gjS^ m THE HOMOEOPATHIC Domestic Physician BY CONSTANTINE hering, m.d. SEVENTH AMERICAN EDITION. PHILADELPHIA: F. E. BOERICKE, Hahnemann Publishing House. I88 3 . <£ 'The greatest triumph op a Science is when it becomes the common property op the people and thus contributes to the common weal," Copyrighted by Theresa Hering, 1883. V) EDITOR'S PREFACE. Not long before the death of the lamented author of this work, the correction of the last English edition, now for some years out of print, was undertaken by his daughters, Mrs. J. Foster Pope and Mrs. Dr. C. B. Knerr. They compared it, page by page, with the latest German edition (the fourteenth), which had but a short time previously been subject to a thorough revision at Dr. Her- ing's hands. Some material was eliminated, and considerable matter was added from the German. The present editor, a former assistant of Dr. Hering, under- took, at his desire, the task of superintending the publication of the work. Some additions to the text have been made, a few remedies introduced, and, at times, slight alterations in the ar- rangement effected, but the well-known views of the author have been respected in whatever has been done, but for unavoidable reasons, the issue of the present edition has been delayed until this time. For the table of contents and the very complete index, the editor is indebted to the careful labors of Dr. L. J. Knerr. CLAUDE K. NOETON, M.D. Philadelphia, January, 1883. CONTENTS. PAGE. Preface 3 Introduction 15 Directions for Prescribing 16 Administration of the Medicines and Repetition of Doses 18 Regimen of the Sick during Homoeopathic Treatment 21 Instructions for Patients how to communicate their cases to a Physi- cian by letter 25 List of Medicines 32 PART FIRST. OF THE MOST COMMON CAUSES OF DISEASE. Chapter I. — Affections of the Mind. Sudden Emotions 33 Grief and Sorrow 36 Vexation 38 Anger 40 Sensitiveness and Irritability 40 Chapter II. — Consequences of Colds. Eemarks 42 Catarrh 43 Cough 44 Difficulty of Breathing 45 Diarrhoea 45 Pain in the Bowels , 46 (5) CONTENTS. Headache 47 Affections of the Eyes 47 Affections of the Ears 47 Toothache 48 Sore Throat 48 Nausea and Vomiting 49 Rheumatic Pains 49 Chapter III. — Consequences of Overheating, immoderate Exertion and great Exhaustion. Overheating 52 Sun-strokes 52 Headache 53 Diarrhoea 54 Fatigue 54 Sitting up at Night 57 Confinement and much Mental Application 58 Excesses 58 Loss of Fluids 60 Chapter IV. — Consequences of Surfeiting and Disordered Stomach. Remarks 60 Overfeeding of Children 62 Headache 63 Vomiting 64 Flatulency 65 Colic 65 Diarrhoea 65 Sleeplessness 66 Nighlmare 66 Fever 66 Rash 66 Indisposition from Ice or Cold Water 66 Chapter V. — Consequences of Spirituous Liquors, Coffee, Tea, Tobacco, Acids, etc. Intoxication 69 Effects of Intoxication 72 Delirium Tremens 73 Bad effects of Coffee 74 Effects of Tea Drinking 75 Effects of Smoking Tobacco 75 Injurious effects of Sour Food 76 CONTENTS. Chapter VI. — Effects of Injurious Drugs in general use, and Remedies to counteract them. Remarks 77 Effects of Herb Teas 77 Opium or Laudanum, Morphine 77 Hydrate of Chloral 78 Peruvian Bark or Quinine 78 other Drugs 79 Magnesia 80 Sulphur and Iodine 80 Mercury 81 Lead 82 Arsenic 83 Iron 83 Chapter VII. — Adulterations and Poisons. Remarks 84 Adulteration of' Wine 84 Vinegar 86 Malt Liquors 86 Brandy 87 Sweet Oil 87 Milk 87 Butter 87 Flour 87 Bread 87 Poisons in the Air «, . 88 Poisons in the Water 89 Milk 89 Meat # . . 89 Vegetables and Fruits 90 Mushrooms 91 ! Kitchen Salt 91 Kitchen Utensils 91 Paints 92 Cosmetics and Washes ^ 93 Panaceas and Vermifuges 94 Chapter VIII. — Of Poisoning. What is to be done in cases of Poisoning 96 Treatment when the Poison is ascertained 102 Poisonous Gases ; Antidotes and Treatment 103 Poisoning by mineral and other strong Acids; Antidotes and Treatment 107 8 CONTENTS. Alkaline Poisons ; Antidotes and Treatment 108 Other Substances which have a powerful effect; Antidotes and Treatment 1 108 Metallic Substances ; Antidotes and Treatment 110 Vegetable Poisons ; Antidotes and Treatment 112 Animal Poisons; Antidotes and Treatment 114 Poison generated by Disease of any kind 116 Poisoned Wounds 117 Table of Antidotes to the most powerful Poisons 122 Chapter IX. — External Injuries. — Concussion, Bruises, Sprains, Dislo- cations, Fractures, etc. Concussion of the Brain 123 Overlifting 124 False Steps 125 Bruises (Contused Wounds) 125 Bruises of the Eyes 126 Shocks and Bruises of the Head 126 Sprains 126 Dislocations, Luxations 127 Fractures 127 W T ounds . . . ' < 128 Burns and Scalds 135 Frost-bites 138 Chapter X. — Foreign Substances introduced into the Human Body. Into the Eye 139 Ear 140 " Nose 141 ** Throat ((Esophagus) 141 " Stomach and Intestines 144 Larynx or Windpipe 145 Skin 147 CONTENTS. b) PART SECOND. TREATMENT OF DISEASES. Chapter I. — Affections of the Head. Giddiness, Vertigo 149 Weakness of Memory 150 Determination of Blood to the Head 151 Headache 153 " from Determination of Blood to the Head 153 " caused by Catarrh 154 from Rheumatism 155 " Disordered Stomach and Bowels 156 " " . Constipation 156 Sick Headache 157 Nervous Headache 160 Headache caused by Suppression of Rheumatism, Gout, etc. . . 164 Losing the Hair 165 Chapter II. — Diseases of the Eyes. General Remarks 166 Inflammation and swelling of the Eyelids 167 Stye on the Eyelid 169 Inflammation of the Eyes 170 Eyes affected by Scrofula 172 "Weakness of Sight, with Remarks on the Use of Spectacles . . 175 Short-Sightedness ' 175 Far-sightedness 176 Attacks of Blindness 177 Dread of Light 178 Squinting of Children . . 178 Chapter III. — Affections of the Ears. Eruptions 179 Mumps 179 Inflammation of the Ear 180 Earache 181 Running of the Ears 183 Buzzing in the Ears 185 Hardness of Hearing 186 10 CONTENTS. Chapter IV. — Affections of the Nose. Pains and Eruptions 188 Swelling of the Nose 188 Bleeding of the Nose 189 Ozaena 191 Catarrh or Cold in the Head 191 Chapter V. — Affections of the Chest. Hoarseness 194 Cough 196 Whooping Cough 206 Croup 210 Congestion of the Chest 214 Hemorrhage from the Lungs ; Spitting of Blood 214 Bronchitis, including Catarrh on the Breast of Children .... 219 Palpitation of the Heart 222 Asthma 224 Pleurisy, Inflammation of the Lungs and Stitch in the Side . . 228 False Pleurisy, Stitch in the Side 228 Inflammation of the Lungs 230 Consumption of the Lungs 232 Chapter VI. — Affections of the Throat. Sore Throat or Quinsy 233 Chapter VII. — Affections of the Teeth and the Face. Toothache 238 Swelled Face 261 Faceache, Neuralgia, Tic Douloureux 262 Chapter VIII. — Affections of the Mouth. Bad Taste in the Mouth 264 Offensive Breath 265 Scurvy in the Mouth, Canker of the Mouth 265 Affections of the Tongue 267 Chapter IX. — Affections of the Stomach. Want of Appetite 268 Weakness of the Stomach, Dyspepsia, Indigestion 269 Catarrh of the Stomach 273 Heartburn, Water-brash 274 Nausea and Vomiting 275 CONTENTS. 11 Sea-Sickness 276 Pains or Spasms in the Stomach 277 Chapter X. — Affections of the Abdomen. Colic 282 Flatulency 287 Inflammation of the Stomach and Intestines 288 Determination of Blood to the Abdomen 292 Worms 292 Itching of the Anus 294 Prolapsus Ani, Prolapsus of the Eectum 296 Hemorrhoids, or Piles 297 Diarrhoea 301 Dysentery 307 Common Cholera, Cholera Morbus 310 Asiatic (or Epidemic) Cholera 312 Constipation I 314 Inflammation of the Liver, Pains in the Liver 318 Jaundice 319 Involuntary Emission of L'rine. 320 Difficulty and Pain in making Water 320 Passing of Bloody Urine 322 Hernia, Rupture 323 Chapter XL — Diseases of Women. Menstruation (the Monthly Sickness) 324 Tardy Menstruation 325 Suppression of the Menses 327 Too Copious Menstruation 329 Painful Menstruation, Menstrual Colic . 330 Chlorosis, Green Sickness 332 Cessation of the Menses 333 Leucorrhoea, Whites 334 Remarks on Pregnancy 335 Derangements during Pregnancy 336 Menstruation 337 Vertigo and Headache 337 Morning Sickness 339 Constipation 340 Diarrhoea 340 Pruritus, Itching 340 Fainting and Hysterical Fits 341 Toothache 341 Varicose Veins 342 12 CONTENTS. Derangements during Pregnancy, Hemorrhoids or Piles 343 Pains in the Back and Side during Pregnancy 343 Cramps 343 Incontinence of Urine 343 Depression of Spirits 344 Miscarriage, Abortion , 344 Menorrhagia or Flooding 347 Preparation of the Breasts 349 False Pains 349 Labor, Child-Birth 351 Protracted Labor 351 Spasmodic Pains, Cramps and Convulsions 353 Treatment after Delivery 354 Flooding after Delivery 354 After-Pains 354 Duration of Confinement 355 Irregularities of the Lochial Discharge 356 Milk Fever 357 Suppressed Secretion of Milk 358 Excessive Secretion of Milk 358 Involuntary Emission of Milk 358 Diarrhoea during Confinement 359 Constipation 359 Retention of Urine 360 Sore Nipples 360 Gathered Breasts 360 Weakness from Nursing 361 Falling off of the Hair 361 Chapter XII. — Treatment of Infants. Eeception at Birth 362 Apparent Death 362 Washing the Child , 363 Dressing the Navel 363 The Meconium 364 Swelling and Elongation of the Head 364 Putting the Child to the Breast 364 Inflammation of the Eyes 365 Obstruction of the Nose, "Sniffles" 366 Sore Mouth, Thrush 366 Sore Throat 367 Jaundice 367 Excoriation 368 CONTENTS. 13 The Gum 368 Eetention of Urine 368 Constipation 369 Diarrhoea 369 Colic 370 Swelling of the Breasts 371 Crying of Infants 371 Restlessness and Wakefulness 372 Hiccough . . 373 Scurf on the Head 373 Milk-crust 373 Scald Head, Ringworm on the Scalp « 374 Spasms or Convulsions 375 Dentition, Teething 377 Summer Complaint, Cholera Infantum 379 Rupture of the Navel, Umbilical Hernia 382 Discharge from the Ears 382 Heat Spots, "Prickly Heat" 382 Whites or Leucorrhcea of Children 383 Weaning 383 Limping, Lameness 384 Stuttering 384 Squinting 384 Wetting the Bed 384 Vaccination 387 Chapter XIII. — Eruptive Fevers. Rash 392 Measles 393 Scarlet Fever, Scarlatina » 395 Scarlet Rash 398 Chicken-Pox 398 Small-Pox 398 Varioloid 400 Chapter XIV. — Diseases of the Skin. Itching of the Skin 400 Itch, Scabies 401 Roseola 402 Nettle Rash, Urticaria 402 Erysipelas, St. Anthony's Fire, Rose, 404 Boil, Furuncle 405 Carbuncle, Malignant Furuncle 406 14 CONTENTS. Whitlow, Felon. 407 Ulcers 407 Ingrowing Toe Nails 408 Abscess 409 Chilblain, Frost-bite 410 Corns 410 Sore Feet 411 Warts , 411 Bed Sores 411 Chapter XV. — Some General Diseases. Gout 411 Inflammatory Rheumatism 412 Lumbago, Pain in the Loins and Back 414 Sciatica 415 Wry Week 415 Cramp in the Limbs 41 6 Epilepsy, Epileptic Convulsions 416 Night-Mare 417 Sleeplessness 417 Dropsy 418 Ague, Chills and Fever, Fever and Ague, Intermittent Fever . 418 Congestive or Pernicious Fever, Remittent or Bilious Fever . . 430 Typhoid Fever 431 Yellow Fever 432 Fainting, Swooning 438 Apparent Death 439 " " from Hunger 439 " " " a Fall 440 " " " Suffocation by Hanging, Pressure, Chok- ing 440 " " " Drowning 441 " " " being Frozen 442 " " " Lightning 444 " " " Mental Emotion, Bad Gases, and other Causes 444 Apoplexy 445 Diphtheria, Diphtheritis 446 INTRODUCTION. This book is intended to be a guide, by the aid of which, in many cases of disease, a cure may be effected with homoeopathic medicines. Those whom experience has convinced of the ad- vantages of the system of Hahnemann, will soon learn how to make use of it; and to those who have had no opportunity of testing the merits of homoeopathy, it will give a chance of trying it, instead of the so-called domestic remedies. It is intended to be an adviser in many cases of indisposi- tion, when one will not or cannot consult a physician. To per- sons living in the country, it will prove valuable, when medical aid, especially at night, is only to be had at the cost of much trouble, delay and expense; with however this guide at hand, relief may be obtained in many cases of disease. As this work is intended for the great mass of the community, and to make the homoeopathic doctrines intelligible and useful to all, the author has tried to express himself with distinctness and simplicity, in order to be generally comprehended. This common-place, familiar style may, to a certain extent, enable a great many to prescribe for themselves. But the contents of this book can make no one a homoeopathic physician. It has been said by the opponents of our doctrine, that an acquaintance with the old system of medicine was unnecessary to a homoeo- pathic physician: but this is a great error. No one can be a successful disciple of Hahnemann, who is not well versed, as Hahnemann himself was, in the learning of the medical schools ; and it would be just as impossible for him to act judiciously with- out a knowledge of anatomy, physiology, pathology, surgery, and materia medica, together with chemistry and botany, as for a man, ignorant of navigation and seamanship, to carry a vessel with safety into port. If, in giving this work to the public, the author can aid in driving from common use the so-called domestic remedies, such (15) 16 INTRODUCTION. as chamomile, hoarhound and other teas, paregoric, Epsom-salts, magnesia, and the whole host of so-called simple remedies, and also all the nostrums or patent medicines, some of which are to be found in almost every nursery, and the habitual use of which is such a prolific cause of innumerable drug-diseases, he will have accomplished the chief object of its publication, and have substi- tuted for an irrational and pernicious practice, a judicious and rational one. DIRECTIONS EOR PRESCRIBING. Examine the table of contents, until you find the chapter where the complaint is spoken of for which you wish to have advice. Do not look for the common name only which may be given to such a complaint by the Old School doctors. Most of these names are calculated to mislead; but look for the principal symptoms of which the patient complains. In order to facilitate this as much as possible the work is divided into two parts ; the first treats of the most common causes of disease; the second, of diseases occurring most frequently in the different parts of the body. Therefore, when the cause of sickness is obvious, or probable, first examine what is said of it in Part I. ; then see what is said of the disease in Part II. The latter are treated of in regular succession, commencing with the head, neck, chest, and so on downward, enumerating under each head the disease to which that part is principally subject, and concluding with General Diseases. By bearing this arrangement in mind, the reader will readily find what he may desire. Suppose for instance a case of cold attended with headache and diarrhoea ; look first for " Cold " in the first part, chapter second; then for "Headache" in the second part, chapter first; then for "Diarrhoea" in the same, chapter tenth. If a person is taken sick, and the direct cause is not perceptible, but the patient complains of pains in various parts of the body, examine the affections to which these several parts are subject; thus you will readily find the remedy appli- cable. There are often several causes, and one remedy is not suitable for them all; in this case give one remedy after another; select INTRODUCTION. 17 first one for the worst symptoms, or still better, for the symptoms which appeared last, or the cause which acted last. One, who has taken cold, will easily get his stomach out of order; one, whose stomach is disordered, will easily take cold. Consider then first, the last cause as the more important one. Always give but one remedy, and only when this does no more good, another one. When the patient appears to suffer from several complaints at the same time, it is well to ascertain and note down all the symptoms, without referring to the book, lest the patient may state something different from what is really the case, and thereby lead to the application of an improper remedy. Having thus accurately noted the complaints of the patient, inquire minutely then into all the attending circumstances. 1st. The precise locality of the pain. 2d. Require of the patient a de- scription of the pain, and to what it may be compared — whether tearing, cutting, beating, throbbing, etc. 3d. The occasion of its getting worse or better, according to the time of day — morn- ing, evening or night — to the state of the weather, whether damp, cold or dry — to the position of the body, whether when quiet or in motion — whether before or after eating — after sleep, when touched, pressed, etc. 4th. Note the combination of symp- toms, if any; for instance, when coughing is accompanied with headache ; or headache with inclination to vomit ; or with this inclination, shivering, etc. Having written down these observa- tions, look then into the book for the principal symptoms, and you may find the proper remedy. Examine "Instructions for patients how to communicate their cases to a physician by letter," at the end of this introduction. You will find there a detailed statement of all questions to which answers are required, and upon which the selection of a real homoeopathic remedy depends. This is, to be sure, troublesome, but you can have no success without it ; if you succeed without this troublesome examination, it is by chance, not by skill. If a doctor tells you that he is so learned and skillful, that he can prescribe without these questions, that he, for instance, can see by the eyes, tongue, etc., what medicines to give, he is a deceiver, and those who believe in him, show that they know nothing whatever of true homoeopathy. 2 18 INTRODUCTION. Do not be discouraged because of the difficulties experienced at first in finding a suitable remedy, for these difficulties will vanish as soon as you become familiar with the book. If you give the wrong remedy, the patient will, of course, not get better, but it is not so bad as under the Old School practice. For a homoeopathic medicine will relieve, if it is the right, one, but if it is not the right one, it will do no harm. Usually the disease remains as it was, sometimes though it changes, you must look then into the book for a more suitable remedy. You can do harm with a homoeopathic remedy only if you give too much of it and too often, or if you give too many remedies, one after the other, without waiting for their effects. Let every remedy have its time to act, as is often stated in the book, and be consistent in giving nothing else, as long as there is the slightest improvement. The greatest improvement will often take place without any other remedies. ADMINISTRATION OF THE MEDICINES AND REPE- TITION OF DOSES. The medicines may either be administered dry, by placing them upon the tongue, or dissolved in water. In most cases, four or five globules should be placed dry on the tongue. For infants, one globule will be amply sufficient for a dose ; if the tongue is dry add a few drops of water ; even new-born infants are able to swallow that. Where repeated doses of the medicine at short intervals are required, the appropriate remedies should be administered in solution in water. For this purpose take a clean tumbler which has contained nothing but milk or water, else you must rinse it first with cold and afterwards with hot water, dry and heat it on a stove as much as the glass will bear, and then suffer it to cool. Fill it half full of water, as pure as you can get, put eight or ten globules — or if a trituration, as much as will lie upon the point of a penknife — of the medicine into the water, and mix it thoroughly by repeatedly pouring it from one tumbler into another, or if you have only one tumbler, by means of a clean spoon. Keep the tumbler containing the medicine, well covered INTRODUCTION. 19 with a saucer or piece of paper, in a cool place, free of odors of any kind. When thus prepared, a dessertspoonful to adults, or a teaspoon- ful to children may be given at a time. In acute cases the medi- cine may be repeated every one, two or three hours ; but in chronic complaints or those of long standing, not oftener than once or twice a-day. After the first dose of every medicine, you should watch closely to observe what changes, if any, take place in the patient. In very dangerous and painful cases, wait from ten to thirty minutes ; in other serious complaints, one to two hours ; and in chronic cases one to two days. The patient is then either better, worse, or the same. If better, give nothing more as long as the improvement lasts. If a sudden improvement ceases as suddenly, and the case gets worse, give another dose ; this second dose may in some cases be followed at first by an increase of the complaint, but in a short time by a more decided and lasting improvement. If a complaint has improved from a remedy given for its cause, but the same cause has again occasioned the old trouble, give another suitable remedy. For instance, if the bad consequences of a fright have been removed by Opium, but a fresh fright has caused the same symptoms, give Aconitum. If you have taken Bryonia for the consequences of having taken cold, and have been relieved by it, but a fresh cold makes you worse again, take Aconitum. When the patient, after having taken the medicine once, or oftener, begins to feel better, however little, he should discontinue it, lest the healthful progress of the cure be interfered with by taking too much; but as soon as the improvement ceases the same medicine should be taken again; or in case the symp- toms have altered, another more appropriate one. If the patient is worse after the first or second dose, the symp- toms are either the same, but worse, or there are new symptoms instead, or in addition to the former ones. If the latter case, give another remedy, but if the former, when the medicine ag- gravates the symptoms, and makes the patient temporarily worse, which is, nevertheless, a good sign, the patient should cease tak- 20 INTRODUCTION. ing it, and wait for the effects. Should the aggravation be vio- lent, it may be relieved by smelling camphor, or sweet spirits of nitre. It happens sometimes, that the most violent pains are increased very much by the smallest dose of the suitable remedy; in such cases give a spoonful of black coffee, and as soon as the aggra- vation has ceased, repeat the remedy, if made worse again, repeat the coffee, and so on until the improvement is permanent. A homoeopathic physician of the right stamp, a great master, wrote to the author, that he has given in this way with the greatest success, Colocynthis and coffee for colic; Pulsatilla and coffee for rheumatic pains in the limbs ; and Mercurius and coffee for faceache ; in the last case the cure was complete and permanent only after the fifteenth dose. In very tedious cases, when the right remedy has been chosen and given in but one dose, and when the patient, after a short aggravation of the symptoms, commences to grow better, he will sometimes, in a few days or a week, get worse again ; he who can now wait, and give nothing more, will witness most remarka- ble cures, which will be the more permanent and complete, the less they have been interfered with. If the beneficial effects of the medicine are interrupted, or cease entirely, and the patient grows worse in consequence of tak- ing cold, eating improper food, etc., he should take a medicine to counteract the cause which occasioned this interruption, and then again the medicine which he had previously taken. With regard to the external application of the Tinctures of Arnica, Ruta, etc., a lotion of sufficient strength for most pur- poses may be made by putting five or six drops of the tincture in half a tumbler of water. It may be applied to the injured part three or four times a day, or as often as mentioned under each particular case. <"~ While taking homoeopathic medicines, strict attention should be paid to the following rules of diet. INTRODUCTION. 21 REGIMEN OF THE SICK DURING HOMEOPATHIC TREATMENT. The general rule to be observed is, that patients should par- take of light, digestible, nourishing food to satisfy hunger ; and of such drink as nature requires to allay thirst ; and abstain from everything of a medicinal or injurious nature. In acute or febrile diseases, only the lightest and most simple kinds of nutriment are proper, viz. : Pure cold water in preference to all other drinks; or water with the addition of some sugar, raspberry or strawberry syrups, or quince and apple-jelly prepared without spices. Barley- water, rice-water, thin oatmeal gruel, panada, gum Arabic water, whey, milk, preparations of arrow-root, sago, tapioca, semolina, or tous-les-mois, all without any other seasoning than a little salt or loaf sugar, or one of the syrups above-mentioned. Toast-water: the toast should be made from stale bread, either home-made or from bakers who make use of neither potash, soda, or alum ; the slices ought to be thin and thoroughly toasted, but not too brown, and never black. To make a good toast-water, pour boiling water on the toast while hot and let it stand. Ice-water is often injurious and increases the thirst. The water, having been filtered if impure, should be cooled if possi- ble without putting the ice in it. Put the vessel, containing the water to be cooled, into a larger vessel, a wooden one is prefera- ble, which contains pieces of ice, and let it remain till suffi- ciently cold. If this cannot be done, put a lump of ice in the water and take it out again as soon as the water is cooled. Most kinds of ripe, succulent fruits, possessing little or no acidity, fresh or prepared by cooking, and eaten in moderation : as ripe grapes, sweet apples, pears, peaches, raspberries. Some kinds of dried fruits : as apples, quinces, peaches cher- ries, prunes, dates, figs, etc. All imported dried fruits, raisins, figs, etc., should be washed before using, first in cold and afterwards in hot water. Sweet oranges when well ripened are allowed, but all decayed, spotted and sour ones, ought to be avoided. With regard to apricots, nectarines, plums, gages, watermelons and cherries, the physician should be consulted. 22 INTRODUCTION. No fruit whatever should be used in cases of colic, diarrhoea, dysentery, cholera, and in croup, not even in convalescence. When the more violent symptoms of acute disease have sub- sided, and the appetite calls for more substantial food, a wider range may be gradually allowed in the choice of aliment, and all the. articles used which are allowed in chronic or long-con- tinued diseases, viz. : All kinds of light and not too fresh bread, and plain biscuit containing no potash, soda, alum or other similar ingredients; cakes made of meal, eggs, sugar, and a little butter ; arrow-root, rice and other cakes not raised with fermenting powders; light puddings and dumplings of wheat, rye, Indian meal, rice, tapioca, sago, oatmeal or bread, without wines, spices, or rich sauces; hominy, rice, and pearl barley boiled with water, milk or soup. Potatoes, turnips, carrots, beets, salsify, artichokes, spinach, cabbage, cauliflower, green peas, or beans, the green pods of scar- let and French beans; and in some cases also, asparagus, mush- rooms, dried peas, beans, lentils, millet, haricot beans, etc. Milk, raw or boiled, fresh buttermilk, whey, milk posset; but care should be taken not to use milk from unhealthy cows. Ice-creams with the syrup of strawberries and that of other allowed fruits, and not flavored with aromatics nor colored with cochineal or injurious drugs. Pure chocolate or cocoa, and in some cases weak black tea. Butter, free from any rancid or unusual taste, cream, mild fresh cheese, milk cheese, curds, and other simple preparations of milk;, plain custards, pure sweet olive oil. Eaw or boiled eggs and egg-tea, except in diarrhoea. Soups and broths of animal and vegetable substances other- wise allowed, seasoned with a little salt only; beef tea, mutton broth and chicken water, after having been boiled for at least half an hour. Beef, mutton, all kinds of tongues, venison and wild game, the lean part of ham, pigeons, chickens and turkeys ; the latter only in the winter season and not in all cases. Cod, haddock, whiting, sole, turbot, trout, pike, perch, carp, mackerel, herrings. Salt fish may be taken after having been well soaked in cold water before it is used. Oysters, raw, roasted in the shell, or boiled in soup. INTRODUCTION. 23 Salt, and also sugar or molasses, may be used, but always with great moderation. Should any of the allowed articles of diet disagree with the patient, on account of some constitutional peculiarity, or the na- ture of the disease, they should be avoided by him, though they may be perfectly wholesome for others. The patient should not overload his stomach, nor oppress it with various or incongruous dishes. The demands of the appe- tite for solids are to be satisfied at stated and not too frequent periods, and at no other time. Regularity in the time of eating is of great importance. The diet of children at the breast should not ordinarily be changed during their sickness; but in such cases that of the mother should be regulated according to the preceding rules. ARTICLES FOEBIDDEN, Unless especially allowed by the Physician. The flesh of all young animals, and particularly veal ; geese, tame ducks; the liver, lungs or tripe of animals; turtles, eels, crabs, old smoked or salt meat, sausages, mince pies, strong cheese, lard, fat pork, roast pig, fried and pickled oysters. Food prepared from blood, and much animal fat. All highly seasoned soups, sauces, pepperpot. Cakes prepared with much butter or with aromatics; pastry, pies ; honey, and all kinds of colored confectionery ; all kinds of candies, excepting rock and barley sugar. All kinds of nuts, and fruits not mentioned amongst the allowed articles. Vinegar of all kinds, salads or cucumbers prepared with it ; pickles prepared with spices or greened with copper; parsnips, parsley, celery, radishes, horse-radish, garlic, onions ; all kinds of pepper, catsups, mustard, saffron, nutmeg, ginger, lemon or orange peel, vanilla, laurel leaves, bitter almonds, peach kernels, cloves, cinnamon, allspice, fennel, aniseed, sage, thyme, mint, etc. All kinds of distilled and fermented liquors ; coifee and green tea ; lemonade and drinks prepared with acids. All natural and artificial mineral waters. 24 INTRODUCTION. Colored toys, if the colors are not fixed, are on all occasions to be withheld from children, also vulcanised gum elastic toys. All perfumery, particularly musk, hartshorn, camphor, paccioli, Eau de Cologne, Eau de Luce, or other aromatic waters, strong smelling flowers, cosmetics and scented or medicated tooth-powder. Tobacco, if used at all, should be used very moderately. Every medicine, excepting those prescribed by the physician, ought to be avoided ; not only all medicines procured at the shops, and all such as are empirical, but every description of domestic medicines, as all manner of herb teas, syrups, medicated poultices and irritating or medicinal substances applied to the skin. Blood-letting by the lancet, or by leeches and cups, and laxa- tive injections, except of those of cold or lukewarm water, are likewise forbidden. Hot baths are to be strictly avoided, especially baths impreg- nated with herbs, sulphur, and other medicaments. Tepid or cold sponging baths, or rubbing with a wet towel, may be used, by most patients daily. For other employments of cold water the advice of an experienced physician must be sought. Linen, cotton, silk or leather, worn next the skin is preferable to flannels, excepting for persons much exposed to the weather, or for little children. The patient should, if possible, use moderate exercise, in the open air for an hour or more daily ; and his chamber should be well ventilated every day. Rooms papered with yellow r paper, or stained or painted yellow, and yellow transparent window-shades or curtains should be avoid- ed ; the best color for the walls of a sick room is a light rose- color, particularly alternate stripes of white and light rose-color. The window-shades should be of a grayish or light blue tint. Physical labor, which gives the mind the proper direction to usefulness, while it exercises the body, should be daily used in chronic diseases as far as the strength will allow of it. Homoeopathic medicines should not be taken too soon after eating ; and for about an hour after taking them the patient had better abstain from eating or the use of tobacco, and, if possible, from much mental or bodily exertion. INSTRUCTIONS FOR PATIENTS HOW TO COMMUNICATE THEIR CASES TO A PHY- SICIAN BY LETTER. The patient should first describe his complaint in his own way, as though these instructions were not before him, viz. : its com- mencement, progress and presumptive causes. The age and sex of the patient, and whether married or single, should of course be communicated to the physician, if these circumstances be not already known. It would be well to mention whether the patient is of large or small stature, meagre or stout, feeble or robust. "Whether he easily takes cold, and is very susceptible to other external impressions. Is the complexion florid, or pale, or dark ? What is the color and condition of the hair, and the color of the eyes? Concomitant bodily infirmities, as hernia (rupture), prolapse of the womb, curvature of the spine, lameness, etc., should be made known. Is the disposition of the patient mild and placable, or boisterous and violent? firm or yielding, lively and communi- cative, or reserved and taciturn; anxious, apprehensive, or tim- orous, or irritable, etc. ? Are his mental emotions of long continu- ance, or are they very transient ? The patient is next required to give an accurate and particular description of the incidents or symptoms of his disease, such as pains and other morbid sensations. He should describe precisely the region or the part, and on which side of the body they are seated, and how large is the space they occupy. Whether the pains are obtuse, and may be denominated dull or pressing, or whether they are sticking or piercing, rending, throbbing, perfor- ating, pulling or drawing, pinching, snatching, gnawing, cutting, griping, burning, obtusely prickling or crawling, itching, tickling, numb or as if the part were asleep, as if from a sprain or contusion, or whether they consist of several of these sensations combined, or may be more accurately represented by other terms.— Are the (25) 2G INSTRUCTIONS FOR PATIENTS. symptoms continued, or do they remit or vary in intensity from time to time? Do they recur at particular times of day, or at certain intervals of one or more day.-'/ Is their recurrence, aggra- vation, diminution or cessation connected with the exercise of any bodily function? Do they arise or disappear, are they increased or diminished by exercise, or during rest, by lying down or sitting, by stretching, or bending the body, by walking, standing, warmth or cold, in the open air or within doors, by light, noises, talking, eating, drinking or swallowing soon after eating, by the motion of the affected part or by touching or pressing it, by mental emotion — fright, anger, during bodily or mental exercise, reading, etc., etc. — Are the symptoms associated with anxiety greater or less? do they impair the powers of thought or recollection, or the due exercise of the senses? (seeing, hearing, etc.) — Are the motions or functions of the affected part in any way impaired or disabled? or is the local disease associated with complaints in other parts, and with what? does it alternate with other com- plaints? Is the affected part red or swollen? Is the swelling hard or soft or painful to the touch, and does it leave an indentation after pressure with the finger? During the sufferings of individual parts or functions of the body (even when these functions are not the principal ones) further information is to be given respecting the state of the patient's mind; whether he suffers patiently, or is inclined to weep, to be morose, passionate, despairing, greatly anxious or fearful, etc., or whether the mind is remarkably affected in these respects by the disease. Are the intellectual functions, power of thought, memory or desire or ability for mental or bodily exer- cise weakened? — Aberrations of mind, morbid affections of the moral and intellectual faculties are to be described by the narra- tors strictly as they are manifested by the patient's words or conduct. Is there dizziness, or "a dull, heavy sensation" of the head. — Disorders of sight? Does the patient see objects indistinctly as through a veil or mist? Does he see dark specks floating before the eyes, or sparks, or false colors? Do objects appear double or quivering? Is the patient short — or long-sighted? Is the pupil contracted, dilated or very changeable? Are the eyes watery, red, inflamed, averse to the light? Do the eye-lids frequently glue INSTRUCTIONS FOR PATIENTS. 27 together? Do they open and close properly? Are they affected by convulsive motions or twitchings, or beset with styes? Are there specks upon the cornea? Disorders of hearing : Is there a roaring, whizzing, or ringing noise in the ears? Is the ear-wax dry or fluid, oozing from the ears,, or foetid? Are the nostrils obstructed ? Is there a cold in the head with or without a discharge from the nose? Sneezing? Sense of smell? Soreness and rawness of the nostrils, or a bad smell from them? Bleeding at the nose? Are the teeth incrusted with tartar, loose, decayed, and have any fallen out or been extracted? Are the gums pale or red, hard or soft, spongy, swollen, apt to bleed, or retracted from the neck of the teeth? Is there dryness of the mouth? Or excessive flow of saliva? Is the saliva viscid, slimy, foetid, bloody? Is the surface of the tongue, tonsils, uvula, palate, fauces or lips affected with blisters, swellings, or ulcers, or covered with mucus? Is the tongue dry or moist, acutely sensitive, chapped, sore or raw, clean or covered with fur (white or yellow) ? — Are the functions of speech, chew- ing, or motions of the tongue unembarrassed? Is swallowing performed without difficulty? (Is the swallowing of fluids or solids or of the spittle attended by no inconvenience?) Has the patient a bad breath? Is the taste natural or absent, slimy, salt, bitter, sour, foul ? — Have the different articles of food their proper taste, or are they insipid, slimy, bitter, sour, salt, etc.? — How is the appetite and thirst? What articles of food or drink are preferred? What complaints arise after eating and drinking? Is the patient troubled with frequent belching of wind, with or without taste, — or does it taste of the food just eaten, or of what? Is there regurgitation of fluids from the stomach, or a collection of saliva in the mouth? and of what taste in either case? Is there vomiting of water, saliva, or mucus, of an acrid or bitter taste, or of a putrid taste and smell, or of a yellow, green or bloody aspect? Does the patient vomit coagulated blood, or food? Is there sickness or nausea? Is the abdomen tense, full, hard, or empty and retracted? In the case of pains or other complaints in the abdomen, the particular region in which they are seated should be accurately defined (for example: pit of the 28 INSTRUCTIONS FOR PATIENTS. stomach, region of the navel, immediately below the ribs, in which side, etc.)- Is the patient troubled with flatulency? Is there frequent rolling and rumbling in the bowels? Does the wind readily escape, or is it retained, and what are the complaints which it seems to give rise to? Are the evacuations from the bowels effected with ease or difficulty? How frequent are they? what is their consistence? are they fbecal or slimy, or bloody, etc.? What is their color? Are there any complaints immediately preceding, during or following a stool? Are there any large or small worms discharged? Are there abrasions or sore places, warts, or piles in the rectum or anus, and do the latter sometimes protrude or bleed ? What complaints arise before, or during, or after the urinary discharge? And is the discharge scanty or copious? What is the aspect of the urine? (is it clear, high- colored, or turbid?) Does it soon change after evacuation and deposit mucus or sand, or a white, or red sediment? Does it contain blood, pus, or gravel? Men are to give every information in relation to the sexual functions and the genital organs. Are there any discharges, what, and when? etc. Women should relate every circumstance in relation to men- struation. At what age did it first appear? And have they been regular ever since ? How are the periods now ; are they regular, too frequent or is the interval too long. Too copious or scanty? How long did they continue while the patient was in health and how long since she became sick? What complaints precede, exist with or follow menstruation? What influence upon the discharge has motion or rest, etc. ? Is the discharge red, dark, clotted, foetid? — Is the patient troubled with the whites? and how long? Constantly, or before or after men- struation? bland or excoriating? watery or thick? white, yellow, or greenish? foetid? — Has she ever had the green sickness, or uterine diseases, and in what did they consist? Finally intima- tions concerning sexual desire, and its influence upon the health are desirable for the physician. When the patient is or has been married l Has she had chil- dren, and has she often conceived? — Has she ever had a mis- carriage, and how often? How was it occasioned and what were the accompanying symptoms (for example : great loss of blood) ? INSTRUCTIONS FOR PATIENTS. 29 What complaints were there during pregnancy? — What were the incidents during labor and child-bed? Were injuries, haemorrhage, or diseases attendant? or are any complaints re- maining therefrom ? — Did the patient nurse her children at the breast ? And was the nursing attended or followed by any com- plaint ? — Has she suffered with sore nipples, or inflamed breasts ? And from this cause or others, has she indurations of the breasts? At what age did menstruation cease ? and with what complaints was the cessation accompanied ? or with what effect on the health ? Is the breathing short, or otherwise oppressed ? Can the patient ascend a height? Is the breathing asthmatic, wheezing or rattling? Does the patient make any complaint on drawing a deep breath ? How is the voice, rough, hoarse, hollow, etc.? Is there a cough? is it slight and short, or hard and difficult? does it seem to come deep from the chest? do the paroxysms of coughing last long, and are they attended by swelling of the face and loss of breath ? How does the cough sound? Is it dry, or followed by expector- ation? Is expectoration easy or difficult, scanty or copious, mu- cous, purulent, resembling saliva, bloody (interspersed or tinged witj| blood, and of a bright, or dark color, or is it pure blood?) white, yellow, green, ash-colored, etc.? Does it taste salt, sweet, bitter, or what taste has it? Is there a superabundance of mucus in the larynx or trachea, or does it seem to lie deep in the chest? In what part of the organs of respiration is seated the irritation to cough? and from whence proceeds the matter expectorated? Is there palpitation of the heart ? or throbbing in other parts of the body? Does the patient suffer from transient flushes of heat? He can perhaps describe the condition of the pulse. Are the glands beneath the ear, under the jaw, in the arm-pits, on the head, or in the groins, swollen or suppurated? Is the patient afflicted with goitre (this is an enlargement of the gland over the wind pipe). Are there swellings of the bones or joints, are there tubercles or swellings, or swollen or knotted veins? Are there any parts red, swollen, and painful? Are the hands or feet swollen? Is there lameness of one or more of the limbs? Are there cramps or spasms, tremor, twitching or starting, or falling asleep, or other morbid sensations in any of the limbs? Is the skin pallid, yellow, etc.? Is it dry or inclined to sweat, or otherwise in an unhealthy condition? 30 INSTRUCTIONS FOR PATIENTS. Is there itching of the skin (tickling, slight prickling, or a sensation of biting, burning, crawling, sticking?; is it relieved by scratching, or is the sensation thereby only changed for another? The presence in the skin of wheals, swellings, boils, chilblains and corns is to be mentioned, and the attendant sensations described. Also cutaneous eruptions, as miliary eruptions or rashes, spots, pimples, vesicles and pustules are to be described, viz. : their seat, color, abundance, size ; whether filled with water or pus, whether covered with scabs or crusts, and their duration. Also, tetter, scaliness, scald, brown and blue spots, moles, freckles, cracks or fissures of the skin, blisters with corrosive discharges, ulceration at the angles of the mouth, warts, swellings of the bones, chafing of the skin, malformation of the nails, falling out of the hair, scales or scabs on the head. When there are ulcers, whether they are inflamed or overgrown with w T hat is called proud flesh, whether their margins are elevated, whether they easily bleed, or their bottom looks red, black, or as if containing a fatty sub- stance; whether the matter issuing from them is copious, thin, thick, bloody, white, yellow, black, corrosive, foetid. Is there chilliness, or a feeling of heat? Chilliness, heat or sweat of particular parts? — Sweating of the feet, whether warm, cold, or foetid? When the patient has fever, do the paroxysms consist of a cold, hot and sweating stage? Do they alternate with or succeed each other? What is the order of their successsion? With what intensity, and how long does each continue? Are they general, or do they affect particular parts only? with or without thirst? with paleness or redness of the face and skin? Are there other symptoms accompanying the paroxysms of fever (cold, hot and sweating stage) ? Particular paroxysms of disease, as swooning, cramps, epilepsy, spasms of the stomach, asthma, etc., are to be accurately described in their commencement, course and termination. Whether they are changed, aggravated or relieved at certain hours of the day, during the performance of any bodily function, or by certain pos- tures of the body. Does the patient sleep long, or is he restless, and is the sleep interrupted by frequent waking or startings? Does he talk or moan in his sleep, or has he the night-mare? Is the sleep disturbed by anxious dreams, and of what character? In what posture does INSTRUCTIONS FOR PATIENTS. 31 the patient lie during sleep ? Is he accustomed to sleep with his mouth open ? How is his strength ? Is he obliged to lie down, or can he remain up? Does he feel languid, weary, or sluggish, etc.? Is he emaciated? The patient should relate his previous diseases, — particular cutaneous diseases, — itch, eruptions of the head, tetter, erysipelas, small-pox, measles, pimples on the face or any itching eruption of the skin. — Also, whether he has had scrofula (glandular swell- ings), rickets, gout, rheumatism, piles, difficult dentition, worms, cramps, epilepsy (convulsions), whooping-cough, inflammation of the lungs, or other inflammations, intermittent or remittent fever, jaundice, hemorrhages, diseases of the teeth, apoplexy and palsy, sweating of the feet, ulcers, or other diseases. He should relate how long he has labored under either of these affections, how long he was under treatment for them, what were the reme- dies employed, and what he has used for the existing disease. Has he resorted to medicated baths, herb teas of any kind, blood- letting, emetics or cathartics, teas "for purifying the blood," valerian tea, "strengthening medicines," Peruvian bark, etc. And is he accustomed to the use of any of these remedies? Is he in the habitual use of distilled or fermented liquors, coffee, tea, much fat victuals, acid, or highly-seasoned food? — Does he partake of much food, and what? — His manner of living should be described, and whether he is accustomed to the use of woolen clothing, and whether his habitation is in a wholesome condition. — When passions or emotions of the mind retard recovery, or have caused and sustained the disease, he should not conceal these circumstances from the physician. For example: disap- pointed love, blighted hopes, grief, domestic unhappiness, want. Neither should he conceal the fact of former habits of licentious- ness, if any such have existed, and which may have contributed to his disease. If he has always been of a weakly frame of body, probably his disease is hereditary ; and if when an infant, he did not receive his nourishment at the breast, but was brought up "by hand," the physician should be informed of the fact. 32 LIST OF REMEDIES. LIST OF REMEDIES. Aconitunio Antimonium crudum. Antimonium tartaricum Argentum nitricum. Apis. Arnica radix, Arsenicum, Belladonna. Bryonia. Calcarea. Cantharides. Capsicum. Carbo vegetabilis. Causticum. Cepa. Chamomilla. China, Cina. Cinchona (see China). Cocculus. Coffea. Colocvnthis. Crocus. Cuprum metallicum. Drosera. Dulcamara. Euphrasia. Ferrum. Ferrum phosphoricum. Gelseminum. Glonoine. Hamamelis. Hepar sulph. Hyoscyamus. Ignatia. Ipecacuanha. Lachesis. Lycopodium. Mercurius sublimatus. Mercurius. ISatrum muriaticum. xsux moschata. ]Sux vomica. Opium. Petroleum. Phosphorus. Phosphoric acid. Platina. Pulsatilla. Rheum. Bhus tox. Buta. Sabina. Sambucus. Sanguinaria. Secale. Sepia. Silicea. Spigelia. Spongia. Staphisagria. Stramonium. Sulphur. Viola tricolor. Veratrum album. Zincum. FLUID FOR EXTERNAL USE. Arnica, tincture of root. Cantharides. Calendula. Hypericum. Buta. The medicines should be kept in a dry and not too warm jnace, free from odors, and excluded from a bright light. PART FIRST. The most Common Causes of Disease. CHAPTER I. AFFECTIONS OF THE MIND. SUDDEN EMOTIONS. After an agreeable surprise, if the pleasurable sensa- tions are accompanied by great excitement, trembling, fainting, headache, etc., which may happen to women and children, give Coffea; particularly if they cry, weep, or laugh. After a common fright, caused by a sudden noise, etc., give Opium if it can be given immediately; but if an hour or more should have elapsed, Aconite is preferable. After & fright, with great terror, Opium is the best remedy. Fright with vexation, Aconite; if followed by sadness or grief, Ignatia. If children after being frightened are still fearful, have great heat in the head and twitching around the mouth, give Opium. If the fright is followed by pains in the forehead, sour vomiting or eructation, weakness and cold sweat, or stupor with internal heat, agitation and heaviness in the abdomen, or coldness of the body, with trembling or nervous twitch- 3 (33) 34 AFFECTIONS OF THE MIND. ing, oppression of the chest with anxiety, stiffness of the limbs, unnatural sleep with loud snoring, give Opium in water, a teaspoonful, every fifteen to twenty minutes; if better, less often. Should within an hour the difficult breathing be the same, particularly if after vomiting or coughing the patient should feel like suffocating, the face turn bluish, without snoring, children weep much and grasp about them, grown persons tremble as if in distress, breathing more like whistling than snoring, give Sambucus. If the difficult breathing increases to suffocation, and violent pains appear in the stomach and pit of the stomach, give Aconite. If the fright is followed by twitching of the limbs, or convulsions, insensibility, loss of sight, trembling, difficult breathing, involuntary evacuations, give Opium; and if this should have no effect within half an hour, Ignatia, or Glonoine. If their sight fails, if they sink down, become pale as death, or alternately pale and red, have twitching around the mouth, jerking of the limbs or spreading of the fingers, give Glonoine; if the back becomes stiff, Ig- natia. When children have been frightened into fits, and scream, tremble, have twitching in the arms and legs — if the head is hot, with much perspiration and redness of the face, give Opium every five or ten minutes; if not better in half an hour, Belladonna; but if they become very pale, Ignatia; if very cold, w T ith involuntary evacua- tions, Veratrum. See "Spasms." In cases of simple vomiting, sickness of the stomach, or pains caused by a fright, Aconite. For diarrhoea, caused by any sudden mental emotion, as grief, fright, bad news, the anticipation of any unusual ordeal, give Gelseminum; if they are cold and tremble, Veratrum; when internally hot and externally cold, or the body hot and the limbs cold, Pulsatilla. If the head is hot, Opium. See " Diarrhoea." AFFECTIONS OF THE MIND. 35 For fainting, after a fright, Opium; if the patient becomes cold, sprinkle his face and bathe his feet with cold water; if it returns, let him smell camphor at short intervals. When, after a fright, there is a rush of the blood to the head, give first Opium; if this fails, Aconite, and if it returns within six or eight hours, Belladonna. When, after a fright, a person continues to be greatly agitated, Belladonna will afford relief; sometimes Jlercu- rius, according to the symptoms, to be given hereafter. If fright or mortification, produces derangement of the mind, and the blood rushes to the head, the pupils of the eyes are large, face red, burning hot, or pale and moist, nose dry, throat and neck sore to the touch, if the patient cannot bear anything about the neck, cannot sleep at all, or is raving mad, would run away, or fears imaginary things, give Belladonna. If the throat and neck are very sensitive to the slightest touch, and the patient talks incessantly, changing the subject often, give Lachesis. If the patient is alternately, very indifferent, low-spirited, especially in the evening, or affected with paroxysms of laughter, or if he displays much pride and contempt for others, or fears the approach of death — or when, accompanied by a copious menstrual discharge, give Platinum; should this discharge, however, be diminished or suppressed, and Platinum not relieve, give Pidsatilla. If Belladonna has given no relief, and the patient remains much agitated, the least exertion producing trembling and rush of blood to the head, cannot sleep on account of frightful visions, is worse at night, cannot bear the heat of the bed, wishes to escape, or is quarrelsome, or complains of his friends and of all about him, give Mer- curius. Fear is frequently combined with fright and anxiety, and the same remedies may be used. When children are timid, give Aconite in the evening, or Belladonna in 3G AFFECTIONS OF THE MIND. the morning; if they fear being alone, Arsenicum; if afraid of jDeople, Pulsatilla. If the fear continues, if they imagine that they see dead persons, give Arsenicum; that thieves are concealed in the house, Natrum muriaticum. When other symptoms appear, particularly stupefac- tion, difficulty of swallowing, convulsions with twitching, laughing when asleep, starting with apprehension, or a desire to escape, give Hyoscyamus. GRIEF AND SORROW. The consequences of grief and sorrow, if long continued, are worse than those of other affections ; without the proper moral remedy, medicines are useless. Whoever cannot find the former, need not expect relief from the latter. The first sudden consequences are, however, in most cases soon overcome by medicines. For silent inward grief, combined with mortification, for suppressed vexation, affliction which cannot be quieted, for silent grief caused by misplaced affection, or in conse- quence of losses which cannot be forgotten — for a grief continually preying upon the mind, give Ignatia. For vomiting, or pains in the stomach, or headache and giddiness, give also Ignatia; and if it fails, Phosphoric acid. In sleeplessness after depressing events, sorrow or loss of friends, when night after night passes without any sleep, one dose of Sulphur will often give relief. When fits are caused by grief or mortification, give Ig- natia first ; if this does not relieve, give Opium during the attack, and the next day, Phosphoric acid. See " Spasms." "For grief caused by disappointment in love give Ignatia, particularly if one cheek frequently turns red, and in a few days, if necessary, Phosphoric acid, especially if the patient is very quiet, taciturn, or has a slow fever and at times redness of both cheeks. For disappointed love, with vexation and indignation, take Staphisagria. AFFECTIONS OF THE MIND. 37 If much affected by great sympathy with the sickness or other distress of a friend, give Phosphoric acid. For a lasting, old grief, take a dose of Natrum muriati- cum occasionally. If the patient is jealous, violent in his motions, quarrel- some or delirious, give Hyoscyamus, which may also be given if lovers quarrel much. If he talks much and dis- connectedly, changing the subject of his conversation ab- ruptly, talks to every person about his grievances, or is peevish and malicious, feels worse when awaking or after eating, Lachesis. When contempt of persons, heretofore esteemed or loved, is shown in acts or words, sometimes with a temptation to kill such persons, Platinum. For grief and loss of sleep in consequence of watching at the sick-bed of dear persons, if headache and nervous- ness follow, give Cocculus; if there is great exhaustion, the patient scarcely able to speak, Phosphoric acid; if en- tire sleeplessness, continuing for many nights, Sulphur. When mortifications have produced a derangement of intellect, give Belladonna, Hyoscyamus, Mercurius, or Plati- num, according to the symptoms above stated. If all things appear larger, Hyoscyamus; if much smaller, or very little, like playthings, Platinum; if dark, black, double, Belladonna or Mercurius; and if Mercurius does not improve any longer, let it be followed by one dose of Sulphur. When caused by homesickness, and the patient cannot sleep, is hot and flushed in the face, give Hyoscyamus; and if this should not give relief within a few days, espe- cially if the patient has a hot feeling in the back of the throat, Capsicum. If followed by a short hacking cough every morning, Drosera. If the patient is evidently wast- ing away, does not wish to speak, the chest feels too weak, is very sleepy and dull, taciturn, irritable, often feels hot in the evening, and sweats much in the morning, does not care to eat, says everything he eats lies heavily and 38 AFFECTIONS OF THE MIND. oppressively in the stomach, tastes what he has eaten a long time, Phosphoric acid. When the patient is very weak, trembling, uneasy, agitated, particularly during the night, chilly, j)erspiring all night, give Mercurius. If grief, fright, anxiety, fear or vexation bring on the monthly discharge, or increase or check it, or bring on other symptoms with it, Platinum. For protracted effects of grief and sorrow, when the pa- tient is irritable, cross, uneasy, fearful, dejected, anticipat- ing danger, dreads the future, frets and grieves constantly, is sleepy during the day, but cannot rest at night, per- spires night and day, loses the hair, the voice becomes feeble, give Staphisagria. If he is contemptuous, refuses to speak, is feverish, and loses flesh, give Phosphoric acid. If quarrelsome, obstinate, sensitive, and has occasional attacks of great anxiety, give Mercurius. VEXATION. Chamomilla generally answers best when the vexation is attended with violent fits of anger. If vexation causes a bitter taste, retching and vomiting of bile, headache, nausea, oppression at the stomach, cut- ting pains in the bowels, diarrhoea, hot fever with thirst, redness of the face and eyes, anxiety and uneasiness, bil- ious fever, or jaundice, give Chamomilla. If the patient is cold and chilly, has belching, vomiting, or rising of bitter water, has either constipation or diarrhoea, feels better when at rest, give Bryonia; and if it produces no effect, Veratrum. In cases of fever with restlessness, dry skin, pressure in the stomach like a stone, Aconite. When food or drink, taken immediately after being vexed, produces bitter taste, bitter eructations, vomiting of bile, pain in the bowels, heat of the head, uneasiness, disturbed sleep, sensitiveness and other complaints, give AFFECTIONS OF THE MIND. 39 Chamomilla once or twice; but if this medicine loses its effect, give Pulsatilla, Nux vomica, or Colocynth. If a person has drunk chamomile tea, and has after- wards been vexed, or taken improperly chamomile tea for the fever following vexation, give Coffea, and if this does not relieve, Nux vomica. If, after this, the pains con- tinue, give Colocynth. If the patient is of a mild disposi- tion, and Colocynth does not effect a perfect cure, give Pul- satilla. If grief or shame is the consequence of vexation, give Ignatia. If vexation is followed by coldness or chills, and the patient remains cross, give Bryonia; should Bryonia not suffice, the patient being one who is inclined to be- come angry, give Nux vomica. If the vexation is accom- panied by just and violent indignation, and abhorrence of the occurrence which induced it, if this is expressed by pushing away things on the table with the hands, or throwing away what he has in his hands, give Staphisa- gria. When there is inclination -to v violent motions or pains in the bowels, especially if they occur, or are in- creased after meals, Colocynth may be given. Vexation may cause restlessness, want of sleep on ac- count of heat, feeling as if too much blood were in the head, short breathing, palpitation, then give Aconite. For coldness, fear of being alone, fear of dying, want of breath, give Arsenicum. If vexation produces cough, or palpitation of the heart, asthma, spasms in the chest, so that the patient is threat- ened with suffocation, give Chamomilla. In this case it will be well also to put the hands for a short time in cold water ; and if this fails, to bathe the arms in water until better. If these symptoms are worse after midnight, give Arsenicum; if towards morning, or if the patient seems to lose his reason, Veratrum. 40 AFFECTIONS OF THE MIND. ANGER. When persons of violent temper feel unwell, after hav- ing been in a passion, give Nux vomica; if the cheeks and face are burning red, perspiration warm, if disposed to be in motion, Chamomilla; and if disposed to be quiet, Bry- onia. Anger with indignation in persons inclined to much reflection, who complain of soreness all over, are sleepy during the day, and sleepless during the night, Staphisa- gria; if chilly and feverish alternately, with thirst and vomiting of bile, generally worse towards morning, Nux vomica. Internal chill without thirst, with sleepiness, worse in the afternoon and evening, Pulsatilla. If anger and vexation produce mental alienation, fear of death, anxiety, or laughing and crying, Platinum. When little children get into so violent a rage as to lose their breath or fall into convulsions, give Chamomilla; if they lose their breath, apparently from phlegm in the throat, with rattling, give Tartar emetic. If they shriek and weep violently which seems to cause coughing, or if the anger and crying cause palpitation of the heart, and coughing so hard that blood follows, or if there is a bruised sensation, especially in the back, bitter taste, foul breath, and if lying as if stunned by a blow, head hot, feet cold; or if at first very irritable, afterwards indifferent, urine and stool pass involuntarily, give Arnica. If they con- tinue to cry and will not be pacified, the blood rushing to the head, they talk confusedly, or are senseless, give Belladonna, and if this fails to relieve, Hepar. SENSITIVENESS AND IRRITABILITY Cause indispositions with many persons, who are too much affected by even trifling emotions. If with this AFFECTIONS OF THE MIND. 41 great sensitiveness there should be inward vexation, sleep- lessness, great painfullness of affected parts causing weep- ing, and a disposition to shed tears at the most trifling and imaginary causes, give Coffea. The patient must, of course, abstain from drinking coffee. Persons with great irritability of the nervous system, particularly the senses, easily startled, anxious, inclined to lie down, averse to fresh air, of a violent, stubborn and refractory disposition, and women, if the menstrual periods appear too soon, are interrupted, stop and appear again, and in this way last too long, should take Nux vomica; persons more tranquil, easily moved to tears, the menses too late and insufficient or suppressed, Pulsatilla. If this fails and the patient is fretful, give Ignatia; if peevish and passionate, Chamomilla. If the patients are greatly excited, form plans, and are exceedingly lively, particu- larly in the evening, give China. If the pains are dis- tracting, give Coffea; if this fails and there is fever with a full, quick, hard pulse, give Aconite; and if this fails to afford relief, Chamomilla. When persons become flighty or distracted from exces- sive pain, are subject to its recurrence, catch cold from every change of weather, and are worse from being touched, give China, and should this prove ineffectual within sev- eral hours, Mercurius. If violent pains bring on delirium, give Veratrum. If different mental emotions or mental exertion cause headache, faintness, or determination of blood to the head, take Glonoine; but if great weakness and fatigue or de- pression and uneasiness remain, particularly after night- watching, take Cuprum. If any slight mental exertion, reading, studying or thinking causes complaints, particularly in persons of sedentary habits, give Nux vomica ; if this does not avail, Lachesis. If occurring after night-watching or oft interrupted 42 CONSEQUENCES OF COLDS. sleep, and all symptoms are aggravated by eating, drink- ing, and after sleep, particularly in nervous persons, givo Cocculus. CHAPTER II. CONSEQUENCES OF COLD. The most common results of taking cold are catarrh and cough, sometimes fever, colic, diarrhoea, pains in the teeth, ears or limbs. When selecting a medicine, it may be necessary to refer to the chapter where these disorders are more fully treated. Here we shall only mention what is to be done in the most common cases. The first rule to be observed, in order to prevent bad effects from catching cold, is to keep warm, and see that the feet are kept dry ; to abstain from the use of spirituous liquors, which in some cases may aggravate the com- plaint ; and eat less animal food and no spices. When you feel that you have caught cold, without any decided consequences having yet manifested themselves, after having been in a cold, dry wind, take Aconite, drink a large tumbler of cold water before going to bed, cover yourself well and try to perspire. If children cannot be induced to drink water, or if you know from ex- perience that it does not produce perspiration, water and milk in equal proportion, taken very warm, may cause perspiration. To a person, who in winter has become stiff with cold and wet, give a cup of strong coffee, without milk. If this should prevent sleep at night, Nux vomica. If children have been out in the snow, snow-balling, skating, or playing out-doors in winter, have perspired, perhaps gotten their feet wet and taken cold, headache following, give Glonoine, especially if the head is hot, face red, pulse very quick, eyes red, and the arteries of the neck throbbing; also if they hold their head, or want to CONSEQUENCES OF COLDS. 43 have the forehead pressed, say the head is too large, or begin to rave. Afterwards it may be necessary to give Belladonna or Bryonia. When perspiration has been checked by taking cold and is followed by headache, earache, toothache, or pain in the bowels, give Chamomilla; by pain in the ears alone, Rhus tox. To women in confinement, if they complain of headache, especially on the right side, occasioned by a draught of cold air, or of pain in the nape of the neck, in consequence of sitting up and being uncovered, give Belladonna; if the pain extends to the shoulders, being partly brought on by holding the child, Rhus tox. will remove it; if the pain is more on the left side, is throbbing and shooting, and effects the lower jaw, the arms and the chest, and is worse from motion, Bryonia will afford relief; but if mostly con- fined to the temple, the eye, the upper jaw, or to the chest in the region of the heart, Spigelia should be given. When a person, while perspiring freely, gets drenched by a shower of rain, give Rhus tox. Should no relief be experienced, and if the patient has previously over-exerted himself, give Bryonia. See " Overheating." When in the latter part of the summer a sudden change takes place in the weather from hot to cold, and almost every one complains of having taken cold, give Belladonna; but if the cold, wet weather continues for a long time, Nux moschata, particularly to children, women and men, who are easily affected. After having the hair cut, persons, particularly children, very often have symptoms of a cold, which are relieved by taking Belladonna. For cold in the head, from wet feet, give Cepa; for cough and pain in the limbs, Rhus tox. For suppressed perspiration of the feet, give Silicea. Catarrh, or Cold in the Nose. — If catarrh results 44 CONSEQUENCES OF COLDS. from a cold, and the patient can neither smell nor taste, give Pulsatilla. For catarrh, with heat in the eyes and head, soreness of the nose, give Belladonna. If the nose is stopped up, Nux vomica or Ipecacuanha. If north-east wind, blowing from the sea, causes a run- ning cold in the head, worse in the evening and in-doors, better in the open air, with headache, running of the eyes and fever, take Cepa. If a catarrh has been checked by fresh exposure to cold, particularly if the patient is worse in the afternoon, or is dejected and fretful, give Pulsatilla; if he is worse at night or towards morning, or very cross, sensitive, and excited, China. If a catarrh appears after an eruption has been checked, give Ipecacuanha, and if that does not avail, Cuprum. In some cases, Bryonia, Pulsatilla, Sulphur, or Nux moschata may be given, according to the symptoms. If the recov- ery from catarrh has been impeded by a fresh cold, at- tended with pain over the eyes, worse on the right side, the face flushed, Belladonna ; if the pain is worse on the left side and the face pale, Spigelia. Cough. — When catarrh is accompanied by cough, or when a dry cough remains after the first symptoms have disappeared under the action of other medicines, give Nux vomica. If the cough is dry and excites retching or vomiting, Ipecacuanha; if it is hollow and causes vomiting, Carbo vegetabilis; if accompanied with tough expectoration, particularly with children in winter, Chamomilla; if it is moist or loose, Ferrum phosph. or Pulsatilla (see "Cough," in Part II); if the cough returns with every blast of cold air, give Phosphoric acid; if it returns every time that a foot or arm is exposed when in bed, and is hollow and fatiguing, give Hepar; if the cough becomes worse after going to bed, is always worse when getting warm in bed, Nux moschata. CONSEQUENCES OF COLDS. 45 When the cough is caused by cold air, is dry and con- vulsive, with vomiting, or the expectoration is spotted or streaked with blood, if accompanied by a stitch in the side, or by headache, pain under the ribs, or if the cough is caused by a tickling in the -throat, and the chest feels sore after it, and the pulse is hard and quick, give Bryonia; but when the pulse is not very hard, if the soreness con- tinues or is felt during the cough, not stitches but more burning sensation in the chest, oppression and palpitation, give Carbo vegetabilis. Difficulty of Breathing. — When, after taking cold, the patient appears as if suffocating, give Ipecacuanha. If not relieved by this, Arsenicum. Sometimes other reme- dies prescribed for asthma are preferable, viz., Nux vomica, Cuprum or Sambucus. See " Asthma " and " Croup." Diarrhoea. — When immediately after taking cold diar- rhoea appears, give Opium. If this does no good, or if the diarrhoea does not appear for a day or so afterwards, and is attended with pain in the bowels, or other symptoms, give Dulcamara. In diarrhoea without pain, and commencing during the day, or if worse in the day-time and better at night, give Ferrum; worse after midnight or towards morning, Phos- phoric acid; if produced by eating ice-cream, or drinking ice-water, compare Part I, Chapter IV. If, during warm weather, diarrhoea is caused by taking cold while in perspiration or by cold bathing, with heat in the head, slight pain in the bowels ; or if the pit of the stomach and the abdomen are sensitive to pressure, or the stools contain undigested food, Bryonia. If discharges of undigested food follow the drinking of bad water, and Bryonia proves ineffectual, give China. For diarrhoea, with flatulency, cutting pains about the navel during the evacuation, straining and great weak- 46 CONSEQUENCES OF COLDS. ness at the same time, discharges of mucus and blood, or if the patient has drunk spirituous liquors, give Nux vomica. If there is much blood and mucus discharged, give the remedies recommended for dysentery. If tedious, but not violent, especially if worse in the morning, Sulphur. Pain in the Bowels. — If the pain is violent, spas- modic, pressing, particularly before evacuations, if the lat- ter are acrid, thin, brownish, and produce burning in the rectum, give China. For cramp-like pains under the ribs, moving from right to left, diarrhoea which prostrates completely, chilliness, white coated tongue, bad smell from the mouth, headache in the morning, dullness and sleepiness the rest of the day, give Nux moschata. If the pains are violent, tearing and twisting as if the intestines were in motion, if the patient cannot be quiet, but runs about ; if it appears as if a large ball were in the side, or as if the whole abdomen were hollow, with nausea and vomiting, the diarrhoea watery, slimy or greenish, with a smell like bad eggs, give Chamomilla. For diarrhoea from exposure to the night air, greenish and watery, with much pressure before the discharge, a disposition to faint, pains in the lower abdomen, pressing in the upper, cutting with a constant uneasy sensation, as if to evacuate, rumbling in the belly, griping in the pit of the stomach, tearing pains in the abdomen, which feels cold to the hands, with nausea, shivering and chills, give Mercurius.- If partly caused by a disordered stomach, after eating pork, rich pastry and the like, worse in the afternoon, particularly in the evening, or during the night, if the wind rolls about in the stomach, or if the belly is sensitive to pressure, give Pulsatilla. The same to pregnant women 3 when the pains resemble labor-pains. CONSEQUENCES OF COLDS. 47 \ If a cold is followed by pain with a disposition to cry, great sensitiveness and sleeplessness, Coffea. AVhen the pains are so violent as to drive the patient almost mad, give Chamomilla ; if the pains are always worse in the open and cold air, but better in warm air, and the patient is very changeable, give Nux moschata. For Headache, from cold, with rush of blood to the head, increased by walking or going up stairs, at every step, increased by a draught or in the open air, with a feeling as if the head would burst, give Belladonna, If the headache is more a pressure on single spots, with roaring in the ears, or difficult hearing, give Dulcamara; if it feels as if the brain was loose, and as if it struck against the skull when shaking the head; headache after breakfast, or worse after meals, with giddiness, sleepiness and dullness, give Nux moschata, If caused by a draught of air, and merely external, give Nux vomica ; if internal, Belladonn a. If caused by bathing, and Belladonna does not cure, if accompanied by nausea, giddiness, disordered stomach, worse when smoking, give Antimonium crudum, or, according to the symptoms, Bry- onia. Affections of the Eyes. — Compare what is recom- mended for " Diseases of the Eyes." Dulcamara will often relieve. For much pain, heat, inflammation, acrid tears, and inability to bear the light, give Belladonna, and if this does not cure, Mercurius; if this fails, Hepar. In dimness of vision, so that the patient is unable to read, and sees sparks before the eyes, or when the eyes are affected after every cold, give Dulcamara, and afterwards Sulphur; should this fail, give Calcarea. Affections of the Ears. — Constant buzzing in the ears and difficult hearing indicate Dulcamara; if they re^ 48 CONSEQUENCES OF COLDS. turn after a while and this does not again relieve, give Sulphur. Tearing pain externally, shooting internally, the ear dry, with peevish disposition, indicate Chamomilla. Tear- ing, shooting, aching pains, Nux vomica; great disposition to cry, the ear moist or running, or hot and red, and tear- ing-twitching pains sometimes also in the face, Pulsatilla; when it tears and shoots, with much buzzing, the ear not so hot and red, but excoriated by matter, or if blood is discharged, the glands around the ears or of the throat are swelled, give Mercurius; and if the heat, redness and itching remain, if there is shooting when blowing the nose, or buzzing and throbbing, give Hepar. Earache of children from a cold is relieved by Pulsatilla; if it fails, give Dulcamara, or Rhus tox. If a discharge with buzzing and burning in the ears remains, give Sulphur. Toothache. — Toothache from cold usually yields to Chamomilla, Rhus tox. or Nux moschata. See " Toothache," Part II. Patients subject to toothache whenever they take cold, should take a dose of China or Mercurius, and afterwards, Sulphur. Sore Throat.— Affections of the throat from cold will in most cases yield to Belladonna, Dulcamara, Mercurius, or Sulphur. See Part II. When caused by drinking very cold water, Belladonna is to be preferred; when the cold is general, Dulcamara. When the throat is constantly dry and hot, with frequent efforts at swallowing, much saliva in the mouth, or the tonsils are swollen; if speaking and swallowing cause shooting pains; if the patient hawks much, swallows with difficulty, is in dread of suffocation, the throat seems too narrow, what he drinks comes back through the nose, if he is very hasty, give Belladonna; and if this affords CONSEQUENCES OF COLDS. 49 no relief, Sulphur. When the pains are less violent, the tongue appears paralyzed, there is much perspiration, sometimes offensive, without giving any relief, the patient is quarrelsome, give Dulcamara ; if this fails, Mercurius, or one of the other remedies prescribed under " Sore Throat," in Part II. Nausea and Vomiting. — When these symptoms appear after a cold, particularly when a rash or other eruption has been suppressed, the best remedy is Ipecacuanha. If it does not answer, and the vomiting is sour or bitter, with frequent empty eructations, give Belladonna ; if noth- ing but tough phlegm is thrown up, Dulcamara; if worse after exercise, eating, speaking, or when riding, or after sleep, Cocculus. If it returns from every motion of the body, and the patient is, notwithstanding, unable to keep quiet, very weak, thirsty, but every drink makes him worse, give Arsenicum. For spasms, with nausea, Cuprum. After eating cold fruit or drinking ice-water, Carbo vege- tabilis. See Chapter IV. Pains in the LiMBS.-^When the parts affected feel uneasy, so as to require constant change of position, every thing feeling as if too hard to rest upon, and the limbs as if benumbed or strained, worse when stepping or from the slightest jar, the patient complains even when a person walks across the room, calls loudly, approaches him, or moves his hand, give Arnica. But if the pains are at- tended with fever, Aconite, until the fever abates; and then, after several hours, Arnica. Should these not be sufficient refer to " Rheumatism," Part II. If the pains are worse when at rest, and at night, with lameness or coldness of the limbs, with pale swelling or burning in the feet, or with redness and swelling of the big toe, with a stiff neck, the skin very dry, or offensive perspiration without relief, give Dulcamara or Mercurius. 4 50 CONSEQUENCES OF COLDS. If the same symptoms return after every cold, with uneasiness at the approach of other persons, or when at- tempting to swallow; worse when at rest, better when in motion with swelling and rending, burning and throbbing pains in great toe, give Phosphoric acid. For swelling of the knees, lumps on the. joints of the hands and fingers, give Sulphur, and later, Calcarea. AVhen taking cold causes fever, particularly if there is restlessness, thirst and a dry skin give Aconite. If, after two or three doses, the fever still increases, select one of the following: Nux vomica or Chamomilla; Belladonna or Dulcamara; Ignatia or Pulsatilla. For fever after taking cold accompanied by vexation or other emotions, or if a change of diet has disagreed, if the patient was at first chilly, or chills and heat alter- nate, take Nux vomica. To children or those made very restless by the fever, give Aconite; if very cross and irrit- able, Chamomilla. In general, the following medicines answer best in complaints from cold ; in acute and inflammatory affections, Ferrum phosphoricum, Aconitum, Chamomilla, Rhus tox., Xux vomica, Pulsatilla, Belladonna, Colocynthis. "When less violent, Dulcamara or Ipecacuanha. When tedious and often returning, and the patient has formerly taken too much mercury, Carbo vegetabilis, Sulphur or China. If these do not relieve, Silicea or Hepar. If these affec- tions result from bathing, Bryonia, Antimonium crudum, Sulphur, or Nux moschata, and after a few weeks, Carbo vegetabilis or Calcarea. When the patient cannot perspire, Chamomilla or China, Arsenicum or Silicea. When the perspiration is too copious, Mercurius, Phosphoric acid, Carbo vegetabilis, Sulphur or Hepar. When a person takes cold very easily, he should abstain from the use of coffee and spirituous liquors ; use more cold drinks than warm ; wash himself frequently in cold water, and accustom himself more and more to the air in every kind of weather ; this custom will gradually diminish the disposition to take cold, and finally remove it entirely, particularly if the patient takes some of the following medicines : Coffea, Belladonna, Fux moschata, jVux vomica, China, Dulcamara; or Silicea, Carbo vegetabilis, Calcarea. The latter three must not be taken too frequently, but only at long intervals. If one is much afraid of the cold air, yet feels worse in the warm room, give Apis ; if he has a great desire to go out, but takes cold every time he does so, Cepa. CONSEQUENCES OF COLDS. 51 If, after using the means recommended above, there should still remain the same susceptibility, and the patient be chilled by every draught of cold air, let him take Nux vomica or Chamomilla. If exposure to cold produces pain, Arsenicum. If the patient is apt to get his fingers, nose, etc., frosted and he is v not taking other medicines, let him rub the parts with spirits of camphor before exposure to the cold. If the* patient has chilblains, let him take the remedies prescribed under " Chilblains ;" if affected by every blast of cold air, Bryonia or Rhus tox., Nux moschata, Veratrum or Mercurius, and if they do not answer, Carbo vegetabilis or Calcarea, according to circumstances. If he cannot bear the wind, Carbo vegetabilis; if not a draught, China, Belladonna, Sulphur, Silicea or Calcarea, one after the other, at long intervals. If wet, cold stormy weather disagrees and he is benefited by external warmth, Nux moschata ; if aggravated by warmth, Mercurius. When the night air only is injurious, Mercurius will prove beneficial, and after several days have elapsed, Sulphur; to be followed, if necessary, by Carbo vegetabilis. If a person feels ill in damp weather, give Dulcamara, Nux moschata, Rhus tox., or Veratrum, and later Carbo vegetabilis or Calcarea. If the dampness affects the chest, Dulcamara or Carbo vegetabilis. One who is affected by a thunder-storm, should take Bryonia during the storm, and later Silicea. Phosphorus and Sulphur are also recommended. For excessive fear during a thunder-storm, Gelseminum ; if this fails, give Glonoine. If every change of weather aggravates the complaint, give first Mercurius, Rheum or Rhus tox ; later, Sulphur or Silicea. If a change from warm to cold affects most injuriously, give Dulcamara or Rhus tox ; if from cold to warm, Carbo vegetabilis or Lachesis. If damp- ness affects most, Nux moschata. For colds occurring in the spring, the remedies most often indicated are, Veratrum, Rhus tox. and Carbo vegetabilis; in summer, Belladonna, Bryonia, Antimonium crudum and Carbo vegetabilis ; in autumn, Veratrum, Mercurius and Rhus tox.; in winter, during dry weather, Aconitum or Belladonna, Bryonia, Nux vomica, Chamomilla or Sulphur; sometimes Ipecacuanha; but during damp weather, Dulcamara, Nux moschata, Veratrum or Carbo vegetabilis. It is, however, necessary to examine closely under the heads of the different complaints, as these general remarks are merely intended to guide the patient to the remedy to be preferred in doubtful cases. After cutting the hair bad results often follow, particularly with children, which are attributed to cold ; for sudden faintness, twitching or convul- sions, congestion, heat of the head, redness of the face, or fear with mistrust or anxiety, give Glonoine ; for fear with inclination to weep or run away, Belladonna ; to children, while cutting teeth, Chamomilla. For headache, Belladonna, Bryonia, Glonoine, or Pulsatilla, according to the symptoms. 52 CONSEQUENCES OF OVERHEATING. ETC. CHAPTER III. CONSEQUENCES OF OVERHEATING, IM- MODERATE EXERTION, AND GREAT EXHAUSTION. After immoderate exertion, great relief will be felt from taking a warm Turkish bath, if that can be procured. If the limbs are painful, or burn, they will be relieved by rubbing with the bare hand or a soft flannel. Knead- ing and rubbing the muscles of the back and limbs affords great relief. OVERHEATING. When you have overheated yourself with work in summer, it is well to take a few drops of good whiskey or brandy on sugar, or a small quantity of strong wine, and refrain from drinking cold water till your breath has the normal temperature. If you are much fatigued, it is advisable to take a cup of tea ; if much fatigued in cold weather, and you have to go out again in the open air, drink cold water or beer ; but if you can remain at heme, drink warm mulled beer. Spirituous liquors even in moderate quan- tities, when taken in cold weather, only render persons more sensitive to cold, they will produce a feeling of exhaustion and chilliness the following day. When a person, by remaining long in the cold, has brought upon himself a torpid feeling, or an irresistible propensity to sleep, let him take, or fre- quently smell a small piece of camphor, which will quickly relieve and pre- vent all danger of freezing. Everyone therefore who is likely to be exposed to the cold for a long time should be provided with camphor. Sttn-stroke. — During the hot weather of summer adults as well as children, who work hard or exercise too freely in the hot air, are sometimes so much affected by the heat, that they fall down suddenly as if struck by apoplexy, or first stagger, try to support themselves and then sink down. In such cases give Glonoine. particularly if the following symptoms are present: eyes fixed, without ex- pression, glassy: pupils contracted: pulse scarcely per- ceptible, or so quick that it can hardly be counted : loss of speech or at least disinclination to speak: sometimes. CONSEQUENCES OF OVERHEATING, ETC. • 53 retching, face pale, white or yellowish-red; cold sweat; body cold; head hot to the touch, particularly when the hand remains long on the head. In all cases of sun-stroke, with heat of the head inter- nally as well as externally, warm water should be used, either by applying to the. head a wet cloth, or by pouring the water upon the head. Application of ice is senseless, and blood-letting mur- derous. In some cases of sun-stroke, when the heat is not only about the head, but also over the whole body; the pupils small, color of the face changing; pulse large, hard and full; when the patient shows now and then signs of distress and anxiety by different movements, as starting, putting the hands to the head, grinding of the teeth, roll- ing of the eyes, etc., give Aconitum in water. Belladonna must be given at once in cases with the fol- lowing symptoms: eyes fixed, half open, or turned up- wards; pupils large, or very small, or of indifferent size; face red; head and whole body hot; involuntary escape of urine and faeces ; pulse full and hard ; occasional twitch- ing or trembling of the limbs; putting of the hands to the head; bending backwards of the head; heavy sleep. To habitual drunkards, or if you smell that liquor has been drunk shortly before, it is better to give Nuz vomica; if this does not relieve, Arsenicum. Similar symptoms may be caused by exposure of the bare bead or nape of the neck to the rays of the sun, by sleeping in the sun, or falling asleep near a stove, or before a grate. The same remedies, or one of the following, will be required according to the kind of headache. Headache from Heat.— For fullness, as if the head were pressed asunder, worse when stooping, particularly in the forehead as if the contents would drop out, increased by walking, stepping and every motion, combined with hot fever, thirst, vomiting and sleeplessness, give Bella- donna or Bryonia. If combined with anxiety, uneasiness, 54 CONSEQUENCES OF OVERHEATING, ETC. rage or great irritability, despondency, starting, fear of present objects, lamentation, weeping, etc., give Belladonna. If the patient is very weak and peevish in the morning, cannot bear the pressure of his clothing, is more passionate and cross than plaintive and desponding, and apprehen- sive of future evil, give Bryonia. If overheating always causes headache, especially if there be heaviness, throbbing and pressure over the eyes, and pains in the eyes, when using them, give Carbo vegetabilis. When headache is caused by heat or great exertion, while exposed to the sun in summer, or by getting too warm before the fire, or by ironing; when the head feels too full, and there exists a want of appetite, particularly in the morning, with much thirst, fever, trembling, nausea and vomiting, or diarrhoea, give Bryonia. When the head feels too full, with the sensation of a pulsating-rising, which threatens to burst the head, give Glonoine. Diarrhoea. — In diarrhoea accompanied by fever, caused by excessive heat in summer ; and also in colicky pains occasioned by drinking milk, give Bryonia. To a person who cannot bear the heat of summer, or cannot work in the heat, particularly when troubled with night-sweats, who is very sleepy, or suffers from complaints in the stomach and abdomen, and Bryonia does not answer, give Antimonium crudum. If nausea, which is caused by the heat, returns constantly, the remedies prescribed give but temporary relief, give Silicea. FATIGUE. The fatigue after walking a great distance, or after much labor, particu- larly in summer, is frequently so great that rest does not relieve, but, on the contrary, seems to increase it. If possible let the sufferer take a warm, or still better a Turkish bath ; if that be impracticable, let him put his feet into warm water, into which a handful of salt has been thrown. If this CONSEQUENCES OF OVERHEATING. ETC. 55 does not relieve, give Rhus tox. A cup of tea, not too strong, is also to be recommended. In fatigue, with great debility, or after any great exer- tion, producing great exhaustion, Arsenicum will give relief. If the exertion was accompanied by much lifting and stretching, or if it caused perspiration, and the body has been cooled too quickly by cold air or water, give Rhus tox.', particularly if the joints pain much. Should fatigue produce a sensation of faintness, or ac- tual fainting, or if the patient suffered great fear before or during the exertion, give Veratrum; if this does not relieve, give Gelseminum; if no food had been taken for a long time, Coffea. For great weakness, in consequence of profuse perspiration, or if the patient was previously de- bilitated or had night-sweats, give China, If there are symptoms of internal heat, such as hot breath and quick pulse, give Aconite, and if not relieved by this, Bryonia. If the accelerated circulation continues for several days, and the slightest exertion produces a tendency of blood to the head or chest, or if the face is flushed, give Mercurius. For soreness in all the limbs, particularly in the muscles, a feeling as if bruised, Arnica is the best remedy. If after fatigue, particularly with people otherwise easily affected, or such as cannot bear the cold air, there appear weakness, pain in all parts on which they lie, particularly pain in the temples ; a dull, sleepy disposition, they can- not recollect ; are sleepy without getting relief from sleep ; some are afraid of going to sleep, on account of the beat- ing in the head, Nux moschata will give relief. If the feet have become sore from walking, take Arnica internally and apply the tincture externally ; if they are blistered, Arnica will do no good ; if the walk must be continued, apply tallow or suet; in the evening take Cepa, and apply a wet cloth. 56 CONSEQUENCES OF OVERHEATING, ETC. If the fatigue is so great that it causes internal pains and restlessness; if sleep does not refresh; every 'part pains at the slightest touch; sitting and standing weaken very much; walking about relieves a little; the beating of the pulse is felt all over the body, give Natrum muri- aticum. If every exertion or motion causes a prickling sensation in different parts of the body, Apis; if it re- mains or returns again and again, give Ilepar. If the limbs are painful after carrying or lifting, par- ticularly during rest or when moving a little, and better from continued motion, give 'Rhus tox.; when there are shooting pains in the small of the back, especially if worse from moving and not relieved by continued motion, give Bryonia; if it is impossible to move the back, on account of excessive pain, give Sulphur. See " Overlifting." If a person, who is otherwise in good health, feels tired after the least exertion, even from talking, or if he has lost much sleep, give Cocculus ; but if talking makes him so tired in the throat, that it pains, Apis; and if this does not relieve, Veratrum ; if this fails also, give Calcarea. When walking briskly causes loss of breath, or cough- ing, stitches in the side or pain in limbs, give Aconite; if the stitches in the side continue, give Arnica; if this does not afford any relief, Bryonia. If every quick motion causes an almost suffocating shortness of breath, with perspiration about the neck, Sambucus will give relief. If the shortness of breath continues, or becomes worse, by walking briskly, running, or ascending, attended with coughing and raising of phlegm, give Silicea. When riding in a carriage causes nausea, give Cocculus. If it causes headache, particularly if worse after riding, give Sepia. Compare article on " Seasickness." CONSEQUENCES OF OVERHEATING, ETC. 57 SITTING UP AT NIGHT Is always debilitating, yet every one should be able to bear it in case of need. If it produces greater weakness than usual, if persons cannot deprive themselves of a few hour's sleep, give Cocculus or Phosphoric acid. If sitting up occasions headache, or if a person has taken much coffee, wine or spirituous liquors to keep himself awake, give Nux vomica; if the headache is not caused by spirituous liquors, and the jDatient is unable to lie down, or has nausea, give Ipecacuanha. If the head is worse at night, but a little better in the morning, especially to mild tempered women, give Pulsatilla. If there is deter- mination of blood to the head, heaviness, as if intoxicated, worse when moving the eyes, with buzzing in forehead, pale, haggard face, heaviness in the forehead, hardly able to hold up the head, with nausea, chilliness, weakness and peevishness, give Nux vomica; particularly if the patient is of a passionate and energetic disposition. If the head feels empty and light, or heavy; bright light is unbearable ; better in the open air, worse when lying down ; particularly to mild, yielding persons, give Pulsatilla. When the head trembles, is light, there are flushes of heat in the face, blue circles around the eyes, the mouth perfectly dry without thirst, loathing of food, belching, attacks of nausea with faintness, fullness of the stomach, oppressed breathing, if worse in the air, from speaking or drinking coffee, if the patient is very sad and often startled in sleep and has frightful dreams, give Cocculus. If greatly excited in the evening, does not sleep well, is weary when rising, China; if complaining of feeling sore all over, Arnica. In the worst cases, when body and soul appear worn out by want of sleep and great exertion, when despondent, 58 CONSEQUENCES OF OVERHEATING, ETC. and there is a sensation of heat deep in the head, give Cuprum. See " Mental Exertion." The effects of late hours and late suppers may be coun- teracted by Pulsatilla or Nux vomica, according to the above indications, or by Lachesis or Carbo vegetabilis. See " Consequences of Intoxication." CONFINEMENT AND EXCESSIVE MENTAL APPLI- CATION. Excessive mental application is always injurious. Everyone should daily exercise in the open air for at least one or more hours. If close confinement has pro- duced abdominal symptoms, and if the patient has been accustomed to coffee or spirituous liquors, Nux vomica, taken in the evening, will often have a good effect ; if af- ter several days, the symptoms return, give Sulphur. When the head feels heavy and dull, Nux vomica is a good re- medy ; if there is congestion to the head, dizziness, throb- bing of the arteries in the neck, indicating brain fever, give Belladonna. See "Headache." If these medicines prove ineffectual, and if every exertion of the mind causes headache, give Calcarea or Lachesis. If there is merely a sensation of giddiness, as if drunken, give to passionate people, Nux vomica; to mild, lachrymose subjects, Pulsa- tilla. Toothache, cough, fainting, and other complaints caused by mental application, often yield to Nux vomica. EXCESSES Injure body and mind more than anything else. If they consist in intem- perance in eating or drinking, apply the remedies prescribed under ''Dis- ordered stomach." But if they are such as waste the very marrow and essence of the constitution, the greatest abstemiousness is a most absolute condition. CONSEQUENCES OE OVEKHEATING. ETC. 59 The principal remedy, and the one which should be given first, but which may be given repeatedly after other remedies, is China. Afterwards, and particularly if the patient bitterly regrets his vicious conduct, give Phosphoric acid. Look also under the head of the special complaint of the patient, and select in preference such remedies as China, Phosphoric acid, Staphisagria, Nux vomica, Sulphur or Dulcamara, whichever may seem to suit best. The same treatment is recommended when the patient has lost his strength by self-abuse ; give in the beginning China, Staphisagria, or Nux vomica; later Phosphoric acid, Sulphur or Calcarea. The patient should be persuaded to leave off his bad habits, and encouraged to constant occupation, even hard work ; he should eat sparingly, take little sleep, abstain from all spirituous liquors, avoid bad company, and ab- stain from reading books calculated to excite the passions. Should a morbid irritation trouble the patient, which is often the case with children, select one of the following medicines : China, Mercurius, Carbo vegetabilis, Nux vomica, Pulsatilla, Staphisagria or Antimonium crudum, SUicea, Platinum, Calcarea, Sepia or Cocculus. Frequently, when China and Carbo vegetabilis are insufficient, Mercurius will effect more; if not, Sulphur. These remedies must not be repeated often ; Coffea, Opium, Aconite, Ignatia may be given intermediately according to circumstances. All those who have become so much debilitated by excesses, that they are easily affected by every little current of air, or cold wet weather, prefer remaining in-doors, or are very peevish and fickle, will be relieved by Nux moschata. If these vices have so weakened the constitution, that the effects appear even after marriage, although then living moderately, give, if the head is much affected, Calcarea. For great weakness and trembling of the legs, the same; for asthma, Staphisagria; burning in the parts, Mercurius or Carbo vegetabilis. Weakness in the feet, heaviness, and a feeling of soreness in the limbs, dullness, ill-humor and lassitude, may be remedied by Cocculus. A good homoeopathic physician will restore all such cases. Never con- sult a quack who professes to make a specialty of treating these complaints with secret medicines. If such remedies were of any use, the discoverer would be more successful by introducing them to the notice of physicians. Great harm is often done by the use of patent medicines, and your complaint will be the harder to cure because your physician must remain in the dark as to the nature of the drug with which vou have been dosed. 60 CONSEQUENCES OF SURFEITING. LOSS OF BLOOD AND OTHER FLUIDS. Loss of fluids by excessive perspiration or purging, or long continued diarrhoea, too long suckling of children, too great a flow of milk, too copious and long standing monthly discharge, blood-letting by the lancet, or loss of blood by other means, often occasion great weakness, ac- companied by other symptoms; dizziness, headache, pal- pitations, etc. In all such cases give China. If any of the above causes, particularly improper bleeding, should produce fainting or convulsions, immediately give China, and do nothing else; as soon as the sick person recovers, if his mouth is very dry, or if he moves the tongue, give him a little cold water; if he faints again, or has spasms, or if he does not recover entirely, give him a teaspoonful of good old wine ; after a while repeat, if necessary, the China, and later, the wine. After this, give him as much cold water as he wishes to drink, but not too much at once. Should any symptoms remain which are not re- lieved by China, give Phosphoric acid; should this fail, Nux_ vomica, and later, Arsenicum or Sulphur. Compare article on " Piles and Hemorrhage." CHAPTER IV. CONSEQUENCES OF SURFEITING. DISORDERED STOMACH. When a person has eaten too much, or partaken of any thing heavy, and soon after feels that his stomach is out of order, let him take a cup of strong coffee without milk ; should headache or other complaints follow, particularly CONSEQUENCES OF SURFEITING. 61 pressure in pit of the stomach, oppression, nausea, or in children trembling and coldness, give Pulsatilla in water every half hour until relieved. If the patient retches constantly and looks pale, give Ipecacuanha; if the retch- ing is accompanied by heat, particularly in the head, the patient tosses about anxious and distressed, Aconite. Chilliness indicates Pulsatilla; great coldness with violent pains in the stomach, Veratrum. If there remains head- ache, pressure and heaviness in the stomach, and qual- mishness, give Chamomilla; if this fails, Nux vomica. If there is no improvement felt on the following morning and loathing, nausea, inclination to vomit, still continue, if there are risings with a bad mouldy taste and smell, resembling the smell of the food that has been taken, give Ant im on iu m crudum; if there is rising with a bitter taste, Bryonia; or when putrid, Nux vomica; if like rotten eggs, Arnica; if greasy, Pulsatilla; and if acrid and bitter, Arsenicum. The patient ought to take no nourishment but gruel, barley water, tea and toast, and lastly thin broth, for two or three days, to give the stomach time to recover its functions. A disordered stomach produced by eating pork, or other fat meat, pastry, rancid butter, etc., will be relieved by Pulsatilla. If this does not suffice, try Carbo vegetabilis. For complaints after eating pastry, fresh bread or cake while warm ; the patient groans and feels oppressed as if his stomach would burst, give Belladonna. A disordered stomach from other food, risings with a taste of what has been eaten, nausea, inclination to vomit, will yield to Antimonium crudum or Pulsatilla. For a disordered stomach from eating fruit, Arsenicum or Pulsatilla; nausea and belching, dry mouth, without thirst, Pulsatilla; much vomiting, constant desire to drink a little at a time, Arsenicum; to persons in the habit of drinking beer or malt liquors, Pulsatilla; spirituous liquors, Arsenicum; children of a mild, yielding, timid, tearful dis- 62 CONSEQUENCES OF SURFEITING. position, afraid of strangers, Pulsatilla ; obstinate children who are easily offended and become enraged, and are afraid of being alone, Arsenicum; constantly asking for different things, Bryonia or Pulsatilla; if not inclined to give any thing to others, or if cross for being looked at, Arsenicum. Compare " Diarrhoea." For bad effects from eating ice-cream, take Arsenicum; from drinking ice water, or a variety of mild drinks, Carbo vegetabilis. For disordered stomach from bad, sour wine, particu- larly with much nausea, Antimonium cruclum; from wine containing sulphur, Pulsatilla; from sour beer or vinegar, Aconite, particularly when there is a pressing pain in the stomach, nausea, inclination to vomit, and vomiting of phlegm or blood; if the vomiting is sour, with burning in the throat, cutting pain in the bowels and purging, Hepar. For vomiting of food, burning in the stomach and abdomen, cutting pain in the bowels, with coldness, agitation and thirst, Arsenicum; if connected with great debility and sensitiveness to warm and cold, or damp and dry weather, Carbo vegetabilis. For disordered stomach, from stale fish or meat, give forthwith a small quantity of pulverized charcoal, and if this does not remove all the unpleasant symptoms, China; if there is a foul rising, and putrid taste, give Pulsatilla. For disordered stomach from salt victuals, Carbo vegeta- bilis. Long-lasting, bad effects from eating too much salt may be removed by an occasional dose of Phosphorus. For disordered stomach from eating cabbage, especially sour crout, give Bryonia. Complaints after eating very hot food, Causticum. For directions to remove the symptoms from eating old cheese, sausages, spoiled smoked beef, etc., — see article on "Poisoning." Overfeeding of Children. — Children are not unfre- CONSEQUENCES OF SURFEITING. G3 quently made ill by overfeeding, or by giving them indi- gestible food, such as pap made of flour, crackers, bread not sufficiently baked, and the like ; especially when they are rocked too much, and are, moreover, dosed with rhu- barb, salts, castor oil, etc. All these things should be avoided. To check vomiting, give Ipecacuanha, particu- larly if the vomiting is accompanied by purging. If this does not soon relieve, give Pulsatilla. If there is purging, with discharge of undigested food, and if the child was already debilitated by aperients or long continued diar- rhoea, China. If vomiting is accompanied by constipa- tion, Nux vomica. Very young children suffer more often from overfeeding than from star- vation. Anxious mothers and nurses should reflect that babies, stomachs are not adapted for large quantities. They should receive nourishment often and little at a time. Once in two or three hours is often enough. The quantity should be regulated according to the condition and strength of the child. The same kind of diet should not be persevered in too long ; a variety of things should be tried and that which seems most palatable to the child, if it is a wholesome article, made the chief article of diet. Milk should be brought to the boiling point, then allowed to stand till it cools, and the scum that forms on the top carefully removed ; never allow milk to boil for any length of time, boiling makes it indigestible. Thin gruel agrees better with some. If a more substantial fare is required they should have grits, made of wheat, in preference to pap made of flour. Or fill a linen bag with wheat-flour as tightly as possible, then tie it up well and keep it in boiling water for three hours. After that take it out and let it get cold. Upon removing the bag, you will obtain a hard mass, from which the outer crust must be peeled off. Then grate as much of it as is required for a meal, and have it boiled in water, subsequently adding milk or broth. Baked rusks are also good for children, provided they are not too brown. Pearl barley boiled to a jelly and passed through a sieve, often agrees better than any other kind of food. Headache. — If headache with nausea follows a disor- dered stomach, and the whole head feels as if every thing in it were bruised, give Ipecacuanha. For oppressive headache, with heat in the brain, worse after walking, reading, or eating, with putrid taste, Arnica. For throb- 64 CONSEQUENCES OF SURFEITING. bing, shooting headache, worse when talking, with much nausea, take Aconite; for dull, general headache, worse whilst going up stairs, and from smoking tobacco, with- out appetite, with a bitter taste, rising, hiccough, loathing and nausea, worse after drinking wine Antimonium crudum. For burning, pressing-bursting headache, worse when stooping, as if all would fall through the forehead, throb- bing or tearing and piercing pain when walking, or splashing as if from water, worse in the morning early, or with chills, give Bryonia. A one-sided, or rending, throbbing, jerking headache, worse in the evening after lying down, attended with a putrid or earthy taste in the mouth, and without thirst, is relieved by Pulsatilla.. If there is heaviness in the head, and great soreness of the scalp when touched, with trembling in the jaws, a salty taste, and cramp in the stomach, give Carbo regetabilis; especially to persons who have taken much mercury. Eructations or Risings. — See beginning of the chapter. Vomiting. — If occasioned by a disordered stomach and the tongue is coated, give Ipecacuanha; if the tongue is clean, Tartar emetic; if produced by eating too much bread, and attended with great oppression about the pit of the stomach, Bryonia, If produced by overloading the stomach and attended with bitter taste, or when a burning sensation in the throat remains after vomiting, Pulsatilla. If accompanied by much loud belching of wind, hot face, and palpitation of the heart, Sepia. Cramps occasioned by disordered stomach are often cured by the same remedies, according to the similarity of the causes. For other remedies, see "Stomach" and "Cramps." CONSEQUENCES OF SURFEITING. 65 Flatulency. — If it swells the belly, renders breathing difficult, and is caused by flatulent food or drink, such as cabbage, especially sour crout, if from new beer and the like, and particularly when there is a painful tight- ness across the belly, with pains and pressure about the navel, if at times he passes offensive wind, and is chilled after drinking, take China. If drinking gives rise to pressure in the pit of the stomach, which obstructs breathing, the clothes around the ribs feel too tight, and there is a weight as from stones in the abdomen, Nux vomica. If caused by eating fat food, after which much water has been drunk, when the wind rolls in the bowels, the belly appearing too full and hard, worse in the evening, Pulsatilla. If oppression of the chest proceeds from an accumula- tion of wind, with jerking and shooting pains, a tension about the pit of the stomach — without exactly swelling the belly — causing a state of utter restlessness and anxiety, Phosphorus will afford relief. Persons subject to flatulency may take as much of finely pulverized wood-charcoal as will lie on the end of a dessert-knife, once or twice a day; but if Carho vcgetabilis will give relief, the improvement will last much longer. Persons who pass offensive wind, should refrain from eat- ing eggs. Colic. — Sudden attacks caused by eating too much, or by a foul stomach, are often relieved by taking coffee without milk; if this fails, give Ipecacuanha, Pulsatilla, Colocynthis, or some other remedy indicated under " Colic." Diarrhcea. — Arising from disordered stomach, is gen- erally cured by Pulsatilla; in children, when accompanied with nausea and vomiting, by Ipecacuanha; in children who are sleepless, excited and too lively, by Coffea; if 5 GQ CONSEQUENCES OF SURFEITING. cutting pains in the bowels seem to go upwards and pro- duce nausea, and there is great weakness after each evac- uation, by Nux vomica. See " Diarrhoea." For diarrhoea after eating fruit, Ipecacuanha; if the evacuations are slimy, accompanied by slight pain and the external belly is sore, Pulsatilla; when the discharges are watery, very offensive, with burning and cutting pain in the belly, Arsenicum. If the diarrhoea is worse after midnight until morning, give Arsenicum; if later in the morning, Pulsatilla. Compare what is said above under " Disordered Stomach." Sleeplessness. — If produced by overloading the stom- ach, it often yields to Coffea, particularly with children, or to Pulsatilla. If caused by strong coffee, Nux vomica. Nightmare. — From eating too much, can only be pre- vented by avoiding the Cause. A person who is subject to this complaint, should not eat too much at night, and take the medicines recommended for " Nightmare." Fever, with chilliness, disordered stomach, diarrhoea or constipation, particularly in persons of a passionate, cross temper, may be removed by Bryonia; to phlegmatic, awkward persons who are easily offended, give Capsicum. If the fever returns every second day, Antimonium crudum or Ipecacuanha. See " Fevers." Rash arising from a disordered stomach, with chilliness and depression of spirits, is often cured by Pulsatilla ; with sickness of the stomach and difficulty of breathing, by Ipecacuanha; if this proves useless, give Bryonia. If caused by noxious food, see "Poisoning." For other remedies, see "Eruptions." Indisposition from Cold Water or Ice. — If drinking CONSEQUENCES OF SURFEITING. 