation in the roof of the mouth and the palate, or itching and burning at the inner corner of the eyes. Irritation within the nose is also experienced and very soon spells of sneezing set in. The nose soon feels stuffy and obstructed, and there is a clear water discharge from the nose, which is especially copious after sneezing. The eyes look red and watery and the eyeballs pain and there is also pain in the forehead above the nose. It may take several days to develop these symptoms. They are usually worse in the morning . After some days these symp- toms become more persistent and severe. The nostrils are completely closed, and the patient must breathe through the mouth, and the spells of sneezing are very Adolent. The conjunctiva becomes congested and red, a profuse watery discharge runs from the eyes and the lids are swollen. In severe cases the face looks red and swollen. The mucous membrane of the mouth, pharynx and tonsils is more or less reddened and irritated, smell and taste are impaired and sometimes the patient is slightly deaf. The patient feels tired, weak, and it is hard to study or do manual labor. Slight feelings of chillness are common. MOTHERS' REMEDIES. 1. Hay fever, Quick Relief from.— "For hay fever and other slight forms of diseases which produce sneez- ing, there is no remedy more quickly effective, and often curative, than a vapor of heated salt and alcohol. Heat it very hot and breathe the vapor for ten minutes at a time, four or five times a day." 2. Hay fever, Remedy Worth Trying for.— "A mixture composed of ten grains of sulphate of zinc, half teaspoonful of borax, and about four ounces of rose water. This is very good to inject into the nostrils if there is much irritation of eves and nostrils." y> 18 MOTHERS' REMEDIES 3. Hay fever, Our Canadian Remedy for. — "Inhale smoke from ground coffee (sprinkle over coals). This relieved a case for me of five years standing." 4. Hay Fever, Medicine That Helps. — ''Use phenol sodique as directed on the bottles. This was recommended to me by Mrs. Levi Weller, who said her husband had found more relief from this remedy than any other he had tried." PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Hay Fever.— 1. The following gives relief from the distressing symptoms. (But first the nose should be examined, for often there is local trouble there. ). Then give suprarenal extract tablets, each five grains. Take one every four or five hours. 2. Pill Blennostasin. — Each pill contains five grains. Take one every four hours. 3. The following solution gives temporary relief: — Dionin 10 grains Adrenalin (1 to 1000) 5 drams Water 2 ounces Mix solution and spray into the nose every two hours. 4. After using the above spray which will shrink the mucous mem- brane apply the following oil spray: — Thymol 5 grains Menthol 5 grains Camphor 5 grains Liquid Alboline 1 ounce Mix and make a solution and spray into the nose three or four times a day. 5. In some cases a drying powder does well, such as compound stearate of zinc and alum, one dram ; puff it into the nose with a pow- der-blower every hour. 6. Dr. Ball of London, England, gives the following. — A spray of a four per cent of cocaine, or direct application of cotton-wool soaked in a stronger solution will be found to afford immediate relief. But the after effect is likely to be bad. Hence menthol is a better application. 7. Another from Dr. Ball. — A one to five per cent solution of menthol in liquid paraffin may be painted or sprayed on the mucous membrane, or a, little cotton-wool soaked in an oily solution may be inserted in the nostrils. We must confess our weakness as physicians, when we treat this disease. There are local measures, such as give relief for the time being, but they must be carefully used. Diseases of the nose, tumors or ''spurs" frequently cause in the first place ; bad tonsils, and adenoids are likely to aggravate the trouble. , A change of climate is the only real help. Tone the general health. If the patient is very nervous fifteen grains of bromide of sodium three or four time a day gives relief. People subjected to hay fever should be treated be- tween the attacks to make them strong and to remove any local nose trouble and just before the time of year arrives for the attack it is well RESPIRATORY DISEASES 19 to take five gfrains three times a day of the suprarenal tablets or blennos- tasin the same way. and also si)ray the nose twice daily with a mild adrenalin soUition as the following: — Adrenalin ( 1 to 1000) 1 dram Water 2 ounces Change of climate is frequently quite beneficial. Some are relieved in the dry mountain air, while others are more benefited by the seashore or an ocean trip. TUMOR OF THE NOSE. (Nasal Polypus).— This tumor con- sists of a soft jelly-like whitish growth, usually found in the upper front part of the nostril. It may extend to the bottom (floor) of the nose, is quite soft and moveable, being easy to push aside with a probe. The air passing through the nostril will move it backward and forward. There may be one or several and they may completely fill the nostril. They sometimes grow from the back end of the middle turbinate bone, and gradually extend backward filling up the back part of the nostril and even extending into the space behind the nose and, if large, they may be seen below the soft palate. PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT.— The only thing to do is to re- move them. This is usually done by a wire placed around the polypus and by the thumb-screw in the instrument, tighten the wire until it has cut through the base. DEVIATION OF THE SEPTUM (Partition).— Deviation is the bending or curving of the partition (septum) to one side or the other, leaving one nostril very large and roomy and closing the other nostril wholly or partly. Causes. — Blow'S, falls, etc.. high-arch palate. It is seldom seen under seven years of age. PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT.— The treatment is to replace if possible, the part in the proper position. This requires an operation. NOSEBLEED. Mothers' Remedies.— 1. Nosebleed; remedy sent us by a Public School Teacher. — "Make a compress of paper soaked in cold water; put it under the upper lip and have the patient press the lip with the fingers. Remarks. — Tried with success in many cases by a school teacher." By putting under the lip and pressing on it, you press on an artery and stop bleeding. Be careful to use nothing but white paper, as ink or colors would come out when wet. 2. Nosebleed, Alum as a cure for. — "Apply cold water to face and back of neck, snufT powdered alum." The powdered alum contracts the blood vessels, thereby shutting oflf the supply of blood. The cold water applied to the back of the neck affects the nervous system in such a manner that the blood vessels are contracted and so the blood supply is diminished. 3. Nosebleed; Remedy that succeeded in a severe case. — "Put pieces of ice in cloth. Lay a piece each side of the nose and on the back 20 MOTHERS' REMEDIES of the neck. Remarks. — My neighbor's daughter had nosebleed which refused to stop until they were much frightened but this treatment soon stopped it, after which she rested quietly for a time." 4. Nosebleed, Simple Remedy for. — "Place the finger on the side of the nose tight for ten or fifteen minutes. My mother has stopped her nose from bleeding when other remedies failed." This shuts off the cir- culation and helps to form a clot. 5. Nosebleed, Another Home Remedy for. — "Hold the head back as far as possible, press up the end of the nose with the end of the finger." Best to lie on the side so blood will not run down the throat and choke the patient. 6. Nosebleed, Puff -Ball for. — "Find an old brown puff-ball from the ground, pick out the soft inside part and put it in nose and let re- main for some time." 7. Nosebleed, Vinegar and Water for. — "Wet a cloth in very cold water or strong cold water and vinegar and apply to back of neck, renewing as it gets warm. Have seen this tried and know it to be good." PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Nosebleed.— Place the patient on his side half lying, head and shoulders raised and apply a cold com- press to the forehead, nose, and to the back of the neck. Press the end of the nose firmly against the partition between the nostrils, for some minutes. This presses directly upon the bleeding point, as a rule. Also, when lying in this position, the blood does not flow into the throat so readily. Raise the arms above the head, apply cold to the spine or to the scrotum; of men and breasts of women. Mustard foot baths are good, injection of cold water, or the injection of hot water, 120 F., into the nostril will often help. Cold water, or salt water, can be gently snuffed. Alum solution on a cloth put in the nostril often helps. A piece of bacon cut to bits and placed in the nostril often stops it. Vinegar injected into the nostril is good, or you can use a cloth saturated with vinegar and placed in the nostril. White oak bark tea, strong, is effective; juice of lemon applied same way or injected is helpful. How to plug the nostrils; (front or anterior nares). — Do this with narrow strips of sterilized gauze, by placing the first piece as far back as possible, then with a narrow pair of forceps pushing in a little at a time until the nostril is filled. The gauze should be only one-half inch wide. If the bleeding still continues the posterior opening (nares) should be plugged. This can be known by seeing the blood flowing down the throat (pharynx). How this is done? Pass a soft rubber catheter, along the floor (bottom) of the nose until its end is seen passing down behind the soft palate into the throat. Grasp this with a pair of forceps and pull it forward into the mouth. Tie a stout string to the end of the catheter (about 1 and ly^ feet long) and tie the other end of the string aroimd the centre of a plug of lint or gauze, 1^ inches long and three-quarters RESFIR.nVRV DISEASES 21 of an incli wide. Then pull the catheter back through the nostril, very gently. This will pull the plug into the posterior opening of the nose, and plug it. Hold this same end firmly and with a pair of forceps fill the anterior nostril with strips {^2 inch wide) of gauze, pushing them back to the posterior plug. The end of the string in the mouth may be fastened to a tooth or to the side of the cheek (if long enough) with a piece of adhesive plaster. The plug should not be left in position more than forty-eight hours, and it should be thoroughly softened with oil or vaselin before it is removed. Remove the anterior part first, gently and carefully and then with cocaine (if necessary) and more oil, the posterior plug is softened and removed by pulling the end of the string which is in the mouth gently and slowly. SORE THROAT (Acute Pharyngitis— Acute Pharyngeal Catarrh- Inflammation of the Pharynx — Simple Angina). — This is a common complaint especially among some adults. A predisposition to it is often due to chronic pharyngitis, chronic enlargement of the tonsils and adenoids of the wall of the pharynx as well as chronic nasal obstruction. Rheumatic persons are especially subject to it and acute articular rheu- matism is often observed to be preceded by an attack of pharyngitis. Tonsilitis is said to have the same influence also. Symptoms. — The throat is dry and feels stifif. There may be ten- derness at the angle of the jaw and' outside of the neck. Pains some to sw^allow. In a day or two there is a mucous secretion, making the patient inclined to clear the throat by hawking or coughing. The throat looks red and in the early stage this is more noticeable on the anterior pillars of the fauces, the soft palate and uvula. On the back wall you see bright red spots, the inflamed lymph follicles. It usually gets v^ell in two to seven days. It may become chronic after repeated acute attacks. Chronic. — This is very common in persons who smoke or drink to excess, also people who use their voice in public speaking as preachers do, or in calling loudly as hucksters, railroad brakemen, stationmen, etc. Prevention of chronic kind. — Ascertain the cause and remove it. Too hot food or too much spiced food cause the chronic kind. Rest the voice. Remove any existing catarrh. Prevention of acute kind. — Avoid undue exposure to cold and wet, wear warm comfortable flannel underwear. Bath the neck and chest daily with cold water. This is good cold preventive. The wearing of handkerchiefs, mufflers, around the neck is injurious unless you are driving. Accustom your neck to the cold from the beginning in the fall and Vv^inter months. Wearing a full beard is said to be a good pre- ventive. MOTHERS* REMEDIES.— 1. Sore throat, Used for Years Suc- cessfully. — "Salt pork dipped in hot water then covered thick with black pepper. Heat in the oven and lay or bind on the throat or lungs. This has been a favorite remedy with us for years." Sew the pork to 22 MOTHERS' REMEDIES a piece of cotton cloth and bind over the sore parts after you have sprinkled the pork w^ith salt and pepper. Leave this on as long as the patient can endure it. When the pork is removed, rub the affected parts with cold cream or vaselin and put a clean muslin cloth on to keep person from taking cold. 2. Sore throat, Splendid Liniment for. — "Olive oil H pint Ammonia Yz pint Turpentine H pint One egg. Shake till it forms emulsion. This can be used as a blister." This is a very effective remedy, but you must watch the throat very carefully as this will blister quickly. After removing the liniment, grease the parts with oil or cold cream. 3. Sore throat. Simple Gargle for. — "Soda 1 teaspoonful Salt 1 teaspoonful Borax 1 teaspoonful Dissolve in pint of warm water ; use as a gargle frequently." This is a very good gargle. It contracts the parts and acts as an antiseptic and thoroughly cleanses the parts. 4. Sore throat. Home Made salve for. — "Beeswax 1 ounce Rosin 1 ounce Camphor gum 1 ounce Lard about the size of an tgg" Mix the above ingredients together and apply to the outside of the throat. This causes the skin to become red thus drawing the inflamma- tion out of the throat and relieving the trouble. 5. Sore Throat, Cold Packs, Sure Cure for. — "Put cold packs on the throat. Remarks: Was in Washington once and my little girl had a very sore throat. I put cold packs on the throat the first half of the night and the next day she was out seeing the sights as well as ever." Gargle with very hot water and a little soda. This makes it very effective. 6. Sore Throat, Ointment for. — "Oil Turpentine Yi ounce Oil of Hemlock Y2 ounce Oil of Peppermint Y2 ounce Oil of Eucaliptus Y2 ounce Mix with one cup warm lard, apply warm to the throat." 7. Sore Throat, Remedy from a mother in Johnson City, Tenn. — "Fat meat stewed in vinegar and bound to the neck. Kind friends: — After waiting so long I will help you what I can, and where is the mother that won't want the book? I am truly glad you have such an interest in the welfare of suffering humanity. I hope this book will RESPIRATORY DISEASES 23 soon be out on its f!;oo(.\ mission. Kind friends. T think it a wonderful kindness to the rich as well as the poor to have a friend in time of need. I think a good honest book of home remedies tried by our good mothers and grandmothers will be accepted and looked to by all mothers, for we all think mother knows best. I certainly want this book com- pleted and in my home." 8. Sore Throat, Gargle and Local Application for. — "Common salt 2 tablespoonfuls Strained honey 2 tablespoonfuls Vinegar 3 tablespoonfuls Camphor /^ teaspoonf ul" Use as a gargle. External applications, wring a cloth out of salt and cold water and keep it quite wet, bind tightly about the neck and cover with a dry cloth. It is best to use this at night." 8. Mild Sore Throat, Vinegar Gargle for. — "Gargle with vinegar and hot water. This will help to sooth the irritation and in a mild sore throat is a sure cure." 10. Sore Throat, Alum and Vinegar for. — "One glass of warm water; one tablespoonful of vinegar; one teaspoonful of sugar; one-half teaspoonful of alum ; dissolve well and gargle throat several times daily." 11. Sore Throat, Kerosene for. — "Dip a flannel cloth in coal oil, (kerosene) and bind on the throat. I have tried this; in fact it is what I always use. It is almost sure to cure." 12. Sore Throat and Cough, Remedy always at hand. — "Equal parts of alcohol and glycerin make a good gargle, or use three tablespoon- fuls of vinegar and one of salt to a tumbler of water. Or simply hot water and salt when nothing else is to be had. The hot water alone is very good." 13. Tickling in Throat, Simple Remedy for. — "Take bread crumbs and swallow them." PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Sore Throat.— 1. Inhalation of steam either with or without medicine is good. (See treatment of tonsilitis — Inhaling steam) I treated a man once who had a terrific pharyngitis. All the parts were so terribly swollen, that he was unable to swallow or talk. I induced him to inhale steam from a teakettle. He was able to put his mouth over the spout of the kettle and he was re- lived in a few minutes. I think it saved his life. I put no medicine in the water for that case. Very few persons can inhale the steam directly from the kettle. Other method is given under tonsilitis. A dose of salts at first is good. Remain in the house for a few days. 2. Sulphur and Cream for. — Mix some sulphur with cream and put some of it on the sore membrane. 3. Good Old Mother's Remedy. — "Steep a medium sized red pep- per in one-half pint of water, strain and add one-fourth pint of good vinegar and a heaping teaspoonful each of salt and powdered alum and gargle with it as often as needed. This is a very good remedy. 24 MOTHERS' REMEDIES 1. Physicians' Local Treatment. — A wet compress on the neck is useful at the onset. Sucking ice or gargling with ice or cold water, or applying an ice bag to the throat will be found useful. Later on, warm gargles and steam inhalation are more grateful. If there is great pain in swallowing, cocaine painted on the throat or sucking a cocaine lozenge before taking food will be found very useful. 2. When the attack is mild medicine may not be needed. When there is fever and the throat is real sore, you can use one drop doses of tincture of aconite every hour. This will frequently check it. 3. I like the following at the beginning. Give tincture of aconite and mercury biniodide, called the pink tablet, alternately. Put ten drops of the aconite in one-half glass of water and give from one-half to two teaspoonfuls every one or two hours, alternating with one or two tablets of one-hundred grain tablet of mercury biniodide. After the first twenty- four hours stop the aconite and give the mercury biniodide every three hours. 4. For Chronic Catarrh remaining after, lozenges containing rhatany or tannin are useful. 5. Other gargles. — Menthol 3 to 5 grains Camphor 2 to 4 grains Liquid paraffine 1 ounce For irritable and catarrhal conditions of nasal membrane use a spray. 6. Snuff.— Hydrochloride of Cocaine 1 grains Menthol 1 grain Sugar of Milk 2 drams Mix very thoroughly. When using the Menthol preparation do not use the preparation very hot. HOARSENESS. Inflammation of the Larynx. (Acute Laryngitis) Causes. — Due to taking cold or over using the voice ; hot liquids , poisons. It may occur in influenza and measles ; from irritating gases ; some are subject to it. '^' Symptoms. — Tickling in the larynx; cold air irritates, and breath- ing may cause some pain; dry cough; the voice may be altered At first it may be only husky. In children breathing may be very difficult, after a day or two there may be a light expectoration and finally there may be a loose cough and a slight fever. The trouble is in the region of ''Adam's Apple.'' There is little or no danger in these attacks if proper care is taken. The attack generally lasts two to four days. MOTHERS' REMEDIES. Hoarseness, Borax for.— "For hoarse- ness dissolve a piece of borax the size of a pea in the mouth and don't talk. It will work like a charm." The borax does away with the inflam- mation of the inflamed parts and gives relief very quickly. RESPIRATORY DISEASES 25 2. Hoarseness, Egg and Lemon for. — "RciUn wliilc of one ci,',u^, juice of one lemon, with sugar enough to thicken, then add one tea- spoonful olive oil." Take one teaspoonful every hour until relieved. 3. Hoarseness, Horseradish for. — ''Horseradish root; eat plenty of it. This has been tried and proved successful." 4. Hoarseness, Successful Remedy for Adults. — "Take two ounces of fresh scraped horseradish root, infuse in a close vessel in one-half pint of cold water for two or three hours ; then add four ounces of acid tincture of lobelia and one-half pound of honey. Boil altogether for one-half hour, strain and take a teaspoonful four times a day. This is a very good remedy, especially for adults." 5. Hoarseness, Lemon and Sugar for Children. — "Take the juice of one lemon and saturate with sugar, take a teaspoonful several times a day. It is sure to give relief. This is very pleasant to give to children, as they most all like it." PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Hoarseness.— 1. Rest of the voice and if the case is severe keep in bed in a room with an even temperature and the air saturated with moisture from a steaming tea- kettle, etc. 2. An ice bag on the throat or cold water cloths to the front of the throat often give relief. 3. Tincture of Aconite. — This is given in the beginning when there is fever. The dose depends upon the age, and the amount ot fever. You can give it to a child by putting one drop of aconite ir» twelve teaspoonfuls of water and then give one teaspoonful every one to three hours according to the case. For an adult you can put ten drops of aconite in ten teaspoonfuls of water and give one teaspoonful every hour or two. 4. Citrate of Potash is given every four to five hours in adults. 5. Full dose of five grains of Dover's powders at night for the irritating cough. 6. For a cough, for a child one year old you can give one-half tea- spoonful, every two hours, of the following: — Syrup of Dover's powder 1 f^uid dram Tincture of Aconite 10 drops Simple syrup Enough to make two ounces Shake before using. TICKLING IN THROAT. Mothers' Remedies. Mullein Leaf Smoke Beneficial for. — "Smoke dried mullein leaves, just a few puffs are needed, and should be drawn into the throat. Myron H. Grinnel of Al- bion, Mich., says his grandmother always gathers mullein leaves for this purpose and finds them an excellent remedy. Too much would cause dizziness." Mullein leaves are good for inflamed membranes like the ear and throat. If a person does not wish to gather the leaves themselves they may buy them at a drug store. 26 MOTHERS' REMEDIES 2. Tickling in Throat, Good Northern Canada Remedy for. — "Chew some of the bark of slippery elm and gargle the throat with saliva. This stops tickling in a few minutes." 3. Tickling in Throat, Tested Gargle for.— "Gargle from four to six times daily with following : — Strong Sage Tea 1 pint Salt , 2 tablespoonf uls Cayenne Pepper 2 tablespoonf uls Vinegar 2 tablespoonfuls Honey 2 tablespoonfuls Mix thoroughly and bottle for use." The above ingredients are all excellent for sore throat and it is an old tried remedy and can easily be obtained. If it is too strong dilute with warm water to the desired strength. SWELLING OF THE GLOTTIS. (Oedematous Laryngitis. Oedma of the Glottis). — Swelling or oedma of the glottis or more cor- rectly of the structure which forms the glottis, is a very serious affec- tion. It may follow acute laryngitis or may be met with in chronic diseases of the larynx and from other diseases. It is dangerous. Symptoms. — Difficulty of breathing which increases in intensity so that the condition becomes very serious in a short time. There is whistling breathing, the voice is husky and disappears. Acute Laryngitis. — Inhalations and sprays. Menthol 10 grains Oil of pine 1 dram Tincture of benzion 1 dram Liquid alboline 2 ounces Make a solution. Use one teaspoon ful in a pint of boiling water ; inhale with a cone placed over the dish or put a shawl over the head and dish and inhale the steam. Or this one to inhale same way: Tincture of benzoin 1 dram Oil of tar 1 dram Liquid alboline 2 ounces Make a solution and use one teaspoon ful to a pint of boiling water as above. It may be necessary in order to save life, to have a physician make an opening by incision into the windpipe for the admission of air into the lungs. This process is called Tracheotomy. Diet in Laryngitis. — Hard and dry toasts should be avoided, for they give pain on being swallowed, same reason applies to highly sea- soned foods. Milk, custards, eggs, scraped beef may be taken. Diffi- culty in swallowing may be overcome by allowing the patient to lie flat on the bed, etc., with his face over the edge. Food can be sucked through the tube from a vessel placed below; or the patient can lean forward while eating. "CHILD CROWING" (Spasm of the Glottis.)— This is usually peculiar to children. RESPIRATORY DISH AS ES 27 Cause. — It is purely a nervous aflfection and il occurs between six months and three years, and is most commonly seen in children with rickets. Symptoms. — It may come in the night or day ; or when the child awakes. The breathing is arrested, the child struggles for breath, the face is flushed, and then with a sudden relaxation of the spasm, the air is drawn into the lungs with a high pitched crowing sound. Convul- sions may occur. Death rarely occurs. There may be many attacks during the day. PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT of Child Crowing, Preventive.— The gums should be carefully examined and if they are swollen and hot they should be lanced. The bowels should be carefully regulated, and as these children are usually of a delicate nature and afflicted with rickets, nourishing food and the treatment in diet and medicine should be given for rickets. Cod liver oil is a good general remedy. (See rickets). Cold Sponging. — In severe cases, the child should be placed in a warm bath tub and the back and chest thoroughly sponged for a minute or two with cold water. This plan may be used even when a child is in a paroxysm, though the attack is severe and the child looks blue, it is much better than to dash cold water in the face. Sometimes the attack can be stopped by introducing the finger far back into the throat. CROUP, Spasmodic. — This disease gives the parents a terrible shock if they have never seen any attacks of the kind. The symptoms which attend the attack are out of all proportion to the real danger. It is generally the result of exposure to cold or to the cold wind. Irritating, undigested food, often causes it. Symptoms. — Usually the child goes to bed perfectly well, or has a slight cold and wakes up an hour or two later, coughing and gasping for breath, due to a spasm in the wind pipe. The cough is shrill, more like a bark ; the cough is repeated at intervals and soon the patient breathes quickly and laboriously. It must sit up for it can breathe easier sitting. The voice is oftentimes nearly or quite lost, or at least only a hoarse whisper; the face is bluish or perspiring. The spasm lasts for a variable period, but rarely exceeds one-half hour, sometimes only a few minutes. The croupy cough and oppressed breathing may last longer than this, but these too subside after a time, after which the child drops to sleep and usually rests quietly for the rest of the night. There is a tendency to recurrence on succeeding night unless obviated by treatment. Treatment. Preventive. — Guard against such children's exposure to cold winds and dampness, dress them warmly. The living and sleep- ing rooms should not be too warm. Do not give them food hard to digest at any time, especially before bedtime. Foods hard to digest frequently cause the attack. MOTHERS' REMEDIES. Croup, Cold Application for.— "Apply to throat a flannel wrung out of cold water, lay a dry cloth over it." 28 MOTHERS' REMEDIES This is an excellent remedy for a mother to try in case of an emeigency when no other medicine can be obtained. This very often will relieve a child until other remedies can be secured and has been known to save many children's lives. The cold water helps to draw the blood away from the larynx and air passages and also dilates the tubes and gives relief. Take great care not to wet the child, as this will cause it to take more cold and may prove fatal. 2. Croup, Sure Cure for. — "Give child anything that will make it vomit, soak feet in hot water, apply onion drafts to bottom of feet, roast onions and put on the chest, keep warm. My mother has cured me at least one hundred times with the above remedy. She generally gave me pig's foot oil, or oil from the feet of a chicken, sometimes melted lard. Croup has to be attended to at once or it is fatal with the child." This is a very good remedy. 3. Croup, Immediate Relief from Steaming.— 'Tut a small shawl over the child's head to retain steam, then put a small chunk of un- slaked lime in a bowl of water under shawl. The steam affords im- mediate relief, usually, if child inhales it." This is very good ; shawl should cover the child's head and bowl in which lime is dissolved. 4. Croup, for Baby or Older Child. — "Take a teaspoonful alum, pulverize it and sprinkle it on the whites of two fresh eggs in a cup or glass, let it stand for a few minutes, until the combination has turned to water, or water is produced ; then give one-half teaspoonful to a child six months old or less, and increase the dose to one tea- spoonful for older children, and repeat the dose in fifteen or thirty minutes as the case may require. Remarks : From personal experi- ence in my own and neighbors' families, I have never known a case where it did not bring relief and cure. The dose must produce vomiting." 5. Croup, Remedy that Never Fails. — "Two tablespoonfuls of liquor or brandy and one-quarter teaspoonful of glycerin, one tea- spoonful of sugar, one tablespoonful of water; stir up well and give one teaspoonful every hour or oftener if necessary. Then at same time take a flannel and soak well in cold water, wring it gently and put around neck with a heavy, dry flannel over the damp one. If damp flannel becomes hot take it off, dampen it in more cold water and apply again, and so on until relieved. Do not allow the patient to get chilled. Better results are obtained if patient will go to bed. Remarks: I have used this in my family, and have always found it to be the best croup cure I have ever seen, and it will be found to give immediate relief. The external application is extremely good." 6. Croup, Coal Oil (kerosene) and Sugar for. — "Coal oil and sugar ; put a few drops on a teaspoonful of sugar." The coal oil produces vomiting, relieving the trouble. If the first dose does not have this effect upon the child, repeat it. 7. Croup, Pork and Onion Poultice for. — "Put pork and onions on the throat. Drink plenty of hot water." Bind the pork and onions RESPIRATORY DISEASES 29 on the throat, acting as a poultice. The virtue of this can be increased by cooking the onions and pork togetlier. Onion syrup may be gi\cn internally to produce vomiting, even in very small babies. 8. Croup, Bloodroot for. — "One teaspoonlul powdered blood- root mixed with molasses or sugar. Have taken this myself and it relieved at once. If one dose does not seem enough it may be re- peated." This is a very effective remedy, but is very weakening. Care should be taken not to repeat dose any oftener than absolutely necessary. 9. Croup, Time Honored Remedy for. — ''Pulverized alum and sugar or honey or molasses ; mix together and give half teaspoonful doses or less. For infants use only in emergency cases." This is one of the good old-fashioned remedies that nearly every mother has used. It acts simply by producing vomiting and causing the air tubes to relax. Repeat in five to twenty minutes until it causes vomiting. 10. Croup, Ipecac for. — "One-third teaspoonful of powdered ipecac dissolved in one teaspoonful of water, one tablespoonful of sugar; pour on one teacupful of boiling water and let boil down to a half cup. Dose: One teaspoonful for adults; children in proportion every two hours ; or, if needed to vomit children give again in ten or fifteen minutes." If you cannot secure the powdered ipecac, the syrup can be bought at any drug store, and is already prepared. Dose: Ten to fifteen drops as the case may need. 11. Croup, Vaselin for. — ''Vaselin rubbed on the chest, cover with a hot flannel, and take %. teaspoonful of vaselin internally occa- sionally." Dissolve vaselin and repeat dose if necessary to produce vomiting. 12. Croup, Ice Application for. — 'Tee applied to the throat is almost instant relief." It is best to break the ice up fine and sprinkle salt on same, putting it in a cheese cloth bag, binding on the throat with a flannel, and change as soon as it shows signs of wetting. 13. Croup, Salt for. — "Parched salt put on the throat hot." The parched salt acts the same as mustard plaster, by producing a red- ness on the throat. Salt is something that we can always have on hand and by using this remedy we are always prepared for an emergency in case of croup. 14. Croup, Castor Oil Breaks up. — "Castor oil, given before bed- time, is good. Dose. — From one-half to one teaspoonful. I have taken this when I was small." Castor oil is good when the bowels are con- stipated or the stomach is full. 15. Croup, Coal Oil, Turpentine and SnufT, a Canadian Remedy for. — "A little coal oil and a few drops of turpentine soaked up by snuff, and used as plaster. Makes the child sneeze after a few min- utes. The poultice loosens the phlegm and the sneezing throws it off." 30 MOTHERS' REMEDIES PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Croup.— Active. 1. Dr. Douglas says wring cloths out of cold water and apply very freely to the throat, and recommends the following syrup : Syrup of Ipecac 3 fluid drams Hive Syrup 4 fluid drams Water 1^ ounces Mix, and give one teaspoonful every half hour until the child vomits, then repeat the dose every two hours as needed. 2. Place the child in a hot bath, wrap hot or cold cloths about the throat and put one teaspoonful of common soda in a glass of water and give one teaspoonful every fifteen minutes until relieved. 3. Dr. Holt of New York, says. — The room should be very warm, hot cloths or poultices should be applied over the throat (Adam's apple and below) and either a croup kettle or ordinary teakettle kept boiling in the room. This is more efficacious if the child is placed in a tent made by a raised umbrella or some like method with a sheet thrown over it, and the steam introduced beneath the tent. If the symptoms are urgent ten drops of the syrup of ip'ecac should be given every fifteen minutes until free vomiting occurs. Whenever the symptoms reach a point where the breathing be- comes difficult, a doctor should be summoned without delay. It might be some other disease. 4. Home Treatment. — One-half teaspoonful of alum mixed with molasses or honey will produce vomiting and help. This is very good when the croup is due to indigestion. At the same time, fry onions in lard and put them on the neck in front, or hot w^et cloths may do. The alum can be given once or twice if necessary, half an hour apart, about in one-fourth or one-half the first dose. 5. Goose grease, or lard dissolved, and enough given to produce vomiting will do good. This idea is not only to cause vomiting but to cause a sick feeling after and at that time, which will cause the spasms to relax. A very good thing to do in addition i^ to put the child's feet in hot water, while local applications are put on the throat. These things tend to relax the muscles and this relieves the spasm. 6. Steam is Very Useful. It relaxes the spasm by local contact and by producing general sweating. Cover the child's head and a pitcher with a shawl and inhale the steam from the boiling water in pitcher. You can put in the pitcher one teaspoonful of oil of tar or one to two teaspoonfuls of tincture of benzoin. This can be kept up for some time. COLD IN THE CHEST. (Acute Bronchitis. Inflammation of Bronchial Tubes). — This is an acute inflammation of the larger and medium sized bronchial tubes. Causes. — Youth and old age are more predisposed to it. Lack of fresh air and exercise, dusty work, poor general health, dampness and RESPIRATORY DISEASES 31 changeable weather in winter and early sj)ring. h may l)c secondary to cold, pharyngitis, measles, typhoid fever, malaria, asthma, and heart disease. Symptoms. — There is a feeling of oppression with chilliness and pain m the back, a dry, tight feeling beneath the breastbone with a dry harsh cough. This may cause headache and pain, and a raw feeling in' the chest, chiefly in front. There may be a temperature of one hundred or one hundred three or less. After a few days there is a thick, sticky secretion ; it is profuse. The other symptoms, except the cough, subside. This generally stops in ten days in a favorable case, or it may become chronic. In infants or old people it may extend to the smaller tubes causing broncho-pneumonia. There is more danger in infants than in older people. MOTHERS' REMEDIES. Bronchitis, Camphor and Lard for.— 1. "Grease a cloth well with lard to which has been added some camphor gum, then sprinkle on some dry baking soda, and lay it on the chest. The camp'hor and lard should be made into a salve, then put on the soda. The lard and camphor gum penetrates the affected parts, relieving the inflammation and tightness in the chest. It is well in children to put a layer of cotton cloth over the chest keeping them warm and getting better results from the remedy. 2. Bronchitis, Grandmother's Remedy for. — "Hoarhound 5 cents worth Hops 5 cents worth Wild cherry bark 5 cents worth Licorice root 5 cents worth Boil and simmer altogether in two quarts of water long enough to get the strength out of the ingredients, strain, add three cups sugar, then add enough good whisky to keep from souring, say a half pint." This combination is not only good for bronchitis, but for the cough left from the effects of bronchitis. The hoarhound, wild cherry bark and licorice root have a very soothing effect on the bronchial tubes, and the hops quiets the nervous system. This is also good for a common cough. 3. Bronchitis, Antiphlogistine Plaster for. — "Antiphlogistine is fine for bronchitis, where there is any inflammation, pleurisy, any kind of a scratch, especially rusty nails ; pneumonia. Set can in water long enough to heat, but not hot, spread on with case knife as thick as a silver dollar, spread cotton batting over it, keep on twenty-four hours, before changing. This is a very useful remedy to keep on hand." Antiphlogistine is very good to apply to the body wherever inflammation is present, as it withdraws the blood from the organ or part of the body that is affected. It does this by drawing the blood into the external circulation. It has the same effect upon the diseased parts as the old-fashioned mustard, but does not blister. In using the mustard plaster you are in fear of blistering, and then having the out- ward blister and inward inflammation to contend with. The anti- 32 MOTHERS' REMEDIES phlogistine can be purchased at drug stores. Set the can in warm water until it is warm, then spread on a piece of cotton cloth and apply to the affected parts, where it may remain for twenty-four hours, then repeat if necessary. Should always be put on warm, but not hot. It usually drops off when dry and no longer effective. 4. Bronchial, or any Severe Cough. One of the best Home Rem- edies. — "Hoarhound (herb form) 1 ounce Irish moss 1 ounce Flax Seed (the seed not pulverized) 1 ounce Boneset 1 ounce Licorice Root (cut up fine) 1 ounce Place the above in some suitable pan or dish for such purpose in a gallon of cold water, and put it on the back of the stove, so that it will simmer slowly until reduced to one-half gallon, which may require one day or more, then strain and place in a bottle, or bottles. Dose. — One wineglassful three times a day. Add a little sugar if desired." This is a very fine cough remedy, as the hoarhound loosens the cough, the flax seed soothes the membrane, and the boneset by its general action on the system produces sweating. The Irish moss is a sort of food for the whole system and helps to build a person up. 5. Bronchitis, Camphorated Oil and Steaming for. — ''Bathe the chest and throat up around the head with camphorated oil ; drink water and steam the throat and mouth over hot water. Have tried this recipe and found it effectual. Have a bronchial cough now and am treating it myself." The camphorated oil seems to have a very sooth- ing effect upon the chest, in fact it acts about the same as camphor and lard, only is more pleasant to use, and can be bought already pre- pared. Drinking plenty of water cleanses the S)'stem by acting upon the stomach, bowels and kidneys, carrying off the impurities. The breathing of steam is very soothing and healing to the throat and air passages. 6. Bronchitis, General Relief for. — "Dose of castor oil every night; one teaspoonful for child. Grease well with camphorated oil or any good oil." ' The castor oil is very good for carrying off the phlegm from the stomach and bowels that children always swallow instead of coughing up like an older person. It is well in addition to the above remedy to give a little licorice or onion syrup to relieve the bronchial cough. 7. Bronchitis, Lard Poultice for. — "Take a piece of cotton bat- ting large enough to cover chest and fit up close to the neck ; wring out of melted lard as hot as the patient can stand it, and apply. Change as often as it gets cold. Also give dose of castor oil." 8. Bronchitis, Mustard Plaster for. — "Mustard plasters are very good." This acts as a counter-irritant, as it draws the blood to the surface and relieves the inflamed bronchial tubes. RESPIRATORY DISEASES 33 9. Bronchitis, Well-Known Remedy for. — "Cod Liver Oil 2 ounces GiiiRcr S^rup 2 ounces Mucilage of Gum Arabic 2 ounces Oil of Cloves e drops Dose : — Teaspoonful before meals and at bedtime." This is a very good remedy, as the cod liver oil by its general action tones up the whole system. The ginger tones and stimulates the stomach and takes away the sickening effect of the cod liver oil. 10. Bronchitis Remedy and General Tonic. — "Take small doses of glycerin and one teaspoonful three times a day of codfish oil." This remedy, though simple, is very effective. The glycerin and codfish oil are both soothing to the affected parts, and the codfish oil is a very good tonic to tone up the general system. 1. PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Bronchitis. Sweating Remedy for. — Take a hot bath and then go to bed, and take hot drinks after. See that the bowels are open. Nourishment is especially im- portant in infants and old age. You can sweat them as directed under la grippe. Drink hot drinks, such as hoarhound, ginger, flaxseed, hot lemonade or slippery elm. These will produce sweating and will give much relief. An onion poultice applied over the breastbone where the pain and tightness are, will do good. 2. Steaming Remedy. — Inhaling steam from plain boiling water is good, or you can add one to two teaspoonfuls of compound tincture of benzoin or turpentine. The steaming will be more effective -if you make a tent, by fastening four sticks to the cradle or bed and cover with a sheet, introducing the steam underneath this at the foot of the bed, etc. A rubber tube can be fastened to the kettle. In this same way you can produce, if you wish, sweating by putting the end of the tube under the clothes elevated a little above the patient. Be careful not to scald the patient. 8. Steaming With Pitcher. — If the soreness of the bronchial tubes is not relieved by this means, inhalations of steam arising from boiling water may be practiced, either through a cone, one end of which covers the top of a pitcher, and the other end of which covers the mouth and nose of the patient, or by covering the head and pitcher with a towel. The usefulness of this method may be much increased by the addition of from two teaspoonfuls to one tablespoonful of com- pound tincture of benzoin to each pint of water in a pitcher. This latter method can also be used in tonsilitis. pharyngitis and quinsy. 4. Rub the chest with a camphor liniment and give the following; Tincture of Aconite 10 drops Sweet Spirits of Nitre 2 drams Distilled water to make 4 ounces Mix — One-half teaspoonful to a child, or dessert spoonful to an adult in water every hour. 34 MOTHERS' REMEDIES 5. For Adults. — Compound licorice mixture one to two drams every three to four hours ; or five grains of Dover's powders every three to four hours. Diet in Bronchitis (similar to Laryngitis). — Drinks are useful in the dryer forms, such as hot flaxseed tea sweetened and flavored with lemon juice. It should be taken in large quantities. Hot milk and lemonade are also useful. CHRONIC BRONCHITIS. Causes.— People over middle age are more liable to it. It comes chiefly in winter, in changeable, cold and damp climates. It may follow repeated acute attacks. Symptoms. — These are variable and are present chiefly in winter and damp weather. The cough is worse at night, and in the morning, expectoration is usually great. There may be slight fever at times. Often the patients are entirely free from the trouble during the summer. PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Chronic Bronchitis. Preven- tive. — Warm equable climate, such as southern California, Florida, or the south of France, especially in the colder months ; warm clothing, avoid exposure and fatigue. 1. First you can take three grains of ammonium chloride three to four times a day. 2. Ammonium Chloride 2 drams Fluid Extract of Licorice 2 drams Distilled water brought to 3 ounces Mix and take one teaspoonful every three hours. 8. If the cough is troublesome the following is good: Ammonium Chloride 2 drams Hive Syrup 4 drams Fluid Extract Licorice 1 ounce Paregoric 6 drams Distilled water enough to make 2 ounces Mix. Teaspoonful every three to four hours. COUGHS. Causes. — There are many causes ; inflammation of the larynx, bronchial tubes, lungs, also stomach and liver; and a nervous cough is present in our day. Remove the cause when possible. There are many good cough medicines now put up, and they can be bought at any drug store. Cough lozenges of all kinds are plenty, and a sure cure is claimed by each. MOTHERS' REMEDIES. Dry Cough and Tickling— 1. "Rasp- berry Tincture. Take one-half pound of honey, one cup water; let these boil ; take off scum ; pour boiling hot upon one-half ounce lobelia herb and one-half ounce cloves ; mix well, then strain and add one gill of raspberry vinegar. Take from one teaspoonful to a dessertspoonful four times a day. Pleasant to take." RESPIRATORY DISEASES 35 2. Cough, Honey and Vinegar for. — "Money and vinegar." This is an old and tried remedy and a good one. The vinegar cuts the phlegm in the throat and bronchial tubes, and the honey is very soothing. 3. Cough of Long Standing, Excellent Syrup for. — "Carbonate Ammonia 40 grains Syrup Senega 6 drams Paregoric 4 drams Syrup Wild Cherry 6 drams Syrup Tolu 4 ounces" This is a very good syrup, and is especially good for chronic cough or chronic bronchitis. Dose. — One teaspoonful every three hours. 4. Cough, Reliable Mixture in Severe Cases. — "Oil of Anise ^ ounce Syrup of Balsam of Tolu ^ ounce Black Stick Licorice >2 ounce Best Rye Whisky 1 pint Shake well before using. Dose : — One teaspoonful at inter- vals of one hour or oftener; if cough is very bad." 5. Cough, Mullein Leaf Tea for — "Mullein leaves steeped with loaf sugar cures a cough." Take four ounces of mullein leaves and boil for ten minutes in water, then add the loaf sugar. This is very soothing to the sore parts and also helps to loosen up the secretion so it can be raised easily. 6. Cough, Lemon Juice and Sugar for. — "Lemon juice and sugar is a good remedy for coughs." It is surprising to see how quickly the lemon juice will cut the phlegm in throat, and sugar is always good for cold. 7. Cough, Standard Remedy for. — "Hoarhound Five cents worth Hops Five cents worth Wild cherry bark Five cents worth Licorice root Five cents worth Boil or simmer altogether in two quarts of water long enough to get the strength out of the ingredients ; strain, add three cups sugar. Add enough good whiskey to keep from souring, say one-half pint. This will cure a stubborn cough." 8. Cough, Ipecac Syrup for. — "One-third teaspoonful of ipecac dissolved in one teaspoonful of water; one tablespoonful of sugar; pour on one teacupful of boiling water and let it boil down to half cup. Dose. — One teaspoonful for adults, and children in proportion, every two hours, or, if needed to vomit children give again in ten or fifteen minutes." 36 MOTHERS' REMEDIES 9. Cough Remedy for Adults (not for children). — "Laudanum Three cents worth Anise Three cents worth Essence of Peppermint Three cents worth Licorice (liquid) Three cents worth Brown Sugar 1 cup Molasses 1 cup Boiling water 2 cups Let this come to a little more than a boil. Take a teaspoonful of it as often as necessary." This is for adults. Do not use for children. 10. Coughs, Very Simple Remedy for. — "Take one-half table- spoonful hogs' lard or salt pork grease, heat it hot, fill spoon with coal oil and swallow while hot. Have used this, will stop and cure the worst cough." Not to be given to children. 11. Coughs, Glycerin, Brandy and Paregoric with Lemon, Good for. — "Glycerin, one ounce ; brandy, one ounce ; paregoric, one ounce ; lemon juice, one ounce. Mix well ; one teaspoonful every hour." This makes a very effective cough syrup. The glycerin and brandy cut the phlegm, and the paregoric is soothing and quieting. The lemon juice is healing to the membranes of the throat. PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT. For Coughs.— 1. Flaxseed (unground) 3 teaspoonfuls Extract of Licorice 30 grains Boiling water 10 ounces Allow the mixture to stand one to four hours in a warm place. Then add a little lemon juice and sugar and place one to two tea- spoonfuls of gum arabic in the pitcher containing the mixture. A lit- tle paregoric (ten drops to the dose for adults) can be taken with it if the cough is very bad. Dose. — Drink freely every two to three hours. 2. A good combination is the following: Chloride of Ammonia 2 drams Fluid Extract of Licorice 2 drams Distilled water 2^ ounces Mix. Teaspoonful every two hours or longer. 3. Ammonium Carbonate >^ dram Syrup Senega 4 drams Wine of Ipecac 3 drams Syrup Tolu 1 ounce Spirits of Chloroform 3 drams Syrup of Wild Cherry enough to make. 4 ounces Mix. Take one to two teaspoonfuls everv hour or two until better. 4. Ammonia Chloride 2 drams Hive Syrup 5 drams Paregoric 6 drams Syrup of Wild Cherry 4 ounces Mix. Teaspoonful every three hours until cough is better. RESPIRATORY DISEASES 37 5. Many other combinations could t)c j^ivcn. Moarhound tea. Sugar enough to sweeten makes a good cough remedy. 6. Onion syrup is good for children. The bowels should always be kept open. BRONCHIAL ASTHMA. (Spasmodic Asthma.) Causes.— It occurs in all ages, but usually begins in the young, particularly males. It often follows whooping-cough. It may come from diseases of the mouth, such as adenoids, polypi. Exciting causes are change of cli- mate and residence, dust, smoke, odors, errors in diet, emotion, and cold. Symptoms. — The onset is often sudden, often during the night. Difficulty of breathing is intense. The patient cannot lie down, but often sits at an open window, resting the elbows on a table. The face is pale and the expression is anxious. There is a feeling of great oppression in the chest and often dread of suffocation. Respiration (breathing) though labored, is not unusually frequent, as expiration (out breathing) is much prolonged. In severe or prolonged attacks there are blueness, sweating, coldness of the extremities, with small and frequent pulse and great drowsiness. The attack lasts a few min- utes to many hours, and may pass off suddenly, perhaps to recur soon, or on several successive nights, with slight cough and diffi- culty in breathing in the intervals. The cough is nearly dry at first and the sputum is very tenacious. MOTHERS' REMEDIES. 1. Asthma, Raspberry Tincture for Adults. — "Take a half pound of honey, one cup water ; let these boil, take off the scum ; pour boiling hot upon one-half ounce lobelia herb and one-half ounce cloves ; mix well, then strain and add one gill of raspberry vinegar. Take from one teaspoonful to a dessertspoonful four times a day. Pleasant to take." The above remedy is very effective, as the honey has a soothing effect upon the inflamed parts, and the lobelia causes the bronchial tubes to dilate, relieving the patient. The raspberry tincture makes it more pleasant to take. In severe cases it will be necessary to give enough of the above remedy to cause vomiting which relieves the phlegm. 2. Asthma, Simple but Effective Remedy for. — 'Take pieces of ordinary blotting paper and saturate it with a strong solution of salt- petre, then dry the paper. When a paroxysm is felt ignite a piece of the paper and inhale the smoke. This remedy is very good and acts quickly, doing away almost entirely with the distressing symptoms and shortens the paroxysm." 3. Asthma, Lobelia Tea for. — "There is no medicine that is half so effective as lobelia in removing the tough, hard, ropy phlegm from the asthmatic persons," This remedy is very good, but care should be taken not to give it to consumptives, because it is too weakening. To obtain the best results, enough of the remedy should be given to produce relaxation of the bronchial tubes. Dose. — For adults should be 38 MOTHERS' REMEDIES from fifteen to sixty drops according to the strength of the patient. This will cause a little sickness of the stomach and vomiting, thus re- laxing the muscles and relieving the asthma. PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Asthma.—!. Inhale chloro- form, or break a pearl of amyl nitrite in a handkerchief and inhale the fumes; or smoke saltpetre paper; or cigarettes containing stramonium (thornapple). Sometimes hot coffee fumes are good. To Prevent Recurrence. — Take five to twenty grains of iodide of potash three times a day. Do not eat much at night. Do not eat foods that cause gas or that are hard to digest. A change of climate is often good. Hot foot baths and hot drinks are helpful. Tincture of lobelia can be given in severe cases, fifteen drops repeated every half hour until the patient feels sick at the stomach. 2. Vapo-Cresolene burned in a room is very good. This can be bought in twenty-five cent bottles in any drug store, with directions around the bottle. 3. Tartar Emetic in one-hundredth grain, two given every half hour until there is a little sickening is a very good remedy. These can be bought at a drug store or from a homeopathic doctor or pharmacist. BLEEDING FROM THE WIND-PIPE AND LUNGS. (Haemoptysis). — This is a spitting of blood. It may come from the small bronchial tubes and less frequently from the blood vessels in the lung cavities or their walls. Symptoms. — In incipient consumption of the lungs, bleeding develops suddenly as a rule, a warm salty taste, lasting but a few moments, generally preceded by the spitting up of blood. The blood is coughed up and the bleeding may last only a few minutes or it may continue for days, the sputum being apt to remain blood-stained for a longer time. The immediate effect of the bleeding is to alarm the patient and family, no matter how slight it may be, inducing heart palpitation and other nervous symptoms. A small bleeding is not attended with any bad result, but large ones give rise to the symptoms of shock (sometimes immediate death) combined with anemia following the loss of blood. When the bleeding is large, blood by the mouthful may be ejected with each cough, and in these in- stances of such profuse bleeding is shown by dizziness, faintness, cold extremities, excessive pallor, sweating and rapid, small feeble pulse. This is followed, if the attack does not prove speedily fatal, by restlessness, and later by mild delirium and some fever. In few cases does the patient have a single bleeding; more frequently there are several at shorter or longer intervals. Large or small bleedings may precede by weeks, months, or even years any rational symptoms of consumption. Quantity. — This varies greatly. There may be less than an ounce or it might amount to a pint or more before the bleeding stops. In RESPIRATORY DISEASES yj advanced cases, in which large cavities have formed, large blood ves- sels may be eaten through and this followed by copious and alarming bleeding. MOTHERS' REMEDIES.— 1. Bleeding from the Lungs. Salt Water for. — "Give the patient half a teaspoontul of common salt every hour or two until hemorrhage abates." 2. Bleeding from the Lungs. Herb Tea for. — 'Two ounces each of history root, tormentil root, oak bark, and comfrey root, boil in three quarts of water down to one pint, strain and add one table- spoonful of ground ginger. Give a wine glass full every half hour until relieved. Place the feet in hot mustard water, keep the bowels open with a little senna and ginger tea and if necessary give a vapor bath." 3. Bleeding from the Lungs, Effective Remedy for. — "Powdered Sugar 3 ounces Powdered Rosin 3 ounces Mix. Dose one teaspoonful three times a day." 4. Bleeding from the Lungs, Tannin and Sugar for. — "Tannin 30 grains Powdered Sugar 1 dram Mix. Make ten powders and give one every ten minutes until relieved." Either one of the above remedies is excellent for this trouble, as the tannin and rosin contract the arteries and acts as an astringent. PHYSICIANS* TREATMENT for Bleeding of the Wind-pipe and Lungs. — In many cases the bleeding is slight and no more need b€ done than to keep the patient quiet and absolute rest. If the bleeding is free, the patient should be placed in bed, not allowed to speak above a whisper nor to change his position. 1. First Thing to Do. — Eating ice, and using ice drinks are useful measures. The drinking of a little salt water at a time with one tablespoonful of salt in a glassful of water is good. In most cases more can be done by assuring the patient he will not die and keeping him quiet and at rest. Medicines should be given to satisfy the patient and family. The most cases stop of themselves. 2. If Caused by Coughing. — If cough causes the bleeding one- half grain of opium should be given to control it, hypodermically, or even morphine one-eighth grain. 8. Alum for. — Alum solution six grains to three ounces of water in fine spray is good. This goes right to the wind-pipe and contracts the vessels ; use a vaporizer. 4. White Oak Bark Tea can be used as a spray in a vaporizer. If these produce coughing, they should be discontinued. 40 MOTHERS' REMEDIES 5. Hot Water and Salt for. — A teaspoonful of salt in a pint of hot water is good also, used as a spray, or to inhale. But the patient must lie down. 6. Other Easily Obtained Remedies. — Ergot in dose of one-half to one teaspoonful is very good ; this contracts the vessels. Bromide of potash in a dose of five to fifteen grains ; or chloral hydrate in dose of five to seven grains, if there is not heart trouble. If there is, chloral hydrate cannot be used. These quiet the nervous system and do much good. Strong hop tea will do the same thing if taken freely. Witch-hazel water thirty drops at a dose is good. Cautions. — Quiet the patient ; keep quiet yourself. If the bleed- ing is bad the extremities should be bandaged, beginning at the toes and fingers. Thirst. — Give small quantities at a time of ice-water. Diet. — Peptonized or plain milk, liquid beef peptonoids, fresh beef juice, bouillon, should be given in small quantities, two or three ounces every two or three hours. If there is a tendency to constipa- tion give rectal enemata. Return to the regular diet as soon as possible. Alcohol in any form is best avoided. If given as a stimu- lant it should be given in small quantities. BRONCHO-PNEUMONIA. (Acute Inflammation of the Smaller Tubes and Lungs). — Causes, — Most common under two years and in old people. Tak- ing cold, whooping cough and measles. Symptoms. — A primary case begins suddenly with a convulsion or chill, vomiting and rapid rise of temperature. Breathing is frequent and brain symptoms are marked. Secondary Cases. — After an ordinary case of whooping-cough, measles, bronchitis, etc., there is more' fever. The pulse is more frequent, and also the respiration, difficulty in breathing and severe and often painful cough. Temperature rises to 102 to 104; respirations are very fast, up to 60 to 80; the breathing (inspiration) is hard, labored, while the wings of the nose dilate ; expiration may be grunt- ing. Face looks anxious and bluish. This color may increase, other symptoms decreasing as suffocation deepens, rattling in chest and death from heart weakness. Prevention. — Avoid exposure to sudden changes of temperature. For the attack, jacket of oil silk or flannel to prevent sudden exposure, keep the temperature warmed up to 68 to 70 degrees night and day; the air must be fresh and pure and changed regularly. Children should be given ampile room and not hampered by extra clothing, as they like change of position, to get relief. The hot bath must be used often to redden the skin and relieve the pressure on the RESPIRATORY DISLASLS 41 lungB, till they can be given relief. If you wish lu use a j)Oulticc the toilowing is a niee way to make it. Take a piece of muslin or linen, or cheese-cloth, wide enough when doubled to reach from the hjwer margin of the ribs to well ui) under the arm pits, and K^ng enough to go a little more than around the chest, open the double fold and spread the hot mass of poultice on one-half of the cloth and fold the other over it. It should be applied as hot as it can be comfortably borne and covered with oil silk or paraffin j^aper, so as to the longer retain the heat and moisture. The poultice should be renewed as often as it gets cold, and a fresh poultice should be all ready to put on when the old one is taken off. Place the end of the poultice upper- most, so that the contents will not fall out. MOTHERS' REMEDIES. 1. Pneumonia, Herb Tea and Poultice for. — ''Congestion of the lungs. One ounce of each of the following, slippery elm bark, crushed thyme, coltsfoot flowers, hyssop or marsh- mallow. Simmer in two quarts of water down to three pints ; strain and add one teaspoonful of cayenne. Dose : — Wineglassful every half hour. Apply hot bran poultices, or chamomile scalded in vinegar, changing often until the violence of the symptoms abate. If the bowels are confined, give an injection of half pint of hot water in which one-half teaspoonful each of gum myrrh, turkey rhubarb and ginger powder have been well mixed. If possible give vapor bath. Apply hot stones or bottles to the feet." 2. Pneumonia, Home Remedy for. — "This can easily be relieved by the use of cayenne and vapor bath. This promotes the circulation in every part of the body, diminishing the pressure upon the lungs. These baths produce a regular circulation throughout the whole body, thus relieving the pressure upon the lungs by decreasing the amount of blood in the lungs. These baths should be taken but once a day, as they are weakening." 3. Pneumonia, Hot Vinegar Applications for. — Congestion of Lungs. — ''Over the lungs lay cloths wet in clear hot vinegar. They should be five or six inches square and several thicknesses. Over the cloths lay a hot plate or hot water bottle ; change as often as necessary to keep them hot. This treatment will soon give relief, after which rub as much oil into the lungs as possible." PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Pneumonia.— A doctor must be called. For high fever, one to one and a half drops of aconite, for adults every hour ; for children, about one-twelfth to one-eighth of a drop. For cough, chloride of ammonium, one to two grain doses. For pain, hot applications. Diet. — Milk, broth and tgg albumen and plenty of water to drink. (See laryngitis for diet.) ACUTE PLEURISY (Inflammation of the Pleura).— The pleura covers the wall of the chest cavity and infolds or surrounds the lungs. Pleurisy means the inflammation of this pleura or covering. 42 MOTHERS' REMEDIES Causes. — Exposure to cold, etc. Onset may be gradual or sudden, with chills, fever and sharp' stitches in the side near the arm pit or breast. The patient lies on the affected side during the attack, the pain is made worse by breathing, coughing or motion. The cough is dry and painful, with difficult breathing. The temperature 102 to 103. Sometimes there is fluid accumulated in the cavity. In about .^even to ten days the fever and other symptom disappear. The fluid is absorbed quickly if it is scanty, often very slowly if abundant. This fluid is contained in the cavity of the pleura. The pleura covers the lungs. Its outer layer is attached to the ribs and costal cartilages in front and ribs behind, goes around the root of the lungs under- neath, then turns around under the side of the lungs and comes in front, making a sac. The two layers in health touch each other, but are separated when there is fluid in the cavity. The inner layer covers the lungs and drops into the grooves of the lungs. You can thus readily understand how easy it is for the pleura to be attacked. Also when the lung is inflamed we have what we call pleura-pneu- monia. Pleurisy is a very painful disease. It hurts to move, breathe, or cough. The patient holds his -chest when he coughs. The fluid that forms is poured out from the inflamed membrane, sometimes it is so great in quantity it must be drawn off, — tapped ; we then call this hydrothorax, — water in the chest. Diet and Nursing — The patient should be kept quiet and in the easiest position. Milk diet is the best to use. There should not be much liquid diet, except milk. The milk may be diluted with lime water if neces- sary. Malted milk, Mellin's food, imperial granum, can be used when the milk cannot be taken. PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Pleurisy.— 1. Home Remedy. — The patient must go to bed and remain there. It is a good thing to get the patient in a sweat. For this purpose you can use the corn sweat described under treatment of la grippe. This vyill ease the patient and may shorten the attack. I have great faith in this remedy in most inflammatory diseases. I had a patient sick with pleurisy; she did not get along fast enough to suit me, her color was a yellow-green. I advised the corn sweat and she improved fast from that time. Her night dress was green in color after the sweat. I have saved pneumonia cases in the same way. Of course, some cases may be too weak to stand it. 2. Other Home Remedies. — Another way to produce sweating is by placing fruit cans filled with hot water about the patient. This will stop the chilly cold feeling and also will relieve the pain. If you have a rubber water bottle, put hot water in that and place it near the sorest spot. It may hurt the patient by its weight ; if so, use less vv^ater, at the same time you can give hot drinks freely. A^lmost RESPIRATORY DISEASES any kind will do. If the stomach feels bad, ginger or peppermint is best. Hoarhound tea is especially good for chest trouble. 3. Fomentations. — Of hops or wormwood or smartweed, or catnip applied frequently and hot to the affected side uften bring relief. They must always be hot, and you must be careful not to get the night robes or covers wet. 4. Camphorated Oil for. — Rub the side with camphorated oil and cover over with a cotton jacket. This is good unless it makes the patient too warm. 5. Adhesive Plaster Zinc Oxide. — Use a roll two or two and one-half inches wide. Commence at the backbone and cross directly over the ribs to the further side of the breastbone. The first strip should be at the lower part of the chest. In putting on the succeed- ing strips make them lap one-half inch over the next lower. Bandage almost up to the arm-pit. It may take eight strips for an adult. After you have the strips on, place a piece at each end. part on the flesh and part on the plasters, to keep them from giving any. The patient should have his arms over his head when you are putting on the strips. This strapping will hold that side of the chest quieter. The breathing will be less full and consequently less motion and pain. 6. Tincture of aconite in doses of one-tenth to one drop can be given every one to three hours at the beginning, if there is much fever, dry hot skin, and full bounding pulse. Dover's powder can be given at night. 7. A hypodermic of morphine Is frequently given when the pain is intense. ABSCESS OF THE LUNGS. Causes.— Lobular pneumonia from abscesses in pyemia, from septic pleurisy, etc. Symptoms. — Fever, pain, difficult breathing, cough, and expector- ation containing or consisting of pus of offensive odor, etc. PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT of Abscess of the Lungs.— Incis- ion and drainage. You must depend entirely upon your physician. EMPHYSEMA. — A condition in which there is air or gas in tissues that normally have none, or an excess of air in tissues that normally contain a certain quantity of it. A condition of the lungs characterized by a permanent dilation of the air cells of the lung with dwindling of the air cell walls and the blood vessels, resulting in a loss of the normal elasticity of the lung tissue. Causes. — Heredity: it occurs in glass blowers, in musicians using wind instruments. It occurs also after whooping-cough, asthma, etc. HYDROTHORAX.— This is an exudation Tliquid) in the pleural cavity. Causes. — Comes from disease causing dropsy, kidney disease, lung trouble, pleurisy, etc. 44 MOTHERS' REMEDIES PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT.— Treat disease that causes it. An operation to remove the fluid may be necessary. A trusted physician must advise you. NIGHT SWEATS. — These are common in "consumption" and con- stitute one of the most distressing features of the disease. They usually occur v^hen the fever drops in the early morning hours, or at any time of the day when the patient is sleeping. They may come on early in the disease, but are more persistent and frequent after cavities have formed in the lungs; some of the patients escape it altogether. MOTHERS' REMEDIES.— 1. Night Sweats, Salt Bath for. "Bathe the body in salt water every other day. Just before retiring take a cup of sage tea, and eat nourishing food." The salt acts as an astringent as it slightly closes up the pores, and the sage establishes a better circulation and at the same time helps the sweating. This is a very simple and effective remedy. 2. Night Sweats, Cold Sage for. — "Drink cold sage tea, before retiring." This cold sage tea is only to be used when the patient has a fever and needs a cold drink. In case of this kind it would be effective. PHYSICIAN'S TREATMENT for Night Sweats.— 1. Atropine in doses of 1-120 to 1-60 grain is good to stop the sweating. It must be used carefully, three doses in twenty-four hours are enough. 2. Tonics to keep up the appetite like gentian, nux vomica or quinine may be given. The patient should wear flannel night-dresses, as the cotton night-shirt, when soaked with perspiration, has a cold, clammy feeling. Bathe the patient in the morning with tepid water and afterwards rub gently with alcohol diluted one-half with water. Night sweating occurs in rickets but mainly around the head. They also occur when one is run down, but they are not so debilitating and constant. In such cases, building up treatment is needed. Proper diet, bathing, out-door life, bitter tonics, etc. ANIMAL PARASITES, DISEASES CAUSED BY. ROUND WORM. — (Ascariasis Lumbricoides). — The round worm resembles the angle worm in form ; is the most common human parasite and is found chiefly in children. The female is seven to twelve inches long, the male four to eight inches. It is pointed at both ends. The parasite occupies the upper part of the small bowel and there is usually only one or two present, but sometimes they occur in enormous num- bers. They migrate in a peculiar manner. They may pass into the stomach, whence they may be thrown out by vomiting, or they may ANIMAL rARASITES 45 crawl up the gullet, and enter the pharynx and cause serious trouble. They may go up the eustachian tube and a})j)ear at the external meatus (opening of ear). The serious migration is into the bile-duct. There is a specimen in the Wister-Horner Museum of the University of Pennsylvania in which not only the common bile-duct, but also the main branches throughout the liver, are enormously distended, and packed with numerous round worms. The bowel may be blocked or in rare instances an ulcer may be perforated ; even the healthy bowel may be perforated. Symptoms. — Picking of the nose, grinding of the teeth, a whitish paleness around the mouth, restless sleep; sometimes convulsions, or presence of worms in the stool. Bad health, cross, peevish, irritable and dumpy, when the child is naturally the opposite. MOTHERS' REMEDIES.— 1. Round or Pin Worms, Sage Tea for. — "Sage tea is a fine remedy for children troubled with worms, taken before breakfast or on going to bed." Sage tea may help ; I have known other mothers to have faith in it. Its virtue may consist in being a laxative and an antiseptic which in themselves would add to the general health of the child. 