TIHIIE MEDIC RL RDVISER AND GUIDE TO HEALTH, For the Use of Families. COM FZRISIItTGI- OYEE ONE HUNDRED PRESCRIPTIONS. 1/ - L. E. JOHNSON, M. D. BALTBIOKE : ^C^ Press of King Bros., 123 E. Baltimore Street. 1888 COPYEIGHT, 1888* BY L. E. Johnson, M. IX PREFACE. This manual is intended to give such information as an intelligent person, without a medical educa- tion will need, and can readily make available in the management of the various ailments and acci- dents frequently occurring in almost every family. It is designed to embrace everything pertaining to domestic treatment, a sufficient number of prescrip- tions, with full and complete directions for admin- istering the medicines and applying the remedies being given for every disease, ailment or accident that can be safely treated in the absence of a physi- cian. People will not undertake to doctor themselves in eases of serious illness, and they ought not to, and for this reason no prescription is given for any dis- ease which a physician only ought to treat; but there are rnairy, very many, ailments and accidents of frequent occurrence for which heads of families would like to know what to do without calling in a IV PREFACE. physician, or before the services of one can be secured. In all such cases I believe this work will be found very useful. Particular attention is called to the treatment prescribed for Diarrhoea, Dysentery, Colic, Cramps, Cholera Morbus, Colds, Coughs and Chills and Fevers. In the whole catalogue of human ailments, there are none that are more common, and none that yield more speedily to proper treatment. People are apt to delay a day or two in calling in their physician for these diseases, and thus the most valuable time for treatment is lost. Fortunately, they usually commence in a mild form, and will then promptly yield to the medicines prescribed for them in this manual. It is exceedingly important that the treatment advised be commenced without delay. If instituted at the beginning of an attack, a speedy cure may be expected in almost every case. But if treatment be delayed for hours, or a day or two, these diseases frequently assume dangerous forms, and are often fatal. PREFACE. V The reader can place the utmost confidence in every statement found in this work. The prescrip- tions have been repeatedly tested during an experi- ence of more than twenty years, and they will accomplish all I say they will when medicines pre- scribed are taken as directed. 'tVj 1* ISTOTJB. This book is so plain and simple, that any one •can readily find all the information necessary for the domestic treatment of almost every ailment, accident or emergency. In order to facilitate its examination, the Table of Contents and the Index have been made very full and complete. In cases of sudden illness, accidents or emergencies, refer at once to the Index. CONTENTS. Page. Preface 3 Medicines 17,18 A list of Medicines that families should always keep in the House v 17 Doses for children and all under adult age ,..,.. 18 How to make Simple Syrup 19 How to make Lime- Water 19 How to make Flaxseed Tea 19 Colds 21 Precautions to avoid taking cold. .Treatment when a cold has been contracted — Prescriptions 1, 2, 3 and 4. The Author's experience with Bronchitis. Mortality of illus- trious men. Sore Throat 24 Treatment — Prescriptions 5, 6 and 7. Speedy relief. Croup 25 Disease of childhood. Treatment — Prescriptions 8 and 9. Day Croup dangerous. Colic 26 Definition. Prescriptions 10 and 11. An injection that will give immediate relief. Colic in the young — Prescription 12, Colic from indigestion— Prescription 13. Chills and Fevers and Agues 28 Treatment — Prescriptions 14, 15 and 16. Tendency to return. How to prevent return — Prescription 17. Treatment proper for children, and how to give them the medicine. X TABLE OF CONTENTS. Pa#e. Diarrhoea 31 Definition. Treatment— Prescriptions 18, 19 and 20 — Pre- scription for children 21. Speedy cure. Dysentery 33 Definition and symptoms. Treatment — Prescriptions 22, 18 and 19. Danger in delaying treatment. Diet in Diarrhoea and Dysentery. Cholera Morbus , 35 Symptoms. Treatment — Prescription 23. Mustard Plaster. Water. Immediate treatment and speedy relief. Cramp 36 .Symptoms and general treatment. Measles 36 'Symptoms General treatment — Prescription 24. Compli- cations. Mumps 37 Definition. Symptoms. Treatment — Prescriptions 25 and 26. Whooping Cough 38 Symptoms. Treatment — Prescriptions 27 and 28. Colic in Infants 39 Advice to mothers. Medicines suitable for infants. Caution in the use of opiates. Treatment — Prescriptions 29, 30, 31 and 32. Worms 41 Symptoms. Treatment— Prescriptions 33 and 34. Excellent and'efficient remedies for. Thrush 42 An affection of childhood. Treatment— Prescriptions 35 and 36. Speedy andjcertain relief. Chicken Pox 42 Definition and' symptoms. No danger. Treatment— Pre- scription 37. Convulsions and Spasms 43 Frequent in childhood. Treatment— Prescription 38. Teeth- ing, Fever, Warm Bath. TABLE OF CONTENTS. Xt Page. Asthma 43 Definition. Treatment — Prescriptions 39, 40, 41 and 42. Lo- belia, Stramonium, Saltpetre, &c. Catarrh 45- Definition. Treatment — Cutler's Inhaler — Prescription 43. Rheumatism 4(> Chronic form Treatment — Prescriptions 44, 45, 46, 47 and 48. Potassium, Colchicum, Gruiacum. Excellent lini- ments. Lumbago 47 Symptoms. Local treatment — Prescription 49. Chronic Rheumatic Pains 4& Prescription 50. Excellent remedy and an almost certain cure. Constipation 49> Never neglect Dangerous consequences. Certain symptoms. Causing much suffering. How immediate relief may be obtained. Prescriptions to secure daily evacuations, 51 52 and 53. Dyspepsia . 50 Mastication. Eating slowly. Erroneous popular notion. Treatment — Prescriptions 54, 55 and 56. For Water Brash and Heart Burn, 57 and 58. Neuralgia , 5£ Causes. General treatment — Prescription 59. Vertigo 5S Symptoms. Treatment — Prescription 60. Xll TABLE OF CONTEXTS. Page. Palpitation 54 And nervous attacks. Pleasant and efficient Prescriptions for, 61 and 62. Headache 54 Treatment according to causes — Prescriptions 63, 64 and 65. Sick Headache 55 To what due. Preventive treatment — Prescription Q6. Gen- eral treatment — Prescriptions 64 and 67. Gravel 57 Definition. Treatment — Prescriptions 68 and 69. Piles 58 Treatment — Prescription 70. Ointment 71. Injections. Ingrowing Toe-nail 59" Treatment. Poultices. Liquid Persulphate of Iron. Prescrip- tion 72. Boils and Carbuncles 59 General treatment — Prescriptions 73 and 74. Earache 60 Treatment — Prescription 75. Wax in the ear. How to get rid of. The Eye 61 Foreign substance in. How to remove. Prescription 76. Excellent eye- water— Prescription 77. Toothache 62 Dentist. Best remedies for — Prescriptions 78 and 79. A simple but very efficient remedy. TABLE OF CONTEXTS. X1U Page. Itch 64 'Treatment— Prescription 80. Certain cure. Chapped Hands, Face and Lips 64 Treatment — Prescriptions 81 and 82. Salt Rheum, Tetter and Skin Eruptions 65 Treatment — Prescriptions 83 and 74. Ringworm ... 66 Treatment — Prescription 84. A speedy cure. Dandruff 66 Treatment— Prescription 85. Sore Nipples 66 Treatment — Prescription 86. Corns 67 Treatment — Prescriptions 87 and 88. Bunions 68 Treatment— Prescription 89. Sores on Children's Heads 68 Treatment — Prescription 90. Excellent remedy, with speedy cure. Cuts and Abrasions 69 Treatment— Prescriptions 91, 92 and 93. Spitting of Blood 70 General treatment — Prescription 94. Bleeding at the Nose 71 Frequent in the young. General treatment. H XIV TABLE OF CONTENTS. Page. Vomiting 71 General treatment — Prescription 95. i Fainting 72 General treatment — Prescription 96. Sunstroke 72 Treatment — Prescription 97. Fits 7:J Symptoms. Treatment — Prescription 98. Frostbite 74 Caution. Treatment — Prescription 99. Chilblains ... 