67 of water confuses the head, produces nausea and heat, take Cocculus. If it produces cough and headache, Aco- nite; if cough, vomiting and chills, Arsenicum; if bad taste, as if the water were impure, coldness in the belly, pain in the bowels and chills, China; if nausea with pain in the bowels, Pulsatilla; and if this does not give relief, Rhus tox. If drinking water produces hiccough, take Ignatia; op- pression at the stomach, Ferrum; if it causes bloating of the abdomen, as from flatulency, with pressure in the pit of the stomach, difficulty of breathing, and chills, take Nux vomica; if it causes constant inclination to go to stool, and purging, Capsicum; pain in the chest and shudder- ing, Veratrum. If it is followed by toothache, take Bryonia, Mercurius, or Staphisagria, according to symptoms. If merely sensitive- ness of the teeth, without pain, Mercurius or Sulphur. See "Toothache." If a person habitually takes cold in the stomach from drinking cold water, and has in consequence accustomed himself to mix spirits with the water, and wishes to leave off this habit, let him try some of the medicines recom- mended above. If he does not succeed, let him take a drop of pure sulphuric acid, and mix it with a pint of water by pouring it for some time from one tumbler into another, and take a table-spoonful of this in the morning, fasting, once or twice. This will often warm the stomach, and gradually accustom it to pure water again. When drinking hastily disorders the stomach, give Silicea. When cold drinks cause indisposition, Nux vomica or Staphisagria may give relief; if not, try Calcarea. Sudden indisposition from ice — or very cold water, taken in hot weather, generally yields to Opium or Glonoine. See "Sunstroke." Give Glonoine especially if accompanied by a tendency of blood to the head, twitching in the face, unconsciousness and giddiness almost to reeling. Per- 68 CONSEQUENCES OF SURFEITING. sons in the habit of drinking spirituous liquors require Kux vomica. If the countenance is pale, if there is a sen- sation of choking and drooping, a few drops of spirits of camphor, on sugar, or diluted with water, may be ad- ministered. Should any symptoms remain, such as head- ache, or rush of blood to the head, Belladonna or Glonoine will be beneficial; see "Headache." For affections of the stomach, fever, etc., give Carbo vegetabilis or Arsenicum. For long-standing disorders of the stomach, caused by drinking ice-water in the summer, attended with great weariness, little appetite, if whatever food is taken lies like a weight on the stomach, or is thrown off again, some- times this is sour, with soreness of the stomach upon pressure; if the stomach and abdomen are distended by wind, the flatulency becoming very troublesome, the symptoms growing worse in the open air, Carbo vegetabilis will be serviceable. If there are pains in the stomach, or other symptoms arising in consequence of having swallowed pieces of ice, Arsenicum will be the remedy, or Pulsatilla. Arsenicum may be administered in cases with violent pressure on the stomach, a burning sensation confined to a small spot, or extending over the stomach or abdomen, great anxiety and disquietude indicated by the counte- nance; tongue dry; constant thirst, drinking often but little at a time; every thing has a saltish taste; nausea produced by motion, or after drinking, even to vomiting sometimes of bile. Pulsatilla if there is a cramp-like pressure in the stom- ach worse after eating, in some cases attended by vomit- ing; the countenance expressing a disposition to cry; the tongue slimy, taste insipid ; no thirst; nausea after eating and drinking, worse in the afternoon and evening, with sour rising, sometimes of wind only, retaining the taste of what the patient has eaten. CONSEQUENCES OF SPIRITUOUS LIQUORS, ETC. 69 The same remedies will answer in affections of the stomach, produced by eating cold fruit, ice-cream and the like. It is particularly injurious to eat ice-cream as a dessert ; directly after eating, the stomach needs and pro- duces heat for digestion; anything very cold taken at this time, must therefore prove doubly injurious. Sometimes a kind of paralysis of the stomach ensues, which occasionally yields to Arsenicum. Every one should be able to drink milk ; if it does not agree, it is an indication that there is something wrong about the stomach. If it pro- duces a sour taste in the mouth or costiveness, give Nux vomica; if pains in the bowels and diarrhoea, Sepia or Lycopodium; and if there is rising and vomiting of phlegm and other complaints, and the other remedies have had no effect, Sulphur; if it produces long-lasting nausea, Calcarea. Persons who feel indisposed after drinking malt liquors, will do well to refrain from them, at least from the stronger kinds, which sometimes owe their strength and bitterness to injurious drugs. But if the head should become too easily affected after drinking good beer, etc., take Rhus tox., or Belladonna. If the beer causes vomiting, take Ferrum; if nausea, Arseni- cum; if colic, Colocynth. If a person has taken a little too much wine and feels ill therefrom, he may take Nux vomica ; if the smallest quantity of wine affects the head, take Zincum. Whoever feels indisposed after drinking brandy, may congratulate him- self; the best and most salutary advice we can give him is — to let it alone. A dose of Nux vomica, however, may moderate the injurious effects. CHAPTER V. CONSEQUENCES OF SPIRITUOUS LIQUORS, COFFEE, TEA, TOBACCO, ACIDS, ETC. DRUNKENNESS. Habitual drunkenness is ruin to individuals, a calamity to families, and a serious loss to a nation. It is therefore no wonder, that benevolent minds have proposed remedies to prevent such great evils ; neither is it astonishing that many who are as ignorant of history, as of the laws of the life of man and nations, should run mad with a most fanatic opposition to alcohol, bundling up with it all kinds of malt liquors, and even the most noble of all the productions of nature — wine. Ministers, as ignorant of the original language of the gospel, as of the 70 CONSEQUENCES OF SPIRITUOUS LIQUORS, ETC. most common laws of chemistry, tell their flock, that the wine, mentioned in the New Testament, is grape-juice, not fermented and not "intoxicating." The Greek word used in the New Testament for wine is oivoq which means fermented grape-juice; the word unfermented grape-juice is yXevxoq and the word for drunkenness is uivioacq, signifying that drunkenness comes from fermented wine. The history of the human race proves most clearly, and without a single exception, that there never was in any nation a popular development of science, literature and the fine arts, until after the introduction and culture of the grape-vine, or as in England and Sweden, after a facilitated importa- tion of wine. The latest chemical analyses have also proved, that wine contains com- binations of phosphorus, which is a most important nourishment of the brain upon which depends its highest development. For the individual, wine may not be a condition, without which no great works of the mind can be produced, but it is so with nations. No great minds can arise in a nation, in which there is not a large number of men of great brains. Hence the religion of the Jews acknowledges the grape-vine as a gift of God after the flood, to prevent another sinking of the human race. Hence in the religion of the Christians, the wine is holy as an indis- pensable link between the Lord and mankind. Mahomedanism forbids the use of wine, of course without any good effect whatever, for its absence encourages the use of opium, hemp-juice and other dangerous substitutes. The absence of wine promotes the dangerous use of alcohol and drunken- ness. All intelligent travellers agree in allowing that drunkenness is by no means common, nay, that it is a rare thing in wine-producing countries. Thus the true remedy against a popular inclination to drunkenness would be, with every wise law-giver, to favor the consumption of wine by facili- tating the home-production and the importation of wine. The pitiful condition, drunkenness, in which we still see so many persons needs no description. However, drunk a person may be, the best way is to let him sleep it off; but sometimes it may be necessary to restore him soon — at least so far that he can be removed, in which case the best remedy is an external application of cold water; if there is vomiting and retching give black coffee as much as he will drink, and hot. If the drunkenness is from malt liquor, tea will be more beneficial. If he is not quite so far gone, a cloth dipped in cold water, and wrapped round the abdomen and loins may suffice ; some are more quickly restored when the wet cloth is applied to the nape of the neck or back of the head. If the face of a drunken man has a purple hue, his look fixed, if he does not come to his senses, the throwing on CONSEQUENCES OF SPIRITUOUS LIQUORS, ETC. 71 of cold water producing only temporary effect — when there is twitching and trembling in the face and around the mouth, or a cramp prevents the opening of the mouth — apply a cloth, dipped into cold water, to the head, and give Opium every fifteen minutes until 'he improves; if this fails, give Aconite or Belladonna; according to symp- toms. If children are made tipsy by thoughtless or vile persons — or swallow brandy by accident — wash their head and abdomen with cold water, and give them, every quarter of an hour, a teaspoonful of hot water, a pint of which has been poured on a bitter almond. If they do not soon fall into a sound sleep, give Nux vomica. If they fall into a stupefied sleep, with snoring, the face red and the head hot and sweating, give Opium. If they are too lively and merry and cannot sleep, Coffea. If they have fever, with constant tossing about, give Aconite, and if this does not remove it in two hours, Belladonna. If they fall into convulsions, give first Opium, if this does not answer, Nux vomica, and if this fails Chamomilla. Some ignorant women when confined, take from habit, or by the advice of stupid midwives or monthly nurses, spirituous liquors, to obtain sleep for • themselves and the child. This is an abominable habit; they expose themselves and the child to the greatest danger ; and if not attended by immediate bad consequences, it may be in the future. Under these circumstances, select for the mother and child one of the above mentioned medicines. Besides the confirmed drunkard, there are others who only once in a while allow themselves to be led astray, and who are ashamed of their con- duct afterwards. These we advise, after any excess of this sort, to take a few globules of Nux vomica. There are, however, many who have fallen into the habit of drinking from vexation, grief or care. Their own consciences will tell them to what a horrid alternative they have had recourse ; and we earnestly exhort them not to taste, not to touch a drop of liquor again, under any pretext whatever, but to force themselves to drink, daily, cold water, even if it should produce qualmishness, and to take the medicines recommended for the effects of drinking ; also, the medicines which suit for vexation and grief. 72 CONSEQUENCES OF SPIRITUOUS LIQUORS, ETC. There are other drunkards who are driven to drinking by a morbid state of their system, by a peculiar kind of " dyspepsia." These deserve our compassion; but although we may pity them, they themselves cannot excuse their habit by it. For some other morbid state urges one to anger, another to laziness, a third to incontinence, but there is no excuse for either. Were it otherwise, every one might find a ready excuse for his favorite vice, and easily imagine that he could wash off his impurity in a sink. When the passionate man does not bridle his anger, the lascivious his cravings, and the intemperate his inclination to strong drink, his morbid sensibilities will increase. No; they ought tc pursue a course directly opposite. He who is given to anger should constrain himself to submit even to unmerited abuse; the voluptuary should repress all vicious thought, and avoid every temptation ; the lazy should work until they are perfectly exhausted ; and he who longs for strong drink, should not even smell alcoholic liquors. In all cases of that disease which causes a morbid desire for alcohol, consult a homoeopathic physician. If this cannot be done, take Sulphur, in water, every morning for a week. Should the desire abate, and afterwards return, take Nux vomica for several days in the evening ; and if it returns again, in two or three days, Sulphur. If this does not prove efficacious, give Arsenicum. In all cases the patient should accustom himself to drink milk, and plenty of it. If the milk disagrees at first, and produces diarrhoea or other symptoms, take the remedies prescribed for that purpose. EFFECTS OF DRUNKENNESS. After drinking too much in the evening, sometimes even after taking but a few glasses of wine, one may feel unwell, heavy and stupid in the morning ; the face be pale and haggard ; the eyes pained by the light ; the mouth parched and rough ; nausea, pains in the pit of the stomach, hoarseness, heat in the hands and soreness in the limbs, as if bruised ; some are weak, sleepy, chilly, languid, cross and passionate ; sometimes there is bleeding of the nose, or cramp in the stomach ; in such cases give either Nux vomica or Carbo vegetabilis. If the headache is throbbing, or attended with pressure over the eyes or, better in the cool, fresh air, Carbo vegetabilis; if worse in the open air, and more in the temples, Nux vomica. If the pain is attended by a feeling as though a nail were lodged in the head, and is on one side only, worse when walking, at every motion, in the open air, from thinking and stooping, Nux vomica. If there is only nausea, Carbo vegetabilis; an inclination to vomit, and retching, Nux vomica. If the. stools are thin and pale, Carbo vegetabilis. If there is much pressing and forcing, with slimy purging, Nux vomica. If there is much giddiness, red eyes, with matter in the corners, great ■■—'■■••- ... :"._ V \' --.--. V— . \- \* • ~—.. v . N:r. vomica. CONSEQUENCES OF SPIRITUOUS LIQUORS, ETC. 73 If the headache does not abate in two or three hours after taking Nax vomica, take Coffea. If the nausea continues, the stomach very weak, and the tongue furred, take Antimonium crudum. In indisposition from the repeated use of wine or spirits, which has al- ready continued for some time ; tedious headache, fullness and heaviness of the head, or cramp in the stomach, weakness of the stomach, constipation, piles, pains in the back, miliary eruption, or much itching and biting over the whole body, Nux vomica; afterwards Carbo vegetabilis or Lachesis may be taken ; the former, if the symptoms are worse early in the morning, or in the open air ; the latter, if they are worse after sleeping, especially in the afternoon, and if aggravated by hot weather. For tedious headache, which has not only been caused by intemperance, but is aggravated by drinking spirituous liquors, by thinking, mental appli- cation, speaking, stooping, after reading or writing, the patient being very weak, give, if he is stout and plethoric, Calcarea; if of a spare habit, Silicea. Do not repeat the dose until he is worse again, and should the repetition fail, give Lachesis. If the effect of wine is only to irritate, excite and produce trembling, with nervousness, an uncomfortable dry heat and splenetic humor, give Coffea; if the least quantity affects the head, Zincum. Delirium Tremens or Mania- a-potu. — In this sad and terrible disease of drunkards, in which the one affected has visions of animals, monsters, strange human faces, etc., hears voices scolding, thinks he is being called, attended with raging and raving, fits and convulsions, instead of worrying the unfortunate being with large quantities of irritating, weakening drugs, give Opium, frequently re- peated. In the beginning of the disease, Arsenicum alone will frequently effect a cure. If these remedies should not afford relief, give Calcarea, morning and evening. If the patient sees animals or fire at intervals, with fear- fulness and a wish to escape, the head is hot, the face flushed, the eyes brilliant and sensitive to the light,' the arteries of the neck throbbing violently, give Belladonna. Hyoscyamus is preferable, if the patient has shown symp- toms of jealousy and threatens violence; Stramonium, if with the delirium there is a religious frame of mind mani- festing itself in prayer and supplication. If this should afford no relief, if the throat is affected, 74 CONSEQUENCES OF SPIRITUOUS LIQUORS, ETC. the attacks appearing more in the afternoon, or after sleeping, the patient talks much, flying from one subject to another, cannot bear his shirt collar or necktie, but strives to have them removed, Lachesis. Cold sweat in the face, anxious desire to run away, vi- sions of devils, etc., Veratrum. Premonitory symptoms, as seeing creeping animals ; turning of the head sideways as if to look for something ; hearing of voices, etc., may he re- moved either by Arsenicum or Calcarea. Arsenicum for lean persons, tobacco chewers ; if they hear the voices of relatives or others, generally overhead, in the corners of the room, up or down stairs ; see insects creeping in the bed ; see the room full of thieves or spectres ;. are driven out of bed by anguish ; fear to die ; especially after great grief or pangs of conscience. Calcarea for persons of a full habit, so called " free livers," nervous and irritable ; despair of their own health ; fear of getting crazy ; sleepless ; horrible visions almost always when shutting the eyes. The same remedies ought to be given after the attacks are over, accord- ing to the symptoms, but in many cases they have only effected a cure when given at long intervals. Total abstinence is absolutely required ; cold water, not, however, ice water, should be drunk freely. If the patient desires it, the very moderate use of malt liquors, and also of tobacco, may be allowed. If the latter in- creases the symptoms, Arsenicum may be given. If premonitory symptoms of apoplexy appear in drunkards, total abstinence from malt liquors and tobacco is necessary, and Belladonna or Lachesis may be given. In all such cases a homoeopathic physician had better be consulted. BAD EFFECTS OF COFFEE. For sleeplessness, palpitation of the heart, great irritability of the nervous system, violent cramps in the stomach, take Nux vomica. For violent headache, as if a nail were driven into the head, or heaviness, rending pain in the head, give Ignatia or Nux vomica. If it is better "when stooping, or if there is a throbbing in the whole head, if the patient is of an undecided, inconstant disposition, Ignatia ; if worse when stooping, or walk- ing, attended with much giddiness, confusion and heaviness in the head, and the patient is of a choleric temperament, Nux vomica. Violent, one-sided headache, yields usually to Nux vomica ; but if there is weeping or screaming, and great sensitiveness, give Chamomilla. Frequent toothache following immediately upon drinking coffee, or tooth- CONSEQUENCES OF SPIRITUOUS LIQUORS, ETC. To ache in general in persons accustomed to the nse of coffee, generally yields to Chamomilla. If so violent, that the patient is almost beside himself, give Coffea and afterwards Chamomilla or Nux vomica ; the following medicines may also be required: Cocculus, Belladonna, Mercurius, Carbo vegetabilisy Pulsatilla and Rhus toz. Compare " Toothache." For violent cramps in the stomach, if worse after drinking coffee, Nux vomica or Cocculus ; if temporarily relieved by coffee, but worse afterwards, Chamomilla. Violent pain in the bowels, or colic, Chamomilla or Nux vomica ; frequently Colocynthis or Belladonna. Pain in the groins as if a hernia were going to appear, is relieved by Nux vomica. If, after the habit of drinking coffee has been abandoned, the above tedious effects will not yield to Nux vomica and Chamomilla, the following remedies are sometimes useful : — Cocculus, when the least exercise is attended by perspiration ; frequent trembling ; starting when asleep ; heat ; frequent toothache when eating ; lightness in the head ; sadness ; agitation ; when every indisposition is ag- gravated by fresh air, exercise, eating, drinking, sleep, or smoking. Ignatia, when there is much debility ; emptiness in the pit of the stomach ; frequent spasms in the abdomen ; painfulness or numbness in the limbs, generally pressing pain as from hard-pointed substances, it obliges the pa- tient to shift his position, after which he feels better ; the disposition is in- constant, sometimes excessively lively, at others depressed and inclined to weeping. TEA. For indisposition from green tea, take Coffea or Ignatia, and if there is no improvement in a few days, China. For tedious complaints from tea, China or Ferrum. TOBACCO. If persons unaccustomed to smoking have been made ill thereby, give Pulsatilla; for violent headache and nausea, Aconite; giddiness and dizzi- ness to fainting, vomiting of bile and diarrhoea, Chamomilla ; and if not suffi- cient, and there is much coldness, Veratrum; if this will not answer, let them smell camphor. Violent convulsions and other symptoms may be re- moved by Cuprum or Coccidus. See " Poisoning." If a person accustomed to smoking feels unwell after it, Cocculus or Ignatia will generally relieve him. If it occasions toothache, give Bryonia or some- times China. If it causes sickness of the stomach, Ignatia or Pulsatilla; it uneasiness and nausea, Staphisagria. The same remedies may be given for 7G CONSEQUENCES OF SPIRITUOUS LIQUORS, ETC. bad effects from chewing tobacco. Especially Nux vomica, Arsenicum, Chamomilla, Pulsatilla or Cocculus, and sometimes Cuprum. Chronic consequences of immoderate smoking or chewing are difficult to cure ; nervousness and weakness of the stomach are generally removed by Nux vomica or Cocculus; habitual constipation by Nux vomica, Staph imgria, Mercurius. The diseases to which those who manufacture tobacco are sub- ject, cannot be removed unless the patient quits his employment. The remedies most effective in such cases are Arsenicum, Colocynth, and Cuprum. SPICES. For the injurious effects, occasioned by spices, such as pepper, ginger and the like, give Nux vomica; if from nutmeg or saffron, Ignatia, sometimes Opium or Coffea. SOUR THINGS. If the bad consequences, particularly diarrhoea, set in at night or during the night, give, if the head is much affected, also the chest, Nux vomica ; if in the day time, Antimonium crudum; with pain in the bowels, Staphisagria or Belladonna ; if accompanied by much coldness, Veratrum; if fever fol- lows, Lachesis. Red eruptions, like scarlet rash, with pains in the throat caused by eating oranges, and other sour fruit, is cured by Belladonna or Rhus tox. Long- lasting consequences are relieved by Calcarea or Causticum, according to the symptoms. Other symptoms from the use of sour things may yield to Arsenicum or Sulphur. Arsenicum for persons who have too much appetite and eat too much ; Sulphur for such who have a constant craving for sweet things. When acids aggravate the symptoms of a case, give Belladonna or Lachesis. If there is a craving for acids and sour food, Arsenicum, Arnica, Bella- donna, China or Lachesis. If the craving is merely for sour drinks, give Bryonia. For heartburn and' vomiting after sour victuals, give Ferrum; for vom- iting of a watery fluid after the use of acids, Phosphorus. For disordered stomach from acids, Arsenicum or Lachesis. For diarrhoea from the use of acids and sour fruits, Lachesis; if from fruits merely, China. EFFECTS OF INJURIOUS DRUGS IX GENERAL USE. 77 CHAPTER VI. EFFECTS OF INJURIOUS DRUGS IN GEN- ERAL USE, AND REMEDIES TO COUNTERACT THEM. When sudden and dangerous symptoms appear after administering a dose of physic, we may take for granted that the patient is poisoned, and look under the head of " Poisoning." Vegetable poisons are often more rapid and violent in their action than mineral poisons, and produce the same strong and lasting injurious effects. Animal poisons are even more violent than vegetable poisons. The boasts of nostrum venders respecting the innoxious effect of their alleged vegetable medicines, are deception and humbug. It is true, there are some herbs which do not produce any dangerous effects, and some medicines are not very injurious ; but even these should not be given without due consideration, nor in large quantities for any length of time. For it is certain, that if you give the proper medicine, very little will suffice, and if you give an improper one, the larger the dose the more injurious it will prove. In large and frequently repeated doses every medicine may therefore be considered a poison. When a person has taken such vile stuff, or given it to children upon the recommendation of physicians or apothecaries, the evil may possibly be remedied, by observing the following directions : HERB TEAS. Such as chamomile and similar ones, if they cause a great deal of pain, or if they increase the pains, which the patient had before, give Coffea, and afterwards, if required, Nux vomica; for nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea, Pulsatilla; Pulsatilla also if chamomile tea has increased and made unbear- able the colic and other pains of women at the commencement of the courses. If it has caused violent fits and convulsions in children, give Ignatia; for fever and heat with great sensitiveness and excitability, Coffea ; for fever, dry heat, tearing, drawing pains, anxiety and restlessness, Aconite. OPIUM, LAUDANUM, OR MORPHINE Often produce dangerous symptoms. See " Poisons." For the immediate bad effects, give Belladonna in frequent doses. For the lingering effects of 78 EFFECTS OF INJURIOUS DRUGS IN GENERAL USE. opiates, which never fail to appear, sooner or later, ask the advice of a phy- sician, or take from time to time, Coffea, Nux vomica, or Mercurius ; the latter to be followed by Sulphur. All soothing syrups contain opium in some shape or form, and should be discarded as worthless and dangerous. Children brought up on them be- come puny, sickly and often idiotic. The same remedies are applicable ; also Muriatic acid, but a homoeopathic physician should be consulted. HYDRATE OF CHLORAL This is a preparation which is used by the old school to produce sleep in cases of nervous wakefulness and delirium. It is only a palliative, and if too long persevered in, its injurious effects are incalculable. Large doses have been known to produce poisoning and death in a number of cases. For the immediate injurious effects Belladonna is probably the best remedy, and should be frequently repeated. A physician should be sent for. For the chronic effects, such as increased wakefulness, shortness of breath, erup- tions and blotches on the skin, give Sulphur. PERUVIAN BARK, QUININE, ETC. Next to opium and mercury, these most frequently undermine the con- stitution, and occasion incurable diseases. Should the patient escape death, he will be troubled for years by their effects. It is more difficult to expel quinine from the system, than mercury ; and he who pretends that this can be effected by cathartics, is utterly ignorant of physic. It enters the blood and all the fluids, and no purging in the world will remove it. To relieve the patient from its effects, will require patience, but it may be gradually accomplished by the following means. The chief medicine, in most cases, is Ipecacuanha. For rheumatic pains, heaviness, prostration, soreness in all the limbs, drawing pain in the bones, great sensitiveness of every part of the body ; when exercise, speaking or blowing the nose or loud sounds aggravate the pains, give Arnica. When the body is cold, with cold perspiration, constipation or diarrhoea, Veratrum. For jaundice give Mercurius, and later if required, Belladonna. For heat in the face, determination of blood to the head, much pain in the head, face and teeth, give Belladonna. For earache, Pulsatilla. For swelling of the feet, Ferrum. For ulcers of the legs, dropsy, short cough and shortness of breath, Arsenicum. For dropsy and other swellings, Rhus tox. EFFECTS OF INJURIOUS DRUGS IN GENERAL USE. 79 If there are other complaints, look under the respective heads, and select the medicine accordingly ; the following will in many cases be found useful : Sulphur, Calcarea, Carbo vegetabilis and Hepar. When quinine has been misapplied in intermittent fever, often another and worse complaint than the fever makes its appearance ; or the fever remains, and is now more difficult to cure. If the fever has been suppressed, and earache, toothache, headache and pains in the limbs appear, give Pulsatilla and if this fails, Ccdearea. For affections of the stomach give Ipecacuanha or Pulsatilla; for swelling, Arnica, Arsenicum or Ferrum, and select according to circumstances, one of the remedies recommended above. If the intermittent fever continues, as it often does, notwithstanding the use of large quantities of bark or quinine, give first Ipecacuanha, afterwards, if required, Arsenicum or Carbo vegetabilis; in some cases, Veratrum or Arnica ; Belladonna, Mercurius, Sulphur or Calcarea in others. OTHER DRUGS. When the mixtures, which" the unfortunate patient has had to swallow, contain Conium or Cicuta, Digitalis, Laurocerasus or Acidum hydrocy- anicum, it is sometimes scarcely possible to save him, unless a good con- stitution throws off the ill-effects, assisted by proper living, fresh air, the drinking of much water, and a good homoeopathic physician, both exercising much patience. After taking Digitalis, even in small doses, if continued for a time, dangerous symptoms very often suddenly follow. These are generally relieved by repeated smelling of camphor, sometimes by vinegar or wine in drop doses, or by laudanum in moderate doses. Smelling of ether or chloroform makes them worse. Later, according to circumstances, give Glonoine, Opium, Nux vomica or Ignatia. Be careful not to give China. Persons who have swallowed much Asafcetida, or much Valerian and other drugs which enter largely into the composition of certain quack pills, are generally in a very critical situation. China or Mercurius sometimes counteracts the effects of Asafcetida ; for indigestion and particularly belch- ing, Pulsatilla. Coffea, Nux vomica, Chamomilla or Sulphur are to be given for the effects of Valerian ; Pulsatilla and Nux vomica for those of Colchicum ; the very dangerous diarrhoea, resulting from large doses of this so-called remedy for the gout, may be relieved by laudanum, to be taken one drop at a time, every two hours ; this may be repeated four or five times. Bella- donna, Bryonia and Aimica for the bad effects of Senega ; Mercurius or Belladonna,vevy often Sulphur, but particularly Sepia for those of Sarsaparilla. If the application of Spanish-flies produces bad symptoms, give Aconite or Pulsatilla. 80 EFFECTS OF INJURIOUS DRUGS IX GENERAL USE. When children have taken much rhubarb, and are consequently troubled with flatulency and slimy diarrhoea, give Nux vomica; if they have sour vomiting during the night, clayey stools and diarrhoea, Pulsatilla; if they have sour stools, green, or mixed with blood, Mercurius ; bad colic and green evacuations, Chamomilla ; and if the colic does not get better, Colocynth. EFFECTS OF MAGNESIA. If a person has taken magnesia and feels poorly, particularly after cal- cined magnesia, let him smell sweet spirits of nitre ; if he cannot sleep, give Coffea ; if it produces violent pains in the bowels, Chamomilla ; and if they are very bad, without much or any evacuation, give Colocynth ; if no evacuation follows in twenty-four hours, give Nux vomica ; if the patient has violent pains, and particularly burning pains with fever, give Arsenicum ; but if the magnesia has produced sour-smelling thin stools with colic, Rheum ; and if this fails, Pulsatilla. The same remedies should be given if similar effects are produced by Epsom salts. EFFECTS OF SULPHUR, IODINE AND IODIDE OF POTASSIUM. The effects of sulphur are occasionally as bad as those of mercury, and the tedious complaints which it produces, as difficult to cure. If a person feels unwell soon after having used it, he should smell camphor ; if this does not relieve him and the pains are violent, particularly in the head, accompanied by heat, let him take Aconite ; later, when the complaint nas become chronic, Mercurius or Pulsatilla, and sometimes, according to cir- cumstances, Sepia or Silicea. For the bad effects of sulphurous vapors from the lighting of matches, from which children often get a cough, shortness of breath and pains in the throat and chest, Pulsatilla is the best remedy. If sulphur has been given to children, in conformity to a notion of its beneficial effects entertained by some parents, especially in the spring of the year, and it has occasioned fever, with pains in the bowels ; or if erup- tions, for which it was given, should have been suppressed, or when very painful boils ensue, Belladonna is very often efficient ; care is, however, to be taken afterward, to guard the children from taking cold, not by keeping them in warm rooms, but by preventing their being in draughts, or sitting on the ground, etc. When patients suffer from the effects of iodine or iodide of potassium, administered, as they usually are, in large doses and for a long time, give Hepar. EFFECTS OF INJURIOUS DRUGS IN GENERAL USE. 81 EFFECTS OF MERCURY. In all diseases this is the universal elixir of the quacks who, whilst they pretend to restore their patients to health, destroy their constitutions. It is administered as calomel in powders, or as corrosive sublimate in a dis- solved state, or in the form of pills — those abominable blue pills. Beware of all prescriptions in which names like the following occur : Calomel, Merc. subl. corros., Merc, prsecipit., Hydrargyrum, Hydrarg. chloridum, Hydrarg. bichlorid., Argent, viv., or of salves containing mercury. People are frequently imposed upon by being told that mercury can be expelled again by taking aperient medicines after it. Those who hold such views, close their eyes to the injurious effects which ensue from taking mercury ; for, supposing it were as easy to remove the calomel as it is to swallow it, the effect produced upon the body will certainly remain ; just as if you were to drive a nail into a man's leg and then pull it out again — the hole will re- main ; it will heal after a while, but it requires time and a rational mode of treatment, or the consequence may be very serious. To give aperient medi- cines then for the effects of mercury, is about as sensible as if I were to insert a wooden peg into the wound made by the nail, and imagine it to be all right again. Mercury in all its preparations, however, cannot be expelled as easily, and least of all, by purgatives, as it immediately penetrates every part of the system, the fluids, the glands, and even the bones. This is the reason why the slow poisoning by mercurial medicines is far more difficult to cure than a natural disease; it always requires much time, and in many cases mitigation of the sufferings is all that art can effect for the patient. In most cases, immediately as well as long after taking mercury Hepar will be found of great service, particularly for the following symptoms: dizziness; headache during the night; loss of hair; painful lumps on the head ; inflamed, red eyes ; pains in the nose when pressed ; eruption round the mouth ; much saliva in the mouth ; ulcerated gums ; mucus low down in the throat ; swelled tonsils ; hard glands on the neck ; a pricking pain when swallowing, coughing, breathing- or turning the neck ; swollen, in- flamed, suppurating boils in the groin or arm-pit, or small ones on the chest ; thin stools with great straining, sometimes mixed with blood, slimy and green ; the urine dark red, hot and acrid ; coughing when a hand or foot gets cold, or after drinking, sometimes accompanied by spitting of blood ; felon, or other red, inflamed swellings on the hands and fingers, also of the knee, like rheumatism ; the entire skin is diseased, nothing heals well ; every little wound or scratch suppurates and spreads ; the skin of the hands and feet cracks ; ulcers, which bleed easily, burn in the night, with throb- bing and stitching pain ; chilly in the air ; in the night, chills and frequent pains in the limbs ; also fever, and afterwards clammy, sour sweat ; the patient very sensitive, the pains almost produce fainting. 82 EFFECTS OF INJURIOUS DRUGS IN GENERAL USE. It is advisable, after continuing its use for six or eight days, to await the effect of Hepar for some days ; if it produces slow improvement, wait a fort- night; if after this the improvement does not continue, repeat the same medicine ; if the improvement was but of short duration, and it is abso- lutely necessary to give something, Belladonna is the best ; the same will answer when Hepar has been given two or three times, once every fort- night, and has lost its efficacy. For complaints of the mouth and throat, for swelling of the tonsils, and deafness, give Hepar and later Belladonna, and if they produce no change, Staphisagria. For great sensitiveness to the weather ; violent pains, particularly during the night, worse when touched ; great weakness ; when the patient has been debilitated by much purging and salivation, give China; and if this has no further effect, Carbo vegetabilis, particularly if change of weather makes the patient worse. If, after taking some of the remedies recommended above, there still remain rending pains in the bones and gouty swellings, give Dulcamara, and afterwards Phosphoric acid; for swellings on the bones (nodes), Phos- phoric acid, and afterwards Staphisagria ; and when this ceases to do good, Calcarea. If this medicine has been taken for a considerable time, and the com- plaint is not completely removed, try Sulphur, and some time after, one of the above remedies again. If Sulphur gives relief, take several weeks after- wards Calcarea, and after that some other suitable medicine, for instance, Lachesis, which may be followed by Lycopodium. If a person has taken much mercury, and afterwards sulphur, it will be well to give Mercurius, and then Belladonna or Pulsatilla. "When a person has taken much mercury, but no sulphur after it, and Hepar should not seem to be quite indicated, according to the foregoing description, give Sulphur. In tedious complaints, caused or aggravated by mercury, select from the following: Hepar, Belladonna, China, Phosphoric acid, Carbo vegetabilis, Dulcamara, Staphisagria, Lachesis. In many cases, where immediate relief is required, Opium, Pulsatilla, or the medicines prescribed under " Poison- ing," will answer; in some few cases, Arsenicum, Ferrum, Rhus or Silicea will be available. EFFECTS OF LEAD. Lead is often an ingredient in medicines, such as white ointment, plas- ters, Goulard's lotion, etc., which are used to dry up and cure eruptions, ulcers, bruises, burns and wounds. It is almost as poisonous, when applied externally, as if it were used internally, and produces constipation, colic, cough, and disease of the lungs. To remove these effects, give Opium, fre- EFFECTS OF INJURIOUS DRUGS IN GENERAL USE. 83 quently repeated or Glonoine, followed by Nux vomica, or Belladonna, and afterwards, if necessary. Mercurius or Platina. EFFECTS OF ARSENIC. If the so-called medicines contain arsenic, as Fowler's solution, which are mostly given in fever and ague, when the quinine will not cure, for many skin diseases, or for cancers, applied both internally and externallv, and aggravate the disease, which they generally do, give Ipecacuanha; and if this does not effect some improvement, give Hepar; if these remedies fail, or if, from the symptoms, Nux vomica, Veratrum, Ferrum or China seem to suit better, give one of these. EFFECTS OF IRON. Iron is frequently given in the form of steel drops, steel pills, bitter wine of iron, etc., for intermittent fever, chlorosis (green-sickness), and com- plaints of the lungs ; but instead of curing those diseases it generally makes them much worse. "When the menses are not regular, and in general, when patients are weak and pale, there are some who imagine, that the iron will enter the system and make them strong. Iron, however, taken in large quantities, as a medicine, is injurious, as well as all the other metals, only it does not kill quite so rapidly. A proof of this assertion we find in springs which contain iron, and in which rust is formed ; neither man nor beast thrives upon this water ; and even those who at last become accus- tomed to it, will sooner or later suffer from its effects. In cases where speedy relief must be afforded, give Pulsatilla or China, and if they do not avail, Hepar, and after some time the former medicines again. In all cases of poisoning by medicine, it is necessary to look under the particular complaint, and to give in preference the medicines there recom- mended. He who has already taken different medicines, and has become worse and worse by their use, will do well to lay them all aside, no matter what they are called, and should his health not improve of itself, nor from the medicines which have been recommended here, let him apply to a compe- tent homoeopathic physician, and, in view of all the existing circumstances, not expect miracles. It is often very difficult to give relief to the sufferer and in most cases it takes a year or more, before he begins to improve, provided he has no incurable disease, which neither the old nor the new method can heal. 84 ADULTERATIONS AND POISONS. CHAPTER VII. ADULTERATIONS AND POISONS. Wilful, murder and suicide by poison are but rare occurrences ; most cases of poisoning originate in the carelessness with which poisonous things are handled, in the ignorance of their dangerous qualities, or in the wicked adulteration of eatables and of liquors. With the necessary knowledge, we are frequently able to avoid this danger. As it is of importance to every- body to be acquainted with the poisonous substances which threaten life, we will give some directions, how these adulterations and poisons may be detected. Wines are most frequently adulterated, and here more than elsewhere ; those imported into this country have either been adulterated already by the shipper, that they might keep, or it is done here when they are near spoiling, or to make them resemble wines of better quality, or for other purposes. We will give directions how to recognize adulterated wines, that the honest dealers and venders of wines may be able to examine the articles which they purchase, and that all who have to deal with rascals may first test the wine. All those who, by the directions given below, shall discover that wine has been adulterated, and who have a spark of feeling for their fellow-men, should expose, without the least hesitation or forbearance, the persons so offending, that this horrible practice may be checked in this country. It is true, that the venders may excuse themselves by saying that they have bought the wine in that state. But the poison is there, and no one should deal in wine who does not know how to discover these adulter- ations, or who has not trustworthy people from whom he orders his wines. At all events it ought to be made known that he has been deceived, and particularly by whom. Wines may be adulterated with harmless or noxious substances, and who- ever employs the former will employ the latter, for the distinction is but too easily overlooked. The chief harmless articles used for adulteration of wine, are water, sugar, brandy and various coloring matters; but as these are not fraught with mischief to the health, we may pass them over and pro- ceed to point out some adulterations which operate as slow poisons and which may be the cause of many diseases. a) Lime or Chalk is often used to restore wine that is spoiled, or "to give new wine the appearance and taste of old ; this admixture is very injurious. It may be detected by taking a few grains of oxalate of ammonia, and dis- solving them in two tablespoonfuls of distilled water, or in water obtained by letting the steam from the spout of a teapot, filled with boiling water, pass into a cold vessel. This solution, itself a poison, drop into a glass of ADULTERATIONS AND POISONS. 85 wine ; if you perceive in a few minutes a whitish cloud in it, and the next day a white sediment, there is lime or chalk in the wine. All wine will become a little cloudy, but upon testing several different kinds, you will soon see which contains the most sediment. Drinking such wine frequently, is apt to occasion gravel, hardened glands, swellings, ulcers, sore eyes, ob- stinate headache, diarrhoea, etc. b) Sulphur or Brimstone is often found in wine, and many pretend that wine will not keep without it. This, however, is erroneous, and much sul- phur in wine acts as a poison, particularly with persons of a consumptive habit, or who are subject to bowel or liver complaints ; in fact, it is inju- rious to every one who drinks it. The presence of sulphur may be easily detected by putting a clean new-laid egg into a tumbler, and filling it with wine ; if the wine contains sulphur, the egg will be of a blackish color after remaining there over night, and well polished silver teaspoons will be blackened by the same process. Another test is, to drop a little lunar caustic, dissolved in water, into the wine ; if a black or brownish-black pre- cipitate is formed, the wine contains sulphur. c) Alum is used frequently in adulterating wine for the purpose of bright- ening the tint and increasing thirst ; a single glass will not unfrequently prove hurtful to a person of delicate health. Dissolve potash in water, filter it through blotting paper, and pour some drops of this solution into the wine ; if it foams and precipitates a gray powder, there is a probability of there being alum in the wine. If you desire a more decisive proof, apply to a chemist, or, dissolve the above mentioned gray powder in sulphuric acid diluted with water, adding a small portion of sulphate of potash. Let it evaporate on a stove and crystallize. Should pyramidal crystals appear, of the sweetish, astringent taste of alum, the proof is positive. d) Lead, or some other metal, is often found in sweet wines, sometimes also in other wines, and is a slow poison, worse than any other adulteration. — A nice taste will detect metallic poison in wine, the sweetness of which is disagreeable. Dissolve sulphuret of lime in water, and drop some of it into a glass of wine — if it turns brown or black, it contains metallic poison. Suspend a bit of polished zinc in the wine — delicate fibrils of lead will form upon it, if this metal is contained in the wine. Dissolve Glauber salts (sulphate of soda) in lukewarm water till it becomes saturated, let it cool, then pour into a tumbler half filled with wine, as much of it as will fill the tumbler, let it stand over night, and there will remain a white sediment from the lead. If you put into a glass of wine a few drops of sulphuric acid, and the wine becomes turbid and leaves a white sediment, it contains this poison. e) Corrosive sublimate. — If you put a few drops of hartshorn into a tea- spoonful of water, and put this mixture into a glass of wine and it leaves the least sediment, the wine contains corrosive sublimate. Another test is as follows : Put a gold coin on a piece of zinc, put both into a slit made in a small stick and hold the coin and zinc in a large tumbler full of wine. 80 ADULTERATIONS AND POISONS. Should a gray dust immediately appear on the coin, there is corrosive sub- limate in the wine. /) Arsenic. — Dissolve lime in water till the latter becomes saturated, then pour off what is clear into a clean tumbler, and drop some wine into it ; if the wine occasions white clouds, it is likely that it contains arsenic. To convince yourself more fully, dissolve sugar of lead in aquafortis, pour a wineglassful of this solution into a bottle of wine into which a little harts- horn has been previously put, and shake it. The next day pour off what is clear, and with the turbid part wash the sediment well out of the bottle, and strain it through blotting paper, till the liquid has passed off; then put the sediment, after it has been dried on the paper, upon live coals ; if it smells like garlic, arsenic is present. It is not meant to imply that arsenic exists in the wine by the intention of the wine dealer or vender ; but that vintners, who fumigate their casks with sulphur, are ignorant that the finest sulphur is apt to contain arsenic, which has remained in it from its original preparation. Vinbgae is often adulterated. If you cannot have home-made vinesrar, use cider vinegar, which may always be had pure. Wine vinegar often re- tains the poison of the adulterated wine, from which it has been made. Vinegar is generally adulterated by the addition of sulphuric acid. This you can discover by means of a solution of sugar of lead, which causes a white sediment. A corroding vegetable poison, called wood-vinegar, is also frequently used. Such vinegar will burn on the lips, which pure vinegar will not do ; it also leaves an acrid taste in the mouth. You can ascertain it still more positively by dropping a solution of potash into the vinegar, until litmus paper dipped in it no longer turns red. Pure vinegar will then have lost its sharpness altogether, and only taste like salt or lye, while an adulterated article will retain a sharp and acrid taste. Malt Liquors are frequently adulterated, but it is difficult to detect the poisonous ingredients, except by their pernicious effects. This is generally the case with the far-famed London brown stout and porter, which are occasionally adulterated with those deleterious substances, Xux vomica, Tobacco and Cocculus indicus. You may perceive this by a sudden in- toxication and headache the next morning after drinking it, or by its producing nausea in a healthy person after drinking a tumblerful of it on an empty stomach. Any brewer who uses other substances in his beer than malt and hops, brews an injurious, even poisonous, drink ; salt and sugar are allowable, but the effects of other substances will sooner or later be felt by those who drink the beer. It is an injurious deception to use bitter roots and herbs instead of sufficient hops and malt, and Cocculus indicus is nearly as bad as Arsenic. Alum and vitriol are sometimes used ; how they may be detected we will show later under "Bread." ADULTERATIONS AND POISONS. 87 Brandy and other Liquors sometimes contain poison, either through the fault of the distiller or not, particularly if the fermentation proceeds too rapidly or is continued too long. This you will perceive by boiling the brandy in a bottle put into a kettle full of water, over a slow fire, till all the spirituous parts are evaporated. An acrid, disagreeable taste proves the existence of poison; and experiments similar to those recommended for wines will show what it is. It is usually lead. Sweet Oil is often adulterated with lead or copper. Dissolve liver of sulphur in water and mix the oil with an equal portion of this solution ; if it turns brown or black upon being shaken, it is poisonous. Milk and Ice-Cream are sometimes mixed with potash or lime; by adding some aquafortis, they will foam. When milk has been adulterated with starch, it will thicken in boiling ; or if you strain it through fine linen, a sediment will remain behind, or a glassful of it will turn blue on the addition of a drop of the tincture of iodine. Sour milk may contain zinc from being kept in vessels made of that metal. Neutralize the whey by ammonia and add sulphide of ammonium, a white sediment shows the presence of zinc. Butter often contains chalk, starch, flour, silicate of sodium, chloride of calcium or dye-stuffs. Melt it in hot water, and the foreign substance will be precipitated or mix with the water. Flour is often adulterated with sand, chalk, bone-dust, clay, etc. Burn some of the flour or bread to ashes, and you will find them heavy and con- taining white grains. Bread, a) By Potash. — A trifling admixture of potash can affect only nervous, debilitated persons, but when there is much, it may prove in- jurious to the strongest — occasioning dyspepsia, diseases of the kidneys, etc. Pour hot water over the bread till it is quite covered and let it get cold ; then put a strip of litmus paper into it, which has previously been reddened by being drawn through weak vinegar. If it turns blue again, there is much potash ; the quicker it turns the more potash there is in the bread. b) By Magnesia,. — Magnesia is also used as an admixture to give to bread baked of bad flour, the appearance of good bread. This is principally injurious to children and to people of weak stomachs ; you may perceive it by its taste being more or less bitter. Burn a pound of such bread to ashes, and you will find the magnesia. c) By Alum. — Alum is a very pernicious substance, and frequently used. Some bakers make no secret of it, and mixtures of flour and alum, or alum and salt, are sold publicly, intended to make white bread out of inferior or spoiled flour, which is doubly detrimental to those who eat it, as spoiled 88 ADULTERATIONS AND POISONS. flour is of itself unwholesome. Some bakers do it without knowing that they injure the health of their customers. To detect this adulteration, soak the bread in water, knead it till it dissolves, adding enough water to make it thin, let it remain over night, then strain it, boil the water down and let it stand ; crystals will be deposited and you can taste the alum. d) By Copper. — Copper is the worst of all adulterations, and thousands had been poisoned with it by the bakers of France and Belgium, before the physicians discovered the imposition. When a baker furnishes bread uncommonly white, fine, large and heavy, you should be on your guard. When such bread is burned, the flame in places is green. To convince yourself perfectly, soak some pounds of it in water, and add enough to cover the whole completely, let it get sour and stand till it becomes clear. If you suspend a rod of polished iron in it, and this turns ever so little red, you may be sure that the bread is poisonous, and will seriously injure the health of any one who eats it. We will now briefly call the attention of our readers to some other poisons, which ought to be known, that they may be guarded against. Old wells, caves, cellars, vaults, and particularly old privies, frequently contain air that is fatally poisonous ; we ought, therefore, not enter such places without proper caution, but previously purify t ' .1 air by lighted straw or gunpowder, or by chloride of lime, or chloride of zinc. The fumes of charcoal in a close room, or the exhalations arising from smouldering woodwork may cause the death of those who sleep exposed to these danger- ous influences. The dry rot in a house, which gradually destroys the timber and walls, can cause dangerous diseases to its inhabitants. Buildings in this condition are not tenantable, and ought to be pulled down, unless the dry rot can be removed. Mildewed clothes even after being washed and cleaned are injurious. The odor of walls newly whitewashed, of paint in new buildings, or wherever much painting or varnishing has been done, particularly with poisonous green or red colors, consumes the pure, and engenders an hurtful air. Nothing that has a strong odor ought to be suffered in sleeping rooms, no drying clothes ; no highly scented flowers or herbs ; no fermenting substances, fresh hay, insect poison, or quicksilver — all of which will prove injurious to the sleeping — especially to children, and to women in confinement. For in sleep, man is more easily affected by noxious influences ; and things which he would hardly notice when awake, or the injurious effects of which he would easily overcome, may affect him seriously, and even kill him while asleep. A person may become ill from sleeping on damp ground, exposed to a draught, in sunshine or moonlight, close to a hot stove, or in an atmosphere filled with odors of any kind. Bad air makes people sleepy. If small churches are not opened during the week, the whole assembly on Sunday will feel sleepy in spite of the best sermon. Persons who have just recovered from sickness are very apt to become ill again there, no matter with how good an intention they came to church. ADULTERATIONS AND POISONS. 89 Water is often impure, and people get ill from using it. Springs which are avoided by cattle, and have a reddish or brownish sediment, are in- jurious. Whoever considers the loss of time which a trifling indisposition may cause to a whole family, will not deem that time lost which is spent upon improving the water supply. Drink no water from rivers into which, a little higher up, manufactories discharge dye-stuffs and other noxious matters. Water containing sul- phurous or salty particles, ought never to be used for drinking or culinary purposes, except in cases of the greatest necessity; for water of this kind cannot be improved by boiling. Stagnant water from ponds, pools, etc., ought not to be used ; yet, when no other can be had, it may be improved by throwing into it powdered charcoal, shaking it well, and straining it through a double linen or cotton cloth ; a good filter or drip-stone is still better for this purpose ; such water contains putrid organic particles and eggs of insects scarcely visible, which occasion slow fevers and other diseases ; it will avail nothing to mix it with vinegar, molasses or brandy, if it has not been previously purified by charcoal. Bad wells ought to be thoroughly cleansed and kept covered ; for the water is hurtful, when leaves or other vegetable substances are rotting in it. Pipes of copper, lead or zinc, used to convey water, render it injurious. One should always let as much water run out, as may have stood in the pipes. Pipes of marble, earthen ware, glass or gutta percha, are the best that can be used for conveying water. Milk is often noxious, nay, poisonous, from disease of the cows — and dealers in milk not quite devoid of conscience, should rather sustain a small loss themselves, than subject others to a loss ten times heavier. Distillers' slops, continually used, never fail to produce disease in the cow, and render the milk highly injurious to the health of the consumer. Cows, when fed for a length of time upon this innutritious substance, lose their teeth, and die. Cheese is sometimes poisonous, even when it is fresh, sweet — and savory. Every year many families are made sick by eating cheese, prepared like dutch cheese and sold by the pound. Dr. Jeanes believed this to be caused by rennet being used which is not well dried and is partly putrid. It has sometimes been supposed that zinc was found in cheese, when the milk curdled in zinc pans. The former poison cannot be discovered at all — the latter only by chemical analysis. Poison is also generated in curds and cheese prepared too damp, or with- out a sufficient quantity of salt. Flesh of sick animals, slaughtered when in a dying condition, is very injurious, particularly if the animal had any eruption, or disease of the bowels. The consequences may not appear immediately, but they are cer- tain to come sooner or later. 90 ADULTERATIONS AND POISONS. Meat, badly smoked, or, when undergoing the smoking process, not kept constantly in the smoke, or during that process exposed to frost; sausages smoked badly or kept too long and which have become greasy in spots; hams, not salted sufficiently, or taken too soon out of the pickle, and smoked at intervals, or in the spring, when they get alternately warm and cold, or kept piled upon each other in boxes, or packed when damp — particularly when they are greasy around the bones, and have a bad, rancid smell, — contain a very violent poison, which, in many cases may be the cause of death or long-lasting disease. The same poison is also generated in hams and meat when preserved with pyroligneous acid, instead of being smoked. You can easily discover the poison which is developed in fat, or cheese, or old ham, by rubbing a portion of them on blue litmus paper, when, if the poison is present, the paper will turn red or reddish. The same poison is contained, though in smaller quantity, in rancid bacon, ran- cid butter, or rancid oil. It would be best to throw away everything of this sort — yet, if you must use it let it be well washed. This should be done first in cold water, then in three or four times as much boiling water ; let it boil about ten minutes, take it out of the water, wash it again in fresh water, and try whether it still contains the poison. Whatever has become putrefied — meat, eggs, cheese, fruit, particularly cherries, pine-apples, oranges, etc. — is hurtful, often poisonous, and nothing can be done to improve it. Meat, preserved in summer by ice, and which has acquired a certain red appearance, having no longer the proper smell of flesh, is very unwholesome food. Putrid fish, though ever so well dressed, is a very dangerous food. The gall of every animal is a poison. Fish, particularly shell fish are occasionally injurious. Lobsters, mus- sels and crabs, sometimes produce severe urticaria (nettle-rash). Vegetables and Fruits of any kind should not be eaten by anybody who does not know them well ; and children ought to be early accustomed to partake of no fruits, etc., unknown to them. It is often the case, that poisonous insects infest vegetables, (cabbage in particular,) or leave their slime on them, and consequently render them very injurious. Mildew which blasts vegetables, is also poisonous. Ergot, which is frequently found in rye, is hurtful to man and beast. Also the seeds of many weeds are noxious. Dry vegetables, containing insects and worms, ought to be carefully avoided. Nuts may taste sweet, and yet contain rank poison. Even walnuts become injurious, when old and rancid, and occasion in many a child a dangerous cough or diarrhoea, often ascribed to a cold. Raisins, figs and prunes are a very good relish, provided they are per- fectly sound. The unsoundness of these fruits is easily settled by a close examination, which will show that the white dust adhering to the fruit and resembling sugar, (though, in some instances, it may be sugar) proves to be ADULTERATIONS AND POISONS. 91 a beautiful little grove of coral, thronged by large, bristly animalcula?. No wonder, that with children diarrhoea is produced by such bristly guests. All such things ought to be carefully washed, first in cold and then in hot water before used. ~No one should eat fruit which is half ripe on one side and rotten on the other, at least not without first cutting out whatever is spoiled. If proper attention was given to this matter, we should not be so frequently troubled with bowel complaints in childhood, and indigestion in after years. Mushrooms are sometimes poisonous. The best precaution in regard to their use is, to eat none from which a milky juice exudes; none that are old or become rapidly decomposed. Highly colored ones, with an astrin- gent taste and pungent odor, and which grow in dark, shady places, should be avoided. As to all others, make inquiry and learn which are eatable. Taste them raw, and if they have anything acrid or disagreeable either in taste or smell, do not use them. Let them be well washed in cold water, have them pared and all the gnawed parts cut out. When cut up, they should be scalded with boiling water, then allowed to stand awhile, and afterwards boiled in fresh water. It is not true, as has been alleged, that poisonous mushrooms cause onions to turn black. Kitchen Salt being an indispensable article, every family should en- deavor to have it pure. When salt, exposed to the open air, becomes easily moist, it is bad. If an ounce of fine salt does not perfectly dissolve in four ounces of cold rain water, it contains plaster of Paris, and is injurious. It is a great error to suppose that salt is absolutely wholesome, and that too much of it cannot be eaten. A small quantity suffices to make food palatable and is wholesome, but the excessive consumption of it, indulged in by many, is not only unnecessary, but even attended by great danger to the health. It causes dyspepsia, constipation, chronic catarrhs, skin dis- eases, etc.-, and many persons laboring under these affections, owe them solely to the immoderate use of this otherwise indispensable condiment. Most of the ordinary articles of food contain naturally a sufficient supply of salt in chemical combination with them, and when more is required, the cook should be entrusted with the seasoning, as salt is found to be less apt to produce its deleterious effects when combined with the food in the opera- tions of cooking, than when added afterward. It is highly objectionable to dip every mouthful of food in salt, as we so often see done, especially in this country. Kitchen Utensils should be selected and used with care. Earthen- ware is often glazed with poisonous substances. Let vinegar stand in a vessel of this kind over night, and the next morning mix it with a solution of liver of sulphur in water, and if it turns black, there is poison in the glazing. Nothing acid should stand or be prepared in such a vessel. 92 ADULTERATIONS AND POISONS. Caution is to be recommended respecting iron utensils glazed inside. It is best to test them as above. Copper vessels ought never to be used in the preparation of anything that is sour ; they should always be kept clean and polished, and whatever is cooked in them ought not to be left in them to cool, for while cooling it will be most apt to imbibe the poison. The same precautions should also be observed with, regard to tinned utensils. During the process of cooking, the tin should not be suffered to melt off, nor should the bottom of the vessel be scraped while stirring its contents with a spoon. It is owing in no small degree to the neglect of these things, that we hear of so many slow and tedious diseases which no physician can cure. All those who are so ignorant, that they will use copper vessels for pickling cucumbers or beans, in order to give them a fine green color, and then eat such trash on account of its fine appearance, or who draw vinegar from casks by a brass spigot, must not complain when they suffer from a weak stomach, or colic, cramp, or nervous diseases ; nor expect that a physician, by any medicine, can expel the copper out of the system as readily as it has been introduced. There are those who can bear it for a long time, yet the bad effects will inevitably follow earlier or later. The copper in its metallic state is not necessarily injurious when introduced into the body, but copper dissolved in vinegar is always poisonous. Coppersmiths are not more apt to be ill than other people, and a person swallowing a copper coin, gets rid of it without sustaining any injury. One may have a leaden bullet in their flesh for years without detriment ; but the same lead dissolved and taken would destroy life in a few hours. Paints are noxious, because they nearly all consist of injurious metallic substances. White lead and other white colors are nothing but prepara- tions of lead, and are as bad if prepared from bismuth or tin. Minium is lead, and cinnabar is quicksilver. Massicot, chrome, Naples and other yellow colors are compositions of lead. King's yellow and orpiment are combinations of arsenic. Blue paints contain copper, or that virulent poi- son Prussic acid, as Prussian blue, Paris blue, mineral blue; or cobalt, which, though not as pernicious as arsenic, operates badly enough ; it enters into the composition of smalts, king's blue, and blue starch. Green paints consist chiefly of copper, as verdigris, mineral green, Brunswick, etc. The chrome green is very hurtful, but Scheel's green is worse, because it con- tains arsenic and proves injurious even by exhalation. That it contains arsenic may be proved by strewing some on live coals, when it will smell like garlic. Imitation gold and silver, which is used in gilding and silvering toys, is composed of copper, quicksilver, zinc, tin and bismuth. Therefore be careful with such paints, do not let their dust fly about ; never use paints containing arsenic, nor suffer any to come near the things that are used in the kitchen. To small children no paint boxes nor painted ADULTERATIONS AND POISONS. 93 wooden or leaden toys should be given, because it is actually putting poison into their hands ; colored wafers may also prove injurious to children. Fine letter-paper, particularly that of a milk white or green tint, contains frequently injurious ingredients, sometimes arsenic, which is shown by the smell of garlic when it is burnt. Wall-paper is often colored a brilliant green ; such a tint must be avoided, since arsenic is nearly always contained in the brightest and most beautiful shades of green. Although mineral paints are the most poisonous, yet others also contain deleterious substances. Gamboge is a powerful cathartic. Indigo causes violent cramps and swellings. Cochineal causes toothache and difficult urination. And we might enumerate many others. However, where paint- ing is to be done, use in preference chalk, dyed yellow with birch leaves or curcuma, or blue with indigo, or green with both ; ochre and other iron colors ; also woad, madder, Orleans, cochineal and carmine. In order to get rid of the smell of paint in houses that have just been painted, place in every room a basin containing unslaked lime, or a few buckets full of water. Of Cos^ietics axd Washes we cannot speak with any qualification, as it is known that all of them contain poison and that of the worst kind. Cosmetics that are not poisonous will not keep long, and such as do keep are poisonous. There is but one true cosmetic : that is, fresh air and water, and a rational mode of living. To induce ladies to leave off the use of these poisons, the following method will be found most effectual. Let them, after using paint, wash themselves in the dark with water in which some liver of sulphur has been dissolved. It can do no harm, and will have the desired effect. Hair Dyes and so-called restoratives are exceedingly injurious to the brain. Insanity has been repeatedly caused by their use. Oel of vitriol, aqua fortis, spirits of salt, aqua regia, salts of white sorrel (called also salt of lemons and used to take out spots) are dangerous articles. and should never be left within the reach of children. Concentrated sul- phuric acid is exceedingly poisonous, diluted it is not so baneful; aqua fortis mixed with strong spirits is not very dangerous ; but the others, how- ever much diluted, operate as violent poisons. The smelling salts, common or caustic potash, lunar caustic, soda, hartshorn, salts of tartar or oil of tar- tar, unslaked and even slaked lime are dangerous substances. The injudicious use of these things, given through ignorance in too powerful doses to sick or fainting persons, has been highly injurious, and, in some instances, even fatal. They ought never to be given to smell, or otherwise used, except much diluted. Alum, vitriol, saltpetre, sal ammo- niac and liver of sulphur, used too profusely, are also injurious. Xot only things containing mercury, arsenic, lead and copper, are poi- 01 ADULTERATIONS AND POISONS. sonous, but also those in which there is antimony, tin, bismuth, zinc, lunar caustic (in short, almost everything that is bought at an apothecaries shop) ; all minerals and chemicals are more or less dangerous. Even things harm- less in themselves, improperly used, may prove hurtful. Hydrate of chloral, used so much by the old school for producing sleep, is injurious and has proved fatal in more than one instance. Belladonna may serve as an antidote. For the tedious consequences, Sulphur. Chloroform and ether sometimes leave injurious effects, which are best counteracted by vinegar. If a remedy is required, give Hyoscyamus. Panaceas and Vermifuges. — The Avorst and most injurious of all poi- sons are the abominable panaceas, nostrums, pills, etc., which, under numer- ous enticing names, are palmed upon the public. No physician will deny that sometimes cures have been performed by them, yet every one knows how seldom this has happened. No medicine will do good unless properly applied. From the manner in which panaceas and other nostrums are extolled and recommended, it is apparent that those who offer them for sale are only anxious to find purchasers. Thus, pulmonary consumption is no fixed dis- ease, against which a specific can be recommended. Its manifestations are so varied, and in almost every case so peculiar, that careful investigation is- necessary to discover its nature. The remedies must be adapted to the peculiarities of the disease. One and the same medicine cannot possibly answer in all cases. Nor can you rely upon the certificates which accom- pany the recommendations of these universal medicines. A case often ap- pears worse than it actually is, and even medical men may be deceived, while at the same time a trifling medicine, sometimes simply cold water, will cure it. The great number of universal medicines which we see extolled as specifics for various diseases, certainly reflects no great credit on the inhabitants of this country. It proves the ignorance and credulity of the purchasers. He who buys and uses such articles may be compared to him who buys a lottery ticket. The ticket vender is the only person certain of a large profit. As many blanks as there are in a lottery, so many are there in these universal medicines ; and the number of prizes in the one and of cures in the other are about equal. No man of sense will venture in a lottery, if he cannot well spare the money, which in all probability will be lost. But he who ventures in a medical lottery, not only loses his money, but if he does not get a prize, receives certain injury, rendering his case worse, more obstinate, and more difficult to cure. "When a physician prescribes medicine for you, you know at least what, you get, and should it prove injurious, it may be counteracted ; if you have not taken too much of such medicine, or persisted in the use of it for too long a time, it is always possible to repair the injury that has been done. ADULTERATIONS AND POISONS. 95 But with those unknown universal medicines this is impossible; because we do not know what we are to treat. Whoever relies upon the impudent assertion, that nothing injurious is contained in these nostrums, must be credulous, indeed. We have mentioned already in the preceding pages, that the poison from many plants is as virulent as that from minerals. Many of these universal medicines contain also mineral poison. For instance, the colorless fever drops contain arsenic ; the imperial pills, mer- cury; and so with many others. Many things of this kind are sold at an enormous price, and the ingredients of which they consist may be had in any apothecary's shop for a tenth part of their cost; for instance, Haarlem oil is nothing but a combination of sulphur and oil, and the value of a vial full is less than a half-penny. So it is with all others. There is not a single one of these pretended secret medicines that a real physician might not have discovered and made known. A physician can apply every medicine in its proper place : the vendor of nostrums cannot — his object is to make money; whether his medicine kills or cures is a sec- ondary consideration. Beware of giving children the so-called worm medicines. Whoever is so inconsiderate as to fill the stomachs of his children with such trash, should first try these nostrums on himself, by taking a small spoonful every morning. It will soon cure him of his folly. This remark applies, also, to remedies for vermin on the head. These remedies in general are poisonous. Cleanliness is the best remedy, and should frequent washing and combing not avail, rub oil or a little alcohol into the hair. Cleanliness will also exterminate all other descriptions of domestic vermin, therefore do not run the risk of having poisonous reme- dies in the house, for they often contain corrosive sublimate or something similar, and their very odor is injurious. Camphor or even musk is frequently made use of against moths in fur and clothes, but their odor, especially in bed rooms, is very injurious. Camphor is, likewise, apt to effect colors, and the effects of musk continue even after it has evaporated. Pieces of Russia leather, lavender, thyme, spirits of turpentine, or tobacco leaves, will answer equally well. Vermin in grain are more easily expelled by strong smelling plants, and frequent shifting, than by poison; and there are many instances, where, notwithstanding the utmost precaution, men have been killed instead of vermin. 9G POISONING. CHAPTER VIII. POISONING. WHAT IS TO BE DONE IN CASES OF POISONING. The main object is to expel the poison as quickly as possible and to prevent its action from spreading ; or to render innoxious what cannot be expelled. Much depends upon promptness. Yet too much haste frequently leads to mistakes, and nervous agitation causes many to act without con- sideration. The first requisition is presence of mind. Whoever is possessed of this, should act, and direct what is to be done. Let him dispatch the bystanders after what may be wanted, thus rendering those useful who would other- wise be worse than useless. In most cases when poison has been taken into the stomach, the princi- pal object is to excite vomiting, particularly when the sufferer feels inclined to it ; or if vomiting has already taken place, to promote it. The best means of effecting this is by administering tepid water, and tickling the throat with a soft feather ; a feather from the tail of a peacock is the best, on account of its length and softness; put some oil on it, push it down the throat, turning it now and then, until vomiting has been produced. Let water be heated as quickly as possible; in the meantime take the white of eggs and beat them to a froth. Take pure white Castile soap and let suds be made. Let another person procure sugar, vinegar, sweet oil, milk and butter. Have some strong coffee made, and gruel of oatmeal, barley, linseed, or meal of any kind. These articles are usually to be found in every household. Whilst you are promoting vomiting and procuring what is requisite, ascertain, if possible, what kind of poison the sufferer has taken. Sometimes a sudden case of sickness is erroneously attributed to poison. Consider, therefore, what may be the most probable cause of the attack, and should any uncertainty exist, do not hurry yourself. You may do some things at random without doing any injury; you will have to do this until you attain certainty. There is reason to apprehend poison, when violent, dangerous symptoms, such as are indicated below, occur suddenly, particularly if these show themselves at once, or soon after the sufferer has been eating or drinking. The probability will be still greater, if the patient has eaten any thing unusual. Ba therefore diligent in inquiring of the sufferer himself, as well as of those about him, where he lias been, with whom, and so forth. Preserve carefully what he has thrown up, and likewise whatever may have been POISONING. 97 left of his meals or drink. Do not suffer these things to be thrown away, although they should become putrefied ; for mineral poison can be traced notwithstanding, a matter which may prove interesting to the patient, or his relatives. Should this be a matter of importance, throw the whole together into one vessel, and pour plenty of strong brandy or alcohol over it. As in every serious case of the kind, an experienced physician, or an apothecary, will no doubt be called in, let him subsequently examine these things. The treatment must not, however, be deferred; the assistance must be immediate, and while it is being rendered, the cause must, if possible, be ascertained. Always consider, that he who is poisoned may die, if you apply too many things, or proceed with too much haste or violence. Reflect, and do one thing after another quietly and soberly, lest by the means applied you hurt the sufferer more than you do him good. When you know what poison has been taken, or when you are almost certain, have recourse to such medicines as are prescribed to antidote that poison, avoiding such as might prove detrimental. When you are uncertain, act according to the following directions, pro- ceeding from mild remedies to stronger ones, if the former prove insufficient. In cases of imminent danger you must, of course, use whatever remedy may be at hand. Vomiting, or an inclination to it, is always a most important symptom, and especially so when occurring during, or soon after meals. It is right to promote vomiting, and this should be attempted at first, without having recourse to irritant substances. A good and a harmless emetic is lukewarm water, without either oil, grease or butter. Let the sufferer swallow as much of it as he possibly can ; at least half a tumbler full, every minute and more if possible. Try to induce children to take it, first by kindness, then by threats, and if neither will avail, by force, and if the latter has to be re- sorted to, open the mouth by inserting a finger between the jaw behind the teeth, and pour it in. Or you may, after the child has made an expiration, suddenly shut its nose and pour the water into its mouth ; but beware of doing this while the child is breathing in. At the same time let the patient put his finger down his throat, or take a feather, put it into the throat, and turn it around until it excites vomiting. Let the patient incline forward, place your hand on his stomach, support his head, and beat him gently between the shoulders. Let him rinse his mouth after he has vomited, and remain undisturbed for a few minutes. As soon, however, as he feels another attack of pain, or other symptoms, such as retching, hiccough, or uneasiness, let him drink again until it ap- pears probable that every thing has been ejected. If he cannot be made to vomit, or if he cannot swallow, at least not suffi- ciently, or if he retches in vain, does not throw up as much as he drinks, or 7 98 . POISONING. should lie absolutely refuse to drink, and you cannot introduce enough, or should he swallow again what has come up: give him a tablespoonful of mustard-seed, finely powdered, mixed with a teaspoonful of table salt in a tumblerful of water. In case the sufferer can get nothing down, is quite confused, cannot swal- low, his jaws being tightly closed, blow some tobacco smoke into the rectum. To do this if the proper apparatus cannot be obtained, take a pipe filled with tobacco, light it, grease the point of its mouth-piece with oil or fat, insert it within the anus, not deeper than about an inch, turning it carefully; then place on the bowl of that pipe the bowl of another larger, empty one, and blow through this into the other, propelling the smoke inward. After blowing three or four times, stop, and then begin again, and so continue until relief is obtained. The next important remedy is the white of eggs. Let the patient drink the white of several eggs beaten up and mixed with cold water. This will never do any harm and will certainly give relief, if the poison is metallic, or if the patient is suffering with violent pains in the stomach or bowels, feels as though he should purge, especially in cases of poisoning by corrosive sublimate, quicksilver, verdigris, compounds of tin, lead, alum or vitriol. Give the white of eggs freely and repeatedly, when the substance vomited is of a red or green color, when the patient has a metallic, coppery, or salt taste in his mouth ; in general, when you suspect that he has swallowed verdigris, red lead, cinnabar, corrosive sublimate, etc. If the patient finds relief from taking white of eggs, you will continue it, and should he be affected with diarrhoea and pain in the rectum, give him an in- jection of water and white of eggs. Subsequently proceed according to the directions given below. Another very important remedy, in most cases of poisoning, and appli- cable when the white of eggs is ineffective, is soap-suds. But for this pur- pose you must not take soft soap, nor any resinous hard soap, except in cases of the utmost necessity, nor any soap which is stained red, as this is done with poisonous ingredients, but the best white Castile soap. Dissolve this in hot water, and let the patient drink a tea-cup full of it warm every three or four minutes. Soap-suds will only prove, injurious when the poison itself was alkaline, such as lye or potash, soda, caustic potash, salt of tartar, oil of tartar, spirits of hartshorn, smelling salts, salts of hartshorn, sal volatile, lime, slacked or burned, and baryta (often sold as rat poison, under the pretence of not being injurious, because it is not arsenic), pearlash which is sometimes mistaken for tartrate of potash (soluble tartar). When the substance which the patient vomits, does not smell sour, but like lye; when blue paper which had become reddish from having been drawn through vinegar, is turned blue by it ; when it effervesces upon aqua fortis or sulphuric or muri- atic acid being dropped into it — in all these cases you must not use soap- suds, but substitute vinegar. POISONING. 99 Soap-suds is an important antidote in poisoning by arsenic, lead, oil of vitriol, aqua fortis, all strong acids, and most metallic solutions. You may conclude that the poisoning originated from acids, when the mouth of the patient looks scalded, when blue paper dipped in what has been vomited turns red on the instant. Soap-suds is also applicable when a person has swal- lowed alum. It will also prove beneficial in poisoning by plants of a burn- ing, acrid taste, exuding a pungent juice or milk; likewise in dangerous accidents from castor oil. The Calcined Magnesia sold by all druggists is in many cases still better than soap-suds. Stir it in some water, give it in large quantities, repeating it as often as thrown up. It is particularly useful against acids and some metals as mercury, antimony, zinc, bismuth, and tin. Vinegar, as already mentioned, is an antidote against alkaline poison. As soon as it is ascertained by observation that the poison is of this nature, let the patient drink vinegar, and give him injections of it. Let him also drink slimy gruel which will excite vomiting. But vinegar is injurious after strong vegetable poisons, various salts, all mineral acids, arsenic, and particularly if the region of the stomach is painful when touched. On the other hand it is of great service in cases of poisoning by thorn apple, aconite, laudanum, mushrooms, all narcotics, carbonic acid gas, and liver of sulphur. In such cases give alternately gruel, excite vomiting, and subsequently, after having vomited freely, let the patient drink vinegar again, which will remove the inclination to vomit. Vinegar also answers against poisonous mussels and fish. It is an important antidote against the poison generated in fat. If a person feels sick from having eaten spoiled ham or sausages, and his throat is very dry, and he feels nausea, hasten to give him vinegar to drink, not forgetting, however, the remedies aforementioned. Sweet Oil is a remedy by far too generally applied ; it is supposed to be a principal one, but is not. The same is the case with grease, butter, and similar things, as butter- water. Attention should be paid to the kind of oil used. Rancid oil, train oil, or sperm oil, ought not to be applied. Slimy substances will answer far better to envelop the poison, or sugar, which sooner soothes the stomach ; or other means to neutralize the poison. When you are sure that the poison is alkaline, and you are applying vinegar suc- cessfully, you may alternate with cream or sweet oil, particularly when the patient complains of burning in his mouth, throat or stomach. Oil, however, may be applied to great advantage, when a strong acid, aqua fortis, oil of vitriol, etc., has got into the eye, the mouth, the throat, or the stomach. Sometimes it is of service against poisonous mushrooms. Oil is injurious in poisoning by arsenic ; useless in most poisonings by metallic substances, and very injurious when cantharides (Spanish fly) has got into the eye or the stomach. It is literally pouring oil into the fire. This is also the case with insects and venomous bugs, which may have got 100 POISONING. into the eye. Oil, on the contrary, is of great service when live insects have crept into the ear. Milk is not so good as slimy substances ; hut as it is more frequently at hand, it w-ill do well to let the sufferer drink it, instead of waiting for other things. Rich milk is good wherever oil is good, injurious wherever that is injurious. Sour milk or butter-milk is good wherever vinegar is so; in- jurious wherever that is. "When you have no good oil, rich milk is the next best thing; also when oil becomes disgusting to the patient. Sour milk is preferable to bad vinegar ; it may also be applied where vinegar has already been used. Milk is very good when the first paroxysm has subsided, and still some pain remains, provided the patient likes it, and feels revived by it. When you cannot ascertain what kind of poison the sufferer has taken, and you cannot, therefore, choose between the antidotes, but have given milk in the first instance, and the patient feels better after it, you may continue with it, on condition, however, that the patient has vomited at the outset so much, that you may suppose the poison has been ejected. Sugar, or sugar water, is in most cases one of the very best remedies. Only when you are certain that the poison is a mineral acid, or strong alkaline poison, prefer the remedies prescribed against such poisons. It cannot do much harm, were you to apply sugar improperly. If the person who is poisoned has a craving for sugar, give him as much as he desires. It is a good antidote against metallic poisons, poisonous paints, verdigris, copper, tin, vitriol or alum ; continue with it, if the patient finds relief from it ; should he, however, not feel better, alternate with white of eggs and sugar ; or, where it is applicable, with soap-suds. Against arsenic, sugar is also a principal antidote. When the poisoning has been effected by sharp acrid plants, which occasion a burning or swelling in the mouth, or in the throat, you may give sugar upon other things, letting the patient either put it into his mouth, or giving it to him in water. Coffee is an indispensable antidote in many cases of poisoning. You must be careful that the coffee has not been spoiled in roasting ; give it at first very strong, and then somewhat weaker. In the intervals, do not neglect to excite vomiting, should it be still required. When the poison is unknown, coffee is the best thing you can give ; when the patient is stupe- fied, sleepy, senseless, giddy, as if intoxicated, his face red and full, or pale, cold and cadaverous ; or when he acts as if he were delirious or raving, — in all these cases, give him plenty of strong coffee, without milk, excite vomiting, and administer injections of coffee, till he gets better. Even after he has vomited the whole contents of his stomach, continue giving him the coffee with sugar. In all cases of poisoning, give coffee, if the patient desires it. POISONING. 101 "When the poison is known, and the tepid water intended to bring on vomiting, and tickling in the throat for that purpose have been resorted to, give coffee in abundance, as a drink and in injections, particularly when the poison contained Prussic acid, which you will know from its smelling like bitter almonds, or peach kernels, or peach brandy. Also against laud- anum, opium, morphine, or stramonium, poisonous mushrooms, etc. ; when a person has swallowed the juice of sumach, or when dangerous symptoms appear after medicine containing belladonna, colocynth, valerian, conium, cicuta ; or after chamomile tea. Coffee is also important in cases of poison- ing by wine of antimony, or when antimony, phosphorus or phosphoric acid have been swallowed, and particularly from poisoning by nux vomica and strychnine. Camphor is a principal antidote in all poisonings by vegetable substances, and particularly, sharp, acrid, burning poisons, which cause inflammation and redness ; in all cases of poisoning, if the patient suffers from vomiting and diarrhoea, is pale, cold as ice, and almost senseless ; in such cases, if you do not know what kind of poison has been taken, you should give cam- phor by preference. It will often suffice to let the patient smell it, or it may be rubbed on his skin, or given by drops on sugar. You can make a salve of it with warm oil, or easily dissolve it in heated brandy. Against cantharides (Spanish flies), whether they have been swallowed, or got into the eye, or used as a plaster, and they have produced poison- ous effects, camphor is always the best remedy. Also when venomous in- sects or poisonous honey has been swallowed ; for swellings or poisoning caused by hairy caterpillars; for violent symptoms after eating food, in which small bugs or "worms may have accidentally fallen, or when small moths have been swallowed — likewise in alarming symptoms caused by the sting of insects. When, together with the other symptoms, the patient finds it difficult to make water, or it is very painful to him, and the urine is intermixed with blood and you have cause to think that this originates from Spanish flies or other insects, camphor is the best remedy. Camphor, finally, is applicable to diminish the effects which medicine may have produced ; when children fall sick after taking the usual prepos- terous worm medicines, in accidents from tobacco, bitter almonds, and medicines that have the smell of these things, or cherry stones, peach kernels, or nuts. It is very useful for the pains left by the use of phosphorus, from poison- ing by minerals, or acids, and particularly salty things. When everything has been ejected from the stomach, let the patient smell camphor from time to time. This may also be done in poisoning by mushrooms, or in acci- dents caused by inhaling the fumes of coal or charcoal. The ingredients sometimes requisite, such as charcoal, lye, kitchen salt, 102 POISONING. starch, green tea, tobacco, are in most houses ; the other things often as necessary, such as magnesia, spirits of nitre, spirits of hartshorn, ought to be kept likewise, being useful not only in cases of poisoning, but in many other diseases. In cases of poisoning, things of this kind can only be ser- viceable if the poison is perfectly known. They will be mentioned in their proper place. From the preceding remarks it is evident, that, in cases of poisoning measures ought to be immediately adopted : j 1st. To excite vomiting. 2d. To lessen the effect of the poison. At first you will have to attend to both alternately, subsequently to the latter object only. The usual emetics are themselves poisonous, and may consequently prove injurious ; it is, therefore, best to excite vomiting by the following means : Drinking lukewarm water, as much and as often as possible. Tickling the throat ; and only when this proves ineffectual — Snuff put upon the tongue ; or in cases in which this has no effect, Ground mustard with salt in water ; and only in cases, where nothing can be introduced into the mouth. Injections of the smoke of tobacco. But if the symptoms are very urgent and it is thought advisable to empty the stomach as soon as possible, the stomach-pump must be used. The principal remedies to lessen the effects of the poison, when it is un- known, are, if there is great pain, water and the white of eggs — if insensi- bility predominates, coffee. As soon as it is ascertained that the poison is an acid, give magnesia in water or soap-suds ; if a metal, white of eggs or soap-suds ; if an alkali, vinegar and water and lemon juice, or juice of sour fruit. All other remedies are only applicable when you know what kind of poison you have to deal with. TREATMENT WHEN THE POISON IS ASCERTAINED. Generally, the aforementioned rules hold good ; besides attending to the vomiting, however, administer immediately the remedies here recom- mended. The antidotes recommended against each particular poison have been arranged according to their efficacy, the most efficient being mentioned first. When these are not at hand, give what can be first procured. If a person, for instance, has swallowed sulphuric acid, it would be folly to wait until magnesia or white soap could be brought from the apothecary ; when these cannot be had on the spot, take a handful of wood ashes, stir them in water and let this be drunk immediately, although it will not answer as well. roisoNiNG. 103 I. POISONING BY INHALING GASES AND BY SUB- STANCES INTRODUCED INTO THE STOMACH. 1. PoisoNors Gases; Antidotes and Treatment. a) Gases produced in places deprived of a current of fresh air. In deep privies that have not been cleansed for a length of time; in places deprived of a current of fresh air, where offal of animals is suffered to decay, a poisonous gas of a foetid, offensive smell, resembling that of rotten eggs, and in which polished metal, particularly silver, turns black, is generated. Such gas inhaled will cause nausea, nervousness and difficulty of breath- ing; the pulse becomes intermittent, there is an expression of languor about the eye ; a coldness is felt in the ears ; the abdomen is contracted, and unless the sufferer is speedly removed from its influence, convulsions and apparent death ensue, which latter, if no medical aid is afforded, will terminate in actual death. The best disinfectants are chloride of lime, or chloride of zinc. Before persons expose themselves they should provide chloride of lime, some of which, diluted with water, will destroy the foetid gas, and enable them to work in such places without danger. The bad smell is lessened but not so speedily removed by throwing in a few shovelfuls of quick lime at intervals for several days. A person who has become insensible by inhaling this gas, should im- mediately be brought into the fresh air, undressed, and placed on his back, with the chest elevated, and cold water thrown plentifully on his face and chest. If you have a solution of chloride of lime in water at hand, dip a sponge in it, and hold it occasionally to the nose. The solution should be so weak, as not to excite cough in a healthy person who inhales it. Put a tablespoonful of the strong solution into a tumblerful of water, and put half a teaspoonful of this into the mouth of the sufferer, repeat it every five or ten minutes until the patient begins to revive, then at longer intervals. If vinegar can be had sooner, mix this with an equal portion of water, and sprinkle the face with it — and hold a sponge dipped in vinegar before the nose and mouth. During this time the patient should be rubbed with hot flannel. If his face has been sprinkled with cold water or vinegar, wipe it dry after a little while ; then rub it with hot flannel, and repeat the sprinkling. The feet, abdomen, chest, and arms particularly, ought to be well rubbed. The soles of the feet and the back may be brushed a little with a stiff brush. If the patient has not returned to conciousness by this time, follow the directions given for applying the method to produce artificial respiration, under the head of "Apparent Death from Drowning," or those given below. 104 POISONING. Be not too hasty, but proceed gently and perseveringly. Life sometimes does not return in less than three or four hours. If the patient, apparently dead, does not breathe at all, it is useless to hold a sponge before his nose ; only try from time to time, while employ- ing artificial respiration, by holding a light feather there, whether his breathing has recommenced. Occasionally blow air into his mouth, which is best done by a person inhaling as much as he can, and then placing his mouth to that of the patient (whose nose should be closed), blow in the air gradually. If this expands the chest, let the breath pass out by itself, and repeat the operation. If the breath will not pass out, compress the chest in the manner recommended under "Apparent Death from Drowning." By thus producing an artificial respiration, a person apparently dead may often be restored again, but he who undertakes the operation should himself be healthy, and have a sweet breath, and either drink some vinegar, or rinse his mouth with it occasionally. As soon as the patient makes an attempt at drawing in his breath, or at exhaling it with a sigh, discontinue these efforts, and gently fan fresh air toward him, and when the breathing becomes stronger, hold a sponge to his mouth, dipped in a very weak solution of chloride of lime, or vinegar. Care must be taken, indeed, lest you extinguish the feeble life which is just returning. If the patient recovers, give him a few drops of a weak solution of chloride of lime or vinegar on his tongue. If he complains of cold, inclination to go to stool, of nausea, and vinegar will not remove these symptoms, or if he is getting tired of the vinegar, give him a little coffee without milk. If he complains of heat and great weakness, give him a little good old wine, and afterwards Cinchona. The smell of camphor too is often beneficial ; in this respect consult the wishes of the patient ; what- ever is most agreeable to him, or affords him relief, deserves the pre- ference. Another poisonous gas, which is suffocating, is generated in deep wells, vaults and lime furnaces. It has not the bad smell of the gas above men- tioned, but causes sleepiness, giddiness, and at last loss of consciousness; persons affected by it will usually revive in a short time, by bringing them speedily into the open air, sprinkling them with cold water and vinegar, and pouring coffee into their mouths. Do not act with too much precipi- tation — delay is not so dangerous in such a case. If respiration does not return, it will be necessary to inflate the lungs, by breathing into the mouth, or by applying the other method of artificial respiration. b) Gas generated by charcoal. — The gas arising from charcoal is a most dangerous poison, particularly to persons sleeping. Kever sleep with lighted charcoal in a room which has not an open fire-place. The same applies to coal. Old woodwork too, has been known to smoulder for days, without any smoke being perceptible ; the inhabitants of the house, paying no attention to the somewhat smoky smell, have been found dying before the smouldering was at all perceptible. POISONING. 105 It is remarkable that all persons who are exposed to this gas, become so feeble as to be unable to go into the air, to open doors or windows, or to call for aid. They suffer much and know the danger, but cannot make the effort to move from the spot, in order to save themselves. A similar sen- sation effects those who, in extremely cold weather, sit down in the open air to rest themselves, though they know the fate that is before them, they lack energy to resist it. The symptoms of poisoning by gas produced from coal and charcoal are, if animation is not yet suspended, headache, with nausea, retching and vomiting — sometimes of blood ; a heavy burden seems to oppress the chest, the face becomes red, and at last purple and bloated, the patient is seized with involuntary and hysterical weeping, talks incoherently, falls down suddenly, is seized with convulsions, finally becomes perfectly unconscious, and is seized with apoplexy. Carry the patient into the fresh air, rub him with vinegar, and let him inhale the vapor of vinegar. If the face is already very red, and he begins to rave, pour ice-cold water on the head. In general, it is well to make cold applications to the head, and warm applications to the feet, and as soon as the patient can swallow, to give some coffee without sugar and milk. When the patient has somewhat recovered, it is well to give Opium, and to dispense with the vinegar. If Opium gives relief, but only for a short time, repeat it. After several hours, or sooner, if Opium does not seem very efficacious, give Belladonna, and allow it sufficient time to oper- ate. If the patient is very much excited, talks much and rapidly, complains of shooting pains, or if it seems to him as if he were flying, and he feels giddy when lying down, give him a little coffee without milk, and continue it until the symptoms require Belladonna, Nux vomica or Aconite. c) Dry rot in old buildings. — The effect produced by dry rot in old build- ings, is similar to that produced by charcoal fire, only it acts more slowly. It is better if possible to quit such houses, or to rebuild them ; but, if people have to live in them, they should try to destroy the dry rot by means of charcoal powder. Place as much of this as possible, above, below and around the spot where the dry rot appears. The spots themselves may, from time to time, be washed over with a strong solution of blue vitriol (sulphate of copper), or still better chloride of zinc. To guard against the effects of dry rot, take from time to time a little rain water into a gallon of which a few drops of sulphuric acid have been put ; of course the homoeo- pathic preparation of sulphuric acid is better and should be used if it can be obtained. d) Chlorine gas. — To obviate the bad effects of the gas produced by chlo- ride of lime, to which many persons are exposed, smoking tobacco is the best preventive ; or you may drop some strong brandy, rum, or spirits of wine on a piece of loaf sugar, and take it in your mouth. The tobacco, however, is to be preferred. If so much of this gas has been breathed as to cause pain in the throat 10G POISONING. and chest, a sense of suffocation and coughing, let the patient smell liver of sulphur; it must be used cautiously, and only repeated as often as the pains return. If it cannot be obtained, the smell of a rotten egg will answer. e) Prussia and mineral acids. — For the effects caused by inhaling the poisonous vapors of Prussic acid or mineral acids, the best remedy is spirits of hartshorn ; but by no means apply the vial containing such spirits close to the nose ; this would only increase the evil ; rather move it slowly to and fro, at the distance of about six or eight inches from the nose and mouth, so as to smell it very faintly, and repeat this as often as necessary, or put a few drops upon paper, and introduce the paper into a large empty bottle, and smell the bottle from time to time. Whether the vapors are from acids or from alkalies, may be discovered by litmus paper. Acids will turn it red, alkalies will turn that which has been turned red by acids, blue again. In cases of poisoning by acid vapors, you may put one drop of spirits of hartshorn into a tumblerful of water, and give of this mixture a teaspoonful every ten minutes. In poisoning by vapor of alkalies, give from time to time a teaspoonful of vinegar. ' It is very injurious to sleep in rooms which have not been ventilated, or which have been shut up for a long time. The air has then become stag- nant and putrid — we may almost compare it to the water in standing pools — and produces nightmare, frightful dreams, visions, depression of spirits, and fearfulness approaching to horror. The best preventive is proper ven- tilation, not by opening the windows merely, but by introducing a strong draught of air, increased by the waving of towels, or a blazing fire in the fireplace. Water placed in shallow vessels about the room will likewise answer. But, if the purification has been neglected, and these consequences mentioned ensue, give Aconite; for horror, Opium; for continual fear and shuddering, Veratrum; for headache and other effects arising from sleeping in an apartment, where there were flowers emitting a strong scent, or from sleeping on new hay, fresh air and cold washing will be good, and also the administration of Nuz vomica, or smelling camphor. In complaints caused by sleeping in rooms which have been recently white washed, or where clothes have been hung up for drying, or where a large quantity of clothes has been kept after being dried, or where many growing plants are standing in a confined place, and where fruits or vege- tables are stored, Bryonia will generally be beneficial, sometimes Belladonna. See also "Headache." If the painting of houses, rooms and furniture, has produced complaints which do not disappear upon going into the open air, or after washing with cold water, Aconite, Bryonia or Sulphur, will prove beneficial, and some- times Opium; if it has produced pains in the bowels, nausea and vomiting, POISONING. 107 worse when moving, give Mercurius. It is well to put a tub of cold water into the bedroom ; the water should be renewed every evening. It will absorb the poison. Or a few dishes full of unslaked lime placed about the house, will soon remove the disagreeable smell. In general, painting ought to be done in autumn only, and when the weather is dry and cool ; for the smell will then soonest disappear, the paints adhere better, become dry sooner, and are less liable to be spoiled by insects and dust. Most kinds of bad smell, which sometimes fill a room or even a whole house and which cannot always be avoided, as for instance from a con- cealed dead rat, or from a sick person, are most readily and surely destroyed by the vapors of roasting coffee. Heat a common fire-shovel over a fire, put upon it a few raw coffee beans, and as soon as you see vapors arise from the beans, carry the shovel about the room or whole house. The purifying effect of even a few beans is really surprising; the usual perfumeries, smelling-salts, etc., are of no use ; they merely conceal the bad smell, but do not destroy it. Chloride of lime is not so effective and is injurious to many persons ; charcoal is far better and should be used freely. You need not dread interfering with the effects of the homoeopathic remedies by the vapors of coffee ; if their effect is weakened, repeat the medicine. 2. Poisoning by Mineral and Other Strong Acids — Their Antidotes and Treatment. In cases of poisoning by sulphuric acid or oil of vitriol, muriatic acid or spirits of salt, nitric acid or aqua-fortis, aqua-regia, oxalic acid, phosphoric acid, acetic acid, wood-vinegar, or too much strong vinegar, the symptoms are a sour, burning taste and smell, a burning, acrid heat in the throat and the stomach, acute pains in the stomach and intestines ; drinking increases the pains — the breath soon becomes offensive; the matter vomited tastes very sour, ferments, and blue litmus paper dipped into it turns red ; fre- quently the inside of the mouth looks as if scalded and marbled. In this case give : 1. Tepid soap-suds in great abundance. 2. Carbonate of magnesia — a spoonful in a cup of water — after every fit of vomiting, or repeated when the pains increase. Calcined magnesia is not so good as common magnesia. 3. Chalk — powdered and mixed in a tumblerful of warm water. 4. Wood-ashes — a spoonful mixed in a tumblerful of warm water. 5. Carbonates of potash or soda (except where nitric or oxalic acid have been taken) — dissolve as much as will lie upon the end of a knife in a large tumbler of warm water. Give Nos. 1 and 2 alternately ; the others are intended merely as substi- tutes until the former can be procured. After the patient has vomited sufficiently, let him drink gruel or barley- water, decoction of linseed or rice, or any thing else of a mucilaginous character that is at hand, and let him use nothing else for several days. 108 POISONING. In constipation and ineffectual urging to stool, give injections of weak suds. When the worst is past, give after sulphuric acid, Pulsatilla; after muriatic acid, Bryonia ; after nitric acid, Ilepar; after phosphoric acid, Coffea ; after other acids or wood-vinegar, Aconite. If the patient does not speedily recover, particularly if respiratory trouble remain, let him drink copiously of weak soda-water for several days. When strong acids have got into the eye, oil of almonds or fresh unsalted butter should be freely applied to it ; occasionally you may apply chalk, mixing it previously with water until the latter assumes a curdled appear- ance. Pure water is injurious, and should not be used to wash the eyes with until later. For an external scald or burn with strong acids, lime-water is good, or a salve made of lime-water and sweet oil. 3. Alkaline Poisons — Their Antidotes and Treatment. Pot and pearl-ash, caustic potash, lye, carbonate of potash, soda, am- monia, hartshorn, sal volatile, smelling salts, burnt and unslaked lime, may be known by their alkaline, urinous, acrid taste ; and in vomiting caused by them there is no fermentation of the substances ejected ; litmus paper which has been turned red by acids becomes blue again by being dipped into them ; the symptoms are nearly the same as from acids, with the ex- ceptions mentioned above, and what is vomited is not sour. 1. Stir two tablespoonfuls of vinegar in a glass of water, warm, if you can, and give a tumblerful of it every five minutes. 2. Lemon juice or other acids, but greatly diluted — or sour fruit bruised in water. 3. Sour milk or butter-milk. 4. Mucilaginous drinks and injections. 5. Oil, par- ticularly that of sweet almonds. 6. Tartaric acid lemonade, when potash has been taken. Emetics are dangerous, and vomiting should only be excited by the above-mentioned drinks, and by tickling the throat with a feather. In poisoning with carbonate of baryta (a peculiar kind of heavy, white earth, which is sometimes sold as ratsbane), pure vinegar is injurious ; in this case give merely mucilaginous drinks and oil, and endeavor to excite vomiting, until you can procure Glauber's salts (sulphate of soda,) or Epsom salts (sulphate of magnesia), which should be dissolved in lukewarm water and freely taken much diluted. Afterwards let the patient occasionally smell of camphor, or if this is of no use, sweet spirits of nitre. After poi- soning from potash, give Carbo vegetabilis; after hartshorn, Hepar. 4. Other Substances which have a Powerful Effect — Antidotes and Treatment. a) Liver of Sulphur. — To counteract the effects of liver of sulphur, give water, oily, mucilaginous drinks and injections, mixed with a weak solution of chloride of lime, as long as the breath exhales the odor of sulphuretted POISONING. 109 hydrogen. If drinking warm water and tickling the throat does not pro- duce vomiting, give a weak solution of salt in water. After the patient has done vomiting, and the breath has no longer the sulphurous smell, give vinegar if it relieves; if not, give Belladonna, and discontinue the vinegar. b) Iodine is often given as a medicine, although it sometimes produces sudden and dangerous effects. To remove these effects, give : — 1. Starch stirred in water ; 2. Paste made out of starch ; 3. Wheat flour, and after- wards thin mucilaginous drinks, or sugar- water in great abundance ; 4. Vomiting should be promoted by drinking a weak solution of carbonate of soda, and tickling the throat with a feather. For the remaining symp- toms, give Hepar ; sometimes Belladonna. c) Phosphorus. — Oil and fat of all kinds, when given for the bad effects of phosphorus, are dangerous, because in them phosphorus is soluble. Ex- cite vomiting as quickly as possible, and give mucilaginous or albuminous drinks, and afterwards give coffee without milk. Some hours later pour water on calcined magnesia, shake it and let it settle ; drinking freely of this water will relieve the pain ; it is best to use the magnesia stirred into eight times its bulk of chlorine water. If neither this nor the smelling of camphor gives relief, give Nux vomica. If the patient desires it, give a little good old wine or brandy, but only a few drops on sugar. d) Alcohol, or strong spirits of wine and ether, taken inadvertently, may produce dangerous consequences. Excite vomiting and give large in- jections of salt and water, in case the symptoms are serious. Generally, however, it suffices to give milk and mucilaginous drinks. If these do not answer, give a drop of strong hartshorn in a glass of sugar-water, a tea- spoonful at a time. Pour 1 , also, cold water on the head, and place wet towels on the region of the stomach. If this does not give relief in a short time, give Nux vomica, and, as long as the stomach can bear it, mucilaginous drinks. Afterwards, coffee without milk. e) Prussia acid. — Known by the smell resembling that of bitter almonds. It operates so rapidly that you must lose no time in administering the proper remedies. In such a case there is no time to excite vomiting. In severe cases immediately bare the patient's neck and back, and pour cold water continuously on the head, neck and spine, till consciousness is re- gained — afterward and in less serious cases proceed as follows : Let the patient smell spirits of sal ammoniac, held at a little distance. Drop a little on a handkerchief, and hold it so that only a faint exhalation may reach him. Or, put a drop of it into a tumblerful of water, stir it, and give him a teaspoonful of it every three to five minutes. As soon as you can, get coffee made, give plenty of it to drink, and also in injections, and let it be drunk at intervals for several days. If no other remedies are near, let the patient smell camphor or vinegar, and inhale the vapor. Afterwards give Ipecacuanha; and if this does not remove all the symptoms, give Nux vomica. f) Alum. — Give soap-suds or sugar-water, mixed with calcined magnesia, until vomiting ensues; afterwards Pulsatilla, or Veratrum. 110 POISONING. g) Vitriol, white, green and blue. — Give sugar and warm water, or the white of eggs dissolved in cold water, until the patient has vomited several times ; afterwards give mucilaginous drinks. h) Salpetre and Sal Ammoniac. — Give tepid water or melted butter mixed with water, until the patient vomits copiously ; then plenty of mucilaginous drink. i) Bichromate of Potash. — Beautiful red crystals, very poisonous. Use emetics and magnesia, or chalk. Acetate of lime or liver of sulphur in small quantities are said to be antidotes. For after-effects give Hepar. 5. Metallic Substances — Antidotes and Treatment. a) Arsenic. — Arsenic is contained in ratsbane, fly-stone, cobalt, king's yellow and orpiment ; in fever drops, salves and plasters for cancers, and numerous secret remedies, particularly in those for horses and cattle. In cases of poisoning with arsenic give : 1. White of egg and water. 2. Sugar- water. 3. Soap-suds. 4. Milk. Next, give mustard to produce vomiting, if it has not already occurred freely. As soon as the patient has vomited, give again one of the antidotes. The danger is not as great when there is free vomiting. A kind of iron rust (hydrated peroxide of iron), which would have to be newly prepared in a drug store, is the best antidote ; it may be given freely for it is harmless ; or a spoonful of iron rust may be given, stirred in hot water. If neither of these are at hand, magnesia not too highly calcined can be substituted. When the stomach has been thoroughly emptied, give a large dose of castor oil to free the bowels of any poison that may have entered them. After the poison has been got rid of, as far as practicable, give Ipeca- cuanha several times; if the patient still feels very uneasy and irritable at night, is also feverish, Cinchona ; if he is worse during the day, after sleep- ing — if he is constipated, or has slimy diarrhoea, Nux vomica. If Ipeca.