2. Round and Pin Worms, Tansy remedy for. — "Tansy leaves may be crushed 'and put in whisky or dried and crushed with sugar. This is the best vermifuge I ever used." A tea made of tansy leaves must be used carefully as it is strong and never given to pregnant women. 3. Round and Pin Worms, Peach Leaf Tea for. — "Half an ounce of dried peach leaves ma}- be infused in a pint of boiling water and a tablespoonful given for a dose three times a day." They are laxative and exert a sedative influence over the nervous system. They have been frequently used for worms with reported success. An infusion is highly recommended in irritability of the bladder, in sick stomach and in whooping cough. PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT.— 1. Dr. Osier, of Oxford, Eng- land, recommends as follows: Santonin in doses of two or three grains for an adult ; one or two a day for three or four days, followed by salts or calomel; one-half to one grain for children in the same way. This seems to me to be unnecessarily large. 2. Dr. Ritter's Santonin Remedy. — Give four a day for two days, then miss two days, then give again for two days and stop. Salts can be given after this. I then follow this 46 MOTHERS' REMEDIES treatment by giving one drop doses of tincture of cina (Homeopathic preparation) four times a day for one or two weeks. Before giving any of these remedies it is well to move the bowels freely and also after the medicine has been stopped. 3. Dr. Douglass of Detroit, Michigan, recommends the following for a child five to ten years old: Santonin 12 grains Calomel 3 grains Divide into six powders, and give one night and morning while fasting. 4, The following is from Professor Stille: Spigelia ^ ounce Senna 2 drams Fennel seed 2 drams Manna 1 ounce Boiling water 1 pint Mix and make into an infusion (tea). Dose for a child, one or two teaspoonfuls. For an adult, one or two wine- glassfuls. THREAD WORM OR PIN WORM.— (Oxyuris Vermicularis.)— • This common worm occupies the rectum and colon. They produce great irritation and itching, particularly at night, symptoms which become intensely aggravated by the nightly migration (traveling) of the parasite. They sometimes in their travels enter the vagina. Occa- sionally abscesses are formed around the bowel (rectum) containing numbers of worms. The patient becomes extremely restless and irritable, for the sleep is very often disturbed, and there may be loss of appetite and also anemia. These worms are most common in chil- dren, but they can occur in all ages. The worms can easily be seen in the feces. The infection takes place through the drinking of water and possibty through salads, such as lettuce and cresses, and various other means. A person who is the subject of worms passes ova (eggs) in large numbers in the feces, and the possibility of reinfection must be guarded against very scrupulously. MOTHERS' REMEDIES.— 1. Pin worms, Aloes treatment for.— "Pin worms or seat worms are usually found in children and sometimes cause a great deal' of annoyance to the child. They are usually very restless at night and pull at the rectum both day and night. This condition may be relieved by an injection, of powdered aloes. — five grains; hot water one-half pint." This is sufficient for two injections and should be used at about blood heat. 2. Pin worms, Pink Root for. — "Take one ounce pink root, and one pint of water. Make a decoction of this by boiling the above to ANIMAL PARASITES 47 half a pint. Give a tcaspcK)nful ihrcc times a day f(^r two days, fol- lowing this up by a good dose of castor oil or cream of tartar to thoroughly cleanse the system." 8. Pin worms, Quassia chips for. — "I knew of a child who had not slept three hours a night for several months, and several doctors had been called and none of them seemed to get down to the real trouble. Finally the mother tried an injection made by steeping quassia chips for two or three hours slowly, then straining it and injecting about one pint (luke warm) once a day. This gave the child immediate relief and improvement could be seen within a week." 4. Pin virorms, Lime-water injection for. — "A very simple remedy is an injection of a teacupful of lime water once a day, preferably in the morning, as the worms are usually lodged in the rectum and this injection will bring them away, giving the child relief at once." 5. Worms — Stomach, Salt Remedy for. — ''Encourage the child to eat as much salt as possible and give an injection of salt and water, about one teaspoonful of salt to two quarts of water, once a day." PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT.— 1. Santonin in small doses and mild purgatives like rhubarb. Santonin in doses of one-tenth of a grain can be given for two days, three or four times a day, preceded by spiced syrup of rhubarb, one dram dose, and also followed by the rhubarb. In children the cold injections of strong salt and water is effective. They should be repeated for ten days. The hips should be well elevated so that the injection can be retained for some time. 2. Quassia chips 1 ounce Common salt >4 ounce Water 1 pint Soak over night and inject slowly all the bowels will hold. Repeat once each week till all are removed. 3. Dr. Tooker of Chicago, Illinois, recommends the following: — Give an injection of an infusion of fresh garlic for tw^o or three nights in succession, using, to make the infusion, a small bunch of garlic in a pint of water, steeped down to one-quarter pint. 4. Dr. Tooker gives another method which is often successful. Anoint the anus for several nights in succession with sweet oil, using the little finger to insert the oil as far into the rectum as the fingers will reach. 5. Another Remedy. Inject cod-liver oil (pure) into the bowel or make into an emulsion with the yolk of an egg and then inject. 6. Spearmint Remedy. — Make an infusion of the common spear- mint and inject some in the bowel every night for one week. Some can be taken internally at the same time. 48 MOTHERS' REMEDIES 7. Oil of Wormseed ^ ounce Oil of Turpentine 1^ dram Castor Oil , 2 ounces Fluid extract of Pink Root ,' 3 drams Hydrastin 10 grains Syrup of Peppermint 4 drams One teaspoonful three times a day one hour before meals to a child ten years old. If it physics too much give less often. Good for both kinds of worms. 8. Tincture of Cina; to accompany any injection. — I give the Tincture of Cina (Homeopathic preparation) in from one-quarter to two or three drop doses, three or four times a day, always after I have given the other worm remedies. It can be given for weeks without producing bad effects. The dose can be made less for weakly children ; or greater in grown people. It is good to give in small doses in pin worms when injections are used. It seems to prevent their formation. It is also a good remedy for the worms puppies are troubled with. I have saved the lives of a good many little fellows with this remedy. TAPE WORM, PORK.— -(Taenia Solium). It is six to twelve feet long, but it is not a common form in this country. The head is small, round, not so large as the head of a pin and provided with four sucking ducts and a double row of booklets. By these booklets and disks, the parasite attaches itself to the mucous membrane of the small intestine in man. Below the head is a constricted neck, which is followed by a large number of segments, increasing in size from the neck onward. Each segment contains the generative organs of both sexes. The parasite (worm) becomes fully grown in three to three and one-half months. Segments then continually break off and are discharged at stool. Each ovum {tgg) contains a single embryo, armed with six booklets and contained in a thick shell. When swal- lowed by a pig or man these shells are digested and the embryos migrate (travel) to various parts of the body, where they change to Cysticerci or "Measles." Each contains a scolex or tape-worm. When meat, improperly cooked and containing ''measles," is eaten, the cyst is dissolved in the human stomach and the free scolex or head attaches itself to the intestinal mucous membrane and grows into a tapeworm. TAPE WORM, BEEF.—(Taenia Saginata). This is a larger and longer parasite than the Pork Tape Worm. It is the common form found in this country. It may grow fifteen to twenty feet or more and possesses a large head in comparison with the' Taenia Solium It is square shaped and has four large sucking disks, but no booklets. The ripe segments are larger and they are passed as in the Taemia Solium, and are eaten by cattle, in the flesh or organs of which the eggs develop into the Cysticerci. Symptoms. — These worms (parasites) are found at all ages. They are not uncommon in children, and may be found in nursing children. They may cause excessive appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or ANIMAL PARASITES 49 abdominal pain or sometimes anemia. The knowlcdj^c of the i)rescnce of this worm may cause <;reat nervousness or depression. 'Ihe i>res- cnce of the seg^ment in tlic stools proves their presence in the bowels. Treatment, preventive. — This is most important. Careful atten- tion should be given to three points: lurst, all tapeworm segments should be burned. They should never be thrown into the water-closet or outside ; secondly, special inspection of all meat ; and, thirdly, cooking the meat suflficiently to kill the parasites. • MOTHERS' REMEDIES.— 1. Tape Worms, Pumpkin Seed Tea for. — "One pint pumpkin seeds skinned and steeped. Add water enough to make three tumblers. Take one tumbler every half hour, then a good dose of castor oil. The worm will come with oil. My mother helped prepare the seeds and saw the tapeworm which came from a woman as a result of this dose," 2. Tape Worms, Another good Remedy for. — "Powdered Kamala 3 drams Syrup simple 3 ounces Two doses of this mixture hardly ever fails to bring the worm. Give oil and turpentine two hours after the last dose." Of the oil and turpentine an average dose would be a half ounce of castor oil and fifteen drops of turpentine. 3. Tape Worm, Ontario Mother's Remedy for. — "Don't eat until very hungry (extremely so), then eat one-half pint of pumpkin seeds. This is good and will remove the worm every time." This remedy is different from the above in that you eat the seeds instead of making a tea. 4. Tape Worm, Successful Remedy for Children or Adult. — "Turpentine 15 drops Castor Oil 1 teaspoonful Milk 1 teacupf ul Mix and for adult take at one dose. If not successful re- peat the next day. For child under ten years, one-half the quantity." PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT.— Preparing the Patient ; Giving the Remedy, and Receiving the Worm. — Whenever a round or tape worm is to be attacked, the patient must be starved for at least twelve to twenty- four hours, in order that no food in the intestinal (bowel) tract may protect the worm from the action of the drug. During this time a little milk can be given, and after a night of fasting, before breakfast, the worm medicine (anthelmintic) must be swallowed. In addition, nearly all the drugs must be followed by purges in order to dislodge the intruder while he is paralyzed and has lost his hold ; and in many it is well to have a basin of salt and water ready so that when a passage occurs a rectal injection may be given to wash out the segments of the worm which remain in the rectum. I am giving many remedies and the different ways of administering them. Not 4 50 MOTHERS' REMEDIES every one can be cured with the same remedy. One will act better in some people than in others. So I give a variety and they are all good. 1. For two days prior to the administration of the remedies the patient should take a very light diet and have the bowels moved by a saline (salts) cathartic. As a rule the male fern acts promptly and well. The etheral extract of male fern in two dram doses may be given ; fast, and follow in the course of a couple of hours by a brisk purgative; that is, calomel followed by salts. Fasting means this : Light diet for a day or two and a cathartic at night, no supper except a glass of milk before the worm medicine is given. Then at bed-time take two to three grains of calomel with ten grains of bicarbonate of sodium ; rochelle salts, one-half to one ounce, upon awakening. As soon as the bowels have moved give oleorisin of aspidium, one dram in capsules. A saline cathartic should be given one-half to one hour later. Never give castor oil or any oil after this remedy. When calomel is given it should be given about one hour after taking the worm medicine and followed in one or one and one-half hours by a half to one ounce of salts. 2. Pelletierine Remedy for. — This comes in bottles of the proper dose. It is dear, but effective. It must be taken lying down, and followed by some cathartic or a dose of epsom salts in two hours after taking. 3. Infusion and Emulsion for. — An infusion of Pomegranate root ^ ounce Pumpkin seeds 1 ounce Powdered ergot 1 dram Boiling water 10 ounces To an emulsion of the male fern (a dram of the ethereal extract) made with acacia powders, two drops of croton oil are added. The patient should have had a low diet on the previous day and have taken a dose of salts in the evening. The emulsion and infusion are mixed and taken at nine in the morning. If the bowels do not move in two hours, salts should be taken. 4. An Old Remedy. — Chew freely of slippery elm bark. This, it is stated, is very effective and as it is cheap and will not injure, it is worth a thorough trial. I am often surprised at the value of the seemingly simple remedies. TRICHINIASIS (Trichinosis).— The disease is caused by the trichina spiratis, a parasite introduced into the body by eating imper- fectly cooked flesh of infected hogs. The ''embryos" pass from the bowel and reach the voluntary muscles, where they finally become "encapsulated larvae," — muscle trichinae. It is in the migration of these embryos that the group of symptoms known as trichiniasis is produced. ANIMAL PARASITES 51 When the flesh containing the tricliinae is eaten by man or by any animal in which the develoi)menl can take place, the capsules are digested and the trichinae are set free. They pass into the small intestine and about the third day attain their full growth and become sexually mature. The young produced by each female trichina have been estimated at several hundred. The time from the eating of the llesh containing the muscle trichinae to the development of the brood of embryos in the intestines (bowels) is from seven to nine days. The female worm penetrates the intestinal wall and the embryos are prob- ably discharged into the lymph spaces, thence into the venous system, and by the blood stream to the muscles, which constitutes their seat of election. After a preliminary migration in the inter-muscular con- nective tissue, they penetrate the primitive muscle-fibres and in about two weeks develop into the full grown muscle form. In this process interstitial inflammation of the muscle is excited, and gradually an ovoid capsule develops about the parasite. Tw'o, and occasionally three or four, worms may be seen within a single capsule. This pro- cess of encapsulation has been estimated to take about six weeks. Within the muscles the parasites do not undergo further development. Gradually the capsule becomes thicker and ultimately lime salts are deposited within it. This change may take place in man within four or five months. The trichinae may live within the muscles for an indefinite period. They have been found alive and capable of develop- ing as late as twenty or twenty-five years after their entrance into the system. These calcified capsules appear as w^hite specks in the mus- cles. In many instances however these worm.s are completely cal- cified. In the hog the trichinae cause few if any symptoms. An animal, the muscles of which are swarming with living trichinae, may- be well nourished and healthy looking. An important point also is the fact that in the hog the capsule does not readily become calcified, so that the parasites are not visible as in the human muscles. Modes of Infection. — The danger of infection depends entirely upon the mode of preparation of the flesh. Thorough cooking, so that all parts of the meat reach the boiling point, destroys the parasites ; but, in larger joints, the central portions are not often raised to this temperature. The frequency of the disease in different countries de- pends largely upon the habits of the people in the preparation of pork. In North Germany, where raw ham and wurst are freely eaten, the greatest number of instances have occurred. In South Germany, France, and England cases are rare. Salting and smoking the flesh are not always suf^cient, and the Havre experiments showed that ani- mals are readily infected when fed with portions of the pickled or the smoked meat as prepared in this country. Sjmiptoms. — The eating of trichinous flesh is not always followed by this disease. In the course of a few days after eating the infected meat there are signs of disturbance of the stomach and bowels, and pain in the abdo- 52 MOTHERS' REMEDIES men, loss of appetite, vomiting and sometimes diarrhea; and yet, these preliminary symptoms do not always occur, for in some of the large epi- demics cases have been observed in which they have been absent. Pain in different parts of the body, general debility and weakness have been noted in some of the epidemics. In some instances the stomach and bowel disturbances have been so marked from the outset that the attack resembled our cholera. The invasion symptoms develop be- tween the seventh and tenth day. Sometimes not until the end of the second week, and they are marked by fever, a chill in some cases and pain and swelling and tenderness along the muscles involved. The migration of the parasites into the muscles excites a more or less intense inflammation of these muscles, which is characterized by pain on pressure and movement, and by swelling and tension of the mus- cles, over which the skin may be swollen. The limbs are placed in seme position in which these muscles are more at rest. Difficulty in chewing and swallowing is caused by the involvement of the muscles controlling these acts. In severe cases the involvement of the dia- phragm and intercostal muscles may lead to difficult breathing (Dysp- noea) which sometimes proves fatal. Watery swelling, a feature of great importance, may be seen early in the face, particularly about the eyes. Later it develops in the extremities when the swelling and stiff- ness of the muscles are at their height. Profuse sweats, tingling and itching of the skin and in some instances hives (Urticaria) have been described. There are emaciation and anemia. In the severe cases the appear- ance may be like that in the third week of typhoid fever. In mild cases the fever and muscular symptoms subside in ten to fourteen days, in others only after two or three months. The mortality, from one to thirty per cent, seems to depend upon the virulence and number of parasites. PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT.— If discovered within twenty-four to thirty-six hours, thoroughly empty the bowel with purgatives. Rhu- barb and senna, or an occasional dose of calomel may be given. Relieve the pains afterwards and support the strength. DISEASES OF THE SKIN. The skin is divided into three layers. Beginning with the outer one and naming inward, they are named as follows : The outer layer is called the epidermis or cuticle (near or upon the skin). The second layer is called the corium, derma cutis vera, or true skin. The third layer is called the sub-cutaneous (under the skin) (fatty or connective) tissue. This last layer contains the sweat glands, the lower end of the deep-seated hair follicles, (little sacs containing the roots of the hair) SKIN DISEASES 53 and larj;cr branches of the lympliatics. l)lood vessels and nerves, and serves in general as a bed for the trne skin to rest uj)on, and by which the true skin is connected with the deeper parts, muscles, etc. 'I'he ajipendages of the skin are the hair, nails, sebaceous and sweat-glands. The discharge from the sweat-glands form a little or larger tumor. The contents of a wen are from sebaceous glands — fat secretions — fat tumor. The following names are frequently mentioned in the skin diseases : Macule. (Spots, patches). Skin is altered in color, but the skin is not raised or depressed ; freckle, etc. Papule. (Pimple). Elevated piece of skin, varying in size from a pin-head to a coffee bean. Tubercle. (Node-lump). A solid elevation of the skin, varying in size from a pea to a cherry. Tumors. These are soft or firm elevations of the skin, like a wen or hard lump. They are always deep-seated. Wheel. A round flat, white or pink elevation of the skin ; such as hives, mosquito bites, etc. Vesicle. This is a pin-head or pea-sized elevation of the outer layer (epidermis) filled with a watery fluid. Bleb. (Bulla). A circumscribed elevation of the skin and con- tains a watery fluid, such as a burn, etc. Pustule. A rounded elevation of the outer layer (epidermis) of varying size, containing pus (matter). A vesicle, bleb, and pustule are hollow; macule, papule, and tubercle are solid. Scale. (Squama). This is a dry attached or unattached thin piece from the skin as a result of disease of the skin. Crust. This is a dried mass as a result of fluid oozing from a diseased skin. Excoriation. Like a scratch mark. Fissures. This is a crack, like that found on chapped hands. Ulcer. (Sore). Eating away of the parts. Scar. Ulcer healed leaving a mark, like from a healed cut. Pigmentation. Discoloration. ACNE. (Simple Acne). — This is an inflammation of the sebace- ous (fatty, cheesy) glands. It forms these pimples or pustules and these are intermingled with black-heads (comedones), flesh-worms. They vary from a pin-head to a split-pea in size, and are of a bright or dark red color. They occur for the most part on the face; also 01, the back, neck and chest. Condition. — An over secretion, or alteration and retention of the fatty (sebaceous) matter, and this is followed by inflammation involv- ing the glands, ducts of the glands, and hair follicles. Pus often form? and tissue may be destroyed. 54 MOTHERS' REMEDIES Causes. — These skin glands are active at the time of puberty. The active cause may be the stomach troubles, constipation, womb disorders, and poor general nutrition. PHYSICIANS* TREATMENT for Acne.— All stomach troubles, constipation, and womb troubles should be looked into and remedied. The diet and hygiene must be regulated. Food that stimulates and is hard to digest should be prohibited. When there is dyspepsia and constipation, bitter tonics, like compound tincture of gentian, one dram before meals, or pepsin (five grains) and loosening medicines like salts should be given. Tincture of Nux Vomica is a good stomach and bowel tonic, given in doses of one to two drops before meals. Calomel, one-half grain at night for a few nights, followed in the morning by epsom salts or some mineral water like Abilena or Hunjadi ift useful. The following is a good combination by Dr. Schalek: Tincture of Nux Vomica 2 drams Dilute Nitro Muriatic Acid 4 drams Sherry Wine enough for 3 ounces Mix and take one teaspoonful three times a day. Diet. — See diet for dyspepsia and constipation. All fatty, greasy, rich foods are prohibited. Local Treatment. — If the skin is quite red and tender, mild sooth- ing applications should be used. Most cases require vigorous treat- ment. First wash the parts with warm water and the best soap, rinse with hot water and then dry carefully. Remove the black-heads by careful pressure of the fingers, or with black-head extractor; the pim- ples and pustules should be freely cut, to allow the matter to escape and all the matter taken out. External Medication, Ointment and Lotions. — Lotions are to be preferred in cases of oily discharge. If the skin becomes rough and chapped, soap should not be used in washing, and a soothing ointment should be applied. Drugs used are for stimulating the skin and heal- ing the lesions. 1. Soothing Ointment. — Precipitated Sulphur 1 dram Benzoinated Lard ^ ounce Lanolin ^4 ounce For local use but not in oily cases. (Dr. Schalek.) % The following used as a soothing lotion: Washed Sulphur 2^ drams Spirits of Camphor 3 drams Biborate of Sodium 2 drams Glycerin. 6 drams Distilled water enough for 4 ounces Mix and shake well and apply freely so as to leave a film on the face. (Dr. Schalek.) SKJX DISEASES 55 3. Dr. Duhring's Lotion, following: Precipitated Sulphur 2 drams Glycerin 2 drams Alcohol 1 ounce Lime water 1 ounce Rose water 2 ounces Mix and shake before using and apply. 4. Kummerfield's Lotion. "Oriental Lotion." Precipitated Sulphur 4 drams Powdered Camphor 10 grains Powdered Tragacanth 20 grains Lime water 2 ounces Rose water 2 ounces Mix ; shake well and apply every few hours. 5. Stimulating preparations. Corrosive sublimate ^ to 2 grains Emulsion bitter almonds 4 ounces Mix thoroughly and use to stimulate the skin. 6. Ointment of white precipitate (five to fifteen per cent strength) can be used in place of one above. 7. The Following Hebra Lotion (I give as written), Hydrarg. Bichlor 1 dram Aqua Distill 4 drams Ov. Albuminis 3 drams Succi Citri 3 drams Sacchari 1 ounce Mix and apply as directed. Caution. — Sulphur and mercury preparations should not be used at the same time, nor immediat-ely succeeding each other, as they will stain the skin. BALDNESS. (Alopecia). Causes. — Hereditary and diseases. Congenital and senile (old age) baldness is incurable. Congenital (born without hair) baldness is rare. MOTHERS' REMEDIES. 1. Baldness, Well Recommended for. — "A first class hair restorative is made of sage tea and whisky in equal parts with a dash of quinine in the bottle." 2. Baldness, Vaselin and Quinine for. — "Vaselin 1 ounce Quinine H ounce" Mix together and apply to the scalp. 3. Baldness, Good Canadian Remedy for. — "Strong sage tea. Rub the scalp frequently. I have used this with great success." PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Baldness.— Persons who have an hereditary tendency to baldness should pay close attention to the hygiene of the scalp, as this is very important. The hair should be shampooed two or three times a week, to remove sebaceous accumu- lations and other foreign materials. After the scalp has been thor 56 MOTHERS' REMEDIES oughly rinsed with clean water and dried, some oil or (tube) vaselin should be rubbed in. Fine-toothed combs should never be used. The daily wetting of the hair is injurious. Rats should be light and well aired. When the hair begins to fall, stimulating applications should be used, in the form of ointments or lotions. The following are among the best with the author's name given, but in English instead of Latin. Dr. Schalek. 1. Bichloride of Mercury 3 grains Tinct. of Cantharides J/2 ounce Oil of Sweet Almonds 1 dram Spirits of Rosemary 1 ounce Rectified Spirits of Wine 2 ounces Distilled water enough to make 6 ounces I\Iix ; sHake bottle well ; rub thoroughly into the scalp every morning. ». Carbolic acid 15 grains Gh cerin 2 drams Cologne water 1 ounce Mix, and apply to the scalp once daily. 3. Precipitated Sulphur 1 dram Lanolin 2^ drams Glycerin 2^^ drams Rose water enough to make 1 ounce Mix well. Part the hair in different places and rub ointment into the scalp. 1 Ihle's Mixture. — Resorcin 1^ drams Castor Oil 1^ ounces Spirits of Wine 5 ounces Balsam Peru 10 drops Mix. Rub into the scalp daily with a piece of flannel. 5. Bulkley's Lotion. — Tincture Cantharides ^ ounce Tincture Capsicum ^ ounce Castor Oil 1 dram Cologne Water 1 ounce Mix and apply daily to the scalp. 6. Lassar's Ointment. — Pilocarpine Muriate 30 grains Vaseline 5 drams Lanolin = 2 ounces Oil of Lavender 20 drops Mix and apply to the scalp. BALD PATCHES. (Alopecia Areata).— These appear rather suddenly. They are circular bald patches which may appear on any hairy part of the body, but more frequently on the scalp. It is con- sidered a chronic trouble, but tends to final recoverv. SKIX DISEASES 57 Cause. — Occurs usually bet w con the ages of ten and forty. It may be from a parasite. PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT.— Cod-liver oil, elixir quinine, iron and strychnine one dram three times daily. Arsenic, Fowler's solution, tour droj)s three times daily. Local Treatment. — Stimulating remedies, like sulphur, tar, tincture of cantharides, capsicum, in various strength in combination such as given for baldness. In old persons it may become permanent. ANIDROSIS. (Lessened Sweat Secretion). — This means a dim- inution of the sweat secretion. The patient does not sweat enough, especially in certain skin diseases like psoriasis, etc. Treatment. — Hot water, vapor baths, friction, massage, etc., should be used to increase the sweat secretion. Treat the accompany- ing skin disease. FOUL SWEATING. (Bromidrosis). Symptoms.— The odor may be very disagreeable, or resemble the odor of certain flavors or fruits. It is generally found in the arm-pit and genital organs. MOTHERS' REMEDIES. 1. Offensive Sweating, Alum Water for. — "A wash made with a teaspoonful of alum and a quart of w^ater will prevent offensive sweating. We all know how^ disagreeable it is to sit near a person in a street car or any crowded place, who has an odor of perspiration about them. How easy it would be to use this wash and rid yourself of this difficulty." 2. Sweaty Feet, Borax and Alcohol for. — "Dissolve a tablespoon- ful of powdered borax in half a pint of diluted alcohol (half alcohol, half water) and rub the feet at night. You will find this a splendid remedy." 3. Sweating, Simple Home Remedy to Produce. — "Place a rubber sheet or blanket under the patient. Have a simple blanket soaking in hot water and when all is ready, wring blanket as dry as possible and wrap about the patient up to the neck. After this a dry blanket is wrapped around the patient. Care should be taken not to have the blanket hot enough to burn the patient^ but not too cool. After a few minutes the patient is taken out, rubbed dry gently and left to rest and sleep." This treatment will be found very beneficial and inex- pensive. PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Foul Sweating.— Frequent bathing, dressing powders of boric and salicylic acids, etc. 1- Salicylic Acid ^ ounce Powdered Starch 1/2 ounce Mix and dust on the parts. 2. Boric acid powdered may also be used. '• S.'^^Ac^d^."^ ^^'' } Equa, parts To be used as a dusting powder on the sweating parts. 58 MOTHERS' REMEDIES 4. One per cent solution of potassium permanganate or perman- ganate of potash is good applied to the parts. CALLOSITY or Callositas. — This is circumscribed yellowish- white, thickened and horny patches of one of the layers of the cuticle (epidermis). Causes — They come as the result of the occupation or pressure, and sometimes without any seeming cause Symptoms. — They occur mostly on the hands and feet and are usually sensitive. PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT, for Callosity or Callositas.— Re- move the cause of the horny masses. The latter is done by soaking them with prolonged hot water baths and scraping off the mass after- wards. This should be continued and done frequently. Salicylic Acid 30 grains Collodion i^ ounce Mix and apply with a camel's hair pencil. CORNS. (Calvus). — A small, flat, deep-seated, horny growth, mostly on or between the toes. Cause. — Usually the result of too tight or too loose shoes. Due to pressure and rubbing. MOTHERS' REMEDIES.— Corns, one of the Surest Remedies.— "Take salicylic acid, make a thick paste with flour, put on absorbent cotton and apply, leaving same on several days ; soak well and corn will come out." This is a thoroughly tried remedy and a good one. This is about as good a cure as there is for corns. After this paste has been on the corn for three days, it should be removed and the feet soaked well, and the corn scraped off. 2. Corns, Turpentine and Kerosene for. — "A very simple remedy is to apply turpentine or kerosene oil to the affected part on going to bed." It is always a good plan to soak the feet well before treating the corn, as the turpentine will penetrate more quickly. 3. Corns, to Remove Without Pain. — "Alcohol Yz ounce Muriatic Acid 1 dram Nitric Acid 1 dram Oil of Rosemary 1 dram Chloroform 2 drams Tincture Iron 2 drams Mix the above, and apply freely to the corn with little brush or feather until it can be removed with thumb lance. It may require several applications." 4. Corns, Onion a Cure for. — ''Soak a small onion in vinegar four hours, then cut in two and bind on the corn at night. In the morn- ing (if the onion has remained over the corn) the soreness will be gone and you can pick out the core. If not cured in first application repeat." SKIN DISEASES 59 5. Corns, Castile Soap an Effective Remedy for. — 'Rub the corn night and morning" with castilc soap, as often as j)ossiblc sliavc it, heing careful not to cut deep enough to make it bleed." Be faithful in soaping it thoroughly night and morning for several days until it disappears. This is a very simple but elTcctive remedy. 6. Hard Corns, Iodine a Successful Remedy for. — "Paint the ci^rns with iodine every night for three nights, stop throe nights, then apply three nights again, and so on for two weeks." Have tried this and know it to be very successful, especially good for hard corns. 7. Corns, Castor Oil for. — ''Apply castor oil ; rub it thoroughly, then soak feet. It will soften and remove corns." 8. Corns, Vinegar and Bread for. — "Take bread and soak in vin- egar for twenty-four hours, put a plaster on for three or four nights. If not cured on first application, repeat." PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Corns.— Remove the cause; soften them by prolonged soaking in hot water, and then gently scrape off the softened particles, continue this for several days; then put a narrow strip of rubber or salicylated plaster (adhesive plaster) over to protect them from pressure. The following is good to soften them: 1. Salicylic Acid VA dram Extract of Cannabis indica 10 grains Collodion 1 ounce Mix and paint on the corn for several days and after soak- ing corn scrape it off with a sharp knife. 2. A Good but Weaker Remedy: — Salicylic Acid 30 grains Extract of Cannabis indica 5 to 10 grains Collodion ^ ounce Both of these prescriptions are good, the first being stronger with salicylic acid. 3. When the corns are soft with inflammation, wash and dry the foot and apply a solution of nitrate of silver, sixty to one hundred and twenty grains to the ounce of water, to every part every four or five days. Ulcerating Corns. — ^Cauterize with nitrate of silver in stick form. CARBUNCLE. (Anthrax). — A carbuncle is an acute circum- scribed inflammation of the skin and tissues beneath, of the size of an tgg, orange, or larger. It is a hard mass and ends in local death of some of the tissue and formation of pus, which empties upon the sur- face through several sieve-like openings. Symptoms. — There is a feeling of general sickness, chilliness and some fever. The skin over the sore part is hot and painful. The sev- eral dead parts may run together until the entire mass separates in a slough. In favorable cases it proceeds to heal kindly, but in severe cases it may spread to the surrounding tissues and end fatally, some- 60 MOTHERS' REMEDIES times by the absorption of putrid materials, or by the resulting weak- ness. It runs usually from two to five weeks. Causes. — It comes in middle or advanced life, usually oftener in men than in women. It occurs frequently in patients suffering from diabetes, in whom it is usually fatal. MOTHERS' REMEDIES. Carbuncles, Poppy Leaves to Draw and Ripen. — "A poultice of poppy leaves is very efficacious to draw or ripen a carbuncle." A poultice made from these leaves is very quiet- ing and soothing, and at the same time will cause the carbuncle to ripen. 2. Carbuncle, Slippery Elm and Sassafras Root for. — "Sassafras root and slippery elm bark boiled together and the decoction thickened with cornmeal." This should be changed as often as it becomes cool. 3. Carbuncle, Sheep Sorrel Poultice for. — ''Gather a bunch of sheep sorrel leaves, wrap them in a cabbage leaf and roast in the oven. Apply to the carbuncle, and it will soon ripen and break." 4 Carbuncle, Bread and Milk Poultice for. — "Keep warm bread and milk poultice on until the core comes out, then put on salve or vaselin and keep covered until all healed." 5. Carbuncle, the Common Scabious for. — "Take scabious, the green herb and bruise it. Apply this to the affected part. This has been found a very effectual remedy." The common field scabious have many hairy, soft, whitish green leaves, some of which are very small and rough on the edges, others have hairy green leaves deeply and finely divided and branched a little. Flowers size of small walnut and composed of many little ones. Sometimes called "Morning Bride," "DeviFs Bit," etc. 6. Carbuncle, Snap Bean Poultice for. — "Apply snap bean leaves beat up fine." Bruise the leaves until they are real fine, then apply as a poultice." PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Carbuncles.— Keep up the strength by a nourishing diet and in some cases, stimulants. Local. — Cut it open thoroughly by a cross (crucial) cut, like this (x). The cut must reach through the mass to sound tissue beneath and beyond it. Then scrape out all the dead tissue. Dress with iodo- form or sterile gauze. An antiseptic like listerine, glyco-thymoline, etc., can be used to wet the gauze, put on as a dressing afterwards and then more dry gauze above, strapped with adhesive plaster. Water and instruments must be boiled, hands must be absolutely clean. Everything around it must be clean. Sometimes it is necessary to go slowly and take out at each dressing only what can be easily removed. It is not always possible to get the whole mass away at once. Open- ing the carbuncle and giving free drainage afford great relief from the fever and often general symptoms. When the part feels as if it SKIX DISEASES 61 needed redressing, it should he done, for it tlien gives much relief. The dressings frequently hecume hard and do not absorb all of the material ready to be discharged. It is usually proper and prudent to dress a carbuncle two or three times a day. There is no danger if the ine who dresses it is clean with the instruments, hands and gauze or cotton. LIVER SPOTS, Moth Patch, Chloasma, etc.— This is a discolora- tion of the skin of a yellowish to a blackish tint of varying size and >hape. Causes. — It may be due to external agencies, such as rubbing, scratching, heat (tanning and sunburn) blistering; or due to diseases such as tuberculosis, cancer, malaria, Addison's disease, disease of the womb, pregnancy. PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Liver Spots.— Remove all causes if possible. Local. — This must be carefully used, find out first how sensitive the skin is. Dr. Bulkley recommends this lotion: Corrosive Sublimate 5 grains Dilute Acetic Acid 2 drams Borax 40 grains Rose water enough for 4 ounces Shake bottle, mix and apply to the part night and morning. If the skin becomes too scaly, a mild soothing ointment should be substituted for the above. White suggests the following: Hydrarg. Ammon. Chlor 2 drams Subnitrate Bismuth 2 drams Starch ^ ounce Glycerin 54 ounce Mix and apply twice daily. The application of peroxide of hydrogen has only a temporary effect. BLACK-HEADS. Flesh Worms, Comedones, Pimples, etc.— This is a disorder of the sebaceous glands in which the sebaceous (fatty, cheesy) secretions become thickened ; the excreting ducts, appearing on the surface, as yellowish or blackish points. They appear chiefly on the face, neck, chest, and back and are very unsightly. Symptoms. — They are easily pressed out, and appear then as thread-like, whitish masses which contain fatty material. The black point may be due to pigment or to dirt from without. Comedones may exist with acne and seborrhoea and excessive secretion of sebum. Causes. — Want of tone to the skin, w^hich performs its functions sluggishly. Stomach-bowel disorders, menstrual disturbances and anemia are other causes and assist in making them worse. Improper care of the skin and dusty air may be other assistant causes. MOTHERS' REMEDIES. For Pimples and Black-heads.— 1. Pimples on the face, effective yet harmless remedy for : 62 MOTHERS' REMEDIES "Camphor 10 grains Acacia (pulverized) 20 grains Sulphur (precipitated) 2 drams Lime water 2 ounces Rose water 2 ounces Apply on the face with a soft cloth at bedtime. Allow to dry and brush off the excess of the powder." Any one suffering from these eruptions is usually willing to try every known remedy. The above is excellent and very effective and is harmless. 2. Pimples, Alum Water for. — "Take a teaspoonful of alum to a quart of water and use as a wash, say three times a day. This will cure ordinary pimples on the face." 3. Skin Blotches, Cream of Tartar and Sulphur for. — "Two ounces cream tartar and one ounce of powdered sulphur (from the lump). Mix. Dose : — Teaspoonful in a little water three times a day will cure." 4. Rough Skin, Healing Cream for. — "One-fourth cup tallow melted, one teaspoonful glycerin, small lump camphor, dissolved. Mix all together by warming sufficiently." Rub in thoroughly as you do any face cream. PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Pimples.— Remove the cause if possible. The diet should be like that given under dyspepsia and constipation. Menstrual disorders should be remedied. Local. — Remove the plugs (of sebum) and stimulate the skin glands. For this purpose prolonged (ten minutes at a time) bathing of the face with hot water and soap; tincture of green soap in the more indolent, sluggish cases, should precede the pressing out of the black- heads. Lateral pressure with the fingers or with the comedone extrac- tor, especially contrived for this purpose, will express the black-heads. After they are out, the skin dried and cleaned, various stimulating remedies can be applied in ointments and lotions such as following: 1. 'Trecipitated Sulphur 1 dram Ointment of Rose water 1 ounce Mix and rub on at night. 2. Beta-Naphthol H dram Resorcin Yz dram Lanolin 1 ounce Mix and apply locally. INFLAMMATION of the Skin. (Dermatitis).— This is due to many causes. It can come from injuries, for instance the rubbing or pressure of ill-fitting clothes, bandages, bites of insects and from scratching. Varieties. — Dermatitis ambustionis, (burning). This is due to ex- cessive heat upon the skin. SKIN DISEASES 63 PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Inflammation of the Skin.— kcliove the pain; protect the parts; cxchulc the air. I'aiiit tlie burned part with a one to tive per cent sokition of cocaine, according to the severity of inHanimation. Then apply soothing- lotions of equal parts of lime-water and olive or linseed oil ; cover the whole with absorbent cotton. Dusting powder of soda bicarbonate may also be used, or com- mon soda. In burns with vesicles, etc., open them and then cover with carbolized oil. gauze and adhesive . to hold the dressing. The parts can be washed with a solution of boric acid, one teaspoonful to a cup of water; then dust upon the parts sugar of lead once or twice a day. Some use it in solution ; I like the powder better. Infusion of lobelia, one ounce to pint of hot water', is good. Also lead and laudanum wash. ECZEMA. (Humid Tetter— Salt Rheum— Dry Tetter). Defini- tion. — Eczema is an inflammatory disease of the skin, characterized at its commencement by redness, pimples, vesicles, pustules and their combinations, with itching and burning. It terminates in a watery or pus-like discharge with the formation of crusts or scaling. Varieties. — There are many varieties, red, scaly, fissured, watery looking and hard skin. Symptoms. — Itching is almost always a symptom of this disease. There is more or less pouring out of liquid (serum). The dry, scaly type, and the weeping type, may alternate w^ith each other. There are six cardinal symptoms ; inflammation, itching, moisture, crusting, infil- tration (liquid filling of the tissues), Assuring or cracking. Dr. Fox says that nearly one-third of all skin diseases are eczema in some of its stages or varieties. In one kind there is red spot (macule). The skin is dry, of a bright or dull red color, with intense itching or burn- ing, mor-e or less watery swelling in the acute stage. In the chronic stage, the skin becomes thick and covered with fine dry scales, usually in the face (Eczema Erythematosum). Eczema Vesiculosum. (Vesicular Eczema). — This is preceded by a feeling of heat and irritation about the part. In a short time pin- l:ead sized vesicles appear. These frequently run together and form patches. They rupture rapidly ; the liquid is poured out, dries up and forms crusts. The discharge stiffens linen, a characteristic of this variety. Eczema Pustulosum. (Pustules). Pustular Kind. — This is nearly like the preceding. The vesicles have pus in them from the start or develop from the vesicles. When the pustules rupture, their contents dry up to the thick greenish-yellow crusts The scalp and face, in chil- dren especially, are the favored spots for this kind. It occurs in poorlv nourished children. Ex:zema PapulosurrL (Papular Variety). — This is characterized by flat or sharp pointed reddish pimples (papules), varying in size 64 MOTHERS' REMEDIES from a small to a large pin-head. They are usually numerous, run or crowd together and form large patch-es. The itching is usually very intense. This causes much scratching, rawness and crusts. The pimples may continue as such, or change into vesicles. In chronic cases they run together, and finally form thick scaly patches, and may run into a scaly eczema. Eczema Rubrum (red). — The skin looks red, raw, and "weeps." It is most commonly found about the face and scalp in children, and the lower parts of the legs in the old. Eczema Squamosis. (Scaling). — This may follow any of the other varieties, but usually follows the red and pimple (papule) variety. They are various sized and shaped r-eddish patches, which are dry and more or less scaly. Thickening is always present, also a tendency to cracking of the skin, especially if it affects the joints. There are other varieties but these are the most important. RECOVERY. — Eczema has a tendency to persist and rarely dis- ippears spontaneously. Causes. — Gout, diabetes, rheumatism, Bright's disease, dyspepsia, constipation, nervous trouble, heat, cold, strong soaps, acids, alkalies, rubbing, scratching, etc. MOTHERS' REMEDIES. 1. Eczema, Lemon or Vinegar far.— "Rub the spots with sliced lemon. This will sometimes relieve the itching. Bathing with vinegar water is better for some as it destroys the germs." The bowels should be kept open, and then constitutional faults removed as the eruption of the skin is but a local manifestation of a functional fault. 2. Eczema, Olive Oil and Powder for. — ''Bathe with olive oil and sift over the skin a powder composed of equal parts of fine laundry starch and oxide of zinc powder." Do not bathe with water until healed. 3. Eczema, Herb Tea for. — "A good wash for eczema is made of an ounce of bruised blood-root and yellow dock, steeped well in a pint of alcohol and half pint of vinegar." Apply gently to the affected parts. 4. Eczema, Potato and Camphor for. — "Make a poultice of a cold potato with a small quantity of camphor. This is very good and re- lieves the trouble very soon." 5. Eczema, Sulphur and Lard for. — "An excellent eczema cure is made by applying a paste made of sulphur and lard to the affected parts." This is very easily prepared, and has been known to cure many cases. 6. Skin Diseases, Biurdock Tea a Standard Remedy for. — "Take a handful of the freshly bruised burdock root to two quarts of water and boil down one-half; drink from a half to one pint a day." This SKIN DISEASES 65 is considered one of the l)cst home remedies for skin diseases that is known and is perfectly liarmless. 7. Skin Disease, Blood Purifier for. — "Iodide Potasli 192 grains I'luid Extract Stillingia 1 ounce Fhiid Extract Prickly Ash Bark K- ounce Fluid I'.xtract Yellow Dock 1 ounce Compound Syrup Sarsapariila to make 8 ounces Mix.- 8. Tetter, Reliable Remedy for. — "Turpentine 1 ounce, red pre- cipitate 3 drams, vaselin 4 ounces. Mix, rub on the affected parts several times a day." This is a splendid ointment for a severe case of tetter. PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Eczema.— Water is likely to make acute cases worse. In order to cleanse the parts use water soft- ened by starch or bran. Use oily preparations to soften the crusts and then they can be removed with water and good soap. In Chronic Sluggish Cases. — Water and strong soaps may be used. Cloths wrung from hot water and applied, will frequently relieve the itching. Use lotions in moist and salves in dry eczema. For the acute kind the remedy should be soothing, and more or less stimulating for the chronic forms. Local Treatment for the acute and sub-acute (between acute and chronic) eczema. In acute cases, with much pouring out of liquid (serum), lotions have a cooling effect. They should be frequently renewed. 1. Black Wash. Calomel 1 dram Mucilage Tragacanth 1 dram Lime water 10 ounces Mix. Can be used full strength or diluted. Bathe the affected parts several times daily for fifteen or twenty minutes with this lotion and apply oxide of zinc ointment afterwards. 2. Lead and Laudanum wash. — When the parts discharge mois- ture with burning feeling, and are very sensitive the following is good: Laudanum J/2 ounce Solution of Sugar of lead T^/^ ounces Mix and apply externally with gauze saturated with it. 3. A solution of boric acid is also a good remedy. 4. Apply the following soothing application frequently, allowing the sediment to remain on the skin: Powdered Calamine 1 dram Oxide of Zinc 1 dram Glycerin 1 dram Lime water 6 ounces 6 56 MOTHERS' REMEDIES 5. Dusting pov/ders. — Corn, potato or rice starch powders, Alen- nen's baby powder is also good. Borated kind is the best for this. 6. Oxide of Zinc ointment alone, applied night and morning, is valuable in many cases. The Black Wcish should be used twice a day just before the oxide of zinc ointment is applied. In other cases powdered oxide of zinc is dusted over the part if the discharge is watery or profuse. 7. McCall Anderson's Ointment. — Oxide of Bismuth 1 ounce Pure Oleic Acid 8 ounces White Wax 3 ounces Vaselin 9 ounces Oil of Rose 5 drop's i\Iake an ointment and apply. The proportions of each in- gredient can be reduced one-half, for smaller amount. 8. Pastes are often borne better than ointment. The following is a good one. Lassar's paste: Starch 2 drams Oxide of Zinc 2 drams Vaselin 4 drams Mix and make a paste, apply to the part and cover with soft gauze. 9. For the Itching.— Powdered Oxide of Zinc H ounce Powdered Camphor 1^ dram Powdered Starch 1 ounce Mix and dust on as needed. When the disease is not so acute (sub-acute) applications of a mildly stimulatmg character are needed. For this purpose, resorcinal in the proportion of two to thirty grains to the ounce of lard, accord- ing to the severity and amount of hardness existing. Apply to the part. Stimulant and soothing. External Treatment of Chronic Eczema. — Applications for chronic and lasting sluggish eczema. 1. Tincture of green soap used with hot water unti^ the skin is bared and then dress with oxide of zinc ointment. 2. Tar in the form of the pure OfUcial tar ointment. 3. Salicylic acid thirty to sixty grains to an ounce of lard and applied for stimulating purposes. 4. Dr. Schalek uses the same remedies in part and the following for a fixed dressing, especially on the eyes. They do not need to b^ changed often. SKIN DISEASES 67 Glycogelatin Dressing, — Gelatin 10 drops Oxide of Zinc 10 drop? Glycerin 40 drop- Water 40 drop'i Mix and apply to the part. The above may be made in any quantities, — using drops, spoon- fuls, etc. Dress the parts in a thin gauze bandage, over which the melted preparation is painted. I have given many diflferent prescrip- tions, but those who treat skin diseases know that a great many are needed, for they act differently upon different persons. Special Varieties of Eczema and what to do for them. — Eczema of Children. — This is generally acute of the vesicular (watery) or vesicular pustular (pus forming) variety. The parts com- monly affected are the scalp and the face. PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Eczema.— Remove the causes, watch the feeding. Keep the folds of the skin dry and free from fric- tion. To prevent scratching, masks must be applied to th€ scalp and face, or the hands must be tied in bad cases. The local treatment is the same as above except the strength of the drugs used must be re- duced in proper proportion. Eczema of the Scalp, Milk Crust. — Remove the crusts by soaking the scalp with some bland oil for twelve hours, followed by a shampoo, (the hair should be cut in children) then the lotions and thin ointment (see above) should be applied. Eczema of the Face. — A mask of soft linen with holes cut out for the eyes, mouth and nostrils may be used. Eczema of the Scrotum. — A well fitting suspensory should be worn, sponge the parts w^ith very hot water and follow with the anti- itching lotion and dusting powders for the itching. Eczema of the Hands in Adults. — Keep the hands out of water as much as possible. Dry them thoroughly and then anoint. Greatly thickened patches may be softened by soap plasters or bathe the parts in ten or twenty per cent solutions of caustic potash and followed by a salve application. The internal treatment must be given for the cause. Diet in Eczema. — Avoid salty foods, such as salted fish or pork and corned beef; greasy foods such as bacon and fried dishes; pastry and cheese. MOTHERS* REMEDIES for Salt Rheum. 1. Alum Wash and Cathartic for. — "Use an astringent wash as alum, tablespoonful in pint of water, and keep bowels opened by cooling medicines, as cream tar- tar, rochelle salts, etc." The alum solution will be found verv cool- 68 ' MOTHERS' REMEDIES ing and by keeping the bowels open you will carry off all the impur- tites thus cleansing the blood , which is one of the essential things to do in salt rheum. 2. Salt Rheum, Ammonia and Camphor for. — "Apply ammonia and camphor to the cracks. Have used this successfully when every- thing else failed." Care should be taken not to have the ammonia too strong, as it may irritate the skin more. If used properly, it is a good remedy. 3. Salt Rheum, Cactus Leaf Cure for. — "From one large cactus leaf take out the thorns, add one tablespoon of salt, three tablespoons lard, stew out slowly, and grease with this at night. Remarks: — This cured my hand that had been in an awful condition for years." 4. Salt Rheum, Pine Tar for. — "Apply pine tar as^a paste." This is an excellent remedy but care should be taken in using it, as pine tar is very irritating to some people, and should be used very cau- tiously. BOIL. (Furunculus, Furuncle). Causes. — Boils may appear in a healthy person, but they are often the result of a low condition of the system ; they are frequently seen in persons suffering from sugar diabetes. MOTHERS' REMEDIES. 1. Boil, My Mother's Poultice for.— "Poppy leaves pounded up and bound on are good. My mother has used this recipe and found it to be good." This remedy not only makes a good poultice, but is very soothing, as poppies contain opium. The leaves may be purchased at any drug store. 2. Boil, Soap and Sugar Poultice for. — "Poultice made of yellow or soft soap and brown sugar, equal parts. Spread on cloth and apply faithfully." This makes a good strong poultice, and has great drawing powers and would be apt to create a good deal of pain, but would draw the boil to a head. The above remedy was sent in by a number of mothers, all of whom said they had tried it with success when other remedies failed. 3. Boil, Vinegar or Camphor for. — "May be cured by bathing in strong vinegar frequently when they first start. When it stops smart- ing from the vmegar cover with vaseline or oil." Bathing the boil in vinegar seems to check the growth and does not allow them to become as large as they would ordinarily. If you do not have vinegar in the house, camphor will answer the same purpose. 4. Boil, Bean Leaf Poultice for. — "Apply snap bean leaves, beat up fine." Bruise the leaves so that they are real fine, and apply to the boil. This acts the same as a poultice. 5. Boil, Another Vinegar Remedy for. — *Tf taken at first a boil can be cured by dipping the finger in strong vinegar and holding on the boil until it stops smarting. Repeat three or four times then apply a little oil to the head of boil." SKIX DISEASES 69 PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Boils.— Tonics such as iron, quinine, and strychnine arc j^^uod. Elixir, iron, quinine and strychnine from a half to one teaspoonful three times a day is a good tonic for an adult. Sulphide of calcium one-tenth grain four times a day is good. Paint the inflamed spot when it first begins, with a solution of gixn cotton (collodion) and renew it every hour until a heavy con- tractile coating is formed. Poultices, if used, should contain sweet oil and laudanum. Alcohol and camphor applied over the skin in the early stages is recommended by Ringer. This I know is good. An- other, wipe the skin and use camphorated oil. When boils occur in the external ear, the canal should be washed out with hot water. If it is ripe it should be opened. The following is good for the pain of a boil: lodofc^rn 4 grains Menthol 2 grains Vaselin 1 dram Mix and smear a cotton plug and insert in the ear two or three times a day. ABSCESS. — An accumulation of pus (matter) in any part of the body. External Abscess. — Boil the knife, wash your hands in clean, hot, soapy water. Wash the abscess and surrounding parts in hot water and good soap, and rinse oiT with alcohol, a salt solution, or listerine, etc. Then make a good deep clean cut and scrape out if necessary. Dress with a clean linen gauze or absorbent cotton. Poultices may be used if you are careful. Such an abscess should be dressed twice a day. The inner dressing should be soft and thick enough to absorb all the secretion given out between dressings. MOTHERS' REMEDIES. 1. Abscess, Beech Bark Poultice for. — 'Toultice made of red beech bark and wheat bran." A poultice made of the bark will cause a drawing feeling, and the wheat bran will retain the heat. The proportions for making the poultice should be about half and half. 2. Abscess, Milk and Salt Poultice for. — "Make a poultice of one cup of hot milk and common salt three teaspoonfuls ; salt added gradually so it will not curdle. Cook until smooth and creamy, then add enough flour so it will spread but not be dry. Divide this into four poultices and apply in succession every half hour. This will remove the soreness and it should be kept oiled until healed." 3. Abscess, More Good Poultices for. — ''Take equal parts of rosin and sugar, mix well and apply for several days until the abscess is broken. If this does not cause the abscess to break, poultice hourly with flaxseed meal." FELON. (Whitlow). — An inflammation of the deeper structures and frequently it is under the covering of the bone, (periosteum). If under the latter it must be opened soon or the resulting pus will bur- 70 MOTHERS' REMEDIES row and destroy bone, joints, etc. The pain is intense, and after the patient has passed one sleepless night walking the floor and holding his finger it should be opened. How? Place the hand with the fingers extended with the palm up (it is usually under the finger or in the palm of the hand) upon the table ; stand by the side of the arm. Attract the patient to some- thing else ; have a curved two-edge knife ready and put the point, one-half inch, toward the palm, away from the felon part, press hard and the patient will jerk his hand and the cut will be made down to the bone, the membrane and tissues all opened freely, a vent given for the pus and in ten minutes very little pain. Dress as for an abscess. If opened this way, it need not be reopened. If in the Palm. — This needs a doctor, and must be opened with care. There are too many blood vessels to be careless there and one who understands it must do it. Open a true felon early before it has time to destroy the bone. SUPERFICIAL FELONS. Mothers' Remedies. 1. A Cure if Taken in Time. — 'Tf taken in time a felon may be cured without lanc- ing, but if poultice or liniment is used it is important that they should be bound on tightly as the mechanical compression is more essential than the application. A good remedy is finely pulverized salt, wet with spirits of turpentine bound tightly and left two or three days, wetting with the turpentine when dry without removing the cloth." 2. Felon, Treament until time to Lance. — "If the felon has suc- ceeded in getting a good start and pains considerably, it is well to paint it with iodine ; in a few days it will become very painful, the pain being so intense that you cannot sleep. See a physician at once then, and have it lanced as the sac of pus on the bone must be opened. Then apply flaxseed poultices. Care should be taken not to have it lanced too early, as this is dangerous. 3. Felon, Strong Remedy for. — "Turpentine, yellow of tgg and salt, equal parts, bind on." This is very strong and should only be allowed to remain on the finger a short time. 4. Felon, Lemon to draw inflammation from. — "Take a lemon, make a little hole, put finger in it and hold there a number of hours." Lemons have a great many healing qualities in them, and seem to be very good for felons. The acid in the lemon seems to help draw out the inflammation and serves as a poultice. 5. Felon, Hot Water Cure for. — "Wh-en you first feel it coming put the finger in a cup of hot water, just so it does not blister, keep adding more hot water as it cools for one hour. This has been tried several times and it has always stopped them." 6. Felon, Soap and Commeal Poultice for. — "Poultice with soft soap and cornmeal. This nei^er fails if taken in time." SKIN DISEASES 71 7. Felon. Smartweed Poultice for. — "Apply the bruised leaves of smartwei'd and bind on ti^ht as can be borne." This makes a very good poultice applied in this way. 8. Felon, Hot Application for. — "When a felon first starts, soak the finger in equal parts of alcohol and hot water; keej) it as hot as the finger will bear it." 9. Felon, an Old, Tried Remedy for. — "Put wood ashes, covered with warm water in a dish on the stove, hold the affected part in this, allowing it to get as hot as can be borne." 10. Felon, Turpentine Cure for. — "Soak the finger for one hour in turpentine. This has been known to cure a great many cases of felon." 11. Felon, Weak Lye Application for. — "Stick your finger in weak lye (can lye). Have water just as hot as you can stand your finger in. Hold it in as long as possible." 12. Felon, Rock Salt and Turpentine for. — "Rock salt dry and pounded fine. Mix equal portions with turpentine. When dry change. This cured a felon on my father." As much of our Canadian salt is rock salt, it is the most common salt to use. PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Superficial Felons.— Such may be averted perhaps. I have heard of that but have never seen it done. They are not the genuine, true blue, terrible felons, but even these can give much pain. They do not need such a deep opening, and they are not so dangerous to the structures. They are superficial and abscesses, perhaps, might be the better term. For these many applica- tions have been made. 1. Some hold the finger in hot lye. That is a good poultice. 2. Yolk of an egg and salt (equal parts) make a salve as a drawer. 3. The membrane within the shell of an egg is another good drawing remedy. Dr. Chase gives this definition of a felon in his first edition : — "This is on one of the fingers, thumb or hand and is very painful. It is often situated at the root of the nail." The latter is the kind, and also that of the structures above the covering of the bone that are eased by local treatment. Especially the superficial, about the nail, etc. Steaming with herbs will do such good, or any hot poultice will do good. Dr. Chase says in another place, "Whitlow resembles a felon, but it is not so deeply seated. It is often found around the nail. Immerse the finger in strong lye as long and as hot as can be borne several times a day." Such felons are curable by local treatment. I prefer the salt and yolk of the egg to the lye. If you cannot stand this all the time, steam in the intervals with strong herbs or use hot poultices, and then open when it points. 72 MOTHERS' REMEDIES ULCERS. An Eating Away of the Parts. Causes. — Diseases like syphilis, tuberculosis, leprosy. Disturbances of nutrition, constitu- tional ulcers, local conditions. Ulcers are acute and chronic. An acute ulcer is a spreading ulcer, in and about which acute destructive inflammation exists. Treatment. — Keep them thoroughly clean (aseptic) and use sooth- ing applications, mild lotions and salve. Chronic Ulcer. — This is one which does not tend to heal, or heals very slowly. Sometimes such ulcers need to be stimulated like the application of nitrate of silver and then healing applications. Car- bolated oxide of zinc ointment is a good healing ointment. MOTHERS' REMEDIES. 1. Sores and Ulcers, the Potato Lo- tion for. — ''Take the water you boil potatoes in and in one quart of it boil one ounce of foxglove leaves for ten minutes, then add one ounce tincture of myrrh to the lotion, bathe the affected parts with the lotion warm, then keep a cloth wet with it on the sore, if possible, until cured." 2. Sores and Ulcers, Chickweed Ointment for. — "Chop chickweed and boil in lard, strain and bottle for use." This makes a fine green cooling ointment. It is surprising to see the relief obtained by this simple ointment. 3. Old Sores and Wounds, Healing Ointment for. — "Honey 4 ounces Spirits of Turpentine Yz ounce Beeswax 4 ounces Oil of Wintergreen ^ ounce Tincture of Opium 1 ounce Fluid Extract Lobelia %. ounce Lard ^ pound Mix by the aid of gentle heat, stirring well at the same time. This is a very useful ointment for healing wounds and old sores." 4. Sores and Ulcers, Excellent Salve for. — ''One tablespoon of melted mutton or even beef tallow while warm; add some spirits of turpentine and one teaspoonful of laudanum, stir well." 5. Ill-Conditioned Sores, an Old German Remedy for. — "Wash or syringe the sore with weak saleratus water, and while wet fill with common black pepper. Remarks: — This is a highly recommended German remedy, and has been tried by my mother with good results." 6. Sores, Cuts, Antiseptic Wash for; Also Tooth Wash. — "Per- oxide of hydrogen. Should always be kept in the house." If you are cut by anything that might cause infection or if scratched by a cat, in fact wherever there is chance for infection and blood poison, per- oxide of hydrogen may be used by moistening well the wound with it as soon as you can. As a mouth wash put a little in a glass of water. Directions usually on the bottle. SKIN DISEASES 73 7. Indolent Ulcers and Boils, Chickweed and Wood Sage Poul- tice for. — "Equal parts of chickweed and wood sa^c pounded together make a good poultice for all kinds of indolent ulcers and boils." S. Ulcers, Proud Flesh, Venereal Sores and all Fungus Swellings, Blood Root and Sweet Nitre for. — "Two ounces i)ulverized blood root ; one pint of sweet nitre; macerate for ten days, shake once or twice a day." 9. Rosin 1 ounce Beeswax 1 ounce Mutton Tallow 4 ounces Verdigris 1 dram Melt the rosin, tallow and wax together, then add the ver- digris. Stir until cool and apply. Add a few drops of carbolic acid to the above and you will have the carbolated salve which is quite expensive w^hen bought prepared and under the manufacturer's label. 10. Sores and Chapped Hands, Sour Cream Salve for. — "Tie thick sour cream in a cloth and bury in the ground over night. In the morn- ing it will be a nice salve. Excellent for chapped hands or anything that requires a soft salve." 11. Old Sores, A Four-Ingredient Remedy for. — "Soften one-half pound of vaselin, stir into it one-half ounce each of wormwood, spear- mint and smartweed. This is good for old and new sores. My people n^ar Woodstock, Canada, used this and found it very good." 12. Ulcers and Sores, Carrots will heal. — "Boil carrots until soft and mash them to a pulp, add lard or sweet oil sufficient to keep it from getting hard. Spread and apply; excellent for oiTensive sores. Onion poultice made the same way is good for slow boils and indolent sores." This makes a very soothing poultice and has great healing properties. 13. Ulcers and Sores, a Remedy that Cures. — "To one-fourth pound of tallow add one-fourth pound each of turpentine and bayberry and two ounces of olive oil. Good application for scrofulous sores and ulcers." This makes a good ointment, but should not be con- tinued too long at a time as the turpentine might have a bad action on the kidneys. 14. Ulcers and Old Sores, Bread and Indian meal for. — "Take bread and milk or Indian meal, make to consistency of poultice with water, stir in one-half cup of pulverized charcoal. Good to clean ulcers and foul sores." The bread and Indian meal make a good poul- tice while the charcoal is purifying and a good antiseptic. PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Ulcers.— Keep them thor- oughly cleaned. A mild, weak, hot solution of salt water is good in chronic, slow healing, indolent ulcers. Carbolated salve apnlied afterwards is healing. Sometimes a stimulating poultice is neces^^ary. 74 MOTHERS' REMEDIES like salt pork followed by soothing salves. If an ulcer looks red and angry, it needs soothing. If there is any ''proud flesh" powdered burnt alum applied directly upon it and left on for an hour or two is good. Then soothing salves. Balsam of Peru is good for chronic ulcers. It stimulates them to a little activity. A salve made by boiling the inner bark of the common elder, the strained juice mixed with cream or vaselin is a good healing appli- cation for ulcers. Poultice an irritable, tender, painful ulcer with slippery elm bark. Repeat when necessary. Indolent Sluggish Ulcer. — This kind needs stimulating, salt solu- tion, or salt pork applied. Poultice made of sweet clover is well recommended for ulcers. As before stated, the active kind should have soothing treatment. The chronic indolent kind, should be stimulated occasionally and then sooth- ing applications applied. SHINGLES (Herpes Zoster). Definition. — This is an acute inflam- matory disease of the skin, characterized by groups of vesicles upon the inflamed base, distributed along the course of one or more cutane- ous (skin) nerves. Symptoms. — The eruption is preceded by a great deal of neuralgic pain and is almost always one-sided. They first appear as red patches and upon these patches vesicles soon develop (skin elevations with liquid in them) ; these are separate, size of a pin-head to a coffee bean, swollen with a clear fluid, and clustered in groups of two to a dozen. They may dry up in this stage, or they may fill with pus or run to- gether, forming larger patches ; new crops may appear, while the others fade. The vesicles rarely rupture of themselves, but dry into brown- ish crusts, which drop off leaving a temporary colored skin. It fol- lows the course of a nerve. The most common seat of this disease is over one or more intercostal (between the rib) nerves, extending from the backbone to the breastbone. It also occurs along the side of the face and temple. Causes. — It is a self-limited disease, runs its course in a few weeks, of nervous origin and may be produced by exposure to weather changes, blows and certain poisons. MOTHERS' REMEDIES. Shingles, Herb Remedy for.— 1. "Make a solution of yerba rheuma, one ounce to a pint of boiling water, and apply freely to the part several times a day." The yerba rheuma has an astringent action and contracts the tissues, relieving the inflammation of the skin. It also relieves the itching. 2. Shingles, Mercury Ointment for. — "Apply night and mornmg an ointment from the oleate of mercury." This preparation will be SKIN DISEASES. 75 found effective, but care should he taken not to use too much of it, as •kate of mercury is very powerful. It relieves the burning and Itching. PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Shingles.— Protect the vesicles from rupture or irritation and relieve the pain. Paint the surface with a solution of gun cotton (collodion). Tonics to keep up the strength. EXCESSIVE SWEATING. (Hyperidrosis).— This is a disorder oi the sweat glands in which sweat is thrown out in excessive quan- tities. Symptoms. — It may be great only in the armpit where it stains the clothing. When it comes on the hands and feet they may be wet, clammy and have an offensive odor. They may be soaked, inflamed and painful. Causes. — The local forms may be due to a nervous condition ; it is often the result of general debility. Treatment. — General tonics are needed and those given under anemia, which see. Applications for the local treatment. — Solution of alum applied to the part will act as an astringent. White oak bark tea is good as anything. It should not be used so strong as to stop sweating entirely. Then follow it with dusting pow- ders of starch or boric acid, containing salicylic acid (two to five per cent). When it occurs upon the feet use the Diachylon ointment. It must be made up fresh in a drug store. This is applied on strips of lint or muslin after the parts have been thoroughly washed and dried ; it should be renewed twice daily, the parts being dried with soft towels and then covered with dusting powder, followed by the ointment. FRECKLES. (Lentigo). — Freckles are an excessive deposit of pigment in the skin. Causes. — Exposure to the sun's rays aggravates this condition. MOTHERS' REMEDIES for Freckles. 