A GUIDE
FOR
EMERGENCIES
CONTAINING THE
HOMEOPATHIC TREATMENT
OF SUCH DISEASES AS REQUIRE IMMEDIATE ATTENTION, AND OF
SUCH AS MAY BE TREATED WITHOUT THE ASSISTANCE OF A
PHYSICIAN; AND ALSO CONTAINING THE TREATMENT
OF CASES OF POISONING, AND OF EVERY COM-
MON VARIETY OF ACCIDENTS.
FOR THE USE OF FAMILIES.
THIRD EDITION,
BY
HENRY B. MILLARD, M.D., A.M.,
66
LATE PROFESSOR OF THE PRACTICE OF MEDICINE IN THE NEW YORK
MEDICAL COLLEGE AND HOSPITAL FOR WOMEN, ETC.; AUTHOR OF THE
CLIMATE AND STATISTICS OF CONSUMPTION; TRANSLATOR
(6
19
""
AND EDITOR OF REIL ON ACONITE.
NEW-YORK:
PUBLISHED BY CHARLES T. HURLBURT,
No. 898 BROADWAY.
1871.
Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1871, by
CHARLES T. HURLBURT
In the office of the Librarian of Congress at Washington, D. C
LIST OF REMEDIES PRESCRIBED.
REMEDIES.
Aconite
Aloes
•
•
•
·
Arsenicum alb.
Belladonna
Bryonia alb.
Chamomilla
Colchicum
Colocynth
Dulcamara
Euphrasia.
Gelseminum.
Hamamelis virg.
Hepar sulphuris.
Hyoscyamus
•
Ignatia.
Ipecacuanha
Jalapa.
• •
Kali bichromate
Kali hydriod...
•
Mercurius corrosivus
Mercurius dulcis
Mercurius protiodide.
Mercurius solubilis.
Nux vomica.
Opium..
•
Phosphorus
Podophyllum.
Pulsatilla.
Rheum.
Rhus. tox
Sambucus
•
·
Spongia tost.
Stibium
Sulphur.
Veratrum alb.
Veratrum viride.
ABBREVIATIONS.
Ac.
L
AI.
Ars.
Bell.
Bry.
Cham.
Colch.
Col.
Dulc.
Euph.
Gel.
Ham.
Hepar.
Hyos.
.Ig.
Ipecac.
.Jal.
.
Kali bich.
Kali h.
Merc. c.
. Merc, dul
Merc. prot.
Merc. sol.
Nux.
Op.
Phos.
Pod.
Puls.
Rheum.
Rhus.
Samb.
Spong.
Stib.
Sulph.
Verat. alb.
•
Verat. vir.
Tincture used for External Application: Arnica Mont.
PREFACE.
It has been for a long time the design of the wri-
ter, a design seconded by many under his care who
were desirous of having such a book in their houses,
to prepare a manual of directions, which, with an
accompanying case of medicines, might be used in
such cases of emergency as are most liable to occur,
and in which it is important that some means of re-
lief should be resorted to at once; but until the
present time he has been unable to prepare it, though
daily more and more convinced of the need of such
a work.
Some time may frequently elapse, and this, partic-
ularly in the country, before the services of a physi-
cian can be obtained, and in the interval, properly
directed remedies may be the means not only of alle-
viating much distress, but often of preserving life.
It is to meet the class of cases above referred to,
that this manual has been prepared. The writer has
not desired to present a manual of the treatment of
diseases generally, partly because the perusal of a
single book is not sufficient to render families com-
IV
PREFACE.
petent to treat all diseases, and partly because ther
is at present no lack of works on domestic practice
He has, however, given directions for the manage-
ment of a few diseases, such as may not be consid
ered of sufficient gravity to demand the assistance
of a physician, or such as may occur and require
treatment, when there may be no physician accessi-
ble, as during absence from the city in the summer.
in travelling, &c. Among these are included dysen-
tery, diarrhoea, colds, headaches, sore throats, con-
stipation, colic, &c. Directions are given also for the
treatment of sea-sickness, and a short account of the
nature and treatment of diphtheria is also given, as
its prevalence for the last four or five years makes
every one desirous of knowing how the disease may
be recognized when it makes its appearance.
The work is divided into four parts: Part I. re-
lating to diseases proper; Part II. to the treatment
of cases of poisoning; Part III. to almost every
variety of accident, and Part IV. to a resumé of
the effects and indications for the use of the various
remedies recommended in the work.
The writer has studied carefully throughout the
work, to avoid overloading it with unnecessary
symptoms, descriptions, and remedies which would
require a great deal of time to understand, at a mo-
ment when every instant might be precious, but to
describe the disease and proper treatment in such a
manner, and so concisely, that the disease, the rem
PREFACE.
V
edy, and the dose may be recognised as easily as
possible, and has given as few remedies as possible,
in short, that the directions may be of practical
use, and fulfil the objects for which they are in-
tended.
So,
Under the head of "Poisoning," he has included
only those cases liable to occur from the most com-
mon poisons, such as are most frequently kept in
households, and are most liable to be given by
mistake or in overdoses.
Both the diseases and accidents are arranged
throughout the book in alphabetical order.
This work also differs from all others, in the fact
that the directions throughout the book are exclu-
sively for the employment of the strongest prepara-
tions of Homœopathic medicines in general use;
the pellets which are prescribed in other works not
being referred to.
For the benefit of those who possess the book,
without the case of medicines, it may be stated that
the directions are, when liquids are prescribed, for
the strong tinctures, and when powders are given,
the first trituration, except Mercurius Corrosivus,
of which the second trituration should be given.
H. B. MILLARD.
7 EAST 27TH STREET,
NEW-YORK. MAY 1ST, 1863
}
PREFACE TO THE THIRD EDITION.
In presenting to the public the Third edition of
this work, I beg to remind the critical reader, that
the preparation of a medical work, as small even
as this, for the use of others than physicians, is by
no means an easy task. The difficulty consists in
being obliged to write upon the nature, distinction,
and treatment of serious diseases, in a manner per-
fectly comprehensible to readers presumedly igno-
rant of medical terms and of everything pertain-
ing to medicine. To write for physicians is much
easier, inasmuch as the writer's ideas and descrip-
tions, whether good or bad, are comprehended with
facility.
And beside, in order to avoid that great evil-a
great book-and to save the reader the labor of
studying a dozen pages to ascertain the proper
remedy, I am obliged to make difficult things plain
in a few lines.
I have endeavored to prepare a book for use, not
to impress readers by a display of learned terms;
and the extensive sale the work has had, induces
PREFACE TO THIRD EDITION.
VII
me to hope that I have to some extent succeeded
in my purpose.
Important additions have been made in the pres-
ent edition, by inserting an Index of Remedies
useful in various complaints, rules for the use of
several remedies not mentioned in the former
editions, and adding chapters on Fevers, Scarlat-
ina, and Measles.
H. B. M.
47 EAST 25TH STREET,
NEW-YORK, JANUARY 1, 1871.
}
INTRODUCTION.
General Directions and Explanations, Selections of
Remedies, Doses, &c.
1.—In the occurrence of any of the diseases or
accidents mentioned in this work, send for medical
assistance, unless it be in diseases not attended
with immediate danger, as headaches, colds, &c.,
or unless medical assistance is not within reach.
Do this, no matter how confident of yourselves; in
the meantime, employ the various measures for
relief that are directed. The aid of a physician is
always desirable, as you might possibly mistake
the character of the disease; and there are also, in
certain cases, some important remedies and meas-
ures which can be employed only by a physician,
and which consequently have not been alluded to
in this work.
The Selection of Remedies.
2.-Do not think, that because a certain remedy
is not recommended for every symptom presented
INTRODUCTION.
IX
by the patient's case, or because the case does not
present every symptom given under the remedy,
that that remedy is not to be employed. The rule
generally is, to select that remedy which seems to
be suited to the greatest number of the symptoms
of the case, or the most important ones, or which
is suited to certain causes or conditions.
3.—Sometimes no single remedy will be found to
cover all the principal conditions and symptoms of
the case, but there may be two remedies which will
be suited to all the symptoms. For instance, in
the treatment of certain cases of dysentery (see
Dysentery), Mercurius Solubilis and Colocynth;
in the treatment of headaches, Nux and Belladona;
in the treatment of diarrhoea, Arsenic and Veratrum,
or Ipecacuanha and Veratrum may both be given in
alternation.
4.--Where there is a decidedly feverish con-
dition, Aconite may generally be employed with
advantage, whether as one of the regular remedies,
or whether given from time to time in conjunction
with the other remedies.
Doses and Preparation of the Medicines.
5. The doses of all the medicines for an adult
are as follows (unless where different directions are
given under the head of treatment): Each of the
X
INTRODUCTION.
tinctures or liquids is to be prepared by mixing
five drops with half a tumbler of water. The dose
of this is a tea-spoonful.
The tumblers should be perfectly clean, should
be kept covered, and a separate tea-spoon used for
each tumbler.
The dose of any powder is about five grains
(except when a different quantity is directed). It
is not necessary that the exact weight should be
given; this could not be done without weighing
it; it will be sufficiently accurate to give as near
the quantity mentioned as possible.
Or, the dose of any of the powders for an adult
may be set down at about as much as will lie
heaped up on an old-fashioned silver three-cent
piece; that quantity weighing five or six grains.
To a child from two to four years old, doses about
one-half the size of those directed for adults may be
given; that is, two and a half grains of a powder;
and two drops of a tincture may be mixed with
half a tumbler of water, of which a tea-spoonful is
to be given. To a child from four to fifteen years
old, about three-quarters of an adult dose may be
given. The powders, unless directions to the con-
trary are given, are always to be given dry on the
tongue.
DOSES FOR INFANTS.-For an infant between one
INTRODUCTION.
XI
and two years, two drops; and for an infant from
six months to one year old, one drop may be mixed
with half a tumbler of water; and for an infant un-
der six months, a drop with three quarters of a tum-
bler, of which the dose is a tea-spoonful. The pow-
ders are not to be given dry, as to adults. Five or
six grains are to be dissolved in a third of a tumbler
of water, of which the dose is a tea-spoonful to a
child between one and two years old, and half a tea-
spoonful to a child less than a year old. The medi-
cines should, in all cases, be thoroughly mixed.
7.-DOSES OF CASTOR OIL.-The dose of Castor Oil
for a person over fifteen years of age is two table-
spoonfuls; for a child from five to fifteen years old
a tablespoonful, though often a larger dose than this
will be necessary to act upon the bowels; for a child
under two years old, one teaspoonful, though often
a second teaspoonful will have to be given.
EMETICS.-Doses of Sulphate of zinc as an
emetic. Recourse to this remedy may be necessary
in cases of poisoning, and in certain other condi-
tions to be hereafter referred to.
The average dose of Sulphate of Zinc for an adult
is fifteen grains. If, however, a poison have been
taken, such as opium or laudanum, twenty grains
should be given, followed by ten more if vomiting
do not take place in seven or eight minutes: to a
XII
INTRODUCTION.
child from ten to fifteen years old, ten to fifteen
grains; to a child five to ten years old, six o ten
grains; to a child two to five years old, four to eight
grains; to a child from one to two years old, four
grains; to a child under one year, two to three grains.
Sulphate of zinc should be given dissolved in a little
water.
A number of powders of Sulphate of Zinc, of dif-
ferent sizes, accompany the cases of medicines.
9.-FREQUENCY OF DOSES.-No exact rule can be
given for this. Where two remedies are given in
alternation, it will be necessary to give them more
frequently than if only one were given. Where the
symptoms are very severe, as in dysentery or diar-
rhoea, a dose might be given as often as every half
hour; or as often in headache, if the pain be very
severe. As a general thing, the remedies should be
given from every half hour to every two hours. Di-
rections as to the frequency of the doses, have how-
ever generally been given under each article.
Finally, rules have been given for the treatment
of diseases only during the attacks; the treatment
during the interval has been left for the physician.
As the case accompanying this work contains a
number of medicines which are poisonous, except
when given in medicinal doses, they should be taken
always as nearly as possible in the prescribed doses,
INTRODUCTION.
XIII
and should be carefully kept out of the reach of chil-
dren.
When however you are obliged to treat a case
without the assistance of a physician, and you have
commenced the use of certain remedies, do not, be-
cause the disease does not get better at once, change
the medicines for fear you are not giving the right
ones. Decide
Decide upon the proper medicines according
to your best judgment, and after using them for a
considerable time, if the symptoms are not relieved,
you can select other remedies.
Every family in which there are children, should
have in the house a syringe. The best and most con-
venient are the flexible india rubber syringes now
in use; they come supplied with various sized tubes,
and can be obtained at most druggists. Davidson's
or Richardson's are among the best. They are use-
ful, not only in many diseases of children, but of
adults also.
PART I.
THE TREATMENT OF DISEASES.
APOPLEXY.
A fully developed attack of apoplexy is character-
ized by loss of sensation, thought and voluntary mo-
tion, and occurs in one of three ways.
1. The head, neck and face are full and flushed,
the breathing deep and puffing, or slow; the patient
lies as if in a deep sleep. This condition may be de-
veloped suddenly, or may come on very slowly, the
patient sometimes being at first affected with drow-
siness, which terminates in insensibility, and in this
form of seizure.
2. The attack commences with nausea, vomiting,
faintness, or pain in the head, which is generally fol-
lowed immediately, or an uncertain time after, by
stupor.
3. The attack is characterised by loss of power
from the very beginning (paralysis), in some part of
the body, or by loss of speech.
An attack of apoplexy may be preceded by diz-
ziness, drowsiness, headache, a feeling of fullness
APOPLEXY.
15
in the head, noises in the ear, confusion of ideas,
nausea, vomiting, loss of memory, flashes of light,
or specks before the eyes
DIAGNOSIS.*—IS is important that this disease
should not be mistaken for epilepsy, which it some-
times resembles, as the management of the two dis-
eases is quite different. It may be distinguished from
epilepsy by the circumstance, that in apoplexy the
breathing is free and unembarrassed, though it may
be heavy, while in epilepsy the respiration is very dif-
ficult, and is obstructed by the closing of the larynx.†
Epilepsy is generally attended with convulsive and
spasmodic movements, and there is forcible closure
of the jaws. In apoplexy the patient lies senseless
or still. An attack of epilepsy is comparatively short,
lasting from a few seconds to several minutes, and
is succeeded by a heavy sleep. In an epileptic fit too,
the face is greatly distorted, the pupils are dilated,
and there is frothing at the mouth.
TREATMENT.-Loosen all articles of clothing about
the chest and throat which may interfere with respi-
* "Diagnosis." This word, one frequently used in describing
diseases, signifies the recognition or distinguishing a disease from
any other, for which it might be mistaken.
"Larynx." The projection felt on the front of the throat
and under the jaw. It feels like a knob or hard ball. It is com-
monly called "Adam's apple." It forms the upper extremity of
the windpipe, and contains the vocal organs.
16
APOPLEXY,
ration; raise the patient up, with the head elevated,
and give an injection of five or six teaspoonfuls of
spirits of turpentine beaten up with the yolk of an
egg and mixed with a pint of water; if the turpen-
tine be not at hand, give an injection of warm water.
In the first variety, apply cloths wet with cold wa-
ter to the head, and as soon as the patient can swal-
low, give Ac. and Bell. in alternation every fifteen
minutes, till the symptoms are alleviated, when they
may be given half an hour apart.
If the attack be accompanied by full face, heavy
breathing, stupor, great drowsiness, slow, full pulse
and moaning, give Bell. and Opium in the same
manner.
If the attack seem to be of the second variety, and
there be dizziness, nausea, paleness, drowsiness, con-
fusion of ideas and pain, give Ac. and Nux, in the
Nux is peculiarly applicable, if the
patient be dyspeptic, or is accustomed to the use
of ardent spirits.
same manner.
When an attack seems to be setting in, and there
are fulness of the head, redness of the face and eyes,
headache, dizziness, and general symptoms of con-
gestion of the head, give Ac. and Bell. in alternation,
from fifteen minutes to an hour apart, according to
the severity of the symptoms.
If there are fulness, pain, nausea, dizziness, and
APOPLEXY,
17
there exist disorders of the stomach, bowels or liver,
give Ac. and Nux. at similar intervals.
ABOVE ALL, when an attack is threatened or has
set in, bear in mind this one rule: Always produce
an evacuation of the bowels. If the attack is setting in
and the symptoms are not severe, this may be done
by the administration of a full dose of castor oil. If
the attack have set in, or the symptoms are severe,
resort to injections of warm water, or, what is better,
turpentine prepared as directed above.
When the attack is fully developed, it is only in
the first variety that much good can be expected from
immediate medication; in this, however, the danger
may be often totally averted by the remedies. At-
tacks of the other two varieties may also often be
prevented by them, if they are administered as soon
as the symptoms are observed.
Note. An overloaded stomach, as after an immo-
derate dinner, may be sometimes followed by symp-
toms of apoplexy; the patient falling down, the head
becoming flushed and turgid, and the breathing la-
bored. Where the stomach is known to be over-
loaded, elevate the head, give an emetic (twenty
grains of Sulphate of Zinc) in a little water, and pro-
duce an evacuation from the bowels.
18
BLEEDING FROM THE LUNGS.
II.
Bleeding from the Lungs,
Is often preceded by some oppression of the chest,
or by a slight cough. The blood is of a bright red
color, and has a saltish taste; it is generally brought
up in mouthfuls, or in small quantities at a time;
the quantity raised may vary from a teaspoonful to
cupfuls.
TREATMENT.—If it be slight, no immediate treat-
ment is necessary; if it be at all profuse, place the
patient in a recumbent position, with the head raised,
permit a free circulation of air, give cold drinks, and
apply cloths wet with cold water to the chest. In-
ternally, salt and water may be given. *Do not be
alarmed, as the immediate consequences of hæmop-
tysist are seldom fatal./
III.
Bleeding from the Nose.
If bleeding from the nose occur in a robust, pletho-
ric person, or in a person who is subject to it, or who
is subject to rush of blood to the head, giddiness and
headache, or if it occur in a female, in place of the
regular monthly sickness, or if it take the place of
bleeding from piles, it is generally salutary, and
should not be arrested unless it continue a long time,
or threaten to produce exhaustion. When thus pro-
fuse, or when it produces exhaustion, or when it oo-
* Hamamelis, five drops at a dose, in alternation with
Aconite, half an hour to an hour apart, will be found very
useful.
Hæmoptysis, Bleeding from the Lungs.
BLEEDING FROM THE NOSE.
