Part 21

It is _used internally_, to produce watery evacuations in dropsy, to remove intestinal worms, and correct the slimy motions of children.

_Dose_, of the _powder_, from five to sixteen grains, given in liquorice water, treacle, or honey; of the _confection_, from twenty to thirty grains.

_Caution._--Do not give it in an irritable or inflamed state of the bowels.

746. Epsom Salts

Epsom Salts is a purgative and diuretic. This medicine generally operates quickly, and therefore is extremely useful in acute diseases. It is found to be beneficial in dyspepsia when combined with infusion of gentian and a little ginger. It forms an excellent enema with olive oil.

_Dose_, from a half to two ounces, dissolved in warm tea or water. Infusion of roses partially covers its taste and assists its action.

_Note_, that with regard to Epsom salts, the _larger in reason_ is the amount of water in which they are taken, the _smaller_ the dose of salts required: thus, half an ounce properly dissolved may be made a strong dose. The action and efficacy of Epsom salts may be greatly increased by adding one grain of tartar emetic to a dose of salts.

747. Glauber's Salt

Glauber's Salt is a very good purgative.

_Dose_, from a half to two ounces, dissolved in warm water.

748. Sulphate of Potash

Sulphate of Potash is a cathartic and deobstruent. It is _used internally_, combined with aloes or rhubarb, in obstructions of the bowels, and is an excellent saline purgative in dyspepsia and jaundice.

_Dose_, from ten grains to one drachm.

749. Venice Turpentine

Venice Turpentine is cathartic, diuretic, stimulant, and anthelmintic.

It is _used externally_ as a rubefacient, and is given _internally_ in flatulent colic, in tapeworm, rheumatism, and other diseases.

_Dose_, as a _diuretic_, from ten grains to one drachm; as a _cathartic_, from ten to twelve drachms; as an _anthelmintic_, from one to two ounces every eight hours, till the worm be ejected.

750. Diuretics.

Diuretics are medicines which promote an increased secretion of urine. They consist of nitre, acetate of potassa, squills, juniper, oil of turpentine, and others, vegetable and mineral.

751. Nitre

Nitre is a diuretic and refrigerant.

It is _used externally_ as a detergent when dissolved in water, and as a lotion to inflamed and painful rheumatic joints.

It is given _internally_ in doses of from ten grains to half a drachm, or even one drachm; in spitting blood it is given in one drachm doses with great benefit. It is beneficial in sore throat, a few grains being allowed to dissolve in the mouth.

752. Acetate of Potassa

Acetate of Potassa is diuretic and cathartic.

It is given _internally_ as a diuretic, in combination with infusion of quassia; in dropsy, in doses of from one scruple to one drachm, every three or four hours.

_Dose_, as a _cathartic_, from two to three drachms.

753. Squills

Squills is diuretic and expectorant when given in small doses; and emetic and purgative when given in large doses.

It is _used internally_ in dropsy, in combination with calomel and opium; in asthma, with ammoniacum; in catarrh, in the form of oxymel.

_Dose_, of the _dried bulb powdered_, from one to two grains every six hours; of the _compound pill_, from ten to fifteen grains; of the _tincture_, from ten minims to half a drachm; of the _oxymel_, from a half to two drachms; of the _vinegar_, from twenty minims to two drachms.

[TO-MORROW, LEAVES HIS TITLE FOR A GRAVE.]

754. Juniper

Juniper is diuretic and stomachic.

It is given _internally_ in dropsy.

_Dose_, of the _infusion_, from two to three ounces every four hours, of the _oil_, from one to five minims.

755. Oil of Turpentine

Oil of Turpentine is a diuretic, anthelmintic, and rubefacient.

It is _used externally_ in flatulent colic, sprinkled over flannels dipped in hot water and wrung out dry.

It is _used internally_ in the same diseases as Venice turpentine.

_Dose_, from five minims to two drachms.

756. Diaphoretics.

Diaphoretics are medicines given to increase the secretion from the skin by sweating. They comprise acetate of ammonia, calomel, antimony, opium, camphor, sarsaparilla.

757. Solution of Acetate of Ammonia

Solution of Acetate of Ammonia is a most useful diaphoretic.

It is _used externally_ as a discutient, as a lotion to inflamed milk-breasts, as an eye-wash, and a lotion in scald head.

It is given _internally_ to promote perspiration in febrile diseases, which it does most effectually, especially when combined with camphor mixture. This is the article so frequently met with in prescriptions, and called spirits of mindercrus.