- cuanha leaves frequent nausea, vomiting, with heat or cold, and great weakness, Veratrum. For other after-effects take Hepar. The liquid which hatters use in the manufacture of fine hats, sometimes , contains arsenic. The wearing of such hats sometimes causes eruptions on the forehead, or sore eyes. To prevent this, have the hat well lined with silk and leather, and for the bad effects take Hepar. Green paint, green carpets frequently, and green wall papers almost always, contain a com- pound of arsenic and copper which often occasions symptoms of arsenical poisoning, which will require Hepar for their removal. Some compo- sition candles also, are prepared with arsenic, which renders them un- wholesome. b) Corrosive sublimate. — For this poison give: 1. The white of eggs in water. 2. Sugar- water. 3. Milk. 4. Wheat flour in water. 5. Magnesia. 6. Endeavor to promote vomiting. White of eggs in water is the principal remedy ; it may be given alter- POISONING. Ill nately with sugar-water. The remaining symptoms require the same treat- ment as those from poisoning by mercury. See " Mercury." c) Copper, Verdigris. — For these, or any other preparations of copper, give: 1. White of eggs. 2. Sugar — either with or without water. 3. Milk. 4. Mucilaginous drinks. Vinegar is injurious. The white of eggs is the best known antidote. The action of copper is so rapid that no time should be lost in separating the white from the yolk, but the entire contents of a number of eggs may be given stirred in a little water. d) Lead. — In poisoning by lead, give: 1. Epsom salts (sulphate of mag- nesia). 2. Glauber's salts (sulphate of soda). The first is the best; when it cannot be had take the second. A tablespoonful should be dissolved in a pint of warm water, and drunk in abundance if much of the poison has been taken. 3. White of eggs. 4. Soap. 5. Milk. Vomiting should be excited as speedily as possible. After the salts or soap give mucilaginous drinks and injections. For pains, Opium, Belladonna, Nux vomica, or Glonoine. For the chronic complaints caused by lead in those who have anything to do with lead- paint, or of those who live near lead-works, use, besides Opium and Bella- donna, Platina. Small doses of alum are also useful. A good preventive for those who work in lead-works, is a lemonade made with sulphuric acid, one or two drops of it to a tumblerful of water. Poisoning by lead occurs very often from sour victuals being left in tin vessels, for tin is nearly always mixed with lead. Things that are sour or sourish should never be allowed to cool or to remain in metal vessels, nor should silver, tinned or tin spoons be left in acid foods. Sour things should only be kept in woodenware, stoneware, porcelain or glass. e) Nitrate of Silver, Lunar Caustic, Lapis Infernalis. — Give common salt dissolved in lukewarm water, a teaspoonful in a cup of water ; drink of this freely ; also milk and mucilaginous drinks. For the remaining symptoms give Arsenicum, Kali hydrojodicum and Natrum muriaticum. f) Antimony. — For poisoning by this, taken either as antimonial wine or tartar-emetic, if vomiting has not already occurred, excite it by large draughts of warm water, by tickling the throat, etc., — then as most im- portant, give astringent infusions such as tannic acid, nut-galls, oak bark, peruvian bark, strong black tea. If tincture of cinchona is at hand, this may be given in teaspoonful doses every few minutes till better. Strong black coffee may be given in' large quantities. If the vomiting does not cease soon, put the patient into a warm bath, or apply a hot cloth over the stomach and abdomen, and give Ipecacuanha, every five to ten minutes ; if not better soon, Lachesis or Opium; for nausea and other effects, Ipecacuanha and afterwards Nux vomica. For convulsions give Opium, and later Chamomilla. g) Tin. — For poisoning by tin, give white of eggs and milk. The chronic effects of tin, which occur so frequently, from the tin being scraped off from tin utensils, are mitigated by Pulsatilla. 112 POISONING. h) Chloride of Tin. — 1. Milk. 2. Sugar. 3. White of eggs. Afterwards Hepar and Pulsatilla. i) Zinc, Sulphate of Zinc. — Milk and eggs should be given, and then car- bonate of soda; afterwards give Hepar. j) Bismuth. — White of egg; sweet mucilaginous drinks ; milk; if vomit- ing continues, particularly if water is ejected, give Cinchona or Arsenicum. 6. Vegetable Poisons — Antidotes and Treatment. a) Poisonous Mushrooms. — These fungi do not generally produce any per- ceptible effect until several hours after they have been taken. The abdomen then becomes enlarged, with a cutting pain in the region of the stomach ; vomiting and purging preceded by thirst, nausea, hiccough, agitation ; cold- ness of the limbs, small pulse, stupefaction, incoherent talking and convul- sions. If these symptoms appear, promote vomiting and let the patient drink freely of cold water, as cold as it can be had ; from time to time give finely powdered charcoal, made into a sort of paste with sweet oil. Give also Glauber's or Epsom salts. Should these means not afford sufficient relief, let the patient smell slightly of spirits of hartshorn. The remaining symptoms may be removed by Pulsatilla. b) Blighted Corn, Ergot. — Blighted corn, or those thick, black grains in Indian corn, rice, wheat, rye or other grains ; also the sweet or black rusty taint in grain is very injurious to man and beast. The ill-effects of it, how- ever, can be counteracted by the common black nightshade, bruised in cold water, and then hot water poured on it. Inhale the vapor of this or wash the cattle with it. c) Intoxicating Plants. — For plants which are intoxicating in their effects, making the person who takes them drunk, or depriving him of conscious- ness, making him delirious and raving, the principal antidote is coffee, drunk in large quantities and given in injections. For some of these sub- stances, such as aconite, henbane, and thorn-apple, vinegar answers very well. Vomiting should, however, be first excited, and afterwards large in- jections of soap-suds be given to clear the intestines of poison. If the patient has a red face, red eyes, looks wild and stares, cold water poured over him is very useful. Give him an occasional dose of Belladonna. For parts of plants which smell of bitter almonds, and consequently con- tain that virulent poison Prussic acid, such as bitter almonds, peach kernels and peach leaves ; also for cordials prepared with them, such as cherry brandy, persico, and noyau, and many medicinal compounds into whose composition it enters, in all of which it is easily detected by the peculiar smell and bitter taste and by its effects : heaviness, giddiness, oppression, particularly on the chest, first a quick, afterwards a slow pulse, paralysis or a feeling as if paralysis were about to ensue : for all these strong coffee with- out milk is the chief remedy, and in very dangerous cases, spirits of harts- horn, of which the patient may smell a little from time to time, or mix a POISONING. 113 few drops in a tumbler of water, and give a teaspoonful every ten or fifteen minutes. When the symptoms are very violent, the cold affusion to the spine, described under Prussic acid, will be requisite. d) Opium or Laudanum. — For poisoning with opium, laudanum or mor- phine, the seeds of poppy, or a decoction of poppy heads, which are foolishly given to children to make them sleep, coffee is the best antidote. If the pa- tient lies insensible, pour hot and cold water alternately over the face and chest ; slap him vigorously with wet towels ; when consciousness is partly restored walk him up and down between two persons; talk to him, and if he relapses slap him again with the wet towels ; try if vomiting can be induced by emetics, if not give large drinks of strong black coffee, this may induce vomiting ; tickle throat with a feather ; if possible use a stomach pump. Let every effort be made to keep the patient awake, and that for many hours. Sometimes a tea made with oats will answer (that is, common oats, such as are given to horses), wash well a large handful of these, and then pour two or three cups of boiling water on them ; give a tablespoonful at a time. If children, after a large dose, remain stupefied or sleep, give them Belladonna, in water, every ten, twenty, or thirty minutes ; if this does no good, try Muriatic acid in same way. Some time after, it is well to give Ipecacuanha, repeating it a couple of times, and if the pains remain, Chamomilla; after some days, if necessary, 3Iercurius. For poisoning with the seeds of Stramonium, called also thorn apple, give also coffee and lemon juice, or vinegar in large quantities; if no vomiting ensues, give mustard and water ; for the remaining symptoms give Xux vomica or Opium. e) Poison Vine or Ivy. — Poison vine is apt to cause a complaint similar to St. Anthony's fire (erysipelas). Eubbing or scratching should be avoided as much as possible, and strong washes or unguents to drive in the eruption are also highly injurious. If careful washing with soap and water does not relieve the itching, try rubbing with wheaten bran, or dusting with hair- powder. Let the patient abstain from everything that is heating and stim- ulating, and take Bryonia; if the complaint gets worse, take Rhus toz. If the irritation is in the face, and Bryonia does not give relief, give Belladonna. External injuries from plants which exude a pungent, milky juice, and which are very common in the country, are removed by washing with soap- water and afterwards with brandy. If some of the juice has got into the eye, apply the oil of almonds, unsalted butter or milk ; if it has got into the sto- mach, use soap-suds, milk, etc., but neither acids nor emetics. The same holds good of all acrid, burning, corrosive, vegetable substances, as gamboge, euphorbium, etc. /) Pink Boot. — In cases of poisoning by that noxious plant, pink root, (Spigelia) so frequently given for worms, let the patient smell camphor, give him coffee without milk, and if, after the expiration of several days, palpitation of the heart, giddiness, etc., still remain, give Mercurius. g) Camphor and Saffron. — In cases of poisoning with camphor or saffron, give coffee without milk till it brings on vomiting, and if all the symptoms do not disappear, Opium every half hour until they cease. 8 114 POISONING. h) Spirits of Turpentine. — In cases of poisoning with spirits of turpentine, Opium, Belladonna, or Bryonia will prove efficacious. If the kidneys and bladder are much affected, Cantharides should be given. For poisoning by all other vegetable substances let the patient smell cam- phor, and give him coffee to drink if the camphor does not afford relief. If they produce a feeling of stupefaction, weak vinegar may also be given ; if very painful, soap-suds and milk. 7. Animal Poisons — Antidotes and Treatment. a) Spanish Flies. — Spanish flies (cantharides) or plasters made thereof, contain virulent poison, which not unfrequently produces very serious symp- toms, especially if it gets into the stomach or into the eyes. It causes vio- lent burning, which is aggravated by oil, fat, milk, etc. The best antidotes to be used, both inwardly and applied to the eyes, are the white of eggs and tepid, slimy substances, such as gruel, etc. Apply these plentifully to the eye, or if you have nothing else, use flour, and do not wash and rub too much. The poisonous substance may often be extracted with a narrow strip of linen or paper rolled into a point. For all bad consequences arising from taking cantharides, or from their application in blisters, and for similar poisoning from other insects, camphor is the chief remedy. Let the patient smell it very frequently, or take a small piece of camphor, put it into a small bottle of water, shake it until the water retains the smell ; give a spoonful of this at a time, and rub with spirits of camphor the parts most affected. For headache rub the temples ; for violent pains in the kidneys or bladder, rub the loins ; if camphor should afford no relief, give Apis. b) Poisonous Honey. — For the injurious effects of poisonous honey, camphor is also most to be recommended. It should be frequently smelt, and spirits of camphor rubbed into the skin. Inwardly give warm tea or coffee with- out milk. c) Hair of Caterpillars. — The hair of caterpillars is apt to cause violent inflammation. Do not rub, for it will only make it worse ; but apply hand- kerchiefs which have been moistened with spirits of camphor. d) Shell-fish and other poisonous fish, etc. — Among shell-fish, such as clams, muscles, cockles, etc., we sometimes find some which are poisonous and pro- duce troublesome complaints. If there is an inclination to vomit, encourage it ; give charcoal with sugar and water, or in molasses ; let the patient smell camphor and afterwards drink coffee without milk. For eruptions and swelling of the face, give Belladonna. If poisonous fish produce bad symptoms, give finely powdered charcoal with brandy, and if this affords relief, some hours after, coffee without milk ; if it does not afford relief, give quantities of sugar to eat or to drink in water ; if this also proves ineffectual, give weak vinegar internally and apply it ex- ternally. POISONING. 115 "When the poison or urine of toads, frogs or lizards, lias got into the eye, washing the eve with warm milk and water has been recommended ; this will do no good, but saliva will. The saliva of a healthy person will neutralize the acidity of the poison, quicker than anything else.* Next give Aconite every hour, or as often as the symptoms are worse.. If the poison has en- tered the mouth, take as quickly as possible a tablespoonful of finely pow- dered charcoal with milk or sweet oil. If sudden and dangerous symptoms appear, let the patient smell sweet spirits of nitre. Some time after give Arsenicum. e) Poison of fat in half -putrefied meat. — The poison of fat generated in half- putrefied, half-sour meat, blood and fat, and also in cheese, particularly in blood-puddings, liver-puddings, sausages, sour pork, bacon and hums, old rancid goose-grease, and substances not sufficiently or regularly smoked, is very injurious. It is generated very fast, and things which are eatable to- day, may be poisonous to-morrow. The principal symptoms of this poison are : heartburn and nausea ; a feeling of dryness in the throat, extending, by degrees, into the mouth, the nose, ears and even the eyes, and after some days cracking of the skin of the eyelids, the sides of the nose and the points of the fingers. The voice be- comes hoarse very soon, the pulse is slow and weak ; hunger and thirst are very great, but the patient can scarcely swallow anything. It is generally attended by great weakness, the eyelids seem paralyzed, the pupil of the eye is dilated, and the patient does not see distinctly, but as if he were look- ing through a fog, or he sees everything double. The abdomen at the same time is tense, with much pain and constipation ; finally, the knees and feet become stiff. If the patient does not die in a few days, a tedious, often in- curable, disease will remain. Any one who has eaten of such things, and after some hours notices these symptoms, should not be tardy in applying the proper remedies. If within four or five hours after the meal he feels disposed to vomit, let him drink tepid water to encourage it. If there is no disposition to vomit, it should be promoted as soon as possible by artificial means. Sometimes the burn- ing and dryness in the throat are supposed to arise from acidity in the sto- mach, and people take magnesia, which does no good ; or they imagine it to be from corrosive poison and take oil, which likewise is useless. The only things that can do good are acids or oil of turpentine. As soon as the stomach has discharged it contents, give weak diluted vinegar ; let the pa- tient wash himself with it and gargle with it. Lemon juice answers still better. When the patient is getting tired of the acid, give from time to * There are some people, even doctors of medicine, who are affected or rather afflicted with such an extreme degree of refinement and delicacy, that it borders on silliness ; they think it against all rules of good society to put saliva from the mouth of one person into the eye of another. The doctor may write a prescription, send it to an apothecary's shop, and wait until a poor imitation of saliva has been made, by mixing filtered white of eggs and 5 ^ part of the sulpho-cyanate of soda, — it would take a considerable time, however, before this preparation could be made. 116 POISONING. time a drop 01 oil of turpentine on a lump of sugar. Occasionally you may give a cup of coffee without milk, or, what is still better, strong black tea. If the dryness does not diminish or returns again, if mucilaginous injections do not produce any evacuation, give Bryonia. If a temporary improvement takes place, wait ; but if the symptoms return, repeat Bryonia. None but mucilaginous injections, with a little acid, ought to be administered. If there are still some symptoms left after the use of Bryonia, they may be removed by Veratrum or Phosphoric acid ; should the paralysis or dry- ness remain, give Arsenicum ; this may be followed by Phosphorus if neces- sary. 8. Poison Generated by Disease of any Kind. Disease of any kind in man or beast, generates poison in a similar manner as does putrefaction in animal substances. These poisons differ as much in their nature as the diseases themselves ; some produce but a trifling, others a very" considerable effect; some by mere evaporation, but most of them when they enter the blood or the stomach. Every one shuns that which emanates from sick persons, and thus a natural loathing preserves us from these baneful influences. For this reason careful people avoid the garments of those who have for a long time suffered from a dangerous disease. But against diseased animals we are not generally sufficiently on our guard ; their exhalation alone proves injurious in many cases. Thus, that from a horse which has glanders, may affect a human being with a disease quite different. The excrement of sick animals is still worse ; their saliva and the pus from sores are always poisonous ; but notwithstanding the decidedly dangerous consequences, leprous or measly pigs are still killed and eaten. The most dangerous malady in this respect is the malignant splenic disease of cattle. If the blood of such an animal only falls upon the hand, it may prove infectious ; the same consequence may result from the skinning of such animals — nay, from the tanning of the skins — and yet avarice and ignorance continue to persist in the skinning of these diseased animals. Their flesh, though salted and smoked, is a poison, and always produces death or a lingering, incurable disease. The malignant splenic disease in cattle is known by a sudden drooping and dullness ; they stumble and tremble, particularly after drinking ; they have a dry hot skin and short breath ; during these symptoms, inflamma- tory tumors or boils are formed. Unless such cattle can be saved by throw- ing frequently large quantities of water on them, and giving Arsenicum, they must die. > In case the latter event takes place, endeavor at least to preserve other animals that may have been exposed, by the use of cold water. Those which perish should be buried in a very deep pit, without being touched by the hands. Everything that has come in contact with such animals should be burnt, buried, or purified with chloride of lime in water. When a person has been infected with this disease, he first feels melan- POISONING. 117 choly, weak and chilly ; red spots, black in the centre, show themselves on different parts of the body ; these soon become bluish tumors, and eventually inflammatory gangrenous ulcers. By no means put a poultice on them, nor anything warm and moist ; bleeding is also dangerous. The best remedy is quiet, a strict diet, drinking plentifully of cold water, and frequently throwing it over the patient, and drying him quickly afterwards. Internally give Arsenicum, frequently repeated. Whatever has been soiled by horses which have had the glanders, should be cleansed with chloride of lime ; exposing it for a long time to the air and the sun, also, will make it innoxious. If a person has been infected by a glandered horse, give Arsenicum, particularly if there is pain ; repeat it as often as the pain increases ; if this does not relieve, give Lachesis; should this also fail give Phosphoric acid. Some time after, Sulphur may be taken, if necessary ; and if some symptoms still remain, after three or four weeks, give Calcarea. Neither of these two remedies should be given oftener than once every five or ten days — and should not be repeated as long as the case improves. "When one has reason to fear that he has contracted one of these diseases by contact with the animal, exposure to great heat is recommended. The best way of accomplishing this is to place him in an ordinary vapor bath, or a Turkish bath ; take first Arsenicum, later Lachesis, if necessary. In horses, a cure may sometimes be effected by the administration of Aconite, Rhus tox., and Arsenicum, in the order in which they are named. II. POISONED WOUNDS. Stings and Bites or Animals — Their Antidotes and Treatment. a) Stings of Spiders. — The sting of spiders, centipedes, scorpions, the bites of many flies, mosquitoes, and of bugs, are rarely dangerous, but may be- come troublesome by their numbers, and produce serious consequences by attacking tender parts ; especially when little children or very delicate per- sons are thus afflicted. The best remedy is to hold the injured part near the fire ; or bring a red- hot coal, wire, or lighted cigar or pipe as close to the spot as possible, and hold it there until the pain is removed ; or, if no fire is at hand, wash the injured part with cold water and hartshorn. 6) Stings of Bees, etc. — When pursued by a swarm of bees, take care not to strike at them with a view of keeping them off, for it does no good, and only irritates them the more ; make your escape as quickly as possible, clos- ing the mouth and protecting the eyes ; but should a swarm follow you not- withstanding, particularly in the bushes, and should many have already alighted on your head, and there be no water near into which to plunge, 118 POISONING. lie down flat upon the ground, with the face downward, protecting the sides of the head with your hands, and lie still till they are gone. The first thing to be done, particularly when there are many, is to cut off the stings near the skin with a sharp knife or scissors ; in trying to extract the sting with the fingers more poison- is often pressed into the flesh. Salt water is the chief remedy, constantly renewed. In cases of stings in the mouth or throat, let the patient swallow some salt water or rinse and gargle with it. Until the salt water can be procured apply fresh garden mould ; sweet oil is often useful, particularly when many stings remain in the skin. Honey and strong-smelling herbs often relieve. In cases of great swelling, itching or great weakness, give Apis; sometimes, when there is much pain, Arnica. For remaining symptoms, Natrum muriaticum. The same observations apply to the stinging of wasps, only that in this case the sting does not remain in the wound. Always warn children not to bite imprudently into an apple or pear in which there is a hole ; sometimes wasps hide therein, and their sting in the mouth is very dangerous. After stings in the mouth and swollen tongue, when the above remedies do not relieve, give Belladonna, particularly if worse on the forepart of the tongue ; Lachesis when worse on the back part. In the very worst cases, when the patient falls down, let him smell sweet spirits of nitre, ether or chloroform, but only a very little ; before you can get these things, try to make the patient breathe fast by making him run between two other persons, or if that cannot be done, open his mouth, put something between the jaws to keep them open, draw his tongue forward, put your fore and middle finger upon his tongue as far back as you can, and press it forwards and downwards. If the patient commences to breathe, lessen your pressure by degrees ; if he tries to vomit, release the tongue at once. Mosquitoes may be driven away by the smoke of brown sugar, strewed upon live coals or red-hot iron ; after some time let the smoke pass out, and close the doors and windows. The bites of mosquitoes which pain severely, are relieved by the application of lemon juice or ammonia. Be careful not to check the inflammation from the stings or bites of in- sects too quickly, when they are numerous, by external applications ; the consequences are the same as when an eruption of the skin is too suddenly checked ; rather give Aconite, and some hours later Arnica. If not better the next day, Natrum muriaticum. c) Bites of Snakes. — It is well to know which snakes are poisonous. All poisonous snakes have in the upper jaw two long, large teeth ; all those which have in the upper and lower jaw each two rows of teeth, are not poi- sonous. The bite of a venomous snake is generally attended with violent shooting, and sometimes burning pain. "When the serpent is not venomous, rub some salt or gunpowder into the wound, as such wounds have often become troublesome. But if it is venom- ous, tie a ribbon, cloth, strap, rope, or the like, tightly around the limb, POISONING. 119 two or three inches above the wound, to prevent the blood returning from the wound to the heart, and leave it as long as the patient can bear it, or until the danger is past. Every endeavor should be made to extract the poison; for this end, the best means is the application of cupping-glasses frequently renewed till nothing more exudes from the wound. A cupping- glass may easily be extemporised in the following way : take a small glass tumbler, dip a piece of paper or cotton into brandy, whiskey, or other spirits, spirits of wine, eau de cologne, any toilet perfume will answer the purpose ; set fire to this, throw it into the tumbler, and immediately apply the mouth of the tumbler over the wound, taking care to press it close upon the skin so as to allow no air to enter. If the materials are not at hand, or the wound is so situated as to prevent the employment of cupping-glasses, the wound should be sucked. This can be done without danger, provided the person who sucks has no sore on his lips or in the mouth ; it would be well to take salt or garlic into the mouth. The sucking must be strong and continuous, and the wound must be drawn well open. Whilst sucking press your hand firmly towards the wound over the adjoining parts, particularly from the side next to the heart. After everything has thus been drawn from the wound, the best external remedy is heat. Whatever can be had soonest, red-hot iron or coals — if nothing better, a lighted cigar — must be brought as near to the wound as possible, without causing violent pains, and without burning the skin. Cauterizing, or burning with a hot iron, is useless, be- cause it destroys the smaller vessels. Apply, therefore, the hot iron or coals as close to the wound as the patient can bear it. As soon as the iron or coal cools, have another ready. Place several pieces of iron at once in the fire, and change them frequently ; and take care that there is a sufficient supply of red-hot coals. The heat should only operate upon the wound, and on the parts immediately around it, and not on too large a space. Do not blow the coals which you apply, this would cool the skin too much. If you have oil or fat at hand, smear it around the wound for three or four inches, and when absorbed, renew it. If you have no oil or fat, take soap or saliva. Whatever oozes forth from the wound must be carefully wiped away. Continue to apply heat until the patient begins to shudder and to stretch ; if this should occur soon, continue the application for an hour if he can bear it, or until the symptoms of the poison give way. If these symp- toms return, renew the application. After the wound has been thus treated, rub into it salt and gunpowder, cigar ashes or wood ashes, whichever is at hand, but fine salt is best. At the same time the patient must be kept as quiet as possible, the less motion or agitation he is subjected to the better. Give inwardly, as soon as possible, salt water, salt, gunpowder or garlic. If bad symptoms appear, notwithstanding, give wine or brandy, a few drops or half a teaspoonful at once, every two or three minutes, until they disap- pear again, but resume the treatment as soon as they re-appear. If the shooting pains grow worse — if they are in the direction of the heart — if the spot turns blue or spotted, or swells— if vomiting, giddiness or fainting en- 120 POISONING. sue, give Arsenicum, oft repeated ; if there is improvement, do not repeat until worse again. If several doses have produced no effect, give Belladonna. Phosphoric acid will sometimes remove the remaining symptoms, and some- times Mercurius or Lachesis. Daily visits to the hot room of a Turkish bath are strongly recommended. d) Bites of mad dogs. — The bite of a mad dog, or of other rabid animals, should be treated in the beginning in the same way as snake bites. Burn- ing, cauterizing, cutting, lacerating, suppurating, and all similar cruelties, are positively useless ; the more you lacerate the wound, the more rapidly will the poison enter into and circulate with the blood. The cupping-glass should be at once applied and the application of radiating heat, as just de- scribed under snake bites, be made without delay and repeated three or four times a day, an hour each time, or until shuddering appears. Let the wound heal quietly, after the above means have been resorted to, and only make use of the precautions indicated below. Heat should be occasionally applied to the wound in the manner just de- scribed, until the scar becomes of the natural color of the skin. It should be renewed whenever the wound appears hard, dark-colored, red or inflamed. Daily visits to the hot room of a Turkish bath have saved the lives of several, and should not be neglected. Sometimes after seven days, or later, particularly when the patient has a slight fever, a small blister will appear under the tongue ; have this opened with a pair of fine pointed scissors, or a penknife, and let the patient rinse his mouth with salt water. The vapor bath has proved a very efficient remedy. It may be used in case it is impossible to go to a Turkish bath. If there is an opportunity of using it several times, soon after the bite, it will, no doubt, be of benefit to the patient ; at any rate, apply it as soon as any suspicious symptoms make their appearance. These symptoms are: sudden and unusual thirst, fol- lowed by shuddering and loathing when drinking ; an aversion to anything bright, and to the wind; great sadness and dejection. The bath may be of service, although convulsions should have com- menced. To administer the vapor bath, the patient should be in a place large enough to have sufficient air to breathe, and yet so small as to be easily filled with hot vapor. If the patient is already suffering from con- vulsions, he should be wrapped in a sheet, to confine his hands and feet, but the neck and head ought to be perfectly free. A small room with wooden walls, which can be tightly closed, is best. Into this room carry red-hot stones or bricks, as many as necessary ; throw water upon them, or, if the patient cannot bear this, wet sand. As the stones cool they must be removed, and reheated. Place a tray with wet sand near the door, in which make a hole to pass the stones through, or place them on a bench or table near the window. It is well to have some one in the room with the patient. All these directions, however, become useless, unless a good fire is kept POISONING. 121 up, and there is a sufficient number of persons to change the stones and heat them, for the whole room must be closely filled with hot vapor for a sufficient length of time. If the bath is used as a preventive, one to two hours are requisite ; if used after the convulsions have commenced, until they cease. A Russian bath, if that can be obtained, is the best of all vapor baths for the purpose, the above is merely an extemporaneous imitation of it. A simpler method still of administering a vapor bath, is to make the patient sit on a cane-bottomed chair, cover him well up with two or three thick blankets, and introduce beneath the chair on which he sits a tub of hot water, into which you are to drop occasionally a red-hot brick ; or a more elegant and convenient method of generating the heat and vapor, is to in- troduce beneath the chair a large spirit lamp, the flame of which plays on a saucerful of boiling water placed above it. Such an apparatus may readily be extemporized, but it is also to be had in many of the hardware and tin shops. To prevent convulsions, give Hydrophobinum, evening and morning, every week, until it produces fever, diarrhoea, etc. Cantharides, third dilution, may also be mentioned as a preventive. If ulcers or eruptions should appear, no external application must be used, they will disappear. If the patient labors already under hydrophobia, give Belladonna at every return of the convulsions. If after some time the convulsions continue about the same, give Hyoscyamus ; if this fails, Cantharides. The endless variety of medicines for hydrophobia, to which every coun- try and every year make new contributions, do not deserve much consider- ation, as not a single mad dog has ever been cured by them. They are mostly recommended from having, as was supposed, prevented the disease ; but as only about one person in twenty, of those who have really been bitten by rabid animals, are attacked by hydrophobia, whether medicines have been used or not, this pretended prevention proves nothing. Many persons are attacked -by hydrophobia through the effect of imagination, and for such cases almost any remedy will answer. We ought not to place too much confidence in the methods of cure so often recommended ; and to sub- ject every one bitten to the tortures of cauterizing, cutting and bleeding to excess, is absurd. In most cases nothing is required ; and in the few cases where the poison takes effect, such violent means are of no use whatever. If bad symptoms or ulcers appear after the bite of an enraged person or animal, give Hydrophobinum. When putrid animal substances have got into a wound, or pus — matter from ulcers of men or animals — give Arsenicum. If blood, pus or saliva of an animal affected with the malignant splenic disease, glanders, etc, use Arsenicum and heat, as stated above. For the bites of any angry animal ; if pus or other diseased matter gets into a wound ; if you have been obliged to touch persons or animals labor- 122 POISONING. ing under a contagious, dangerous disease, it is best to expose your hands for five to ten minutes to as great a heat as you can bear, then wasli them thoroughly in soap and warm water, and take Arsenicum. We have thought it advisable to prepare a brief summary of the forego- ing remarks in a tabular form, by referring to which any one can easily find the proper antidotes, in the most dangerous cases of poisoning, where it is necessary to render immediate assistance. TABLE OF ANTIDOTES TO THE MOST POWERFUL POISONS. POISONS. ANTIDOTES. I. GASES. Gas produced in places deprived of Chloride of lime ; vinegar. fresh air, such as privies, wells, etc. Vapor of charcoal. Vinegar and vapor of vinegar. II. ACIDS. Prussic acid. Cold affusions to the head and spine ; spirits of hartshorn. Sulphuric, muriatic, phosphoric, Tepid soap-suds ; magnesia ; chalk, acetic acid, and strong wine vine- powdered and mixed with water; gar. wood ashes mixed with water; carbonates of potash or soda. Nitric and oxalic acids. Carbonates of magnesia and lime. III. ALKALINE POISONS. Pot and pearl ashes, caustic potash, Vinegar; lemon juice, and other carbonate of potash and ammonia. vegetable acids ; sour milk; mu- cilaginous drinks and injections; olive or castor oil. IV. METALLIC SUBSTANCES. Arsenic. White of eggs with water ; rust of iron; a soapy fluid made with equal parts of lime-water and oil; sugar- water; milk. Corrosive sublimate, copper, verdi- White of eggs in water; sugar-water; gris. milk ; starch from wheat flour. Lead. Epsom salts ; Glauber's salts. Lunar caustic. Common salt dissolved in water. Tin. Sugar, white of eggs and milk. V. VEGETABLE POISONS. Opium or laudanum, stramonium. Coffee ; vinegar. Bitter almonds, peach kernels or Spirits of hartshorn ; coffee ; cold peach leaves. affusions. EXTERNAL INJURIES. 123 CHAPTER IX. EXTERNAL INJURIES. CONCUSSION, BRUISES, SPRAINS, DISLOCATIONS, FRACTURES, ETC. Concussion or the brain may be produced by a blow upon the head, a fall, and sometimes by a violent shock to the body. In cases of violence, not very severe, there will be temporary loss of memory, stupefaction, ver- tigo, ringing in the ears, etc. In more severe cases the accident is immediately followed by insensibility, patient lies as if in a sound sleep ; there are vomiting, feebleness and irregu- larity of pulse, and cold extremities. As the stupor and other symptoms gradually wear away, inflammation of the brain, of an active character, frequently begins to develop itself, which, if not speedily checked by appropriate treatment, may terminate fatally. A severe fall or blow upon the head may have cracked the bones of the skull internally. In some cases such injuries, if not great, may be cured bv remedies which act on the bones. In severe cases the stupefaction might disappear and the patient apparently improve, yet death ensue in a few days, hence it is very important to ascertain whether there is a fracture. Proceed as follows : Tie one end of a cord to a silver spoon or fork or a piece of iron, something that will give a clear sound when struck, let the patient take the other end of the cord between his teeth, or fasten it to one of his teeth, or wrap it around the finger, which is to be inserted into the ear of the patient ; now strike the metal, which must swing clear, and the vibrations will be communicated' to the bones and great pain will be felt at the point of fracture if the bone is cracked. Even a stupefied person will show it, if pain is felt, by distorting the face. A physician will be better able to judge of these symptoms, and therefore they should be communi- cated to him. If a sound produced in the above manner causes pain in the head, Hypericum in water is sometimes serviceable ; at the same time the patient should be kept very quiet ; he will generally find the best position for his head himself. If one side is more fractured than the other, let him lie on the less injured side ; if it is internal, keep his head in an elevated position and place a small round pillow at the nape of his neck. The doors must be closed gently, and everyone in the room move with the greatest precaution. For concussion of the brain, as well as in all other cases of shock from external violence, Arnica is the principal remedy. A few teaspoonfuls of cold water, immediately after the injury, will often be of great service in reviving the patient, and should always be resorted 124 EXTERNAL INJURIES. to, as water can do no harm. The application to the head of cloths dipped in cold water, and to which, in case of external injury, a few drops of Tinct- ure of Arnica may be added, will also he of great benefit. The diet should be of the most simple kind ; and no wine, brandy, coffee, spices, nor stimulants of any kind made use of. Bleeding should not be re- sorted to, as in many cases death has ensued from large bleedings, intended to obviate inflammation of the brain. If active inflammation of the brain should set in, notwithstanding the use of the means recommended above, it may be necessary to administer Aconite, Belladonna, and other remedies recommended under that head, which see. Concussion of other parts of the body may occasion a variety of unpleas- ant effects. Sometimes internal parts are distended or torn ; pain arises, which increases the following day ; violent headache, giddiness, pains in the chest, asthma, hacking cough, spitting of blood, pain in the back, descending pains in the belly, etc. In all such cases Arnica is the chief remedy. The patient should remain as quiet as possible ; drink plenty of cold water ; wash the painful parts frequently in cold water, or with water containing a few drops of Arnica tincture; neither eat nor drink anything stimulating ; make use of no wine, brandy, coffee, tea, or spices, of but little salt, and of nothing sour. If the accident was attended with sudden fright, give first, Opium, and some hours after, Arnica. If the patient faints, or is senseless and stunned, wash his head, face and arms with cold water, and give, if it can be done immediately after the accident, a few drops of wine ; but if fifteen or twenty minutes have elapsed, Aconite or Glonoine, and afterwards, if necessary, Arnica. Bleeding is always unnecessary, and sometimes injurious. When pregnant women, in consequence of a fall, slip, or other violent concussion, feel pains in the abdomen, a thing which occurs very frequently in the first months of pregnancy, and which is often the precursor of a mis- carriage, give Arnica, and let the patient keep quiet, if possible in a hori- zontal posture, and avoid, for several days, every exertion. Should the pains, notwithstanding, become very violent some hours after Arnica has been given, give Chamomilla or one of the other medicines recommended under "Miscarriage." In headache from concussion give Glonoine, Belladonna or Phosphoric acid, whichever may suit best according to the symptoms enumerated under "Headache." If a dull pressure, give Arnica; if very violent and the eyes are painful, give Hypericum. Affections of the chest, caused by violent concussion, are removed by Arnica. Sometimes Aconite or Rhus is required. Look under " Chest," Part II. Overlifting. — If lifting or carrying heavy loads, or any sudden exer- tion of strength produces pain, give Rhus. When from this cause very violent piercing pains are felt in the small EXTERNAL INJURIES. 125 of the back, which become worse on every motion of the body, give Bryonia. If this does not relieve entirely, Sulphur. If headache ensues, and Bhus >vill not remove it, give Calcarea. Strains. — If one has injured himself by violent extension and then press- ure of the abdomen, as in climbing over a high fence, wrestling, etc., and afterwards feels suddenly sick at the stomach, has violent pains in a small spot internally in the abdomen, or has there a sensation as if everything was pulling downwards, which makes him anxious and restless with a face full of agony, Veratrum will give relief. When a person, who has great tendency to such injuries, meets with them often, give Sepia each time. Missteps sometimes cause pains in the limbs similar to overlifting. They will generally be relieved by Bryonia or Bhus; or, if the stomach is much affected, by Bryonia or Pulsatilla. If the injury occurs often, and is caused by debility, it will be cured by Phosphorus, which should be given whenever it returns. Bruises. — In the treatment of bruises, nothing is more efficacious than the application to the injured parts of cloths (linen is to be preferred), dipped in cold water, and the internal administration of Arnica. In very severe cases, followed by fever, give Aconite, and some time after- ward Arnica, if it seems necessary. Occasionally Arnica may be again necessary after a few days. A lotion of Arnica tincture, made of the root, in the proportion of half a teaspoonful to a tumbler of water, may also be used. If a limb is crushed and flattened, or otherwise disfigured, it should be pressed by the hand from time to time, until it returns to its proper form ; or it may, if necessary, be straightened and kept in its natural position by means of a piece of pasteboard, wet with hot water and so softened that it can be moulded to the limb; or thick gutta percha, treated in the same way so as to render it flexible, and capable of being adapted to the shape of the limb; a bandage must be placed over all to keep it in place. Cold water, dieting, and the above remedies will be the best treatment; all salves and lotions, except that of Arnica, are unnecessary and often injurious. Should suppuration (formation of matter) ensue, from neglect, bad man- agement, or impurity of the blood, Hepar must be given. If in the accident the bone was injured, or there was a fall or blow, directly on a bone, for instance on the shin, apply a cloth kept moistened with water, in which a few drops of Buta have been put. This will be particularly beneficial when the injury was very violent, and the pain seems to be deep in the bone. If the pain is more external, so that it is only painful to the touch, or the wound assumes a red appearance, which extends and increases like erysipe- las, give Buta internally and apply a solution in water externally. If the 12G EXTERNAL INJURIES. ordinary Tincture of Arnica, made from the cheap flowers, has been used externally — the erysipelatous appearance may arise from its application, for the flowers nearly always contain the eggs, worms or cast-off skins of a poisonous moth — camphor should then be used externally as the best antidote. But should the incipient signs of mortification present themselves, as increased swelling and pain, the pain of a pungent burning kind, loss of sensibility, heat and color, and the wound begins to change to a darker hue, Cinchona; and if the skin assumes a dark, livid color, recourse must be had to Lachesis, which should be given at short intervals, and may prevent the loss of life and limb. Amputation should be postponed as long as possible; many a limb has been saved by the reluctance of the patient to have the operation performed. Bruises about the Eyes from blows with the fist, a stick, a stone, a flying cork, etc., are to be treated in the manner indicated above ; change the piece of wet linen, as soon as it becomes warm, for a cold one, and band- age the eyes, for the purpose of keeping the light from them. Whenever the pain increases, give Arnica or Aconite, according to the symptoms. Bumps on the heads of children should not be pressed with a knife ; but treated with applications of cold water, or water with a few drops of Arnica tincture in it, and the internal administration of Arnica. If bad symptoms occur later, if the child has dizziness after shaking the head, or pains and dilated pupils ; if it bores the head into the pillow, and has fever and con- vulsions, water on the brain (hydrocephalus) is to be feared, Belladonna or Hyoscyamus should be given. Consult also "Concussion." — In cases of this kind, however, as in all serious cases, it is better to consult a homoeopathic physician. Sprains. — A limb is sprained when, after a fall or other violence, it pains severely, cannot be moved without pain, swells and turns red. At the commencement of the treatment of these troublesome injuries, apply cold water freely. Arnica should be taken internally. After the removal of the more acute symptoms, it may be necessary to resort to the use of Rhus, Bryonia or Sulphur, to aid in removing the stiffness and soreness which may remain. Gentle motions of the limb will also be beneficial. If it turns blue : Arnica. If a yellowish-blue spot becomes soft, give Symphytum. If the swelling remains very long with more or less pain, use applications of warm vinegar. If the swelling about the joint is so soft, as to leave a pit when pressed by the finger, Sambucus will give relief; or else compresses of the moistened elder blossoms. EXTERNAL INJURIES. 127 Dislocations, Luxations. — The removal of the head of a bone from its corresponding articular cavity is termed a dislocation or luxation. It is characterized by violent pain, loss of motion, swelling, alteration in the shape, length and direction of the limb. An unnatural depression or prominence can generally be felt in the vicinity of the injured joint ; and there will be also a peculiar rigidity of the limb, and fever. By comparing the injured with the sound limb, the deformity will at once be apparent. The first thing to be done is to give Arnica; or, if there is already redness and inflammation, Aconitum, and to apply cold water. By these means some relief may be obtained until a surgeon can be called, which should be done at once. It is not necessary to do anything more after the dislocation has been reduced: all poultices, salves, bleeding, etc., are injurious. A proper band- age must be applied, and as soon as the inflammation abates, which, after taking Arnica and perhaps Aconite, will soon take place, the limb should be moved often, but carefully, lest it grow stiff. Fractue.es. — The most certain sign of fracture is crepitation, a peculiar grating noise or sensation, produced by the rubbing together of two broken surfaces of bone. "When on moving an injured limb, you can perceive this sensation, it is a pretty sure indication that it is fractured. In addition to this, there is usually increased mobility, which is the reverse of the peculiar rigidity of a limb in case of dislocation, some deformity, pain, swelling, inability to move or use the limb, and sometimes it is shortened. In all cases of suspected fracture, send for a surgeon, and for a skillful one too, and not for "the first best;" for mistakes committed under these cir- cumstances can hardly ever be remedied. When children are the sufferers, more despatch is required. But in ordinary cases, a day or two may elapse without incurring any risk, for a broken bone does not unite so very readily. Before the arrival of the surgeon, the broken limb should be moved as little as possible ; on the painful part put linen bandages dipped frequently into cold water, or diluted Arnica tincture if the soft tissues have been bruised ; internally give Aconite, if the patient is very weak or faint, and some hours after, Arnica. Only when the pains are insufferable, and occasion convul- sions, give Chamomilla, then Hypericum. In very rare cases only, when the pains are excruciating, and other bad symptoms appear, stretching of the limbs will afford any relief. To do this wrap towels firmly above and below the part of the fracture ; then fasten to them long pieces of cloth and tie one of these, say the upper, to the head-board of the bed ; then pull slowly on the lower, and when extension enough to relieve the pain has been gained, fasten this piece to tl: 3 lower bed-post or foot-board, and so retain the limb in a painless position till the surgeon comes. After the bone has been set, give Symphytum. Should the bone not unite readily, but remain loose — as sometimes happens with aged persons — give Calcarea phosphorica, or if not to be had, mix a 128 EXTERNAL INJURIES. small portion of diluted phosphoric acid with lime-water, dry the sediment which will be formed in this mixture, and give the patient as much of it as will lie on the end of a penknife, once a day. If the bones of young people will not heal, give good, strong broth, or meat-extract, which will be mentioned hereafter, under "Apparent Death from Hunger." WOUNDS. We ought first to know what wounds will heal of themselves and when treatment is necessary ; we ought also to know how the cure can be accele- rated, and what must be done in dangerous cases until a surgeon can be procured. All wounds which are not mortal heal of themselves, without any medi- cine, unguents, plasters or salves. External applications are almost always injurious, and all rational practitioners have long ago discontinued the use of them. Nothing more is necessary than to apply a proper bandage, and to wet it from time to time with cold water. If requisite, some medicine should be given internally, and attention be paid to the diet. a) Dressing of the Wound. — The most important thing in the healing of a wound is to bring the sides in close contact and exclude the air. Small, superficial wounds may be closed by pressing the sides together, and tying a bandage around the limb to keep them in that position. Common, small cuts on the fingers are often troublesome for a considerable time, as they prevent us from using the hand ; but they will heal quickly with a healthy person, if sewed together, or drawn together by means of adhesive plaster or common court- plaster. When the wounds are longer, penetrating through the skin into the flesh, a superficial suture will not suffice, but you must use adhesive plaster, the ordinary sticking plaster of the shops. Cut this into strips, a few inches long, narrower in the middle than at the ends. Warm them with your breath, or by wrapping them around a bottle filled with hot water, or around your arm, the side on which the plaster is, of course, turned out, till the plaster becomes soft. The narrow part must be placed on the wound. In applying them press the wound well together, and draw the strips tightly over it ; they should be long enough to extend several inches beyond the wound on each side, otherwise they will not stick well. The hairs ought also to be shaved off from about the wound, and all moisture carefully wiped away. Open spaces ought to be left between the strips, particularly where the wound is deepest, that, in case of suppuration, the matter may be allowed to escape and prevent the formation of abscesses. In dressing the wound the limb should be put in such a position that the wound will not gape, and should be kept in that position as much as pos- sible. Deep lacerated wounds, or long cuts in the face, lips, eyelids, neck, etc., EXTERNAL INJURIES. 129 have sometimes to be united by deeper sutures, which a surgeon alone can do properly. Considerable stabs, or other narrow and deep wounds, must not be closed in this manner, as they would heal on the surface, and suppurate at the bot- tom. But if they are so situated that they can be compressed at the bottom, as well as at the orifice, it may be done until the surgeon arrives, who in all such cases should be consulted. Besides being sewed or dressed with adhesive plaster, every wound ought to be so bandaged, that it may be the more firmly united, and that the air may be prevented from entering it ; at the same time the limb ought not to be more compressed and laced than is necessary. The simpler the adhesive plaster is, the better the wound will heal ; court plaster disagrees with many, as balsams are added> which in some cases inflame the wound. Anyone can prepare it. Isinglass is beaten and soaked in water until it is soft, then boiled with alcohol in a glass which is placed in boiling water until entirely dissolved ; then it is spread on very fine linen or silk which has been tacked on a board. When dry cut it any desirable size. Plaster is also made with Arnica, Cal- endula, Hypericum, Ruta and other healing herbs ; but these can only be used when the remedy is distinctly indicated in the case. The bruising of the skin, especially on the knuckles, ends of the fingers and on the shinbone, sometimes causes a bad sore, and often becomes trouble- some in children. The best application for such sores is the lining mem- brane of a raw egg. The best mode of obtaining this is to break the egg carefully and peel off the skin with which the shell is lined, in strips as broad as- you can make them ; put these with the side which was next to the shell on the wound until it is entirely covered. Another good application is collodium, (a solution of gun-cotton in ether) it is sold in all drug stores. It is to be spread over the wound with a soft brush, the ether evaporates, and leaves a thin, transparent skin, which is not removed by water. The brush must be kept in ether, or it will become hard and stiff. b) Hemorrhage caused by Wounds. — Wounds which have been closed and dressed in the aforesaid manner, generally cease to bleed. Sometimes, how- ever, it is necessary to place a compress of linen upon the wound, and to keep it there with bandages. Cold water applied immediately and often renewed, will frequently stop the bleeding, yet there are cases where it does not suffice. When the blood is gushing out of the wound, when the wound is on the neck, the superior and interior part of the thigh or arms, the whole limb or side of the neck should be compressed till the bleeding ceases, and a sur- geon procured immediately. The hemorrhage is still more dangerous when bright red blood flows from the wound, and the blood spurts at intervals as the pulse beats. Hasten, in such a case, to obtain the assistance of an experienced surgeon; but as 130 EXTERNAL INJURIES. every delay is dangerous, tie a cloth very tightly around the limb above the wound, in the direction of the heart; this will stop the bleeding, but the pressure will be painful, so one can now more leisurely feel for the artery above this bandage on the interior part of the limb, which will be known by its beating: place lengthways on this spot a medium sized cork, press it well home, and put over it a compre-s two or three inches square, and as thick as a finger, and over this a bandage, which firmly tighten, and loosen the other somewhat; if no bleeding follows, the first bandage may be taken off; if bleeding does follow, tighten this last bandage till the blood ceases flowing ; or if necessary re-apply the former bandage. If the blood does not come in jets with every beat of the heart, but runs in a steady stream and not very profusely, or if the wound is so situated that the entire part cannot be encircled with a bandage, a compress may be put directly over the wound and a bandage be firmly applied. People are apt to have recourse to very improper and injurious means to stop bleeding; in their fright they tie one cloth over the other, until they exhaust their whole stock of rags and handkerchiefs. But that cannot stop the bleeding — it merely conceals it for a few moments. "When the first firm bandage does not stop it, the rest are useless and jternicious, as they prevent the cold water from penetrating, and conceal the danger. Some persons put upon wounds which bleed profusely a mass of the most heterogeneous things imaginable : vinegar, cobwebs, balsam, brandy, punk, lead-water, the white of eggs and sweet oil, charcoal, glue, alum, soot, lemon-juice, shoemaker's wax, gum arabic, tar, urine, tan, oak leaves, salves, unguents, and other trash, to stop the effusion of blood; all these things render the healing of the wound more difficult, as they soil the surface, and as every foreign thing entering into a wound has again to be expelled by suppuration. When a proper bandage, the application of cold water and of ice, a quiet and easy position of the patient, does not stop the bleeding, hasten for a surgeon, and until he comes proceed as follows : .Give the patient a little salt, and if that does not help him, give some vine- gar and water. Do not give him much drink, particularly nothing warm. Let the wounded part be elevated, and see that there is no more pressure on any part of the body than can be avoided. Should the patient faint, leave him at rest, and do not annoy him with smelling bottles. Fainting is always beneficial, for in this state the blood flows less rapidly, and is more apt to congeal in the wound, especially when aided by applications of cold water. If the patient turns quite pale, and becomes blue in the face, or has jerking of the limbs, however, there is danger, and Cinchona should be given immediately. After this, if worse again, give him a little good old wine, and after that, if necessary, repeat the Cinchona. The same remedies ought to be given after much loss of blood ; but when the bleeding has ceased, the patient may drink small quantities of cold water as often as he asks for it. EXTERNAL INJURIES. 131 To stop the bleeding, when the first bandage and the application of cold, wet rags does not do it, give Arnica; if this fails, Ipecacuanha. The black glutinous drops which hang in chimneys where wood is burnt, will answer, if nothing better can be got. Take a portion of this as large as a pea, dis- solve it in a tablespoonful of brandy, until the latter turns brown — mix this wil h half a tumbler of water, and drop it into the wound. If Kreosote can be had, it is to be preferred : one drop of it in a teaspoonful of water is fully strong enough. The persulphate of iron, known commonly as Monsel's Salt, is the most powerful styptic and may be put into the wound as a dry powder, or else mixed with a little water, and a cloth saturated with it applied to the bleeding parts. The bites of leeches sometimes bleed too much; children have thus bled to death in the night, when proper attention was not paid to them. The wisest plan is to use no leeches at all ; but those who have no knowledge of better remedies, must be expected to have recourse to improper ones. These wounds can be closed by putting in a couple of stitches, in the way before explained — they give no pain whatever. "With children who dread this, the bleeding may be stopped by pressing the finger upon the wound for a considerable time, and applying some shoemaker's wax. During the night particular attention should, notwithstanding, be paid lest the bleeding re- commence. After a vein has been opened the same precaution is necessary. The patient ought to rest undisturbed, and some one should be in attendance to see that the vein does not bleed again. c) Cleansing of the Wound. — However well a wound may have been band- aged, it will not heal if it has not been properly cleansed ; therefore, before dressing the wound, free it from everything extraneous. If the wound is full of dirt or sand, or if there are splinters in it, small pieces of glass, fish- bones, shot or rags, or if the iron which made it was rusty, it will not heal so easily. All foreign substances should, if possible, be removed by the forceps and by washing well with water. If you find it impossible to cleanse the wound thoroughly, dress it but lightly, not pressing it much, and renew the dressing frequently. Wounds of this kind, particularly when splinters remain in them, should always be dressed by a surgeon. When a person has run a nail, fish-bone, splinters or glass into his foot, they cannot always be removed entirely ; surgeons cut often in every direc- tion, but in vain. Into such a wound drop at once a little vulnerary balsam; balsam of Peru is best; but if you have none, use Canada or any other; put over this a compress of linen, and tie it to the sole of the foot. Eenew the application of the balsam every day until the wound has healed from within. At the same time the wounded person should walk occasionally, even though painful to him ; the motion will assist in cleansing the wound. If there is much inflammation, apply cold water externally, and internally the remedies prescribed below, particularly Hypericum, and the wound may be dressed with Oil of Hypericum, known as red oil. If after a wound in the sole of the foot has healed, violent pain is expe- 132 EXTERNAL INJURIES. rienced when walking, we may infer that there is still some foreign sub- stance in the foot. Fasten to the sole of the foot a cork sole, a thick piece of pasteboard, or a thin board, with a hole cut in it just where it touches the sore part, and let the patient walk on it frequently ; at the same time give Silicea, and if no better after a week, Hepar, and after waiting seven days, Silicca again. The extraneous matter will generally soon be brought out. Plantain seeds crushed and applied externally, are said to have the same effect. If you can feel any thing plainly under the skin, let an incision be made to take it out, or let the skin be scraped very thin with a sharp knife. d) Subsequent Treatment and Diet. — Besides stopping the hemorrhage, and cleansing and dressing the wound, its subsequent treatment, as well as the diet of the patient, is a matter of importance. When the wound is large, the patient should keep as quiet as possible; he should neither exert his mind nor his body too much ; he should drink plenty of cold water, and avoid every thing stimulating — much salt, spices, smoked food, etc. If the dressing was necessarily put on very tight, loosen it somewhat if it becomes troublesome, the next day. If not too tight, leave it undisturbed for two or three days, if the wound does not suppurate, and always remove it gradually. In removing a piece of sticking plaster, always begin at both ends and proceed to the centre ; begin to remove the strips, at one end of the wound, replace the strip removed immediately by another, and continue in that manner till finished, in order that it may not open again or be dragged asunder. If possible, leave the dressing until the wound is healed ; in sum- mer, however, and when wounds suppurate freely, the dressing should be changed frequently. The threads in the sutures are to remain until they drop off. Cold water is not only serviceable in stopping the bleeding and cleansing the wound, but also in healing it afterwards. Put on a compress of linen, and dip it frequently in cold water — particularly when there is swelling, redness and pain. Or take lint, dip it in water, and cover the wound with it; put over this some oiled silk or gutta-percha tissue, or where these can not be obtained, paper that has been saturated with warm wax, or thick oiled paper may be used, and tie a cloth over it to keep the adjacent parts dry. As the heat abates and the wound heals, renew it less frequently, and when the heat is gone, discontinue it altogether. All wounds which suppurate badly, are to be treated as ulcers — of which more will be said hereafter. Wounds of this kind must not be treated with cold, but with warm water dressings ; 20 or 30 drops of tincture of Calendula put into half a cup of water, and the lint soaked with this solution, is best. All lacerated wounds, and others which cannot be accurately united, must be drawn together and treated with cold water, unless they suppurate. To all wounds over a bone, on the head, the breast-bone, the elbow, finger- joints or the knee, the shin-bone, the ankle, apply nothing but cold water without any tight bandage — unless in the beginning, to stop the bleeding, EXTERNAL INJURIES. 133 you may make use of pressure; afterwards merely tie something over the wound to keep out the air, particles of dust, etc. All other applications are injurious, as they produce ulcers, which may sometimes eat into the bone. The remedies recommended for fractures, may, likewise, be applied exter- nally in a diluted state. e) Remedies. — By selecting in every case the suitable remedies, the cure will be considerably accelerated. As soon as the patient is at rest, give him one of the remedies prescribed for wounds. If, after such a medicine, the fever increases and is attended with dryness of the skin and great restless- ness, give Aconite; but if the restlessness is accompanied by great excite- ment, Coffea; should the patient have lost much blood, give Cinchona; but if no great improvement takes place within six, eight or twelve hours, administer one of the following remedies : Apis, if punctured wounds become red, very sensitive to the touch ; par- ticularly if the pain is burning, piercing, continuous, and if the redness spreads like erysipelas. If the redness runs down the inside of the arms or legs in interrupted stripes, Rhus is better, and afterwards Arsenicum. Arnica, if the injury has more the nature of a bruise than of an open wound, if the parts affected are brown and blue, or become so ; if the wound can be well united ; if it was merely in the skin (remembering that the skin in some places is very thick). Calendula, if the wound is lacerated, if it is a deep gash, whose sides can be but imperfectly united ; if moving causes pain, even after the wound is dressed; if the skin or flesh has come off in pieces; if the wound looks torn and jagged; it answers for the worst kind of pains when Hypericum is ineffectual. Staphisagria, if the wounds are clean, deep cuts in the flesh made by a sharp knife, qt glass, or consequent upon surgical operations. Hypericum is suitable for all wounds either from a thrust, a cut, bruise or tearing asunder ; if the pain is unusually violent and particularly if it lasts long and is similar to a violent toothache, extending far around the wound and up through the limb. The same is indicated when children have spasms after every slight injury. If bones have been injured at the same time, do not forget the remedies recommended before. In these cases, Arnica, Calendula and Staphisagria should be administered externally in the following way: — Take a few drops of the tincture, dilute it in ten times the quantity of water, and with this moisten small pieces of rags and place them on the wound. To persons who have a morbid skin, which is irritated by the slightest injury and suppurates, give Chamomilla; and should it do no good, Hepar. Sometimes it is necessary to give Silicea. f) Lock-jaw. — When convulsive symptoms appear after an injury, and lock-jaw is to be apprehended, it is always best to send at once for a physi- cian. But, if in this emergency none can be obtained, endeavor to render 134 EXTERNAL INJURIES. assistance as you may be able. If a patient who lias been wounded, com- plains of pains in the bowels, without any other cause, lock-jaw is to be feared. Staph isagria or Colocynthis, given according to the symptoms, may prevent it. If the patient complains of much pain in the neck, or of ex- cessive stiffness in the neck and back, especially if tills is preceded by a good deal of stretching of all the limbs ; if he complains of cramp, or pain resembling cramp, in the joints of the jaw or in the cheeks near the ears; if he feels a constant inclination to yawn, and yet is unable to open his mouth sufficiently; if he is fretful, irritable, and difficult to please, give Ignatia until there is improvement. But if, after several doses have been taken, he grows worse, if lock-jaw takes place, if his back is stiff and rigid, give Mercurius; if this fails, Belladonna, especially if his face is red; Aconite if it grows pale and red alternately. In some cases, where the sufferer becomes very cold, Bryonia or Veratrum may be effectual; if warmth makes him worse, Secale. A person, not a medical man, will hardly be able to select the proper remedy among all those indicated. Ignatia is the principal remedy, and must be repeated every few hours, if the patient grows worse whenever he is touched or handled ; if touching causes first more pain, and then makes the patient worse, Cinchona; if a nerve has been injured, or if the trouble has come after a severe fall on the back, Hypericum ; if there first appears a redness around the wound, resembling erysipelas, Ruta, Rhus, Hyoscyamus, Stramonium, Camphor, or other medicines, may sometimes be the remedies. In general, it may be said that the choice of the proper medi- cine often depends on the most minute circumstances. g) Bleeding of the Gums. — Frequently the gums bleed considerably after the extraction of a tooth. The application of vinegar in such cases is always injurious; endeavor to staunch the blood with cold water. Instead of the always injurious styptics and the barbarous red-hot iron, Dr. Cartwright has recommended the following excellent plan: — "Insert a pledget of raw cotton, without force, into the cavity ; apply a common tour- niquet over the head, place the pad on the side of the cheek over the bleed- ing gum, the screw over the pad, and a few turns of the screw, without giv- ing pain are sufficient." The rationale is : what was caused by the lacer- ating pressure from within out, must be overcome by a gentle, opposite pressure from without in. The ingenious inventor therefore says: "The true indication is, to contract the cavity by compressing with the fingers on every side of it, introducing previously a loose pledget of cotton or lint, for the sides of the cavity to contract upon ; and in severe cases to resort to the tourniquet to make the lateral pressure." If there is much pain and swelling, give Arnica ; if lever, Aconite. If, in consequence of having taken cold, these medicines do not afford any relief, give Rhus or Bryonia, For throbbing pain in the bone, which is so violent that it can hardly be borne, sometimes attended with fey er,' Hyoscyamus will be beneficial. If the jaw swells, and a tedious suppuration follows, take Silicea. EXTERNAL INJURIES. 135 h) Large Wounds on the Head. — When the bones of the head have been in- jured, or deep wounds have been received in the face, neck or chest, stabs in the abdomen, and all wounds where the joints have been crushed, or in which they have been penetrated, must absolutely be treated by a surgeon. We will, however, mention here, in a few words, the course to be pursued in case a surgeon is not at hand. When a limb has been partially crushed, it may sometimes be preserved by cold applications, and by giving internally Arnica, and Aconite occa- sionally, if there is fever; this preservation is possible even when mortifi- cation has already taken place, by giving first Cinchona, and afterwards, when the skin begins to turn black, Lachesis. The surgeon alone can, however, judge what is best to be done, and we only propose this treatment, when the patient refuses to submit to amputation, when no surgeon who can perform the operation is to be procured, or when it is too late to undertake it. i) Large Wounds in the Abdomen. — These wounds are often not so desperate as they appear to be ; even if the bowels protrude and the whole belly is torn open, do not give up the patient. Kecovery sometimes takes place contrary to all expectation, from wounds apparently fatal. Replace the entrails as soon as possible, but not without having first cleansed them of sand and dirt, or of whatever else may be adhering to them. This ought to be done with luke-warm water, by merely rinsing and without rubbing. Be careful that no water enters the abdomen. Do not lay hold of the entrails with your hands, but with a soft, clean, linen cloth. Let the patient neither smell nor take any spirits or anything strong. If the patient is quite dull or stunned, give him Opium; if greatly ex- cited, Coffea; it he has convulsions, Ignatia; if he turns pale, if the nose becomes pointed and the limbs cold, give Cinchona; but as soon as the first alarm is over, give, in all cases, Arnica or Calendula. When no surgeon can be procured, sew up the wound with a silk thread, and dress it, to pre- vent the air from penetrating, in the manner above described, without giving anything further. If violent colic ensues, which is also sometimes the case after surgical operations, give Colocynthis ; afterwards, if worse, Staphisagria. If, after some days, very bad symptoms appear, give Lachesis or Phosphorus. BURNS AND SCALDS. For a superficial burn or scald, the best remedy is to hold the part to the fire, and the worst to put it into cold water, or to apply to it other cooling things, such as potatoes, carrots, turnips, etc. It is well known that after the latter blisters and ulcers will always follow. The former, on the con- trary, draws out the heat, that is to say, the effects of the burn disappear by the application of moderate heat. The application of dry heat, however, is not, at all times, practicable ; particularly when the burnt or scalded surface is large, as in this case the heat cannot be applied equally to every part. 13G EXTERNAL INJURIES. For children the operation is too painful; and in burns when the skin is destroyed, or •when the injury is in the face, it is also inapplicable. Other remedies, therefore, have to be used, which are of easier application, and of which the effect resembles that of heat. If the burn be of any considerable extent, the patient should be first wrapped in a blanket and placed near the fire, and warm brandy and water should be given ; after warmth has returned, attention should be paid to the burnt parts. In many cases, when the scald or burn covers a large surface without being very deep, raw cotton is a very good remedy. It should be spread in layers over the burn. Blisters, if any have arisen, should be first punctured — a fine needle answers best for this purpose — and the sores washed with warm water. If the wound suppurates, take off the upper layer, but let the lower one remain, and put fresh cotton on the top ; at the same time the whole limb must be properly dressed. The earlier the cotton is applied, the more efficacious it proves ; but after the application of cold water or cooling roots, it is of little use. Bicarbonate of soda (the simple cooking soda), spread on the burnt or scalded parts, and covered with a wet cloth, which should be kept wet for a considerable length of time, will speedily remove the pain and, if the burn be not too deep, will produce healing in a short time. Soap is one of the best remedies both in superficial and deep burns. It is the more valuable as it is easily procured and applied, and will prove serviceable even after improper remedies have been used. Take white Castile soap, not the common resinous soap, scrape it fine and make a thick salve with luke-warm water, make a plaster of this by spreading it on pieces of linen or muslin, and cover the scalded or burnt surface with it, taking care that it comes in contact with every part. If blisters have al- ready formed, puncture them as directed above, and cut off as much of the loose skin as possible, and dress the wound so as to keep the surface in contact with the plaster. The dressing may be changed every twenty-four hours, by carefully re- moving the old plaster and replacing it immediately by a fresh one, without washing or otherwise interfering with the sore. At first the application of the soap plaster will probably increase the pain ; this, however, will be but temporary, and will soon be followed by a decrease in the suffering. This treatment should be continued until the sore is healed. The completion of the cure will, of course, depend upon the extent of the injury — but at all events it will take place much earlier than if you begin by applying cold water, lead-water, and such things to the burn. Slight burns and scalds will heal in two or three days, and bad ones in eight or ten. It will effect a cure even where the burn has penetrated to the bone ; generally it prevents suppuration, and if skilfully applied, leaves no scars. Lime-water mixed with sweet-oil, or equal parts of linseed-oil and lime- water, also make a very good salve for burns ; it may be applied in the EXTERNAL INJURIES. 137 same manner as soap, and may be used instead of that in case the latter proves too irritating. In a very bad case of burning the hand with burning fluid (oil of turpen- tine and alcohol), when cantharides and soap were of no use, a salve, made of a solution of chloride of lime and sweet-oil, eased the pain immediately, and cured the hand in a short time. It is particularly applicable in hot weather, when suppuration follows. In all cases keep the air, as much as possible, from the burn ; do not, therefore, dress the wound too often, and leave it uncovered no longer than is necessary. Cover all the sore places accurately and carefully, and do not suffer the linen to lie in folds, lest it stick to the sore, neither attempt to remove the salve which adheres to the wound. Open the blisters where most water has collected, cut off the skin, especially where it is loose and shrunken, and tie the whole up tightly but gently, without using too much covering. Cosmoline or vaseline are excellent applications in burns. Cantharides. — The tincture of cantharides diluted, in the proportion of five to eight drops of the tincture to half a tumbler of water, is one of the most efficacious remedies for burns. It may be applied by dipping rags — those of linen are best — into it, and applying them to the seat of the injury, renewing them two or three times a day, or whenever the pain begins to get worse again. It may be used in slight and severe burns, immediately after the reception of the injury or at a later period, after proper or improper remedies have been used. Diluted tincture of the stinging nettle is a useful application ; it is to be used in a similar manner to Cantharides. Cloths wetted with a solution of Causticum, the 3d or 6th dilution, may be applied in burns to lessen the pain and promote healing. If nothing else is at hand, the violent pains may be mitigated by strewing hair-powder or powdered starch or flour upon the burn or scald. For burns in the mouth, throat or stomach, caused by taking too hot food, or in the rectum, occasioned by taking injections too hot, dissolve a few globules of Cantharides in a cup full of water. Take a teaspoonful occa- sionally, and keep it in the mouth for a while ; use this medicine also in the form of injections, but if it does no good, give Arsenicum, Causticum, Sapo, Hhus or Carbo vegetabilis. For small burns on the hands of workingmen, the best remedy is gutta percha dissolved in oil of turpentine or chloroform. Burns from sulphuric or other acids require lime-water, or chalk mixed with water ; if caused by an alkali, vinegar will prove beneficial, or scraped apples. In burns from phosphorus there is no better remedy than oil, sweet-oil especially ; renewing its application until the pains cease. If ulcers remain after burns they can be treated with the soap plaster re- commended above, or with Causticum applied on cloths, which should not be removed, but kept continually wetted with the Causticum solution ; if the 138 EXTERNAL INJURIES. pains are very severe, and the ulcer begins to smell Lad, use the chloride of lime and sweet-oil as mentioned above. For the fever which sometimes accompanies burns, give Aconite. Arnica should not be used in injuries of this kind. In convulsions arising from severe burns, Chamomilla has proved beneficial. Extensive burns are some- times attended by diarrhoea or costiveness, but nothing should be done for either ; unless the latter lasts longer than four or five days, when injections of warm water may be given. If the diarrhoea is attended with pains in the bowels, give Pulsatilla, afterwards Sulphur. The diarrhoea which sometimes makes its appearance is essential to the preservation of life, and ought, on no account, to be interfered with, unless it continues for weeks after the burn has been cured ; then give Calcarea, if it is more frequent between noon and midnight ; Arsenicum, if more towards morning and in the forenoon. In most cases it will disappear of itself, if plenty of cold water be drunk, and frequent exercise in the open air is taken ; both of which are necessary to restore persons who have been severely burned or scalded. If the hands and feet, or the whole body become much swollen, give Calcarea. Of the application of ointment of lead, or lead-water, I can only assure my readers that it has never done the least good ; the horrid suppuration, ulcers, and dreadful scars which it leaves behind, could not be worse if noth- ing were done. To put a stop to the use of these abominable medicines among rational people, it cannot be too often repeated that the application of lead- water to any considerable part of the body (in case of a severe burn) almost inevitably proves fatal. Children who have been thus treated with lead- water, when half the body has been burned, have died in consequence — not, as is erroneously supposed, of the burns, but of the poison, of which the symptoms furnish incontrovertible evidence. FROST-BITES. Before going out into the cold, if one rubs the face, ears and nose with spirits of camphor, it will serve, in a great measure, to protect these parts from being frost-bitten. If the parts become frozen stiff, apply snow or cold water. Do not rub with snow the solidly frozen parts, for they may be in- jured by rough usage. It is only after they have been thawed that rubbing may be employed. The inflammatory redness following the thawing is best treated with camphor externally applied. Should this not soon relieve, use cantharides in the same way as recommended for burns. If pains in the bones remain after frost-bites, especially burning pains, Ruta helps. When a person has been handling ice and has afterward violent pains in the hands and arms ; if they burn and warmth relieves, give Arsenicum, sometimes Carbo vegetabilis is necessary ; if warmth aggravates, Secale; if the limb becomes blue and black and swells, Lachesis. After being out in the cold and wet, drink coffee, and cold beer after being in a cold, dry FOREIGN SUBSTANCES, ETC. 139 atmosphere. The consequences of exposure to cold and wet are often helped by Rhus toxicodendron; those of dry cold by Aconite; Glonoine helps both 3 especially the headaches. CHAPTER X, FOREIGN SUBSTANCES INTRODUCED INTO THE HUMAN BODY. i. INTO THE EYE. Washing the eye with water will be beneficial if dust or any insoluble substance has got into it, but will be injurious if the substance is soluble, as the washing will only tend to diffuse it. Eubbing the eye should also be avoided, as it merely increases the irrita- tion. Press gently on the inner corner of the eye towards the nose, at the same time drawing the outer corner downwards. The tears will then wash the foreign substance towards the inner corner, from where it may be re- moved. Immersing the eye immediately in a vessel of cold water and hold- ing it there, will frequently remove the cause of irritation and afford relief. Sweet-oil will mitigate the irritation, when acids or caustic salts have caused it; but it is injurious when caused by the powder of Spanish-flies, or dead insects. The white of eggs is very good when sharp, dust-like mineral sub- stances, paint, or small pointed particles, get into the eye. For ashes, some kinds of dye-stuffs and perhaps tobacco, cream or sour milk is the best remedy. For lime, the eye should be washed with vinegar and water, or sweet-oil may be freely used. If a hard substance gets into the eye and cannot be removed by the above means, but continues to cause irritation and pain, draw the eyelids apart, while at the same time the eye is slowly moved in every direction, and you can ascertain whether there is anything adhering to their inner surface ; then roll up a bit of paper, so as to have a soft point, with this, as with a camel's-hair pencil, you may take away the offending particle. Fine blot- ting paper will answer best for this purpose, as the foreign body will more readily adhere to it. Should it be necessary to push the pointed paper far back under the eyelid, moisten it first with saliva. In order to evert the upper eyelid, seize the eyelashes with finger and thumb of one hand, and press with a pencil or other similar body held in the other hand on the upper part of the lid, directing the patient to look 140 FOREIGN SUBSTANCES, ETC. downwards. The lid is thus easily everted and any extraneous substance adhering to its lining membrane readily detected and removed. Cinders in the Eyes. — A few grains of flaxseed placed in the eye will swell and envelope the cinder in a glutinous substance, and it may be soon washed out. Particles of iron, particularly those projected hot into the eye, when strik- ing fire, or from a smithy, usually adhere very tenaciously ; sometimes you may succeed in extracting them with a lock of hair, introduced under the eyelid, and moved backward and forward, or with a clean ear-pick. A magnet is sometimes of use, and should be tried in case the other means fail. One must remember that often when the foreign body has been removed, the sensation of its being present remains, and lasts for some time ; and also that the sensation of a foreign body in the eye exists without one ever hav- ing been there ; but the feeling is due to inflammation of the eye. Rubbing is injurious at all times ; in order to avoid it, put on a linen compress dipped in cold water. Sleep sometimes diminishes the pain. If the eye is red and inflamed after the removal of the foreign body, give Aconite, which is also of service if it cannot be got out, and will diminish the pain until you can procure a surgeon, or till the night is passed, when day-light will enable you to examine more closely. If, after giving Aconite several times, the eye continues sensitive and red, give Sulphur, and in case this does not prove efficacious, Calcarea or Silicea. If the eyelids are spasmodically closed, and will scarcely let tears escape, Belladonna generally relieves ; sometimes it will be necessary to give Hyos- cyamus afterwards. 2. INTO THE EAR. When an insect has found its way into the ear, place the patient upon the opposite side, and pour sweet-oil into the ear, until the insect becomes visi- ble ; then take it out with a small, roll of paper or a pair of delicate forceps. Extraneous bodies, such as gravel, shot, beads, cherry-stones, pieces of wood, peas, beans, pins, etc., are often put into the ear by children. If attended to before they excite inflammation and swelling, they can generally be removed by very slender forceps or by a hair-pin, the curved end of which has been bent so as to form an obtuse angle, like the heel of a spoon, and to which a handle has been made by sticking the points of the pin into a cork. Place yourself behind the ear, draw it upwards and backwards with one hand, and at the same time away from the head, that you may look into it as far as possible ; dip the instrument into sweet-oil, and pressing the bent part against the back part of the internal ear, push it in till it passes behind and around the object; then lift a little, and the end of the pin will take hold of it from behind, like a spoon, and bring it out. FOREIGN SUBSTANCES, ETC. 141 If you cannot succeed in passing the hair-pin behind the object, you may sometimes be able to remove it by means of a small syringe, with a slender nozzle ; fill it with warm water, pass the point of the nozzle alongside the object and inject the fluid with moderate force. If with children, particularly if there is a round object in the ear, it is better to push the hair-pin along the back part of the internal ear ; with grown persons it is generally better along the upper surface. "When the object is visible it can be seen where best to insert the instrument ; but if not visible carefully feel for it. If anything has been wedged into the ear, it may sometimes be removed by a second hair-pin, prepared as above, in- serted opposite to the first and both drawn out together. In all the manipu- lations great gentleness and care must be used, lest the object be pushed further into the canal. If pain and inflammation of the ear remain, give Arnica, and after a few hours, Pulsatilla. If the inflammation is already very considerable, and the ear-canal so much swelled that nothing can be got out, Pulsatilla is also of service. In some cases, when the children are in great pain, have much fever, speak incoherently, or are delirious, give, if Pulsatilla does not suffice, Belladonna, and afterwards, if there is still some pain left, Sulphur. 3. INTO THE NOSE. Foreign bodies, if not very firmly fixed, may be removed from the nose by taking a full inspiration, closing the mouth, and expelling the air for- cibly through the nostrils ; or by tickling the nostrils with a feather, or a little dry snuff to bring on sneezing. Sometimes obstructions may be re- moved from the nose with forceps or by the same instrument recommended for the ear, or a similar one, but somewhat longer, or they may be pushed back so as to fall into the mouth. Do not make too many experiments, but rather apply to a surgeon who has the necessary-instruments. The swell- ing, which will sometimes prevent the extraction of an object, or which re- mains after it has been extracted, may be considerably lessened by the ad- ministration of Aconite, and later, Arnica; or if these do not succeed, by Belladonna or Mhus. For the remaining pain and suppuration, if any exists, give Sulphur. 4. INTO THE THROAT ((ESOPHAGUS). If a foreign substance lodges in the throat, endeavor to make the patient throw it up, by beating him between the shoulders ; let him open his mouth, press down his tongue with a spoon and look into the throat, in order to ascertain whether there be anything that can be seized and brought out with the fingers. Blowing into the ears is said to produce reflex action in the 142 FOREIGN SUBSTANCES, ETC. throat or gullet, and so the foreign object is forced out. See "Larynx or Windpipe." It', after the object has been removed, the sensation as if it were still there remains, particularly after pointed substances, it shows that a wound h;i< been made, and all acrid or highly seasoned things must be avoided in food and drink. If a large piece of food remains fast in the throat on account of its size and hardness, it is advisable to excite vomiting, particularly if upon retch- ing, you perceive the obstruction move upward. Tickling the throat will sometimes effect this, if not, put snuff on the tongue, or give an injection of tobacco. "When it can be felt on the outside of the throat, a gentle pi upward may force it out. At first you ought to endeavor to make the suf- ferer throw up again whatever has been swallowed, but do not proceed with too much violence. If the substance has already descended so far that it cannot be felt in the throat, and it seems as if it were sticking fast in the chest, it must be forced down into the stomach, particularly if it is soft, smooth and soluble, and is only arrested on account of its size. If the suf- ferer feels that at times it slips down, it should be allowed to glide of itself into the stomach, or be assisted by occasionally swallowing a little water, provided it is a substance which will not swell ; otherwise a little melted butter or sweet-oil. If the symptoms, however, become too troublesome, endeavor to push it down. For this purpose take a smooth, willow twig or a long piece of whalebone, scraped perfectly smooth, and tie to the end of it a bit of sponge. To be able to fasten it on well, cut a few notches in the stick, and use waxed thread or silk. Rub some sweet-oil on this instru- ment, and introduce it cautiously into the throat, pushing gently against the back of the throat. If a contraction of the gullet takes place, which prevents the substance from being moved, or if pains, difficulty of breathing, and other symptoms make their appearance, give Ignatia; and if this fails to relieve, Chamomitta; then sweet-oil or butter; and after this, try again to push the substance down; if the face is pale, if there is nausea, worse after speaking, give Cocculus; if the face is red and if there is a constant inclination to swallow, Belladonna. Frequently the sensation of something sticking in the throat will remain, although the substance has already descended into the stomach. This, how- ever, is of no consecpience, and will disappear of its own accord, or after medicine. You may judge that this is the case when the pain increases no longer, but remains the same, and when no other symptoms appear ; also, when soft or fluid things can be swallowed without coming up again, and which, when passing the sore spot, produce some pain, without making it much worse. In such cases give Arnica, and afterwards, if necessary, Mer- curius, or one of the medicines prescribed below. If the patient feels as if a small splinter or fish-bone were in the throat, give Hepar. But if, on the other hand, there are small particles still remaining in the throat, produc- ing constant irritation, give Silicea. FOREIGN SUBSTANCES, ETC. 143 If a bone remains in the throat, winch is so large that it cannot go eloign, extract it in the manner recommended below, or let a surgeon be called in. With sharp, pointed articles, such as pieces of glass, fish-bones, small bones, needles, etc., be cautious and use no violence. Frequently swallow- ing a large mouthful of slightly chewed bread, potatoes, figs, dried prunes, etc., will ' remove them ; or if they are small pointed articles, which have pierced the tissues, pills of wax as large as a musket-ball, dipped in honey, those made of wax fresh from the hive, and rolled in honey until they become round and smooth, are to be preferred. TVhen dangerous symptoms, such as violent pain, retching almost to suf- focation, great anguish, fits, etc., occur, hasten to remove the obstruction, or at least to loosen it. A violin string, or a fine wire, bent in the middle so as to form a small loop, will answer this purpose. It must be introduced in such a manner that the ends of the sling or loop are out of the mouth. Push it forward gently until it is below the painful spot, then move it up and down, and twirl it around several times, and draw it up again slowly. In some cases a piece of whalebone, or a small willow twig, as described above, will answer better. This should be introduced with a rotary motion, until the dry sponge is below the object, then give a mouthful of water, and after the sponge has swelled a little, draw it up slowly. A feather tied to a strong thread, may be pushed, quill foremost, down the throat, so that the feathery part when pulled up, may press against the sides, and on being turned several times may loosen and bring up the foreign body. Pins, needles, fish-bones, etc., may sometimes be extracted by tying to a whale- bone or willow twig a number of silk slings, made like those for catching birds, introduced in the manner above described, and turned round several times. A piece of fat meat — bacon — tied to a string, and swallowed, and pulled up again by the string, has also been used successfully. Splinters of glass may be removed from the throat, by taking two or three inches of the upper end of a tallow candle, fastened to a string by the wick, compelling the patient to swallow it and then drawing it up again ; this may be repeated several times if necessary. Fish-hooks, with a part of the line attached to them, have been swallowed and successfully removed by drilling a hole in a leaden bullet, passing the line through it and causing the patient to swallow it. The weight of the bullet disengages the hook, and its point, coming in contact with the lead, will prevent it sticking again in the oesophagus in the act of drawing upon the line, so that both bullet and hook may be drawn out together. In performing operations of this kind, the patient should be seated on a chair, with the head thrown well back, and supported from behind by an assistant ; then press the tongue down with the fore-finger of the left hand, and introduce the instrument, previously oiled, slowly and carefully, pressing against the back part of the throat. By the sudden resistance, or the con- vulsive motion and pain of the sufferer, you may know that the instrument is near the obstruction, or at the painful spot. In pulling it up, be careful 144 FOREIGN SUBSTANCES, ETC. be larynx, and lose again what you have brought up. Rather press the instrument a little against one side, and bend the head as soon as the end of the instrument reaches the top of the throat. In very dangerous eases, where even the experien doner is un- be last alternative is to make an incision in the throat, by which, sometimes, persons have been saved who were supposed to be suffocated. Of course this must not be attempted, except by the surgeon. 5. INTO THE STOMACH AND INTESTINES The introduction into the stomach of foreign bodies, such as buttons, coins, rings, el . a matter of a frequent occurrence with children, and which rally the source of great deal of uneasiness to the parents, is not usually followed by serious consequences ; as they sooner or later pass off through the bowels without much pain or inconvenience, unless they are to to do so, in which case they may can rious disturbances or death itself Their passage through the bowels may be facilitated by eating plentifully of boiled rice, porridge, or some farinaceous food which will in its | ass g distend the stomach and intestines and help to carry off the extr. substance. Rubbing and kneading the abdomen softly, or lying on the belly, frequent exercise, without using violent exertion, may also accelerate this event. A person who is disposed to be costive should take no aperient medicines, which only weaken the intestines, but should eat light food, plenty of butter, and have, daily, an injection of water or milk admini In order to ascertain whether the article swallowed has been discharged, the ex ::..:_: may be allowed to fall into a vessel containing water, and Ived, should be strained through a sieve or basket ; or, if needles have been swallowed, through a coarse cloth. Needles sometimes make quite a different passage for themselves, and come out without causing any injury ; if they remain too long, Silicea, to be foliowe 1 Hepar. If, some time after needles or coins have been swallowed, bad symptoms make their appearance, such as violent pains in a particular part of the ab- domen, as if something were wedged there, give Ipecacuanha. If it does good, repeat it as often as the symptoms get worse again ; if not, give Yerat- rurn or Xux vomica. Should, notwiihstandin_ . ... re vi :lent symptoms. - colic and constipation appear, give Opium, frequently repeated : if violent attacks occur, with a throbbing pain in a particular spot, as if suppuration was about to commence, give Laehesis. Sometimes articles which have been swallowed pass through the intestines without any difficulty, and remain in the rectum. The passage from thence will be assisted by injections of linseed-oil, olive-oil, or milk ; or by the in- sertion of long, thick strips of bacon into the rectum, one half may be 145 allowed to hang out, or they may be held by a thread ; in this way the bacon protects the anus against the hard substance. In this manner the latter is frequently extracted with much facility, particularly if somebody assists with a piece of rounded whalebone or with the handle of a silver spoon. If you cannot succeed with this, send for a surgeon, and let him examine the parts ; but have recourse to no aperients, which may prove dangerous. If the anus closes convulsively, give Ignatia, Belladonna or Lycopodium. Leeches, inadvertently swallowed, give rise to painful consequences, as burning pain in the stomach, hiccough, spitting of blood and slow fever, which reduces the patient visibly. These consequences may be prevented or removed by the immediate administration of a quantity of common salt, dissolved in water, and occasionally melted butter. In children, sugar will sometimes relieve the symptoms. For the remaining symptoms, if any, give Arnica, and, some days after, Arsenicum. When other live creatures find their way into the stomach, if insects, let the patient swallow some sweet-oil or fresh salted butter ; and if that fails to relieve him, a bit of camphor, the size of a pea, ground up with oil. When worms, snakes, frogs, etc., get into the stomach, let the patient drink sugar-water and eat sugar, until it acts as a laxative, or take an emetic of mustard and warm water. The bad effects remaining after the emetic has produced its action, will be obviated by smelling camphor, and giving Ipecacuanha several times, or Nux vomica. 6. INTO THE LARYNX OR WINDPIPE. When a person talks or laughs when swallowing, or breathes in quickly, whilst holding something in his moutli ; or when childreti, in their play, hold something in their mouth, and it gets into the larynx or windpipe, ("going the wrong way," as the phrase. is,) — beating with the flat hand on the back whilst the sufferer bends forward, or blowing snuff up the nose to induce him to sneeze, or tickling the throat with a feather to produce vomit- ing, relieve sometimes, but only in trifling cases ; and it sometimes makes matters worse. Neither too many nor too violent attempts of this kind ought to be made. In the beginning you may cause the head to be bent back as far as possible, or else forward, that the object may be brought up by coughing. Yet not much can be expected from this, if the foreign substance is firmly fixed in the windpipe. You may sometimes ascertain whether there is anything actually in the larynx, by taking hold of the latter and shaking it very gently with your thumb and forefinger once or twice ; the obstruction will rattle, if it is loose or sufficiently large. Some- times the patient will fall asleep, and whilst in that state the extraneous body may be dislodged (the head in this case should not be too high). Some foreign bodies have been removed by gently turning the patient upside down; the intruding substance will then sometimes fall out by its own weight. 10 346 FOREIGN SUBSTANCES, ETC. If the danger, however, should continue to increase in spite of these means, and the medicines hereafter recommended, an operation must be performed. Hasten, therefore, to call in the nearest experienced surgeon who knows how to make the incision in the windpipe — the only means which can save the patient, and which sometimes succeeds even when he appears already suffocated. This operation, if properly performed, is by no means so dangerous and difficult as it would appear, for most of those who are operated upon recover; and even when the windpipe has been severed in an attempt at suicide, the patient is not unfrequently restored. Jt is, therefore, unwise not to have recourse to this operation, if a skilful surgeon can be procured in time. As the symptoms frequently resemble those of obstruction in the throat, you should always look into the mouth, whilst pressing down the tongue, and try if you can feel anything with your fingers or a spoon ; also try with whale-bone or a willow twig whether you can feel any substance in the throat.* You may likewise know by the following signs, that there is some- thing in the windpipe : the pain is more towards the front, so that the suf- ferer can point it out with his finger ; when the obstruction is in the throat, the pain is more back or at one side. There is great difficulty in swallowing and breathing in both cases, but when the windpipe is obstructed, the breathing is particularly difficult, the face is bloated and purple, the eyes protrude ; the voice is more affected, becomes hoarse, or is lost altogether; the cough is whistling or rattles, and threatens to terminate in suffocation. The symptoms, in some cases, do not at first appear to be of great conse- quence, but they increase gradually, or sometimes they disappear altogether, and return with greater violence. If the foreign substance is not located in, but below the larynx, and res- piration is not impeded by it, the patient may seem to be in good health for days and even for weeks, without experiencing any cough or other symp- toms. Suddenly, however, he will be taken with violent fits of coughing almost to suffocation, the attacks resembling those of croup. In such, cases if Tartar emetic or Silicea do not afford immediate relief, there is little hope remaining. Neither will an incision always avail, if between the attacks of coughing, the respiration becomes more and more difficult and heaving. By this time the lungs have become congested, and the sufferer will often die whether an opening be made in the trachea or not, If the patient improves, but is not entirely restored ; if the symptoms re- turn several times ; if there is a rough, hollow cough, particularly at night or after certain motions, a bad odor from the mouth, the breath exhaled from the lungs is very offensive, or a constant cough appears as in consump- tion, give Silicea. It has cured many of the worst cases. If the symptoms change without improving, and the cough grows worse towards morning, give Hepar. * See Section 4: "Foreign Bodies into Throat." FOREIGN SUBSTANCES, ETC. 147 After having ascertained that the obstruction is in the windpipe, give, at once, Ipecacuanha, repeating the dose if it affords relief, as often as the symp- toms become worse again. Nothing besides this but sugar or sugar-water should be given, until medical aid can be procured. Belladonna may also have a good effect. When the patient falls asleep, do not disturb him ; and if the symptoms reappear, do not immediately give a fresh dose, but wait until they are really worse. Sometimes the object is ejected during sleep. If Belladonna does not suffice, or if symptoms remain after the danger is over, you may give Hepar. If, despite of all these remedies, the patient should be in danger of suffocation, give Tartar emetic; when the patient be- comes purple in the face, Opium. When dust has been inhaled, which causes violent cough, or hairs or feathers have got into the windpipe, Belladonna will be of service ; after- wards Hepar. The relief will, however, be but gradual. It is well to give at the same time some sugar or gum Arabic. If anything has got into the throat of a child, and is located in or near the upper part of the larynx, frequent attacks of a suffocating cough will ensue, which Tartar emetic will greatly relieve. If the attacks return con- tinually, or if there is a cough attended with an offensive smell, give Silicea. In almost all instances gradual improvement will thereby be effected, the patient getting rid of the obstruction by coughing, or by swallowing it. In tedious cases Hepar may be given after Silicea. 7. INTO THE SKIN. When any large substance gets under the skin, proceed as recommended under the head of " Wounds." We shall only mention the best means of removing small, pointed particles, such as thorns, thistle-prickles, chestnut- burs, great numbers of which sometimes stick in the skin. In case they cannot be extracted with a pair of pincers or tweezers, or by some sticky substance applied as a plaster to the skin and taken off, bringing the offend- ing points with it, put oil on the spot, then take a common knife, not too sharp, and scrape the skin slowly, applying the whole blade, as in shaving, and bear on moderately hard. If the thorns have entered obliquely, scrape the skin in such a direction as to press first upon the points. Continue this operation, applying oil constantly, until everything is extracted. The same method may be pursued when splinters of glass get into the skin ; but this is very painful, and it is mostly better to let them come out by suppuration, if they cannot be extracted with the forceps, applying poul- tices to hasten the suppurative process. For the inflammation which some- times ensues give Arnica; for the suppuration Hepar, followed, if necessary, by Silicea, and in case the suppuration should be profuse, and the wound become deep, and neither Silicea nor Hepar bring about improvement, give Lachesis or Mercurius. 148 FOREIGN SUBSTANCES, ETC. When persons have been foolish enough to use blisters or mustard plasters, hoping that these may relieve, particularly if their skin is very sensitive, or if the plasters remain too long, it is necessary to use a remedy. If a fly blister has been used, give Camphor. See "Animal Poisons." For mustard you may apply soapsuds or tincture of stinging nettles, very much diluted with water. The quickest relief will be obtained by excluding the air and taking internally a dilution of stinging nettle tincture. PART SECOND. The Treatment of Diseases. CHAPTER I. AFFECTIONS OF THE HEAD. Giddiness sometimes arises from causes which medicine may remove; such are: disordered stomach, profuse evacuations, ardent spirits, narcotie medicines, and falls or blows on the head. Sometimes it is connected with other complaints, and can only be removed by attention to the general health of the patient. A person who is subject to giddiness should be moderate in eating and drinking — should rise early, walk frequently in the open air, and use now and then the flesh-brush in the evening. GIDDINESS, VERTIGO. Aconite relieves giddiness with nausea, eructations, vomiting, etc. ; later Pulsatilla or Antimonium crud., if there be disordered stomach. Vertigo while eating or after a hearty meal is always an alarming symptom. Temperance in eating and drink- ing and a dose of Arnica in the morning will often re- lieve ; sometimes Nux vomica, Chamomilla, Pulsatilla, Rhus or Cocculus, according to the disposition of the patient, will be beneficial. Abstinence from wine and liquors of all kinds is also requisite. (149) \ 150 AFFECTIONS OF THE HEAD. Sulphur or Calcarea sometimes cures the giddiness, which is a serious symptom, resulting from the sup- pression of old ulcers. Mercurius, if the dizziness appears only in the evening and is accompanied by dimness of sight ; Belladonna, if there is sparkling before the eyes, particularly when mov- ing, increased by stooping; afterwards Calcarea if neces- sary ; Cocculus, for vertigo, which is increased by sitting upright in bed. Phosphorus, if the giddiness is accom- panied by headache and a feeling of pressure on the top of the head. Giddiness from close thinking is relieved by Nux vomica, from looking up, by Pulsatilla, or still oftener by Nux vomica; particularly if the patient becomes unconscious or on lying down in bed, he feels as if he were being turned backward like a wheel ; on moving — better when lying — Cinchona ; on lying down, Rhus ; on rising, Chamomilla ; only after stooping, Aconite, and afterwards, Belladonna, or Calcarea; from riding, Hepar, and afterwards, Silicea; when sitting, Pulsatilla. Giddiness, with partial loss of consciousness, or agita- tion, Belladonna ; so bad as to make the patient apt to fall, or fear that he is going to die, Rhus ; with buzzing in the ears, headache, heat or paleness of the face, dim- ness of the eyes, Pidsatilla; worse when at rest, while standing, sitting, and when first closing the eyes on lying down, darkness before the eyes, with headache, nausea or sneezing, Apis; with weakness in the head, Cinchona; with bleeding of the nose, Sulphur; with fainting, Chamo- milla, subsequently, Hepar. WEAKNESS OF MEMORY. Weakness of memory, from bleeding, purging and other debilitating causes, is removed by Cinchona or Lachesis; in old people, who are always chilly, who easily take AFFECTIONS OF THE HEAD. 151 cold, and who always like to stay in the house, Nux moschata ; if they like to be in the open air, though they take cold every time, Cepa ; that from blows on the head, Arnica; from spirituous liquors, Nux vomica; from fright, anger, vexation, select among the remedies recommended in Part I., Chapter I., particularly Aconite, Staphisagria and Veratrum; and after taking cold, Rhus, or Carbo mgetabilis ; with determination of blood to the head, par- ticularly Aconite and Belladonna ; if one cannot fix his thoughts upon one particular thing, Apis; and among the remedies prescribed for these causes, Cinchona, Rhus, Mercurius, or Sulphur. Benefit will be derived from washing the head every evening with cold water, and tying a handkerchief around it ; and every morning washing the forehead and eyes in very cold water. A better remedy, perhaps, is, just before going to bed, to place the feet, up to the ankles, in very cold water for one or two minutes, after which let them be rubbed well with a coarse towel. DETERMINATION OF BLOOD TO THE HEAD. This is a very troublesome, and when of long continu- ance, a dangerous complaint. If the arteries in the tem- ples can be felt to beat as the pulse beats ; the veins of the head and neck are swelled, the head feels full; giddiness takes place frequently, particularly when stooping or when walking in the sun ; if the head above the eyes feels like bursting — worse when stooping and coughing — give Aconite. Short cold foot-baths are also of benefit. At the same time abstain from coffee, wine and ardent spirits, and be moderate in the use of warm drinks — but drink freely of cold water, and wash the neck and head fre- quently with it. If it comes on suddenly, the brain feel- ing as if expanding, becoming larger and larger, with heat and beating in the head, particularly in the temples, extending at every step down to the neck, give Glonoine. 152 AFFECTIONS OF THE HEAD. If this should not afford relief, and the patient is very irritable or passionate — has drunk much ardent spirits, or has been much confined, give Nux vomica. Belladonna, if there are severe jerking, burning, shoot- ing pains on one side of the head or violent pressure in the forehead at every step or motion, increased by stoop- ing, or even by noise, or the glare of light. Aconite, if accompanied by sparkling, nickering before the eyes, seeing double, buzzing in the ears, frequent faint- ing, stupid, heavy sleep ; if children are teething, or when girls have arrived at the age of puberty, or if they have caught cold during menstruation, particularly from wet feet ; Belladonna may be given afterwards. 