74 Treatment — Prescriptions 100 and 101. ACCIDENTS. Burns 75 Treatment — Prescription 102. Other remedies. Inflammatory Swellings from Injuries 76 Treatment — Prescription 103. Stings of Bees, Wasps, &c 76 Treatment — Prescription 104. Bruises 77 Local treatment — Prescription 105. Sprains 77 Local treatment— Prescription 106. TABLE OF COKTE^TS. XV Page. Drowning 78 Plain and simple directions that any one can carry out in resuscitating persons apparently drowned. Fractures and Dislocations 79 What to do in accidents with broken bones, and the best means to keep down inflammation and swelling of the injured limb until the arrival of the doctor. Wounds 79 Treatment — Plain and simple directions for arresting the flow of blood. Poisons 81 Treatment suited to all cases — Prescriptions 107 and 108. Opium and Lauclanum. Remedies. Arsenic. Antidote. Acids. Lye. Nitrate Silver. Mercury, &c. Remedies and antidotes for. An outline of treatment to be adopted in all cases in which the disease is not well known, and while waiting for the arrival of the Doctor. How to relieve Pain in any part of the body. Pain in the head. Side. What to do for one stricken with Apoplexy. What to do for a Fever. . . 84 Dietetic Preparations 89 How to prepare Barley water, Rice water, Arrowroot, Sago, Tapioca, Corn Starch, Oatmeal Gruel, Beef Tea, Essence of beef and Wine Whey. -XVI TABLE OF CONTEXTS. Page. Management of the Sick Room 93 Location. Sunlight Pure air. Ventilation. Temperature. Quiet. Visitors. Bad effects of too much company. Sleep. Refreshments for those who sit up. $°°^- MBDIOHsTES ■ - That Should Always be Kept on Hand, Ever} 7 family should keep at all seasons of the year the following medicines : - Castor Oil , 1 ounce. Extract of Jamaica Ginger 1 ounce. Laudan am 1 ounce. Paregoric , 1 ounce. Aromatic Spirits of Ammonia... 1 ounce. Essence of Peppermint 1 ounce. Spirits of Turpentine 1 ounce. Alum J pound. 1 Box of good Mustard, and 1 Self-injecting Syringe. All the above can be had of merchants, except in some cases, ammonia and the syringe, and they can be obtained of the nearest druggist. When bought of merchants, the vials may contain a little more or a little less than one ounce. With these few simple 2 18 DOSES FOR CHILDREN. remedies, easily procured, and costing about two dollars, any head of a family will be prepared to promptly relieve almost any case of sudden illness that may occur in his family. In the summer, it would be w T ell to have two ounces of Tincture of Catechu, and in the winter and spring, two or three ten grain doses of Dover's Powders, and one ounce each of Syrup of Ipecac and Syrup of Squills, and a half pound of Flaxseed. Other medicines pre- scribed can be procured as needed. The doses prescribed are for adults, unless other- wise specified. It is best, however, to know what proportions of the doses for adults, younger people should take, and the following are universally adopted by the medical profession. At 1 year, take of an adult's dose ^ 2 3 4 6 8 10 12 14 i • b l •4 * 2. * 5 1 •2 2 •3. ■i Whenever water is prescribed for mixing medi- cines, rain water should be used, if possible; when it cannot be procured, use good, clear spring or well w T ater. SIMPLE SYRUP, LIME-WATER, FLAXSEED TEA. 19 As Simple Syrup, Lime- Water and Flaxseed Tea are sometimes prescribed, it is well to know how to make them. How to make Simple Syrup. Take of— White Sugar 1 pound. Water i pint Dissolve the sugar in the water by the aid of a gentle heat. How to make Liine-Water. Take of— Lime A lump about the size of an egg. Water One quart. Upon the lime, first slacked with a little water, pour the remainder of the water, and stir together; then cover well and set aside for several hours. The solution should be kept standing upon the undis- solved lime, well covered, and poured off clear when required for use. How to make Flaxseed Tea. Take of— Flaxseed 1 tablespoonful. Boiling water 1 pint. Pour the boiling water on the flaxseed, cover the vessel, and place it near the fire for two or three 20 FLAXSEED TEA. hours. Do not boil the flaxseed in the water, as the oil would then be extracted, making the tea disagreeable to the stomach. After preparing the tea as directed, the juice of one lemon may be added to it, and when used, it may be sweetened to suit the taste of the patient. Advice is always given, if necessary, about what to eat or drink when taking any of the followiug prescriptions. COLDS. 21 DISEASES AND THEIR TREATMENT, Colds. More diseases are contracted, and lives lost from cold, perhaps, than from any one other cause. While an abundance of pure air is highly conducive to health, an excess of cold means suffering, disease and often death. Every precaution should there- fore be used to avoid taking cold. Keep the feet warm and dry. Never sit in a cool draught of air when over- heated. Never go from a warm room into the open air, in cool weather, without putting on an extra garment. Do not stand still on cold, damp ground, in thin shoes or boots, unless well protected by over-shoes* Never allow yourself to become chilled. If you feel chilly while standing still, walk briskly until you become warm. Always wear sufficient clothing to keep warm. Never, under any circumstance, neglect a cold. When you have contracted one, you must at bed- time — 2* 22 COLDS. 1. Take— ; A warm mustard foot-bath, and drink a glassfull of warm flaxseed tea, and retire to bed immediately after taking the following : 2. Take of— Dover's Powder .10 grains. Take in molasses or s}^rup in one dose. Remain in the house a day or two, and repeat prescriptions 1 and 2 the second and third nights, unless much improved. If a cough accompanies or follows the cold — 3. Take of— Syrup of Ipecac 4 teaspoonfuls. Paregoric 4 teaspoonfuls. Simple Syrup 4 teaspoonfuls. Mix. Dose. — One teaspoonful every three or four hours until the cough is relieved. If from any neglect a cough has continued a week or more, the following should be used : 4. Take of— Syrup of Squills 4 teaspoonfuls. Paregoric 4 teaspoonfuls. Simple Syrup 4 teaspoonfuls. Mix. Dose. — One teaspoonful every three or four hours until the cough is relieved. COLDS. 23 By carefully observing these precautions, and faithfully using the prescriptions as directed, many •serious diseases will be avoided. "While it cannot be denied that with every care that can be used, persons will sometimes contract Bronchitis, Pneu- monia, Pleurisy and other diseases due to cold, still I am fully convinced that at least one-half of the •cases of these diseases w T ould be avoided by a faith- ful observance of the simple precautions already given. How important then the admonition, never to neglect a cough or a cold! The waiter, many years ago, while busily engaged in practice •contracted a cough, the result of bronchitis, which lasted several w r eeks, on account of being neglected. It disappeared upon the appearance of warm weather, reappearing at the beginning of the following winter. Determining not to suffer as he had before, and run the risk of contracting a serious •disease, he immediately commenced using prescrip- tion 3, with the most happy results. The medicine acted like a charm, a few doses giving complete re- lief. Many of the most illustrious men of our country have lost their lives by not observing the simple precautions and advice given in the begin- ning of this article. 24 SORE THROAT. Sore Throat. This is one of the symptoms of several diseases of much danger to life, but in these cases the con- stitutional disturbance is so great that a physician is usually very properly called in at once. Ordinary sore throat, the result of a common cold, will be speedily relieved by the following pre- scriptions : 5. Take of— Table Salt 1 teaspoonful. "Water i pint. Mix. Gargle well every two hours, 6. Take of— Chlorate of Potassa 1 teaspoonful. Water i pint. Mix. 