_Dose_, from a half to one and a half ounces every three or four hours.

758. Antimony.--_Tartar emetic_

_Tartar emetic_ is diaphoretic, emetic, expectorant, alterative, and rubefacient.

It is _used externally_ as an irritant in white swellings and deep-seated inflammations, in the form of an ointment.

It is given _internally_ in pleurisy, bilious fevers, and many other diseases, but its exhibition requires the skill of a medical man, to watch its effects.

_Dose_, from one-sixth of a grain to four grains.

_Caution_.--It is a _poison_, and therefore requires great care in its administration.

759. Antimonial Powder

Antimonial Powder is a diaphoretic, emetic, and alterative.

It is given _internally_, in febrile diseases, to produce determination to the skin, and is useful in rheumatism, when combined with opium or calomel.

_Dose_, from three to ten grains every four hours, taking plenty of warm fluids between each dose.

760. Sarsiparilla

Sarsiparilla is diaphoretic, alterative, diuretic, and tonic.

It is given _internally_ in cutaneous diseases, old-standing rheumatism, scrofula, and debility.

_Dose_, of the _decoction_, from four to eight ounces; of the _compound decoction_, from four to eight ounces; of the _extract_, from five grains to one drachm.

761. Expectorants.

Expectorants are medicines given to promote the secretion from the windpipe, &c. They consist of antimony, ipecacuanha, squills, ammoniacum, and tolu.

762. Ammoniacum

Ammoniacum is an expectorant, antispasmodic, diuretic, and deobstruent.

It is _used externally_ as a discutient, and is given _internally_, with great benefit in asthma, hysteria, and chronic catarrh.

_Dose_, from ten to twenty grains.

763. Tolu

Tolu is an excellent expectorant, when there are no inflammatory symptoms.

It is given _internally_ in asthma and chronic catarrh.

_Dose_, of the _balsam_, from five to thirty grains, combined with mucilage and suspended in water; of the _tincture_, from a half to one drachm; of the _syrup_, from a half to four drachms.

764. Sialogogues.

These are given to increase the flow of saliva or spittle. They consist of ginger and calomel, pellitory of Spain, tobacco, the acids, and some others.

765. Ginger

Ginger ia a sialogogue, carminative, and stimulant.

It is _used internally_ in flatulent colic, dyspepsia, and to prevent the griping of medicines. When chewed, it acts as a sialogogue, and is therefore useful in relaxed uvula.

_Dose_, from ten to twenty grains of the _powder_; of the _tincture_, from ten minims to one drachm.

[TO-DAY, HIS BEAUTEOUS VISAGE WE EXTOL.]

766. Epispastics and Rubefacients.

These are remedies which are applied to blister and cause redness of the surface. They consist of cantharides, ammonia, Burgundy pitch, and mustard.

767. Cantharides, or Spanish flies

Cantharides, or Spanish flies, when used internally, are diuretic and stimulant; and epispastic and rubefacient when applied externally.

_Mode of application._--A portion of the blistering plaster is spread with the thumb upon brown paper, linen, or leather, to the size required; its surface then _slightly_ moistened with olive oil and sprinkled with camphor, and the plaster applied by a _light_ bandage: or it is spread on adhesive plaster, and attached to the skin by the adhesive margin of the plaster.

_Caution._--If a blister is to be applied to the head, shave it at least ten hours before it is put on; it is better to place a thin piece of gauze, wetted with vinegar, between the skin and the blister. If a distressing feeling be experienced about the bladder, give warm and copious draughts of linseed tea, milk, or decoction of quince seeds, and apply warm fomentations of milk and water to the blistered surface. The _period required_ for a _blister_ to remain on varies from eight to ten hours for adults, and from twenty minutes to two hours for children: as soon as it is removed, if the blister is not raised, apply a "spongio-piline" poultice, and it will then rise properly. When it is required to act as a rubefacient, the blister should remain on from one to three hours for adults, and from fifteen to forty minutes for children.

_To dress a blister._--Cut the bag of cuticle containing the scrum at the lowest part, by snipping it with the scissors, so as to form an opening like this--V; and then apply a piece of calico, spread with spermaceti or some other dressing. Such is the ordinary method; but a much better and more expeditious plan, and one that prevents all pain and inconvenience in the healing, is, after cutting the blister as directed above, to immediately cover it with a warm bread and water poultice for about an hour and a half, and on the removal of the poultice to dust the raw surface with violet powder; apply a handkerchief to retain the powder, and lastly dust the part every two hours. It will be healed in twelve hours.