1. Freckles, Buttermilk for. — "Buttermilk on the face every night." This is a very simple remedy, and as buttermilk is very easily obtained, any one troubled with freckles can try this remedy without very much expense. This simple remedy has been known to cure many cases. 2. Freckles, to Remove. — ''Nitrate of potash applied to the face night and morning is very good, and the freckles \\'\U soon disappear." 3. Freckles, Alcohol and Lemon Juice for. — 'Use alcohol and lemon juice freely at night.'' Lemon juice \s very good for the skin if applied frequently. 76 MOTHERS' REMEDIES 4. Freckles, Excellent Lotion for. — "Rose Water 4 ounces Alcohol Yi ounce Hydrochloric Acid ^ dram Mix and apply with sponge or cloth three times daily. 5. Freckles, Borax Water for. — ''Rain water eight ounces, borax one-half ounce. Mix and dissolve; wash parts twice daily." 6. Freckles, Canadian Remedy for. — ''Glycerin, lemon juice, rose- water, equal parts. Apply at night with a soft cloth." PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Freckles.— They are apt to return on exposure to the sun. The following ointment may be of service. Care should be taken not to blister: Ammoniated Mercury 1 dram Subnitrate of Bismuth 1 dram Glycerin Ointment 1 ounce Mix and apply every other night. PRICKLY HEAT RASH. — An acute inflammatory disease of the sweat glands; minute pimples and vesicles develop. Symptoms. — It occurs upon the body and consists of many pin- head sized bright red pimples and vesicles which are very close to- gether. It appears suddenly, and is usually accompanied by much sweating and subsides in a short time with slight scaling following. There is itching, tingling and burning usually present. Cause. — Excessive heat in summer in children and weak people. MOTHERS' REMEDIES. 1. Prickly Heat, Soda Water for.— "Bathe with saleratus (baking soda) water, dry carefully and apply good talcum powder freely." 2. Prickly Heat, Relief from pain of. — "Borax Powder 6 drams Muriate of Morphia 6 grains Rose Water 6 ounces Bathe the parts and between applications dust on lycopo- dium powder." The borax powder will be found good to cover the parts and muriate of morphia relieves the pain. The rose water is simply put in to dissolve the other ingredients. 3. Prickly Heat, a Hamilton, Ontario, Mother Found Burnt Corn- starch good for. — ''Dust with browned cornstarch. This acts like talcum powder and is not so expensive." 4. Rash, Soothing Ointment for. 1. — "Make an ointment of one dram of boric acid powder to one ounce of vaseline. First wash the affected parts with a strong solution of saleratus, then apply the oint- SKIN DISEASES 77 incnt and dust lalcuin powder over iliis." Tlic washing with salcr- aius is very iniporlanl as this is a j;ood aiuisci)tic and lliorcjughly cleanses the i)arts. PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Prickly Heat.— Il disappears usually in a lew days. Tonics for the weak, lig-lit clothing, a light nourishing diet and frequent cold bathing. Alcoholic drinks are jjro- iiibited. White oak bark tea as a wash for the sweating, followed by dusting powders of starch, oatmeal, and zinc oxide, etc. MOTHERS' REMEDIES. 1. Chafing, Fuller's Earth Eases.— "Wash parts well with boracic acid water, then dust with fuller's earth." The boracic water is cleansing and fuller's earth is very healing. This is a very simple but effective remedy. 2. Chafing, Good Home Remedy for. — "Usually all that is re- quired is washing the parts well with castile soap and cold water, and anointing with plain vaselin." This remedy is always at hand, and is one to be relied upon. Vaselin, as we all know, is very healing. 3. Chafing, Borax and Zinc Stops. — "Wash parts frequently with cold water and use the following solution : Pure Water 2 gills Powdered Borax 1 teaspoonful Sulphate of Zinc 3^ teaspoonful Apply by means of a soft rag several times daily. After drying the parts well, dust with wheat flour, corn starch or powdered magnesia." The above combination is excellent as the water cleanses the parts and the borax and zinc are very soothing and healing. 4. Chafing, Common Flour good to stop. — "Burn common wheat flour until brown. Tie in rag and dust chafed parts." MOLE. (Naevus). — Mole is a congenital condition of the skin where there is too much pigment in a circumscribed place. It varies in size from a pin-head to a pea or larger. The face, neck and back are their usual abiding place. PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Moles.— They should be re- moved by knife or by electricity. The last is the best, especially for the hairy variety. Causes. — If they are subject to too much irritation they develop into malignant growth. ENLARGED NAIL. (Onychauxis). — The nail may become too long, thick or wide. Treatment. — Remove the cause. Trim away the excessive nail tissue with a knife or scissors. In paronychia, inflammation around the nail, pieces of lint or cotton should be inserted betw^een the edge of the nail and the inflamed parts, and wet solution of antiseptics, like listerin^ or salt water, applied with cloths 78 MOTHERS' REMEDIES INFLAMMATION OF THE NAIL. (Onychia). Treatment- Cut into the back part if it needs it. That will relieve the tension and pain. Sometimes the nail must be removed. The inflammation is at the base rmatri>:^ of the nail. LOUSE, Disease of the Skin Produced by. — This is a disease of the skin produced by an animal parasite, the pediculus or louse. There are the head louse, pediculus capitis ; the body louse, pediculus cor- poris ; the pubis, i^about the genitals) pediculus pubis. The color of lice is white or gray. They multiply very fast, the young being hatched out in about six days and within eighteen days are capable of propa- gating their same species. The nits are glued to the hair with a sub- stance which is secreted by the female louse. HEAD LOUSE or Pediculus Capitis. Treatment— The symp- toms are very apparent. Apply pure kerosene, rub it into the hair thoroughly. It can be mixed with an equal part of balsam of peru. It should be left on the scalp for twelve to twenty-four hours and then removed by a shampoo. Other remedies that can be used are. tincture of staphisagria ( stavesacre). this can be made into an ointment; or ointment of ammoniated mercury. The dead nits are removed from the hair by dilute acetic acid or vinegar. Cutting the hair is not usu- ally required. An infusion of quassia is good as a wash. Body Louse or Clothes Louse (Pediculus Corporis). — This parasite lives in the clothes. It is apt to be found in the folds or seams, espe- cially where the clothes come in close contact with the skin, as about the neck, shoulders and waist. This creature visits the body for its meal. tThey may produce different kinds of skin troubles like eczema, boils, etc. PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Lice.— Destroy the lice and their eggs (ova; by thoroughly baking or boiling the clothing. The irritated skin can be healed by soothing applications like vaselin, and oxide of zinc. (Pediculus Pubis). — Lice on the hair of the pubis or about the genitals. This is the smallest parasite of the three varieties, and it attaches itself firmly to the hair with its head buried in the follicular openings, and it is removed with great difficulty. PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Lice.— 1. Ointment of mercury, blue ointment. This is to be used frequently. It is rather unclean and mav create a severe intiammation so be careful of it. 2. Solution of corrosive sublimate, from one to four grains to one ounce of water. This is good and can be used once or twice a day; rub thoroughly into the parts. It will cause redness and inflammation may follow if too much is used. It is very eltective. Kerosene with an equal quantity of balsam of peru is a good remedy. SKL\ DISEASES 79 BLISTER DISEASE, (Pemphigus).— lliis i.s an acute or clu.niic .skin disease in whicli there are blisters of various sizes and sliapes, and these usually occur in crops. Symptoms. — The disease may attack any part of the body. The blisters range from the size of a pea to a large iigg. They contain at first a clear fluid, which soon becomes cloudy and looks more or less like pus. They last several days and then dry up. They do not rup- ture of themselves very often. It is not catching. Causes. — These are obscure and not understood. A low state of the system is usually found. PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Blister Disease.— General treatment should be given. Arsenic is the best remedy and can be given in the form of Fowler's solution, five drops after meals at the beginning for an adult. This should be increased until some poison- ous symptoms, such as bloating in the face is produced. Elixir Quinine, Iron and Strychnine is good as a tonic, one tea- Sf>oonful after meals. Regulate the diet, give nourishing and easily digested food. Local Treatment. — Puncture the blisters. Then put on a mild ointment like vaselin ; bran and starch baths can be given in some cases. The length of the time of the disease is uncertain. THE ITCH DISEASE. (Psoriasis) (not Common Itch). Defi- nition. — This is a chronic inflammatory disease of the skin, in which there appear upon the skin thick, adherent, overlapping, scales of a shiny, whitish color, and these are situated upon a reddish, slightly raised and sharply outlined (defined) base. Symptoms. — They begin as small reddish spots, sharply defined against the healthy skin. They may be elevated slightly and soon become covered with whitish pearl colored scales. If the scales are picked off, there is left a smooth red surface, and from this, small drops of blood ooze out. No watery or pus-like discharge escapes at any period of this disease. These spots extend at the circumference (per- iphery), reaching the size of the drops, or of the coins, or they may run together and form ring-shaped, or crooked wavy lines of patches, with a center that is healing up. A few scattered spots may be pres- ent, or large areas may be involved. In rare cases the whole skin is affected. These spots or patches may occur on any part of the body, but involve the extending part of the limbs, especially the elbows and knees. There may be slight itching present at times. Course of the Disease. — It is chronic ; patches may continue indef- initely or they may disappear in one place, while new crops appear elsewhere. This disease usually appears for the first time between the ages of ten and fifteen ; it may then return at various intervals during a lifetime. It is usually worse during the winter. 8 MOTHERS' REMEDIES. Causes. — Are usually unknown, it may occur in all classes and kinds of people. PHYSICIANS* TREATMENT for Itch Disease.— Remedies for the general symptoms are demanded. The general health must be looked after. Stimulating foods and drinks and the use of tobacco are. forbidden. Arsenic in the form of Fowler's solution from three to ten drops three times a day ; or the arsenious acid in' pills of 1/50 of a grain three times a day. This medicine must not be used in the acute form, but only in chronic cases. Local Treatment. — 1. Remove the scales first and follow this by stim- ulating applications unless there is much inflammation. In such cases soothing lotions should be applied. Dr. Schalek of New York, rec- ommends the following: 2. Remove the scales thoroughly with hot water and soap and then apply: Chrysarobln 1 dram Ether Equal parts of each and enough Alcohol to dissolve the first remedy Collodion 1 ounce Mix and apply with a brush to the parts affected. This solution may cause inflammation and great swelling, and on that account it should not be used on the face, it stains the skin. Dr. Hare recommends a bath only before the application. In that way some scales remain and there is not so much inflammation and swell- ing resulting. The stain can be removed with a weak solution of chlorinated lime. 3. Tar Remedy. — Tar is also a good remedy in ointment forms. The skin should be closely watched to find out how sensitive it is to the tar's action, not only in this but in all skin diseases. Drugs should be changed occasionally, for they lose their efficiency. 4. Tar and Sulphur Remedy for. — Never use tar on the face, it stains. Ointment of Tar 1 ounce Ointment of Sulphur 1 ounce Mix thoroughly and apply at night. SI Precipitated Sulphur 6 drams Tar 6 drams Green Soap 2 ounces Lard 2 ounces Powdered Chalk 4 drams Apply frequently. If necessary more lard can be used, especially if the skin is very tender. SKIN DISEASES 81 6. Another good local application. It is composed of the follow- ing ingredients : Rcsorcinol 1 dram Zinc Oxide 1 dram Rose Water Ointment 10 drams Apply twice a day to the part affected. After mixing the ointment heat it imtil the resorcinol crystals melt to prevent any irritation of the skin from them. Ichthyol 214 drams Salicylic Acid 2^ drams Pyrogallic Acid 21/2 drams Olive Oil 1 ounce Lanoline 1 ounce Mix thoroughly and apply. The result of the disease is always favorable as to life and general health. It yields to treatment, but it has a tendency to recur. ITCH. Common Itch (Scabies). — Itch is a contagious disease, due to the presence of an animal parasite. There is intense itching in this disease. T-he parasite seeks the thin, tender regions of the skin, the spaces between the fingers, wrists and forearms, the folds in the arm-pit, the genitals in men and the breasts in women. Cause. — It is always transmitted by contagion. An intimate and long contact is usually needed. A person occupying the same bed with one who has it is liable to take it. The female parasite lives from six to eight weeks, during which time she lays fifty eggs, which, when hatched out, become impregnated in their turn. MOTHERS' TREATMENT for Common Itch. 1. Mustard Oint- ment for. — "Make an ointment of cup of fresh lard (without salt) and a tablespoonful of dry mustard, work to cream and apply." This is very soothing. 2. Itch, Grandmother's Cure for. — "Sulphur and lard mixed; rub on at night, then take a good bath, using plenty of soap, every day." The above ingredients are always easily obtained and any one suffer- ing with this disease will find relief from the itching by using this remedy. It is very soothing. 3. Itch, Herb Ointment for. — "Mix the juice of scabious with fresh lard and apply as an ointment. A decoction made from the same herb might be taken at the same time to purify the blood. It is always well to take some blood tonic together with any outward application you may use." Some who read the above may know scabious by other names as the "morning bride" or "sweet scabious" or "devil's bit," etc. _, 4. Itch, Elecampane Root Ointment for. — "Boil elecampane root in vinegar, mix with fresh lard, beating thoroughly." This is an excel- lent remedy for itch, having a very soothing effect and relieving the *ching. •3 82 MOTHERS' REMEDIES. 5. Itch, Oatmeal for. — "A poultice of oatmeal and oil of bays; cures the itch and hard swellings." Oatmeal poultices are more stim- ulating and draw more rapidly than those made of linseed meal. 6. Itch, a Mother at Parma, Michigan, Sends the Following. — "Make a salve of sulphur and lard and each night apply it to the whole body; also one tablespoonful internally for three mornings, then skip three and so on. This is the only thing I know of that will cure itch. I have tried it with success." 7. Itch, Kerosene for. — "Apply kerosene oil, undiluted, to the parts several times a day. Apply nitrate of mercury ointment to the body." 8. Itch, Splendid Ointment for Common Itch. — "Lac-Sulphur 160 grains Napthaline 10 grains Oil Bergamot 4 drops Cosmoline 1 ounce Rub lac-sulphur into fine powder. Sift it into the melted cosmoline and stir until nearly cool, then add napthaline and oil bergamot. Stir until cool." PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Itch.— If the skin is much inflamed or irritable, soothing baths and ointments should be used at first. There are three indications to be met in the treatment; first, to destroy the cause, the parasite; second, to cure the result of their work; third, to prevent a return or transmission to others, First Thing to Do. — Soak the body thoroughly with soap (green soap if you have it) and water, this softens the outer layer (epidermis). This layer covers the female parasite which burrows under it. The male does not burrow and it is therefore easier to kill. Rub the skin thoroughly with a rough towel after the soaking. This rubbing will remove the out^r skin scales and with it some of the parasites. The towel should be boiled at once to prevent it from conveying the para- site to others. Then apply the ointment, which, if thoroughly applied, relieves the patient at once. The skin should be well softened and rubbed in order to open every track (burrow) of the parasite. Allow the ointment to remain on all night and use it for three or four nights successively. Ointments. — 1. Simple sulphur ointment alone. *. Oil of Cale (from Juniper) 1 dram Sulphur Ointment 2 drams Lanolin 5 drams 3. Flowers of Sulphur 6 ounces Oil of Fagi 6 ounces White Chalk 4 ounces Green Soap 16 ounces Lard 16 ounces Apply at night. This is not so strong. SKIN DISEASES 83 i. For children the following can be used: Sulphur 1 dram Balsam Peru 1 dram Lard 1 ounce Apply as usual. 6. The following for adults: Precipitated Sulphur 2 drams Carbonate of Potasli 1 dram Lard Ointment V/2 ounces Rub well into the skin. Second: — Heal the resultant sores with soothing applications like vaselin and a little camphor in it. Third: — Boil and disinfect all underwear and bedding or any article liable to give an abiding place to the parasite. It is easily cured with proper treatment. DANDRUFF (Seborrhoea) . — The scurfs or scales (dandruff) upon the scalp are formed from seborrhoea. Definition. — The word seborrhoea means to flow suet or fatty fluids. Seborrhoea is a functional disorder of the sebaceous gland (fatty, suet matter) and this secretion is somewhat altered in character. Varieties. — There are three varieties. These depend upon the character of the material excreted. 1. Oily seborrhoea (seborrhoea oleosa). 2. Dry seborrhoea (seborrhoea sicca). 3. Mixed type of both. Oily seborrhoea. — Symptoms. — This appears most frequently upon the nose and forehead and sometimes upon the scalp. The skin looks oily, glistening, with the appearance of dust adhereing to it. Small drops of oil are seen to ooze out of the follicles and when wiped off it reforms at once. The ducts of the follicles appear gaping or they are plugged with black-heads (comedones). The hair is rendered unusually oily, when it appears on the scalp, and it is especially noticeable on bald heads. It is very common in the negro, almost natural or physiological. Dry Seborrhoea. — This is a more common form and occurs upon the hairy or non-hairy parts, but chiefly upon the scalp (dandruff). The affected parts are covered with grayish, greasy scales, which are easily dislodged, the skin undern-eath is oily and slate gray in color. This type of the disease forms one type of dandruff. When it is of long standing the hair becomes dry and falls out. Mixed type. — This type is common upon the scalp. The surface is covered, more or less, with scales and crusts. If the disease con- 84 MOTHERS' REMEDIES tinues long the hair becomes dry, lust^rless and falls out. Permanent baldness may result. Causes. — These may be constitutional and local. "Green sick- ness" (chlorosis), disorders of the stomach and bowels are often the cause. , Local. — Uncleanness, lack of care of the scalp, heavy and air- tight hats may cause it. Some writers claim parasites are the cause. MOTHERS' REMEDIES.— 1. Dandruff, Home Preparation from New York State Mother. — "Into one pint of water drop a lump of fresh quick-lime, the size of a walnut; let it stand all night, pour off the clear liquid, strain, and add one gill of the best vinegar, wash' the roots of the hair with the preparation. It is a good remedy and harmless." 2. Dandruff, a Barber's Shampoo for. — "Shampoo with the fol- lowing : Sassafras 5 cents worth Salts of Tartar 10 cents worth Ether 10 cents worth Castile Soap 5 cents worth Dissolve the above in one gallon of soft water. Rinse the hair thoroughly and repeat as often as necessary. This recipe was given me by a barber and I find it very good." 3. Dandruff, Lemon Juice for. — "Cut a lemon in two, loosen the hair and rub the lemon into the scalp. Do this in the evening before retiring^ for about a week, then stop for a few nights, then use for another week, and so on until cured." 4. Falling Hair, a Brook, Ontario, Lady Prevents. — "Garden sage, make a quart sage tea, add equal parts (a teaspoonful) of salt, borax and rosewater, and one-half pint of bay rum. Wet the head with this every night." 5. Hair Restoratives, Simple and Harmless. — "A simple and harmless "invigorator" is as follows : Cologne Water 2 ounces Tincture of Cantharides 3 drams Oil of Lavender 10 drops Oil of Rosemary 10 drops Use twice daily. If it makes the scalp a little sore, discon- tinue for a short time." 6. Dandruff, Talcum Powder an Excellent Remedy for. — "Take talcum powder and sprinkle in the hair thoroughly, then brush." This is a very good remedy. PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Dandruff.— If there are gen- eral diseases, they should be treated. SKIN DISEASES 8S Local. — In mild cases, shampooint; with hot water and a good soap may be sufficient when the scales and crusts arc thick and abundant ; first soften them with olive oil and then remove them with hot water and green soap. After the scalp has been cleaned, the remedies should be applied. The remedies should be thoroughly rubbed in and applied in the form of ointments or lotions and used once daily. Cutting the hair may be necessary. The odor of sulphur may be overcome by the use of perfume. If the scalp becomes too dry after shampooing some oil should first be applied, whatever application is used afterwards. Remedies. — Resorcin, sulphur, salicylic acid, in combination with other ingredients. Some favorite prescriptions are now given: 1. Resorcin 1 to 2 drams Pure Castor Oil 1 dram Alcohol 2 ounces Mix and rub well into the scalp. 9. Precipitated Sulphur 1 dram Salicylic Acid 15 grains Ointment Petrolatum 1 ounce 3. Washed Sulphur 4 drams Castor Oil 1% drams Oil of Cocoa 3 ounces Balsam of Peru ^ ounce Apply twice daily. 4. Carbolic Acid 20 drops to 1 dram Oil of Almonds 4 drams Oil of Lemon 1 dram Distilled Water, enough to make 2 ounces Apply after washing. The oily type is best treated with lotions and powders. The disease is very obstinate, but generally gets well. WEN (Sebaceous Cyst. Steatoma). — A wen varies in size from a millet seed to an egg, and it is due to the distention of a sebaceous gland by its retained secretions. They occur most commonly on the scalp, face and back. They cause no pain, grow slowly, and after they have grown to a certain size remain stationary for an indefinite time. Sometimes they become inflamed and ulcerate. Treatment. — Make a free cut and take the mass out. Its cover- ing (capsule) or sac must be removed at the same time, for if any of this membrane (capsule) is left it will fill up again. Equal parts of fine salt and the yolk of an egg beaten together and applied continu- ously will eat the skin open and the mass can then be taken out. This is quite painful and takes several days, while with the knife there is little pain if cocaine is injected and it will all be over in a few minutes. 86 MOTHERS' REMEDIES,. RINGWORM (Tinea Trichophytina).— Ringworm is a con- tagious disease of the skin, produced by the presence of a vegetable parasite. The disease affects the hair follicles of the scalp and the beard, and also of the portions of the body that, seemingly at least, have no hair. Varieties. — Ringworm aflFecting the body called Tinea Circinata. Ringworm affecting the scalp called Tinea Tonsurans. Ringworm affecting the beard, etc.. Tinea Barbae (barbers' itch). Ringworm of the Body. — This type of ringworm usually begins as one or several round, somewhat raised and very small, defined con- gested spots and these are covered with a few branny scales. The disease extends from the circumference and, while healing in the center, assumes a shape like a ring and these rings may become as large as a silver dollar and remain the same size for months or years, or they may go together (coalesce) to form circle (gyrate) patches. Vesicle and pimples frequently crop out at the circumference. Mothers' Remedies for Ringworm. — 1. Gunpowder and Vinegar for. — ''Make a paste of gunpowder and vinegar and apply. Some- times one application will be sufficient ; if not, repeat." 2. Ringworm, Cigar Ashes for. — "Wet the sore and cover with cigar ashes. Repeat frequently. This will cure if taken in time." This is a very simple and effective remedy. Cigar ashes are always easy to obtain and if applied to the ringworm at the very beginning, the nicotine in the tobacco will draw out the soreness and relieve the inflammation. 3. Ringworm, Kerosene for. — "Apply kerosene with the finger or a cloth several times a day." 4. Ringworm, Ontario Mother Cured Boy of. — "Wash head with vinegar and paint with iodine to kill germ. Cured a neighbor's boy." 5. Ringworm, Another from a Mother at Valdosta, Georgia. — "Burdock root and vinegar." Take the dock root and steep it the same as any ordinary herb tea, then add your vinegar, making the proportions about half and half. Apply this to the affected part. 6. Ringworm, Egg Skin Remedy for. — "Take the inner skin of an tgg and wrap around it, and cover with a piece of cloth." 7. Ringworm, from a Mother at Owosso, Michigan. — "Take gunpowder and wet it and put it on the sores." This remedy has been tried a great many times and always gives relief when taken right at the beginning. So many people will wait, thinking the ring- worm will disappear of its own accord, instead of giving some simple home remedy like the above a trial. PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Ringworm.— 1. For infants and children simpler remedies should be used at first. Scrub each patch with tincture of green soap, or merely good soap and water may be employed. Then apply tincture of iodine to the patches, once or twice SKIN DISEASES 87 a day, enough to irritate the patclics. Dilute acetic acid, or dilute carbolic acid will do tiic same work. A ten per cent .solution of sodium hyposulphite is a good remedy also. 2. Corrosive sublimate, one to four grains to the ounce of water, is very good to put on the patches. For children the strength should be about one-half grain to the ounce. 3. Ammoniated mercury is also very good to put on. Some- times a combination of remedies will do better, as follows: Milk of Sulphur 21/2 drams Spirits of Green Soap 6 drams Tincture of Lavender 6 drams Glycerin J/4 dram 4. Pure Iodine 2 ounces Oil of Tar 1 ounce Mix with care gradually. 6. Creasote 20 drops Oil of Cadini 3 drams Precipitated Sulphur 3 drams Bicarbonate Potash 1 dram Lard 1 ounce Mix, to be used in obstinate cases in adults. Ringworm of the Scalp. — Cautions and Treatment. — Be careful that others do not catch it from you. Separate the child affected. Cleanse the diseased parts from time to time by shampooing with a strong soap. The hair over the whole scalp should be clipped short and the aiTected parts shaved, or if allowed, the hairs in the affected parts pulled out. The remedies are then applied if possible in the shape of ointments, which are thoroughly rubbed in. Vaselin and lanolin are better as a base for the medicine, as they penetrate deeper. Following remedies are the most valuable: 1. Carbolic acid, one to two drams to glycerin one ounce. 2. Oleate of mercury, strength ten to twenty per cent. 3. Sulphur Ointment, ten to twenty per cent strength. 4. Tincture of Iodine. This variety lasts longer than the ringworms on the body, months sometimes are required to cure it. BARBER'S ITCH (Ringworm of the Beard).— Mother's Reme- dies. 1. Standard Remedy for. — ''Plain vaselin two ounces, venice tur- pentine one-half ounce, red precipitate one-half ounce. Apply locally. Great care should be taken not to expose affected parts to cold and draughts while ointment is in use, especially if affected surface is large.'' The above is a standard remedy and will be found very effec- tive in all cases of barber's itch. The vaselin will assist in healing the sores and softening up the scabs. 88 MOTHERS' REMEDIES 2. Barber's Itch, Healing Ointment for. — 'Tlain vaselin four ounces, sulphur two ounces, sal-ammoniac powder two drams. Mix and apply daily after cleansing the parts thoroughly with castile soap and soda water. This is also an almost infallible cure for common itch." The vaselin is very good and healing, while the sulphur has a soothing effect and is a good antiseptic. 3. Barber's Itch, Reliable Remedy for. — ''Citrine ointment one dram, vaselin or cosmolin one ounce. Mix thoroughly. Wash the affected parts clean and apply this ointment on a soft rag three times a day." This is a standard remedy and one to be relied upon. It is very soothing and has great healing properties. 4. Barber's Itch, Sulphur and Lard for. — ''Sulphur and lard mixed together and applied three or four times a day. Have found this to be the best of anything evei used for barber's itch." This remedy will be found very good if the case is not very severe. If the face is covered with sores, filled with pus and of long standing a stronger treatment should be used. See other Mothers' Remedies, also Doc- tors' Treatment. 5. Barber's Itch, Cuticura Ointment for. — "Apply cuticura oint- ment to the sores, and as it draws out the water press a clean cloth against the sore to absorb the water. This will generally draw the water out in three or four days." PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Barber's Itch.— Pulling out the hairs or close shaving every day. Keep the affected parts soaking with olive oil for two successive days. The evening of the third day the shampoo is employed, the skin is washed free from crusts and scales, shave cleanly. After shaving bathe the parts for ten minutes with borated water, as hot as can be borne; while this is being done, all pustules or points where there is a mucous fluid coming out to the surface are opened with a clean needle. Sponge freely over the affected surface with a strong solution of hyposulphite of sodium for several minutes and not allow it to dry; this solution may contain one dram and perhaps more to the ounce. After a thorough and final washing with hot water, the tender skin is carefully dried and gently smeared with a sulphur ointment containing one to two drams of sulphur to the ounce of vaselin, often with the additioiv of from one- quarter to one-half grain of mercuric sulphide. In the morning wash the ointment off with soap and water, the sodium solution is reapplied, and a borated or salicylated powder is thoroughly dusted and kept over the parts during the day and apply ointment at night. The shaving must be repeated at least the next day. As soon as there are no pustules (lumps), or they have diminished in size, the ointment at night is superseded by the use of the dusting powder. The wash- ing with very hot water and with the solution hyposulphite is con- tinued nightly, when the inflammation excited by the parasite is lim- ited to the follicles that are invaded. Continue the dusting powder after the ointment is discontinued. SKIN DISISASES 89 WART (Verucca). Mothers' Remedies. — 1. An Application for, also Good for Cuts and Lacerations. — "Make a lotiejii uf ten drops lincture oi niarigDld to two ounces of water and apply." This is also good for severe cuts and lacerations. It may be apj^lied by cloths or bandages if the case requires. 2. Warts, Match and Turpentine Wash. — "Dissolve matches in turpentine and api)ly to wart three or four times." This preparation helps to eat them away and if kept on too long is apt to produce a sore; care should therefore be taken in using this remedy. 3. Warts, Muriate of Ammonia for. — "Take a piece of muriate of ammonia, moisten and rub on the wart night and morning; after a week's treatment the wart, if not extra large, will disappear." 4. Warts, Turpentine for. — "Rub frequently with turpentine for a few days and they will disappear. This is a very simple remedy, but a good one, and worth trying if you are afflicted with warts." 5. Warts, to Remove. — "The juice of the marigold frequently applied is efifectual in removing them. Or wash them with tincture of myrrh." 6. Warts, Milkweed Removes. — "Let a drop of tie common milkweed soak into the wart occasionally, the wart will loosen and fall out. This can be applied as often as convenient; here in Canada we do not have to go far to get a plant." 7. The following is a good application: Salicylic Acid : % dram Cannabis Indicia 5 grains Collodion 1 ounce Mix and apply to the wart. Tincture of thuja is very good in some cases when applied daily. HIVES, Nettle Rash (Urticaria). Causes.— Foods such as shell fish, strawberries, cheese, pickles, pork and sausages. Medicines that may cause it. — Quinine, copaiba, salicylic acid, etc. Disorders of the stomach and bowels. Insects, like mosquito, bed- bug, etc. MOTHERS' REMEDIES.— 1. Hives or Nettle Rash, Slippery Elm. — "Slippery elm used as a wash and taken as a drink." Slippery elm is especially good for any skin disease, as it is very soothing to the parts and relieves the itching. If taken as a drink it acts on the kidneys and bowels, throwing off all the impurities. 2. Hives or Nettle Rash, External and Internal Home Medicine for. — "Bathe with weak solution of vinegar. Internal remedy; sweet syrup of rhubarb with small lump of saleratus (size of a pea) dissolved in it. This dose was given to a two-year-old child." The rhubarb helps to rid the stomach and bowels of its impurities, relieving the disease, as hives are usually due to some disorder of the kidneys and bowels. 90 MOTHERS' REMEDIES 3. Hives or Nettle Rash, Tea and Powder for.— *' Rub with buck- wheat flour; this will relieve the itching almost immediately. Sassa- fras tea is a good internal remedy."' 4. Hives or Nettle Rash, Catnip Tea for. — "Boil catnip leaves to make a tea, slightly sweeten and give about six or eight teaspoonfuls at bed time and keep patient out of draughts." The tea can be taken throughout the day also. If taken hot on going to bed it causes sweating and care should be taken not to catch cold while the pores are opened. 5. Hives or Nettle Rash, Mother from Buckhom, Florida, says following is a sure Cure for. — ''Grease with poplar bud stewed down until strong; take out buds, add one teaspoonful lard, stew all the water out. Grease and wrap up in wool blanket." 6. Hives or Nettle Rash, from a Mother at New Milford, Penn- sylvania. — ''One tablespoonful castor oil first. Then put one table- spoonful salts and cream tartar in glass of water; take one spoonful before eating. Have used this and found it excellent." The castor oil acts on the bowels and the cream of tartar on the blood. 7. Hives or Nettle Rash, Buttermilk for. — "Buttermilk applied two or three times a day. Found this to be good for nettle rash." Buttermilk is very soothing and will relieve the itching. This is an old tried remedy. 8. Hives or Nettle Rash, Baking Soda Wash for. — "]^Iake a strong solution of common baking soda, about three teaspoonfuls to pint of water. Sponge or bathe body thoroughly." Any mother who has a child in the house knows how valuable baking soda is in case of burns, on account of its cooling properties. For this same reason it will be found excellent for above disease, as it will relieve the itching and is very soothing. Good for children if used not quite as strong. 9. Hives or Nettle Rash, Canada Blue Clay for. — "Mix up blue clay and water to make a paste. Leave until dry and then wash off." PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Hives or Nettle Rash.— Re- move causes. Bowels and kidneys should act freely. Abstain from eating for a day or two if necessary. For the Itching. — Diluted vinegar, applied is effective. Also cam- phor. Cream of Tartar 2 ounces Epsom Salts 2 ounces Take three or four teaspoonfuls to move the bowels, or one tea- spoonful every three hours if the bowels are regular enough. For a child one year old, give one teaspoonful in water every three hours until the bowels move freely. SUNBURN. — When severe, sunburn may present the symptoms of inflammation of the skin. Then there will be redness, swelling and pain followed by deep discoloration of the skin. SKL\' DISEASES 91 MOTHERS' REMEDIES for Sunburn.— 1. Lemon Juice and Vin- egar for. — "An application of the juice of a lemon or vinegar." 2. Sunburn, Ammonia Water for. — "Ammonia will remove sun- burn in one night." Care should be taken in using this remedy. The ammonia should be diluted half with water and not used too often. 3. Sunburn, Relief from Peiin and Smarting of. — "Benzoated zinc ointment or vaselin applied to the affected parts is sure to give relief and avoid much pain and smarting." 4. Sunburn, Preparation for. — "I have found nothing better than mentholatum." Mentholatum is simply a mixture of vaselin or cos- molin and menthol. They are both very healing, and will be found beneficial. PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Sunburn.— Soothing ointments and dusting powders are generally sufficient for sunburn. Talcum powder (Mennen's borated), rice powder, oatmeal powders are good and healing. The following are good : 1. Oxide of Zinc Powder J/2 ounce Powdered Camphor V/z dram Powdered Starch 1 ounce Mix. Dust on the parts. 2. Powdered Starch 1 ounce Powdered Camphor 1 dram Well mixed and applied is soothing to the parts. 3. The following is a good combination : Carbonate of Lead 1 dram Powdered Starch 1 dram Ointment of Rose Water 1 ounce Olive Oil 2 drams Mix and apply to the inflamed skin. GANGRENE. — This is the death of a part of the body in mass. There are two forms, moist and dry. Dry Gangrene. — This is a combination produced by a loss of water from the tissues. The skin becomes dark and wrinkled and is often hard, like leather. Senile or old age gangrene, and really due to the arterial sclerosis, usually occurs in the lower extremities, involving the toes. A slight injury may first start up the trouble. The pain in this variety is not usually great. MOTHERS' REMEDIES.— 1. Gangrene, Remedy from New^ York that Cured a Gangrenous Case. — "A man aged 71 years had a sore below the knee for fifteen years : at last gangrene appeared in his foot and three physicians pronounced his case hopeless on account of his agje. I was called as a neighbor and found the foot swollen to twice its natural size, and the man in pain from head to foot. I ordered cabbage leaves steamed until wilted, then put them over the limb from knee to foot and covered with a cloth. In about fifteen minutes they 92 MOTHERS' REMEDIES were black, so we removed them and put on fresh ones, repeating the change until the leaves did not turn black. Then the sore was thor- oughly cleansed with a weak solution of saleratus and while wet was thickly covered with common black pepper and wrapped up. The sal- eratus water and pepper was changed night and morning until the sore was entirely healed. After the third day this man had no pain, and in four weeks was entirely healed. A year later he said he had never had any trouble with it or with rheumatism which he had had for years before. PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Gangrene.— The skin should be treated. Poultices sometimes may be good, or bottles of hot water around the parts. A general tonic should be given. Moist Gangrene. Causes. — Wounds, fractures, injuries, pressure from lying in bed and frost bite. PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Moist Gangrene.— Remove the cause if possible. This kind is more dangerous, and a physician should be called as the best treatment that can be given is none too good. BLISTER. — This is a watery elevation of the outer skin. It is caused by rubbing, for instance of a shoe, friction from anything, or from burns. It frequently appears on the hands after working for some time at manual labor, when the hands are not accustomed to work. It is the common blister which hardly needs much describing. MOTHERS' REMEDIES for Blister.— 1. Linseed Oil for.— "Lin- seed oil used freely." This is a very good remedy because it is sooth- ing. Any good soothing lotion or salve that will draw out the sore- ness and pain is helpful. 2. Blister. A Method of Raising a Blister. — 'Tf a blister is needed take an ordinary thick tumbler, rub alcohol inside and around the rim, then invert over a piece of cotton, saturated with alcohol and ignited; after a few minutes the glass may be removed and clapped on the sur- face of the body. As the glass contains rarified air the flesh will be drawn up into it and a blister formed." IVY POISONING.— The parts usually affected are the hands, face, the genitals, the arms, the thighs and neck. Symptoms. — These usually appear soon. Red patches, with scanty or profuse watery pimples, with a watery discharge after burst- ing. There is swelling, intense burning and itching. The parts some- times swell very much and look watery. The person can hardly keep from scratching. MOTHERS' REMEDIES.— 1. Ivy Poisoning, Buttermilk and Cop- peras for. — ''Wash in copperas and buttermilk three or four times a day. Have seen this used and it helped." The copperas and butter- milk is very good when applied to the parts immediately after the poison is discovered. The copperas acts very much like sugar of lead and in some cases is very much more effective. SKI\ DISEASES, 93 2. Ivy Poisoning, Cure for. — "Bromine 10 to 20 drops Olive Oil 1 ounce Mix. Rub the mixture gently into the affected parts three or four times a day. The bromine being volatile the solu- tion should be freshly made." This remedy is frequently used by physicians, and is very effective. CHAPPED HANDS AND FACE. Mothers' Remedies.— 1. Chapped Hands, Quince Seed Cream for. — "Soak one teaspoonful of quince seeds in one cup warm water over night. Strain through a cloth and add one ounce glycerin, five cents' worth bay rum, and per- fume if you choose." 2. Chapped Hands, Soothing Lotion for. — "Bathe them in soft water using ivory soap and Indian meal ; when dry bathe in vinegar. Have tried this treatment and my hands feel soft and easy after treat- ment." It would be best to dilute the vinegar with water one-half. 3. Chapped Hands, Glycerin for. — "Use glycerin freely." Glyc- erin is very irritating to some people, then again it works like a charm. You can tell only by trying it. 4. Chapped Hands, Carbolic Salve for. — "We always use a good carbolic salve for these, as we have found nothing better for sores of any kind." A few drops of carbolic acid added to any good salve will give you the above. 5. Chapped Hands, Glycerin and Lemon Juice for. — "Two-thirds glycerin, one-third lemon juice, mix well together; apply nights." 6. Chapped Hands, Camphor Ice for. — ''Camphor ice." Apply frequently after thoroughly washing and drying the hands. 7. Chapped Hands, Remedy from a New York Lady. — Glycerin 4 ounces Cologne 2 ounces Benzoin J^ ounce Rain water 1 pint Mix thoroughly and apply to the hands after washing. This remedy has also been used for years by a friend, and we have proved it good. If applied frequently during the winter the hands will not chap." 8. Chapped Hands, Rose Cream for. — "Get ten cents' worth of rose water, five cents' worth of glycerin and the juice of one lemon. Mix and rub on the affected parts." 9. Chapped Hands, Preventive for. — "A little diluted honey or almond oil will restore softness and prevent chapping." 10. Chapped Hands or Face, from a Twin Falls Idaho, Mother. — "One-fourth ounce gum tragacanth dissolved in one and half pints oi -i>ft water; then add ounce each of alcohol, glycerin and witch-hazel, 94 MOTHERS' REMEDIES also a little perfume. I find this one of the best remedies I ever used for sore or chapped hands." PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Chapped Hands.— 1. Subnitrate of Bismuth 3 drams Oleate of Zinc 3 drams Lycopodium 2 drams Mix. Apply to the parts three times daily. 2. Powdered camphor mixed with vaselin is healing. 3. Ointment of water of roses (cold cream) is a soothing applica- tion. It can be improved by adding a little glycerin and benzoic acid — tl\is keeps it sweet in warm weather. 4. Powdered zinc oxide, or starch as a dusting powder. FACE CREAMS, Mothers' Preparations.— 1. Cream of Pond Lil- ies. — "This agrees especially well with oily skins ; will keep indefinitely. Orange Flower Water, triple 6 ounces Deodorized Alcohol 1^ ounces Bitter Almonds, blanched and beaten in a mortar. . . 1 ounce White Wax ' 1 dram Spermaceti 1 dram Oil of Benne 1 dram Shaving Cream 1 dram Oil of Bergamot 12 drops Oil of Cloves 6 drops Oil of Neroli Bigrade 6 drops Borax Vs ounce Dissolve the borax in the orange flower water, slightly warmed. Mix the wax, spermaceti, oil of benne and shaving cream in a bain- maire, at gentle heat. Then stir in the perfumed water and almonds. Strain through a clean muslin strainer, place in a mortar and while stirring gradually work in the alcohol in which the oils have been previously dissolved." 2. Face Cream, When Facing our North Winds, in Canada, I Use this. — "Honey, almond meal, and olive oil to form paste. Use after getting skin cleaned. I used it myself and find it good when going out driving." 3. Face Cream, Lanolin Cream. — Lanolin 1 ounce Sweet Almond Oil % ounce Boric Acid 40 drops Tincture of Benzoin 10 drops This is a good skin food to be rubbed into the skin with the tips of the fingers." 4. Face Cream, Cucumber Lotion. — "Expressed Juice of cucumbers H pint Deodorized Alcohol 1^ ounces Oil of Benne 354 ounces Shaving Cream 1 dram Blanched Almonds 1^ drams SKIN DISEASES 95 The preparation oi this is the same as for almond lotion. It is an excellent cosmetic to use in massacring the face and throat, as it not only tones any relaxed tissues, hut also may he used to cleanse the skin duriui^'^ the day. A complexion brush is an excellent invest- ment; one should be chosen that has fine camel's hair bristles. It should be used in connection with good soap." 5. Face Cream, Almond Lotion to Whiten and Soften the Skin. — Bitter Almonds, blanched and beaten 4 ounces Orange Flower Water 12 ounces Curd Soap (or any rtne toilet soap) 1/2 ounce Oil ot Bergamot 50 drops Oil of Cannelle 10 drops Oil of Almonds 20 drops Alcohol (65% solution) 4 ounces Powder or break up the soap ; dissolve in the orange flower water by heating in a bain-maire. gradually work almonds into the soap and water. Strain and finish as directed above. This is a bland lotion, very cleansing, whitening and softening.'' 6. Face Cream, the Cold Ontario Wind Harmless When Using this. — "Wash in warm water, rub face dry with corn-meal. This takes place of bottle cream." FROST BITES.— Keep the patient in a cold atmosphere, or put into a cold bath and the frozen part rubbed with snow or ice until sensation is felt and color returns ; then discontinue the rubbing and apply ice water compresses. Stimulants such as brandy, coitee and hot drinks are given, but external heat is only gradually permitted, for the circulation returns very slowly to the frost-bitten parts, and in trying to hasten it, w^e run the risk of producing or. at least, increas- ing the tendency to gangrene of the frozen parts. MOTHERS' REMEDIES.— 1. Frost Bites, Remedy from Northern New York. — "Soak the parts affected in kerosene oil ; this will soon draw out the frost." 2. Frost Bites, Roasted Turnips for. — "Roasted turnips bound to the parts frosted." This is a very soothing application, but should not be put on warm. Cold applications are what are needed in frost bites. BUNIONS. — This is a lump over a joint usually of the big toe. usually due to pressure and a wrong position of the surfaces of the joint. MOTHERS' REMEDIES.— 1. Bunions, Remedy from Your Flower Garden. — "Peel the outside skin from the leaf of 'Live Forever' and apply as a poultice. Repeat until cured. This is a very good remedy and one that should be tried if you are troubled with bunions or corns." 2. Bunions. A Cure for. — 'Tincture of Iodine 2 drams Tincture of Belladonna 2 drams Apply twice a day with camel's hair brush." 96 MOTHERS' REMEDIES. This mixture when applied will have a drawing effect, and care should be taken not to leave it on too long, as it will irritate the parts and make it very sore. 3. Bunions, Iodine for. — ''Apply tincture of iodine to the bunion night and morning. This will reduce size ; if used at first will entirely remove." 4. Bunions, Tested Remedy for. — "Take about one teaspoonful salicylic acid in two tablespoons of lard, and apply night and morning. Before doing this apply adhesive plasters to the affected parts." This is a standard remedy. PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Bunions.— Rest of the part, cold applications and liniments. CHILBLAINS. (Erythema Pernio). — This occurs usually in peo- ple with a feeble circulation or scrofulous constitution, usually seen in the young or very old. The redness shows most, as a rule, on the hands and feet. The redness may be either a light or dusky shade. It itches and burns especially when near artificial heat. The redness disappears on pressure, and the parts are cool rather than hot. It is an inflammation that follows freezing or a frost-bite. It may return ■^or years at the return of cold weather. MOTHERS' REMEDIES. 1. Chilblains, a Cure for.--''Equal parts of extract of rosemary and turpentine. Apply night and morn- ing until cured." The rosemary is very soothing, and the turpentine creates a drawing sensation. It has cured many cases of chilblains. 2. Chilblains, Witch-hazel for. — "Bathe feet in lukewarm water and soda and apply carbolized witch-hazel." This remedy is very soothing, and always give relief. 3. Broken Chilblains, Ointment for. — "Sweet Oil ^ pint Venice Turpentine . 1^ ounce Fresh Lard 54 pound Beeswax 15^ ounce Simmer gently together in a pan water bath until the beeswax is melted, stirring until cool. When it is ready for use apply on going to bed on a soft rag." 4. Chilblains, Vinegar Cure. — "Soak the feet in a weak solution of vinegar, then rub good with vaselin or oil." 5. Chilblains, Home-made Salve for. — Fresh Lard 2 ounces Venice Turpentine ^ ounce Gum Camphor H ounce Melt together, stirring briskly. When cold it is ready for use. 6. Chilblains, Common Glue for. — 'Tut a little common (dis- solved) glue in hot water and soak the feet in it. Repeat if neces- sary." This is very good and gives relief." ■/ Heart, Stomach and Appendix. SKIN DISEASES 97 7. Chilblains, the Onion Cure for. — "Raw union nibbed un chil- blains every night and morning." The onion scem.s U) have a very fcoothing effect upon the chilblains, and this remedy has been known to cure many stubborn cases. It is always well to soak the feet well before applying this treatment, as tht- juice from the onion will pen- etrate more quickly. 8. Chilblains, the Hemlock Remedy for. — "Hemlock twigs mixed with lard and pounded until it is green, then bound on." PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Chilblains.— Thick woolen stockings, mittens and ear protections should be worn. Daily cold baths, especially of such parts, should be taken. Alcohol applied to the parts, full strength, will harden the tissues. Camphor also is good. Internal. — Iron should be given to establish a better circulation and give strength. Tincture of iron, five drops three times a day, is good. External. — 1. Alum as a wash applied to the parts. 2. Ointment of ichthyol, one-half strength, is very good in some cases. 3. Rosin made in an ointment is also good to relieve some cases. 4. Lard and iodine ointment is excellent for some. 5. The following is also good : Prepared Chalk 1 ounce Powdered Camphor 10 grains Linseed Oil 2 ounces Balsam of Peru 20 drops Mix and apply. DIGESTIVE ORGANS, DISEASES OF. CANKER SORE MOUTH. (Aphthous Stomatitis.)— This is a variety of mflammation cf the mouth where there are one or more vesicles ( cankers j upon the edges of the tongue, the cheek or the lips. Causes. — They are most common in children between two and six years of age ; but are not rare in adults. Predisposmg causes are spring and autumn, tuberculosis, teething, poor nutrition, stomach and bowel disorders. Symptoms. — The vesicles soon rupture ?.nd leave the ulcer (can- ker). There may be a few or many, pin-head or split pea in size, along the edges of the tongue, inside the cheeks. They are very tender. 98 MOTHERS' REMEDIES MOTHERS' REMEDIES.— 1. Canker Sore Mouth, Raspberry Leaf for. — "Infuse a handful of raspberry leaves in a half pint of boil- ing water for fifteen minutes ; when cold strain and add two ounces tine, of myrrh, rinse the mouth with a little of it two or three times a day, swallow a little each time until relieved. This is also good for spongy gums, loose teeth, bad breath and for gently correcting and cleansing the stomach." 2. Canker Sore Mouth, Oak Bark Tea for.— ''Red Oak bark, a little salt and pepper." The bark should be boiled down to make a good strong tea, according to age of person. The salt has an astrin- gent effect upon the mouth and is also a good antiseptic. The pepper should not be used when the parts are very red and inflamed. It should be used only when they are rather sluggish. 3. Canker Sore Mouth, Boracic acid for. — ''Rinse the mouth with a solution of boracic acid and put some of the dry powder on the canker." This is a very good remedy as the boracic acid is a good antiseptic and is especially good for children and mild cases of canker sore mouth. 4. Canker Sore Mouth, Canker Weed Tea for. — "Apply canker weed found in the woods. A small plant with dark green leaves spot- ted with white." Make a tea of the canker weed by steeping it, then strain and apply to the affected parts. This is a very good remedy. 5. Canker Sore Mouth, Honey and Borax for. — "Honey and borax used as a mouth wash or swabbing is excellent." The honey is very soothing and the borax is a good antiseptic. 6. Canker Sore Mouth, Wild Turnip for. — "Dried wild turnip grated fine and put in mouth. I know this is excellent." 7. Canker Sore Mouth, Alum for. — "Take a piece of alum, rub on the canker often." 8. Canker Sore Mouth, Borax Water for. — ''Rinse the mouth well with a weak solution of borax water, then put a little dry borax on the canker. They will generally heal after one or two applications." 9. Sore Mouth, Common and Effective Remedy for. — "Make an infusion of sumach bobs (not the poison ones, of course). Good for sore throat when used as a gargle and a little swallowed frequently." This is a very eft'ective remedy and is also good for sore mouth. 10. Sore Mouth, Shoemaker Root and Borax good for. — "Take the inside bark of shoemaker root and steep it; strain, add a little borax; have known it to take off canker where doctors failed." If the above cannot be secured make a tea from common strawberry leaves. You can use this for a baby by swabbing the mouth, and I have known some mothers to thrown in a small piece of alum making it stronger for an older person. DIGESTIlli ORGANS 99 1. PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Canker Sore Mouth.— If from the diseases mentioned treat them. In the meantime to relieve the local conditions keep the mouth clean and use as a mouth wash boric acid, one teaspKDonful to a cup of warm water. 2. Burnt alum applied directly to the part is good. 3. Nitrate of silver pencil applied directly to the canker until it turns whitish, cures in a few applications. Use twice a day. 4. A wash of sage tea is good also, but it must be strong. 5. The juice of a ripe tomato is good applied locally. Sore mouth should be kept absolutely clean. Thrush frequently comes from uncleanness. GANGRENOUS STOMATITIS.— This is a rapidly spreading gangrenous atlection of the cheeks and forms a rare occurrence and ending fatally in most cases. The trouble may extend to the jaws and lips. Causes. — It is more common in girls and boys and usually appears between the ages of two and five years. It is worse in the low coun- tries like Holland, but it is not contagious. It is more likely to attack the sickly children suffering from the effects of overcrowding. It may follow diseases like scarlet fever, typhoid fever, smallpox, etc. Symptoms. — It usually affects first the mucous membrane of one cheek, near the corner of the mouth, as a dark, ragged, sloughing ulcer and spreads for two or three days before the substance of the cheek is infected. If you grasp the cheek between the thumb and finger you can then feel a hard and sensitive lump. The cheek may be eaten through by the third day, though a week generally passes before this happens. There is a burning watery discharge from the unhealthy wound. The breath smells terribly and it is almost unbearable. The gangrene may spread over one half of the face of the side affected. TREATMENT.— The death rate is eighty to ninety per cent. This is a very dangerous disease and a doctor must be in attendance. Cut away all the dead tissue by using burning caustics, such as fum- ing nitric acid, solid zinc chloride, nitrate of silver, carbolic acid on the actual canker. Sometimes mild applications like subnitrate of bismuth, chloride of potash or the following do well : — Sulphate of copper 2 drams Powdered cinchona V2 ounce Water enough to make 4 ounces Mix and apply. Peroxide of hydrogen is good as a disin- fectant or boric acid solution, etc., may be used. Keep up the patient's strength. Fortunately this disease is rare. I have never seen a case in practice. Salivation. — Stop the mercury, keep the bowels open and use the same antiseptic washes as directed for sore mouth. 100 MOTHERS' REMEDIES Chlorate of Potash Solution, Soda Solutions, Boracic Acid Solu- tions. — Brush the ulcers with nitrate of silver sticks. Keep the mouth clean with hot water washes and some of the antiseptics put in the water as boric acid, soda, glycothymoline, Hsterine, etc. ACUTE DYSPEPSIA.— (Acute Indigestion, Acute Gastritis). "Gaster" is the Greek for stomach ; "itis" means inflammation, — thus acute inflammation of the stomach. It may be acute or chronic. When acute it may be called acute gastritis, acute gastric catarrh, acute dyspepsia or acute indigestion. When chronic it may be called chronic gastritis, chronic catarrh of the stomach, chronic dyspepsia or chronic indigestion. Causes. — This is a very common complaint and is usually caused by eating foods that are hard to digest, which either themselves irri- tate the stomach, or remain undigested, decompose, and so excite an acute dyspepsia, or indigestion, or it may be caused by eating or tak- ing in more than the stomach can digest. A frequent cause is eating decomposing food, particularly in hot weather. Alcohol is another great cause. Symptoms. — In mild cases. Distress in the stomach, headache, weary feeling, thirst, nausea, belching of wind, sour food, and vomit- ing; the tongue is heavily coated and the saliva increased. In chil- dren there are loose bowels and colicky pains. It lasts rarely more than twenty-four hours. Vomiting usually relieves the patient. Severe cases. — These may set in with a chill; fever 102 or 103. The tongue is much coated, breath foul and frequent vomiting, loss of appetite, great thirst, tenderness in region of the stomach; repeated vomiting of food at first, then of bile stained fluid with mucus; con- stipation or diarrhea. Attacks last one to five days. MOTHERS' REMEDIES.— 1. Indigestion or Dyspepsia, Mustard and Molasses for. — "Mustard is an excellent household remedy kept in every home. A tablespoonful of white mustard mingled with two ounces of molasses and then taken once a day will act gently on the bowels and is a beneficial remedy in dyspepsia." By acting upon the bowels it relieves the stomach of any food that may have caused a disturbance and relieves the dyspepsia." 2. Flatulent Dyspepsia, Wormwood tea for.— "Wormwood, one to two teaspoonfuls, water one pint. Make a tea and take from one to four teaspoonfuls daily." This is an old tried remedy and one that should be given a trial if affected with dyspepsia. 3. Indigestion or Dyspepsia, Dry salt for. — "One-half teaspoon dry salt taken before each meal. Knew a gentleman who was nearly worn out with this trouble and entirely cured himself with this sim- ple remedy." It is always well to give these simple remedies a fair trial, before resorting to strong drugs. Salt is a good stimulant. DIGESTin-: O KUANS 101 4. Indigestion or Dyspepsia, Chicken Gizzard Skin for. — 'T'lih ounces gotul hraiuiy, onc-fourlli pound of loaf sugar, one tahlcspoonful pulverized chicken gizzard skin, one tcaspoonfiil Turkish rhubarb dried on paper stirring constantly; this i)revents grii)ing; the chicken gizzard skin is the lining of the gizzard which should be thoroughly cleaned and dried then pulverized. To prepare put brandy and sugar together (crush the sugar), light a paper and set fire to the brandy; let burn until sugar is dissolved, then add the gizzard skin and rhu- barb, stir together and if too thick add a little water and boil up. Dose: — Infant, one-half teaspoonful every four hours; child, one tea- spoonful every four hours ; adult, one tablespoonful every four hours. Have used this remedy for a great many years and given it to a great many people who have worn out all other remedies." 5. Indigestion or Dyspepsia, an Excellent Tonic for. — Tincture Gentian Compound 2 ounces Tincture Rhubarb o . . 2 ounces Tincture Ginger 14 ounce Essence Peppermint 2 ounces Bicarbonate Soda ^/i ounce Water to make 8 ounces Mix. For acute cas^s of indigestion where the stomach and bowels are full and distended, or sour stomach, spitting up of food. This will often relieve at once and with continued use relieves entirely." 6. Indigestion or Dyspepsia, Fruit Diet Cure for. — "Persons afflicted with this disease would find great relief if they would confine themselves to a diet of fruit only for several days." This gives the stomach an opportunity to rest up and get back to its natural state. 7. Indigestion or Dyspepsia, Hickory Ashes for. — "Take a swal- low of hickory limb ashes and water three times a day." 8. Indigestion or Dyspepsia, Salt and water for. — "Drink sab and water before eating breakfast." 9. Indigestion or Dyspepsia, Slippery Elm for. — "Chew slippery elm; it aids digestion." 10. Indigestion or Dyspepsia, Cold Water for. — "A glass of cold water half hour before eating." 11. Indigestion or Dyspepsia, Hot Water fcr. — "Sip a cup of boiling hot water before eating anything." 12. Indigestion or Dyspepsia, Yolk of Egg and Salt for. — "A very simple but good remedy is the yolk of one egg, with a small quantity of common salt before breakfast. This treatment has been tried and known to cure in many cases.** 13. Indigestion or Dyspepsia, Lemon Remedy for. — "Drink a half glass of water into which has been put the juice of a lemon (no sugar") morning and evening. This is a fine remedy." 102 MOTHERS' REMEDIES 14. Indigestion or Dyspepsia, Hops Excellent for. — "Pour one quart of boiling water over one-half ounce of hops, cover this over and allow the infusion to stand for fifteen minutes ; the tea must then be strained off into another jug. A small cupful may be drank in the morning, which will create an appetite and also strengthen the diges- tive powers. It is an excellent medicinal drink." Hops does its work by the soothing and quieting action on the whole system, and should be taken regularly for some time. 15. Indigestion or Dyspepsia, Tested Remedy for. — "A good di- gestive is made as follows: Tincture of Leptandrin 1 ounce Tincture of Hydrastis 1 ounce Tincture of Colombo 1 ounce Wine of Pepsin 1 ounce Mix. Dose, two teaspoonfuls after each meal." The leptandrin acts on the liver, the Colombo is a bitter tonic and hydrastis is a good tonic for the stomach. 16. Indigestion or Dyspepsia, Chamomile Tonic for Aged Persons also for Children. — ''Put about one-half ounce chamomile flowers into a jug, pour a pint of boiling water upon them, cover up the tea, and when it has stood about ten minutes pour it off from the flowers into another jug; sweeten with sugar or honey. A cupful in the morning will strengthen the digestive organs, a teacupful in which is stirred a large dessert spoonful of moist sugar and a little grated ginger is an excellent thing to give to aged persons a couple of hours before din- ner." It is remarkable to see how this treatment aids the digestion, especially in chronic cases. It may also be given to fretful children in small doses. PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT in mild cases of acute Dyspepsia. — These recover by themselves by giving the stomach rest, and taking a dose of castor oil. Hot water is good to help to clean out the stomach. Treatment in severe forms. — Promote vomiting by drinking large amount of warm water. This cleans the stomach of the sour, foul, decomposing food. If warm water does not cause vomiting, give any simple emetic you may have at your hand, such as mustard, etc., one teaspoonful. If the stomach tastes very sour, take some baking soda ; subnitrate of bismuth (ten grains) is good, if you have it. If the bowels are constipated you should take an enema (injection) or salts. Soda water can be drank freely. Rest the stomach for a day from food. For the thirst cracked ice is relished. As the patient is usually very thirsty the mouth should be rinsed frequently with cool water and some can be swallowed. As stated before for nausea and sour belching, baking soda or bismuth subnitrate can be used when there is much gas, sour belchings ; crust coffee is very good. Burn the toast and make a hot coffee of it. DIGESTIl L ORC.IXS 103 DIET. — Given us by the Lady Superior of one of the largest Cath- olic Hospitals in Ohio. May take — Soups — Clear thin soups of beef, mutton or oysters. Fish — Oysters raw, shad, cod, perch, bass, fresh mackerel. Meats — Beef, mutton, chicken, lamb, tripe, tongue, calf's head, broiled chopped meat, sweetbread, game, tender steak. Eggs — Boiled, poached, raw. Farinaceous — ^Cracked wheat, hominy, rolled oats, rice, sago, tap- ioca, crackers, dry toast, stale bread, corn bread, whole wheat bread, graham bread, rice cakes. Vegetables — Spinach, string beans, green peas, lettuce, cresses, celery, chicory, asparagus. Desserts — Rice, tapioca or farina pudding, junket, custards, baked apples, apple snow, apple tapioca, ripe fruits — raw or stewed. Drinks — One cup of milk and hot water equal parts, or one glass of pure cool water, sipped after eating, Panopepton or cracked ice. Must Not Take — Rich soups or chowders, veal, pork, hashes, stews, turkey, potatoes, gravies, fried foods, liver, kidney ; pickled, potted, corned or cured meats ; salted, smoked or preserved fish ; goose, duck, sausage, crabs, lobster, salmon, pies, pastry, candies, ice cream, cheese, nuts, ice water, malt or spirituous liquors. CHRONIC DYSPEPSIA (Chronic Indigestion— Chronic Gas- tritis — Stomach Trouble). — A chronic digestive disorder characterized by increased secretion of mucus, changes in the gastric juice, weaken- ing of the stomach muscles and diseased changes in the mucous mem- brane. Causes. — The use of unsuitable and improperly prepared food. too much fat, starchy foods, New England pie, and hot meals, bis- cuits, cakes, etc., greasy gravies, too strong tea or coffee, and too much alcohol. Eating too much food, eating too fast, and eating between meals. Drinking of ice and cold water during or after meals. Chewing, especially, and smoking tobacco. Symptoms. — Almost every bad feeling can be put under this head, both physical and mental. It has been coming on gradually for some time and the warnings have not been heeded. The appetite is variable, sometimes good and often poor. Among the early symptoms are feelings of distress or oppression after eating, and they may amount to actual pain; great or small. Sometimes feels sick at the stomach, belching of gas and bitter liquids and vomiting of food immediately after eating or some hours later. Stomach tender and painful to the touch. Stomach and abdomen are distended, especially after meals, with costive bowels or diarrhea. 104 MOTHERS' REMEDIES Feels weary, blue, tired, discouraged, poor sleep, bad dreams, bitter taste in the mouth, tongue coated especially on the back part, craves different things, much wind on the stomach, acid stomach, heavy feeling in the stomach, sometimes as if a stone lay there. Stomach feels weak, it is hard to sit up. Frequently must lie down after meals. Urine may have sand in it. Stomach feels full after eating only a little, must open up the clothes across the stom.ach. Persons are cross, irritable, discouraged, gloomy, nervous, generally look thin, haggard and sallow. The dreams are of horrid things, nightmare. MOTHERS' REMEDIES, Stomach Trouble, Spice Poultice for.— - 1. ''Take all kinds of ground spices and make a poultice. Heat whisky and wet the poultice with it, then apply to the stomach and bowels.^' This will always give relief. Wetting the poultice with whisky will be found very beneficial as it will retain the heat longer. 2. Stomach Trouble, Oil of Hemlock for.— ''The Oil of Hemlock is a superior remedy in gastric irritation of the stomach. Dose : — One to two drops in sweetened water every ten or twenty minutes until relief is afforded, for an adult." 3. Cramps in Stomach, Ginger and Soda for. — "One teaspoonful of ginger stirred in half glass of hot water in which a half teaspoonful of baking soda has been dissolved." The ginger is very beneficial, as it warms up the stomach and thereby relieves the cramps, and the baking soda relieves any gas in the stomach that may be causing the trouble. 4. Cramps in Stomach, Oil of Peppermint for. — Put a few drops of peppermint in a glass of warm water. Take a teaspoonful every few minutes until relieved." This is an old time-tried remedy our grand- mothers used to use and can be relied upon. 5. Cramps in Stomach, Mustard Poultice and Eggs for. — "Make a mustard poultice with whites of eggs instead of water, and apply same to bowels. Give a teaspoonful of blackberry tea every fifteen or twenty minutes until relieved." The poultice acts as a counter irritant and will almost always relieve the cramps without further medicines. 6. Pains in Stomach, Hot Plate for. — "Hot plate laid on stomach. Use the heavy English made plates, common to us in Canada, as they will hold heat longer." PHYSICIANS* TREATMENT for Chronic Gastritis.— Most cases can be cured if the patient is willing to do the proper thing in eating and drinking and regulating the habits. It takes time to cure such cases, and plenty of grit and courage and "stick" on the patient's part. Remember it has been a long time coming, longer than it will be going if the patient does right. Diet and habits must be corrected. You cannot help the trouble if you put into the stomach what has caused it. We eat too much fat and too much improper and improp- erly cooked foods, our bread, etc., is half baked. Gravies are rich DIGESTll'E U KG ASS 105 and i^rca.^y, everything' is highly seasoned, very mucli hke tlie Hfe we lead. Diet. — A regular time for eating and no eating between meals. Do not eai uh) nuicli or too fast, or anything that you know disagrees with you. Fried foods are generally harmful, pies, cakes, hot breads, strong tea and coffee and alcohol, gravy and highly si)iced foods; vinegar pickles, preserves, etc., are generally bad. If there is acid belching gas on stomachy the starch foods should be restricted, particu- larly potatoes and the coarser vegetables. Potatoes fried in lard or butter are always bad unless you are a hard physical worker. Dr. Osier, England, says breads, pancakes, pies, and tarts, with heavy pastry and fried articles of all sorts, should be strictly prohibited. As a rule, white bread toasted is more readily digested than bread made from the whole meal. Sometimes graham bread is better. Sugar and very sweet articles of food should be used in great moderation or avoided altogether. Ice cream frequently aggravates it. Soda water is a great dyspepsia producer. Fats, except a little good butter, very fat meats, and thick greasy soups and gravies should be avoided. Ripe fruits are good in some cases. Bananas generally are not digested. Berries are frequently harmful. Milk is splendid diet for soiiie people. Cautions. — The bowels must be kept "moving" every day, try to do it by dieting, rubbing the abdomen and exercise. Bathing the abdomen in cool water is good. Go to the closet at a regular time every day and try to have a passage, as this helps. Never put off going to stool when nature calls. Dyspepsia is frequently made worse by constipation. Seek good cheerful company. Do not worry over your condition. By care and diet you will soon be all right. Home Treatment. — 1. Drink a glass of cold water an hour be- fore breakfast, or hot water if it agrees better with you. 2. Do not eat much meat. 3. If the stomach wants tone, bitter tonics, like quassia, gentian, cardanum are good, even if drank as teas. When the tongue is coated with a white thick fur, golden seal is good. Medicines are not as essential as care and diet. 4. Charcoal in smaill doses is good for a "gassy" stomach. 