19
curs in weakly, pale individuals, or is the result of
an injury, a blow, &c., measures should be resorted
to to suppress it.
TREATMENT. The patient should sit up, keep per-
fectly quiet, and stimulants should be avoided; then
the most convenient and effectual measures that can
be resorted to by non-medical persons are as follows:
tril;
1. Raise and hold perpendicularly above the head,
the arm of the side from which the blood flows, and
with the other hand close firmly the bleeding nos-
this will generally stop an ordinary nose bleed.
2. If necessary, apply cloths wet with cold water
to the forehead, nose and back of the neck, or a piece
of cold metal may be applied to the back of the neck.
Employ these measures perseveringly. If the bleed-
ing do not then cease,
3. Press into the nostril bunches of clean cotton
wool (cotton batting) until it is filled as full as pos-
sible.
Catarrhs, Colds, Coughs, Sore Throat.
In prescribing the treatment of these affections,
only a few general remedies have been recommended,
adapted to the most common symptoms which these
disorders give rise to. No other class of affections
is accompanied by a greater variety of symptoms, or
demands a greater variety of remedies, or a more
thorough knowledge of their character. Their de-
20
CATARRHS, COLDS, &C.
tailed treatment has therefore not been entered upon,
as to have done this would not only have required
a good deal of space, but would have been foreign
to the object of the directions, which are intended
simply as guides in cases of emergency, and in the
treatment of ordinary affections, where no physician
is at hand.
For ordinary cold affecting the system generally,
with or without chillness and heat, pains in the limbs,
lassitude, feverishness or headache, Aconite and Sti-
bium should be given in alternation two hours apart.
DOSE, ETC.-For an adult, six drops of Aconite, to
be mixed with half a tumbler of water, of which the
dose is a teaspoonful. The dose of Stibium is as
much as will lie on a three cent piece, heaped up.
For colds accompanied by severe pain in and about
the eyes, root of the nose, and forehead, give Ars.
and Stib. in alternation, two hours apart.
DOSE.-Of Stibium, the same as above; the Ar-
senicum to be prepared by mixing four drops with
half a glass of water; dose, a teaspoonful.
For cold affecting principally the chest or wind-
pipe, and accompanied by soreness or tenderness, give
Stibium and Merc. Sol. in alternation, two hours
apart.
DOSE. As much of each as will lie on a three cent
piece heaped up.
CATARRHS, COLDS, &C.
21
For cold affecting principally the chest or wind-
pipe, and accompanied by considerable accumulation
of phlegm in the throat, Stibium and Hepar are the
proper remedies.
DOSE.-Same as in paragraph above.
If the cold be accompanied by pain in the chest,
tightness and oppression and aching, with short,
quick breathing, give Stib. and Phos. in alternation,
an hour or two apart.
DOSE.-Add four drops of Phos. to half a tumbler
of water, and give a teaspoonful at a dose. The dose
of Stibium for an adult is about five grains, to be
taken dry on the tongue. For an infant or child, one
to three drops of Phos. may be added to half a tum-
bler of water; and for an infant, about ten grains of
Stibium may be dissolved in half a tumbler of wa-
ter, and a teaspoonful given at a dose. For a child
from two to five years old, two or three grains of Sti-
bium may be given at a dose, and three drops of
Phos. may be mixed in half a tumbler of water, of
which a teaspoonful is to be given. Care should al-
ways be taken not to give Stibium in over doses, as
even the Homœopathic preparations sometimes pro-
duce vomiting.
For hard dry cough, Stibium and Nux. should be
given in alternation, two hours apart.
DOSE.-As much Stibium to be taken at a dose as
22
SORE THROAT.
will lie on a three cent piece. The Nux. to be pre-
pared by mixing five drops in half a glass of water;
dose a teaspoonful.
For hard dry cough, accompanied with soreness,
give Merc. Dulc. and Stib. in alternation, two hours
apart.
DOSE.-As much of each as will lie on a three cent
piece:
For a hard, loose, rattling cough, particularly if
worse night and morning, or if accompanied by a
cold in the head, give Kali Bich. and Stibium in
alternation, two hours apart.
DOSES.-Same as above. Each dose of the Kali to
be dissolved in a little water.
Colds affecting the Throat-Sore Throat.
For sore throat, accompanied by bright redness of
the throat, aching pain, and difficulty of swallowing,
Bell. and Merc. Sol. should be given in alternation,
two hours apart.
DOSE.-Each of these medicines to be prepared by
mixing five drops with half a glass of water. A
teaspoonful to be given at a dose-
For sore throat, accompanied by soreness, difficul-
ty of swallowing, ulceration and accumulation of
phlegm in the throat, give Merc. Protiod. and Stib.
two hours apart.
CATARRHAL AFFECTIONS IN INFANTS.
23
DOSE.-Five grains of each of these medicines
at a dose; to a child above two years of age, half
these doses.
If there be hoarseness or soreness in the larynx or
windpipe, give Spong. and Stib. two hours apart.
DOSE.-Five drops of Spongia to be mixed with
half a tumbler of water; a teaspoonful to be given
at a dose. Five grains of Stibium at a dose.
Catarrhal Affections in Infants.
Upon infants these troubles make a much more
profound impression than upon adults, and should
be carefully attended to.
Among the most important and common affections
of this kind to which they are subject, are
1. Cold in the head.
When accompanied by sneezing, running at the
nose, watery eyes, and a stuffed up condition of the
nostrils, known as "snuffles," the child being unable
to breathe through the nose, give Stib. and Nux. in
alternation, one hour apart.
DOSE.-Five or six grains of Stibium may be dis-
solved in half a tumbler of water, and two drops of
Nux added to a similar quantity. A tea-spoonful
to be given at a dose.
2. In colds of infants, accompanied by fever,
rapid or difficult breathing, give Verat. Vir. and
24
COLIC.
Kali Hyd. in alternation, from half an hour to an
hour apart; or, if the breathing become very rapid,
as often as half an hour apart, until there is an im-
provement.
DOSES.-The Verat Vir. and Kali to be prepared
according to directions for doses on pages IX and x.
3. If the cold be accompanied by hard, dry
cough, give Stib. and Nux in alternation, two
hours apart.
DOSE.-Same as in case 11.
If accompanied by a loose, rattling cough, or by
a rattling of phlegm in the chest, as if it were
loaded with phlegm, give Verat. Vir. and Merc.
Cor. in alternation, an hour and a half or two
hours apart. If there be fever, or the respiration
be hurried, Verat. Vir. and Merc. Sol. must be
given.
DOSE.-The liquids to be prepared as in case 1.
About four grains of Merc. Sol. to be given at a dose.
Colic.
SYMPTOMS.-Violent pains in the abdomen, gene-
rally coming on in paroxysms; the bowels usually
confined; sometimes nausea and vomiting. The pains
are aching, cutting, pressing or tearing; sometimes
so violent as to cause the sufferer to writhe about
the bed or floor in agony. The pain is generally not
increased, but relieved by firm pressure.
Causes. Among the most common are cold; mois-
COLIC.
25
ture; a chill; unripe or indigestible food. Some-
times, obstructions of the intestines.
TREATMENT.—If unaccompanied by inflammation,
which may be recognized by the pain being greatly
increased by gentle or hard pressure, try at once to
get the bowels to move by giving a dose of castor oil.
The dose for an adult is two full tablespoons; for a
child from five to ten years old, half that quantity ;
if this do not produce an evacuation from the bowels
in an hour or two, put patient in a warm bath, and
while in, give copious injections of warm water. The
temperature of the bath should be quite high, and the
patient should be allowed to remain in ten or fifteen
minutes. Great alleviation of the pain will be ob-
tained by applying flannels wrung out in hot water
to the abdomen.
The medicines to be taken internally are as follows:
I. If there is great flatulence or distension of the
bowels by wind, if the colic proceed from cold, give
Mercurius Dulcis and Nux. Vom. in alternation, from
half an hour to an hour apart, lessening the doses in
frequency, in proportion as the pains become less fre-
quent or less severe.
II. If the pains are low down in the bowels, pinch-
ing, griping, cutting or bearing down, particularly
if accompanied by cramps or pains in the legs, give
Merc. Dulc. and Coloc. at the same intervals as in
the preceding case.
26
COLIC OF INFANTS.
III. If the pains are principally about the navel,
give Merc. Dulc. and Bell, unless Nux. should be in-
dicated, as in case I.
DOSES, ADMINISTRATION, &c.-The dose of Merc.
Dulc. in a severe case of colic, should be about six
grains. Four drops of Coloc. or five of Nux. or Bell,
is to be mixed with half a tumbler of water; the
dose of either of these is a teaspoonful.
The intervals of the administration of the doses
must vary according to the severity of the pain, and
must be greater as the pains become less. They may
be given from the beginning, half an hour to two
hours apart. Sometimes a single dose of each, with
the other means directed, will make the patient com-
fortable.
Colic of Infants.
Infants at the breast are particularly subject to
colicky pains and accumulation of wind in the intes-
tines. These pains are characterized by a variety of
symptoms. The child cries violently, draw its legs
upon its belly or twists about; the abdomen feels
bloated; the crying may be so violent as to cause
the face to turn purple, and the child appears as if
it were on the point of going into spasms.
Causes. Frequently the disorder proceeds from
a cold; it may be caused by a confined state of the
bowels; by irritating properties of the mother's milk;
COLIC OF INFANTS.
27
by unsuitable or impure food; by improper food,
cabbage, pork, etc., eaten by the mother or nurse.
Treatment.-If the bowels are confined, a move-
ment should be produced by giving an injection of
warm water.
If the bowels are inclined to costiveness; if the
passages are not too loose and are not like diarrhoea,
if the passages are healthy, give Coloc. and Nux.
If, with the colicky pains, there is looseness of the
bowels, the passages being either too frequent, or
thin, or unnatural in their appearance, Coloc. and
Rheum may be given; if the colic proceed from cold,
Jalap may be substituted for the Rheum, (see also
"Diarrhoea"). In case the attack be very severe,
additional relief will be obtained by the application
all over the bowels of a piece of flannel wrung out
of hot water, and applied as warm as it can be borne.
This should be covered with dry flannel, in order that
chilliness or cold may not be produced. The wet
flannel may be changed every half hour, until relief
is obtained. When there is much flatulence, bloating
of the abdomen, &c., the bowels may be rubbed dil-
igently for a little while with warm sweet oil. This
may be done frequently every day with advantage,
when there is a tendency to colicky pains.
DOSE, ADMINISTRATION, &c.-For an infant under
a year old, two drops of either of the remedies men-
28
COLIC OF INFANTS.
tioned above may be added to a glass of water, and
the two remedies selected may be given while the
paroxysm is very distressing, in alternation, fifteen
minutes apart, until one or two doses of each have
been given; after that, if the pain continue very
severe, every half hour in turn, until relief is ob-
tained. After that, if the child do not sleep; if the
crying and pain continue to be somewhat trouble-
some, they may be given an hour or two apart.
The medicines and the other means recommended
will generally be found to relieve all ordinary cases
of colic in infants. In case relief were not pro-
duced by any of these measures, a warm bath
might be given. It will seldom, however, be ne-
cessary.
It is a common custom for nurses and mothers,
in their impatience and anxiety to quiet the child,
to give it gin, &c. It is better not to do this; and
by no means be tempted to give any of the innumer-
able anodynes, cordials and soothing syrups which
are in such general use. It is little less than inhu-
man to administer quack medicines to infants.
The "soothing" principle of nearly all these pre-
parations is opium, (a remedy which even medical
men give to infants with great caution). Syrup of
poppies and paragoric are objectionable for the same
reason. There are numerous instances on record in
CONSTIPATION OF INFANTS.
29
which coroners' inquests have disclosed the fact that
children have lost their lives from the use of these
various preparations, and it is no exaggeration to say
that they have shortened the lives of thousands of
infants. Peppermint, aniseed tea, are frequently
not objectionable, when the passages are perfectly
healthy, and there is no diarrhea. The other remedies
however, will be almost always found much more
satisfactory.
Constipation of Infants.
Constipation in infants may be attended with the
most disastrous results. Where it is habitual, a phy-
sician will of course be consulted. When it is neces-
sary to produce a movement of the bowels, an injec-
tion of warm water may be given, or a piece of soap
may be shaped like the finger, introduced into the
bowel, and allowed to remain there a few moments.
When it is not necessary that an immediate evacua-
tion of the bowels should be produced, Nux and Sul-
phur may be given in alternation, two hours apart,
until the bowels move.
Dose. For a child less than a year old, the dose
of Sulphur is as much as can be heaped up on a three
cent piece. The Nux is to be prepared by mixing
two drops with two-thirds of a glass of water, of which
the dose is a teaspoonful.
For a child over a year
30
CONVULSIONS OF CHILDREN.
old, half as much again Sulphur may be given
and three drops of Nux, mixed with a glass of water.
Convulsions of Children.
While convulsions constitute a class of diseases the
most alarming to which children are liable, on the
other hand it is no slight gratification to know, that
in a large proportion of cases, properly selected and
applied remedies will afford speedy relief. When a
child is seized with convulsions, bear in mind these
two important points.
1. Be self-possessed and composed. Do not send
every one in different directions, for every remedy
which suggests itself. In this, as in all other cases
of sudden and great danger, self-possession, and abil-
ity to consider what the matter is and what should
be done, is of more use than can be easily imagined.
2. Ascertain as nearly as possible, to which of the
causes to be hereafter mentioned the convulsion is
owing. These two points observed, you can con-
sider the case rationally and with a basis on which to
select the remedies.
The most common causes of convulsions are:
1. The irritation of teething.
2. The sudden suppression of diarrhoea which of-
ten attends teething.
3. Irritating or indigestible food; unripe fruit.
CONVULSIONS OF CHILDREN.
31
cake, confectionary, &c. Even a bit of orange peel
may produce them.
4. Constipation.
5. Flatulence.
6. Worms. Do not however, attribute the convul-
sion to this cause, unless you are certain of the pre-
sence of worms by the child's having passed them.
This is the only reliable evidence of their existence.
7. The sudden disappearance of eruptions, as in
scarlet fever or measles; the imperfect development
of the eruption in these diseases; the sudden sup-
pression of skin diseases, ulcers, scald head, &c.
8. Irritating properties of the mother's milk.
9. There are numerous other causes, less frequent,
however, or more obscure, as blows; falls; water on
the brain; inflammation of the brain; fright; cold.
Sometimes, indeed, it is impossible to assign a direct
cause for them, and they appear to be owing to ex-
treme sensitiveness of the intestinal canal, brain and
nervous system.
In the first year of life the brain is very imperfectly
developed, while that part of the nervous system
which regulates digestion and nutrition, predomi-
nates in its influence upon the system, over the brain.
The digestive system working with so great activity
at this time, and the brain with so little, the child being
uothing more or less than a young growing animal.
32
CONVULSIONS OF CHILDREN.
and this system being so liable to derangement con-
vulsions are much more liable to occur at this period
than at any other. After the first year the mortal-
ity from convulsions diminishes rapidly. It is im-
portant, therefore, that the greatest care should be
exercised at this time of life, in everything that
affects the digestive system of the child; the state
of the bowels, the process of teething, etc.
SYMPTOMS.-There is no mistaking a convulsion
when it has once set in. It may come on suddenly or
be preceded by constipation, sudden and violent start-
ing in the sleep, rolling of the eyes, twitching of the
fingers, restlessness, oppressed breathing, etc. When
any of these symptoms are observed, the child
should be carefully watched and remedies corres-
ponding to any cause which may be known to exist,
administered.
TREATMENT.-General Indications.
1. Send for a physician.
2. In convulsions from whatever cause, proceed at
once to produce a movement in the bowels. If the
child can swallow, and particularly if the trouble be
owing to improper food, flatulence, or constipation,
give a teaspoonful of castor oil (this dose to a child
less than a year old. Beyond that age, a larger
dose should be given). An injection may be given
in all cases, at the same time, of equal parts of warm
CONVULSIONS OF CHILDREN.
33
water and milk; of sweet oil and milk; of molasses
and water, or of soap and water.
3. If the convulsion be attended with flushed face,
fullness of the head, and the child is of a full habit,
apply cloths wet with cold water to the head.
4. Give a warm bath; as warm as it can well be
borne. Immerse the child all over, and let it re-
main in the bath five or ten minutes unless the par-
oxysm begin to abate sooner, when it should be
taken out and wrapped in warm blankets; should
the paroxysm return, the immersion should be re-
peated at the expiration of a few minutes.
5. It may not always be necessary to resort to all
the above remedies; a movement from the bowels,
however, should always be produced. In the cases
in which an emetic is directed, castor oil should not
be given, but an injection should be resorted to.
Sometimes the movement of the bowels will end the
convulsion at once; sometimes the convulsion may
be so slight as to render it unnecessary to employ
the warm bath.
6. If a physician can be obtained in a short time,
do not resort to the remedies mentioned below, but
leave them till his arrival. If, however, medical as-
sistance be not at hand, or cannot be employed
within a reasonable time, employ the various re-
medies according to the following indications.
34
CONVULSIONS OF CHILDREN.
The following special remedies should be given
not so much with reference to the nature of the con-
vulsion, as to the cause, when the latter is known.
1. If the child's stomach is known to have been
overloaded with unsuitable food, pastry, nuts, rai-
sins, etc., give an emetic, recourse to this means of
relief being in some cases indispensable. For mode
of administering the emetic, dose, etc., see Introduc-
tion page XI.
2. If the convulsion be owing to suppressed erup-
tion in skin diseases, add a couple of tablespoonfuls
of mustard to the bath, and if the eruption be that
of measles, give, if the child can swallow, Bry. every
half hour; if the convulsion be owing to the sup-
pressed or imperfect eruption of scarlet fever, give
Bell. at the same intervals.
DOSES, ETC.-Each of the two remedies mentionea
above is to be prepared by mixing two drops with
two-thirds of a tumbler of water and giving a tea-
spoonful at a dose. A dose should be given about
every half hour; after two or three doses have been
given, or the symptoms have abated, once an hour
or once in two hours will be sufficient.
3. If the child is known to have worms, Merc.
Dulc. may be given every three quarters of an
hour.
CONVULSIONS OF CHILDREN.
35
DOSE. To a child less than two years old, five
grains mixed with a little white sugar; more than
two years, five to eight grains. This medicine
may be discontinued as soon as it has been fol-
lowed by green stools, or by the passage of worms.
GENERAL REMEDIES,
Suited to the various characteristics of the convulsion,
and without particular reference to the cause.