1. Caused by joy or excitement. — If occasioned by excess of joy, or accompanied by great excitement, give Coffea; after a fright, Opium; after vexation, Cliamomilla; after suppressed vexation, Ignatia; after anger, Nux vomica, as mentioned before, when treating of these causes. When caused by a fall or blow upon the head, Arnica. The bleeding from the nose which is apt to accompany it, should not be interfered with. 2. Caused by debility. — If the determination of blood. is caused by great debility, give Cinchona ; if it returns each time after taking cold, Dulcamara; if it returns after lifting something heavy, or after work in which the arms are raised and stretched, Rhus; when at the same time the patient perspires too easily, and too much, Mercurius; if he feels cold, let him smell camphor a few times. If, in spite of all these remedies, it returns, give Sulphur, if the patient has not already had this medicine ; if so, give Hepar, and if this fails, Silicea. If the first mentioned medicines do not speedily afford relief, and there appears to be danger, make a poultice of oatmeal and wrap it quite warm around the feet ; or bathe the feet in very warm water, and repeat it fre- AFFECTIONS OF THE HEAD 153 quently until there is an improvement, or until a feeling of chilliness comes on ; if the bowels are constipated, give injections of milk- warm water. HEADACHE. In the treatment of this common complaint, we may frequently be guided by the causes which produce the pain, or by the complaints which accom- pany it; it is, however, necessary to distinguish the different kinds of head- ache, as the same medicine may prove beneficial or injurious under different circumstances. 1, Headache from determination of blood to the head, or from inflammation, is usually throbbing, and is attended with heat, the arteries in the neck may be seen to beat; if the pain increases, vomiting ensues; the headache becomes worse after shaking or moving the head, lying down and stooping ; sometimes better when standing. Among the domestic remedies, vinegar is the best ; place crusts of bread, which have been soaked in vine- gar, on the temples, and give injections of warm water; if this does not afford relief, add some vinegar to the water ; bathe the feet in warm water, and afterwards rub them with flannel. Persons who are liable to this com- plaint should accustom themselves to drink plenty of cold water, and rub the head every morning with a cold, wet cloth, particularly the forehead and temples, and bathe the feet in cold water every evening before going to bed. . In such cases it is customary with some physicians to apply ice, some- times in a bladder. As cold water (if necessary, made cold by ice, and applied to the head with pieces of cloth) will afford all the relief that can be expected from cold applications, it is just as absurd to expect more from ice as it would be to attempt to cure a headache which "is relieved by press- ure by knocking the patient on the head with a club. No patient ought to allow his physician to do such a thing; the results are always bad, and sometimes dangerous. "- Give Glonoine when the attack comes suddenly, where the blood is felt rising up into the head, with severe beat- ing pain, as if bruised ; worse when shaking the head ; relieved by cold water applied externally; very rapid pulse, eyes and face red, or the eyes are staring and glassy, the face pale and moist, a buzzing or crackling in the ears. Aconite may be given and the vinegar discontinued, when the pain is very severe, with a burning sensation 154 AFFECTIONS OF THE HEAD. over the whole head, particularly in the forehead ; the face red and bloated ; the eyes red ; when the pain is ac- companied by incoherent talking or raving. If there should be but little or no improvement, Belladonna may be given. Belladonna is especially indicated when the pain is deeper seated, is oppressive and heavy, and the face pale and haggard, with unconsciousness, incoherent talking, murmuring, drowsiness. Pulsatilla is preferable when the pain is dull, oppressive, on one side only, very harassing and weakening; if it commences in the back part of the head or at the root of the nose, and goes back into the head ; is mitigated by pressure ; is worse when sitting, better when walking ; if the head is heavy, the face pale, with dizziness, agitation, inclination to cry. Rhus, when there is burning, throbbing pain, with ful- ness of the head, oppressive weight, crawling, shaking and swashing, as if everything in the head were loose, and particularly when it comes on after meals. If such a headache makes its appearance after meals, with great drowsiness, stiffness, and pains in the back of the neck, the speech being thick, or the face distorted, the mouth drawn to one side, the limbs falling asleep, send at once for a physician, and until his arrival give Bella- donna or Nux vomica, according to the indications ; bathe the feet in hot water, and otherwise treat the patient as recommended under "Apoplexy." 2. Headache caused by catarrh is mostly in the forehead ; is oppressive, burning, better in the morning, worse in the evening, the eyes being full of tears, with sneezing, dry heat in the nose, frequent chills, sometimes a little cough ; in this case it is advisable to draw warm salt water into the nose, and drink cold water before going to bed. AFFECTIONS OF THE HEAD. 155 Aconite should.be given for this kind of headache, if it is better in the open air, but worse when talking. Cina, if it is worse in the open air, when reading or thinking, if it presses like a weight, is drawing and tear- ing, the nose commences to run, burns or itches, and is stopped up ; Nux vomica, when the nose discharges freely by day but is stopped up at night ; Arsenicum, if there is running from the nose, the discharge being acrid, burn- ing, if . it causes hoarseness, restlessness, and is accompa- nied by buzzing in the ears, throbbing in the forehead, nausea, is better out of doors or in a warm room. Cepa, if worse at night and in the room, better in the open air, with scintillation before the eyes, fullness and heaviness in the head, particularly in the back of the head. For other remedies, see " Catarrh." 3. Headache from rheumatism. — Rheumatic pains are tearing and drawing, changing their situation fre- quently, going to the neck, ears and temples. The head is sensitive to touch, and hurts on moving it ; the pains are worse in bed, particularly toward midnight; sweating often occurs; small swellings arise here and there; if vomiting happens, the symptoms are ameliorated ; warm footbaths sometimes help ; so does inhaling warm vapor through the nose, also combing the hair. Chamomilla is the best remedy. If this fails to give re- lief, and the patient becomes peevish and angry, is very restless, often changing his position, give Nux vomica ; if he is obliged to lie still, groans, or screams, cannot bear light or sound, give Belladonna ; or Pulsatilla, if he is chilly, inclined to weep and is sick at the stomach. Ipecacuanha will be of service when the pains are more of a gouty character, (that is, the gnawing and tearing are more intense) and are relieved by heat and vomiting. Ignatia when but little relief is experienced from Ipecac- uanha, and particularly when the worst pain is over the 156 AFFECTIONS OF THE HEAD. nose, or is boring, piercing, tearing, deep in the head, and better when stooping or lying down. Nux vomica when there are shooting pains in the side of the head ; worse in the open air, or when stooping. Colocyntliis will sometimes relieve rheumatic pains of the severest kind, after the failure of other remedies, par- ticularly when hard pressure helps; but if relief is not obtained from this medicine, drink some coffee without milk. Sulphur may be used when there is tearing, piercing, beating on one side of the head, particularly if it recurs every week, with vomiting and desire to lie down. For rheumatic gout in the head, when the pains are tearing and beating all over the head, with a sensation as if it were coming apart, with agitation, restlessness, tossing about, nausea, belching and retching, Ipecacuanha, Nux vomica, or Bryonia w T ill sometimes afford speedy relief, or Sepia when these are insufficient, particularly when every change of weather brings back the headache ; when there is a pressing, burning pain which causes vomiting. 4. Headache from disordered stomach and bowels. — When pro- duced by undigested food, strong coffee without milk or sugar is very useful ; but if by a deranged stomach, give the remedies recommended under that head ; if the bowels are constipated, injections of warm water will give relief. The symptoms accompanying this kind of headache are : a furred tongue, bad taste, entire loss of appetite, nausea or vomiting, coming on at an early stage, and increasing with the pain. If, on -the contrary, the headache is of a neuralgic character, it produces nausea and vomiting at a later and intensely aggravated stage. If headache is the cause of the sickness of the stomach, give the remedies for headache ; but if the disordered stomach is the cause of the headache, give the remedies for disordered stomach. 5. Headache from constipation with determination of blood to the head is often relieved by Bryonia, Nux vomica or Opium. Nux vomica will be indicated if walking or moving the head makes the brain feel sore, when there is pressure in the temples, and neither sitting up nor lying down gives AFFECTIONS OF THE HEAD. 157 relief; the eyes are dull, with inclination to shut them, and nevertheless sleeplessness; the head feels heavy, particularly when moving the eyes ; feeling as if it would burst during mental application; worse in the morning, in the open air, or after meals ; and particularly after cof- fee, or when there is a loathing of coffee. Bryonia when the head feels as if pressed together from both sides; and on stooping, as if everything would fall out of the forehead; the nose bleeds, without affording relief; and the eyes water and burn. Opium if the pain is violent, with a tearing, bursting sensation in the forehead, visible throbbings in the tem- ples, considerable congestion of blood to the head, rest- less look of the eyes, much thirst, dryness of the mouth, sour eructations, inclination to vomit, and even foul and offensive vomiting. Mercurius will frequently suit, after Opium, when the head seems full to bursting, as if tied with a bandage, worse at night, tearing, burning, boring, shooting pain. Pulsatilla when the pains are only on one side, with little determination of blood, with shivering, no thirst; the patient is of a mild and quiet temperament, inclined to weep, and is agitated. Ipecacuanha if nausea begins when the headache does, if every part of the head to the very tongue feels as if bruised, if there is vomiting or retching. Veratrum will be beneficial if continued costiveness occasions a deter- mination of blood to the head, with pains on one side, oppressive throbbing as if the brain were bruised, with sensation as if compressed, which also extends to the throat, or with stomach-ache, with painful stiffness of the neck, frequent emission of pale-colored urine, nausea and vomiting, i Lycopodium and Sepia should also be thought of. 6. Sick Headache. — Sanguinaria will give relief if the 158 AFFECTIONS OF THE HEAD. pain comes on periodically, or if it begins in the morning and lasts till night, with a fullness of the head, as if it would split, or as if the eyes were pressed outwards; if the pain begins in the back part of the head and finally set- tles over the right eye ; or if there is a digging, shooting, stinging, beating pain throughout the head, but more in the. forehead and worse on the right side, attended with chills, nausea, vomiting, inclination to lie down, and if the symptoms are made worse by motion. Belladonna is the next best remedy, when the pains are worse on the right side, when the external part of the head is very sensitive, the veins of the head and hands being swollen, — painful sensation as of waves in the head, buz- zing in the ears and dimness of vision. It is likewise beneficial for the worst pains, extending to the eyes and nose, in one side of the head, with a pressing, bursting, waving, splashing sensation, augmented by every motion, by turning the eyes, by a bright light, by every noise, the sound of steps, in fact at every concussion ; when there is a jolting sensation in the head and forehead at every stejD, or on going up stairs ; also when the pain returns every afternoon, and continues till after midnight, aggravated by the warmth of the bed, or on lying down ; worse when in a draught. Also, in pains which commence very grad- ually, changing to an acute pain, affecting half the head; sometimes piercing momentarily, but so penetrating and severe as to deprive the sufferer of his senses. Aconite is often indicated, but if it does not relieve after several hours give Belladonna, after which wait for some hours, and if the sensation as if water were splashing in the forehead does not gradually subside, give Platinum particularly if the patient has a feeling of coldness in the ears, the eyes, in one side of the face, and around the mouth, or there is a trembling or flickering before the eyes and things look smaller. Or Mercurius may follow Belladonna if the pain tears down into the teeth and throat, AFFECTIONS OF THE HEAD. 159 with shooting pain in the left ear only, or if it is always excessively violent during the night with night-sweats, which do not relieve. After Mercnrius (sometimes, also, after Belladonna), Hepar will occasionally be beneficial where there is a pain as if a nail were driven into the head, violent boring in the head, nocturnal pain as if the fore- head would burst, and if painful lumps appear on the head. Apis is best, if the head feels too full and too large, with heaviness and pressure in it, especially when rising from a sitting or lying position, always increased in a large room, and relieved by being squeezed with both hands; also, if the eyes are affected; at night, chilliness from every slight movement, face and hands hot; if accompanied by nettle-rash, with burning, prickling, itching, or if the rash suddenly disappears, or if different parts of the patient's body are very sensitive to the touch. In obstinate cases, when the pain is particularly violent over the right eye, piercing and boring, so that the patient screams, with nausea and vomiting, worse when shaking or moving the head, even when stooping, give Sepia. For the same pain on the left side give Aconite, and if no bet- ter after several hours Sulph ur or Silicea. Spigelia is suitable for the worst pains on the left side, if they are attended with an insupportable beating in the temple, and with pain in the whole left side of the head, and sometimes pain in the face and teeth, increasing as the sun mounts in the sky, or augmented by stooping and motion, in the open air, with the greatest sensibility to the least noise, and if attended with a fetid odor from the mouth. In selecting a remedy, the following special indications may be taken as a guide : Belladonna, if the pain is accompanied with great sensi- tiveness to the light. Spigelia, if the pain is accompanied with great sensitive- ness to noise. 160 AFFECTIONS OF THE HEAD. Sanguinaria, if the pain is accompanied with great sen- sitiveness to the walking of others in the room. Sulphur or Aconite, if the pain is accompanied with great sensitiveness to all kinds of odors. Sepia, if the patient dislikes to be touched, complains of his bed, is very sensitive to and made worse by thunder- storms; cold air, vexations, etc. 7. Nervous Headache. — The head is generally cool, the face pale; in the beginning the patient sometimes passes colorless urine ; vomiting gives relief; the headache returns frequently on one side only, or is boring, as if produced by a nail, in particular spots ; touching the head increases the pain. Lying down quietly in a dark room mitigates the pain during the paroxysms; it may be prevented by frequently washing in cold water, by rubbing and brushing the skin, and by using the medicines indicated below. Drinking coffee is so injurious in this kind of headache, even if it should give relief during the attack, that the patient must abstain from it entirely. Coffea will give relief in violent, drawing, pressing pains on one side of the head, as if a nail were driven into it ; or, as if the brain were shattered, crushed and torn, re- curring on the slightest occasion, after close thinking, vexation, taking cold, eating too much, etc., with a distaste for coffee, sensitiveness to the least noise, even music; the pains appear intolerable, making the patient fretful ; he is almost beside himself, shrieks and cries, tosses about, feels much agitated, dreads the fresh air, and is chilly. This remedy may be repeated frequently, and sometimes it m'ay be followed by 2?ux vomica or Cinchona, and some- times Ignatia or Pulsatilla. Aconite often proves efficacious when the pains are most violent ; when the patient lies unconscious ; likewise with retching, crying and lamenting, and apprehensive of death ; the least noise or motion is intolerable ; the pulse very weak and small, stopping at intervals ; particularly when the pain is throbbing, shooting, or like cramp over the nose, aggravated by the conversation of others ; also in headache from cold, with catarrh, buzzing in the ears AFFECTIONS OF THE HEAD. 161 and pains in the abdomen ; with the disagreeable sensa- tion as if a ball were rising up into the head, producing a sensation as of cool air. Ignatia will relieve a pressing pain above the nose, which is mitigated by bending forward ; pressing from within outward, twitching and throbbing ; tearing in the forehead, as if a nail were driven through the head, piercing, boring deep into the brain; with nausea, darkness before the eyes, aversion to light, pale face, profuse colorless urine; the pains often cease for a time when the position is changed, and frequently returns after meals, at night after lying down, in the morning after getting up; the patient being very nervous, fickle-minded, taciturn and dejected. According to Goullon, if in delicate females the headache causes twitching. Veratrum is frequently of use in nervous headache; when there is painful sensitiveness of the scalp: when accompanied by diarrhoea, and the pains are so severe that the patient almost loses his reason, becomes very weak and faint, is worse on getting up after lying down, with cold perspiration, chills and thirst. For other symp- toms see Veratrum under " Headache from Constipation." Pulsatilla will remove the tearing pains which grow worse in the evening, or are throbbing and tingling, after rising in the morning, and in the evening after lying down; with jerking, shooting, tearing in the temples, par- ticularly when the pain is confined to one side of the head, and is accompanied by frequent giddiness, sickness of the stomach, heaviness of the head, dimness of sight, aA'ersion to light; buzzing in the ears, or shooting, jerk- ing and tearing; pale, distressed countenance, no appe- tite, no thirst; chilliness and agitation, with occasional bleeding of the nose, and palpitation of the heart; when all the symptoms are worse when at rest or sitting, and become better in the fresh air; when the headache is re- lieved by pressure or a tight bandage. It answers best with mild, good natured persons. 11 162 ' AFFECTIONS OF THE HEAD. Bryonia is good for burning and oppressive pains in the head, or when, while stooping, it seems as if everything would fall out of the forehead; worse when walking; or more external tearing, extending to face and temples, or pressing, boring, tearing in small spots, especially in per- sons suffering from rheumatism, and of a petulant, pas- sionate temper. PJius will frequently be found of service after Bryonia. Nux moschata, if the brain feels loose and wabbling when shaking the head; worse after every meal, particularly after breakfast; with sleepiness; if one cannot bear any pressure on the temples, not even lying on them; if the pain goes from right to left ; if better from warmth ; worse from cold, particularly from wet cold weather; and for sensitive, inconstant people. Nux vomica, as before mentioned, is suitable for head- ache from constipation and from coffee drinking; also when the pain resembles the piercing of a nail, or stitch- ing jerks, with nausea and sour vomiting; when there is a shooting and oppressive sensation on one side, begin- ning early in the morning, and growing worse and worse, until the patient seems to be unconscious or half crazy; when the brain feels as if rent asunder, and the face becomes pale and distorted, the head heavy, with a buzz- ing noise and giddiness or trembling when walking; worse when moving even the eyes, in the open air, early in the morning, after meals, or when stooping; also when the head is externally painful, and worse in cold weather. Chamomilla relieves pains in the head which are caused by a cold, or by drinking coffee, when there is a rending or drawing pain on one side, extending to the jaw; acute, shooting pains in the temples, heaviness over the nose, or very troublesome throbbing ; particularly when one cheek is red and the other pale, or the whole face turgid; when the eyes are painful, attended by a sore throat or cold on the lungs, or a bitter, offensive taste. It is useful for chil- AFFECTIONS OF THE HEAD. 163 dren, and for persons unable to bear the least pain, and quite unmanageable. Cinchona is most suitable for sensitive persons, and when the pain is oppressive, and prevents them from sleeping at night, or when there is tearing in the temples, as if the head were bursting; boring in the top of the head whilst the brain feels as if bruised; jerking, tearing, rolling and bursting; worse when stepping, at every motion, and on opening the eyes ; relieved by lying down and being quiet; the skin is tender to the touch. For discontented persons; stubborn, disobedient children, who are fond of dainties, and have a pale complexion; face red and hot only at times, when they become very talkative, or are restless the whole night. It often suits after Coffea. Antimonium crudum may be given for nervous headache resulting from a disorded stomach or a cold, or when an eruption has been driven in, and pains ensue; particu- larly when they are in the bones; for dull boring pains in the temples and forehead, also rending and tearing; the pains are relieved in the open air, aggravated on going up stairs. It answers well after Pulsatilla, when the disorder of the stomach is obstinate, or when the headache causes the hair to fall out. Colocynthis is efficacious in the most excruciating head- ache, furiously tearing or when the pain is on one side, tearing, oppressive, squeezing, pressing in the forehead, aggravated by stooping and lying on the back ; in attacks coming every afternoon or towards evening, on the left side, with great restlessness and agitation; particularly when the perspiration smells like urine, with small or offensive discharges of urine; while during the pain, the discharge of urine is considerable and very clear. Capsicum, for throbbing headache, or that which is dis- tending, bursting, pressing outwards, worse when walking or moving; tingling, tearing when at rest; when moving 1G4 AFFECTIONS OF THE HEAD. the head or eyes and stooping aggravate it, also worse in the open air and in the cold; with phlegmatic sluggish persons, who easily take offence, or with children who are very refractory, clumsy and awkward; particularly such as are afraid of the air and of exercise, and are chilly, especially after drinking. When the above medicines do not afford relief, try the following : — Sulphur for throbbing, gurgitating, tearing pains, with heat, principally in the morning and evening ; with nausea, worse in the open air, better within doors ; tearing, with a stunning sensation and pressure ; it returns weekly ; loss of hair after suppressed cutaneous eruptions, ulcers, or perspiration. Arsenicum for the same kind of pains, if worse within doors and better in the open air. Silicea also, for beating, throbbing pains, with heat and determination of blood to the head ; when caused by exertion, speaking or stooping, with nightly pains from the neck to the top of the head; for tearing pain every forenoon; when everything has a tendency towards the forehead and eyes; when swellings appear on the head, the hair falls out, the skin is very sen- sitive, the pain extending to the nose or face, with perspiration of the head. Calcarea, according to Goullon, for children or young people who have vertigo, which is worse when stooping, and it becomes dark before the eyes ; particularly if Belladonna has been insufficient. Sepia for piercing, boring or throbbing headache, chiefly about the tem- ples, or under one frontal protuberance, which pains at the slightest touch, compelling the patient to scream ; nausea and vomiting, worse from the slightest motion, better when keeping very still ; in the dark, with closed eyes, desire to sleep, which soon follows, and after sleeping for some time the headache ceases. Violent headache, with great weakness, indifference and despondency often indicates the approach of a dangerous disease which may be pre- vented either by Veratrum, Arsenicum, Phosphoric acid or Arnica. 9. Headache caused by suppression of rheumatism, gout, erup- tions, etc. "When rheumatism, gout, erysipelas, eruptions or ulcers have been suppressed, a dangerous headache sometimes follows, which ought not to be neglected. Give remedies recommended in these complaints; and examine, at the same time, what has been said in the preceding pages rela- tive to medicines for headache. If, in consequence of the suppression of the eruption in scarlet fever, er\- sipelas, measles, etc., pains in the head ensue, which very soon make the patient unconscious, or if these symptoms occur in fever attendant on a cold in the head, when the discharge from the nose has been suppressed, or from difficult dentition in children — there is no time to be lost. AFFECTIONS OF THE HEAD. 165 For this condition give Cuprum metallicum. In any such case, however, procure a homoeopathic practitioner, if possible. Pain seated deeply in the sockets of the eyes and acute shooting pain through the brain, accompanied by weak- ness of the eyes, are symptoms of approaching blindness. If neither Belladonna nor Sulphur give relief, apply with- out delay to a homoeopathic physician. When a pain always re-appears in the same spot, deep in the brain, and there is on the other side of the body paralysis, crawling, jerking, or similar symptoms, it can scarcely be cured — but apply to a physician. When aged persons have continual headache, and at the same time pass but little urine, which is thick, turbid and offensive, it forbodes no good. They must drink freely of water, rub the skin well with a wet towel, and apply to a physician. For scald head, eruptions in the face, etc., see " Eruptions." FALLING OUT OF THE HAIR. Loss of hair, which is immediately replaced by a new growth, requires no other remedy than frequent washing, brushing, and combing ; but if it becomes thinner have it cut a little once a month. Washing the head fre- quently in cold water, particularly in the evening, and afterwards binding a handkerchief around the head, will be of service when the hair is getting thin. If the hair is too dry, oil, grease, ointment and pomatum are injuri- ous ; boil wheat bran, strain it, and wash the head once a week with the decoction. A thin lye made from the ashes of beech wood, is efficacious in some in- stances where the hair is dry, or where there is dandruff either loose or ad- hering very closely. It may be used by dipping a fine tooth-comb or a sponge into it, cleansing the head afterwards with cold water. When the hair splits, it may be advisable to use a little grease or oil — bear's grease is best — and to trim the ends every other day as long as the moon is increas- ing. When single bald spots appear it may at times be serviceable to shave them and part of the surrounding hair ; if this does not succeed after a fortnight's trial, rub the spot once a week with a sliced onion in the eve- ning, or with the pomatum mentioned below. When persons become bald after severe illness, washing the head morning and evening with pure spring water is very serviceable. If the baldness is hereditary, all attempts at preserving the hair are often useless. When baldness appears in early life, the following pomatum is very use- 166 DISEASES OF THE EYES. ful : melt the marrow out of beef bones by the fire, put a single drop of tinct- ure of cantharides into a saucer, stirring and beating ( up all the time; with this mixture rub the bald spots once every third or fourth evening. If the hair falls out from debilitating causes, give Cinchona, and after- wards Ferrum. Also, for clammy sweat of the scalp, Cinchona, is sometimes of service. If the hair falls out in consequence of profuse perspiration, Mercurius may be given. After the use of quinine or bark, give Belladonna; after mercury, Hepar or Carbo vegetabilis ; after much grief and trouble, Staphisagria or Phosphoric acid. After inflammatory diseases and nervous fevers, Hepar, Silicea or Lyco- podium; in chronic headache of a hysterical or gouty kind, with great sen- sitiveness of the scalp, Hepar or Lachesis ; in frequent headache arising from chronic disorders of the bowels, Lycopodium, which is also beneficial when the headache is attended with itching, and where there is much dandruff. If all these remedies fail to prevent the loss of hair, take one drop of laurel oil, or oil of bitter almonds, and mix it gradually with two table- spoonfuls of beef's marrow, melted over the fire, or still better with oil of sweet almonds. Of this pomatum take very little on your fingers and pass them through the hair. Women are liable to lose their hair either from keeping it untied at night, or from tying it too tightly. CHAPTER II. DISEASES OF THE EYES. GENERAL REMARKS. AiiL kinds of eye-water, salves and ointments injure the eyes ; almost all of them contain more or less strong poison, and if they accidently cure one 'disease, in most cases a new and worse complaint makes its appearance, sooner or later. Those who value their eyes ought to shun these poisonous and utterly useless things ; remedies taken internally will generally effect a cure — particularly when the eyes have not been injured by quackery. The most common of these remedies, lead-water, as all experienced ocu- lists know, produces white spots on the eyes, which it is almost impossible to remove. Pure cold water, as an external remedy, is the only wholesome eye- water; it does good in many cases when the eyes are painful, red, and burning, when there is cou2;h or cold in the head : also in chronic affections of the DISEASES OF THE EYES. 167 eyes, with great aversion to light — growing worse on the slightest exposure — particularly to cold winds, or in cold wet weather. It may be used by washing the eyes frequently, or in acute inflammations by applying cloths which have been wet with it and changing them before they can get warm ; the alternating cold and warmth which occurs when the applications are not renewed often, are worse than when no cold is used at all. In all cases when the patient cannot bear cold water, or when it proves useless, and when not merely burning, and a sensation as if there was sand in the eyes, accompanied by intolerance of light, are present ; but when there are also violent pains and a discharge of acrid tears, lukewarm water will be prefer- able, applied either on a linen rag or by means of bread which has been soaked in it, renewing the application whenever the pain increases. When the eyes are very dry, and the eyelids close spasmodically, fresh olive oil is very useful. As a rule, it is injurious to use grease or salves of any kind as they become rancid and acrid. When erysipelas affects the eyes, which may be known by the redness which spreads far around them, nothing wet should be applied, but instead, warm bags, filled with bran or cotton wool. If caused by poisoning by su- mach nothing must be applied externally ; give the remedies internally prescribed for the poisoning. When a salve is insisted upon, take the white of a fresh egg, beat it with a teaspoonful of the finest loaf sugar and a little camphor to a froth, and put it on the eye, or else pure vaseline can be used. The most rapid cure, how- ever, can be effected by the following remedies, dispensing with the salves. INFLAMMATION AND SWELLING OF THE EYELIDS. The eyelids are sometimes red, inflamed and sivellecl, when the eye-balls are not affected. For red, hard swelling, with burning heat and dryness, give Aconite; if the eye- lids are pale, or yellowish-red, swelled, shining as if trans- parent, burning, with tension, and copious secretion from the eyes and nose, and there is much heat and restlessness, Aconite is also the first medicine: if not completely cured in a couple of days, give Apis, which is particularly suit- able for every watery swelling, like erysipelas, around the eyes ; eyelids swollen and sticking together ; with a feel- ing of much matter in the eyes ; much itching, and feel- ing as if chapped, burning and piercing pain, which is re- lieved by the application of cold water; in case the pressing pain remains, or the lids feel sore and as if bruised, Hepar. 168 DISEASES OF THE EYES. When the swelling is great, and the lids are much in- flamed and continue red and hot, there is violent burn- ing, and mucus and pus exude, Sulphur is preferable to Hepar, particularly if the eyelids are contracted in the morning and the patient cannot endure the light. If no immediate improvement takes place, repeat the Aconite, which will then have more effect. If Hepar has been given without producing any result, particularly when the eyelids burn and itch, and are swelled and red — when they stick together and bleed when opened — when the edges are everted or the lids feels heavy and as if paralysed, give Belladonna. When the eyelids are inflamed inside, red and painful, burning violently, and the eyes can scarcely be opened, give Arsenicum, but if they seem to be forcibly closed, are swelled, difficult to open, and the pain is more cutting, with the edges ulcerated and scabs on the outside, give Mercurius; and should it not produce a favorable change, Hepar. Graphites should be given when there exists together with the soreness of the lids a moist eruption on the face or behind the ears ; the corners of the eyelids crack and bleed when they are opened; and edges of the lids are covered with scabs or scales, or are ulcerated. Rhus is particularly efficacious in inflammation of the inner surface of the eyelids — which occurs in infants, and in older children — when the eyelids are closed as if by spasm, and when forced asunder, a thick, red swelling appears, and a secretion of mucus of a yellow color, or of pus, is discharged. Euphrasia is beneficial in the ordinary cases of chronic inflammation of the eyelids, which itch in the daytime and stick together at night, are red and somewhat swelled, the edges ulcerated, exuding moisture or pus, with wink- ing, dread of light, constant coryza, accompanied some- times by a severe headache and by heat in the head. DISEASES OP THE EYES. 169 Nux vomica when the edges of the lids burn and itch, feeling very sore when touched, and adhere towards morn- ing. Nux vomica may be used with advantage after Eu- phrasia, and Pulsatilla after Nux vomica. Mercurius should be given when the lids turn outwards, and there is pricking, burning and itching, or when there is no pain. It may be followed, if necessary, by Hepar or Belladonna. If these remedies fail, and the lids are quite red, with some mucus in the corners of the eyes, the eyes sensitive to the light, and a pricking pain in them, give Antimonium crud. When the lids burn, and smart, particularly when reading, and Sulphur affords partial relief, let Calcarea be taken ; when there is a sense of crawling on the inside of the lids, increased in the evening with flow of tears, Cinchona. If the wings of the nose are harder than usual, give Thuya. For biting, itching and stiffness in the lids, as if para- lyzed, give Rhus; or for spasmodic contraction and closing, Hyoscyamus ; when the upper lids feel as heavy as lead, give Chamomilla; if there is considerable dryness, also flow of tears, with difficulty in moving the lids and heat, give Veratrum. In all cases the edges of the eyelids should be carefully examined to see whether the itching does not proceed from small red maggots or flat brown lice, which in that case will also be found in the eyebrows. These must be picked off with delicate tweezers or a needle and the eyelid rubbed with sweet oil and alcohol. If the formation of scabs on the edges of the lids is considerable, a small quantity of cosmoline may be rubbed very carefully each night along the line of the eyelashes, and care should be taken in the morning to wash the edges so well with warm water that all the scabs may be removed. STYES ON THE EYELIDS. Styes on the eyelids may generally be cured by Pulsatilla, and often disappear soon after taking it. If much in- 170 DISEASES OF THE EYES. flamed and painful, Hepar, afterwards Silicea, and repeat this as soon as there is the slightest sign of its appearing again. Cold water is injurious ; a warm poultice of bread and milk left on during the night is better. If they ap- pear often, or leave hard lumps behind, or do not open, but become indurated, particularly when the eyes are apt to glue together, with biting and burning in the corners, where a dry secretion forms constantly, give Staphimgvia; should induration remain, give, after a week or two, Cal- carea or Sepia. Thuya will also cure obstinate indurations in the eye- lid, particularly if the corners are hot and dry, or there is a great flow of tears, when in the open air. INFLAMMATION OF THE EYES. In inflammation of the eyes, or sore eyes, when not only the lid but the eye itself is affected, or the latter alone. Aconite is generally the best remedy, particularly w T hen the complaint comes on suddenly, and increases rapidly — when the whole eyeball is red, or full of red vessels, weeps much, and is very painful ; if the eyes feel dry or the pain is violent. Apis, if there is jerking and twitching in the eye-balls, particularly in the left one, worse at night. Also for in- flammation of the eyes, with a piercing and boring pain in the head that shoots towards the eyes ; with great dread of light, or vanishing of sight and whirling before the eyes wdien they are at all strained ; with pricking, boring, stitching pains in the weeping, red eyes ; the lids, particu- larly the upper, are swollen and dropsical. Nux vomica, when the corners of the lids are more red than the eyes, or the latter are bloodshot and smart as if there was salt in them — when they burn, with a feeling as if there were sand in them, and there is increased flow of tears — the patient cannot bear the daylight, particularly DISEASES OF THE EYES. 171 in the morning; these symptoms are usually combined with fever, which is worse in the morning and evening. Chamomilla, particularly for children, when there is pricking, pressing, burning in the eyes, as if heat were radiating from them ; they are swelled and closed in the morning, or very dry, the patient being much irritated by the pain. Belladonna, when the white of the eye is quite red, or large red blood-vessels can be seen; much heat, a dis- charge of sharp, burning tears, or when the eyes are quite dry and much affected by the light — when the pains are paroxysmal or deep-seated, accompanied by a catarrh so severe as to make the nose sore; pimples about the nose and mouth, face red, a short, dry, asthmatic and spas- modic cough, coming on in paroxysms which last for some time. Argentum nitricum, especially "indicated when the dis- charge from the eyes is thick like cream and quite .pro- fuse. Should this remedy not prove sufficient, Pulsatilla must be given afterward, or it may be given when the discharge is bland, whitish and quite profuse, with much lachrymation by day, and particularly if the patient is of the female sex. Mercurius is useful when the flow of tears is profuse, burning and excoriating, and the matter discharged is thin and acrid, making the lids and cheeks red and sore. The pains in and about the eyes are worse at night, and the glare of a fire or of the lamplight is very distressing. Sulphur is often called for : the patients are feverish and restless at night, and there are frequently sharp, darting pains like pins piercing the eye. It is well many times when the apparently indicated medicine does no good, to give a few doses of Sulphur, and then return to the former remedy. Euphrasia, when there is a feeling of pressure in the eyes ; increased secretion of mucus and acrid tears ; when 172 DISEASES OF THE EYES. the lids are contracted, and the eye is very red; accom- panied with bad headache and bland catarrh in the even- ing. Also when there is more pain than redness, partic- ularly a pressing pain, dread of all light. Cepa if there is much flow of bland tears; redness, itching, pricking, burning, biting in the eyes; itching heat and swelling around the eyes, with acrid discharge from the nose, and headache. If Nux vomica has not been given before, it is often in- dicated after other remedies, particularly if great sensi- tiveness remains. When there is much discharge from the eyes, particularly with infants, they must be washed with tepid water very frequently, and unless all the discharge is in this way removed, a small syringe may be used to inject water gently between the partly opened lids. The precaution should always be most carefully observed, that patients suffering from sore eyes do not use the same towels that others employ, for frequently the disease is contagious. EYES AFFECTED BY SCROFULA (SCROFULOUS OPHTHALMIA). Many complaints of the eyes arise from scrofula, which may be distin- guished by the symptoms enumerated under the medicines mentioned below ; we meet with them in children who suffer from this complaint, or in grown persons who have suffered with scrofula in their childhood. When this disease has once weakened the eyes, they are liable to relapses from cold and other causes, and cloudiness of the eye and ulcers on the ball of the eye are much more frequent. Pulsatilla often suits in the beginning, when the mar- gins of the eyelids become red, burn, and a secretion of pus causes them to adhere ; when there is a profuse flow of tears, which are so acrid as to make the cheeks sore, or a watery swelling appears ; when the eyes cannot bear the light. If it gives relief, but does not effect a complete cure, give Ferrum. Belladonna if there is a sensation of severe pressure in DISEASES OF THE EYES. 173 the eyes, which is worse when they are turned upward ; when many red vessels can be seen, and pustules and ulcers appear on the eye-ball (the cornea) ; when catarrh and other symptoms already mentioned under Belladonna accompany the disease, and it arises from a cold, or from damp wind or from wet cold weather. Mercurius for children who have not yet taken any mercury; when the pains are cutting, particularly on straining the eyes, worse in the evening and in the warm bed ; from heat or extreme cold ; burning and biting in the open air, the eyes full of tears, light insufferable, par- ticularly lamp-light or the glare of the fire ; the cornea clouded; or small pustules or ulcers make their appear- ance on the cornea, and return with every fresh cold; it will often be of service after Belladonna. Hepar may be given after Belladonna or Mercurius, or to children who have taken much calomel, when the eye- lids and eyes are red and sore, and pain as if bruised on being touched, close spasmodically, can scarcely be opened ; the light is insufferable in the evening; the eyes appear at times quite dull, at other times bright and clear ; there is a feeling of pressure in the eye as if it would come out; and also when small pustules or spots appear on the cor- nea and little pimples externally around the eye. It is especially indicated when the eyes are always worse in dry cold weather, and feel better when covered up warmly. Sulphur should be given instead of Hepar, when Bella- donna or Mercurius have previously been given; but not after Hepar; in cases where the eyelids are almost closed in the morning, and the daylight is particularly painful to the patient, or he is quite blind during the day, and can only see a little during twilight ; when there seems to be a mist before the eyes, the cornea is dim, appearing as if dusty; or when the eyelids are particularly affected, as noticed before. Also, when the white of the eye appears very red and there are little blisters on it; when there is 174 • DISEASES OF THE EYES. increased flow of tears and aversion to light, severe press- ure in the eye-ball, aggravated in the light of the sun. Euphrasia is called for when the flow of tears is great and acrid, and the discharge of pus and mucus from the eyes makes the eyelids sore and the cheeks to look as if varnished. Graphites is a very important remedy ; for its indications see symptoms under "Inflammation of the Eyelids." Rhus tox. may be given where the cornea has little ulcers on it, with great fear of the light ; the eye is very red, and the lids swollen and closed, and when they are forced open a gush of tears follows. Calcarea is applicable when ulcers and films make their appearance on the cornea, accompanied by violent pressure, itching and pricking ; or burning and cutting when read- ing in the evening; when there is a dimness and haziness before the eyes, particularly after eating, or when reading, sewing, etc.; also when there is a feeling of inward cold- ness in the eyes, or when the nose is swollen and scabby and the child picks it a great deal. Arsenicum is sometimes of use when the pains are of a burning character, as if produced by red-hot coals, and when spots have already made their appearance on the eye. In affections of this kind the medicines before recom- mended in " Inflammation of the Eyes " are suitable rem- edies. Very severe diseases of the eyes are caused by the suppression of cutaneous eruptions, ulcers, or other diseases ; in such cases apply to a homoeopathic practitioner. If they are consequent upon small-pox, measles, scarlet fever, see what is said under these different heads. For sore eyes of new-born children, see "Diseases of Children." Spots or films on the eyes should never be treated with corrosive remedies. Rather give the eye rest, and if you cannot consult a physician, carefully select from among the medicines mentioned above ; especially useful are Euphrasia, Apis and Pulsatilla ; Belladonna may be given, afterward Hepar or Sulphur, and then Calcarea, Lycopodium and Silicea. He who is not patient enough to try these remedies may use genuine pure nut oil, obtained by pressure and moderate heat from walnuts that are DISEASES OF THE EYES. 175 not a year old ; introduce one drop of it into the eye every evening. To white spots which are very thick, apply finely powdered table salt, with a hair-pencil. For the whitish or gray spots on the cornea, due to ulcers — for serious opacities of the cornea interfering very much with vision, a homoeopathic practitioner should be consulted. DEFECTS OF VISION, WITH REMARKS ON THE SELECTION AND USE OF SPECTACLES. The most frequent defects of vision are near-sightedness (myopia), old- sightedness (presbyopia) and long-sightedness (hypermetropia). Near-sightedness depends on a malformation of the eye, in which the eye- ball is too long from before backward. This condition is sometimes in- herited, but as a rule is due to using the eyes a great deal at close work, in an improper position and with poor light. Careful examinations of the eyes of a very large number of school children, from the primary schools on through the higher schools, and of young men in college, have shown that myopia existed in a large percentage of the cases, and always in an in- creasing degree as the higher grades of schools were reached, until, finally, of the students of a university, about two-thirds were found near-sighted. This condition of the eyes is remedied by concave glasses, and when proper glasses are worn the near-sightedness is prevented, in a large meas- ure, from increasing, and consequently myopic children cannot put on glasses at too early an age. In selecting glasses for near-sightedness or for any other defect of vision, it must not be thought sufficient to go to an optician or to buy a pair of glasses of some peddlar that improve vision more or less. This practice cannot be too severely condemned. Many persons suffer from ruined or much injured eyes by so doing. A competent oculist should always be consulted. He, with his test glasses, will find out exactly the glasses needed and write a prescription for them; then you can get from the optician the glasses which are ordered. Olcl-sightedness is constant, to a greater or lesser extent, in all people as they advance toward middle life, and it increases, to a marked degree, as age increases. This defect is due to the change in the crystalline lens of the eye, which has its origin in causes due to the period of life. One finds ordinarily that at 40 or 45 years of age the newspaper is read in the even- ing with less ease than formerly, the print must be held further off than before, and books printed with fine type have to be discarded entirely. Most persons dislike to acknowledge that their sight is affected by ad- vancing years, and so many put off wearing glasses at the cost of their per- sonal comfort ; but whenever the eyes begin to show signs of presbyopia, glasses should be procured at once. In this case, too, an oculist should be visited, so that the proper strength of glass may be procured. 176 DISEASES OF THE EYES. A long or over-sighted eye is one that is too short from before backward, and when this state exists it is a defect with which the person has been born. Still, it is often not noticed until mature growth is attained, because the accomodative or adjustive power within the eye is so strong in early life that a considerable degree of hypermetropia can be overcome by this means; but sooner or later this adjustive power will fail to longer compen- sate for the malformation, and then symptoms of what is commonly called weak sight will appear. Usually distant objects will be seen with wonted clearness, but when reading, writing, sewing, or any work demanding con- stant tension of the eyes, has been persisted in for a length of time, the letters begin to run together or objects to blur, the eyes pain and water, headache frequently occurs, and these symptoms become so painful, and vision so signally fails, that whatever work one is at must be desisted from. After resting the eyes for some time work may be resumed, but pretty soon the accomodative apparatus tires and the same symptoms reappear. Nothing will relieve the morbid conditions depending on this cause except convex glasses of the proper strength. Eyes often become crossed in this form of defect, and at a stage when the squint is not constant, the deformity can usually be cured by glasses. Sometimes the symptoms of weak sight are not due to hypermetropia, but to a weakness of the muscle, which turns the eye toward the nose. In this latter case prismatic glasses may be required. There is another defect of vision which is not very uncommon, and which consists in a variation in the curvature of the cornea in its different merid- ians. A person having such eyes will, perhaps, see vertical lines with more distinctness than horizontal ones, or the opposite. Such eyes must have a peculiar kind of glass, which no one but a skilled oculist can pre- scribe. At the risk of wearying the reader, we wish to repeat again the caution : do not select a pair of glasses for yourself, nor allow anyone else to who is not a competent oculist. Spectacle dealers do not understand se- lecting glasses, and they do much harm in attempting to select them. To protect the eyes from the glare of the light when walking in the bright sunshine, over snow-covered regions, or when working near the fire, specta- cles made of a light blue glass, colored by cobalt, should be worn ; the color ought to be of such a shade that bright sunlight, when falling through the glass, appears snow-white, without blinding the eyes. Glasses of the color commonly known by the name of "London smoke" are injurious, they ought not to be used ; the same may be said of green glasses. Spectacles ought to have as light frames as possible ; and for children, and those who wear them constantly, should have the ends of the side pieces bent downward in such a manner as to partly encircle the ears. The larger the glasses are, the better ; they should be perfectly clear and transparent, without a red or green shade, and free from flaws ; they should be well and uniformly ground ; they should always lit the eyes so accurately that the cen- tre of each glass may be opposite the pupil of the eye. When one must use DISEASES OF THE EYES. 177 glasses constantly, it is better to wear spectacles than eye-glasses. These latter are not apt to keep their position well, and ought to be used alone by those who only now and then need the aid of glasses. The glasses should always be kept clear and bright, should never be touched with the bare finger, but frequently wiped with soft buckskin. When the glasses get scratched, they should be replaced by new ones. It may be well to say, in a general way, in regard to the care of the eyes, that one should always endeavor to have a good light in reading, writing, engraving, or at any sort of close work, and that the light should come from the side or else from over the shoulder. The eyes ought, at intervals of half an hour or less, be rested for a few minutes. No one should read while riding in the cars, unless the motion is extremely steady, for the con- stant movement of the book or paper requires incessant changes in the accommodation of the eyes, as the printed page approaches or recedes from the eyes, and soon they become wearied and injury is apt to result. It is unwise to read while lying, and especially when ill, for the eyes are at such a time weaker than usual and can easily be strained. ATTACKS OF BLINDNESS. Aconite will sometimes benefit sudden, temporary attacks of blindness ; Mercurius, attacks which return frequently, but if the patient has taken much calomel, Silicea should be given instead. Belladonna is efficacious in night blindness, when the patient can see nothing after twilight, particularly if something red or fiery appears before the eyes, or a colored circle around the candle. Lycopodium has cured many cases of night blindness, particularly when there were at the same time black spots floating before the eyes. Veratrum is also indicated when black spots or sparks appear before the eyes; if this is not efficacious, give Hyoscyamus. Sulphur, followed by Silicea or Phosphorus if necessary, is serviceable in attacks of day blindness, where the pa- tient can only see well in the evening. 12 1.78 DISEASES OF THE EYES. DREAD OF LIGHT. The shrinking from the light is usually connected with other complaints, for which the appropriate remedy must be selected. If this is not the case, however, give Aconite and wait a few days; then give Nux vomica; if no better after three days, Belladonna; after eight days, Mercurius; and after eight days again, Hepar, sometimes Calcarea. When the patient has so great a desire for light, that he cannot have it intense enough, give first Aconite; after- wards, if necessary, Belladonna and afterward Sulphur. For dread o£ light with headache, Euphrasia may be given when the light of- a candle appears dark and un- steady ; Apis if everything seems to whirl before the eyes, and if the eyes feel as if full of mucus ; Pulsatilla when a fiery halo or circle appears around the light, or the sight is dim, as if something needed to be wiped away, when everything appears double or is totally obscured; Belladonna when a variegated halo surrounds the light of the candle, when the patient sees red spots or a mist; if the objects appear double and there is incipient blind- ness; Staphisagria for dimness of sight, with black flashes and flickering, during the day ; in the night fiery, meteor-like appearances, or a halo around the light. SQUINTING OF CHILDREN. Squinting of children, if there is great heat in the head, is often cured by Belladonna; when occasioned by worms, by Hyoscyamus or Cina; after scarlet fever, Rhus or Cuprum; if it arises, which is very common, from the light al- ways being kept on the same side of the bed of the child, place it for some time on the other side, or turn the child in the bed, so as to have the light on the other side ; afterwards place the child in such a manner as to have the light in front, which is the proper position. If this cannot be done, put a AFFECTIONS OF THE EARS. 179 dark screen before the light. With older children this is seldom of much use. In these cases you may tie up the sound eye first every day for several hours, afterwards for several days at a time, so that they cannot see with it at all, and may thus learn to accustom themselves to use the squinting eye properly. If, in squinting, both eyes are turned outwards, put a bit of black court plaster on the tip of the nose ; if inwards, put a screen of shining silk on each side of the head, like blinkers. If all this proves unavailing, consult a physician. CHAPTER III. AFFECTIONS OF THE EARS. ERUPTIONS. Emiptions behind or in the ears. See " Eruptions." MUMPS. Mumps, a swelling of the great salivary (parotid) gland lying under and in front of the ear, frequently occur with children, but are not dangerous unless the disease disappears from the neck and attacks some other structure. Sometimes the swelling extends over the whole neck, so that the patient can scarcely chew or swallow, and increases for three or four days. Occa- sionally on the fifth or seventh day the swelling of the neck disappears, and shows itself in the breasts or testicles, which become red and painful, and pain in the bowels or other symptoms make their appearance. The patient should be kept warm, not too much so, however, and care taken to prevent his taking cold in any way. All stimulating food and drinks should be avoided, and no external application made use of, with the exception of tying a cotton or linen handkerchief around the neck, but not silk or woolen ones. Mercurius is the principal remedy in this affection. Belladonna will, however, be indicated if the disease as- sumes an inflammatory character, or the swelling is very 180 AFFECTIONS OF THE EARS. red, resembling erysipelas, or very painful, and when it strikes in and affects the brain, which may be known by the swelling suddenly disappearing and unconsciousness and delirium following. If it affects the testicles give Pulsatilla, and after several days, MercuHus or Sulphur. Bryonia is sometimes useful when the swelling suddenly disappears and alarming brain symptoms occur. Rhus tox when the swelling is dark red and the left side is affected. Carbo vegetabilis when the patient has a slow fever, the swelling becomes harder and will not go away ; or when striking in, it affects the stomach ; and also when Mercurius, given in the commencement of the disease, has failed in giving relief, or if the patient has previously taken much calomel. Should Carbo vegetabilis be insufficient, it may be followed by Cocculus. Hyoscyamus may be given for the symptoms indicated under Belladonna, if the latter fails to produce a favorable change in thirty-six hours. When attended by pain in the throat, see under "Affec- tions of the Throat ; " when by much hoarseness, Carbo vegetabilis almost always proves efficacious. If the complaint occurs in combination "with affections of the ears or teeth, in scald head, scarlet fever, measles, small-pox, malignant fevers, or after excessive use of mercury, see the remedies for these diseases. INFLAMMATION OF THE EAR. In inflammation of the ear there is generally redness, heat, pain, and swelling. The external passage or tube is sometimes nearly closed, and the pain is very severe ; the patient can scarcely bear to have the ear touched. The trouble is frequently caused by little boils in the canal of the ear, some- times a slender piece of pork or fat ham put into the ear will give relief. Warm applications are of great benefit. Pulsatilla is indicated when the complaint is accompa- nied by so violent a tearing, boring, throbbing, pricking, and burning, that the patient becomes delirious. AFFECTIONS OF THE EARS. 181 Belladonna will be required if the inflammation pene- trates to the brain, with great agitation, vomiting, cold- ness of the extremities and other dangerous symptoms. In case boils are the cause of the inflammation, Arnica or Hepar will be useful. EARACHE. Cepa should be given if the pain is worse at night and in-doors, more on the left side, if the pain goes from the throat or head to the ear and if it is accompanied or has been preceded by catarrh. Chamomilla for single, acute, stabbing pains in the ears, as if made by a knife; the ear being dry and without wax; or tearing pain in the ears, extending to the ear lobes; the patient is very cross and easily offended ; the pains intolerable. Mercurius, if the patient sweats without any relief; when there is a tearing pain extending to the cheeks, pricking deeply, at the same time tearing, pressing, burning pain ; or when it burns externally, or feels cold inwardly, with violent twitches and pinching ; particularly when the ear is discharging a little. For children this is the principal remedy, after which Sulphur may be given. Pulsatilla, if during the course of a rheumatic attack, earache occurs and is attended by jerking, tearing pains, as if something would be pressed out; or when the ear is ex- ternally red, hot and swelled, the pain going through the whole side of the face, particularly in persons inclined to chilliness and easily moved to tears. Nux vomica, for tearing, piercing earache, occurring in passionate, irascible persons. Arnica, for very sensitive persons, who have a return of the pain on the slightest exposure, with pressure and stitches in and behind the ears, also tearing, heat, and irritability at any loud noise. 182 AFFECTIONS OF THE EARS. Cinchona, if the pain is more in the external ear, with redness, pricking and tingling inside. Belladonna, for earache, with stitches in and behind the ears ; boring, screwing, throbbing pain, with tearing and stitching down into the throat, with ringing, roaring and rushing, particularly when the head and eyes are affected; the pains during the paroxysms being worse when the parts are touched, or on moving about. Hepar, for the same symptoms as Belladonna, when the latter is insufficient, and also for a shooting pain on blow- ing the nose, with throbbing and roaring in the ears. Calcarea, if the pains are chiefly confined to one side; throbbing deep in the ear, and so violent as almost to drive the sufferer to distraction ; especially if mostly on the right side, or worse after midnight, towards morning or in the forenoon. Sulphur, if the pain returns frequently ; is on the left side, or is aggravated in the evening or before midnight. Platina, if the pains are very severe, like cramps, with a jerking, rumbling and rolling sensation in the ears; they feel cold, and numb with a crawling sensation, extending to the face. Dulcamara, for similar cases and particularly after tak- ing cold, when the pains are worse while the patient is at rest; particularly during the night, and which are at- tended with nausea. Rhus is very useful if the earache is caused by getting wet or by suppressed perspiration. Other remedies, such as Phosphoric acid, Antimonium crudum, etc., may be required in some cases. Make no external application ; even oil may become injurious; hot va- pors may burn the ear, and a part that is once injured cannot be restored. A sponge dipped in warm water and tied upon the ear can be used and will sometimes mitigate the pain without doing any harm, but a better way is to lay the patient on the well side and having a little pitcher of water as warm as can be borne, pour a continuous stream into the suffering ear ; the con- stant flow of warm water into and out of the ear canal will frequently relieve the severe pain in a few moments. AFFECTIONS OF THE EARS. 183 RUNNING OF THE EARS. Running cf the ears is a complaint which always needs the most careful attention, for usually a chronic ear discharge has its origin in the inner ear, which has only a thin plate of bone separating it from the brain, and in- flammation of the brain or abscesses in the brain are not infrequent occur- rences, depending entirely on a neglected ear discharge and so, though the complaint ii a tedious one, it should be treated until it is cured. This can usually be done when a case is taken early. It is necessary to use the most careful cleanliness and the ear should be gently syringed out several times daily with warm water, and then a little fine wool put into the ear to protect it from the cold air, to hinder insects from crawling into it, and to prevent the discharge flowing out on to the cheek ; when the syringe is used the ear should be pulled up and backward to straighten the canal and the nozzle of the small syringe inserted a short distance into the canal. In this disease oil should not be dropped into the ear. When a discharge from the ear remains after inflamma- tion, or is accompanied by pain, particularly by pain pressing outward ; or the ear is hot and red, or covered with a scabby, itching eruption; or when the disease suc- ceeds measles, give Pulsatilla; if that does not relieve, Sulphur. For the discharge following scarlet fever, give Bella- donna; and after a few days, if necessary, Mercurius, and then Belladonna again ; if this is not sufficient, Ilcpar. In the discharge from the ears occurring after small pox, which is sometimes bloody, and combined with pricking pain; if the ear is outwardly ulcerated, and the discharge offensive, give Mercurius. But if the patient has taken much calomel, give Ilcpar; if he has taken too much sul- phur, give Pulsatilla, and, a few days afterwards, Mercurius. Should it, notwithstanding, become very tedious, take as much potash as will lie on the end of a knife, dissolve it in a pint of rainwater, shake it well, then pour a tea- spoonful into the ear every day after it has been syringed, until it begins to improve. If the discharge is purulent and long-lasting, give Mer- curius, and eight days later, Sulphur. Should it not im- 184 AFFECTIONS OF THE EARS. prove under this treatment, give Calcarca. If there is a severe headache accompanying it, give Mercurius or Sul- phur; if this gives no relief, Belladonna, and afterwards Lacliesis. Should no benefit accrue, notwithstanding all this, give, two mornings successively, Silicea, and repeat it after one or two weeks, if necessary. A chronic dis- charge is sometimes relieved by Causticum, particularly when the patient is frequently attacked with rheumatism. But if all these remedies fail, try injections of a solution of borax, in the same proportion as the potash mentioned above. When the glands of the neck become hard and swollen after the suppression of the discharge, give Pulsatilla; later, Mercurius or Belladonna, If severe headache and fever occur, give Belladonna first; if no relief is obtained, Bryonia. If it is produced by a violent cold or wet feet, and the patient is better from exercise, give Dulcamara; but if better by keeping quiet, give Belladonna. If worse when warm in bed, Mercurius. If after a suppressed discharge, a swelling like mumps takes place, give the remedies prescribed for mumps. Sometimes a violent headache arises, which becomes dull, with a pressure, as if the skull were too small; the eyes become red; the pain is worse when moving, and is followed by fever; sometimes spasms in the face occur, swelling of the head, loss of memory, etc. ; followed by a roaring and rushing in the ears, deafness, and a sudden discharge of matter. Let the ear be cleansed with luke- warm water, and the patient lie on the side affected, hav- ing a small cushion or folded napkin placed about the ear. If the malady is perceived before the purulent dis- charge appears, give Hepar ; if not better in a few days, Mercurius. If this produces no marked result after several doses, give Lacliesis; after this again, if necessary in a day or two, Hepar. AFFECTIONS OF THE EARS. 185 The same treatment is to be observed when the discharge ceases sud- denly. Usually as soon as there is an escape of pus, the patient is safe, and nothing more is necessary to be done, except to keep the ears carefully cleansed with injections of lukewarm water, as already recommended in this chapter, until the discharge has ceased. BUZZING IN THE EARS. This complaint is generally connected with running of the ears and diffi- culty of hearing ; or with earache. Sometimes with headache and deter- mination of blood to the head. In such cases the appropriate medicines for these diseases should be given. If, however, it is unconnected with other symptoms, and arises from cold, is worse in the morning, Nux vomica is the proper remedy. Pulsatilla, if worse in the evening. Dulcamara, if worse in the night; for persons who per- spire much, Mercurius; for those who cannot sweat, Cham- omilla; to very sensitive persons who have taken much mercury, or suffer much from fever, or liver complaints, when the buzzing is more hissing, like a ringing or sing- ing, give Cinchona; but if louder, more like the noise of a humming-top, or where Cinchona does no good, Carbo vegetabilis. In old persons, especially if it is on one side, with great determination of blood to the head, which seems to cause the buzzing, Arnica is beneficial, and must be repeated whenever it becomes worse. If it returns always with or becomes worse from wet weather, if it is worse in doors, particularly after lying down, if it causes hardness of hearing, if it is accompanied by pain in the throat, running of tears, or trouble when making water, give Ccpa. If it has been of long continuance, apply to a physician. Sometimes, when the least noise cannot be borne, Sul- phur, and afterwards Aconite will do good. If this fails, give Carbo vegetabilis and Coffea several times afterwards. If attended with great sensitiveness when exposed to 186 AFFECTIONS OF THE EARS. the wind, or with echoing of every step and word, in persons who suffer frequently from tearing pains in the limbs, give Causticum. HARDNESS OF HEARING. This complaint is sometimes connected with other diseases, and will then only cease when they are removed. When it is of long standing it cannot easily be cured ; but that which is of a recent date is, as a rule, more easily removed. Occasionally in children, and not infrequently in grown persons, it is caused by some obstruction in the ear. The ear should be examined care- fully, by placing the patient in such a position that the light may fall into the ear ; if an ear-speculum is at hand it will enable us to see down to the bottom of the ear passage. In case there is an accumulation of hard dark brown wax in the ear, which can easily be detected, this must be removed by the syringe. Warm water alone should be used for injecting. It is dan- gerous to introduce hair-pins or ear-picks into the ear, as these can never extract the hardened wax, and' they often push it still further into the pas- sage, even as far as the drum of the ear, causing exquisite pain, and inflam- mation if it be not immediately removed. Caution is required in the use of the syringe, not to introduce the nozzle too far, nor to inject too violently. Whilst using it the outer ear should be drawn upwards and backwards in order to straighten the canal. These injections of luke warm water should be used every morning and evening ; the water should be retained in the ear for a while to soften the wax. Glycerine may be dropped into the ear a few times to assist in softening the wax, but the use of the syringe must still be continued. The most frequent cause of hardness of hearing is a catarrhal condition of the throat and of the tubes leading from the throat to the ear. In such cases relief is sometimes gained by holding the nose and mouth both tightly closed and then trying to blow the nose. This method may succeed in forcing air through the closed tubes into the middle ear and will greatly aid the re- covery of the hearing. If too great a dryness of the canal of the ear or want of wax is the cause of the deafness, sometimes Carbo vegetab- ilis or Lachesis prove useful. The passage may be moist- ened by means of glycerine, which should be introduced into the ear at night on a little cotton wool. Before using it taste it, if it is sweet it is good, but if at all sour it will injure the ear ; unless you can bear it in your eyes it is AFFECTIONS OF THE EARS. 187 impure ; but to test it further put a drop on a small piece of glass, add a drop of salt water, if this makes it cloudy- do not use it. But the glycerine is after all only like a crutch for a lame person, a good physician should always if possible be consulted. Hardness of hearing, attended with singing, tingling, and twittering, is sometimes speedily cured by Veratrum. If connected with running from the ear, give medicines prescribed for this complaint, especially Pulsatilla, Mer- curius, Sulphur, Calcarea and Causticum. If it is in consequence of measles, Pulsatilla or Carbo vegetabilis; after scarlet fever, Belladonna or Hcpar ; after small-pox, Mercurius or Sulphur. If connected with cold in the head, and its general at- tendant, a sore throat, which is relieved by swallowing, gargling with warm water is advisable, and give Chamo- milla, Arsenicum, Mercurius, or Lachesis, according to the symptoms under " Catarrh." If it arises from rheumatism, which has been sup- pressed by a cold, and has affected the ear, give the medicines proper for the rheumatic pains, and afterwards Bryonia, Dulcamara or Sulphur. If caused by suppressed eruptions or ulcers which have been healed by salves, etc., give the remedies for these, particularly Sulphur or Antimonium cruclum. If the patient has been affected with piles, sometimes Nux vomica gives relief; if with nervous fever, Arnica or Phosphoric acid. If the tonsils are swelled and cause hardness of hearing, Mercurius vivus and Staphisagria frequently prove useful. In chronic complaints of this nature, dieting and drinking plenty of cold water are of great importance. If not removed by the means recommended above, consult a homoeopathic physician. Besides the above mentioned remedies you may, after comparing the re- maining symptoms, take your choice among the following: Veratrum, Staphisagria, Arsenicum, Hyoscyamus, and in very tedious cases Silicea or Calcarea. AFFECTIONS OF THE NOSE. Beware of remedies which, in their application, must be introduced into the ear. Let nothing be introduced into the ear except such remedies as have been recommended here. Affections of the ear are generally very- tedious and difficult to cure, and sometimes quite incurable. CHAPTER IV. AFFECTIONS OF THE NOSE. PAINS AND ERUPTIONS. For pain and eruptions, see " Toothache," and " Eruptions." SWELLING OF THE NOSE. Arnica, when the nose is swelled in consequence of having received a blow, or when the swelling occurs very suddenly without any apparent cause, accompanied by crawling and pain in the upper part of the bone, as if after a blow. Belladonna, when the swelling is attended with catarrh, when the edges of the nostrils are swollen and sore, with redness, heat and pains, sometimes extending inwards, with burning, prickling and dryness; the smell some- times very sensitive, sometimes not enough so; and, where this remedy does not suffice, Hepar. Mercurius in watery discharge from the nose, making it sore, and when the nose is red, having a shin} 7 , swollen appearance, with itching, pains in the bones upon press- ure. In these symptoms it is better to begin with this remedy, and to give Hepar afterwards, or perhaps Bella- donna. | Hepar, in swellings occurring in persons who have taken much calomel; and afterwards Mercurius. AFFECTIONS OF THE NOSE. 189 Bryonia, is sometimes of service in long lasting painful swelling. Sulphur, in swelling, with black specks on the nose. Phosphoric Acid, red spots on the nose. Causticum, warts on the nose. Rhus, when the point of the nose is red. Cantharides, red, shining swelling with tension in the forepart of the nose. Arsenicum, chronic redness. BLEEDING OF THE NOSE. Bleeding of the nose occurs in the course of many diseases, and frequently benefits the patient considerably. It ought not to be interrupted, unless it is too violent or lasts too long. Cold water, vinegar, sponges, corks, brandy, creosote, etc., applied inconsiderately, may have an injurious effect. Filling up the nose is always useless ; it is better merely to compress it, and to see whether the bleeding stops, or whether the blood flows into the throat. The bleeding may sometimes be stopped by extending the arm which is on the same side as the bleeding nostril, perpendicularly upwards over the head, though when the arm is taken down again the bleeding is liable to return. Arnica is the best remedy for bleeding of the nose oc- casioned by a blow, fall, or any external injury, and also when it is preceded by crawling in the nose or forehead ; when the nose feels hot, and the blood is of a bright red color. It is especially suitable for men. Pulsatilla, for women, especially those of a mild, quiet disposition, or who have too scant a flow at the menstrual periods, and also if the bleeding takes place during a catarrh, with alternate running and stoppage of the nostrils, and when the bleeding recurs in the afternoon, evening, or before midnight. Aconite, for violent bleeding, brought on by being very much overheated, or the patient has the appearance of being overheated; or that caused by determination of blood to the head, or by drinking wine ; it is particularly 190 AFFECTIONS OF THE NOSE. applicable to persons of a plethoric habit. If it does not soon relieve, Bryonia, when there are complaints of the head and chest accompanying the bleeding. Cinchona in enervated and debilitated subjects who have frequent and long continued attacks of hemorrhage, with great paleness of the face, twitching of the extremities and coldness, convulsions, etc. Carbo Vegetabilis: nose bleeds frequently and from slight causes; worse at night and in the forenoon; face pale before and after each attack; while this remedy is one of the most important ones in this complaint, it is most useful in old or debilitated persons. Rhus, if the nasal hemorrhage was brought on by great exertion, overlifting, straining, etc., and is worse every time the patient stoops, or if it comes at night wakening one from sleep. Crocus for bleeding from the nose, when the blood is very dark, almost black, of a thick viscid character, and when -the hemorrhage is accompanied by cold sweat on the forehead. Mercurius, when bleeding takes place at night during sleep and the blood coagulates immediately in the nostrils in cone-shaped clots, or the bleeding is accompanied with fever in the night. Cina in children who are subject to worms, or when the bleeding is brought on by picking and boring at the nose. Sulphur will frequently be found beneficial to persons who are subject to repeated attacks of nasal hemorrhage. Secale, when the bleeding is caused by great physical debility. If the above remedies fail in stopping the hemorrhage after a sufficient time has fceen allowed them to act, benefit may be derived, especially in bleeding consequent upon overheating or drinking wine, from immersing the hands in warm water, and afterwards keeping quiet. A large key or other instrument of iron applied cold to the spine will often stop hemor- rhage from the nose. AFFECTIONS OF THE NOSE. ' 101 Where the bleeding proves obstinate and the patient is in danger of suffering seriously from the excessive loss of blood, a physician must be summoned, and he can check the flow by plugging the nose posteriorly through the mouth and anteriorly through the nostrils. OZCENA. An extremely obstinate ulceration of the lining membrane of the nostrils, attended with fetid discharge, and sometimes followed by destruction of the cartilages, and by decay of the bones of the nose, is termed ozoena. Its origin is probably in many instances connected with syphilis. In other cases, however, there are marks of a purely scrofulous taint. One of the most troublesome attendants of the disease is the accumulation of thick mucus or incrustations which sometimes entirely block up the pas- sages of the nose. When a catarrh has progressed to such a stage a physi- cian should be consulted. CATARRH OR COLD IN THE HEAD. Camphora tincture, in drop closes every half hour for a few hours, if taken when the very earliest symptoms of a cold in the head appear, will often prevent the further development of the cold. Mercurius is 'the principal remedy in epidemic catarrh, (influenza or grippe,) when many persons are affected with it at one time ; especially if there is constant sneez- ing; the nose somewhat swollen and sore, with constant watery discharge ; offensive smell ; pain in the head and cheek ; profuse sweat at night ; the catarrh worse in the morning, and also when accompanied by fever; the patient does not like to be alone, and has much thirst, feels the heat uncomfortably, yet cannot bear the cold. If the symptoms have been better and become worse again, give Ilepar. It is especially serviceable for chil- dren, and in catarrhs caused by suppressed perspiration, with fever and pains in the different parts of the limbs. Ilepar may be given instead of Mercurius to persons who have previously taken much calomel, and also when 192 AFFECTIONS OF THE NOSE. the catarrh or headache is renewed by every breath of air, or when only one nostril is affected, and the headache is increased by every movement. If Ilepar does not prove effective, give Belladonna. Cepa for the ordinary catarrh, which attacks many people at the same time, and is aggravated by wet, windy weather; it commences generally on the left side and goes to the right ; with much sneezing, profuse acrid dis- charge from the nose, which is inflamed and sore down to the upper lip; with running of the eyes, headache, cough, thirst, heat, pain in the teeth or all over, worse at night and in a room, better in the open air and in the cold, but always worse again when returning to the warm room. Lachesis will be found useful in catarrhs of the severest kinds, with profuse watery discharge from the nose, ac- companied with great soreness and swelling. In another kind of catarrh when the patient has not so much redness, heat and thirst, but has a desire for warmth; drinks often, but little at a time; is unusually weak, restless, agitated; complains of burning like fire without much heat or redness being perceptible; the dis- charge is not offensive, but more acrid and corrosive; the soreness of the nostrils is very great and very uncomfort- able; motion and warmth relieve, and every little cold does not aggravate; in this case give Arsenicum, Dulcamara, Nux vomica, sometimes also Ipecacuanha: Arsenica m, when the nose feels stopped up and yet runs ; the discharge is acrid; soreness of the nose inside and out from the discharge; the patient is sleepless at night without any particular cause, or the nose bleeds at night; cannot lie still. Nux vomica, for the same symptoms as Arsenicum, when the latter causes no improvement in twelve hours, or when the catarrh is fluent during the day, and dry at night; the mouth dry and parched without much AFFECTIONS OF THE NOSE. 193 thirst; tightness of the chest and constipation. This remedy is also particularly useful in alternate heat and chilliness, especially in the evening, and also when there is great heat of the head and face, or all over. Dulcamara, where the symptoms are partly for Arseni- cum, and partly for JSfux vomica, but the patient feels better when in motion and worse when at rest, and the slightest exposure renews the obstruction. Ipecacuanha, when Arsenicum or Nux vomica appears to be indicated, but prove insufficient. Pulsatilla may be indicated when there is not so much soreness of the nose, but the patient is at once deprived of appetite and smell ; the mucus discharged is thick and yellowish, or sometimes green and offensive. Euphrasia is serviceable in catarrhs accompanied by a thin discharge from the nose, and scalding tears from the eyes. Rhus, when the mucus is thick and yellowish with heat rash or scurf on the nose. ChamomiZa frequently cures acrid catarrh with ulcera- ted nose and chapped lips, one cheek being pale and the other red, with chills and thirst ; this condition existing particularly in children, and when it was brought on by suppressed perspiration. For catarrh, which lasts long or returns again and again, the nose either running or stopped up, give Silicea ; afterwards Calcarca, particularly to teething children. When the catarrh has been suppressed, and headache is the result, give Aconite, and if the discharge does not return soon, Pulsatilla or Cinchona. If the pains are ex- cessively violent, particularly over the left eye, then give Spigelia; if in the whole forehead or worse on the right side and more throbbing, the mucus being very yellow and like pus, Belladonna. If the pain always returns for a few hours in the evening, give Arsenicum; should the chest be affected and difficulty of breathing occur, Ipe- 13 194 AFFECTIONS OF THE CHEST. cacuanha, and if the patient does not improve, Bryonia, or Arsenicum. See "Asthma." Let the patient drink hot water, with milk and sugar, and let the vapor of hot water be inhaled through the nostrils. If none of these medi- cines afford relief, give Sulphur. If the catarrh is connected with other complaints, particularly with those mentioned in the subsequent chapters — such as affections of the chest, hoarseness or cough, look under these respective heads for the necessary remedies. Never suppress a catarrh either by cold or by drugs; it is always a pu- rifying process. Nobody takes cold who has no impurities in his system. One is much more liable to catch cold after eating or drinking acrid or indigestible things. Many children will not get rid of a cold as long as they indulge in too much sugar, syrup and other sweets. There are whole families, each member of which will have a cold in the head for three days every time they eat roasted goose, others after other food. As dust in the nose makes people sneeze, so impurity in the blood inclines them to catarrh. CHAPTER V. AFFECTIONS OF THE CHEST. HOARSENESS. Among the common domestic remedies for hoarseness, there are many which are decidedly injurious; and others, which, if they do good, always leave after them a disposition to relapse. Hoarseness, when it returns frequently, is always a serious complaint. It may sometimes be relieved by mixing rock-candy with the yolk of a fresh raw e^g and taking this two or three times at night, by eating fresh raisins, or tying a woolen stocking about the throat at night which has been worn by a healthy person ; a per- fect cure, however, can best be effected by the following remedies : Chamomilla may be given, especially to children, if there is hoarseness with catarrh, tough mucus in the throat, with dryness, burning and thirst; tickling exciting AFFECTIONS OF THE CHEST. 195 the cough; fever in the evening; the disposition cross, vexatious, or serious and quiet. Nux vomica, to persons of sulky, quarrelsome, obstinate and headstrong disposition, for a rough, deep, dry cough, arising from dryness in the throat, with pressure and pain in the throat, the mucus cannot be loosened ; attended with alternate chills and heat. Pulsatilla, for hoarseness accompanied with stinging and soreness in the throat and palate ; pain when swallow- ing; catarrh, with much yellow, green and offensive dis- charge; a loose cough and pain in the chest, with chills; without thirst; and with a capricious appetite. It is particularly applicable when the patient has for several days been unable to speak a loud word; if Pulsatilla does not suffice, give Sulphur. Mercurius is the principal remedy when the voice is hoarse and rough, with burning and tickling in the larynx — -a disposition to perspire easily, sweating does not, however, relieve the patient, and when every breath of air aggravates the trouble. Phosphorus, for hoarseness, with cough and rawness in the larynx, worse in the evening ; cannot talk on account of pain in the larynx. This remedy will, perhaps, be more frequently required than any other. Capsicum in hoarseness accompanied with itching and obstruction of the nose, or with cough producing pain in different places. Rhus, if there is hoarseness with roughness of the throat; much sneezing and discharge of a great deal of mucus from the nose without its being a real catarrh, and With shortness of breath. Apis, if the larynx is very sensitive, the throat not only rough but dry, with difficult breathing only on motion. Sambucus, for hoarseness with deep, hollow, dry cough, which occasions catching of the breath, or with yawning, uneasiness and thirst. 196 AFFECTIONS OF THE CHEST. Carbo vegetabilis, for protracted hoarseness, worse morn- ing and evening, and after talking; it is also efficacious in hoarseness, following measles. Silicea for hoarseness accompanied by chronic catarrh. Droscra, in hoarseness with hollow and deep voice. Causticum, in obstinate cases of hoarseness, when the patient has no other complaint, or if combined with catarrh and cough, soreness and rawness of the chest and occasionally of the throat. COUGH. Cough may be either combined with cold in the head, being more or less to the chest what cold in the head is to the nose ; or it may arise from other diseases. In the former case the appropriate medicine should be selected from among those recommended for cold in the head ; in the latter, the respective symptoms with which the disease is attended, must be taken into account. For instance, if there is a dry, hacking cough, violent pain in the chest, which is worse when breathing, if the patient was taken with a chill followed by much heat and the pulse is quick and hard ; there is inllamma- tion in the chest, and you have to administer the remedies prescribed for that complaint. The medicines which are here first mentioned, will seldom cure a cough of long standing ; you must have recourse to those, the effects of which are more enduring, and which are described towards the end of the list. In most cases an obstinate cough can be cured only by a homoeopathic prac- tioner ; but often it is a symptom of a disease which is already incurable. Nux vomica should be given for a dry cough, which is caused by a rough, scraping, acrid sensation in the throat and tickling in the palate; when it is lasting and weak- ening, with pain as if the head would burst, or a sensation as if bruised in the upper part of the abdomen, with pain afterwards under the ribs, particularly when the cough awakens the patient early, or is then worse, or only a little mucus is ejected with much effort. Also when a slight cough lasts the whole day, with pain in the pit of the throat, and is worse in the evening, but better during the night; when during the night the breathing is op- AFFECTIONS OF THE CHEST. 197 pressed, there is a feeling of weight upon the chest, and the patient has heat and a parched mouth. For ener- getic and plethoric patients, who drink much coffee and spirituous liquors, Nux vomica is particularly suitable. It also answers for a dry exhausting cough, which is worse during the night with trifling expectoration in the morning, or worse from reading, thinking and exercise. Chamomilla should be given for a similar dry cough, which is worse at night, even during sleep, and arises from a tickling in the pit of the throat — something rising in the throat and taking away the breath — particularly in children, and during the winter after taking cold. Also for a tickling cough, which is caused by talking, is worse in the morning and evening, but which ceases after the patient gets warm in bed; also when in the morning some tough, bitter mucus is coughed up. Hyoscyamus helps a dry cough, which is worse at night, and prevents sleeping, especially worse when lying down, and better when sitting up, with tickling in the wind pipe, or when the cough comes in spasms, sometimes at- tended with stitches over the eyes, or with soreness in the muscles of the abdomen. Ipecacuanha is frequently useful for children — even for the smallest — when on coughing the mucus almost suffo- cates them ; when the cough is spasmodic, or affects them so much that they can scarcely breathe, and they become purple in the face, and the limbs get quite stiff. The same remedy answers when there is a tickling sensation in the larynx, with sensation of contraction, the cough quite dry, or a trifling expectoration of mucus of an offensive taste, or when it causes loathing, nausea and vomiting of mucus; when it is attended with pain in the abdomen, particularly about the navel, or a pressure upon the bladder, as if the urine could not be passed, or there is a throbbing in the head and pit of the stomach, and soreness of the chest* after the cough, shortness of breath and sweat of the fore- head; walking in the cold air excites the cough afresh. 198 AFFECTIONS OF TIIE CHEST. Belladonna for a similar spasmodic cough, which does not allow the patient to recover his breath, which shakes the whole body, and is excited by a constant insupportable tickling in the larynx, without any phlegm in the chest; or as if caused by something like down in the throat, particularly if the cough is barking and afterwards in- spiration is impossible for a while, with a bursting sensa- tion in the head, with a feeling of pressure in the nape of the neck as if it were breaking, or for a cough attended with a scanty discharge of mucus, mixed with blood, •stitches in the chest and on the left side below the ribs; tearing pains in the chest; short, quick, anxious breath- ing; chapping of the lips, red face, and pain in the head; or when the attacks terminate with sneezing, accompanied by catarrh, like that described under Hepar, or stitches in the hips and deep in the abdomen, as if something were giving way. Mcrcurius for a dry cough, which exhausts and shakes the patient much, particularly at night; or a tickling cough before falling asleep; sometimes attended with spitting of blood, piercing pains in the chest; in the case of children frequently attended with bleeding of the nose, inclination to vomit, pains as if the chest and head would burst, accompanied by hoarseness, fluent catarrh, or diarrhoea. Carbo vegetabilis for spasmodic cough, coming on several times during the day or evening, attended with retching and vomiting, heat and perspiration, soreness of the chest, white, gray or yellow expectoration, coughing up of blood, with burning pains in the chest; pain in the larynx, as from ulceration, shooting pains through the head. Capsicum for a dry cough, worse in the evening and during the night, and which sometimes excites vomiting; pains shooting through different limbs; rending head- ache; sometimes accompanied by oppressive pains in the throat and ears, or with drawing pains from the chest to AFFECTIONS OF THE CHEST. 199 the throat, stitches in the chest and back, or pressure on the bladder and shooting pains in that region, or stinging and tearing pains from the hips to the knees and feet. Apis for a cough which is caused by a tickling in the pit of the throat, worse in the evening, or before midnight, after lying down, or after sleeping, and which is better as soon as any phlegm is raised ; with headache and short- ness of breath; after a rash, particularly nettle-rash, which had preceded it or which did not develop com- pletely. Rhus for a dry, short night-cough, commencing with a tickling in the chest, which causes agitation and asthma, particularly in the evening and before midnight, whereby the head and chest are shaken a great deal; or with tightness and shooting pain in the chest, pains in the stomach, sometimes stitches in the thighs; particularly when the cold air makes it worse, and heat and exercise affect it favorably ; also for cough with a taste of blood in the mouth. Nux moschata for a cough, which gets much worse after one becomes warm in bed; for a dry cough with loss of breath; after taking cold from wet feet, or standing in the water; after being overheated from hard work; par- ticularly for those who easily become hoarse when walk- ing against the wind and who have a cool, dry skin, and like warmth, and are made absent-minded by taking cold; in general for inconstant people. Cina for a dry cough, at times accompanied by expec- toration of mucus; in children who start suddenly as if they were losing their senses; afterwards with anxious gasping for breath, moaning and paleness, or a hoarse, hacking cough every evening, particularly in children who have worms; or at the same time fluent catarrh, with a burning sensation in the nose, and violent sneez- ing, which makes them cry; also when they object to being touched. 200 AFFECTIONS OF THE CHEST. Ignatla for a dry cough, during the day as well as by night, with a sensation as if there were something like down in the pit of the throat; worse towards evening, with an irritation increasing with the cough, or with a feeling of contraction in the pit of the throat; with a fluent catarrh; in persons who have been affected by grief, or when the cough grows worse every day after meals, in the evening after lying down, and in the morn- ing after getting up. Euphrasia or Cepa for a cough with catarrh; much sneezing; running and soreness of the nose; when the eyes are affected, are red with aversion to light; great flow of tears, and when the cough causes loss of breath ; much rattling of phlegm in the chest; chilliness. Euphrasia if worse during the day, particularly in the morning, no cough in the night, worse in the open air and aversion to it; head and eye symptoms worse on the right side; the tears being acrid. Cepa if the cough is worse towards evening and during the night; if the loss of breath comes on in the middle of the night; head and eye symptoms worse on the left side ; while the discharge from the nose is corrosive and the tears bland; better in the open air, and desire for it. Pulsatilla for cough which ceases in the open air, and becomes very violent in the warm room, also when the cough is dry in the beginning for half a day, with retch- ing; then attended with expectoration of mucus, which is easily raised; sometimes streaked with blood; in the morning much yellow, salt, bitter, disgusting expector- ation, sometimes accompanied by retching; the wind- pipe at the same time feeling rough, and the abdomen and sides sore as from a bruise, or there are shooting pains in the arm, shoulder and back; or the urine escapes whilst coughing. Bryonia answers for a dry and for a moist cough ; for a dry one, when commencing with a tickling in the throat, AFFECTIONS OF THE CHEST. 201 or when the attack comes on after eating, and is so bad as to cause vomiting; or for a cough which begins as soon as the patient gets into a warm room; or with severe stitches in the side, and afterwards a trifling spitting of blood ; with a yellowish expectoration ; when every fit of coughing is felt in the head, or is accompanied with shooting pains in the head, throat and chest; in general for a hard, shaking cough which causes pain in the head and abdomen. * Cinchona when there is an inclination to a short hack- ing cough, as if caused by the fumes of sulphur, without any discharge of mucus, which is present, however, in the larynx, and causes a whistling noise when breathing ; the expectoration which follows is streaked with blood ; with pressing, stinging pains in the chest and windpipe; or consists of a clear, tough mucus, which is difficult to loosen, with pains in the shoulders, sometimes accom- panied by vomiting of bile; and for cough after hemor- rhage from the lungs. Arnica for cough with expectoration of mucus and clotted blood, or light, frothy blood, at the same time asthma; oppression of the chest; the ribs and the abdo- men feeling as if bruised and lacerated; stitches in the head, chest, abdomen, and small of the back; also for loose or dry cough in children, early in the morning or when asleep, with crying and screaming. Ycrairum for a deep hollow cough, as if proceeding from the abdomen, with griping, salivation, blue face, involuntary urination, violent pains in the side, and at the same time difficulty of breathing and great weakness, sometimes accompanied by stitches which pass downwards through the abdomen, with a sensation as if a rupture were about to occur. Arsenicum for a loose cough with but little expectora- tion, which is, however, tough, difficult to expectorate, and causes constriction of the chest; coughing each time 202 AFFECTIONS OF THE CHEST. after drinking; for cough during the night, with spitting of blood, and burning heat all over the body, want of breath, extreme fatigue and weakness; or every evening dry cough, which is very weakening; with oppression of the chest when going up stairs and in the cold air; also palpitation of the heart and agitation during the night. Dulcamara for a loose cough, particularly after taking cold, with hoarseness, sometimes accompanied with spit- ting of bright red blood during the night; or a whooping, barking cough, excited by deep inspirations ; cough from taking cold, aggravated by being in a room, and by lying still; better when moving. Droscra for a loose cough or for a dry one, accompanied by hoarseness, pain in the chest and under the ribs, so that the patient is obliged to hold the painful part with his hands ; sometimes attended by retching and griping in the abdomen, when the expectoration is tardy; vomit- ing of food and of phlegm and water afterward ; discharge of bitter disgusting purulent matter; or with oppression, as if while coughing, the breath remained in the chest, so that both coughing and speaking seem impossible. Staphisagria for cough with expectoration of yellow mucus, resembling pus, particularly during the night, with pains as if caused by ulceration, under the breast- bone, collection of water in the mouth, occasional spitting of blood preceded by a feeling of scratching in the chest, and involuntary discharge of urine. Phosphoric acid, for cough with expectoration, great hoarseness; coughing occasioned by tickling in the pit of the stomach or pit of the throat, dry in the evening, in the morning attended by a white or yellow discharge, or of dark blood ; cough with oppressive pains in the chest, and expectoration like pus; when coughing, a bursting headache, inclination to vomit, and burning in the throat and chest. Silicea, for lingering cough, with expectoration of much AFFECTIONS OF THE CHEST. 203 mucus in transparent lumps, or yellow pus, with pressure on the chest, the cough so shakes the patient as to cause pain in the throat and abdomen; or a deep, hollow cough, with spitting of blood; dry cough, with pain and soreness of the chest; or a cough which threatens to suffocate the patient in the night, or with shortness of breath and emaciation. Sulphur, for chronic dry cough from tickling in the throat, coming on in the afternoon and continuing till toward midnight ; coughing^ with constriction of the chest, and retching; only during the night, preventing the patient from sleeping; or dry during the night, but during the day attended by yellowish, greenish, offensive expectoration, or thick mucus, pus and blood; when coughing, single stitches in the chest or under the ribs on the right side; feeling as if the chest were about to burst when coughing or sneezing; the chest feels narrow and full, difficulty of breathing, whistling and rattling in the chest, palpitation of the heart, the patient is obliged to sit up during the night; or when the cough is attended by a bursting pain in the head, blackness before the eyes, heat in the head and face, but cold hands. Calcarea, for a tedious cough, caused -by tickling as from down in the throat, so violent in the evening and during the night that every blood-vessel throbs, or in the night, during sleep, dry cough with pain, or rattling in the chest, particularly in very fat children, where Ipecacuanha suits, but does not suffice; for cough with copious expec- toration, particularly during the day, lumpy, purulent, yellow, greenish, brown, so offensive as to cause vomiting; when coughing, a stitch in the side and chest and burn- ing in the latter; tearing and shooting pain in the head; also a stitching pain in the side when breathing deeply, when moving and bending; in the evening, heat, then chills and thirst, night sweats, particularly on the chest, great weakness, and much anxiety respecting the malady. 204 AFFECTIONS OF THE CHEST. Lachcsis, for cough excited by pressing the hand upon the chest, the patient unable to bear anything about the neck, coughs during the night in his sleep; or feels a tickling in the pit of the throat, the whole chest, up to the shoulders, feeling sore, with stitches in the side, and spitting cf blood; or coughing as if something fluid had got into the windpipe; or violent cough from ulcers in the throat, with retching, hawking up of phlegm, and much saliva in the mouth; difficulty in expectorating; the cough much worse after meals, after sleeping and after rising; at the same time pain in the throat, ears, head and eyes. Causticum for a protracted, dry, short cough, or for a hollow one, with excoriating or burning pain in the chest and in the windpipe; scraping in the throat and rattling in the chest; pain in the hip, as if going to burst open, or other rheumatic pains; the urine escapes while coughing. For chronic cough, choose particularly among the rem- edies recommended last: Causticum, Lachesis, Calcarea, Sulphur, Silicea and Phosphoric acid; but should they not, though agreeing with the symptoms, effect a permanent cure, use Staphisagria, Dulcamara, Arsenicum or Carbo vegetabilis. The remaining remedies are most efficacious in coughs which are not of long standing. Vrhen a cough, appearing suddenly, is accompanied by pressure in the chest, difficulty of breathing, pain in the throat and windpipe, attended with soreness and raw- ness, especially if after coughing at night a burning sen- sation remains, with rough and hoarse voice, fever and a quick, full hard pulse, always commence by giving Aconite, and from five to six hours after, or the following morning, the suitable remedies for the cough. But when the cough is very exhausting and suffocating, with much mucus in the chest, give first Ipecacuanha, and a couple of hours after, if necessary, another suitable remedy. AFFECTIONS OF THE CHEST. 205 When the cough is rough and hollow, and there is barking, or whistling and wheezing, particularly with children, examine what is said of whooping- cough, croup, and suffocating cough, and compare the remedies there pre- scribed with those indicated here. In recent coughs, with cold in the head, it is always best to keep warm, and guard against further cold for a few days ; but this ought not to be carried to excess, or the patient will become more and more sensitive to cold. For children, it is much better that they should go out every fair day, and be washed daily in cool or cold water. Children who are liable to get their feet wet should wear rubbers. A person affected with cough should occupy, not a cold, damp room which lies to the north or northeast, but a dry room facing the south. Those who are subject to catarrhs and coughs, or sore throat, will be much benefited by washing and rubbing the whole body every day ; it is sometimes useful to wear a black or white silk ribbon around the neck, or a silk stock fitting closely around the neck ; cotton should be worn next to the skin, but no wool or flannel, which is only suitable for sailors and others who are frequently drenched to the skin by the rain. In cases of cough, particularly in children, sweet things, as rock-candy or figs, may be allowed. Gum arabic likewise. All other things are inju- rious. Honey is good in some cases, but must not be used when taking homoeopathic medicine. Goose oil or chicken fat may be used externally for obstruction in the nose or chest, but if it does not soon afford relief it is better to discontinue it. Drawing cold water into the nose is dangerous in cases of severe catarrh — it may be tried carefully only in cases of very tedious catarrh and cough. Foot baths are only allowable when anxiety, suffocation and a small hard pulse accompany the cough ; but then immersing the arms is still better. Never refuse cold water to a person who suffers from a cough, although it should make the cough worse every time ; and force no one to take warm and intoxicating drinks — it is a practice which has sent many a patient to the grave, and subjected others to long and severe tortures. Experience has proved that cold drinks are beneficial in all cases when the patient de- sires it ; warm drink relieves only for a short time and always debilitates in the end. Hot milk with water and sugar may be taken as a sudorific in the evening, but no decoctions of any kind, which only ruin stomach and skin. The idea that purgatives may benefit a cold is a foolish superstition. They are not only useless but very often injurious. The use of emetics.for every hollow sounding cough for fear of a usually imaginary danger is perhaps more excusable, but they always weaken the stomach, and are injurious in other ways. 206 AFFECTIONS OF THE CHEST. WHOOPING-COUGH. ' This affection has been divided into three stages, the first or febrile stage resembling ordinary catarrh, attended with chilliness, slight fever, depres- sion, increased flow of tears, sneezing and discharge from the nose, along with a dry, fatiguing cough, which returns in paroxysms. The duration of this stage is various — it may last for a few days only, or may continue for weeks. It seldom, however, exceeds a fortnight. In the second — the nervous and spasmodic or convulsive stage — the char- acteristic symptoms of the disease present themselves. The cough becomes excessively violent and distressing ; the patient, feel- ing its approach, runs to lay hold of some object to support himself until the paroxysm is ended. These paroxysms occur more frequently at night, and consist of a series of forced, quick and unequal expirations, which fol- low each other so rapidly that inspiration is impossible. The face becomes swollen and livid ; tears "are discharged copiously ; the veins of the neck are prominent; a profuse perspiration breaks out, and suffocation appears imminent. Very soon, however, short, imperfect inspirations are effected, and then a long, slow and laborious inspiration, accompanied by a peculiar noise, which has been compared to a whoop, and from which the disease takes its name. The paroxysms sometimes succeed each other every five or ten minutes, in other cases not more than four or five occur during the twenty-four hours. They are usually terminated by a fit of coughing and discharge of ropy mucus, or by an attack of vomiting. It is not an uncom- mon occurrence for blood to be discharged from the nose, and occasionally from the mouth and ears, during the paroxysm, and the eyes are also fre- quently greatly injected. Pneumonia is a frequent complication of this stage of the disease. The duration of this period is various ; sometimes it terminates in two or three weeks, at others lasting for months. The average is perhaps from two to four weeks. The third stage, or the stage of decline, is made known by the paroxysms growing shorter and shorter, and less violent and frequent ; the whoop gradually disappears, and the cough does not differ from that of ordinary catarrh, and gradually ceases. Wooping-cough is almost entirely a disease of childhood, and one which very few individuals escape. It usually prevails as an epidemic and is contagious. It is probably most easily communicated in the second stage, after the disease has become fully formed, and during the decline. Aconite, when at the commencement of the disease the cough is -dry and whistling, accompanied by fever; the patient complains of a burning pain in the larynx, and sometimes points to it with the finger. AFFECTIONS OF THE CHEST. 207 Dulcamara, if the attack was apparently brought on by a severe cold; the cough loose and expectoration copious, accompanied by hoarseness. Pulsatilla, for loose cough with vomiting. Nux vomica. Cough dry, accompanied by vomiting and great agitation, blueness of the face, fear of suffocation; the cough coming on particularly after midnight, and lasting till morning. If after Nux vomica the cough be- comes loose with expectoration, give Pulsatilla. If vomit- ing ceases but fear of suffocation continues, give Ipecacu- anha. Should the cough continue after Ipecacuanha has been given, or if in the beginning the cough is spasmodic, with a hollow sound, and the attacks come several times every day but particularly in the morning and before mid- night; if the throat is red with pain on swallowing, the eyes weeping, give Carbo vegetabilis. It is also indicated when children complain of stitching pains in the head, pains in the chest and throat, or have an eruption on the head or body. This remedy is also useful in the third stage of the disease. Belladonna, if in the beginning the cough is dry and hollow, or harsh and barking, worse at night, with con- gestion to the head, and headache or sore throat. In the second or convulsive stage, Ipecacuanha, Vera- trum, Drosera and Cina, will be found of most benefit. Ipecacuanha given after every paroxysm of coughing, has helped many cases. Veratrum is especially indicated when there is great weakness, fever, cold perspiration, particularly on the fore- head, with quick, weak pulse and much thirst. And also when, during the paroxysm, there is involuntary discharge of urine, or when there are pains in the chest, the abdomen and the groin ; when between the paroxysms the patient is not very lively, and shuns exercise; and the neck is so weak that it can hardly support the head ; when there is great chilliness and much thirst, and no inclination to. 208 AFFECTIONS OF THE CHEST. speak; also when the body is covered with a dry and scat- tered eruption, or the eruption appears on the hands and face only. If the eruption remains or is brought out after Ipecacuanha or Veratrum, wait some time before giving another remedy; if the cough is only at night, give Rhus. Drosera will be found most serviceable when the cough is worse during the night; the patient is worse at rest than when in motion; when the chilliness is not accom- panied but followed by thirst, — the sweat is not cold, but rather warm, and occurs only at night ; or when the cough sounds loud and clear, the paroxysms very violent, and either unaccompanied by fever, or with chills or heat. Cina is suitable, when during the cough the children become quite stiff, and after the paroxysms there is a gur- gling noise, which appears to descend from the throat into the abdomen, and also in children affected with worms, when there is a disposition to pick the nose, with griping in the abdomen, itching of the anus. For children who have had worms formerly and who pass large round worms, also when the children are hungry during the fever. It is particularly adapted to selfwilled children with black hair and eyes, while quiet, tractable children, with blue eyes and blonde hair are more affected by Belladonna. Calcarea is beneficial if the cough always comes on while eating, and the food is immediately thrown up. Cocculus has also often been given for this symptom, frequently to teething children. Kali carbonicum, if the paroxysms are worse after mid- night, particularly three o'clock and more frequent in the morning, when the children vomit the food taken the pre- vious evening; face swollen particularly about the eyes, above the upper eyelid like a bag. Cuprum metallicum has been found most suitable in cases in which entire rigidity of the body or convulsions ensue after each paroxysm, also when there is vomiting after the attacks and rattling of mucus in the chest while coughing. AFFECTIONS OF THE CHEST. 