5. If a bitter tonic is needed the following is good : Bicarbonate of Soda 1 dram Tincture of Nnx Vomica 1 to 2 drams Compound tincture of Gentian, enough for 3 ounces Mix and take one teaspoonful to a dessertspoonful before meals. NERVOUS DYSPEPSIA.— This is acquired from over work, worry, excitement, hurried or irregular meals, or inherited. It shows 106 MOTHERS' REMEDIES itself in all sorts of symptoms and they must be met as they come. Diet the same as for general dyspepsia, never eat when you are tired, rest after eating. ULCER OF THE STOMACH AND DUODENUM (Upper part of bowel). — Round or perforating ulcer. The stomach ulcer is most common in women of twenty or thirty; servant girls, shoemakers, and tailors are frequently attacked. Ulcer of the duodenum is usually in males and may follow large superficial burns. The ulcer in the stomach is usually situated near the pylorusf small end") and in the first portion of the duodenum Symptoms. — Pain, local tenderness, vomiting and bleeding. These may not show until perforation or bleeding occurs. Distress after eat- ing, often nausea and vomiting of very acid fluid, loss of weight and lack of blood. Pain in the region of the stomach and the back is the most con- stant symptom. It is usually sharp, increased at once by food, relieved by vomiting. The tender spot can be located. Bleeding occurs in about one-half the cases and is usually profuse, bright red and fluid; if retained in the stomach the blood becomes clotted and brown. Tar-like stools when there is blood in the bowels. They usually re- cover under treatment, but may recur. PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT FOR ULCER OF THE STOM- ACH. — 1. Rest in bed most of the time for several months. 2. Feed by the rectum at first m severe cases, then peptonized or plain milk or buttermilk (three to four ounces) every two hours, some adding eggs, chicken, scraped beef and farinaceous food, made of rice, flour, corn, potatoes, etc. CANCER OF THE STOMACH— Usually occurs after the age of forty. Symptoms. — Indigestion for a few months ; lack of blood and loss of weight. Well marked case shows the following symptoms: — Dis- taste for food, nausea, irregular vomiting, especially in cases where it is located near the pylorus — the opening between the stomach and the small intestine — usually one hour or more after mating; bleeding rarely profuse, usually of "coffee-ground type," dragging, gnawing or burning pain in the region of the stomach, back, loins or shoulders, usually increased by food; progressive loss of weight and strength; peculiar sallow look, skin pale or yellowish. Course. — The person usually dies in twelve to eighteen months, sometimes in three to four months. PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT of Cancer of the Stomach and Bowels. — There is no cure for this trouble except by an operation. This must be done early; even this may not cure but it, at least, pro- longs life and makes the patient more comfortable while life does last. DIGEST! I'li ORG.tXS 107 In the line of medicine the only thing to do is to j^nve only such remedies as will ease the symptoms. Diet. — Attend to this also and you will save pain and distress. Every case should be treated as it needs and no special directions can be given here. BLEEDING FROM THE STOMACH. — (Haematemesis). Causes. — Cancer and ulcer of the stomach are main causes of exces- sive bleeding; poisons also cause it; injuries also. Symptoms. — The vomited blood may be fluid or clotted ; it is usually of dark color. The longer it remains in the stomach the darker it becomes. There may be great weakness and faint feeling on attempting to rise before a vomiting of blood. The contents of the bowels when passed look ''tarry." PHYSICIANS* TREATMENT for Bleeding of the Stomach.— Absolute rest in bed is necessary. The bowels should be moved by an enema and it can be repeated carefully as often as necessary. Cracked ice in bag over the stomach. If the patient vomits much medi- cine is useless. They generally recover with rest. The extremities can be bandaged if there is great weakness and also external heat can be applied if there is a tendency to faintness. Caution. — A person so afiflicted, if he has ulcer, must be careful of his diet for months after an attack. He should be careful not to lift, over work, over eat or worry. NEURALGIA OF THE STOMACH (Cardialgia, Gastralgia, Gastrodynia) . — This is a severe pain in paroxysms in the region of the stomach. Causes. — The patients are of a nervous type. They may have anemia, exhaustion from sickness and bleedings, the menstruation be at fault. Grief, worry and anxiety. Symptoms. — The attack comes suddenly as a rule. The pains are agonizing in the stomach region, they may dart to the back or pass around the lower ribs. The attack lasts from a few minutes to an hour or two. It does not depend upon the food taken. PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Neuralgia of the Stomach.— The causes should be understood and especial treatment given for them. The patients are usually run down and a tonic treatment is needed. Constipation and menstrual troubles should be cured, worry, trouble and anxiety, if possible, be removed. The following is good for nervous patients: — Valerianate of zinc 18 grains Valerianate of quinine IS grains Iron Arsenate 2 grains Mix and make into eighteen pills and take one after meals. 108 MOTHERS' REMEDIES Bitter tonics can be taken such as gentian, columbo, quassia. Change of air and scene may be needed. Sometimes morphine must be given for the attack. A physician should do this. If there is much gas, soda and peppermint are good. DIARRHEA: — Causes, (a) Improper or excessive food, includ- ing green or over-ripe fruit. (b) Poison substances ; such as decomposed milk or meat either fresh or canned ; or caused by arsenic, mercury or colchicum, (d) Exposure to cold, wet or draughts. (c) Stomach disorder, preventing thorough digestion. (e) Extension of inflammation from other organs. Symptoms. — Sudden colicky pain in the bowels, moving about with rumbling noises. The pain is not constant and is followed at intervals with a sudden extreme desire to empty the bowels. The stools may be four to twenty a day, watery or gruel-like in appear- ance and they sometimes contain mucus or undigested food. The stools usually relieve the pain for the time. It usually lasts two or three days or longer. MOTHERS' REMEDIES. — Diarrhea. — 1. "Wild Sage Tea." Wild sage tea is a very good remedy for bowel trouble because of its astringent virtues. Before the sage is used, however, the bowels should be thoroughly cleansed with castor oil or salts. 2. Diarrhea, Egg and Nutmeg for. — "Beat up an tgg, grate in half a nutmeg and sweeten to taste. Repeat two or three times dur- ing the day. Remarks : Has been known to help in chronic cases when doctors' medicine failed." 3. Diarrhea, Scorched Flour and Sugar for. — ''Scorched flour in boiled milk or scorched flour and sugar eaten dry is very good. This is a simple but a never failing remedy if taken right at the beginning of the trouble." 4. Diarrhea, Excellent Compound for. — "Tincture of Opium ^ ounce Tincture of Camphor ^ ounce Tincture of Ginger y^ ounce Tincture of Red Pepper 1/2 ounce Essence of Peppermint ^ ounce Ether J/2 ounce Mix. — Dose for adult, one teaspoonful to four of water every two hours if necessary. This is an excellent remedy." 5. Diarrhea, Spice Poultice for. — "Make a poultice of all kinds of ground spices, heat whisky and wet the poultice, apply to the stomach and bowels." 6. Diarrhea, Blackberry Root Tea for. — ''One-half ounce black- berry root boiled in one pint water fifteen minutes, strain. Dose. — • One teaspoonful every hour or two until relieved." DIGEST! ri: ORGANS K/j 7. Diarrhea, Hot Milk for. — "A glass of sweet milk that has hicii boiled well. Drink hot ; use several times daily until checked." 8. Diarrhea. Castor Oil for. — "Castor oil. Dose. — One to four tea- spoonfuls according to age. Wrap warm flannel around abdomen." 9. Summer Complaint, Former Canadian's Remedy for. — "Eat one blossom of the May weed every hour or two until relieved. This remedy came from Port Huron and has been used by my father with success." 10. Summer Complaint, a Goderich Lady Found this Good for. — "Powdered rhubarb, cinnamon, baking soda (one tablespoonful of each), dissolve in one pint of boiling water, add one tablespoonful of pepper- mint; take every hour one teaspoonful in water." 11. Summer Complaint, Inexpensive Remedy for. — "Laudanum 1 ounce Brandy 1 ounce Jamaica Ginger 1 ounce Have used this and found it excellent." Dose: ^ dram every 3 huu.:,. 12. Summer Complaint, Fern Root Good to Relieve. — *'A decoc- tion is made with two ounces of the sweet fern root boiled in one and one-half pints water to one pint. Dose. — A tablespoonful several times a day as the case requires. Most useful in diarrhea." This may be purchased at any drug store and will be found a very good treatment for diarrhea. 13. Summer Complaint, Milk and Pepper a Common Remedy for. — "Sweet milk and black pepper once or twice a day. Dose. — Three or four swallows. Mother used to use this for us children." The milk should be warmed, for in this way it relieves the diarrhea while the pepper is stimulating. PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Diarrhea.— 1. Rest in bed is the best. Abstain from food, especially at first, and then only give a little milk and boiled water or milk and lime water every two hours for two days. Cracked ice is good for the thirst. 2. A dose of one-half to an ounce of castor oil to an adult is of great benefit, as it removes all the irritating matter from the bowels. This often cures a light diarrhea. Follow by a blackberry wine or blackberry cordial if it is more severe. 3. For children. — An infusion of path weed is an excellent remedy for this trouble in children ; after castor oil in one to two teaspoonful doses has been given. If castor oil is too bad to take, you can use what is called "spiced syrup of rhubarb," one to two teaspoonfuls to a child one to two years old, and then follow with blackberry wine. 4. For infants. — An infusion of chamomile is good for the green diarrhea of teething babies. 110 MOTHERS' REMEDIES 5. Another for infants. — For infantile diarrhea the root of geran- ium maculation or cranesbill, boiled in milk in the proportion of one or two roots to the pint, will be found of great service and is tasteless. 6. Ginger tea is frequently of good service, especially when the stomach needs ''toning/' 7. Infants of six months. — Chalk and bismuth mixture by Dr. Douglass, of Detroit. "Subnitrate of Bismuth 2 drams Paregoric 2 fluid drams Chalk mixture 2 fluid drams Mix and shake bottle. Give one-half to one teaspoonful for loose bowels in a child six months old, every two to four hours as needed." DIET IN DIARRHEA.--From the Head Nurse of a Large Hospital. May Take — Soups. — Milk soup well boiled, clam juice, beef tea. Meats. — ^^Scraped fresh beef or mutton well broiled, sweetbread, beef juice from freshly broiled steak (all sparingly). Eggs. — Lightly boiled or poached on dry toast. Farinaceous. — Rice, sago, macaroni, tapioca, arrowroot, dry toast, milk toast, toasted crackers. Desserts. — Milk puddings, plain, with sago, rice, tapioca or arrow- root (no sugar). Drinks. — Tea, toast water, boiled peptonized milk, Panopepton. Must Not Take- Oatmeal, wheaten grits, fresh breads, rich soups, vegetables, fried foods, fish, salt meats, lamb, veal, pork, brown or graham bread, fruits, nuts, pies, pastry, ice cream, ice water, sugars, sweets, custards, malt liquors, sweet wines. Infants. — Bottle-fed infants should stop milk and use ^gg albu- men, etc. This is prepared by gently stirring (not to a froth) the white of one tgg in a cup of cold water and one-fourth teaspoonful of brandy and a little salt mixed with it. Feed this cold. If it causes foul or green stools it must be stopped. Dr. Koplik, of New York, recommends stopping the feeding of breast and bottle- fed infants in severe diarrhea or cholera infantum and to use the following: — Albumin water, acorn cocoa, or beef juice expressed and diluted with barley water. The white of one tgg is equal in nourish- ing value to three ounces of milk and is well borne by infants. The albumin water can be used alternately with the solution of acorn cocoa or beef juice or barley water. Liebig's soup mixture is better liked DIGESTiri: ORG.INS iix by older children. Meat juice is made from lean beef, slightly broiled, then cuttinijf it in squares and S([ueezini2^ these in a lemon press. Rice or barley water can be added to tliis if the meat juice causes vomiting-. Add only one or two teaspoonfuls of barley or rice water and increase, if it agrees well, in a day or two. CHOLERA MORBUS (Acute Inflammation of Stomach and Upper Bowel). — This is most common in young people in late summer, after indiscretion in eating. Symptoms. — Sometimes the patient feels tired, then nausea, etc. The attack though is usually sudden, with nausea, vomoting, and cramp-like pains in the abdomen. The contents of the stomach are vomited. The bowel discharge at first is diarrhea and later like rice water. Repeated vomiting and purging, with severe cramps. It looks like true cholera. MOTHERS' REMEDIES, Cholera Morbus.— Castor Oil for.— ''Castor oil one tablespoonful for an adult, one-half tablespoonful for children." This is an old, tried remedy and very good. 2. Cholera Morbus, Blackberry Root and Boiled Milk for. — "Steep the root of the long blackberry, give in one-half teaspoonful doses ; alternate with teaspoonfuls of well boiled sweet milk, one-half hour apart." 3. Cholera Morbus, Blackberry Cordial for. — "Take a quantity of blackberries, strain out all of the juice. To each pint of juice add a pint of sugar. Then put in a little bag or cloth one-half ounce of cinnamon, one-fourth ounce of mace, two teaspoonfuls of cloves. Place this little bag with spices in the berry juice and boil for about two minutes, after which remove bag of spices and add one large cup of brandy or whisky to each pint of juice." 4. Cholera Morbus, Tincture Cayenne Pepper for. — "Tincture cayenne pepper, five to ten drop doses in a little hot water. Before giving this medicine it is well to drink a quantity of tepid water and produce vomiting. This can be made more effective by adding five or ten drops of camphor." 5. Cholera Morbus, Nutmeg and Jamaica Ginger for. — "Grate one teaspoonful nutmeg, put few drops Jamaica ginger in three or four tablespoonfuls of brandy, add little water." The writer says this is one of the finest remedies she has ever known for summer complaint. 6. Cholera Morbus, Home Remedy for. — "To a pint of water, sweetened with sugar, add chalk one-half dram, anise, two drams, cayenne pepper, ten grains ; boil this down to one-half pint. Give a teaspoonful every hour or two until relieved. Kerosene may be applied to the abdomen with cloths. This is a very good remedy and easily prepared." 112 MOTHERS' REMEDIES 7. Cholera Morbus, Old Reliable Remedy for. — "Spirits of Rhubarb 4 ounces Camphor 2 ounces Tincture of Opium 2 ounces Aqua Ammonia J^ dram Oil of Peppermint ^ dram Take a half teaspoonful every two hours. This is a tested recipe; have known of its being used the last fifty years." The camphor and opium will relieve the pain, while the rhubarb and pepper are stimulating and laxative. 8. Cholera Morbus, Common Remedy for. — **To check vomiting and purging, the following mixture is excellent: Essence of Peppermint 1 ounce Water , 1 ounce Carbonate of Potash 20 grains Paregoric 1 teaspoonful White Sugar or Honey 2 teaspoonfuls Mix and shake well. Dose. — One teaspoonful every ten or twenty minutes until the patient becomes quiet. If necessary keep up bodily heat by means of hot flannels or bricks to ex- tremities. Keep the patient quiet." This is an excellent remedy for this trouble and may be used by any one. The above mixture is for an adult. PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Cholera Morbus.— 1. Heat to the bowels and to the extremities. Give plenty of hot water to aid vomiting and to wash the stomach. It is always well to keep on drinking hot water and frequently the vomiting stops. If not, the camphor, laudanum and water can be given. 2. Morphine by hypodermic method. A doctor must give this. 3. Tincture of Camphor 15 drops Laudanum , . 15 drops Mix in one-third of a cup of hot water. This is a good remedy. Mustard poultice to the stomach and bowels benefits. CHOLERA INFANTUM, Symptoms.— Usually begins with a diarrhea, which is often so mild as to attract but little attention, but should be a warning. If a weakly baby has a diarrhea which persists, or is foul smelling and especially if there is a marked loss of flesh and dullness of mind, there is ground for worry. If a bright child loses inter- est in things and has diarrhea something is wrong. The two essential features are vomiting and diarrhea, and the vomiting is persistent. First it vomits food, then the mucus and bile. The thirst is great, but anything taken to relieve it is instantly thrown up. The stools are frequent, large and watery. They may be painless and involuntary. They may look like dirty water, but later they loose all color. They are sometimes so thin and copious as to soak through the napkin and saturate the bed. They may be without odor, and again the odor is almost over-powering. The prostration is great and rapid. The fon- tannelles, openings in the head, are depressed, the face becomes pale DIGESTIVE ORGANS 113 and pinched, and the eves are sunken. Il occnrs usually (hirinLC the summer months, oftener in l)al)ies under eighteen moiUhs and still more under a year old. Cautions. — This book will jirobably find its way into homes many miles from a drug store and ])ossibly a long distance from a i)hysician. Should a child in that home show symptoms of cholera infantum it ^N'ould be imperative for that mother to begin at once home treat- ments. We, therefore, give below a number of remedies which a mother can either prepare in her home or can take the precaution to have filled at some convenient time and keep constantly at hand, properly labeled so she can turn to them at any moment. On the other hand, should you have to wait even three or four hours for a physician begin one of the treatments below until he comes ; you may save the child's life by doing so. Cholera infantum and pneu- monia claim so many of our little ones each year, and in many cases snatch them away within a few hours of the first noticeable symptoms that we must advise you to call a physician as soon as you suspect it is serious. Cases vary and only a trained eye can detect the little symptoms and changes that may weigh in the balance the life of baby. MOTHERS' REMEDIES for Cholera Infantum.— 1. Castor oil and warm applications for. — ''Give the child one teaspoonful of castor oil, then wring woolen cloths out of warm whisky and apply to the abdomen. This will most always give relief, especially after the castor oil has acted upon the bowels." 2. Cholera Infantum, First Thing to Do.— 'The first thing to do is to give a teaspoonful of castor oil, so as to thoroughly clean out the bowels. Then add one tablespoonful of turpentine to one quart of hot water and wring cloths out of this and apply to the bowels to relieve the pain that is always present in this disease. The turpentine is especially good for the bowels when they are bloated and have much gas in them." 3. Cholera Infantum, White of Egg and Cathartic for. — "One teaspoonful castor oil every two hours, until the movements are natural. Give no food except albumen water, which is composed of the white of one tgg (slightly beaten) and a small pinch of salt in a glass of cold water which has been previously boiled. Feed this by spoonfuls." 4. Cholera Infantum, Olive or Sweet Oil for. — "One teaspoonful sweet or olive oil three times a day and an injection of one table- spoonful of the oil at night, to be retained in the bowels. If continued this will completely cure." 5. Cholera Infantum, Spice and Whisky Poultice for. — "Take all kinds of ground spices, make a poultice. Heat whisky and wet the poultice. Apply to the stomach and bowels." o X14 MOTHERS' REMEDIES 6. Cholera Infantum, Cabbage Leaf Poultice for. — "Take a cab- bage leaf, hold it over the stove until warm as can be stood on back of hand; lay it across the child's abdomen. Repeat if necessary." 7. Cholera Infantum, Herb Remedy for. — "Strawberry root, blackberry root and raspberry root, equal parts, steeped together. I have used this remedy and found it good, but it should be used in time." Make a tea of these roots and take one teaspoonful every hour until relieved. This is a mild astringent. 8. Cholera Infantum, Tomatoes Will Relieve. — "3.1ake a syrup of peeled tomatoes well sweetened with white sugar. Give one tea- spoonful every half hour." This syrup is very soothing and the tomatoes are especially good if there is some ulcerated condition of the bowels. This preparation should always be strained before using. 9. Cholera Infantum, Injection for. — "For infant one year old inject into the bowels one pint of thin starch, in w^hich is mixed from three to five drops of laudanum ; cool, repeat night and morning. Plenty of w^ater or cold barley water may be given and the food for a time may consist of egg albumen with a few drops of brandy. When the symptoms first appear apply a spice plaster or hot applica- tion over the abdomen ; and keep child as quiet as possible." This is a remedy recommended and used by a number of physicians and has cured many severe cases. Diets and Drinks. — Stop ordinary feeding at once. A little cream and water, or barley water and cream may do. If the breast milk excites the stomach and the bowels, stop it for a few hours. You can give a few drops of raw beef juice or a little brandy and water. To satisfy the thirst, wrap up a small bit of ice in a linen cloth and let the baby mouth it. Dilute the milk or stop entirely and give only water, or lime water and milk, barley water. Give all the water the child can drink boiled and cooled. PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Cholera Infantum.— 1. Wash- ing out of the bowel frequently by injection controls the diarrhea. Use water of a temperature of 107. Elevate the tube about two feet above the bed, use one-half pint at one time. As the half pint flows in disconnect the funnel attached to the tube and the contents of the bowel are allowed to escape. Then allow another one-half pint to flow in. Some may escape and this is not an unfavorable sign. Keep on until a quart is given. This treatment is to wash and clean out the gut and stimulate the heart. The salt solution should be used, if necessar}-. Give only two daily. 2. For Vomiting. — Wash out the stomach through a tube or by giving a great deal of water. 3. Subcarbonate of bismuth for the vomiting and straining; two or three grains in powder every two or three hours. If there is much colicky pain, add one-half grain of salol to the bismuth powder. DIGESril'E ORGANS 115 4. Castor oil; owe teaspoonful iiia\- l)o needed if ilie Ix^wcls ha\c any fecal matter in them. 5. Mustard poultice or spice poultice on tin- belly is useful. Vomiting. — This is simply a symptom ; many diseases cause it, as scarlet fever, tuberculosis, meningitis, acute dyspepsia, biliousness, chronic dyspepsia, indigestion, neuralgia of the bowels, appendicitis, ulcer and cancer of the stomach, pregnancy, etc. Many persons with dyspepsia vomit their food. MOTHERS' REMEDIES for Vomiting.— 1. Spice Poultice to Stop. — "Make a poultice of one-half cup of flour and one teaspoonful of each kind of ground spice, wet with alcohol or whisky. Apply over the stomach." This acts as a counter irritant and has the same action on the system as a mustard plaster, only not so severe and can be left on for hours, as there need be no fear of blistering. This kind /^f a poultice should always be used when it is necessary to leave one on any length of time. 2. Vomiting, Mustard Plaster to Stop. — "Plaster of mustard on pit of stomach." Be very careful not to allow the plaster to remain on too long, as it will blister, and this would be worse to contend with than the vomiting. 3. Vomiting, Parched Com Drink to Stop. — "Take field corn and parch it as brown as you can get it without burning. When parched throw in boiling water and drink the water as often as necessary until vomiting is stopped." 4. Vomiting, Peppermint Leaves Application for. — "Bruise pep- permint leaves and apply to the stomach." This can be found in any drug store in a powder form, and is easily prepared by crushing the leaves and applying to the stomach. If you have the essence of peppermint in the house, that will answer about the same purpose taken internally and rubbed over abdomen. 5. Vomiting, to Produce, Mustard and Water for. — "To produce vomiting take two tablespoonfuls dry mustard, throw luke warm water over it and let stand a minute, then drink." This is an old, tried remedy that we all know about. 6. Vomiting, to Produce, Warm Water for. — "Drink a quart of warm water and you will easily find relief at once." The warm water remedy is very good as the water helps the patient by removing all decomposed food. PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Vomiting.— The only way to treat it is to treat the disease that causes it. Here I may mention a very simple remedy; a tea made from wood soot is frequently helpful. It is the creosote in the wood soot that gives it its medical virtue. 2. For nervous vomiting; two to five drops of garlic juice is good. Dose of syrup for a child one teaspoonful. Dose of syrup for an adult is four teaspoonfuls. 13 5 MOTHERS' REMEDIES 3. A little brandy on cracked ice is often good. 4. Oil of cloves, one-half to one drop, helps in some cases. 5. Lime water added to milk is good in babies. 6. Vinegar fumes, saturate a cloth and inhale the fumes. 7. Seidlitz powder often settles the stomach, soda also. 8. Mustard plaster over the stomach is good in all cases. 9. One-tenth of a drop of ipecac is good for nausea and vomiting. 10. One-half of a drop of Fowler's solution every two hours is useful in nausea following a spree. So also one drop dose of nux vomica every half hour. APPENDICITIS. — Inflammation of the vermiform appendix is the most important of acute bowel troubles. Sometimes the appendix may contain a mould of feces, which can be squeezed out readily. Sometimes foreign bodies like pins are found there ; in about seven per cent of cases foreign bodies are found. It is a disease of young persons. Fifty per cent occur before the twentieth year. It is most common in males. Persons who do heavy lifting are quite subject to the disease. Some cases follow falls or blows. Indiscretions of diet are very apt to bring on an attack, particularly in those who have had it before. Pain in the appendix in such persons, frequently follows the eating of food hard to digest. Gorging with peanuts is also a cause. Symptoms. — In a large proportion of cases the following symp- toms are present : — Sudden pain in the abdomen, usually referred to the right groin region. Fever often of moderate form or grade. Dis- turbances of the stomach and bowels, such as nausea, vomiting and frequently constipation. Tenderness or pain in the appendix region. The pain in fully one-half of the cases is localized in right lower part of the abdomen, but it may be in the central portion, scattered, or in any part of the abdomen. Even when the pain is not in the region of the appendix at first, it is usually felt there within thirty-six or forty-eight hours. It is sometimes very sharp and colic-like ; some- times it is dull. The fever follows rapidly upon the pain. It may range from 100 to 102 and higher. The tongue is coated and moist usually, — seldom dry. Nausea and vomiting are commonly present. It rarely persists longer than the second day in favorable cases. Con- stipation is the rule, but the attack may start with diarrhea. Local Signs. — Tenderness of the rectus muscle (to the right of the centre of the abdomen) and tenderness or pain on deep pressure. The muscle may be so rigid that a satisfactory examination cannot be made. Sometimes there is a hardness or swelling in the appendix region. Tenderness, rigidity and actual pain on deep pressure ; with the majority of cases, a lump or swelling in the region of the appendix. VERMIFORM APPENDIX. When Affected by Inflammation and Gangrene Necessitating an Operation. VERMIFORM APPENDIX. Showing Different Types. DIGESTIVE ORGANS 117 Recovery. — Recovery is the rule. It frequently returns. General peritonitis may be caused by direct perforation of the appendix and death in appendicitis is usually due to peritonitis. Surgeons have declared that sudden pain in the region of the appendix, with fever and localized tenderness, with or without a lump, almost without exception means appendix disease. Rest in bed, take measures to allay the pain ; ice bag applied to the part is very effective. Operation. — Dr. Osier, of Oxford, England, says. — "Operation is indicated in all cases of acute inflammatory trouble in this region, whether the lump is present or not, when the general symptoms are severe, and when by the third day the features of the case points to a progressive (condition) lesion. An operation after an acute attack has disappeared is not fraught with much danger." Diet. — All food should be withheld for a few days if possible. Liquids, such as ^gg albumen, weak tea, thin broth, barley or rice water, or milk diluted with lime water may be given in small quantities if necessary. When the acute symptoms have subsided, milk may be taken undiluted, and eggs may be added to the broth. When the pain and fever have disappeared entirely, gruels made of rice or barley, soft- boiled tgg, scraped beef, stewed chicken, toast, and crackers may be added to the list; still later, mashed potatoes and vegetables, finely divided and strained, may be allowed and, finally, when well, usual diet resumed. APPENDICITIS, Mothers* Remedies.— Home Treatment Found Good for. — "To allay the pain and stop the formation of pus in appen- dicitis it is recommended that a flannel cloth be saturated with hot water, wrung out, drop ten to fifteen drops of turpentine on it and apply to the aflfected parts as hot as the patient can bear. Repeat until relief is obtained. Then cover the bowels with a thin cotton cloth, upon which place another cloth wrung out of kerosene oil. This sustains the relief and conduces to rest and eventual cure. It is an essential part of the absorbent cure for appendicitis, and since its adoption doctors do not resort to a surgical operation half so often." The above is a standard remedy and will most always give relief. PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Appendicitis.— The bowels should at first be moved by an enema. The patient should be per- fectly quiet in bed. The ice-bag should be applied to the part, but wrapped in flannel and flannel also on the skin. It must not be allowed to make the flesh too cool. This coolness relieves the inflam- mation of the part. Small doses, from one-tenth to one drop, of aconite can be given for the fever and inflammation the first twenty- four hours. Dose every one to three hours. But little medicine is now given in appendicitis. Caution. — Keep the bowels regular, especially if you have ever had appendicitis before, also be careful of your eating. This disease 118 MOTHERS- REMEDIES will attack high livers, hearty eaters and those with constipated bowels more quickly than others. INFLAMMATION OF THE BOWELS. Mothers' Remedies.— 1. Inflammation of the Bowels, Excellent Remedy for. — "First bathe the abdomen with warm salt water^ then lay over the navel a piece of lard the size of black walnut. Hold the hand over this until it softens ; then rub well into the bowels. This often relieves when pills and powders fail." The massaging brings about action of the bowels without a cathartic usually. Sweet oil or olive oil instead of lard, will do as well. 2. Inflammation of the Bowels, Red Beet Poultice for. — "Take red beets; chop up, put in bag, warm a little and put across the stomach. This will draw out the inflammation quickly and makes a very good poultice." 3. Inflammation of the Bowels, Hop Poultice for, — "Take hops, strain them and put in a sack. Lay across the stomach and bowels." 4. Inflammation of the Bowels, Griddle Cake Poultice for. — "Apply hot griddle cakes on bowels. This acts as a poultice, and should be replaced as soon as cold." This remedy saved my life when I was seventeen years of' age. Am now fifty. This remedy wnll be found very good, but care should be taken not to burn the patient. 5. Cold or Pain in the Bowels, Spice Poultice for Child or Adult. — "Take a cloth sack large enough to cover abdomen ; take all kinds of ground spices, put in the bag and tie up, sprinkle bag lightly with alcohol, just enough to dampen spices; lay this on abdomen." This serves as a poultice and is an excellent remedy for this trouble. This may be used for a child as well as an adu.lt. 6. Inflammation of the Bowels, Simple Remedy Always at Hand for. — "Apply hot woolen cloths to abdomen as hot as can be wrung out, change every few minutes. My life was saved twice when I was several hundred miles from a doctor by this treatment." This simple but never failing remedy is easily prepared and, as we all know% heat is the most essential thing for this trouble, especially moist heat. 7. Inflammation of the Bowels, a Rather Unique Remedy for. — "Cut the head ofit" of a hen, cut open down the breast, take out the inwards, pound flat and roll with rolling pin and appl}' to the bowels. This will draw out all inflammation, but must be done in as little time as possible." The above remedy can do no harm. Many people use it. Perhaps other poultices would be easier to prepare, just as effective and save the hen. 8. Inflammation of the Bowels, Marshmallow Leaves, a Canadian Remedy for. — "Green marshmallow leaves (dry will do). Wet flannel and apply hot." Make a strong tea of the marshmallow leaves and while hot dip flannels and apply to abdomen 9. Inflammation of the Bowels, Syrup of Rhubarb for. — "Add to three pints of simple syrup one and tliree-fourtlis ounces of crushed rhubarb, one-fourth ounce each of crushed cloves and cinnamon, one dram of bruised nutmeg, one pint of diluted alcohol, evai)orate liquid by a gentle heat to one-half pint. Excellent in bowel complaint in one-half dram (one-half teaspoonful) doses every hour until it oper- ates." The rhubarb moves the bowels and casts out all irritating matter. The oil of cloves stimulates the membranes of the bowels and the cinnamon and nutmeg are astringents. MOTHERS' REMEDIES for Toothache, Dry Salt and Alum for. — 1. ''Equal parts. Take common salt and alum. Mix and pulver- ize these together, wet a small piece of cotton and cause the mixture to adhere to it and place in the hollow tooth. At first a sensation of coldness will be produced, which will gradually disappear, as will the toothache. This is an excellent remedy and should be given a trial by any person suffering with this trouble." 2. Toothache, Oil of Cloves Quick Relief for.— *Tf the tooth has a cavity take a small piece of cotton and saturate with oil of cloves and place in tooth, or you may rub the gum with oil of sassafras." These are both good remedies, and will often give relief almost instantly. 3. Toothache, Home-Made Poultice for. — "Make a poultice of a slice of toast, saturate in alcohol and sprinkle with pepper and apply externally. This will give almost instant relief." 4. Toothache, Clove Oil and Chloroform for. — "Clove oil and chloroform, each one teaspoonful. Saturate cotton and apply locally." 5. Toothache, Sure Cure for. — "Peppermint water 5^ ounce Nitre ^ ounce Chloroform 1 dram Ether 1 dram Oil of mustard 10 drops Remark: This remedy will give relief where all others fail. Not only for toothache, but for neuralgia pains in any part of the body, apply with cloth moistened and lay on the parts af- fected. Continue until relieved." 6. Toothache, Salt and Alum Water for. — "Fill a bottle of any size half full of equal parts of pulverized alum and salt, then fill up the bottle with sweet spirits of nitre. Shake and apply it to the tooth and gums. Apply it freely, as there is nothing to hurt or injure you." 7. Toothache, Oil of Cinnamon for. — "A drop of oil of cinnamon will frequently relieve very serious cases of toothache. Apply to the tooth with a little cotton. This will at least give temporary relief until you can see your dentist and have the tooth treated." 8. Toothache, Reliable Remedy for. — "Chloroform, clove oil, laudanum fifteen cents worth of each. Mix together and saturate a piece of cotton and place it in the tooth. This is sure to give relief." 120 MOTHERS' REMEDIES 9. Toothache, From Decayed Teeth. — "If the tooth is decayed take a small piece of raw cotton, saturate with chloroform and place in cavity. ' MOTHERS' TOOTH POWDERS.^1. "The ashes of burnt branches of the common grape vine make a very superior tooth pow- der. It will clean the blackest of teeth, if continued for a few morn- ings, to that of pure white." 2. Tooth Powder. — ''Precipitated chalk four ounces, powdered orris root eight ounces, powdered camphor one ounce ; reduce camphor to fine powder moistening with very little alcohol, add other ingredi- ents. Mix thoroughly and sift through fine bolting cloth." Have used this with great success. 3. Tooth Powder. — "All tooth powders, or anything that has a grit will, with the friction of the brush, scour loose from the enamel of the teeth ; and this is far superior to any of them in every respect. Soap tree bark 1 pound Turpentine 2 ounces Powdered orris root 2 ounces Alkanet root H ounce Diluted alcohol, half water, sufficient to mrke the whole into one gallon. Let it stand in an earthen jar to macerate for fourteen days ; stir occasionally, then strain and filter through filtering paper. The alcohol will have no injurious effect. This is an excellent tooth remedy." 4. — Tooth Wash. — "One teaspoonful of boracic acid in a pint of boiling water. Tincture Myrrh H teaspoonful Spirits of Camphor ^ teaspoonful Essence of Peppermint ^ teaspoonful Use in the water in which you brush your teeth. Let boracic acid water cool, then add last three ingredients." 5. Tooth Powder. — "Precipitated chalk four ounces, pulverized sugar two ounces, powdered myrrh one ounce, pulverized orris root one ounce. Mix and sift through fine bolting cloth. This is fine." 6. Tooth Powder, Commonly Used. — "Precipitated Chalk 12 drams Rose Pink 2 drams Carbonate of Magnesia 1 dram Oil of Rose 5 drops Mix all well together and after using it you will find the following mouth-wash fine for rinsing out the mouth." Antiseptic Mouth Wash. — "Boric Acid 10 grains Resorcin 4 grains Salol 2 grains Thymol 54 dram Glycerin ^ dram Pure water 1 ounce This sweetens and cleanses the mouth." DIGESTIVE ORGANS 12 1 7. Tooth Powder, Simple and Unsurpassed. — Cream of Tartar, powdered 3 ounces Cochineal 1 dram Alum, powdered 4 drams Myrrh 1 dram Cinnamon 1 ounce Sugar 1 ounce Mix and pass through a sieve. This is a preparation that has no superior for cleaning, preserving and whitening the teeth. PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Toothache.— 1. Chloretone dissolved in oil of cloves and applied on a cotton wad is very good fur toothache. 2. Creosote. — Put on a piece of cotton and put this in the hollow toulli. 3. Toothache in an ulcerated or hollow tooth, caused from wet feet. etc. Take a hot foot bath and drink a hot lemonade, hot ginger, or hot pennyroyal tea, and go to bed and take a good sweat. Aching tooth needs the care of a dentist. It pays to retain your natural teeth in good shape. INTESTINAL OBSTRUCTION.— Causes.— This may be caused by strangulation, telescope (intussusception) of the bowels, twists and knots, strictures and tumors, abnormal contents. 1. Strangulation is the most frequent cause ; this is caused by adhesions and bands from former peritonitis, or following operations. The strangulation may be recent and due to adhesion of the bowels to the abdominal cut or wound, or a coil of the bowel may be caught between the pedicle of a tumor and the wall of the pelvis. These cases are rather common after some operations. 2. Intussusception. — This means that one portion of the bowel slips into an adjacent portion. These two portions make a cylindrical lump varying in length from one-half inch to a foot or more. Irreg- ular worm-like motion of the bowel is a cause of intussusception. 3. Twists and knots. — Most frequent between thirty and forty. (There is an unusually long mesentery.) 4. Strictures and tumors. — These are not very important causes. 5. Abnormal contents. — Fruit stones, coins, pins, needles, false teetli, round worms rolled in a mass. Coins rarely cause inconveni- ence. Symptoms of Acute Obstruction. — Constipation, pain in the bow- els, and vomiting are the three most important symptoms, l^ain sets in early, and may come on abruptly when walking or more commonly when working. It is at first colicky, but soon becomes continuous and very intense, vomiting soon follows and is constant and very dis- tressing. First the stomach contents are vomited, and the greenish 1.22 MOTHERS' REMEDIES bile-stained material, and soon the material vomited is a brownish- black liquid, with a bowel odpr. This peculiar vomiting is a very characteristic symptom. Constipation may be absolute, without the discharge of either feces or gas. Very often the contents of the bowel below the obstruction are discharged. The abdomen is usually distended and when the large bowel is involved this is extrem.e. If it is high up in the small intestine, it may be very slight. At first, the abdomen is not tender, but later it becomes very sensitive and tender. The face is pale and anxious and finally collapse symptoms intervene. The eyes are sunken, the features look pinched and a cold, clammy sweat covers the skin. The pulse becomes rapid and weak. There may be no fever, and it may go below normal. The tongue is dry, parched, and the thirst is incessant. Recovery. — The case terminates as a rule in death in three to six days, if aid is not given. Treatment. — Purgatives should not be given. For the pain, hypo- dermics of morphine are needed. Wash out the stomach for distress- ing vomiting. This can be done three to four times a day. Thorough washing out of the large bowel with injections should be practised, the warm water being allowed to flow in from a fountain syringe and the amount carefully estimated. Hutchinson recommends that the patient be placed under an anesthetic, the abdomen kneaded, and a copious enema given with the hips placed high or patient in inverted position. Then the patient should be thoroughly shaken, first with the abdomen held downward and subsequently in the inverted position. If this and similar measures do not succeed by the third day surgical meas- ures must be resorted to. For bloating, turpentine cloths should be used, and other hot, moist applications. Diet. — Should be very light, if any, for a day or so. RUPTURE (Hernia). — Hernia means a protrusion of an organ from its natural cavity, through normal or artificial openings in the surrounding structures. But by the term hernia, used alone, we mean the protrusion of a portion of the abdominal contents through the walls, and that is known by the popular term of ''rupture." The most common forms of rupture protrude through one of the natural openings or w^eak spots in the abdominal walls, as for instance, the inguinal (groin) and femoral canals. The femoral canal is located at the upper and inner part of the thigh, and this place is a seat of rupture, especially in women. Rupture may also occur at the navel, when it is called umbilical hernia or rupture. The contents of a hernia are bowel and omentum (a covering of the bowel) separately or to- gether. The bowel involved in a rupture is usually the lower portion of the small bowel, but the large bow^el is sometimes affected. A sac covers the bowel or omentum in a rupture. This sac consists of the protruded portion of peritoneum, which has been gradually pu?hcd DIGESTIIE ORGANS 123 through one oi the canals (in<;uinal or femoral) or of the ))roccss of peritoneum, which has been carried down by the testicle in its descent, and the connection of which with the perit(3neum of the abdomen still continues, not having been obliterated, as it usually is before birth. The former is called an acquired rupture sac; the latter is a congen- ital rupture sac, and it is found only in groin (inguinal rupture J. Causes. — Rupture is more common in men than in women. It may occur at any time of life. The majority of cases occur before middle age, and the largest number during the first ten years of life, owing to the want of closure of the peritoneum which is carried down by the testicles before birth. Rupture is most frequently strangulated between the ages of forty and fifty. Location. — The great majority of cases of rupture are groin or inguinal rupture. Symptoms. — A fullness or a swelling is first noticed in the groin, which is made worse in standing, coughing and lifting. This disap- pears on lying down and reappears on rising in many cases, even at first ; coughing makes the lump or swelling harder. It may come on both sides, when it is called double rupture or hernia. MOTHERS' REMEDIES.— Rupture, Poultice for.— "Take equal parts of lobelia and stramonium leaves ; make a poultice and apply to the parts. Renew as often as necessary. This combination makes a very effective poultice and is sure to give relief." PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT.— A person should wear a truss (support) that fits perfectly, and this should not cause any pain or dis- comfort. The truss should be worn all day, taken ofif at night after going to bed and put on before rising, when still lying down. If it is put on after rising a little of the gut may be in the canal and pressed down by the support. There are many kinds of supports. Operations now performed for rupture are very successful if the patient takes good care for months afterwards until the parts are thoroughly healed. The operation simply closes a too large opening. The testicles descending through the groin canal from the abdominal cavity before birth and in congenital rupture, left too big an opening. In acquired rupture, these natural openings were enlarged by lifting, falls, etc. The round ligament of the w^omb goes down through this canal and sometimes there is too large an opening left or acquired by accident. Irreducible Rupture. — This is v^hen the rupture cannot be returned into the abdominal cavity, and it is without any symptoms of stran- gulation. They are of long standing and of a large size. This con- dition is often due to carelessness of a patient in not keeping in a reducible rupture with a proper support. Adhesions form, holding the rupture. Even if it is small, it gives rise to much discomfort and the patient is always in danger of strangulation of the rupture. 124 MOTHERS' REMEDIES Operation for radical cure is generally a success. Strangulation Hernia or Rupture. — This means the rupture is so tightly constricted that it cannot be returned into the abdominal cav- ity, and its circulation is interfered with ; then there is not only obstruction to the passage of the feces, but also an arrest of circula- tion in the protruded portion of bowel which, if not relieved, results in gangrene and death. This occurs more often in old than in recent ruptures and more often in congenital than in acquired rupture. S5miptoms. — Sudden and complete constipation with persistent vomiting. The lump may be tense, hard and irreducible. Then there is faintness, collapse ; severe abdominal pain, complete constipation, with no gas passing, then vomiting, at first of food, then of the bile- stained fluid and finally of fluid wath a bowel odor. All these symp- toms increase and the patient gradually sinks from exhaustion in eight or nine days, though in very acute cases the patient may die within forty-eight hours. MOTHERS' REMEDIES.— Strangulated Hernia, Hop Poultice for. — "A large warm poultice of hops over the abdomen will be found one of the best known means of relieving strangulated hernia." PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT.— It must be reduced or an oper- ation must be performed and soon. To reduce. — The patient is put under an anesthetic and placed on his back with the hips (pelvis) raised and the thigh of the attected side flexed, bent up, and rotated inward if the rupture be inguinal or femoral. This motion relaxes the parts. The neck of the sac is then seized with the thumb and fingers of one hand, and thus fixed, while with the other hand, the operator endeavors to return the strangulated gut by gentle pressure in the proper direction. In femoral rupture, this is at first downward, to bring the gut opposite the opening then backward and then upward. In groin (inguinal) rupture it is usually slightly upward and outward. It must be coaxed, kneaded and squeezed carefully. Care must be taken. If it cannot be returned in from five to ten minutes no further time should be wasted, but an operation should be performed immediately. This consists in cutting down to the constriction and through it, thus allowing the rupture to be reduced. The patient should be kept in bed and treated the same way as for other abdominal operations. Caution. — Persons with rupture must be very careful not to lift or fall. If a support is worn it must fit perfectly and be worn wath comfort. INTESTINAL COLIC. (Enteralgia) .—Causes.— Predisposing ; poor general condition, worry, over-work, nervous disposition. Excit- ing causes; exposure, gas in the bowels, mass of feces, undigested or DIGESTIVE ORGANS 125 irritating food, cold drinks, green fruit, ice cream when a person is ver}- warm. Symptoms. — Intermittent pain usually in the umbilical (navel) region, moving from place to place, dull or sharp pain, relieved by pressure or bending forward. Abdomen is distended or drawn back. It lasts a few minutes or many hours, ending gradually or suddenly, after a passage of gas or movement of the bowels. PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT.— 1. Remove cause first if pos- sible. Mild cases; put heat to the abdomen by hot water bag, wring cloths out of hot water and put in them ten drops of turpentine and place over the bowels hot. Give dose of peppermint water or ginger tea. 2. Severe case. — Morphine hypodermically, if necessary, in a severe case; mustard poultice is good, also a spice poultice. 3. Tincture of Colocynth (bitter cucumber) is an excellent rem- edy for this trouble. I have often used it with great success. Put five drops of it in a glass half full of water and give two teaspoonfuls every fifteen minutes until relieved. A few doses generally relieve the patient. THE LIVER.— The liver is the largest gland in the body, and is sit- uated in the upper and right part of the abdominal cavity. The lower border of the liver corresponds to the lower border of the ribs in front and to the right side. It weighs fifty to sixty ounces in the male; in the female, forty to fifty ounces. It is about eight to nine inches in its transverse measurement ; vertically near its right surface it is six to seven inches, while it is four to five inches thick at its thickest part. Opposite the backbone from behind forward it measures about three inches. The left lobe, the smallest and thinnest, extends to the left, over what is called the pit of the stomach. BILIOUSNESS. — This condition presents different symptoms in different cases, but it always includes languor, headache or dizziness, perhaps some yellow color of the skin and conjunctiva, and a general sense of want of tone, depression of spirits and discomfort. Causes. — The liver does not perform its function well, or there is retention of bile in the bile ducts. Most of the symptoms do not depend directly upon the changes in the bile, but upon failure of proper digestion in the stomach and intestines. Certain poorly prepared foods or improper food for stomach digestion, quickly cause the develop- ment of active fermentation and its results irritate the stomach mucous membrane bringing about a faulty stomach secretion of mucus, which causes further trouble. It may end in a sick headache. TREATMENT. Prevention. — Normal, easily digested food, open bowels. Active exercise, horseback riding, massage of the liver re- gion. Stooping over and bending from side to side and bending back with feet close together are good aids. 126 MOTHERS' REMEDIES Diet. — Do not over-eat. Avoid alcohol in any form. Stimulating foods such as spices, mustard salads, concentrated meat extracts and meat broths, pepper, horseradish are not to be used. Do not use too much salt; strong coffee and tea are harmful. In severe cases milk either diluted with water or lime water or peptonized should alone be used. Gruels, albumen water, kumiss, buttermilk and oyster broth may be allowed. Orange juice as well as lemonade may generally be given. Fasting is good in biliousness. No one will starve in a few days of fasting. MOTHERS' REMEDIES.— 1. Biliousness, Lemons for.— "One lemon squeezed in a glass of water with a very little sugar, repeat for several days." Lemon is a very good medicine, and it is surprising to know how few people realize what medical properties the lemon con- tains. This is a good, simple, but very effective remedy. 2. Biliousness, Salt and Water for. — "Take a teaspoonful of salt to a cup of water and drink before breakfast for a few mornings." It is a well-known fact that a little salt in warm water before breakfast is laxative and also cleanses the system and bowels on account of its purifying action. 3. Biliousness, (chronic) Dandelion Tea for. — "Dandelion root is highly recommended for this." The root should be collected in July, August or September. Dose : — A strong tea may be taken freely two or three times a day, or the fluid extract may be purchased at any drug store. 4. Biliousness, a cheap and very safe plan. — "Drink plenty of cold water and exercise freely in the open air." Following the above advice is often better than medicines and spring tonics, also unless doing hard physical labor, cut down on the meat eating. In fact, eat less generally for a time. 5. Biliousness, Salt Lemonade for. — "Hot salt lemonade night and morning. Juice of one lemon and teaspoonful salt to as much hot water as you can drink." 6. Biliousness, Boneset Tea for. — "Pour hot water on boneset and let stand until it is cold. Take a swallow occasionally." This is very good. PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT. Medicines. — 1, Nitro-hydro- chloric acid three drops three times a day in half a tumblerful of water is valuable. 2. Twenty drops of fluid extract of Queen's root three times a day. 3. The following combination forms a good pill to be taken every night : Diui-srirt: drcjns 127 Extract of Chirata 40 grains Podophyllin 4 grains Wahoo 8 grains Culver's root 8 grains Creosote 10 grains Mix and make into twenty pills. Take one every night. 4. For the Attack. — Take calomel one-sixth grain tablets; one every fifteen minutes until six are taken, and then follow with two to four teaspoonfuls of epsom salts. JAUNDICE (Icterus). — A symptom consisting in discoloration by bile pigment of the skin, whites of the eyes, other mucous mem- branes and secretions. Causes. — Obstruction of the gall ducts, from gall stones, inflam- mation, tumor, strictures, from pressure by tumors, and other en- larged abdominal organs. Symptoms. — The skin and the conjunctiva (red membrane of the eyes) are colored from a pale lemon yellow to a dark olive or greenish black. The itching may be intense, especially in a chronic case. The sweat may be yellow. The stools are a pale slate color, from the lack of bile, and are often pasty and offensive. The pulse is slow. Recovery depends upon the cause. Plain, simple jaundice cases recover in a few days or weeks. MOTHERS' REMEDIES.— 1. Jaundice, Sweet Cider Sure Cure for. — "New cider before it ferments at all. Drink all you can." This is a very simple remedy, but a sure one if taken in the early stages of jaundice. It causes the bowels to move freely and carries off any impurities in the system. 2. Jaundice, Lemon Juice for. — "Take a tablespoonful of lemon juice several times a day." This disease is produced by congestion of the liver, and as lemon is excellent as a liver tonic it is known to be an excellent remedy for jaundice. 3. Jaundice, Peach Tree Bark for. — "Take the inner bark of a peach tree, and make a strong tea, and give a teaspoonful before each meal for five days, then stop five days, and if the patient's indications do not warrant a reasonable expectation that a cure is effected repeat the medicine as above. I never knew of a case in which the above medicine failed to cure. Keep the bowels open with sweet oil." MOTHERS' REMEDIES for Liver Complaint. Mandrake Root for. — 1. "Dry and powder the mandrake root (often called may-apple) and take about one teaspoonful." This dose may be repeated two or three times a day, according to the requirements of the case. This is a stimulant, a tonic and a laxative, and is especially good when the liver is in a torpid and inactive condition. 2. Liver Trouble, Dandelion Root Tea for.— "Steep dandelion rook, make a good strong tea of it; take a half glass three times a 128 MOTHERS' REMEDIES day." This is a very good remedy as it not only acts on the liver, but the bowels as well. This will always cure slight attacks of liver trouble. 3. Torpid Liver, Boneset Tea for. — "Drink boneset tea at any time during the day and at night. It is also good for cleansing the blood." This is a very good remedy, especially for people who live in a low damp region. 4. Liver Trouble, Mandrake Leaves for. — "A very good remedy to use regularly for several weeks, is to use from one to three grains of may-apple (mandrake) seed, night and morning, followed occas- ionally by a light purgative, as seidlitz powder or rochelle salts." This is sure to give relief if kept up thoroughly. 5. Liver Trouble, Mullein Leaf Tea for. — "Mullein leaves steeped, and sweetened. Drink freely." This acts very nicely upon the liver. PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Liver Trouble.— L For the itch- ing, hot alkaline baths with baking soda in water, or dust on the *ollowing : — Starch 1 ounce Camphor, powdered 1^ drams Oxide of Zinc Yz ounce Mix and use as a powder, or use carbolic vaselin locally. Move the bowels with salts and do not give much food for a few days. Use nothing but milk. 2. The following is good to move the bowels when the stool is yellow and costive in a child one year old : Sulphate of Magnesia 2 ounces Cream of tartar 2 ounces Mix and give one-half teaspoonful in water every three hours until the bowels move freely. Phosphate of soda in one dram doses every three hours is good. 3. Severe Type and Epidemic Form. — Give one to two drops of tincture myrica cerifera (barberry) every two hours for an adult. This I know to be very good. 4. The common simple kind of jaundice will get well readily by moving the bowels freely and keeping the patient on light food. CATARRHAL JAUNDICE. (Acute catarrhal angiocholitis).— Jaundice caused by obstruction of the terminal portion of the common duct, by swelling of the mucous membrane. Causes. — This occurs mostly in young people. It follows inflam- mation of the stomach or bowels, also from emotion, exposure, chronic heart disease. It may be epidemic. Symptoms. — Slight jaundice preceded by stomach and bowel trou- ble. Epidemic cases may begin with chill, headache and vomiting. There may be slight pain in the abdomen, the skin is light or bright yellow, whites of the eyes are yellowish, pain in the back and legs. DIGESTIVE ORGANS 129 tired feelinpf. nausea, clay colored stools. Pulse is rather slow, liver may be a little enlarged. It may last from one week to one to three months. PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Catarrhal Jaundice.— 1. Re- strict the diet if the stomach and bowels are diseased. Sodium phos- phate may be given one teaspoonful every three hours to keep the bowels open. Drink large quantities of water and with it some baking soda one-half to one teaspoonful in the water. 2. If you have calomel you may take one-tenth of a grain every hour for four hours, and then follow with the sodium phosphate in one-half teaspoonful doses every two to three hours, until the bowels have fully moved, or epsom salts, two to four teaspoonfuls. Keep in bed if there is a fever or a very slow pulse say of forty to fifty. GALL STONES. (Biliary Calculi, Cholelithiasis).— Cases of gall stones are rare under the age of twenty-five years. They are very common after forty-five, and three-fourths of the cases occur in women. Many people never know they have them. Sedentary habits of life, excessive eating and constipation tend to cause them. They may num- ber a few, several, or a thousand, or only one. Symptoms. — There are usually none while the stones are in the gall bladder, but when they pass from the gall bladder down through the (channel) duct into the bowel they often cause terrific pain, espe- cially when the stone is large. Chill, fever, profuse sweating and vom- iting, which comes in paroxysms or is continuous. The pain may be constant or only come on at intervals. The region of the liver may be tender, the gall bladder may be enlarged, especially in chronic cases and very tender. In some cases the pain comes every few weeks and then may be scattered, sometimes seeming to be in the stomach, and then in the bowels, or in the region of the liver. When a person has such pains and locates them in the stomach or bowels, and they come periodically, every v^eek or two or more, he ought to be suspicious about it being gall stones, especially if the symptoms do not show any stomach trouble. If the stone is large and closes the common duct, jaundice occurs; the stools are light colored; the urine contains bile. The attacks of pain may cease suddenly after a few hours, or they may last several days or recur at intervals until the stone is passed. The stones may be found in the bowel discharges after an attack. Death may occur from collapse during an attack. MOTHERS' REMEDIES.— 1. Gall Stones, Sweet Oil for.— "Massaging the part over the region of the liver lightly night and morning is very good, following by drinking a wnneglassful of sweet oil at bedtime." The patient should take some good cathartic the next morning, such as a seidlitz powder or cream of tartar. Teaspoonful in g^ass of water each morning. This treatment should be continued for several greeks, and is verv effective. 9 130 MOTHERS' REMEDIES 2. Gall Stones, Tried and Approved Remedy for. — "Drink about a wineglass of olive oil at bedtime, followed in the morning by a cathartic, as seidlitz powder, or cream of tartar and phosphate of soda; teaspoonful each morning in wineglass of water. This treatment to be pursued several weeks. Massage the part over the liver lightly night and morning. If the suffering is intense use an injection of thirty drops of laudanum to two quarts of water." In many cases the cathartic may not be needed, as the olive oil will move the bowels freely. Massaging the parts over the liver will cause it to work bet- ter and has proven successful in many cases. PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Gall Stones.— 1. For the_ pain. Morphine must be used and by the hypodermic method ; one-fourth grain dose and repeated, if necessary, and chloroform given before if the pain is intense, until the morphine can act. Fomentations can be used over the liver. 2. Soda. — The bowels must be kept open by laxatives, Sodium Phosphate or Sodium Sulphate, (Glauber's) salt. 3. Olive Oil — Olive oil is used very extensively. I do not know whether it does any good ; some people think it does. From two to ten ounces daily, if possible. The phosphate or sulphate of sodium should be taken daily in one to two teaspoonfuls doses each day. Some claim these salts prevent formation of gall stones. 4. Powder for the Itching. — For the intolerable itching you may use the following powder, dust some of it over the skin : Starch 1 ounce Zinc Oxide Yz ounce Camphor 1^4 drains Mix into a powder. Diet. — This must be thoroughly regulated. The patient should avoid the starchy and sugar foods as much as possible. He or she should also take regular exercise. If a person afflicted with gall stones keeps the stomach and bowels in good condition, they will be better. Pure air, sunshine, exercise, and diet are big factors in the treatment of chronic diseases. A woman so afflicted should not wear anything tight around the stomach and liver, corsets are an abomination in this disease; olive oil if taken must be continued for months. Surgery. — The operation is indicated when the patient is suffering most of the time from pain in the liver region or when the person is failing in health, or during an acute attack. When there are symp- toms of obstruction or when there is fever, sweating shows that there is pus in the gall bladder. Also an operation is then necessary, and in most cases it results satisfactorily. CANCER OF THE GALL BLADDER. AND BILE DUCTS. Causes. — It usually occurs between forty and seventy year? of age. The cases that originate here show no percentage in either sex; but DIGESTIVE ORGANS 131 those that appear here as secondary cancers are three times as fre- quent in women as in men. Chronic irritation by gall stones is an important cause. They are hard to diagnose and, of course, fatal in the secondary kind. For the primary kind early complete removal may cure if you can get at them. CIRCULATORY DISTURBANCES OF THE LIVER. (Acute Hyperemia or Congestion). — This occurs normally after meals, and in acute infections, diseases, etc. CHRONIC CONGESTION OR NUTMEG LIVER.— This is due to an obstruction of the blood circulation in the liver by chronic val- vular heart disease with failure of heart action. Lung obstruction in the trouble called Emphysema, Chronic Pneumonia, etc., may cause it. The cut section of a liver shows an appearance like a nutmeg, due to a deeply congested central vein and capillaries. In a later stage the liver is contracted, central liver cells are shrunk and the connec- tive tissue is increased. ACUTE YELLOW ATROPHY. (Malignant Jaundice) .—This is fortunately a rare disease. There is rapid progress, and it is fatal in nearly all cases. The liver is very small and flabby. The symp- toms are many and are hard to differentiate. You must depend upon your physician. The only thing for him to do is to meet the symp- toms and relieve them if possible. CIRRHOSIS OF THE LIVER. (Sclerosis of the Liver, Hobnail Liver, Gin Drinkers Liver, Hard Liver). — This occurs most often in men from forty to sixty years old. It is not uncommon in children. Cause. — It is usually due to drinking of alcohol to excess, espe- cially whisky, brandy, rum or gin. The liver is small and thin ; hard, granular, white bands run through it and press on the liver cells and destroy them. Symptoms. — These are few as long as proper circulation in the heart is maintained. Fatty cirrhosis is often found in post-mortems. The first symptoms are the same as those accompanying chronic gas- tritis, dyspepsia. They are: — Appetite is poor, nausea, retching and vomiting, especially in the morning; distress in the region of the stomach, constipation or diarrhea. These increase and vomiting of blood from the stomach may occur early and late. Bleeding from the stomach and bowels, etc., cause the stools to look like tar. Nosebleed and piles are common and profuse ; bleeding may cause severe lack of blood. The epigastric and mammary veins are enlarged. Ascites (dropsy in the abdomen) usually occurs sooner or later and may be very marked, and it recurs soon after each tapping. The feet and genital organs may be oedematous (watery swelling), jaundice is slight and does not occur until late. During the late stage the patient is much shrunken, face is hollow, the blood vessels of the nose and cheeks are dilated, abdomen is greatly distended. Delirium, stupor, coma or convulsions may occur at any time. 132 MOTHERS' REMEDIES PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Cirrhosis of the Liver.— It is usually fatal ; sometimes even after temporary improvements. No coifee or alcohol; simple diet, bitter tonics, keep bowels open. A phy- sician must handle such a case. ABSCESS OF THE LIVER. Hepatic Abscess: Suppurative Hepatitis). — This is a circumscribed collection of pus in the liver tis- sue. If there is only one abscess it is in the larger lobe in seventy per cent of the cases. The amount of fluid contained in such an abscess may be two or three quarts and its color varies from a grayish white to a creamy reddish-brown ; when the abscess is caused by a type (amebic) of dysentery, there is generally only one abscess, occur- ring more often in the right lobe, whereas other forms due to septic infection give rise to many abscesses. Causes. — This disease is rare even in tropical climates. When it is excited by gall stones, it is invariably septic in character and the infecting material reaches the interior through the liver vessels or bile passages. Stomach ulcers, typhoid fever, appendicitis, may bring on such an abscess. Pus wounds of the head are sometimes followed by a liver abscess. The most common method of infection is through the portal vein. Other causes that may be mentioned are foreign bod- ies traveling up the ducts, as round-worms and parasites. Symptoms. — Hectic temperature, pain, tenderness, and an en- larged liver, and often slight jaundice. In acute cases the fever rises rapidly, reaching 103 or 104 in twenty-four hours. It is irregular and intermittent, and it may be hectic, that is, like the fever of consump- tion. Shakings or decided chills frequently are present with the rise of fever and when the fever declines there may be profuse sweating. The skin is pale and shows a slight jaundice, the conjunctiva being yellowish. Progressive loss of strength with disturbance of the stom- ach and bowels is present. The bowels are variable and constipated and loose. Dropsy of the abdomen (Ascites) may develop, on account of pressure on the big vein, inferior vena-cava. Lung symptoms, severe cough, reddish-brown expectoration are often present. THE ABSCESS.— May break into the pleural cavity, bronchial tubes, lungs and stomach, bowels, peritoneum or through the abdom- inal wall. Recovery. — The result is unfavorable as it generally goes on to a rapid termination. The abscess should be opened and evacuated when its location can be detected. The death rates ranges from fifty to sixty per cent. Treatment. — Open it if you can. Sponge liver region with cool water. For the pain, mustard poultices, turpentine stupe or hot fomentations prove beneficial. Keep up strength by stimulation and quinine. Diet in Liver Troubles sent us from Providence Hospital (Cath- olic), Sandusky, Ohio: DIGESTiri: ORGANS I33 May Take — Soups — Vegetable soups with a little bread or cracker, Iij:,'ht broths. Fish — Boiled fresh cod, bass, sole or whiting, raw oysters. Meats — Tender lean mutton, lamb, chicken, game, (all sparingly). Farinaceous — Oatmeal, hominy, tapioca, sago, arrowroot (well cooked), whole wheat bread, graham bread, dry toast, crackers. Vegetables — Mashed potato, almost all fresh vegetables (well boiled), plain salad of lettuce, water-cress, dandelions. Desserts — Plain milk pudding of tapioca, sago, arrowroot or stewed fresh fruit (all without sugar or cream), raw ripe fruits. Drinks — Weak tea or coffee (without sugar or cream), hot water, pure, plain or aerated water. Must Not Take— Strong soups, rich made dishes of any kind, hot bread or biscuits, preserved fish or meats, curries, red meats, eggs, fats, butter, sugar, herrings, eels, salmon, mackerel, sweets, creams, cheese, dried fruits, nuts, pies, pastry, cakes, malt liquors, sweet wines, champagne. ACUTE GENERAL PERITONITIS. (Inflammation of the Per- itoneum, Lining of the Abdominal Cavity). — Causes. Primary; Occurs without any known preceding disease, and is rare. Secondar}' ; Occurs from injuries, extension from inflamed nearby organs, such as appendicitis or infection from bacteria, without any apparent lesion (disease of the bowel). Perforation causes most of the attacks of peritonitis. Peritonitis may accompany acute infections or accompany chronic nephritis, rheumatism, pleurisy, tuberculosis and septicemia. Peritonitis occurs from perforation of the bowel in typhoid fever also, and it frequently occurs after appendicitis and sometimes after con- finement. Symptoms. — This is often the history of one of the causes men- tioned above^ followed in cases with perforation or septic disease by a chill or chilly feeling and pain, varying at first, with the place where the inflammation begins. The patient lies on his back, with the knees drawn up, and the body bent so as to relax the muscles of the abdo- men, which are often rigidly contracted, — stiff at first on the side where the pain starts. The pain ma}' be absent. The abdomen be- comes distended, tympanitic (caused by gas). An early symptom is vomiting and it is often repeated. There is constipation ; occasionally diarrhea occurs. The temperature may rise rapidly to lO-l or 105 and then become lower; it is sometimes normal. The pulse is fre- quent, small, wiry and beats 100 to 150 per minute ; the breathing is frequent and shallow. The tongue becomes red and dry and cracked. Passing the urine frequently causes pain ; sometimes there is retention of urine. The face looks pinched, the eyes are sunken, the expression 134 MOTHERS' REMEDIES is anxious, and the skin of the face is lead colored or livid. Hic- coughs, muttering, delirium or stupor may be present. Recovery, Prognosis, etc. — The action of the heart becomes weak and irregular, respiration is shallow, the temperature taken in the rectum is high, the skin is cold, pale and livid, death occurs some- times suddenly, usually in three to five days ; less often thirty-six to forty-eight hours ; or even after ten days. The results depend mainly upon the cause of the inflammation, and the nature of the infection, infectious disease that produces it, being usually very bad after puer- peral sepsis f after confinement), induced abortion, perforation of the bowel or stomach, or rupture of an abscess. LOCAL PERITONITIS.