When the child is of a full habit, the pupils are
enlarged; there is short, panting, or heavy breath-
ing with oppression of the chest; the child starts
while sleeping; the child cries violently; the body
becomes stiffly convulsed; the forehead and hands
are dry and burning; the face is red or bloated;
there is redness all over; the eyeballs and features
are distorted, give Bell.
DOSE, ETC.-Two drops in two-thirds of a tumbler
of water; a teaspoonful from every half hour t
every hour.
When there is pale face, twitching of the limbs,
spasms or rigidity of the limbs, bending of the
head or body backwards, violent shrieks, give Nux.
This remedy is particularly of value if there be fla-
tulence, colicky pains, constipation, or if the con-
vulsion be caused by any other derangement of the
stomach or bowels.
36
CROUP.
DOSE.-The same as in the preceding case.
When there is rolling of the head, twitching of
the face, twitching of the legs, dilated, staring pu-
pils, foaming at the mouth, shrieking, pale or fiery
red face, give Hyos. in the same manner as the medi
cines in the preceding cases.
When there is lethargy, tremor, heaviness, stu-
por; heavy breathing; tossing of the arms and legs
about; give Opium.
DOSE.-Same as in the preceding cases.
In convulsions which cannot be traced to a direct
cause, but which seem owing to an unnatural irrita-
bility of the nervous system, in convulsions which
are caused by fright, or are habitual, Ignatia is an
invaluable remedy. The symptoms to which it is
particularly applicable, are violent screaming, tre-
mor, terror; the child wakes from its sleep, uttering
piercing cries.
Croup.
Genuine croup is a fever, accompanied by inflam-
mation of the lining membrane of the larynx* and
windpipe. In severe or fatal cases, a membrane is
formed which covers these parts, the membrane va-
rying in thickness from a thin film to that of wash
leather. Sometimes, instead of a membrane, there
exist only swelling and redness of the interior of
* Larynx. See page 15. note
CROUP.
37
the larynx and windpipe, or they are covered with
a thick fluid.
Croup is an exceedingly rare disease in infants
less than a year old. It occurs most frequently during
the second year; after that, generally between the
second and seventh years. Fat children are most
subject to it, and it comes on in most cases in the
night.
The causes of croup are those of ordinary colds
or catarrh; sudden exposure, even a draught from
an open door, may produce it.
Symptoms preceding an attack of Croup.-An
attack of croup may come on suddenly, but is
commonly preceded by certain symptoms by which
its approach may be foretold. The principal of
these are the various symptoms of a cold, which are
always to be regarded with suspicion if they are ac-
companied by hoarseness or huskiness, or by a
rough, hoarse cough. Catarrhal symptoms do not
often indicate croup unless accompanied by some
degree of hoarseness. Together with these symp-
toms, the child may be feverish, restless, dull or
drowsy. These symptoms may be followed by
croup a short time after their appearance, though
perhaps not for several days.
SYMPTOMS OF CROUP.-Dry, hoarse, husky cough,
often very violent; hoarse voice, with a sound like
the crowing of a cock; this hoarseness of the voice
38
CROUP.
is one of the most characteristic signs of croup;
sometimes complete loss of voice; difficulty of breath-
ing; crowing inspiration, becoming long and wheez-
ing as the attack continues; fever; hot, flushed face ;
when the cough is severe or long, the child seems al-
most on the point of suffocation. In severe cases, as
the disease advances, the voice becomes almost or
quite extinct; the child stretches back its neck; the
eyes are protruded; the face becomes discolored or
pale, and the little sufferer looks as if dying from
suffocation.
When the attack comes on suddenly, the child is
roused from sleep by paroxysms of hoarse or rattling
cough which almost threaten to suffocate it, or with
panting, wheezing, difficult respiration, with fever.
The symptoms may subside entirely and the child ap-
pear perfectly well, though some hoarseness and fever
may remain; the paroxysms are liable however to
return and become more frequent. An attack of
croup, though subdued one night, is liable to make
its appearance several nights in succession.
The above constitute the symptoms of a fully de-
veloped case of croup. Some of these may be hardly
perceptible, and all may be less violent than is here
represented, and there will also be modifications of
them. There will however be but little difficulty in
recognizing the disease from this description.
CROUP.
39
TREATMENT.-1. Wrap a piece of flannel, folded
and wet in cold water, around the child's throat, and
cover this with a dry flannel.
2. Dissolve one of the one grain powders of Tartar
Emetic in a tumbler of warm water, and give a tea-
spoonful every five minutes; as symptoms of nausea
appear, diminish the frequency of the dose, giving
it every ten or fifteen minutes; the medicine should
be given so as to keep the child just on the point of
nausea, or nauseated as much as he can be without
vomiting. Do not vomit the child, this will only ex-
haust it, and do the disease itself no good.
3. If the attack be accompanied by decided feb-
rile symptoms, or fever, give Aconite every ten or
twenty minutes, between the Tartar Emetic, accord-
ing to its severity. It may be prepared by mixing
four drops with half a tumbler of water, of which a
teaspoonful may be given at a dose.
4. If the child's bowels have not moved within a
reasonable time, give an injection of warm water, or
milk, or molasses and water.
5. If the attack be severe and obstinate, a warm
bath should be prepared, as warm as it can be com-
fortably borne. The child should remain in the
bath at least ten minutes, and should then be wiped
dry, enveloped in warm blankets, and put to bed.
6. After the violence of the paroxysm is subdued.
40
FALSE CROUP.
give the Ac. and Tart. Emet. at intervals of from
half an hour to two hours apart, according to the
amount of hoarseness, cough, fever, &c., remaining.
7. But if the breathing become free; and as the
cough becomes free and loose, the voice more dis-
tinct, and particularly if there seem to be an accu-
mulation of phlegm and a rattling in the throat,
give Tart. Emet. and Hepar at intervals of from
half an hour to two hours apart. The dose of Hep-
ar for an infant is two or three grains.
False Croup, Spasmodic Croup, Child Crowing, Mil-
lar's Asthma, &c.
CAUSES--NATURE, &c.-This disease, known by all
the above names, is scarcely less dangerous than,
and resembles, in many of its symptoms, genuine
croup. Unlike croup, however, it occurs most fre-
quently during the first year, or during the period
of teething. It consists in a spasm of the muscles
of the larynx,* by which the aperture through
which the air is admitted into the windpipe is nar-
rowed or closed entirely. When occurring during
the period of teething, it is generally produced by
the irritation set up by that process, or by some of
the irregularities so frequently attendant upon it, as
diarrhoea, flatulence, constipation, catarrh, &c.
*Larynx. For definition, see page 15.
FALSE CROUP.
41
It may also occur before or after dentition, and is
generally owing to some of the causes calculated to
produce convulsions, as enumerated in the chapter
on convulsions.
SYMPTOMS.--The child is seized suddenly, gene-
rally in the night, with difficulty of breathing; it
throws up its arms, and makes the most violent ex-
ertions to get breath, but it seems impossible for the
air to enter; the child struggles violently; the face
becomes pale and a cold sweat breaks out upon the
forehead. The stoppage of breath may last for a
few seconds to one or two minutes, and the attack
at length terminates by the child taking a long, full
breath, generally shrill or crowing. This is the
most favorable termination of the attack, and
breathing then goes on regularly.
Sometimes, however, though not commonly, the
attack may be so severe as to become a real con-
vulsion, the thumbs being drawn in, the hands
clenched, the feet turned in upon the ancle, the
body bent backwards, and the face distorted and
pale.
The attack may occur in the day-time; often be-
ing so slight as to render treatment unnecessary,
and may be produced by a fit of crying or anger, or
it may come on while the child is nursing, some-
times amounting to no more than a short stop-
42
FALSE CROUP.
page of breath, or a slight crowing sound may be
heard with the child's inspiration. Sometimes even
during these slight attacks, the thumb will be
closed, the fingers drawn tightly in, or the great
toe drawn a little apart from the others. These
paroxysms, however, if not checked, are liable to
become more frequent, and increase, till they equal
in severity the attacks described above.
Between the paroxysms, the breathing is in no
wise obstructed.
SYMPTOMS PRECEDING AN ATTACK.-Sometimes the
attack is not heralded by any pre-existing symp-
toms. Oftener, however, the child does not enjoy
perfect health before the attack, nor does it often
attack children whose health is perfectly good. It
seems drooping, peevish, restless; its bowels may
be confined, or it may be suffering from diarrhoea,
or from teething. If the attacks occur frequently,
it remains more or less out of health; during the
intervals, the breathing is anxious, the child rest-
less, or starts from sleep in affright.
TREATMENT.-During the paroxysm--
1. Sprinkle cold water on the face.
2. Apply to the throat a flannel wet with water
as warm as it can be borne.
3. If the warm bath can be prepared without too
much delay, employ it, immersing the legs and low-
er part of the body.
FALSE CROUP.
43
4. Give an injection of warm water or of milk and
water.
5. If the spasm be not accompanied with catarrh,
let the wind blow freely over the face and chest;
not, however, on the back.
6. Do not attempt to force medicines down the
throat while the child is choking, but as soon as the
child can swallow, give Samb. every half hour until
complete relief is obtained.
DOSE.
As much as will lie on a three cent piece,
not heaped up.
As the paroxysms are liable to return after they
have once made their appearance, see that all excit-
ing causes of this complaint, as constipation, worms,
improper food, swollen gums, &c., are removed.
The intermediate treatment, however, should be left
to the physician.
(6
Distinguishing Marks of Child Crowing," or
Spasmodic Croup," and Croup.
The only disease for which there is any danger of
mistaking this affection is croup. It is, however, of
the utmost importance, that the two diseases should
not be mistaken for each other, as their nature and
treatment are entirely different. They may be gen-
erally recognized without much difficulty, by the
description of each disease given above. Additional
and certain marks of distinction are the following:
44
DIARRHEA OF GROWN PERSONS.
In "Child Crowing," the attacks come on suddenly,
without generally being preceded by any but slight
symptoms; the spasm lasts but a short time, and
the breathing is perfectly free in the intervals; there
is no fever, and seldom any cough; the voice rarely
becomes extinct; additional evidence of "Child
Crowing" is that it is generally owing to some of the
causes of nervous irritation mentioned above.
CROUP is generally preceded by decided catarrhal
symptoms and hoarseness; there is more or less fe-
ver, which continues between the paroxysms; the
breathing is not free between the paroxysms, and
the voice remains hoarse; the voice becomes muf-
fled or wholly extinct; the cough has more of a
brassy, husky character, though the crowing inspi-
ration is much alike in the two diseases; and above
all, almost always comes on after the first year of
age.
Diarrhoea of Grown Persons and Children.
*
The cause of the diarrhoea should be ascertained,
if possible, and the remedies selected with reference
to it. Some exciting cause will generally be found.
Among the most common are indigestible food, un-
ripe fruit, sudden suppression of perspiration, a
chill, a late supper, heat, teething.
TREATMENT.—If the diarrhea be caused by un-
digested food, and there is reason to believe that the
DIARRHEA OF GROWN PERSONS.
45
bowels are irritated by it, commence the treatment
with a dose of castor oil.
1. In diarrhoea caused by cold, a chill, or suppressed
perspiration, with thin and watery or dark yellow, or
slimy stools, without much constitutional disturbance,
with or without slight colicky pains in the bowels,
give Ipecac. and Verat. Alb. in alternation, two
hours apart.
DOSE.-For an adult, 5 drops of each of these
medicines to be mixed with half a glass of water;
for a child from 3 to 15 years of age, four drops,
and from 2 to 5 years, three drops with two thirds
of a glass of water. Give the two medicines in
alternation, half an hour to two hours apart, a tea-
spoonful to be given at a dose; giving them how-
ever as often as every half hour, only when the pas-
sages are very frequent; as often, for instance, as
every ten or fifteen minutes.
2. If the stools are watery, white or yellow, whether
the evacuations are painless or are accompanied by
crampy pains in the stomach or bowels, or prostra-
tion, give Arsenicum and Verat. Alb., the same
way and in the same doses as Ipecac. and Verat.
are directed in the paragraph above.
3. When the stools are watery, yellow, slimy,
greenish or brownish, dark colored, with or without
burning in the stomach, vomiting, nausea, frequent
46
DIARRHEA OF GROWN PERSONS.
desire to drink; the diarrhoea being worse after eat-
ing or drinking, or being produced by eating unripe
fruit, give Arsenicum and Veratrum, in the same doses
and in the same manner as Ipecac. and Verat. are
directed in the first paragraph above
4. For dark colored, slimy or mucous, jelly-like
stools; for greenish stools streaked with blood;
greenish stools without blood; putrid, sour smelling
stools; with or without bearing down behind; with
chilliness, shivering, soreness in the abdomen; white
coated tongue; stools, with or without cutting pain,
give Merc. Sol.
DOSE. For an adult, as much as will lie heaped
up on a three cent piece; to a child 5 to 10 years
old, about two thirds, and to a child from 2 to 5
years old, about half that quantity.
5. When there are violent pressing pains in the
back, emission of wind from the bowels, severe cut-
ting or cramp pains in the bowels, watery passages,
and particularly if there are cramps in the legs or
arms, give Colocynth and Arsenicum in the same
manner and dose, as the medicines directed under
the first verse of "diarrhoea." Watery stools, cramps
in the extremities with vomiting, constitute the
disease known as Cholera Morbus. These two
remedies (Arsenicum and Colocynth) are almost
a certain cure for it.
DIARRHEA OF INFANTS.
47
DIET.-The diet in a case of diarrhoea, should be
mild and unirritating; solid food should generally
be avoided; milk, arrow root, gruel, toast and tea,
farina, etc., should be given. This kind of diet, and
total abstinence from solid food will cure some cases
of diarrhoea.
Diarrhoea of Infants.
"A young infant should have from three to six
motions in the twenty-four hours; the color should
be of a bright yellow, inclining to orange and the
consistence that of thick gruel, and nearly, if not en-
tirely devoid of smell. If the infant instead of having
from three to six motions, have more than that num-
ber; if they be more watery; if they become slimy
and green, or green and in part curdled, and if they
have an unpleasant smell, then the child may be said
to have diarrhoea."-Chavasse.
There is a looseness of the bowels however, which
often makes its appearance while the child is teeth-
ing. It should not be checked, unless it become too
frequent or profuse, or exhaustion is produced. The
diarrhoea at this time is frequently an effort of nature
to relieve the irritation of the nervous system pro-
duced by the process of teething. A sudden sup-
pression of it, may lead to trouble of the brain, or
to convulsions.
TREATMENT.-In the diarrhoea of infants, the same
48
DIARRHEA OF INFANTS.
remedies are employed, and for the same symptoms
as in diarrhoea occurring in adults. When there-
fore, the diarrhoea of the infant resembles any of the
forms described in the preceeding verses on the
treatment of diarrhoea, the remedies directed for
that form may be given.
In addition to these remedies, however, there are
others which are particularly applicable to the di-
arrhoea of infants. These remedies, and the indica-
tions for their use, are as follows:
1. In diarrhoea, with watery, slimy, frothy, fer-
mented looking motions, accompanied by flatulence,
colicky pain, peevishness, restlessness, screaming;
in diarrhoea, proceeding from cold, teething, indiges-
tible food, give Chamomilla and Rheum.
2. When the stools are thin or slimy, have a fer-
mented appearance, a sour smell, a brownish or
grayish color, and particularly if they are accom-
panied by colic, constant hard crying, screaming,
restlesssness; the crying and pains coming on in
paroxysms give Colocynth and Rheum.
3. When the passages are thin and watery, and
there is violent screaming, restlessness, crying, &c.,
and the attack is thought to proceed from cold, Colocynth
and Jalap may be given instead of Colocynth and
Rheum.
Whenever the pains, screaming, restlessness, are
DIARRHEA OF INFANTS.
49
very severe, and show no signs of yielding, after
several doses have have been administered, a flannel
wrung out of hot water, may be applied as directed
on page 27.
DOSES.-For a child from six months to a year old,
two drops of any of the remedies directed for diar-
rhoea, are to be mixed with a tumbler full of water
and thoroughly stirred up. For an infant less than
six months old, one drop to be prepared with three-
quarters of a glass of water. When Arsenicum is
given to an infant less than six months old, one drop
is to be mixed with a tumbler of water. When Mer-
curius is given, for a child from six months to a
year old, thrice as much as will lie on a three cent
piece, heaped up, may be mixed with a tumbler full
of water, and to an infant less than six months old
half that quantity, with three quarters of a glass of
water. The dose of all the medicines thus prepared
is a teaspoonfull.
Frequency of Doses.-Unless the passages are
very frequent, no two medicines need be given of-
tener than two hours apart, in alternation. If the
passages should be very frequent, they may be given
from an hour to an hour and a half apart. When
however, there is severe colicky pain, crying, restless-
ness, &c., &c., they may be given as often as every
half hour apart, until relief is obtained, after that
50
DIPHTHERIA.
gradually diminishing the frequency of the doses.
Where a single medicine only is given, it may be
administered every one, two, or three hours.
Diphtheria.
For a disease so formidable in its nature, as this,
and so frequently baffling even medical skill, it
would be wrong to prescribe, unless for the use of
physicians, any plan of treatment. A great variety
of means, according to the various symptoms which
exist or which may arise, may be required, and for
the selection and administration of which, the judg-
ment of a physician is indispensable. A description
of this affection is given a place here, in order
that the disease may be recognized and receive time-
ly treatment; a few rules as regards its general
treatment are given, and directions given for the
use of one or two remedies which are frequently of
the greatest value in this disease, and which may be
resorted to, when a physician cannot be obtained for
some time.
Diphtheria is a disease of which the distinguishing
characteristic is the formation of a membrane in the
throat. It is accompanied by more or less fever.
Symptoms, etc. There is difficulty of swallowing,
soreness and pain in the throat, fever, prostration of
strength. When the throat is examined, it looks red
DIPHTHERIA.
51
and inflamed, or, if any membrane have formed, it
will be seen situated on the back part of the throat
or on the tonsils. Both the amount and the appear-
ance of the membrane vary greatly. Sometimes it is
so thin as to resemble a whitish film; sometimes it is
as thick as tissue paper, and in the worst forms and in
advanced stages, it may become as thick as morocco ;
its color varies from whitish-grey to a yellowish
tinge. Sometimes there may be only one or two small
patches, not so large as a split pea, situated perhaps
only on one side of the throat; sometimes it will be
seen to cover the whole of the tonsils, and the back
part of the throat, The above mentioned symptoms
are the ones which generally exist; there are others.
which it is unnecessary to mention here, as sufficient
have been given, at least to lead to the suspicion of
the existence of diphtheria when these symptoms
appear, and to prompt the summoning of medical aid.