209 This remedy will in many cases produce a marked im- provement, sometimes indeed shortening the duration of the disease very considerably. After it Veratrum generally acts most favorably. Mercurius. Cough mostly at night, and occuring in two successive paroxysms which follow each other in quick succession, after which there is a considerable interval of repose ; also for cough with vomiting and bleeding at the . nose, the blood soon coagulates; perspiration at night, with great sensitiveness; it is especially suitable for chil- dren who have suffered from worms. Arnica is useful when there is considerable hemorrhage from the nose and mouth, or the eyes are injected with blood, when blood is extravasated round the eyes, and they appear as if bruised, and also when each paroxysm of coughing is followed by crying. Hepar, when the cough is diminishing, but is still dry and hoarse, or hollow and ringing, with occasional retch- ing, followed by violent fits of crying. When the disease has for a complication pneumonia or capillary bronchitis, Ferritm phosphoricum is often useful and may be given when there is much fever, the cough becoming dry and hard, or when there is much fine rattling in the chest. Antimonium tartaricum, taken at the commencement of the whooping-cough, will in some cases cut short the disease, or greatly diminish its violence. It is also frequently ben- eficial in the more advanced stages, and where the air- tubes are apparently choked up with mucus, the cough sounding as if there was much phlegm in the chest, which however will not come up. The face of the sufferer is perhaps quite bluish. The third or declining stage requires for its treatment the same remedies which have already been recommended in the first stage and in cough or ordinary cold, and must be selected according to the indications there given. Change of air, when it can be had, is very useful in this stage. 14 210 AFFECTIONS OF THE CHEST. During the treatment of whooping-cough the diet must be light and easily digestible, and all kinds of stimulants scrupulously avoided. Mental emotions should also as much as possible be guarded against, as they greatly add to the violence, and increase the frequency of the attacks of coughing ; this is particularly the case with fits of anger. CROUP. » This dreaded disease can, in most cases, be easily cured with homoeopathic remedies, so that scarcely one-fifth as many cases prove fatal, as when treated by the old method. It requires, however, great attention ; parents ought to be well-acquainted with the symptoms, as it is always a dangerous disease. Children are usually troubled with a slight cough a few days before the croup makes its appearance; the voice is hoarse, and sometimes the cough is in the beginning some- what hollow, then give Aconite, By selecting one of the remedies recommended for " Cough," the complaint may, in some cases, be prevented. When the cough is hollow and wheezing, Hepar should always be first given. After this SambucuSj Hyosciamus and Cina, or Xu:c vomica, Yera- trum, Chamomilla and Droserar If children wake suddenly at night, and begin with a choking cough, either from want of breath, or an accumu- lation of mucus in the throat, give Antimonium iartaricwm. . Sometimes croup appears without any of these premon- itory symptoms. The child awakes about midnight with the croup; the cough has a shrieking, sharp sound, like the braying of an ass, or like the attempt at crowing of a young cock. It sounds very hoarse; somewhat shrill and hissing, or quite rough, deep and hollow, like the hoarse bark of a dog. The patient inhales with great difficulty and slowly, and emits the breath in jerks. He is much agitated and tries to obtain relief by stretching out the neck. At this stage the disease is not so alarming as it appears, but it should not be neglected. The best way to lessen AFFECTIONS OF THE CHEST. 211 the agitation, and make the symptoms yield more easily, is to bathe the arms as quickly as possible in very warm water. Let both arms be immersed in water, as warm as the patient can bear it, and remain until the choking cough ceases. At the same time give Aconite every ten, twenty or thirty minutes, according to the urgency of the case. In most cases this first attack soon passes off, but the child remains cross, and retains the hoarseness of voice. If, during the night, Aconite has been given, give Hepar in the morning. Keep the child warm the next day, and on low diet; do not let the child sit on the floor; nor must it have any fruit, not even grapes, or berries; flannel may be put round the neck. In the winter let the child sleep in a moderately warm room, and give Spongia. If the cure of the disease is not effected in this manner, and the attack returns the second night, the child com- plains of a burning sensation in the throat, or points with the finger to the larynx, which is very sensitive, particu- larly when touched, somewhat swelled, or very hot. The paroxysms become more violent, as if the patient were in danger of suffocating, with increased fever and great thirst. The sufferer falls asleep, but soon awakes again with a worse attack. The breathing, during sleep, is oppressed and labored; ' the head is frequently bent back, so that the throat is made prominent and is very sensitive to the touch. If Aconite has not yet been given, give it now fre- quently. Bathing the arms in hot water is serviceable. A sponge dipped in hot water and applied to the child's neck as hot as it can be borne, very often does good in this stage. Do not cover up the head, but keep the feet warm. If relief follows the administration of Aconite, and the paroxysms become less frequent and violent, if the patient perspires, all will be well ; but if there is no improvement, or if the disease becomes visibly worse, notwithstanding 212 AFFECTIONS OF THE CHEST. the remedies given, and the danger increases, give in a few hours Spongia; and if this does not soon effect a change for the better, Hepar. Spongia is indicated if the voice is rough, the cough hollow, the breathing sawing, piping; can be heard for a long distance. Hepar, if the voice is only lisping, the cough crowing, the breath a mere aspiration. If the breathing grows so faint as to be hardly percepti- ble between the attacks, give Belladonna. Spongia is to be preferred if the attacks are worse at mid- night. Hepar, if they begin towards morning, or grow worse again, if the cough becomes loose, or the breathing makes no other sound than a little rattling. If the chil- dren sneeze, particularly on awaking from sleep, give nothing more until they grow worse again and then com- pare to see which remedy is best indicated. Arsenicum helps if the children have formerly often had nettlerash, especially just before the croup, if they grow worse soon after midnight, constantly toss about, the cough not distressing them, if they show great fear, or agitation, drink often but little at a time. Belladonna, if the cough is suffocating and comes in sud- den attacks; face red; jumping and tossing about, and the paroxysms cease as suddenly as they came. Sometimes, when neither Spongia or Hepar have been of benefit, a teaspoonful of pure vinegar may be put into a glass of water with a little sugar, and a swallow given to the child from time to time as the cough is bad. At the same time keep the child as quiet as possible, and give it from time to time a little mucilaginous drink. When the disease advances, the hands and feet become cold, the pulse quite small, and the sufferer throws back the head as far as possible (by no means force the head forward, as it might cause suffocation) ; the belly expands and contracts considerably at every breath, but not the chest, at the same time a rattling is heard when breath- AFFECTIONS OF THE CHEST. 213 ing, as if there was something in the windpipe, with the cough comes retching, and finally pieces of membrane are sometimes thrown up. The child is no longer red as be- fore, but pale ; during the cough it is of a bluish color in the face, the eyes start from the head, as from terror, and the child grasps convulsively with its hands. If the above mentioned medicines, Aconite, Hepar and Spongia have been given, and the disease attains this point notwithstanding, try Phosphorus, which has sometimes saved a patient when all else has failed. Goullon reports a case where the face grew pale and bluish, the voice was entirely lost, breathing was a labored piping, occasionally a soundless cough, dozing alternating with restlessness and clinging with the hands (probably the breath was cold) in which he successfully gave Carbo vegetabilis. Even in so severe a case do not despair — the most inexperienced homoeopathic treatment is preferable to the tortures of the Old School. Pouring very cold water on the head, nape of the neck and throat has been beneficial ; this should -always be re- sorted to if the patient grows cold and struggles with suffocation. Arsenicum has also sometimes relieved such cases, and some claim that the vapor of liver of sulphur has given relief. For the remaining cough, give Chamomilla. For the lingering hoarseness, give Hepar — if this has already been given, Belladonna — should this fail, Carbo vegetabilis, or if necessary, Arnica. For other remaining symptoms select a suitable remedy, guard the children against taking cold and should a hollow cough return after two weeks or more, particularly during dry west wind, repeat Hepar. During and a few days after conval- escense give the children no fruit, not even grapes, as very often the most dangerous relapses have ensued after fruit. 214 AFFECTIONS OF THE CHEST. CONGESTION OF THE CHEST The most prominent symptoms of congestion of the chest are : sensation of fulness, weight or oppression of the chest ; palpitation of the heart at- tended with anxiety; short sighing; great difficulty in breathing, etc. Aconite is serviceable when there is great shortness of breath, with violent heat and thirst, constant hacking cough, which disturbs the patient, particularly during sleep, and apprehension of danger. It will be found valu- able in persons of a full habit, especially females of sed- entary habits, who suffer from congestion before and after menstruation. Belladonna may be used if Aconite is insufficient, or if the attacks return frequently, and also when the head is much affected. Pulsatilla for good natured people, particularly women, if it comes on in the evening, or if the sleep is disturbed during the night by the throbbing. Nux vomica for irascible people, when the affection has been brought on by sedentary habits, too free indulgence in the use of stimulants, and also when it arises in conse- quence of suppressed piles. Ferrum, Sulphur or Phosphorus, will also be found use- ful in some cases. Advantage may be sometimes derived from dry cupping on the neck. For other remedies see "Determination of Blood to the Head." Persons subject to this complaint should avoid violent exercise, such as running, dancing, etc., and stimulants of all kinds, as alcoholic, vinous and fermented beverages and coffee; they should use moderate exercise in the open air, drink freely of cold water, bathe the chest and arms daily in cold water, and not sleep too long in the morning. HEMORRHAGE FROM THE LUNGS. SPITTING OF BLOOD. When, on coughing, a little blood is expectorated, the danger, in most cases, is not as imminent, as many imagine. The blood frequently proceeds AFFECTIONS OF THE CHEST. 215 from the nose, from diseased gums, or from the throat. "When it is really from the chest, it is almost always accompanied by a sensation as if coming from a considerable depth ; it is warm, generally tastes sweet, the taste of it precedes the rising of the blood, or there is at the same time a painful and burning sensation in the chest. Under these circumstances everything should be avoided which could too much tax the power of the lungs, such as long and loud speaking, cry- ing, singing, blowing the horn or the trumpet, all violent exercise of the arms, or quick running, ascending, particularly going up stairs. Sometimes this disease is produced by inhaling the dust or exhalations proceeding from such substances as lime, gypsum or plaster of Paris, metal filings, tobacco, or sulphuric acid. When the discharge of blood is but trifling, and is accompanied with considerable coughing, a remedy may frequently be found among those recommended for "Cough," especially such among them as Belladonna, Mereurius, Carbo vegetabilis, Pulsatilla, Bryonia, Cinchona, Arnica, Dulcamara, Staphisagria, Silicea and Lachesis. But when the complaint has already existed for some time, and the blood is discharged in considerable quantities, or when it commences with a vio- lent hemorrhage, there is danger, but not to such a degree as to be exces- sively alarming. Fear only makes the matter worse. It is seldom as bad as it appears. The life of the patient is not usually in imminent danger, unless there have been several previous attacks, or the patient has suffered long from other diseases, or the blood flows in large quantities. In many cases the bleeding soon ceases of its own accord. The most important ob- ject is the cure of the complaint after hemorrhage has ceased, for that is the most critical period, either from a return of the hemorrhage, or from the establishment of an incurable disease of the lungs. On no account allow a vein to be opened during or after hemorrhage from the lungs; this remedy is worse than the disease, for it invariably aggravates it ; but it is fortunate at the present, that few physicians offer to bleed for this complaint. Blood-letting for hemorrhage of the lungs is most injurious in the case of individuals who have previously suffered from piles — and where the blood only takes another direction — or in women, who, instead of having their monthly periods, have spitting of blood. In these cases there is no danger whatever from the hemorrhage, for it will cease of its own accord. and all the bad consequences may be prevented by medicine. . After a heavy fall or blow upon the chest, give Arnica, and keep the pa- tient on a low diet ; if. after some days, pains in the chest and fever make their appearance, give Aconite, and if, after this, it gets worse again, repeat the Arnica. You may also tie a handkerchief around the upper part of the left arm, as tight as the patient can bear it, and another around the upper part of the right thigh, and if this does not arrest it, on the other arm and thigh in the same way. 216 AFFECTIONS OF THE CHEST. ■•. When the hemorrhage has entirely ceased, loosen the bandages gradually. While the bleeding continues, and also for a considerable time alter it has ceased, the patient should remain perfectly quiet in a half sitting, half lying position, with plenty of pillows under the head and chest. The room should be kept cool and well aired and no warm drinks or stimulants of any kind allowed for eight or ten days. The food should be light and easily digestible, and the drinks principally mucilaginous. All kinds of mental excitement, and particularly vexation and anger, should be carefully avoided. Advantage will also be derived from sleeping awhile during the day, especially before meals. If the bandages do not speedily check the. hemorrhage, dry cups may be applied to the abdomen and under the ribs, also on the pit of the stomach. As a substitute for regular cupping glasses, dip a piece of paper, cotton, or other light substance, in strong brandy or alcohol, ignite it, throw it into a tumbler, turn the glass so that the paper shall fall out, and apply the tum- bler as quickly as possible to the bare skin. The closer the glasses adhere, the better; if you do not succeed at the first trial, repeat the experiment. Cloths dipped in cold water, and applied to the lower part of the abdo- men, will also be beneficial. No other cold application should be made, but small pieces of ice may be swallowed. A little fine dry table salt is sometimes administered ; this may do good, but if it aggravates the cough, it should be dispensed with. When the cough continues, and brings on fresh attacks of bleeding, give the white of an egg, mixed with sugar, a teaspoonful at a time ; or put a drop of sulphuric acid in a tumbler of water, and use it as a gargle, or take a teaspoonful every five or ten minutes. In selecting a medicine, we should endeavor to choose one which will not only accelerate the cure, but, as much as possible, prevent a relapse. When there appears to be great danger, select either Aconite, Ipecacuanha, Arnica, Cinchona, or Opium. Aconite will have the preference when the slightest at- tempt at clearing the throat brings up blood, when the patient previous to the bleeding feels a sensation of ebul- lition of blood in the chest ; the latter seems full, with a burning sensation; palpitation of the heart, agitation, uneasiness; is worse when lying down, with an anxious, pale countenance, and when the blood comes by gushes, and much at a time. Ipecacuanha may follow the Aconite, if the latter has checked the hemorrhage, but there is remaining a constant taste of blood, with a short cough, discharge of mucus mixed with blood, nausea and weakness. AFFECTIONS OF THE CHEST. 217 Arsenicum should be given if the Aconite is insufficient and the palpitation of the heart and agitation increase, and prevent the patient from sleeping, or disturb him when asleep, drive him out of bed, and are accompanied with a dry, burning heat. If the hemorrhage returns again, give Ipecacuanha, Nux vomica or Sulphur. And if, after these remedies, it still grows worse, repeat the Arsen- icum. By these means the recurrence of the complaint may sometimes be prevented and the disease entirely cured. Cinchona, when the cough which had been very dry, rough and painful, with a taste of blood, becomes violent and is accompanied by constant raising of blood; when the patient feels chilly, with occasional flushes of heat, is very weak, wants to lie down all the time, perspires occa- sionally, but not long at a time, trembles, has dimness of sight, or confusion in the head, or when he has lost so much blood as to become quite faint, or pale and cold, with twitches in the hands and face. Ferrum, Arnica or Arsenicum will sometimes be indicated after Cinchona. Ferrum in slender persons of sallow complexion who do not sleep well at night; if the blood is brought up by a slight hawking, not in very great quantities, is quite pure and bright reel, if there is pain between the shoulders, asthma, particularly during the night, the patient cannot sit, feels better when walking slowly about and yet must frequently lie down; is very weak, particularly after speaking, and the cough is produced by any considerable exertion. Arnica, when the blood is clotted, black and raised easily ; accompanied by asthma, shooting pains and burning con- traction in the chest, palpitation of the heart, great heat over the body, with weakness, almost to faintness, and also when the blood is raised with slight cough, is bright red, frothy, mixed with small clots and mucus, sometimes accompanied by tickling under the breast-bone; coughing 218 AFFECTIONS OF THE CHEST. produces shooting pains in the head, and all the ribs feel as if bruised. Pulsatilla if the complaint has already continued for some time; if the blood is black, clotted; if the patient becomes very nervous during the night, feels cold, com- plains of weakness and pains in the lower part of the chest, with a qualmish sensation in the stomach, is re- served, inclined to weep, and indisposed to exert himself After Pulsatilla, Secale may be beneficial. Rhus in cases similar to the last, but when the blood is of a brighter red, or the patient is more anxious, irritable and uneasy, the symptoms aggravated by the slightest vexation, or when there is much tickling in the chest, worse at night. Nux vomica, if the disease has been occasioned by spir- ituous liquors, or the suppression of piles, from cold, vexa- tion or other causes : especially in passionate persons, and is accompanied by tickling in the chest, and cough which affects the head; and is worse in the morning. Sulphur should be given if no relief follows the use of this remedy. If the hemorrhage arises from suppressed menstruation, Pulsatilla or Bryonia, sometimes Cocculus or Vcratrum. Opium, when the discharge is very thick and frothy, mixed with mucus, particularly for old people and persons addicted to drinking, or when the cough is worse after swallowing, accompanied by difficulty of breathing, asthma, and anxiety, with a burning sensation in the region of the heart, trembling of the arms, sometimes weakness of the voice, drowsiness and sudden starting, coldness, particularly of the extremities, or heat, especially of the chest, without sweat. If after Opium there appears perspiration on the chest, with or without restlessness, give Mercurius. Opium may be repeated after a few hours if necessary. Hyoscyamus, when the hemorrhage is accompanied with dry cough, particularly in the night, when lying down; AFFECTIONS OF THE CHEST. 219 starting in sleep, etc. ; also in persons accustomed to ardent spirits ; it will follow Opium and Nux vomica advantage- ously when they prove insufficient, and may be followed by Arsenicum. Belladonna, when there is a tickling in the throat, which excites coughing and aggravates the hemorrhage, with a sensation as if there was too much blood in the chest, and pains, particularly stitches, worse when in motion. Dulcamara for the same symptoms as Belladonna; if they are worse when the patient is at rest ; and when the blood is of a bright red color; the attack -brought on by a cold; or when the patient has already suffered from a loose cough for a considerable time. Carbo vegetabilis, when there is a violent burning sensa- tion, in the chest, even after the hemorrhage has ceased, particularly for persons who cannot bear the changes of the weather, or who have taken a great deal of calomel. For the weakness which follows bleeding from the lungs, do not give too much medicine, good diet is of more consequence; let the patient eat often, but not much at a time; but little meat, plenty of milk, and occasionally eggs, flour prepared in different ways, and let him take exercise in fine weather. If he remains weak notwith- standing, and oversensitive, give Cinchona or Ferrum; if he is weak, but at the same time too lively, Coffea; and if cross and fretful, Ignatia; very much depressed, Phos- phoric acid. BRONCHITIS, INCLUDING CATARRH OF THE CHEST IN CHILDREN. This disease consists of an inflammation of the mucous membrane of the bronchia, and is acute or chronic. The former is of frequent occurrence, alone or with measles, scarlatina, small-pox, whooping-cough, etc. The most prominent symptoms are : chilliness, succeeded by fever ; hoarseness ; difficult respiration ; severe, frequent, and distressing cough, at first dry or with scanty expectoration of frothy or viscid mucus, later 220 AFFECTIONS OF THE CHEST. copious and streaked with blood; constriction of the chest with oppression; weakness, foul tongue, and loss of appetite; rapid pulse, increased difficulty of respiration ; paleness of the lips, anxious countenance, wheezing; on ap- plying the ear to the chest, a louder sound than the natural respiration, either rattling, whistling, or droning, or harsh and broken, according to the progress of the disease. Symptoms of improvement are : a greater freedom of breathing, remis- sion of the fever; altered expectoration, which becomes thicker, whiter, and diminished in quantity. It is unfavorable when the difficult breathing and debility increase ; the face becomes livid, the body covered with a cold clammy sweat ; the mucus accumulates rapidly in the bronchial tubes, and the cough, which has become feeble through the exhausted and sinking energies of the patient, is insufficient for its ejection ; delirium appears, and the patient is carried off. The frequency of the disease in infancy and early life deserves a particu- lar notice. It is generally known by the name of catarrh on the breast; it commences as in adults, with the symptoms of a common catarrh ; the breathing becomes quick and oppressed, and from the increased action of the diaphragm the abdomen becomes prominent ; both the shoulders and the nostrils are in continual motion, but the wheezing is often more marked than the difficulty of respiration, and on applying the ear to the chest, a mucus rattle is heard over almost every part; expectoration sometimes temporarily relieves, and occasionally the mucus is expelled from the air- passages by vomiting ; the countenance is pale and anxious, and somewhat livid : — these symptoms are interrupted and relieved by occasional remis- sions, during which the child generally appears drowsy ; but they return with additional severity, and, if not checked, death may take place from suffocation. Coughing sometimes produces considerable pain, and the child for that reason frequently endeavors to suppress it. There is no appetite, much thirst, although when the disease has advanced, it is found difficult to take a long draught, from its impeding respiration ; this is very observa- ble with children at the breast, who, after eagerly seizing the nipple, will bite it and discontinue sucking, cry, and throw back the head, and after vomiting up the phlegm, continue for some time in that position. Aconite may be given when the skin is hot, dry; the pulse hard, frequent; there is hoarseness with a rough voice; a short, dry and frequent cough, as if excited by a tickling in the throat or chest ; difficult and quick breath- ing ; anxiety, restlessness, tossing about, and more or less thirst. Pulsatilla, if there is less heat, more coldness of the hands and feet, less or no thirst. The mucus is thick, yellowish, sometimes mixed with a little blood. AFFECTIONS OF THE CHEST. 221 Tartar emetic in all cases, when the, rattling of phlegm in the chest is remarkable from the first, when the patient is inclined to slumber much, often with the eyes half open ; cries from being touched, but insists on being taken up and constantly carried about. Face bluish or pale and puffy. Drowsiness. Belladonna, when there is severe headache, aggravated by coughing, oppression of the chest, and constriction as if bound, with rattling in the chest; short, anxious and rapid respiration ; dry, fatiguing cough, worse at night, starts in his sleep, child cries when coughing. Lachesis. Oppression of the chest, with short and hur- ried respiration and anxiety ; dry, fatiguing cough, gome- times followed by the expectoration of a little tenacious or frothy mucus, after much effort, occasionally streaked with blood; symptoms worse after sleep and in the after- noon; face and extremities bluish. Bryonia. Cough dry, with pain in head and chest, or cough with expectoration of viscid mucus ; in some in- stances tinged with blood ; dryness of the mouth and lips, excessive thirst; stitches in the chest hinder breathing. Phosphorus. If the respiration continues oppressed, with a feeling of heaviness of a part or of the whole of one lung; dry cough, excited by a tickling in the throat or chest, aggravated by talking or laughing, or going into the open air. Mercurius is useful when the symptoms are accompanied by excessive perspiration which does not relieve. Patient cannot endure either hot or cold air — tongue is coated a thick vellow — much thirst for cold water, which ac-ora- vates the cough. If the patient has a cold in the head, with watery, acrid discharge; nose swollen. Ferrum phosphoricum has been found useful in many cases of bronchitis in children, when considerable fever exists, with flushed or pale cheeks and the rattling is heard all over the chest — a greenish watery or slimy diarrhoea is often present. 222 AFFECTIONS OF THE CHEST. Ipecacuanha, if there is mucus rattling in the chest, and when on coughing the patient is almost suffocated by the excessive secretion of mucus, and becomes livid in the face ; shortness of breath, and perspiration on the forehead after each fit of coughing. What is to be done for Chronic Bronchitis will be found under the head of " Cough." PALPITATION OF THE HEART. The causes of this complaint will frequently indicate the remedies ; it is generally produced by violent emotions of the mind, or by the use of ardent spirits ; indigestion is also a frequent cause. Drinking cold water, particu- larly before going to bed, and eating but little in the evening is the best remedy for young people. Persons who are troubled with this complaint usually sleep better on the right side than on the left, and prefer to have the head rather, high ; they must drink neither coffee, tea, nor chocolate. For mental emotions in general, give Aconite, but it will soon lose its affect, if repeated too often. If it is caused by vexation, give Chamomilla; by fear or anguish, Vera- trum; by joy, Coffea; by great agitation and anxiety, either Opium or smelling of a bitter almond crushed, will be found to be beneficial. With pregnant women, when connected with weakness of the nervous system, spasms and faintness, when it returns frequently, give, from time to time, a very little old wine or a drop of brandy. During the attack it is sometimes better to give a spoonful of hot water, par- ticularly when the skin is very dry. "Women of a pale complexion may experience some benefit from smelling vinegar, but it is very much better to use the following remedies. For plethoric persons, Aconite; after this, Nux vomica or Belladonna. In persons of weak nerves, Ignatia; and when worse while lying on the side, Pulsatilla. Spigelia is an important remedy for those who have pal- pitation often, especially if their breath is offensive. AFFECTIONS OF THE CHEST. 223 Nux moschata for palpitation with fainting, and after- wards sleep, particularly if preceded by exertion ; or for persons who are inclined to faint, or have, in general, the symptoms of Nux moschata, as stated under "Cough," "Headache," etc. Cinchona is most suitable for persons who have been much weakened by the loss of fluids, and are troubled with a sour stomach, much wind and sleep restlessly. Glonoine, for palpitation after sudden cooling off, when over-heated, from violent mental emotions, after v many rapid changes of different influences, either with heat of the face, quick pulse, or beating felt in the head, or with the face pale, very slow or scarcely perceptible pulse; labored heating of the heart with heaviness, pressure and heat in the heart, and pains into the back. Belladonna, when the palpitation of the heart produces a droning sensation in the head., when the chest feels full, or when there is an uneasy and throbbing sensation in it, particularly in women, after confinement, or when the milk fails, or after weaning. In the latter case, give Cin- chona some time after. Sulphur, for the same symptoms as Belladonna, when it proves insufficient; especially if the palpitation is conse- quent upon the suppression of an eruption, or the healing of an old ulcer. Also, when going up stairs or ascending a hill has occasioned j)alpitation for a considerable length of time. Arsenicum may be given after Sulphur, when the latter does not suffice, particularly when caused by suppressed eruptions or ulcers. It is also serviceable when the palpi- tation comes on during the night, particularly after mid- night, with great agitation, is very violent, with burning heat in the chest; with difficulty of breathing, and is worse when lying down, better when in motion. Veratrum is suitable in cases similar to the last men- tioned medicine, when accompanied by difficulty of 224 AFFECTIONS OF THE CHEST. breathing and agitation; particularly if better on lying down, and worse when rising or in motion. For chronic palpitation of the heart, when the remedies prescribed give only temporary relief, apply to a homoeopathic practitioner, and submit patiently to medical treatment even though no decisive advantage be im- mediately perceived, otherwise an incurable disease of the heart may be the result. ASTHMA. The paroxysms of asthma come on at times suddenly, often in the night during sleep, waking the patient. There is a desire to take a long breath without being able to get relief from the suffocative sensation ; all the mus- cles of breathing are brought into play, the head is thrown backward and the patient must sit erect with the arms thrown back to facilitate breathing; he lays hold of any object fliat may afford him support ; the inspirations are quick, and after each expiration a distinct pause before inspiring again, as though the patient had to make an effort of the will before breathing again ; rattling, hissing, whistling sounds are heard all over the chest ; he wants the windows or doors thrown open, that more air may be admitted. The face is pale or livid ; the eyes anxious and protruding, and the fore- head is covered with a profuse, cold SAveat. After some time, fifteen min- utes to several hours, the attack ends either suddenly or the relief comes gradually, attended with belching, yawning and cough, with expectoration of a little mucus. The rattling in the chest, which is now moist, may con- tinue for some time. The causes are various : atmospheric changes, odors of different kinds — agreeable and disagreeable — smoke ; dust ; gases ; metallic and other par- ticles floating in the air ; chamomile tea ; ipecacuanha ; vapor of sulphur, etc. Also irregularities of diet, especially taking food in too great a quan- tity, or of improper quality ; abuse of alcoholic liquors ; the suppression of any accustomed discharge ; overexertion and mental emotions. Asthma is more frequent in advanced than in early life. In sudden attacks of asthma relief may be obtained by immersing the hands in hot water, or by the application of dry cups to the stomach or pit of stomach, in the manner recommended under "Hemorrhage from the Lungs." Bandaging the arms above the elbow is often beneficial, the left arm first and afterward, if necessary, the right, and the lower limbs. "When the attacks originate from the use of chamomile tea or ipecacuanha, etc., smell camphor or sweet spirits of nitre, or take a little coffee without milk. If caused by inhaling the fumes of sulphur, Pulsatilla is better. For attacks which come on immediately after meals, or after a nap, when the patient cannot breathe, draws and stretches the neck as if suffocating, AFFECTIONS OF THE CHEST. 225 the throat feeling dry and too narrow, without much agitation : chewing a little ginger mixed with sugar, may be beneficial. Weak anise-seed tea, a teaspoon! ul taken at a time, especially in the even- ing, is sometimes of benefit when the attack is brought on by a cold, and is accompanied by dry cough. Persons subject to this complaint should take warm drinks, occasionally rub the body with a coarse, wet towel, and walk in the sunshine. Attacks of asthma as well as other pulmonary diseases which are brought on by inhaling fine dust, as frequently happens with stone-masons, millers, and others engaged in dusty occupations, may be guarded against by wear- ing something before the mouth to intercept the fine particles floating in the air. Nature has furnished men with a partial safeguard from such causes of pulmonary disease in the moustache, which ought never to be shaved off in the case of workmen in such occupations. When old persons suffer from shortness of breath they are very apt to say it is old age, and for this there is no remedy. But this is not the case. There is no reason why old people should not be healthy, or become so, if properly treated. The difficulty in breathing is often caused by the ribs becoming stiffer and not moving so easily, in other words the soft cartilages harden ; when this is the case, let the patient drink buttermilk three times a week, for this tends to hinder the hardening of the cartilages, and to soften those already hardened. Ipecacuanha will be indicated when there is a feeling of constriction about the chest ; panting, rattling in the wind- pipe, as if full of mucus, which seems to be moving up and down; or the patient feels as if the air were full of dust, which prevents his breathing; gasps anxiously for breath, and fears suffocation ; the face being pale, and the hands and feet cold. After Ipecacuanha, it may be neces- sary to give Arsenicum, Bryonia or Nux vomica. Arsenicum for the most violent attacks of asthma, espe- cially those occurring in consequence of suppressed ca- tarrh, or in persons with weak lungs; when worse about midnight, the breathing becoming more and more dim- cult, and there is a rattling in the chest, with agitation;. moaning, groaning, and uneasy tossing about; or parti- cularly when old people are attacked. by it when walking; when they can breathe, but the distress continues ; when there is a pressure at times about the heart, worse upon the least motion or exercise, particularlv getting into bed. 15 226 AFFECTIONS OF THE CHEST. If the attack becomes worse again after the administra- tion of Arsenicum, Ipecacuanha will be most suitable; or sometimes if worse the next morning, Nux vomica. Bryonia or Apis are of great benefit after Ipecacuanha, particularly when exercise aggravates the disease, and when it arises from suppressed or tardy eruptions; Bryo- nia, when the patient sighs often or is cold ; the paroxysms come on at night, and are attended by pain in the bowels, with inclination to evacuate. Apis, if the neck feels as if it were compressed ; the region about the short ribs as if crushed ; more on the left side ; if the warm room is un- bearable on account of the heat and headache. Nux vomica and Lachesis are often beneficial when the patient is forced to sit stooping forward. Nux vomica, when preceded by great mental exertion or drinking wine, brandy or coffee, or by sedentary habits in very energetic, violent persons; when, too, the warmth of the stove is agreeable and relieves. lachesis for discontented, gloomy persons, but who are easily excited, particularly if worse after sleep. Belladonna is most suitable when the attacks are made worse by motion, and the patient is, notwithstanding, unable to rest; the paroxysms are worse by spells; the respiration at times deep and full, at others quick and hurried, accompanied by a dry cough and fulness of the chest. Arnica is indicated when not only exercise, but even speaking or blowing the nose aggravates the symptoms ; the respiration is labored and oppressed, with shooting pains in the chest. Cepa, if children suddenly awake in the night with a suffocating cough ; particularly if they have been in the open air during damp weather. Euphrasia under similar circumstances. See what was said of these two- remedies under "Cough." If the chest feels as if laced together, with anguish or much sighing, and if the constriction alternates with headache, give Glonoine. AFFECTIONS OF THE CHEST. 227 Cinchona, when there is whistling and wheezing in the chest ; the phlegm in the chest threatens to suffocate the patient. If the attack begins on awaking at night ; there is inability to breathe, unless when lying with the head very high; the patient perspires easily, and is liable to take cold. Sambucus in similar cases with sweat of the throat, particularly in children. Coffea, in very sensitive persons, who are liable to attacks of asthma in consequence of mental emotions; when inspiration is labored and consists only of short jerks, with agitation, uneasiness, heat, and sweat. If this does not give relief in attacks of- this kind, it may be followed by Aconite. Pulsatilla, too, at a later period, may be of service for timid, lachrymose patients ; and Nux vo- mica for those of a passionate, fretful temper. If mortifi- cation or surpressed vexation is the cause, Ignatia; if vio- lent vexation and anger, or quarreling, Chamomilla or Staphisagria will be probably be indicated. Chamomilla is also serviceable when there is frequent inclination to cough, without actual coughing, with great pressure about the chest and heart, or when the patient cannot perspire. Pulsatilla, especially in women or persons of mild char- acter and the attack is attended with giddiness and weak- ness in the head, drowsiness, palpitation of the heart, heat in the chest ; the breath seems to be impeded in the lower part of the chest. Rhus, when there is very violent laboring of the whole chest, even in the agony of death it sometimes relieves. Sulphur. Short wheezing, obstructed respiration with anxiety and fear of suffocation ; the attacks come on when lying down at night, or during sleep ; feeling as if the chest were constricted ; with sensation as of dust in the lungs. Veratrum is often suitable after Ipecacuanha, Arsenicum, Cinchona or Arnica; particularly when the patient is almost 228 AFFECTIONS OF THE CHEST. suffocating. Also, if worse on sitting up, and when in motion, with pain in the side, a hollow cough at times ; when a cold sweat breaks out, or when the face and limbs become cold ; particularly when partial relief is obtained by lying quiet. After suppressed discharges of any kind, ulcers which have been healed up or eruptions suppressed, asthma is very apt to follow, then give according to symptoms, Pulsatilla, Ipecacuanha or Veratrum, afterwards Sulphur, Arsenicum and others. These must be chosen by previous or present symp- toms, or better still, consult a good homoeopathic physician. PLEURISY, STITCH IN THE SIDE AND INFLAMMA- TION OF THE LUNGS. A complete description, scientific names, etc., of these different complaints would be entirely out of place in a domestic work like the present. Here plain descriptions will be given, without any learned terms, "«o that anyone can understand them and know which cases are really dangerous. All severe cases must be treated by a homoeopathic physician. The chief symptoms, which distinguish these cases from asthma, are : the great difficulty of breathing and the fever which is present, or the pain. In inflammatory diseases of the chest there is always cough, generally with no expectoration or only a little thin mucus, sometimes mixed with blood, or frothy and brownish. Very severe stitches when breathing are not always a sign of pleurisy ; if they are not accompanied by coughing or at least not by much, if they did not commence with a heavy chill, it is only false pleurisy or stitch in the side. It commences usually with rheumatic pains about the throat, neck and shoulders. If the pain shifts its place, if the chest is painful to the touch, and if the passing of your finger along the chest between the ribs causes pain, it is false pleurisy and not inflammation. Such cases are almost always cured by Arnica; if that does no good, take Bryonia or Nux vomica, and see " Rheu- matism." The pains are sometimes lower down, there is difficulty of breathing, more so in expiration than on inspiring, in real pleurisy it is just the contrary. Give Pulsatilla, Arnica, or other remedies for rheumatism. If one has rheumatic pains and there suddenly appears AFFECTIONS OF THE CHEST. 229 the sensation as of a heavy load on the chest with great anxiety; if the heart beats violently and very fast; if the breathing becomes constantly more difficult; if coughing is quite impossible ; if the limbs, from which the pains have disappeared, are getting cold — there is very great danger. Some cases of this kind have been cured by Aconite, and after it no longer improved, Pulsatilla or Sulphur. Pleurisy is known by the chills with which it commences, by the fever and cough ; the breath is hot ; the pulse hard, that is, it beats harder against the finger of a person feeling it, than that of a healthy person, and is not so easily compressed ; breathing is impeded by a stitch, commonly under the ribs of one side, and the patient likes to lie on this side ; coughing is very painful, but not frequent ; the expectoration is slight ; the face pale ; the patient would like to talk, but is prevented by the pain ; towards morn- ing the symptoms lessen, and the skin may become moist. Pleurisy is generally not very dangerous, but the consequences are some- times serious, particularly the effusion of fluid into the chest which may occur from a pleuritic attack. Aconite is the chief remedy and in most instances it is sufficient to effect a complete cure. The medicine should be continued until the pain, heat, thirst and cough have sensibly diminished. Bryonia is indicated by the following symptoms: acute shooting pains in the chest increased by inspiration or movement of the body; dry cough, or cough followed by expectoration of yellowish, dirty or bloody mucus; op- pressed respiration; yellowish tongue; palpitation of the heart; constipation; bitter taste, nausea and sometimes vomiting of mucus; aching in the limbs; hot skin, vio- lent thirst, cough when lying on the right side. Sulphur when Bryonia has removed the pain, if there is still some sensitiveness remaining, particularly on motion and exposure to the air. Although these three remedies will, in a great majority of cases, be sufficient to effect a cure, yet it will, in some instances, be necessary to resort to one or more of the following : 230 AFFECTIONS OF THE CHEST. Belladonna, if the fever returns, or the pain and diffi- culty of breathing continue, and in those cases in which there is violent pain in the head, with great heat, inco- herent talking, etc. Arnica, against pleurisy resulting from external injury; also in cases in which the fever has been subdued by Aconite, but there is still pain and difficulty of breathing remaining. Mercurius, when the fever has diminished, but there is still a good deal of pain and difficulty of breathing re- maining. Arsenicum, in protracted cases, when there is extreme prostration of strength, and the breathing painfully op- pressed. Cinchona, in those cases in which bleeding has been re- sorted to, and the patient is very weak and debilitated. It may be followed by Ferrum. Lycopodium, Arsenicum and Phosphorus are chiefly to he relied on in chronic cases, when, through neglect, bad management, or constitutional predisposition, there is danger of consumption, with purulent expectoration, pro- tracted cough, dropsical swelling, etc. Inflammation op the Lungs. Pneumonia is much more dangerous than pleurisy. It usually begins with a severe chill ; the fever does not, to so marked a degree, decrease towards morning ; the skin is always hot and dry ; pulse at first soft, afterwards it becomes hard ; the breath is hot, but the breathing, though not so much impeded by stitches as in pleurisy, is much more rapid and remains so throughout the attack ; the pains are more pressing in the middle of the chest ; coughing more frequent, of longer duration, and often causes headache ; the face is usually deeply flushed, especially on the side corresponding to the affected lung ; the patient lies upon the back, not upon the side ; wants to be let alone and does not like to talk ; sometimes he is cross and don't care for anything. The cough is usually dry at first, afterwards a little blood is brought up, mixed with tough mucus, and looking the color of iron rust. The danger is mostly over as soon as the expectoration becomes copious and thick, with frequent coughing, the pressure upon the chest decreases and sweating occurs, the skin remaining moist. AFFECTIONS OF THE CHEST. 231 Aconite, in the beginning, for hot, burning skin, hard, full and frequent pulse, rapid breathing, violent thirst; great anxiety, either accompanied or not by pain in the chest ; dry cough. Bryonia, after Aconite, for the following s} T mptoms : cough, with expectoration of tough mucus of a reddish or rusty color; great difficulty of breathing, and stitches in the side or chest; pain increased by movement; mouth dry, yellowish or dark coated tongue, great thirst and consti- pation. Hyoscyamus sometimes, when the brain symptoms pre- dominate. Ilercurius, when the fever is not so active; the pain and difficulty of breathing still continue, with profuse sweats, which do not relieve the symptoms, the pulse weak and frequent. If perspiration breaks out on the chest of old people, Mercurius is indicated. Antimonium tartaricum, when there is oppression of the chest, with much rattling of mucus ; expectoration of frothy mucus ; great weakness, and disposition to vomit or vom- iting of mucus; face livid. Especially suitable for old people and infants. Sulphur is the most important remedy and following Aconite, is frequently sufficient to complete the cure; its chief indications are : frequent, weak, faint spells ; flushes of heat; feels suffocated; constant heat on top of head; rattling of mucus in the chest; cough; when the disease, after other remedies have been given, remains stationary, Sulphur will nearly always bring about a recovery or make such a change in the condition of the patient, that another medicine will finish the cure. If the inflammation of the lungs has not decidedly de- veloped, if the cough remains painful, if the breath is crackling and like sawing, the oeating of the heart con- stantly accelerated, give Phosphorus; if a yellow pus- like expectoration remains, strength fails and night- 2o2 AFFECTIONS OF THE CHEST. sweats set in, the patient will only be saved by Lycopo- dium; when the expectoration is copious and slimy, Dul- camara may be given. But such cases should always be treated by a homoeopathic physician. Occasionally the disease takes on, especially in old or very feeble persons, or in those who are intemperate in the use of alcoholic liquors, a form known as typhoid pneumonia. Delirium or stupor are present and prostra- tion of the vital powers occurs; the tongue is dry and brown, teeth covered with sordes; involuntary passages from the bowels occur and twitchings of the muscles take place. The medicines most frequently indicated are: Arsenicum, Lycopodium and Rhus. Arsenicum, when there is great prostration with anxious restlessness; much thirst, but drinking only a little at a time ; face pale and anxious ; diarrhoea. Lycopodium, cough loose, or a constant tickling cough ; circumscribed redness of face; sweat without any relief; patient is always worse late in the afternoon. Rhus, extreme restlessness; tearing cough; tongue red at tip; prostration; great drowsiness; hardness of hearing; involuntary movements from bowels and urination ; skin dry and hot. CONSUMPTION OF THE LUNGS. This disease, one of the most common and most fatal, may be treated in the beginning according to the symp- toms that arise : for those regarding the chest, see "Cough" and "Hemorrhage from the Lungs." Very manv cases can be cured if treated early by proper medical, hygienic and dietetic methods, hence a physician should always be consulted for any person who with a cough more or less severe begins to lose flesh, or to have night-sweats. AFFECTIONS OF THE THROAT. 233 CHAPTER VI. AFFECTIONS OF THE THROAT. SORE THROAT, INCLUDING QUINSY. The various affections producing a troublesome pain in the throat pass under the general name of sore throat. In order to examine the throat, place the patient in the light near a high window, if possible ; let him open his mouth wide and push his tongue forward, while you introduce the handle of a spoon and press down the back part of the tongue, but not with too much violence; by this means the entire cavity of the throat may be examined. Persons not familiar with this simple procedure, and who, of course, must needs take a longer time in the examination, should first let the patient open his mouth, hold back his head and put out his tongue, that they may examine the upper part of the throat. Then let him rest awhile, after which let the mouth be opened wide a second time so that a spoon handle may be introduced, and the back of the tongue pressed down gently, in order that the soft palate with the tonsils and the interior of the throat may be exposed to view. The use of the spoon to press down the tongue may often be avoided by directing the patient to open his mouth wide and draw in his breath forcibly, the tongue then generally goes down and the soft palate up during the inspiration, or if the patient can be made to say, ah ! with the mouth wide open, the throat may be seen to more ad- vantage. In children, who will usually resist this examination, it is some- times necessary to put a cork between the teeth ; care, however, should be taken that, in pressing down the tongue, no injury is done. Then compare the symptoms as given by the patient, and your own ob- servations, with the symptoms of the medicines recommended. In cases complicated with hoarseness, look under that section. When on looking into the throat white or gray patches of membrane, which lie on the more or less greatly swelled and reddened mucous mem- brane, lining the throat and covering the tonsils, are seen, the disease is diphtheria and it is the most dangerous form of sore throat. For the treat- ment, see Diphtheria. Chapter XIV. An excellent domestic remedy for sore throat when it first comes on. and one that is instantly available, is to put two or three thicknesses of linen cloth, which has been dipped in cold water, around the neck, and over this a roll of flannel or a long worsted stocking. The patient should at once go to bed after this is applied and often he will be surprised and delighted to find that his sore throat is gone by the morning. Men who suffer frequently from sore throat should allow their beards to grow beneath the chin. Putting a woolen stocking around the neck at 234 • AFFECTIONS OF THE THROAT. night on going to bed is also good. It is a good plan to wash the neck every morning with cold water, and afterwards to rub it well and not to make a practice of covering the neck too warmly on going out into the cold. Gargling the throat with irritating substances, is an old and pernicious practice. When the throat is dry, swollen and very painful, the patient may inhale the vapor of hot milk by holding his mouth over a jug half filled with it. AYhen the throat is dry and swollen and the disease acute, it is well to boil figs in milk and inhale the vapor, or hold pieces of the fig in the mouth or drink some of the milk. If the complaint is tedious and swallowing difficult, boil wheat starch in water and use in the same way. Aconite is to be given when the patient has difficulty and pain in swallowing or in speaking; when the throat is much more red^ than usual ; and for a burning pricking, or contracting sensation, accompanied by fever, anxiety, impatience and uneasiness. Belladonna, when drinking produces spasm in the throat, the fluids returning through the nose ; constant disposition to swallow; pricking pain on swallowing and on touching the throat ; swallowing difficult, producing spasm, or en- tirely impossible ; the throat feels as if there were a plug in it ; dry, burning sensation in the throat, and a disposi- tion to hawk up something; when not swallowing, tearing- pain, extending to the lower jaws, or up into the head; ulcers in the throat, which appear very suddenly and spread rapidly, tonsils and the small palate (uvula) swollen, and of a bright or yellowish-red color, or redness without swelling; violent pains when swallowing and hawking, sometimes even when speaking; pressing, shooting pain in the tonsils, which seem as if they would burst, the glands swollen outside, accompanied by violent fever, red face, throbbing headache and much thirst; profuse saliva- tion, pain in the forehead, and furred tongue. During the prevalence of scarlet fever, Belladonna is most suitable for sore throat. Mercurius, if it seems as though a hot vapor were rising in the throat, the tongue is furred and flabby with de- pressed edges, so that the impression of every tooth may AFFECTIONS OF THE THROAT. 235 be seen; and in cases similar to Belladonna, when the latter is insufficient, and the throat continues swollen, very red, or becomes ulcerated. When the ulcers are not painful, and appear gradually, Belladonna is of no use, but Mercurius must be given; after Belladonna or Mercu- rius the patient ought particularly to avoid taking cold. In quinsy this medicine is often of use when it is found impossible to prevent the formation of pus, to hasten such formation. Hepar, in the beginning, especially in quinsy, is more suitable than the preceding remedy, if the pricking pains are very violent when swallowing, extending to the ears or to the glands of the throat, and to the lower jaw; if the patient feels as if a splinter or a fish-bone were in the throat; when the burning in the throat scarcely allows the patient to swallow, with stitches in the swollen ton- sils, and a very disagreeable taste in the mouth, the gums and back part of the tongue swollen, with abundant dis- charge of saliva ; in the evening, chills or heat, followed by perspiration, which does not relieve; uneasiness, or an aggravation of all the symptoms during the night; also worse in the cold air; accompanied by violent headache and drawing in the nape of the neck. Hepar may be given after Mercurius, particularly after taking fresh cold ; after Hepar, Mercurius may be given again if there is no improvement. Lachesis may be given, when Belladonna, Mercurius or Hepar have appeared to be indicated, but do not suffice; if the uvula is swollen ; continual disposition to swallow ; profuse salivation ; accumulation of phlegm in the throat ; bad ulcers; spasms of the throat which prevent drinking; the throat is very sensitive to the slightest touch, even to that of the bed clothes. It is especially indicated when there are white or gray patches on the tonsils or throat, particularly when the disease began on the left side ; when croupy symptoms appear; the symptoms are worse in the 236 AFFECTIONS OF THE THROAT. afternoon, sometimes in the morning, but always after sleeping. Ignatia, when there is a constant feeling as if there were a lump in the throat; a sore spot in the throat when swallowing ; acute, shooting pain, which sometimes is ex- perienced only when the patient is not swallowing. Fluids are more difficult to swallow than solid food. The same remedy answers when the tonsils are swollen and ulcer- ated. Before, however, deciding on this medicine, com- pare what is said under Belladonna, Mercurius, Hepar and Sulphur. For shallow ulcers on the tonsils, give Ignatia, and afterwards Lycopodium. Nux vomica, in cases similar to those mentioned under Ignatia; especially for a sensation as if there were a swell- ing like a plug or lump in the throat, particularly when swallowing; with pains rather pressing than shooting, worse on swallowing the saliva. The throat feels raw and excoriated, or as if scraped and rough ; the cold air affects the throat painfully; sometimes the uvula is swollen and red. Pulsatilla for the same sensation on swallowing as de- scribed under Nux vomica, or the throat appears too nar- row, as if obstructed by swelling; redness and sensation of scraping; dryness of the throat without thirst; shooting pains in the throat when swallowing, but worse when not swallowing; a feeling of tension in the throat; the glands of the neck are painful when touched ; the interior of the throat is more of a bluish-red; the fever is unaccompanied by thirst ; chilliness in the evening, followed by heat. Bryonia, when the throat is painful on being touched, or on turning the head ; swallowing difficult and painful, as if a hard substance were in the throat; shooting pains and soreness, attended with dryness, or a feeling of dryness, which renders speaking difficult. These symptoms com- monty occur after being overheated, or after eating ice or drinking ice-water; they are frequently accon'ipanied by AFFECTIONS OF THE THROAT. 237 fever, dry mouth, either with or without thirst, and great irritability. Rhus for symptoms similar to those under Bryonia, ex- cept that the pains extend further down. The glands un- der the ears are much swollen; the patient is extremely restless; a bloody saliva runs out of the mouth during sleep. Capsicum for symptoms similar to those previously men- tioned; it may be given when the other remedies fail; when the fever continues with chills and thirst, followed by heat; the pains are pressing, the throat spasmodically contracted ; blisters in the mouth and ulcers in the throat, with a sensation of burning ; at the same time cough, with violent pain in the throat. It is particularly indicated when the patient wants to lie down all the time, and is disposed to sleep ; is afraid of the air and cold. Apis, if the patient is always chilly and afraid of the open air, yet cannot bear a closed room, particularly not when heated; if he is hot, but not thirsty; if he has had nettle-rash; if the tongue and throat are as if scalded; burning blisters on the margin of the tongue; dryness of the mouth and throat, stinging when swallowing; tough secretion from the mouth; tonsils bright red and swollen with stinging, burning, itching pains; the throat is raw; looks dropsical. Sulphur for frequent or constant sore throat, particularly when the inside of the throat, the tonsils and the small palate (uvula) are swollen; swallowing is impeded, and besides the usual pains, peculiar pricking pains, or a sen- sation as if there was a lump in the throat, or the throat was too narrow, with soreness or dryness. If there is swell- ing and redness of the soft palate, give Phosphorus ; if the uvula chiefly or alone is swollen and red, give Lachesis. If the sore throat is not better in two or three days and the throat gradually appears to close up, the pain being throbbing and stinging; saliva flowing from the mouth, 238 AFFECTIONS OF THE TEETH. and when trying to swallow fluids, they come out again at the nose; lying on the painful side or on the back be- comes more difficult, when you see the red swollen tonsils at the side of the uvula protruding more on one side than on the other, it is probable that suppuration threatens. In this case Silicea will often be beneficial; sometimes, however, according to the other symptoms, it will be bet- ter to give Hepar, Mercurius or Lachesis. Relief may also be obtained from warm poultices, rinsing with warm milk or gruel, or inhaling the warm vapors thereof. As soon as the abscess breaks the patient will be better. CHAPTER VII. AFFECTIONS OF THE TEETH. TOOTHACHE AND SWELLED FACE. Pains, originating in the teeth, sometimes affect different parts of the head, as the lower jaw, the ear, the upper jaw, and the bones of the face ; and pains which originate in these parts extend likeAvise to the teeth. We append, therefore, "Face-ache" and "Swelled Face" to this chapter. This connection between the different parts of the head shows that the cause of the complaint should not always be looked for in carious teeth. Decayed teeth are sometimes painful, because they are affected by disease, but their being decayed teeth does not necessarily produce pain ; they may decay and break off altogether without any pain whatever ; if pain were occa- sioned by decay, the tooth would ache continually, while, on the other hand, teeth that are not decayed may pain most violently. What is said of exposed nerves producing pain is nonsense ; any one who knows what a nerve is, and will take the trouble to reflect, will soon be convinced of it. Extraction of teeth is only allowable where there exists a fistula, suppuration at the root, and the like, and as most of these can be cured by homoeopathic remedies, together with the services of a good dentist, it can only be neces- sary in the few incurable cases, and in children who are shedding their teeth ; in all other cases it is a bad remedy, because the root . has to be ex- AFFECTIONS OF THE TEETH. 239 tracted, and this is injurious to the jaw, as the root may remain in it with- out causing the least pain, when we know how to treat it. When the teeth remain in the jaw, the decay communicates itself but very slowly, except in a few diseases where the decay in a short time destroys all or most of the teeth. But when the disease is of this nature, extracting does no good, not even if all the teeth are taken out, for in this case it will attack the jaw. Let no one believe that one tooth can affect another, make it black, and communicate the caries by contact. This is the doctrine of those who get paid for extracting them, but who cannot cure toothache. Most of the tooth powders and tinctures sold by perfumers and chemists are injurious. The teeth and gums ought not to be picked much, and never with any toothpick, except quill or wood ; one must be careful in drinking to avoid extremes of hot and cold, and keep the teeth clean by brushing them with a soft brush and pure water in the morning and after each meal. Do not be content with brushing simply the front part of the teeth, but go over their crowns and inner faces, and when using the brush on their front surfaces let the motion of the toothbrush be up and down, and not across the surface of the teeth from side to side. If a tooth powder must be used, sugar of milk is the best one. The most pleasant way of cleaning the teeth and removing even the tar- tar is with sour milk. Eub the teeth with it, and then rinse the mouth with warm water, and you will feel how clean the teeth have become. If you have toothache, make a timely selection of one of the following remedies, and in most cases you will find that they give speedy relief. The worst of all the common remedies is opium or laudanum. It is al- ways injurious. Pain which has been removed by opium is sure to return with redoubled violence some time or other. But it is very seldom the true remedy, and when it is, the best way to use it is to tie a piece of opium of the size of a pea on the outside of the cheek. Kreosote is equally injuri- ous ; in many cases it is of no use ; in most cases it only allays the pain for awhile, and produces ulcers in the mouth, the throat and the stomach ; the mere introduction of it into the mouth affects the stomach. For persons with weak lungs it is very injurious. When the toothache evidently depends on the presence of particles of food in the cavity of a decayed tooth, the cavity may be cleaned out by a little cotton wound on the end of a piece of wire or the end of a knitting needle. This will often stop the pain at once. The earlier the cavities are filled by a dentist the better, and in the case of children, if the care of their teeth is early put into the hands of a compe- tent dentist, there need be but little trouble from decayed teeth or tooth- ache ; for timely attention would save most of the disastrous loss of teeth and the terrible suffering consequent on the decay of the teeth. Persons who suffer much from toothache should abstain from the use of coffee altogether; it is generally injurious to the teeth. When homoeo- pathic remedies are used, care should be taken for a long time to avoid everything that would interfere with their operation. 240 AFFECTIONS OF THE TEETH. It ought to be observed, that one or two globules taken on the tongue, if it is the proper remedy, or, in some cases, merely smelling the medicine, will give the patient relief. The pain frequently gets worse for a short time after taking the medicine, but wait awhile patiently, and if it begins to abate take nothing more, until there is no longer any improvement. If it gets worse again, and the symptoms resemble the first, take the same medicine ; if they differ, select another. As the torture from toothache is so common, and embitters life so much, and as medicines not suitably chosen will prove ineffectual, we will en- deavor, as much as possible, to facilitate the selection of the proper remedy, by showing the twofold manner in which it must be found : namely, first, by comparing the symptoms with the medicines adapted to them, and then by comparing the medicines with their respective symptoms. In the first place, take note of every symptom complained of by the pa- tient, and note also the remedies which are recommended for each ; then examine the symptoms under those medicines which occur most frequently on your list, and see whether they also correspond with the proper symp- toms : by this means the proper remedy may generally be easily discovered. It should be taken into consideration that not all the symptoms men- tioned under a remedy are necessarily to be found in the patient, but that all, or at least the greater part of the symptoms of the patient must be found under the remedy selected. To explain this, we will give the following example: — A patient has vio- lent tearing or drawing pains in different places, and tearing in the gums (a) ; sometimes tearing pain extending into the head (b) ; cold air causes it and makes it worse (c) ; it is mostly worse in the morning (d) ; accompanied by determination of blood to the head (e). Among the different symptoms, we find for — a) Pains in the gums : Mercurius, Pulsatilla, Staphisagria, Hepar, Ar- senicum, Carbo vegetabilis, Hyoscyamus, Calcarea. b) Which extend to the head: Mercurius, Staphisagria, Nux vomica, Chamomilla, Sulphur, Arsenicum, Antimonium crudum, Rhus, Hyoscyamus. c) Worse in cold air: Belladonna, Mercurius, Staphisagria, Sulphur, Hyoscyamus. d) Worse in the morning : Ignatia, Mercurius, Pulsatilla, Phosphoric acid, Staphisagria, Bryonia, Nux vomica, Cinchona, Sulphur, Arsenicum, Hyoscyamus. e) Determination of blood to the head : Aconite, Pulsatilla, Cinchona, Hyoscyamus, Calcarea. After striking out all the remedies that occur here only once or twice you will find that Pulsatilla, Staphisagria, Sulphur, Arsenicum, occur three times, Mercurius, four times, Hyoscyamus, five times; now, examine the symp- AFFECTIONS OF THE TEETH. 241 toms under Hyoscyamus, and you will find that Hyoscy- amns or Mercurius answers best. The remedies in italics are more frequently indicated than the others and are therefore of more importance. Most in the Front-teeth.. — Belladonna, Causticum, Carbo vegetabilis, Chamomilla, Cinchona, Cofiea, Ignatia, Mercurius, Natrum muri- aticum, Nux moschata, Nux vomica, Phosphorus, Phosphoric acid, Rhus, Silicea, Staphisagria, Sulphur. Most in the Eye and Stomach-teeth. — Aconite, Calcarea, Hyoscya- mus, Rhus, Staphisagria. Most in the Molars Or Back-teeth. — Arnica, Belladonna, Bryonia, Calcarea, Carbo vegetabilis, Causticum, Chamomilla, Cinchona, Coffea, Hyoscyamus, Ignatia, Mercurius, Nux moschata, Nux vomica, Phosphorus, Phosphoric acid, Pulsatilla, Rhus, Silicea, Staphisagria, Sulphur. Most in the Upper-teeth. — Belladonna, Bryonia, Calcarea, Carbo vegeta- bilis, Cinchona, Natrum muriaticum, Phosphorus. Most in the Lower-teeth. — Arnica, Belladonna, Bryonia, Carbo vegeta- bilis, Causticum, Chamomilla, Cinchona, Hyoscyamus, Ignatia, Mer- curius, Nux vomica, Phosphorus, Pulsatilla, Rhus, Silicea, Staphis- agria. One-sided. — Aconite, Belladonna, Chamomilla, Mercurius, Nux vomica, Pulsatilla. On the Left side. — Aconite, Apis, Arnica, Carbo vegetabilis, Causticum, Chamomilla, Cinchona, Hyoscyamus, Mercurius, Nux moschata. Phosphorus, Rhus, Silicea, Sulphur. On the Right-side. — Belladonna, Bryonia, Calcarea, Coffea, Lachesis, Natrum muriaticum, Nux vomica, Phosphoric acid, Staphisagria. A whole Row of Teeth.— Chamomilla, Mercurius, Rhus, Staphisagria. In Decayed Teeth. — Antimonium crudum, Belladonna, Bryonia, Calca- rea, Carbo vegetabilis. Causticum, Chamomilla, Cinchona, Coffea, Hepar, Hyoscyamus, Lachesis, Mercurius, Nux moschata, Nux vo- mica, Phosphorus, Phosphoric acid, Pulsatilla, Rhus, Silicea, Sta- phisagria, Sulphur. In the Gnms. — Antimonium crudum, Arnica, Belladonna, Bryonia, Cal- carea, Carbo vegetabilis, Chamomilla, Cinchona, Hepar, Hyoscya- mus, Lachesis, Mercurius, Natrum muriaticum, Nux moschata, Nux vomica, Phosphorus, Phosphoric acid, Pulsatilla, Rhus, Sili- cea, Staphisagria, Sulphur. Upper. — Belladonna, Calcarea, Natrum muriaticum. Lower. — Causticum, Phosphorus, Staphisagria, Sulphur. Interior of. — Arnica, Natrum muriaticum, Phosphoric acid, Pul- satilla, Rhus, Staphisagria, 16 242 AFFECTIONS OF THE TEETH. Gums Swollen. — Aconite, Belladonna, Calcarea, Chamomilla, Carbo vegetabilis, Causticum, Cinchona, Hepar, Lachesis, Natrum muri- aticum, Nux vomica, Phosphorus, Pulsatilla, Rhus, Sulphur. Painful. — Apis, Arsenicum, Calcarea, Carbo vegetabilis, Causti- cum. Lachesis, Mercurius, Nux moschata, Nux vomica, Phospho- rus, Staphisagria, Sulphur. Bleeding. — Belladonna, Calcarea, Carbo vegetabilis, Causticum, Lachesis, Mercurius, Nux moschata, Nux vomica, Phosphorus, Staphisagria, Sulphur. Ulcerated. — Belladonna, Calcarea, Carbo vegetabilis, Causticum, Hepar, Lachesis, Mercurius, Natrum muriatfeum, Nux vomica, Phosphorus, Staphisagria, Silicea. Pressing". — Aconite, Arnica, Bryonia, Carbo vegetabilis, Causticum, Cin- chona, Hyoscyamus, Ignatia, Natrum muriaticum, Nux moschata, Nux vomica, Phosphorus, Rhus, Silicea, Staphisagria, Sulphur. Inwards. — Rhus, Staphisagria. Outward. — Phosphorus. Asunder. — Phosphoric acid. As if from Congestion of blood, as if the teeth were too close. — Aconite, Arnica, Belladonna, Chamomilla, Calcarea, Cin- chona, Coffea, Hepar, Hyoscyamus, Nux vomica, Pulsatilla. As if Pulled, lifted out or wrenched.— Arnica, Causticum, Nux moschata, Nux vomica, Phosphoric acid, Rhus. Too Long. — Arnica, Arsenicum, Belladonna, Bryonia, Calcarea, Carbo vegetabilis, Causticum, Chamomilla, Hyoscyamus, Lachesis, Na- trum muriaticum, Nux vomica, Rhus, Silicea, Sulphur. Loose. — Arnica, Arsenicum, Bryonia, Carbo vegetabilis, Causticum, Cham- omilla, Cinchona, Hepar, Hyoscyamus, Ignatia, Mercurius, Na- trum muriaticum, Nux moschata, Nux vomica, Phosphorus, Pul- satilla, Rhus, Staphisagria, Sulphur. As if too Loose- — Arsenicum, Bryonia, Hyoscyamus, Mercurius, Rhus. Blunt Or without feeling. — Aconite, Cinchona, Dulcamara, Ignatia, Lachesis, Mercurius, Natrum muriaticum, Nux moschata, Phos- phorus, Phosphoric acid, Pulsatilla, Silicea, Staphisagria, Sulphur. As if Bruised, Ulcerated. — Arnica, Arsenicum, Belladonna, Bryonia, Calcarea, Carbo vegetabilis, Causticum, Ignatia, Natrum muriati- cum, Nux vomica, Phosphorus, Pulsatilla, Rhus. Burning. — Chamomilla, Mercurius, Natrum muriaticum, Nux vomica, Phosphorus, Pulsatilla, Rhus, Silicea, Sulphur. Gnawing, Scraping, Scratching on the Nerves.— Chamomilla, Nux vomica, Rhus, Staphisagria. Digging. — Antimonium crudum, Bryonia, Calcarea, Cinchona, Ignatia. Boring. — Belladonna, Calcarea, Lachesis, Mercurius, Natrum muriaticum. Phosphorus, Phosphoric acid, Nux vomica, Silicea, Sulphur. Jerking, Twitching. — Apis, Antimonium crudum, Arsenicum, Bryonia, AFFECTIONS OF THE TEETH. 243 Belladonna, Calcarea, Causticum, Cepa, Chamomilla, Coffea, He- par, Hyoscyamus, Lachesis, Mercurius, Nux vomica, Pulsatilla, Rhus, Sulphur. Drawing", Tearing" • — Antimonium crudum, Belladonna, Bryonia, Carbo vegetabilis, Calcarea, Cepa, Chamomilla, Cinchona, Glonoine,, Hyoscyamus, Lachesis, Mercurius, Nux vomica, Phosphoric acid, Ehus, Staphisagria. Piercing". — Aconite, Antimonium crudum, Belladonna, Bryonia, Calcarea, Causticum, Chamomilla, Cinchona, Lachesis, Mercurius, Nux vom- ica, Nux moschata, Phosphorus, Phosphoric acid, Pulsatilla, Rhus, Silicea, Staphisagria. Beating 1 , Pulsating. — Aconite, Arnica, Arsenicum, Belladonna, Calcarea, Causticum, Chamomilla, Cinchona, Coffea, Glonoine, Hyoscyamus, Lachesis, Mercurius, Natrum muriaticum, Phosphorus, Pulsatilla, Ehus, Staphisagria, Sulphur. Intermittent. — Belladonna, Bryonia, Chamomilla, Coffea, Calcarea, Cin- chona, Mercurius, Nux vomica, Pulsatilla, Ehus, Silicea, Staphis- agria, Sulphur. Constant, day and night- — Belladonna, Calcarea, Causticum, Natrum muriaticum, Silicea, Sulphur. During the day only, better in the night.— Mercurius. j none in the night. — Belladonna, Calcarea, Mer- curius, Nux vomica. , Worse in bed. — Antimonium crudum, Mercurius. Worse in the night. — Aconitum, Antimonium crudum, Arsenicum, Bella- donna, Bryonia, Carbo vegetabilis, Chamomilla, Cinchona, Coffea, Hepar, Hyoscyamus, Mercurius, Natrum muriaticum, Nux mosch- ata, Nux vomica, Phosphorus, Phosphoric acid, Pulsatilla, Rhus, Silicea, Staphisagria, Sulphur. By night only, not during the day. — Belladonna, Phosphorus. Most before midnight. — Bryonia, Chamomilla, Cinchona, Natrum mu- riaticum, Ehus, Sulphur. after • — Arsenicum, Belladonna, Bryonia, Carbo vegetabilis, Chamomilla, Cinchona, Mercurius, Natrum muriaticum, Phos- phoric acid, Pulsatilla, Ehus, Staphisagria, Sulphur. When awaking. — Belladonna, Carbo vegetabilis, Lachesis, Nux vomica. — See Sleep. In the morning. — Arsenicum, Belladonna, Bryonia, Causticum, Carbo vegetabilis, Cinchona, Hyoscyamus, Ignatia, Natrum muriaticum, Nux vomica, Phosphorus, Phosphoric acid, Pulsatilla, Rhus, Staph- isagria, Sulphur. forenoon. — Carbo vegetabilis, Causticum, Natrum muriaticum, Nux vomica, Staphisagria, Pulsatilla, Sulphur. At noon. — Cocculus, Ehus. Afternoon. — Calcarea, Causticum, Mercurius, Nux vomica, Phosphorus, Pulsatilla, Sulphur. 244 AFFECTIONS OF THE TEETH. Towards evening. — Pulsatilla. At night. — Antimonium crudum, Belladonna, Bryonia, Calcarea, Causti- cum, Hepar, Hyoscyamus, Ignatia, Mercurius, Nux moschata, Nux vomica, Phosphorus, Pulsatilla, Rhus, Staphisagria, Sulphur. Every Other day. — Chamomilla, Natrum muriaticum. Every seventh day. — Arsenicum, Phosphorus, Sulphur. In Spring. — Aconitum, Belladonna, Bryonia, Calcarea, Carbo vegetabilis, Dulcamara, Lachesis, Natrum muriaticum, Nux vomica, Pulsatilla, Ehus, Silicea, Sulphur. In Summer. — Antimonium crudum, Belladonna, Bryonia, Calcarea, Carbo vegetabilis, Chamomilla, Lachesis, Natruru muriaticum, Nux vomica, Pulsatilla. In Autumn. — Bryonia, Cinchona, Mercurius, Nux vomica, Nux moschata, Ehus. In Winter. — Aconitum, Arsenicum, Belladonna, Bryonia, Calcarea, Carbo vegetabilis, Causticum, Chamomilla, Dulcamara, Hepar, Hyoscya- mus, Ignatia, Mercurius, Nux moschata, Nux vomica, Phosphorus, Phosphoric acid, Pulsatilla, Rhus, Silicea, Sulphur. Caused by Damp night-air. — ISiux moschata. Damp air. — Mercurius. Cold, damp weather. — Cepa, Nux moschata, Ehus. Keen, Cutting wind. — Aconitum, Silicea. Wind. — Aconitum, Pulsatilla, Ehus, Silicea. Draught. — Belladonna, Calcarea, Cinchona, Sulphur. Taking COld. — Aconitum, Belladonna, Bryonia, Calcarea, Causticum, Chamomilla, Cinchona, Coffea, Dulcamara, Ignatia, Hyoscyamus, Mercurius, Nux vomica, Nux moschata, Phosphorus, Pulsatilla, Rhus, Staphisagria, Sulphur. ~ Taking cold, when overheated.— Glonoine, Ehus. > by getting wet. — Belladonna, Calcarea, Causticum, Hepar, Lachesis, Nux moschata, Phosphorus, Pulsatilla, Ehus, Sulphur. Suppressed Perspiration.— Chamomilla, Ehus. Worse from Cold air.— Belladonna, Calcarea, Hyoscyamus, Mercurius, Nux moschata, Nux vomica, Silicea, Staphisagria, Sulphur. in the mouth. — Aconitum, Belladonna, Bryonia, Calcarea, Caus- ticum, Hyoscyamus, Mercurius, Nux moschata, Nux vomica, Phosphorus, Pulsatilla, Silicea, Staphisagria, Sulphur. Opening of the Mouth.— Bryonia, Chamomilla, Causticum, Hepar, Nux vomica, Phosphorus, Pulsatilla. Breathing.— Pulsatilla. Drawing air into the Mouth.— Antimonium crudum, Belladonna, Bryonia, Calcarea, Causticum, Hepar, Mercurius, Natrum muri- aticum, Nux moschata, Phosphorus, Silicea, Staphisagria, Sulphur. AFFECTIONS OF THE TEETH. 245 Cold washing. — Antimonium crudum, Bryonia, Calcarea, Chamomilla, Mercurius, Nux moschata, Nux vomica, Pulsatilla, Ehus, Silicea, Staphisagria, Sulphur. Eating cold things. — Bryonia, Calcarea, Chamomilla, Nux vomica, Pul- satilla, Rhus, Staphisagria, Sulphur. Drinking COld things. — Bryonia, Calcarea, Chamomilla, Causticum, Hepar, Lachesis, Mercurius, Natrum muriaticum, Nux moschata, Nux vomica, Pulsatilla, Silicea, Staphisagria, Sulphur. Rinsing the Mouth with Cold Water.— Sulphur. Cold in general. — Arsenicum, Antimonium crudum, Calcarea, Carbo vegetabilis, Mercurius, Natrum muriaticum, Nux moschata, Nux vomica, Pulsatilla, Phosphoric acid, Rhus, Silicea, Staphisagria, Sulphur. In the Open air. — Belladonna, Calcarea, Causticum, Chamomilla, Cinchona, Hyoscyamus, Mercurius, Nux moschata, Nux vomica, Phosphorus, Pulsatilla, Rhus, Staphisagria, Sulphur. Staying. — Belladonna, Bryonia, Chamomilla, Hyoscyamus, Mer- curius, Nux vomica, Phosphoric acid, Staphisagria, Sulphur. Walking. — Nux vomica, Phosphorus, Staphisagria. In a Room. — Apis, Antimonium crudum, Chamomilla, Hepar, Nux vom- ica, Pulsatilla, Sulphur. after coming out of the open air.— Phosphorus. In a Warm Room. — Bryonia, Cepa, Chamomilla, Hepar, Nux vomica, Phosphoric acid, Pulsatilla. Warmth of Stove. — Arsenicum, Pulsatilla. External warmth. — Bryonia, Chamomilla, Hepar, Mercurius, Nux mos- chata, Nux vomica, Phosphorus, Phosphoric acid, Pulsatilla, Ehus, Staphisagria, Sulphur. Warmth. — Bryonia, Calcarea, Carbo vegetabilis, Chamomilla, Coffea, Lachesis, Mercurius, Natrum muriaticum, Nux vomica, Phos- phoric acid, Pulsatilla, Silicea, Sulphur. Eating warm things. — Bryonia, Calcarea, Chamomilla, Nux vomica, Phosphorus, Pulsatilla, Silicea. Something hot. — Belladonna, Calcarea, Phosphoric acid. Drinking warm things. — Bryonia, Chamomilla, Lachesis, Mercurius, Nux moschata, Nux vomica, Pulsatilla, Ehus, Silicea. Warmth of bed. — Belladonna, Bryonia, Chamomilla, Mercurius, Nux vomica, Phosphorus, Phosphoric acid, Pulsatilla, Ehus. Getting Warm in bed. — Chamomilla, Mercurius, Phosphoric acid, Phos- phorus, Pulsatilla. Drinking. — Chamomilla, Calcarea, Causticum, Lachesis, Mercurius, Pul- satilla, Ehus, Silicea. Cold or Warm. — Lachesis. Water. — Bryonia, Calcarea, Carbo vegetabilis, Chamomilla, Mer- curius, Nux vomica, Pulsatilla, Silicea, Staphisagria, Sulphur. 246 AFFECTIONS OF THE TEETH. Drinking Wine. — Aconitum, Ignatia ; Nux vomica, for wine drinkers. Malt liquors. — Nux vomica, Khus. Coffee. — Belladonna, Carbo vegetabilis, Chamomilla, Cocculus, Ig- natia, Mercurius, Nux vomica, Pulsatilla, Khus. Tea. — Cinchona, Coffea, Ignatia, Lachesis. Smoking tobacco.— Bryonia, Chamomilla, Cinchona, Ignatia, Mercurius, Nux vomica. Salty things. — Carbo vegetabilis. Eating. — Antimonium crudum, Arnica, Belladonna, Bryonia, Calcarea, Carbo vegetabilis, Causticum, Chamomilla, Cocculus, Hepar, Hyos- cyamus, Lachesis, Mercurius, Nux moschata, Nux vomica, Phos- phorus, Phosphoric acid, Pulsatilla, Khus, Silicea, Staphisagria, Sulphur. Only while Eating. — Cocculus. After Eating. — Antimonium crudum, Belladonna, Bryonia, Calcarea, Chamomilla, Cinchona, Coffea, Ignatia, Lachesis, Mercurius, Na- trum muriaticum, Nux vomica, Khus, Staphisagria, Sulphur. Sometime after eating. — Belladonna. Chewing. — Arnica, Arsenicum, Belladonna, Bryonia, Carbo vegetabilis, Causticum, Cinchona, Cocculus, Coffea, Hyoscyamus, Ignatia, Mer- curius, Natrum muriaticum, Nux vomica, Phosphorus, Phosphoric acid, Pulsatilla, Silicea, Staphisagria, Sulphur. Only while chewing. — Cinchona. Swallowing.— Staphisagria. When moving the mouth. — Causticum Chamomilla, Mercurius, Nux vomica. Biting.— Arsenicum, Belladonna, Bryonia, Calcarea, Carbo vegetabilis, Causticum, Cinchona, Coffea, Hepar, Hyoscyamus, Lachesis, Mer- curius, Nux vomica, Phosphorus, Phosphoric acid, Pulsatilla, Rhus, Silicea, Staphisagria, Sulphur. something soft. — Veratrum. Soft food. — Cocculus. hard food. — Mercurius. Touched by the food (teeth). — Belladonna, Ignatia, Nux vomica, Phos- phorus, Staphisagria. When touched by crumb of bread.— Nux vomica, Staphisagria. Picking the teeth.— Pulsatilla. Cleaning the teeth. — Carbo vegetabilis, Lachesis, Phosphoric acid, Sta- phisagria. Touching the teeth. — Antimonium crudum, Arnica, Arsenicum, Bella- donna, Bryonia, Calcarea, Carbo vegetabilis, Causticum, China, Coffea, Hepar, Ignatia, Mercurius, Natrum muriaticum, Nux moschata, Nux vomica, Phosphorus, Pulsatilla, Rhus, Staphisagria, Sulphur. With the tongue. — Carbo vegetabilis, Cinchona, Ignatia, Mer- curius, Phosphorus, Khus. AFFECTIONS OF THE TEETH. 247 Touching the teeth, even very softly.— Belladonna, Ignatia, Nux vomica, Staphisagria. Sucking with the tongue.— Nux vomica. Pressing on the teeth. — Causticum, Cinchona, Hyoscyarnus, Natrum muriaticum, Staphisagria, Sulphur. Sucking the Gums. — Belladonna, Carbo vegetabilis, Nux moschata, Nux vomica, Silicea. When feeling of the teeth.— Hepar. Rising. — Ignatia, Mercurius, Platina. From concussion — Nux moschata. Motion. — Arnica, Belladonna, Bryonia, Cinchona, Mercurius, Nux vomica, Phosphorus, Staphisagria. Talking. — Nux moschata. Deep breathing. — Nux vomica. When traveling. — Arsenicum, Bryonia, Chamomilla, Pulsatilla, Ehus, Staphisagria, Sulphur. Sitting. — Antimonium crudum, Mercurius, Pulsatilla, Rhus. too much. — Aconitum. While lying down. — Arsenicum, Belladonna, Bryonia, Chamomilla, Hyos- cyamus, Ignatia, Mercurius, Nux vomica, Phosphorus, Pulsatilla. Rhus, Staphisagria, Sulphur. on the painful side. — Arsenicum, Nux vomica. on the painless side. — Bryonia, Chamomilla, Ignatia, Pulsatilla. in bed. — Bryonia, Chamomilla, Nux vomica, Pulsatilla. In bed. — Antimonium crudum, Belladonna, Bryonia, Chamomilla, Mer- curius, Nux vomica, Phosphorus, Pulsatilla. Sleep with yawning —Staphisagria. When going to Sleep. — Antimonium crudum, Arsenicum, Mercurius, Sulphur. While asleep. — Mercurius. When awaking. — Belladonna, Bryonia, Calcarea, Carbo vegetabilis, Lachesis, Nux vomica, Phosphorus, Silicea, Sulphur. Mental emotions. — Aconitum. Vexation. — Aconitum, Chamomilla, Rhus, Staphisagria, Anger. — Nux vomica. Mental exertions. —Belladonna, Ignatia, Nux vomica. Reading. — Ignatia, Nux vomica. Noise. — Calcarea. Being talked to by Others. — Arsenicum, Bryonia. For women. — Aconitum, Apis, Belladonna, Calcarea, Chamomilla, Cin- chona, Coffea, Hyoscyamus, Ignatia, Nux moschata, Pulsatilla. Menstruation, before.— Arsenicum. during.— Calcarea, Chamomilla, Carbo vegetabilis, Natrum muriati- cum, Lachesis, Phosphorus. after. — Calcarea, Bryonia, Chamomilla, Phosphorus. 248 AFFECTIONS OF THE TEETH. During" Pregnancy. — Apis, Belladonna, Bryonia, Calcarea, Hyoscyamus, Mercurius, Nux nioschata, Nux vomica, Pulsatilla, Khus, Staph- isagria. While nursing. — Aconitum, Arsenicum, Belladonna, Calcarea, Cinchona, Dulcamara, Mercurius, Nux vomica, Phosphorus, Staphisagria, Sulphur. For children.— Aconitum, Antimonium crudum, Belladonna, Calcarea, Chamomilla, Coffea, Ignatia, Mercurius, Nux moschata, Pulsatilla, Silicea. For sensitive, nervous persons. — Aconitum, Belladonna, Chamomilla, Cinchona, Coffea, Hyoscyamus, Nux moschata. For persons who have taken much mercury.— Carbo vegetabilis, Belladonna, Hepar, Lachesis, Staphisagria. who drink much coffee. — Belladonna, Carbo vegetabilis, Chamo- milla, Cocculus, Mercurius, Nux vomica, Pulsatilla, Silicea. Getting better from : Cold air. — Nux vomica, Pulsatilla. Wind. — Calcarea. Uncovering. -Pulsatilla. Blowing upon it.— Pulsatilla. Drawing air into the mouth. — Nux vomica, Pulsatilla. Cold washing. — Belladonna, Bryonia, Chamomilla, Pulsatilla. External Cold. — Belladonna, Bryonia, Chamomilla, Cinchona, Mercurius, Nux vomica, Phosphorus, Pulsatilla, Staphisagria, Sulphur. Cold hand— Ehus. Finger wet with cold water.— Chamomilla. Holding cold water in the mouth.— Bryonia, Cepa, Coffea. Cold drinking. — Belladonna, Bryonia, Chamomilla, Mercurius, Nux vomica, Phosphorus, Pulsatilla, Ehus, Sulphur. In the open air. — Antimonium crudum, Bryonia, Cepa, Hepar, Pulsa- tilla, Nux vomica. In the room.— Nux vomica, Phosphorus, Sulphur. External warmth. — Arsenicum, Belladonna, Calcarea, Chamomilla, Cin- chona, Hyoscyamus, Lachesis, Mercurius, Nux moschata, Nux vomica, Pulsatilla, Phus, Staphisagria, Sulphur. Wrapping up the head.— Nux vomica, Phosphorus, Silicea. Eating something warm. — Arsenicum, Bryonia, Nux moschata, Nux vomica, Ehus, Sulphur. Drinking something warm. — Nux moschata, Nux vomica, Pulsatilla, Ehus, Sulphur. Getting warm in bed. — Bryonia, Nux vomica. Smoking tobacco. — Mercurius. When eating. — Belladonna, Bryonia, Chamomilla, Phosphoric acid, Silicea. AFFECTIONS OF THE TEETH. 249 After eating.j— Arnica, Calcarea, Chamomilla, Phosphoric acid, Rhus, Silicea. When chewing". — Bryonia, Cinchona, Coffea. Biting". — Arsenicum, Bryonia, Cinchona, Coffea. Picking the teeth, so that they bleed.— Belladonna. Picking the teeth. — Phosphoric acid. Rubbing the teeth.— Mercurius, Phosphorus. Touching the teeth. — Bryonia, Nux vomica. Sucking the gums.— Causticum. Pressing Upon the teeth.— Belladonna, Bryonia, Cinchona, Ignatia, Natrum muriaticum, Phosphorus, Pulsatilla, Ehus. Moving. — Pulsatilla, Ehus. When walking. — Pulsatilla, Ehus. When at rest. — Bryonia, Nux vomica, Staphisagria. Sitting up in bed. — Arsenicum, Mercurius, Ehus. Getting up. — Phosphorus, Nux vomica. When lying down. — Bryonia, Mercurius, Nux vomica. On the painful side. — Bryonia, Ignatia, Pulsatilla. painless side. — Nux vomica. lying down in bed.— Mercurius, Pulsatilla. In bed.— Sulphur. When going to Sleep. — Mercurius. After sleep. — Nux vomica, Pulsatilla. The pains extend to the jawbones and face. — Hyoscyamus, Lachesis, Mercurius, Nux vomica, Ehus, Sulphur. to the cheeks. — Bryonia, Causticum, Chamomilla, Mercurius, Silicea, Staphisagria, Sulphur. ■ into the ears. — Arsenicum, Bryonia, Calcarea, Chamomilla, He- par, Lachesis, Mercurius, Staphisagria, Sulphur. into the eyes. — Causticum, Chamomilla, Mercurius, Pulsatilla, Staphisagria, Sulphur. into the head. — Antimonium crudum, Arsenicum, Chamomilla, Hyoscyamus, Mercurius, Nux vomica, Ehus, Staphisagria, Sulphur. With headache. — Apis, Glonoine, Lachesis. rush of blood to the head.— Aconitum, Calcarea, Cinchona, Hy- oscyamus, Lachesis, Pulsatilla. Swollen Veins of the forehead and hands.— Cinchona. heat in the head. — Aconitum, Hyoscyamus, Pulsatilla. burning of the eyes. — Belladonna. flushed cheeks. — Aconitum, Arnica, Belladonna, Chamomilla, Mercurius, Nux moschata, Phosphorus, Pulsatilla, Ehus, Sulphur. 250 AFFECTIONS OF THE TEETH. With pale face. — Aconitum, Arsenicum, Ignatia, Pulsatilla, Staphis- agria, Sulphur. swelling' Of the cheek. — Arnica, Arsenicum, Belladonna, Bry- onia, Chamomilla, Lachesis, Mercurius, Natrum muriaticum, 2s ux vomica, Pulsatilla, Phosphorus, Phosphoric acid, Staphisagria, Sulphur. salivation. — Belladonna, Dulcamara, Mercurius. dry mouth and thirst.— Cinchona. without thirst.— Pulsatilla. dry throat and thirst.— Belladonna. Chilliness.— Pulsatilla, Ehus. heat. — Hyoscyamus, Bhus. Warm perspiration.— Hyoscyamus. chilliness, heat, thirst.— Lachesis. diarrhOBa. — Chamomilla, Coffea, Dulcamara, Bhus. Constipation. — Bryonia, Mercurius, JSTux vomica, Staphisagria. Note. — You must not be surprised to find in the above list, the same remedies recom- mended for directly opposite symptoms, as, Arsenicum, for toothache, worse and better from warmth ; this is really often the case. The following medicines with their symptoms are arranged according to their import- ance, and in order to facilitate the finding of any particular medicine, this alphabetical index is given: Aconitum, 3 Cepa, IS Mercurius, 13 Antimonium crudum, . . 20 Chamomilla, 5 Nux moschata, .... 6 Apis, 26 Cinchona, 12 Nux vomica, 7 Arnica, 1 Coffea, 2 Phosphorus, 17 Arsenicum, 19 Dulcamara, 28 Phosphoric acid, ... 25 Belladonna, 11 Glonoine, 4 Pulsatilla, 8 Bryonia, 21 Hepar, 14 Khus, 22 Calcarea, 29 Hyoscyamus, . ... .10 Silicea, 27 Carbo vegetabilis, . ... 15 Ignatia, 9 Staphisagria, 23 Causticum, 30 Lachesis, 24 Sulphur, 16 1. Arnica is very useful after the extraction of a tooth, but vinegar must not be used; it is always injurious; it will stop the bleeding and accelerate the healing of the gums. Five drops of the tincture should be mixed with half a tumblerful of cold or tepid water, and the mouth rinsed several times with this. After the insertion of arti- ficial teeth, it relieves the pain and the swelling; after the dentist has removed carious portions of teeth, mix a few globules of it in a teaspoonful of water, and put some of it on the teeth which have been operated on. In very intense pain, occurring after a tooth has been drawn, sometimes Hyoscyamus is of use; when the pain is severe after putting in new teeth, give Aconitum and then Arnica. AFFECTIONS OF THE TEETH. 251 Arnica is sometimes good for toothache, when attended by pressing throbbing, as if the blood were forcing the tooth out, or as if it had been started from its socket — worse when touched; it is also frequently of service for hard •swelling of the cheeks, which frequently remains after the toothache has been cured. 2. Coffea will remove the severest pains, which drive the patients almost frantic; when they cry, tremble, and do not know what to do ; and when the pain is indescribable ; if the blood presses into the teeth, they feel as if too close together, or as if something were lodged between them. The pain is often relieved by holding ice-water in the mouth. If it proves inefficacious, give Aconitum, Vera- trum, Sulphur or Hyoscyamus. For stinging, jerking pain, or intermitting pressure or pain when chewing, it is to be preferred to all other remedies. 3. Aconitum must be given in all those cases where the patients are almost frantic with pain, which is indescribable, and which Coffea has failed to relieve ; also for throbbing pains, occasioned by taking cold, with determination of blood to the head; burning in the face; it is particularly suitable for children ; when it is no longer efficacious, give Chamomilla or Belladonna. 4. Glonoine for toothache from taking cold, after having been over-heated, if the beating of the pulse is felt in all the teeth, or a drawing in all the teeth, sometimes in the upper and sometimes in the lower ones, and if the blood rushes to the head, with headache. 5. Chamomilla is beneficial in many kinds of toothache, particularly in children — and in persons who are fre- quently vexed, and who drink much coffee — also in females before menstruation; pain in the decayed teeth, after taking cold when in a perspiration, or when the pa- tient is very irritable and inclined to cry; when the pain is unendurable and aggravated periodically ; is worse dur- ing the night; when no particular tooth can be pointed 252 AFFECTIONS OF THE TEETH. out as the painful one; or when the tooth is decayed, feels as if too long, and is loose (if it only appears loose without being so, Bryonia will suit better), or when the pain ex- tends through all the teeth, and every tooth feels too long ; also when it extends through the jaws to the ear; or through the temples to the eyes; or is mostly on one side, in the teeth, jaws, ears and head ; when there is crawling, sluggish pain continually, or feels like scraping and scratching on the decayed tooth, after which the pain increases ; drawing and tearing or boring and throbbing pain ; when at its height, the pain is stinging and jerking, and extends to the ear; the patient cannot bear the warmth of the bed, and the pain generally commences soon after meals, particularly after eating or drinking anything warm; when it grows much worse after drinking cold water — also after coffee; cannot be relieved by anything but dipping a finger into cold water and applying it to the tooth; when, while the pain lasts, the cheek is red and hot, or the cheek and gums are swollen and of a light red color ; when the glands under the chin are painful and swollen — if the toothache is accom- panied with great weakness, particularly in the joints; pain in the articulation of the jaw on opening the mouth, extending to the teeth — Chamomilla will certainly cure. When it is partly adapted to the symptoms, and gives but incomplete relief, and the teeth are decayed, compare An- timonium crudum and Mercurius, and then the following: 6. Nux moschata suits children, women — particularly during pregnancy — and all people with a cool, dry skin ? who do not easily perspire ; for pains from taking cold in damp, cold weather, or from the night air ; for pains which get worse if air, particularly cold, damp air, is drawn into the mouth ; if warm water or warm applications ease the pain ; for toothache which is increased by the shaking of the body in going up or down stairs; if the pain com- mences on the right side and goes to the left, as if the tooth were being wrenched out (Nux vomica, Ipecacuanha) ; worse AFFECTIONS OF THE TEETH. 253 from much talking ; or cold air enters the month, there is a constant grumbling and soreness of the teeth; if the teeth easily become blunt. 7. Nux vomica is useful for toothache in persons of a hasty temper, with ruddy complexion, who like coffee and ardent spirits — have little out-door exercise, or who have taken cold ; when a healthy tooth is painful and feels loose, or the teeth seem too long, and as if all the blood were pressing into them, with jerking, shooting pains in the lower jaw; a drawing pain extending to the temple, or a pain from a -decayed tooth, affecting the whole face and even the bones, or extending over the whole side ; or for drawing and boring pains in a decayed tooth, as if it were wrenched out (Arnica and Mercurius), or had been bitten out, accompanied by violent stitches, which affect the whole body, particularly on inspiration ; when a dull pain in the bones changes to a tearing pain, which passes through the teeth and jaws, or there is a boring, digging, gnawing, tearing pain on one side; sometimes for jerking or rheumatic pains, attended with a pricking sensation; when they generally commence in bed or in the evening, prevent chewing, grow worse or return as soon as the mouth is opened in the cold air ; or when reading or think- ing; or when the tearing pains become worse by the con- tact of cold liquids, but better from warmth; in gen- eral the pains are worse after eating and exercise ; also, when along with the tearing pains the glands beneath the lower jaw are painful, and particularly when a swelling appears on the gum, which seems about to burst (Lachesis). 8. Pulsatilla is most suitable for persons of a mild, quiet, timid disposition, or for women and children of a fretful temper; when the pain is only on one side; for toothache which is prevalent in the spring, accompanied by earache and headache, confined chiefly to the same side; when there is a stinging pain in the decayed tooth, accompanied by great painfulness of the left side of the face, extending to 254 AFFECTIONS OF THE TEETH. the ear, with heat in the head and chills over the whole body; but particularly when there is a gnawing pain in the gums, and pricking as of pins, with tearing and jerking in the tooth itself, as if the nerve were stretched and then suddenly relaxed; or for jerking or tearing in the tooth as if it would start from the jaw, as if the blood were pressing into it or a j>ressing or throbbing pain, and aggravated by cold water, the heat of the bed, or warm room, or by taking anything warm into the mouth ; relieved by cool air, drawing cool air into the mouth, or in the open air generally ; the toothache always ceases entirely in the open air, but returns in the warm room and gets worse ; worse when sitting, better when walking about; worse from pick- ing the teeth, better from pressure — chewing does not make it worse; it comes on mostly toward evening, rarely in the morning, and is accompanied by chilliness and pale face, or with congestion of blood to the head ; or with heat without thirst; for toothache caused by drinking cham- omile tea. 9. Ignatia will be serviceable in cases where the fore- going remedies appear to be indicated, but are insufficient, and the patient is of a more tender and sensitive disposi- tion, gentle and quiet, sometimes cheerful, at other times inclined to tears; particularly for persons who grieve much; when the jaw-teeth feel as if crushed; when there is boring pain in the front teeth, and soreness in all the teeth; worse after drinking coffee, after smoking, after dinner, in the evening, after lying down, and in the morn- ing on waking. 10. Hyoscyamas in very sensitive, nervous, excitable per- sons; the pain almost drives the patient mad — it is tearing or throbbing, extending to the cheeks and along the lower jaw; or there is a tearing, raging pain in the gums, with a buzzing pain in the tooth, which is loose, and feels, when chewing, as if it were coming out; or jerking, throbbing, drawing, tearing, which extends to the forehead ; violent AFFECTIONS OF THE TEETH. 255 tearing pains in different teeth, as if the blood were pressed into them, occasionally accompanied by flushes of heat, with determination of blood to the head; it is caused by cold air; generally comes on in the morning, and is sometimes accompanied by jerking in the fingers and arms, especially in persons who are subject to con- vulsions. 11. Belladonna is frequently.best adapted to women or children, particularly when the pain and anguish cause great restlessness, running about, or where there is de- pression of spirits, and a disposition to cry ; when the teeth and gums pain as if sore ; when biting produces a feeling as if there were ulcers at the roots of the teeth with stinging, cutting, jerking, tearing pain; when the pain radiates from one tooth in all directions and for a draw- ing pain, which is worse after going to bed, and during the night; or for pricking pains in a decayed tooth, day and night; or a pain in a decayed jaw-tooth, as if too much blood were forced into it, with heat in the gums and throbbing in the cheeks — nothing mitigates the pain but pricking the gum until it bleeds; or the gums are swelled, with burning and stinging pains, discharge of much saliva, the cheek swelled, sometimes the eyes burn and the throat is dry, with great thirst — frequently the pain returns in the morning on awaking, or begins again some time after meals; the teeth ache when exposed to the open air, when touched, when biting, when food or hot liquids come in contact with them — pressing hard upon the cheeks sometimes gives relief. 12. Cinchona is particularly suited for toothache in mothers who are nursing — for persons who, otherwise cheerful, become cross and irritable; if a black coating appears on the teeth ; the pain comes on periodically, and is throbbing, jerking-tearing, pressing-tearing, or drawing, digging, with great pressure, as if the blood was forced into the teeth, or boring and numbness about the teeth — 256 AFFECTIONS OF THE TEETH. the pain is worse when in motion, when touched, and re- turns on exposure to a draught of air — the gums swell, the mouth is dry, there is thirst, the head is congested, veins of the forehead and hands swell ; and the sleep dur- ing the night is uneasy, even when the pain is not great. 13. Mercurius is frequently suitable for children ; in general for toothache in decayed teeth ; when there are tearing pains in several, teeth at once, in decayed ones and those adjoining them, and it feels as if the teeth were being wrenched out — the pain affects the whole side of the face, or drawing and stinging pains extend to the ear; it is particularly troublesome during the night ; or for excru- ciating jumping pains in the teeth, especially at night, with stitches extending to the ear and the head, which drive the patient out of bed {Magnesia) ; also for a stinging- pain in a decayed tooth, which is worse after eating or drinking anything cold or warm; the pain is generally increased by cold, and particularly by damp air, is less severe when in a warm place, or when the cheek is rubbed — the air is sometimes painful to the front teeth ; or the toothache is only felt during the day and ceases during the night, and is followed by perspiration, and in the morning the same pains return again, in paroxysms, with longer or shorter intervals, alternating with giddiness, or tearing in the limbs ; the teeth are almost always loose, the gums swell or become white and ulcerated, are detached from the teeth, burn and ache when touched ; or they begin to itch, to bleed and to suppurate, with tearing through the roots of the teeth, for toothache with painful swelling of the cheeks, it is the principal remedy. See " Swelled Face." 14. Hepar will be beneficial after Mercurius or Bella- donna, when the painful swelling of the gums continues, or for a throbbing pain as if blood were forcing into the tooth, or a drawing pain, the pains worse after eating, and in a warm room, or at night. 15. Carbo vegetabilis is sometimes useful when Mercurius AFFECTIONS OF THE . TEETH. 257 or Arsenicum give some relief, without effecting a perfect cure; also iu persons who have taken much calomel, par- ticularly when the gums bleed, and are separated from the teeth ; the teeth are loosened, become ulcerated, and ache when touched by the tongue; are worse after eating, with drawing and tearing pains in the incisors or for smarting pains. • 16. Sulphur is most suitable for jumping pain in decayed teeth — extending to the upper and lower jaw, or to the ear; for swelling of the gums, attended with throbbing pain, bleeding of the gums, and swellings around old stumps; for toothache in the evening, or in the air, from draught, worse when rinsing the mouth with cold water. 17. Phosphorus for toothache from washing or from hav- ing had the hands in cold or warm water, which is the cause of its returning on certain days of the week. 18. .. Cepa for toothache with cold in the head, or which gets better when the catarrh becomes worse and which gets worse when the catarrh becomes better; from damp, cold weather and wind ; if it commences on the left side and goes to the right ; worse in the warm room ; if it is a throbbing, drawing, pressing; when the back teeth ache when chewing and are better from cold water ; if the teeth become yellow; for people who have an offensive breath, or who are fond of being in the open air and who are very fond of bathing. 19. Arsenicum when the teeth seem loose and elongated, with jerking, throbbing pain; if when chewing it feels as if the teeth were being pressed into ulcerated spots, or burning, and tearing in the gum, worse when touched, when lying on the affected side, and when at rest, and also from cold; the pains are mitigated by the heat of the stove, by hot applications, or by sitting up in bed ; it is particularly indicated when the pains are very debili- tating, or if people, particularly children, are made very angry by them. It should alwavs be given if the patient 17 258 AFFECTIONS OF THE TEETH. feels feverish, with cold hands, particularly when the finger tips feel cold. 20. Antimonium crudum for pains in decayed teeth, of a boring, digging, tearing, jerking character, which some- times penetrate into the head; the pains are aggravated in the evening in bed, after eating, by cold water; and are better when walking in the open air. 21. Bryonia for passionate, irritable, hot headed, obsti- nate people; the pain occasionally in the decayed teeth, but more frequently in the healthy ones; shooting pains with stitches towards the ear; tearing pain extending to the cheek, and acute pains, as if caused by an exposed nerve; sensitiveness and pain in the decayed teeth from contact with the air ; the teeth feel as if too long and loose, but are not so, and when chewing they feel as if they would fall out. The pains are aggravated by smoking or chewing tobacco ; from the introduction of anything warm into the mouth — better in the open air — sometimes relieved by cold water, but only momentarily, and also when lying on the affected cheek, but worse when lying on the other. Likewise, when the pain shoots from one tooth into the other, and also into the head and cheeks. 22. Rhus for the same painful sensation of elongation of the teeth, as Bryonia, and also when they seem to be loose, shaky, or as if the tooth were hollow and air were blowing into it, or as if they were asleep (Cinchona, Dul- camara) ; the gums are swollen, burn, and itch as if ulcer- ated, or they are sore and detached from the teeth ; for jumping, shooting, or drawing pain, as if the teeth were being torn out (Pulsatilla), or pressed into their sockets (Staphisagria), or for slow pricking or throbbing tearing in all the teeth, extending into the jaws and temple, with a painful soreness of one side of the face; if it arises from taking cold, or from vexation, is worse in the air (Bryonia toothache is better), insufferable during the night, and mitigated by heat ; sometimes accompanied by an offensive AFFECTIONS OF THE TEETH. 259 smell from the carious teeth. It suits best for quiet per- sons (unlike Bryonia) who . are disposed to sadness and melancholy, or become agitated and afraid (similar to Belladonna). 23. Staphisagria, when the teeth become black and de- cayed and scale off, the gums are pale, white, ulcerated and swollen (Lachesis) — pain when touched ; throbbing in the gums ; the gums are covered with blisters and ulcers ; also for intense gnawing, drawing or tearing pains in de- cayed teeth, particularly in the roots, or extending through a whole row, or the pain extends from a decayed tooth to the ear, with throbbing in the temple — worse in the open air, when drinking anything cold, from chewing, eating, and particularly during the night or toward morning. 24. Lachesis, if all the decayed teeth pain from conges- tion of blood to the head; for drawing, tearing, throbbing, jumping, boring into the jaw bones; the decayed teeth feel too long ; the gums are inflamed and the pain extends down into the throat; relief comes when pus is discharged, gums swollen, bleeding easily, or they are bluish-red, beating and burning, worse from anything warm ; toothache worse after warm and cold drinks, after eating and awaking; with headache, beating over the eyes, stitches in the ears, swelling of the cheek; slight pains in the limbs of the opposite side ; chills, fever and thirst. It is particularly suited for colds in damp, warm, spring weather ; when the toothache comes during menstruation, the less the flow the greater the pain, or at the cessation of menstruation ; for melancholic or choleric persons ; for persons of vivid im- agination ; after long-continued grief, and after the abuse of mercury. * 25. Phosphoric acid is suitable for bleeding and swollen gums ; tearing pains which are worse when warm in bed, and also from heat and from cold, burning in the front teeth during the night ; pains from decayed teeth, extend- ing to the head ; tearing, pressing apart, as if the teeth would be forced out. 260 AFFECTIONS OF THE TEETH. 26. Apis for the most violent pains in the gums, also for jerks and throbbing in the molars, with involuntary, sudden biting together of the teeth, headache or bleeding of the gums. 27. Silicea for tedious, boring, tearing pains, day and night, worse during the night, spreading over the whole cheek, also into the bones of the face ; discharge of offen- sive matter from fistulous openings near the roots of the teeth, or from the gums; swelling of the jaw-bones. 28. Dulcamara is sometimes useful for toothache pro- ceeding from cold, particularly when accompanied by di- arrhoea, and when Chamomilla does not help ; also when the head is affected, or when the toothache is accompanied by profuse salivation (similar in this to Belladonna and Mercurius), which makes the teeth feel dull or numb. 29. Calcarea for toothache in pregnant women ; pains in decayed teeth, especially around loose stumps ; in gen- eral when a loose tooth causes continuous pain ; pressing, drawing, jerking soreness; drawing, pricking, boring, biting, gnawing, digging, throbbing pains, with swelled gums, which are sensitive, bleed easily, throb and pain ; it is only suitable when there is determination of blood to the head, particularly during the night ; when the pains are caused by taking cold, or are aggravated by cold or a draught of air; the patient can neither bear warm nor cold drinks — even noise makes the suffering worse. 30. Causticum for toothache arising from the contact of the inspired air with the tooth, generally attended with stinging, throbbing pain and a feeling of soreness; or the teeth feel painfully loose and lengthened, as if forced out of their sockets (Arnica, Phosphoric acid) ; when there are fistulas at the roots of the teeth, and the suppurat- ing gums are swollen and painfully sensitive. The pain frequently affects trie whole of the left side of the face, especially at night when the patient lies on it, and is equally sensitive to heat and cold ; for long : continuing pains always returning after taking cold. AFFECTIONS OF THE TEETH. 261 SWELLED FACE. For " Swelled Face," which is often worse than the tooth- ache, or for the swelling which remains after it, choose among the following remedies which have already been mentioned under " Toothache," if they are otherwise indicated: Arnica, Chamomilla, Nux vomica, Pulsatilla, Belladonna, Cinchona, Mercurius, Sulphur, Phosphorus, Arsenicum, Bryonia, Staphisagria, Calcarea, Causticum. Mercurius is the chief remedy when the face and the upper lip are so swollen that the person can hardly be re- cognized ; the pains very violent, as if proceeding from a decayed tooth or a root; if it tears, burns, beats, inter- nally more than externally; when there is hardness about the teeth, or after much pain it suppurates and breaks. If Mercurius mitigated the pain but did not lessen the swelling, Pulsatilla or Belladonna may be given. When the lips are very much swollen, the pain from the swollen gums extends into the throat, swallowing is painful, and saliva runs from the mouth, give Belladonna at once. If the pus is felt in the SAvelling but this will not break, Hepar often hastens it; afterwards give Silicea. When after breaking it will not heal, if bad tasting or smelling fluid oozes from the opening, give Sepia. A piece of fig boiled in milk may also be held in the mouth. If all this does not relieve, give Lachesis. If the pains cease but the swelling remains, give Pulsatilla, if Chamomilla relieved before ; Belladonna or Mercurius, ■ if Pulsatilla relieved ; Mercurius or Sulphur, if Belladonna relieved ; Pulsatilla, Belladonna or Sulphur, if Mercurius relieved. If the pain was only lessened by Bryonia or Arsenicum, Sulphur may also be given. Arnica, if the swelling is hard, but neither very painful nor very red. Chamomilla, if the swelling is very red and uneven. Belladonna, if it is yellowish-red and has an 262 AFFECTIONS OF THE TEETH. offensive odor. Lachesis, if it becomes yellow or blue, or there are blisters on it. Externally, apply nothing but a handkerchief to keep off the air, except when there is much tension, and the swelling is not extensive ; in this case, make a linen compress about the size of a half dollar, dip it into warm water, and after squeezing it, apply it to the swelling, and tie a dry hand- kerchief over it ; if the redness spreads extensively in streaks, or if the swelling becomes yellowish or red and blistered, a small flat bag of rye flour or bran, moderately heated and applied to the cheek, may be of ad- vantage. If it itches much, corn starch will be beneficial ; if it breaks ex- ternally, apply a rag greased with mutton suet, tie a handkerchief over it, and give Silicea. FACEACHE, NEURALGIA OF FACE In this painful complaint you can often obtain relief from the remedies recommended for toothache, but the most important medicines are given below. If they are insufficient consult a homoeopathic physician. Do not think that this complaint can be cured by cutting or burning ; in most cases when the nerve has been cut or burnt out, the complaint has returned in a much worse form. Sometimes relief may be obtained by cold or warm water, whichever suits best. Aconitum, if there is redness and heat of the face, and other symptoms mentioned under Aconite for toothache ; great exasperation, with agitation, restlessness; the pa- tient is beside himself with pain; neuralgia alternates with rheumatic pains. Belladonna, if the pain is most violent under the eye, and is excited by rubbing the part affected ; darting pains in the cheek-bones, nose, jaws, or cutting and tensive pains, with stiffness at the nape of the neck, and clench- ing of the jaws ; twitches in the eyelid, or violent shoot- ing and tearing, and dragging pains in the ball of the eye ; eyes water ; convulsive jerking in the muscles of the face, and distortion of the mouth ; heat and redness in the face. The pain comes in spells, it suddenly disap- pears almost entirely and as suddenly returns. The right side is generally affected. Platina for boring pain, cramp-like ; painful feeling of AFFECTIONS OF THE TEETH. 