— This may come from local injury, but it is usually secondary to empyema, tuberculosis, or cancer, abscess, perforation of the stomach or bowel, ulcer, etc. Symptoms. — Onset is usually sudden. There is sudden local pain, increased by any movements: tenderness, and vomiting; then chills, irregular fever, sweating, difficult breathing, emaciation. TREATMENT OF THE ACUTE PERITONITIS.— There must be absolute rest, morphine by hypodermic method, one-fourth to one- half grain to relieve the pain. Ice cold and hot fomentations with bome herb remedy like hops, smartweed, etc. ; or cloths wrung out of hot water with five to ten drops of turpentine sprinkled on them. This is very good when there is much bloating from gas. The turpentine should be stopped when the skin shows red from it. The cloths should not be heavy or they will cause pain by their weight. Ice water can be used when cold cloths are needed. For vomiting. — Stop all food and drink for the time and give cracked ice. Diet. — Should be hot or cold milk with lime water or peptonized milk if necessary. If the feeding causes vomiting, you must give food by the rectum. For the severe bloating enemas containing tur- pentine should be given, one to two to six ounces of water used with ten to thirty drops of turpentine in it; sometimes it is necessary to resort to surgery. TUBERCULAR PERITONITIS.— This may occur as a primary trouble or secondary to tuberculosis of the bowels, lungs, and Fal- lopian tube. It is most frequent in males between twenty and forty. Symptoms. — These are variable. It may occur like acute peri- lonitis with sudden onset of high fever, pain, tenderness, bloating, vomiting and constipation ; these symptoms passing into those of chronic peritonitis. Often there are gradual loss of strength and fiesh, low and irregular fever ; frequently the temperature goes below rormal with a little ascites tympanites, constipation, diarrhea and masses in the abdomen which consist of the omentum (apron cover- ing the bow^els) rolled up and matted into a sausage-shaped tumor in DIGEST 1 1 II ORC.WS J 35 the upper part of the abdomen, or of thickened (M adherent c(»i!s of the bowel, enlarged mesentric lymph nodes, etc. Spontaneous recovery may occur, or the course of the disease may resemble that of a malig- nant tumor. Treatment. — If there is effusion and few adhesions, cutting in and removing the fluid may help. In other cases good nourishing diet with cod liver oil is best. ASCITES. (Hydroperitoneum. Abdominal Dropsy). — This is an accumulation of serous fluid in the peritoneal cavity. It is but a symp- tom of disease. Local Causes. — Chronic peritonitis, obstruction of the portal (vein) circulation as in cirrhosis of the liver, cancer or other liver disease, from heart disease, tumors, as of the ovaries or enlarged spleen. All these mentioned may produce this dropsy. General Cause. — Heart disease, chronic nephritis, chronic malaria, cancer, syphilis, etc. Symptoms. — Gradual increasing distention of the abdomen, caus- ing sometimes a sense of weight, then difficulty of breathing from pressure. The abdomen is distended, flattened at the sides unless it is very full. The skin may be stretched tense, superficial veins are distended. The navel may be flat or even protrude and around it the vessels may be greatly enlarged. There is fluctuation when you tap sharply at one side, while holding your hand on the other side you feel a wavy feeling. PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Ascites.— First treat the dis- ease causing it. Sometimes it is necessary in order to prolong life to repeatedly tap the patient as in cirrhosis of the liver. When it is caused by the heart or kidneys, give cathartics that carry away much liquid, hydragogue cathartics. One dram of jalap at night followed by a big dose of salts before breakfast. Cream of tartar and salts are good, equal parts. Or cream of tartar alone, one to two drams, with lemon juice in water in repeated doses. Digitalis and squill, of each one grain to cause great flow of urine. Infusion of digitalis is also good to increase flow of urine, when the heart is the real cause of the ascites. These treatments take the liquids away through the proper channels, the bowels and kidneys. Ascites caused by an Ovarian Tumor. — The tumor must be removed. I am not in favor of indiscriminate operating, but opera- tions often save lives. I remember one case in which I very strongly urged the lady to have an operation performed. It was a case of ascites, caused, as I was sure, by a tumor of the ovary. The lady, as almost all people do, — and I do not blame them for it, — dreaded even the thought of an operation, but she was finally compelled to have an operation or die. She filled so full that it was almost impossible for her to breathe. She went away from home in terrible shape, almost 136 MOTHERS' REMEDIES out oi breath, and returned home a well woman and has remained so. Such cases formerly died. But not all cases of ascites can be cured by an operation, it depends upon the cause. In many cases all one can do is to doctor the cause, if that cannot be removed, make the patient's remaining days as com.fortable as possible. DISEASES OF THE RECTUM AND ANUS.— The lovrer part of the alimentary canal is called the rectum, originally meaning straight. It is not straight in the human animal. It is six to eight inches long. The anus is the lower opening of the rectum. In health it is closed by the external Sphincter (closing muscle). Disease may wear this muscle out and then the anus remains open, causing the contents of the bowel to move involuntary. CONSTIPATION. Causes.— 1. Mechanical obstruction. 2. Defective motion of the bowels. 3. Deficient bowel secretions. 4. Other causes. Mechanical obstruction. — Anything that will hinder the free and easy passage oi the feces i bowel contents). Too tight external sphincter i rectum) muscle, stricture, tumors, etc. Bending of the womb on the bowel. Defective Worm-like Bowel Movement. — Irregular habits of living head the list causing this defective action. Every one should promptly attend to Nature's call. Some people wait until the desire for stool has all o^one. and in that wav the "habit" of the bowels is graduallv lost. Every one should go to stool at a certain regular time each day, and at any other time when Nature calls. If a person heeds this call of Nature, the call will come regularly at the proper time, say every morning after breakfast. If these sensations (Nature's calls) are ignored day after day, the mucous membrane soon loses its sen- sitiveness and the muscular coat its tonicity, and as a result, large quantities of fecal matter may accumulate in the sigmoid (part of the bowel't or in the rectum without exciting the least desire to emptv the bowels. Again, irregular time for eating and improper diet are liable to diminish this action also. Foods that contain very little liquid and those that do not leave much residue are liable to accumu- late in the bowel and at the same time press upon the rectum hard enough to produce a partial paralysis. Deficiency of the Secretions. — Many ci the causes that hinder worm-like motion are also likely to lessen the normal secretions of the bowel. Some kinds of liver diseases tend to lessen the secretions of the bowel, because the amount of bile emptied into the bowel is lessened. Sometimes the glands of the intestine are rendered less active by disease and other causes. Sundry Causes. — Diabetes, melancholy, insanity, old asre. parahsis, lead poisoning and some troubles of local origin,' like fissure of' the rectum, ulceration, stricture and polypus. DIGEST HE ORu.lXS 137 Symptoms. — Headache, inattention to business, loss of menujry, melancholy, sallow complexion, indigestion, loss of appetite, nervous symptoms. Spasmodic muscular contraction of the external sphincter. The bowel contents press upon it; spasm of this sphincter muscle is frequently brought on by the presence of a crack in the mucous membrane, caused by injury inflicted during expulsion of hard- ened feces. Instead of aiding a bowel movement, the muscles now present an obstruction beyond control of the will and aggravate the condition. The most frequent cause of disease of the rectum is constipation and anyone of the following local diseases of the rectum and anus may be a symptom of constipation. (1) Fissure or cracl; of the anus. (2) Ulceration. (3) Hemorrhoids (piles). (4) Pro- lapse (falling). (5) Neuralgia. (G) Proctitis and periproctitis. Fissure of the anus Is a common local symptom of constipation. The feces accumulate when the bowels do not move for a few days, the watery portion is absorbed ; they become dry, hard, lumpy, and very difficult to expel, frequently making a rent (tear) in the mucous membrane and resulting eventually in an irritable fissure. Ulceration of the rectum and the sigmoid (part of the bowel) is a symptom of persistent constipation, because the pressure exerted upon the nour- ishing blood vessels by the fecal mass causes local death of the tissues. Hemorrhoids (Piles) may be produced by constipation in sev- eral ways; first by obstruction to the return of the venous (dark) blood. Second, by venous engorgement (filling up) of the hemor- rhoidal veins during violent and prolonged straining at stool. Third, as a result of the general looseness of the tissues in those suffering from constipation. Prolapse (Falling of the Bowel). — This falling of the rectum may be partial or complete, and may be caused by straining or by the downward pressure exerted by the fecal mass during the emptying movement of the bowel. It may also be the result of a partial paralysis of the bowel caused by pressure of the feces upon the nerves. Proctitis and Peri-Proctitis. — Inflammation of the rectum and sur- rounding tissue that may or may not terminate in an abscess and fis- tula, sometimes follows injury to the very sensitive mucous membrane by the hardened feces. Neuralgia of the Rectum. — This may sometimes result from the pressure of the fecal mass upon the nearby nerves causing jiain in the sacrum coccyx (bones). MOTHERS' REMEDIES.— 1. Constipation, a Good Substitute for Pills and Drugs. — *'Two ounces each of figs, dates, raisins, and prunes (without pits) one-half ounce senna leaves. Grind through meat chopper, and mix thoroughly by kneading. Break off pieces (about a level teaspoonful) and form into tablets. Wrap each in a wax paper and keep in covered glass jars, in a cool place. Dose. — One at night to keep the bowels regular. Very pleasant to take." 138 MOTHERS' REMEDIES 2. Constipation, Substitute for Castor Oil. — 'Take good clean figs, and stew them very slowly in olive oil until plump and tender, then add a little honey and a little lemon juice, and allow the syrup to boil thick. Remarks. — Keep this in a covered glass jar and when a dose of castor oil seems necessary, a single fig will answer every pur- pose. Not unpleasant to take." 3. Constipation, Hot Water for. — ''A cup of hot water, as hot as one can drink it, a half an hour before breakfast." The hot water thoroughly rinses the stomach and helps the bowels to carry off all the impurities. 4. Constipation. Excellent Nourishment for Old People. — *'A tablespoonful of olive oil three times a day internally for weak or very old people: it can be injected, — used as an enema." Olive oil will be found very beneficial for young people as well as old. It acts as a food for the whole system and is very nourishing. 5. Constipation, Salt and Water for. — "A pinch of salt in a glass of water taken before breakfast every morning. I have found it a very good remedy." This is a remedy easily obtained in any home and will be found very helpful. Few people seem to realize how valu- able salt is as a medicine. It acts as a stimulant and loosens the bowels. 6. Constipation, Water Cure for. — ''Drink a quantity of water on retiring and during the day." This simple home remedy has been known to cure stubborn cases of constipation if kept up faithfully. 7. Constipation, Tonic and Standard Remedy for. — "Calomel one ounce, wild cherry bark one ounce, Peruvian bark one ounce, Turkish rhubarb ground one ounce, make this into one quart with water, then put in sufficient alcohol to keep it." Dose : — Take a small teaspoonful each morning when the bowels need regulating, or you need a stim- ulating tonic. 8. Constipation, Glycerin and V/itch-Hazel Remedy Where Castor Oil Failed. — "Equal parts of glycerin and w4tch-hazel." Dose : — One teaspoonful every night at bedtime. In severe cases w^here you have been unable to get a movement of the bowels by the use of other cathartics, take a teaspoonful ever}' two hours until the bowels move freely. This remedy has been known to cure when cas- tor oil and other remedies have failed. 9. Constipation, Well-known Remedy for. — *Tluid Extract Cascara Sagrada 1 ounce Syrup Rhubarb 1 ounce Simple Syrup 2 ounces Mix." One teaspoonful at night or fifteen drops four times a day for an adult. DIGESTIlli ORGANS I39 10. Constipation, Effective Remedy, in the most Stubborn Cases of— "Fluid Extract Cascara Sagrada 1 ounce Fluid ICxtract Wahoo 1 ounce Neutralizing Cordial 2 ounces Mix." Adults may take a teaspoonful of this mixture before retiring, this will be found very elfective in the most stubborn cases of constipation. 11. Constipation, Remedy from a Mother at Lee, Massachusetts. — "Senna Leaves 3^ pound English Currants K pound Figs % pound Brown Sugar 1 large cup Chop all together fine. Dose: — One-fourth to one-half tea- spoonful every night. Do not cook. The best remedy 1 know." 12. Constipation, Fruit and Hot Water Cure for. — "Drink a pint of hot water in the morning before eating. Eat fruit, plenty of apples, eat apples in the evening, and they will loosen the bowels. Chew them fine, mix with saliva." 13. Constipation, Herb Tea for. — "One ounce senna leaves steeped in one-half pint of hot water, with a teaspoonful of ginger powdered ; strain. This is a most certain and effective purge, and mild in its action upon the bowels. Dose : — A cupful at bedtime. This is far superior to salts." 14. Constipation, Purshiana Bark Tea Without an Equal for. — "An infusion of one ounce of purshiana bark to one pint of boiling water ; infuse for one hour and strain. It stands without an equal in the treatment of constipation in all its varied forms. Dose : — One tea- spoonful, morning and evening according to symptoms or until the bowels are thoroughly regulated." This is fine for constipation, espe- cially if of long standing. It may be used in connection with cascara. This will give relief when other remedies fail. PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Constipation.— Too much re- liance has been placed upon medicine in the treatment of this disease and too little attention given to diet, and the establishment of regular habits in eating, exercising, sleeping and attending to the calls of Nature. Also, local disease of the rectum has been overlooked until of late years. Remedies of a laxative and cathartic nature soon lose their power and the dose must be repeated or a new remedy must be given. This method of treatment is wxll recommended and is very good. 1 — Stretching of the sphincter. 2 — Frequent rectal and abdominal massage. 3 — Copious injection of warm water (in the beginning only). 4 — Application of electricity over the abdomen and In the rectum. In addition to this treatment which must be carried out by a physician 140 MOTHERS- REMEDIES the patient must observe the following rules : Go to stool daily, and as near the same time as is convenient, correct errors of diet. Drink an abundance of water and eat sufficient fruit. Take plenty of out- door exercise ; take a cold bath every morning followed by a thorough rubbing. Dress warmly in winter and cool in summer. Change of temperature or climate if the case demands it. Be temperate in all things affecting the general health. Stretching the sphincter must be done carefully, but in a thorough manner. It can only be done prop- erly by an experienced person. Stretching of the sphincter closes the opening so that the feces are not passed at all times. It is circular in shape. Sometimes this grows larger, stiffer, or it acts spasmodically. The opening is often so tight in some people that it is difficult to introduce even a finger, and it frequently produces a spasm of pain in the bowels, stomach and head to do so. This kind will produce con- stipation or make it worse. In such cases it should be stretched thor- oughly but carefully so that the muscle will be able to close the open- ing and the bowel contents will not pass at any time unhindered. There are two methods of stretching the muscle — forcible or gradual. The forcible method is generally done by inserting the two thumbs into the anus and stretching the muscle thoroughly in every direction until there is no resistance. (Dilators are made for this purpose, but unless they are very carefully used they will tear the muscle). The forcible method should be done under an anesthetic. Gradual stretch- ing is done when an anesthetic cannot be used. It is better to do too little than to do too much at the first sitting. The muscle is very stubborn sometimes, and it requires careful handling or the irritability will be increased. An instrument in the hands of a careful man is all right. They can be stretched by the fingers or the AVales' bougie, thus : Patients should come to the office two or three times a week, the instrument (bougies) are introduced and allowed to remain within the bowel until the muscle resistance is overcome, and many times their withdrawal will soon be followed by a copious stool. Forcible stretching is seldom required more than once, if a large sized instru- ment is used from time to time afterward, just as in gradual stretch- ing; when thorough dilatation has been accomplished the muscle in- stead of acting as an impassable barrier to the discharge of the feces, now offers only passive resistance, but sufficiently strong, however, to prevent any unpleasant accidents, yet not strong enough to resist the power of the expulsory muscles when the latter are brought into full play during stool. Large quantities of feces do not now accumiilate ; consequently the pressMre upon the mucous membrane and neighboring nerves is eliminated, and the bowel regains its normal sensibility and strength. There are now sold dilators in sets for self use in almost every drug store. These when used continuously do good and suc- cessful work. Abdominal Massage. (Kneading, Rubbing, etc.).— This is an essential feature in the treatment. It was practiced by Hippocrates hundreds of years ago. Place the patient in the recumbent position DIGESTIVE ORGANS 141 upon a tabic which can be so manipulated that the head may be raised or lowered, the body rolled from side to side. Gentle but firm pres- sure is then made with the palm of the hand and the ball of the thumb over the large intestine beginning in the lower right groin region. Then go up to the ribs on the right side, then over the body to the same place on the left side and down to the left lower side and center, accompanying the pressure by kneading the parts thoroughly with the fingers. Repeat this several times for about ten to twelve minutes. At first this should be practised every day ; later twice a week. Spe- cial treatment should be given the small intestines and liver when the bile and intestinal secretion are lessened. In children gentle rubbing of the abdomen with circular movements from right to left with a little oil for ten minutes daily will help to increase the action of the bowels and often bring on a normal movement. Copious Warm Water Injections. — This is good at the beginning of the treatment when the feces become packed. They soften the mass and aid its discharge. The water must go above the rectum into the colon. To do this a colon tube from eighteen to twenty-four inches long, a good syringe (the Davidson bulb) hard rubber piston or a fountain syringe, the nozzle of which can be inserted into the tube, are required. The patient is placed in the lying down position on the left side with knees drawn up, with the hips elevated. Oil the tube and pass it gently and slowly up the bowel for a few inches until it meets with a slight obstruction. A few ounces of water are then forced through the tube and at the same time pressure is made upward with the tube ; by these means the obstruction will be lifted out of the way each time the tube meets with resistance ; the procedure must be repeated until the tube is well within the colon. Attach the syringe to the tube and allow the water to run until the colon is distended. A quart to a gallon of warm water can be used depending upon the age and amount of feces present. The water should be retained as long as possible. The injections should be continued daily until all the feces has been removed. They should not be used for weeks as has been rec- ommended. If soap suds are used in the enema, green or soft soar* should be used, not the hard soap. Electricity. — One pole may be placed over the spinal column and the other moved about over the course of the colon, or one over the spine and the other over the rectum. Again constipation is caused by the womb lying upon the rectum. Change this condition. (See diseases of women). Rules. — Patients should go to stool daily at the same hour, usually after the morning meal. You can educate the bowel to act daily at the same hour or after breakfast ; or on the other hand not more than once in two or three days in those who are careless in their habits. Some patients need to have two or three movements daily in order to 142 MOTHERS' REMEDIES feel well. It may take time to educate the bowels to do this, but it can be done in many cases and many persons become constipated because they put off attending to the educated bowel's call, and often produce constipation by carelessness. It is surprising how many edu- cated people put off this duty ; Nature neglected, soon ceases to call. If constipated persons will persevere in going to the closet at or near the same time every day and devote their entire time while there to the expulsion of the fecal contents, and not make it a reading room, they will bring about the desired result. Patients are apt to become discouraged at first; they should be informed that the final result of the treatment is not influenced by the failure of the bowel to act reg- ularly during the first few days. Do not strain to expel the stool. Corrections of Errors in Diet. — This is one of the necessary feat- ures in the treatment. All kinds of foods known to disagree should be discarded. The foods should be easily digested. In children the diet should be rich in fats, albuminoids and sugar, but poor in starches. A reasonable amount of fruits such as apples, oranges, and figs should be allowed. Meals should be at regular hours. Foods that can be used: May Take- Soups. — Meat broths, oyster soup. Fish. — Boiled fish of all kinds, raw oysters. Meats. — Almost any fresh tender meat, poultry, game, not fried. Farinaceous. — Oatmeal, wheaten grits, mush, hominy, whole wheat bread, corn bread, graham bread, rye bread. Vegetables. — Boiled onions, brussels sprouts, spinach, cauliflower, potatoes, asparagus, green corn, green peas, string beans, salads with oil. Desserts. — Stewed prunes, figs, baked apples with cream, ripe peaches, pears, oranges, apples, melons, grapes, cherries, raisins, honey, plain puddings, fig puddings, apple charlotte. Drinks. — Plenty of pure water, cold or hot, new cider, buttermilk, orange juice, unfermented grape juice. Must Not Take- Salt, smoked, potted or preserved fish or meats, pork, liver, eggs, new^ bread, puddings of rice or sago, pastry, milk, sweets, tea, nuts, cheese, pineapple, spirituous liquors. Foods classed as laxatives are honey, cider, molasses, and acid fruits, such as apples, pears, peaches, cherries, and oranges. Berries are effective laxatives on account of the acids and seeds they contain, (Huckleberries are constipating). Prunes, dates and figs are good and effective, also fruit juices. Drinks. — There are few laxatives better than a glass of cold water or preferably hot water, taken upon an empty stomach before break- DIGESTIl'E ORG.IXS I43 fast; water prevents the feces from becoming dry and massed, and stimulates the intestinal movements. A pinch of salt added to the water increases its effectiveness. Out-door Exercise. — This should be taken regularly and freely. Bathing. — The best time is before breakfast, and in as cold water as possible. The bath should be followed by a thorough rubbing of the skin with a Turkish towel. Clothing. — Warm clothing in winter; cool clothing in summer. Cold weather induces constipation, and warm weather diarrhea. Mod- erate manner of living is everything. PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Constipation. 1. One year to three years. — For infants one teaspoonful or less of black molasses or store syrup, or of olive oil ; and Mellin's food eaten dry, is good for babies a year and older. 2. Small Children. — Increase cream in the milk, give oatmeal or barley water. Castile soap suppository, enema, massage, castor oil, or citrate of magnesia if drugs are needed. 3. Older Children. — In older children, fruit, oatmeal, etc. Black molasses is good for children, one to two teaspoonfuls. 4. Fluid Extract of Cascara Sagrada. — Dose: ten to sixty drops at night. This is good for a great many cases and sometimes it cures the trouble, but on the other hand it seems to injure some people. 5. The Aromatic Cascara is also good ; doses are larger and pleas- ant to take. This is more agreeable for children. 6. The Compound Licorice Powder is a mild, simple laxative and effertive. It is composed of senna eighteen parts, licorice root powder sixteen parts, fennel eight parts, washed sulphur eight parts, sugar fifty parts. Dose : — One to two teaspoonfuls. 7. For one dose, or one capsule, the proportions would be: ONE AMOUNT FOR CAPSULE ONE DOZEN Aloin H grain 3 grains Extract of Belladonna yg grain IJ^ grains Extract Nux Vomica % grain 3 grains Powdered Gentian 3 grains 36 grains Mix and put up in twelve capsules and take one at night. There are many tablets and pills made that can be bought at any drug store. No doubt some of them are first class, though perhaps not attaining to that high degree of virtue claimed in their advertising columns. ITCHING OF THE ANUS. (Itching Piles) (Pruritus ani).— Causes. — An inherited or an acquired nervous constitution. Disease of the colon, rectum or anus. Improper diet. Skin affections in that region. Operations about the rectum and anus with resulting dis- 144 MOTHERS' REMEDIES charge sometimes. Diseases in the neighboring organs. Disease of the general system. Diarrhea, discharge of mucus and pus, fissure, etc. Irregular habits and dissipation. Over-seasoned foods such as lobster, salmon, shell-fish and foods containing much grease or starch are especially conducive to it; the same is true of tea, coffee, cocoa, strong alcoholic drinks. Skin diseases, lice, pin worms often cause it. After Operations. — Some part has not healed, and there is left an irritating discharge. Symptoms. — There is intense itching at the anus, increased by warmth, and contact of the buttocks. The itching grows worse after the patient becomes warm in bed. It may spread and extend to the scrotum, down the limbs and sometimes over the lower back. PHYSICIANS* TREATMENT FOR ITCHING OF ANUS. Preventive and Palliative. DIET. — ^May Take. — Strong drink must be prohibited; tea, coffee, cocoa, if used at all should be sparingly used. A light diet such as bread, milk, eggs, nourishing soups, kumiss and a little fresh fish, broiled steak, etc., may be used. May Not Take — Hot cakes, pastry, parsnips, cheese, pickles, beans, cucumbers, cabbage, oatmeal, pork, shell-fish, salmon, lobster, salt fish, confectionery and starchy or highly seasoned foods are to be prohibited. Regular meals, no lunches between meals, and the patient must not over-eat at any time. Long course dinners and over-indul- gence in highly seasoned foods and wines aggravate it. Remedies for Bath. — The bowels should move daily and the parts should be kept clean. The parts should be bathed with hot water or weak solutions of carbolic acid, alcohol or listerine, the heat being especially soothing. Bathing the parts with bran, oatmeal, flaxseed, salt, rice, slippery elm teas, or tar water adds much comfort to these parts. Do not wash much with soapy water. 1. Separate the Buttocks with Gauze, a thin layer of cotton or a piece of soft cloth. This eases the soreness, pain and itching by ab- sorbing the secretions and preventing irritations while walking. " The patient should not scratch the parts. Direct pressure over the itching parts with a soft cloth, or by drawing a well oiled cloth across the sore parts several times gives relief. 2. Dr. Allingham Recommends the introduction of a bony or ivory nipple-shaped plug into the anus before going to bed. It is self retaining, about two inches in length, and as thick as the end of the index finger. He claims it prevents the night itching by pressing upon the many veins and terminal nerve fibres of the parts. When the rawness is extensive and the parts are highly inflamed, the patient should be kept to bed and kept on his back with the limbs separated until the irritation is allayed. DIGESTIVE ORuAKS 145 3. Local Applications. — Soothing remedies: These can be used when the parts are inflamed and raw. Lead and opium wash, or boric acid, or linseed oil, or starch, or cocaine, and zinc stcarate with boric acid. This form of zinc adheres to the parts when rubbed on, and is thus more valuable. 4. The following is good to dust in the parts: — Boric Acid 2 drams Stearate of Zinc 2 drams Talcum 1 dram Apply as a dusting powder. 5. The following is good for the raw parts : — Carbolic Acid 1 scruple Menthol 10 grains Camphor 10 grains Suet enough to make 1 ounce Mix. Apply freely two or three times daily after cleansing the parts. Melt the suet and when partially cold, add the other ingredients. 6. The following is good for the itching and to heal the raw sur- faces : — Carbolic acid 1 dram Zinc oxide 1 dram Glycerin 3 drams Lime water 8 ounces Mix and apply once or twice daily to relieve the itching. 7. Carbolic acid 1 dram Calamin prep 2 drams Zinc oxide 4 drams Glycerin 6 drams Lime water 1 ounce Rose water enough to make 8 ounces Mix. Keep in contact with the itching area by means of gauze or cotton while the itching is intense. 8. For injections into the rectum for rawness of the mucous mem- brane, the following is well recommended. Use three drams of this at one time. Fluid extract Witch Hazel 2 ounces Fluid extract Ergot 2 drams Fluid extract Golden Seal 2 drams Compound tincture Benzoin 2 drams Carbolized Olive or Linseed Oil 1 ounce Carbolic acid 5 per cent Mix and shake well before using. 9. For the same purpose: — Ichthyol 1 dram Olive oil 1 ounce Mix and apply in the rectum on a piece of cotton. PILES. (Hemorrhoids). — Haemorrhoid is derived from two Greek words, meaing blood and flowing with blood. "Pile" is from 146 MOTHERS' REMEDIES a Greek word meaning a ball or globe. Hemorrhoids, or piles, are varicose tumors involving the veins, capillaries of the mucous m.em- branes and tissue directly underneath the mucous membrane of the lower rectum, characterized by a tendency to bleed and protrude. They were known in the time of Moses. Varieties. — There are the external (covered by the skin) and the internal (covered by mucous membrane). Causes. — Heredity. More frequent in males. Women sometimes suffer from them during pregnancy. Usually occurs between the ages of twenty-five and fifty. Sedentary life, irregular habits, high-grade wines and liquors, hot and highly seasoned and stimulating foods. Heavy lifting. Those who must remain on their feet long or sit on hard unventilated seats for several hours at a time. Railway em- ployes, because they take their meals any time and cannot go to stool when Nature calls, causing constipation. Purgatives and enemata used often and for a long time. Constipation is perhaps the most fre- quent cause : when a movement of the bowels is put off for a consid- erable time the feces accumulate and become hard and lump}' and difficult to expel. If this hard mass is retained in the rectum, it presses upon the blood vessels interfering with their circulation and by bruising the vessels may induce an inflammation of the veins when the hardened feces are expelled ; straining is intense, the mass closes the vessels above by pressure and forces the blood downward into the veins, producing dilatation when the force is sufficient. One or more of the small veins near the anus may rupture and cause a bloody (vas- cular) tumor beneath the mucous membrane or skin. External Piles. — Two kinds, venous piles and skin or simple en- larged tags of skin. Venous piles usually occur in robust persons. They come on suddenly and are caused by the rupture of one or more small veins during the expulsion of hardened feces. There may be one or more, and may be located just at the union of the mucous membrane and the skin. Their size is from a millet-seed to a cherry, livid or dark blue in color, and appear like bullets or small shots under the skin. At first they cause a feeling of swelling at the margin of the anus ; but as the clot becomes larger and harder, there is a feeling of the presence of a foreign body in the lower part of the anal canal (or canal of the anus). The sphincter muscle resents this and occasion- ally contracts, spasmodically at first, producing a drawing feeling: later these contractions become longer and more frequent, and there is intense suffering caused by the pile being squeezed, and this suffering may be so great that sleep is impossible without an opiate. Because of the straining, irritation of the rectum and pain in the sphincter, the piles soon become highly inflamed and very sensitive. The clot may be absorbed without any treatment. Occasionally it becomes ulcer- ated from the irritation, infection takes place and an abscess forms around the margin of the anus terminatinof in a fistrla. DICESTirE OR6ASS 147 Skin Piles, (Cutaneous). — These are enlarged lags of the skin. They frequently follow the absorption of the clot in the venous piles where the skm is bruised and stretched. There may be one or many and osoally have the skin color. These cause less suffering than the ▼enous varier>-, and sometimes they exist for years, without any trou- ble, providing care is taken ; but when bruised from any cause, such as a kick or fall, sitting on a hard seat, stretching of the parts during stool, or when they become irritated by discharges from the rectum or vagina, they become inflamed and cause much annoyance and pain. When they are acutely inflamed they swell greatly, are highly colored, swollen, painful, and extremely sensitive to the touch and cause fre- quent spasmodic contractions of the sphincter muscle and cay Anally result in an abscess. The pain is usually confined to the region of the anus, but msy ^? ::r t!"- '-~-::-: d:"-r. the !:mbs or to the privates. MOTHERS RE::ZI IS FOR PILES. Sulphur and Glycerin for. — ^*'Eqi: - r'ycerin. Grease pans.*' This prepi:-: - :. n^-. ir_ :ften give relief even in severe cases. iL Piles. Strc-r!-, Recc-ntenced Re-edv for.— 15 grains :cah?« 5 grains In : : - :::ng. itching and blind piles, this ointment will give you ^'.~ts: ir.f ir.: relief. If kept up several days it will promote a cure." 2 r'l-s. Gz-z-d Sahre for- — ^^ed precipitate two and one-half r : : z . r. : : r. e dram, best cosmoline three ounces, white ., ^-. ...- r-^. one dram." It is much better to have this sa!ve : : as it is di£Bcult to mix at home. This ■* 1 ■ : " ^ : ^ for inflammation. ^ ~ t ^ ted Salve for. — ^"Boil together two ounces of ' : 1 : : ' ounce smartwreed root. Apply this to the piles u.:^. _. - -_- : r t~ :-. lay" This is very healing, and has been known to cure in Tr.ir. :irrr ^^ en taken in the early stages. 5. Pile^ t C li V'='er Cure for. — ^"Take about a half pint of cold watt' ::^r. every morning before trying to have a move' > simple treatment has cured many cases V....:. .... .- :.^. :^ cl(^ rrz he'n. 6. Piles. Si~ple Azz'.-.zir.z-. ir.i ?e e: : :~. — "Mix together one zahi dower of sulphur. Apply 7. Piles. Stearr - vith Ch= Tea for. — *\\ tea made of chamcr: : - - is excellent ; after using the ikL ess rectum back gently." 148 MOTHERS' REMEDIES PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Piles.— What to do first— The palliative treatment of both varieties of external piles is the same. In all cases the patient should lie flat on his back in bed and remain there for a few days. Highly seasoned foods and stimulants, tea, cof- fee, whisky, wine, etc., must be discarded. Secure a dail}' half liquid stool by the use of small doses of salts, Hunyadi or Abilena water. Cleansing the parts with weak castile soap water is essential to allay the pain, reduce the inflammation and soothe the sphincter muscle; cold, or if it is more agreeable, hot applications may be kept con- stantly on the parts. Hot fomentations of hops, smartweed, worm- wood, or poultice of flaxseed, or slippery elm^ or bread and milk give almost instant relief in many cases ; while in others soothing lotions, and ointments or suppositories are needed. The lead and laudanum wash is always reliable. Lead and Laudanum Wash. — Solution of Subacetate of Lead 4 drams Laudanum 2^ drams Distilled water enough to make 4 ounces Mix thoroughly and apply constantly ice cold on cotton to the sore parts. The following ointments, lotions, and suppositories to be used freely within the bowels and to the piles, are effective in relieving the pain, reducing inflammation and diminishing pain and spasm in the sphincter 1. Ointment of Stramomium 1^ drams Ointment of Belladonna 2J/2 drams Ointment of Tannic Acid 5^ ounce Mix thoroughly and apply inside and outside the anus. 2. Morphine Sulphate 3 grains Calomel 12 grains Vaselin 1 ounce This must be thoroughly mixed. Apply freely within the anus and to the piles. Good for the pain. 3. For External Piles cleanse them well with a sponge dipped in cold water, and then bathe them with distilled extract of witch hazel. 4. If there is much itching with the piles use the following salve : — ^fenthol 20 grains Calomel 30 grains Vaselin 1 ounce Mix and apply to the piles. 5. I use quite frequently the following for sore external piles: Chloroform Sweet oil Equal parts Apply freely with cotton or on to the piles. Ten cents will buy enough to u3c DIGESTIl'E ORGANS 149 Operation for Piles. — When these measures do not relieve the pains or the piles become inflamed from slight causes and often, it is best to operate. This can be done in a few minutes with a local anesthetic and the patient frequently goes to sleep afterward, almost free from pain. Inject a three per cent, solution of eucaine, or six per cent, solution of cocaine. Thoroughly cleanse the part and hold the buttocks apart, pierce the pile at its base with a thin sharp-pointed curved knife, laying it open from side to side. Remove the clot with a curette, cauterize the vessel and pack the cavity with gauze to pre- vent bleeding and to secure drainage. Cutaneous (skin) piles are operated upon as follows. — Each one is grasped in turn w^ith a pair of strong forceps and snipped oti with the scissors, or removed with a knife. Close the wound with sutures, if necessary, and dress it with gauze. Small ones need no sutures. Be careful not to remove too much tissue. Much after-pain can be prevented by placing in the rectum a suppository containing one-half grain of opium or cocaine before either of the above operations are performed. The after treatment is quite simple. Keep the patient quiet, cleanse the parts frequently, and secure a soft daily stool. Cleanse with tepid boiled water with clean sterilized gauze and give salts in small doses, one to two drams to produce a stool. INTERNAL PILES. Symptoms.— The two prominent sympr- toms are bleeding and pain. The bleeding is usually dark. It may be slight and appear as streaks upon the feces or toilet paper; it may be moderate and ooze from the anus for some time after a stool, or it may be so profuse as to cause the patient to faint from loss of blood while the "bowels are moving." Death may follow in such a case unless the bleeding is stopped. The blood may look fresh and fluid or if retained for some time, it looks like coffee grounds, sometimes mixed with mucus and pus. Patients who bleed profusely become pale and bloodless, and are very nervous and gloomy and they believe they are suffering from cancer or some other incurable trouble. The first the patient notices he has internal piles is when a small lump appears at the end of the bowel during a stool and returns spontaneously ; afterwards the lump again protrudes after the stool and others may- appear. They become larger and larger, come down oftener and no longer return spontaneously, but must be replaced after each stool As a result of this handling, they grow sensitive, swollen, inflamed and ulcerated, and the sphincter muscle becomes irritable. Later on one or more of the piles are caught in the grasp of the sphincter muscle and rapidly increases in size. It is then hard to relieve them, and when returned they act as foreign bodies, excite irritation and they are almost constantly expelled and the same procedure goes on at each stool. The sphincter muscle contracts so tightly around them as to cause strangulation and unless properly treated they become gan- grenous and slough off. 150 MOTHERS' REMEDIES Recovery, Pain, etc. — The pain is not great in the early stages, but when the muscle grasps and contracts the pile or piles it becomes terrible and constant. Piles rarely end fatally. Palliative treatment does not afford a permanent cure. They frequently return, but by care and diet many can be kept from returning so frequently. They should be treated upon their first appearance when the chances of a permanent cure without an operation are much better. PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Internal Piles.— What to do first. The cause should be removed. Restore a displaced womb. Regulate the bowels, liver, diet, and habits. Much can be accom- plished by these measures if properly used, in allaying inflammation diminishing pain and reducing the size of the piles. These measures will not cure them if they are large, overgrown and protruding. When the piles are inflamed, strangulated or ulcerated, the patient should remain in bed in a recumbent position and hot fomentations of hops, etc., and hot poultices, of flaxseed, slipper}* elm. bread and milk, the ice bag. or soothing applications and astringent remedies, should be applied to the parts. In some cases cold applications are the best. The cold or astringent applications give the best results where the piles are simply inflamed and the sphincter muscle does not act spas- modically, jerkily. But when the piles are strangulated, "choked tight" by the sphincter muscle, hot fomentations, poultices and sooth- ing remedies give the most relief, because they reduce spasmodic con- tractions of the muscle and allay the pain. Instead of the poultices and fomentations, the "sitz" bath can be used. Put in the steaming water, hops, catnip, tansy, pennyroyal, etc.. and the steam arising will frequently give great relief. This can be given frequently ; ten to twenty drops of laudanum can be added to the poultices when the piles are very painful. 1. For inflamed piles, the following combinations may be used : — Sulphate of Morphine S grains Calomel 12 grains Vaselin 1 ounce ^^ix thoroughly and apply freely around the anus and in the rectum on the piles. The external parts should always be bathed with hot water, thor- oughly, before using. 2. Extract Opium 14 dram Cocaire Hydrochlorate 10 grains Menthol 20 grains Ointment of Zinc Oxide 1 ounce Mix and apply directly .o the piles. (Dr. Gant). 3. When there is a slight bleeding, water of witch-hazel extract, one to two ounces to be injected into the rectum. This witch-hazel water freely used is good for external piles also. This is good and well recommended. 4. If the protruded pile is inflamed and hard to push back, the following is good and recommended highly : — DIGEST HE ORGANS 151 Chlorctoiic . . 1 'Irani Iodoform 1 dram Extract Opium 30 grains Petrolatum 1 ounce Mix and use as a salve. 6. An ointment composed of equal parts of fine-cut tobacco and raisins, seedless, chopped fine and mixed with enoiip^h lard, makes a good ointment to apply on both external and internal piles. 6. Tea of white oak bark, boiled down so as to be stronp^, and mixed with lard and applied frequently, is good as an astringent, but not for the very painful kind. It will take down the swelling. 7. Take a rectal injection of cold water before the regular daily stool. This will soften the feces and decrease the congestion. Preventive Treatment. — This is very important and includes habits and diet and other diseases. If the patient is thin and pale give tonics. Correct any disease of any neighboring organ. Attend to any disease that may be present. For Constipation. — Take a small dose of salts or hunyadi water so as to have one semi-solid stool daily. If necessary remove any feces that may even then be retained, by injections of soap suds or warm water containing oil. Discontinue injections as soon as a daily full stool can be had without it. Habits. — Full-blooded people should not use upholstered chairs as the heat of the body relaxes the tissues of the rectum. A cane seated chair is best or an air cushion with a hollow center. It is best to rest in bed, if possible, after stool for the rest relieves the conges- tion and soreness. An abundance of out-door exercise, when the piles are not present, or bad, consisting of walking or simple gymnastics may usually be indulged in; violent gymnastics and horseback riding must be avoided. A daily stool must be secured. Diet. — Such patients should avoid alcoholic beverages, spiced foods, strong coffee, and tea, cheese, cabbage, and old beans. Foods Allowed. — Potatoes, carrots, spinach, asparagus, and wen salads, since they stimulate intestinal action and thus aid in keeping the stool soft. Stewed fruits, including grapes, oranges, pears, and apples. Water is the best to drink. Meats: tender broiled, boiled or baked beef — do not eat the inside part to any great amount. Other meats, but no pork or ham, fresh fish, chicken. The foods should not be too highly seasoned ; vinegar is not to be used to any extent and this excludes pickles, etc. PERIPROCTITIS. Abscess Around the Anus and Rectum. (Ano-rectal) (Ischio-rectal Abscess). — This is an iiitlammation of llic tissues around the rectum which usually terminates in the above named abscess. It occurs mostly in middle-aged people. Men are affected more often than women. 152 . MOTHERS' REMEDIES Causes. — Sitting in cold, damp hard seats; horseback riding, for- eign bodies in the rectum such as pins, fish-hooks, etc., blows on the part, kicks, tubercular constitution, etc. Symptoms. — Inflammation of the skin, like that of a big boil, some fever, throbbing pain, swelling of the part, heat and fullness in the rectum, these symptoms Increase until the pus finds an outlet into the rectum. PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Periproctitis.— Little can be done in a palliative way. It generally terminates in an abscess. Make the patient as comfortable as possible, by applying cold or hot things to the part, rest in bed. mild laxatives to keep the bowels open. Cut it open as soon as possible, and it should be laid wide open, so that every part is broken up. Then it should be thoroughly washed and scraped out. Sometimes it is necessary to use pure carbolic acid to burn out the interior. The dressing should be as usual for such wounds and removed when soiled and the wound washed out with boiled water and then gauze loosely placed in the bottom and in every corner of the wound. The dressing should be continued until all has been healed from inside out. Be sure to leave no cotton in to heal over it. Such patients should be built up with nourishing foods, and should remain quietly in bed. Cod liver oil is good for some patients. Iron, etc., for others. Keep the bowels regular. Outdoor life and exercise. If treated right it should not return. FISTULA IN ANUS.— This usually follows the abscess. It has two openings, one upon the surface of the body near the anus, and the other in the rectum. There are a great many varieties of fistula, but it is unnecessary to name them. What can be done for them? PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT.— If the general health is good an operation is the best thing to do, but patients in the last stage of con- sumption, nephritis, diabetes, or organic heart disease, are not apt to receive much benefit from an operation. The patient in poor condi- tion should be given the treatment suitable to his condition, according to the advice of a trusted physician. DISEASES OF THE KIDNEYS AND BLADDER. KIDNEYS. — The kidneys are deeply placed and cannot be felt or distinctly identified when normal. They are most accessible to pressure just below the last rib, behind. The right kidney usually lies lower than does the left, but even then, the lower part of this kidnev is an inch above the upper part of the hip bone, or an inch above a line drawn around the body parallel with the navel. The kidney is about four inches long. The long axis of the kidneys corresponds to that of the twelfth rib : on an average the left kidney lies one-half inch higher than the right. KIDNEY AND BLADDI-iK. 153 As stated before, each kidney is four inches lon^. two lo two and one-half in breadth, and more than one inch thick. The left is some- what longer, thouiih narrower, than the rii,Hit. The kidney is covered with what is called a capsule. This can be easily stripped off. The Kidneys, Ureters and Bladder. structure of the kidney is quite intricate. At the inner border of each kidney there is an opening called the pelvis of the kidney, and leading from this, small tubes penetrate the structure of the kidney in all directions. These tubes are lined with special cells. Through these 154 MOTHERS' REMEDIES tubes go the excretions (urine) from the body of the kidneys, to the pelvis, and from the pelvis through the ureters, sixteen inches long, to the bladder. KIDNEY TROUBLE. MOTHERS' REMEDIES.— 1. Kidney Trouble and Inflammation of the Bladder, Cornsilk for. — ''Get cornsilk and make a good strong tea of it by steeping slov^ly, and take one ounce three or four times a day. This acts v^ell on the kidneys, and is a harmless remedy to use." 2. Kidney Trouble, Flaxseed and Lemons for. — "Make a tea by placing the flaxseed in a muslin or linen bag, and suspend it in a dish of water, in the proportion of about four teaspoonfuls for each quart of water. After allowing the seeds to soak for several hours remove the same and tea will be ready for use. The addition of a little lemon juice will improve the flavor. Give in quantities as may be found necessary." 3. Kidney Trouble, Temporary Relief for. — "Rub witchhazel on stomach and back ; use freely." This is an old-time remedy, and can be relied upon to at least give temporary relief. The witchhazel has a very soothing effect upon the parts affected. 4. Kidney and Bladder Trouble, Buchu Leaves for. — "Get five ::ents' worth of buchu leaves at any drug store, and make a good strong tea of it by steeping. This acts nicely on the kidneys. This remedy is easily prepared, and is not expensive." 5. Kidney Trouble, Common Rush Root for. — "Take a handful of the root of common rush in one and one-half pints of water, boil down to one pint. Dose : — One tablespoonful every two or three hours. For a child ten years, give one teaspoonful four times a day. For a child of four to six years, one-half teaspoonful four times a day." 6. Kidney Trouble, Effective and Easy Cure for. — "Fluid Extract of Cascara Sagrada 1 ounce Fluid Extract of Buchu 2 ounces Fluid Extract of Uva Ursi 2 ounces Tincture Gentian Comp 1 ounce Simple Syrup 1 pint Mix the above ingredients and give a teaspoonful four times a day. This is a very good remedy, as the cascara sagrada acts on the bowels and the buchu and uva ursi acts on the kidneys, carrying off all the impurities that would otherwise be retained in the system and cause trouble." 7. Kidney Trouble, Sheep-Sorrel Excellent for. — "Make a decoc- tion of sheep sorrel, one ounce to pint of water ; boil, strain and cool. Give wineglassful. three or four times a day. If necessary apply the spinal ice bag to kidneys." The sheep sorrel is a good kidney remedy, and the ice bag by continuous application will relieve the congestion. MOVABLE KIDNEY. (Floating Kidney. Nephroptosis) .—Causes. — This condition is usually acquired. It is more common in vvomen KIDNEY AND BLADDER. 155 than in men, possibly due lo lacing and the relaxations of the muscles of the abdomen from prei^nancy. It may come from wounds, liftinp^ too heavy articles, emaciation. Symptoms. — They are i^ften absent. There may be pain or drag- ging sensation in the loins, or intercostal neuralgia ; hysteria, nervous- ness, nervous dyspepsia and constipation are common. The kidney can be felt. A dull pain is caused by firm pressure. Sometimes there are attacks of severe abdominal pain, with chill, fever, nausea, vomit- ing and collapse. The kidney becomes large and tender. The urine shows a reddish deposit and sometimes there is blood and pus in the urine. Treatment. — If the symptoms are not present, it is best for the patient not to know the true condition, as nervous troubles frequently follow a knowledge of its presence. If the symptoms are present, re- place the kidney while the patient is lying down and retain it by a suitable belt. Also treat the nervous condition. If the symptoms are of the severe kind an operation may be needed to fasten the kidney in its proper condition. This is quite generally successful, and does away with much suffering and pain. The pain may be so severe at times as to require morphine. Sometimes the pain is due to uric acid or oxalates in the urine. For this regulate the diet. Diet for Movable Kidney. — The diet should be such as to produce fat. Milk is excellent where it is well borne ; if not well borne give easily digested meats, such as chicken, roast beef, broiled steak and lamb chop ; fish of various kinds and vegetables, such as spinach, car- rots, asparagus and cauliflower ; of fats, butter, cream, and chocolate ; for constipation, cider, buttermilk, grape-juice, fruits and honey. ACUTE CONGESTION OR HYPEREMIA OF THE KID- NEYS. — This occurs at the beginning of acute nephritis ; in acute infectious diseases, after taking turpentine, chlorate of potash, can- tharides, carbolic acid, alcohol, etc. ; after one kidney has been re- moved. Kidney. — The kidney is enlarged, dark red. while the covering is very tight (tense). The urine is scanty, and there is increased spe- cific gravity (normal is 1015 to 1020) and contains albumin and a few casts. Treatment. — The cause should always be removed if possible. Rest in bed, and as a diet use only milk; if the congestion is bad, use dry cupping over the kidneys and inject large quantities of hot normal salt solution in the bowels. Hot fomentations of wormwood or smartweed are of benefit. If you can get the patient into a sweat the congestion will be somewhat relieved by it. CHRONIC CONGESTION OF THE KIDNEYS. Causes.— Dis- eases of other organs and obstruction to the return of the circulation 156 MOTHERS' REMEDIES in the veins. Cirrhosis of the liver causes it. The kidney is enlarged, dark red, the urine is diminished, with albumin and casts and some- times blood. Treatment. — Remove the cause if possible. Fluid diet, like milk, broths, etc. Dry cupping or sweating materials can be used. Rest in bed if possible. The bowels should be kept open, and the kidneys should rest. BLOOD IN THE URINE. (Haematuria) . Causes.— The con- gestion of the kidneys, pernicious malaria, etc., nephritis, tuberc- ulosis, kidney stones. The urine looks smoky and dark, or bright red. Treatment. — This depends upon the cause. The patient must rest in bed and the kidneys should not be stimulated. Cold applications to the loins. Hot applications would injure. URAEMIC TOXAEMIA. —This means poison in the blood occur- ing in acute and chronic nephritis (inflammation of the kidneys). The cause is unknown. The disease is acute and chronic. ACUTE URAEMIA. Symptoms.— The onset may be sudden or gradual. The headache is severe, usually on the back top of head (occipital) and extending to the neck; there is persistent vomiting with nausea and diarrhea attending it. This may be due to inflammation of the colon. Difficulty in breathing, which may be constant or comes in spells. This is worse at night, when it may resemble asthma ; fever if persistent, is usually slight until just before death. General convulsions may occur. There may be some twitching of the muscles of the face and of other muscles. The convulsions may occur fre- quently. The patient becomes abnormally sleepy, before the attack, and remains so. One-sided paralysis may occur. Sudden temporary blindness occurs sometimes. There may be noisy delirium or suicidal mania. Coma (deep sleep) may develop either with or without con- vulsions or delirium, and is usually soon followed by them ; sometimes by chronic uraemia or recovery. CHRONIC URAEMIA.— This develops most often in cases of Arterio-sclerosis or chronic interstitial nephritis, (one kind of Bright's disease). The symptoms are less severe than those of acute uraemia, but similar, and of gradual onset, sometimes with symptoms of the acute attack. There is often constant headache and difficult breathing; the tongue is brown and dry, sometimes there is nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, sleeplessness, cramps of the legs and much itching may be present. It may last for years. Death may occur when the patient is in coma (deep sleep). There may have been mania, muscular twitch- ings or convulsions before death. Treatment. — Found under "Chronic Interstitial Nephritis." ACUTE BRIGHT'S DISEASE. (Acute Inflammation of the Kid- neys. Acute Nephritis). — This occurs chiefly in young people and among grown men. Exciting causes are exposure to cold, wet, burns, KIDNEY AM) lil..\ni)l-R. i^-j extensive skin tears (lesions), scarlet fevei. diphtlieria, typhoid fcvci, mea.sles and acute tuberculosis. i)()isons; and picj^nancy is one can^c when it occurs in women. Symptoms. — After exposure or scarlet fever the onset may be sud- den, sometimes with chills or chilliness, variable fever, pain in the loins, watery swellings of the face and extremities, then of other portions of the body like the abdomen, then general dropsy. Sometimes there is nausea, vomiting, headache, delirium, or very deep siec]). The urine is scanty, dark colored, of increased ''specific gravity" and contains albu- min, cells and casts. Anemia is marked. After some fever disease, the onset is gradual with anemia, swelling of the eyelids, face and ex- tremities ; scanty thickish urine containing casts, then headache, nausea, vomiting, little or no fever, dry skin. In these cases there may be gradual recovery, attack of ur?emia, or they may end in chronic nephritis. Diagnosis. — Examine the urine often in pregnancy, scarlet fever, etc., and especially when watery swelling is noticed. Recovery. — The result in your children when it comes with scarlet fever is not so good. It may run into chronic nephritis. In adults when it is due to exposure the rule is recovery. Treatment. — The patient must be kept in bed until there is com- plete recovery. He should be clothed in flannel. Diet and Nursing. — This must be of milk, water or mineral water in large quantities ; milk or buttermilk should be the main article of food. You can give gruels made of arrowroot or oatmeal, barley water, beef tea and chicken broth. But it is better to stick strictly to milk. As the patient gets better, bread and butter, lettuce, watercress, grapes, oranges, and other fruits may be given. The return to a meat diet should be gradual. The patient should drink freely of mineral waters, ordinary water or lemonade, these keep the kidneys flushed and wash out the ''debris" from the tubes. One dram of cream of tartar in a pint of boiling water, add the juice of half a lemon and a little sugar; this when taken cold is a pleasant satisfactory diluting drink. Cream of tartar one dram, juice of lemon, sugar sufficient, water one pint, may be given w^henever desired. There should be hot water baths daily or oftener ; or you can produce sweating by placing hot water jars around the patient, and watch to see whether it is too weakening. It can also be done by introducing steam underneath the beddin.q. that is then lifted a little, so that the steam vapor can circulate about the patient. Be careful not to burn the patient with the hot steam. This, of course, is done through a hose attached to a steaming kettle. Also see treatment of dropsy under "scarlet fever." Bowels. Attention to. — They should be moved every morning by a saline (salt) cathartic, if necessary, especially if the dropsy continues. ^his produces watery stool. Cream of tartar and epsom salts, equal parts, is good remedy; one-half teaspoonful every three hours for a 158 MOTHERS' REMEDIES child one year old until the bowels move freely ; one-half to one ounce can be given to an adult. CHRONIC BRIGHT'S DISEASE. (Chronic Parenchymatous Nephritis. Chronic Diffuse Desquamative or Tubal Nephritis. Chronic Diffuse Nephritis with Exudation). Causes. — Young- adult life and most common in males. It may come from acute inflammation of the kidneys that was due to exposure, pregnancy, or scarlet fever, or fol- low excessive use of alcohol, etc. In children it usually follows acute inflammation of the kidneys or scarlet fever. Condition. — The kidneys may be enlarged, with thin capsule, white surface, cortex thickened and yellowish, or whitish (large white kid- ney). The epithelium of the tubules is granular, or fatty or the tubules are distended and contain casts. Cells of the "Glomeruli" and their capsules are swollen. There is moderate increase of interstitial tissue. In other cases, the "small white kidney/' the kidney is small and pale either at first or as a later stage of the large white kidney. The sur- face is pale, rough and granular; the capsule is thickened and partially adherent ; the surface is thin with white and yellowish areas of fatty degenerations. The interstitial tissue is much increased ; epithelial degeneration in the tubules extensive. There is also the large red kidney, and with any of these types the left heart may be enlarged and the arteries thTckened". Symptoms. — If it occurs after acute nephritis the symptoms of acute nephritis subside, but anemia and the changes in the urine per- sist . Usually there is a gradual onset with paleness and puffiness of the eyelids, ankles or hands in the morning. Later there is difficult breathing, increased watery swelling of the face, extremities and de- pendent portions of the body ; worse in the morning. There is a pasty yellowish pallor, afterwards dropsy of the abdominal and chest cav- ities. The urine is diminished, high colored, specific gravity usually 1020 to 1025 with much albumin. Many casts which are named hyaline, granular, epithelial and fatty. The action of the heart is bad. There may be trouble with the stomach and bowels, constipated, etc. The digestion is poor and the patient frequently suffers with much gas. Recovery is rare after it has lasted one year. Treatment. Diet. — Milk or buttermilk should be the main article of food. You can give gruels made of arrowroot or oatmeal, barley water, beef tea, and chicken broth, but it is better to keep strictly to milk. As the patient gets better, bread and butter, lettuce, water- cress, grapes, oranges and other fruits may be given. The return to the meat diet should be gradual. The patient should drink freely of mineral water, ordinary water, or lemonade. These keep the kidneys flushed and wash out the "debris" from the tubes. One dram (tea- spoonful) of cream of tartar in a pint of boiling water, add the juice of a half a lemon and a little sugar. This when taken cold is a pleas- ant, satisfactory drink. Medical treatment is not satisfactory. The only thing to do is to give medicines to meet the indications ; fifteen to KWXLy .IXD BLADDER. ^59 twenty grain doses of lactate of stn^uiuin. Diurctin also is used. Basham's mixture for anemia is of hcli) in some cases. It can be bought at any drug store. CHRONIC INTERSTITIAL NEPHRITIS. (Sclerosis or Cir- rhosis of the Kidneys. Granular, Contracted or Gouty Kidney). — This is met with, (^a)as a secjuencc of the large wliile kidneys forming the so-called pale granular or secondary contracted kidney ; (b) as an in- dependent primary afi'ection ; as a sequence of arterio-sclerosis. Causes. — The primary form is chronic from the onset, and is a slow creeping degeneration of the kidney substance, and in many re- spects an anticipation of the gradual changes which take place in the organ in extreme old age. Families in which the arteries tend to de- generate early are more prone to this disease. Doctor Osier says: "Among the better classes in this country Bright's disease is very common, and is caused more frequently by over-eating than by ex- cesses in alcohol." Arterio-Sclerotic Form. — This is the most common form in this country, and is secondary to arterio-sclerosis. The kidneys are not much, if at all, contracted ; very hard, red and show patches of surface atrophy. It is seen in men over forty who have worked hard, eaten freely, and taken alcohol to excess. They are conspicuous victims of the "strenuous life," the incessant tension of which is felt first in the arteries. After forty, in men of this class, nothing is more salutary than to experience the shock brought on by the knowledge of albumin and cast tubes in the urine. Symptoms. — Perhaps a majority of the cases are latent (hidden) and are not recognized until the occurrence of one of the serious and fatal complications. There may have been no symptoms to suggest to the patient the existence of a dangerous malady. In other cases the general health is disturbed. The patient is tired, sleepless ; he must get up two or three times at night to pass urine ; the digestion is dis- ordered, the tongue is coated ; the patient complains of a headache, failing sight, and gets out of breath by exercising. There may be vomiting, headache, neuralgia, and increase of the quantity of urine is common. This is light in color, of low specific gravity, 1005 to 1012 ; frequently there is a trace of albumin and a few casts of the hyaline and granular kind. In the late stages the albumin may be increased with high specific gravity and a less quantity of urine. The disease often lasts for a year. In the arterio-sclerotic variety the urine may be normal or diminished in quantity, specific gravity normal or increased, the casts are more numerous, and the albumin is usually more abun- dant. There is an enlargement of the heart; the pulse is increased in tension; the wall of the artery is thickened. The skin is usually dry, with eczema common, but dropsy is rare, except wh.en it is due to heart failure. There may be bronchial and lung troubles; attacks of 160 MOTHERS' REMEDIES uraemia, or hard breathing caused by the heart, frequently occurs. There may be hemorrhage of the brain or hemorrhage of the mem- branes, and these are often fatal. Recovery. — Chances are unfavorable, but life may be prolonged for years, especially with care and especially if it is discovered early. Treatment. — A quiet life without mental worry, with gentle but not excessive exercise, and residence in a climate that is not change- able should be recommended. A business man must give up his worry; his rush; his hurried eating, and rest. The bowels should be kept regular; there should be a tepid water bath daily, and the kidneys should be kept acting freely by drinking daily a definite amount of either distilled water or some pleasant mineral water. Alcohol, to- bacco, excessive eating and improper food must not be allowed. Weak tea and coffee may be allowed. The diet should be light and nourish- ing. Meat should not be taken more than once a day. If it is pos- sible, the patient should be urged to move to a warm equable climate during the winter months, from November to April, like that of south- ern California. Medicines must be given to meet the indications. No special directions can be given. The heart, stomach, and bowels must be watched. DIET as Allowed by a Prominent Hospital. — May Take:— Soups. — Broths with rice or barley, vegetable or fish soup. Fish. — Boiled or broiled fresh fish, raw oysters, raw clams. Meats.— ^Chicken, game, fat bacon, fat ham (sparingly). Farinaceous. — Hominy, oatmeal, wheaten grits, rice, stale bread, whole wheat bread, toast, milk toast, biscuits, maccaroni. Vegetables. — Cabbage, spinach, celery, water-cresses, lettuce, mushrooms, mashed potatoes, cauliflower, onions. Desserts. — Rice and milk puddings, stewed fruits, raw ripe fruits. Must Not Take:— Fried fish, pork, corned beef, veal, heavy bread, hashes, stews, battercakes, lamb, beef, mutton, gravies, peas, beans, pastry, ice cream, cakes, coffee, tobacco, malt or spirituous liquors. PYELITIS. — This is an inflammation of the pelvis of the kidney and may be caused by bacteria from the blood, or by ascending pus, infection or tuberculous infection from the lower tracts like the ureter, bladder and urethra. Symptoms. — There is pain in the back, with tenderness and pres- sure, cloudy-looking urine, either acid or alkaline, containing pus, mucus, and sometimes red blood cells; chills, high fever, and sweating occur. This may become chronic and then it becomes quite serious. KIDNEY A.\L) BLADDER. 15^ Anemia and emaciation arc then marked. Mild cases usually recover; pus cases may end in other diseases or death from exhaustion. Treatment. Diet. — In mild cases fluids should he taken freely, particularly the alkaline mineral water to which citrate of potash can be added. Tonics should be given when called for, and milk diet and buttermilk may be taken freely. When a tumor has formed, and even before it is perceptible, if the symptoms are serious and severe, an operation may be necessary. KIDNEY STONE. (Renal Calculus. Nephro - Leithiasis).