The diagnosis of this disease, except by a physician,
is extremely difficult and uncertain, inasmuch as
there are several kinds of sore throat, which are
characterized by the symptoms which have been
mentioned as accompanying diphtheria, with the ex-
ception of the membrane. For instance, scarlet
fever, quinsy sore throat, ulcerated sore throat, and
common inflammatory sore throat from cold, may all
be accompanied by soreness, difficulty of swallowing,
52
DIPHTHERIA.
pain in the throat and fever, while the ulcers in ul-
cerated sore throat may be easily mistaken for the
membrane peculiar to diphtheria. On the contrary,
diphtheria is sometimes, though rarely, unaccom-
panied by difficulty of swallowing. The most ju-
dicious way when there is a sudden attack of sore
throat which is at all severe, is to consult a physician
as speedily as possible, particularly if diphtheria is
at all prevalent, as it is a disease which attacks both
old and young; young people being most liable to it.
The number of cases of genuine diphtheria in propor-
tion to the number of cases of other kinds of sore
throat is extremely small; but when it does exist,
a fatal termination can, in the majority of cases, be
averted, if immediate treatment be entered upon.
It may be stated simply as a matter of interest to
the reader, that diphtheria may prove fatal by the
membrane extending into the windpipe or larynx,
and impeding respiration, or by extending into
the nose and throat, or by the exhaustion, and
severe character of the fever which generally ac-
companies the disease
TREATMENT.-As the above description has been
given principally in order to assist in the recognition
of the disease, and as the management of the disease
should be entrusted to none but a physician, but
little need be said in regard to the treatment. When
DYSENTERY.
53
from an examination of the throat the disease appears
to exist, Mercurius Solubilis and Belladonna may, in
a great majority of the cases, be given with advan-
tage until medical aid can be obtained.
DOSE, ETC.-The two medicines may be given in
alternation two hours apart. The dose of Mercurius
Solubilis to an adult being five grains, to a child
over two and under fifteen years of age, three or
four grains. The Belladonna is to be prepared by
mixing 6 drops with half a tumbler of water of which
the dose is a teaspoonful; for children from two to
fifteen years of age, four drops may be added to half
a glass of water. The diet should in all cases of
diphtheria be as nourishing as possible, wine, wine-
whey, beef tea, nourishing broths, &c., are neces-
sary.
Dysentery.
SYMPTOMS.-This disease may be recognized by
the circumstances that it is accompanied by straining
and bearing down, with burning or soreness in the
back passage; there is frequent inclination to go to
stool, often unaccompanied by a passage or but a slight
one, though sometimes the discharge is copious. The
character of the stool varies, its most constant character-
istic being that it contains more or less blood; the
stools generally consist of a pure, jelly-like mucus, or
54
DYSENTERY.
mucus mixed with blood, or pure blood, or they may be
green, black or putrid.
There are also pain and tenderness on pressure, in
the circumference of the bowels, and generally
violent cutting or crampy pains. If the attack be
severe or prolonged it is accompanied by more or
less fever.
Causes.—It is most frequently caused by a change
of temperature, a chill, moisture, &c., and is there-
fore most prevalent in the months of August and
September when the days are warm and the nights
cool. Other causes are such as may produce any
disorder of the digestive organs, as unripe or stale
fruit, &c.
TREATMENT.-If there be fever, commence the treat-
ment with a dose of Aconite, prepared by adding five
drops to half a tumbler of water, a teaspoonfull to
be given at a dose. Then,
1. If the stools consist of mucus or mucus mixed
with blood, accompanied by burning, soreness and
straining at the anus; green, frothy, or sour smell-
ing stools, fleshy, jelly-like stools, cutting pains in
the bowels, chilliness and shivering, cold perspira-
tion, soreness of the bowels, white coated tongue,
give Merc. Sol.
DOSE.-Four or five grains every hour or two.
DYSENTERY.
55
2. If there are very severe crampy or colicky
pains in the bowels, and particularly if there are
crampy or aching pains in the limbs, great relief
may be obtained by giving Coloc. in alternation with
the Merc. Sol., or with whatever remedy is most
indicated. This remedy may also be administered
when, with or without these symptoms, the evac-
uations are mucous, scanty, or slimy, or streaked
with blood, or are watery, greenish, or yellow.
3. When there is much discharge of blood, pure or
mixed, Merc. Corr. should be administered. This
is the most valuable remedy we possess in the treat-
ment of dysentery. It is particularly of value in
autumnal dysentery, or when it proceeds from a chill.
The characteristic indications for its use, are fre-
quent small passages of bloody mucus, or of chopped
up looking greenish masses mixed with blood, fœtid
or brownish mucus; constant and painful bearing
down and inclination to go to stool without an
evacuation, or with the evacuation of a little mucus;
severe, cutting and griping pains, before, during,
and after the motions; increased desire to go to
stool after each evacuation; great thirst; some-
times oppression of the stomach and vomiting; the
straining and evacuations are sometimes accom-
panied by protrusion of a portion of the intestines.
DOSE.-Five grains for an adult, to be taken at a
56
DYSENTERY.
dose, each dose to be dissolved in half a table-
spoonful of water: to a child from five to ten years
old, half that quantity may be given. A dose to
be taken after each evacuation.
4. When the discharges are dark brown, bilious
looking, copious, having a fermented look, with or
without blood, accompanied by great and painful
bearing down, burning, and great soreness and ten-
derness in the anus, cutting pains in the bowels,
severe pain in its circumference, give Aloes.
DOSE. Three drops to be added to half a tumbler
of water. A teaspoonful to be given after each
movement of the bowels.
5. When the attack is accompanied by high fever,
hot, dry skin, thirst, bilious vomiting, with bearing
down, or when there are rheumatic pains in the head
or back of neck and shoulders, give Aconite. This
remedy may be used with advantage in conjunction
with other remedies, in all cases of dysentery accom-
panied by fever, and is valuable when the attack can
be traced to a chill.
When there are bloody discharges, with bearing
down and straining behind, and none of the remedies
mentioned above give relief, Ipecac may be given
in alternation with Merc. Corr., or with Merc. Sol.,
six drops being mixed with half a tumbler of water,
of which the dose is a teaspoonful.
EARACHE.
57
DIET, &c.-Keep the bowels and back wrapped
warmly in flannel. Give no solid food; give nourish-
ment enough simply to support the strength, which
may be done by light preparations of barley water,
gruel, sago, rice, arrow root, &c., or if the exhaustion
be great, chicken broth or beef tea. This diet should
be observed for some time after convalescence.
Earache.
Children as well as adults are subject to earache,
proceeding in most cases from a cold or from
"gatherings" or small abcesses in the ear. If the
ear be examined by letting the patient sit with the
head in such a position that the sunlight will fall
directly upon it, the ear being pulled up at the top
by the thumb and forefinger, so as to open it as
much as possible, it will frequently be possible to
ascertain whether or not there is a gathering, which
is recognized by redness, swelling, or the presence
of a small tumor in some part of the canal of the ear,
or by the presence of water or matter. If there be
nothing of this nature seen, give Merc. Sol. and
Belladonna, according to the general directions for
the administration of remedies on pages IX and
X, and soak thoroughly a small piece of cotton in
Hamamelis, which should first be warmed, and
push it carefully into the ear; this should be
changed every half hour or every hour, until the
pain is relieved.
58
EPILEPTIC FITS.
If the presence of a gathering be detected, Merc.
Sol. and Bell. should be given as directed in the In-
troduction, and the Hamamelis employed in the same
manner, and cloths, wrung out of hot water, kept ap-
plied over the ear. If there should be much matter
however, cotton should not be introduced, as the dis-
charge should have a free egress, but if there should
be much pain the cloths may be applied. Generally,
however, after the ear has commenced discharging,
the pain ceases.
Epileptic Fits.
An attack of epilepsy generally comes on sudden-
ly, though it may be preceded by various symptoms.
In an attack of ordinary severity, the patient falls
down suddenly, there are strong convulsive move-
ments, spasmodic closure of the jaws, spasmodic
twitching of the muscles of the face; the hands are
clenched, there is difficult, choking respiration, foam-
ing at the mouth, and the face becomes turgid or
blue, while the veins of the forehead and neck are
swollen and distended. The spasmodic state becomes
at length gradually less, gives way, and is followed
by deep sleep.
Diagnosis.-It is important that an epileptic fit
should not be mistaken for an attack of apoplexy, as
entirely different treatment is required for the two.
The marks of distinction will be found on page 15.
INFLAMMATION OF THE EYES.
59
TREATMENT.-All that need be done during the
attack, is to prevent the patient injuring himself.
Place the patient on the back, the head being some-
what elevated, loosen all articles of clothing about
the neck, and if the fit be severe, place if possible a
small bit of wood or a small roll of cotton or muslin
between the teeth, to prevent the tongue from being
bitten. Cold water may also be sprinkled on the
face and chest.
Inflammation of the Eyes.
These directions for the eye refer not to severe or
chronic affections of this organ, but to inflammation
and pain produced by cold, wind, etc., etc.-catarr-
hal inflammation of the eyes. They are red, painful,
sensitive to the light, discharge water profusely, and
there may be a discharge of matter.
TREATMENT.--Give Stibium and Belladonna in al-
ternation, two hours apart. Cold or warm water, as
may be most agreeable to the patient, may be kept
applied part of the time by means of linen cloths, to
the eyes, or the eyes may be bathed occasionally. A
physician should be consulted, if the trouble should
be severe, as local applications may be required.
Should there be much pain in and above the eyes,
Arsenicum and Stibium may be given.
DOSES, ETC.-See page VIII.
60
FAINTING-HEADACHES.
Fainting.
TREATMENT.-Place patient on the back, the head
low; give plenty of fresh air by opening a window;
do not crowd around her; sprinkle the face with a
little cold water; loosen the dress about the chest;
apply salts or hartshorn to the nostrils, and as soon
as she can swallow, give a little brandy or wine.
Where fainting occurs, however, after or during
severe bleeding, or flooding, do not try to revive
the patient, unless the swoon lasts some time.
Headaches
Are so variable in their character, and are due to
such a variety of causes, that only a few directions
for the most common forms will be given.
Like all other affections, headache should be
treated, as far as possible, with reference to its
cause. The most common varieties are rheumatic,
situated in the muscular covering of the head-a
species of rheumatism of the scalp, always produced
by cold; neuralgic, produced in most cases by cold;
congestive, produced by disordered circulation of the
vessels of the brain; and dyspeptic or sympathetic,
probably the most common form, dependent upon
some disorder of the digestive system, dyspepsia,
constipation, disorder of the liver, derangements of
the monthly sickness, &c., &c.
The rheumatic may be recognized by the pain ex-
HEADACHES.
61
tending over the head, and by being accompanied
often by pain in the neck, face, shoulders, &c.
The neuralgic, by its occurring often, at certain
times or periods, by generally affecting one side
of the face or head, or the eyes, nose, and jaws.
The sympathetic may be surmised from the exist-
ence of any of the disorders above referred to.
TREATMENT.--The principal remedies for head-
aches are:
Aconite and Bryonia, in headaches from cold or
disorders of the liver.
Bell, in nervous, neuralgic, sympathetic, or con-
gestive headaches, and headaches from disorders of
the monthly sickness.
Nux. Vom. in nervous headaches, headaches from
disorders of the liver or digestive system, sick head-
aches.
Ignatia, in nervous headaches.
Arsenicum, in headaches from cold, or disorders
of the stomach.
Aconite and Bryonia may be given, particularly in
headaches proceeding from exposure to cold, accom-
panied by fulness of head, fever, red face, chilliness;
pain extending down the neck; pain in the limbs
or shoulders; soreness of the head and tenderness
on pressure; fullness of the head and forehead;
pressure and weight in the forehead; soreness of the
62
HEADACHES.
eyes; numbness and stupefaction of the head, as if it
were compressed on all sides; shooting pains in head;
great nervousness and irritability; pain increased
by the slightest movement.
The characteristic symptoms of headache to which
Belladonna is suited, are pain in the forehead and
aching in the eyes; redness of the eyes and flow of
tears; pain increased by light or noise; feeling as
if the skull would be pressed open; heaviness of the
head; headache in the forehead, as if the brain would
be pressed out; headache, accompanied by shooting
pains; stitches and lacerating pains in the head;
violent, tearing, bursting, cutting pains; pains on
top of the head; lacerating pains over the eyes;
headache, confined entirely to or worse on one side
of the head; great restlessness; patient almost un-
conscious or almost distracted from the pain; vio-
lent throbbing; redness of face; giddiness; fever;
beating pain; throbbing in temples; pain on the
right side of the back and spine. Aconite and Bell.
may often be given with benefit, in alternation, par-
ticularly if febrile or rheumatic symptoms are present.
DOSE.-Five drops of Bell. to half a tumbler of
water. A teaspoonful from every half hour to two
bours.
Nux. Vomica should be employed in headache pro-
ceeding from disorders of the stomach or liver; sup-
HEADACHES.
63
pressed bleeding from piles; too much coffee; from
over-eating, mental labor, or anxiety; in nervous
headaches, and headaches in hysterical subjects;
in bilious headaches; in headaches accompanied
by great irritability; by dizziness, confusion of
ideas, stupefaction; faintness, with congestion of
the head and redness of the face, particularly if
produced by any of the causes mentioned above;
throbbing, beating headache; scalp tender, and
sore to the touch; head feels bruised; headache on
top of the head; headache confined to one side of
the head-shooting, piercing, confined perhaps to
one spot; feeling as if the brain were cleft; lacer-
ating pain in the forehead; head heavy and sore,
feeling as if a nail were driven into the head; pale
face, weakness, trembling, sudden starting.
DOSE.-Five drops to be mixed with half a tum-
bler of water; a teaspoonful to be given from every
half hour to every two hours.
From the above symptoms, it may be seen that
the headaches for which Nux. is recommended are
similar in many respects to the varieties in which
Bell. is directed, and it may seem difficult in some
cases to determine which of the two remedies to em-
ploy. They have, indeed, many points in common ;
both are suited to congestive headaches; both to
lacerating, throbbing pains, and pains in the fore-
64
HEADACHES.
head; and both to headaches, accompanied by red-
ness in the face. The following marks of distinc-
tion will however prove a sufficient guide in mak-
ing the selection:
Belladonna is suited particularly to headaches of
individuals of a full habit; to females; to indivi-
duals with light hair, blue eyes, delicate skin, and
is especially of use when the headache is due to a
suppression or non-appearance of the monthly ill-
ness.
Nux Vomica more particularly to bilious or nerv-
ous temperaments; to males; to persons with pale
or red face; to persons subject to piles; to head-
aches from disorders of the liver, stomach, or from
constipation or mental disorders, anxiety, &c. A
careful comparison of the difference of the symp-
toms and of their circumstances will generally lead
to a correct choice. Bell. is however more suited to
congestive headaches, or where there is a great
rush of blood to the head or face. There are cases
in which both may be used with the greatest advan-
tage: for example, which seem to combine the
symptoms of the two remedies, as suppressed bleed-
ing from piles, or dyspeptic symptoms in very pleth-
oric individuals.
Ignatia is invaluable in purely nervous headaches,
and to headaches occurring in hysterical or very sen-
HEADACHES.
65
sitive people, particularly females; to headaches ac-
companied by palpitation of the heart, restlessness,
inclination to shed tears, depression of spirits; toge-
ther with the above characteristics, the symptoms
of headache proper, for which it is suited, are pain-
ful pressure, either in the forehead or back of the
head, or it may exist all over the head; the pain
changes about to different parts; pain in the eyes;
boring, sticking pain in the forehead, over the root
of the nose; feeling as if a sharp body were pressed
into the brain; great irritability; burning and sen-
sitiveness of the eyes, dimness of sight, or increased
by noise.
DOSE-Four drops in half a tumbler of water; a
tea-spoonful of which may be given from half an
hour to two hours apart.
;
When there is dull, heavy, stupefying pain; buz-
zing, throbbing, tightness; headache worse after
eating, accompanied by nausea, retching or dizzi-
ness; headache confined to one side of the head
burning in the scalp; pain and aching in the eyes
and over the root of the nose; flow of tears and burn-
ing in the eyes, with redness of the eyes and catarrh;
dimness of sight; eyes sensitive to the light; severe
pain in the forehead; aching in the eyeballs; Ar-
senicum should be used. This remedy is of particu-
lar value if the latter symptoms are the result of
66
INTOXICATION-- DRUNKENNESS.
cold; also in rheumatic headaches; in headaches
from disordered digestion from eating rich food. In
catarrhal headaches it may be given in alternation
with Bell.; in headaches characterized by the symp-
toms and caused by disorders of the stomach, it
may be given in alternation with Nux. Vomica. Ar-
senicum and Nux. Vomica may be also given in al-
ternation in "sick headache,".with great benefit.
DOSE, ADMINISTRATION, ETC.-Each of the above
medicines is to be prepared by mixing five drops
with half a glass of water. If two remedies are given,
they may be taken in alternation, from one to two
hours apart, in teaspoonful doses.
Intoxication-Drunkenness.
A fit of intoxication may be of such a character as
to require speedy medical interference. Drunken
fits have sometimes been mistaken for the more re-
spectable diseases of apoplexy, epilepsy, and pois-
oning by opium, and have been treated accord-
ingly, to the great detriment of the patient. When
a person is "dead drunk," the trouble might be
mistaken for poisoning by opium, as the two con-
ditions often resemble each other closely, and are
both accompanied by stupor. Intoxication may be
generally recognized by the odor of the breath, the
patient's habits, the circumstances in which he is
found, &c.
THREATENED MISCARRIAGE.
67
TREATMENT.-A liberal supply of fresh air should
be obtained by opening the doors and windows. If
there be obstinate insensibility and stupor, the patient
should be laid on his back with the head to one side
to favor vomiting, which should be excited by tick-
ling the back part of the throat with a feather or
with the finger; should that not produce vomiting,
an emetic should be given; an emetic almost always
at hand is common mustard, of which two or three
teaspoonfuls may be given, mixed with half a tum-
bler of warm water; should this not act, fifteen
grains of the Sulphate of Zinc dissolved in water,
may be given. The action of the emetics may be
promoted by dashing cold water on the head and
face.