'Gargle well every two hours, 7. Take of— Good Hot Sage Tea ,-£■ pint. Alum 1 tablespoonful. Honey 4 tablespoonfuls. Mix. Gargle well every two hours. Either of these prescriptions can be relied on to relieve Sore Throat in a short time. Every hour's croup. 25 delay in using them, retards the cure. I have, my- self, frequently experienced their good effect. Bathing the throat well with a liniment composed of equal parts of Spirits of Hartshorn and Sweet Oil, will hasten the cure. A piece of flannel should be worn after bathing the throat with liniment. Croup. This disease affects children chiefly. It usually occurs suddenly in the night, and is attended with paroxysms of coughing, with a ringing, barking sound. The first thing to be done is to make the ♦child vomit. For this purpose — 8. Take of— Alum — reduced to powder 1 teaspoonful. Dose. — For a child four years old, one teaspoonful in molasses or syrup. Repeat in ten minutes, if vomiting does not occur. May give four doses if necessary, to produce free vomiting. The following is also a most excellent emetic for Croup, and is sometimes more effectual than Alum. 9. Take of— Powdered Ipecac i teaspoonful. Dissolve in water. Dose. — Give the whole to a child four years old, and repeat in ten minutes, if necessary. May give four doses, ten minutes a part, if necessary, to produce free vomiting. 26 colic. Dip a piece of flannel in warm water, wring it well and apply to the neck. Renew as often as it cools. The child will, in all probability, be much easier as soon as vomiting occurs. It may have successive -attacks for several nights. Although an attack of croup usually alarms parents, there is not much danger so long as the voice is clear. Croup lasting through the day, even if apparently mild, is much more dangerous than when confined to the night. In any case, however mild, when the voice is hoarse and husky, there is danger of an impending severe .-attack, and the family physician should be called without delay. The treatment prescribed will be proper until his arrival. Colic. This is a painful, spasmodic affection of the 'bowels. If from an overloaded stomach or indi- gestible food — 10. Take of— Castor Oil 2 tablespoonfuls. Give at once, and when bowels are freely moved, if not re- lieved, give twenty-five drops of laudanum, and repeat in one 3iour if necessary. May give three or four doses, if necessary. If the person is suffering very much, the bowels should be opened at once with an injection com- posed of the following : colic. 27" 11. Take of— Warm Water ..... 1 pint. Salt 1 tablespoonful. Molasses 2 tablespoonfuls. Mix. Inject the above as soon as prepared, and if the bowels are not moved in ten minutes, repeat injec- tion. In all cases, when an injection is given for colic, it should be sufficiently warm for the heat to be distinctly felt by the patient. It then produces a, most grateful feeling of relief. If not relieved when the bowels are opened, give laudanum as directed, after oil. Molasses may be omitted in injection if not convenient. Immediate relief will- result in almost every case. Many persons, especially the young, suffer occa- sionly from colicky symptoms, with painful, aching, and sometimes, knawing sensations about the stom- ach and abdomen. For this form use the following: 12. Take of— Extract of Jamaica Ginger 20 drops. Essence of Peppermint 10 drops. Mix. Take in a wineglassful of sweetened water. Repeat in one* hour, if necessary. 28 CHILLS AND FEVERS AND AGUES. Some persons suffer frequently from indigestion and colicky symptoms, with a sense of oppression about the chest, and an aching pain extending through the chest to the back, accompanied with a desire but inability to belch. The following prescription will speedily relieve this trouble : 13. Take of— Tartaric Acid 20 grains. Bicarbonate of Soda 25 grains. Disolve the acid in three or four tablespoonfuls of w T ater in one glass, and the soda in the same quan- tity of water in another glass. Pour the contents of one glass into the other and drink while effervesce- ing. Chills and Fevers and Agnes Are too well known, wherever they prevail, to re- quire any description. The following treatment will be found effectual : 14. Take of — Quinine — or Cinchonidia 25 grains. Make 10 pills. Dose. — Two pills every two or three hours, until six are taken in one day, and four next day. Ten pills must be taken in two dnys. If only four can be taken the first day, six must be taken next day. Commence taking pills as soon as the fever wears off. Do not delay one hour. In nineteen cases in twenty, if the pills are taken as directed, the chills or agues will cease If they do not, then take four pills daily, two at a time, three hours apart, until a cure is effected. CHILLS AND FEVERS AND AGUES. 29 If there is costiveness, with a bitter taste in the mouth, a cathartic is necessary. It is often given first, but this is not best. The first thing to be clone is to stop the chill, then if necessary — 15. Take of— Calomel 10 grains. Powdered Rhubarb 10 grains. Mix. Give the whole in molasses, at bedtime. I give this prescription because many persons prefer a calomel purge in this form. I have found, in prac- tice, the following to answer as well: 16. Take of— Compound Cathartic Pills 4 or 5. Four pills will usually operate sufficiently, but if the patient knows his bowels are hard to move, he should take five at one dose. There is a remarkable tendency in chills and agues to return in many cases in a week or ten days. The fault is not in the medicine, but it is the nature of the disease. The only possible way to prevent a return in such cases, is to continue medicine for at least one month, and in a few 3 30 CHILLS AND FEVERS AND AGUES. instances it will be necessary to do so throughout the entire sickly season. To prevent a return in cases in which this tendency exists, the following prescription should be used: 17, Take of— Quinine — or Cinchonidia \ ounce. Muriated Tincture of Iron 1 ounce. Simple Syrup 1 pint. Mix by shaking well. Take one teaspoonful three times a day, before meals, for one month, or longer, if necessary, to effect a perfect cure. For children who cannot take pills, prescription 17 may be given. A child six years old should take one teaspoonful three times a day for two clays, then one teaspoonful daily for one month. If these directions are faithfully followed, a perma- nent cure will be effected. I cannot insist too strongly upon the great im- portance of following these directions to the letter, for I know whereof I speak. The medicines pre- scribed will cure the patient, and will keep him well if he will do as he is here instructed. When inconvenient to use prescription 17, for children, the following treatment should be adopted. It will require 2 grains of Quinine or Cinchonidia DIARRHXEA. 31 for every year of the child's age, to stop the Chills or Agues, e. g., 2 grains at one year, 4 grains at two years, 6 grains at three years, and so on, ac- cording to the age. The necessary quantity should be procured and divided into five equal powders. Three powders must be given in a little water the first day, and two the next day, one at a time, two or three hours apart. When the Chills cease, prescription 17 may be used, or one powder of Quinine or Cinchonidia may be given daily for several weeks. Diarrhoea. Diarrhoea consists of frequent and excessive dis- charges from the bowels — the evacuations being more liquid than usual. The following prescrip- tions will be appropriate for ordinary summer diarrhoea: 18. Take of— Laudanum 2 teaspoonfuls. Tincture of Catechu. . . .2 ounces. Mix. Dose. — One teaspoonful every four hours until relieved. If there are indications of acidity of the stomach and bowels, use the following: 32 DIAKRHCEA. 