— Forming of a stone or gravel in the kidney or its pelvis may occur in intra uterine, (before the child is born), in the womb, or at any age. A family tendency, sedentary life, excesses in eating and drinking and very acid urine predispose. They vary in size from that of fine sand to that of a bean. Symptoms. — Patients may pass gravel for years without having an attack of renal (kidney) colic, and a stone may never lodge in the ureter. A person may pass an enormous number of calculi. Dr. Osier speaks of having had a patient who had passed several hundred kidney stones (calculi) with repeated attacks of kidney colic. His collection filled an ounce bottle. A patient may pass a single stone and may never be troubled again. A stone remaining in the kidney may cause dull aching pain in the affected kidney, or the pain may be referred to the other side and sometimes there may be blood or pus in the urine, with chill and fever due to pyelitis. Kidney (renal) colic comes on when a stone enters the ureter, if it is at all large. At attack may set in abruptly, without any apparent reason, or it may follow a strain in lifting. The pain may be agonizing in character, which starts in the flank of the affected side, passes down along the course of the ureter and is felt in the testicle and along the inner side of the thighs. The testicle is drawn back. The pain may also go through the abdomen and chest, and be very severe in the back. In severe attacks nausea and vomiting are present and the patient is collapsed ; sweating breaks out in his face and the pulse is feeble and weak. The pain lasts from an hour to several days, until the stone reaches the bladder, partial suppression of the urine during the attack occurs, but a large quantity of urine is usually passed after it and a feeling of soreness may be present for several days. The stone may again cause pain in passing through the urethra, or it may remain in the bladder as a nucleus for a bladder calculus (stone). Dr. Osier gives Mon- taigne's description as follows; "Thou art seen to sweat with pain, to look pale and red, to tremble, to vomit well nigh to blood, to suffer strange contortions and convulsions, by starts to let tears drop from thine eyes, to urine thick, black and frightful water, or to have it sup- pressed by some sharp and craggy stone that cruelly pricks and tears thee." Treatment. — Great relief is experienced in the attacks by the hot baths or fomentations which sometimes are able to cause the spasm to 11 162 MOTHERS' REMEDIES relax. If the pain is very severe morphine should be given by the hypodermic method and inhalations of chloroform given until mor- phine has had time to act. Local applications are sometimes grateful, — hot poultices or cloths wrung out of hot water may be helpful. Cloths wrung out of steaming hop, wormwood, or smartweed teas, are of benefit sometimes. Change of position often gives relief; when the stone is large an operation may be needed. The patient should drink freely of hot lemonade, soda water, barley water. When the patient is free from the attack, he should live a quiet life and avoid sudden exertion of all kinds. There should be a free passage of urine always. The patient should drink daily a large but definite quantit}^ of mineral, or distilled water which is just as satisfactory. You may take the cit- rate or bicarbonate of potash. Mineral springs are good to visit, such as Saratoga, Hot Springs, Arkansas, etc. Abstain from alcohol and eat moderately. Live an open-air life with plenty of exercise and reg- ular hours. The skin should be kept active ; a cold friction bath in the morning is good, if one is strong; but if he is weak and debilitated the evening warm bath should be substituted. The patient should dress warmly, avoid rapid alterations in temperature, and be careful not to allow the skin to become suddenly chilled. Diet. — Most persons over forty eat too much. One should take plenty of time to eat, and not too much meat should be eaten. "Queen of the Meadow." — The Indians used this medicine quite frequently in the treatment of kidney and bladder troubles. A lady. whom I know well, told me that she had a cousin who was affected with the kidney stone colic. At one time, when he was suffering from an attack, an Indian happened in their home and saw him suffering. He went into the meadow and dug some of this remedy and made a tea of it. It seemed to do the work^ for while he gave it, the pain was eased and he never had any more attacks. I give this for what it is worth. The remed}^ will certainly do no harm for it is a good diuretic. INFLAMMATION OF THE BLADDER. (Cystitis). Causes. — It may occur from injury from passing a catheter, etc., from the use of drugs like cantharides, from the presence of a stone, from stricture of the urethra and from gonorrhea or cold. Symptoms. — The urine is passed more frequently, sometimes the desire to pass the urine is almost constant. The distress is relieved for only a few minutes by passing the urine ; sometimes only a few drops are passed, and it gives no relief from the desire for passing urine. The straining is extremely severe. Soraetinies the patient will lean over the vessel quivering with the muscular effort to pass urine. The bowels often move at the same time from the straining. The urine becomes thick with much mucus, then scanty, and then tinged with blood. BLADDER TROUBLE. Mothers' Remedies. 1. English Oil of Sandal Wood for. — "Get one ounce of the pure English oil of sandal KIDNEY .1ND BLADDER. 163 wood, lake four drops three times a day in a little water. As you urinate more freely reduce the dose. This is a splendid remedy." 2. Bladder Trouble, Effective Herb Teas for.— "Make a tea .)f half ounce of buclui leaves, half ounce of uva ursi leaves (barberry leaves), one pint of boiling water. Dose: Two or three tablespoon- fuls three times a day, or may drink quite freely." A tea made of cornsilk is a common and standard remedy. Treatment. — Remove cause if possible. Fomentations of ho[)s, smartweed, wormv\^ood are good, even hot water over the bladder. Hot hip bath is good, and also the warm foot bath. The bowels should be kept open with saline laxatives. Buchu tea is very good. Use about one-half ounce of the leaves to a pint of warm water and let it steep, not boil. Drink freely of this. Pumpkin seed tea or water- melon seed tea is good, also flaxseed tea. Dr. Hare recommends the following at the beginning if there is fever: Tincture of Aconite 3 drams Sweet Spirits of Nitre 1 ounce Solution of Citrate of Potash enough to make 6 ounces Mix. Give a dessertspoonful every four hours until all fever ceases and the pulse is quiet. The patient should be kept quiet. Diet. — Should be milk only. CHRONIC INFLAMMATION OF THE BLADDER.— Causes. — It follows repeated attacks; partial retention of urine in the bladder, decomposing there ; Bright's disease, inflammation of the urethra, in- jury, etc. Treatment. — Wash out the bladder with pure warm water or water containing about one to two teaspoonfuls of boric acid to the pint of warm water. This should be given once or twice a day; or enough permanganate of potash can be put into the water to give the water a tinge of the color. An injection of golden seal, one teaspoonful to the pint of warm water, is good if there is much mucus. The best way to give the irrigation is to attach a small funnel to a soft rubber catheter and fill the bladder by raising the funnel when full of water above the patient's belly ; or you can attach the rubber tube of a fountain svrino^e to a catheter at one end and to a funnel at the other and raise the funnel to the desired height ; or you can attach a catheter to the rubber tube of a fountain syringe (clean one) and raise syringe high enough to allow the water to run into the bladder gently. The patient will stand just about so much water. The rub- ber can then be detached from the catheter and the water allowed to run out. DISEASE OF THE PROSTATE GLAND. The prostate, which both in structure and in function is rather a muscle than a gland, is situated at the neck of the bladder and around the first inch of the urethra. It is divided into two lateral 164 MOTHERS' REMEDIES (side) lobes (parts) by a deep notch behind and a furrow at the upper and lower surfaces. The so-called middle or third lobe is the portion which is between the two side lobes at the under and posterior part of the gland, just beneath the neck of the bladder. The urethra (the channel for the urine to pass through from the bladder out through the penis) usually passes through the gland at about the junction of its upper and middle third. HYPERTROPHY OF THE PROSTATE.— This is a general en- largement of the gland in all directions. All the three lobes may enlarge and in about one-third of the men who have passed middle life some enlargement takes place, and in about one-tenth of all men over fifty-five this enlargement becomes of importance in regard to the size. The middle lobe may enlarge so much that it may extend up into the bladder and block the opening into the urethra; the side lobes may compress the urethra into a mere slit, or may lengthen it so that the prostatic portion measures three or four inches, or may twist and dis- tort it so that the most flexible instrument can only be made to pass through it with difficulty. Symptoms. — The earliest symptom may be increased frequency in passing urine, especially at night. Soon some urine is retained in the bladder, and this may increase so much that only an ounce or two can be passed spontaneously, although the bladder contains one pint or more. The stream of urine is feeble, and will drop perpendicularly towards the feet of the patient. In some cases an inflammation of the prostate and bladder is set up, and then the symptoms felt are very distressing. There is an almost constant desire to pass urine ; there is much pain and straining with it ; a slight bleeding may follow and night rest is broken ; the general strength fails from the continual suf- fering; the urine becomes foul, smells like ammonia, and is reduced in quantity; inflammation of the kidneys develops also; general poisoning occurs ; and the patient dies of uraemia and in a ''coma" condition. Treatment. Preventive. — The patient should avoid taking cold in this disease. Light and easily digested diet is necessary. The bowejs must be kept regular. Alcohol of any kind should not be used. The bladder should be emptied at regular intervals. Some patients keep a catheter and "draw" their own urine. Unless the patient takes great care, the bladder and urethra will be irritated, and perhaps infected through neglect of cleanliness. Medicines are not very useful in severe cases. Operation is the only reliable cure especially when some urine is always retained. URINARY PASSAGE. Mother's Remedy.— 1. Dandelion Root Will Clean. — "A decoction made of the sliced root of dandelion in white wine is very effectual for cleansing and healing inward ulcers in the urinary passage. If the fresh root cannot be obtained, buy extract of . dandelion and give two teaspoonfuls in water once in two or three hours as the case requires. It also acts on the liver, gall and spleen." KIDMiV AM) BLADDER. I55 DROPSY. — Dropsy should he regarded as a symptom, which may arise from many causes, such as heart disease, hin^^ disease or kidney disease, or it may depend upon obstruction to the normal flow of blood and lymph through the vessels and tissues. From Heart Disease. — In heart disease dropsy is due to a weak heart. The heart is unable to supply the arteries with enough blood to maintain the normal pressure, or to damming up of blood in the venous system as the result of imperfect emptying of the heart cavities. In kidney trouble the dropsy depends more on the lack of proper nour- ishing processes in the capillary walls and upon changes in the blood and blood pressure. If the kidneys are diseased, they may not be able to eliminate the proper amount of liquids which accumulate and finally escape into the tissues. Liver troubles cause dropsy by producing pressure upon the large blood-vessels going to the liver, and conse- quently the fluid is generally confined to the lower limbs and abdomen. MOTHERS' REMEDIES. Dropsy, 1. Juniper Berries Fresh or Dry for. — "The berries of the juniper tree are regarded as excellent home remedies in dropsy. They may be eaten fresh or dry, or make a decoction and drink. Two teaspoonfuls of the berries two or three times a day is considered a dose. It is well to bruise them thoroughly by breaking the seeds with a hammer before taking." The decoction is more effective. This helps the dropsy by acting on the kidneys. 2. Dropsy, Wild Milkv^reed for. — "Steep the root of the wild milk- week and drink the tea in doses of a wineglass three times a day. This is a sure cure if taken in early stages." 3. Dropsy, White Bay Buds for. — "White bay buds steeped in water." The white bay buds can be secured at any drug store, and are easily prepared. Make a tea of these the same as you would make green tea for the table, only stronger. Take several times a day. This is an excellent remedy. 4. Dropsy, Canada Thistle for. — "Steep dwarf eld^r root, or Can- ada thistle root, and drink the tea." This is an old tried remedy that our grandmothers used to use, and can be depended upon. We all know that in olden times mothers had to use these herb remedies, as doctors could not be secured as easily as they can in these days. 5. Dropsy, Very Effective Remedy for. — "Make a decoction of fresh dandelion root slices, one ounce to one pint of water boiled down to one-half pint, strain, adding two drams of cream of tartar. Dose: A wineglassful two or three times a day." 6. Dropsy, Common Herb Remedy for. — "One gallon white beech bark, after the rough bark is removed, good big handful of blackberry root, cut fine, and also of sassafras root. Cover with cold water and steep to get the strength ; then strain. When cool, not cold, add one pint bakers' yeast and one cup of sugar. Let it stand twenty-four hours in a warm place. Then strain and set in a cool place. Take a 166 MOTHERS' REMEDIES wineglassful three times a day before meals. This has been highly recommended to me by a friend in Kalkaska, Michigan.'' 7. Dropsy, "Queen of the Meadow" for. — "Is a symptom of mor- bid conditions existing in the system, therefore nutritious diet, alka- line baths and a general hygienic regulation of the daily habits are of the greatest importance. Take one teaspoonful of powder of "Queen of the ^leadow" in a cupful of water three or four times a day as the case may require. Either use tea or powder.'' PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Dropsy.— Treat the disease that causes it. Remedies should be given that will cause an outpour- ing of the liquids. Salines, such as epsom salts in large doses. Cream of tartar and epsom salts (equal parts) taken freely is effective. If the kidneys are inactive owing to heart trouble, the following may be used : An infusion of digitalis in one to four teaspoonful doses every three to four hours. This pill is good. Powdered Digitalis 20 grains Powdered Squills 20 grains Mix into twent}^ pills and take one even' five hours. INFECTIOUS DISEASES. INFECTION AND CONTAGION.— These words are often used in such a way that a wrong impression is made. A disease may be infectious but not contagious. Malaria is an instance. Infection means an ability to enter the body from any source, wind, water, food or other persons and produce a characteristic disease. The agency doing this is known as a germ. Contagion is properly a poisoning of one indi- vidual from contact with a diseased individual in some way known or unknown. It may be conveyed indirectly through clothes, etc., or other pisrson; but always comes from some person sick with the same dis- ease. Diseases may be both infectious and contagious. Nearly all the epidemic diseases of infancy are both infectious and contagious and accompanied by fever. In nursing children suffering from infectious diseases the mother or nurse should avoid their breath and handle them as little as possible. All secretion from bowels and kidneys should fall in a vessel containing a disinfecting solution of copperas, bichloride of mercury, etc., and should be emptied into the sewer or buried. Following are the solutions as made. Copperas: — Put a lump as big as a walnut in the chamber with one-half pint of water, to receive feces, urine, sputum and vomited matter from infectious and contagious patients. 2. Solution of chlorinated soda, four fluid ounces ; water ten ounces, useful for hands and dishes, not silverware. Dissolve eight corrosive sublimate tablets, also called bichloride, in a gallon of water. This is used to disinfect floors, woodwork, rubber, and leather, but not metal parts. Great care must be taken to liave the hands waslR-d after handling such a patient, so as not to infect the food, eyes, mouth, or any small skin sores. Diet in Infectious Diseases. — Foods that can be used: Milk, milk-water, milk and lime-water. Mellin's food, malted milk, imperial granum, albumin water, rice water, oatmeal water, barley water, egg (white part), and barley water, arrowroot water, whey, whey and cream mixture, cream and rice mixture, beef tea, beef extract, mutton broth, beef juice. Chewing broiled steak and only swallowing the juice, dry toast and soft boiled eggs, milk toast, dried beef broth, soups, rice, cornstarch, tapioca, etc. The diet must not consist of solid food in any severe case of fever. Small quantities of cold drinks can be given, frequently repeated if there is no vomiting. Frequent washing with tepid water or cool water lessens the fever and produces sleep. Th€ bowels should be kept open at least once a day, and castor oil or salts usually can be given. (See Nursing and Dietetics depart- ment.) Table of Infectious Diseases. Date of characteristic Whole Incubation lasts symptom. duration. Mumps 7 to 20 days 1st day 7 days or less Whooping Cough . 2 to 7 days 7 to 14 days 2 months Diphtheria 1 to 12 days 1 to 2 days 1 week to 1 month Erysipelas 2 to 8 days 1 to 2 days 1 week to 3 weeks Varioloid 10 to 13 days 1 day 1 week to 3 weeks Chicken Pox 12 to 17 days 1 day 4 to 7 days German Measles.. 1 to 3 weeks 1 day 3 to 4 days Measles 12 to 14 days 4 days 7 to 9 days Scarlet Fever 1 to 7 days 1 to 2 days 7 to 12 days Typhoid Fever .... 1 to 14 days 7 to 8 days 3 to 5 weeks Smallpox 10 to 14 days 3 to 4 days 2 to 4 weeks SCARLET FEVER. Definition.— Scarlet fever is an acute infec- tious disease, with a characteristic eruption. Modes of Conveying. — The nearer a person is to a patient the more likely one is to take or convey the disease. Clothing, bedding, etc., may retain the poison for months. Scales from the skin of a patient, dried secr-etions, the urine if inflammation of the kidneys (nephritis) exists, the discharges (feces) from the bowels, are all means of infection. The longer a person remains near the patient the more likely he is to convey the disease. Foods handled by those sick of the disease, or by those who may have been near patients may convey the disease. This is especially true of milk. Epidemics of scarlet fever have been started by dairy-men who had scarlet fever in their family. I once attended a family where the only known cause for it in that family was a long-haired dog of a neighbor who had scarlet fever in the family. The do.s: was in the room with the sick ones, and visited the neighbor's family and played with the children 168 MOTHERS' REMEDIES who afterwards came down with the fever. Discharges from the ear, caused by scarlet fever, are said to be capable of giving it. Remains in the Room, how long? — It may remain for months in a room, and extend over two years as recorded by Murchison. We do not yet know how the poison obtains entrance to the body. Hence, the need for thorough disinfection. Age, Occurrence. Susceptibility. — All children exposed to the dis- ease do not contract the disease. It is less contagious than measles. A person who is exposed once, and does not take it. may take it at a future exposure. It occurs at any age and in all countries. It occurs cftener in autumn (September) and winter (Februarv). Isolated cases occur, and then it is called sporadic. This disease attacks nurs- ing children less frequently than older children. It is not often seen during the tirst year ci life. How Often? — As a rule, it attacks a person only once; yet there ar-e recorded cases of well obser\-ed second and third attacks, but for- tunately these are very rare. I once attended a family where they had it and claimed to have had it before, but very lightly. Incubation. — The vast majority of cases develop within three to five days after exposure. If eleven days elapse without the appearance of symptoms we may reasonably expect that the danger is past, at least in the great majority of cases exposed. Contagiousness. — There is danger of catching the disease during :hc stages of incubation, eruption and scaling. It is most contagious in the last two stages. Onset. — Sometimes the onset is sudden ; there may be a convul- sion, preceded by a sharp rise in the temperature. An examination in such cases may reveal a marked sore throat or a membranous deposit on the tonsils preceding the eruption, and nothing more. A chill fol- lowed by fever and vomiting ushers in a large number of cases. These may be mild or severe. The severity of these symptoms usually indi- cates the gravity of the attack. Rash. — The rash or eruption appears from twelve to thirtv-six hours after the onset, usually on the second day, and looks like a very severe heat rash, but is finer and thicker. It consists of a very finely pointed rose-colored rash. In mild cases it is hardly noticeable. Usu- ally it first appears on the upper part of the chest around the collar bones, spreads over the chest and around upon the back. Also it is now seen on the neck, beneath the jaw. behind the ears and on the temples, thence spreads over the body. There is a paleness about the mouth and wings of the nose, while the cheeks are flushed with a flame- like redness. There is much itching if the rash is severe. It attains the full development at the end of two or three days, and then gradu- ally declines. In some cases the rash is seen only twenty-four hours. Fever. — The fever rises rapidly in the first few hours to 104° or 105 8/10°. It remains high except in the morning, until the emotion INFECTIOUS DISEASES 169 reaches its full development and fails with the fading eruption, and in uncomplicated and typical cases, within six days becomes normal. Sore Throat. — This we find on the pillars of the fauces, uvula, tonsils, and pharynx, reddened and inflamed. Sometimes it is very severe, and a membrane comes on one or both tonsils and pillars of the fauces. There is, generally a severe sore throat, and this makes swallowing difficult. Tongue. — The tongue is covered with a coating at the onset, and may present a slightly reddened appearance at the borders and tip. The papillae are prominent and covered and look like a strawberry sometimes, or like the tongue of a cat. In fatal poisonous cases it becomes dry and cracked. Scaling. — As the disease subsides the outer layer of the skin dries and peels oti. The extent of this depends upon the severity of the attack. In some cases the scaling is hardly perceptible, and sometimes it appears only on certain parts, such as on the toes and inner parts of the thighs. There is always some scaling. This is called "des- quamation." Generally speaking, scaling begins where the eruption first appeared on the upper part of the chest and neck. The scales may be fine and branny or as is most common, the skin peels in large particles. Some scaling is alw^ays present. The length of the scaling time is variable. It usually lasts, from three to four weeks, but often longer. This stage is considered by many as the most contagious, as the fine scales fly in the air. Complications. Nose. — The nose is aflected at the same time if the "sore throat" is very severe. A membrane may also form in the nose. Ear. — This may be ailfected in as high as one-fifth of the cases and needs careful watching and attention. Both ears may be diseased and deafness frequently results from it. Ten per cent of those who suffer from ''deaf-mutism" can trace their affliction to scarlet fever. The ears usually become affiicted in the third week. The fever rises and there is pain in the ears or ear. The onset may not appear alarm- ing and not be suspected until the discharge makes its appearance This is unfortunate ; these complications are serious, as meningitis and abscess of the brain may result. The ear trouble (otitis ) usually occurs during the scaling. The patient may be up and around. There is a rise of the temperature to 103° or i04°, the patient begins to vomit food and has a headache. At night the child starts from its crib and cries as if in pain. They do not always locate the pain in the ear. The face and hands may tw^itch. The fever may fall to normal and rise sharply again. Such symptoms should call for a thorough examin- ation. Eye. — Inflammation of the (conjunctiva) red membrane of the eyes, ofter occur;^. 170 MOTHERS' REMEDIES Kidneys. — There may be a mild form of inflammation in the earlier stages. The severe form comes, if at all, usually in the thirc vveek. It occurs in five to seven per cent of the cases. It may occur in the mildest case, as such cases are not so closely watched. The first symptom is a slight bloating of the eyes and face and spreads over the whole body. Sometimes the swelling is very slight ; at other times it is extreme. The urine diminishes early and sometimes is wholly suppressed. It may be light colored, smoky or straw colorec!-. This trouble usually runs for weeks. The patient may get uremia and result fatally. Heart.— This also may be affected as the valves may become diseased. Joints. — Rheumatism also may occur, and other complications. Chorea. — Follows scarlet fever also, especially in girls from twelve to fifteen years. Diagnosis. — In most cases it is easy to distinguish from other diseases. Dermatitis, inflammation of the skin ('Ttis" always means inflammation). In dermatitis the throat symptoms and strawberry tongue are absent. From Measles. — By the rapid onset, absence of cold symptoms of the nose, eyes, and bronchial tubes, blotchy eruptions that occur in measles. There is no strawberry tongue in measles and no coughing at beginning. Recovery. — The prognosis is favorable in uncomplicated cases. It also depends upon the character of the epidemic type of the disease. In England it varies from thirteen to fourteen per cent. In this coun- try it is sometimes as low as two to four per cent. The kidney trouble is always feared for it may result in uremia and death, or the acute may be followed by chronic nephritis or Bright's disease, which will ultimately prove fatal. Sanitary Care of Room and Patient. — If you are exposed to this disease what can you do? If a child, it must be put in a room by itself. If several children have been exposed they should be put in separate rooms. These rooms should have no carpet, curtains, rugs, etc., or any unnecessary furniture, for everything must be disinfected afterward, and sometimes destroyed. The clothes worn just before the sickness should be sterilized in steam or boiled and then aired in the sun. Anyone suffering from sore throat who has been about the patient should not be allowed to be near the healthy. All the children must be kept from school. It is well for them to spray their throats with a simple cleansing solution morning and night, with a full tea- spoonful of boric acid to a glass full of warm water; or you can use common salt, but not strong enough to irritate the throat, about one teaspoonful to a glass of water. If you have listerine or glyco-thymo- iine or any such disinfectant use them, one teaspoonful to sixteen spoonfuls of water. Hot water itself is a very good gargle, very heal- ing and cleansing. Anyone who enters the sick room and comes out INFECTIOUS DISEASES 171 again should wear a sheet all over him. On coming out, he or she should leave this sheet outside the window of another room. If the person has a board he should wash his face with a 1 to 2000 solution of corrosive sublimate, and the hands also, before leaving the sick room. The one who waits upon the sick one should remain there, but everyone can not do so. They must stay away from the healthy if possible. City and State Supervision. — If you live in the city your j)hysician should notify the health board who will probably send someone to instruct you regarding cautions and some cities have private rules, laws, etc., for them to follow while under quarantine. A copy is usu- ally furnished also to your close neighbors. Also some of the state departments of health have made up pamphlets which are circulated free on request dealing with the sanitary science of infectious and con- tagious diseases. Some colleges use these same pamphlets in their study of sanitary science. Much valuable information is contained in them. Comparatively few people learn of these pamphlets. For the benefit of those who have not read or seen them we quote from their scarlet fever subjects as- follows : HOW TO AVOID AND PREVENT SCARLET FEVER. Do not let a child go near a case of scarlet fever. This is espec- ially important to be observed. Children are in much greater danger of death from scarlet fever than are adults ; but adult persons often get and spread the disease, and sometimes die from it. Mild cases in adults may cause fatal cases among children. Unless your services are needed keep away from the disease yourself. If you do visit a case, bathe yourself and change and disinfect your clothing and hair, beard, if any, and hands before you go where there is a child. Do not permit any person or thing or a dog or cat, or other animal to come from a case of scarlet fever to a child. No cat or dog should be permitted to enter the sick room. Do not permit a child to wear or handle clothing worn by a person during sickness or convalescence from scarlet fever. Beware of any person who has sore throat. Do not kiss or come near to such a person. Do not drink from the same cup, blow the same whistle, or put his pen or pencil in your mouth. Whenever a child has sore throat and fever, and especially when this is accom- panied by a rash on the body, the child and attendant should immed- iately be isolated until the physician has seen it and determined whether it has scarlet fever. Strict quarantine should be established and maintained throughout the course of the disease. Exposed per- sons should be isolated until such time has elapsed as may prove that they are not infected. The period of incubation, that is, the interval of time between exposure to the contagion of scarlet fever and the first sig^ of the disease in the person so exposed, varies. In many 172 MOTHERS' REMEDIES cases it appears in seven days, in some cases in fourteen days, and in some cases twenty-one days ; the average period is about nine da3^s. Quarantine of persons exposed should not be raised under four weeks. Children believed to be uninfected may be sent away from the house in which there is scarlet fever to families in which there are no persons liable to the disease, or to previously disinfected convalescent wards in hospitals ; but in either case they should be isolated from the public until the expiration of the period of incubation. This time may vary, but for full protection to the public isolation should be observed for four weeks. Persons who are attending upon children or other persons suffer- ing from scarlet fever, and also the members of the patient's family, should not mingle with other people nor permit the entrance of children into their house. SANITARY CARE OF INFECTED AND SICK PERSONS AND ROOMS. All persons known to be sick with this disease (even those but mildly sick) should be promptly and thoroughly isolated from the public and family. In ordering the isolation of infected persons, the health officer means that their communication with well persons and the movement of any article from the infected room or premises shall be absolutely cut off. Except it be disinfected, no letter or paper should be sent through the mail from an infected place. That this is of more importance than in the case of smallpox is indicated by the fact of the much greater number of cases of sickness and of deaths from scarlet fever, — a disease for which no such preventive as vaccination is yet known. The room in which one sick with this disease is to be placed should previously be cleared of all needless clothing, drapery and other materials likely to harbor the germs of the disease ; and except after thorough disinfection nothing already exposed to the contagion of the disease should be moved from the room. The sick room should have only such articles as are indispensable to the well-being of the patient, and should have no carpet, or only pieces which can after- wards be destroyed. Provision should be made for the introduction of a liberal supply of fresh air and the continual change of the air in the room without sensible currents or drafts. Soiled clothing, towels, bed linen, etc., on removal from the patient should not be carried about while dry; but should be placed in a pail or tub covered with a five per cent solution of carbolic acid, six and three-fourths ounces of carbolic acid to one gallon water. Soiled clothing should in all cases be disinfected before sending away to the laundry, either by boiling for at least half an hour or by soaking in the five per cent solution of carbolic acid. INFECTIOUS DISEASES 173 The discharges from tlic throat, nose, mouth, and from the kidneys and bowels of the patient should be received into vessels containinp^ an equal volume of a five per cent solution of carbolic acid, and in cities where sewers are used, thrown into the water closet; elsewhere the same should be buried at least one hundred feet distant from any well, and should not by any means be thrown into a running stream, nor into a cesspool or privy, except after having been thoroughly disinfected. Discharges from the bladder and bowels may be received on old cloths, which should be immediately burned. All vessels should be kept scrupulously clean and disinfected. Discharges from the nose, ears, etc., may be received on soft rags or pieces of cloth and which should be immediately burned. All cups, glasses, spoons, etc., used in the sick room, should at once on removal from the room, be washed in the five per cent solu- tion of carbolic acid and afterwards in hot water, before being used by any other person. Food and drink that have been in the sick room should be disin- fected and buried. It should not be put in the swill barrel. Perfect cleanliness of nurses and attendants should be enjoined and secured. As the hands of the nurses of necessity become fre- quently contaminated by the contagion of the disease, a good supply of towels and basins, one containing a two per cent solution of carbolic acid (two and three-fifths ounces of carbolic acid to a gallon of water) and another for plain soap and water should always be at hand and freely used. Persons recovering from scarlet fever, so long as any scaling or peeling of the skin, soreness of the eyes or air passages or symptoms of dropsy remain, should be considered dangerous, and, therefore, should not attend school, church or any public assembly or use any public conveyance. In a house infected with scarlet fever, a tem- porary disinfection after apparent recovery may be made, so as to release from isolation the members of the household who have not had the disease. Diet and Nursing. — Food should be given every two to four hours. Only water can be given as long as there is nausea and vomiting, and sometimes not even that. After they have stopped you can give milk and water and then milk. You should give it to a child every two to three hours, about one-fourth of a glass full and warm if possible. A child can take at least one quart in twenty-four hours. Watch the stomach and bowels for bad symptoms ; if necessary you can put in one teaspoonful of lime water after the milk has been heated. If the child will not take milk, use one of the prepared foods. Mellins' malted milk, Borden's malted milk, peptonized milk, Imperial Granum, and follow the directions on the bottle. The differ- ent food waters mentioned above are to use when milk and other 174 MOTHERS' REMEDIES food preparations cannot be given. Albumen (white of an egg and water, not whipped) can be given and always cold. Cold milk also tastes better. During the Sickness, etc. — The linen, bedding, etc., of the patient should be put into a one to five-thousand solution of corrosive subli- mate (you can buy that strength tablet) before being boiled, dried and aired in the sun. The sick room must be kept well ventilated, but no drafts should be allowed to go over the patient. The tempera- ture is better at 68 degrees F. The patient should be kept in bed during all the feverish stage and during the scaling stage also. Care must be taken lest the patient take cold. During this time there is a great danger of ear and kidney trouble. It would be safer to keep the patient in bed until the peeling is done. Children are naturally lively, risky, and a little careless. To keep the scales from flying you can grease the patient with cold cream, vaselin, lard, etc. This will also help to ease the itching. The peeling is aided by bathing the patient every day with warm, soapy water. Special Treatment. — In ordinary cases little treatment is needed except to keep the throat and nose free from excessive secretions. The urine should be examined daily, and the bowels should move once or twice a day. Cold water should be given frequently after the nausea has passed away. Milk is the usual food, but must not be given during the vomiting stage. Equal parts of milk and water can be given after the vomiting stage, if the patient will not take pure milk. During the vomiting stage very little water even can be given. The greatest danger in scarlet fever comes from the throat compli- cations and the high fever. When the fever is high the patient suffers from delirium. A temperature of 105 is dangerous and such patients must be bathed well in water, commencing at 90 degrees and rubbed well all over while in the water, allowing the temperature of the bath to fall to 85 or 80 degrees while so doing: bath to last five to fifteen minutes. Bathe the head with water, at the temperature of 50 degrees, all the time the temperature is at 103 degrees or higher. Always use the thermometer to determine the temperature of the water. Weakly children often do not stand the bath well, so you must exercise discre- tion in giving it often. The temperature must be kept down to 102 to 103^, and baths must be used often to do so. Where baths cannot be used, frequent v.-ashin-s: with water at 60 to TO degrees must be adopted without drvine the child afterwards. A mother should always lemember that a feverish, restless child needs a bath or a good wash- ing- with cool soao and water. If the bowels and kidneys do not act freely enough give the following: INFECTIOUS DISEASES 175 Epsom Salts 3 ounces Cream of Tartar 2 ounces Mix and give one-half teaspoon ful in water every three hours until the bowels move freely. This is the dose for a child one }'car old. Dropsy in Scarlet Fever. — In this case you must have a doctor. A simple way to make a dropsy patient sweat is to place the patient upon a cane seated chair, pin a blanket around the neck, covering the whole body. Under the chair place a wooden pail half full of cool water and into this put a brick baked as hot as possible; or you can introduce steam under the blanket while the patient is sitting on a chair, or lying in bed, taking care not to scald the patient. This will cause sweating, and relieve the dropsy and also congested kidneys. How Soon May a Scarlet Fever Patient Associate with the Healthy? — It is best to wait a few weeks after scaling ends. Give the patient a bath in a one to 10,000 corrosive sublimate solution first. Caution. — ^An ordinary case of scarlet fever does not need much medicine. Xursing and care are essential. Even the slightest case should be watched. There is always danger of the eyes, ears and kidneys becoming affected. If the child complains of pain in the head the ear must be examined. If the urine passed is small in quantity, or if there are any signs of dropsy, treatment must be given at once. You have heard very much lately about the sting of the honey bee for rheumatism. I often use a preparation of this for the kidney troubles in scarlet fever. The name is Apis Mel. I use the second or third homeopathic attenuation in tablet form and give one to two about €very two hours. I have found this effective in such cases where the urine is small in quantity, and there is some dropsy. The lightest cases can have dropsy, especially if special care is not taken when scaling goes on. I was once attending three children for scarlet fever. The one that had it in a mild form became aft'ected wath dropsy. For this I steamed her. In her case I placed her in a cane-seated chair, pinned a blanket tightly around her so as to thoroughly cover her, put a pail of cool water under her chair and dropped into the pail a hot baked brick. The hot brick caused steam to rise from the water and envel- oped the child, producing sweating. This was done frequently, and the child considered it a joke, but it relieved her of the bloat. It was in the country and these crude means produced the desired result. By attaching a rubber tube to a steaming kettle and introducing the steam under the covering the same result can be produced. Some- times you may not have all things you wish, then you must make use of what is handy. You would be surprised perhaps to know how much can be done to relieve sickness by what can be found in every house. (For disinfectants see chapter on nursing.) MEASLES. — Measles is an acute infectious disease, distinguished by a characteristic eruption on the mucous membranes and skin. It is [76 MOTHERS' REMEDIES very contagious and spreads through the atmosphere. Almost every- one is susceptible to measles and suffers at least one attack. The disease is not frequent during the first year of life. It prevails in all countries. Incubation. — This varies from thirteen to fifteen days. In calcu- lating this period we include the time from exposure to the appearance of the eruption. One attack generally protects the person from another attack. The period of the greatest danger of taking it extends through the period of the eruption. It diminishes as the eruption fades. From this we learn that the infection in measles takes place generally in the incubation stage. Symptoms and Description of Ordinary Type.- — The first symptoms may be only a headache or a slight disturbance of the stomach. There may be some fever in the evening. There is now a redness and watery condition of the eyes, and general feeling of weariness. The cold symptoms (coryza) are not yet marked, but if we look in the mouth we may see a few spots on the mucous membrane of the cheek. Then follow the sneezing, running at the nose, sore and red eyes, running wat^r, sensitiveness to the light, cough and fever. The eruption now appears, and is first noticed on the side of the head and the wings of the nose, as a red spotted eruption, which soon looks like a pimple, and then "blotchy." Older people feel quite sick. The aching all over, and headache are sometimes almost unbearable, especially when there is much coughing. The face, eyes and scalp are soon covered by the red rose irregularly shaped pimples, which next appear rapidly on the back of the hands, fore-arms, front of the trunk, on the back and lower extremities. This order is not always maintained. Some- times it first appears on the back. The eruptive stage generally lasts three or four days, during which time the symptoms are all aggravated, especially by any strong light, on account of the sore eyes for the measles are also in them. We have active cold symptoms like sneezing, running at the nose, snorting, snufifling, hawking. The cough is terribly severe, annoying, making the lungs and stomach very sore. The head feels as if it would split. The patient holds his chest and "stomach" while cough- ing. Symptoms of acute bronchitis develop. Sometimes there is much diarrhea. Pneumonia often develops through carelessness. The fever reaches its height when the eruption is fully developed. The eruption fades after it has been out for three or four days, and then all the symptoms decrease, the fever lessens and becomes normal by gradual morning remissions. Scaling begins when the pinkish hue of the rash has disappeared and continues until the last vestige of reddish soots has disappeared. As a rule it is completed in two to four weeks after the first eruption has appeared. Sometimes the scaling is difficult to see, but it is never absent in measles. It is best seen on the front part of the chest, shoulders, and the inner surface of the thighs. The temperature may reach 104 to 105 8/10 without complications. This INPECTIOCS DJSLASES I77 description gives a i)ictiirc of a typical case. Tlic eruption that appears in the nuicons membrane of the mouth ai)pears three to four days before the skin rash. It is accompanied l)y redness of the j)harynx and of the front and back pillars of the fauces. The soft palate is studded with irregular shaped, rose colored spots or streaks and the hard palate presents small whitish vesicles. They are also found on the colored mucous membrane of the cheeks and on that opposite the gums of the upper and lower teeth. The rash of measles is a characteristic eruption of rose colored or purple colored papules (pimples). As a rule the whole face is covered with the eruj)tion and is swollen. Diphtheria may complicate measles. Bronchitis and broncho-pneumonia also may occur, especially if the patient is careless and takes cold. Diarrhea is frequently present. Eyes. — Following severe cases fear of light , spasm of the ' orbicularis muscle, inflammation of the lachrymal duct, conjunctivitis, ulceration of the cornea and amaurosis (general blindness) may result. Hence the necessity of careful attention to the eyes. Never read any- thing during the attack of the mea94es. The ear may also become afflicted. There are other complications, but these mentioned are the important ones. Mortality in Measles. — The mortality in childhood and infancy is about eight per cent. Mortality is greatest for number of cases during the first year. Six per cent between fifth and eighth years. Diagnosis. — Presents few difficulties in a typical case. The mode of onset is cold symptoms of the nose and eye, cough ; appearance of the mouth, throat and the blotchy eruptions are very characteristic. Treatment. Prevention. — As soon as you know it to be the measles, separate the case and put the patient in a well-aired room where you can have air without a draft and where the room can be made and kept dark. Those persons who must go in the room should put over them a linen robe, and hang it outside of the sick room, it should thoroughly cover them. When not in use hang it in the open air. An attendant who wears a beard should disinfect his beard, face, head and hands before mingling with the well. MOTHERS' REMEDIES.— 1. Measles, Lemon Remedy from a Canadian Mother. — ''Give child all cold lemonade it can drink and keep in warm room. This acts just as well as if the drinks are hot. We tried both on our children and cured both ways." Don't give so much of the cold as to chill. The cold drink makes child sweat, just as hot does. Also helps to carry off impurities by flushing bowels, just as clear water would. 2. Measles, Elder Blossom Tea to Drive Out. — "Elder blossom tea is good for a cold or fever. Gather the blossoms, and make a tea. Pleasant to take. Sweeten if desired. This is also good to drive out the measles." This remedy should be taken warm and is especially good to bring out the rash in children. Take a teaspoonful every hour, 12 178 MOTHERS' REMEDIES General Treatment. — ^An ordinary case of measles does not need much treatment. If the patient has a high fever and is very hot and restless, bathe with tepid or cool water every two or three hours, till the patient becomes quite restful. Sometimes they have too much cov- ering and that makes them hot and restless. Remove a little at a time. Bathing will not hurt the rash, for it can be done under the clothes and without any danger to the patient. Cold Drinks. — These are refreshing and beneficial, if not given too freely. One-third of a glass of water is enough at one time, but it can be given often, if it does not chill the patient. After the feverish days have passed, diluted milk or plain milk can be given in greater amount. Cough in Measles. — It is likely to be severe, straining and barking and hard to relieve. If it is too severe you can give, for a child one year old: Acetanelid ^ dram Dover's Powder H dram Mix and make into thirty powders. Give one-half powder every two hours when awake or restless. 2. For a child two years old: Paregoric 2 to 5 drops Syrup Ipecac 3 drops Mix. Give every three hours, according to age, one to three hours for a child two years old. 3. For Irritation of the Skin. — Sponge once a day with water at 100 degrees F. containing a little alcohol or a pinch of sodium bicar- bonate or soda. 4. For Scaling. — Use ointment of benzoinated lard, combined with five per cent of boric acid. Diet. — -The food should be light; milk, broths, and when the fever is gone chicken and soft boiled eggs, jelly, toasted bread, crackers, cereals, with cocoa for drink. Orange juice or lemon juice may be given in moderation. Milk, one pint per day for every fifty pounds in weight of the patient, during a fever sickess, is a safe and liberal allowance. Smaller children in proportion. Mothers will be apt to give too much and it may then prevent rest and sleep. When the fever subsides you can give more milk and some of the above foods. Water, as before stated, can be given for the thirst quite frequently. Teas. — The laity gives lots of these to bring out the rash. It seems to me before the rash is out the patient is feverish and chilly and the skin is dry, and a small amount of tea given every hour or two might do good unless the patient is made warmer. There are many varieties given. Elder blossom seems to have the call. For some time after the patient is well he may be bothered with a cough; INFECTIOUS DISEASES 179 it better he hooked after if it continues, for tlierc might he hroncliitis ur sonic hinj^ trouble left and unknown. Caution. — A person who has had the measles or German measles, should be very careful about taking cold, for if they do they are liable to have serit)us trouble, esj^ecially in the chest. It is very easy to take bronchitis or pneumonia during and after an attack of measles. The mucous membrane of these parts is left somewhat swollen and it remains susceptible to disease for some time. "An ounce of preven- tion is worth a pound of cure." Remain in the house three or four days longer than may seem necessary and you will be paid for so doing by having good bronchial tubes and lungs, — as good as before if you were careful during the attack. GERMAN MEASLES.— This is an acute self-limited disease and contagious. It has a mild fever, watery eyes, cough, sore throat and enlargement of the glands of the neck, not seen in the common measles. It has an eruption that may come the first day to the fourth. Incubation Period Runs. — From fifteen to twenty days. Rash. — Just before the rash appears there is a headache, nausea and irritation of the bronchial tubes. The eruption is so similar to that of measles at the outset that it is hard to differentiate between them. The eruption in the mouth, however, is not so characteristic. Before the appearance of the eruption, the glands on the back of the neck and angles of the jaw may be enlarged. At the time of its appearance the glands in the armpits and groin become enlarged to the size of a bean and bigger, and they remain enlarged for weeks after the eruption has disappeared. Treatment. — Similar to the measles if any is needed. CHICKEN POX (Varicella). — This is an acute infectious disease, characterized by a peculiar eruption. Children are the ones usually attacked. It generally occurs before the tenth year. It is transmitted through the atmosphere. The period of coming on is usually four- teen days, but it may extend to nineteen days. It is perhaps the simplest and mildest disease of childhood. It occurs but once, is contagious, is very common, and resembles varioloid. It has a mild light fever and large vesicles almost the size of a split pea, scattered over the body. There may be few and there may be hundreds. They are reddish gray and appear first on the head and face, then on the body, one crop following another on the body. They are filled at first with a clear liquid, which soon turns yellowish, then breaks and dries up. They leave no scar unless they are scratched or are Very large. The patient is usually well in a week, but the scars last longer. MOTHER'S REMEDY.— 1. Chicken Pox, Catnip Tea and Soda Water for. — "Put the patient to bed and give catnip tea. A daily bath of saleratus water is good and the bowels should be kept open." One of the most essential things is to keep the patient warm. 180 MOTHERS' REMEDIES PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT FOR CHICKEN POX.— Exclude other children. The child should be lightly fed and on ordinary food. Large vesicles on the face, when yellow, should be pricked with a needle that has been boiled, then wash them with a disinfecting lotion twice daily. The following is a good lotion : Boric Acid 5^ ounce (4 teaspoonfuls) Boiled Water 1 pint Mix thoroughly and use twice a day on the eruption. The child should not pick the sores on his face, as this may cause delay in healing and leave a mark. MUMPS (Parotitis). — This is an acute infectious disease of one or both of the parotid glands, located at the angle of the jaw, and extending up to the ear, and, also, to other salivary glands. It appears only once. One attack gives immunity. It may come at any age ; but appears mostly before the age of fifteen. It comes on one side first and may pass over to the other side in a few days, as it usually does, and gives the face a broad appearance, under the ears, or ear, and makes chewing and swallowing almost impossible. There is no soreness of the throat in mumps. In well marked cases there is considerable fever and pain. It may last from a few days to a week. The usual length of time the disease lasts is one week. There is no tendency to form pus, even when the face is very hard and swollen and tender. It will occasionally leave the face and appear in the breasts and ovaries in the females or in the testicles of the males, and in both places it causes much pain. Treatment. — The patient should be kept in the house and isolated in bed as long as the symptoms last. When there is much pain, laudanum diluted one-third with water may be applied continually with a soft warm cloth. Oil of hyoscyamus applied twice daily to the sore parts is good if laudanum is not used. When the swelling goes down I know of nothing as good as a hot bean poultice, which must be changed often so as to keep hot. Bean poultice. — Simply boil the beans in water until they are soft and thick enough to use as a poultice. The bowels should be kept open with salts. The food must be liquid, such as milk, soups and gruels. If there is not much fever, soft boiled eggs and milk toast from the beginning. Do not use vinegar, acids or astringents. WHOOPING-COUGH (Pertussis).— Whooping cough is an acute specific infectious disease caused by a micro-organism. It is charac- terized in a majority of cases by a spasmodic cough, accompanied by a so-called whoop. It is not only infectious, but very contagious. It is propagated through the atmosphere in schools and public places; the air of which is contaminated with the specific agent of the disease. This agent is thought to reside in the sputum and the secretions of the nose and air passages of the patient. It is very contagious at the INFECTIOUS DISEASES 131 height of the attack. The spiuum oi ilic first or catairhal stage is thought to he highly contagious. The si)Utuni in tlic stage of decline is also thought to be capable of carrying the disease. It prevails in all countries and climates. During the winter and sj)ring months it is most frequent. At times it prevails as an epidemic. It occurs most frequently in infancy and childhood, but a person can take it at any dgc. Second attacks are rare. It is most frequent between the first and second year; next most frequent between the sixth and twelfth month. After the fifth year the frequency diminishes up to the tenth year, after which the disease is very infrequent. Not everyone who is exposed contracts the disease. It seems that whooping-cough, measles, and influenza frequently follow one another in epidemic form. This is one of the diseases much dreaded by parents. It is very tedi- ous and endangers the life of weak and young children by exhaustion. It is a terrible thing to watch one with this disease, day in and day out. It can be known by the impetuous, continuous and frequent coughing spells, following each other rapidly until the patient is out of breath, with a tendency to end in vomiting. When it comes in the fall or winter months there will likely be spasmodic coughing until summer through the usual colds contracted. Summer is the best time to have it. Symptoms. — There is an incubation stage, but it is hard to deter- mine its length. After the appearance of the symptoms there are three stages ; the catarrhal, the spasmodic, and the stage of decline. The First Stage. — This is characterized by a cough which is more troublesome at night. One can be suspicious, w^hen instead of get- ting better in a few days, it gets worse and more frequent, without any seeming cause. After four or five days the cough may be accom- panied by vomiting, especially if the cough occurs after eating. There may be some bronchitis, and if so there will be one or more degrees of fever. Fever is present as a rule, only during the first few days, unless there is bronchitis. As the case passes into the spasmodic or second stage, the paroxysms of coughing last longer, the child becomes red in the face and spits up a larger amount of mucus than in ordi- nary bronchitis. This period of the cough without a whoop, may last from five to twelve days. In some cases there is never a whoop. The child has a severe spasmodic cough, followed by vomiting. Usu- ally at the close of this stage the incessant cough causes slight puf- finess of the eyelids and slight bloating of the face. Spasmodic or Second Stage. — The peculiar whoop is now present. The cough is spasmodic. The child has distinct paroxysms of cough- ing which begin with an inspiration (in-breathing) followed by sev- eral expulsive, explosive coughs, after which there is a deep, long- drawn inspiration which is characterized by a loud crowing called the "whoop." This paroxysm may be followed by a number of similar ones. When the paroxysm is coming on the face assumes an anxious expression, and the child runs to the nearest person or to some article 182 MOTHERS' REMEDIES of furniture and grasps him or it with both hands. It is so severe sometimes that the child will fall or claw the air, convulsively. In the severest and most dangerous types, a convulsion may come on in a moderate degree, the face is red or livid, the eyes bulge and when the paroxysm ends a quantity of st;icky tenacious mucus is spit up. In other cases there is vomiting at the end of the paroxysm. There is frequently nose-bleed. In the intervals the face is pale or bluish, eye- lids are puffy and face swollen. There is little bronchitis at this period in the majority of cases. In some cases the number of par- oxysms may be few. There are generally quite a number during the twenty-four hours. Stage of the Decline. — In this stage the number and severity of the paroxysms lessen. They may subside suddenly or gradually after four to twelve weeks. The whoop may reappear at times. The cough may persist, more or less, for weeks after the whoop is entirely gone. Complications. — Bronchitis is common, it may be mild or severe. It may run into capillary bronchitis and this is dangerous. Diagnosis. — Continued cough, getting worse and spasmodic, worse at night, livid face when coughing, causes great suspicion as to its being whooping-cough. The whoop will confirm it. Mortality is quoted as twenty-five per cent during the first year. Between first and fifth year about five per cent, from fifth to tenth year about one per cent. Rickets, or wasting disease (marasmus) and poor hygienic surroundings makes the outlook less favorable. MOTHERS' REMEDIES. 1. Whooping-Cough, Chestnut Leaves for. — "'Steep chestnut leaves, strain, add sugar according to amoimt of juice and boil down to a syrup ; give plenty of this. A friend of mine gave this to her children. She said they recovered rapidly and the cough was not severe." They are not the horse-chestnut leaves. 2. Whooping-Cough, Chestnut Leaves and Cream for. — "Make an infusion of dry chestnut leaves, not too strong, season with cream and sugar, if desired. The leaves can be purchased at a drug store in five cent packages." 3. Whooping-Cough, Mrs. Warren's Remedy for. — •'"Powdered Alum i^ dram Mucilage Acacia 1 ounce Syrup Squills Yi ounce Syrup Simple, q. s 4 ounces Mix this. This is one of the best remedies known to use for whooping- cough. It has been used for many years, and some of our best doc- tors use it in their practice. I do not hesitate to recommend it as a splendid remedy." 1 Whooping-Cough, Raspberry Tincture for.— 'Take one-half pound honey, one cup water: let these boil, take off scum; pour boil- ing hot upon one-half ounce lobelia herb and one-half ounce cloves : INFECTIOUS DISEASES lg3 mix well, then strain and add one i^ill rasphcrry vinegar. Take from une teaspoonful to a dessertspoonfni fonr tinu's a day. Pleasant to take." PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Whooping-Cough.— The patient should be isolated and sleep in a lar<^a\ well ventilated room. In spring and summer weather, the child is better in the open air all day. In the winter the child should be warmly clothed. Pine woods and a fairly high altitude are probably th*. best. The greatest care should be taken in all seasons to keep from taking cold, or bad bron- chitis or pneumonia may result. All complications are serious, espe- cially in nursing children. There should be no appreciable fever, and when the paroxysm of cough is over the child should sleep or play quite well, until the next one returns. So if there is much fever the case needs watching. Medical Treatment. — Medicines have little effect in controlling the disease. The severity can be lessened. If the child is much dis- turbed at night, the following is good: 1. Acetanelid 14 dram Dover's Powder J/^ dram Mix thoroughly and make up into thirty powders; for one year old one-half a powder every two hours while awake or restless. 2. Syrup of Dover's Powder 1 fluid dram Tincture of Aconite 10 drops Simple Syrup enough to make two ounces. Mix and give one-half teaspoonful every two hours for a child one year old. Shake bottle. 3. But the best treatment I know is the following: Go to any good drug store and get a fifty-cent bottle of vapo-cresolene. Burn this, according to the directions given on the bottle in the evening. Use a small granite cup, put about one-third of an inch of the medi- cine in this, set cup on a wire frame above a lamp, (can buy a regular lamp with the medicine) close windows and let the child inhale the fumes. This will give the patient a good night's sleep. I have used this for years, and know it is good and effective. A tea made of chestnut leaves is said to be good, and is often used as a home remedy. The leaves of the chestnut that we eat, not the horse-chestnut. Diet. — This is an extremely important part of the treatment. As the child vomits frequently, especially after eating, the food is gen- erally vomited, so there should be frequent feeding in small quantities. The food should be digestible and nourishing. Milk is a good food for older children. In nursing infants they should be nursed oftener, especially if they vomit soon after nursing. In older children, you must not feed too heavy and hearty foods ; meat and potatoes should not be given to young children having the disease. When vomiting is severe the food should be fluid and given often. The child must be nourished. If this disease occurs in the winter the person attacked, 184 MOTHERS' REMEDIES after he is seemingly well, must be careful not to take cold. The con- dition of the mucous membrane of the air tube after an attack of this disease, makes it very easy for the person to contract inflammation of that part and have in consequence laryngitis, bronchitis, or pneu- monia. The cough in very many cases will last all winter without any additional cold being added. DIPHTHERIA. — Diphtheria is an acute disease and always infectious. There is a peculiar membrane which forms on the tonsils, uvula, soft palate and throat and sometimes in the larynx and nose. It may form in other places such as in the vagina, bowels, on wounds or sores of the skin. I once cut off the fingers for a child under the care of another doctor. The child came down with diphtheria, and the membrane formed on the fingers. Also it is often epidemic in the cold autumn months. Its severity varies with different epidemics. Children from two to fifteen years old are most frequently attacked with it. Catarrhal inflammations of the respiratory mucous mem- brane predisposes to it. Cause. — The exciting cause is a bacillus called after the discover- ers — Klebs-Loeffler — and this may be communicated directly to another person from the membrane or discharges from the nose and mouth, secretions of convalescents, or from the throat of normal persons. The local condition (lesion) may be a simple catarrhal inflammation, or a greenish or gray exudate, involving chiefly the tonsils, pharynx, soft palate, nose, larynx and trachea, less often the conjunctiva and alimen- tary tract. It is firmly adherent at first and leaves a bleeding surface when detached ; later it is soft and can be removed. Symptoms. — ^Incubation period usually lasts from two to seven days after exposure, usually two, generally there is chilliness, some- times convulsions in voung children, pain in the back and extremities and a fever of 102i^°'to 104°. PHARYNGEAL DIPHTHERIA.— In typical cases this begins with slight difficulty in swallowing, and reddened throat (pharynx), then there is a general congestion of these parts, and membrane is seen on the tonsils. It is grayish white, then dull or yellowish; adh-erent and when removed it leaves a bleeding surface upon which a fresh membrane quickly forms. If the disease runs on, in a few days the membrane covers the tonsils and pillars of the fauces, often the uvula. The glands around the neck often enlarge. Temperature 102° to 103°. Pulse 100° to 120°. The constitutional symptoms are usu- ally in proportion to the local condition, but not always. The mem- brane frequently extends into the nostrils, and frequently there is a burning discharge. In malignant cases all the symptoms are severe and rapidly progressive ending in stupor and death in three to five days. Death may occur from sudden heart failure or complications. LARYNGEAL DIPHTHERIA, Formerly Called Membranous Croup. — Diphtheria in the larynx may occur alone or with the oharvn- DIPHTHERIA. IXFECriOiS DISh.lSES 135 geal kind, and was formerly called "Membranous Croup." After sev- eral days of hoarseness and coughing the breathing suddenly becomes hard, generally at night, and it is at first in paroxysms, but later it is constant. The space above the breast bone (sternum) is depressed and there is a drawing in of the spaces between the ribs during inspir- ation accompanied with a husky voice and blue look. The fever is slight. If the obstruction in the larynx is severe the cyanosis, — blue- ness. — and difficulty of breathing increase, and gradual suffocation leads to (coma) deep sleep and death. Diagnosis. — Diagnosis can only be made certain by proper chem- ical tests. The presence of membrane on a tonsil and a small paten streak, or speck of membrane, on the adjacent surface of the uvula or tip of the uvula; a patch of membrane on the tonsil and an accompany- ing patch on the posterior wall of the pharynx; the presence of a croupy cough and harsh breathing with small patches of membrane on the tonsil or epiglottis. These symptoms are very suspicious and warrant separation of the patient. If such conditions are seen in any one, it will be the part of prudence to send for your doctor immedi- ately. You give the patient a better chance by sending early, protect yourselves and also your neighbors. Recovery. — Chances in mild cases are good. Antitoxin has brought the death rate down from forty to twelve per cent. Death may occur from sudden heart failure, obstruction in the pharynx, severe infec- tion, complications or paralysis. MOTHERS' REMEDIES.— Diphtheria Is such a dangerous disease and so rapidly fatal that the family physician should be promptly called. Until he arrives the following may be used to give some relief : 2. Diphtheria, Kerosene Good for. — "Kerosene oil applied to the throat of child or adult is very good.'" 3. Diphtheria, Hops and Hot Water Relieves. — ''Make two flan- nel bags and fill with hops which have been moistened with hot water; place bags in a steamer and heat. Keep one bag hot and the other around the throat. Change often, relief in short time." Mrs. Shaw has tried this in a case of diphtheria and other throat trouble and recommends it as an excellent remedy. PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Diphtheria. Prevention.— The ];atient should be isolated as soon as the spots or membrane are seen. Other children, who have been with the sick one, should at once be given "immunizing" doses of antitoxin, and the furniture of the sick room such as hangings, carpets, rugs, etc., should be removed and dis- infected, only the necessary articles being kept in the room. The room should be kept well ventilated, but no draught should get to the patient. The one nursing the patient should not come near the other members of the family. All articles of clothing worn by the patient sh( V.!'' Hp dipped in a 1 to 2000 solution of corrosive sublimate before 186 MOTHERS' REMEDIES they are removed from the sick room. (Other solutions may be ttsed; see Nursing Department). Dishes, etc., should be treated in the same way and foods left over should be put in a vessel containing an anti- septic solution, and then burned. Every one going into the sick room should cover their head with a cap and wear a robe-covering over their clothes, and on leaving the room should gargle or rinse their mouth vvith a solution of boric acid, about one or two teaspoonfuls to a glass of water. The infant should not be nursed at the breast lest the breast become infected ; the milk should be pumped out and fed to the infant with a bottle. If the infant has diarrhea milk must be stopped, the bowels irrigated, and no milk given until all danger from this source is past. The nurse must be careful of the discharges from the nose, mouth and bowels. Discharges from the bowels and the urine must be received in a vessel with an antiseptic solution in it like copperas, lime, etc. Cloths used to receive the discharge from the nose and mouth should be thrown in a vessel containing a solution of 1 to 2000 of corrosive sublimate and then burned. The nurse should wear a gauze protection over her nose and mouth when she is near the patient, and glasses, so that no sputum or discharge from the patient can enter these organs. When the nurse leaves the sick room for a rest or walk, she should change her clothes in an unused room and put them where they can air, w^ash her hands, face and hair in an antiseptic solution. Great care must be taken by the nurse, or she will carry the disease. The doctor also must take the same care. PHYSICIANS' MEDICAL TREATMENT.— Antitoxin is the best. 1/100 grain of corrosive sublimate or more according to age is frequently given in the severe cases aind is beneficial. Local Treatment. — In older persons, inhaling steam may benefit. Gargling the throat or spraying the nose and throat is cleansing and helpful ; but in children it is sometimes hard to do this, for they may struggle and thus injure and weaken themselves more than they can be benefited by the spraying or gargling. Swab the throat if you can with solution of corrosive sublimate, 1 to 1000. Peroxide of hydrogen, one-sixth to one-half to full strength, is good in many cases, used as a gargle and a swab. Wash out the nose with a normal salt solution. One dram to a pint of water. The persons doing this must take great care or the patient will cough and the discharge will go over them. When in the Lar5mx. — Steam inhalations without or with medi- cine in them and the application of cold or hot to the neck are good. Compound tincture of benzoin is good to use in the water for steam- ing; one-half to one tablespoonful to a quart of water. A tent can be made by putting a sheet over the four posts of the bed and steam vapor introduced under this covering. Diet. — The main food is milk, albumin water, broths, eggs, giveia every two hours. Some doctors give stimulants with the food. Cautions. — Members of the family have no idea how much they can aid the physician in this terrible disease. Pay particular attention INFECTIOUS DISEASES 187 to the directions the doctor gives you, if you arc doing the nursing, watch so that you may detect any bad synii)tom, and immediately inform the pliysician. A harsh cough with increased difficulty in breathing may mean that the disease has extended to the larynx. If such symptoms are first noticed in the physician's absence, he should be sent for at once so he can treat it properly at the start. If the- kid- neys do not act properly he should be informed. One may take nephritis in diphtheria also. I was called one morning at 3 a. m.. to see a case I was attending; she seemed to the parents to be worse; she was, but today she is living, and 1 believe her life was really saved by her parents. I would rather a loving mother and father nurse a case any time than a selfish, lazy professional nurse. Good nurses are a blessing; selfish ones are a curse; I have met both kinds. After an attack of this disease the patient is left "weak" in many organs. He should be careful, not only of taking cold, but of over-doing. The heart and nervous system in some cases have been terribly wrecked. Take life easy for some time, for you may be thankful that you are alive. ACUTE TONSILITIS. (Follicular Inflammation of the Tonsils). Causes. — /Vuthors regard this as an infectious disease. It is met with more frequently in the young; infants may take it. Some authors state it can be communicated either through the secretions or by direct contact, as in the act of kissing (Koplik). It is frequent in children from the second to the fourth year, but it is more common after than before the fourth year. Sex has no influence. In this country it is more common in the spring. The predisposing causes are exposure to wet and cold and bad hygienic surroundings. One attack renders a person more susceptible. It spreads through a family in such a way that it must be regarded as contagious. The small openings (Lacunae) of the tonsils become filled with products which form cheesy-looking masses, projecting from the openings of the (Crypts) hidden sacs. These frequently join together, the intervening tissue is usually swol- len, deep red in color and sometimes a membrane forms on it in which case it may look like diphtheria. Symptoms. — Chilly feelings or even a chill and aching pains in the back and limbs may precede the onset. The fever rises rapidly and in the young child may reach 105° in the evening of the first day. The infant is restless, peevish and wakeful at night ; it breathes rapidly, and there is high fever and great weakness. Nursing is difficult, not only on account of the pain in swallowing, but because in the majority of cases there is more or less inflammation of the nose. The bowels are disturbed as a result of swallowing infectious secretions from the mouth with the food. The tonsils are enlarged and studded with whitish or yellowish white points. The glands at the angle of the jaws may be enlarged. In older children the tonsils are enlarged and the crypts plugged with a creamy deposit. The surface is covered with a deposit and the pillars of the fauces, uvula and pharynx may all be inflamed. The tongue is coated, the breath is bad, the urine high 188 MOTHERS' REMEDIES colored, swallowing is painful ; the pain frequently runs to the ear and the voice sounds nasal, as if one had mush in his mouth when talking. In severe cases the symptoms all increase, and the parts become very much swollen. Then the inflammation gradually subsides^ and in a week, as a rule, the fever is gone and the local conditions have greatlv improved. The tonsils, though, remain somewhat swollen. The weak- ness and general symptoms are often greater than one would suppose. The trouble may also extend to the middle ear through the eustachian tubes. Diagnosis Between Acute Tonsilitis and Diphtheria. — Follicular form. *Tn this form the individual, yellowish, gray masses, separated by the reddish tonsilar tissue are very characteristic, whereas in diph- theria the membrane is of ashy gray and uniform, not patch." — Osier. A point of the greatest importance in diphtheria is that the membrane is not limited to the tonsils, but creeps up the pillars of the fauces or appears on the uvula. The diphtheric membrane when removed leaves a raw, bleeding, eroded surface; whereas, the membrane of follicular tonsilitis is easily separated as there is no raw surface beneath it. MOTHERS' REMEDIES. 