263 numbness in the cheek-bones, as if the parts were between screws ; the pains are attended with anxiety, weeping and palpitation of the heart. Colocynthis for violent rending and darting pains, which chiefly occupy the left side of the face, are aggra- vated by the slightest touch, and yet in some cases firm pressure relieves the pain. The suffering is relieved also by perfect rest and by warmth. Arsenicum, when the attacks return periodically, and the pains are more especially burning, stinging as from red-hot needles; great anguish, with restlessness; exces- sive prostration, with desire to lie down ; temporary ame- lioration from external heat; pains are worse after mid- night, especially if the disease has been caused by mala- rial influences. Spigelia for tearing, shooting and burning pains in all directions ; periodical, from morning till sunset but worse at noon ; worse from motion or noise, with watering of the eyes; the pain is most frequently on the left side; the cheek is dark red. Arnica for heat and throbbing. Bryonia for heat and pressing pain, better from external pressure. Staphisagria, when there is heat with throbbing, shooting, cutting, tear- ing pain or burning pressure in the cheek bones, particu- larly on the left side. Cepa for heat in the face and pain from above downwards, as if from a thread deep in the bones of the left side, worse in the evening. Calcarea for tearing pain (first left, then right side). Arsenicum, draw- ing, piercing pain (first right, then left side). Cinchona or Hepar, drawing and tearing in the bones, worse when touched. Hyoscyamus, pressing or squeezing in the jaAV- bones. Rhus, pressing, cutting, stabbing. For violent pains, mostly in the bones, look under Bella- donna, Hepar, Cinchona, Hyoscyamus, Staphisagria. For pressure in the cheek-bone, worse when touched, compare Hepar and Cinchona; worse in the evening, Capsicum. For jerking, shooting pains, Pulsatilla. 264 AFFECTIONS OF THE MOUTH. CHAPTER VIII. AFFECTIONS OF THE MOUTH. BAD TASTE IN THE MOUTH. If the taste in the mouth is altered and the other symptoms are not suffi- cient for the selection of the proper remedy, consult the following list: Bitter taste in the morning. — Sulphur, Mercurius vivus, Bryonia, Cal- carea, Silicea. When solid food tastes bitter. — Sulphur, Bryonia, Kheum, Bhus tox., Hepar, Colocynthis, Ferrum met.; food and drink both bitter: Pulsatilla, Cinchona ; bitter taste after eating or drinking : Pulsa- tilla, Bryonia, Arsenicum; in the morning or evening: Pulsatilla, Arnica; at different times, or continually, besides the above medi- cines: Aconitum, Belladonna, Veratrum, Nux- vomica, Chamo- milla, Antimonium crudum, Carbo vegetabilis. For SWeet taste. — Mercurius vivus, Sulphur, Cuprum, Belladonna, Pul- satilla, Bryonia, Cinchona, Ferrum, Spongia; in the morning: Sulphur ; when bread tastes sweet : ' Mercurius vivus ; beer : Pul- satilla ; blood-like, sweetish taste : Ferrum, Sulphur ; when like nuts: Coffea. For salt taste. — Carbo vegetabilis, Kheum, Phosphoric acid, Nux vomica, Sulphur, Arsenicum, Natrum muriaticum, Cuprum; when food tastes salt: Carbo vegetabilis, Sulphur; salt taste when coughing: Carbo vegetabilis, Cocculus. For SOUr taste. — Kheum, Phosphoric acid, Nux vomica, Cinchona, Sul- phur, Capsicum, Calcarea, Natruni muriaticum, Cocculus, Cuprum ; the food tastes sour: Cinchona, Calcarea; after meals: Pulsatilla, Nux vomica, Carbo vegetabilis, ISatrum muriaticum, Cocculus, Silicea ; after drinking water : Nux vomica, Sulphur ; after drink- ing milk: Carbo vegetabilis, Sulphur; in the morning: Nux , vomica, Sulphur. Acrid, biting taste. — Veratrum, Rhus tox. ; brunt, smoky taste : Pulsa- tilla, Nux vomica, Sulphur; taste like herbs: Veratrum, Nux vomica; taste like peppermint: Veratrum. Earthy taste- — Pulsatilla, Hepar, Cinchona; insipid taste: Pulsatilla, Rheum, Staphisagria, Bryonia, Cinchona, Sulphur, Dulcamara, Rhus tox., Ipecacuanha, Capsicum ; slimy taste : Belladonna, Kheum, Arnica, Rhus tox., Platina ; greasy, oily taste : Silicea, Causticum ; greasy taste:- Causticum"; sticky taste: Phosphoric acid ; watery taste : Staphisagria, Cinchona, Causticum. AFFECTIONS OF THE MOUTH. 265 Putrid taste. — Arnica, Mercurius vivus, Belladonna, Bryonia, Chamo- milla, Pulsatilla, Aconitum, Veratrum, Phosphoric acid, Sulphur, Rhus tox., Natrum muriaticum, Cuprum, Causticum ; in the morn- ing : Sulphur, Rhus tox. ; after meals : Rhus tox. ; taste like pus : Pulsatilla. When tobaCCO has a Sharp taste. — Staphisagria; when hitter: Coccu- lus; loathsome: Ipecacuanha; disagreeable: Ignatia, Pulsatilla, Nux vomica, Arnica, Calcarea, Cocculus. When food has no flavor. — Mercurius, Pulsatilla, Staphisagria, Bryonia, Nux vomica, Arsenicum ; absence of taste : Veratrum, Belladonna, Pulsatilla, Rheum, Bryonia, Hepar, Hyoscyamus; in chronic cases : Silicea, Natrum muriaticum. OFFENSIVE BREATH. Bad breath may be caused from disordered stomach, abuse of mercury, decayed teeth, disease of the gums, ulcers in the mouth, catarrh of the nose, sore throat, or want of proper attention to cleanliness, leaving particles of food in the teeth, etc. Rinse the mouth and throat after every meal with cold water, and brush the teeth with a soft brush after each meal. If from decayed teeth, consult a dentist ; or if this cannot be conveniently done, the cavities in the teeth should be carefully cleansed and filled with wax. The tooth can be readily cleaned by making use of a roll of blotting paper of convenient size, and applying it repeatedly to the decayed part. Rinsing the mouth with water containing charcoal, or chewing a roasted coffee-bean will improve the breath for awhile. The smell of garlic or horseradish may be overcome by drinking some wine, eating a pear or a boiled beet or by chewing fresh parsley. When the offensive breath arises from deranged stomach, or other dis- eases, the proper remedy for it will be found under their respective heads. If the bad breath is only perceived in the morning, give Nux vomica; in the morning and at night, Pulsatilla; after dinner only, Charnomilla, and besides in many cases Bryonia, Arnica, Arsenicum, Hyoscyamus. If the breath smells like onions, give Cepa; sweet sickish as if much mercury had been used, Mercurius; putrid, Carbo vegetabilis; for a bad breath with white-coated tongue, in persons of a very changeable disposition and who easily take cold, give Nux moschata. SCURVY CANKER AND SIMILAR AFFECTIONS OF THE MOUTH. In this affection the gums become hot, red, and very sensitive; they swell, become spongy, and separate from the teeth ; small ulcers make their 266 AFFECTIONS OF THE MOUTH. appearance on the gums, the inside of the lips, the cheeks, on the palate and even on the tongue; a putrid, very offensive smell is emitted from, the mouth, there is a discharge of tough, offensive mucus and saliva; some- times the glands of the throat swell and become painful ; the patient be- comes very weak. If the disease has appeared in consequence of an im- proper diet, i. e., from an absence of fresh vegetables, or from eating too much salt food, these needed foods should be supplied. Lemon juice is greatly necessary in such cases. Mercurius, in almost every case of scurvy, is the most efficacious remedy, and may always be given at the com- mencement of the disease, unless it has been brought on by the abuse of this medicine ; in which case, it will be necessary to give Carbo vegetabilis or another antidote. In cases where Mercurius is not entirely curative, Dulcamara may be given. If the disorder has arisen from the excessive use of salt food, Carbo vegetabilis or Arsenicum will be of most service, and if these fail to produce a favorable change, a drop of sweet spirits of nitre may be taken once or twice a day with benefit. Capsicum may be indicated as the first remedy when the affection occurs in inert and corpulent persons, and arises from uncleanliness or want of exercise in the open air. Arsenicum may be given if the ulcers burn violently, the patient is much debilitated, or if Mercurius proves inefficacious; if the gums become black, continue the Arsenicum; but if blue blisters appear on their edges, give Lachesis. Mercurius sublimate must be given if the ulceration is very extensive and has already spread to the nose, and when the ichor runs back into the throat and causes com- plaints of the stomach and painful diarrhoea. Muriatic acid, very much diluted, is better if the trouble was brought on by the use of too much salt food. Dulcamara, when the disorder results from taking cold, and the glands of the throat are swollen and hard. AFFECTIONS OF THE MOUTH. 267 Carbo vegetabilis, besides being preferable in all those cases arising from the abuse of mercury or salt, is particu- larly beneficial when the gums bleed much and smell very offensive. If it is insufficient, give afterwards Lachesis or Capsicum. Natrum muriaticum, when the ulcers spread slowly and the above remedies give little or no relief; the gums are swollen, bleed and are very sensitive ; every thing cold or warm, or eating and drinking affects them ; when white blisters and small ulcers appear on the tongue, which bite and burn, and render talking painful. Among the most important measures in vogue for this complaint, the one which is most to be recommended is, lemon juice; this is productive, especially in summer and at sea, of a very salutary effect. If no lemons are at hand, raw potatoes, grated, will answer ; but raw sour-kraut is better. Fruit, vegetables and fresh meat must, as far as possible, form the chief articles of diet. AFFECTIONS OF THE TONGUE. Aconitum for inflammation and swelling of the tongue. Mercurius, after Aconitum; or at first when there is vio- lent pain, swelling, hardness and salivation ; also in ulcer- ation of the tongue. Belladonna, when Mercurius does not effect a cure, and other parts of the mouth are painful arid ulcerated. It may be taken either before or after Mercurius for indura- tion of the tongue. For inflammation caused by wounds, give first, if the pain is very severe, Aconitum, and then Arnica; should the pain increase, give Aconitum again, and Arnica once more, if necessary. Natrum muriaticum, if from the sting of bees or the like. Arsenicum, then Lachesis, in dangerous cases, when no physician is at hand, with threatened gangrene, indicated by dark and greenish or black appearance of the tongue, etc. 268 AFFECTIONS OF THE STOMACH. Phosphoric acid in inflammation produced by biting the tongue during sleep. Apis, if the tongue looks scalded, is much swollen, with burning blisters on its margins, burning, stitching, bright redness and dryness. For paralysis of the tongue, give Belladonna, Hyoscyamus or Nux moschata, according to the other symptoms and dispositions of the patients. If children will not learn to talk, Xatrum muriaticurn may be tried. CHAPTER IX. AFFECTIONS OF THE STOMACH. WANT OF APPETITE. The common remedies for arousing the appetite are mostly calculated to impair it altogether. Articles highly salted, sour or acrid ; burning, heat- ing spices, roots, herbs or barks steeped in liquor, and taken as stomachics may be beneficial medicines when used at the proper time, in the right case, and in appropriate quantities; and every one knows from his own experience, or has witnessed it in others, that they sometimes produce a salutary effect. But as all medicines are injurious when taken in too great quantities, or too frequently, the trying of many of these things must, of course, do more harm than good, and particularly when the patient accustoms himself to their use. Of what benefit is it to awaken the appe- tite for a day or two, if it fails again immediately? As it is the case with all food that is partly retained in the body and partly thrown off, so it is with these substances also, which containing no nutriment, cannot supply any to the human economy. By degrees, these substances so accumulate in the system, that they cause incurable diseases: not in the intestines, whence they might be expelled by purgatives; not in the blood, whence they might be extracted by bleeding. Xo, these are popular errors; every- one who knows anything of physiology, is aware that nothing can remain in the blood any more than in the intestines, the former changing every- day ; but it is the solid parts of the body which undergo a change. AFFECTIONS OF THE STOMACH. 269 Persons who use these things now and then in small quantities, cannot do themselves great harm. Sometimes salt fish or acids, particularly in sum- mer, have a good effect, especially when there is strong craving for these things, and when this longing ceases after having been satisfied; if however the same craving returns very soon, it is a sign that their use is injurious. The best remedy, in addition to exercise and recreation in the open air, is the regular use of cold water. In the morning, particularly fasting, an hour or two before, and a couple of hours after each meal, and in the even- ing before going to bed, drink regularly a glass of water. At meals drink moderately, and after eating heartily but small quantities at a time. WEAKNESS OF THE STOMACH. DYSPEPSIA. INDIGESTION. The most essential information respecting this complaint, when it is felt very soon after eating, has been given under Chapter IV., Part I. When arising from other causes, see Chapters I., II. and V., Part I. There are, however, many cases where different causes exercise an influence at the same time ; or where the causes are not known, or some are of a temporary nature, while others are lasting, the latter generally passing under the name of dyspepsia; some cases of this kind are the commencement of violent and dangerous diseases. "Dyspepsia" is a very convenient name often used by physicians to conceal their ignorance. It means "bad diges- tion," and this accompanies a great many diseases, it is generally a mere symptom of another disease which the physician does not know, he there- fore calls it "Dyspepsia," and most patients are satisfied, because they believe a physician can cure every disease which he can call by a learned name! We will here mention several kinds of which anyone can cure himself; but there are many complaints called dyspepsia which need the aid of a homoeopathic physician. The most important condition for a cure is a rational mode of living, not adopted for a time merely, but permanently; the food must be wholesome, nutritive, of sufficient quantity, and also varied, to suit the requirements of the stomach. But to be more definite it may be said that the proper diet consists in avoiding everything old, salty, pickled or otherwise half spoiled or dried, for instance rancid butter. In the morning partake of a light breakfast, nothing heavy, little or no meat, sometimes eggs, nothing fried in fat or butter, no new warm bread, but have stale bread. For dinner eat vegetables and meat boiled or roasted, and for dessert stale bread and butter, no cake or pies, not even the fruit baked in it. In the evening eat little and only very light things, nothing baked or fried, and take cold water in preference to all other drinks. Do not ever suppose that anything sour can be sweetened ; the tongue may be cheated in this way, but not the stomach ; the same holds good with acrid or bitter things. 270 AFFECTIONS OF THE STOMACH. For all acute cases of indigestion which are usually attended with want of appetite, nausea, pains, particularly griping, disturbed sleep and weak- ness, select from among the first medicines here prescribed; in chronic cases among those found further on. Arnica, when the disorder has been caused by a blow upon the stomach, or by lifting heavy weights, with pain and a sensation as if the small of the back were broken ; by much mental application, and particularly when caused by over-excitement and irritability ; when the pa- tient is very nervous, the tongue dry, or coated yellowish ; the taste putrid or bitter and sour, with a bad smell from the mouth ; the patient, even if accustomed to smoking, loathes tobacco ; craving for something acid ; eructations sometimes, with a taste as of rotten eggs ; after meals a sense of fulness in the pit of the stomach, inclination to vomit, retching, flatulency ; the abdomen is distended ; accompanied by a heaviness in all the limbs, weakness in the legs, giddiness, fulness in the head, particularly over the sockets of the eyes, dull feeling and heat in the head, disagreeable warmth, frequent awaking, starting up in sleep, troubled dreams. If Arnica does not suffice in these cases, give Nux vomica, or, this not answering, Chamomilla. Nux vomica, if caused by dissipation and late hours, by drinking wine or coffee, particularly if the patient has caught cold besides; when the mouth is dry without thirst, the tongue coated white ; accumulation of mucus in the mouth, and heartburn, no taste, or all kinds of food taste insipid, water collects in the mouth, vomiting, pressure and weight in the stomach, the abdomen is dis- tended, scanty and hard evacuations, or none at all ; reel- ing, giddiness or dulness in the head, heaviness in the back part of the head, ringing in the ears, drawing sensa- tion in the molars, sometimes below and sometimes above ; drawing in the limbs; want of energy and aversion to thinking ; the patient is restless, quarrelsome, sullen ; at times there is heat in the face; red pimples on the face. If this remedy is not sufficient, give Chamomilla. AFFECTIONS OF THE STOMACH. 271 Chamomilla, "when the patient has eaten or drank soon after great anger, and has a bitter taste in the mouth, bitter eructations, vomiting of green mucus or light col- ored bile ; tossing about during sleep, frequent awaking, pain and fulness in the head, the face red and. hot, the eyes red and burning, the disposition very sensitive. If it does not relieve, give Pulsatilla ; if this also is insuffi- cient, give Nux vomica. Pulsatilla, when different kinds of meat or drinks, which do not agree with each other, have been taken at the same time, particularly such as produce flatulency; or when much fat has been eaten, especially that of pork or mut- ton, or sausages, anything fried in rancid butter, or pastry baked in mixed fat ; particularly when the taste is bitter, salt, or resembles that of putrid meat or tallow ; bread and all other kinds of food produce a bitter taste ; distaste for tobacco ; and also when there is accumulation of mucus in the mouth, a scratching in the throat, eructation tast- ing of bile, or a feeling of acidity and acridness in the stomach ; a particular aversion to warm food, no thirst and particularly none for water ; the abdomen is swollen, tense, particularly under the ribs, rolling and rumbling in the abdomen ; slow, troublesome, small evacuations or diarrhoea ; drawing in the limbs as from fever and ague ; the patient feels chilly, weak, is cross, silent, annoyed at every trifle, cries easily, with little inclination to speak. Cinchona is often most suitable when the air is infected with noxious vapors, in spring and autumn, when wet days are succeeded by dry weather; in countries where there are many canals, particularly if recently made, or where there is much drained land, or many fogs ; also for persons who are obliged to work where they breathe nox- ious odors, and have not a sufficient supply of fresh air ; it frequently cures the forerunners of fever and ague, and prevents the fever altogether. There is a constant feeling of having eaten to satiety, indifference to food and drink ; 272 AFFECTIONS OF THE STOMACH. after eating, the food remains a long time in the stomach ; constant eructations, the undigested food is frequently vomited; morbid craving for hearty, acrid or sour things; weakness of the body, and a disposition to lie down, with- out being able to remain quiet ; the patient is obliged to bend and stretch his limbs, which are quite stiff in the morning ; frequent flushes of heat ; chilliness from every breath of air ; the urine is dark colored and deposits a copious sediment; after lying down the patient finds it difficult to go to sleep, and is constantly disturbed ; the disposition is melancholy and morose. . Antimonium crudum, when the patient feels sick at the stomach, the tongue is coated or blistered ; frequent eruc- tations which taste of the food last taken ; the mouth feels dry, or the saliva flows from it : there is much thirst, par- ticularly during the night ; great desire for sour things ; accumulation of mucus in the throat, or vomiting of mu- cus and bile, the stomach feels too full, or is sore when touched ; there is besides flatulency and griping, or con- stipation and diarrhoea. The patient is very drowsy and could sleep all the time. If Antimonium crudum does. not soon produce a favorable change, give Bryonia. Bryonia, when the stomach is disordered, and the pa- tient feels cold and chilly; the bowels constipated, the tongue coated white or yellow, or blistered as under Anti- monium crudum. The same thirst, but it is continuous both by night and day ; and more dryness in the throat and the stomach. It is most suitable in summer, or when the weather is warm and damp. Should Bryonia not help, give Antimonium crudum. Cepa, no hunger but much thirst, particularly in the evening; the greatest nausea; many eructations which relieve a little, sometimes frothy mucus is raised ; weak- ness in the stomach, as if empty, pressure therein, more when bending forwards; fulness in the head, much yawn- ing ; much flatulence, with pain in the bowels therefrom ; AFFECTIONS OF THE STOMACH. 273 tongue always coated, particularly towards its base and early in the morning. Ipecacuanha, when there is a catarrhal state of the stomach, or it is otherwise debilitated ; when the tongue is not coated, although the patient is sick at the stomach and vomits; it is particularly indicated when there is loathing of food, of tobacco; for easy or violent vomiting; when the vomit contains mucus, especially when accom- panied by diarrhoea; also when the complaint returns every day, or every other day, at the same hour. Hepar, when the stomach is easily disordered, notwith- standing, a regular mode of living is followed, or when this occurs despite the utmost care, and frequently with craving for acids, hearty, acrid articles, or for wine ; when accompanied by nausea, inclination to vomit, and eructa- tions, principally in the morning ; at times sour or bilious vomiting and throwing up of mucus ; accumulation of phlegm in the throat, pain in bowels, and hard, dry stools. It will be particularly useful for weak stomach produced by taking blue pills, or other preparations of mercury. Lachesis in cases where Hepar has been insufficient, and when . the complaint is worse immediately after meals, or early in the morning ; when several days pass without any evacuation. Tedious cases of dyspepsia may sometimes be cured by Sulphur — taken at very long intervals. When improving, the patient should wait, until the symptoms remain sta- tionary or are decidedly worse again, before repeating it. If it fails to effect a cure after a considerable time, give Calcarea or Mercurius, and afterwards Sulphur may act more favorably again. CATARRH OF THE STOMACH. This malady is characterized by weakness of the stomach, attended with accumulation of mucus in the mouth and throat, or with the throwing up 18 274 AFFECTIONS OF THE STOMACH. of mucus. In other respects the symptoms resemble those of " Dyspepsia," with the exception that the taste is more insipid or sweetish. Before eating the patients are usually very weak and miserable, and after eating they feel full and uneasy. In the treatment of this complaint, Ipecacuanha should be first given, and then if necessary one of the following remedies : Rheum, if, in addition to the above symptoms, there is diarrhoea of a thin, brown, slimy character, which smells sour or musty. Veratrum, when the symptoms are violent and accom- panied by vomiting of bile, or bilious diarrhoea, etc. Capsicum, if accompanied by burning in the throat or stomach, or in the anus during the evacuations. Consult also the symptoms of Pulsatilla and Hepar in last chapter. Persons afflicted with this affection should take cold water freely, six to twelve glasses every day, and gargle the throat each time. HEARTBURN. WATERBRASH. Heartburn consists of a hot sensation felt principally in the pit of the stomach, and followed after a time by sour, or acrid eructations or risings. It is frequently connected with dyspepsia and other affections of the stomach, and may be cured by the remedies recommended for these com- plaints. Nux vomica often helps, or if the symptom comes especially after eating, Cinchona; if this remedy does not help, give Carbo vegetabilis; when neither Nux vomica, Chamomilla or Pulsatilla relieve, give Capsicum. When caused by smoking, Staphisagria ; if attended by much thirst, Belladonna. For fuller indications, however, see "Dyspepsia," "Cramps of the Stomach," and "Flatulency." When these remedies are ineffectual in pregnant women, a slice of lemon sugared and kept in the mouth is beneficial. Sometimes drinking sugar- water every morning, and freely of cold water will remove it, although it may make it worse in the beginning. Care should be taken not to use any soda or potash, as these often produce dangerous maladies ; also to avoid chalk, magnesia, prepared oyster shells, etc. AFFECTIONS OF THE STOMACH. 275 NAUSEA AND VOMITING. It is very important that the possible cause should always be taken into consideration, and the remedies be selected accordingly. Very frequently the symptoms disappear of themselves after vomiting, therefore it may be promoted by giving tepid water, tickling the throat with a feather, or by giving coffee without milk. 2so powerful emetics should be taken ; they always weaken the stomach. Give, when the tongue is thickly coated white or yel- low, Antimonium crudum, or, when the tongue is clean or slightly coated, Ipecacuanha. If the edges of the tongue are red, tip red, or small red spots on it, give Antimonium tartaricum. Sometimes nausea and vomiting are caused by fright, grief, vexation, by taking cold, overheating, sit- ting up at night, overloading the stomach, drinking in- toxicating liquors or chamomile tea, smoking, or by using rhubarb and other so-called medicines, or from other poi- sons. Having ascertained the causes, look under their re- spective heads. When nausea and vomiting are caused by a fall on the head, give Arnica; when by some foreign body in the throat, see under that head. When connected with giddiness or headache, see Chap- ter I., Part II. (" Headache ") ; when the medicines recom- mended in such cases do not give relief, give Lachesis, and afterwards if necessary, Belladonna. For vomiting, with cough, Ipecacuanha, Mercurius, Capsicum, Pulsatilla, Bry- onia, Cinchona, Drosera, Phosphoric acid, Sulphur, Calcarea, or lachesis. The particular symptoms for the choice of each will be found under " Cough " or " Whooping Cough." When caused by riding, give Cocculus, or see " Sea- sickness." For vomiting during pregnancy, see under that head. Vomiting from weakness of the stomach, occuring after every meal, is often cured by Pulsatilla or l\ r ux vomica, and sometimes Bryonia. Pulsatilla will be beneficial when the 276 AFFECTIONS OF THE STOMACH. stomach is so weak that only very little food can be taken at a time, and the least surfeit causes vomiting with spasm and cutting pain in the bowels, or giddiness and vomiting of white, tough mucus, diarrhoea, weakness of the limbs, and sometimes fainting. Cocculus, for the same symptoms as the above, when that is insufficient, followed, if neces- sary, by Nux vomica and afterwards Bryonia. Cinchona or Ferrum may be in some cases necessary to complete the cure, or Sulphur, followed by Arsenicum or Hyoscyamus, may be required in some severe cases which the .foregoing remedies have failed to relieve. Calcarea will be serviceable in protracted, chronic cases, especially after Sulphur. In vomiting of blood when it is ver}^ dark, give Ipecac- uanha, or, if not better soon, Hamamelis ; and if this is in- sufficient, give Arnica, and send for a physician as soon as possible. For vomiting in children, caused by worms, see "Com- plaints caused by Worms." If a person vomits all he has eaten after every meal, and if this contin- ues until he has become quite thin, he ought to eat light and nourishing food, very little at a time, but often. If he has much pain before throwing up, he ought to eat not more than one tablespoonful every hour. At first, rich milk, cream, gruel, arrow-root or starch, better with sugar than with salt ; afterwards, now and then, good broth or beef essence. This will be nourishment enough while the medicines have time to act. Give Hyoscyamus for pulsating in the pit of the stomach ; Arsenicum for burning ; Ferrum for pressure ; Carbo vegetabilis for pressing outwards ; Cal- carea for stinging. It is still better to consult a physician. SEA-SICKNESS. Opium has given the quickest relief, and may be re- peated whenever the symptoms increase. In some cases Cocculus is better. Petroleum is always to be given if Coc- culus does not relieve. Nux vomica will often be of service, AFFECTIONS OF THE STOMACH. 277 especially if the stomach was disordered before going on board, or is so by the manner of living on board ship. Owing to the differences in the constitutions of persons they are differently affected by the motion of the ship, some becoming easily accustomed to it, others with greater difficulty, and others again, not at all. Hence the remedies must be adapted to the constitutional pecu- liarities from which the sickness arises. Some persons are benefited by drinking brandy and water, and others by eating raw ham highly peppered. In most cases benefit will be derived by taking as much exercise as possible, forcing one's self to eat, and placing blotting paper soaked in rum, brandy, or whisky, on the pit of the stomach. In cases of severe headache with de- sire for sour, hearty food, give Sepia. PAIN, CRAMP OR SPASM OF THE STOMACH. The following remedies may be tried, and will sometimes alleviate the complaint. From time to time a tablespoonful of milk may be swallowed ; and the region of the stomach rubbed with warm olive or linseed oil. Some are relieved by swallowing a spoonful of linseed oil. Sometimes relief is obtained by taking weak chicken broth, sometimes from the application to the region of the stomach of a sheet of blotting paper wet with rum. The same persons, however, will find great relief from taking Nux vomica, if they will only refrain from the use of ardent spirits and coffee, and even avoid smelling them. A few handfuls of common, roasted oatmeal may be placed warm upon the stomach in a small bag — the meal must not be quite as brown as coffee. This is very useful when the patient has before taken opium or laudanum, and, as usual, the complaint has been thereby aggra- vated. Nux vomica helps coffee or brandy drinkers, when they abstain from taking these drinks ; the pain in the stomach is contracting, or pressing, the clothes seem too tight, or there appears to be a collection of wind on the left side under the ribs, worse after eating, after rising early, some- times disturbing the patient in his sleep. These pains are 278 AFFECTIONS OF THE STOMACH. sometimes accompanied by oppression of the chest, as if a band encircled it; sometimes it extends to the back be- tween the shoulders and to the small of the back. The pains are frequently attended by nausea or accumulation of water in the mouth ; or sour, bitter, burning fluid rises in the throat ; vomiting of food ; sour, putrid taste in the mouth ; flatulency ; distension of the abdomen, and con- stipation. Sometimes it is accompanied by one-sided headache, pressing pain in the forehead, or palpitation of the heart and anxiety. If Nux vomica produces but tem- porary improvement, and the complaint returns again in a few days, a dose of Pulsatilla, Chamomilla, or Ignatia — whichever seems best adapted to the symptoms — must be given. If after this the symptoms return, Nux vomica may be repeated again, but if this is not sufficient, Carbo vegeta- bilis may be given. If drinking coffee aggravates the complaint, Nux vomica will be the proper remedy ; if the pain is relieved by it, Chamomilla. Chamomilla will also be indicated when there is a press- ure in the stomach as from a stone ; when the pit of the stomach and the parts immediately under the ribs on the left side are so distended as to cause great anxiety and shortness of breath. The symptoms are worse during the night ; the patient is extremely uneasy and agitated, tosses about in the bed, and sweats profusely ; sometimes he is troubled with a throbbing pain on top of the head which drives him out of bed. The pain in the stomach is some- what alleviated when he draws himself up, and lies per- fectly quiet. When the pains are very violent, give Coffea, and afterwards, if necessary, Chamomilla. If Chamomilla is of but little use, give Belladonna. Cramp of the stomach during menstruation can gener- ally be cured by Nux vomica or afterwards by Chamomilla; but if the discharge is very scanty, Pulsatilla or Cocculus. Cocculus is indicated when Nux vomica gives some re- AFFECTIONS OF THE STOMACH. 279 lief, but the pain returns very soon, and is accompanied by hard evacuations, or no movement of the bowels ; when the pain in the stomach is accompanied by a pressing, contracting pain extending over the abdomen, alleviated by the discharge of wind ; when there is some sickness of the stomach, and collection of water in the mouth without heartburn; when the patient is not irritable, angry, or violent (in which case you would give Nux vomica), but rather sullen and taciturn. Aconite for violent pain ; the pit of the stomach being distended and very sensitive to pressure, even to the touch ; vomiting all the food taken, at last empty retching; coated tongue, the edges or tip red ; the abdomen hot ; feet cold. Belladonna, when Aconite gives only partial relief, espe- cially in women and persons who are delicate and sensi- tive; when there is a gnawing pressure or a spasmodic tension of the stomach which obliges the patient to lean back or to hold his breath, by which the pain is also miti- gated; when the pain always returns after dinner; when it is so violent as to deprive the patient of consciousness, or make him faint. It is mostly accompanied by thirst, and drinking increases the pain ; evacuations tardy and small; the patient cannot sleep at night. Should the suffering grow worse after this, with great thirst, the tip of the tongue being dry, give Rhus ; should this also fail, give Arsenicum. Bryonia for the same kind of pressure as Chamomilla, particularly when it commences during meals, or immedi- ately afterwards, and the pit and region of the stomach feel as if swollen; sometimes the pressure changes to a contracting, pinching or cutting pain, which is relieyed by pressing upon the stomach, or by eructations of wind ; the pains are aggravated by motion (the opposite in Cin- chona). These symptoms are attended with constipation, and a pressure in the temples, the forehead or back part of the head, as if the bones of the head were being forced 280 AFFECTIONS OF THE STOMACH. asunder, which is better when pressed hard or tied tight with a handkerchief. Pulsatilla, when the pains are of a piercing character; are worse when walking, particularly on making a false step, and always accompanied by nausea or vomiting; the evacuations loose ; no thirst, except during the most vio- lent pains ; also when there is great tension of the stomach, with pinching pain, or violent throbbing, with anxiety ; griping pain, diminished by eating, or the symptoms are made worse by eating; the pain being pressing and pinch- ing. This remedy is most suitable for persons of a mild, gentle disposition, or if cake or rich, fat food was the cause. Nux moschata, pressure in the stomach, wdiich feels full and distended ; a feeling of satiety after eating only a lit- tle ; after eating, feels very bad and uncomfortable, short of breath ; headache after eating too much ; headache always after breakfast or immediately after eating and drinking, cramp and pain in the bow^els ; offensive breath, white-coated tongue ; the patient likes to sit in the house and feels drowsy from it. Ignatia, when Pulsatilla is insufficient and the com- plaints continue for several days ; the pains resemble those of Nux vomica, but are without the hard stools and with less vomiting; also when there is pressure in the upper part of the stomach after every meal, or in the lower part of the throat. It is suitable in cases brought on by insufficient food or starvation. It is particularly indicated when the stomach feels as if it was hanging on a thread. Cinchona for spasm of the stomach in debilitated per- sons, brought on by using emetics or cathartics, being bled or cupped frequently, or by profuse loss of blood in any way, or by salivation or loss of fluids by other means. It is of the first importance in pain occurring in women who are nursing, or who are debilitated by nursing their children too long; or from excessive secretion and flow AFFECTIONS OF THE STOMACH. 281 of milk. Belladonna will follow it in these cases advan- tageously. Cinchona must, therefore, be given first, when women have spasm of the stomach from nursing, particu- larly when much milk runs away (here Belladonna is to be given afterwards), or when they continue nursing too long, that is, more than nine months ; in the latter case the child ought to be weaned. Generally, when the di- gestion is not good, with too great a secretion of mucus, and acidity in the stomach ; when the stomach feels sore ; when meat and drink cause pressure and inflation of the stomach, and if the pains are worse when the patient is at rest, and better when in motion, Cinchona will be the best remedy. Carbo vegetabilis, particularly when Nux vomica has proved useful, but only for a short time ; when there is a burning pain, or constant, painful, anxious pressure, worse when touched ; or with a contracting, spasmodic sensation, forcing the patient to bend, taking away his breath, and aggravated by lying down. Frequently accompanied by heartburn and nausea ; loathing at the very thought of food ; constipation. Calcarea, in chronic cases, or when Belladonna has been of temporary benefit ; for oppressive, cutting, contractive, spasmodic, pinching, choking pains, with a feeling of anx- iety ; worse after eating ; frequently attended by vomiting of food, and worse at night; with pain from external press- ure ; it is particularly suitable for women whose monthly sicknesses are, or have been, too early and very copious ; or for those who bleed much from the nose. Phosphorus for violent pressure in the stomach, some- times worse when empty, and sometimes worse after eating. Caiisticum for pains in the stomach after swallowing food or drink which was too hot. Inflammation of stomach — see "Inflammation of Ab- domen." 282 AFFECTIONS OF THE ABDOMEN. CHAPTEB X. AFFECTIONS OF THE ABDOMEN. COLIC. It may be excited by acid fruits and indigestible food ; bv catching cold from changes of weather, wet feet, exposure, etc. ; also by drinking cold water or other cold beverages when heated ; by worms ; by the action of lead on the body, as met with frequently in painters, plumbers, and ether workmen who come in contact with lead; also in persons who have drunk wine adulterated with metallic poisons, or who are in the habit of nsing water which flows through leaden pipes. See Part I, Chapters VI, VII and VIII, on the treatment of those injured by lead or paints, etc. It may be necessary to consult "Colic" in Part I, and also "Spasms of the Stomach," in the preceding chapter. Chamomilla is suitable for children, also for grown per- sons when, besides the symptoms given under the head of "Pain in the Bowels,'" in Part I, blue circles appear around the eyes ; when there is much saliva in the mouth, tear- ing pain around the navel, and a feeling in the small of the back as if it were broken; if Chamomilla does not answer, give Pulsatilla. Chamomilla is also suitable for wind pent up in different parts of the abdomen, with a sensation as if it were going to escape there; stitches through the chest ; distention under the ribs and in the pit of the stomach ; great agitation, uneasiness, and clammy perspiration ; rattling and rumbling in the ab- domen ; frequent inclination to stool, with small, slimy, watery evacuations ; after violent indignation ; if it is not sufficient, give Colocynth. Xux vomica, when there is constipation or difficult evac- uations, a sensation as of a weight in the abdomen, with rolling and grumbling, and great heat ; the pains are pinching, drawing, compressing, as if the intestines were pressed here and there by stones ; oppression in the pit of the stomach ; the abdomen is painful when touched and AFFECTIONS OF THE ABDOMEN. 283 tense ; the breath short and difficult — a general feeling of fulness, the parts under the ribs feel as if stuffed ; during the most violent paroxysms of pain, the hands and feet are cold ; sometimes the patient is deprived of conscious- ness ; pain and flatulency deeply seated in the abdomen ; a strong pressure on the bladder and rectum as from a blunt knife, as if the wind must escape there ; the pain makes the patient double himself up, and is worse at every step. (See Belladonna.) Better when at rest, when sitting and lying. Generally attended by violent headache and pain in the small of the back. A number of these symp- toms are attributed by ignorant persons to some obstruc- tion, which they think must be removed by aperient medi- cines. Refer also to " Constipation." Mercurius, for violent, twisting colic ; the region around the navel is hard ; jerking pain externally in the walls of the abdomen, which is inflated and hard ; crawling in the throat, hiccoughing, voracious appetite, aversion to sweets ; nausea, with water rising in the throat, straining evacua- tions, or tension and burning around the navel, increased flow of saliva, eructations, diarrhoea, evacuation of slime, great debility ; worst attacks of colic about midnight — if Mercurius does not quickly relieve the patient, and the above symptoms are attended with itching of the nose, give Cina; if this does not affect a complete cure, Sulphur. Pulsatilla, when there is stinging pain in the bowels, with throbbing in the pit of the stomach, a disagreeable tightness in the back part of the abdomen, as if it were too full; growling and rumbling; the wind cannot be got rid of; warmth and distension of the abdomen, which makes the patient feel anxious; general heat, the veins on the hands and forehead are swelled, the patient is forced to take off his clothes on account of the heat and tight- ness, the abdomen is painful when touched, as if bruised ; all the symptoms are worse when lying down, somewhat better when walking about ; when rising, the small of the 284 AFFECTIONS OF THE ABDOMEN. back aches as if bruised; also, with the pinching, cut- ting pains, worse on being touched ; tearing and shooting above the navel ; uneasiness, heaviness in the belly, with painful tension, when touched it aches; qualmishness; white, frothy saliva in the mouth ; diarrhoea ; yellow, gray evacuations, with violent pains in the stomach ; pale face, blue circles around the eyes (see Chamomilla) ; con- tractions of the whole body (see Nux vomica, Belladonna, Colocynthis, Pulsatilla); pressing, tensive headache. When caused by an overloaded stomach, first give coffee without milk, and afterwards, if necessary, Pulsatilla ; if that does not cure the complaint, give Belladonna. Aconitum, in cases like the last mentioned, when in ad- dition the bladder is affected, the patient has violent pains in the region of the bladder, with spasmodic pains, draw- ing inwards, and a constant inclination to make water — the urine, however, does not pass; these symptoms are accompanied by nervousness and uneasiness, and the ab- domen is excessively sensitive. Afterwards, if necessary, give Nux vomica or Cepa. . Colocynthis is the principal remedy for colic. It is to be given when the pains are very violent, constant, or only cease for a short time, and then recommence with greater violence; when the most violent pain is confined to a small spot about the navel, and returns periodically every five or ten minutes (see Belladonna) ; or when it commences on the side with a slight drawing pain, tending towards the centre, which increases gradually, and at last changes to a jamming, pressing, or boring and tearing pain, so vio- lent, that the patient cries and shrieks aloud, twists about like a worm, is covered with perspiration, presses the ab- domen with his hands, pushes furiously against the bed- posts or corners of the tables, etc., lies on his face and places pillows under himself, and tries every way to get some ease. Persons who have previously suffered from these attacks AFFECTIONS OF THE ABDOMEN. 285 for several days, or periodically, and have taken laudanum, which causes the attacks to return the sooner, may, when they feel the least symptoms of an attack, take Colocynthis ; it is also most suitable when former attacks have weak- ened the intestines, which feel as if every part were bruised, and hanging on threads, which might break at every step. In all such cases Colocynthis is a certain remedy and its use should be persisted in. If the first dose does not give immediate relief, and if the complaint gets worse, give coffee without milk, a teaspoonful at a time, which may be repeated as long as it alleviates the pain ; if it grows worse again, give another dose of Colocynthis, alternating it with the coffee, until the pain ceases. If, after taking one dose of Colocynthis, the pain increases no longer, but there is a slow improvement, dispense entirely with the coffee, and let the medicine act as long as there is any improvement, or until the disease is cured. The second dose is generally sufficient, almost always the third ; in the worst cases, I never found it necessary to give more. For any of the remaining symptoms, give Caustic um. When the patient has taken laudanum, a drug most in- jurious in this complaint, although very commonly taken, give coffee first and then Colocynthis. If that does not an- swer, try Staphysagria, and then again Colocynthis. There are, however, some cases of violent colic which Colocynthis will not cure, and in which one of the following remedies, particularly Belladonna, must be given. Belladonna, when, during the pain, a thick, sausage-like swelling protrudes across the abdomen, and when bend- ing over, or pressing upon it gives some relief; when the pain is griping and bearing down, as if the intestines were about falling out ; the symptoms getting worse when the patient is up and walking about ; particularly when the stools are thin and pus-like. In the latter case, Mercurius frequently removes the remaining symptoms. Belladonna suits, generally, when the face becomes very red, the blood 286 AFFECTIONS OF THE ABDOMEN. rushes into the head, the veins are swelled, and the pains so violent that the patient is almost distracted. Also, for pains below the navel, when there is griping, as if pro- duced by taking hold of the parts with the finger nails, and when it is accompanied by pains in the small of the back. Cocculus for pains similar to those described under Nux vomica, particularly when there is a contraction in the ab- domen with a downward and outward pressure, attended with some nausea; or when wind passes without relief, because more is constantly accumulating and is lodged in different places causing pain (see Chamomilla) ; or there is a large accumulation of flatus in the stomach and intes- tines, causing great distention of the upper part of the ab- domen, and pain with noise and pinching in the stomach, arid with anxiety and pressure under the ribs, all of which symptoms disappear as soon as the wind passes upwards. Cepa for the most violent colic either after catching cold, particularly from wet feet, or from eating cucum- bers, salads, or from eating too much; commencing in the region of the liver and extending through the whole abdomen, most painful about the navel; getting worse when sitting ; better when walking about, particularly if this causes the passing of foetid flatus, with much rum- bling ; worse after eating and drinking, particularly after coffee ; but for this remedy the pain must always be worst on the left side or there must be a pressure in the region of the bladder, with much urging to pass water and to go to stool, with emission of foetid flatus. Cinchona is suitable for flatulent colic, resembling that described under Chamomilla and Cocculus ; but when the intestines are first contracted in the lower part of the abdomen, and press outward with oppressive and tensive pain, with tension under the short ribs, and agitation; particularly in the night ; in debilitated persons, or after profuse sweats, or in women who are nursing. AFFECTIONS OF THE ABDOMEN. 287 Ignatia frequently relieves colic which awakens the pa- tient out of sleep ; when there are shooting pains, which extend into the chest and sides, when the wind is dis- charged with much difficulty, after which the pains moderate; it is suitable for sensitive females. When the colic commences in the evening, and the flatulency causes nausea and vomiting, Pulsatilla is better. Colic, preceded by a bitter taste, a yellowish, coated tongue, much thirst, which, as the saying is, is caused by bile, attended sometimes by vomiting of bile, or bilious evacuations, may generally be cured by Chamomilla ; or in bad cases by Colocynthis, and when these remedies do not suffice, by Sulphur. FLATULENCY. Flatulency, or a collection of wind in the intestines, often causes colic, the remedies for which have already been mentioned. If the wind does not pass at all, and the abdomen becomes swollen as if it would burst, give Carbo vegetabilis. When it does not cause violent pain, but heat, uneasiness, and inflation of the abdomen, inter- fering with the breathing, which is frequently the case after taking flatulent food, beer, etc., or from drinking water after eating fat meat, give Cinchona, and afterwards, if required, to choleric persons, Nux vomica; to quiet, mild- tempered persons, Pulsatilla, if Cinchona does not give re- lief. If there is a collection of wind which distends the entire abdomen, and rumbling pains, worse on the left side, also in the left groin, as if a rupture were strangu- lated there, give Cepa. If it returns often, give Lycopo- dium, and if this is not sufficient, Sulphur ; should this also fail, consult a homoeopathic practitioner. 288 AFFECTIONS OF THE ABDOMEN. INFLAMMATION OF THE STOMACH AND BOWELS. The treatment of these diseases by domestic remedies, and that of the old school physicians are alike injurious. It is impossible to provide here for all cases, hut it will always be better to go by the rules here laid down, than to resort to violent treatment. If a homoeopathic practitioner can le had, it is always hetter to consult him. An inflammation of this kind may be supposed to exist, when a burn- ing, sometimes a stinging or tearing pain is felt in any part of the abdomen, which is very tender when pressed upon, and aches at every motion or movement, such as coughing, sneezing, laughing, etc. The part is some- times tense and swollen; when it is near the chest, it produces difficulty of breathing, particularly of inspiration ; it is mostly accompanied by vomit- ing or by eructation, which gives no relief, also by constipation. The lat- ter symptom induces many persons to take aperient medicines, which, in this affection, are absolute poisons; the former, to take emetics, which may cause death. The abdomen should be left perfectly undisturbed ; the drink should be water, and from time to time some mucilaginous articles and milk — nothing else whatever ; the constipation will last until the inflam- mation is removed. When the patients are recovering, and begin to eat, the evacuations will recommence of their own accord. In the most danger- ous cases, where no evacuation of the bowels took place for fifteen days, the patients recovered notwithstanding, and regained their strength rapidly. Besides the above symptoms, there are in some cases the following; the face is pale, grayish, sunken ; there is violent fever, but a weak pulse, the mind very much dejected and agitated. When the disease is at its height, the vomiting and the pains are both very violent, the patient is exceed- ingly weak; the extremities cold, hiccough sets in, and the abdomen is greatly distended, and extremely sensitive. When the disease attacks the stomach, the pain is generally in the pit of the stomach, extending under the ribs and towards the back, or through the abdomen ; eating and drinking are immediately succeeded by vomit- ing; with violent thirst, there is sometimes an aversion to water. When the seat of the disease is in any other part of the abdomen the pain is felt there and the abdomen is hot, the vomiting does not take place for some time after eating or drinking; the abdomen is swollen and tender, the patient complains of intense burning heat, in the whole or some part of it. There is also usually great thirst, constipation,, etc. Aconitum will in most cases be required at the com- mencement. It may be repeated every hour, until there is some improvement, or until an aggravation of the symptoms renders the selection of one of the following remedies necessarv. AFFECTIONS OF THE ABDOMEX. 289 Ipecacuanha, when the pains are worse in the front part of the abdomen, and extend to the left side under the ribs whence they spread along the ribs towards the back or the abdomen, with swelling in the region of the stomach, great agitation, and much vomiting, after which he feels worse rather than better. Antimonium crudum will be preferable to Ipecacuanha if the tongue is covered with a white or yellowish coating. Pulsatilla, or Nux vomica, if the disease was produced by a disordered stomach. Bryonia, after Aconitum or Ipecacuanha, when the pain and fever are very violent, and the complaint has been caused by taking cold, particularly by drinking cold water when the patient was overheated; when it is no longer efficacious, give Nux vomica. When the patient seems stupefied, or speaks disconnectedly, or is not aware how ill he is, give Hyoscyamus ; if it does not give relief, give Belladonna. If the extremities become cold, and the patient is evidently sinking, the face becoming very pale, or otherwise much altered, give Veratrum; if this proves unavailing, Arsenicum. After Arsenicum, Aconitum may in many cases be given and then Arsenicum once more, giving them in this manner alternately. If Arsenicum makes the complaint worse, give Nux vomica. When the pain is worse on the left side, under the ribs, whence it extends downward, there is generally in the be- ginning, vomiting of blood. If the fever is violent, give Aconite, but do not wait until it is much worse, give Cin- chona and whenever the pain increases give another dose of it. This will relieve in the majority of cases. Arnica may be given for the above symptoms if Aco- nitum and Cinchona are insufficient, and the pains are more of a pressing or shooting character, and render the breathing difficult and painful — also when the attacks re- semble more those of typhus fever — the patient, quite in- different, dull and stupid, is insensible to his suffering, 19 290 AFFECTIONS OF THE ABDOMEN. and insists that there is nothing the matter with him. Nux vomica may be given with advantage after the above remedies, when the disease has continued for some time, without much improvement,. and there is a dull pressure on the stomach with constipation. Bryonia, in cases where there are acute pains in the stomach and abdomen, in- creased by the least motion ; and constipation. Arsenicum, when there is diarrhoea, with a discharge of much blood, without alleviating the pains ; or when they are violent and burning, and the patient is very weak. When the disease assumes a periodic character, is worse every other day, give Cinchona. When the pain is more under the ribs, on the right side, toward the front, extending up or down, give one of the following remedies : Chamomilla, if the pains are dull, and not increased by external pressure, nor by turning or inspiration, and when there is pressure on the stomach, tension under the ribs, difficulty of breathing, a yellow tongue, bitter taste, yel- lowish skin and paroxysms of anxiety and agitation; when these paroxysms become more frequent, principally during the night, and are attended with green, slimy diar- rhoea and sickness of the stomach, give Pulsatilla; if, on the contrary, the bowels are constipated, the skin less yel- low, but the chest more affected, give Bryonia. Mercurius for pressing pain, which does not allow the patient to lie on the right side, with bitter taste in the mouth, more thirst than hunger, constant chilliness, very yellow skin and eyes; sometimes it may be alternated with Belladonna, or, in critical cases, with Lachesis. Belladonna for pressing pains which extend to the chest and shoulders ; when the pit of the stomach is distended, with tension above the navel and across the abdomen; difficulty of breathing and nervousness, attended by de- termination of blood to the head, with dimness before the eyes, and giddiness almost to fainting, frequently accom- AFFECTIONS OF THE ABDOMEN. 291 panied by violent thirst, uneasy tossing about, and sleep- lessness. If no improvement follows its use during twenty- four hours, give Lachesis, and repeat it as often as the complaint gets worse ; when Lachesis ceases to act favor- ably, give Belladonna again, or select another remedy. Rfux vomica for acute pain, sometimes attended with throbbing and stitches, the part affected being very sen- sitive to the touch ; sour or bitter taste ; nausea or vomit- ing ; oppression and shortness of breath, as if the clothes were too tight, while the removal of them rather aggra- vates the sensation than otherwise ; thirst, red urine, op- pressive headache. Sulphur may be given after Nux vomica, if there should be but little or no improvement from the latter — and the stinging pains continue. And also after the other reme- dies recommended when they afford no immediate, or only partial relief. If the disease is worse every other day, give Cinchona, as prescribed for pains in the left side. When the pain is more in the abdomen, in the middle or lower part, and is aggravated by motion or pressure, and the most painful part is distended, give Aconitum. If this gives no relief, and the abdomen continues to be sensitive to the touch, give Lachesis; if this fails, give Belladonna. In some cases, Hyoscyamus, Bryonia, Nux vomica, Arsenicum, and sometimes Mercurius may do good ■• — the latter particularly after Lachesis. Refer to what has been previously said of these medicines in this chapter. All aperients ought to be carefully avoided in this com- plaint, though it is mostly attended by obstinate constipa- tion — the less this is interfered with the sooner will the patient be restored to perfect health; if he takes cathartics or emetics, he may die in consequence, or they may pro- duce a chronic malady w T hich is difficult to cure. In this complaint it is, therefore, a good sign when the bowels are constipated, and a very bad sign when the evacuations become thin, and still worse when they pass involun- 292 AFFECTIONS OF THE ABDOMEN. t a rily. Even in this dangerous stage of the disease, Hyos- cyamus may sometimes save the patient. Children are frequently subject to attacks of this kind ; when the pit of the stomach and the parts under the ribs become distended by pain in the abdomen, give Chamo- milla or Mercurius. See also " Diseases of Children." DETERMINATION OF BLOOD TO THE ABDOMEN. This affection consists of a troublesome sensation of heat and burning in the abdomen, attended with hard- ness, tension, dull pain, and symptoms as if arising from a surfeit, without any excess having been committed. Hypochondriacs, persons who are of sedentary habits, or those who have the piles, are most liable to it. The prin- cipal remedy is Sulphur. If, however, it is accompanied by pains in the small of the back, as if it would break, with a feeling of great weakness in that region, rendering it almost impossible to walk, Nux vomica will be prefera- ble. If accompanied by diarrhoea with small, soft, slimy or watery evacuations, Capsicum should be given ; or, if attended with diarrhoea and great prostration of strength, Arsenicum. In addition to the above, the following reme- dies may be serviceable: Belladonna, Veratrum, Pulsatilla, Bryonia, Chamomilla, Rhus. See also "Piles." WORMS. Many complaints are ascribed to worms which arise from very different causes. When children have been fed upon pap, cakes, and similar arti- cles of a hurtful nature, or when the mother, whilst nursing, overloads her stomach with meat, fish, salted and fat things, particularly with pies, the children must necessarily become sick in consequence, or a predisposition to sickness be induced. If the children are kept too warm, get little out- door air, and, besides this, are dosed with vermifuges, injections, purga- tives, etc., the worms cannot fail to prosper and increase. When children are supposed to have worms, the first thing to be looked to is a rational mode of living, by which means the worms will soon di- AFFECTIONS OF THE ABDOMEN. 293 minish, and if symptoms of the complaint remain, the remedies will after- wards prove the more effective. Most persons are by far too much afraid of these little creatures, which are not nearly so noxious as the remedies usually prescribed for them, and particularly as the nostrums advertised in the newspapers. Simple persons believe in these things, and pay for the trash, when, if they knew what they or their children were swallowing, they would rather pay twice as much to keep it out of the house, to say nothing of their bodies. It is true, these things sometimes kill the worms, but too frequently they kill the children also, or affect the abdomen in such a manner that the con- sequences appear many years after. First, it is to be considered that almost all children have worms, sometimes before they are born, and that it is fre- quently a sign of a dangerous disease when these worms pass off spontane- ously ; secondly, that what these worms subsist upon in the body is more hurtful than the worms themselves. Almost all the symptoms attributed to worms may arise from some general disease in the system, which has a tendency to increase them, especially if aided by an unwise mode of living. When the worms have become very numerous they give rise to various complaints, which, joined to the symptoms of the original malady, some- times become dangerous. When the worms are expelled, the symptoms which they gave rise to, of course disappear, but the real disease may in- crease. Sometimes diseases subsequently make their apjoearance which are worse than the first, although slower in their operation, and perhaps not mani- festing themselves until the tenth or twelfth year. Expelling the worms is of no essential use. The remedies here prescribed will frequently cure the disease itself, and if there are really too many worms, which is but rarely the case, will remove them also. Children who have worms should have enough to eat, but not too much bread, very little salt, and few or no cakes or pies, but in preference a good deal of ripe, cooked or dried fruits, and in particular, carrots. When you are not certain of the existence of worms, and the child becomes emaciated, and vomits frequently, give first Ipecacuanha; but when the tongue is coated, Carbo vegetabilis ; if this has no effect, Pulsatilla; if the child has been much troubled with diarrhoea, or has taken much aperient medicine, give Cinchona ; when the bowels are constipated, Nux vomica. AVhen the child passes worms occasionally, picks its nose much, and the belly is distended, give Oina, which is one of the chief remedies for all complaints really aris- ing from worms. 294 AFFECTIONS OF THE ABDOMEN. For colic, caused by worms, with frequent inclination to vomit, when much water collects in the mouth, and the parts around the navel are hard, also when the whole ab- domen is hard and distended, with frequent ineffectual straining to evacuate, or secretion of nothing but slime, give first Aconitum, some hours later, Cina ; and if this is not sufficient, Mercurius. In all complaints caused by worms, Aconitum is of great use in the beginning, and if this and the other remedies mentioned above do not re- move them, Sulphur should be given, and will be found to be of great value, particularly after Mercurius. These remedies will generally effect a cure. In rare cases, at- tended with much thirst, sudden starting and fright, Bel- ladonna may be required. In very bad cases it may also be necessary to give Lachesis. Persons troubled with tape worm, discharge joints of this worm from time to time : these pieces are nearly square, quite flat, about as broad as the little ringer. There is no sure sign of the existence of tape worms, except the dis- charge of pieces of this description, which generally pass away about the new and full moon. Tape worms may frequently be destroyed by taking, when the moon is waning, two mornings successively, a dose of Sulphur y and at the next full moon, Mercurius, in the same way, and eight days after, Sulphur again twice ; repeat these remedies in the same order several times. Sometimes the tape worm is discharged after taking a few doses of Calcarea. If this treatment does not effect a cure, apply to a homoeopathic physician. For ascarides, the small worms which are found in the anus, see " Itching of the Anus." ITCHING OF THE ANUS. This troublesome affection may generally be cured by one or more of the folio win 2: remedies : AFFECTIONS OF THE ABDOMEN. 295 Nux vomica will be applicable when the itching is seated either internally or externally, is worse when sitting or moving, and also after taking stimulating food and drinks, and is accompanied with pains, or dry piles, or moist and bleeding piles, or costiveness ; also when caused by strong liquors, beer or coffee ; or in people who lead a sedentary life; in pregnant females; when caused by little worms, which may upon looking be discovered moving about within the sphincter Aconitum, if the itching arises from small worms, and Nux vomica is inefficient, and children are very uneasy during the night, and have fever. It should be given in the evening, or during the night, and, if ineffectual, fol- lowed by Ignatia in the morning. If the children are again troubled in this way, particularly .after every full and new moon, give, when the moon is full, Sulphur, and Silicea when it is new. If the complaint should return at the next full moon, give Calcarea. Let the children eat no pork, very little salt, and as little pastry and few cakes as possible. If there should be no relief, notwithstanding the use of the above medicines, give Fcrrum ; if diarrhoea makes its appearance, dispense with the medicine, and if the diarrhoea still continues, give Cinchona. While children are taking the above remedies (Sulphur, Calcarea, Silicea and Ferrum), nothing else is to be given, unless it be a dose or two of Aconitum, to remove any febrile symptoms that may arise. The itching may be allayed by rubbing the parts with sweet oil, or in- jecting it, or by introducing a piece of bacon, about the size of a finger, attached to a string, into the anus ; allowing it to remain there for ten or fifteen minutes, and then removing it. Injections of cold water every evening are also serviceable in many cases. Applications of this kind do not disturb the operation of the remedies. When, however, all these means prove abortive, which may be the case with some children, in whom it is hereditary, try small injections of weak salt water, and if these fail, or cause diarrhoea, weak injections of water and vinegar. Lemon juice has often proved efficacious in allaying the itching, by applying it once or twice a day. 296 AFFECTIONS OF THE ABDOMEN. When the itching is caused by piles, swollen, red or bluish tumors at the anus, give the following remedies: Nux vomica, if, besides the itching, there is a burning and pricking sensation, the anus so contracted that the natural evacuations are effected with much difficulty, accompanied by dull shooting pains and jerking in the small of the back and around the anus, when moving; pain in the small of the back as from a bruise, which makes the patient cry out, and bend forward when walk- ing or sitting. Sometimes Ignatia will be better, accord- ing to the temperament of the patient. Compare " Head- ache," etc. Sulphur when, in addition to the itching, there is burn- ing, pain and soreness in and around the anus, with stitches; the tumors are moist; with a sensation of ful- ness and heaviness, and sometimes protrusion (prolapsus) of the anus ; constant straining to evacuate, or thin diar- rhoea mixed with blood, with violent stinging pains in the small of the back ; stiffness in the small of the back, or feeling of contraction. Should it grow worse after Sul- phur, give Aconitum, and should that also fail, let the pa- tient smell camphor. Apis for the worst kind of itching of the piles, for pierc- ing, burning and soreness. - PROLAPSUS ANI. PROLAPSUS OF THE RECTUM. This is a protruding or turning inside out of the large intestine ; it oc- curs either every time the bowels are moved, or only when that is preceded or accompanied by much straining, or it takes place in sitting or walking. The intestine returns to its natural place when quietly lying down or it can be returned by the hand. To return the prolapsus, place the patient on his knees, separate the parts and put wet rags on the protruding intestine. If cold water pains, use warm water. If it does not now return by itself, take a very soft sponge, wrap it in a soft cloth, wet it, and press it on the protruding part slowly and steadily. Be in no hurry and be sure to make the pressure in the right direction. A very slow movement takes place in the intestine, alternately from above~«down and from downwards up, and AFFECTIONS OF THE ABDOMEN. 297 only during the latter motion will it return. If it has not returned after about ten minutes and is cool and flabby, try to push it back with your fingers, which must be previously oiled or greased, and have no long or sharp nails. If it becomes red, swollen and inflamed do not try to return it, but put upon it cloths dipped in cold water and give the following medi- cines: to children, particularly when cutting teeth, who cry much and strain hard : Ignatia or Nux vomica according to their dispositions. If the intestine is much swollen, or is bluish-red, or bleeds and pains much when at stool, Mercurius, the next day Ignatia; if the trouble remains after dysentery, Ruta; if it protrudes when walking and looks bluish-red, Arnica ; for whitish-red swelling around the anus with much itching, Apis. In chronic cases in children, Calcarea is preferable. For grown persons if worse when walking, Sepia. HEMORRHOIDS, OR PILES. This is a disease which consists principally in the discharge of small quantities of blood at the anus every four or six weeks, preceded by more or less indisposition, and followed by a feeling of great relief. Very often other and more dangerous diseases are prevented by this complaint. Frequently the symptoms which precede the discharge, are very trouble- some. Sometimes the discharge ceases in part or entirely, at others again so much blood is discharged that it becomes alarming ; tumors are fre- quently formed in the anus, which become very painful, particularly when no blood is discharged. Not unfrequently after a sudden suppression of piles a disease of a more dangerous character appears in their stead. For all these symptoms, medicines should be taken, and the manner of living be such as to prevent the disease from assuming a more serious character. The patient should not sit much, particularly not on very soft cushions, except during the time the tumors protrude. He must avoid all ardent spirits, strong beer and coffee ; drink water freely, eat little meat and take plenty of exercise. The doctors of the old school rely almost entirely on operative means for the treatment of this affection. Homoeopathic practitioners, however, possess medicines by which they cure these tumors without operating at all ; but the more frequently the patient has been operated on, the more difficult it is to cure him, as the disease has thereby become much more obstinate. Washing the parts with cold water, and injections of half a pint of cold water, once or twice a day, are beneficial when the piles do not bleed; when they bleed, these means should not be resorted to, as they may sup- press the discharge. When they bleed too copiously, the water may, perhaps, be applied, without, however, neglecting to take the medicines recommended. 293 AFFECTIONS OF THE ABDOMEN. Great care must be taken also in giving the injections; the water must not be too cold, the point of the syringe should be of wood, ivory, bone or vulcanized India rubber, not too thin, and widening towards the end, which ought to be nearly as thick as the point of the little linger ; before intro- ducing it, it should be first covered with fresh sweet oil, or with beef or mutton suet; introduce the pipe by slowly and gently turning it. The cut represents the nozzle in natural size, a. The opening; it must be perfectly smooth, b. Screw to fit into a flexible tube. d. Part around which the anus closes. Between the nozzle and the body of the syringe there should ' be a flexible piece. It is much better*to use instead of the ordinary syringes, which have dorie a great deal of injury, a bulb syringe of soft rubber, or a fountain syringe. When the tumors at the anus are too painful to allow of injections, apply a sponge which has been dipped in cold water-. Moistening the tumors with saliva is very useful, but a this must not be done immediately after meals, nor after smoking tobacco ; persons who chew tobacco, or who have ulcers in the mouth should not try it. When the tumors do not bleed at all, and are very painful, and when they get worse again in a short time after applying cold water, put some boiling water, or water in which wheat bran is boiled, > into a close stool-pan, and sit over the steam. Sometimes mucilaginous substances are useful, particularly an emulsion of quinces, made of quince-seed soaked in water. The following medicines are, however, chiefly to be de- pended upon. When there is intense itching in the anus, see under "Itching in the Anus." If the piles are accompanied by colicky pains, give the remedies recommended for- "Colic," the principal among which are : Pulsatilla, Xux vomica and Colocynthis. Pulsatilla mostly for females ; Nux vomica more frequently for persons who drink ardent spirits and are of sedentary habits; Colocynthis, when the pain is very severe. Refer also to " Determination of Blood to the Abdomen." fl Aconitum frequently gives relief when blood is dis- charged, and there are shooting pains and pressure on the anus, the abdomen feels too full, with tension, press- ure and griping ; the small of the back feels as if broken or bruised. Nux vomica when there is a burning, pricking pain in the tumors, the symptoms resembling those mentioned under " Itching of the Anus ; " when there is much light colored blood dischare;ed after each evacuation, or when AFFECTIONS OF THE ABDOMEN. 299 there is a constant disposition to evacuate ; also in consti- pation, and during pregnancy ; particularly for irritable, passionate persons who feel worst in the morning. To persons of a sullen, quick disposition, give Ignatia, and afterwards, if the complaint returns again, Sulphur. Apis for small, very painful, stinging, biting, or itching tumors, or larger ones with burning and soreness; or swelling of the whole anus with beating, heat and fulness there; particularly if a dark bloody fluid exudes; suita- ble for irritable, restless persons who are easily excited, dejected and anxious, or disagreeable, easily offended, passionate and easily vexed. Pulsatilla when blood and mucus are discharged with the faeces, with painful pressure on the tumors ; pains in the back, pale countenance, disposition to faint. If it is insufficient, Mercurius, and afterwards Sulphur, may help in these cases. Still oftener when there is much urging, straining, Sepia. Capsicum answers best when the tumors are much swol- len, the blood discharged with burning pains, and mixed with slime; also when there is a drawing pain in the back, particularly in the small of the back, and cutting pains in the bowels. Ignatia for violent stitches which penetrate deeply, with itching and crawling in the anus, when much blood is discharged, or the rectum protrudes considerably at each evacuation; or when after an evacuation there is painful soreness and contraction, particularly when ac- companied by ineffectual straining to evacuate, or a dis- charge of bloody mucus. Chamomilla is most appropriate when the blood flows freely, with contracting pains in the abdomen, frequent straining to evacuate; occasional diarrhoea, particularly when attended with smarting and burning, with tearing pain in the small of the back, especially at night. Antimonium cruclum is frequently of service when mu- 300 AFFECTIONS OF THE ABDOMEN. cus is discharged from the anus, which stains the linen ; when with the discharge of mucus there is burning pain, Carbo vegetabilis is still better, particularly when accom- panied by bleeding of the nose, and great determination of blood towards the head. Carbo vegetabilis when much mucus is discharged, or mucus and blood, with much burning in the anus ; every- thing sours on the stomach ; the patient is much troubled with wind, which is lodged in different parts of the belly, or becomes very weak ; if it proves insufficient, it should be followed by Arsenicum. Sulphur is one of the principal remedies as well for bleeding as for blind piles; it is particularly suitable when there is constant ineffectual inclination to stool, or thin evacuations mixed with blood; when there is an acute, sore pain in the anus, internally and externally; when the tumors burn, are moist, protrude considerably, and can scarcely be replaced ; with violent shooting pains in the back, and in the small of the back ; stiffness in the small of the back, with a feeling of contraction; also, with smarting pain on passing water. Lycopodium very often when Sulphur is insufficient; when the piles always return after constipation ; the pa- tient is much troubled by wind and has much pain under the short ribs. Belladonna for bleeding piles, with intense pain in the small of the back, as if it were breaking ; if it proves in- sufficient, give Hepar, and if this does not effect a com- plete cure, four or five days later, Rhus. When the discharge is excessive, the blood is bright red and the patient is much debilitated by it, if Aconite or Ipecacuanha do not relieve soon enough, take Calcarea ; if even this is insufficient, Belladonna. When after any one of these medicines the discharge abates somewhat, take nothing more unless it grows worse ; then take the same medicine again, and when this loses its effect, take AFFECTIONS OF THE ABDOMEN. 301 another. If the patient is very weak, let him take Cin- chona in the interval. The above remedies are only for cases of exigency, though sometimes they will radically cure this tedious complaint ; if they do not, apply to a homoeopathic prac- titioner, or send him an exact description of all the symp- toms present. DIARRHCEA. This complaint frequently arises from causes pointed out in the first part of this work — for instance, from sudden fright, from fear, from vexation, from taking cold, from heat, from a disordered stomach, or after burns or scalds. Most persons are to this day impressed with the erroneous idea that diar- rhoea is a cleansing process, necessary for the recovery of the patient. It is true, that some diseases terminate in a diarrhoea, but it is also true that diarrhoea is the commencement of other diseases, and must always-* be con- sidered a morbid state of the functions. The deceptive sensation of relief and weakness after purging or artificial diarrhoea, is, by many persons, looked upon as healthy and necessary, merely because they have previously been in a different and opposite state of disease. Thus many consider the excitement consequent upon drinking brandy or strong beer as healthy, because they feel uncomfortable without it, whereas they are, in reality, in a more unhealthy condition, whilst they imagine themselves better. Persons who think that they cannot remain in good health without ape- rient medicines or artificial diarrhoea, should, when they feel constipated, try first the medicines pointed out under constipation, and they will find that the latter frequently cure without causing any diarrhoea. Those who have a natural or artificial diarrhoea, however, should not stop it by artifi- cial means, such as wine, brandy, and the like, but should let it take its course, and use those medicines which will effect a cure in a natural man- ner. Astringents are not always dangerous, but are very frequently so, particularly to children and aged persons, or to individuals who are suffer- ing from another complaint. When the consequences of suppressed diarrhoea make their appearance, they are called dyspepsia, liver complaint, etc., and the worst of it is, that they cannot be so easily removed. To believe, however, that suppressing the diarrhoea is only dangerous because it prevents impurities from escap- ing, is also a mistaken idea. Suppressing a diarrhoea is dangerous, because it is changing one disease into another — and because we cannot know what that second disease will be ; generally, it is a worse one. Most of these im- 302 AFFECTIONS OF THE ABDOMEN. purities exist only in the imagination; as to the artificial production of such impurities, refer to what is said under '"Constipation." If, however, there are real impurities in the body, they will be discharged much sooner with the natural exertions than during a diarrhoea, which, in fact, always leaves impurities behind, and which the natural exertions afterwards have to carry off. When the evacuation is hard, nothing can remain in the in- testines; a fact so evident that every one can understand it. The intestines are a tube, which is first narrow and widens gradually. It is not like the hose of a fire engine, where it is necessary to apply pressure at one end in order to force out the contents at the other; it is not a dead tube but a liv- ing one, which is in constant activity; this activity, when regular, allows nothing to remain in it — only when it is irregular, or when it ceases, can this be the case. In diarrhoea, particularly when produced by aperient medicines, this action is very irregular and hurried, in the attempt to rid the body of the poisonous purgatives — which, when accomplished, leaves the intestines, of course, very weak and relaxed. If the purgative was no poison, it would not purge at all, for only those things will purge, which the body cannot bear and therefore ejects. The poisonous effects of these medicines become most evident when they remain in the body; for when the body has not the power to reject them, they show their whole force as a poison. You will be told that it is the disease which produces these symp- toms, but do not believe it — it is false. More persons die of drastic purga- tives, and more children of rhubarb than of arsenic, of which every one is afraid. "With costive evacuations the action of the intestines is greater, or the excrements could not be ejected — and, consequently nothing can remain behind — for the hard excrements always fill the intestines completely — which is never the case in diarrhoea. When the action of the intestines stops, it is true, the contents remain stationary ; but it can easily be excited again, as has been shown under " Constipation." When loose evacuations relieve a patient who is suffering from some complaint or other, wait awhile before you give medicine — and, only in case it continues, or is accompanied by other symptoms, make a selection from among the folknving remedies. If children, while teething, have diarrhoea, do not interfere with it im- mediately, but wait a day or two if they have no other symptoms requiring treatment. At the commencement of a diarrhoea, all acids, coffee, tea, and everything salt should be avoided ; fruit, fresh or dried, eggs, chickens and other poultry, particularly also veal, are injurious ; nothing but mucilagi- nous food is to be taken — arrow-root, rice, sago, etc. If the appetite is good, the patient may take mutton-broth, thickened with wheaten or rice flour, or sago; milk, fresh from the cow, may in some cases make the diar- rhoea worse, it is better to have it boiled and taken warm, but it must not be boiled too long, which will make it hard to digest. AFFECTIONS OF THE ABDOMEN". 303 Ipecacuanha is indicated in diarrhoea, attended, in children, by screaming, tossing, uneasiness, and disten- sion of the abdomen; frequent small yellow stools, with pains in the rectum — or thin, mucous, frothy evacuations like yeast, of a very offensive smell, or first watery then slimy and yellow, or green preceded by rumbling and cutting pain; sometimes ineffectual straining; accom- panied by weakness, an inclination to lie down, drowsi- ness, a pale face, blue rings around the eyes, coldness and irritability, easily vexed and enraged. When Ipecacuanha does not answer, or affords only partial relief, give Rheum; when the secretions smell sour, it is better to give the lat- ter medicine at first. Chamomilla, particularly for children when they cry and are uneasy, want to be carried constantly; or for older children, when they are irritable, cry as if crazed, and twist and writhe ; when infants draw up their legs ; when the belly is tight and hard — the evacuations very frequent and mostly slimy or watery, or green and brown, or of undigested matter which smells like rotten eggs; accompanied by rumbling in the bowels, loss of appetite, thirst, coated tongue, frequent eructations and retching. Chamomilla is appropriate also for grown persons, partic- ularly when the evacuations are green, watery, hot and offensive, with bitter taste in the mouth, bitter eructa- tions, bilious vomiting, fulness of the pit of the stomach, griping and headache. The more bile is got rid of either by vomiting or diarrhoea the better. Pulsatilla for pap-like or watery and offensive diarrhoea, with burning pain and soreness of the anus : accompanied by loathing, nausea, disagreeable eructations and griping. All other symptoms worse in the evening but the diarrhoea w T orse in the morning ; accompanied by painful urging to urinate, particularly if the patients are very sleepy and chilly, or if it was brought on by rich food. For gentle, patient persons, particularly women or children, when oU4 AFFECTIONS OF THE ABDOMEN. with the former the menstruation is easily suppressed by it- For pap-like diarrhoea, only occurring after midnight, preceded by pain in the bowels, which ceases after an evac- uation, give Rhus. Pulsatilla is also useful in slimy diar- rhoea, when each stool is of a different color. If the diar- rhoea occasions great weakness, give Colocynthis, and if this causes disagreeable symptoms, give a little coffee without milk. If the slime is green, or mixed with blood, attended with straining, give Mercurius. Mercurius for diarrhoea attended by fits of screaming and by writhing, w T ith ineffectual urging and pressing; cold perspiration and trembling; the discharge green, w r atery and mucous, sometimes bilious, or mixed with blood, accompanied by great exhaustion, fetid, nauseat- ing breath, loss of appetite, and a disposition to vomit, or vomiting and diarrhoea at the same time ; also for acrid diarrhoea with burning and itching in the anus. Sulphur for green, slimy diarrhoea which is so acrid as to occasion soreness of the parts around the anus, or to produce miliary eruptions; frequently accompanied by emaciation, or, in children, by a hard, distended abdo- men; when every fresh exposure renews the diarrhoea. Also if the diarrhoea begins after midnight accompanied by cramps in the calves of the legs. It will be serviceable after the failure of other remedies. Antimonium crudum for w r atery diarrhoea with disor- dered stomach, and whitish, thickly coated tongue. When there is, besides soreness of the anus, spasmodic pains in the anus and back; food of every kind causes pressure in the stomach ; dulness of the eyes ; sallow and pale face, give Ferrum, which may also be given in diar- rhoeas without pain. For watery diarrhoea which has continued for a long time, other remedies having proved ineffectual, give Phosphoric acid. Veratrum for watery diarrhoea, bellyache with an anx- ious feeling in the region of the stomach ; pain about the AFFECTIONS OF THE ABDOMEN. 305 navel with anxiety; sometimes sour vomiting, much thirst for very cold water or something sour ; or chilliness and drawing pains in the calves of the legs. Rheum for sour, thin, slimy, fermented diarrhoea (com- pare with Ipecacuanha), common with children, who cry from pain in the bowels, or are uneasy and draw up the legs, and if you see a twitching in the upper part of their thighs or groins — flow of saliva from the mouth, and pale face (if it is red, give Chamomilla, and if this does not an- swer, Belladonna) ; sometimes there is a sourish smell pro- ceeding from the whole body of the child, which washing will not remove ; if, in such cases, Rheum does not give relief, and the pain is very violent, give Chamomilla, and if this does not suffice — the pain abating but the weakness continuing, with distension of the abdomen, Sulphur. Apis for greenish-yellow, watery, slimy, painless diar- rhoea, particularly in the morning, or if the abdomen is so sensitive that it cannot bear the bed-cover. Especially for irritable persons^ who find fault with everything, for fickle children who drop and break everything, and be- come dejected and weak. Cinchona will be serviceable in all kinds of diarrhoea occurring in debilitated persons, and also in other cases, when, during the most violent pains — which are spas- modic, contracting and oppressive — quantities of thin, brownish matter are discharged, sometimes accompanied by burning pains in the anus, with great weakness in the abdomen, rumbling, flatulency and eructations. Fre- quently/ when after taking cold persons awake during the night with these spasmodic pains, it gives instant re- lief, and prevents diarrhoea. Bryonia often answers in the heat of summer, particu- larly in diarrhoea arising from drinking cold water, or from taking cold ; or when the diarrhoea is caused by eat- ing too much fruit, or by eating too much in general ; like- wise, when the diarrhoea occurs immediately after meals ; 20 306 AFFECTIONS OF THE ABDOMEN. is occasioned by sour-krout ; also when jDroduced by vex- ation, and Chamomilla has failed to cure it. Nux moschata, after taking cold in water or from wet feet, for such as easily catch cold, and who have a cool, sensitive skin; for slimy stools, or like chopped eggs; no appetite; white-coated tongue; offensive breath; or thin evacuations, accompanied with much straining; or in- voluntary; constant pains below T the ribs, moving from right to left; or the abdomen distended by wind; after eating and drinking, pains in the bowels or headache. Dulcamara for diarrhoea which is caused by taking cold, particularly in summer and autumn — worse at night, fre- quent evacuations, which are rather watery, attended by no great pain or by colic ; if this does not give relief in six hours, give Bryonia. If attended with more weakness than pain — if it comes on immediately after meals, the food being passed undigested, Cinchona generally gives re- lief; sometimes Bryonia or Rheum — to which refer; when attended with great weakness and pain in the bowels, give Arsenicum, and if this does not soon give relief, 'Nux vomica. When the food passes undigested, Ferrum is frequently use- ful, or Cinchona, or Calcarea; sometimes Mercurius. For diarrhoea attended by great weakness, mostly Ipecacuanha, Veratrum or Arsenicum; for diarrhoea without any pain, Ferrum is best. When diarrhoea and constipation come on alternately, which is frequently the case in aged peo- ple, Antimonium crudum answers best. For children, particularly while teething, Calcarea is best, when the heat in the bowels continues, the stools are watery, pale yellow or sour. If the discharge continues very painful, or becomes green, and there is much rum- bling in the bowels, give Phosphorus. For diarrhoea in females during pregnancy, and in confinements, refer to "Diseases of Women;" and for diar- rhoea with children during summer, to "Summer Com- plaint," among " Diseases of Children." AFFECTIONS OF THE ABDOMEN. 307 DYSENTERY. The chief symptoms of dysentery are : a constant straining and desire for a passage, with cutting pains in the bowels ; small stools of whitish or bloody mucus, but no real faces are discharged. The constant straining and desire for a stool are caused by inflammation of the large intestine, and not by the presence of faeces as in a healthy person ; this disease is not, as com- monly believed, diarrhoea, but just the reverse, it is constipation. The re- appearance of faeces in the stools is a sign that the patient is better. Dysentery attacks, generally, a great many people at the same place, and if the right remedy is found in one case, it may be given in all other cases, as in all other epidemics. The homoeopathic physicians should in every epidemic try to find the right remedy, and make it public. If in such an epidemic you once have a patient in your house, there will soon be more from the use of the same privy. The surest, easiest and cheapest way of disinfecting is by a solution of copperas (sulphate of iron), one part of copperas to twenty parts of water ; some of this solution should be mixed with all the discharges of the patient, and a quart or two of it poured every few days into the privy. Dysentery is most frequent when the days are hot and the nights cool, at such times be particularly careful not to take cold when you are heated, by cold drinks, a draught, taking off a part of your clothing, or sitting down upon the ground or a stone. Use no unripe fruit, spoilt malt liquor, sour wine, mineral water, lemonade, especially not at night. Sometimes there is at first common diarrhoea, for which you should select a remedy from those recommended under " Diarrhoea," but more particu- larly, Veratrum, Pulsatilla or Nux moschata. Avoid all fruit, salads, sour things, cabbage, beans, peas and the like ; eat only farinaceous food, bread and the like, soup without any seasoning, but a little salt ; no eggs. See "Diarrhoea." At other times dysentery is preceded by other complaints, for which a remedy has to be selected from those recommended under their different heads. Aconitum for heat and thirst ; the patient of a full habit, pulse strong and fast, face hot and red, more so at night. Pain in the bowels, accom- panied with anxious desire to pass water, urine hot and brown-red; dry mouth or cold in the head. For constipation preceding dysentery, compare Nux vomica, Bryonia, Pla- tinum; or Mercurius, Staphisagria, Natrum muriaticum. Nux vomica, if the patients are worse in the morning, before or while rising, or the pain is worse in the stomach than the abdomen. For persons who have been in the habit of drinking much coffee or spirituous liquors, but have now a marked aversion to these things, do not delay to give Nux vomica, or, according to the symptoms, Chamomilla. 30S AFFECTIONS OF THE ABDOMEN. The patient may drink as much cold water as he likes, and nothing else but gruel and other farinaceous articles. When he is recovering he should eat the same things, with some mutton or beef-broth, but should eat often and not much at a time. Mercurius when there is an urgent desire to evacuate, as if the intestines were being pressed out; after much straining, a discharge of light blood or greenish, broken- up looking matter mixed with blood, and more straining after the evacuation than before ; in children accompanied with crying and screaming ; infants thus affected, refuse to take the breast. If there is very much straining ^before and during stool, but marked relief afterward, give Nux vomica. Mercurius sublimatus in the fall if, with severe colicky pains, first much bile is discharged, then blood or slime, or bright colored blood alone or nothing but slime. When it no longer relieves give another remedy; com- pare particularly what is said of Colocynthis here under "Colic," "Diarrhoea." Aconitum is particularly valuable in dysenteries occur- ring in autumn — when the days are hot and the nights cold ; after violent chill, great heat and thirst, red face ; if it is insufficient, compare what is said under Bryonia, Nux vomica or Mercurius, one of which will often suit the case. When there is rending in the limbs, head, nape of the neck and shoulders, give Aconitum; if, after several doses, it proves insufficient, give Chamomilla, in some cases also Pulsatilla. If the discharge is mostly slime streaked with blood, give Rhus, to which refer under " Diarrhoea." Belladonna when Aconitum, which seemed to suit, does no good, particularly for lively, restless persons, or chil- dren who cry easily, or women who are easily frightened ; if the patients on awaking from sleep talk at random ; if every moment they want to get out of bed or into another one ; especially if the tongue is dry and red at the point (compare Rhus), or if it has two white stripes and is red all around and in the middle. AFFECTIONS OF THE ABDOMEN. 309 Chamomilla, if there is fever and thirst with rheumatic pains, especially in the head; nausea, coated tongue, bitter taste, etc. ; and particularly if the disease was pro- duced by a sudden check of perspiration ; and is accom- panied by great agitation and tossing about. Cinchona, for epidemic and periodic dysentery, which affects many persons at the same time in a marshy region, or where canals are being dug ; particularly when the complaint is worse every other day ; or if the patients have a soreness below the ribs, particularly on the left side, with fulness ; in general for weak, pale persons. Veratrum, if the discharge is watery, with bloody mu- cus and flakes swimming in it, or perhaps with sour vom- iting ; great thirst ; severe cutting pains in the bowels ; if the water passes very seldom ; face pale, sunken, anxious ; coldness, or sensation of coldness ; great weakness ; draw- ing in the calves of the legs. Arsenicum for the same great weakness ; when the dark, slimy and bloody evacuations have a putrid smell, when they pass involuntarily, when the urine becomes offensive, the patient becomes quite indifferent, as if stunned, with a bad smell from the mouth ; when here and there red or blue spots appear ; also, when the patient tosses about in great agony ; is unable to find rest, believes he is dying, etc. ; when, at the same time, the breath is very cool, or when he complains of burning ; when Arsenicum proves ineffectual, give Carbo vegetabilis. AVhen, after Carbo vege- tabilis, the putrid smell remains, give Cinchona; and after- wards again, Carbo vegetabilis. Carbo vegetabilis and Arsen- icum are both suitable if the dysentery has been brought on by cold drinks, particularly ice-water. For those who are in the habit of using spirituous liquors or who are fond of cakes, rich food and milk, Carbo vegetabilis is bet- ter. If caused by spoiled beer or fruit, Arsenicum. Colocynthis for extreme pain in the bowels, as if the in- testines were jammed between stones ; the patients double 310 AFFECTIONS OF THE ABDOMEN. themselves up and are very restless; the discharge is slimy, sometimes mixed with blood, the abdomen much distended, sometimes like a drum ; pressure as if the belly was full; shuddering, commencing in the abdomen and extending over the whole body ; the tongue covered with white mucus ; likewise, if brought on by anger and morti- fication. Refer also to " Colic." Staphisagria, in similar cases, when the pains are re- newed by every mouthful of food and drink, even of wa- ter, and if there is afterwards straining and pressing. It is sometimes useful in alternation with Colocynthis. If both of them do good only for a short time, give Causticum. Rhus, after a heavy cold, particularly after getting wet all over, in a rain or otherwise, whilst in a perspiration ; especially if the discharge is bloody, slimy, brownish or greenish, and swims upon the water (compare Cinchona and Mercurius); or for such as have from the first an eruption out on the lips (compare Arsenicum). Sulphur should be given in all protracted cases, when the other remedies give relief, but do not effect a complete cure : if there is still much urging and ineffectual strain- ing ; if the patient has an aversion to bread, meat, milk, sweet and sour things, malt-liquors and wine, and wants nothing but thin soup and brandy. COMMON CHOLERA. CHOLERA MORBUS. This disease is characterized by violent purging and vomiting, griping, thirst, and sometimes by cramps and coldness of the extremities. It is most generally preceded by shivering, headache, nausea, pain in the abdomen, etc. In some cases, however, violent vomiting and purging set in almost simultaneously. In severe cases, there is considerable pain in the abdomen, violent cramps in the muscles of the limbs, paleness of the surface, pinched features, sunken eyes, cold and clammy skin, and great anxiety and depression. Attacks frequently come on at night, and by morning the patient may have almost or entirely recovered. The exciting causes are chiefly improper quantity or quality of food — AFFECTIONS OF THE ABDOMEN. 311 cucumbers, for instance, or any unripe fruits or crude vegetables — changes of temperature, great fatigue, ice or iced water, etc. Ipecacuanha, if the attacks of vomiting predominate. Nux vomica, after Ipecacuanha, when there is anxiety, pain in the abdomen, frequent small evacuations and tenesmus, and headache. Veratrum,'. should the disease grow worse, and assume the following characteristics: violent vomiting with severe diarrhoea, excessive weakness, and cramps in the calves of the legs ; eyes hollow or sunken, countenance pale, and expressive of acute suffering ; coldness of the extremities, cold clammy perspiration, violent pain in the region of the navel, tenderness of the abdomen when touched ; pains and cramps in the fingers, shrivelled appearance of the skin on the palms of the hands. Arsenicum is useful when the disease is attended with rapid prostration of strength, insatiable thirst, excessive anxiety, with fear of approaching death, burning sensa- tion in the region of the stomach, almost constant dis- charge from the bowels, or renewal of the discharge on every occasion that the desire for drink is gratified ; sup- pression of urine or scanty discharge followed by a burn- ing sensation ; violent and painful vomiting, tongue and lips dry, cracked and bluish, or black; hollow cheeks, pointed nose, pulse almost imperceptible, or small, weak, intermittent, and trembling ; severe spasms in the fingers and toes ; clammy perspiration. Cinchona is useful for the weakness which remains af- ter cholera, but is also occasionally of benefit during the course of the disease, particularly when there is vomiting of food, and frequent watery and brownish evacuations containing particles of undigested food ; also when there is oppression at the chest with eructations, which afford temporary • relief ; severe pressure in the abdomen, espe- cially after partaking of the smallest portion of food; great exhaustion, sometimes amounting to fainting. 611 AFFECTIONS OF THE ABDOMEN. Tin's remedy is particularly indicated when the disease has been excited by indigestable substances, such as un- ripe fruit, etc., or by inhabiting a marshy situation. Cuprum, in cases with violent cramps in the extremities, especially in the calves of the legs, fingers and toes ; it is useful also when the evacuations are very frequent and whitish, with violent pains in the abdomen, bluish ap- pearance of the skin, etc. ASIATIC (OR EPIDEMIC) CHOLERA. During an epidemic of cholera, the doctors tell the peo- ple: "Do not be afraid; though, in spite of all we can do for you, you will get the cholera and will most likely die, yet, do not be afraid, for fear makes it certainly worse." But I say : Be afraid ! a little fear is wholesome, it will make you careful. He who is afraid and lives reasona- bly will not easily be attacked., or only slightly, and he who is not afraid, and lives unreasonably, is more likely to get it ; but he may be saved. The surest preventative is Sulphur; put half a teaspoon- ful of Milk of Sulphur into each of your stockings and go about your business; never go out with an empty stomach, eat no fresh bread, nor sour food. This is not only a pre- ventative in cholera, but also in many other epidemic dis- eases. Not one of the many thousands who have followed this, my advice, have been attacked by cholera. At the beginning, when you have diarrhoea, Sulphur will relieve you, take it at once, and if it must be re- peated, dissolve a few globules of it in a tumblerful of water and take a spoonful after every evacuation. If you awake after midnight with violent diarrhoea, vomiting, cramps in the calves of the legs, paleness and coldness, take Sulphur and keep quiet, the next clay eat nothing but stale bread, and you will soon be well. This was confirmed in 1849 in more than five hundred AFFECTIONS OF THE ABDOMEN. olo cases which came to my knowledge. In a few cases other remedies were necessary, and that only when the patient had violated the rules; but none died who took Sulphur from the first. For sudden attacks, and in general in the commence- ment, if the disease rapidly becomes much worse, Cam- phor Tincture is the best remedy. If the patient is at- tacked with cramps, nausea, excessive prostration, cold- ness and blueness of the surface, give him a drop of it every fifteen, ten or five minutes until he begins to per- spire. This remedy was discovered and first made known to the world by Hahnemann; it has since become a popu- lar remedy in all countries, and has saved the lives of hun- dreds of thousands. Do not take too much of it, and not for every trifling diarrhoea. For attacks of real cholera : Camphor, as stated above ; or Arsenicum, when the purging and vomiting become very frequent; the evacuations from the bowels being- thin, watery, and of a brownish or blackish color and pu- trid smell, or light colored and almost without smell, es- pecially when accompanied by intense, burning pains or cramps in the stomach and bowels, with violent thirst, and great prostration of strength; also burning in the anus and rectum with tenesmus. It is also worthy of at- tention in the last stage of the disease. Veratrum is, however, the remedy upon which the chief reliance is to be placed, when cholera is fully developed ; the discharges almost constant and presenting the char- acteristic rice-water appearance, with cramps in the calves of the legs, fingers, toes, and sometimes of the muscles of the abdomen and chest; the patient excessively restless and anxious ; the extremities cold, etc. Cuprum, after Veratrum, when that remedy has failed to relieve the cramps, which are very violent and extend to the whole body, or change to spasms or convulsions, with constriction of the chest and difficult respiration. 314 AFFECTIONS OF THE ABDOMEN. Carbo vegetabills may frequently be of service in the last stage of the disease, when the patient is in a state of col- lapse, or asphyxia; the pulse almost gone; the surface cold and bluish; the breath cold; or when the evacua- tions and cramps have ceased, and congestion to the chest takes place. If reaction should ensue after the adminis- tration of Carbo vegetabilis, and the purging, vomiting, and cramps return, it will be necessary to have recourse again to Veratrum, or some other of the foregoing medicines. In the congestions which frequently follow cholera, that to the head will generally be relieved by Aconitum, Belladonna and Opium; that to the chest by Phosphorus, Bryonia, Aconitum, and other remedies recommended for " Congestion of the Chest," which see. During the treatment of cholera the patient should be kept in a warm room, and the heat of the body kept up as much as possible by frictions with the hand previously dipped in flour to prevent abrasion of the skin. Warm oatmeal and bran applied to the limbs or over the whole body in suitable bags is also good, everything hot is very painful to the patient and of no use. To quench the violent thirst which generally accompanies the disease, small pieces of ice should be placed in the mouth from time to time; cold water, in small quantities, may also be allowed unless it be found to aggravate the disease. If the patient gets better and wants to eat give him gruel and light food, often and only a little at a time. Eating as much as he wants may cost his life. CONSTIPATION. The first observation we have to make on this complaint, and which many will consider paradoxical, is, that every one whose bowels are con- stipated, may congratulate himself that he has no worse complaint. Who- ever has paid attention to the subject, must be aware that nearly all persons who are disposed to costiveness, live long and keep their strength, except when they injure themselves by taking aperient medicines. Those, on the contrary, who are subject to frequent attacks of diarrhoea, are early in life debilitated and seldom grow old. No diarrhoea can appear when there is not some poisonous, noxious matter, or morbid disposition in the body, while, on the other hand, much perspiration and the eating of animal food are sufficient to cause constipa- tion. In regard to the notion of impurities remaining in the body, see what is said under " Diarrhoea." The very popular opinion that purging AFFECTIONS OF THE ABDOMEN. 315 contributes to health, not only when the body suffers from sickness, but also occasionally when it is in a healthy state, aud that impurities are driven out of the body by it, is entirely erroneous and without foundation. It serves to keep up the sale of drugs, and it has been repeated year after year until it is almost universally received. It is a part of the traditional medical creed of the world, and no one dares to doubt it. When this erro- neous method of treatment is prescribed with due confidence and solemnity, heart and purse (but not always the bowels) open, and persons actually in sound health feel a downright longing to be properly scrubbed and cleansed inside. Every one who will make the following experiment upon a horse, or upon himself, will be convinced that our opposition to purging is well founded. Let aperient medicines be taken for a week, and however good may have been the state of health previously, at the termination of this period all sorts of impurities will be discharged, particularly after taking jalap and calomel. As this happens in every instance, either to man or beast, and even to those who have never been ill, it is a proof that these impurities have been artificially produced by drugs. We are frequently able to judge from the nature of the secretion, what medicine has been administered. After salts, the evacuation always smells like rotten eggs; after drastic gums, they are thin and watery; after mer- cury, green; and after magnesia and rhubarb, generally offensive, etc. When we inquire into the causes which produce this purging, we find that almost all poisonous substances have a similar effect, and that for this reason we may class the purgatives with propriety among the poisons. Some esteem them a real godsend, and imagine that these drugs have been created for this very purpose. It might as well be supposed, that the rattlesnake and the tiger are created to destroy us. But if we admit that these drugs are intended to be used as medicines, it is no reason, because we see them produced in great quantities, that we should make an excessive use of them. Virulent poisons, although given but in small portions, produce vomiting and purging, or injure the stomach ; the less virulent poisons are called purgatives, merely because they do not kill immediately, but are generally rejected by the efforts of nature. Persons suffering from constipation, and seeking occasionally to be re- lieved, or suffering from other complaints connected with it, should take the remedies hereinafter prescribed. At the same time attention should be paid to the manner of living ; moderation in the use of meat, which must not be eaten three times a day, is to be observed; a free use of salted food is to be avoided, mastication attended to, or the food to be well cut up, if teeth have been lost; a considerable quantity of vegetables, fruit and bread to be taken with meat — soup may be indulged in ; strong or green tea to be avoioled, and also all spirituous liquors and beer which contain narcotics ; in place of these new milk may be used, or even butter-milk, which, though it is generally despised and given to the pigs in this country, is neverthe- less a wholesome beverage, both for children and grown persons. 316 AFFECTIONS OF THE ABDOMEN. Persons habitually constipated should also always, if it agrees with them, eat fruit at dinner, dried fruit in preference, or good ripe apples; they should avoid indulging in cheese, should not smoke before meals or abstain from it entirely, and accustom themselves to drink a glass of water before going to bed. Among the domestic remedies nothing can be recommended, except from time to time an injection of water. Many persons are afraid if they get into the habit of using injections that they will be compelled to continue them; but there is no danger of this, if the medicines recommended are taken at the same time. The injections used should consist of nothing but water, and not be employed too frequently. To accustom oneself to purga- tives is infinitely worse. For other precautions in giving injections, refer to "Piles." Injections, it is true, only relieve the patient for a while, but in the mean- time the cause may be removed by medicine, and the disease cured. Per- sons who have suffered a long time from constipation, which constantly returns, may sometimes be cured entirely by injections. For this purpose let the water be as cold as it comes from the spring, about half a pint, or a coffee cup full at a time, and take the injection before going to bed at night. It should, if possible, be retained. Persons who continue this treatment for a week or two, frequently become quite regular in their bowels, if they live rationally at the same time. Those who suffer from piles must not have recourse to this remedy. All other injections besides water and all admixtures are injurious, ex- cept fresh boiled milk, which is sometimes preferable for children. Remember the rule : cold injections must be small, taken in the evening and if possible retained, or they will be of no use, since they are intended to strengthen ; warm injections on the other hand are intended to soften and open, therefore must be plentiful and taken- only in the morning, that is from three to four a.m. until noon, for that is the right time for a move- ment of the bowels. Another remedy is plenty of exercise, walking, particularly up hill. Persons who are costive should be regular in attending to the calls of nature ; the best time is in the morning, before or after breakfast. The following medicines, when properly selected, will greatly facilitate the cure. Nux vomica is most suitable for constipation occurring in persons of sedentary habits, and those accustomed to drinking ardent spirits ; also for that which is occasioned by eating too great a variety of food at once ; after a sur- feit, or when the constipation is preceded by diarrhoea, or for suppressed diarrhoea, with want of appetite, disagreea- AFFECTIONS OF THE ABDOMEN. 317 ble taste, the tongue slimy, coated, loathing, sickness of the stomach, tenseness of the abdomen, pressure in that region, heat, stitches here and there, a feeling as of a weight, cutting pain in the lower part of the abdomen, heat particularly in the face, headache, disinclination to work, uneasy sleep, oppressed breathing, irritability and frequent complaining. When accompanied by niorose- ness, taciturnity, and after eating much cake, rancid but- ter, etc., give Pulsatilla; when the patient is irritable and feels chilly, Bryonia. Bryonia is particularly useful in constipation occurring in warm weather, or if worse then, and in persons who suffer from rheumatism. Opium when there is an inclination to evacuate, but a feeling as if the anus were closed; there is no regular pressure ; sometimes a sensation as if there were a load in the abdomen ; throbbing in the abdomen ; pressure on the stomach ; dry mouth, thirst, and want of appetite. Platina when, after much straining, the faeces are evacu- ated in but small quantities; straining and itching at the anus ; shuddering over the whole body after every evacu- ation, accompanied by a feeling of weakness in the abdo- men, with contraction, bearing down, oppression of the stomach, and ineffectual efforts to belch wind ; suitable also for constipation after or while travelling. Lachesis for protracted costiveness, with a feeling of weight and oppression at the stomach, and ineffectual eructations. Natrum muriaticum in tedious cases, where the above remedies have failed, and there is no inclination what- ever to evacuate. It will also be beneficial when the stools are scanty, hard and insufficient ; when there is a constant feeling as if something were being pressed down in the large intes- tine, without regular urging to stool. For frequent disposition to go to stool, with ineffectual efforts, give Sulphur. 