19. Take of— Laudanum 2 teaspoonfuls. Tincture of Catechu 2 ounces. Chalk Mixture 2 ounces. Mix. Dose. — Two teaspoonfuls eveiy four hours until relieved. Either of these prescriptions can be relied on to effect a cure in a short time — a day or two at most — if medicine is taken in time. If from neglect, diarrhoea has lasted a week or more, the following has invariably succeeded in my hands. 20. Take of— Powdered Opium 10 grains. Acetate of Lead 20 grains. Make 20 pills. Dose. — One pill every 4 hours until relieved. It would be better for a druggist to put up this prescription, The following makes an excellent preparation for diarrhoea in children : 21. Take of— Paregoric 2 teaspoonfuls. Tincture of Catechu.... 2 teaspoonfuls. Chalk Mixture 12 teaspoonfuls. Mix. Dose.— For a child 4 years old, one teaspoonful every four hours, until relieved. DYSENTERY. 33 If Chalk Mixture cannot be conveniently pro- cured, water may be substituted for it. Dysentery. The evacuations in dysentery are small, frequent, painful, and contain blood mixed with mucus. There is generally considerable soreness, with ten- derness of the abdomen. Unless the evacuations were large at the begin- ning, the following treatment should be commenced at once. 22. Take of— Castor Oil 1 tablespoonful. Laudanum 10 drops. Mix. Give the whole at one dose. If not relieved in twelve hours, give either prescription 13 or 19, until a cure is effected. If the evacuations were large at the beginning, omit the oil, and commence with prescription 18 or 19 at once. Apply a warm mush poultice to abdomen, and renew as often as necessary. A speedy cure may be confidently expected in all mild cases when this treatment is adopted in time. If, however, the dis- ease does not speedily improve under this treat- ment, or if it begins in a severe form, or prevails in 34 DYSENTERY. the neighborhood as an epidemic, the family physi- cian should be called in without delay. If the dis- ease commences in a severe form, or prevails as an epidemic, omit oil and begin with prescription 18 or 19, and repeat doses every three hours until the arrival of the doctor. In all cases of diarrhoea and dysentery, meats, rich food and vegetables must be forbidden. Diet must consist of milk and rice, or milk and mush, crackers, tea, &c. Use water moderately, and avoid exercise and exposure to the sun and heat. Do not delay one hour in commencing the treatment pre- scribed. Diarrhoea and dysentery are of frequent occur- rence during the summer season, and both are often fatal among children, and the latter among adults. After the period of teething has passed, there is very little more danger to children than to adults from these diseases. Although these affections cause much suffering, sickness and mortality, such ought not to be, and would not be the case, if proper treatment were adopted at the beginning of an attack. AYith the exception of the very small proportion of cases developed abruptly, and in a violent form, almost every case would yield to the treatment already prescribed, in a day or two at most. There are no diseases in which the resources CHOLERA MORBUS. 35 of the science and art of medicine are more cer- tainly and promptly displayed than in these. I have repeatedly known persons, either from a dis- like to taking medicine or from simple negligence, postpone attention to these diseases in the begin- ning of an attack, and then suffer in bed from one to three weeks, when a few doses of medicine given on the first day would have arrested the disease and effected a speedy cure. Cholera Morbus. The prominent symptoms of this disease are vio- lent vomiting and purging — stools soon becoming watery — severe pains in the stomach and abdomen, and cramps, if not speedily relieved. Treatment must be commenced without a moment's delay. 23. Take of— Laudanum 25 drops. Aromatic Spirits of Ammonia. . . .15 drops. Mix. Take in a teaspoonful of water. Repeat every half-hour until relief is obtained. May take as many as four doses, if necessary. If ammonia is not convenient, use laudanum alone. Apply a mustard plaster to the stomach and abdomen, and renew with fresh ones, if necessary, 36 CRAMP — MEASLES. until relieved. Water or any other liquid must be positively forbidden, except in the smallest quan- tities, to relieve urgent thirst. A very small quan- tity of crushed ice may be allowed — just enough to keep the mouth moist. Follow these directions, and if the medicine is retained in the stomach, and it nearly always will •be, speedy relief will be the almost certain result. A physician may be sent for, if thought best, at the beginning of the attack, or any time afterward; but do not wait for his arrival, begin at once, and •continue treatment as directed until he comes. Cramp. Cramp is a frequent symptom in severe cases of both Colic and Cholera Morbus. It will be re- lieved by the general treatment prescribed. When affecting the feet, legs, hands or arms, a strong band an inch wide, tied tightly around the affected limb, as near the body as possible, will generally give immediate relief. Measles. Symptoms: at the beginning, very much like a cold, eyes red and watery, and a hoarse cough. On the fourth da}^ the eruption appears, remaining three or four days, and then gradually fades away. In mild cases, the simplest domestic treatment is MUMPS. 37 sufficient. Many do not require any medicine. The patient should be made comfortable, not so warm as to induce free perspiration, or so cold as to be chilly. Hot drinks should not be used; unless the eruption goes in suddenly. In summer, cold water may be allowed; in cold weather, perhaps warm teas would be better. The following is a good prescription for the cough and fever: 24. Take of— Sweet Spirits of Nitre 2 ounces. Syrup of Ipecac 1 ounce. Mix. Dose. — One teaspoonful every three or four hours, for adults; children, in proportion to age. The disease usually runs a mild course. Some- times it assumes severe forms, or is complicated with other diseases. In these cases, the family physician should be summoned. Mumps. A contagious affection, consisting of inflammation of the parotid gland. The swelling commences near the angle of the lower jaw, and extends to the neck and face. Occasionally, one gland onlj- is affected, and then the swelling will be on one side of the face only; but as a rule, the disease affects both glands at the same time. Any motion of the jaws usually causes considerable pain. 38 WHOOPING COUGH. This disease is devoid of danger, but in some •cases there is considerable fever and much restless- mess. The swelling will subside in a few days. 25. Apply warm poultices to the swelling, and renew as often as -necessary for comfort. If there should be much fever — 26. Take of— Sweet Spirits of Xitre 1 ounce. Dose. — One teaspoonful in water every three or four hours. Whooping Cough. This disease usually commences like a common . Take of— Wine of Colchicum Root 1 ounce. Dose. — Ten drops three times a day, in a little water. The following has sometimes succeeded when everything else has failed : 47. Take of— Tincture of Guiacum 4 ounces. Dose. — One teaspoonful three times a day, in a little sweet- ened water. The following should be used as a liniment, with either of the last two prescriptions : 48. Take of— Chloroform. 2 ounces. Sweet Oil 4 ounces. Mix well. Bathe the affected parts two or three times a day. Lumbago. This is a form of Rheumatism, affecting the muscles of the back near the region of the kidneys. 4*8 LUMBAGO. It is attended with much pain in the movements of the body, particularly in rising from a sitting or recumbent position. Local treatment is generally all that is necessary. A large mustard plaster should be applied at bed- time, and repeated the second and third nights, if necessary. During the day, the back should be well rubbed with liniments — prescriptions 45 or 48. In a few days the patient will be much better. If the back should remain weak, the following must he used : 49. Take- One Porous Strengthening Plaster. Apply to part affected. This will have a gentle warming and strengthen- ing effect. Let it remain until it loosens and falls off. For a Chronic Rheumatic or Neuralgic pain located in any part of the body, use the following : 50. Take- One Belladona Plaster. Apply over seat of pain, and let it remain •until it loosens and falls off. A most excellent remedy and almost certain to effect a cure. CONSTIPATION. 