1. Tonsilitis, Raw Onion and Pork for. — "Take a raw onion and some salt pork, chop together, make a poultice on which put a little turpentine and wrap around the throat." This is a very good remedy and should be used for some time. Change as-often as necessary. 2. Tonsilitis, Peppermint Oil Good for. — "Apply peppermint oil thoroughly on the outside of the throat from well up behind the ear nearly to the chin, also just in front of the ear. This will soon pen- etrate through to the tonsils; apply freely if the case is severe and later apply hot cloths if relief does not follow without." 3. Tonsilitis, Borax Water for. — "One-fourth teaspoonful borax in one cup of hot water, gargle frequently." This may be used for ordinary sore throat not quite so strong. 4. Tonsilitis, Salt and Pepper Will Relieve. — "Apply salt pork well covered with pepper to the swollen parts ; will often give relief. 5. Tonsilitis, Peroxide of Hydrogen Will Cure. — ^"Tonsilitis and contagious sore throats are just now extremely popular. Persons hav- ing a tendency to them will seldom be sick if they gargle daily with a solution of peroxide of hydrogen and water in equal parts for adults. Peroxide diluted with five parts of water and used as a head spray will prevent catarrhal colds." Children are often sent to school immediately after an attack of tonsilitis, when they should be at home taking a tonic and building up by a week of out-door play. 6. Tonsilitis, a Remedy Effective for. — "Rub the outside of the throat well with oil of anise and turpentine, and keep the bowels open." Care should be taken not to take cold. The anise is very soothing INFECTIOUS DISEASES lg9 and the turpentine will help to draw out the soreness. This would he a good remedy for children. PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Tonsilitis. 1. First Home Treatment. — Put the patient to bed alone in a pleasant room, com- fortably warm, for this disease is recorded as contagious in this form. Cold applied externally around the sore spot is good. Use an ice bag if you have it; or wring cloths out of cold water and put just under the jaw and a flannel over that, bound around the neck. It must be changed often to keep cold. 2. Smartweed. — Cloths wrung out of smartweed tea are very good when applied under the jaw. 3. Salt r ork. — Salt pork, well salted and peppered, sewn to a cloth and applied on both sides, if both are diseased, directly to the lumps is very good. These can be kept on indefinitely. I have used them. 4. Liniment — A strong blistering liniment applied externally where the lumps are is also good. These applications tend to with- draw some of the blood from the sore tonsils, and of course, that re- lieves them. There are many such that can be used. Poultices should not be applied for this form as they tend to hasten formation of pus. 5. Internally. — Dip your clean moistened finger tip into dry bicarbonate of soda (baking soda), rub this gently on the sore tonsil and repeat it every hour. You can also put one teaspoonful of it in one-half glass of very hot water and gargle if you do not use it locally. 6. Hot Water. — Gargling frequently with very hot water is splen- did. If you wish you can use one teaspoonful of some antiseptic, like listerine, in it. 7. Thyme. — You can make a tea of the common garden thyme and gargle or rinse your mouth and throat with it every half to one hour. This is not only healing and soothing, but it is also antiseptic. This is a constituent of many of the antiseptic preparations. 8. Steaming With Compound Tincture of Benzoin. — Tincture of benzoin is splendid. Put one tablespoonful in a quart of hot water and inhale the steam. Put a sheet over your head and pitcher; or put it in a kettle, and roll white writing paper into a funnel, tie one part over the spout and put the other end in your mouth if possible ; or you can inhale simple steam in the same way. I know this is excellent and often recommended; every one has it, and it costs literally nothing except to heat the water. 9. For the Pain. — Dissolve two drams of chloral hydrate in an ounce of water, use a camel's hair pencil if you have it, or a soft piece of cloth tied on a smooth stick, and apply directly to the diseased parts. This is for older persons, relieves the pain very much. There are many other simple remedies that can be used in this way. 190 , MOTHERS' REMEDIES 10. MEDICINES. Parke, Davis & Co., Anti-Tonsilitis Tablet No. 645 is very good. This can be bought at any drug store. For a child give one-half a tablet every two hours for four doses, then every three hours. An adult can take one to two every one to three hours according to the severity of the case. 11. Aspirin. — Aspirin is another good remedy; five grains every four hours for an adult; but used only under doctor's directions. 12. Dr. Hare of Philadelphia, uses 1/200 grain mercurius biniodide (pink powder) every four to six hours to abort tonsilitis. I would recommend the following: — ^Give one-tenth drop dose of a good tinc- ture of aconite and 1/200 grain of the mercury biniodide (one to two tablets a dose) every hour, alternately, one of them one hour and the next, etc. If there is much deposit I would put ten tablets of mercury protoiodide (one-tenth of a grain in a tablet) in one-half glass of w^ater and give two teaspoonfuls every hour until the bowels move freely, then every three to four hours. The aconite can be used if there is much fever, with hot, dry skin, alternately every one-half hour. I pre- fer the pink powder when there is no deposit or membrane. These I have used for years, and know them to be excellent. For children the dose is about one-half. After twelve hours the remedies should be given only every three to four hours. QUINSY. (Suppurative Tonsilitis). — In from two to four days the enlarged gland becomes softer and finally may break, sometimes in the pharynx; the breaking gives the patient great relief. Suffocation has sometimes followed the rupture of a large abscess and the en- trance of the pus into the larynx. This form of tonsilitis was formerly called quinsy. By this term now is meant an abscess around the ton- sils, (Peri-tonsilar abscess). The structures are very much swollen. Causes are somewhat similar to what has produced the regular tonsilitis. It may follow exposure to cold and wet, and is very liable to recur. It is most common between fourteen and twenty-five years. The inflammation here is more deeply seated. It involves the main tis- sue of the tonsil and tends to go on to suppuration. Symptoms. — The general disturbance is very great. The fever goes to 104^ or 105° ; the pulse 110 to 120. Delirium at night is not uncommon. The weakness may be extreme. The throat is dry and sore, hurts terribly to swallow, this being the first thing of which the patient complains. Both tonsils may be involved. They become large, firm to the touch, dusky red and swollen, and the surrounding parts are also much swollen. The swelling may be so great that the tonsils may touch each other or one tonsil may push the uvula aside and almost touch the other tonsil. There is much saliva. The glands of the neck enlarge, the lower jaw is almost immovable and sometimes it is almost impossible to open the mouth at all. QUINSY. Mothers' Remedies. 1. Willow Gargle for.— ''Steep pussy willow and gargle throat with it. This remedy if taken in time, will cure quinsy and it will not return." INFECTIOUS DISEASES 191 2. Quinsy. Liveforever Root Good Poultice for. — "Got tlif* root of liveforever, pouiul it u]) and hind on lliroat as you would a poultice." We have tried this, and it has always given relief, if done in time. 8. Quinsy, Plaster of Lard and Salt for. — "Take one tablespoon- ful lard and stir inio as much tahlc salt as possihle making it about like mortar. Spread on a doth and apj)ly." Splendid for sore throat and quinsy. 4. Quinsy, Oil of Anise Effective for. — "Rub inside of throat with oil of anise." 5. Quinsy, Quick Remedy for. — "In severe cases of quinsy where the tonsils arc intlamed and almost meet, a third of a grain of mercury and chalk, or "gray powder." acts very quickly. Cold compresses used nightly to harden the throat is very good. At night use a gargle made of a teaspoonful tincture of cayenne pepper to half pint of water." This remedy is very good and is sure to give relief. 6. Quinsy, Pleasant Peppermint Application for. — "There is noth- ing better for this disease than oil of peppermint applied externally to the neck and throat." This is an excellent remedy. 7. Quinsy, Kerosene Good for. — "A cloth wet with kerosene oil applied to the throat is very good ; also gargling with kerosene oil." Repeat the application of the wet cloths every two or three hours. 8. Quinsy, Raw Beef Has Cured. — "Bind raw beefsteak over the tonsils on one or both sides of the throat as required." The beefsteak acts as a poultice and counter-irritant, drawing the inflammation out in a short time. This is very good, and is easily prepared. 9. Quinsy, Easy and Simple Remedy for. — "Strong sulphur water. Broke up two cases I know." PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Quinsy.— The external appli- cations used should now be hot. Hot water; hot poultices, cloths wrung out of smartweed hot, and thyme tea or golden seal teas. The same steaming process and hot water gargles can be used as given under follicular tonsilitis. But if it continues the tonsils or tonsil must be opened to save pain and life. Just as soon as there is sup- puration they should be opened. It will feel softer to the. finger touch when ready for opening. Prevention of Attacks. — By taking care a good many attacks of tonsilitis can be avoided. A person subject to this trouble must be careful about taking cold. He should not sit down with wet clothes, or feet, or shoes that are wet. Girls should wear rubbers and keep dry feet and skirts. Sleeping in damp unused beds is bad. Putting on underwear that has not been dried thoroughly and aired, and the use of bedding, pillows, etc., in the same condition should not be tol- erated. Sleeping on the first floor is generally unhealthy for such persons, for it is generally damp. 192 MOTHERS' REMEDIES Do not get chilled; wear sufficient clothing. Drying clothes in a kitchen is an abomination and terrible to one subject to this disease or rheumatism. You can keep from having it so often by proper care. It is likely to return, and repeated attacks will cause permanently enlarged tonsils and they will become so diseased that they will not only be annoying, but dangerous to health and life. You will go around with your mouth open, "talk through your nose." The tonsil must then be removed, also the adenoids in the throat, to enjoy proper mental and physical health. Enlarged tonsils with pus in them are a menace to anyone. A person who has had these troubles should be careful not to expose himself to the danger of taking cold after an attack. The parts are still tender and in danger of a return upon the least error in your daily life. I once had a friend who had a return of tonsilitis brought on through going out too soon, and the second attack was worse than the first, a genuine ''hummer." What to do with enlarged tonsils. — Moderate enlargement of the tonsils giving rise to no symptoms or inconvenience need not be inter- fered with. When, however, the enlargement is great, or when with moderate sized tonsils there are resulting troubles, such as liability to inflammatory rheumatism attacks, active local treatment will be called for ; especially is this true when the tonsils contain pus and interfere with the breathing. They should be removed. An anaes- thetic is not usually necessary, as the pain is not severe. INFLUENZA (La Grippe). — La Grippe is an acute infectious disease caused by a germ. It may be epidemic, attacking a large number of persons at one time, or it may continue in the same region for some time and is then called endemic. It is caused by a germ, discovered by a man named Pfeiffer. The Onset. — The onset may be from one to four days and is usually sudden with a chill and all the symptoms of an active fever due to a general infection, varying according to the location. If in the organs of respiration it begins like a severe cold; active fever, severe pains in the eyes, back, arms, legs, and in the bones; "aches all over" and great prostration. After the fever subsides there is usually a general sore feeling. Symptoms of bronchitis, pleurisy or pneumonia may develop. Then there is the nervous type, generally with a bad headache, neuralgia, pains in the head, backache, legs and arms ache and prostration. May also have inflammation of nerves. Then again the stomach and bowels may be the main seat, for La Grippe has no respect for any organ. We have then symptoms of acute indigestion with fever, nausea, vomiting, stomach pains or acute bowel trouble with fever, colicky pain in the abdomen ; diarrhea ; or we may have the febrile (fever) type. This may be the only symp- tom. The fever may be continuous or remittent, and last several da3^s or several weeks and often with pains accompanying it. INFECTIOUS DISEASES I93 In nil forms convalescence is often p^radual on account of the bodily and mental prostration with - slionld be kept open from the first. Salts are nsually hand) and good. Medicines. — Ten grains Dover's powder at night is good ; unless tliere is much weakness. Some give quinine, some salol. Quinine, one to two grains, is given one to three hours. Salol, five grains, every three hours, especially for the backache. Aspirin in five-grain doses for an adult every four hours is given very much now. The bowels should be kept open with salts. Diet. — Children should take milk if there is no vomiting or diarr- hea. If there is vomiting and diarrhea, give only water or diluted milk, or nothing if they continue. Water can generally be given. For adults a good, nourishing diet when convalescence commences is necessary. During the sickness, milk, eggs, — raw and soft boiled, broths, soups, milk toast, can be given. A person must be very careful after an attack of the grip. He should remain in the house for some time, a week after he is well and thinks he can go out. TYPHOID FEVER.— Typhoid fever is an acute infectious disease caused by a (Bacillus) germ, named after the discoverer (Eberth). This germ enters into the system, as stated below, locates itself in difierent organs, especially in the small intestine. It does its worst work in Peyer's glands, situated in the small intestines. They enlarge, ulcerate, break down and their structure is cast oft* into the bowel. This eating goes so far, in some cases, that it eats through the tissue to the blood vessels and other bleeding follows. Sometimes it goes through all the coats, the peritoneal being the last one. If this occurs we have what is called perforation of the bowel and the peritoneum around this perforation inflames and there is the dread complication of peritonitis. This is very fatal, as the patient is weakened from the inroads of weeks of fever and from the effects of the poison germ. Typhoid fever is also characterized by its slow (insidious), slyly, creeping onset, peculiar temperature, bloating of the abdomen, diarrhea, swelling of the spleen, rose-colored spots and a liability to complications, such as bleeding from the bowels, peritonitis, bron- chitis and pneumonia. Its average duration is three to four weeks, often longer. In order to take this disease there must first be the poison germ and then this enters into the system, generally through water that contains the germ, milk, oysters and other foods, etc. Cause. — The typhoid bacillus (typhoid). This enters into the alimentary canal usually through contaminated water or with milk directly infected by the milk or by water used in washing cans. Also through food to which the germs are carried from the excreta (dis- charges) by flies, occasionally through oysters by freshening. 196 MOTHERS' REMEDIES Filth, improper drainage and poor ventilation favor the preserva- tion of the bacillus germ and lower the power of resistance in those exposed. Time. — It occurs most frequently between August and November and in those of from fifteen to twenty years of age. The Peyer's patches and solitary glands of the bowel enlarge, become reddish and are somew^hat raised. These go on and ulcerate until the blood vessels may be eaten into and bleeding sometimes results, it eats through the bowel, then there is perforation and peritonitis. The spleen is en- larged, the liver shows changes, the kidney functions are also deranged. Symptoms. — The symptoms are variable. The following gives the symptoms in a typical case: Incubation. — The period of incubation lasts from eight to fourteen and sometimes to twenty-three days. During the period the patient feels weak, is almost unable to work, has chilly feelings, headache and tiring dreams, does not know what is the matter with him, constipa- tion or diarrhea, has no appetite, may have some pain in the abdomen which is occasionally localized in the right lower side. Soreness on deep pressure is often found there. In some cases there is nosebleed. First Week. — After the patient is obliged to take to his bed: During the first week there is in some cases a steady rise in the fever each evening showing a degree or degree and one-half higher than the preceding evening, reaching 103 to 104, and each morning showing higher fever than the preceding morning. The pulse is characteris- tically low in proportion to the temperature, being about 100 to 110, full of low tension, often having double beat. The tongue is coated; there is constipation or diarrhea ; the abdomen is somewhat distended and a little tender to the touch in the lower right portion. There may be some mental confusion at night. Bronchitis is often present. The spleen becomes enlarged between the seventh and tenth day and the eruption usually appears during this period on the stomach and abdomen. Second week. — All the symptoms are intensified in the second week, the fever is always high and the weakening type; the pulse is more frequent ; the headache is replaced by dullness ; the bowel symp- toms increase and we have the "pea soup" discharge if there is diar- rhea ; there is a listless, dull expression on the face ; the tongue is coated in the center, red along the edges and the tip, becomes dry and some- times cracked and almost useless. It is hard to put it out of the mouth, it sticks to the teeth or lips and curls there, and sometimes the patient allows it to remain partly out of the mouth. There may be bleeding from the bowels and perforation of the bowel, producing peritonitis. Third week. — The temperature is lower In the morning with a gradual fall ; the emaciation and weakness are marked. Perforation of INFECTIOUS DISEASES 197 the bowel or bleedin<^ may occur. Unfavorable symptoms now include low muttering, delirium, shakings of the muscles, twitching of the tendons, grasping at imaginary things, lung complications and heart weakness. Fourth week. — In a favorable case : The fever gradually falls t( normal, the oiIkt symptoms disappear. Death may occur at any tim< after the second week from the disease or complications. The conval- escence is very gradual and the appetite is very great. Special symptoms and variations. — It may come on with a chill Sometimes it is observed by nervous symptoms only. Walking type. — In this type the patient is able to be around and can walk. The temperature is as high, but some of the other symp- toms are not so violent. This is a dangerous kind because the patient is able to walk and thinks it foolish to remain quiet in bed. Walking and being around are likely to injure the bowels, and there is then more danger of bleeding from the bowels. A typhoid fever patient should always go to bed and remain there until he has fully recovered. Digestive Symptoms. — The tongue is coated, white and moist at first, and in the second week it becomes red at the tip, and at the edges. Later it is dry, brown and cracked. The teeth and lips are covered with a brown material, called sordes. Diarrhea. — In some cases constipation is prominent, in others diar- rhea is a prominent symptom. Bloating is frequent, and an unfavor- able symptom, when it is excessive. Bleeding from the bowel occurs usually between the end of the second and the beginning of the fourth week. A sudden feeling of collapse, and rapid fall of the temperature mark it. It is not always fatal. Perforation of the bowel is usually shown by a sudden sharp pain coming in paroxysms generally localized in the right lower side. The death rate varies very much; in hospitals it is seven to eight per cent. Unfavorable symptoms are continued high fever, delirium and hemor- rhage. Persons who are hard drinkers do badly and very many of them die. TREATMENT. Prevention. Sanitary Care.— Do away with the causes. Keep your cellars clean ; do not have them damp, filthy, and filled with decaying matter, as these all tend to weaken the system and make you more susceptible to the poison. In the country, no drainings should come near the wells or springs. Not all water that looks clear and nice is pure. The "out-houses" must be kept clean, and emptied at least twice each year. In the small cities, especially, th-e water should be boiled during the months when the supply is lim- ited and the wells are low. If more attention was paid to our water supply to make certain that it was not contaminated, and to our foods, especially milk, and to keeping our cellars and drains in a good clean and dry condition, we would have little typhoid fever. Carelessness is 198 MOTHERS' REMEDIES the real cause of this terrible disease. The milk should be boiled as well as the water when there is an epidemic of typhoid. Sanitary Care of the Household Articles. — Dishes must be isolated, washed, dried separately and boiled daily. Thermometers must be isolated, kept in a corrosive sublimate solution one to one thousand, which must be removed daily. Linen when soiled must be soaked in carbolic acid, one cup of carbolic acid to twenty of water, for two hours before being sent to the laundry. Stools must be thoroughly mixed with an equal amount of milk of lime and allowed to stand for one hour. Urine must be mixed with an equal amount of carbolic acid, one to twenty, and allowed to stand one hour. Bed pans, urinals, must be isolated and scalded after each time of using. Syringes and rectal tubes must be isolated, and the latter boiled after using. (See Nursing Department). Tubs should be scrubbed daily, canvasser changed daily and soaked in carbolic acid as the linen is. Hands must be scrubbed and disinfected after giving tubs or rubbing over typhoid fever patients. Blankets, mattresses, and pillows must be sterilized after use in steam sterilizer. I know some people have not all the necessar}' conveniences, especially in the country, but the greatest care must be taken. A pro- fessional nurse was once taking care of a very severe case of typhoid for me. I was continually cautioning her to be more careful of herself. She did not heed it, and finally took the disease and battled eight long weeks with it, before there was much improvement. Careful nursing and a well regulated diet are the essentials in a majority of cases. Put the patient in a well ventilated room, and confine him to the bed from the beginning, and have him remain there until well. The woven wire bed with soft hair mattress, upon which there are two folds of blanket, combines the two great qualities of a sick bed, smoothness and elas- ticity. A rubber cloth should be placed under the sheet. An intelli- gent nurse should be in charge: when this is impossible, the attending physician should write out special instructions, regarding diet, treat- ment of the discharges and of the bed linen. ^luch of the above on typhoid is from the world-wide authority Dr. Osier, and should be followed in all cases if possible. Diet and Nursing in T3rphoid Fever. — ^[ilk is the most suitable food. Three pints every twenty-four hours may be given when used alone, diluted with water or lime-water. The stools will show if the milk is digested. Peptonized milk, if not distasteful, may be used. Curds are seen in the stools if too much milk is given and is undigested. Glutton or chicken broth or beef juice can be used; fresh vegetable juices can be added to these, instead of milk. The animal broths are not so good when diarrhea is present. Some patients will take whey, buttermilk, kumiss, when ordinary milk is distasteful. Thin barley gruel well strained is an excellent food for this disease. Eggs may be given, either beaten up in milk or better still, in the form of albumin water. This is prepared by straining the INFECTIOUS DISEASES I99 whites of eggs through a cloth and mixing them with an equal quantity of water, which may be flavored with lemon. Water can be given friely ; iced tea, barley water, or lemonade may be used, and there is no objec- tion to weak coff"ee or cocoa in moderate quantities. Feed the patient at stated intervals. In mild cases it is well not to arouse the patient at night. When there is stupor, the patient should be aroused for food at the regular intervals night and day. Do not give too much food. I once had a case in which I did not give more than one quart of liquid food in four weeks, as it distressed her. She made a good recov- ery on plenty of water. Cold Sponging. — The water may be warm, cool, or ice cold, accord- ing to Liie height oi the fever. A thorough sponge bath should take from fifteen to twenty minutes. The ice cold sponging is quite as formidable as the full cold bath, for which there is an unsuperable objection in private practice. The Bath. — This should be given under the doctor's directions, and I will not describe it. Medical Treatment. — Little medicine is used in hospital practice. Xursing is the important essential in typhoid fever. Management of the Convalescent. — An authority writes, My cus- tom has been not to allow solid food until the temperature has been normal for ten days. This is, I think, a safe rule, leaning perhaps to the side of extreme caution ; but after all with eggs, milk toast, milk puddings, and jellies, the patient can take a fairly varied diet. You cannot wait too long before you give solid foods, particularly meats, They are especially dangerous. The patient may be allowed to sit up for a short time about the end of the first week of convalescence, and the period may be prolonged with a gradual return of strength. He should move about slowly, and when the weather is favorable should be in the open air as much as possible. Keep from all excitement. Constipation now should be treated with an enema. A noticeable diar- rhea should restrict the diet to milk and the patient be confined to the bed. There are many who cannot have a professional nurse. Good nursing is necessary in typhoid fever. Any sensible person who is willing to follow directions can do well. But she must do as the doctor directs. These are some things you need to do : Look out for bad symp- toms; twitching of the tendons, grasping at imaginary things are bad symptoms. Inform the doctor and soon. Never allow the patient to sit up in bed. The stool must be passed lying flat and you must place the bed pan without the patient's aid. Bleeding may be started by the least exertion. I knew of one woman who lost her life through neces- sity of getting up and passing the stool sitting on a chamber. Bleed- ing came on suddenly, and before the doctor could get there she was nearly gone. Cough and sudden pain in the lungs need prompt atten- tion. I dismissed a bov on one Wednesdav as convalescent. That 200 MOTHERS' REMEDIES night it became suddenly cold and he became chilkd. The mother sent for me the next da}\ and we pulled him through pneumonia. Sup- pose she had waited another day? She was not that kind of a mvjther. Your greatest trial will come in convalescence, when the patient is so hungry. Be careful or you will kill the patient by kindness. A min- ister I knew killed himself by going against the doctor's orders and eating a hearty dinner. The doctor was rather profane, and when he went to see the preacher, after the relapse caused by the dinner, he relieved his mind in no gentle manner. Again allow no visitors m the sick room or one adjacent. They are an abomination. Many people are killed by well-intentioned ignoramuses. Do not whisper; the Lord save the patient who has a whisperer for a nurse. I cannot urge too strongly proper nursing in this disease. It is an absolute necessity. A nurse to be successful must have good sense and also must obey all directions. A diet is a necessity in this disease. The patient must not move any more than is absolutely necessarv* for his comfort. He must never try to help move himself. The muscles of the abdomen must remain lax and quiet. The danger, I think, is in the bowels. The mucous covering in the interior is inflamed and ulcerated, and there is always some danger of the ulceration eating through the coating mto the blood vessels, causing more or less bleeding and even eating the bowel enough to cause an opening (perforation) and the escape of the bowel contents into the abdominal cavity causing inflammation of the peritoneum (peritonitis) and almost certain death. Walking typhoid is dangerous for that reason. The food must be of such nature that it is all digested. It must not leave lumps to press upon the sore places in the bowels causing more trouble there and more diarrhea. TYPHUS FEVER, (Filth Disease).— Typhus fever is an acute, infectious disease, characterized by a sudden onset, marked nervous symptoms, and spotted rash and fever ending quickly after two weeks. Also called jail, camp, hospital, or ship fever. Filth has a great deal to do with its production. There is no real characteristic symptom except the eruption. Symptoms. — It generally lasts two weeks. Incubation period of twelve days or less, marked at times by slight weary feeling. The onset is usually sudden, by one chill or several, with high fever, head- ache, pain in back and legs, prostration, vomiting, and mild and active delirium. Pulse does not have the double beat, often there is bron- chitis. Eruption. — "This appears on the third to fifth day; the fever remaining high. During the second week all the symptoms increase and are weakening with marked delirium and coma vigil" (unconscious, delirious, but with the eyes open). When death occurs it usually comes at the end of the second week from exhaustion. Favorable cases terminate at this time by crisis ; the prostration is extreme ; but convalescence is rapid. INFECTIOUS DISEASES 201 steady rise for four or five days with slight nidrnini; remissions; terminating l)y crisis on the twelfth to fourteenth day, falling in some cases below normal ; in fatal cases there is a rapid rise to 108° or 109°. The eruption appears on the abdomen on the third to fifth day. Treatment like Typhoid. — Mortality, twelve to twenty per cent. SMALLPOX or Variola. — Smallpox is an acute infectious disease. It has a sudden onset with a severe period of invasion which is fol- lowed by a falling of the fever, and then the eruption comes out. •This eruption begins as a pimple, then a watery pimple (vesicle) which runs into the pus pimple (i)ustule) and then the crust or scab forms. The mucous membrane in contact with the air may also be affected. Almost all persons exposed, if not vaccinated, are almost invariably attacked. It is very contagious. It attacks all ages, but it is partic- ularly fatal to young children. Cause. — An unknown poison in the contents of the pustules or crusts in secretion and excretion, apparently, and in the exhalations of the lungs and skin ; one attack does not always confer immunity for life. It is contagious from an early period. Direct contact does not seem to be necessary, for it can be carried by one who does not have it. Symptoms. — Incubation lasts from ten to fourteen days, and is usually without symptoms. Invasion comes suddenly with one or more chills in adults, or convulsions in children, with terrible head- ache, very severe pain in the back and extremities, vomiting, the tem- perature rising rapidly to 103° or 104°. Eruptions. — This usually appears on the fourth day as small red papules on the forehead, along the line of the hair and on the wrists, spreading within tAventy-four hours over the face, extremities, trunk and mucous membrane. Symptoms of fever diminish with the appearance of the rash, which is most marked on the face and ripens first there. The papules become hollowed vesicles and a clear fluid fills them on the fifth or sixth day. They fill with pus about the eighth day, and their summits become globular, while the surrounding skin is red, swollen and pain- ful. The general bodily symptoms again return and the temperature rises for about twenty-four hours. Drying of the eruption begins the tenth or eleventh day. The pustules dry, forming crusts, while the swelling of the skin disappears and the temperature gradually falls. The crusts fall off, leaving scars only where the true skin has been destroyed. Confluent form. — All the symptoms are more severe. The erup- tion runs together and all the skin is covered. Varioloid. — This is smallpox modified by vaccination. The inva- ,^.ion may be sudden and severe. It is usually mild and gradual, but 202 MOTHERS' REMEDIES with severe pain in the back and head. A scanty eruption of papules, often only on the face and hands, appears on the third or fourth day, with disappearance of constitutional symptoms. Treatment. — Vaccinate the children the second or third month, and ail persons about every six years, and always after exposure to the disease or during epidemics. Put the patient in a room cleared of all furniture, carpets, curtains, rugs, etc. ; keep the patient thoroughly clean, and the linen should be frequently changed. The bed clothing should be light. Disinfect and sterilize everything thoroughly that has been in contact with the patient. Get a good experienced nurse, and one^who has been around the disease. Diet. — Give the supporting diet early. During the first stage give milk, broths of different kinds, albumin water. Relieve the intense thirst by water and lemonade. When the first (initial) fever sub- sides and the patient feels improved, give milk, eggs, chops, steak, or rare roast meat, bread or toast ; vegetables, such as potato, spinach, celery, asparagus tips, cauliflower tops. When the second fever returns go back to the liquid diet again, and give regularly and as much as possible every two or three hours during the day, and every three or four hours during the night. Milk, plain or peptonized ; milk punch, raw eggs, broths, beef juice. If swallowing is difficult, give food cold and oftener, and in less quantity. Increase the diet rapidly during convalescence. Cold drinks should be freely given. Barley water and oatmeal water are nutritious and palatable. Milk broths, and articles that give no trouble to digest. Nursing. — Nursing is the main thing. The bowels should be kept open with salts. There is no special medicine we can claim will do good. Aconite may be used for the fever at first, in drop doses every hour for twenty-four hours. But the least medicine that is given the better it will generally be. There is, I believe, something in protecting the ripening papules from the light. The constant application on the face and hands of lint soaked in cold water, to which antiseptics such as carbolic acid or bichloride may be added, is perhaps the most suitable treatment. It is very pleasant for the patient at least, and for the face it is well to make a mask of lint which can be covered with oiled silk. When the crusts begin to form, the chief point is to keep them thoroughly moist, which ma}^ be done with oil or glycerin ; vaselin is particularly useful, and at this stage can be freely used upon the face. It frequently relieves the itching also. For the odor, which is sometimes so char- acteristic and disagreeable, the diluted carbolic acid solutions are prob- ably the best. If the eruption is abundant on the scalp the hair should be cut short. During convalescence frequent bathing is advis- able. It should be done daily, using carbolic soap freely in order to get rid of the crusts and scabs. There is danger to others as long as INFECTIOUS DISEASES 203 the skin is not sniootli and rlran. and not frro t'loin anv trace of scah^ As you must have a physician, I give but little medical treatmen* Nursing is the main thing in this disease. General Rules for Disinfection. — The walls, woodwork, and ceil- ing may be cleaned by washing with one to one thousand solution of corrosive sublimate solution, or a five per cent carbolic acid solution, or by rubbing with bread if solutions would injure. All dust must 1)l* removed. Plastered walls and ceilings may be white-washed. Wo. id- v/ork must then be scrubbed with soap and thoroughly wii)ed. Tlien fumigate, at least three pounds of sulphur should be burned in the room for each 1,000 cubic feet of space. Placing it in a pan suj)- purted in another containing water to guard against fire. After scrub- bing or fumigating, the room and its contents should be freely aired for several days, admitting sunlight if possible. Ail useless articles and badly soiled bedding should be burned. Such pieces of clothing as will not be injured may be boiled or soaked in a one to one thous- and formaldehyde solutioji (one ounce of twelve per cent solution in one gallon of water), or two per cent carbolic acid solution. Clothing, beddiuGf. etc., mav be disinfected in the steam sterilizer. Hands, Body, etc. — Special outer garments may be worn while in the sick room and removed, and clothing aired before leaving. Hands of the attendant should be washed in one to one thousand corrosive sublimate solution. Vaccination and Re-vaccination and its Prevention of Smallpox. We quote in part from an article prepared by the State of Michigan. — It is well known that smallpox can be prevented or modified by vac- cination ; and a widespread epidemic of the disease can be attributed only to an equally widespread ignorance or willfulness concerning smallpox and its prevention by vaccination and re-vaccination. A Good Time to be Vaccinated. — Smallpox is usually most prev- alent in the winter and spring months, reaching the highest point in May. The rarity of smallpox in Michigan for several years led to a feeling of security and to neglect vaccination, resulting in an increased proportion of inhabitants not protected by recent vaccination. This made possible a widespread epidemic. The proper preventive of such an epidemic is general vaccination and re-vaccination of all persons not recently thus protected. There is no better settled fact than that vaccination does protect against smallpox. But after a time the pro- tection is weakened, therefore after a lapse of five years there should be re-vaccination. Why Vaccinate. — P>ecause vaccination is a preventive of all forms of smallpox, and because by traveling, or by travelers, by articles received in the mail or from the stores or shops, or other various ways any one at any time, may, without knowing it, be exposed to smallpox, it becomes important so far as possible without injury to health to render every person incapable of taking the disease. This may be 204 MOTHERS' REMEDIES done so perfectly by vaccination and re-vaccination with genuine bovine vaccine virus that no question of ordinary expense or trouble should be allowed for a day to prevent the careful vaccination of every man, woman and child in Michigan, and the re-vaccination of every one who has not been vaccinated within five years. It is well established that those who have been properly vaccinated are far less likely to take smallpox if exposed to it, and that the very few who have been properly vaccinated and have smallpox have it in a much milder form and are much less disfigured by it than those who have not been thus vaccinated. The value of vaccination is illustrated by the following facts: On March the 13th, 1859, Dr. E. M. Snow, of Providence, R. L, found in a cluster of seven houses twenty-five fam- ilies, and in these families ten cases of smallpox, all apparently at about the same stage of the disease. In the same families there were twenty-one children, who had never been vaccinated. The ten cases and the remaining members of the families, including the twenty-one children, were quarantined at home, and the children were all vac- cinated and compelled to remain with the sick. Several other cases of smallpox occurred in the persons previously exposed, but not one of the twenty-one children referred to had the slightest touch of the disease. In Sweden, the average number of deaths in each year from smallpox per million inhabitants was : Before the introduction of vaccination (1774-1801), 1,973; During the period of optional vaccination (1802-1816), 479; And during the period of obligatory vaccination (1817-1877), 189. Vaccination was introduced in England near the beginning of the nineteenth century, and since 1853 compulsory vaccination has been attempted. In England the number of deaths in each year from small- pox per one million inhabitants was : At the close of the eighteenth century, 3,000. From 1841 to 1853 (average), 304. From 1854 to 1863 (average), 171. Smallpox entirely prevented by re-vaccination. — In the Bavarian army re-vaccination has been compulsory since 1843. From that date till 1857, not even a single case of unmodified smallpox occurred, nor a single death from smallpox. During the year of duty. Dr. Marson, physician of the London Smallpox Hospital, has never observed a single case of smallpox in the officers and employees of the hospital, who are re-vaccinated when they enter the service, and who are con- stantly exposed to the infection. "Out of more than 10.000 children vaccinated at Brussels with animal lymph, from 1865 to 1870, and who went through the terrible epidemic of smallpox, which in 1870 and 1871 frightened the world, not a single one was to my knowledge reported as being attacked by INFECTIOUS DI SEAS US 205 the disease. The same imnuniity was shared by those, a mnch larger number, whom I had rc-vaceinaled and who at the same time were living in ei)idemic centers." — Dr. IVarlcmont, of Brussels. Who should be Vaccinated. — Everybody, old and young, for his own interest, and that he may not become a breechng place for the distribution of smallpox to others, should seek that i)rotection from smalli)Ox wliich is aft'orded by vaccination alone. It is believed that all persons except those mentioned in the following paragraph may, if the operation is properly performed, at the proper time, and with pure bovine virus, be vaccinated with perfect safety to themselves. Even those who have had smallpox should be vaccinated, for otherwise they may take the disease ; and it seems to be proved that a larger proportion, of those who have smallpox a second time, die than of those who have the disease after vaccination. Who should not be Vaccinated. — Unless exposure to smallpox is believed to have taken place or likely to take place, teething children, pregnant women, persons suffering from measles, scarlet fever, ery- sipelas, or susceptible to and recently exposed to one of these diseases, persons suffering with skin diseases or eruption, and in general feeble persons not in good health, should not be vaccinated. In all cases in which there is any doubt as to the propriety of vaccinating or post- poning vaccination the judgment of a good physician should be taken. The restriction, as to vaccinating teething children makes .it important that children should be vaccinated before the teething process has begun, because smallpox is ver}^ much more dangerous than vaccina- tion. Smallpox is exceedingly dangerous to pregnant women. V/hen should a person be Vaccinated. — The sooner the better as a rule, and especially whenever there is much liability of exposure to smallpox. Children should be vaccinated before they are four months old ; those who have never been vaccinated, should, except teething children, be vaccinated at once. Because the vaccination often loses its protective power after a time, those who have been vaccinated but once or twice should, in order to test and to increase the protective power of the former vaccination, be vaccinated again, and as often as the vaccination can be made to w^ork. In general, to insure full pro- tection from smallpox, one should be vaccinated as often as every five years. It has been found that of those who have smallpox the propor- tion of deaths is very much less among those who have three or four good vaccination scars than among those who have but one scar. Vaccination after exposure to Smallpox. — Vaccination as late as the second day after known exposure to smallpox is believed to have prevented the smallpox ; vaccination the third day after exposure has rendered the disease much milder than usual, and in a case in Iowa, vaccination on the seventh or eighth day after exposure to smallpox ran a partial course and was believed to have modified the attack of smallpox, which, however, it did not wholly prevent. A recent case in Michigan was vaccinated three days after exposure, as were also 206 MOTHERS' REMEDIES the wife, mother, and two children, both under five years of age ; all vaccinated again six days after the exposure. The health officer reported as follows: 'The results were gratifying. During the first week of the eruption it was evidently aborting and without doubt as the result of vaccination eight days before the eruption. A complete and fine recovery. Certainly an aborted course, with scarcely a mark left, and not another case in the above family, whom nec€ssity com- pelled to occupy the same house, the same rooms, continual contact with the contagion, scores one more big credit mark for vaccination." With what should one be Vaccinated. — Because the potency of virus depends largely upon its being fresh, and it is so easy to obtain pure and fresh bovine virus, and because such bovine virus is efficient it is better in all cases to use only the pure and fresh bovine virus. Where should Vaccination be Performed. — In a room or place free from persons suffering from disease, and from dust which may convey to the scratched surface germs of any communicable disease; cer- tainly not in or near a room where there is erysipelas or consumption, nor in the presence of one who has just come from a person sick with erysipelas, diphtheria, or scarlet f^ver. By whom should one be Vaccinated. — The operation of vaccination should be performed always by a competent and responsible physi- cian. To try to vaccinate one's self or one's family is poor economy, for it often results not only in a waste of money and of time, but in a false and dangerous feeling of security. To trust to vaccination by nurses and midwives is equally foolish. A well-educated and experi- enced physician has the skill, and the special knowledge necessary to the best judgment on all of the questions involved, without which the operation may be a failure or worse than a failure. In work of this kind the best is the cheapest, whatever it costs. After Vaccination. — Let the vaccinated place alone. Do not scratch it or otherwise transfer the virus where it is not wanted. Pro- tect it by a bandage, or cloth which has been boiled and ironed with a hot iron. Try to keep the pustule unbroken, as a protection against germs of diseases and against unnecessary discomfort. A bad sore arm may not be and probably is not true vaccination, but may be due to lack of care during and after vaccination to keep out septic germs. Common appearances after Vaccination. — For a day or two noth- ing unusual should appear. A few days after that, if it succeeds reg- ularly, the skin will become red, then a pimple will form, and on the pimple a little vesicle or blister which may be plainly seen on the fifth or sixth day. On the eighth day the blister (vesicle) is, or should be, plump, round, translucent, pearly white, with a clearly marked edge and a depression in the center ; the skin around it for about half an inch is red and swollen. This vesicle and the red, inflamed circle about it (called the areola) are the two points which prove the vaccination to be successful. A rash, and even a vesicular eruption, sometimes INFECTIOUS DISEASES 207 comes on ihc child's Ixnly ahoiil the eighth day, and lasts al)Out a week; he may be feverish, or may remain cjuite well. 'I'he arm may be red and swollen down as far as the elbow, and in the adult there will usually be a tender or swollen gland in the arm-pit, and some disturbance of sleep for several nights. The vesicle dries up in a few days more, and a crust forms which becomes of' a brownish mahogany color, and falls off from the twentieth to the twenty-fifth day. In some cases the several appearances described above may be delayed a day or two. The crust or scab will leave a well-marked, permanent scar. What to do during and after Vaccination. — Do nothing to irritate the eruption, do not pull the scab oft", when it drops oft* throw it in the fire. When the eruption is at its height show it to the doctor who per- formed the vaccination. If it is satisfactory, ask him for a certificate stating when and by whom you were vaccinated, whether with bovine or humanized lymph, in how many places and with what result at each place. When the arm is healed, if the vaccination did not work well, be vaccinated again as soon as possible, and in the best manner pos- sible. This will be a test to the protection secured by the former vaccination, and will itself afford increased protection. Do not be sat- isfied with less than four genuine vaccine scars, or with four if it is possible to secure more than four. This vaccination a second or third time in close succession is believed to be hardly less important than vaccination the first time, and hardly less valuable as a protection against smallpox. Without doubt many persons are living in a false sense of security from smallpox because at some time in their lives they have had a little sore on their arm caused by a supposed or real vaccination, or because an imperfect vaccination failed to work, or because they were successfully vaccinated, or had the varioloid, or the unmodified smallpox many years ago. Until smallpox is stamped out throughout the world so that exposure of the disease shall be prac- tically impossible, the only personal safety is in such perfect vaccina- tion that one need not fear an exposure to smallpox through the reck- lessness of the foolish. Make a record of your Vaccination. — Do not fail to procure and preserve the certificate mentioned in the preceding paragraph, and also to make a personal record of the facts with regard to any. vaccination of yourself or in your family. From it you may sometime learn that it is ten years since you or some member of your family was vaccinated, when you thought it only five. Lives saved from smallpox in Michigan. — Since the State Board of Health was established, many thousands of people in Michigan have been vaccinated because of its recommendations ; and the statistics of deaths, published by the Secretary of State, show that at the close of the year 1906, the death rate from smallpox in Michigan had been so much less than before the board was established as to indicate that over three thousand lives had been saved from that loathsome disease. 208 MOTHERS' REMEDIES The average death rate per year, for the five years, 1869-1873, before the board was established, was 8.5 per 100,000 inhabitants, and since the board was established, for the thirty-three years, 1874-1907, it was only 1.5. Since 1896 an uncommon mild type of the disease has pre- vailed very extensively, but the death rate has been exceedingly low, being for the eleven years, 1897-1907, slightly less than one death for each 100,000 inhabitants. The great saving of life from smallpox in civilized countries has been mainly because of vaccination and revac- cination. VACCINATION. Symptoms.— At first a slight irritation at the place of vaccination. The eruption appears on the third or fourth day as a reddish pimple surrounded by a reddened surface. On the fifth or sixth day this pimple becomes a vesicle with a depressed center and filled with clear contents. It reaches its greatest size on the eighth day. B}^ the tenth day the contents are pus-like and the sur- rounding skin is more inflamed and often quite painful. These symp- toms diminish, and by the end of the second week the pustule has dried to a brownish scab, which falls off between the twenty-first and twenty-fifth days, and leaves a depressed scar. Fever and mild consti- tutional symptoms usually go with the eruption and may last until about the eighth day. Reliable lymph points should always be used. Clean the skin near the insertion of the deltoid muscle on the arm, and with a clean (ster- ile) knife or ivory point, a few scratches are made, deep enough to allow a slight flow of liquid, but no bleeding. The vaccine virus moist- ened, if dried on a point, is rubbed into the wound and allowed to dry. A piece of sterile gauze, or a "shield," is used as a dressing. This shield can be bought at any drug store. One vaccination may give immunity for ten to twelve years, but it is better to be vaccinated every six years at least. DENGUE. Break-bone Fever, Dandy Fever. — This is an acute infectious disease characterized by pains in the joints and muscles, fever, an initial reddish swollen eruption and a terminal eruption of v^ariable type. It occurs in the tropical regions and the warmer por- tions of the temperate zone. The disease appears in epidemics, rap- idly attacking many persons. Symptoms.— Incubation lasts from three to five days without any special symptoms. The onset is marked with chilly feelings, an active fever with temperature gradually rising. There is severe pain in the muscles and in the joints which become red and swollen. There is intense pain in the eyeballs, head, back and extremities. Face looks flushed, eyes are sunken, the skin looks flushed and mucous membrane looks red. This is the beginning rash. The high fever falls quickly after three or four days, sometimes with sweating, diarrhea or nose bleed. The patient feels stiff and sore then, but comparatively well. A slight fever returns after two to four days, although this sometimes INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2')9 remains absent. Pains and eruptions. like scarlet fever or hives, appear. An attack usually lasts seven to cij^'ht days. Convalescence is often long and slow, with stiffness and pain in the joints and mus- cles and great weakness. A relapse may return within two weeks. PHYSICIANS* TREATMENT for Dangue.— An anti-plague serum is sometimes used, though with doubtful results. The pain is controlled by doses of morphine of one-eighth to one-fourth of a grain every four or five hours. Hyoscin, one hundredth of a grain, is also given for the pain. The high temperature can be relieved by cold and tepid sponging. Tonics are given during the convalescence and con- tinued for some time. CEREBRO-SPINAL MENINGITIS.— This is an acute infectious disease. It comes in epidemics, when there are many cases, or appears here and there as a separate case (sporadic). It is caused by a spe- cific organism (germ ) and the disease attacks the membranes of the brain and spinal cord. Of late years great progress has been made by patient investiga- tion, and a serum is now prepared for the treatment of this disease. The results of this treatment are better than the treatments formerly used, and there is good reason to believe that in a few years this treatment will be as effective in this disease as antitoxin is in diph- theria. Cause. — Young adults and children are affected most often. Bad surroundings and over-exertion are predisposing factors. Conditions. — There is congestion of the membranes of the brain and spinal cord which are covered with an exudate confined on the brain, chiefly to the base. Symptoms. Ordinary Form. — Incubation is of unknown length and occasionally marked by want of appetite, headache, and pain in the back. The invasion is usually sudden, chill, projectile vomiting, throwing forward, severe headache, pain and rigidity of the back of the neck, pain in various parts of the body, skin over-sensitive, irrit- able, and temperature about 102°, with all symptoms of an active fever. Later, pains are very severe, especially in the head, neck and back ; the head is drawn back; often the back is rigid; the muscles of the neck and back are tender and attempts to stretch them cause intense pain. The vomiting now is less prominent. Temperature is extremely irregular, 99° to 105° or more. Pulse is slow, often 50 to 60, and full and strong at first. The delirium is of a severe and variable type in common, alternating with partial or complete coma, the latter predom- inating toward the close of fatal attacks. Stimulation of nerve cen- ters causes cross-eyed look, drooping of upper eyelid, movement of eyeballs unequal, contracted, dilated, or sluggish pupils: acute and painful hearing, spasmodic contractions of the muscles followed by paralysis of the face muscles, etc. The disease may last several hours or several months. Many die within five days. In fatal cases the 210 MOTHERS' REMEDIES i patient passes into seemingly deep sleep with symptoms of a very prostrating and weakening fever, and often retention of urine. Mild cases occur with only a little fever, headache, stiff muscles of the neck, discomfort in back and extremities. The malignant type occurs epi- demically or sporadically. Malignant type. — Sudden invasion with severe chills, slight rise in lemperature, pain in the back of the neck, headaches, stupor, muscular spasms, a slow pulse, often purple bleeding, eruption, coma and death within hours, rather than days. This is a terrible disease, and a phy- sician is needed from the first. The death rate varies from twenty to seventy-five per cent. Treatment must be given by a physician. Spinal meningitis is inflammation of the membrane of the spinal cord along with the accompanying back and extremity symptoms, while the head remains clear and free from complications. MENINGITIS. — This is an inflammation of the membranes cov- ering the brain alone, and generally commences with fever and severe headaches, with avoidance of light and noise as these are painful. In some cases we have delirium, stupor and coma. Treatment. — Treatment must be given by a physician, but cold applications to the head and back are generally good. The bowels also must be kept open. MENINGITIS. Tubercular, (Basilar Meningitis).-— This affec- tion which is also known as acute hydrocephalus (meaning water on the brain), is essentially an acute tuberculosis in which the membranes of the brain, sometimes of the cord bear the brunt of the attack. It is more common in children than in adults. It is more frequent between the second and fifth years, than in the first year. It is caused by the tubercular infection, and follows the usual course of this disease. Ordinary meningitis is rapid and well defined in its course, with ''high fever," severe pains in the head, intense nervousness, avoidance of light and sound, loss of appetite and constipation. These symptoms are easily understood and are generally clearly read by those around the patient. Unfortunately in tubercular meningitis the clearly de- fined symptoms are absent in the beginning, and when the physician is called the condition is dangerous. Usually the patient complains but little. There is a slight headache, low fever, no heat in the head, patient is pale most of the time, has little appetite, vomits occasionally and desires to sleep. He is nervous, stupid and lies on his side curled np with eyes away from the light. This disease appears mostly in delicate children, who are poor eaters and fond of books ; usually in those inheriting poor constitutions. The mortality is very high. Par- ents who have thin, pale sallow children with dainty appetites, who frequently complain of headaches and are fond of books, should be afraid of infection from tuberculosis and make the little ones live in the open air and keep away from school. But earlier in the lives of these children care must be taken. A child with that pale, thin, sal- low, delicate face and poor body should be fed with the best of food INFECTIOUS DISEASES 211 and liv€ in the open air. I once liad a family who lost their only two babies through this disease. After the first one died I instructed them carefully how to treat the second child, iicnvever, they loved their child foolishly and not wisely and fed it everything it wanted, and you know the children take an advantage of their parents. Give plenty of good, wholesome digestible food. Dress them comfortably and warm and keep them out in the open air. No cakes, candy, peanuts or any food that is not nourishing and easy to digest. TUBERCULOSIS. (CONSUMPTION).— Tuberculosis is an in- fectious disease caused by the bacillus, tuberculosis, and characterized by the formation of nodules or diffuse masses of new tissue. Man, fowls and cows are chiefly affected. Indians, negroes and Irish are very susceptible. The disease is less common at great altitudes. Dark, poorly ventilated rooms, such as tenements and factories and the crowding of cities favors infection, as do in-door life and occupations in which dust must be inhaled. Certain infections such as measles, whooping-cough, chronic heart, kidney and liver diseases and inflammation of the air tract are predis- posing factors. Inhalation is the chief mode of transmission. Hered- itary transmission is rare. Forms. The Lungs. — Consumption. This is caused by a germ. Some have the form called galloping consumption. This person is attacked suddenly, wastes away and dies, in a very short time. There is rapid loss of strength and weight, high fever, night sweats, fast breathing, pains in the chest, cough and profuse expectoration, and rapid loss of strength. Ordinary Consumption. — Begins slowly and the patient is not aware of the danger. He may have loss of appetite, dyspepsia, diar- rhea and distress after meals. He looks pale, is weak and loses flesh. Soon he has a hacking cough, worse in the morning, wnth a scanty, glairy sputum. His weight continues to decrease, his heart is weak and beats faster. He has pain in his chest below the shoulder blades. He may have a slight bleeding from the lungs. His cough becomes worse, the expectoration gets thicker and more profuse, with night sweats, high fever, and shortness of breath. The eyes are bright ; the cheeks are pale or flushed. Chronic looseness of the bowels may be present. Bleeding from the lungs may occur at any time, but it is most frequent and profuse during the last stages. The patient be- comes very weak, thin and pale, emaciated. The brain action remains good, and he remains hopeful almost until the last. Tuberculosis may exist in almost every part of the body and we have many forms. It is not necessary to discuss all. It would tend to confusion. I will name the most of them : 1. Acute Miliary Tuberculosis. (A.) Acute General Miliary Tuberculosis. (B.) Pulmonary (lung) type. (C.) Tubercular Meningitis. U2 MOTHERS' REMEDIES 2. Tuberculosis of the lymph nodes (glands). This was formerly called Scrofula. This is more curable and will be treated more fully elsewhere. 3. Tuberculous Pleurisy. 4. Tuberculous Pericarditis. 5. Tuberculous Peritonitis. (Of this there are a good many cases.) 6. Tuberculosis of the Larynx. 7. Acute Pneumonia (Pulmonary Tuberculosis) or "Galloping Consumption." 8. Chronic Ulcerative Pulmonary Tuberculosis. 9. Chronic Miliary Tuberculosis. 10. Tuberculosis of the Alimentary Canal. 11. Tuberculosis of the Brain. 12. Tuberculosis of the liver, kidneys, bladder, etc. 13. Tuberculosis of joints, this will be treated more fully else- where. CERVICAL, TUBERCULOSIS (Scrofula).— This is common in children that are not well nourished, living in badly ventilated and crowded houses, and in the negroes. Chronic catarrh of the nose and throat and tonsilitis predispose to it. The glands under the lower jaw are usually the first involved. They are enlarged, smooth, firm and often become matted together. Later the skin may adhere to them and suppuration occurs, that is, pus forms. An abscess results that breaks through the skin and leaves a nasty looking sore or scar. The glands in the back of the neck may enlarge also ; or in the arrn pit or under the collar bone and also the bronchial glands. There is usually secondary anemia. A long course and spontaneous recovery are com- mon. Lung or general miliary tuberculosis may occur. Mesenteric Kind. — Symptoms are loss of flesh and strength, anemia, distended abdomen (pot-belly) and bloated, with oftensive diarrhea. MOTHERS' REMEDIES. — 1. Consumption, Simple Home Method to Break up. — *'A cloth saturated with kerosene oil, bound around the chest at night and frequently repeated, will remove lung soreness, and it may be taken inwardly with advantages, eight to ten drops three or four times a day in sarsaparilla. It has been tried efficaciously as a cure for consumption." 2. Consumption, Physicians' Remedy for. — Arsenic Acid 1 part Carbonate of Potash 2 parts Cinnamyllic Acid 3 parts Heat this until a perfect solution is obtained, then add twenty-five parts cognac and three parts of watery extract of opium which has been dissolved in twenty-five parts of water filtered. Dose: — At first take six drops after dinner and supper, gradually increasing to twenty- INFECTIOUS DISEASES 213 two drops. Mild cases are cured in two months, but the severe cases may re(iuire a year or two." This treatment should be given under the care of a physician, as it is poisonous and needs close watching. PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Consumption.