A handkerchief moistened with hartshorn may also
be held before the nose, and fifteen to twenty drops
mixed with water, may be given internally. When
the stupor and prostration have yielded, Nux Vomica
may be given.
DOSE.-Five drops may be mixed with half a
tumbler of water, and a tea-spoonful given from
every half hour to every two hours.
Threatened Miscarriage.
CAUSES.-Over exertion, fatigue, mental emotions,
the habit of miscarrying, debility, etc.
SYMPTOMS.-Sometimes a miscarriage will take
68
THREATENED MISCARRIAGE.
place with scarcely any symptoms. Generally how-
ever it is preceded or accompanied by pains in the
back, loins or in the bowels, sometimes cutting or
colicky, and sometimes bearing down. Greater or
less discharge of mucus or blood may also be present.
TREATMENT.-Let the patient keep her bed; the
diet should be light; cold drinks, lemonade, &c.,
may be taken, and the greatest possible quiet observed,
until the symptoms have passed off.
Internally Coloc. and Cham. may be taken in al-
ternation from one to two hours apart. These
remedies are of use before the symptoms are severe,
and will frequently check their development. If
the symptoms are severe or if there be a discharge
of mucus or blood, medical assistance should be
sent for. These remedies however may be continued
until medical advice can be obtained. Patients
should not, unless they are obliged to, attempt to
treat a case of this kind, without assistance. The
above directions, &c., are given as they may prevent
a threatened miscarriage, or serve for the manage-
ment of one when it is inevitable, until the arrival
of a physician.
DOSES.-Five drops of each of the medicines above
mentioned to be mixed with half a glass of water of
which a teaspoonful is to be taken at a dose.
DELAY OF THE MONTHLY SICKNESS.
69
Non-appearance or delay of the Monthly Sickness
May be owing to various conditions. It may be the
result of cold, of pregnancy, of constitutional debil-
ity, of plethora; these being the most frequent causes.
When it is due to either of the two last mentioned
causes, generally a regular course of treatment is
necessary, to restore the regularity of the monthly
flow, and often, medical assistance, to bring it on at
all. When either of these two conditions exist, if
there be any irregularity in this function, it will be
likely to occur repeatedly, or the monthly sickness
may be absent for a long time. The treatment must
therefore be principally constitutional. When how-
ever its non-appearance is owing to having taken
cold or when it has previously been regular and no
cause can be assigned for its non-appearance, it may
often be brought on by taking, if it be accompanied
by fullness of the head, redness of the face, head-
ache, Belladonna and Pulsatilla, in alternation two
hours apart.
If these symptoms of the head are absent, give
Puls. and Nux., two hours apart.
DOSES.-Each of these medicines is to be prepared
by mixing 5 drops in half a tumbler of water, of
which the dose is a teaspoonfull. In addition to
these remedies the hot foot bath, hip bath, warm
drinks, and the other measures directed in the arti-
70 SUPPRESSION OF THE MONTHLY SICKNESS.
cle following on suppression of the monthly sick-
ness, may be resorted to for several nights in suc-
cession. The patient should be warmly dressed, and
cold should be avoided as much as possible.
Suppression of the Monthly Sickness.
If the monthly flow has been stopped suddenly
from cold or other causes, after it has commenced.
take Aconite and Pulsatilla in alternation an hour
and a half apart until it returns. A foot bath of
hot water should also be taken at bed time to which
should be added a tablespoonful of mustard. A
warm hip bath may also be taken with advantage,
and warm drinks as tea or gruel, be taken internally.
The patient should go to bed, and warmth promoted
in every way.
Should there be much fullness, throbbing or pain
in the head, Aconite, Pulsatilla and Belladonna may
be taken in alternation an hour apart.
DOSE, etc.-Each of these medicines is to be pre-
pared by mixing 6 drops with half a tumbler of
water, and given in teaspoonful doses.
Neuralgia of the Face and Head
Is so common, that it does not need a very minute
description. It consists of severe pains of the nerves
of the head or face, or both; sometimes the pain ex-
tends into the jaw, sometimes into the eye and fore-
NEURALGIA OF THE FACE AND HEAD.
71
head, sometimes the whole of one side of the head
is affected, the pain extending even to the spine or
shoulder, the pain is sharp, shooting, aching, or
burning, and in many cases returns at regular
periods or intervals. If the eye is affected there is
a profuse flow of tears.
CAUSES.-The most common is cold, decayed teeth
and disorders of the monthly sickness.
TREATMENT.—In neuralgia proceeding from cold,
accompanied by burning and pain in or about the
eye or in the temples, or at the root of the nose, with
flow of tears, catarrh, or pain in the jaw, Ars. should
be given.
DOSE.-For an adult, 5 drops to be mixed with
half a tumbler of water, of which a teaspoonfull is
to be taken at a dose. The dose for other ages in
proportion to the age. See pages IX-X.
In neuralgia with pain confined to one side of the
head or face, attended with tearing, darting pains
in the jaws or teeth, pains in the eyes, temples or
forehead, with redness of the face, violent headache,
stiffness of the neck, Bell. is the remedy.
DOSE.-Same as Ars. above.
When there are soreness of the head, soreness of
the teeth, burning, shooting, swelling of the glands
under the jaws or teeth, especially if they are de-
cayed; pain worse after going to bed, chilliness,
perspiration, Merc. Sol. should be taken in alterna-
tion with Cham., half an hour to an hour apart.
72
NEURALGIA IN THE FACE AND HEAD.
DOSE. For an adult, as much Merc. as will lie
on an old-fashioned silver three-cent piece (about
five grains). For dose for children, see page IX.
Cham. should be prepared, ten or fifteen drops of
Cham., to be mixed with half a glass of water.
Dose, a tea-spoonful.
Aconite should be resorted to in neuralgia from
cold, with fever, rheumatic pains, alternate heat and
chills, throbbing, burning, swelling of the face.
DOSE.-See page VIII.
It will frequently be necessary to give two of the
above remedies, in alternation from one to two hours
apart, or even oftener if the pain should be severe,
until relief is obtained. For instance Ars. and Bell.
Bell and Merc. Sol.; Aconite and Merc. Sol. may be
given in alternation. according as the symptoms ex-
perienced by the patient correspond to the symptoms
described above. Aconite may always be given
with advantage alone, or in conjunction with another
remedy, when there is fever.
Another means of relief of great value in neural-
gia of the face, and toothache, is a mustard poultice
applied to the face, and made by mixing thoroughly
one teaspoonful of English mustard with six of Indian
meal, wet with hot water, and gradually adding to
this and mixing six teaspoonfuls of flour. It should
be applied hot between two pieces of thin muslin and
may be allowed to remain on any length of time as
it will not blister nor irritate the skin.
RHEUMATISM.
73
Rheumatism.
This disease may require such a variety of reme-
dies and often such diligent treatment, that only a
few remedies will be given, intended for the treat-
ment of the affection as soon as it makes its appear-
ance and before a severe attack is developed; but
not for cases of rheumatism of long standing.
TREATMENT.-For rheumatic pains arising from
cold, check of perspiration, etc., characterized by
aching pains all over, chilliness, lameness, and
for rheumatic pains generally, without perspiration,
Aconite and Merc. Sol. should be given two hours
apart.
DOSES.-Six drops of the Aconite to be mixed
with half a glass of water, of which the dose is a
tea-spoonful. The dose of the Merc. Sol. is as much
as will lie heaped up on a silver three-cent piece.
When the symptoms are of the same nature as de-
scribed above, and are accompanied by perspiration,
Colchicum and Mercurius Solubilis, are the remedies,
an hour or two apart.
DOSES.-Same as Aconite and Merc. above.
When the joints are red and swollen, Colchicum
should be taken every two hours. If accompanied
by fever, Aconite should be taken in alternation
with it, two hours apart.
DOSES, ETC -See Introduction, page VII.
74
RHEUMATISM.
If the pains are relieved by moving about or by
motion, Rhus. should be taken.
DOSE, ETC.-See page VIII.
For rheumatic pains in the shoulder-sharp or
sore pains, pains in the chest, particularly in taking
a long breath, Colchicum and Rhus should be taken
two hours apart.
DOSES, ETC.-See page. VIII.
Sea Sickness.
The remedies and expedients recommended in
this complaint are innumerable.
A dose of Nux. Vom., may be taken with advan-
tage on an empty stomach 12 hours and 6 hours be-
fore sailing; as soon as nausea sets in, Ars. and Nux
may be taken in alternation from one to three hours
apart.
When the sickness becomes excessive, is attended
with violent retching, prostration, and burning in
the throat, Ars. may be given in alternation with
Nux.
DOSES, ETC.-See page VIII.
When the above remedies are insufficient, 10 or 12
drops of Chloroform may be given in water, two or
three times a day if necessary. Capsules each con-
taining three or four drops of chloroform are kept
by druggists, and are a very
taking this remedy.
convenient way of
SEA SICKNESS.
75
Keep on the back the first twenty-four or forty-
eight hours of the voyage, and after that keep on
deck as much as possible. Avoid all alcoholic
stimulants generally, except iced champagne.
Great care should be taken to avoid rich food.
A bowl of oat-meal gruel may be always taken
with advantage before rising.
PART II.
THE TREATMENT OF CASES OF
POISONING.
Accidental cases of poisoning are most liable to
occur from ACONITE, ARSENIC, CORROSIVE SUBLIMATE,
OPIUM and TARTAR EMETIC, as these poisons are often
kept in the house for various purposes.
Poisoning by Aconite.
The tincture and other preparations of this plant
are frequently administered by physicians for various
diseases. It is a poison producing great prostration
and weakness, and loss of power, both of the nervous
and muscular systems; sometimes producing para-
lysis of the organs of respiration, and a deadening of
all the faculties.
TREATMENT.-I. Evacuate the stomach by an
emetic. 30 grains of the Sulphate of Zinc may be
given for this purpose, dissolved in warm water.
After vomiting has been produced, give stimulants
-brandy or ammonia, (hartshorn.) 15 to 20 drops
of the latter, mixed with water, and repeated from
time to time.
If there are spasms, the warm bath should be re-
sorted to.
ARSENIC.
77
Arsenic.
The symptoms of poisoning by Arsenic vary ac
cording to the amount taken. The most prominent
are nausea, vomiting, retching, cold extremities,
trembling, weakness, anxiety, chills, burning in the
throat and mouth, violent or unquenchable thirst,
diarrhoea, purging, colicky, crampy pains, sometimes
fainting, and collapse, (these two symptoms rare,)
and sometimes spasms.
These symptoms vary in the degree of their in-
tensity, often being less strongly marked, and some-
times much more violent. In severe cases, every
organ and function of the body may be affected.
TREATMENT.—The first step to be taken in do-
mestic practice is to free the stomach from the
poison by producing vomiting, (if vomiting has not
set in of itself.) Do this by tickling the throat with
the finger, or with a feather, if this do not prove
sufficient, two or three spoonfuls of mustard may be
given with half a tumbler of water; or 20 or 30
grains of the sulphate of zinc may be given dissolved
in a little water. The emetic best suited however
to poisoning by Arsenic, is a tea made by steeping a
common small paper of tobacco, or if that be not at
hand one or two cigars broken up, in a teacupfull
of water; of this a teaspoonful may be given at a
dose every five or ten minutes until vomiting com-
78
CORROSIVE SUBLIMATE.
mences, when it should be discontinued, as it is a
remedy apt to produce great prostration.
Tartar Emetic should never be given in cases of
poisoning by Arsenic.
After vomiting has taken place, one of the follow-
ing remedies is to be given. They are arranged in
the order of their value.
1. Let the patient swallow pulverized charcoal.
2. If that be not at hand give sweet oil plentifully.
3. Calcined magnesia mixed to the thickness of
cream, in doses of two or three tablespoonfuls. After
the violent symptoms have been subdued, beef tea,
strengthening broths, wine and water may be given.
Corrosive Sublimate.
In poisoning by corrosive sublimate, give at once
the white of several eggs. These are the best do-
mestic antidote; the white of one egg is enough to
antidote four grains of the poison; if the eggs are
not at hand, give until they can be obtained flour
mixed with water, or in place of that let the patient
drink milk. After having given this antidote in-
duce vomiting by draughts of lukewarm water,
tickling the throat with a feather, &c. Should these
not produce vomiting, give 20 or 30 grains of the
sulphate of zinc in a little water.
ACIDS, OPIUM, &C.
79
Poisoning by Sulphuric Acid, Oil of Vitriol, Vitriol.
Give magnesia and water, the carbonate of soda,
potash and water, or chalk and water. If these are
not at hand, give oil, milk, flour and water, ashes
and water or pure water. Flax seed or slippery elm
tea, may also be given.
If external parts be burned, wash with soap and
water.
Nitric Acid, (Aqua Fortis.)
Same antidotes as for sulphuric acid.
Hydrochloric Acid, Muriatic Acid.
Give magnesia and water, chalk and water, car-
bonate of soda or potash and water; whiting
scraped from the wall in the absence of any of the
above remedies, which are named in the order of
their value. Next to these, oil, white of eggs, flour
and water and milk, are valuable; these last named
remedies should be given in large quantities, in case
of poisoning by any of the acids.
Opium, Laudanum, Paregoric, Godfrey's Cordial,
Morphine.
Opium, and the above preparations of it, are nar-
cotic poisons, producing in over doses giddiness,
heaviness, stupor, insensibility, slow, labored breath-
ing, the face is generally pale and the patient lies
quite still as if in a deep sleep.
TREATMENT.Give an emetic of from 20 to 30
80
OPIUM, LAUDANUM, &C.
grains of the Sulphate of Zinc, in a little water. The
dose must be proportioned to the amount of stupor
or insensibility. For an adult, 30 grains should be
given at once. For the doses for an infant, see pa-
ges 11-12. If this do not produce vomiting in 5 or
10 minutes, give strong black coffee, as strong as it
can be made. This will often produce vomiting when
all other means fail, though if this should fail, a se-
cond dose of sulphate of zinc may be given.
Should vomiting however not be brought on by
either of these remedies, give a tablespoonful of
saleratus or soda in water, and immediately after a
tumbler full of vinegar and water as strong as it can
be taken without scalding the throat; vomiting may
be assisted after either of the above remedies, by
tickling the back part of the throat with a feather
or the finger. Do do not, however, give all these
emetics at once. Commence with the one first di-
rected, and if it do not act after a proper time has
elapsed, give another, and so on.
After the emetic has been given, employ every pos-
sible means to rouse the patient; dash cold water,
or cold and warm water in alternation upon the
chest, neck and face; give stimulants internally,
strong coffee with a little brandy in it, &c. After
vomiting, give acid drinks, as vinegar and water. or
lemon juice.
OPIUM, LAUDANUM, &C.
81
As long as the drowsiness continues the patient
should not be suffered to give way to it, but should
be walked up and down the room between two
persons.
Sometimes after a large quantity of laudanum or
its preparations has been taken, respiration appears
to have ceased entirely, and the patient seems dead.
When this condition exists or when the patient does
not swallow, even when the substances administered
are placed far back on the tongue :
1. Pour water, as cold as can be procured, from a
height upon the spine.
2. If this produce no return of animation, artificial
respiration must be resorted to. This is performed
as follows:
1. Place the patient on the face upon a table;
then turn the body on the side and a little beyond,
then briskly on the face or breast again, and so from
the side to the face alternately, once in about four
or five seconds. The side on which the patient is
turned should be varied occasionally.
2. Each time the body is placed on the face, make
uniform but firm pressure between and below the
shoulder blades, on each side of the spine, removing
the pressure immediately before turning the body on
the side.
3. The head should project over the head of the
82
TARTAR EMETIC.
table, and the fingers should be occasionally intro-
duced into the back part of the throat to excite
vomiting.
As soon as there are signs of returning animation,
an emetic should be given as first directed, and the
treatment then pursued as afterwards directed.
Tartar Emetic
Produces in over doses, cramps, spasms, convulsions,
vomiting, purging, and colicky pains.
TREATMENT.-1. Give strong green tea, as strong
as it can be made; to an infant, a few teaspoonfuls
will suffice.
2. Chalk or magnesia, mixed with water to about
the consistence of cream, may then be given.
3. If there is great prostration, a little brandy or
wine may be administered.
4. If there are severe cramps, to an adult, from
thirty to fifty drops of laudanum may be given.
PART III.
OF ACCIDENTS.
The General Treatment of Accidents, Falls, Inju-
ries, Collapse, &c.
Numerous accidents are liable to occur, in which
certain immediate measures may be of great use and
are sometimes indispensable to the welfare of the pa-
tient, and as they may occur at any time, a few di-
rections as to their immediate management will be
of use. Among these are injuries received from
falls; from being run over or knocked down by
a passing vehicle; injuries received from cars;
from blows by heavy bodies; where part of the
body is crushed; or a limb broken; wounds from
fire arms; from explosions, &c.
Severe accidents of this kind are generally fol-
lowed by a condition of prostration or collapse, due
to the sudden shock given to the nervous system.
The symptoms of the shock vary from simple faint-
ness to complete insensibility; the patient, when the
shock is severe, lying cold and breathless, with a
feeble pulse, and wholly or partially unconscious.
Sometimes an unimportant and slight injury will
84
TREATMENT OF ACCIDENTS.
produce great collapse. Soldiers in action have fal-
len down from being simply grazed by a bullet, and
others from merely thinking themselves shot. When
the prostration is principally the effect of nervous
fear, a little brandy or wine, and a few encouraging
words will be sufficient to restore the patient.
When it is owing to severe injury, other methods
must be resorted to :
1. Place the patient in a comfortable position,
with the head low, unless it be the seat of the injury,
and the wounded part so that it will be favorably
situated and so as to be as little painful as possible.
Then, if the prostration be great and there is perfect
insensibility and there are no signs of reaction, stim-
ulants should be resorted to. Frictions should be
employed over the surface of the body; injections
containing brandy, or prepared by beating up the
spirits of turpentine with the yolk of an egg and
mixing it with water, may be administered; hot
bricks or bottles of hot water should be applied under
the arm pits, and to the feet; the body should be
wrapped up warmly, and ammonia (hartshorn) may
be applied to the nostrils. Care must be taken how-
ever not to employ this last remedy too freely, as
injury is often done by it.
As soon as the patient can swallow, give a little
wine and water or a little tea.
TREATMENT OF ACCIDENTS.
85
Care must be taken however not to overstimulate
the patient, as the danger of too great reaction or
return of the vital powers is often more to be feared
than collapse.
In injuries to the head particularly, care should be
taken not to stimulate too much, as these injuries
are very liable to be followed by inflammatory con-
ditions of the brain.