49 Constipation. This affection is attended with much discomfort, and is productive of several serious diseases. It should, therefore, never be neglected. It is highly important that a person troubled with Constipation should go to the water closet at the same hour every day. Let him do this regularly and nature will soon come to his relief. If he has no evacu- ation from the bowels, he should give himself an injection of water, (not necessary to be warm,) using a pint or more. It frequently happens when persons have been costive for several days, the contents of the bowels become impacted in large, hard lumps, causing much discomfort, and severe pains in the abdomen. The calls of nature become urgent, attempts to relieve the bow T els are attended with much straining, and sometimes the suffering is intense, in consequence of the inability to have an evacuation. Very much the same condition of things happens when children have eaten large quantities of indigestible food, or swallowed the stones of cherries and other fruits. Every one should be instructed that in this state of things, immediate and complete relief can be obtained by injections of warm water, using a pint at once, and repeating once or twice, if necessary. 50 CONSTIPATION — DYSPEPSIA. The following prescriptions will usually have the effect of producing a discharge from the bowels once daily : 51. v Take of— Root of Rhubarb . 5 or 10 cts. worth. Carry in the pocket, and chew small pieces sev- eral times daily. 52. Take of— Powdered Rhubarb 30 grains. Powdered Compound Extract of Colocynth. .20 grains. Make 20 pills. Dose — One pill every night at bedtime, omitting any night when bowels are loose. These prescriptions will have the desired effect in almost every case, but some cases are very obstinate, and you should then get your druggist to put up the following : 53. Take of— Powdered Rhubarb 30 grains. Aloes 30 grains. Extract of Belladona 3 grains. Oil of Cloves 3 drops. Make 30 pills. Dose. — One pill every night at bedtime. Dyspepsia. Thorough mastication of the food is of the highest importance in this disease. The dyspeptic should DYSPEPSIA. 51 eat slowly, and rest an hour after each meal. He- should not think about his stomach, or his diet, any further than to avoid any article of food that dis- agrees with him, and to eat whatever does agree with him, no matter what it is. He should make the last meal of the day the chief one. The popu- lar notion that it is injurious to eat immediately before sleeping or retiring, is erroneous. In active exercise, a part of the blood the stomach needs to assist in the process of digestion is diverted to the surface and extremities of the body. But when the body is at rest, as in sleep, the stomach receives its due supply of blood, and the food taken is normally digested. To give tone and vigor to the stomach, and thus facilitate digestion — 54. Take of— Compound Tincture of Gentian. . . .4 ounces. Dose. — One teaspoonful three times a day. If the bowels are costive — 55. Take of— Compound Tincture of Gentian 2 ounces. Tincture of Rhubarb 2 ounces. Mix. Dose. — Two teaspoonful s three times a day. 52 DYSPEPSIA — NEURALGIA. To relieve the pain or aching sensation occurring during digestion — 56. Take of— Subnitrate of Bismuth 1 drachm. Make 12 powders. Dose. — One powder in water every three or four hours. As water brash and heart-burn are frequent symp- toms in dyspepsia, they sometimes require treat- ment. To relieve water brash — 57. Take of— Lime-water 1 pint. Dose. — One tablespoonful three or four times a day. To relieve heart burn — 58. Take of— Bicarbonate of Soda 1 ounce. Dose. — One-fourth of a teaspoonful, as required, in a little water. Neuralgia. This painful affection is caused, I think, in the majority of cases, either by decayed teeth or malaria. When due to decayed teeth, they should be extracted. When caused by malaria, quinine and iron should VERTIGO. 53 be given. The following will make an excellent prescription : 59. Take of— Quinine 30 grains. Proto Carbonate of Iron (Yallett's Mass.). 60 grains. Make 30 pills. Dose. — Two pills three times a day. Get your druggist to compound this prescription. Vertigo. Symptoms : Giddiness, a feeling as if everything was turning around, reeling in walking, and some- times inability to stand. An attack may last but a few minutes, or ma}' continue for hours or days. If the stomach is disordered, the liver torpid, or the bowels costive — 60. Take of— Compound Cathartic Pills 4, Take the whole at bedtime. Vertigo is often due to debility. When this is the case, ten or fifteen drops of muriated tincture of iron should be given in a wineglassful of water three times a day. 5 54 PALPITATION — HEADACHE. Palpitation. Many persons have occasional attacks of palpi- tation, and others sometimes have nervous attacks with weak, sinking sensations. For these ailments — 61. Take of— Elixir Valerianate of Ammonia . . 2 ounces. Dose. — One teaspoonful every two or three hours until re- lieved. One of the most pleasant and efficient remedies for nervous attacks. When this medicine cannot be conveniently pro- cured, use the following: 62. Take of— Aromatic Spirits of Ammonia 1 ounce. Dose. — Fifteen drops in a teaspoonful or two of sweetened water, and repeated every hour until relieved. Headache. This is a frequent symptom of several serious dis- eases, but it often occurs without being connected, apparently, w T ith any special ailment. If from cold, fatigue, loss of rest and sleep, go to bed, get a good nap, and you will awake feeling much better. HEADACHE — SICK HEADACHE 55 If from indigestion, or a disordered stomach — 63. Take of— Compound Cathartic Pills 4. Take them all in one dose. If from an excess of acid in the stomach, as indi- cated by acid eructations, heart-burn, &c. — 64. Take of— Bicarbonate of Potassa 3 drachms. Water 2 ounces. Dose.— One teaspoonful every three or four hours. If of a nervous or neuralgic character — 65. Take of— Bromide of Potassium | ounce. Water 4 ounces. Mix. Dose.— A dessert spoonful every four hours. Sick Headache. This affection is due to a peculiar condition of the nervous system, and debility of the stomach; and any irritation of this organ affects the brain 50 SICK HEADACHE. through sympathy. There is no specific treatment for it, and no one remedy that will do good in all cases. The best general treatment is as follows: GO. Take of— Blue Mass 10 grains. Take at one dose as soon as there are any symp- toms indicating an approaching attack, and in six hours, if bowels are costive, take a seidlitz powder. If there is acidity of the stomach, take prescrip- tion 64. I have found the following prescription to have an excellent effect in many cases : 67. Take of— Hoffman's Anodyne 1 ounce. Paregoric 1 ounce. Mix. Take a teaspoonful every two or three hours in sweetened water. Aromatic Spirits of Ammonia frequently has an excellent effect, taken in doses of ten to fifteen drops, in water, every two hours. The patient should also frequently inhale the ammonia, and GRAVEL. 