318 AFFECTIONS OF THE ABDOMEN. INFLAMMATION OF THE LIVER. PAINS IN THE LIVER. Pains below the ribs on the right side, extending up or down, with fever, require the following remedies : Aconitum if the fever is high, with hot skin, much thirst, and whitish furred tongue, accompanied by moaning, great restlessness, and dread of death ; shooting pains in the re- gion of the liver. Nux vomica for shooting or pulsative pains with great tenderness of the region of the liver when touched ; nau- sea or vomiting ; bitter or sour taste ; shortness of breath and sense of pressure under the ribs and about the stom- ach ; pressive pain in the head ; thirst ; highly colored urine ; giddiness and paroxysms of anguish ; constipation. Mercurius, pains under the ribs of a pressive character, which do not allow the patient to lie long on the right side ; bitter taste in the mouth ; want of appetite ; thirst, continued shivering, followed sometimes by clammy per- spiration ; yellowness of the skin and of the white of the eyes; also in enlargement and hardening of the liver. Lachesis is frequently suitable after Mercurius. Belladonna for pains in the region of the liver which ex- tend to the chest and shoulders, particularly of the right side; swelling and tenseness at the pit of the stomach; oppressed and anxious respiration ; congestion to the head with giddiness; dimness of vision and occasional fainting; great thirst, anxiety, restlessness and sleepless- ness. It is often suitable after Aconitum, Mercurius and Lachesis. Lachesis will be serviceable in cases in which Mercurius and Belladonna appear to be indicated, but only afford partial relief; and also in obstinate chronic cases occur- ing in drunkards. Bryonia, when the pains are pressive, with a feeling of AFFECTIONS OF THE ABDOMEN. 319 tension in the region of the liver; pains aggravated by respiration, coughing and movement; violent oppression of the chest, with rapid and anxious respiration; thick yellowish coating on the tongue; constipation. Cinchona, when worse every other day, with shooting and pressive pains in the region of the liver; swelling and hardness below the ribs ; pressive pain in the head ; tongue thickly coated, yellowish, and bitter taste in the mouth. Sulphur will be serviceable after any of the preceding remedies, when the improvement is but temporary and the disease still continues. JAUNDICE. There are different kinds of jaundice, sometimes it continues for a long time without any danger, sometimes it is accompanied by fever and in some cases it is a favorable sign, in other cases a dangerous sign, which can be readily seen by the general state of the patient. There is commonly but little fever in the mild forms of this disease, but in bad cases the fever may be high, and the brain become more or less affected, which is always a serious complication, and especially so when drowsiness, with great difficulty in being roused, takes place; in such cases, if there was or is still a great itching, or frequent, violent gaping, give Opium. Mercurius will be sufficient, if the patient has not already abused this drug; in that event Cinchona will be preferable, which may be followed, in obstinate cases, by Hepar, Sulphur or Lachesis. Cinchona may advantageously follow Mercurius, when the latter remedy is insufficient. Chamomilla will be preferable for attacks arising from a fit of passion. It may be followed by Nuz vomica. Sulphur and Lachesis will be most suitable for very irritable persons, in whom the symptoms of jaundice manifest themselves upon every trifling occasion. Jaundice produced by abuse of mercury may be combated by Cinchona and Hepar, or Lachesis and Sulphur, — that arising from abuse of cinchona by Mercurius, Belladonna, Calcarea, Nux vomica; and that caused by rhu- barb, by Chamomilla or Mercurius. 620 AFFECTIONS OF THE ABDOMEN. URINARY TROUBLES. When anyone passes too much urine, too often, or it is abnormal, it should always be attended to, as it is very debilitating and often the beginning of a serious disease. To children give Rhus, or, if they have much thirst, Belladonna ; if the trouble is apt to return, if the children have perspired much en the head, give Silicea. If it returns after Silicea, give Hepar. InvoIiUSTABY Eviissiox of Umxe. — Children are often troubled in this way when playing or running about, and when asleep, particularly at night. See "Treatment of Infants — Wetting the Bed." It is also frequent in old age but occurs in all ages, particularly with women, then it is generally accompanied, however, by other symptoms, according to which the remedy must be chosen— for instance cough, then compare Causticum, NaJbrum muriaticum, Antimonium crudum, Bryonia, Pul- satilla, Sponc/ia, StapJiisagria, VeraJbrum. If the urine escapes while passing wind, Pulsatilla. If it escapes quite involuntarily during the clay. Fcrrum ; during the first sleep, Sepia. Difficulty axd Pain in Making Water, may be caused by other diseases, by unclean affections, or by chronic affections of the kidneys or the bladder. In these last cases consult a homoeopathic physician ; if you cannot do so, use the remedies below. It is strange to observe how anxious most people are about their having an evacuation from the bowels every day, without taking much notice of how often they pass water. Yet it is ten times more dangerous to go one day without urinating, than to be a whole week without a passage from the bowels. Xever postpone the former business for any consideration what- ever. Many people have died a very painful death from their having waited too long to urinate. It is astonishing how sensible people can run such a great risk on account of extreme modesty or bashfulness, while attending church, parties, especially sleighing parties, concerts, or other assemblies, and when traveling. Do not be in a hurry when urinating, do net strain too hard, empty the bladder completely, and avoid a cold draught. Consider that the few moments which may be gained in this way are out of all proportion to the time lost during a long illness which may be caused by it. It is important to drink water often particularly when the urine becomes more scanty. Infants should not be forgotten or allowed to suffer from thirst from foolishly thinking that cold water will not agree with them. If the discharge of urine becomes for some time more and more scanty. it is an indication of a disease which may suddenly become dangerous; take every day a warm foot-bath, drink plenty of water, and now and then AFFECTIONS OF THE ABDOMEN. 321 buttermilk ; but beware of diuretics, such as gin, juniper berries, etc. For constant desire to urinate, pain, burning, etc., use applications of warm wa- ter, a warm bath and mucilaginous drinks, particularly oatmeal gruel, and partake of nothing acrid, salty or sour. Aconite for the most common cases when there is pain- ful urging; for children if they put their hands to the parts and scream, when no urine or very little passes, sometimes only single drops with great pain, the discharge is very red, dark and turbid, particularly for women and children. Should Aconite not relieve these symptoms, give Cantharis. Pulsatilla, if there are pressing, cutting pains or redness and heat in the region of the bladder, especially for women, when the courses are suppressed, too tardy or scanty; also for less pain but much urging. Arnica, if caused by a blow or fall on the bladder or back, or by a violent concussion of the whole body. Nux vomica for persons of a full habit who are fond of liquor; after suppressed piles, with burning, pressing and tension in the back, and the region between the ribs and hip-bones. Belladonna, if the pains are more piercing, extending from the back to the bladder, in spells, with great anxiety, restlessness and colic. If Belladonna gives only temporary relief, take Hepar. Mercurius for very violent, constant desire to urinate, the stream being very small, with perspiration at the same time; urine dark red, soon becoming turbid and offensive. If the urine is acrid, excoriating and if after its passage there is some blood, Hepar. Colocynthis, if the urine becomes sticky and gelatinous, and the pains are insupportable. Apis, if it appears after a partly or totally suppressed eruption, or there is a burning, stinging, or itching in different parts; the whole abdomen is very sensitive to 21 322 AFFECTIONS OF THE ABDOMEN. the slightest touch; the patient often shudders and feels chilly when moving, particularly in the evening; if he has heat without thirst, yawns and cannot sleep. Cepa for frequent urging, the urine passes by starts or only in drops, is bright red and burning. For children when they scream, particularly when you press on the region of the bladder with your hand ; after a cold gener- ally or from wet feet or exposure of the abdomen to cold air or a draught. Opium will often be beneficial in the most dangerous cases for infants who have nursed soon after the mother was very angry or very much frightened, when neither water nor stool passes, the abdomen is distended and other medicines have proved ineffectual. If the water does not pass at all, or only very slowly, with burning in the urethra, and burning heat in the abdomen, Camphor is sometimes very useful, and also when caused by Spanish flies, in blisters or taken inter- nally; too much must not be taken, smell it only or shake it with warm water, and take of that by the teaspoonful. If it occurs after suppressed piles, particularly if these have been operated upon, the complaint is more difficult to cure, the pain and burning increase, the urine only escapes in drops, sometimes blood is discharged with the urine which often relieves, in this case use ivarm injections; Aconitum or Mercurius ease the symptoms, also Sulphur, or, if the pain is very great, Apis. Nux vomica, if the pain was partly caused by strong drink or increased by it. If worse after every cold, Dulcamara or Cepa; if at times small hard pieces pass, give, particularly after Sulphur, Calcarea; if the burning returns and increases, Carbo vegetabilis or Arsenicum. A com- plete cure can only be effected by long and careful treatment by a homoe- opathic physician. The Passing of Bloody Urine is often combined with other com- plaints; give the above remedies. If from external injuries, Arnica; from spirituous liquors, Nux vomica; after excesses, Cinchona; if it returns often, Hepar. If accompanied by burning pains at the end of the urethra ; if the testicles are drawn up ; cramp-like pains in the knees, thighs and groins ; if contracting and cutting pains in the small of the back extend to the navel, give Pulsatilla. AFFECTIONS OF THE ABDOMEN. , 323 RUPTURE. HERNIA. Rupture may be produced by severe exercise on horseback or on foot, by lifting heavy weights, playing on wind instruments, vomiting, costiveness, whooping-cough, crying, tight clothing, jumping, etc. In many cases it can be cured by internal remedies, when it has not been neglected too long. Trusses have been greatly improved in this country, but bad articles are still common. It is of great importance to get a good truss, for a bad one may do great injury ; if it does not fit exactly, or if it slips, it may make the rupture incurable. A good truss must not be trouble- some, although in the beginning it may feel rather uncomfortable ; it must not be applied until the hernia has been entirely reduced, when the truss ought to keep it in its position. If the patient perceives, after the instru- ment has been applied, that something protrudes, let him take it off, lie down upon his back, reduce the hernia again, and replace the truss. When the hernia protrudes frequently, the truss is good for nothing. A person afflicted with hernia, who does not wear a truss, or who wears a bad one — who exerts himself afterwards too much, or is otherwise imprudent — ex- poses himself to the danger of having incarcerated or strangulated hernia, and mortification following. It is also of great importance to know how a hernia should be reduced. In order to accomplish this properly, the patient should lie down on his back, and place a pillow under the hips, so that the ruptured part may be higher than the rest of the abdomen — he should then incline a little to the side on which the rupture appears, to relax the abdominal muscles as much as possible, remain perfectly quiet, and avoid all motion. If the proper medicines are taken the hernia will generally return of itself during sleep without external aid. If it does not become thus reduced, it can be better done by another person, though many are able to reduce it for themselves ; it is best done by pressing the left hand gently against the part which pro- trudes, as if for the purpose of grasping it ; after this, press the fingers of the right hand on the'top, and then rub it lightly, by passing the fingers over it ; place the fiat of the hand from time to time on it, and gradually increase the pressure ; continue these efforts patiently for half an hour, or longer, if the hernia is considerable. Most kinds of strangulated hernia can generally be reduced with facility, after the proper remedies have been taken, par- ticularly Aconitum or Nux vomica. When the hernia will not bear pressure, medicine must first be taken to remove the irritability — after which it fre- quently returns of itself. In some case, placing a cloth dipped in warm water upon the tumor will effect the reduction. Some persons apply cold water or ice in a calf's bladder, but this should not be kept on long, and should not be used at all when the parts are hot and red. For violent burning in the belly, as from red-hot coals, the least touch giving pain, with sickness of the stomach, bitter, bilious vomiting, anxiety, 324 DISEASES OF WOMEN. and cold perspiration, give Aconitum. In case Aconitum only alleviates the symptoms for a short time, without any other good effect, give Verat- rum. If, after this, the efforts to reduce it should fail, it being on the left side, with much pain going from the abdomen to the rupture, and much rumbling of wind, give Cepa ; if on the right side, Rhus. If accompanied by sour vomiting, instead of bitter, give Sulphur; leave the patient to rest awhile, and if he falls asleep do not disturb him. If the pain is less violent when the parts are touched, and the vomiting less, but the breathing is attended by much difficulty ; when taking cold, or overheating, vexation of mind, or improper diet has been the cause, give Nux vomica; when the patient becomes red in the face, when the abdomen is distended, or when bad smelling and tasting eructations or vomiting occur, give Opium until there is a change ; if the vomiting is accompanied by cold sweat, or if the extremities become cold, give Veratrum ; and if it does not improve, Belladonna. As soon as the abdomen becomes sensitive, and cannot endure to be touched without pain, give Aconitum and Sulphur, as above. When the rupture .has already assumed a bad appearance— when the symptoms are very alarming, and no surgeon can be had, give Lachesis, and if, after a time, there is no improvement, Arsenicum. In all cases of strangulated hernia, a surgeon should immediately be sent for, but the above remedies must be taken in the meanwhile; if they prove efficacious before he arrives, so much the better ; if not, he will perform the necessary operation, which he will find to be much easier after the patient has taken the above medicine, as numerous experiences have proved. If you wish to cure an ordinary rupture before it becomes strangulated, and while it causes no particular trouble, consult a homoeopathic physician. But, if the rupture is of recent occurrence, Rhus will give relief in most cases. If it occurred suddenly, by lifting or great exertion, lie down quietly, keep as quiet as possible, with a pillow under the hips, and take Rhus. If it occurred slowly while standing, Cocculus. Nux vomica, if otherwise indicated. CHAPTER XI. DISEASES OF WOMEN. MENSTRUATION (THE MONTHLY SICKNESS). Menstruation is often delayed beyond the period at which we have rea- son to expect it in healthy females, or when it does appear, it is frequently preceded by much suffering, and followed by hysterics and other complaints. Complaints attendant on the cessation of the menses are still more serious. DISEASES OF WOMEN. 325 These complaints are generally produced by diseases which existed previ- ously, and can only be cured by the continued attendance of a homoeopathic physician. Affections of this class frequently find their origin and support in the mode of living ; we can often trace them to insufficiency of clothing, which, especially in a variable climate like ours, is very injurious; many of the attendant complaints arise from other causes, which medicine alone can remove. The age at which this function first makes its appearance, in temperate climates, is about the fifteenth year ; though in some instances it occurs at a much earlier age, and in others again it is protracted several years later. In warm climates it generally appears as early as the ninth or tenth year, and in cold ones not often earlier than the twentieth. The average duration of a menstrual period is about five days ; it varies considerably, however, in different individuals, in some continuing for seven or eight days, and in others not more than two or three. It generally re- turns regularly in healthy females, every twenty-eight days, and usually continues until about the forty-fifth year, when its final cessation takes place, which is usually attended with a good deal of disturbance of the general health, as well as of irregularity of this function ; hence this period of life has been called the "critical age," or "change of life." TARDY MENSTRUATION. When menstruation is tardy, scanty, or too late in making its appear- ance, beware of all quack medicines which pretend to induce the discharge ; many girls and women have ruined their health for ever by using such medicines. In many cases a proper attention to diet, exercise and clothing is all that is necessary to produce a healthy state of this function. Females subject to menstrual irregularities should carefully avoid all highly sea- soned food, and also coffee, green tea, and all spirituous and malt liquors as beverages. Those of sedentary habits should accustom themselves to daily exercise in the open air, either by walking or riding. Sedentary habits and close application to study are both highly injurious. The cloth- ing should be warm, adapted to the season, and changed to suit the varia- tions of temperature. It is of the greatest importance to keep the feet dry and warm, by wearing thick-soled shoes and warm stockings, especially in wet or damp weather. The neglect of this precaution has destroyed the health and happiness of hundreds. A cheerful disposition should also be cultivated, as all depressing mental and moral emotions have an injurious tendency. There are cases, however, in which, in addition to the observance of the above rules, it will be necessary to make use of one or more of the follow- ing remedies, which can be administered without injury; if they fail to effect the desired object, apply to a homoeopathic practitioner. 326 DISEASES OF WOMEN. Pulsatilla is especially adapted to females of_ a mild, easy disposition ; pain in the lower part of the abdomen and across the small of the back ; giddiness, fulness about the head and eyes, paleness of the face, with occasional flushes of heat; roaring in the ears, or partial deafness, coldness of the hands and feet, and disposition to general coldness; sour taste in the mouth after eating; nausea and vomiting; alternate crying and laughter; sadness and melancholy; painfulness of the breasts; palpitation of the heart, especially on going up stairs ; loss of appetite, with desire for acids and disinclination to exercise. The symptoms are worse in the afternoon and before mid- night; the pains frequently change from one place to another; better in the open air and while exercising. If no improvement follows after a week or ten days, give Sulphur. Cocculus, when the patient suffers from nervous symp- toms, or for contracting, pinching pain in the lower part of the abdomen, with oppressed respiration; and also for a scanty discharge of black blood, or when the patient is weak, with great agitation, sighing or groaning, and is scarcely able to speak. Belladonna if there is rush of blood to the head, with redness of the face, sometimes even dark red ; bleeding at the nose ; redness of the eyes and intolerance of. light ; giddiness, especially after stooping; and full, bounding pulse. Bryonia is indicated when, instead of menstruation, there is bleeding at the nose. Lachesis and Lycopodium are also suitable in similar cases. ^Cuprum in cases of spasms, or threatened spasms, with nausea and vomiting, or when there are cramps in the ex- tremities, with screaming ; also in convulsions. Apis if the menstrual discharge either stops entirely, or flows two or three days, stops, and flows again, and so on ; if the right side, from the hip-bone to the navel, is very DISEASES OF WOMEN. 327 sensitive ; if violent, cramp-like, bearing-clown pains, like labor-pains, appear, followed by a scanty discharge of dark bloody mucus ; or if the girl, at the time, becomes very talkative, thoughtless, and don't mind anybody. Nux moschata for women of a changeable disposition, with an irregular, scanty, black flow. Phosphorus will be serviceable in women of a delicate constitution, with slight, form, weak chest, of lively dispo- sition, and predisposed to lung diseases ; when, in place of menstruation, expectoration of blood in small quanti- ties occurs, with hacking cough and pains in the chest. Arsenicum is applicable in cases attended with great weakness, also in swelling of the face, especially around the eyes, with paleness of the complexion, more in the morning ; swelling of the feet and ankles in the evening, and a feeling of heat or burning in the veins. Veratrum when the patient has cold hands and feet, dis- position to diarrhoea, etc. Sulphur after Pulsatilla, when the latter has been insuffi- cient, and also after any of the above remedies, especially if the patient complains of heat in the head, giddiness, palpitation of the heart, and shortness of breath, particu- larly on going up stairs ; loss of appetite ; sickness at the stomach after eating ; emaciation, and depression of mind. SUPPRESSION OF THE MENSES. By this term is understood the sudden stoppage of the menstrual flow. This is frequently consequent upon some accidental cause, such as exposure to cold or dampness without a sufficiency of clothing, particularly of the feet ; putting the feet in cold water ; powerful mental emotions, etc. It also often occurs in the course of other diseases, especially those of the lungs, liver and womb, in rheumatism, etc. In these latter instances the difficulty can only be removed by the cure of the primary disease, the ap- propriate treatment of which will be found under their respective heads. Aconitum when the affection arises from fright, and es- pecially if there is congestion of blood to the head or chest. 328 DISEASES OF WOMEN. with redness of the face ; giddiness, nausea or faintness ; throbbing or acute shooting pains in the head, sometimes attended by delirium or stupor. When the suppression is occasioned by fright, this remedy should be administered immediately, and if not speedily followed by relief, or if the amelioration is but partial or temporary, it may be succeeded with benefit by Opium or Veratrum. Bryonia is most suitable for unmarried women, when the suppression is followed by a sensation of swimming in the head, with heaviness and pressure towards the fore- head, aggravated by stooping and by motion; pains in the chest ; dry cough ; bleeding of the nose ; bitter or sour eructations ; pain in the pit of the stomach after eating ; rising of food ; pains in the small of the back, and also pains of a drawing character in the lower part of the •abdomen ; constipation. Belladonna will be serviceable after Aconitum in ple- thoric subjects, when there is congestion ' to the head, bleeding of the nose, and for most of the symptoms men- tioned under Aconitum when the latter is insufficient. Nux moschata if caused by fatigue and taking cold at the same time, particularly from wet feet. Pulsatilla, however, is the chief remedy in this affection, and will afford relief in the majority of instances, especially when the suppression results from the effects of cold or a chill by exposure to dampness, and the patient suffers from headache, chiefly confined to one side, with shooting pains extending to the face, ears and teeth ; palpitation of the heart ; feeling of suffocation ; flashes of heat ; nausea or vomiting ; disposition to diarrhoea ; pressure in the lower part of the abdomen ; frequent desire to void urine ; and whites. It is best adapted to those of a mild, easy dispo- sition, with inclination to melancholy and tears. Veratrum for nervous headache; hysterical affections; frequent nausea and vomiting; pale, earthy color of the face ; coldness of the hands and feet, or nose ; great weak- ness, with fainting fits. DISEASES OF WOMEN. dZb) Sulphur for pressing headache chiefly in the back part of the head, extending to the nape of the neck, or one- sided headache, or pain over the eyes, with heat and throbbing in the head ; heaviness of the head ; confusion of the head; giddiness; dimness of vision; bluish circles round the eyes; pimples on the forehead and round the mouth, and red spots on the cheeks; voracious appetite; sour stomach; sour and burning eructations; fulness and heaviness in the stomach and abdomen; constipation, with ineffectual efforts to evacuate, disposition to piles; sometimes loose, slimy stools; cramps in the abdomen; whites; numbness of the limbs; great disposition to take cold; difficulty of breathing; pain in the loins; great de- pression after talking ; fatigue and weakness of the limbs ; irritability of temper or disposition to melancholy and tears. In cases of long standing, especially when occurring in debilitated subjects, Cinchona, Causticum, JSfatrum muriati- cum, and Arsenicum will be useful, but it is much better to consult a physician. TOO COPIOUS MENSTRUATION. When the menstrual discharge is excessive, or continues longer than usual, and is attended by pains in the back, loins and abdomen, which resemble those of labor, it becomes necessary to lessen it, and also to prevent its recurrence. Rest in the horizontal posture is . also in most cases imperative. Ipecacuanha for too great a flow, and also in flooding after labor, especially when there is a profuse discharge of bright red blood. Crocus is one of the most valuable remedies in this com- plaint, particularly when the discharge is dark colored, clotted and very copious, and the menses have returned too soon. 660 DISEASES OF WOMEN. Platina will be useful in cases in which the menstrual discharge is too great, and consists chiefly of dark-colored blood, and is attended with bearing down pains, sexual and general excitability. ChamomiUa will be beneficial when the discharge is dark colored and clotted, accompanied by griping pains which extend from the small of the back forward towards the abdomen; thirst; coldness of the extremities, and sometimes fainting. Nux vomica when the menstruation is too copious, and returns before the usual time; when it continues too long, or stops and returns again. It is ' particularly adapted to women who make too free use of coffee, wine or other stimulants, all of which articles should be strictly pro- hibited for several months. Ignatia is most serviceable in cases in which the dis- charge continues too long, and is frequently attended by yawning and hysterical symptoms. Cinchona in cases of great debility in consequence of too copious or too long-continued menstrual discharge. It may be given with advantage, after the discharge has been checked by other remedies, and the patient suffers from weakness only. Sabina, menstruation too profuse, too early flow by spells, with colic and labor-like pains : pain from back to front, flow increased by motion. Sulphur given during the intervals two or three times, allowing a week to elapse between the doses, will often be beneficial, after the. failure of other remedies. Cakarea, administered in the same manner, will frequently be found successful. PAINFUL MENSTRUATION. Belladonna is indicated when there is severe pain in the back, and strong bearing down in the lower part of the ab- domen, as if the parts would fall out, accompanied with DISEASES OF WOMEN. 661 violent congestion of blood to the head, confusion of sight, frightful visions, screaming, redness and bloated appear- ance of the face and frequent, ineffectual efforts to stool with much straining. Chamomilla when the pains resemble labor pains, with pressure from the small of the back toward the front of the abdomen and downward ; colic, with tenderness of the lower part of the abdomen when touched, and discharge of dark colored and coagulated blood. Veratrum for menstrual colic, with nervous headache; nausea and vomiting ; coldness of the hands, feet or nose ; great weakness ; fainting fits and diarrhoea. Coffea will be beneficial if there is much nervous excite- ment ; colic, with feeling of fulness and pressure in the abdomen, and violent spasms wdiich extend to the chest ; delirium ; wringing of the hands, grinding of the teeth ; violent screaming ; difficulty of breathing and groaning ; coldness of the whole body, numbness and stiffness. Cocculus when there are spasms in the abdomen, cramps in the chest ; flatulency ; nausea and faintness, and pres- sive colic. Pulsatilla is serviceable when there is a feeling of heavi- ness, as if from a stone, in the lower part of the abdomen ; violent pressure in the lower part of the abdomen and small of the back, attended with a sensation of drawing and numbness extending clown the thighs ; the latter sen- sation is felt more particularly when the patient is in the sitting posture; pressure in the rectum with ineffectual efforts to evacuate ; frequent inclination to pass water. Nux vomica is most useful in relieving writhing pains in the abdomen, accompanied by nausea, or pains in the back and loins, as if dislocated ; feeling as if bruised on the bones of the pubis ; spasms and pricking in the lower part of the abdomen ; paroxysms of pressing and drawing pains, frequent desire to make water, and sensation in the bowels as if they would burst. 332 DISEASES OP WOMEN. GREEN SICKNESS. CHLOROSIS. This affection commonly occurs in young girls at the period of puberty — about the fourteenth year— and is most generally owing to some obstruction to the first menstruation. A similar condition may, however, be induced in females of a more advanced age, and of delicate constitution, by exces- sive loss of blood or other fluids, sedentary occupation, exposure to damp- ness and cold, insufficient food and clothing ; mental emotions of an un- pleasant kind, etc. The disease may be distinguished by excessive paleness of the complexion and lips, the latter appearing at times almost white — sometimes alternately with redness and flushes of heat ; general mental and physical languor ; the patient complains of feeling weak and tired ; the breathing is hurried ; the slightest exertion produces panting respiration and violent palpitation of the heart ; this is particularly noticeable upon directing the patient to go up stairs quickly ; the lower extremities often become swollen ; the ap- petite depraved, with longing after chalk, charcoal, etc.; flatulent disten- tion of the abdomen, particularly after meals ; constipation or diarrhoea ; cough, sometimes attended by expectoration of dark, clotted blood, and emaciation. Pulsatilla is best adapted to those of a mild, easy dispo- sition, disposed to sadness and tears ; and particularly if the disease has -been produced by exposure to cold or dampness, and is attended by frequent attacks of one- sided headache, with pains shooting to the ears and teeth; sometimes the pain changes suddenly from one side to the other ; aching in the forehead, and pressure on top of the head ; sallow complexion alternating with redness and flushes of heat; difficulty of breathing and feeling of suf- focation after the slightest exertion; palpitation of the heart; coldness or heat of the hands and feet; looseness of bowels ; whites ; nausea and vomiting ; sensation of weight in the abdomen, periodical expectoration of dark, clotted blood ; hunger with repugnance to food, and great fatigue, especially in the legs. Sulphur should have the preference where there is pres- sive pain in the back of the head, extending to the neck ; congestion to the head with throbbing pains ; humming in the head ; pimples about the mouth and on the fore- DISEASES OF WOMEN. 333 head ; paleness of the face, with red spots on the cheeks ; emaciation ; voracious appetite ; sour or burning eructa- tions ; pressive fulness and heaviness in the stomach and abdomen ; irregularity of the bowels ; pain in the loins ; difficulty of breathing; great depression after talking; fatigue, especially in the legs ; great liability to take cold. It is most suitable for irritable and passionate persons, or those inclined to sadness- and tears. Bryonia when there is frequent congestion to the head or chest ; bleeding of the nose ; chilliness, sometimes al- ternating with heat ; dry cough ; colic ; constipation ; bit- ter taste in the mouth ; yellowish coated tongue ; feeling of aching, as if from a blow, in the stomach. Calcarea carbonica will frequently effect a cure after the failure of other remedies, when the difficulty of breathing is very great, with swelling of the extremities ; swollen glands ; leucorrhceal discharge ; excessive emaciation, etc. Ferrum will be serviceable after Calcarea, when the sal- lowness continues, with great debility, want of appetite, nausea, etc. When the complexion is very pale, the lips bloodless, and the heart's action palpitating, irregular. This disease, however, should in all cases be under the management of a homoeopathic practitioner, as it is one, which, if neglected or improperly- treated, will destroy the health and consequently the happiness of the patient. CESSATION OF THE MENSES. The period at which menstruation ceases is at about the forty-fifth year of age, though in some instances the "change" takes place several years earlier, and in others again, it may be postponed till the fiftieth year, and even later. Women of delicate constitution and those who "live high" and whose habits are sedentary, generally experience this change earlier than those of a more robust organization, or those who live temperately and make use of plenty of exercise, especially in the open air. As the "change of life" approaches, the menses generally become irregu- lar, both as regards the time of their return and the quantity of the dis- charge. They may either return too soon, or the interval may be much 334 DISEASES OF WOMEN. longer than usual. The quantity discharged is at times much smaller than common, and at others again it may be so profuse as to amount to a hemor- rhage. Occasionally the flow comes on suddenly and quite unexpectedly, continues for a short time, and then stops without being followed by any of the ordinary symptoms of suppression. Sometimes the menstrual fluid dis- charged is largely mixed with mucus. In the majority of women, while this change is in progress, there is more or less disturbance of the general health, giving rise to headache ; vertigo ; flushes of heat; paleness and debility; nervousness; irregularity in the urinary discharge ; the flow being sometimes frequent and the quantity large, at other times scanty and high-colored ; pain in the back and loins, which extends down the thighs with a creeping sensation; heat in the lower part of the abdomen ; occasional swelling of the abdomen ; swelling of the extremities ; piles and pruritus (violent itching of the privates). In some instances, however, the menses gradually cease without being at- tended by any of the unpleasant symptoms enumerated above. Frequently after the complete cessation of menstruation the health becomes better than it had ever been previously. According to the symptoms select Pulsatilla, Sulphur, Cocculus or Lachesis. A proper attention to diet, exercise, clothing, etc., is very important. The food should be light and digestible, and everything of a stimulating nature carefully avoided. Daily exercise in the open air, either by walking or riding, and also bathing, will be productive of great advantage. The clothing should be warm and comfortable, and changed to suit the weather. WHITES, LEUCORRHCEA. This term is applied to a discharge of mucus, often whitish, proceeding from the vagina. It is of such common occurrence that many women and sometimes even small children are subject to it. At first the patient no- tices a slight discharge of whitish matter, which escapes from the vagina drop by drop, and is unaccompanied by any unpleasant sensation. If neg- lected, as is most generally the case in the beginning, the discharge increases in quantity, and in some cases it becomes excessive. The quality, too, is changed, and it becomes greenish, yellowish or of a dark brown, almost black color, and gives rise to pains, excoriation, etc., of the parts. The general health also suffers ; the appetite fails ; the pulse becomes weak ; the face pale and bloated ; the eyes become dull and heavy, and are surrounded by yellowish circles ; vision is impaired ; there is con- stant pain in the back and loins; lowness of spirits; excessive debility, etc. The exciting causes of leucorrhcea are numerous ; anything which affects the general health may produce it ; sometimes it is owing to the presence of foreign bodies in the vagina ; some of the worst cases of the disease, for instance owe their origin to a long continued use of an instrument intended DISEASES OF WOMEN. 335 to remedy falling of the womb. Such cases can never be cured until the exciting cause is removed. The disease is sometimes owing to inattention to cleanliness. In the treatment of this affection much benefit will be derived from syring- ing the parts frequently with cold water. Calcarea carbonica is particularly suited to women of a lymphatic constitution, light complexion, and who have copious menstruation which is liable to return too soon ; when the discharge is milky, often passes with the urine, and on lifting, and usually comes on, or is worse immedi- ately before menstruation ; is often attended by itching and burning ; shooting pains through the parts, and fall- ing of the womb. It is also valuable in the corrosive leu- corrhcea of young children. Pulsatilla when the discharge chiefly takes place imme- diately before, during and after menstruation ; when pro- duced by fright, and when occuring in young girls who have not yet menstruated; the discharge being thick, like cream, sometimes corrosive and attended by itching of the parts. Cocculus if the discharge is mixed with blood during pregnancy ; or is like the water in which meat has been washed, attended by colic and flatulency, and taking place principally before and after menstruation. Natrum muriaticum when the discharge is copious, and consists of transparent, whitish and thick mucus, or is acrid, with yellow color of the face; also when accom- panied by headache, disposition to diarrhoea, with slimy evacuations and colic. Sulphur for inveterate cases of leucorrhcea ; the discharge sometimes yellowish, burning and corrosive, and preceded by colic ; also when it results from repelled eruptions or ulcers. REMARKS ON PREGNANCY. The woman whose lot it is to bear within herself a living being, occupies a position of the highest interest. 336 DISEASES OF WOMEN. During this period, therefore, she should consider that her most trifling actions may exert a great influence on the future physical,, and we may add, moral and intellectual condition of a being bound to her by the fondest ties, — a being that has a right to expect from her, as its parent, so far as it lies in her power to give, a sound constitution. Therefore, to realize such an object, it is the duty of the mother to pay all possible attention to her diet, exercise and dress. Diet. — With regard to diet she should observe the greatest simplicity ; her food should consist simply of substances of a purely nutritive nature, and everything medicinal or stimulating, such as food prepared with much seasoning, spirituous, vinous and fermented liquors, strong teas and coffee, should for the most part be avoided. She should also guard against taking too great a quantity, of nourishment, as excesses of this kind may give rise to dyspeptic and other troublesome symptoms ; which, besides being a source of much suffering to herself, may seriously affect the health of her future offspring. Exercise. — Let us here say, with regard to exercise, that in order to enjoy a good degree of health, it is absolutely indispensable during the term of pregnancy. Passive exercise, such as riding in a carriage, is not only'in- sufEcient at all times, but has often been found particularly injurious to- wards the end of pregnancy ; and has been the case of premature or abnor- mal births. The most desirable kind of exercise is walking in the open air, such ex- ercise must not, however, interfere with the process of digestion, and is, therefore, most suitable two or three hours after a moderate meal at noon, and during warm weather towards evening ; care being taken to avoid the dampness of the night air by returning home early. Dress. — The dress should be strictly suited to the season and not produce the least pressure on any part of the body ; even the garters should be worn loosely. Tight lacing is highly injurious ; it must be evident to the plain- est understanding, that serious injury to the health of both mother and child must often result from a continual and forcible compression of the abdomen while nature is at work in gradually enlarging it for the accom- modation and development of the foetus ; and the result is, no doubt, that there are many who owe their deformities to the vanity of their mothers. DERANGEMENTS DURING PREGNANCY. Although the state of pregnancy is one perfectly natural and perfectly healthy, yet in conseqifence of the existence of constitutions naturally weak, and of those disordered by the excessive use of medicines prescribed under the old system, and from numerous other causes, it often happens that this condition is attended by many deviations from health, which it may be well to notice, together with the best means for removing them. DISEASES OF WOMEN. 337 The following are some of the most common of the deviations from health which are met with during pregnancy. Menstruation. — The continuance of menstruation during pregnancy, though of comparatively rare occurrence, is occasionally met with, and may be either a deviation from the ordinary course of nature or an actual disease. • When a cause of suffering to women by being too long continued or pro- fuse, producing debility, or when attended by pain, some of the following medicines may be required : Crocus, Platinum, Cocculus, or Phosphorus. For their particular indications, and also for other remedies, see "Painful Menstruation" and "Too Copious Menstruation." Vertigo and Headache. — Very often during pregnancy women are troubled with fulness, giddiness and pain in the head. Sometimes these symptoms commence as early as the third or fourth week after conception. The feeling of giddiness or lightness is frequently accompanied by dulness and a disinclination to active employment ; sleepiness or sometimes sleep- lessness ; dimness of sight after stooping ; flashes before the eyes ; disposi- tion to fall forward when stooping ; headache, with a feeling of weight on the top of the head or in the back of the neck ; palpitation of the heart ; nervousness, tremblings, etc. These symptoms are commonly worse in the morning. Aconitum is best adapted to persons of a full habit, with a florid complexion and nervous temperament, and espe- cially if there is giddiness, as if intoxicated, on rising from a seat, frequently causing one to fall ; faintness and dim- ness of vision on rising from a recumbent posture ; deter- mination of blood to the head, and pressure in the fore- head ; stupefying pains in the head ; eyes red and spark- ling, with intolerance of light; black spots before the eyes. Belladonna for congestion to the head, with vertigo, stag- gering and trembling; buzzing in the ears; intolerance of noise ; heaviness and pressive pain on top of the head or in the forehead, over the eyes; pain, with a sense of expansion of the head, and violent throbbing of the large arteries of the neck ; redness of the face ; soreness and red- ness of the eyes ; sparks before the eyes ; objects appear double. The symptoms are mostly worse in the morning. 22 338 DISEASES OF WOMEN. Glonoine, see what has been said of this remedy under "Headache." Nux vomica is most suitable for women of a hasty tem- per, and those who are of sedentary habits, or addicted to the use of wine or coffee. The symptoms are generally aggravated in the morning, and better in the open air. It is valuable for giddiness with a feeling of confusion in the head ; with cloudiness of sight and buzzing in the ears ; pains in the head of a tearing, drawing or jerking character, or periodical pains; constipation; insipid or acid, bitter and putrid taste, etc. Opium for giddiness on rising from a stooping or sit- ting posture ; vertigo, with stupidity as if from a debauch ; great drowsiness ; imperfect sleep, with puffed face, thick, heavy breathing, and illusions of the imagination. Platina if there is headache, which increases gradually until it becomes violent, and then diminishes in the same way, and also for headache produced by vexation or pas- sion ; constant disposition to spit, the saliva being taste- less or sweetish. It is particularly valuable in sufferings of nervous and hysterical women. The symptoms are worse during repose, and relieved by motion. Pulsatilla for giddiness, which is worse after stooping, with momentary blindness and staggering, throbbing and shooting pains in the head ; one-sided headache ; head- ache every other day. The sufferings are sometimes at- tended with numbness of the limbs, are worse in the afternoon and evening, and better in the morning. It is most suitable for women of a mild disposition. Sulphur, if there is congestion of blood to the head, with pulsative pains and sensation of heat in the head, vertigo and staggering, principally when seated, or after a meal, attended sometimes by nausea, fainting, weakness, and bleeding from the nose ; confusion of the head, with difficulty in meditating, worse in the morning or evening ; one-sided headaches, or headaches on top of the head, the DISEASES OF WOMEN. 339 back part, or the forehead over the eyes, with dimness of sight; periodical or intermittent headaches, worse in the morning or evening, or at night. The pains in the head are mostly aggravated by movement, walking in the open air, and meditation. Mobning Sickness. — Nausea, vomiting, heartburn, etc., are at the same time the most common and the most distressing accompaniments of preg- nancy. They usually begin five or six weeks after conception, and con- tinue until the sixteenth week. After which time they generally abate or cease entirely ; in some cases, however, they continue with but slight modi- fication to the end of pregnancy. These troublesome symptoms commonly take place immediately on ris- ing from bed in the morning, and are often exceedingly harassing for two or three hours. Occasionally they return again in the evening. Attention to the diet must be particularly observed in this affection. The food may be taken at more frequent intervals and in smaller quantities — and when the vomiting is very persistent liquid food alone should be used. Ipecacuanha should be given, when there is nausea and vomiting, with great uneasiness in the stomach and epi- gastrium ; vomiting of drink and undigested food ; bilious vomiting, and tendency to relaxation of the bowels. Nux vomica when there is nausea and vomiting, chiefly in the morning, while eating, or immediately after eating or drinking; acid and bitter eructations and regurgita- tions; violent hiccough ; waterbrash; pain and sensation of weight in the pit of the stomach ; constipation and irrit- able temper. Arsenicum if there is excessive vomiting, especially after eating or drinking, with attacks of fainting; great weak- ness and emaciation. Pulsatilla. Nausea after eating ; vomiting of food ; heart- burn; eructations, acid, bitter, or with the taste of food; depraved appetite, or craving for acids, wine, etc. ; whitish coated tongue. Natrum muriaticum will be useful in obstinate cases, ac- companied by loss of appetite and taste; constant flow of water from the mouth; waterbrash, acid stomach; pain and soreness at the pit of the stomach. 340 DISEASES OF WOMEN. Nux moschata, see this and Veratrum, under " Affections of the Stomach." Phosphorus will be beneficial in cases in which the symptoms are similar to those mentioned under Arseni- cum, and which the latter remedy has failed to remove. Constipation. — Constipation is a very common attendant on pregnancy, especially with persons naturally of a costive habit. When it does not arise from a mechanical cause, it may frequently be removed by active exercise in the open air, drinking freely of cold water, and eating plentifully of cooked or ripe sweet fruits. When these means are insufficient one or more of the following medi- cines may be given: Nux vomica, or in some cases it may be necessary to give Bryonia, Opium, Lycopodium or Sulphur. (See ''Constipation.") Diarrhcea. — Diarrhoea occurs occasionally during preg- nancy, much less frequently, however, than constipation, but is much more injurious, and means should be taken to check it speedily, otherwise the health of the woman may suffer seriously. The medicines which are mostly beneficial are: Lyco- podium-, Sulphur, Dulcamara, Antimonium crudum, Nux moschata, Pulsatilla and Rheum. (See " Diarrhoea.") Itching. Pruritus. — Many women are, during the course of preg- nancy, excessively annoyed and distressed at times by a very troublesome itching of the privates. Sometimes this itching arises from a vitiated condition of the mucous se- cretion of the parts, and at others it is owing to the presence of an eruption resembling the thrush of infants, which occasionally entirely covers the mu- cous membrane of the vagina. In other instances again, the parts assume a dark red hue, attended with great irritation and excoriation, and almost constant oozing of a thin, watery secretion, the accumulation of which is attended with the most intolerable itching. This affection is not confined alone to the pregnant state, but may occur at any time. Bryonia, Carbo vegetabilis, Mercurius, Pulsatilla, Lycopodium, Silicea, Sul- phur and Rhus are the chief remedies in this complaint. The cure will be much accelerated by frequently washing the parts with cold water. A solution of borax in water, applied two or three times a day, will gen- erally remove the itching in a few days ; the same result is often obtained by washing the parts with water slightly acidulated with lemon-juice. DISEASES OF WOMEN. 341 Fainting and Hysterical Fits. — Women of a delicate constitution and nervous temperament are frequently attacked with fainting and hysterics during pregnancy. Generally the attack passes over in a short time with- out any bad consequences resulting. When the attacks are light, attention to dietetic rules, and plenty of exercise in the open air, will generally pre- vent their recurrence. But should the attacks be more severe, and these means insufficient for their removal, it may be necessary to trace the cause, and, if possible, remove it. Frequently they arise from tight lacing, warm rooms, etc. The speediest means of reviving a patient from fainting is to admit fresh air in abundance, and sprinkle the face with cold water. Aconitum may be useful in preventing a return of the attacks, when they occur in individuals of a full habit. Coffea in nervous women, with great agitation; spasms in the abdomen ; difficult respiration ; cold perspiration, etc. Cinchona when caused by general weakness, particularly from hemorrhages. Chamomilla for hysteria which is excited by a fit of anger. Nux vomica when these affections occur in choleric per- sons, and are accompanied by derangement of the stomach. Belladonna is often useful after Aconitum, especially when there is congestion of blood to the head. Pulsatilla is best suited to women of a mild, easy dis- position, and when the attacks are attended by great ex- citability, with disposition to low spirits, etc. Ignatia is one of the most valuable remedies when the patient complains of severe headache, as if a nail were driven into the head; melancholy, frequent sighing and concealed sorrow. Toothache. — Toothache is a very common affection during pregnancy, and often attacks women who are seldom subject to it at any other time. Frequently it is of exceedingly severe character. It most generally com- mences in a decayed tooth, whence it may extend to the whole set, darting along the jaw, and also to the face and head. Occasionally, however, it originates in a sound tooth, and consequently care should be taken to con- sult a physician previously to having teeth extracted. The medicines which will be most commonly found useful to relieve the suffering, are the following : Calcarea carbonica, Apis, Mercurms, Chamomilla, 342 DISEASES OF WOMEN. Nux vomica, Pulsatilla and Staphisagria. For the particular indications governing the choice and repetition of these remedies, and also for other remedies which may be useful, see the article "Toothache," in a preceding chapter. Varicose Veins. — During pregnancy many women suffer a good deal from a distention of the veins in the lower extremities. The swelling gen- erally commences first about the ankle, and gradually extends upwards towards the thigh ; it is frequently confined to the leg below the knee, but occasionally the veins of the entire limb are implicated. The disease may involve both limbs, or it may be confined to but one. The enlarged veins lie in general near the surface, and assume at first a reddish hue, and after, continuing so for some time, become bluish or of a leaden color, and the large ones become very much knotted. They get larger w r hen the patient is standing, or when the limb is hanging, and the swelling decreases on lying down. This affection, though occurring more frequently during pregnancy, is not confined to this state, but may take place at any time in the female, and is also met with in the male sex. The disease in the beginning is not painful, but if the swelling continues to increase, it may become so, and the veins may ultimately burst, and a large quantity of blood be discharged, either externally, or effused beneath the skin. Varicose veins are generally caused by obstruction to the circulation arising from the pressure of the enlarged uterus upon the blood vessels ; their occurrence in an aggravated form, however, is indicative of constitu- tional debility. After delivery, the pressure being removed, the swelling gradually dis- appears, and the veins assume their natural size and appearance. Much good will often result from frequent bathing with cold water or diluted alcohol. Having the limb bandaged with an India rubber band- age, or making use of the India rubber stocking will also afford great re- lief, especially to persons who are compelled to be much on their feet. The bandage or stocking should be applied in the morning before rising, when there is the least swelling, beginning at the foot and progressing up- wards with a moderate and equal pressure. The patient should remain lying down in severe forms of the complaint. Pulsatilla will in most cases be found useful, especially if there is much swelling of the veins and of the whole limb, with great pain and more or less inflammation, or when the veins, and sometimes the entire limb, assume a bluish color. Arnica, too, may prove useful. Lachesis may follow Pulsatilla when the latter has pro- DISEASES OF WOMEN. 6+6 duced some relief of the pain and swelling, but the dis- coloration still remains. Nux vomica when attended with constipation, hemor- rhoids and irritable temper. Arsenicum, when with the symptoms mentioned under Pulsatilla, there are severe burning pains. Carbo vegetabilis for the same symptoms as the latter when that has been insufficient, Lycopodium in cases of long standing after the failure of other remedies. Hemorrhoids or Piles.— This affection frequently occurs in women during pregnancy who are not subject to it at any other time. This is chiefly owing to the pressure of the enlarged uterus on the contents of the abdomen causing more or less inactivity of the bowels, and obstruction to the circulation. The appropriate treatment to pursue in this troublesome complaint, will be found under the heading of ''Hemorrhoids" in the preceding chapter. Pain in the Back and Side during Pregnancy. — Women often suffer very much from pain in the lower part of the back during pregnancy. Occasionally the pain is seated deep in the right side under the ribs. It is usually most troublesome from the fifth to the eighth month. The sensa- tion experienced is that of an almost indescribable aching, or of a dull heavy pressure, as if caused by a dead weight resting on the part affected. When in the side, it is attended with a feeling of heat. For the pain in the back, benefit will be derived from the use of Bryonia, Rhus, Belladonna, Pulsatilla, Nux vomica, Causticum, or Sulphur. For that in the side Aconitum, Chamomilla, Pulsatilla, or Phosphorus will be most serviceable. Cramps. — Cramps in the legs, abdomen, hips, or back, are common ac- companiments of pregnancy, and when present, are exceedingly painful and annoying. The remedies best calculated to remove cramps in the legs, which are most common, are: Colocynthis, Hyoscyamus, Calcarea earbonica, Chamomilla, Nux vomica, or Sulphur. Those of the back : Ignatia, Rhus, or Opium. Those of the abdomen : Nux vomica, Pulsatilla, Belladonna, Hyoscyamus, or Colocynthis. Incontinence of Urine. — Frequent desire to void the urine, or total inability to retain it, are by no means of uncommon occurrence during pregnancy, and are extremely distressing to the patient. 344 DISEASES OF WOMEN. The following remedies will generally afibrd relief: Pulsatilla, Belladonna, Cinchona, Silicea, or Stramonium. Depression of Spirits. — This unhappy state of mind, in which the patient imagines that she is afflicted with "all the ills that flesh is heir to," and that she will certainly never survive her approaching confinement, is often aggravated by meddlesome persons i elating accounts of dreadful ac- cidents and unfortunate terminations of labors, which in all probability never happened. The patient may be much benefited under these circumstances by the cheerful conversation of judicious friends, exercise in the open air, proper attention to rules of diet, etc. And also by taking one or more of the fol- lowing medicines. Aconitum, if depression results from fright, and fear of death is the most prominent symptom. Belladonna, if there is great agitation and restlessness at night; fear of ghosts; fear and disposition to run away and hide ; involuntary laughter ; disposition to laugh or sing, or to fall into a passion and rave ; frightful visions ; indisposition for exertion, etc. Pulsatilla for depression, with sadness and weeping; uneasiness in the pit of the stomach ; sleeplessness ; she imagines herself to be oppressed with a multitude of cares; dislike to conversation; headache and heartburn. Sulphur. Lowness of spirits, with great anxiety on the subject of religion; despair of eternal salvation; forgetful- ness of proper names and of words when about to speak them ; disposition to get angry. Miscarriage. Abortion. — Women are liable to miscarry at any period of pregnancy ; it occurs most frequently, however, about the third, or the beginning of the fourth month. When it takes place before or about this period, it is not very dangerous, though repeated miscarriages, from the profuse discharge with which they are mostly accompanied, impair the constitution, and very often engender some chronic malady. Miscarriages occurring at a later period are much more serious, and frequently highly dangerous to the sufferer. Females who have miscarried once, are exceedingly liable to its recur- rence, which liability is greatly increased, if it have occurred two or three times. The most common causes of miscarriage are: mechanical injuries, as a DISEASES OF WOMEN. 345 fall or blow, etc.; sudden and powerful mental emotions; the abuse of purgative drugs ; great physical exertion ; too free use of stimulating food and drinks ; neglect to take air and exercise ; late hours, etc. The following symptoms generally precede and attend this affection: chilliness followed by more or less fever and bearing-down pains; severe pains in the abdomen ; cutting pains in the loins, or pains resembling labor- pains ; discharge of mucus and blood, sometimes of a bright red color, at others dark and clotted, followed by a flow of thin fluid. The miscarriage generally takes place along with this discharge, which, if not stopped by appropriate means, may continue for hours, and endanger the life of the patient. In cases of threatened miscarriage the patient should immediately lie down, and remain so until the danger is passed ; or, in case the miscarriage has taken place, she should still remain in this position for a few days to guard against a fresh discharge, which is more liable to occur in the up- right posture. Arnica, when the symptoms arise from a fall, blow, violent concussion, overlifting, or great physical exertion of any kind, this medicine should be given immediately. Chamomilla, when there are periodical pains resembling those of labor, and each pain is followed by a discharge of dark colored or coagulated blood, or of blood and mucus mixed; also for violent pains in the bowels extending around the sides, accompanied by a sensation as if an evacuation of the bowels or bladder were about to take place; frequent yawning; coldness and shivering, with thirst. Nux moschata, if the blood is very dark, thick and if it increases constantly in quantity, with bearing down, nau- sea, drawing in the legs, urine burning; for women of a changeable disposition, whose menstruation has generally been irregular, who have a cool, dry skin, cannot bear the open air, and have a weak stomach. Secale is valuable, after, miscarriage has occurred; espe- cially in debilitated persons, or when the discharge con- sists of dark liquid blood and the pains are but slight. Crocus is particularly serviceable in cases in which there is a discharge of dark, clotted blood, which is increased by the least exertion, with a feeling of fluttering, or as if 346 DISEASES OF WOMEN. something was moving about in the region of the navel. It may be used with advantage in protracted cases, after other remedies have been administered unsuccessfully. Ipecacuanha for abortion attended with spasms but with- out loss of consciousness; profuse and continuous dis- charge of bright red blood, accompanied with pressure downwards, cutting pains round the navel; nausea or vomiting; disposition to faintness; chills and heat. Belladonna is especially useful in the commencement, and also subsequently when there are violent pains in the loins and the entire abdomen; severe bearing down as if all the intestines were about to be forced out; pain in the small of the back as if it were broken; pale or flushed face ; profuse discharge of blood, neither very bright, nor dark colored. Hyoscyamus for miscarriage attended with spasms or convulsions of the whole body, with loss of consciousness; discharge of light red blood; the symptoms are mostly worse at night. Platina is useful when there is discharge of dark, thick or clotted blood; pains in the back which pass into the groins, and pressing or bearing down internally towards the privates, which are very sensitive. It is some- times serviceable after Ipecacuanha. Cinchona is particularly valuable for weak and ex- hausted persons; also when there is blood discharged at intervals, with bearing down pain ; or for spasmodic pains in the uterus; giddiness, drowsiness, fainting ; loss of con- sciousness and coldness of the extremities. This remedy is most useful in restoring the energies of the patient, and removing the remaining symptoms after the discharge has ceased. Ferrum is useful in cases of abortion accompanied by fever, pains like those of labor, and discharge of blood. Nux vomica and Bryonia may be given with advantage in cases attended with troublesome constipation. DISEASES OF WOMEN. 347 Flooding, during pregnancy, or at delivery. When an accident of this kind occurs, the woman should lie down quietly, should move as little as possible, her mind be kept free from care, and the greatest quietness be preserved in the room and in the house. At the same time tie handkerchiefs around the upper part of the thighs, silk ones are preferable; also around the upper part of the arms. A few mouthfuls of water, and if the face becomes pale, with fainting, a few drops of wine are of great service. The smelling of vinegar, rubbing it on the nose, temples, etc., is also beneficial, only take care not to deluge the patient with it, but only take about a teaspoonful in your hand, or dip your finger into it, that the smell of the vinegar may afterwards be removed with facility. In long continued flooding with females of more advanced age, when not in childbed, it is best to avoid all warm drinks for a year, and instead, to drink milk live or six times a day, which has been cooled in the cellar, or is a little soured. In these floodings, it is necessary, if possible, to procure a homoeopathic physician. During pregnancy or after delivery, tincture of cinnamon is sometimes of use ; put a drop into half a teacup of water, stir it up well, and give a teaspoonful as often as the hemorrhage becomes worse ; this remedy may be given when the flooding is caused by lifting, carrying, over-reaching, or a false step. If the tincture is not at hand, a piece of cinnamon may be chewed. If this does not soon produce a salutory effect, give sugar, and when the burning sensation has passed, Arnica. Arnica, in all cases arising from mechanical injuries, such as a fall, blow, lifting or carrying heavy weights, false steps, over-reaching, etc. Ipecacuanha. Very copious continued flooding, partic- ularly when occurring during pregnancy; the blood flow- ing regularly without interruption, with cutting pains around the navel; much nausea; great pressure and bearing-down; chills and coldness of the body; feeling of heat rising into the head ; great weakness and inclina- tion to lie clown. This is also a most important remedy in flooding after delivery. Chamomilla may be given after the latter remedy when that has produced little or no improvement, or when the flooding is accompanied by pains resembling labor-pains. Bryonia, when dark red blood is discharged in great quantities, with violent pressive pain in the small of the 348 DISEASES OF WOMEN. back, and headache, particularly in the temples, as if the head would burst ; and constipation. Cinchona is very important in the most dangerous cases ; when heaviness of the head, giddiness, loss of conscious- ness, and drowsiness appear; for sudden weakness, fainting, coldness of the extremities, paleness of the face, convul- sions of the mouth, contortions of the eyes, or when the face and hands turn blue, or single jerks pass through the whole body. While giving this remedy the abdomen may be rubbed gently, or cloths dipped into vinegar or water applied to it, and a few drops of wine may be given afterwards. It is also of use when the blood escapes by starts, with spasms or pains like labor-pains in the womb, passing to the anus ; the discharge increasing with every pain. Likewise when accompanied by colic, frequent urging to make water, and sore tension of the abdomen. Cinchona is always serviceable for the debility or other troublesome symptoms, which frequently remain after the flooding has ceased. Hyoscyamus for flooding attended by pains resembling labor-pains, with drawing in the thighs and small of the back, or in the limbs; heat over the whole body, with a quick or full pulse; swelling of the veins on the back of the hand or in the face ; great uneasiness ; excessive live- liness; trembling over the whole body, or numbness of the limbs ; loss of consciousness, darkness before the eyes ; delirium ; twitching in the sinews or in the muscles of the extremities; jerking in one or the other of the limbs alternating with stiffness of the joints. Belladonna, when the blood discharged is neither par- ticularly dark, nor light colored, with pressure in the pri- vates, as if everything would fall out ; violent pains in the small of the back, as if it would break; pale or flushed face; dulness; heat about the head; palpitation of the heart and thirst. Platina, when the , discharge is dark and thick, but not DISEASES OF WOMEN. 349 clotted ; the pain in the back drawing towards the groins, with pressing-down internally towards the genitals, which are excessively sensitive. This remedy is particularly applicable to cases of flooding produced by any violent mental emotion. Ferrum, when the blood is sometimes black and clotted ; at others liquid, with pains like labor-pains; the face usually red; Cinchona follows Ferrum advantageously. Apis and Nux moschata ; see above, under " Miscarriage." Preparation of the Breasts. 1 — By paying proper attention to the breasts before confinement, mothers will in many instances save themselves much suffering after delivery from sore nipples, gathered breasts, etc. As pregnancy progresses, the breasts gradually increase in size, in order to be fitted for their future important functions, and especially in the first pregnancy ; the parts immediately around the nipples become of a darker hue and the nipples themselves larger and more prominent. This devel- opment is frequently accompanied with more or less pain and soreness. The most common affections to which the nipples are subject, are, excoria- tion, cracks, inflammation and scaly eruptions. The structure of the breasts is sometimes irreparably injured by ignorant nurses squeezing them in childhood with the erroneous notion that such a process is necessary to expel some matter contained in them. Serious injury, also, often results in after life from pressure occasioned by wearing stays. For several weeks previous to delivery the entire breast and chest should be bathed with cold water daily, and afterwards well dried and rubbed with coarse towels. If there is tenderness or slight excoriation, much benefit will be derived from bathing with diluted tincture of Arnica, or brandy, twice a day. When a high degree of inflammation of the nipples exist, with aching or acute pains, shooting into the mamma, the internal admin- istration of Aconite or Chamomilla, will generally afford relief. In some instances Silicea or Sulphur may be required. The swelling, burning, itching, cracks and eruptions will be removed by Lycopodiam, Mercurius, Uepar or Sulphur. False Pains. — Women frequently suffer previously to the setting-in of labor, with what is termed false pains. Generally these pains precede labor but a" few hours; occasionally, however, they come on some days or even weeks before delivery. They differ from labor pains chiefly in the irregularity of their recur- rence, in being unconnected with uterine contractions, and principally con- fined to the abdomen, which is tender to pressure and movement, and in 350 DISEASES OF WOMEN. not increasing in intensity as they return. In some instances it is exceed- ingly difficult to discriminate between them and genuine labor pains. In such cases the period of pregnancy will be the chief guide ; and when they come on a week or two before labor is expected, they should be checked by the administration of a suitable remedy. The exciting causes of these pains are congestion of blood to the uterus, a chill affecting the abdomen, mental emotions, errors in diet, clothing, etc. Bryonia is most suitable when the symptoms have arisen in consequence of a fit of passion, and consist of pains in the abdomen, followed by dragging pains in the back and loins ; constipation and irritable temper. They are aggra- vated by motion. Nux vomica for pains in the abdomen and back, like those under Bryonia, also when there are pains as if from a bruise in the region of the pubes; constipation. The pains occur chiefly at night. Applicable to passionate persons, and especially when the exciting cause appears to be indulgence in stimulants, such as highly seasoned food, wine, coffee, etc. Pulsatilla, pains in the abdomen ; pains in the loins, as if from continued stooping, with a feeling of stiffness and painful dragging and aching in the thighs, constipation or diarrhoea ; most applicable to mild tempered persons, and when arising from eating rich or fat, indigestible food. Dulcamara when the pains originate from cold, the effects of chill or dampness, and are acute and violent in their character, and seated in the small of the back ; coming on or aggravated at night. Aconitum is most suitable for young persons of a full habit; when the pains are attended with a full, strong and frequent pulse, with congestion to the head, flushed face and hot skin. Belladonna for symptoms similar to the last, and after that remedy ; and also when the pains are spasmodic in their character. DISEASES OF WOMEN. 351 LABOR. CHILD-BIRTH. When natural, labor generally takes place at the end of the ninth month of pregnancy. The pains come on at regular intervals of longer or shorter duration, gradually increase in intensity, and the whole process is com- pleted in from four to six hours. Frequently, however, a longer time is required, the sufferings continuing for twenty -four hours, or even a greater length of time ; and in other instances again, the labor may not last over half an hour or an hour, it may indeed be terminated by two or three pains — though these later instances are rare. The ordinary and most correct mode of " reckoning," to fix the time of labor, is from the last menstrual period — two hundred and eighty days, or forty weeks, from the last menstruation to labor. Other modes, which are less certain, but which may be useful in assisting to form a reckoning in cases in which there is any uncertainty about the last menstrual period, are : the commencement of morning sickness, which generally sets in about six weeks after conception, and quickening, which usually takes place at four and a half months, or twenty weeks from conception. Towards the latter end of pregnancy the child sinks lower down in the abdomen, and the woman becomes smaller round the waist than she had been for some weeks previously. Labor is often preceded by agitation, nervous tremblings, disposition to shed tears, lowness of spirits, etc. Looseness of the bowels for a day or two before labor, is also a common symptom and should not be interfered with. Flying pains through the abdomen, and frequent inclination to pass water, followed by a slight discharge of reddish mucus called "a show," usher in the regular labor pains. Were it not for the acquired habits of civilized life, such as tight-lacing, improper diet, want of proper air and exercise, etc., we would find child- bearing to be comparatively free from the suffering and danger which now so commonly accompany it. It is attended almost without pain among savage tribes ; and those healthy, regular women among us, who pay more attention to the natural develop- ment of their frames than they do to forming what some call " a fine figure," are seldom afflicted with the long train of ills, which custom has almost led us to consider the natural concomitants of child-bearing. Protracted Labors. — Cases frequently occur in which labor is pro- tracted much beyond the usual period, or is attended with a great deal of suffering; such labors are more likely to take place with women in their first confinement, who are already somewhat advanced in life, and those of a slender form and highly nervous and sensitive habit, The -sufferings in these cases may be greatly alleviated by having re- course to the following medicines : 352 DISEASES OF WOMEN. Coffea will generally prove serviceable when the pains are ineffectual and extremely violent, following each other in quick succession, and attended by great agitation, rest- lessness and tossing about. Aconiium when the above remedy is insufficient, or when the patient has been in the habit of drinking coffee frequently as a beverage. Chamomilla, after the above, if required, especially if there is great mental excitement ; excessive sensibility to pain ; anguish and discouragement. Belladonna will be of great value in tedious cases of la- bor arising from a rigid or unyielding state of the parts, which is most liable to occur in the first labor of elderly women ; and especially so w T hen this rigidity appears to be owing to spasms of the neck of the uterus. (Gelsemium is also useful in this state of affairs.) This remedy is also useful when the labor-pains become feeble or cease entirely, after having been extremely violent for some hours. Nux vomica when the labor is protracted from the irregu- larity and insufficiency of the pains, and there is constant inclination to evacuate the bladder and rectum. Nux moschata if the pains are very irregular, like cramps, not strong ; and if the woman has taken cold and has a cool, dry skin. Opium should be given, if the pains cease suddenly, and congestion of blood to the head, with redness of the face, stupor and snoring take place. Pulsatilla when the pains are feeble, and occur at long intervals, or when they diminish in strength and fre- quency as if from insufficient contractile power in the uterus ; when the labor pains are attended by spasms of the stomach and vomiting, or with acute pains in the back and loins, and painful drawing sensation in the thighs. Secale will be beneficial in cases similar to the latter, when that remedy has not proved efficient in increasing the activitv of the uterine contractions. DISEASES OF WOMEN. 353 During the progress of labor, the use of drugs and stimulants of every kind should be carefully avoided, as they all prove more or less injurious. Spirituous liquors are objectionable on account of their accelerating the circulation, and thereby increasing the danger of too great hemorrhage; chamomile tea, from its tendency to produce metrorrhagia ; coffee, from its causing high nervous excitement; opium retards delivery by its Sedative property ; and all drugs are in fact more or less of a stimulating or irrita- tive nature, and therefore objectionable. Spasmodic Pains, Cramps and Convulsions. — In complicated labors we occasionally find spasmodic pains set in, which cause considerable suffering, and often materially retard the delivery. For these affections the following remedies will be most efficient : Chamomilla if there are very acute pains, mostly of a cutting description, extending from the region of the loins to the hypogastrium, and attended with spasmodic con- vulsions, redness of the face, particularly of one cheek, with great sensitiveness of the nervous system, and ex- citement. Belladonna when there are excessively violent bearing- down pains, attended with convulsive movements of the limbs ; great agitation and constant tossing ; congestion to the head, with throbbing and distension of the blood- vessels ; red and bloated face, and profuse sweating. Hyoscyamus for severe convulsions with loss of conscious- ness, great anguish and cries, with oppression of the chest. Stramonium for trembling of the limbs, and convulsions without loss of consciousness. Ignatia when there is a confused feeling in the head ; spasmodic and compressive pains, with sensation of suffo- cation; convulsions. Ipecacuanha, spasmodic convulsions; paleness or bloated- ness of the face ; nausea or vomiting. Cocculus, cramps or convulsions of the limbs or whole body; cramps in the lower part of the abdomen, with heat, redness, and pufhness of the face. 23 354 DISEASES OF WOMEN. TREATMENT AFTER DELIVERY. The patient should be kept perfectly quiet, both in body and mind, after delivery; everything which may have a tendency to excite her, such as noise, strong light and odors, even loud talking, should be carefully guarded against. After the lapse of an hour or two, if no untoward symptoms exist, she may be " changed," and "have her bed made." A bandage may be applied immediately after delivery, and without disturbing the patient. If the labor has been at all difficult, and the patient complains of general soreness, a few doses of Arnica may be administered. Much benefit will also be derived, in case there is much local pain or sorenesss, from the external application of a lotion prepared by mixing about twenty drops of the Tincture of Arnica in half a tumbler of water. The nervous excitement which is apt to follow delivery, and prevent the patient from procuring the sleep she so much needs, will generally be removed by a dose or two of Coffea, or, should it fail and any febrile symptoms be present, Aconitum will usually suffice. Flooding after Delivery. — Directions for the appro- priate treatment of this affection will be found under the heading of " Flooding." The medicines of most value are Cinchona, Chamomilla, Crocus, Platina, Belladonna, and Tincture of Cinnamon. After-Pains. — Very few females escape the suffering occasioned by these extremely annoying pains, although they are of rare occurrence with first children. Generally they become more and more severe after each successive labor ; and in some women of nervous temperament, who have borne several children, they are very distressing, while others may have a number of children and never experience any suffering of consequence from them. In most instances, the administration of one or more of the following remedies will greatly relieve, or remove them entirely. Arnica, when the pains are not very violent, and are accompanied with a feeling of soreness, with pressure on the bladder and retention of urine. DISEASES OF WOMEN. 355 Chamomilla, if Arnica proves insufficient, and the pa- tient is nervous and excitable, with great restlessness, toss- ing about, etc. Nux vomica, after Chamomilla, will often be serviceable, especially when the pains are of an aching or of a violent colicky description, and occur in choleric persons. Coffca is valuable when there is nervous excitement and the pain is exceedingly violent in its character, or when the pains are followed by convulsions, with coldness and rigidity of the body. Pulsatilla is indicated in persons of a mild and gentle disposition, when the pains do not return very frequently, but are protracted and continue for several days. Belladonna will be useful in cases attended with much bearing-down ; fulness about the head ; disposition to sleep ; tenderness and fulness of the abdomen. Secale for very weak women, who have borne many chil- dren ; great exhaustion ; complains of burning heat and cannot bear warmth. Duration of Confinement. — The mother should re- main in bed for the first five or six days after delivery ; after that she may rise daily and sit up awhile, at first not longer than while her bed is making, but gradually for a longer time. The diet during this time should be light but nutri- tious, consisting chiefly of gruel, panada, farina, toast, milk, broths, eggs, and, after a few days, mutton chops or beef steak may be allowed ; and everything stimulat- ing, both food and drinks, and all strong odors from flow- ers or other aromatic substances should be scrupulously avoided. The first ten days should be mostly spent in bed, or at least in a half-recumbent posture, during which time but few visitors should be admitted. After this period, if the woman feels pretty strong, she may walk about her room, 356 DISEASES OF WOMEN. but should not leave it before the expiration of the second week ; and ought not to attempt to go up or down stairs until the end of the third week after confinement. Some women may be allowed to go about sooner than we have mentioned, whilst others require a longer period to re- cover from the effects of their confinement, but the physi- cian will be able to judge when it is prudent to allow his patient to resume her ordinary mode of life. Irregularities of the Lochial, Discharge. — The discharges which take place after confinement, are called lochia, and vary considerably in different females, sometimes they are thin and scanty, and cease in a few days, at others they continue for several weeks, and are so profuse as almost to amount to a hemorrhage. In the majority of instances, however, they cease about the tenth day. In color and consistence they at first resemble menstruation, but gradually grow lighter colored, lose the redness entirely, and become successively yellowish and whitish before their final cessation. When this discharge continues too long, or is too profuse, and also when it is checked suddenly; or suppressed from exposure to cold, errors of diet, or other cause, medical assistance is required. Crocus is indicated when the discharge is too long-con- tinued in too great quantity, and consists of dark colored or black blood of viscid consistency. Aconitum is also valuable in too profuse lochial dis- charges of a deep red color, and will frequently be found sufficient of itself to check them in two or three days with- out the administration of any other remedies. Should Aconitum be insufficient, Calcarea carbonica may follow it with advantage, especially if the discharge be at- tended with a sensation of itching in the uterus. Bryonia will be beneficial in cases of suppressed lochia, accompanied by headache; fulness and heaviness in the head, with pressure in the forehead and temples ; throb- bing in the head, aching in the small of the back, and scanty discharge of urine. It is also useful when the lochia are too profuse in quantity and of a deep red color, with internal burning pains in the region of the uterus. Pulsatilla will be most serviceable for sudden suppres- DISEASES OF WOMEN. 357 sion of the lochia, from mental emotions, exposure to dampness, or any accidental cause, particularly if it is fol- lowed by fever either with or without thirst ; headache confined to one side ; coldness of the feet ; frequent desire to pass water. The symptoms are generally worse towards evening, and better in the morning. This remedy is also useful when the discharge is too scanty without being en- tirely suppressed. Dulcamara will be useful in cases of suppression occa- sioned by exposure to cold or dampness, and may either precede or follow Pulsatilla advantageously. Opium and also Aconitum, have been recommended for suppression arising from fright, and attended by conges- tion to the head. Platina for suppression consequent upon some mental emotion, and accompanied by dryness and over-sensitive- ness of the sexual organs. Belladonna will be serviceable when the discharge con- tinues too long and becomes thin and offensive, producing excoriation of the parts. Secale has also been recommended under the same cir- cumstances. Milk Fever. — Usually about twelve or twenty-four hours after delivery, milk makes its appearance ; it may, however, be present at the time of, or even previous to delivery, or it may not appear until a later period than the third day. The coming of this secretion is frequently attended by so much suffering as to require medical attention. The following medicines will be found useful, when administered according to the indications men- tioned under each. Arnica, given internally and the diluted tincture applied to the breast in the form of a lotion once or twice a day, will be beneficial when there is much distension, with soreness or hardness. Aconitum if there is much fever, with hot, dry skin ; red- ness of the face ; breasts hard and knotted ; restlessness ; anxiety and discouragement. 358 DISEASES OF WOMEN. Bryonia after the latter, when the symptoms have heen but partly removed by that remedy, and especially if there is oppression of the chest, violent pain in the head, and constipation. Belladonna may be given after Bryonia, when the latter has not been sufficient to remove the symptoms entirely. Chamomilla will have the preference when there is much nervous excitement, with restlessness; tenderness of the breasts, and. inflamed nipples. Pulsatilla, in severe cases, when there is great distension of the breasts, with soreness and rheumatic pains extend- ing to the muscles of the chest, shoulders, under the arms, etc. A timely administration of this remedy will, in many instances, prevent a threatened attack of child-bed fever. Rhus toxicodendron, in cases similar to the latter, with rheumatic pains throughout the system; swelling, heat, and hardness of the breasts; headache; stiffness of the joints, and general constitutional disturbance. A common and good local application to the breasts, is to bathe them with hot lard and afterwards cover them with raw cotton. Suppressed Secretion of Milk. — When from sudden and powerful mental emotions, exposure to cold or dampness, or any cause whatever, the secretion of milk has been suddenly checked and is followed by some in- ternal or local congestion, determination of blood to the head, and the usual train of symptoms which constitute child-bed fever, the immediate administration of Pulsatilla will frequently be found sufficient to check the disease at the outset and restore the flow of milk. If any unpleasant symp- toms still remain, they will in most cases yield to the administration of Calcarea carbonica. If real fever, dry, hot skin, quick, hard pulse, etc., makes its appearance, Aconitum should be given, until some amelioration of the symptoms takes place. In some cases Bryonia, Belladonna, Rhus, Arsenicum or Sulphur may be called for. Excessive Secretion of Milk. — It sometimes happens that the secre- tion of milk is too abundant, causing painful distension of the breasts and involuntary emission of milk, followed by emaciation and debility. In cases of this description, Calcarea carbonica will generally give relief, or if it should fail, Phosphorus or Rhus. Involuntary Emission of Milk. — Occasionally females are very much annoyed for some time after confinement by the constant escape of the DISEASES OF WOMEN. 359 milk, which keeps them continually wet, and makes them very liable to take cold on the slightest exposure. Unless it is owing to some organic defect of the nipple, the following remedies will generally relieve it. Cinchona when it is caused by debility from loss of fluids. Rhus if from over-distension in consequence of excessive secretion of milk. Calcarea carbonica, or Pulsatilla, may also be useful in some instances. Diarrhoea during Confinement. — Diarrhoea in lying-in-women is a state to be looked on as highly injurious, and means should be taken to remove it as spee.dily as possible. Dulcamara will generally be sufficient, when the diar- rhoea has been caused by a check of perspiration, pro- duced by chill from exposure to cold or dampness ; if the diarrhoea is worse in the afternoon or at night, the pains cease after an evacuation. Pulsatilla if accompanied by much ineffectual straining, if it makes the parts sore, or if there is only a discharge of mucus with pain in the anus, chilliness ; the diarrhoea occurs mostly in the night, or early in the morning. Rheum if the stools smell sour or fetid ; if there is much straining and pain after an evacuation; mostly towards night ; if there is great weakness and fear of death. Antimonium crudum, if worse in the night and early in the morning ; tongue coated white, with eructations ; for women, who are easily moved, or who are morose. Secale for offensive, very weakening diarrhoea. Phosphoric acid, in obstinate, protracted cases, when the discharge is watery, or painless and almost involuntary. See also, for other remedies which may be required, the article " Diar- rhoea," in a preceding chapter. Constipation. — It is natural for the bowels to remain inactive for a few days after delivery, and nothing should be given to disturb this state, as it is at all times a good symptom and serves to promote the strength of the patient. Purgative medicines should in no case be given during confine- ment, as they can do no good whatever, and are often highly injurious to the patient. If, after the lapse of five or six days, the patient complains of fulness of the head or pain in the bowels, a dose cr two of Bryonia will 360 DISEASES OF WOMEN. generally bring about an evacuation and afford relief. Should this be in- sufficient, Nux vomica, Sulphur, or some other of the remedies recommended under "Constipation," may be given. If after waiting a day or two, no evacuation takes place, give an injection of lukewarm water. Retention of Urine.— Sometimes after delivery, particularly with first children and in difficult labors, there is retention or painful emission of mine. The administration of one of the following remedies will gener- ally aftbrd relief: Arnica, Pulsatilla, Cepa, Belladonna or Nux vomica. See Chap. X. Sitting over a pan which contains warm water, will often have the desired effect. Sore Xipples— The chief difficulty in the way of healing sore nipples, arises from their being constantly torn open afresh by the efforts of the child in sucking. In the majority of cases, if proper attention is paid to the preparation of the breasts previous to confinement, by bathing them with cold water, or a weak solution of Tincture of Arnica, as recommended under the heading of "Preparation of the Breasts," this soreness may be prevented. "When, however, there is a tendency to tenderness and excoriation, the internal administration of Arnica, and bathing the nipples with a solution consisting of about ten drops of the Tincture of Arnica to half a tumbler of water, several times daily, will mostly remove it. Should this be insuffi- cient, it will be necessary to resort to Sulphur, Calcarea carbonka, or some other remedies calculated to correct the constitutional taint to which this disease generally owes its origin. Washing the nipples with cold water every time the child has taken the breast, and then sprinkling them with powdered gum Arabic, or still better with finely powdered white sugar, will be found very beneficial. Sulphur, when the nipples are sore and chapped, with deep fissures around the base, which bleed and burn like fire. Calcarea in cases similar to Sulphur, when the latter fails to relieve. Nux vomica for soreness of the nipples with painful excoriation of the adjacent parts. In obstinate cases, Lycopodium, Mereurius and Silicea will be found valuable. Gathered Breast-. — Inflammation and suppuration of the breasts are liable to occur during the whole period of nursing, and may arise from numerous causes, such as cold, passion, fright, bruise, etc. Putting the child too late to the breast, or the sudden stoppage of suckling — from death of the child or other reasons— frequently occasions distension of the breast followed by inflammation and formation of abscesses. The most effectual means of preventing suppuration is to keep the breasts well drawn; if the child is unable to do this, nipple-glasses, a common tobacco pipe, or still better the lips of the nurse, or another adult person, should be made use of. DISEASES OF WOMEN. 361 Bryonia is the principal remedy in the commencement, especially when the breasts become swollen, hard, and feel heavy, with shooting pains, dry skin, thirst, and other fe- brile symptoms. Belladonna, after Bryonia, when there is much swelling and hardness of the breasts ; shooting and tearing pains, and redness of the skin, sometimes like erysipelas. These two remedies will generally be sufficient to effect a cure ; if, however, some degree of hardness still remains Mercur- ius should be given, and repeated a few times, at intervals of ten or twelve hours. Hepar when suppuration has already commenced, which may be known by the appearance of throbbings, frequently preceded by a chill. Silicea in cases in which the discharge becomes fetid, thin and watery, and comes from several openings, which are not disposed to heal. Phytolacca in similar cases. Sulphur in inveterate cases, when there is profuse dis- charge of matter, with emaciation, fever, etc. "Weakness fro:m Nersixg. — If the mother cannot sleep well, feels bad in the morning, has no appetite, or perspires much, commences to cough, and is very sensitive to the least breath of air, give Cinchona. Her food ought to be altered too, she must eat grits made of barley or oats, chocolate and particularly lentils. If her breath begins to smell feverish, she ought to eat sago, arrow-root or similar things with sugar and drink a little wine, especially in the morning and evening. She should take something nour- ishing early in the morning and between meals. The child must not be kept at the breast the whole night, it should be accustomed to sleep and nurse at certain regular times. Faelixg off of the Hair. — Some females, while nursing, suffer from a falling off of the hair of the head. The following remedies will be found useful: Sulphur, Lycopodium or Calcarea. 362 TREATMENT OF INFANTS. CHAPTER ZLL. TREATMENT OF INFANTS. RECEPTION AT BIRTH. When the child is born before the arrival of the physician, it should be removed a little out of the discharges, so as to enable it to breathe freely ; and if the cord is coiled around the neck, limbs, or any part of the body, it should be immediately disengaged, in order that the circulation between the mother and child may not be obstructed before respiration is fully es- tablished in the latter. The mouth and nostrils should also be cleansed from mucus ; the readiest method of doing this is with a piece of fine linen or muslin, wrapped round the finger. If, after these things are attended to, the child begins to cry strongly, and the skin changes from a dull, or leaden hue to a pink or rose color, there is no further cause for alarm, as both mother and child may remain in this condition without danger. As soon as the respiration of the child is fully established, and the pul- sations in the cord have ceased, the child may be removed from the mother, provided there is any person at hand willing to undertake it. The cord should be tied in two places, the first ligature at about an inch and a half from the abdomen of the child, the second three-fourths of an inch from the first, and the cord cut between the two, using for this pur- pose a pair of scissors. The best ligature is one made of sewing thread, by twisting several threads together; a piece of narrow tape, however, or round bobbin, sufficiently strong, will answer. It should be passed but once around the cord, tied firmly in a hard knot, and the ends cut off. The child may then be taken up, by placing one hand under the head and shoulders, and taking hold of the feet with the other, and wrapped in a blanket or sheet moderately -warmed and prepared for this purpose. APPARENT DEATH. In case the new-born infant does not breathe in a few minutes after de- livery, and is apparently dead, means should be immediately taken to revive it. The body and limbs should be wrapped in warm cloths — flannel is preferable — and the hands and the chest gently rubbed with a piece of flannel. If, after a short time, pulsation can be felt in the cord, and the beatings of the child's heart become perceptible, respiration will soon be fully established, and nothing more need be done. But if, after continuing these efforts for five or ten minutes, no pulsation can be felt, the cord should be cut, and the child immersed in a very warm bath, being careful to keep the face out of the water. In this bath rub and squeeze the chest TREATMENT OF INFANTS. 363 and limbs gently. Much benefit will also frequently be derived from placing the mouth over the child's mouth, and blowing gently so as to inflate the lungs, closing the child's nostrils at the same time between the thumb and finger, to prevent the air from passing out through the nose. Care should be taken not to force too much air into the child's lungs at once, lest they be injured. After the lungs are filled, the chest should be compressed gently with the hands, or by drawing upon the ends of a nap- kin which has been previously wrapped round it, to expel the air. These efforts should be repeated several times, allowing a few moments to elapse between each. If no signs of animation are manifested after five or ten minutes, dissolve about as much tartar emetic as will lie on the point of a penknife in half a tumbler of water, and after stirring it well, apply a single drop of the mixture to the tongue of the child, with the point of the finger. If you have the third or ' higher trituration dissolve a few pellets of these in water as they will answer still better. If no relief occurs in fifteen minutes, repeat the experiment again. If no change takes place after ten to fifteen minutes, put one teaspoonful of the mixture into a cupful of warm water, and use it as an injection. Sometimes putting the infant, alternately, into hot and cold water a few times is of great use. Infants have sometimes been restored after laboring with them for two or three hours ; we should not, therefore, give up our efforts at restoration too soon, as they may ultimately be successful. WASHING THE CHILD. This should be done immediately after birth, using for the purpose luke- warm water, a flannel wash-rag, and but a small portion of fine (white) soap. The white unctuous substance, which to a greater or less extent covers the body of every new-born child, and which adheres with great tenacity, is best removed by rubbing the parts covered with it, previous to washing, freely with hog's lard, until the two substances become thoroughly mixed. After the child has been well Avashed, it should be wiped perfectly dry with a fine napkin. The practice of bathing children with spirits is highly reprehensible, and should in all cases be prohibited. Intemperance, and blunted moral sensibilities in after life have their foundations frequently laid in infancy by the improper use of alcoholic liquors. The child should be bathed at least once a day ; at first with lukewarm water, gradually lowering the temperature, and after a few weeks using cool water. DRESSING THE NAVEL. The proper method of dressing the navel is to fold a piece of soft linen or muslin into four or six thicknesses, making it six or eight inches long 364 TREATMENT OF INFANTS. and three or four wide. A hole is to be made through the centre of this, and the cord passed through. The cord should then be tightly wrapped with repeated turns of a narrow strip of linen or muslin, and laid up towards the chest of the child, and the lower end of the linen or muslin folded over it, and the whole lightly secured by the belly-band, which should always be made of a strip of fine flannel. The cord usually comes off from the fifth to the eighth day. THE MECONIUM. The first evacuation from the infant's bowels consists of a dark bottle- green colored substance, called meconium. Generally the bowels are moved a few hours after birth, and require no artificial aid: the milk of the mother exciting a mechanical action in the bowels, assists in effecting this object. In case, however, the discharge should be too long delayed, and the child become uneasy and restless, a few teaspoonfuls of warm sugar and water may be given to it, which will generally have the effect desired. Should this not be sufficient, and the child's bowels are not moved as freely or as frequently as they ought to be during the first few days, a dose or two of Nux vomica, Bryonia or Sulphur may be administered to both mother and child. Laxative medicines should never be given to infants for the purpose of purging out the meconium, as to this too common practice of nurses, many chronic diseases of after-life are to be attributed. SWELLING AND ELONGATION OF THE HEAD. It is common for the head of the infant to be swollen and elongated im- mediately after birth, especially when the labor has been difficult and pro- tracted, and occasionally a tumor appears on the back or top of the head. This will generally disappear of itself in a few days. In case the swelling should be extensive, repeated washings with cold water, or a weak solution of Tincture of Arnica — three or four drops to half a tumbler of water — will hasten its removal ; if not better in two or three days, give Rhus. PUTTING THE CHILD TO THE BREAST. The child should be put to the breast a short time after delivery, if the mother is able to bear the fatigue. This should be done even if the mother has no milk, as the child will be taught to suck, and the secretion of milk hastened by it. There will also be less liability to sore nipples, distended breasts, and milk fever, and should there be any tendency to flooding on the part of the mother the danger will be lessened, as the sucking of the babe causes the womb to contract more vigorously. TREATMENT OP INFANTS. 365 If the coming of the milk should be delayed for a day or two, the child should be nourished meanwhile with fresh cow's milk, diluted with an equal quantity of warm water, and sweetened with loaf sugar. The milk should always be obtained from the same cow if possible. Young infants should never have gruel, pap, panada, or cooked food of any kind. Always, before applying the child, the nipple should be moistened with milk and water, sweetened water, or saliva. Infants will be benefited by giving them a few teaspoonfuls of cold water every day. SORE EYES. Quite young infants are liable to inflammation of the eyes and eyelids. In most instances the lids only are affected at first, but the eye-balls soon become involved if the disease is neglected in the commencement. The most common causes of this affection are : infection from the discharges of the mother, exposure of the eyes to too strong a light, or from taking cold by exposing the child to a draft of air, etc. If the discharge from the eyes is at all profuse the affection may be of a very dangerous kind and the eyes may be lost. The virulent ophthalmia of infants is highly contagious. The eyes must be kept clean with warm water, washing them out as often as any pus collects. See what is said under " Inflammation of the Eyes," Chapter II. The following will generally remove this disorder : Aconite should be given first, especially if the inflamma- tion arises from exposure of the eyes to too much light ; and the entire eye becomes red, and discharges a good deal. Belladonna, after Aconite, when the whites of the eyes are very red ; with bleeding from the eyelids ; intoler- ance of light, etc. Chamomilla when the eyelids are swollen, bleed, and are glued together in the morning with a yellowish secretion. Mercurius when there is redness of the eyes and eyelids; small yellowish ulcers along the margins of the lids ; with discharge of yellowish matter, etc. Pulsatilla when there is profuse discharge of purulent matter from the eyes, with redness of the whole eye and interior of the lids. Argentum nitricum is of the most importance when there 366 TREALMENT OF INFANTS. is a profuse discharge of creamy pus; the eyelids very much swollen. Calcarea carbonica and Rhus are also useful; compare " Affections of the Eyes." Euphrasia is also valuable in many cases of this com- plaint, especially when there is accumulation of matter in the eyes, and intolerance of light. OBSTRUCTION OF THE NOSE. "SNUFFLES." The nostrils of infants often become obstructed from a species of catarrh, which prevents them from breathing while sucking. Nux vomica given at night, will mostly afford relief; if, however, the complaint still continues in the morning, give Sambucus. Chamomilla if the obstruction is attended with much running of water from the nose. Carbo vegetabilis when the complaint is worse every evening. Dulcamara when worse in the open air. Lycopodium is often useful. . Mercurius Avhen there is much sneezing and a thickish discharge from the nose. Tartarus emeticus if there is rattling of mucus in the chest which is worse at night, along with the running from the nose. SORE MOUTH. THRUSH. It is generally produced by want of a proper attention to cleanliness, and by the use of improper food ; and hence children raised either partially or wholly by hand, are more liable to this affection than those who are nour- ished exclusively by the mother's milk. The mouth should be well washed several times a day with cold water. Mercurius should be given when the disease first makes its appearance, and also in cases where there is much TREATMENT OF INFANTS. 367 salivation, and the thrush shows a tendency to ulceration. Sulphur should follow Mercurius when the latter fails to effect a cure after a few days. Arsenicum will be indicated in bad cases, the two pre- ceding remedies having failed to check the disease, and the thrush assumes a livid, or bluish appearance, attended with great weakness and diarrhcea. Bryonia and Xux vomica may also be useful in some cases. A common remedy in old-school practice, and one which is homoeopathic too in many cases of the disease, consists of powdered borax and loaf sugar mixed in equal parts and applied to the mouth of the child three or four times a day. Or a few grains of the borax may be dissolved in a teacupful of water, and the mouth of the child washed with the solution two or three times a day. This remedy should not, however, be continued too long, lest it prove injurious by aggravating the disease. SORE THROAT. Infants are sometimes prevented from sucking by this ; they are verv eager to take the breast, commence to suck, but as soon as they attempt to swallow they cry and the milk is heard to gurgle in the mouth or runs out of it ; they are generally hoarse. If they are very restless, cry before pass- ing water, and have red cheeks, give Aconite. If the whole face is red, Belladonna or Rhus. Rhus if the throat is dark red, if they do not perspire, but become very hot towards night and remain dry ; if Rhus is not sufficient, give Bryonia ; Belladonna if they perspire much; if the throat looks bright red, if the eyes are congested; should Belladonna not be sufficient, give Mercurius. JAUNDICE. This occasionally occurs in infants, and may be known by the yellowness of the whites of the eyes and urine in the commencement, and afterward of the skin of the whole body. The bowels are at times costive, and at others loose, and the stools are generally light or clay-colored. The disease may arise from exposure to cold, or from the injurious practice of adminis- tering aperient medicines immediately after birth, and other causes. Chamomilla may be given first, and in many cases will be of itself sufficient to effect a cure. 368 TREATMENT OF INFANTS. Mercurius may follow Chamomilla when the symptoms have only been partially removed by the latter, or when that remedy has failed to afford any relief. Cinchona when there are any symptoms remaining after the use of the foregoing remedies. Nux vomica if the complaint is accompanied by consti- pation, and the child is extremely irritable. EXCORIATION. Soreness of tender parts seldom arises from not washing the child ; it is nearly always a skin-disease, and the child is injured by washing with Castile soap, which hurts and burns the poor infant just as much as soap does you when it gets into your eyes. Wash the infant with lukewarm water only, without any rubbing when wiping it dry. Bathing the infant frequently will be of great benefit. Chamomilla will, in most cases, be sufficient, when it has not been produced by the use of chamomile-tea, taken either by the mother or child, in which case Pulsatilla, or Ignatia, should be given. Mercurius, when the excoriation is extensive, and there is yellowness of the skin, which Chamomilla has failed to remove. Rhus will cure it, if red pimples appear on the head. Sulphur or Carbo vegetabilis in obstinate cases. THE GUM. The term "gum" or "red gum" is given to an eruption of red pimples, which makes its appearance in early infancy, and chiefly occupies the face, neck and arms ; it may, however, extend to the whole body. The disorder is frequently the result of inattention to cleanliness, keep- ing the child too warm, and giving it herb teas. A few doses of Rhus or Sulphur will generally be sufficient. RETENTION OF URINE. This complaint often occurs in young infants, and requires immediate attention. It will generally be removed by Aconite. Should this fail, Pul- satilla will generally suffice. Consult also the same article in Chapter X. TREATMENT OF INFANTS. 369 Contracted Foreskin. — Contracted foreskin is sometimes cured by habitually holding tightly the foreskin while urinating and allowing the pressure of the water to dilate it. CONSTIPATION. Constipation in children is frequently produced by an improper mode of living, either on the part of the mother or wet nurse or child ; and when it arises from want of exercise, too much animal food, etc., on the part of the mother or nurse, it may be remoyed by proper attention to these points. As a general rule, there should be an eyacuation from the bowels at least once a day in quite young children ; and if delayed longer than this, and Bryonia, 2\ux vomica, Opium, Antimonium crudum, or another remedy has produced no change, these remedies must be given to the mother or wet nurse. Injections of warm water may also be given. But never use soap ; every observing physician must have seen the bad consequences from it when continued for a long time. DIARRHEA. Healthy infants, while sucklings, usually have from three to six evacua- tions from the bowels in the twenty-four hours ; and only when the dis- charges become more frequent than this, and are changed in character, becoming green and watery, yellow, brown, white and frothy or watery, or mixed with mucus or blood, and the child gives evidence of suffering, does it become necessary to interfere by administering medicines. Ipecacuanha when the diarrhoea has been caused by overloading the stomach; and especially if accompanied by nausea and vomiting; paleness of the face; frequent crying; the stools of a bilious, slimy, or greenish-yellow color ; sometimes blackish, or streaked with blood, and of a putrid odor. Rheum when the diarrhoea has arisen from acidity, and is attended by flatulent distension of the abdomen ; colic ; crying and straining both before and after the evacua- tions, which are frothy, slimy and watery, and smell sour; a sour smell is also emitted from the body of the child, even when the strictest attention is given to cleanliness. Chamomilla in diarrhoeas of a bilious water v, frothy, or 24 370 TREATMENT OF INFANTS. slimy character, and of a whitish, greenish, or yellowish color, sometimes having the appearance of beaten-up eggs, and of an' offensive odor, like that of rotten eggs. The diarrhoea is frequently attended by colic, with fretfulness, crying, restlessness and drawing up of the legs toward the abdomen; and redness of the face or of one cheek. Cinchona in watery, painless diarrhoea with much wind in the bowels, and undigested appearance of the milk in the stools. Belladonna is frequently indicated in the commence- ment, when the child is disposed to sleep a good deal, but is restless, and starts up suddenly; the evacuations green- ish, small and frequent. Aconite in diarrhoeas attended with much fever. Opium or Aconite when produced by fright. In case the diarrhoea should prove obstinate or be ac- companied by emaciation, the advice of a homoeopathic practitioner should be sought. COLIC. Colic is a common affection in young infants. It may be caused by errors of diet on the part of the mother, or by feeding the child with too much or unsuitable food. As before remarked, young infants should be exclusively nourished from the breast, if it is possible ; and any departure from this is very likely to be followed by more or less suffering. Exposure to cold, or any cause liable to effect either mother or child injuriously, may induce colic. The attacks are sometimes extremely violent and frequent, so much so as almost to wear out both mother and child ; when this is the case, there is generally some constitutional predisposition. It is also fre- quently attended by diarrhoea. Chamomilla will be sufficient in most cases, especially if the pain is attended by distension of the abdomen, cry- ing, writhing and twisting, drawing up the legs towards the abdomen, and coldness of the feet. Should this remedy not cure, give Colocynthis. Ipecacuanha, when the colic is attended by sickness and diarrhoea, the stools fermenting and of a putrid odor. TREATMENT OF INFANTS. 