If there be not complete insensibility, but only
great prostration, give stimulants sufficient simply
to keep up the patient.
Finally, in all injuries, place the patient and the
injured part in as comfortable a position as possible;
if an arm be broken lay it straight by the patient's
side, or support it on a pillow; if a leg, place the
patient on the back with the leg extended; if an
arm or leg be thought to be badly injured, do not
attempt to draw off the clothing, but cut it carefully
away.
The Treatment of Particular Accidents.
Bites and Stings of Insects.
These little things are not only painful, but some-
times even dangerous. In stings of bees or wasps, or
even mosquitoes, when very painful, extract the
sting if left in the wound. This may often be done
by applying a watch key over it and pressing firmly
86
TREATMENT OF ACCIDENTS.
upon it.
The best local application is tobacco
moistened in a little water. Brandy, sweet oil, tur-
pentine, cologne water, &c., will be found beneficial.
Dr. Hill of Cleveland, recommends as the result
of repeated trials. the application of a raw onion to
the sting. The onion to be cut in two and the sur-
face to be kept applied, changing it every ten or
fifteen minutes until the pain and swelling disappear.
He considers it certain to procure relief.
Bites of Mad Dogs.-Hydrophobia.
It is of the utmost importance to be able to deter-
mine at an early period when a dog is affected with
the disease known as Hydrophobia, or more properly
rabies (madness), but sometimes, to one unacquainted
with the symptoms of the disease, it is not only very
difficult, but impossible.
I subjoin therefore, a description of the symptoms
as they commonly appear, the main points of which
are derived principally from "Youatt on the Dog."
In the early stages, there are sullenness, fidgitiness
and continual change of posture, and an extreme
degree of restlessness. Frequently he is almost in-
variably wandering about, shifting from corner to
corner, or continually rising up or lying down ;
changing his posture in every possible way; dis-
posing of his bed with his paws, shaking it up with
his mouth, &c. He begins to gaze strangely about
TREATMENT OF ACCIDENTS.
87
him; his countenance is clouded and suspicious. If
at liberty he will seem to imagine that something
is lost, and will search eagerly round the room, par-
ticularly in every corner of it, with strange violence
and indecision.
The attachment of the dog to his master may be
in the earliest stages very much increased, and he
is employed, almost without ceasing, in licking the
hands or whatever part he can get at. Sometimes
the appetite is altered or depraved, the dog seeming
disgusted with his food, and at others seizing it with
his usual avidity, and often chewing it a little and
dropping it as if unable to swallow it. This is almost
a certain sign of madness. The dog works at his
mouth with his paws, as if there were a bone there
which he endeavors to dislodge. Sometimes he flies
at inanimate objects and endeavors to tear them to
pieces, biting at nails, the walls, &c.
The voice is changed, being either hoarse, or
pitched on a higher key than is natural. The idea
that there is profuse and constant foaming at the
mouth is erroneous, the saliva being secreted profuse-
ly for a period of only about twelve hours. Some-
times, when the attack is fully developed, the dog
shows no inclination to bite, seeming as if sick and
tired, and suffering persons to handle him gently; in
other cases the ferocity of the animal knows no
88
TREATMENT OF ACCIDENTS.
bounds; dogs have been known to pick up hot coals
of fire and chew them, and to hold red hot pokers
in the mouth. If a dog in this state of madness
makes his escape, he rushes all over, biting whatever
animal or man comes in his way.
There is also excessive thirst, the dog wanting to
drink constantly and freely. In one or two cases
this has been almost the only symptom. In most
cases the dog swallows easily, but in others, though
devoured by thirst, he is unable to swallow a drop,
owing to the swelling and paralysis of the muscles
of the throat. When the muscles of the mouth and
throat are thus affected, the mouth is partly open
and the tongue partly protruded.
It is the saliva of the mad dog which is poisonous.
and which gets into the wound made by the bite.
It is not a little dangerous, therefore, to be licked by
a mad dog, since if the saliva come in contact with
any wound, sore, scratch or abrasion, or even with
a pimple, the poison may be admitted into the
system.
This disease is not limited to the dog; any ani-
mal may be affected with it, though when it exists
in other animals, it generally comes from infection
from the dog.
SEASON, CAUSES, ETC.-Rabies commonly occurs
in the warm months of the year, though it may oc-
TREATMENT OF ACCIDENTS.
89
cur even in winter. It is caused, when not owing
to the bite of mad animals, most frequently by con-
finement, improper food, &c.
How soon, after the bite is received, does the dis-
ease show itself in the system? is an important ques-
tion. Generally in from three to five months. There
is one instance recorded, where the system became
affected in fourteen days after; another, not until
twelve, and another thirty years after. The last two
cases are extremely doubtful. If the disease does
not show itself by the end of six months, there is not
much danger of its ever making its appearance.
TREATMENT.—The bite should be cauterized as
soon as possible by the solid Nitrate of Silver (Lu-
nar Caustic). A piece, the shape of a pencil or
pointed, should be pressed firmly into the bite and
twisted around so that every part may be reached,
and until it seems thoroughly burned out. The ni-
trate of siver is the best application; next in value
come pure nitric acid, caustic potash, and last, red
hot iron. After the wound has been thus treated, it
should be cut out. This can be done properly only
Sucking the wound, and putting
a ligature above it, are of little use; the former is
dangerous, as there might be some fissure about the
lips by which the poison might enter.
by a medical man.
90
BITE OF THE RATTLESNAKE.
Bite of the Rattlesnake.
The most certain remedy for the bite of the rattle-
snake is some one of the alcoholic preparations:-
whisky [this is the best], rum, gin, brandy, etc. It
should be taken at short intervals, and in consider-
able quantities, until intoxication is produced. Al-
coholic preparations, taken in sufficient quantities,
may be regarded almost as a certain antidote to the
bite of the rattlesnake.
The wound should be also instantly cauterized by
the nitrate of silver, as directed in the preceding ar-
ticle on the bite of the mad dog.
I am not aware that the alcoholic preparations
have been employed in the treatment of the bite of
other snakes than the rattlesnake, but should con-
sider them worthy of a trial.
The local application of strong spirits of harts-
horn, together with its internal administration, has
averted a fatal termination after the bite of some
snakes, particularly the Cobra de Capello. It should
be given internally in doses of from 10 to 20 drops
in water, every five or ten minutes, until several
doses have been given. When used externally, it
should be applied very freely.
Bleeding-Hæmorrhage.
1. From wounds.-In cases of bleeding, no matter
how profuse, do not be alarmed nor lose presence
of mind, but remember that the most profuse bleed-
BLEEDING-HEMORRHAGE.
91
ing can be subdued to a great extent by resorting to
the proper means, at least until medical assistance
can be obtained, and that bleeding from an acci-
dental wound rarely proves fatal, though no accident
produces more alarm in the minds of lookers on.
TREATMENT, DIRECTIONS, &C.-Do not cover up the
wound with handkerchiefs, towels, bandages, &c.
First ascertain the source of the bleeding. Hæmor-
rhage or bleeding from a wound proceeds from one
of two sources: First, from an artery, recognizable
by the blood flowing in jets or by jerks, and by being
of a bright red color. Second, from a vein, recog-
nizable by the blood oozing or welling out, and being
of a dark color.
Examine the wound carefully, and remove all
dirt, clots, &c. 1. Then, if the bleeding be slight or
proceed from a slight wound, there being but a sim-
ple oozing of blood, it may often be checked by the
application of cloths wet with cold water, by pounded
ice in linen cloths, or by raising the part in an ele-
vated position; or cobwebs, the down from a hat, or
powdered alum, or cotton may be applied. These
methods will frequently arrest the bleeding when it
proceeds from a bleeding surface, large or small in
extent, but not accompanied with wounds of any
large blood vessels.
2. When large blood vessels are cut open and the
92
BLEEDING-HÆMORRHAGE.
flow of blood is profuse, there is more danger, and
other measures must be resorted to:
1. Apply one or more fingers upon the point whence
the blood flows, not near it, but if possible directly
upon the mouth of the bleeding vessel, at the point
where the blood can be seen or felt to gush out. If
it can be seen, and it be possible, pinch the end of
the bleeding vessel between the thumb and finger;
if this cannot be done, or if the wound be over a bone,
as on the head or forehead or on the arm, make firm
pressure with one or two fingers upon the ends of
the bleeding vessel or upon the bleeding point, press-
ing it against the bone. The bleeding may gene-
rally be restrained in this manner until medical as-
sistance arrives.
Supposing, however, a large vessel to have been
wounded and the flow of blood to be profuse, addi-
tional security will be found in the application of
what is known as the tourniquet. The most common
form of the instrument consists of a band made to
encircle the whole limb, and having a pad placed
under it to press upon the bleeding vessel. One may
easily be made by tying a knot firmly in the middle
of a cravat, or pocket handkerchief folded like a cra
vat; bind this around the limb a little above the
wound, so that the knot will be directly over the
blood vessel to be compressed; under the knot s
BLEEDING-HÆMORRHAGE.
93
compress about an inch square, of linen or cotton
cloth, and made as hard as possible, may be placed.
The two ends of the handkerchief are then to be tied
together upon the limb, and a stick being inserted
into the knot, it may be twisted so that the whole
limb may be firmly compressed.
This will be of great use also when the fingers be-
come cramped or unsteady. Do not, however, twist
the stick so tightly as to prevent the circulation en-
tirely; try to concentrate the pressure on the bleed-
ing vessel.
The pressure should be made upon the blood ves-
sel above the wound. The situation of the blood
vessel can often be recognized by finding a pulsating
point above the wound. In wounds of the arm pres-
sure should be made on the inside of the arm against
the bone; in wounds of the thigh, just inside the
thigh at its commencement, on about the center.
The main artery of every limb runs downward
along the inside of the limb.
3. If the bleeding seem to proceed from rather a
large surface or from several small vessels, or there
be a deep wound and so extensive that it cannot be
checked by the means described in verse 1, pressure
by pads or compresses must be resorted to.
This is to be done in the following manner: First
remove all dirt, clots, or foreign bodies. Then place
94
BLEEDING--HÆMORRHAGE.
the finger on the bleeding point, and removing it,
apply a small piece of lint, just large enough to
cover it. Over this, place another little larger, and
so on, layer after layer, firmly upon each other, each
a little larger than the other, till the whole wound
has been filled up a little higher than the surround-
ing skin. The compress will thus have the shape
of a pyramid, of which the point will rest upon the
wound, and the base will be a little above the
level of the wound. Over this may be drawn a
cravat, handkerchief, or bandage, so as to keep it
firmly in its place and make some degree of pressure
upon it, or strips of plaster may be drawn over it in
different directions.
If the compress remain tolerably dry, it is a sign
that the bleeding is checked. If on the contrary, the
blood oozes through in considerable quantities, the
compress must be undone, and reapplied more care-
fully and firmly.
If this do not prove effectual, use pressure with
the fingers, and apply the tourniquet until assistance
is obtained.
In bleeding from wounds caused by fire arms, or
from small and deep wounds, it is impossible generally
to apply compresses as described. In these cases
the tourniquet should be employed, and the fingers
applied firmly upon the upper and lower edge of
bleeding orifice.
BLEEDING FROM LEECH BITES.
95
Bleeding from Leech Bites.
The bleeding from leech bites is sometimes very
profuse, and, unless proper measures are taken,
difficult to arrest. The following measures will
be found efficacious.
Roll a small piece of the downy portion of lint
into a hard ball a little smaller than a pea, wipe
the bleeding orifice dry, and press the ball upon it.
Then draw firmly over it a piece of adhesive plas-
ter, so that it will extend an inch or two beyond it
in each direction. A still more effectual method
is, after bringing the edges of the little wound in
contact, to unite them by means of two or three
stitches with a fine needle and thread. Ice, lo-
cally applied, is very useful. Should this, how-
ever, not stop the bleeding, or if the bite be where
the pressure or plaster cannot be applied, as on the
eyelid, take the downy portion of lint, make a
small hard ball almost the size of a pin's head, or
large enough to fit closely into the orifice, wet this
in a strong solution of alum, and, with the assist-
ance of a pin or knitting-needle, press it into the
orifice, first having wiped it quite dry.
Bleeding from leech bites may be restrained also
by wiping the orifice dry, and then pinching to-
96
BRUISES-CONTUSIONS-BURNS-SCALDS.
gether for ten or fifteen minutes the integument on
each side of it, thus closing it completely.
Bruises. Contusions.
Keep the bruised part constantly wet by means of
a linen rag, with a mixture of three or four tea-
spoonfuls of tincture of Arnica to a tumbler of water.
Burns and Scalds.
If the burn produce simply redness of the skin
without the formation of blisters, and is slight in ex-
tent, cold water or ice may be kept constantly ap-
plied until the pain is relieved; or a cold poultice
of grated potatoe or turnip may be applied till the
pain abates. These applications must however be
changed often enough to keep up the sensation of
cold. After the pain abates the part may be warmly
covered with soft cotton wool.
2. Soap lather made from a common shaving box
may be applied coat after coat and allowed to dry
Additional protection will be found in covering
this with cotton wool, (cotton batting.)
on.
3. An invaluable remedy in burns, not attended
with the formation of blisters, even if they be quite
extensive, is the liquid collodion. Several coats may
be painted over with a camel's hair brush,
Or if this same kind of burn be very extensive it
BURNS AND SCALDS.
97
may be bathed with warm turpentine, then dredged
with flour and wrapped in warm cotton.
A point which should be kept in view in the im-
mediate treatment of all burns, is to protect them at
once carefully from the air; all the above methods
of treatment have that end in view, except the first,
in which cold applications are directed.
If the burn be very extensive or is accompanied
by the formation of blisters, the blisters may be
punctured just enough to allow the liquid to escape,
and flour sprinkled thickly over by means of a com-
mon flour dredger; over this cotton batting of equal
thickness must be laid; a second, a third layer must
be laid over this according to the profuseness of the
discharge. The whole to be retained in its place by
a bandage lightly applied.
If a druggist's shop be near at hand, have a mix-
ture prepared consisting of two parts of collodion
and one of castor oil; puncture the blisters, apply
with the camel's hair brush two or three coats of
this, then dredge lightly with flour and cover with
carded cotton. A case of this kind under the
writer's care, the burn being very extensive and
severe, and attended with great prostration, by this
application ran its course from beginning to end
without the least pain, or the pain ceasing as soon
as the application was made. The collodion and
98
CHOKING, ETC.
castor oil form an effectual protection from the air,
and is very soothing, while the ether which the
collodion contains acts as a direct sedative to the
pain.
It is to be borne in mind in the treatment of all
the above cases that the dressings after having been
once applied, are not to be changed for several days
except by the direction of the physician, except in
cases in which medical assistance cannot be ob-
tained.
Severe burns are frequently attended with faint-
ing or collapse, cold extremities, pale face, &c. ; in
such cases give a little brandy or wine.
Choking. Foreign Bodies and Substances in
the Throat.
Foreign bodies in the throat either produce irri-
tation or hard coughing, or choking, or find their
way down the throat, or are coughed up of them-
selves.
If the body which gets into the throat be small or
sharp, as a fish bone, a pin, make the patient swallow
a good mouthful of bread crumb, or it may some-
times be carried down by making the patient swallow
a plentiful draught of water or what is better the
white of an egg, followed if necessary by a second,
Sometimes if the foreign body be lodged in the
upper part of the throat it may be visible. In such
CHOKING, ETC.
99
a case direct some one to hold the tongue with a
spoon, and regardless of the attempts to vomit,
thrust the finger into the back part of the throat, if
it can be reached, and carefully remove the sub-
stance, taking care not to lacerate the surrounding
parts.
Or a long skein of silk forming a great number of
nooses may be pushed down the back part of the
throat, the tongue being held with a spoon, keeping
hold of one end of the skein. In this manner the
sharp body may sometimes be caught and drawn up.
If none of these measures are sufficient an emetic
of Sulphate of Zinc must be given; 15 grains will
be sufficient for an adult; for the doses for children
and infants, see pages IX-X.
If the substance lodged in the throat be a large
soft substance as a piece of meat, try to excite vomit-
ing by the means above mentioned. Sometimes a
smart blow on the middle of the back just below the
neck will dislodge it. If it cannot be thus dislodged
(if the patient can hardly breathe do not wait for an
emetic of sulphate of zinc to operate,) and medical
assistance cannot be speedily obtained, in either of
the two classes of substances mentioned, take a large
goose quill, push the feathered part into the throat,
first having oiled it, directing it well backwards.
that it may not enter the wind pipe. which lies in
100
CONCUSSION STUNNING."
front of the throat; then in the first class of sub-
stances mentioned, twirl it rapidly about so as to
disengage it; in the second, try to push the substance
if it be soft, down into the throat aud stomach.
Large, hard, angular bodies, as bone, glass, can be
removed generally only by extraction; though even
in these cases, if medical assistance cannot be ob-
tained, the skein of silk may be employed, followed
if this be ineffectual, by an emetic.
Concussion-"Stunning."
Concussion of the brain is a shock given it by
some mechanical violence, as a blow, a fall, &c., and
is attended with a weakening, or loss of bodily or
mental power. Its symptoms vary according to the
shock, from giddiness and stupefaction with vomiting,
to complete insensibility and stupor. Sometimes the
patient can be roused for a moment, becoming im-
mediately insensible again, perhaps after a while
partly recovering his senses; in more severe cases it
being impossible to arouse the patient, the body be-
coming pale and cold, the pulse and breathing feeble
and all the symptoms of prostration existing.
In severe concussion there are two principal
stages. The first is that of collapse or insensibility,
the patient may die in this stage without ever be-
coming conscious. The second is when reaction sets
CONCUSSION "STUNNING."
101
in, or the natural powers begin to return, the pulse
rising, the breathing becoming stronger and partial
or complete consciousness returning.
TREATMENT.-In the first stage, generally, do
nothing; place, the patient on his back and await
the result, particularly do not interfere if he can be
roused and is at all sensible, and the collapse be only
partial. If however there is great coldness, paleness,
complete insensibility which lasts a long time, and
there are no signs of returning animation, an attempt
should be made to being on reaction. Do this by ap-
plying warmth to the surface of the body, placing
bottles of hot water or bricks under the arms, friction
to the chest and abdomen. If these produce no effect
give injections containing turpentine, five or six tea-
spoonfuls beaten up with the yolk of an egg and
mixed with water; camphor may be held to the nos-
trils or a handkerchief sprinkled with ammonia may
be passed before the nostrils, not too freely however
as it may injure the patient.