_Caution._--Never attempt to take cantharides internally, except under the advice of a medical man, as it is a poison, and requires extreme caution in its use.

768. Burgundy Pitch

Burgundy Pitch is warmed and spread upon linen or leather, and applied over the chest in cases of catarrh, difficult breathing, and hooping cough; over the loins in debility or lumbago; and over any part that it is desirable to excite a mild degree of inflammation in.

769. Chemical Remedies.

These comprise refrigerants, antacids, antalkalies, and escharotics.

770. Refrigerants.

These are medicines given for the purpose of suppressing an unnatural heat of the body. They are Seville oranges, lemons, tamarinds, nitre, and cream of tartar.

771. Seville Oranges

Seville Oranges and sweet oranges are formed into a refrigerant beverage, which is extremely grateful in febrile diseases.

The _rind_ is an agreeable mild tonic, carminative, and stomachic.

_Dose_, of the _tincture_, from one to four drachms; of the _infusion_, from one to two ounces.

[TO-MORROW, LOATHSOME IN THE SIGHT OF ALL.]

772. Lemons

Lemons are used to form a refrigerant beverage, which is given to quench thirst in febrile and inflammatory diseases,

Lemon _juice_ given with carbonate of potash (half an ounce of the juice to twenty grains of the salt), and taken while effervescing, allays vomiting; a tablespoonful, taken occasionally, allays hysterical palpitations of the heart, it is useful in scurvy caused by eating too much salt food, but requires to be taken with sugar.

The _rind_ forms a nice mild tonic and stomachic in certain forms of dyspepsia.

_Dose_ of the _infusion_ (made the same as orange peel), from one to two ounces.

773. Antacids.

These are given to correct acidity in the system. They are soda, ammonia, chalk, and magnesia.

774. Soda, Carbonate of, and Sesquicarbonate of Soda

Soda, Carbonate of, and Sesquicarbonate of Soda, are antacids and deobstruents.

They are _used internally_ in acidity of the stomach and dyspepsia.

_Dose_ of both preparations, from 10 grains to half a drachm.

775. Antalkalies.

These are given to neutralize an alkaline state of the system. They are citric acid, lemon juice, and tartaric acid.

776. Citric Acid

Citric Acid is used to check profuse sweating, and as a substitute for lemon juice when it cannot be procured.

_Dose_, from ten to thirty grains.

777. Tartaric Acid

Tartaric Acid, when largely diluted, forms an excellent refrigerant beverage and antalkali. It enters into the composition of extemporaneous soda and Seidlitz waters.

_Dose_, from ten to thirty grains.

778. Escharotics.

These are remedies used to destroy the vitality of a part. They comprise lunar caustic, bluestone, and solution of chloride of zinc.

779. Bluestone, or Sulphate of Copper

Bluestone, or Sulphate of Copper, is used in a solution of from four to fifteen grains to the ounce of water, and applied to foul and indolent ulcers, by means of rag dipped in it. It is rubbed in substance on fungous growths, warts, &c., to destroy them.

_Caution_.--It is a poison.

780. Lunar Caustic; or Nitrate of Silver

Lunar Caustic; or Nitrate of Silver, is an excellent remedy in erysipelas when applied in solution (one drachm of the salt to one ounce of water), which should be brushed all over the inflamed part, and for an inch beyond it. This blackens the skin, but it soon peels off. To destroy warts, proud flesh, and unhealthy edges of ulcers, &c., it is invaluable; and as an application to bed sores, pencilled over with a solution of the same strength, and in the same manner as for erysipelas.

_Caution_.--It is a poison.

781. Solution of Chloride of Zinc,

Solution of Chloride of Zinc, more commonly known as Sir William Burnett's "Disinfecting Fluid," is a valuable escharotic in destroying the parts of poisoned wounds, such as the bite of a mad dog. It is also very useful in restoring the hair after the scalp has been attacked with ringworm; but its use requires extreme caution, as it is a powerful escharotic. In itch, diluted (one part to thirty-two) with water, it appears to answer very well.

_Caution_.--It is a most powerful poison.

782. Mechanical Remedies.

These comprise anthelmintics, demulcents, diluents, and emollients.

783. Anthelmintics.

These are medicines given for the purpose of expelling or destroying worms. They are cowhage, scammony, male fern root, calomel, gamboge, tin, and turpentine.