57 bathe the temples and forehead with it. Inhalation of ammonia usually gives decided relief in all forms of headache. Gravel. Gravel consists of small concretions formed in the kidneys or bladder, frequently causing much diffi- culty and pain in urinating. I have found the following prescriptions very useful when the difficulty in passing w T ater is due either to gravel or some other trouble in the bladder : 68. Take of— Fluid Extract of Buchu 1 ounce. Sweet Spirits of Nitre 1 ounce. Simple Syrup 1 ounce. Water 1 ounce. Mix. Dose. — Two teaspoonfuls every three or four hours until re- lieved. The following has seldom. failed in my hands: 69. Take of— Balsam of Copaiba 4 teaspoonfuls. Tincture of Chloride of Iron.. 2 teaspoonfuls. Sweet Spirits of Nitre 1-J- ounces. Simple Syrup 1 ounce. Mix by shaking well. Dose. — One teaspoonful three times a day, shaking well each time before taking it. 5* 58 PILES. Piles. Piles are a source of much discomfort, and some- times cause great suffering. It is highly important, in this affection, to have an evacuation of the bowels every day. For this purpose — 70. Take of— Cream of Tartar . . 1 ounce. Sulphur 1 ounce. Mix. Dose.— -One teaspoonful at bedtime in molasses. Continue every night until bowels are free, and use afterward as needed. 71. Take of— Powdered Opium 10 grains. Tannin 1 drachm. Lard 1 tablespoonful. Mix. Apply as an ointment twice daily. These prescriptions for piles will usually accom- plish the desired result, but sometimes they are very difficult to cure. In such cases the following treatment will usually give marked, and if con- tinued long enough, permanent relief. Use a daily injection of water, sufficient to bring away the con- tents of the lower bowels. Then use a small injec- INGROWING TOE-NAIL — BOILS. 59 tion — say a tablespoonful of a solution of alum — and retain this in the bowels, if possible; also, use ointment, prescription 71, if necessary for comfort. Ingrowing Toe-nail. If the toe is feverish and swollen, absolute rest is necessary for several clays. Apply warm poultices until the fever has disappeared. Then use the fol- lowing : 72. Take of— Liquid Persulphate of Iron 1 ounce. Saturate a piece of cotton w^ith it, and very care- fully insert between the flesh and nail. Continue this treatment for several days, inserting fresh cotton as often as may be necessary. If directions are followed, a cure may be expected. Boils. Apply warm mush or flaxseed meal poultices until brought to a head. When Boils return or appear on several parts of the body at the same- time, use the following: 73. Take of— Iodide of Potassium 3 drachms. Water -J- pint. Mix. Dose. — One dessert spoonful three times a day. 60 BOILS — CARBUNCLES — EAR ACH E. This prescription will seldom fail in effecting a •cure. I think 1 have succeeded with it nineteen times in twenty. But if it should fail, use the following : 74. 'Take of— Iodide of Potassium 80 grains. Fluid Extract of Sarsaparilla 1 ounce. Simple Syrup 1-J ounce. Water. , 1| ounce. Mix. Dose. — Two teaspoonfuls three times a day. Carbuncles. Treatment same as for Boils. It may be neces- sary for a doctor to be called in. Earache. Earache, when requiring treatment, will be re- lieved by the following : 75. Take of— Warm Sweet Oil 10 drops. Laudanum 5 drops Mix. Pour from a spoon into the ear. A piece of wool should be kept in the ear to protect from cold. EARACHE — THE EYE. 61 When insects get in the ear, it should be very gently syringed, or tepid water should be poured into it. This will bring away the insect, or cause it to leave the ear. Wax in a hardened form sometimes accumulates in the ear, causing more or less deafness. Its re- moval should never be attempted with hairpins or any other instrument by unprofessional persons. The head should be inclined to one side, so that warm oil can be poured in the ear without running out. Keep the head in this position several minutes. Repeat daily, until the wax softens and comes out. The Eye. When any foreign substance gets in the Eye, the tears will generally flow freely and bring it away. When they do not, the lids should be raised or lowered, and an examination of the eye should be thoroughly made, and the offending substance, w T hen found, may be removed by means of a point made in a silk handkerchief. Sometimes the substance can be distinctly felt in the eye, but on examination cannot be discovered. In such cases, if the person making the examination will blow his breath forcibly in the eye, immediate relief will generally be the result. 032 THE EYE — TOOTHACHE. When mortar or lime gets in the eye, use the following: 76. Take of— Vinegar 1 part. Water 8 parts. Mix. Apply freely. The following makes an excellent eye water : 77. Take of— Sulphate of Zinc 4 grains. Rain Water 2 ounces. Mix. Drop three or four drops in the eye twice daily. Toothache. Consult a dentist as to the propriety of having the tooth tilled. If, in his opinion, the tooth can be saved by filling it, b} 7 all means have it done. But if it is not worth filling, much relief may be ob- tained by the use of the following: 78. Take of— Tincture of Myrrh | ounce. Pour a few drops into the hollow of the tooth, or insert cotton saturated with it in the tooth. TOOTHACHE. 63 The following is the best application that- can be used when the tooth is hollow and the nerve ex- posed : 79. Take of— Creasote , \ ounce. Take a good-sized broom straw, and with the teeth make a kind of brush of one end. Dip the brush end in the creasote, and insert carefully in the hollow of the tooth. If the creasote should accidentally burn or blister the mouth, rinse it im- mediately with cold water. One application will usually give immediate relief. Repeat once or twice, if necessarj 7 . The above are the remedies I have found most effectual in toothache. Creasote is the remedy most highly recommended by the best authorities, and the one that has proven most efficient in my hands. I have frequently experienced immediate re- lief from its use. I will add that I have lately learned that table salt will give immediate relief, and that I have prescribed it in several cases, and in every case thus far with the most happy results. It is only necessary to apply a little salt between the finger and thumb to the hollow of the tooth, and the result will be immediate relief. f>4 ITCH — CHAPPED HANDS, FACE OK LIPS. Itch. Itch is very annoying. The following treatment will be successful : Wash the affected parts well with warm water and soap. Then use the follow- ing: 80. Take of— Sulphur ■. 1 ounce. Lard 2 ounces. Make an ointment. Apply thoroughly once daily. A certain cure. Chapped Hands. Face or Lips. For the face and lips, use the following: 81. Take of— Glycerine 1 part. Eose Water 5 or 6 parts. Mix. Apply freely at bedtime. For the hands — 82 Take of— Carbolic Acid 10 drops. Glycerine 1 ounce. Mix. SALT RHEUM, TETTER, ERUPTIOXS, &C. 65 Clean the hands well, and apply thoroughly at bedtime. Salt Rheum. Tetter, Eruptions of the Skin. «fcc. For Salt Rheum, Tetter and all the various forms of eruptions of the Skin, the following will be found an excellent prescription : 83. Take of— Iodide of Potassium 3 drachms. Water ..1 gill. Mix. Dose. — One teaspoonful three times a day. In any condition of the system, indicating a de- praved state of the blood, as manifested by Boils, Carbuncles, Eruptions and the various skin diseases, and sores or ulcers indisposed to heal, iodide of potassium and sarsaparilla are the best remedies for families to use. These medicines have a better effect combined, and prescription 74 should be used. The most satisfactory results may be expected in almost every case. Vasaline or cosmoline may be applied to erup- tions and sores, with decided benefit. 6 * 66 RINGWORMS — DANDRUFF — SOKE NIPPLES. Ringworm^. The following treatment will accomplish the de- sired result: 84. Take of— Tincture of Iodine 1 ounce. Apply with a feather over fhe affected part, once or twice daily. A speedy cure may be expected. Dandruff. 85. Take of— Sulphuret of Potassium i ounce. Water 1 quart. Mix. Wash the scalp with soap and water, wipe dry, and apply this prescription once daily. Sore Xipples. 86. Take of— Tincture of Catechu .1 ounce. Apply every time after child " nurses." An excellent prescription for this painful affec- tion. CORNS. 