As soon as there are signs of returning animation
or reaction as it is termed technically, or as soon as
they have fully set in, do nothing except to put the
patient on his back, with his head a little elevated;
if he be very weak a little gruel or tea may be given.
If collapse should threaten to set in again, as it
sometimes does, give a little wine and water. Some-
102
DROWNING.
times however the reaction sets in with too much
violence, the face becoming flushed and the vessels
of the head and neck, and the pulse, full and throb-
bing; the eyes may be bloodshot, there may be
fever, pain in the head, or delirium. In such a case
there is danger of inflammation of the brain, and the
patient should be placed in a cool darkened room;
cold water should be kept applied to the head, a
dose of castor oil should be given, followed by the
administration of Verat. Vir. and Bell. in alterna-
tion, an hour or two apart.
DOSE.-Each of these medicines to be prepared by
mixing five drops in half a tumbler of water; the
dose is a teaspoonful.
Finally, do not do too much in this kind of acci-
dent. The measures directed above are all that
should be attempted except by a physician, and often
even, then; as there is generally an inclination to do
too much in these cases, to bleed, to pour stimu-
lants down the patient's throat, &c.
Drowning.
If after the body is taken from the water there are
any signs of life, or the breathing have not ceased
entirely, employ all possible means to promote cir-
culation and warmth. First place the body with the
face downward with the wrist under the forehead.
DROWNING.
103
Cleanse the mouth from froth, mucus, &c.; strip it of
its wet clothing, wipe it dry; rub it with dry cloths.
hot flannels, or employ friction with the hand; apply
bottles of hot water, or heated bricks under the arm
pits, to the feet, and to the pit of the stomach; as
soon as the signs of returning life are well marked
or the patient seems reviving, put the body in a
warm bed, or if that be not at hand cover it with
as much spare clothing as can be obtained from the
by-standers.
An injection containing five or six teaspoonfuls of
spirits of turpentine beaten up with the yolk of an
egg and mixed with a pint of warm water, or an in-
jection containing a little brandy may also be ad-
ministered.
When, however, the warm bath can be obtained, it
is preferable to all other means of restoring circula-
tion and warmth. When the patient can swallow, a
little wine and water, or weak brandy or coffee may
be given. The patient should be kept in bed and
a disposition to sleep encouraged.
But if there are no signs of breathing and life seem
extinct, resort at once to artificial respiration, first
having stripped off the wet clothes, and placed the
body with the face downwards. Do this, unless the
weather be severe, on the spot. It is performed in
the following manner :
104
DROWNING.
Mode of producing Artificial Respiration:
1. Place the patient on the face upon a table,
then turn the body on the side and a little beyond,
then briskly on the face or breast again, and so from
the side to the face alternately once about every
four or five seconds. The side on which the patient
is turned should be varied occasionally.
2. Each time the body is placed on the face, make
uniform but firm pressure between and below the
shoulder blades, on each side of the spine, removing
the pressure immediately before turning the body on
the side.
3. The head should project a little over the edge
of the table and the finger or a feather should be oc-
casionally thrust into the back part of the throat to
excite vomiting, and from time to time try to excite
respiration by passing a handkerchief moistened
with hartshorn before the nostrils, or by exciting the
nostrils with snuff.
During the whole time rub the limbs upwards with
handkerchiefs, flannels, &c., and keep the body as
warm as possible. Injections containing brandy or
turpentine may be also given, prepared as directed
above; or injections of very warm water may be
given.
If after long continued efforts there are no signs
of returning animation, substitute in place of the
DROWNING.
105
artificial respiration, vigorous friction all over with
dry flannel, three or four men relieving each other
every half hour. From time to time the artificial
respiration may be resorted to again.
In the case in which animation has been restored
after the longest period of submersion, a period of
fourteen minutes, respiration was brought about by
this last method, (the friction.) Not the slightest
appearance of animation however manifested itself,
until these efforts had been continued with the ut-
most industry for eight hours and a half, when feeble
respiration commenced; the friction was made in
this case by relays of four men who relieved each
other every half hour.
This case shows that the efforts at restoration
should not be too soon abandoned, but should be
persevered in for hours, even though life should seem
quite gone. Few cases however in which the body
has been submerged for so long a time, can be attend-
ed with such happy results as this. It is very doubt-
ful whether restoration can be hoped for if the body
have been immersed more than fourteen minutes,
though a number of cases, not however, well authen-
ticated, have been reported of restoration after im-
mersion for a much longer period.
Part of the above directions for the treatment of
cases of drowning, have been taken from the direc-
106 SUBSTANCES AND BODIES IN THE EARS.
tions of the Royal Humane Society. The following
directions from the same source should also be care
fully observed:
1. Send for medical assistance and dry clothing.
2. Avoid rough usage.
3. Avoid using the warm bath for too long a time.
4. Do not let persons crowd about the body.
Substances and Bodies in the Ears.
Children frequently get foreign bodies of different
kinds, as peas, cherry stones, bits of pencil, &c., into
the ear; or a fly may find its way into the ear and
occasion great distress.
TREATMENT.-If the substance be full in view and
it can be easily grasped by a small pair of forceps,
it may be extricated by them. Or it may some-
times be easily removed if within reach, by a knit-
ting needle or wire, the point being slightly bent.
No attempts should however be made to extract it
by these means, unless it can be done without
much force. When it cannot be thus easily re-
moved, the simplest and most effective method
consists in the forcible injection of warm water into
the ear, by means of a good sized syringe. This if
continued a sufficient length of time, will rarely fail
to bring away the offending substance.
FREEZING AND THE EFFECTS OF SEVERE COLD. 107
Freezing, and the Effects of Severe Cold.
If any of the extremities or any part of the body
be frozen, rub it briskly with snow or iced water, and,
as sensibility returns, cold water of the usual temp-
erature may be substituted and the friction made
somewhat more briskly. Do not go near the fire,
but let the applications be made in a cold room or
on the spot where the freezing occurs; the sooner
the better. Keep the frozen part cool and avoid a
high temperature until the sensibility of the frozen
part is restored and it seems to have recovered its
natural condition; the parts most liable to be frozen
are those most remote from the heart, the great organ
of circulation, as the hands, feet, ears, nose, and
heels; the circulation in these parts being feebler
and they being also the most exposed.
The first visible effect of severe cold is to change
the affected part to a dull red color, as the cold in-
creases in severity or if it continue, the part grad-
ually loses color and becomes white, pale, and insen-
sible. This is the appearance presented by a part
which is "frost bitten."
2. Complete Insensibility from Cold.-The same
principles are to be observed, when a person has
become nearly or quite insensible from the effects
of severe or long continued cold. If there be com-
plete insensibility, plunge the body, if it can be done
108 FREEZING AND THE EFFECTS OF SEVERE COLD.
speedily, into a bath of ice water, and suffer it to re-
main for two or three minutes, after which take it
out, rub it with snow and proceed as hereafter direct-
ed. If such a bath cannot be speedily obtained, or
if there be not complete insensibility, place the body
in a cool bed in a cool room, and rub it with snow
from head to feet; an injection containing 5 or 6
teaspoonfuls of spirits of turpentine beaten up with
the yolk of an egg and mixed with water, or an in-
jection containing a little brandy may be given; if
there be complete insensibility, breathe from time to
time into the patient's mouth. As soon as there are
any signs of returning sensibility and warmth, sub-
stitute for the snow, cold water of the ordinary
temperature, and continue the friction. As soon
as the patient can swallow, a little warm wine and
water very weak may be given, and when sensi-
bility and warmth are somewhat restored, frictions
with dry flannels and furs may be employed.
After a while, when a natural condition seems to
have been brought about, the patient may be laid
in a room slightly warmed, wrapped in flannel or
fur, a little warm gruel may be given, and gentle
friction made from time to time with the hand.
Finally, in the treatment of the effects of cold
these two rules should be kept in view: 1. The
applications should at first be as cold as possible
HANGING.
109
2. The temperature of the applications should be
gradually increased as the part recovers its natural
condition.
Hanging.
Where suicide has been attempted by hanging,
loosen all the clothing about the neck and chest,
then if the breathing have not ceased, simply place
the patient on the back with the head raised; though
if there seem to be much fullness of the head, give
a dose or two of Aconite and Belladonna in alter-
nation, if they can be swallowed.
If however the breathing have ceased and life
seem extinct, having loosened the clothing about the
neck and chest, resort at once to artificial respiration
as directed on page 104, and dash cold water frequent-
ly on the face and chest. Hartshorn, snuff, &c., may
be also applied occasionally to the nostrils, and the
throat tickled with a feather.
Artificial respiration may also be made occasion-
ally by placing a pipe in the nostril and blowing
through it; or a tube may be made, by rolling up a
piece of paper, or the muzzle of a bellows may be
introduced into one nostril, closing the other with
the finger.
Breathe or blow gently once in four or five seconds,
each time you blow or breathe, pressing the promi-
110 INJURY FROM LIGHTNING SPRAINS STRAINS.
66
nence known as Adam's apple," firmly back. The
blowing through the nose should not however be re-
sorted to unless the artificial respiration first de-
scribed should prove ineffectual.
If respiration after having been once brought on
should cease again, the same measures must be re-
peated.
After the patient has recovered somewhat, put him
to bed and wrap him up warmly.
Injury from Lightning.
When a person has been stunned or struck by light-
ning, unless there are unmistakeable signs of death,
strip off the clothing and dash cold water freely up-
on the body, for ten or fifteen minutes. Diligent
friction should also be employed, injections contain-
ing turpentine or brandy should be administered,
and ammonia applied freely to the nostrils. Should
the cold water not bring on some sigus of respiration,
artificial respiration should be resorted to as described
on page 104, and the stimulants continued from time
to time.
Sprains, Strains.
A sprain may be an injury of a very serious nature,
sometimes requiring a much longer time for its cure
than a broken limb. It is commonly attended with
redness, pain, and impaired motion of the affected
SUFFOCATION FROM SMOKE, ETC.
111
part; in severe cases there are also swelling and heat.
The injury consists in the forcible stretching or
laceration of some of the fibres either of the mus-
cles or ligaments.
TREATMENT.-If there be much heat in the injured
part, keep it wet until the heat has somewhat sub-
sided, with a mixture composed of one part of al-
cohol to two parts of water.
If there is not a great deal of heat, keep the part
covered with a linen cloth wet with a mixture of
Arnica and water in the proportion of three teaspoon-
fuls of the former to a tumbler of the latter. Inter-
nally Arnica and Rhus should be taken according to
the directions for doses, contained in the introduction.
The part should be kept at rest. If the wrist be
injured, the arm should be supported by a sling, if
the foot, the leg should be kept raised up on a chair.
Suffocation from Smoke, the Fumes of Charcoal,
Poisonous Gases, &c.
A person suffocated by the smoke or the fumes of
charcoal, should be removed at once to the air, cold
water should be dashed freely over the head and
chest, and hartshorn, snuff, &c., applied to the nos-
trils. If the remedies are not soon succeeded by
some signs of returning animation, artificial respir-
ation as described on page 104 must be employed.
112
SUN STROKE-WOUNDS, CUTS.
Bottles of hot water or heated bricks may also be
applied to the feet and under the arm pits. When
there are signs of recovery, place the body in a warm
bed, in a room in which there is a good free passage
of air. Cold acid drinks may also be given, as lemon-
ade, claret, &c.
Sun Stroke-Coup de Soleil.
The symptoms attending this accident are owing
to nervous exhaustion. The clothing about the neck
and chest should be loosened; cold water should be
dashed freely upon the head, neck and chest, harts-
horn occasionally applied to the nostrils, until con-
sciousness returns; then administer brandy or wine
liberally, and keep cold water or ice applied to the
head, and as soon as the patient recovers a little
nourishment should be given.
Wounds, Cuts.
A cut may or may not be accompanied by profuse
bleeding. If it be, the measures for stopping it de-
scribed on pages 89-95 must be resorted to.
Incised wounds, or, as they are more commonly
called, cuts, are, however, generally accompanied
by considerable bleeding. If they are not, or if the
bleeding be pretty effectually checked, or the wound
be slight, it may be treated as hereafter directed. Un-
LACERATED AND CONTUSED WOUNDS.
113
less, however, the cut is small, or even if it be on a
part of the body where a scar would be unsightly,
unless medical assistance cannot be obtained, it
should be dressed by a surgeon.
1. Stop the bleeding as directed on pages 89-95.
2. Remove all foreign substances as dirt, sand, bits
of glass, &c., from the wound. This may be done by
the fingers or by washing the wound thoroughly
with cold water.
3. Then, if the edges of the wound are not close
together, bring them together, so that they will fit
smoothly, and confine them so by strips of arnica
plaster, or any kind of adhesive plaster, placed
across the wound, leaving a small space between
the strips.
Lacerated and Contused Wounds.
These wounds are caused by some blunt instrument
or by some object which tears the surface. In lacer-
ated wounds, the edges are jagged and irregular, in
contused they are bruised.
Neither of these wounds is accompanied by much
bleeding; if there be any, however, it must be check-
ed as directed on pages 89-95, and the wound must
be washed as clean as possible, and all foreign sub-
stances removed by means of warm water and a
sponge.
114 WOUNDS AND INJURIES FROM FIRE ARMS.
Lacerated wounds cannot generally be made to
heal readily and smoothly by bringing their edges
together, as in incised wounds. The edges however
must be brought together as smoothly as possible,
and if it be small, plaster may be applied as directed
when treating of incised wounds.
If however, it be large or very irregular, keep
linen cloths applied, wet with cold water. If it be
a contused or bruised wound, and the surrounding
parts are swollen and tense, arnica may be added to
the water, in the proportion of 30 drops to a tumbler
full. After the bleeding has ceased, if there be
much prostration, warm water may be substituted
for cold.
Wounds and Injuries from Fire Arms.
A gun or pistol may be loaded only with powder
and wadding, and yet produce a severe lacerated
wound. A wound of this character should be treated
according to the directions given above.
If the ball enter deeply and either goes through
the part or lodges in it, and is followed by bleeding,
measures should first be taken to stop it. (See
directions on page 89.) If the wound be not deep
firm pressure with the fingers on its upper and lower
edge should be employed. If this fail, resort to the
tourniquet, or if the ball lodge deep in one of the
PUNCTURED WOUNDS.
115
limbs and is not followed by bleeding, the tourni-
quet should invariably be applied, as severe hæm-
orrhage may be going on internally. Profuse
hæmorrhage from gunshot wounds is, however,
not common, unless some large vessel has been
wounded.
Punctured Wounds
Are such as are made by any sharp pointed in-
strument; they are generally deep. The treatment
in regard to bleeding, and the after treatment should
be the same directed for wounds from fire arms.
SYNOPSIS.
General Affections in which the Remedies
Contained in the Case are useful.
ACONITE. In fever and in all complaints accom-
panied by fever. It may be given alone, or in alter-
nation with any other remedy.
ALOES.-In dysentery or diarrhoea, accompanied
by bilious stools and burning at the anus.
ARNICA.-For bruises, sprains, dislocations. It
may be used both internally and as an external ap-
plication.
ARSENICUM.-Is useful in colds accompanied by
pains about the eyes and forehead; in disorders of
the stomach, and dyspepsia accompanied by nausea,
vomiting, thirst, or burning; in watery diarrhoea ; in
headaches from cola or indigestion; sick headaches;
may be given in alternation with Nux, Bell, or
Coloc, &c.
BELLADONNA.-In scarlet fever, in sore throats
with difficulty of swallowing, particularly if there be
much redness of the throat; in headaches accom-
panied by throbbing, pains in the eyes and temples,
fullness of the head, threatened apoplexy; convul-
sions of infants; pains in the ear.
SYNOPSIS.
117
BRYONIA-In headaches accompanied with sore-
ness of the head; bad taste in the mouth; derange-
ment of the liver; fevers accompanied by prostra-
tion, exhaustion, and general soreness.
CHAMOMILLA.—In colicky pains of infants with
green, watery or slimy stools; in threatened mis-
carriage and in false labor pains.
COLCHICUM. In rheumatic pains particularly if
they affect the joints; aching in the limbs and bones
from cold; sharp, rheumatic pains in the chest.
COLOCYNTH.-Watery diarrhoea with or without
crampy pains in the bowels; crampy pains or cramps
in the legs or arms; colicky pains without diarrhoea.
In threatened miscarriage and in false labor pains.
DULCAMARA.-In watery or slimy diarrhoea pro-
ceeding from cold; with or without slight colicky
pains.
GELSEMINUM.-In fever accompanied by great
prostration and debility, with nervous exhaustion,
with or without chilliness or perspiration; neural-
gic pains in various parts of the head and back of
the head and shoulders, occurring either as the re-
sult of cold, being rheumatic or neuralgic in their
character, or accompanying febrile conditions.
The most prominent characteristic of the fever and
various conditions which call for the use of this
remedy, is great weakness of the nervous, or muscu-
lar system.
118
SYNOPSIS.
HEPAR SULPHUR.-Colds in the head; accumu-
lation of phlegm in the throat; constant inclina-
tion to clear the throat; hacking cough. May be
given in alternation with Stib., Nux, or Kali.
HAMAMELIS.-In dysentery with bloody stools,
and straining at the anus.
HYOSCYAMUS.--In convulsions of infants; in
dry, hard fits of coughing, sleeplessness, nervous-
ness. May be used in alternation with Bell., Stib-
ium, Nux, &c.
IGNATIA.-Nervous headaches; hysterical affec-
tions; headache with great irritability; headaches
accompanied with soreness; convulsions of in-
fants; pains in the temples. May be given in
alternation with Ars., Bell., &c.
IPECAC.—In dysentery accompanied by much
straining at the anus; in simple diarrhoea attended
with nausea.
JALAP.-In diarrhoea of infants proceeding from
cold, and accompanied by colicky pains.
KALI BICHROMATE.-Useful in colds in the
head; cough, with hoarseness and loss of voice;
loose cough; cough from accumulation of mucus
in the throat.
KALI HYDRIODIDE.-Coughs from cold, worse
night and morning; loose cough, with rattling of
mucus in the chest; running from the eyes and
SYNOPSIS.
119
nose; dry coughs. May be given in alternation
with Hyos., Nux, Stibium, &c.
MERCURIUS CORROSIVUS.-In dysentery with
bloody passages; discharges of pure blood or
bloody mucus; straining and burning at the anus;
cutting pains in the bowels with the dysentery.