784. Cowhage

Cowhage is used to expel the round worm, which it does by wounding it with the fine prickles.

_Dose_ of the confection, for a child three or four years old, a teaspoonful early, for three mornings, followed by a dose of castor oil. (_See par_ 491.)

The mechanical anthelmintics are strictly confined to those agents which kill the worm in the body by piercing its cuticle with the sharp darts or spiculae of the cowhage hairs, or the fine metallic points of powdered tin (_pulvis stanni_). When these drops are employed, they should be given in honey or treacle for ten or fifteen days, and an aperient powder every fourth morning, to expel the killed worms.

[TO-DAY, HE HAS DELUSIVE DREAMS OF HEAVEN.]

785. Male Fern Root

Male Fern Root is a powerful anthelmintic, and an astringent. It is used to kill tapeworm.

_Dose_, three drachms of the powdered root mixed in a teacupful of water, to be taken in the morning while in bed, and followed by a brisk purgative two hours afterwards; or from a tablespoonful to a wineglassful, according to age, to be taken early in the morning. (_See par 569_).

786. Gamboge

Gamboge is a powerful drastic and anthelmintic.

It is _used internally_ in dropsy, and for the expulsion of tapeworm; but its use requires caution, as it is an irritant poison.

_Dose_, from two to six grains, in the form of pills, combined with colocynth, soap, rhubarb, or bread-crumbs.

787. Demulcents.

These are used to diminish irritation, and soften parts by protecting them with a viscid matter. They are tragacanth, linseed, marsh-mallow, mallow, liquorice, arrowroot, isinglass, suet, wax, and almonds.

788. Tragacanth

Tragacanth is used to allay tickling cough, and lubricate abraded parts. It is usually given in the form of mucilage.

_Dose_, from ten grains to one drachm, or more.

789. Linseed

Linseed is emollient and demulcent.

It is _used externally_, in the form of powder or "meal," as a poultice; and the oil, combined with lime water, is applied to burns and scalds.

It is used _internally_ as an infusion in diarrhoea, dysentery, and irritation of the intestines after certain poisons, and in catarrh. The best form of linseed meal is that which is obtained from seed from which the oil has not been extracted.

_Dose_, of the _infusion_, as much as the patient pleases.

790. Marsh-Mallow

Marsh-Mallow is _used internally_ in the same diseases as linseed.

The leaves are _used externally_ as a fomentation, and the boiled roots are bruised and applied as an emollient poultice.

_Dose_, the same as for linseed.

791. Mallow

Mallow is _used externally_ as a fomentation and poultice in inflammation, and the infusion is _used internally_ in dysentery, diseases of the kidneys, and the same diseases as marsh-mallow and linseed. It is also used as an enema.

_Dose_, same as for linseed and marsh-mallow.

792. Liquorice

Liquorice is an agreeable demulcent, and is given in the form of decoction in catarrh, and some forms of dyspepsia, and the extract is used in catarrh.

_Dose_, of the _extract_, from ten grains to one drachm; of the _decoction_, from two to four ounces.

793. Arrowroot etc.

Arrowroot, islinglass, almonds, suet, and wax, are too well known to require descriptions. (_See par 487_, for "Almond Confection" for preparations.)

794. Diluents.

These are chiefly watery compounds, such as weak tea, water, thin broth, gruel, weak infusions of balm, hore-hound, pennyroyal, ground ivy, mint, and sage.

795. Emollients.

These consist of unctuous remedies, such as cerates and ointments, and any materials that combine heat with moisture,--poultices of bread, bran, linseed meal, carrots, and turnips. (_See par 809_.)

796. Domestic Surgery.

This will comprise such hints and advice as will enable any one to act on an emergency, or in ordinary trivial accidents requiring simple treatment: and also to distinguish between serious and simple accidents, and the best means to adopt in all cases that are likely to fall under a person's notice.

These hints will be of the utmost value to heads of families, to emigrants, and to persons who are frequently called upon to attend the sick. We strongly recommend the Parent, Emigrant, and Nurse, _to read over these directions occasionally_,--to regard it as a duty to do so at least three or four times a year, so as to be prepared for emergencies whenever they may arise. When accidents occur, people are too excited to acquire immediately a knowledge of what they should do; and many lives have been lost for want of this knowledge.

Study, therefore, at moderate intervals, the _Domestic Surgery_, _Treatment of Poisons_, _Rules for the Prevention of Accidents_, _How to Escape from Fires_, _the Domestic Pharmacopoeia_, _&c._, which will he found in various pages of _Enquire Within_.