67 Corns. Corns are very troublesome, and sometimes diffi- cult to cure, but the following treatment, if per- severed in, will effect a cure : 87. Pare the corn closely with a razor, but not so close as to cause bleeding. Then soak in warm water ten or fifteen minutes, and pick out centre or core. A small, soft piece of buckskin, with a hole (the size of the corn) in the centre, should now be applied, and retained in place by means of narrow strips of adhesive plaster, taking care that no part of the buckskin presses on the corn. Or, several pieces of adhesive plaster may be cut into the shape of a ring, and one piece should be applied over another until there are three or four thicknesses of it, using care to avoid pressure on the corn. Then — 88. Take of— Lunar Caustic 1 stick. Moisten one end of the stick, and press on the corn. The caustic will produce a dark or black layer, and when this falls off, if the corn is not re- moved, the caustic should again be applied, and this process must be continued until a cure is effected. 68 BUNIONS — SORES ON CHILDREN'S HEADS. If, when this dark layer falls off, the corn should be so hard that the caustic will have no effect — in other words, produces no pain in its application* — then the corn should be gently touched or scraped with the sharp point of the blade of a pocket knife, until it becomes tender or sore, and the caustic should then be applied. Persons suffering with corns should wear shoes made of soft leather, and a little large. Bunions. If swollen, tender and feverish, apply a poultice until all the fever and tenderness leave. Then use the following: 89. Take of— Tincture of Iodine 1 ounce. Apply once every day by means of a feather. Persons who have bunions should have their shoes made to order, and so made as to avoid pres- sure on the affected part. Sores on Children's Heads. Children frequently have sores on their heads, presenting a very unsightly appearance. They should be treated as follows : Wash the head gently, but effectually, and then — SORES — CUTS AND ABRASIONS OF THE SKIN. G9 90. Take of — Calomel I teaspoonful. Lard 2 tablespoonfuls. Mix. Apply carefully and thoroughly to sores once daily. This is a most excellent remedy, and one that can be counted on to make a speedy cure. Cuts and Abrasions of the Skin. 91. Clean the wound thoroughly, and when the blood has ceased flowing, bring the edges of the cut nicely together and retain by means of adhesive plaster. If the plaster is properly applied, it will not become loose for several days, and by that time the wound will probably have healed. In cases of abrasions of the skin, adhesive plaster should be applied large enough to cover the abrasion, and thus exclude the air. If it becomes loose before the wound has healed, apply another plaster. If the wound does not heal in a few days, and matter begins to form, then use the following as an ointment : 92. Take of— Beeswax 1 part. Lard 3 parts. Melt together. Apply, when cool, once or twice daily, by means of a soft rag. 6* 70 CUTS, &C. — SPITTING OF BLOOD. For old sores and wounds, the following prescrip- tion should be used : 93. Take of— Beeswax 1 part. English Rosin 2 parts. Lard 4 parts. Melt together. Apply once or twice daily. This is one of the best salves -or ointments that can be used for old wounds or old sores, and burns indisposed to heal. Spitting of Blood. Hold small pieces of ice in the mouth, swallowing •slowly as they dissolve. If ice cannot be procured, take a teaspoonful of salt, and keep in the mouth until it dissolves, and swallow slowly. Persons subject to Spitting of Blood should keep in the house some form of Ergot. The following is a good form for easy administration : 94. Take of— Fluid Extract of Ergot 1 ounce. Dose. — One teaspoonful in a little water two or three times a day, or every hour, if necessary, until relieved. BLEEDING AT THE NOSE — VOMITING. <1 Bleeding at the Xose. This is a frequent symptom in young people, and when not excessive, it need not be checked, •especially in persons of full habit. When excessive, means should always be taken to arrest it. For this purpose, apply cloths, wrung out of cold water, to the back of the neck, or over the spine between the shoulder blades, and plug nostrils with cotton, clipped in a strong solution of alum or sugar of lead ■solution. If not speedily relieved, take prescription 94. Vomiting. Vomiting is sometimes a distressing symptom, and requires to be checked. For this purpose take fifteen drops of aromatic spirits of ammonia, in a little water, every half-hour. As soon as ammonia is administered, apply a mustard plaster over the stomach. It must be allowed to remain until redness of the skin is produced. If it becomes dry and hard, a fresh one must be applied. If the vomiting con- tinues, take half a teaspoonful of paregoric, in a little water, every hour. Four or live doses will not be too much unless the vomiting ceases before that many are taken. The following prescription will sometimes give immediate relief: 72 VOMITING — PAINTING — SUNSTROKE. 95. 'Take of— .Lime-water 1 dessert spoonful. Milk 1 dessert spoonful. Mix. Dose. — Take the whole at once, and repeat every half-hour. A small quautity of crashed ice, slowly dissolved in the mouth, and swallowed, will do good, but water will be injurious. Fainting. 96. Lay the person down at once, with head on a level with the body, to favor the flow of blood to ; the brain. Loosen the clothing about the neck and chest, and sprinkle cold water over the face and apply smelling salts or hartshorn at intervals under the nostrils. Give the person plenty of air ; if in a house, open doors and windows. Do not let by- standers crowd around. Keep cool and self-pos- sessed. Follow these directions, and the patient will soon be all right. Sunstroke. 97. Lay the person down, with head slightly elevated. -Sprinkle cold water freely over the face. Apply SUNSTROKE — FITS. 16 0 DIETETIC PREPARATIONS. Arrowroot. Mix two tablespoonfuls of arrowroot in a little cold water to soften the lumps, and make a paste. Bring a pint of water to the boiling point, put in the arrowroot, stir and boil a few minutes. Sweeten to the taste and flavor with nutmeg. Sago. Take of— Sago 2 tablespoonfuls. Water 1 pint. Boil gently, frequently stirring until it thickens. Add a little salt, and sugar and nutmeg. Tapioca. Take of— Tapioca 2 tablespoonfuls. Water 1 pint. Boil gently for one hour. Add a little salt and sugar. Xew milk, wine or brandy may be added if desired. Corn Starch. Mix two tablespoonfuls of the starch in a little cold milk to a paste. Add this gradually to a pint of boiling milk, put in a little salt, stir briskly and boil for live minutes. Then flavor with essence of DTETETIC PREPARATIONS. 91 vanilla, cinnamon or lemon, and sweeten to suit the taste. Oatmeal Gruel. Take a tablespoonful of oatmeal and mix it with a little water to a paste. Then pour on gradually a pint of boiling water, and boil for fifteen minutes, stirring frequently. Add a little salt, sugar and nutmeg. Beef Tea. Take of— Lean Beef, cut into very small pieces. .1 lb. Water 1 quart. Cover and place near the tire for two hours. Then boil from 20 to 30 minutes, removing the scum as it rises, and add a little salt. Strain before Essence of Beef. . Take a pound or sufficient quantity of lean beef sliced very fine, and put into a porter bottle until filled. Cork the bottle loosely, and place it in a pot or pan of cold water, using sufficient water to reach to the neck of the bottle. Fasten the neck of the bottle to the handle of the vessel by means of a string. Boil the water around the bottle for about three hours Skim and add a little salt and pepper. 