MERCURIUS DULCIS.-Hard, colicky pains in
the bowels, attended with cold perspiration or with
soreness of the bowels; in dry coughs, with sore-
ness of the chest. May be alternated with Nux or
Coloc.
MERCURIUS PROTIODIDE.-Ulcerated sore throat
with difficulty of swallowing; swelling and en-
largement of the glands of the throat. May be
given in alternation with Stibium
MERCURIUS SOLUBILIS.-In sore throat accom-
panied with difficulty of swallowing; swelling of
the glands of the throat; diphtheria; in pains of
the limbs and bones from taking cold, if accom-
panied by perspiration; headaches from derange-
ment of the liver; diarrhoea, with green, slimy, or
jelly-like passages, bloody stools, soreness, strain-
ing or burning at the anus; white, clay-colored
stools; brown, watery passages; pains in the face,
teeth, or ears from cold; summer complaints of
children. It may be given in alternation, as re-
quired, with Stibium or Bell., for sore throat; with
120
SYNOPSIS.
Bell, for pains in the face or teeth; with Veratrum,
Colocynth, or Ipecac, for diarrhoea, dysentery; with
Aconite or Stibium for pains affecting the system
after taking cold.
NUX VOMICA.-Headaches from derangement of
liver or stomach; sick headaches; colicky pains;
indigestion, nausea; nervous headaches; dry,
hacking cough; cough worse morning and eve-
ning; convulsions. May be given alternately
with whatever other remedy is indicated.
OPIUM. In apoplexy with stupor, drowsiness,
&c.; in convulsions of children.
PHOSPHORUS.-In colds accompanied by sore-
ness in the chest; cough accompanied by soreness
and burning in the windpipe. Merc. Sol. or Merc.
Dulc. will generally be found more useful in these
troubles.
99
PODOPHYLLUM.-This acts upon the liver to
such an extent, that it is often called the " vege-
table mercury. It is suited particularly to bilious
conditions; to headaches proceeding from inaction
or congestion of the liver; to such bilious derange-
ments as are characterized by constipation, yellow
skin, yellow or white tongue, nausea, yellowish
tinge of the eyes. In slight bilious attacks from
cold, accompanied by chilliness or shivering with
or without fever, it will be found, given in alter-
nation with Aconite, of great service.
SYNOPSIS.
121
PULSATILLA.—In delay or suppression of the
monthly sickness. May be given in this affection
in alternation with Nux, Aconite, or any other rem-
edy that may be indicated. Useful in dyspepsia
with nausea, bad taste in the mouth, headache
from eating rich food, sick headache. More suita-
ble for women and persons with light hair and blue
eyes.
RHEUM.-In diarrhoea of infants accompanied
by colicky pains, with fits of screaming, &c.;
green fermented-looking or sour-smelling passages.
Give in alternation, if necessary, with Coloc., Verat.
or Cham.
RHUS.-Rheumatic pains and lameness; aching
in the limbs; sharp pains in the limbs or chest.
May be given in alternation with Colch, or Acon.
SAMBUCUS.-In false croup ("Miller's Asthma")
SPONGIA. In hoarseness with or without burn-
ing in the larynx. Give in alternation with Stib.,
Merc. Sol., or any other remedy that may be re-
quired.
STIBIUM. In all catarrhal affections; chilliness,
aching in the bones, &c., after taking cold; sore
throat, with or without difficulty of swallowing;
cough; cold in the head; measles. May be given
in alternation with Merc. Sol, or Merc. Protiod., in
sore throats; Merc., Dulc., Kali, Nux, &c., in
122
SYNOPSIS.
coughs; Ac., Merc. Sol., in rheumatic pains after
taking cold.
SULPHATE OF ZINC.-To be used as an emetic.
SULPHUR.—In constipation, piles.
TARTAR EMETIC-In croup.
VERATRUM.-In diarrhoea with or without col-
icky pains; thin watery passages; dark or light-
colored passages.
VERATRUM VIRIDE.-This remedy is a more
important one, and suited to a greater variety of
fevers, than Aconite. In scarlatina, in bronchial
affections, in affections of the chest accompanied
by fever, in pleurisy, pneumonia, &c., it is inval-
uable. In fever produced by teething, it is useful;
and in simple fever, is as reliable as any other. In
disorders of the brain characterised by great full-
ness, it is more serviceable than even Belladonna.
It is particularly applicable when the fever is high,
the pulse hard and full, and where there is great
excitement of the circulation generally; it controls
this state better than any other known remedy.
The more violent the fever, the more suitable is
Veratrum Viride.
Any one of the above remedies may be given in
alternation with any other one which seems suited
to the nature of the case.
APPENDIX.
Fevers.
A Fever may be considered to exist when the pulse
is quickened, when there is a sensation of chilliness,
furred tongue, and hot skin. These symptoms are
the ones most commonly present, though there are
others which very frequently accompany it, among
which may be mentioned headache; pain in the
back; an aching, sore, and bruised feeling through-
out the system; debility; constipation and high-
colored urine. Often, instead of a simple chilliness,
will occur a violent chill, as severe as that of inter-
mittent fever. These various symptoms may be
produced by a simple cold, and may be easily con-
trolled, running their course probably in a few
days, and constituting simple or transient fever. In
children, these simple fevers may be produced by
teething, or may result from indigestion.
The remedies indicated in the treatment are as
follows. In case the pulse is high and the skin
burning, Aconite should be made an important
remedy; and in case there is chilliness, soreness,
aching in the limbs, and coated tongue, Merc. Sol.
should be given in alternation with it.
124
APPENDIX.
Should the febrile symptoms not be relieved by
Aconite, Veratrum Viride will probably control
them.
Gelseminum and Bryonia are applicable where
there is excessive lassitude, headache, and general
soreness.
In the simple fever of children, Aconite will gen-
erally be found the most useful remedy. Mercurius
Sol. may be given in alternation with it, if the fever
seem to proceed from a cold. In case Aconite do
not allay the fever, Veratrum Viride may be used
in place of it.
In fever from teething, Aconite should be admin-
istered, Belladonna being given in alternation with
it, if there be much heat of the head; and Cham.
and Aconite, if there be much fretfulness and pee-
vishness.
In fever from indigestion, give Aconite and Pul-
satilla; and if there be constipation, produce a
movement of the bowels by means of an injection.
In some cases, the heat, headache, and chill may
indicate the approach of some more serious disease
than simple fever, as typhus, typhoid, pneumonia,
&., in which case the remedies above indicated
will be of but little use-the early approaches of
these diseases being intricate, and sometimes even
milder than those of simple fevers
APPENDIX.
125
Hysteria "Hysterics."
This disease, though not often attended with
danger, is commonly very distressing. The symp-
toms which characterize an attack are almost in-
numerable, and often simulate the most serious
diseases; indeed, there is scarcely a disease which
they may not resemble. The most common symp-
toms are a sensation of choking; a feeling as if
there were a ball or plug in the throat; a feeling
as if there were a ball rolling about in the bowels,
and rising up to the chest and throat; rumbling
and eructations of wind; a sense of tightness and
constriction of the chest. The patient feels hardly
able to breathe, and as if she would suffocate.
There may be weeping alternated with laughter;
great restlessness; palpitation of the heart; often
screaming. The patient is inconsolable, and will
not listen to any reason; the face is purple, and
the patient looks as if she were strangling; strug-
gles violently, so that it may require several per-
sons to hold her; throws herself about; there are
pains in the chest; sometimes there is almost com-
plete insensibility, with slow and heavy breath-
ing. The attack may last for hours.
DIAGNOSIS.-This will be rendered more easy
by ascertaining if the patient has been subject to
attacks of Hysteria. The disease for which a se-
126
APPENDIX.
vere attack of Hysteria is most likely to be mis-
taken is epilepsy. In the latter disease, there is
frothing at the mouth; the eyes have a fixed, dull,
protruded look; the jaws are tightly closed; the
face is much distorted. In Hysteria, if the eye-lid
be raised, the eye will be seen to be bright and
natural, though it may be fixed; the face is not
often distorted, nor is the breathing so very diffi-
cult as in epilepsy, as the patient succeeds now
and then in taking a long, full breath; there is
seldom loss of consciousness, the patient, when the
attack is over, remembering everything that has
passed, though she may seem unconscious during
the attack.
In epilepsy, the struggles of the patient are gen-
erally less violent.
TREATMENT.-During the attack give plenty of
fresh air; apply burnt feathers to the nose; loosen
the dress; and if the attack be very severe, cold
water may be poured in a stream from a height
upon the head and face, in spite of the screams of
the patient, care being taken, however, to cover
her, so that the wetting will be confined to the
head and face. This may seem severe treatment,
but there are cases in which the patient is so
excited, and the attack is so bad, that nothing else
which can be given by non-medical persons will
APPENDIX.
127
do so much good, or will break up the attack. It
should be poured upon the head and face until the
paroxysm gives way. Assafoetida, Valerian, &c.,
are overrated.
CAUSES, ETC.-Hysterical attacks always de-
pend upon some derangement of the health; indi-
gestion; want of exercise; anything which ex-
hausts the system, or impairs the health; but most
frequently upon some disorder of the uterus, or
derangement or disorder of the monthly sickness.
Females from fifteen to forty years of age are most
liable to the disease. The treatment during the
intervals of the attack should be directed to the
cure of whatever derangement of the system the
attacks may depend upon.
Scarlatina or Scarlet Fever-"Scarlet Rash.”
I refer to this disease here, not that people may
treat it as the mildest cases should be placed un-
der a physician's care-but because there are many
erroneous ideas prevalent concerning it. One of
these is, that Scarlatina is a very mild and harm-
less form of Scarlet Fever, and that Scarlet Rash is
still different from either. The truth is, that they
are all one and the same disease. Scarlatina is
simply the Latin name for Scarlet Fever or Scarlet
128
APPENDIX.
Rash-the common or vulgar appellation of the
disease. It is not unusual for mothers to say,
"Oh, it is only scarlatina," regarding it as an
affair of but little moment; while the mildest case
is not only capable of producing the most virulent
form of the disease, but is very liable to be followed
by dropsy or by some affection of the throat or
hearing.
Scarlatina is often ushered in by vomiting; this
is accompanied or soon followed by chilliness, shiv-
ering, back-ache, fever, which are usually followed
on the second or third day by an eruption of fine
red points, which become so numerous as to unite,
forming one general red surface; the pulse is gen-
erally very rapid, and the temperature of the sur-
face high. The eruption first makes its appear-
ance upon the face, neck, and arms; then upon
the trunk, and finally upon the legs.
In the mildest form, the fever and redness of the
skin are almost the only abnormal conditions pres-
ent, the throat being but slightly, or not at all,
affected. In the more severe forms, the disease
may exist in various degrees of intensity, some-
times producing ulcerated sore throat and inflam-
mation of various parts of the ear, and sometimes
affecting almost every tissue of the body, disorgan-
izing the blood, producing swelling of the joints,
APPENDIX.
129
congestion of the kidneys and brain, and in the
form known as malignant scarlatina, overwhelming
the system with the intensity of its poison, and
rapidly extinguishing the vital powers.
The fever in all cases lasts at least five or six
days. The mild form, with care, almost always
progresses favorably, but still demands watchful-
ness. After the mildest attack, the patient should
be kept warm, and not be allowed to go into the
open air sooner than three or four weeks.
TREATMENT.-Verat. Vir. and Bell. should be
given and in case the throat be affected, Bell. and
Merc. Sol.
It is superfluous to recommend more remedies;
as in cases at all severe, the selection of the
proper medicines demands experience and careful
discrimination.
Measles.
Is a disease accompanied by fever, an eruption
upon the skin, and affecting principally the mu-
cous membrane of the eyes, nose, air passages, and
the bowels. It is preceded by running at the eyes
and nose, hoarseness, and by symptoms of cold
generally, and is often accompanied by nausea and
vomiting.
130
APPENDIX.
These symptoms are usually accompanied by
fever; and in about four days an eruption makes
its appearance upon the face, neck, and upper
extremities, consisting at first only of a few small
spots, resembling flea-bites. These increase in num-
ber and in size, and finally become larger and of a
dark red color. Generally, the patches are not so
numerous as to conceal the healthy skin, as is the
case in scarlet fever. The eruption commonly
appears on the fifth day upon the trunk, and on
the sixth day upon the lower extremities. The
fever and eruption do not abate for six or seven
days. Diarrhoea is a common accompaniment of
the advanced stage of the disease. Though Mea-
sles is generally a very tractable disease, it is
sometimes very serious. The eruption may be
slow in making its appearance, the poison irri-
tating the system in various ways, and producing
severe bronchitis, congestion of the lungs, stupor,
or convulsions. Sometimes it is accompanied by
great prostration, or the eruption may be abun-
dant and of an unhealthy color. Vomiting and
diarrhoea may be excessive. In young infants, it
is often serious.
The treatment of Measles consists in the treat-
ment of the various symptoms as they occur. In
the first stage, for the catarrhal condition, with
APPENDIX.
131
fever, shivering, Veratrum Vir. an Mercurius Sol.
may be given, an hour apart. After a few doses of
the latter have been given, Kali Bich. may be sub-
stituted for it. In case the catarrh affects the chest
or throat, the remedies mentioned on page 21
should be given. The fever of Measles cannot be
shortened, but must run its course. Sometimes
the non-appearance of the rash wlll produce con-
vulsion, and must be treated as directed on page
34.
INDEX.
With the Abbreviations of the Medicines suited to each
Complaint and Condition
For Doses, Manner of Administration, &c., con-
sult pages ix, x, xii. For Description of the
Effects and Uses of the various Remedies
mentioned in this work, see Synopsis, p. 116.
Accidents, General Treatment of.
Apoplexy-Ac., Bell., Op., Nux……….
Page
.83
14-17
Bleeding from Lungs-Salt and Water, Ac., Ham.18
Nose
Wounds.
Leech Bites
Bite of Mad Dogs.
·
Bruises, Arn…..
Burns
Castor Oil, Dose of.
.18
90-94
95
.86
.96
.96
..xi
Catarrh of Infants-Stib., Nux., Verat. Vir.,
Kali Hyd., Merc. Corr.,
Merc. Sol.
→
23, 24
.98
20
20
..21
Choking.
Colds-Ac., Stib.
Stib.-
with Pain in Eyes and Forehead—Ars.,
affecting Chest and Windpipe--Stib.
Hepar.
134
INDEX.
Colds affecting Chest and Windpipe, with
soreness in-Stib., Merc. Sol.
with Pain in Chest-Stib., Phos.
Page.
.20
.21
.21
22
22
with Tightness and Pain-Stib., Phos...21
Cough, Hard, Dry-Stib., Nux.
with Soreness-Merc. Dulc, Stib..
Loose, Rattling-Stib, Kali Bich
Colic-Merc. Dulc., Nux., Coloc., Bell.
-24, 25
of Infants-Coloc., Nux., Jalap, Rheum.26
Constipation of Infants-Nux., Sulph..
Convulsions, Causes of and General Directions
.29
for Treatment.......30, 31, 32, 33
Emetic in
34
Bry. 34; Bell. 34, 35; Merc. Dulc.
34; Nux. 35; Hyos, Op., Ig...36
Concussion, Verat. Vir., Bell...
Croup, Nature, Symptoms and General Treat-
ment of.
Tart. Emet., Ac. 39; Hepar..
False, Description of.
Treatment of..
.00
36, 37, 38
40
40, 41, 42
42, 43
43
112
distinction between it and genuine
Croup
Cuts (see Wounds)
Diarrhoea, of Adults, 44; Ipecac. 45; Verat.
Alb. 45, 46; Ars. 46; Merc. Sol.
46, Coloc
Diet in.
.46
47
of Infants, 47; Cham., Rheum.,
Coloc., Jal. 48; Ars, Merc. Sol..49
Diphtheria, Nature and Symptoms of, 50, 51,
Doses
52; Merc. Sol., Bell
53
ix
INDEX.
135
Page.
Doses, for Infants
Frequency of
X
.xii
Drowning
102
Drunkenness
....66
Dysentery, 53; Ac., Merc. Sol. 54; Coloc.,
Merc. Corr. 55; Al., Ipecac.......56
Earache-Bell., Merc. Sol., Ham.
.57, 58
Ears, Substances and Bodies in.
106
Epilepsy
...58
Fainting.
Eyes, Inflammation of-Ars., Stib., Bell.
Fevers, Definition and Gen'l Characteristics of.123
Causes of....
General Remedies in
Ac., Merc. Sol., Gel., Bry.
123
124
124
.59
....60
of Children-Ac., Verat. Vir., Merc. Sol.124
from Teething-Ac., Bell., Cham….
from Indigestion-Ac., Puls.....
124
124
Freezing and Effects of Cold..
..107
Hanging
.109
Headaches, Varieties of..
...60
Ac. 61; Bry., Nux. 61, 62, 64; Ig.
61, 64; Ars. 61; Bell ...61, 62, 64
Hoarseness-Spong., Stib
23
Hysteria.
125
Hydrophobia in Dog, How to Recognize..
...86
Lightning, Effects of...
Intoxication, Fit of (see Drunkenness)
Measles, Nature, Symptoms and Treatment of. 129
...66
110
136
INDEX.
Page
Miscarriage, Threatened-Coloc., Cham.....67, 68
Monthly Sickness, Delayed-Bell., Puls., Nux.69
Suppression of Bell., Puls.,
Nux.
.70
Neuralgia-Ars. 71, 72; Bell. 71, 72; Merc.
Sol. 71, 72; Ac. 72; Cham.... ..70
Poisoning by Aconite.
Arsenic.
Corrosive Sublimate
76
77
.78
Oil of Vitriol (Sulphuric Acid)...79
Hydrochloric or Muriatic Acid...79
Laudanum..
Morphine
Opium
Tartar Emetic.
Rattlesnake, Bite of.
Rheumatism-Ac., Merc. Sol. 73; Colch. 73,
74; Rhus..
Scalds, Treatment of..
Scarlatina, Nature, Symptoms and General
Treatment of.
Seasickness-Ars., Nux., Chloroform
Sprains or Strains, 110; Arn., Rhus
Stings of Insects..
Stunning (see Concussion)
Suffocation from Smoke, Charcoal, Poisonous
Gases, &c..
Sunstroke
Sulphate of Zinc..
79
.79
79
82
90
.74
96
.127
·
.74
111
.85
.100
111
.112
xi
Throat, Sore-Bell, Merc. Sol., Merc. Prot., Stib..22
Wounds, Treatment of......
.112, 113, 114, 115
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