And let it be impressed upon your mind that THE INDEX will enable you to refer to _anything_ you may require IN A MOMENT. Don't trouble to hunt through the pages; but when you wish to ENQUIRE WITHIN, remember that the INDEX is the knocker, by which the door of knowledge may be opened.

[TO-MORROW, CRIES TOO LATE TO BE FORGIVEN.]

797. Dressings.

These are substances usually applied to parts for the purpose of soothing, promoting their reunion when divided, protecting them from external injuries, absorbing discharges, protecting the surrounding parts, insuring cleanliness, and as a means of applying various medicines.

798. Certain Instruments

Certain Instruments are required for the application of dressings in domestic surgery, viz.--scissors, a pair of tweezers or simple forceps, a knife, needles and thread, a razor, a lancet, a piece of lunar caustic in a quill, and a sponge.

799. Materials for dressings.

These consist of lint, scraped linen, carded cotton, tow, ointment spread on calico, adhesive plaster, compresses, pads, bandages, poultices, old rags of linen or calico, and water.

800. Rules.

The following rules should be attended to in applying dressings:

i. Always prepare the new dressing before removing the old one.

ii. Always have hot and cold water at hand, and a vessel to place the foul dressings in.

iii. Have one or more persons at hand ready to assist, and, to prevent confusion, tell each person what they are to do before you commence; thus, one is to wash out and hand the sponges, another to heat the adhesive plaster, or hand the bandages and dressings, and, if requisite, a third to support the limb, &c.

iv. Always stand on the outside of a limb to dress it.

v. Place the patient in as easy a position as possible, so as not to fatigue him.

vi. Arrange the bed _after_ changing the dressings; but in some cases you will have to do so before the patient is placed on it.

vii. Never be in a hurry when applying dressings, do it quietly.

viii. When a patient requires moving from one bed to another, the best way is for one person to stand on each _side_ of the patient, and each to place an arm behind his back, while he passes his arms over their necks, then let their other arms be passed under his thighs, and by holding each other's hands, the patient can be raised with ease, and removed to another bed. If the leg is injured, a third person should steady it; and if the arm, the same precaution should be adopted. Sometimes a stout sheet is passed under the patient, and by several people holding the sides, thy patient is lifted without any fatigue or much disturbance.

801. Lint, how made.

Lint, how made. This may be quickly made by nailing a piece of old linen on a board, and scraping its surface with a knife. It is used either alone or spread with ointment. Scraped lint is the fine filaments from ordinary lint, and is used to stimulate ulcers and absorb discharges; it is what the French call _charpie_.

802. Uses of Scraped Lint.

This is made into various shapes for particular purposes. When it is screwed up into a conical or wedge-like shape, it is called a _tent_, and is used to dilate fistulous openings, so as to allow the matter to escape freely; and to plug wounds, so as to promote the formation of a clot of blood, and thus arrest bleeding. When rolled into little balls, called _boulettes_, it is used for absorbing matter in cavities, or blood in wounds. Another useful form is made by rolling a mass of scraped lint into a long roll, and then tying it in the middle with a piece of thread; the middle is then doubled and pushed into a deep-seated wound, so as to press upon the bleeding vessel, while the ends remain loose and assist in forming a clot; or it is used in deep-seated ulcers to absorb the matter and keep the edges apart. This form is called the _bourdonnet_. Another form is called the _pelote_, which is merely a ball of scraped lint tied up in a piece of linen rag, commonly called a dabber. This is used in the treatment of protrusion of the navel in children.

803. Carded Cotton

Carded Cotton is used as a dressing for superficial burns, and care should be taken to free it from specks, as flies are apt to lay their eggs there, and generate maggots.

804. Tow

Tow is chiefly employed as a padding for splints, as a compress, and also as an outer dressing where there is much discharge from a surface.

805. Ointments

Ointments are spread on calicoes, lint, or even thin layers of tow, by means of a knife; they should not be spread too thick. Sometimes ointment is applied to discharging surfaces on a piece of linen, folded over on itself several times, and then cut at the corners with scissors, in order to make small holes in it. The matter discharged passes out freely through these holes, and is received in a layer of tow spread over the linen.

806. Adhesive Plaster

Adhesive Plaster is cut into strips, ranging in width, according to the nature of the wound, &c., but the usual width is about three-quarters of an inch. Isinglass plaster is not so irritating as diachylon, and is more easily removed.

807. Compresses