— Tuberculous peritonitis is often present. General better iiygienic measures; fresh air, nourishing food ; cod-liver oil. The glands are now often cut. Sanitary Care. Prevention of Tuberculosis. — The sputum of con- sumptives should be carefully collected and destroyed. Patients should be urged not to spit about carelessly, but always use a spit cup and never swallow the sputum. The destruction of the sputum of consumptives should be a routine measure in both hospitals and private practice. Thorough boiling or putting in the fire is sufficient. It should be explained to the patient that the only risk, practically is from this source. The chances of infection are greatest in young children. The nursing and care of consumptives involves very slight risks indeed, if proper precautions are taken. Second. — A second important measure, relates to the inspection of dairies and slaughter houses. The possibility of the transmission of tuberculosis by infected milk has been fully demonstrated, and in the interest of health, the state should take measures to stamp out tuber- culosis in cattle. Individual Prevention. — A mother with pulmonary tuberculosis should not nurse her child. An infant born of tuberculosis parents or of a family in which consumption prevails, should be brought up with the greatest care and guarded most particularly against catarrhal affec- tions of all kinds. Special attention should be given to the throat and nose, and on the first indication of mouth breathing or any attection of the nose, a careful examination should be made for adenoids. The child should be clothed in flannel, and live in the open air as much as possible, avoiding close rooms. It is a good practice to sponge the throat and chest night and morning with cold water. Special atten- tion should be paid to the diet and to the mode of feeding. The meals should be given at regular hours, and the food plain and substantial. From the onset the child should be encouraged to drink freely of milk. Unfortunately in these cases there seems to be an uncontrollable aver- sion to fats of all kinds. As the child grows older, systematically regulated exercise or a course of pulmonary (lung) gymnastics may be taken. In the choice of an occupation, preference should be given to an out of door life. Families with a predisposition to tuberculosis should, if possible, reside in an equable climate. It would be best for a young person belonging to such a family to remove to Colorado or Southern California, or to some other suitable climate before trouble begins. The trifling ailments of children should be carefully watched. In convalescence from fevers, which so frequently prove dangerous, the greatest care should be exercised to prevent from catching cold. Cod- liver oil, the syrup of iodide of iron and arsenic may be given. En- 214 MOTHERS' REMEDIES larged tonsils should be removed. "The spontaneous healing of local tuberculosis is an every-day affair. Many cases of adenitis (inflamma- tion of the glands) and disease of the bon-e or joints terminate favor- ably. The healing of pulmonary (lung) tuberculosis is shown clinic- ally by the recovery of patients in whose sputa elastic tissue and bacilli have been found,'' General Measures. — The cure of tuberculosis is a question of nutrition ; digestion and assimilation control the situation ; make a patient grow fat, and the local disease may be left to take care of itself. There are three indications: First, to place the patient in surroundings most favorable for the greatest degree of nutrition; second, to take such measures as in a local and general way influence the tuberculosis process ; third, to alleviate the symptoms. This is effected by the open air treatment with the necessary feeding and nursing. At Home. — In the majority of cases patients must be treated at home. In th« city it has many disadvantages. The patient's bed should be in a room where he can have plenty of sunshine and air. Two things are essential — plenty of fresh air and sunshine. While there is fever he should be at rest in bed. For the greater part of each day, unless the weather is blustering and raining, the windows should be open. On the bright days he can sit out-doors on a balcony or porch, in a reclining chair. He must be in the op-en air all that is possible to be. A great many patients spend most of the time out in the open air now. In the country places this can be easily carried out. In the summer he should be out of doors from eleven to twelve hours; in the winter six to eight at least. At night the room should be cool and thoroughly ventilated. *Tn the early stages of the disease with much fever, it may require several months of this rest treatment m the open air before the temperature falls to normal." The sputum is dangerous when it becomes dry. As long as sputum is moist the germs are held in the sputum ; but when it is dry they are released and roam at will in the atmosphere and are inhaled. They are then ready to lodge themselves in suitable soil. Always keep the sputum (expectoration) moist, and then there is no danger. Diet. Treatment. — The outlook in this disease depends upon the digestion. Nausea and loss of appetite are serious obstacles. Many patients loathe foods of all kinds. A change of air or a sea voyage mav promptly restore the appetite. When this is not possible, rest the patient, keep in the open air nearly all day and feed regularly with small quantities either of buttermilk, milk, or kumiss, alternating if necessary with meat juice and egg albumin. Some cases which are disturbed by eggs and milk do well on kumiss. Raw eggs are very suitable for feeding, and may be taken between meals, beginning with one three times a day, and can be increased to two and three at a time. It is hard to give a regular diet. The patient should be under the care of a physician who will regulate the kind of diet, amount and INFECTIOUS DISEASES 215 change. When the digestion is good there is less trouble in feeding. Then the patient can eat meat, poultry, game, oysters, fish, animal broths, eggs. Nothing should be fried. Avoid pork, veal, hot bread, cakes, pies, sweet meats, rich gravies, crabs, lobsters. Diet in Tuberculosis furnished us by a Hospital. — May Take. — Soups. — Turtle or oyster soup, mutton, clam, or chicken broth, puree of barley, rice, peas, beans, cream of celery or tomatoes, whole beef tea, peptonized milk, gruel. Fish. — All kinds of fresh fish boiled or broiled, oysters or clams, raw, roasted or broiled. Meats. — Rare roast beef or mutton, lamb chops, ham, fat bacon, sweetbreads, poultry, game, tender steaks, hamburger steak rare. Eggs. — Every way except fried. Farinaceous. — Oatmeal, wheaten grits, mush, hominy, rice, whole wheat bread, corn bread, milk toast, biscuits, muffins, gems. Vegetables. — Potatoes baked, boiled, or creamed, string beans, spinach, onions, asparagus, tomatoes, green peas, all well cooked, cresses, lettuce, plain or with oil dressing, celery. Desserts. — Farina, sago, tapioca, apple or milk pudding, floating island, custards, baked or stewed apples with fresh cream, cooked fruits, rice w^ith fresh cream. Drinks. — Fresh milk, cool, warm, or peptonized, cocoa, chocolate, buttermilk, pure water, tea, coffee, panopepton. Must Not Take. — Fried foods, salt fish, hashes, gravies, veal, pork, carrots, parsnips, cabbage, beets, turnips, cucumbers, macaroni, spag- hetti, sweets, pies, pastry, sweet wines. WHAT EVERY PERSON SHOULD KNOW ABOUT TUBERC- ULOSIS, WHETHER HE HAS THE DISEASE OR NOT. Tuberculosis is caused by a germ. Tuberculosis is communicable and preventable. Consumption of the lungs is the most common form of tuberc- ulosis. Consumption of the bowels is the next most common form. The germ causing tuberculosis leaves the body of the person who has the disease by means of the discharges ; by the sputum coughed up from the lungs, by nasal discharge, by bowel excrement, by urine, by abscesses. If the sputum of the consumptive is allowed to dry, its infected dust floats in the air, and is breathed into the lungs. Any person breathing such air is in danger of contracting tuber- culosis. It is best not to stand near a person suffering with tuber- culosis who is coughing, because in this act finely divided droplets of 216 MOTHERS' REMEDIES saliva are thrown from the mouth, and may be carried for a distance of three feet. These may contain large numbers of the bacilli. They are also sometimes thrown out in forcible speaking. The ordinary breath of a consumptive does not contain them. If the bowels or other discharges from the tuberculous person are not disinfected, but are thrown into a sewer, privy, river or buried they are a source of danger, and may pollute a source of drinking water. Impure milk, that is, milk from a tuberculous cow or milk exposed to infected dust is a common source of tuberculosis. Milk from suspected sources should be boiled. The all-important thing to do to prevent tuberculosis from spreading from one person to another, and from one part of the body to another, is immediately to destroy all discharges from the body of a person who has tuberculosis. Destroy by fire or by disinfectant all sputum, all nasal discharges, ail bowel excrement, all urine as soon as discharged. For such a purpose use a five per cent solution of carbolic acid (six and three- fourths ounces of carbolic acid to one gallon of water). No person, well or sick, should spit in public places or where the sputum cannot be collected and destroyed. Flies carry sputum and its infection to food, to your hands, your face, clothes, the baby's bottle, from which the germs are taken into the mouth, and thus gain access to the stomach or lungs. Spitting on the sidewalk, on the floor, on the wall, on the grass, in the gutter, or even into a cuspidor containing no disinfectant is a very dangerous practice for a consumptive to indulge. The person infected with tuberculosis should protect himself, his family, his associates and the public by not spitting in public places, and by promptly destroying all discharges. The well person should defend himself by insisting that the tuberculous person shall destroy all discharges. Well persons should set the example of restraint and themselves refrain from spitting promiscuously. A person may appear quite healthy and yet be developing tuberculosis without knowing it. Such a person, if he spits where he pleases, may be depositing infected sputum where it can endanger the health and lives of other persons. Do not sleep with a person who has tuberculosis, nor in the room occupied by a tuberculous person, until that room has been thoroughly disinfected. Any person is liable to contract tuberculosis, whether he is well or not. Sickly persons, or those having bad colds, influenza, bron- chitis or pneumonia or any general weakness are much more liable INFECTIOUS DISEASES 217 to contract tuberculosis than a perfectly well or robust person. If you have a cough that hangs on consult at once a reliable j)hysician who has ability to diagnose tuberculosis. Prevention is possible ; it is cheaper and easier than cure. Any person having tuberculosis can recover from the disease if he takes the proper course in time. Advanced cases of tuberculosis, that is, those cases where the disease is well developed, are the most dangerous to the public and the most difficult to cure. Every advanced case of tuberculosis should be in a sanatorium. Sanatoria offers the best chance, usually the only chance, of cure to an advanced case. They also protect well citizens from danger of infection from advanced stages of tuberculosis. There are fewer deaths from tuber- culosis in those localities w^here sanatoria are established for the care of tuberculous persons. One person out of every seven who die, dies from tuberculosis. One child out of every ten dies from tuberculosis. Homes and school-houses greatly need more fresh air supplied to their occupants. Day camps are city parks, vacant lots or abandoned farms where the tuberculous persons of a community may go and spend the entire day in rest, receiving instructions in proper hygiene and skillful treat- ment. Such camps are supplied with tents, hammocks, reclining chairs, one or more nurses, milk, eggs and other nourishment. Dispensaries are centers of sanitary and medical instruction for local tuberculous persons. Every locality should establish and maintain a dispensary for the benefit of tuberculous persons ; for their instruction how to prevent the disease from spreading, and how to conduct themselves to insure relief and cure. Householders are required by law to report a case within their households to the local health officers. The local health officer has Certain duties to perform under the law, and co-operation with him by the householder and tuberculous person, works for the suppression of this disease. Do not consider a tuberculous person an outcast, or one fit for the pesthouse. Your crusade is against tuberculosis, not against the person suffering from the disease. Give the freedom of a well person to the tuberculous who is instructed and conscientious in the observance of necessary precau- tions. Be very much afraid of the tuberculous person who is ignorant or careless in the observance of necessary precautions. 218 MOTHERS' REMEDIES PNEUMONIA (Lobar) Lung Fever.— Inflammation of the lungs. This is an acute infectious disease characterized by an exudative in- flammation of one or more lobes of the Kmgs, with constitutional symptoms due to the absorption of toxins (poison), the fever termin- ating by crisis (suddenly). In speaking of pneumonia you frequently iiear tTie expression "the lungs are filling up." This is the real con- dition. The structures surrounding the air cells are inflamed and from the inflamed tissues a secretion exudate is poured out into the cells. This is expectorated, thrown out, by coughing; but it is poured out into the cells faster than it can be spit up and consequently it remains in some of the cells and fills them up. The air does not get into such cells and they fill, with many others, and make that section solid. When the patient is improving he keeps on spitting this up, until all is out and the air cells resume their normal work. Sometimes they remain so and we have chronic pneumonia. Causes of Pneumonia. — Pneumonia occurs frequently as a compli- cation of other diseases, such as typhoid fever and measles. Yet the majority of cases occur spontaneously. Many times the disease seems to be induced by exposure to the cold, and there can be no doubt that such exposure does at least promote the development of this affection. It seems, however, probable that there is some special cause behind it without which the exposure to cold is not sufficient to induce this disease. Pneumonia may occur at any period of life, and is more common among males than females. It occurs over the entire United States, oftener in the southern and middle, than in the Northern States ; it is more frequently met with during the winter and spring months than at other times in the year. Symptoms. — The onset is usually abrupt with a severe chill and chills lasting from fifteen minutes to an hour, with the temperature suddenly rising and an active fever. There is usually intense pain in a few hours, generally in the lower part of the front of the chest, made worse by breathing and coughing. The patient lies on the affected side so as to give all chance for the other lung to work, cheeks are flushed, with anxious expression ; the wings of the nostrils move in and out with each breath. The cough is short, dry and pain- ful. Rapid, shallow, jerky breathing, increasing to difficult breathing. On the first day the characteristic expectoration mixed with blood appears (called rusty). Pulse runs from 100 to 116, full bounding, but may be feeble and small in serious cases. After three or four days the pain disappears, the temperature keeps to 104 or 105, but falls quickly the seventh, fifth, eighth, sixth and ninth day in this order of frequency. In a few hours, usually twelve, the temperature falls to normal or below, usually with profuse sweating and with quick relief to all symptoms. This relief from distressing symptoms is, of course, a time of rejoicing to both patient and friends and the patient and nurse may feel inclined to relax a little from the strict observance of rules followed up to this time. Do not, under any INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2V) circumstances, yield to such folly. Keep patient properly covered, as he is weak from the strain and the pores are open. Convalescence is usually rapid. A prolonged rise of temperature after the crisis may be regarded as a relapse. Death may occur at any time after the third day from sudden heart failure, or from com- plications such as pleurisy, nephritis, meningitis, pericarditis, endo- carditis, gangrene of the lungs. MOTHERS' REMEDIES.— 1. Lungs, Salt Pork for Inflamma- tion of. — "Salt pork dipped in hot water, then covered thick with black pepper. Heat in the oven and lav or bind on the throat and lungs." 2. Lungs, Raspberry Tincture for Inflammation of. — "Take one- half pound of honey, one cup water; let these boil; take off the scum; pour boiling hot upon one-half ounce lobelia herb and one-half ounce cloves; mix well, then strain and add one gill of raspberry vinegar. Take from one teaspoonful to a dessertspoonful four times a day. Pleasant to take." 3. Lungs, Herb Ointment for Congestion of. — "Oil of Turpentine H ounce Oil of Hemlock J/^ ounce Oil of Peppermint J/2 ounce Oil of Feverweed J/2 ounce Mix this with one cup warm lard." Rub this ointment on throat or lungs and apply a flannel over it. Heat it through thoroughly with hot cloths. If used thoroughly and the cold is taken in time will prevent pneumonia. 4. Lungs, Mullein for Congestion. — "The mullein leaves may be purchased at any drug store or gathered in the fields. Make a tea of the leaves by steeping them. Add enough water to one tablespoon mullein to make a pint, which will be three doses, taken three times a day." This is a very good remedy. 6. Lungs, Salve for Weak. — "Bees Wax 1 ounce Rosin 1 ounce Camphor Gum 1 ounce Lard about the size of an egg." The beeswax forms sort of a coating and may remain on for several hours. This is very good. PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT FOR LUNGS.— The home treat- ment should be to put the patient to bed and try to produce sweating. This will cause the blood to leave the congested lung and return to the full regular circulation. By doing this, you not only relieve the con- gested lung, but also the pain. If the patient is stout and strong. give him the "corn sweat'* under La Grippe (see index) ; or you can put bottles of hot water about the patient. Use fruit jars, wrap cloths around them so that you will not burn the patient. Always put one to the feet. If you have a rubber water bag, fill that and put 220 MOTHERS' REMEDIES it to his affected side over the pain. After you get him into a sweat you can remove a little of the sweating remedy at a time and when all are removed give him a tepid water sponging. By this tim-e the physician will be at hand. If you giv€ medicine you can put fifteen drops of the Tincture of Aconite in a glass one-half full of water and give two teaspoonfuls of this every fifteen minutes for four doses. Then give it every one-half hour. Water can be given often, but in small quantities ; plain milk alone, or diluted, or beaten with eggs will make a good diet and keep up the strength. Fomentations. — ^Cloths wrung out of hot hop tea are often applied to the affected part with good effect. Be careful about wetting the patient. Flaxseed poultices are used. If used they must be moist and hot. Some doctors are opposed to them. An antiphlogistine poultice is good. Apply it hot. For children you can grease the whole side of the chest, back and front, with camphor and lard and put over that an absorbent cotton jacket. In the early life of the country, home treatment was necessary. Men and women were posted on herbs, etc. Teas made of them were freely and successfully used. A great mistake made was the indis- criminate use of lobelia in too large doses. We have learned that the hot herb drinks in proper doses are of help. Teas made of boneset, hoarhound, pennyroyal, ginger, catnip, hops, slippery elm, etc., were good and are now. They produced the desired result — sweating — and relieved the congestion of the internal organs and re-established the external or (peripheral) circulation. So in the home treatment of pneumonia, etc., if you are so situated that you cannot get a physician use t€as internally for sweating, fomentations upon the painful part and if done properly and not too excessively, they will accomplish the desired result. With the corn sweat, I have saved many lives. ERYSIPELAS. — Erysipelas is an infectious disease, and it is usually caused by a germ which we call "streptococcus pyogenes." The disease shows itself by its local symptoms, pain, swelling, etc., and also by general or constitutional symptoms such as fever, head- ache, etc., as hereafter given. Causes. — It is a disease that occurs at any time, and is some- times epidemic, that is, attacks many persons at a time, like La Grippe. It occurs more often in the spring; it is contagious, and can be carried by a third person or in bedding, etc. S3miptoms.--The type that appears upon the face is the most common. The incubation lasts from three to seven days and it usually comes suddenly with a chill, followed by an active fever and with the local inflammation. In some cases the local condition appears first. There is at first redness, usually of the bridge of the nose and it rapidly spreads to the cheeks, eyes, ears, etc. It is red, shiny, hot, drawing, but with a distinct margin at its edges, showing how much skin is inflamed. It may take the form of vesicles. The eyelids may be so swollen as to close, the face and scalp greatly swollen with INFECTIOUS DISEASES 221 watery swelling of the t^yelids, lips, eyes, ears, etc. The glands under the jaw may become enlarged. The general or constitutional symptoms may be severe. The fever may rise to 104 to 10(5 and terminates suddenly. The parts that were first affected become pale and more normal, as other parts are involved. It occurs also on other parts of the body. A sting of an insect sometimes looks like it at first ; but it does not spread like erysipelas. It seems to me to be more dan- gerous around the head. MOTHERS' REMEDIES. 1. Erysipelas, Slippery Elm Bark for.— "Slippery elm used as a wash and taken as a drink." Slippery elm is a very good remedy for this on account of its soothing effect to the affected parts. It is very good to take internally, as it cleanses the system by acting on the bowels and kidneys. 2. Erysipelas, Bean Poultices for. — "White navy beans boiled soft and applied as a poultice to the affected parts and renewed frequently is a sure cure for erysipelas if taken in time." This is a very good and effective poultice, but care should be taken not to use it too long, as the parts will become too soft and might slough. 3. Erysipelas, Soda Wash for. — "Put about a tablespoonful of baking soda in one pint of water and bathe parts several times a day." This is an extremely simple remedy for such a serious disease, but has been known to do good in many cases. The baking soda is soothing. 4. Erysipelas, Easy Remedy for. — "Keep parts well bathed with witch-hazel." A good preparation should be bought. By applying this freely to the affected parts it will be found to have a very soothing effect. 5. Erysipelas, Copperas Liniment for. — "A few cents* worth of common copperas. Make a solution and keep applying it. This kills the poison as it comes on and relieves the pain. I knew of a very bad case to be cured by this treatment." 6. Erysipelas, Cranberry Poultice for. — "Take cranberries and stew them and make a poultice of them." This is a remedy that cannot be beaten for this disease. It gives relief in a very short time and saves the patient a great deal of suffering. If the whisky is used to wet the poultice it is much better, as it keeps the poultice moist longer. All that is necessary is simply to put on more whiskey and it will not be necessary to change the poultice so often. PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Erysipelas.— It is best to sej)- arate the patient from the others in the family. Some people very easily take this disease. I know one who cannot be in the room where such a patient is for even five minutes without contracting it. Local Treatment. — 1. Wash the parts with a solution of boric acid, one-half teaspoonful to eight teaspoonfuls of tepid water, put this on the inflamed parts. Then apply a poultice of bruised cran- 222 MOTHERS' REMEDIES berries. Wash the face each time with the solution before applying the cranberry poultice afresh. 2. Paint thoroughly with tincture of iodine outside of the margin of the disease where the skin shows no sign of the trouble. This is very effective. If done freely it produces a slight inflammation. The stain made by it remains for some time and that is the objection to it on the face, but do not hesitate on that account if the other remedies do not work well or are not at hand. 3. The following is a splendid local application. — ^Cleanse thor- oughly the inflamed part with pure castile soap and water, and then wash this off with one to one thousand corrosive sublimate solution. Dry the skin with a soft towel and apply a thick coating of equal parts of Ichthyol and vaselin, and over this place antiseptic gauze or sterilized absorbent cotton. Keep this in place with adhesive straps. If the diseased surface is small it may not be necessary to use the gauze, etc. 4. Tincture Chloride of Iron in dose of ten to twenty drops and more if necessary four times a day, well diluted with water. This is very hard on the teeth and should be taken through a glass tube. Diet. — Milk, broths, etc., liquid diet or foods. (See Nursing Dept. under liquid diet.) Nursing. — When you nurse any infectious patient, you must be not only careful of your patient, but of yourself. It is not necessary in order to do good nursing to endanger yourself; and a nurse who does not know how to care for herself, cannot successfully nurse the sick. In erysipelas I always watch the eruption closely. Sometimes it recedes, and the patient, of course, is worse. Then there are some people who believe in "pow-wowing." They have that done and then do not take care of themselves. I have attended such cases. One case was especially striking. The "pow-wow'' person did his work and then the patient thought himself well and proceeded to enjoy himself and caught cold. The result was the "going in" of the eruption and a beautiful cough. I succeeded in my efforts and the next day he had the erysipelas going along nicely, but no cough. I write this so you will take proper care of yourself and shun conjurers and their "pow-wow." TOXEMIA, SEPTICEMIA; PYEMIA.— Toxemia refers to the group of symptoms and lesions caused by the presence in the blood of toxins (poison) usually resulting from bacterial growths. Septicemia refers to the condition caused by the presence in the blood of bacteria (microbes) as well as toxin. Pyemia refers to the same condition as septicemia with the devel- opment of fresh places of suppuration. Sapremia is a septic intoxication, the result of the absorption of toxins. INFECTIOUS DISEASES 223 SEPTICEMIA. — The presence of bacteria in the blood, introduced from a local lesion (wound, injury, etc.) or with no obvious local infection. Symptom. — If there is a local infection, symptoms of this precede the septicemia. The invasion may be sudden or gradual, with chill or chilly feeling's, followed by symptoms of active fever and later of an asthenic (absence of strength and feeling) fever, with dry tongue and dullness or delirium. Death may occur in one to seven days. PYEMIA. — This means the presence in the blood of bacteria with resultant foci (places) of suppuration. Symptoms. — They are local at first where the lesion is. The in- vasion of the general infection is marked by a severe chill, then high fever and sweating, repeated daily or at irregular intervals. Fever is variable with sudden falls. In some cases the fever assumes very weakening type and the patient looks like a case of typhoid fever in the third week, and death soon occurs. In other cases the chills, fever and sweating are repeated at irreg- ular intervals. The patients are emaciated and the skin has a sallow color. Death usually occurs eventually from exhaustion in a few days or months. Local Treatment. — This should be attended to from the beginning. If you injure your finger or any part and it soon looks red, and feels sore, open it up thoroughly with a clean instrument and cover it with a clean gauze or cotton. It must not be covered too tightly so that the discharge, if any, can leave the wound. Enough dressing must be put on to absorb that. Then keep the wound clean, and so it can "run" if necessary. If you neglect this or do it carelessly and admit dirt you will make it worse. See treatment of wounds, etc. General Treatment. — Keep the strength up in every way. The strength should be kept up by giving nourishing diet that will suit that special case and medicine that will produce a tonic effect, such as quinine and strychnine. ASIATIC CHOLERA. — This is an acute infectious disease caused by a specific organism and characterized by profuse watery discharges from the bowels and great prostration. Causes. — Some inherit a weakness, making them more susceptible than others to this disease. Other causes are intemperance, general debility, unhygienic surroundings, exciting causes. The spirillum (cholera asiaticus) found in the stools, watery discharq-es and intes- tines of affected cases and its transmission by infected food and water. Symptoms. — After an incubation period of about one to five days, the invasion is marked either by simple diarrhea with some general ill-feeling and prostration, or by abdominal pains, vomiting and 224 MOTHERS' REMEDIES diarrhea. Mild cases may recover at this time. In the stage of col- lapse, there are frequent watery movements resembling rice water, v^dth vomiting, great thirst, abdominal pains and eruptions on the legs. There is sudden collapse and temperature that is below normal; nearly all secretions are greatly diminished. In the so-called cases of cholera sicca (dry) death occurs before the diarrhea begins, although a rice water fluid is found in the intestines after death. After two to twenty- four hours those who have not died may recover or pass into the stage of reaction in which the signs of collapse and purging disappear. After improvement, with slight rise of temperature at times, there may be a relapse or the patient may have inflammation of some of the viscera (cavity organs) and suppression of the urine with delirium, coma and death. The prognosis is worse in infancy, old age and debilitated persons, and in cases of rapid collapse, low temperature and great blueness. Death rate from thirty to eighty per cent. Treatment. — Isolate the patient and disinfect all discharges and clothing. Use boiled water during an epidemic. For pain, morphine hypodermically, and apply hot applications to the abdomen. For vomiting. — Wash out the stomach and give cocaine, ice, cof- fee, brandy or water by the mouth. Intestines may be irrigated with a two per cent solution of tannic acid. During collapse. — Hypodermic of camphor, hot applications to the body. Good nursing and careful diet. YELLOW FEVER. — Yellow fever is an acute infectious disease characterized by jaundice, hemorrhages, albuminuria (albumin in the urine). Cause. — It is common in the West Indies and epidemic in nearby countries. It is most common in crowded, dirty, poorly drained por- tions of sea coast cities. It is probably caused by a specific organism which is conveyed from one person to another by mosquitoes and not in clothing, as formerly believed. One attack usually confers im- munity. Symptoms. — Incubation is about three to four days. There may be a fore-warning period, but the attack is usually sudden, with chills, headache, backache, rise in fever, and general feverish symptoms, vomiting, and constipation. Early in this disease the face is flushed, while the conjunctiva and the mucous membrane lining the eyelids is congested and slightly jaundiced. Fever is 102° or 103°, and falls gradually after one to three days. Pulse is slow, and while the tem- perature rises, it again falls. The stage of calm follows the fall of the temperature with increased jaundice and vomiting of dark altered blood, the "black vomit." Hemorrhages may also occur into the skin or mucous membranes. Brain symptoms are sometimes severe. Con- INFECTIOUS DISEASES 225 valescencc is usually nrradiial. The disease varies from ^reat mildness to extreme malignancy. Mortality from fifteen to eighty-five per cent. Treatment. — Prevent spread of the infectious mosquitoes ; use screens and netting in infected districts. Careful nursing, food by rec- tum while vomiting is frequent. For the hemorrhage opium is given; frequent bathing will keep down the fever; and for the vomiting cocaine is given and cracked ice. PLAGUE (BUBONIC PLAGUE).— Plague is an infectious dis- ease characterized by inflammation and suppuration of the lymph nodes and cutaneous (skin) hemorrhages. It has long been known as the Plague or "Black Death," on account of its "flea-bite looking eruptions." This disease is becoming a serious matter on our western coast, especially in and around San Francisco. The disease exists in India all the time, and there is now danger of it becoming epidemic (existing all the time) in San Francisco, according to today's, Jan. 10th, Detroit Free Press. Mr. Merriam, chief of the U. S. Bureau of Biological Survey, recently appeared before congress and asked for more money to investigate this and other conditions, and how to stamp out the carriers of this dreadful disease. European wharf rats, introduced about San Francisco, have spread the plague to the ground squirrels, and the gophers, rabbits, field mice, and other rodents are now being infected. In India, fleas on the native squirrel, perpetuate the plague. The way to stop the plague is to kill the carriers. Causes. — The bacillus pestis (pests) is transmitted through in- sects, small animals, like rats, through the air, or in clothing, bedding, and is contained in the feces and urine. The poor in unhygienic dis- tricts are most often attacked. Bubonic Type. — In this type the lymph nodes, particularly in the arm-pit, and groins show inflammatory lesions with marked over- growth of new tissue. Sometimes there is suppuration, hemorrhage and local death of the part. The bacilli are formed in great numbers in the affected nodes and secondary lesions. Septicemic Type. — In this type all lymph nodes and nodules show signs of toxemia and the bacilli are formed in the primary (first) lesions and in the blood. Pneumonic Type. — In this type there are areas of broncho-pneu- monia, with lesions of the bronchial lymph nodes. The bacilli occur in these situations and in the sputa. Symptoms. — In the bubonic plague (the usual form) the invasion is marked by headache, depression, pain in the back, stiffness of the extremities and fever. This rises for three or four days, then falls sev- eral degrees and is followed by a more severe secondary fever of the prostrating type. At about the third to the fifth day the lymph nodes usually become enlarged most often in the inguinal, (groin) region. This is followed by a resohition (getting better) suppuration forming 15 226 MOTHERS' REMEDIES pus or necrosis (local death of the part). ''A flea bite looking erup- tion and hemorrhages from the mucous membrane often occur. The mild cases, which often occur at the beginning of an epidemic, and at its close, are marked only by slight fever and glandular swelling, which may terminate in the forming of pus in the part. In these cases the symptoms are slight and last only a few days." Septicemic Plague. — This is characterized by symptoms of severe general infection, with hemorrhages, rapid course, and death in three or four days, without the development of swelling of the lymph nodes. Cultures from the blood show bacteria. Pneumonic Plague. — The symptoms are those of a severe "lobular" pneumonia, with bloody sputum containing many bacilli. It is usually rapidly fatal. Death rate may reach ninety per cent. Treatment. Prevention. — Prolonged isolation, disinfection of the discharges, cremation of plague victims, destruction of rats, and pre- ventive inoculation of healthy persons with sterilized cultures of the bacillus pestis. immunity following this procedure is said to last from one to eighteen months. For pain, morphine ; for weakness, stimulation ; for fever, bathing ; for buboes, application of ice, injection of bichloride and excision have been advised. DYSENTERY. — A group of inflammatory intestinal aflFections, either acute or chronic, and of infectious origin, characterized by fre- quent painful passages, (containing mucus and blood) or by loose movements. Acute Catarrhal Dysentery. — This is the most common form in the temperate climate The colon is congested and swollen with a covering of blood-tinged mucus on its mucous membrane Symptoms. — The invasion : This is usually marked by diarrhea, then cramp-like general pain in the abdomen and frequent mucous, Dloody stools, accompanied by hard straining at stool. The tempera- ture may reach 102° to 103°. After one or two days the stools consist entirely of bloody mucus and are very frequent. The thirst is great. In about one week the stools may become normal. MOTHERS' REMEDIES. 1. Dysentery, Sweet Cream for.— "One or two teaspoonfuls of thick cream every hour. Three doses is usually sufficient. (This remedy proved successful with my baby when all others failed)." 2. Dysentery, One Ounce Dewberry Root for. — "Boil in one quart of water one ounce of dewberry root. This should be boiled down to one-half pint and a half wineglassful given to patient two or three times a day, or in severe cases, a half wineglassful every two or three hours until discharge diminishes." INFECTIOUS DISEASES 2J7 3. Dysentery, "Colt Tail'.' Remedy for.— "The herb called "Colt Tail," steep and drink the tea. It's a tall weed and grows in damp places. It is one of the best herbs for this." This is especially good when the discharge from the bowels is bloody or contains mucus. 4. Dysentery, Sugar and Brandy for. — "Two tablespoonfuls brandy poured into a saucer. Set fire to the brandy and hold in flame lump of sugar on fork. This is a very good remedy, and has cured cases when doctors' remedies failed. This sugar will melt and form a syrup. Dose: — One-half teaspoonful every two hours or oftener if necessary." 5. Dysentery, Herb Remedy for. — "Take four ounces poplar bark, four ounces bayberry bark and three ounces tormentil root, simmer gently in four quarts of water, down to three, strain and add two pounds granulated sugar; let it come to boiling point, skim and add one-half pound blackberry or peach jelly and one-half pint best brandy. Keep in a cool place, take one-half wineglassful three or four times a day or more often if required." 6. Dysentery, New Method to Cure. — "A hot hip bath will often relieve distressing sensations of dysentery or itching piles." This is a very simple remedy and will have a very soothing effect upon the whole system, relieving any nervousness that may be present and usu- ally is with this disease. 7. Dysentery, Starch Injection for. — "Use injection of ope cup thin boiled starch, and one-half teaspoonful laudanum. Repeat every 3 to 4 hours." 8. Dysentery, To Cure Bloody. — "Put a teaspoonful of salt into a quart of warm water and inject into the bowels to wash them out thoroughly." PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Dysentery.— Remain in bed on fluid diet, and give a free saline cathartic or castor oil, one-half ounce, followed by salol five grains in capsules every three hours. 2. Bismuth subnitrate, one-half to one dram every two to three hours. 3. Irrigation of the colon with normal salt solution or weak solu- tion of silver nitrate at about one hundred degrees with a long rectual tube. Dr. Hare, of Philadelphia, recommends one two-hundredth grain of bichloride of mercury every hour or two (in adults), if the stools are slimy and bloody and if much blood is present, and high rectal in- jections of witch-hazel water and water, half and half. I know this last is good, and also the following: Oil of fireweed, five drops on sugar every two to three hours. 4. Ipecac. — In acute dystenery ipecac is one of the best remedies. Dr. Hare says : "When the passages are large and bloody and the disease i*^ malignant as it occurs in the tropics, ipecac should be given 228 MOTHERS' REMEDIES in the following manner : The powdered ipecac is to be administered on an empty stomach in the dose of thirty grains wnth thirty drops of the tincture of deodorized opium, which is used to decrease the ten- dency to vomit. Absolute rest is essential for its success. Finally a profuse gray, mushy stool is passed." This is a favorable sign. Nursing and Diet. — The patient should always remain in bed and use bed-pan. He must be given a bland, unirritating diet, composed of milk, with lime-water, beef peptonoids, broth, egg albumin, etc., in acute cases. MALARIA FEVER. — Malarial fever is a group of diseases char- acterized by intermittent, quotidian (daily), tertian (every other day) or quartan (every fourth day) fever or remittent fever; there are also several pernicious types of this disease and chronic malarial condition of the system with enlargement of the spleen. Causes. — It occurs most frequently in low lands, along sea coasts, and swamps, particularly in the tropics and warmer portion of the temperate zone. The exciting cause it what is called the plasmodous malarial, a parasite developing in the body of all species of anopheles, a common form of mosquito and transmitted to man, its intermediate host, by the bite of the infected mosquitoes. INTERMITTENT MALARIAL FEVER, (a) Tertian. (b) QuartaiL (c) Quotidian. Symptoms. — The symptoms of all these are the same, except that in tertian fever, the paroxysms occur every third day; in quartan they occur overy fourth day. Quotidian occurs daily. The incubation time is unknown. It consists usually of three stages, cold, hot, and sweating, and they usually occur in the morning. "The cold stage is ushered in by yawning, lassitude and headache, and rapid rise of temperature ; sometimes nausea and vomiting followed by shivering and rather violent shaking with chattering of the teeth." It may last from ten minutes to two hours. The internal temperature may rise to 104° to 106°, while the surface is blue and cold, with severe headache, often nausea and vomiting. Hot stage: this may last from one-half to five hours ; the temperature may increase somewhat, the face is flushed, the skin is red and hot, great thirst, throbbing head- ache and full bounding pulse. Sweating stage lasts two to four hours, and entire body may be covered ; fever and other symptoms abate and sleep usually follows. The patient feels nearly well betw^een attacks. REMITTENT OR CONTINUOUS MALARIAL FEVER (Aes- tivo- Autumnal Fever). — This form occurs in the temperate zone regions, especially in the summer and autumn. The symptoms vary greatly. The fever may be irregularly intermittent, but at longer inter- vals than the Tertian variety. The cold stage is often absent, and in the hot the temperature falls gradually. The appearance is often like typhoid for there may be then hardly any remission of fever. INFECTIOUS DISEASES 229 PERNICIOUS MALARIAL FEVER.— This is a very dangerous disease. The chief forms are the comatose, algid and hemorrhagic. (a) Comatose form is characterized by delirium or sudden coma (deep sleep) with light temperature. (b) The algid or asthenic form begins with vomiting and great prostration. The temperature is normal or below normal. There may be diarrhea and suppression of the urine. (c) The hemorrhagic form includes malarial haemoglobinuria, haemoglobin in the urine. Haemoglobin is the coloring matter of the red corpuscles . Treatment. Prevention. — Destroy mosquitoes and protect from them by screens. Small preventive doses of quinine for persons in malarious regions, three grains three times a day. Five grains three times a day will nearly always cure tertian and quartan cases, especi- ally if the patient is kept in bed until the time for one or two par- oxysms has passed. Attacks often stop spontaneously for a time when the patient is kept in bed, even without the administration of quinine. In Remittent Fever larger doses are necessary. For pernicious forms : Hydrochlorate of quinine and urea ten to twenty grains, given hypodermically, every three or four hours until improvement occurs, when the sulphate of quinine by the mouth may be substituted. AGUE. (See Malarial Fever.)— By ague is meant the cold chills and fever; or dumb ague where there is little chill, mostly chilly and fever. These attacks may come on every day, every other day, or every third day. MOTHERS' REMEDIES. 1. Ague and Fever, Dogwood Good for. — "Take one ounce of dogwood root and one quart of water. Make an infusion by boiling down to one-half pint. Strain and give one-half wineglassful every two or three hours." 2. Ague in Face, Menthol and Alcohol Effective Remedy for. — "After making a solution of teaspoonful of menthol crystals, dissolved in two ounces of alcohol, apply several times a day to the face. Care should be taken that this solution does not enter the eyes, as it would be injurious." 3. Ague, Simple Remedy for. — "Give purgative and follow with ciuinine. Give large 4 grain capsule eyery four hours. MOTHERS' REMEDIES. 1. Chills and Fever, Peruvian Bark and Rhubarb for. — "Pure Rye Whisky 4 ounces Pulverized Peruvian Bark I dram Pulverized Rhubarb 1 ounce Mix. Put in bottles. Dose for adults : — One tablespoonful three times a day. This is an excellent remedy." 230 MOTHERS' REMEDIES 2. Chills and Fever, Horse-radish for. — "Take fresh green horse- radish leaves, bruise and mash them to the consistency of a poultice and bind on the bottom of the feet. This will tend to reduce the fever and is a reliable remedy. I have often used this with great satisfac- tion." 3. Chills and Fever, Dogwood Known to be Good for. — "Make a decoction of one ounce of dogwood root, boiled in one quart of water down to one pint ; strain, and give half wineglassful every two or three hours." This remedy has been used by our grandmothers for many years, and is one to be depended upon. The dogwood root can be pur- chased at any drug store. Treatment. — For acute cases quinine in various doses. I usually prescribe two grains every two hours until the ears ring, and then take only enough to keep them in that condition. It is well always to see that the bowels and liver are active before taking quinine. The medicine acts better when the patient remains quiet in bed. If the chill and fever comes on every day, the quinine should be taken every hour between the paroxysms. MALTA FEVER. — This occurs in the Mediterranean countries, India, China, the Philippines and Porto Rico. The fever is irregular or marked by intervals of "no fever" for two or more days with febrile relapses lasting one to three weeks. Constipation, anemia (scarcity of blood), joint symptoms and debility exist , Ordinary cases may last three months to two years. Mortality two per cent. Treatment. — Like that for typhoid. Change climate, if possible. BERI-BERI. — Beri-beri is a disease rarely occurring in the United States. It is usually found in the warmer climates and peculiar to certain regions such as India, and Japan. It is characterized by paralysis and fatal effusion, also neuritis, which is an inflammation of the nerves. It seems to be undecided among the medical profession as to whether the disease is infectious or not. Some claim it is brought on by the eating of bad rice or cer- tain raw fish. Young men in those climates seem to be most suscep- tible to beri-beri. Treatment. — There is very little known about this disease. For- tunately it does not often occur here. It is necessary to keep up the strength by food and tonics and relieve the pain. ANTHRAX. (Charbon, Wool Sorters' Disease, Splenic Fever).— This is "an acute infectious disease of animals, transmitted to man by inoculation into the wounds, or by inhalation of, or swallowing the germs." Butchers, tanners and shepherds are most liable to it. The exciting cause is the bacillus anthracis (anthrax bacillus). The local skin condition is a pustule containing the bacilli, which may also invade the general circulation. If the germs are inhaled, there is broncho- pneumonia; if swallowed, areas of inflammation and local death occur in the intestines. The spleen and lymph nodes are enlarged. INFECTIOUS DISEASES 231 Symptoms. 1. External anthrax, mali<^iKint pustule. This begins in a papule (pimple) at the point of inoculation turning into a vesicle and then a pustule, (blister-like pimple) surrounded by an in- flammatory area (space) with marked watery swelling. The nearby glands are enlarged and tender. At first the temperature rapidly rises; later it may be below normal. The fever symptoms may be severe. Recovery takes place slowly. Death occurs in three to five days. MALIGNANT ANTHRAX (swelling).— In this lesion is a pus- tule, with very marked swelling. It most frequently occurs on the eyelid and face and the swelling may terminate in fatal gangrene. 2. Internal anthrax. — (a) Internal anthrax is caused by the in- troduction of the bacteria into the alimentary canal in infected meat, milk, etc. The invasion is marked by a chill, followed by moderate fever, vomiting, diarrhea, pain in the back and legs and restlessness. Sometimes convulsions occur and hemorrhages into the skin from the mucous membranes. The spleen is swollen. Prostration is extreme and it often ends in death. (b) Charbon or Wool Sorter's disease occurs among those em- ployed in picking over wool or hair of mfected animals — the germs being inhaled or swallowed. The onset is sudden with a chill, then fever, pain in the back and legs, and severe prostration. There may be difficulty of breathing and signs of bronchitis, or vomiting and diarrhea. Death is a common termination, sometimes within a day. Death rate is from five to twenty-six per cent. Greatest when the swelling is near the head. Treatment. — The wound or swelling should ])e cauterized and a solution of carbolic acid or bichloride of mercury injected around it and applied to its surface. Stimulants and feeding are important. LOCKJAW. (Tetanus).— Tetanus or lockjaw, as it is commonly called, is an infectious disease and is characterized by painful and vio- lent contractions of the voluntary muscles; it may be of the jaw alone or of a considerable part of the body. Causes. — The intelligence and mental faculties are not impaired. In most cases it follows a wound or injury, although in others there seems to be no exciting causes. Fourth of July celebrations furnish a great many of our lockjaw cases. Ten to fifteen days usually elapse after the wound before lockjaw really sets in. Symptoms. — It comes on occasionally with a chill or chilly feel- ings; usually by rigidity (stiffness) of the neck, jaw and face. On arising in the morning there is sometimes a stiffness of the muscles at the back of the head. It is not unusual on taking a slight cold to have a stiff neck and often the patient's attention is not attracted by this symptom. Sometimes this stiffness begins or soon extends to the' mus- cles of the lower jaw; the throat becomes dry and is painful and grad- dally the stiffness increases to a continuous contraction, spasm, and 232 MOTHERS' REMEDIES extends to the muscles of the trunk and extremities. The body be- comes rigid in a straight line or bent backward, forward or sidewise. This spasm occurs after any slight irritation and is extremely painful. Temperature is usually low. During the first spasms the patient may attempt to open his mouth as he may naturally be suspicious of the trouble that is coming; he succeeds with difficulty and even finds it hard to swallow ; soon the jaws may be firmly closed, and it is from this feature of the disease that it gained the name of lockjaw. The contractions in some cases do not extend beyond the neck and face muscles. During the contractions the face may be drawn into fright- ful contortions. Food can be given only through such spaces as may exist between the teeth, as often the patient cannot open his mouth himself, nor can it be. pried open by any force that would be allowable. When the muscles of the trunk are afifected the abdomen may be drawn inward, become very hard and stiff, chest movements are affected, making it difficult to breathe, sometimes almost to suffoca- tion. Sometimes the body becomes bent like a bow, as in some cases of spinal meningitis, so that only the head and heels support the weight of the body. The body may become so rigid that it can be lifted by a single limb as you would a statue. It is fortunate that there are few cases, comparatively, of lockjaw as the distorted face and general con- tractions of the body are painful to witness. Recovery. — The mortality in lockjaw cases runs about eight per cent. Sometimes death is caused by exhaustion from the muscular exertions ; the patient is seldom able to sleep and sometimes wears out in a few days. Sometimes suffocation brings a sudden end to his suf- ferings and usually one or two days to ten or twelve days is the limit. Among the lower classes where sanitary science is seldom observed, and even among the better classes, lockjaw has been known to occur in infants. It usually comes on in ten to fifteen days after birth, and the child seldom lives more than a few days. It is hard to account for such cases which may come on suddenly from the slightest excite- ment such as sudden noises, etc. MOTHERS* REMEDIES.- -1. Lockjaw, Successful Remedy for.— A very good and successful remedy for this disease, is to apply a warm poultice of flaxseed meal, saturated with laudanum and sugar of lead water, to the jaws and neck." 2. Lockjaw, Smoke as a Cure for. — "Smoke the wound for twenty minutes in the smoke of burnt woolen cloths. This is consid- ered a never failing remedy," PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT.— If from a wound cut open and use antiseptics. Isolate the patient and have absolute quiet. Anti- toxin is used with success in some cases of lockjaw, but this and other remedies or measures must be handled by a physician. Opium is sometimes given and stimulants such as brandy, whisky, etc. As it is a case of life or death in a very short time, we cannot advise INFECTIOUS DlSiiJSI..^ 233 tlepcndini^ upon home treatment. A preventive caution that must always be observed is tlie use of antiseptics and the strictest care of all injuries and wounds that might result in lockjaw. This is a disease where an ounce of prevention is worth a thousand i)Ounds of cure, because by the time the disease is recognized as lockjaw and has really made an appearance, it may be too late for medical skill. While you are waiting for the doctor you may apply cold cloths or even an ice bag to the spine. If the spasms are severe let th-e patient inhale chloroform to kill the pain and quiet him. In the meantime secure the best i)hy- sician within your reach, and follow his directions carefully, be calm and self-possessed when in the presence of the patient, for you musi remember that he has full possession of his mental faculties and will notice every evidence of fear or worry in the faces of those who are nursing him. This will only add to his sufferings, affect his nervous system and undermine his general vitality. Read carefully the nursing department in this book and you will gain some valuable hints and knowledge regarding the sick room. GLANDERS. — This is an acute disease of the horse and occasion- ally of man. It is called ''glanders" v^^hen the affection appears in the nostrils, and is called ''farcy" when in the skin. Causes. — The bacilli is usually introduced from infected horses through the nose, mouth and cheek, mucous membranes or skin abra- sions (rubbing off of the skin). There are large or small lumps in the skin, mucous membrane of the nose and mouth. Symptoms. Acute Glanders. — 1. Incubation lasts from three to four days. There are signs of inflammation at the site of infection and general symptoms. In two or three days, small lumps appear on the mucous membrane of the nose, and ulcerate, with a discharge of mucus and pus. Sometimes these nodules die locally, and their dis- charge is then foul. The glands around the neck are enlarged. An eruption appears over the face and joints. Inflammation of the lungs may occur. Death may take place in eight to ten days. 2. Chronic Glanders. — This may last for months. It acts like chronic cold with ulcer in the nose. Some recover. 3. Acute Farcy. — The local and general signs are those of an in- fection, with necrosis (local death) at the site (in the skin) of inoc- ulation; nodules, (lumps) known as "farcy buds" form along the lymphatics (glands) and form pus. There may be pus collections in the joints and muscles. Death often occurs in one to five days. Chronic Farcy. — Tumors in the skin of the extremities, containing pus. The process is local, the inflammatory symptoms light, and the duration may be months or years. Treatment of Glanders. — This disease does not often occur in man ; it is an awful affliction. All infected horses must be killed, it is danger- ous for man to be around one. If seen early, the wound should be cut out or burned out with caustics, and afterwards dressed like any wound. 234 MOTHERS' REMEDIES The "farcy buds" should be opened early. There is v^ry little hope in acute cases of glanders. In chronic cases recovery is possible, but it will be after a long tedious time. There must be proper nourishing food and tonic medicines. Each case should be treated according to the indications. It is safe to say the parts should be thoroughly cut or scraped out and then treated with antiseptics and the general system built up, by tonics and stimulating remedies, if needed. As slated before, acute glanders and acute farcy are almost always fatal. BIG-JAW OR LUMP-JAW. (Actinomycosis).— This is an infec- tious disease of cattle, less frequently of man. and it is caused by what is called the "ray fungus." This grows in the tissues and develops a mass with a secondary chronic inflammation. This disease is widespread among cattle, and also occurs in the pig. In the ox it is called the "big jaw." The infection may be taken in with the food, and it locates itself often in the mouth or surroundings. Oats, barley, and rye may carry the germ to the animals. The fungus may be found even in decayed teeth. Alimentary Canal Type. — The jaw has been affected in man. One side of the face is swollen or there may be a chronic enlargement of the jaw, which may look like a sarcoma (tumor). The tongue also is sometimes affected and shows small growths. It may also occur in the intestines and liver. There is at first a tumor (lump), and this finally suppurates. In the Lungs. — They also can be affected. It is chronic here and there is cough, fever, wasting and an expectoration of mucus and pus, sometimes of a very bad odor (fetid). It sometimes acts like miliary tuberculosis of the lungs, and this is quite frequent in oxen. Other diseases of the lungs and bronchial affections occur and abscesses and cavities are formed that may be diagnosed during life. Symptoms. — If in the jaw there may be toothache, difficulty of swallowing and of opening the jaw. The adjacent muscles may be hardened (indurated). A swelling appears at the angle of the jaw and this quickly passes into suppuration ; later it opens first outside, then inside — into the mouth and discharges pus containing little yellow masses. It will extend down even into the bowels unless it is prop- erly treated. Then there will be stomach disturbances and diarrhea. It may ulcerate through the bowels and cause peritonitis. The liver, spleen and ovaries may also become affected. The Skin. — There may be chronic suppurating ulcers of the skin and the "ray fungus" can be found in them. Diagnosis. — The "ray fungus" can be found. There is a wooden hardness of the tissues beyond the borders of the ulcers ; there are the little yellow granules in the pus. The course is chronic. Mild cases recover in six to nine months or earlier, the mouth form being the most favorable. INFECTIOUS DISEASES 235 Treatment. — Surgical. Remove the parts involved. Internally, iodide of potasli in large doses is recommended. The food should be plenty and nourishing. In this case we must recommend you to a physician instead of the home treatments. GONORRHEA (Urethritis). — This can be called an infectious intlamniation of the urethra, caused by the gonococcus, a microl)e or germ, causing a si)ecific inflammation of the mucous membrane of the urethra or vagina. Incubation. — IMie time that elapses between the exposure and development of the symptoms in the urethra is variable, extending from a few hours to tw^elve or fourteen days. In the great majority of cases, however, the disease appears during the first week. The patient notices a drop of milk-like fluid at the opening of the urethra, which' is slight, red and puffed or turned out ; a tickling sensation is often felt in this locality, and the next time urine is passed it is attended with a feeling of warmth at the end of the canal, or with actual scald- ing. After this the symptoms increase rapidly in number and severity, so that within forty-eight hours, or even sooner, the disease may be described as having passed its first or increasing stage, the character- istic phenomena of which are as follows : Changes in the meatus (opening). There are redness, aversion (turning out), ulceration and eating away and often erosion of the lips of the opening of urethra. Sometimes, but rarely, so much swell- ing that the person can hardly pass the urine, which drops away. The other symptoms are too well-known by those who have had this disease to need a description. Prognosis. — It is now considered more than a cold, and it is the cause of terrible sickness in both sexes, among the innocent as well as the guilty. Treatment. — It may be cured perhaps in a short time, and yet no one can be certain of its absolute cure. This disease is better under- stood now, and the treatment is entirely dififerent from formerly. The strong injections are now considered not only useless but dangerous to the future health of the patient. The best treatment is mild antiseptic injections, irrigation carefully done by an expert person; remaining quietly in bed, being careful to use food and drink that are not stim- ulating, keeping the bowels open by proper diet and mild laxatives and the urine mild by soothing diuretic remedies. Unfortunately those affected want quick work and they get it, frequently to their future sorrow. The following are good injections. Before each injection the nrine should be passed and an injection of an antiseptic like listerine, etc., one dram to an ounce of boiled water, to cleanse the canal. You can use twice a day the following: Fluid Extract Hydrastis (colored) 1 dram Water 1 ounce Use one dram of this for each injection. It stains the clothes so you must be careful. This is good and healing. 236 MOTHERS' REMEDIES. GONORRHEAL ARTHITIS. (Gonorrheal Rheumatism, Inflam- mation of the Joints). — This is more common in men than women. Occurring during, and at the end of or after inflammation of the urethra. It usually involves many joints, such as the temporal, max- illary and collar bone. The effusion in the joints is usually serious. Symptoms. — Variable joint pains may be the only one. The attack may resemble an acute articular rheumatism of one joint, or a subacute rheumatism of one or more. Sometimes there is a chronic one-jointed inflammation usually of the knee. The tendon sheaths and bursae may be involved alone, or with the joints. Gonorrheal septicemia may result from arthritis. This is protracted. Iritis is a most frequent complication. The -urethra source of the infection must be cured. Treatment. — Keep the joint quiet and you can use an ice cap for the pain. Tonic treatment with quinine, iron, and arsenic in chronic cases is needed. The joints should be kept at rest in acute cases. In chronic cases massage and slight motion. The tonics must be chosen for each individual case. One afflicted with this must be under treat- ment for a long time. HIP JOINT DISEASE. (Morbus Coxarius).— This is more com- mon in children than in adults. Cause. — It is usually tubercular. Symptoms. First stage. — It may be overlooked; slight lameness, a little stiffness is noticed at times. The muscles begin to dwindle. Second stage. — Child limps very perceptibly, dwindling is more apparent. Pain appears. Treatment. — Absolute rest. Lying down treatment if begun early arrests this disease often. Build up the system. Splints and braces are needed sometimes. KNEE JOINT DISEASE. (White Swelling).— This is simply a tuberculous knee. Treatment. — Rest. Stop motion of the joint by some form of splint or plaster of Paris cast. Get a good physician at the beginning in these cases and you will save lots of after worry and blame for your- self. It does not pay to wait. These joint diseases will progress, and often treatment is begun months after trouble is seated. It ought to be criminal negligence and dealt with accordingly to neglect such dis- eases. Parents should never forget that they have endowed their chil- dren with such a constitution, and they should be glad and willing to correct it as far as they can. LEPROSY. Definition. — Leprosy is a chronic infectious disease, caused by what is called the "Bacillus Leprae," and is characterized by the presence of tubercular nodules in the skin and mucous mem- branes (tubercular leprosy), or by changes in the nerves (anaesthetic INFECTIOUS DIS1':.}SI:S 237 leprosy). These forms are separate at first, l)ut ultimately they are comhint'd and there are disturbances of sensation in the characteristic tubercular form. History. — Leprosy is supposed to have originated in the Orient, and to be as old as the records of history. It appears to have prevailed in Egypt even so far back as three or four thousand years before Christ, llie Hebrew writers make many refernces to it, and it is no doubt described in Leviticus. The afifection was also known both in India and China many centuries before the Christian era. The old Greek and Roman physicians were familiar with its manifestations, ancient Peruvian pottery represent on their pieces deformities sugges- tive of this disease. The disease prevailed extensively in Europe throughout the middle ages and the number of leper asylums has been estimated at, at least, 20,000. Its prevalence is now restricted in the lands where it still occurs while once it was prominent in the list of scourges of the old world. It is now found in Norway and to a less extent in Sweden, in Bul- garia, Greece, Russia, Austro-Hungary and Italy, with much reduced percentage in middle Europe ; it is the rarest of diseases in England where once it existed. In India, Java, and China, in Egypt, Algiers, and Southern Africa, in Australia and in both North and South Am- erica, including particularly Central America, Cuba, and the Antilles, it exists to a less extent. It has been recognized in the United States chiefly in New Orleans, San Francisco, (predominantly among the Chinese population of that city). The disease has steadily decreased among the latter colonists in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Iowa. Iso- lated cases have been recognized in almost every state, and leprous cases are presented at the public charities of New York, Philadelphia, Boston, etc. The estimated number of lepers a few years ago in the United States varied between two hundred and five hundred. It is represented as diminishing in frequency in the Hawaiian Islands, Porto Rico and the Philippines. In the Hawaiian Islands it spread rapidly after 1860, and strenuous attempts have been made to stamp it out by segregating all lepers on the island of Molokai. There were 1,152 lepers in that settlement in 1894. In British India, according to the leprosy commission, there were 100,000 lepers in 1900. Cause. — The bacillus, discovered by Hansen, of Bergen, in 1874, is universally recognized as the cause of leprosy. It has many points of resemblance to the tubercle bacillus. These bacilli have been found in the dwellings and clothing of lepers as well as in the dust of apart- ments occupied by the victims. The usual vehicle by which the disease is transmitted is the secre- tions of a leprous patient containing bacilli or spores. The question of inheritance of leprosy is regarded now as standing in the same position as that relating to the inheritance of tuberculosis ; no foetus. no new-born living child, has been known to exhibit the symptoms of either disease. Several cases have been cited where infants but a few 238 MOTHERS' REMEDIES weeks old exhibited symptoms of leprosy. It affects men more than women. Infection is more common after the second decade, though children are occasionally among its victims. When it occurs in coun- tries where it had not previously existed, its appearance is invariably due to the infection of sound individuals by lepers first exhibiting symp- toms where the disease is prevalent. Neisser states this: "The number of lepers in any country bears an inverse ratio to the laws executed for the care and isolation of in- fected persons. The disease appears to spread more rapidly in damp and cold, or warm and moist, climates than in temperate countries. It is not now regarded as contagious. The leprosy of the book of Levit- icus not only includes lepra, as that term is understood today, but also psoriasis, scabies and other skin affections." The leper, in the eye of the Mosaic law, was ceremoniously unclean, and capable of communi- cating a ceremonial uncleanness. Several of the narratives contained in the Bible bear witness to the fact that the Oriental leper was seen occasionally doing service in the courts of kings, and even in personal communication and contact with officers of high rank. Symptoms. — Previous symptoms: Want of appetite, headache, chills, alternating with mild or severe feverish attacks, depression, nose- bleed, stomach and bowel disturbances, sleeplessness. The durations of these symptoms is variable. Some patients will remember that these symptoms preceded for years the earliest outbreak of lepra (leprosy). In other cases only a few weeks elapsed. These earlier skin lesions are tubercular, macular (patches), or bullous elevations of the horny layer of the skin. It may then be divided into three varieties, tuberc- ulous, macular and anaesthetic. LEPRA TUBEROSA. (Tuberculated, Nodulated or Tegumen- tary (skin) Leprosy). — This nodular type comprises from ten to fifty per cent of cases. After the occurring of the symptoms just men- tioned spotted lesions appear, which are bean to tomato in size, reddish brown or bronze-hued patches, roundish, oval or irregular in contour, well defined, and they occur upon the face, trunk and extremities. The skin covering them is either smooth and shining, as if oiled, or is infil- trated, nodulated and elevated. The surface of the reddened spots is often over-sensitive. After a period ranging from weeks to years, tubercles rise from the spots described, varying in size from a pea to that of a nut, and Ihev may be as large as a tomato. They are in color, yellowish, red- dish-brown, or bronzed, often shining as if varnished or oiled, are cov- ered with a soft, natural, or slightly scaling outer skin, roundish or irreeular in shape and are isolated or grouped, numbers of very srnall and ill-determined nodules mav often be seen bv careful examination of the skin in the vicinity of those that are developed. They may run together and cause broad infiltrations and from this surface new nodules sprlne. They may be in the skin or under the skin and feel soft or firm. The eruption of these tubercles Is usually preceded at the INFECTIOUS DISEASES 239 onset by fever, as well as by i)utTy swelling of the involved region, eyelids, ears, etc. These leprous tubercles choose the face as their favored site. Thev mass here in great numbers, and thus produce the characteristic deformity of the countenance tliat has given to the dis- ease one of its names, Leontiasis (lion face). In such faces the tubercles arrange themselves in parallel series above the brows down to the nose, over the cheeks, lips and chin, and as a result of the infiltration and development of the conditions the brows deeply over-hang; the globes of the eyes, and the ears, are so studded with tubercular masses as to stand out from the side of the head. The trunk and extremities, including the palms of the hands and soles of the feet, are then usually involved to a less degree. The arm-pit, genital and mammary regions, and more rarely the neck and the palms of the hands and soles of the feet, may be invaded. In occa- sional cases when the development of tubercles upon the face and ears is extensive, there may not be more than from five to fifty upon the rest of the body, and these either widely scattered and isolated or agglomerated in a single hard, flat, elevated plaque of infiltration upon the elbow or thigh. When the tubercles run together (become con- fluent) large plaques of infiltration may form, which are elevated and brownish or blackish in color. The soft palate and larynx are often involved when the skin lesions are present. The voice may sound gruff and hoarse, and the tongue, the larynx and soft palate have been found studded with small sized, ashen-hued tubercles. These tumors or tubercles may degen- erate and form into irregularly outlined, sharply cut, glazed ulcers, with a bloody or sloughing floor, or they may disappear and leave behind pigmented, shrunken depressions, or they lose their shapes from partial resorption. A large plaque may flatten in the center until an annular disk is left to show its former location. Coincident symptoms are disturbance in the functions of the sweat and sebaceous secretion, thinning and loss of hair in the regions involved, especially the eye- brows, and disorders of sensibility. Later results, are a nasal catarrh, atrophy of the sexual organs in both sexes, with impairment or loss of procreatfve power, hopeless blindness. However the course of the disease is very slow, and years may elapse before these several changes are accomplished. Often the disease appears quiescent for months at a time, after which fever occurs and with it acute or sub-acute mani- festations appear, including gland disease, orchitis, ulcerative processes, slow or rapid, followed by gangrene and a relatively rapid progress is made toward a fatal conclusion. Toward the last the mutilations effected by the disease may result. Parts of the fingers or toes, whole fingers or toes, and entire hand or foot may become wholly or partially detached by the ulcerative and other degenerations. This stage of this type of the disease may extend through ten or more years. After it has fully developed the dejected countenance of the leper, w^ith his leonine expression and general appearance is highly characteristic. 240 MOTHERS' REMEDIES LEPRA MACULOSA. — This form is more common in tropical countries and is distinguished chiefly by its macular (spotty) lesions. In size they vary from a small coin to areas as large as a platter. They are diffused or circumscribed, roundish or shaped irregularly, yellow- ish, brownish or bronzed in color, often shiny or glazed. They may be infiltrated and may be elevated, or on a level with the adjacent tissues. The patches are usually at first very sensitive, but they finally becom-e insensitive, so that a knife can be thrust deeply into them without being felt. The regions chiefly affected by this type are the back, exposed parts, the backs of the hands and wrists, the forehead, the cheeks, ears, back of the feet, and ankles. The eruptions may be scanty or general ; conspicuous or insignificant. The eruptive symp- toms are associated commonly, early or late, with the serious phen- omena described below. LEPRA ANAESTHETICA. (Nerve Leprosy. Atrophic Lep- rosy. Lepra Trophoneurotica).— Before the development of this form of leprosy there may be one or two years of ill-health. Usually the skin at this time becomes in localized patches over-sensitive, sometimes there is over-sensitiveness and special nerves, because of their enlarge- ment, become accessible to the touch. Those named later become tender, and the seat of lancinating or shooting pains. This clinical variety may be commingled in its symptoms with each of the other types. With or without such commingling, however, there commonly is noted, after exposure to cold or after being subject to chills first an eruption, red (erythematous) patches, or of ''bullae," size of a bean on cheeks, ears, back of the feet, and ankles. The eruption may be outer skm covering (epidermis) and filled with a clear tinted or blood- mixed serum, and usually occurring upon the extremities. The scars that follow are shrunken (atrophic) patches, each often greater in extent than the base of the original trouble, color whitish, shiny, glazed, or better described as a tint suggesting the hue of mica; their outline is circular and form also the dumb-bell figure by running (coalescing) together, or juxtaposition. These scars are always with- out sensitiveness (anaesthetic), and they may exist together with spotted and non-sensitive patches upon the trunk or other parts such as the face, hands, feet, ankles, thighs, but rarely on the palms and soles. Neither those of the one class nor of the other, however, are disposed over the surface of the body in lines, bands or curves, corre- sponding with the distribution of the skin (cutaneous) nerves. Some- times the ulnar and other nerves (median, posterior tibial, peroneal, facial and radial) that are accessible to the touch are swollen, tender, insensitive or as rigid as hardened cords. Reddish-gray swellings may be recognized by the eye along the nerve tract. General shrink- ing skin symptoms follow. The skin becomes dry and harsh ; there is little or no sebaceous product and the skin of the face seems tightly drawn over the bones. As a consequence of deforming shrinking (atrophy) of the eyelids, a persistent overflow of tears, consequent eye changes follow, and a constant flow of saliva escapes from the parted INFECTIOUS DISEASES 241 lips. The fintrcrs are halt' chawn into the pahn of the liands; the nails arc distorled and ulceration occurs later. These ulcers are irreL;ular, oval, roundish or linear in form covered with thin blackish, flattened, tenacious crusts with soft bases, and their floors cov