92 DIETETIC PREPARATIONS. Wine Whey. Prepare by boiling- a pint of milk, and while boiling, acid half a pint of sherry wine slowly, until completely mixed. Separate the curd by straining through muslin. Flavor with nutmeg, and sweeten to suit the taste. coc^Sex THE SICK ROOM. 93 THE SICK ROOM. Management of the Sick Room. In the selection and management of the sick room, location, temperature, sunlight, ventilation and quiet are prime considerations. The physician's orders should he implicitly obeyed, but it is neces- sary that those who have the care of the sick should have an intelligent perception of their needs, in order to efficiently carry out the directions of the attending physician. A room in an upper story of the house, on the sunny side, is to be preferred, if not exposed to noise. Every thing about the room should be bright and cheery, with as much sim- plicity as is consistent with comfort. Unless the patient is suffering with inflammation of the brain, eyes, a violent fever or some disease in which light is painful, as much sunlight should be admitted as will have an agreeable and grateful effect. Sun- light is one of the most grateful, reviving and potent agencies in rendering the patient cheerful and hopeful, thus facilitating a cure and hastening -convalescence. 8* 94 THE SICK ROOM. The air of the sick room should always be pure. The windows, if possible, should be so arranged as to admit of the continuous ingress of pure air, and the continuous egress of impure air. This fre- quently is impossible in consequence of the manner of their construction. When such is the case, the window the farthest removed from the bed should be raised as often as necessary to admit fresh air freely, care being taken to break the draught by curtains or blinds. With proper care the air of the room can be kept pure without exposing the patient to a draught. The room, when fire is needed, should be main- tained at the same temperature, as near as possible, all the time, say 65° F. For this purpose a thermom- eter should be kept in the room and consulted occa- sionally, but not so often as to be much noticed by the patient. The sick room should be kept quiet, but there should be no feeling of gloom, dreariness or loneli- ness about it. The nurse and attendants should be gentle and cheerful, and when moving around, should make as little noise as possible. The}' should accustom themselves to move noiselessly, but the effort to do so should be so natural, as not to attract the atteution of the patient. THE SICK ROOM. 95 If the patient is suffering with any acute disease, or is very feverish, very few visitors should be ad- mitted. If the call of a visitor is followed by any restlessness or sense of discomfort, or, if the patient experiences a restless night, evidently owing to too much company during the day, then all company should be forbidden, except a very few intimate friends, and these only by permission of the attend- ing physician. I know, from my own personal experience on a sick bed, and from observations at the bedside of others, that much conversation and company are exceedingly injurious to the sick. Friends should call and make inquiries, but should not enter the sick room if forbidden by the physi- cian. The patient should never be awakened from sleep, even to take medicine, except by the express orders of the doctor. If at any time during the day he feels sleepy, the room should be darkened, in order that he may secure that repose in sleep which nature so much demands. Those who sit up during the night in attendance upon the sick should be provided with suitable re- freshments, w r hich will enable them to bear the loss of sleep much better than they otherwise could. INDEX. 97 INDEX Page. Accidents 75 Acid, Tartaric 28 Ague 28 Air, pure 94 Aloes 50 Alum 25 Alum, gargle 25 Ammonium, Bromide 73 Ammonia, Carbonate 44 Ammonia, Elixir Valerianate 54 Ammonia, Spirits 47 Ammonia, Aromatic Spirits 35, 54 Apoplexy 86 Aqua Fortis, Poisoning 83 Arabic, Gum 42 Arnica 77 Arrowroot 90 Arsenic 82 Artery, wound of 80 Assafoetida 39 Asthma 43 Barley Water 89 Bath, hot 43 Bath, Mustard 22 Beef, Essence ... 91 Beef Tea 91 J)S INDEX. Page. Beeswax 69 Belladona, Extract of 50 Belladona Plaster . 48 Biliousness 29 Bismuth 41 , 52 Bleeding at the Nose 71 Bleeding from Wounds 79 Blue Mass 56 Boils ..> 59 Bones Broken. 79 Borax 42 Bowels, How to open speedily 27 Bronchitis 23 Bruises , 77 Buchu 57 'Bunions 68 Burns 75 Cabbage Leaves , 74 Calomel 29, 69 Camphor, Spirits . . , 77 Camphor Water 59 CarbolicAcid 64,83 Carbuncle 60 Castor Oil 26, 33 Catarrh 45 Catechu 31,66 ■ Chalk 83 Chalk Mixture 32 Chalk, Prepared 42 Chapped Face and Lips 64 Chapped Hands 64 •Charcoal 82 Chicken Pox , 42 'Chilblains 74 INDEX. 99' Page.. Chills, Fevers and Agues 28- Chloroform Linimeut 47 Cholera Morbus . . . , 35 Cinchonidia 28 Cloves, Oil of 50 Colchicum 47 Cold Water in Fevers . 87 Colds * 21 Cold Wet Cloths 43,79 Colic 26 Colic in Infants. . . 39 5 Colocynth, Compound Extract 50 Compound Cathartic Pills 29 Constipation 49^ Convulsions in Children ... 43 Copaiba 57 Copperas 74 Corns 67 Corn Starch 90 Cosmoline 65* Cough, How to relieve 22 Cramps 36 Cream of Tartar 58 Creasote 63 Croup .' 25 Cuts 69 Dandruff QQ Diarrhoea. 31 Diarrhoea, Prescription for Children 32 Dietetic Preparations 89 Dislocations 79' Dover's Powder 22 Drowning 78; Dysentery 33: 100 INDEX. Page. Dyspepsia..... 50 Earache 60 Ear, Wax in ... 61 Eggs, Whites of. 75, 82 Epsom Salts 43 Ergot 70 Eruptions 65 Eye 61 Eye, Mortar in 62 Eye Water 62 Fainting 72 Fever .... 87 Fits 37 Flaxseed Poultice 59 Flaxseed Tea ■ . . 22 Flaxseed Tea, how to make 19 Fractures 79 Frostbite 74 Gargle, Salt 24 Gargle, Chlorate of Potassa 24 Gargle, Alum, Honey and Sage Tea 24 Gentian 51 Ginger 27 Glycerine 64 Gravel 57 Guiacum 47 Hartshorn 56 Hartshorn, Inhalation of 57 Hartshorn, Spirits 47,77 Hartshorn Liniment 25, 47 Headache 54 Headache, Sick 55 INDEX. 101 Page- Hoffman's Anodyne 56 Honey 24 Indigestion 28 Inflammation , 75, 79 Inflammatory Swellings 76 Inhalation 45, 57 Injections 27,49 Iodine, Tincture of 66 Ipecac, powdered 25 Ipecac, Syrup 22, 87 Iron, Hydrated Peroxide 83 Iron, Persulphate 59 Iron, Proto Carbonate 58 Iron, Tincture of 30, 53 Itch 64 Lard 58, 64 Laudanum 31,35,85 Lead, Sugar of. 76 Light 93 Lime water 52, 72, 75 Lime water, how to make 19 Linseed Oil 75i Lobelia 44 Lumbago 4? Lunar Caustic 6? Lye, Ctf net ntrated S3; Magnesia 835 Measles. 3$ Medicines, list of. IT Medicines, Doses for children . * 18 Mercury.. , 83 Milk fc «. 72 9 102 INDEX. Page Morphia 46 Mumps -)7 Mustard Bath 22 Mustard Dose. 81 Mustard Plaster 35 Myrrh 02 Nervousness 54 Neuralgia 52 Nipples, Sore 66 Nitre, Sweet Spirits of 37 Nose, bleeding at 71 Oak Bark Solution 74 Oatmeal Gruel 91 Opium 32, 58 Pain 85 Palpitation 54 Paregoric 22 Peppermint 27, 40 Piles 58 Pink Root 41 Plaster, Adhesive 67 Plaster, Belladona 48 Plaster, Strengthening 48 Pleurisy 86 Pneumonia 86 Poisons 81 Potassa, Chlorate 24 Potassa, Bicarb , 55 Potassium, Bromide 38,55- Potassium, Iodide 46, 59 Pota>sium, Sulphuret (y() Poultice, Flaxseed 59 TXDEX. 103 Page. Poultice, Meal 59 '■Quinine 28 ."Rheumatism 46 Rhubarb, Powdered 29, 50 Rhubarb Root 59 Rhubarb, Tincture 51 Rice Water 89 "Ringworm 66 Rose Water 64 Rosin, English 70 Sage Tea 24 -Sago 90 Sarsaparilla 60 Salt, hot 39 Salt, Table 24,81 Salt Rheum 65 .Saltpetre 45 Seldlitz Powder 56 Sick Room, Management 93 "Sick Room, Location 93 v Sick Room, Quiet 94 Sick Room, Temperature 94 Sick Room, Ventilation 94 Silver, Nitrate 83 Skin Eruptions 65 'Sleep 95 Soda, Bicarbonate 28 Sore Heads 68 Sore Mouth 42 Sore Throat 24 Spasms 43 Spitting of Blood 70 104 INDEX. I 'age. Sprains 77 Squills, Syrup 22 Stings, Bees, Wasps, &c 76 Stramonium 44 Sulphur 58, 64 Sunlight 93 Sunstroke 72 Sweet Oil 47 Syrup, Simple 19 Syrup Ipecac 22 Syrup Squills 22 Tannin 58 Tapioca 90 Teething 34,43 Tetter 65 Toe-nail, Ingrowing 59 Toothache 62 Thrush 42 Turpentine 77 Vertigo 53 Vomiting 71 Whooping Cough 38 Wine Whey 92 Worms 41 Wormseed Oil 41 Wounds 79 Wst WmMmim *;- te^P