371 Cinchona for colic with distension and hardness of the abdomen; the attacks are more liable to come on towards evening; screaming followed by laughing. Nux vomica, when the attacks of colic are attended by costiveness. Pulsatilla in flatulent colic, with rumbling of wind in the abdomen; shivering and paleness of the face, and tenderness of the abdomen. SWELLING OF THE BREASTS. The breasts of infants are sometimes swollen at birth, or some time after ; this is frequently caused or aggravated by the highly reprehensible practice of nurses and others of squeezing the breast with the mistaken notion that there is milk, or some matter in them which should be pressed out. Mothers cannot be too careful in warning their nurses against this practice, as in some instances extensive suppuration has been produced by it, resulting in disorganization of the breasts, and in females, destroying their usefulness for ever. When the breasts are found to be swollen, a linen rag saturated with sweet oil should be applied to them, and in the majority of instances the swelling will disappear in a few days, and nothing else be required. If, however, the swelling should become extensive, and be accompanied by redness and inflammation of the breasts, a dose or two of Chamomilla, followed by Belladonna, may be required. It may also be necessary to apply a bread and milk poultice in severe cases. When the inflammation and soreness arises from squeezing and pressing the breasts and nipples, Arnica should be given. If suppuration has taken place, a few doses of Hepar should be given, and followed in two or three days by Silicea. CRYING. The occasional crying of infants should not be a cause for alarm, as this is the language by which their wants are made known. And hence they cry when they are hungry, need changing, or have lain too long in one position, etc. Only in cases where the crying is excessive, and the usual means of pacifying them fail, we may suppose they are suffering from pain, and should immediately endeavor to ascertain the cause, which will fre- quently be found to be some mechanical irritation, such as derangement of the infant's dress, or a pin sticking into the flesh, etc. The most reprehensible, or rather criminal practice is that of giving laudanum, or other preparations of opium, to infants. They will be ruined 372 TREATMENT OF INFANTS. in body and mind by it, — they will never be so healthy, or grow to such an age, as they would do without ever having been poisoned in this way; most all of these unfortunate infants become either vicious or simpletons. Good-for-nothing nurses will often, without the knowledge of the parents, give laudanum to infants, in order that they may not be disturbed in their ease and laziness. When, however, the child continues to cry for a long time without any apparent cause, — Belladonna will frequently prove serviceable, and also when it starts suddenly out of sleep and begins to cry violently. Aconitum or Coffea, if Belladonna should fail, will often be successful, especially when the crying is accompanied by uneasiness and heat. Chamomilla will also frequently be useful, and especially if there be reason to think the crying is caused by earache or headache. RESTLESSNESS AND WAKEFULNESS. Eestlessness and inability to sleep are generally produced by giving the child injurious food, or overloading its stomach, or by the mother's drink- ing coffee, wine, etc., or making use of some other improper article of diet. Sometimes it is caused by the child's head lying too high ; the head of an infant ought always to lie low. Coffea will often be sufficient to remove the restlessness, hot skin, etc. Opium when Coffea is insufficient, and there is redness of the face. Chamomilla, if the restlessness be attended by flatulency and griping, with starts and jerkings of the limbs, or feverishness with redness of one cheek. Belladonna, when the child appears to be drowsy but cannot sleep, or falls asleep for a few moments and starts up suddenly and cries. Pulsatilla or Ipecacuanha, when the restlessness arises from overloading the stomach. Nux vomica, if it is caused by either mother or child taking coffee or spirituous liquors. TREATMENT OP INFANTS. 373 HICCOUGH. Hiccough^ when long continued, sometimes gives rise to a good deal of uneasiness, especially to young mothers ; it is generally caused by exposure of some part, or of the entire body, to the air, even in a warm room, or while dressing or undressing the child. Wrapping the infant up warmly, or giving it the breast, will generally cause it to cease. Should it however continue, the administration of a teaspoonful of water, sweetened with white sugar, may be given; and in case this should fail, a dose of Nux vomica. SCURF ON THE HEAD. Children are sometimes troubled with a dark or dirty-looking, unsightly incrustation, which generally makes its appearance on the top of the head, partially covering the scalp. On removing any part of this crust, the skin will be found red and inflamed. It frequently emits quite an offensive smell, and is always annoying to the child by the irritation and itching it occasions. Kemoving it forcibly with a fine tooth comb will not cure it, but be more likely to aggravate it ; for so long as the diseased state of the scalp remains, it will be reproduced. It is generally caused by keeping the children too warm, or by inatten- tion to cleanliness, and is seldom found in children whose heads are regu- larly washed every morning, and after being properly dried, brushed with a soft hair-brush. Sulphur, administered night and morning for several days, will generally correct any tendency that may exist toward this formation. The crust may be removed by anointing it well with lard or cosmoline at night, and washing it off next morning with a weak solution of soda. This application may have to be repeated several times. MILK-CRUST. This is mostly an affection of young infants, and is characterized by an eruption of numerous small white pustules, appearing in clusters upon a red ground. They generally make their appearance first on the face, par- ticularly the cheeks and forehead, from whence they sometimes spread over the entire body. In a short time they become yellow or dark colored, burst, and form thin yellow crusts. The eruption is often attended by considerable redness and swelling of the surrounding parts, and with troublesome itching, which renders the child exceedingly restless and fretful, and causes it to rub the affected parts constantly, by which the scabs are torn off, and the disease is aggravated. 374 TREATMENT OF INFANTS. Aconitum should be administered first, when the erup- tion is surrounded by redness and inflammation of the skin, and the patient is very -restless and uneasy. Rhus may follow Aconitum, if after the lapse of a few days the eruption appears to be but little improved. Sulphur will be beneficial after Rhus, when the latter fails to produce a favorable change, or when the improve- ment progresses but slowly. Viola tricolor is probably a remedy that cures more cases than any other. In bad cases a weak tea made of the dried plant as found at the apothecaries may be applied daily to the scalp. This in addition to taking the remedy internally. Hepar, Arsenicum and Lycopodium may also be service- able in tedious cases. SCALD HEAD. RINGWORM OF THE SCALP. This disease is characterized by circular red-colored patches, covered with numerous small yellowish points or pustules, which do not rise above the level of the skin. These pustules soon break, and form thin scabs. The patches frequently unite with adjacent patches, and assume an irregu- lar and extensive appearance, and sometimes cover the whole head. These incrustations, by accumulation, become thick and hard, and when removed, the surface beneath is left red and glossy, but studded with slightly elevated pimples. By the long continuance of this eruption the hair is frequently destroyed ; it is commonly found in children from the age of two years to that of puberty; it is not confined to the scalp, but appears on the face, neck, and other parts of the body, and in such cases is less difficult to cure than when located in the scalp. This disease is often extremely obstinate; this is es- pecially the case when it has been neglected in the com- mencement, or treated with washes and unguents, the only effect of which has been to aggravate the complaint, and render the cure much more difficult when proper means are resorted to. Rhus will generally be the most appropriate remedy with which to commence the treatment, and under its action the disease will often undergo a favorable change. TREATMENT OF INFANTS. 375 Sulphur may follow Rhus, should the eruption become dry and begin to exfoliate. Staphisagria, should it become moist and offensive, at- tended with violent itching, to be followed by Rhus again. Arsenicum must be given, if, notwithstanding the ad- ministration of the above remedies, the disease becomes w T orse, with corrosive discharge, or formation of ulcers; after the action of which Rhus will frequently produce a salutary effect. Should the foregoing remedies be insufficient to effect a cure, it will be requisite to resort to the use of Hepar, especially when the disease extends to the fore- head, face and neck, or when the eyes and eyelids become red and inflamed; or Bryonia, when the glands of the neck and throat be- come swollen, red and painful, or if they are swollen and hard without being painful, Dulcamara. Antimonium crudum, will frequently have a salutary effect, especially when a thick scab is formed on the head, and the eruption extends over the entire face, with itch- ing of the whole body. In protracted cases of the disease, Calcarea carb., Lyco- podium, and Sulphur will often prove serviceable. Until the disorder is removed, the strictest attention should be given to cleanliness; the head should be gently sponged with tepid water twice a day, the hair kept closely trimmed, and the homoeopathic rules of diet closely adhered to. SPASMS OR CONVULSIONS. When a child is attacked with convulsions, and no physician is at hand, the lower extremities up to the knees may be immersed in water, as hot as it can be borne, for the space of five or ten minutes, or until the fit appears partially subdued ; after which the child should be wiped perfectly dry, and placed in a warm wrapper; if the first immersion is followed by no relief, or a second attack speedily follows, it should be repeated, at the same time cold water may be applied to the head of the child ; this course, several times repeated, has often been found to restore children. 376 TREATMENT OF INFANTS. When some irritating substance in the stomach or intestines, or consti- pation is the probable cause, an injection of warm water, or molasses and water, should be given as soon as possible. In the absence of the proper homoeopathic medicines, relief may sometimes be obtained by smelling camphor. The chief reliance, however, for the cure of the disease, is in the administration of one or more of the following medicines, carefully selected according to the symptoms and cause, as nearly as possible. The most favorable time for giving the medicine is just as the fit is going oft* unless it continue a long time, or the fits follow each other in quick succes- sion, in which case the medicine must be given immediately, without wait- ing for the fit to terminate. Chamomilla is indicated, if there is convulsive jerking of the limbs, twitching of the muscles of the face and eye- lids, with constant motion of the head from side to side, followed by drowsiness, with the eyes half closed, and loss of consciousness ; redness of one cheek and paleness ol the other, constant moaning, and craving for drink. Belladonna, when the child starts suddenly when asleep, or stares about wildly ; the pupils are much dilated ; stiff- ness of one or more of the limbs or of the whole body ; dryness and burning heat of the forehead and palms of the hands; involuntary discharge of urine after the return of consciousness; the slightest touch sometimes provokes a new fit. The fits are sometimes preceded by smiles and laughter. Ignatia is the chief remedy in the convulsions of chil- dren, especially when the cause is unknown, and the fol- lowing symptoms are presented ; sudden and violent start- ing from a light sleep with loud screaming, and trembling of the whole body; when the muscles of single limbs are convulsed or there is an occasional spasm of a single mus- cle here and there in different parts of the body; when the fits return every day at the same hour, or every other day about the same time, and are followed by fever and perspiration. Coffea is frequently serviceable in weak and nervous children who are subject to convulsions without any ap- parent cause, other than weakness. TREATMENT OF INFANTS. 377 Ipecacuanha, in asthmatic children, when the fits are accompanied by nausea, retching and vomiting or diar- rhoea, and the attack is preceded, attended, or followed by stretching of the limbs. Cina is useful in delicate children who are troubled with worms or in the habit of wetting the bed ; spasms of the chest followed by rigidity of the limbs, or of the whole body; and itching at the nose and anus. Mercurius, for spasms caused by worms, with distension and hardness of the abdomen ; tossing and stiffness of the limbs; eructation, salivation, fever and moist skin, and great weakness after the paroxysms. This remedy may precede or follow Cina advantageously. Opium is particularly suitable in convulsions caused by fright, and attended by much trembling over the whole body, tossing of the limbs, and loud screaming during the fits ; also when the child lies unconscious as if stunned, or breathes heavily and with difficulty ; distension of the ab- domen and suppression of the evacuations. Hyoscyamus, in convulsions caused by sudden fright; with twitching of the muscles of the face and foaming at the mouth. Rheum, if accompanied by twitching and jerking in the thighs and groins. Stramonium, in sudden convulsions from fright, or when occurring in fevers or from repelled eruptions, with toss- ing of the limbs and involuntary evacuations of faeces and urine. Sulphur is especially serviceable in convulsions arising from repelled chronic eruptions. TEETHING. DENTITION. The period of dentition in children is generally attended with more or less derangement of health; greater restlessness than usual, especially at night ; flushes of heat and alternate paleness of the face ; the gums become swollen and hot ; difficulty in sucking ; the child frequently takes hold of 378 TREATMENT OF INFANTS. the nipple, bites and lets go again ; disposition to bite at everything ; con- stant drooling and looseness of the bowels. The two latter symptoms may be looked upon as salutary, by preventing congestion of the brain or lungs, to which all children are more or less disposed at this time. The first set of teeth are twenty in number/and generally make their ap- pearance in the following order: the two middle lower teeth first, and when the child is about six months old ; next the two middle incisors of the up- per jaw in three or four weeks after the first; soon after these the two lower lateral incisors below, which are followed speedily by the two lateral incisors above. In about two months or in the 12th or 14th month after these first four jaw teeth appear, two below and two above ; shortly after these the eye teeth are cut ; and finally, at the age of two or two and a half years, the four back jaw teeth, two above and two below, completing the set. There is, however, considerable variation from the above regular order and time of teething ; some children get their first teeth two or three weeks after birth or indeed are born with them, while others again do not get any teeth until they are a year or more old. In healthy children when due attention has been paid to exercise, diet, etc., the period of dentition will generally be passed with comparatively little suffering. The mother or nurse during the whole period of dentition should pay particular attention to her way of living, and avoid everything indigestible or stimulating in its nature. She should especially abstain from the use of spirituous and malt liquors, which from their irritating properties are particularly injurious, and are one of the most frequent causes of the suffer- ings of children at this period. Lancing the gums, though seldom necessary, may be resorted to in weak, sickly children. The best instrument for this purpose is a gum lancet, the blade of which should be placed over the tooth, and an incision made through the gum to the tooth. In the absence of a proper lancet a pen- knife will answer the same end. It ought, however, never be done until you can see or feel the tooth through the gum. Aconitum, when there is fever with much restlessness, sleeplessness and pain, as evinced by the child's crying and starting. Belladonna, in convulsions caused by teething ; the con- vulsion is followed by sound sleep, which continues for a long time, or until another fit comes on. The child starts suddenly from its sleep as if frightened, and looks around as if terrified, with an altered expression of countenance; the pupils of the eyes are enlarged, and the eyes fixed ; the whole body becomes stiff; with burning heat in the palms of the hands and in the temples. TREATMENT OF INFANTS. 379 Calcarea carbonica, when the teething is too slow in chil- dren of light complexion, and who are inclined to be fat. Chamomilla is particularly adapted to the various dis- eases of children during the period of dentition, and espe- cially when a child is very uneasy at night; tosses about; wants to drink often; has spasmodic jerks and twitches of the limbs during sleep ; starts at the slightest noise ; gen- eral heat; redness of one cheek and of the eyes; moaning; groaning; agitation; short, quick, noisy respiration and oppression of the chest; hacking cough; mouth dry and hot; diarrhoea, with watery, slimy and greenish evacua- tions, worse at night. Oina may be given to children who wet the bed at night, and grind their teeth during sleep and at other times; have hardness and distention of the abdomen; rub the nose, and have a dry cough, resembling whooping-cough. Coffea, when the child is very excitable ; does not sleep ; is sometimes fretful and at other times too lively, with some fever. Ignatia, when there are convulsive jerkings of single limbs; frequent flushes of heat, sometimes followed by perspiration; the child rouses from a light sleep with piercing cries and trembles all over. Ipecacuanha is very useful in nausea and vomiting with diarrhoea ; the stools are mixed, of different colors. Mercurius is applicable in cases of copious drivelling, redness of the gums, and green evacuations from the bowels, with straining. Sulphur may be given when the stools are whitish or hot and sour ; and excoriate the parts. SUMMER COMPLAINT. This disease, so common, and so often fatal, is most prevalent during the summer, and usually commences with nausea and vomiting, followed by diarrhoea. The matters ejected consist at first of food and afterwards of mucus ; or there may be mere retching and fruitless efforts to vomit. The 380 TREATMENT OF INFANTS. evacuations from the bowels are very frequent and may assume various ap- pearances, sometimes they are greenish, thin and watery, or yellowish, at others whitish or slimy and mixed with blood. Often the food is passed undigested, and the odor is occasionally very offensive. If the disease continues for any length of time the child loses its appe- tite, the flesh becomes soft, and the emaciation frequently so great that the skin hangs in folds about the person, fever with evening aggravation sets in, the eyes are sunken and but half closed during sleep. The thirst for cold water is usually very great, and drinks of all kinds are immedi- ately rejected by the stomach. The head and abdomen are hot and the latter generally distended, while the feet and hands are cold. The most common exciting causes are, improper diet, either on the part of the mother or child, great changes of temperature, improper clothing, want of fresh air, and teething. The latter is probably the most frequent cause, as children are more liable to this disease during their second summer. At the season in which children are most subject to cholera infantum strict attention should be given to diet, exercise and clothing, both by mother and child. In regard to the diet, everything stimulating, such as vinous and fermented drinks, acids, all highly seasoned food, and most vegetables, should be dispensed with. And in general, the homoeopathic regimen as recommended in the beginning of this work, should be closely adhered to. The clothing should be adapted to the season, and changed to suit the changes of temperature, care being taken not to clothe the child too warmly. The rooms should be kept cool and well aired, and the chil- dren frequently taken out into the open air. Children living in large cities will be much benefited by a ride out into the country, or on the water by steamboat. Cool, fresh air, and daily bathing in cold water, cannot be too much re- commended. Antimonium crudum, when the tongue is coated white or yellow ; dryness of the mouth, with thirst ; nausea with vomiting, or retching and cough ; distension of the abdo- men with flatulency ; offensive, slimy stools ; and frequent passages of water. Arsenicum, if the child is very weak, pale and emaci- ated ; inflation of the abdomen ; cold extremities ; loss of appetite; nausea and vomiting; intense thirst; yellow and watery, white or brownish offensive diarrhoea, which is worse after midnight, towards morning, and after eat- ing or drinking. TKEATMENT OF INFANTS. 381 Bryonia, when the diarrhoea comes on in hot weather, and is accompanied by much thirst ; vomiting of food ; nausea and vomiting after eating ; diarrhoea with colic ; the stools have a putrid smell, are white or brownish and lumpy. Carbo vegetabilis ; if Bryonia affords but temporary re- lief give Carbo vegetabilis, especially if the evacuations are very thin and offensive; and are attended with burning and much pain. Dulcamara, if the complaint returns every time the weather gets cool, or takes place after drinking cold water while in a heat; violent thirst for cold water; diarrhoea of a greenish or brownish mucus, worse at night. Ipecacuanha, if given in the commencement of the dis- ease will often arrest its progress at once. The symptoms which indicate this remedy are chiefly nausea and vomit- ing of food and drink, or of mucus and bile, attended with diarrhoea of fermented stools with white flocculent particles or tinged with blood ; coated tongue ; dislike to all food ; and extreme thirst. Mercurius, when the diarrhoea is worse before midnight and is attended with colic, straining at stool, and perspi- ration; evacuations scanty, greenish, sour, and attended with nausea and eructations ; if the children have a great desire for butter. Calcarea, for diarrhoea, with thin, light colored stools, smelling like bad eggs ; vomiting ; much sweat on head ; belly enlarged. Cinchona when the diarrhoea occurs after every meal, the stools are very fetid and contain undigested portions of the food, and there is much wind in the bowels. Nux vomica, if Ipecacuanha should not be efficacious in arresting the disease at the outset. Veratrum, when the weakness from the nausea and vom- iting is so great as almost to cause fainting; great ex- haustion, vomiting, and diarrhoea; vomiting after swal- 382 TREATMENT OF INFANTS. lowing the least liquid; the slightest movement excites vomiting; great thirst for cold water; sensitiveness over the pit of the stomach; colic, with burning and cutting pains in the abdomen ; loose, brownish, and blackish stools ; and small unnoticed evacuations of liquid faeces. Sulphur will be valuable in protracted cases, especially when the evacuations from the bowels are frequent and greenish, thin and watery, or whitish and slimy. RUPTURE OF THE NAVEL UMBILICAL HERNIA. This affection sometimes occurs in young children, and may be known by the unnatural protrusion of the navel. It is not often painful unless it becomes large ; when discovered to exist, a piece of pasteboard, cork, sheet- lead or other hard substance, should be covered with linen, placed over the navel and secured there by a broad bandage. This, by being constantly worn, will generally remove it. The rupture at the groin is quite common. Nux vomica is the best medi- cine to be given. A properly adjusted bandage or truss is however of the utmost importance. DISCHARGE FROM THE EARS. " Gathering in the ear " is very common in young children. It is generally preceded by violent pains, giving rise to screaming, roll- ing and tossing of the head, sudden starting out of sleep and more or less fever. As soon as the "gathering" breaks and matter is discharged, the pain ceases. The discharge is often profuse and difficult to cure. The matter is generally yellow, but occasionally it becomes greenish or dark colored, and extremely offensive. Belladonna, Mercurius, Chamomilla and Pulsatilla, are the best remedies for the pain. Mercurius, Pulsatilla, Calcarea carbonica, Phus and Sulphur, for the dis- charge. The ear should be frequently syringed. See " Affections of the Ears." HEAT SPOTS. "PRICKLY HEAT." Infants and young children are frequently troubled with an eruption consisting of small vesicles, generally about the size of a pin's head; they are red and inflamed at the base, and filled with watery fluid. After TREATMENT OF INFANTS. o5d breaking, they sometimes form into thin scabs, and occasionally are dis- posed to ulcerate. There is usually more or less fever accompanying the eruption, which is often very annoying to children, on account of the itch- ing and burning with which it is attended. The heat of summer is the time at which this eruption is most preva- lent; its development is also favored by warm rooms and an excess of cloth- ing. The disorder will generally be removed by frequent bathing and proper attention to ventilation and dress. When attended by much fever and restlessness, a few doses of Aconitum or Chamomilla will afford relief. Rhus may be given if the eruption is ex- tensive, and Arsenicum or Sulphur, if Rhus should be insufficient. Sulphur given at long intervals, will correct the tendency to this complaint. WHITES OR LEUCORRHCEA OF CHILDREN. Little girls are sometimes subject to a discharge of whitish mucus from the vagina, like the leucorrhoea of adults. It may be the result of inat- tention to cleanliness, or proceed from some constitutional or other cause. Frequent bathing with luke-warm water will generally cause its removal in a short time ; or, if this should fail, the internal administration of Cal- carea carb., followed if necessary by Pulsatilla, will effect a cure. WEANING. The most suitable time to wean children is generally when they are at about the age often months; by this time the teeth are usually sufficiently developed to chew more solid food, and the mother's milk may be dispensed with. If the mother is delicate, the supply of milk begins to diminish in quan- tity and deteriorates in quality, or the menstrual flow reappears, the child should be weaned at an earlier period. On the other hand, the child should not be weaned while it is suffering much from the irritation of teething, or any other infantile disease, unless the health of the mother renders it absolutely necessary. As the teeth begin to appear, the child should gradually be accustomed to other food than the mother's milk, so that, when the period for wean- ing arrives, its digestive organs will be fully prepared for the change of diet. The most suitable seasons of the year for weaning, are the spring and autumn. After weaning, the child's diet should consist of simple, but nourishing food, such as bread and milk, arrow root, farina, boiled rusks, etc., and the transition to a more substantial fare should be extremely gradual. (See also page 62.) 384 TREATMENT OF INFANTS. The mother, also, after the child is taken from the breast, should be par- ticularly careful in her diet, and until the secretion of milk has ceased, live as low as possible. If the breasts become much distended and painful, they should be bathed with hot lard, and wrapped in raw cotton. It will also be necessary to have them drawn occasionally. At the same time the internal administration of Pulsatilla will aid materially in stopping the se- cretion. LIMPING. LAMENESS. This symptom should always be regarded with anxiety, as it may be due to beginning hip-joint disease or knee-joint trouble. A physician should always be consulted if a limp persists over a few days, since even the serious diseases mentioned above are usually curable if treated in the earliest stages. STUTTERING. The best time to cure stuttering is in the very beginning. Let the child, several times every day for a little while, breathe slowly and clap its hands during each slow expiration ; afterwards, let the child pronounce a few words during expiration, but not during inspiration. Sometimes it is cured by a few doses of Belladonna, and afterwards Mercurius; or Platina, Euphrasia, or later, Sulphur. SQUINTING. See " Diseases of the Eyes." WETTING THE BED. Some physicians of the old school, because they cannot cure this com- plaint, have spread the notion that it is nothing but a bad habit, and that therefore the proper way of curing this bad habit is punishing, or even whipping the children. This is the way to bring up dogs, not children. Wetting the bed is caused in almost all cases by disease, which can be re- moved by the remedies stated below. In the first place the children must not eat any food which causes an in- crease in the quantity of urine, such as asparagus, celery, cucumbers, water- melons, etc. ; all sharp, salty and sour things, malt liquors ; also tea, coffee and chocolate. In the morning they may take water and milk, or cocoa, but none of these articles at night; they may drink as much water as they like, it will diminish the acidity of the urine. To eat considerable -butter at night is often beneficial. Do not let the children go to bed immediately TREATMENT OF INFANTS. 385 after supper ; take them up about one or two hours afterwards, carry thein to where they are in the habit of urinating, and they will soon do so vol- untarily. Older children are much benefited by gymnastic exercises, which make the will stronger, and teach them to pay prompt attention. It is often sufficient to get the children accustomed to hold their water longer, but this must be done carefully, for holding the urine too long is dan- gerous. It is best done while taking a walk, particularly in cold weather. Give older boys a glass to measure their urine in the morning, teach them to overcome the first desire to urinate, and to wait till it returns with pain; let them take notice of time and quantity. The children are often found lying on their back, and this has been stated to be the cause of the complaint, and it has been foolishly proposed to fasten something on their back. No healthy person sleeps on his back, unless he is very much fatigued, and then only for a while. All healthy children sleep lying on the side. If, therefore, the children sleep upon the back, they will be benefited by Pulsatilla, Rhus, Ferrum, Sulphur, Oalcarea; or sometimes Bryonia, Cin- chona, Nux vomica, or Tgnatia. If they do not sleep on the back, Bella- donna, Mercurius, Silicea, Cina or Causticum. Pulsatilla. Tender, gentle children, inclined to weep, who easily turn pale or red; particularly if they have dark hair and eyes, and if fat food does not agree with them ; if the urine is offensive ; if little girls have the whites, staining the linen; if they put the hands upon the abdomen, or both arms above the head. If they sleep lying upon the belly, compare Calcarea, Colocynthis and Belladonna. In similar cases, or to children who become easily angry or obstinate, and particularly if they put the arms above or under the head, give Nwx vomica. Rhus, in similar cases, if the children have light hair and blue eyes; if the urine is acrid, and passes too quickly even during the day, or runs out drop by drop. (Compare Belladonna) Especially if gymnastic exercises do not agree with them, but they become worse or take cold. If Rhus should not be sufficient, give Bryonia, particularly if the children are very peevish. Ferrum for pale, thin, chilly children, whose hands and feet become easily cold ; who are sleepy the whole day, or at least early at night, dream much, and do not like to 25 38G TREATMENT OF INFANTS. get up in the morning ; who have a constant catarrh in the head or running of the nose ; weak eyes, which in the open air are always full of tears ; who have, every time they take cold, either diarrhoea or cough. If Ferrum is not sufficient, and if the child easily turns red in the face, puts the arms over the head and is restless at night, give Cinchona. Sulphur for pale and, more particularly, thin children with large bellies, and who are constantly unwell, who do not like to be washed, are afraid of being bathed or cry when bathed ; who are fond of sharp victuals or cannot get enough sugar. Sulphur is the chief remedy, if you cannot come to a determination as to the proper remedy. Calcarea, for stout, fat, puffed-up children with red faces, who drink much and perspire easily; especially if they scratch their heads when awaking at night ; if in the night they pass water more than once ; also if they have during the day a very frequent desire to urinate, passing but little at a time. It is suitable for children with large bellies, if Sulphur is not sufficient ; also if they sleep lying on the belly or put the arms over the head. Belladonna if the children do not sleep on the back, or do so but seldom ; for self-willed, lively children, who cry easily, who sleep with the arms over the head or with the head bent backwards, or lie upon the belly ; particularly if the urine passes involuntarily also during the day, es- pecially when standing ; or if the water passes often and in great quantities, and is pale and watery ; if they easily perspire, and take cold readily. Mercurius for similar, also easily-perspiring children, who sometimes become suddenly weak, who have great desire for butter ; if the urine is hot and acrid and smells sour. Silicea for children with light hair and blue eyes, par- ticularly if they often have a swelled neck or boils, or if the ends of the fingers about the nails ulcerate ; if wounds heal slowly ; if the complaint came on after vaccination. TREATMENT OF INFANTS. 387 Cina if they bend the head backwards when asleep, if during sleep they look up dreaming and are afraid ; and if the nose itches. . . Causticum is an important remedy (for grown persons too), particularly for children with black hair and eyes, if they wet the bed in the first sleep ; the urine is acrid ; they pass water frequently by day and by night; the urine also passes while coughing, sneezing, walking, etc. For children who can evacuate the bladder and stool only when standing, but not when sitting. Arsenicum is sometimes suitable when the urine is hot and of a putrid smell ; if the children put the arms over the head and lie upon the back. Hepar if the urine is hot and acrid, and the head is bent backwards during sleep. Carbo vegetabilis, if the urine is offensive. Dulcamara, urine offensive, and if wetting the bed has remained after some painful disease of the bladder. Colocynthis, urine sticky, the children put the arms under or above the head, and turn over upon the belly. If these medicines should not be sufficient, consult a homoeopathic physician. There are sometimes other com- plaints which have to be taken into consideration, and other remedies. VACCINATION. In the former editions of this work I avoided speaking of vaccination. Hahnemann and many of his followers adduce vaccination as a proof of the homoeopathic law of cure. A similar disease taken from the udder of the cow prevents the similar small-pox in man. I had different views about the similarity of the symptoms, and believed that it always was an action in the opposite direction of the medicines ( Gegenwirkende in der Arznei) that effected a 388 TREATMENT OF INFANTS. cure, but that the similarity of the symptoms pointed out the best and surest antidote to the disease (Gegenmiitel). Just as one motion can only be arrested or annulled by another exactly similar one, but in the opposite direction, as we see in the motion of waves, sound, light, just so, I thought, it must be with the motions of life (Lebensbewe- gwigen). But vaccination was always a poisoning, even if it terminated favorably. When I therefore raised my voice against vaccination in a letter to Dr. Stapf, June 18th, 1830, printed in his " Archiv," vol. 10, part 2, p. 28, I did not do this until I was able to propose a plan to find a really sure antidote to small-pox. Which proposal, however, unheard-of and strange it might have seemed to be, was nevertheless based upon so correct reasoning, that later experience has always confirmed it. But still, some cases were not cured by this remedy. During the last twenty years the following three facts have been clearly established : 1. Vaccination protects less and less every year, for although small-pox is called by another name, it is still the same. 2. Vaccination is followed by complaints, which are either sudden and dangerous, or long-lasting and difficult to cure, and which from year to year become more frequent. 3. We learn from year to year a more certain and better way of curing small-pox patients homceopathically. As long as it must be admitted, notwithstanding fact Xo. 1, that vaccination, if done in the right way, protects in a great many cases and lessens the mortality in a great measure ; as long, or in spite of fact No. 2, a great many children do not get seriously ill after vaccination, and as long as, notwithstanding fact No. 3, some children may yet die of small-pox — so long is an absolute decision impossi- ble, either in favor of or against vaccination. Until, there- fore, the homoeopathic treatment of small-pox shall have been perfected to such a degree that all cases can be cured TREATMENT OF INFANTS. 389 with perfect certainty, vaccination is to be allowed, choos- ing the lesser of two evils and preferring the more certain remedy; but it must be done under certain strict condi- tions, and so as to cause the least danger and the greatest protection to the children. Vaccination should always be done from the arm of a healthy child, whose parents, particularly the mother, are perfectly healthy.* As was at first invariably the case, the lymph must be taken on the sixth, seventh or eighth day after vaccination, from a perfectly developed vesicle, as long as the lymph is yet clear as water, not turbid or purulent. Puncture the vesicle on the side with a needle or lan- cet, just between the sunken point and the areola, the red border. As the interior of each vesicle consists of several small cells, a little drop only comes out. This little drop should be at once inserted into a small, oblique cut in the arm of the children. Deep cuts are senseless, and -it is not true that they insure a better protection. The number of cuts are of no essential importance; one protects as well as ten. The more cuts are made, the more sick the child will become. Therefore, the younger and weaker a child is, the fewer cuts should be made. The best time for vaccination is, if the children are otherwise healthy, from the third to the twelfth month, at a time when they are not cutting teeth. If it has to be done at such a time, make only one cut. In cases of necessity, the lymph may be put into small glass tubes, and so preserved and transported; but in many cases the lymph thus preserved will fail. • Never use the lymph after the ninth day, when it has become thick, turbid or purulent. Still less should the dried-up pus, the scab, be used, which is the worst and * At this later date of revision it is so easy to procure the bovine virus that preference should be given the lymph derived from the heifer, when- ever this is possible. That on quills or on ivory slips is the most conve- nient to use. 390 TREATMENT OP INFANTS. most dangerous of them all. The physician, who fifty or sixty years ago, introduced vaccination, cautioned against such vaccination; all vaccinations during the first twenty or thirty years were invariably made with clear lymph. It cannot be denied, that vaccination with the scab causes pustules, but it is not the less true, that it causes many diseases difficult to cure, or that it does not protect well; the pustule, after vaccination with the scab, does not run the regular course ; it is sometimes too fast, and sometimes too slow. Whether dangerous consequences after vaccination with the scab follow or not, is quite ac- cidental; we cannot guard against them, because it de- pends altogether on the circumstance whether the part of the scab used was putrefied or not. All animal substances, which are in the least putrefied, are dangerous when taken internally, but much more so when introduced into the skin, and through it into the blood. We have no means of knowing whether we have taken putrefied matter or not; it makes no great difference which part of the scab we take, the middle may as well contain putrefied pus as any other part. As the compensation of the physician, for vaccinating is so poor, in some cases it is even included in the scant fee for treatment during confinement, the bad habit of vaccinating with the scab, as the more easy and conve- nient way, has become so common, that most people do not know of any other method. Nay, there is spread the most reprehensible and erroneous opinion, that the punc- turing of the pustule (to obtain the lymph), which, of course, the child does not feel, is dangerous, and lessens the protection; a most senseless and base notion, as every thinking physician admits. Every physician knows that in the beginning vaccination was without any exception done from arm to arm, and that in man}^ countries it is to this day against the law to do it in any other way; and that in those times and countries the protection against TREATMENT OF INFANTS. 391 small-pox was and is infinitely greater than for instance, in the United States. This would be impossible, if punc- turing the pustule had the least influence upon the chil- dren. Why have we small-pox epidemics here again and again, which frighten the whole population of the larger cities? Only because vaccination with the scab gives a quite uncertain protection. And why is it so generally feared here that children will get sick after vac- cination? Because every one knows that many children do get sick after vaccination. This is only the case when children are inoculated with the dried-up, half-putrefied matter, and not with the lymph from arm to arm. Even in countries where they scarcely know the word " civiliza- tion," nor the meaning of expressions like "great pros- perity, greatest good for the greatest number," even there it has never happened that parents made the slightest objection to other children being vaccinated from the arm of their own, successfully vaccinated, children. This new species of disgusting inhumanity was born here, as one of the many evils following vaccination with scabs. Everywhere, among people of sense, it is considered an honor to a family to have a child which is selected to vaccinate other children from. Now, as from ten to twelve children can be vaccinated from one child without doing it the remotest injury, and as there will be among them at least one healthy child to vaccinate from again, — there can never be any more want of good lymph, if not caused by the most stupid egotism. In many large cities there is the most miserable and perverted regulation of paying from the public funds to young ph} T sicians a certain sum for each child vaccinated, without requiring any proof, whether, how, and with what success it has been done. This money could be spent for a much better purpose, if the poor were invited to take their children to a certain place to be vaccinated, and if they did, to return after six or eight days to have 392 ERUPTIVE FEVERS. the children examined ; and if a certain sum of money were paid to the parents of each perfectly healthy child, from which others could be vaccinated, each physician might take a healthy child to others which have to be vaccinated. * Hahnemann has proposed to give to every vaccinated child a dose of Sulphur as soon as the pustule is formed, and if an eruption breaks out on any part of the body when the pustule is drying up, another dose. To give Aconitum for the fever after vaccination is in- jurious, as shown in many cases. The best remedy, confirmed by hundreds of cases, for bad consequences of vaccination, is Silicea. It is service- able for eruptions, swelled glands under the arm, or boils on the head; for very reel, inflamed and suppurating swelling of the arm, extending sometimes to the shoulder- joint, which brings the child into great danger; also for long-lasting complaints: hectic fever, with cough, night- sweats, tetters in different places, red pimples on the face, and particularly on the neck, and even for convulsions, which follow^ one or two weeks after vaccination: also for " water in the head," which has come on rapidly after the drying of the pustule. CHAPTER XIII. ERUPTIVE FEVERS, "When an eruption is accompanied by fever, the patient must be careful not to take cold, but at the same time lie should not keep hiinself too warm ; either may prove injurious. When there is no fever attending the rash, the complaint is not of a serious nature, yet cold should be guarded against ; if the patient takes cold, notwithstanding, resort should be immediately had to medicine. All cases of eruption attended with fever, which has been suppressed, ERUPTIVE FEVERS. 393 require the same remedies which are prescribed for the eruption itself; if not clearly characterized, give Ipecacuanha, followed by Bryonia, C..prum, then Sulphur, then Calcarea in very severe cases. A homoeopathic physician will know at once which of these to choose ; those who do not know which to choose may try one after the other at intervals of about an hour. When an eruptive disease is prevalent in the neighborhood, cr is even in the house, and several individuals are taken ill at the same time without a corresponding eruption, but with a feeling of contraction about the chest, difficulty of breathing, frequent giddiness, trembling, faintness, sickness at the stomach, vomiting, griping, diarrhoea, great uneasiness, fainting and other symptoms, give Ipecacuanha to bring out the eruption, or prevent the disease altogether. MEASLES. Measles are usually preceded by catarrhal symptoms, such as profuse watery flow from the eyes and nose; short, dry and distressing cough; the eyes have a peculiar watery appearance, and become more or less inflamed. The fever at times becomes very high; nausea and vomiting often set in, and there is pain in the pit of the stomach on pressure. The eyes are more sensitive to light ; the cough more violent and accompanied by hoarseness and difficulty of breathing, and a ieeling of tightness across the chest. In from two to five days the eruption appears as small red spots, of an irregular shape, the size of a lentil and slightly raised above the surface. The eruption makes its appearance in the throat about twenty-four hours before it is seen externally on the skin ; here it is usually first seen about the head, near the borders of the hair, and on the temples; then on the forehead, face and neck, from whence it spreads to the trunk and limbs. If you press your finger upon a single spot, the redness will disappear, but after taking off the finger, the redness will return, first in the middle and thence spread to the margin; in other similar diseases, the redness re- turns in the reverse order, first on the margin and then in the middle. The red spots generally run together in patches ; in about five days from its first appearance it begins to die away, and gradually disappears in the same order as it advanced. The cuticle (thin skin) sometimes comes off in small bran-like scales, and the cough and other catarrhal symptoms yield. Aconitum, the chief medicine in this complaint, is espe- cially indicated when the fever is violent, with hot, dry skin; heat in the head; giddiness; redness of the eyes and dread of light, and great weakness. Pulsatilla, when the catarrhal symptoms predominate, — 394 ERUPTIVE FEVERS. when the eruption is tardy in coming out; if it fails to produce an abatement, Sulphur should be given, and afterwards Aconitum again. Belladonna, when the throat becomes sore, attended with thirst, difficulty of swallowing, shooting and prick- ing pains in the throat; and also when there is dry, bark- ing or spasmodic cough, worse at night, with rattling of mucus; likewise in those cases where the eruption does not appear, but there is headache and great inflammation of the eyes; congestion towards the head. EupJirasia, when the catarrhal symptoms, cough and inflammation of the eyes, with great watering, are very prominent. Ipecacuanha is most serviceable in arresting the vomit- ing ; also when there is oppression of the chest. Bryonia, when the eruption is imperfectly developed, or when there is congestion to the chest, with shooting pains or stitches, increased by taking a deep inspiration ; and violent dry cough. Sulphur in cases of congestion or inflammation of the lungs. Arsenicum will be required if the sickness or vomiting and oppression of the chest re- main after the use of Ipecacuanha. In the severe cases, with typhoid symptoms, Arsenicum, Bryonia, Phosphorus and Rhus will be useful. Measles frequently leave behind diseases more dangerous than them- selves ; consequently great care is required in the after treatment. In scrofulous children, troublesome swelling and inflammation of the glands, especially those of the neck, are apt to occur; or the eyes may be affected with diseases, difficult to cure, and the foundation be laid for con- sumption of the lungs. A form of disease known as German measles has been somewhat preva- lent in this country during the past few years. The affection is not serious, and requires according to the symptoms the same remedies as the true measles. It is to be distinguished from measles by the appearance of the eruption, which is frequently somewhat similar to that occurring in scarlet fever. The absence too of bronchitis is notable, and the mildness of the entire attack is conspicuous. From scarlet fever an attack of German measles is recognized by the ERUPTIVE FEVERS. 395 slight degree of fever and particularly by the presence of catarrhal symp- toms, which are absent in the former disease. For the cough which frequently remains after measles, Bryonia, Sulphur, Causticum, Hyoscyamus, Drosera, and other remedies, recommended under " Cough," are service- able. Swelling of the glands in the neck requires Arnica, Dulcamara or Mercurius. Burning and itching of the skin, Nux vomica, Sulphur and Arsenicum. Tenderness of the skin, Mercurius. When measles are prevailing as an epidemic, the ad- ministration of Pulsatilla, every two or three days, on the first appearance of catarrhal symptoms, should the dis- ease be taken, may render it milder. SCARLET FEVER, SCARLATINA. In scarlet fever the skin is of a bright red or yellowish-red color, or like that of a boiled lobster, though it may be of a dusky red or purplish color. The eruption fades in a few days and in about a week the skin begins to peel off. The disease often commences with nausea and vomiting ; slight chills or creepings, followed by great heat of skin and thirst, and occasionally head- ache, and more or less stupor or delirium. The eruption appears at first most on parts that are covered and later on other parts. The fauces are also of a red color ; the tongue is generally covered with a white coating, with enlarged red points. The throat is usually considerably affected, these symptoms being often severe from the commencement. The tonsils may be swollen ; the whole throat become covered with grey, yellowish, or white membrane; or it assumes a dark hue. The breath becomes offensive. The fauces have sometimes a dark red appearance, without much swell- ing; and ulceration or gangrene with extensive sloughing may speedily take place. Sometimes an acrid discharge takes place from the nose, the eyes or ears ; the glands about the jaws and of the neck become inflamed and swollen. Scarlet fever sometimes occurs without any eruption on the skin; but in- stead, the mouth and fauces become affected. Catarrhal inflammation of the kidneys, commonly known as acute Bright's Disease, is a sequel of scarlatina which is somewhat common ; as a conse- quence of this, dropsy occurs and the results are most serious unless proper 396 ERUPTIVE FEVERS. treatment is observed. Another very common result is inflammation of the middle ear, known as "gathering in the head." Discharge of matter soon occurs and much destruction of the hearing apparatus may take place. Deafness frequently follows and in young children it is a not uncommon cause of deaf-mutism. Aconitum may be administered in the very beginning, before the eruption makes its appearance, when the fever is high, pulse rapid, head hot, hands and feet cold, twitch- ing of the fingers, and tossing about. Belladonna, in the simple forms of scarlet fever when the eruption is bright red ; it should also be given as soon as the throat and tongue become affected with dryness and burning, and there is excessive thirst, but inability to swallow; bright red appearance of the throat and tongue; swelling of the tonsils and stiffness of the jaws and neck, and delirium. Mercurius after Belladonna, when the latter has failed to produce a favorable change, and there is ulceration of the tonsils, with increase of mucus, and swelling of the tongue, throat and tonsils. Bryonia, when the eruption does not come out well. Rhus tox. If Belladonna has been given without effect and there is delirious talking, with dry tongue and pick- ing at the lips. Pulsatilla for great restlessness, jerking of the limbs, pains in hands and feet and sleeplessness. Lachesis, the children are very cross; the eruption is dark in color and scanty, and diphtheritic membrane in- vades the throat. Should Lachesis not be efficient in stop- ping the progress of the disease, Lycopodium may be given. Arsenicum, when the ulcers of the throat turn livid about the edges, and emit an offensive odor; great thirst, restlessness and extreme prostration of strength, eruption pale and scanty. In the malignant form, Arsenicum,, Lycopodium and Phosphoric acid will be found of most service. ERUPTIVE FEVERS. 397 It has been recommended to rub the patient two or three times a day all over with bacon or sweet oil ; the children like this rubbing very much, as soon as they know how good it feels. The diseases which follow scarlet fever are often worse than the original sickness. If the child's neck commen- ces to swell, give Rhus. If the glands on both sides of the neck swell, and Rhus does no good, give Arsenicum; if the glands break, and discharge thin, offensive matter, Calcarea. These cases should always be treated by a homoeopathic physician. It is of the utmost importance to guard the children against taking cold, and to be very careful in regard to their diet. As long as the small particles of the skin come off, the children must not go into the open air. At this time it is most contagious. No child having had scarlet fever should be permitted to go with other child- ren under four or five weeks, as the danger of contagion is usually not over until this period has elapsed. The children may be daily washed with bran-water, wear flannel undershirts, and take exercise in the room. They may eat plenty of fruit, particularly apples, but nothing fat. The clothing worn during the sickness must be thoroughly disinfected by means of baking or boiling, the room well cleaned and disinfected, best by burning sulphur in it, and the playthings and books used by the child destroyed or exposed to heat for a long time. The germs of the disease are not easily destroyed, and retain their vitality for weeks or months. If they should catch cold, and dropsy occur, give Ar- senicum or Bryonia; later, sometimes, Belladonna or Cal- carea. If their skin feels cool, Carbo vegetabilis. If they complain of heat, and cannot bear the warm room, and particularly if small blackish particles are deposited by their urine, or if the urine coagulates when heated, like white of eggs, give Apis. 398 ERUPTIVE FEVERS. Belladonna may be given as a preventive against scarlet fever when it is prevailing as an epidemic; and also in modifying the disease. A dose of the medicine may be taken every day. SCARLET RASH. Is the name commonly given to the lighter forms of scarlet fever. The treatment need not differ from that already given, nor must fewer precau- tion, be taken to prevent the disease being contracted by others. CHICKEN-POX. This disease is similar to, though bearing no relationship with, small- pox. The eruption is preceded for a day by a mild degree of fever. Some- times however, the fever is very great. The eruption appears, but within a few hours developes into vesicles or blisters. The general mildness of the attack, the rapid development of the eruption, the short course of the disease, and the appearance of the vesicles, which do not possess the circle of inflammation about them as in small-pox, and which do not become de- pressed in the centre, and finally, which leave no scabs unless they have been scratched open, distinguish this disease from small-pox. It generally passes off without requiring any medical assistance ; when, however, there is a considerable degree of fever, Aeomtum may be given ; when there is much headache or congestion to the head, Belladonna. If the eruption is considerable, Antimonium tart, or Mercurius may be beneficial. SMALL-POX. Small-pox begins with a great deal of fever, headache and backache, the latter symptom being the most marked. Sometimes convulsions or other severe nervous symptoms occur. The eruption appears at the end of the third day, and consists of small red spots, which are seen first on the face. These present a granular feeling to the touch as if a small shot or seed were under the skin. The eruption then appears on the body and after- wards on the limbs. On the second day of the eruption it changes to a little blister or vesicle, the contents of which change to a milky fluid and the centre of the pock is depressed, though after some days this depression is obliterated. It takes about nine days from the first appearance of the eruption until its full maturity. The full development of the eruption is ERUPTIVE FEVERS. 399 marked by an amelioration of all the symptoms, but in a day or two the fever rises again and the second stage or that of suppuration begins. This lasts but a short time and then the pocks begin to dry up. When the eruption is very profuse and the pocks run into one another the term con- fluent is used. These cases are the most serious. When death occurs it is usually between the eighth and the eleventh day. Small-pox is a very serious disease, and in epidemics the mortality is often twenty-five per cent. Under homoeopathic treatment, however, it is much less. Keeping the face covered with a cloth mask which is smeared on its under surface with cos- moline is one of the best methods of preventing pitting. The hygiene of the sick room must be of the best. The patient must be kept absolutely clean ; the linen changed frequently. During the early stages a low diet and later a very nutritious one is demanded. Aconitum, if there are congestions to the head or lungs ; injected eyes; fulness in the chest, with increased action of the heart; and great restlessness before the eruption. Belladonna also before the eruption, if there is delirium with headache; red face; inflammation of the eyes, with anxious look; intolerance of noise; and later, if the pus- tules are too red. Bryonia. Headache and backache; cough, with sore- ness in the chest; constipation; or if the eruption is de- layed, with a sensation as if the flesh had been bruised. Variolinum is the most important remedy, and is to be given as soon as the vesicles begin to form, afterwards sometimes Rhus, Hepar or Sulphur. Mercurius. Sore throat; ulcerations about the eyes and nose; foetid breath; and pains in the bowels, with per- spiration and diarrhoea. Arsenicum, when the pocks become depressed, and the patients are very restless, anxious, delirious, twitch and throw themselves about; or the belly bloats and is very sensitive to touch, and diarrhoea sets in. Sulphur, when the pustules begin to fill, and for the itching during the drying stage. Antimonium tart, is useful, if there is drowsiness with gaping; coolness and clamminess of the skin ; or sickness of stomach when the eruption ought to appear. The eruption becomes black. 400 DISEASES OF THE SKIN. VARIOLOID. In varioloid the similarity to small-pox is marked, but the disease is not so severe, the eruption not so profuse and of much shorter duration. In short, the disease is a modified small-pox. Belladonna, if there is headache and coated tongue. Sulphur, to hasten the drying of the eruption. But there are many cases which run a longer time, and require remedies like those for small-pox. CHAPTER XIV. DISEASES OF THE SKIN. All chronic skin diseases, such as tetter, salt rheum and the like, ought always to be treated by a homoeopathic physician. External remedies are to be used only in exceptional cases, they are often injurious, and remedies should always be first tried given inwardly. Much depends in the manner of living, and often some favorite dish is at fault. One should bathe often, drink much water, refrain from eating acrid foods ; little salt, but rather more sugar. ITCHIXG OF THE SKIN. This is usually a symptom of some other disease by which we may be guided in the choice of a remedy. If, however, the itching appears to be the only or chief symptom, try to alleviate the irritation by brushing the whole body ; if this does not answer, by washing with warm water ; and lastly, use water with soap. If this does not remove it take Sulphur. When it is worse in particular places, and you cannot keep from scratch- ing them until they bleed, rub these parts with fresh olive oil, so as to moisten the skin in the first place, and then dry it again by rubbing it slowly. When the itching is more troublesome at night, wash the parts in the evening with brandy, but when the whole body is affected, or when women or children suffer in this way, take starch of wheat flour and pow- der the skin thickly with it. In case where none of these things give re- lief, take camphor and mix it with the starch, or wash the parts with water in which camphor, previously dissolved in spirits, has been mixed. DISEASES OF THE SKIN. 401 Many kinds of itching may be quickly cured by medicines ; for instance if it always commences when undressing, Nux vomica or Arsenicum will gen- erally relieve it ; when it is very troublesome after getting into bed, as if caused by insects, and when scratched, moves from one place to another, give Ignatia. When it does not commence until the patient has become warm in bed, Pulsatilla; if this does not answer, Mercurius, particularly when it continues the whole night ; if not relieved, give Sulphur a couple of days after, and later, Carbo vegetabilis ; when the itching is accompanied by intense burning, give Rhus, or Apis, or afterwards Hepar; when scratch- ing produces a great deal of bleeding, give Mercurius and Sulphur, alter- nately, every week, until better. ITCH. SCABIES. It is very easy to get rid of the itch by ointments or other outward ap- plications, it does not require any skill to do this. The suppression of the itch always causes other diseases which appear sometimes directly, some- times after a few weeks, and in other cases only after years ; the later they appear the more difficult they are to cure. It is, therefore, senseless and wrong to expose oneself to such a danger, be the trouble from the com- plaint ever so great. Amongst the many kinds of itch which trouble man, there is one caused by the presence of a very small mite under the scarf skin, where it makes its tracks and deposits its eggs, causing the eruption of little pustules. All cleanly persons will observe this the first day. You can see the tracks distinctly enough, but it requires great experience and very good eyes to see the mite. In the very first beginning, one may always get rid of the itch easily, and without danger, by outward applications. A good preventive and protection is the balsam-apple; put a few branches of the plant into the bed. Also balsam of Peru, shaken with water as a wash, will drive away the mites and prevent infection. But if the eruption has already appeared, take of the finest powder of sulphur, sold by druggists under the name of milk of sulphur, pour alcohol upon it, shake and let it settle ; mix a teaspoonful of the clear fluid with a pint of water, and wash with this mixture all parts which itch. If it gives no re- lief make it stronger ; if you can see their traces, put some of this alcohol upon them with a camel's hair brush. If the pustules are large and full, it is better to shake some common mercury with alcohol and use it the same way. In cases in which the washing does no good, because there are no mites present, take : Mercurius, and after a few days Sulphur, and so on alter- 26 402 DISEASES OF THE SKIN. ternately; if it gets better do not then take them so often; if it does not improve at all, take other remedies. Carbo vegetabilis every other day, if the vesicles are small and dry; or Hepar, once night and morning. If the pustules are large, take Mercurius; then Sulphur, and afterwards Causticum, night and morning, in water. If the pustules are large, and become yellow and blue, take Lachesis; repeat it as often as the pains get worse. If it disappears too suddenly, take Sulphur or Arsenicum until it returns. ROSEOLA. Roseola consists of an eruption of rose-colored spots of varying size, greatly resembling measles. There is slight fever, and often some redness of the throat. The eruption fades in a few days, and is attended by no catarrhal symptoms. It frequently depends on some derangement of the stomach or bowels, is more common in warm weather, and is most com- mon in young children. The disease is not serious nor contagious, and usually only needs according to the symptoms: Aconitum, Belladonna or Pulsatilla, for its treatment. NETTLE RASH, URTICARIA. As indicated by the name, this eruption looks like the patches or wheals caused by the stings of nettles. The elevations are generally of a red color, with white wheals on the surface. Sometimes, however, there is little or no redness, and the elevated parts are paler than the surface around them. The eruption is always attended by pricking and itching, especially when the patient gets warm in bed ; and it is mostly preceded by nausea or vom- iting, loss of appetite, thirst, furred tongue, etc. In some instances, indeed, the skin is very hot and dry, and the pulse greatly accelerated. This disease may originate from some particular article of diet; in some persons shell-fish invariably produce it; in others it is induced by bitter almonds, vinegar, salad, cucumbers, mushrooms, honey, etc. Aconitum, if the eruption is preceded by much fever, with hot, dry skin, thirst, furred tongue, hard and quick pulse, restlessness and anxiety. Dulcamara, when excited by exposure to cold or damp, DISEASES OF THE SKIN. 403 when occurring in wet weather, or when attended with some fever, bitter taste in the mouth, diarrhoea at night, foul tongue, and violent itching and burning. Pulsatilla, when the eruption has been produced by eat- ing unwholesome food, and is attended by looseness of the bowels in the morning. This remedy is particularly suit- able for females and persons of a mild temper. Rhus, when arising from some peculiarity of constitu- tion, in which the attacks are excited by some particular article of food. Bryonia, when the eruption has suddenly disappeared from the surface, and is followed by difficulty of breath- ing, pain in the breast, etc. Belladonna should be given when the eruption is at- tended by violent headache and red face; the children cry much; the patches are yellowish-red, and rubbing eases the itching. Apis, if the patches are bluish-red, or pale and trans- parent, with much swelling, itching, stinging and burn- ing; rubbing cannot be borne at all, or if hard rubbing only gives relief; the children become angry easily. Hepar, when attended by severe catarrhal symptoms, principally affecting the head, and worse on one side; if commencing on the arms and chest; worse in the open air; for persons of a violent, irritable temper. Cepa, when accompanied by catarrh; if the eruption begins on the thighs; is better in the open air; for sleepy, fearful and anxious persons. Nux vomica is indicated when the eruption is excited by indulgence in spirituous or malt liquors. Arsenicum, if caused by eating unripe fruit, or in severe cases, worse at night, followed by a croup-like cough ; also after the disease has been suddenly suppressed. Calcarea, when the eruption always appears more after cold washing, or has been suddenly repelled. Spirits of camphor (a drop on sugar) will sometimes re- 404 DISEASES OF THE SKIN. move the disease, when it suddenly comes on after taking acid fruit or vinegar. External applications of all kinds should be avoided in this as well as in other acute eruptive diseases, as their use is liable to cause a sudden disappearance of the erup- tion, which may have serious or fatal consequences. In the chronic forms of this disease, the remedies which have been found useful are, Calcarea, Lycopodium, Causti- cum, Sulphur and Carbo vegetabilis. ERYSIPELAS. ST. ANTHONY'S FIRE. ROSE. Aconite is indicated in cases attended by much fever, hot, dry skin, thirst, etc. Bellodonna, in erysipelas accompanied with acute shoot- iug pains, heat and tingling; the redness commencing in a small spot and extending in rays; swelling. It is par- ticularly valuable in erysipelas of the face; excessive swelling, so that the eyes are closed, and the features can scarcely be recognized; headache; thirst; hot, dry skin; restlessness and delirium. Rhus, if small or large blisters appear; or Graphites. Bryonia, when the disease attacks the joints, and the pain is increased by the least movement. Sulphur is sometimes required after Bryonia. Lachesis, if the blisters become bluish. Apis, if it burns and stings, and if the patients do not like to be touched, become ill-humored, and cannot bear the warm room. Pidsatilla after Rhus, particularly in wandering erysip- elas (when the redness disappears in one place, to reap- pear in another), and the skin is more of a bluish-red; also in erysipelas of the ear; and likewise when the at- tacks follow some particular articles of food, in persons predisposed to the complaint. Bryonia and Rhus are also useful in cases of this kind. DISEASES OF THE SKIN. 405 Arsenicum, when the erysipelas assumes a blackish hue, with a tendency to gangrene, accompanied by great pros- tration of streugth. Carbo vegetabilis may in some instances follow Arsenicum. Hepar, Mercurius and Phosphorus are of importance when the erysipelas terminates in abscess. Arsenicum and Sulphur in cases terminating in ulceration. And in some of the chronic forms, Silicea, Sulphur and Hepar will prove serviceable, but it is much better to consult a homoeopathic physician, even at a distance. To allay the itching and heat which is sometimes intolerable, cotton wool may be laid upon or wrapped around the affected part, or powdered starch may be dusted over the surface. Greasy applications and washes of every kind should be prohibited, as they almost always aggravate the dis- ease, and may prove highly dangerous by suddenly repelling the eruption. If erysipelas has been repelled, give Cuprum, which is also serviceable if the erysipelas was at first slight, then disappeared and returned in a more violent form. BOIL FURUNCLE. A boil consists of a painful, hard, round, or rather a cone-shaped tumor, which inflames and suppurates ; the matter discharged being mixed with blood, and afterwards composed of pus, and a whitish, round, elongated, hard mass called a core is formed. Some persons have a peculiar constitutional predispo- sition for boils; they also frequently follow after acute fevers, and other diseases. Arnica will lessen the pain and inflammation, and fre- quently prevent their recurrence. Sulphur in cases where there is a frequent return of boils. By giving Arnica while the boil is inflamed and swollen, and a dose of Sulphur occasionally, after it has healed, this predisposition may be gradually removed. Belladonna, if it presents a fiery-red or er} r sipelatous appearance, or if it is attended by swelling of the glands under the arms, or in the groins, with fever, thirst and headache. ¥)(] DISEASES OE THE SKIN. Hcpo.r, in cases where the suppuration is too slow and scanty. Mercurius, if the suppuration is profuse, and the swell- ing remains. Lachesis for very painful boils which become bluish and form rapidly. CARBUNCLE MALIGNANT FURUNCLE. Ii is larger and harder than a boil, extends further, is of a livid hue and opens in several places; the patient suffers more, generally there is sleeplessness, prostration, want of appetite, etc. After it has opened there is no relief, and finally, portions of the skin and deeper parts slough. It appears more frequently in old or debilitated persons, and is inclined to appear on the back, near the spine or on the back of the neck, in persons whose general health has previously been undermined, and tfa : se which are treated improperly may end fatally. Arnica given at the very first may lessen the pain, and prevent it altogether; if so, Nux vomica will remove the remaining symptoms, particularly in old drunkards. Arsenicum, as soon as it is spreading, with a burning pain, worse at night; great general weakness; restlessness at night; also when the sloughing is attended with a violent burning pain, and prostrates very much; if the patient is irritable and despairing. Hepar, if the patient is weakened by the copious dis- charge: the openings run together and form a large cavity; if there is weakness of voice. Silicedj pain and burning moderate; the patient not altered in his mind, or of a mild temper; or if he cannot sleep for restlessness and heat in the head; sweat on the head: or if he has a festering skin. Lachesis if bluish spots or blue blisters appear, or if little sores come out around the larger one. DISEASES OF THE SKIN. 407 WHITLOW. FELON. Poultices of bread and milk, linseed meal, or yeast, sometimes give re- lief, and are always useful in softening the skin. Applications of warm soft soap, or common brown soap, to the affected part, will occasionally re- move the pain and swelling. But in most cases such applications only hasten a superficial suppuration, and make the case more serious and pain- ful in the end. It is much better to apply nothing but cloths, wet with cold or warm water, whichever agrees best, and keep them wet day and night, while taking one of the following internal remedies : Mercurius should be given in the commencement, and will often prevent the disease from going on to suppura- tion. Sulphur, taken after it, will frequently complete the cure. Hepar, when the pain becomes violent, throbbing, and the swelling increases. Causticum after Hepar, if this did no good at all. Silicea, if Hepar improved it somewhat, but when the pain is intense, and the swelling continues unabated. Lachesis, in cases where the affected part is of a deep red or bluish color. Arsenicum should be given if the sore becomes angry - looking or black, with burning pain. Sulphur and Silicea, administered alternately, at inter- vals of six or eight days, will remove the tendency to a return of the disease. It may sometimes be necessary, after matter is formed, in order to relieve the sufferings of the patient, to lay open the parts freely with a knife. ULCERS. In the treatment of a simple ulcer in a person of sound constitution, all that is necessary is to dress it with some mild and fresh ointment, as for example, cosmoline ; spread on lint or on a fine linen rag, to protect it from external injury and prevent the evaporation of pus. In some cases the dry lint alone will answer best, and in others cold bread and milk 408 DISEASES OF THE SKIN. poultices are useful. The cold water dressing, linen cloths dipped in cold water and applied to the ulcer, are beneficial in some cases. They must be kept moist by being frequently changed, or by covering them over with oiled silk or gutta percha tissue. "When ulcers are of long continuance, it is best to consult a homoeo- pathic physician. They ought to be healed slowly, otherwise a different and more violent disease may be the consequence. Drying them up with vitriol or white lead or lead-water, is always dangerous. When the pain is very violent, stinging and burning, it may often be re- lieved by keeping the part in an elevated posture, and applying cold or warm water, by means of cloths dipped in it, and frequently renewed. In unhealthy-looking ulcers, with a tendency to sloughing, and when the pain is very violent and stinging, a poultice made with yeast and bread will be found useful for cleansing the ulcer and allaying the pain. Some old indolent ulcers of the legs are only to be cured by perfect rest, or by tightly bandaging the limb, from the toes upwards to above the ulcer, with strips of adhesive plaster. A later and better method consists in the use of the rubber bandage, of which a particular sort is made especially for this purpose. This same treatment applies to enlarged veins of the legs. These enlarged veins, by the way, are often the cause of the indolent ulcers already spoken of. For ulcers which burn greatly, give Arsenicum; when they burn and smell offensively, Carbo vegetabilis; when they spread, and are surrounded by pustules or small ulcers, give Lachesis. Ulcers on the toes, especially of old people, commencing with a blister, as if caused by a burn, are cured by Silicea; if, at the outset, there are blue black spots, by Arsenicum, especially if warmth is agreeable; but if warmth produces pain, Secale is most suitable. In all such cases, the use of salves containing white lead is very dangerous. Ulcers around an'old wart, or around corns and the like, may be cured by Antimonium crudum. Ointments of lead or mercury will dry them up speedily, but serious consequences may ensue, as the result of such treat- ment. INGROWING TOE NAILS. Great pain and sometimes ulcers may be caused by the toe nails growing into the flesh. The common remedy is to cut the nail, and particularly in the side where it has grown in ; the consequence of this is, that the nail grows the faster there, and in a short time the patient is again in the same predicament. Cutting the nail should only be resorted to when it is of consequence that the patient should walk again immediately; when a lit- tle lint, gutta percha or tin-foil, can be introduced with a dull pen-knife between the nail and the skin, it is to be preferred. A handy person may do this himself; soak the feet previously in warm water, which will facili- DISEASES OF THE SKIN. 409 late the operation. "When there is much proud flesh, strew some finely powdered loaf sugar or burnt alum on it twice a day, and use the foot as little as possible for a couple of days. At the same time scrape the nail in the middle with a sharp knife, and repeat this operation every day until it is as thin as it can be made without hurting. By these means the sides will heal much quicker, and the nail is more easily bent out, so as to in- troduce the lint between the skin arid the nail. When the edges of the nail are rough, scrape them smooth, but do not cut them. The only means of curing this evil effectually, is to cut the nail fre- quently, but not in the shape of the toe, so that the middle projects farthest, but the very reverse. Leave the sides as they are, and cut the centre out as far as possible, as shown in the wood cut. A, the part to be scraped off; B, a linen tape or some linen threads passed under the nail. This need not be done at once, but gradually; bathe the feet every week in warm water, and cut the nail as di- rected. The nail will in consequence, grow more in the centre and less on the sides; if, after some time, the edges project too much, a trifle may be cut off; when it injures the stockings, put a leather case over it. Not un- til after the expiration of a twelve-month, should the nail be allowed to grow out even again, but never cut it very deep or close at the sides, as this is generally the cause of the evil. The soreness arising from the growing of the nails into the flesh, will mostly disappear as soon as sufficient lint, tin-foil or gutta percha has been introduced between the nail and the flesh ; the lint may, in addition, be moistened by water mixed with Tincture of Arnica. If this is not entirely effectual, or if the places are becoming ulcerated, Nux vomica will act bene- ficially. If there is already a sore, and the above remedies should not speedily afford relief, do not be induced to have the nail removed or split. This barbarous operation may always be avoided by following the advice given above, and particularly when homoeopathic remedies are taken at the same time; among these the principal are: Sulphur, Arsenicum, Silicea, and Carbo vegetabilis. Select one according to the kind of pains, disposi- tion of the patient, etc. ABSCESS. An acute abscess should not be poulticed with warm bread and milk, or linseed poultices, except in extreme cases. It is much better to use noth- ing but warm or cold water, as in whitlow. Hepar or Mercurius hastens the suppuration. Under skilful homoeopathic treatment, it is hardly ever necessary or advisable to open the abscess with the lancet. Hepar, 3d trit., in water, will hasten the breaking open quite sufficiently. 410 DISEASES OF THE SKIN. If the suppuration should continue for a considerable length of time, Silicea. When hard places remain, Mereurius will be useful. For hard and swelled glands on the neck, and under the chin or ears, Mereurius, Dulcamara, Calcarea carbonica, etc., are principal remedies. CHILBLAIN. FROSTBITE. The mild forms of this complaint may frequently be cured by applica- tions of ice water or snow. Covering the part with carded cotton will sometimes, in mild cases, effect a cure. Another application is common glue, prepared by boiling it with water until it becomes of a proper con- sistency, and then applying it warm to the affected part. Coal oil is like- wise an excellent application. Pulsatilla may be given when the skin assumes a deep red, bluish or livid hue, and is attended by violent burn- ing and itching. Nux vomica, when of a bright red color. Sulphur, when the former remedies have been insuffi- cient. Chamomilla when, in addition to the itching and burn- ing, there are acute pains in the affected part. Arsenicum, for acute, burning pains; also for the irrita- ble, ill-conditioned ulcers which sometimes occur. They should be dressed with wet rags, covered with oiled silk, until the parts are completely healed. Persons who are troubled every winter with chilblains, should never eat pork or roasted goose. CORNS. Corns arise not only from tight boots and shoes, but also from a certain disposition with some persons, which may be lessened by Antimonium cru- dum, Phosphorus, Rhus, Bryonia, Lycopodium, Phosphoric acid, and Sulphur, according to temperament, constitution and other circumstances. Relief may be obtained by bathing the feet in warm water and paring the corns closely, and applying A mica plaster. If the corns pain much when the weather changes, take Rhus, sometimes Bryonia or Calcarea. GENEKAL DISEASES. 411 SORE FEET. From walking in boots which rub the heel, should be treated with nothing but water, and Cepa should be taken internally, they will generally be well in a day or two. WARTS. There is always a risk in cauterizing or cutting warts, for although it may frequently be done without apparent injury, dangerous consequences sometimes ensue, especially to children and old people. They will very frequently disappear, when fleshy or seedy, after Causticum or Natrum muriaticum; when they are flat, hard and brittle, upon taking Antimomum crudum; when upon the backs of the fingers, Dulcamara; when on the sides of the fingers, Calcarea carbonica. BED SORES. These may frequently be prevented by placing an open vessel filled with water under the bed of the patient, renewing the water every day; or by bathing the red spots that threaten to become sore, with brandy. Wetting the sore places with very cold water, or applying wet cloths, accelerates the healing. When water alone will not effect a cure, dissolve in it a few drops of Arnica tincture; and if there appears to be danger of mortification, give Cinchona, and wash the spots with the same medicine dissolved in a little water. When the wound is large, apply scraped sweet carrots to it. CHAPTER XV. SOME GENERAL DISEASES. GOUT. Gout is difficult to cure, but the paiD may at least be mitigated. The complaints, inevitably produced by the common treatment with mercury, valerian, digitalis, col- chicum, opium or laudanum, and other so-called harmless medicines, destructive of human health, are prevented 412 GENERAL DISEASES. by homoeopathic treatment, and the patient is likewise spared the many tortures of external applications. In wine and brandy drinkers, the first attack may be alleviated by Nux vomica; for violent fever, give Aconitum, which may also be given after other remedies have been used, particularly Sulphur. When the pain in the joints resembles that of a sprain, with redness, dread of being touched, an uncomfortable feeling, as if whatever the limb rested on was too hard for it, Arnica ; when the red- ness spreads very much, and is very deep, Belladonna; when the pain flies quickly from one joint to another, and relief is felt when the limb is uncovered, give Pulsa- tilla; if the pains become worse after it, give a cup of coffee, repeat the Pulsatilla, and as long as it makes it worse continue the coffee. When the pain is mitigated upon covering the limb, and the patient is very weak and much reduced by the disease, give Arsenicum) when the face is very pale and haggard, the pain stinging and tearing, worse during the night, and when the limbs must continually be moved from one place to another, Ferrum or Rhus; when worse from being moved, Bryonia; worse from being touched, Cinchona; when the complaint is attended with nausea and a white-coated tongue, give Antimonium crudum, and afterwards, if necessary, one of the other remedies. When the attacks return at every change of weather, give Calcarea; if the complaint be- comes protracted, always give Sulphur, and if worse again, Aconitum; if the limbs remain stiff afterwards, give Colo- cynthis; if they are stiff from old gouty swellings, Causti- cum. ■ INFLAMMATORY RHEUMATISM. Aconite if there- is high fever, dry, hot skin, thirst and redness of the cheeks; violent shooting or tearing pains, worse at night; redness, or shining swelling of the part GENERAL DISEASES. 413 affected; the pains are aggravated by the touch; extreme irritability of temper; disposition to uncover the parts, and relief from doing it. Belladonna when the pains are chiefly in the joints, shooting or burning; worse at night and on movement; excessive swelling, and shining redness of the affected parts; fever with redness of the face; hot, moist skin and thirst. Arnica, when the joints feel as if bruised or sprained; hard, red and shining swelling; sensation as if the limbs were resting on some hard substance; feeling as if lame, and a crawling in the affected part; the pains are aggra- vated by the least motion; great fear of persons approach- ing, because they might touch the affected part. Bryonia, if there are shooting, tearing or tensive pains; shifting pains which affect the muscles rather than the bones; red and shining swelling and rigidity of the parts affected; the pains are worse at night and on the least movement; profuse perspiration, or coldness and shiver- ing; much heat, with headache and derangement of the stomach; peevish or passionate temper. Chamomilla, when there are drawing or tearing pains, with a sensation of numbness or of lameness in the parts affected; the pains are aggravated at night; fever with burning; partial heat preceded by chilliness; hot per- spiration; desire to remain lying down; great agitation and tossing about. Mercurius, for shooting, tearing, or burning pains, which are aggravated at night, especially towards morning, and in the warm bed, or by exposure to damp or cold air; puffy swelling of the affected parts; the pains seem to be seated in the bones or joints; profuse perspiration without relief. Lachesis may follow, if Mercurius is not sufficient. Rhus, for tearing, burning or wrenching pains, with a sensation of weakness and crawling in the affected limb; red and shining swelling of the joints, with rigidity and 414 GENERAL DISEASES. shootings when touched; the pains are worse during rest, and in cold or damp weather. Rhus is often suitable after Aconitum, Arnica, or Bryonia. Pulsatilla is serviceable when the pains are aggravated in the evening, or at night in bed, in a warm room, or on changing the position; pains which pass quickly from one joint to another; sensation of numbness in the parts affected; the pains are relieved by cool air; for patients with a pale face and disposed to shiver and be chilly. Cinchona for pains which are aggravated by the slight- est touch; profuse perspiration; great debility, especially from weakening causes, as loss of blood or other fluids. Hepar and Lachesis are frequently serviceable in cases after other remedies which appear to be adapted to the case, but do not give much relief. When the disease attacks the heart, Aconitum, Arseni- cum, Belladonna, Lachesis, Pulsatilla, Spigelia, or Sulphur, selected according to symptoms. Chronic Rheumatism. — For pains which are excited or aggravated by the slightest chill, Aconitum, Bryonia, Calcarea carbonica, Dulcamara, Mercurius or Sulphur. When the attacks are excited by bad weather, Calcarea carbonica, Dulcamara, Rhus toxicodendron, Lycopodium and Hepar sul- phur is. When every change of weather causes a relapse, Calcarea carbonica, Silicea, Sulphur, Dulcamara, Rhus and Lachesis. Lumbago. — Pain in the Loins and Back. — Aconitum if accompanied by much fever. Arnica if caused by external injury, or by over-lifting, etc. Bryonia, when the pains in the back are very severe, compelling the patient to walk in a stooping posture; ag- gravated by the least motion, or draught of air, and at- tended with a general chilliness. Nux vomica, when the part affected feels as if bruised, or as after excessive fatigue; and when motion, and par- GENERAL DISEASES. 415 ticularly turning in bed at night aggravates the pain; also when accompanied by weakness, constipation and irritable temper. Rhus, when the pains are similar to those described under Nux vomica, but are aggravated by rest. Belladonna may follow Aconitum, when the pains are deep-seated, and cause a heaviness, gnawing, or stiffness. Pulsatilla, when the pains resemble those mentioned under Nux vomica, especially when occurring in persons of a mild disposition. Mercurius for pains like those described above, but which are much worse at night. Sciatica — Is like lumbago; but the pain is more in the region of the hip-joint, shooting down the back of the thigh, and sometimes extending to the foot. Aconitum, when there is a numbness in the limb or toes. Colocynthis is particularly useful in this affection, espe- cially when seated in the right hip, or if excited by a fit of anger or indignation. Rhus, when the pains are aggravated by rest; and better by motion. Nux vomica, when the pain is attended by a sensation of stiffness or contraction of the limb; also when torpor with chilliness is felt in the affected parts. Ignatia for cutting pains, particularly on moving the limb. Chamomilla, when the pains are worse at night, and attended with excessive sensitiveness. Arsenicum, in cases where the pains are acute and drag- ging, with a sensation of coldness in the part affected; also when the pains are periodical. It is also useful for weak or emaciated persons. WRY NECK. This is a painful rheumatic affection of the neck. It is generally occasioned by exposure to a draught of air, or by turning the head suddenly round. 416 GENERAL DISEASES. Aconitum or Belladonna may effect a cure. Should they be insufficient Cocculus, Pulsatilla, Rhus, or Bryonia, will mostly suffice. CRAMP IN THE LIMBS. Cramp in the calves of the legs, the soles of the feet, and in other parts of the body, often disturbs sleep; sometimes it is troublesome during the day. The best means of obtaining relief during an attack is to press the feet firmly against the bedstead or the wall, or to press and squeeze the painful part with the hands. Those subject to cramps in the legs in bed, will often escape it if they have their bed made in a slight incline, so that the whole body shall slope a little downwards towards the foot of the bed. A piece of cold iron held to the place of the cramp will often give relief. Veratrum, taken at night, before going to bed, for two nights, will generally overcome the predisposition to the complaint. Should, it, however, be insufficient, take Sul- phur or Colocynthis in the same way. Rhus will be found useful in cramps which occur dur- ing the day, especially while sitting. Rhus or Hyoscyamus will cure cramps that come on while pulling off the boots. Cuprum for cramps, especially at night in bed, affecting chiefly the soles of the feet, and causing the toes to be drawn in different directions. Lycopodium, in cramps occurring principally when walking. Colocynthis, for the stiffness and soreness which fre- quently remain after an attack. EPILEPSY. EPILEPTIC CONVULSIONS. Epilepsy, convulsions of the whole body or of single parts, -are of such different kinds that it is impossible to here give full directions for curing them ; an homoeopathic physician should always be consulted in these cases. „ If the cause that will bring on such an attack is known, give the suitable remedies; Opium is not alone suitable, if they are caused by fright, but also if occasioned by reproach, violent scolding and taking offence. GENERAL DISEASES. 417 An attack may sometimes be obviated by smelling Nitrite of amyl when the first symptom of its approach is perceived. During the fit nothing else must be done, smelling salts or liquids and such like articles do no good whatever, the patients are only troubled and weakened by them. Even the homoeopathic remedies should not be given during the attack, they must be taken when the worst of the fit is over or has entirely ceased. NIGHT-MARE. Persons subject to it should eat but little in the evening, and take light food at all times ; drink but little wine, beer or coffee. A good preventive is to bathe every evening ; or rubbing the face, neck, the back of the head, the throat, shoulders, breast and abdomen with a wet towel ; and drink a glass of cold water before going to bed. At the same time take one of the fol- lowing remedies Nux vomica, when the night-mare is caused by indul- gence in spirituous liquors, strong beer, too high living, too much confinement, if the patient does not take suffi- cient exercise in the open air. Aconitum, when it occurs in children and women, and is accompanied by heat, thirst, palpitation of the heart, determination of blood to the head or chest, oppressed breathing, nervousness, uneasiness, etc. This remedy is also useful for the headache and febrile excitement which often follows the attacks. Opium, when the patient lies with his eyes half closed, snoring, the mouth wide open, rattling in the throat, the breathing irregular, the face much distorted, and covered with a cold perspiration, and the limbs convulsed. Pulsatilla, when caused by rich food, cakes, nuts, etc. Sulphur or Silicea, if the attacks return often. SLEEPLESSNESS. In most cases when not the result of a disease, sleeplessness may be at- tributed to the manner of living. Some persons cannot eat anything in the evening, or but a little, without suffering from loss of sleep. Others 27 418 GENERAL DISEASES. cannot sleep soundly unless they have eaten something before going to bed. Exercise in the open air is one of the best preventives, but it must not be taken too late in the evening, or it will have an effect contrary to the one desired. When exciting, agreeable events are the cause, take Coffea; when terrible or frightful ones, Opium; when agitating ones, Aconitum; when the events are tormenting and cause dejection, Ignatia, etc. ; always select the remedy according to the cause, see " Effects of the Mind." The most common causes of sleeplessness are the use of coffee and tea, for which see the remedies in the early part of this book. When a surfeit is the cause, give Pulsatilla; when late reading or singing is followed by wakefulness, Nux vomica; when complaints of the bowels and flatulency, Chamomilla. When various figures and visions appear before the eyes, and prevent sleeping, Opium; and if this does not soon prove efficacious, Bella- donna. Children are generally benefited by Coffea; old people by Opium. Sleep is sometimes brought on by rubbing the forehead with the flat hand, particularly if you determine to do this one hundred and one times ; if it does no good do not get impatient, but commence anew, and so on. Others fall asleep when they imagine that they are writing the date up on a high, very high wall with a long, very long stick, with tall, very tall letters. Sleeplessness is frequently occasioned by some disease, to which refer under its proper head for the necessary remedies, or consult a homoeopathic, physician. DROPSY. Dropsy may depend on one or more of many causes. Diseases of the heart, lungs, liver, kidneys or peritoneum may induce it, or it may arise Trorn disease of other or- gans or portions of the body, hence these different kinds of dropsy should always be treated by a homoeopathic physician, for there is always time enough to do so. AGUE. CHILLS AND FEVER. FEVER AND AGUE. INTERMITTENT FEVER. This disease attacks in some places and at some seasons a great number of persons; usually where much wet land is drying, and particularly at the Commencement of dry weather in the spring and autumn. If you can remove at such times from these places do so, but if you are compelled to remain there, pay particular attention to the sleeping room. It should be airy and dry ; you should open the windows only a few hours in the middle GENERAL DISEASES. 419 of the day ; put the bed not against a wall, but, if possible, with the head towards the south. Individuals who are compelled to sleep in damp houses, or on the lower floor of houses badly situated, may in some measure be pro- tected by placing a layer of hard coal, broken very small, under their beds. Advantage may also be derived from wearing silk shirts, and by sleeping between silk sheets, which can be made of old dresses. Powdered sulphur, worn in the stockings, has appeared to prevent the frequent recurrence cf the fever in some cases, it may be used until we know of a better preventive. Particular attention should be paid to the manner of living ; eat nothing that lies heavy on the stomach ; avoid pastry, things baked or roasted with fat, and all kinds of badly dressed food, eat well cooked meat and vegeta- bles, or meat which has been slowly and properly stewed in a closed vessel, with much gravy without any seasoning except salt. Whilst the fever prevails, pies are very injurious. Eaw ham, but well smoked, like that from Westphalia, with black pep- per is more wholesome than when it has been rendered indigestible by being overdone by frying. Everything acid and fat should be avoided at such times; acids are good in the heat of summer; fat may be used in cold weather. During the cold stage let the patient be well covered with blankets which are perfectly dry ; if you have a silk coverlet, wrap it around the lower extremities and abdomen, if the patient finds it agreeable. In the hot stage, linen or muslin makes a better covering. Frequent wiping with a warm, wet cloth also gives much relief in this stage. During the sweating stage, the patient should not be covered too warmly ; and after it is over, the linen and bed should be changed. The linen should be well aired and warmed, which is best done by a healthy person rubbing it with his hands, until all the smell of soap is gone ; in fact, this should be done with all linen intended for the sick. Those who have not a sufficiency of linen, will do well to lie naked between blankets during the stage of perspiration, and to put on the shirt when this is over. If the patient complains of thirst, give him as much cold water as he wishes, if good spring water can be had ; if the water is bad, give toast and water, it may be either warm or cold. If he prefers it warm during the cold stage, give him toast and water or mucilaginous drinks, such as barley water or thin oatmeal gruel. When the patient vomits much, and feels very weak, give him black coffee. During the hot stage, cold water is the best drink ; but if the patient is very ill and craves acids, lemonade or tam- arind water may be given in moderate quantities. During the sweating stage the patient should drink nothing but cold water. At first, intermittent fever causes more trouble, than afterwards, when it shows itself by swelling and hardness below the ribs, generally on the left side. In commencement of the disease it is better not to suppress it by Cinchona or quinine, it should be done only in cases of great necessity ; at this time it can be best cured by homoeopathic remedies. Later, when the 420 GENERAL DISEASES. attacks are more violent and the patient feels well in the intervals, the dis- ease is more difficult to cure, and in these cases it may sometimes be sup- pressed by quinine, though it often has bad consequences. At a still later period, when the spleen and liver are swollen, take care not to use much quinine, it will in most cases only hasten dropsy and other succeeding For all fevers which occur in the neighborhood of marshy places, new canals, newly-broken lands, etc., take, as soon as you feel unwell, a dose of Cinchona; if no bet- ter after twelve hours, take Ipecacuanha; after twelve hours Cinchona again. If the fever is not prevented in this way, select one of the following remedies. In this, as in all other fevers, it is necessary to pay more attention to the symptoms, than is done by the old school; observe, how chill, heat and sweat follow one another, when the patient is thirsty, and what he feels between the attacks. If you cannot find the suitable remedy, give a dose of Ipecacuanha after the attack, and repeat it every three to four hours until the next day a few hours before the time the last attack came on; if no attack comes on, give nothing else on that day, but give a dose on the follow- ing day, a few hours before the expected attack. If it returns, watch the symptoms and give another remedy. If you have selected one, give it first, after the attack is over; and, second, repeat it a few hours before the time the next attack is expected to return. If the fever had been stopped, but returns again, give first a remedy for the cause of the relapse, and then the remedy, after the administration of which it stopped. Ipecacuanha is useful in most cases of this disease, and will frequently, when properly selected, of itself effect a cure. When there is any doubt in regard to the choice of a remedy, especially at the commencement of the dis- ease, this remedy may be administered. The following symptoms, however, clearly point to its employment: GENERAL DISEASES. 421 much internal chilliness, which is increased by external warmth •; little or no thirst in the cold stage, but a great deal in the hot stage; clean or slightly furred tongue; nausea and vomiting, and oppression of the chest imme- diately before the attack, or during the cold and hot stages. Arsenicum when the different stages are not distinctly marked, but the chilliness, heat and sweat occur simulta- neously, or when there are frequent changes from chilli- ness to heat, and vice versa; or internal chilliness with external heat; also when the paroxysm is imperfectly developed ; when there is little or no sweating, or at least not for some time after the heat has subsided ; great pros- tration of strength ; burning pains in the stomach, insup- portable pains in the limbs, or all over the body ; anxiety and restlessness ; excessive thirst ; drinking often but little at a time ; uneasiness about the heart, or oppression and spasms of the chest; nausea or sickness and vomiting; bitter taste in the mouth; violent headache, continuing after the hot stage ; buzzing in the ears during the sweat- ing. All the sufferings of the patient, as the headache, pain in the limbs, etc., are increased during the attack. Cinchona, if the paroxysm is preceded by nausea; vora- cious appetite; headache; agitation; palpitation of the heart, or sneezing ; thirst during the sweating stage, some- times continuing all the time between the attacks ; chills alternating with heat, or when the heat does not come on for some time after the chills have ceased ; sleeplessness or disturbed sleep; great weakness and sallow complexion. It must not be given when there is much thirst during the cold or hot stages. This remedy is valuable in most intermittents in marshy places, and may be given as soon as the first symptoms show themselves, as stated above. Ferrum, for symptoms resembling the preceding, and also when there is determination of blood to the head; throbbing in the neck and temples ; swelling around the 422 GENERAL DISEASES. eyes; pressure in the stomacli and abdomen, particularly after eating; vomiting of food; tension of the abdomen, and shortness of breath ; weakness of the limbs ; hardness and fulness in one or both sides of the abdomen, close under the short ribs; swelling of the feet as in beginning of dropsy. Arnica, when the cold stage generally comes on early in the morning, or in the forenoon, with thirst before the chill; drawing and pain in all the bones preceding the fever; the patient feels uncomfortable in every position, and is constantly changing about; dull or stupid; per- spiration and breath offensive. Veratrum, when there is external coldness with internal heat; cold clammy sweat, particularly on the forehead, and general coldness of the whole body; or chilliness without heat, or chilliness and heat by turns; giddiness; constipation of the bowels, or diarrhoea ; sometimes nausea, or vomiting, and pains in the back and loins. SambucuSj when the sweating is very profuse, and con- tinues until another attack comes on, if it otherwise suits the symptoms stated under Ipecacuanha, Arsenicum, Cin- chona, Ferrum, Arnica and Veratrum. Antimonium crudum is indicated when the tongue is very much furred; bitter and nauseous taste; belching; sickness of the stomach; vomiting; little or no thirst, and constipation or diarrhoea. (See Pulsatilla) Bryonia, for similar symptoms, but attended with much thirst; or the heat before the chills; red cheeks in the cold stage ; yawning, and stitches in the side during the heat; more coldness and chills than heat, and constipa- tion or diarrhoea. Cina. Vomiting and voracious appetite before, during or after the fever; thirst either during the hot, or during the cold stage; pale face during the cold and hot stage; constant rubbing of the nose. Ignatia, if there is thirst in the cold, but not in the hot GENERAL DISEASES. 423 stage; the chilliness lessened by external warmth ; heat of some parts of the body, with coldness and chill of others; heat externally only; pain in the bowels during the cold stage, followed by heat, with debility and sleepi- ness. Bhus. The attacks usually come on in the after part of the day, and consist of heat, preceded and followed by chills; coldness of some parts of the body, and 'heat of others; perspiration after midnight, or towards morning; the heat accompanied by a rash ; pain in the bowels, and diarrhoea; pressure at the pit of the stomach ; palpitation of the heart, and anxiety. Nux vomica, when the attack commences with great debility and want of strength, with desire to lie down ; giddiness, with a feeling as if drunk; cramps in the mus- cles of the abdomen or calves of the legs; stitches in the sides; alternate heat and chills, or heat preceding the chills; heat externally and chilliness internally, or vice versa; desire to be constantly covered, even during the hot and sweating stages ; external warmth affords no re- lief; heat and pain in the head ; buzzing in the ears ; redness of the cheeks ; thirst and anxiety during the hot stage ; constipation. Chamomilla is indicated when the tongue is loaded with a white or yellow coating; nausea and bitter vomit- ing ; loathing of food ; much thirst in the hot stage, and even in the sweating stage ; pressure and uneasiness in the region of the heart ; more heat and perspiration than coldness ; pain in the right groin, and loose watery stools. (Compare Anlimonium crudum and Bryonia.) Pulsatilla, particularly when the slightest disorder of the stomach brings on a relapse. It is particularly indi- cated by absence of thirst during the entire fit, or thirst only during the hot stage; heat and chilliness at the same time ; bitter taste in the mouth ; bitter or sour vomiting of phlegm or bile ; the attacks come on in the 424 GENERAL DISEASES. afternoon or evening, and the patient complains of chilli- ness all the time. Antimonium crudum. Coated tongue ; bitter or bad taste, belching, nausea, vomiting, little or no thirst (compare Pulsatilla) ; constipation or diarrhoea. After Lachesis, and if quinine had been taken. Capsicum. Chilliness preceded for some time by thirst, followed by heat without thirst, or thirst only during the hot stage; chills violent and long continued; begin in back between the shoulder-blades ; intense burning, both internally and externally; accumulation of phlegm in the mouth and throat; slimy, burning diarrhoea, and great intolerance of noise. Coffea, in sensitive persons, who suffer greatly from nervous excitement, even though the fever be but slight ; paroxysms of heat and thirst, with flushed face, followed by general perspiration ; the thirst frequently continues through the sweating stage ; watery diarrhoea. Cocculus, in agues attended with cramp or spasms of the stomach and abdomen, obstinate constipation, and much nervous excitement. Natrum muriaticum is one of the best remedies in in- termittents, but its effect must be waited for with great patience for several days ; violent pains in the head dur- ing the chilliness and increasing during the heat; lengthy chills, w r hich begin about 10 a.m. ; dimness of vision, and partial loss of consciousness during the hot stage; im- paired sight, even after the fever, and during the time between the attacks; chaps and fissures on the lips, par- ticularly at the corners of the mouth ; slight fever, con- tinuing through the intermission. (Compare Arsenicum and Ignatia.) Lachesis, when the attacks come on in the afternoon and are accompanied by violent pains in the small of the back and limbs; oppression of the chest; violent head- ache with red face, and continual talking during the hot GENERAL DISEASES. 425 stage; or internal chilliness and external heat, with ashy or yellowish color of the face. It is particularly service- able when a relapse had been produced by the use of salads, vinegar, etc., or after it had been suppressed by quinine, but returns. Pulsatilla may follow Lachesis in such cases. Belladonna has been found useful when two or more attacks occur in the twenty-four hours— the cold stage slight, and the hot stage violent, or the reverse, violent chill and slight heat ; great sensitiveness, and inclination to shed tears; constipation, or loose and scanty chalk-like stools; sometimes attended with violent congestion to the head, a red face, severe pain in the head, and dulness or stupor. Hyoscyamus, in cases similar to the latter, but attended by a dry cough at night, worse when lying down, and better when sitting up. Nux moschata. Tongue white-coated ; only in the heat a little thirst; sleep during the cold stage; if external warmth is pleasant, but the open air disagreeable; if all parts upon which the patient lies, soon commence to ache. Hepar, if a cold or catarrh affects the head and chest; bitter taste in the mouth ; chilliness, with thirst, followed by heat, sleepiness. It is often suitable before or after Belladonna. Glonoine if the blood rushes to the head, if there is a feeling as if a waving heat was rising up from the pit of the stomach to the head ; beating in the head and cold sweat in the face; if the attack ends with a warm per- spiration. Mercurius, in quickly alternating chills and heat, with restlessness; thirst; palpitation of the heart; profuse, of- fensive, sour perspiration. Sulphur when the attacks come on in the after part of the day, with evening chills, fever during the night and sweating in the morning; palpitation of the heart; also if an eruption of the skin has been checked. 42G GENERAL DISEASES. Calcarea, when there are alternate chills and heat ; ex- ternal coldness and internal heat; heat in the head and face, with coldness of the limbs, sometimes cold up to the abdomen; giddiness; feeling of heaviness in the head and limbs; violent pains in the small of the back and anxiet} 7- . Compare Sulphur and Vemtrum. Carbo vegetabilis, when the attack is preceded or at- tended by pains in the teeth and limbs; thirst, only in the cold stage, with vertigo, redness of the face, and sick stomach during the hot stage. Aconitum, when the chill and heat are both violent ; or when they appear together; great external heat, especially of the face and head, and acute pains in the side. Opium, particularly in intermittents in aged persons, and children. Drowsiness, with heavy sleep, loud snor- ing, with the mouth open; congestion of blood to the head, with red and puffy appearance of the face ; and jerking of the limbs. INDEX TO THE REMEDIES FOR AGUE. In marshy places. — Arnica, Arsenicum, Carbo vegetabilis, Cinchona, Cina, Ferrum, Ipecacuanha, ISatrum muriaticmii, Rhus, Yeratrum. In damp, COld seasons. — Calcarea, Carbo vegetabilis, Cinchona, Laclie- sis, Nux moschata, Pulsatilla, Bhus, Sulphur, Yeratrum. In Spring and Summer. — Antimonium crudum, Arsenicum, Belladonna, Capsicum, Carbo vegetabilis, Cina, Ipecacuanha, Lachesis, Xatrum muriaticum, Kux vomica, Pulsatilla, Sulphur, Veratrum. In autumn. — Bryonia, Cinchona, jSux vomica, Bhus, Yeratrum. Mismanaged, by large doses of quinine. — Arnica, Arsenicum, Belladonna, Calcarea, Capsicum, Carbo vegetabilis, Cina, Ferrum, Ipecacuanha, Lachesis, Mercurius, ISatrum muriaticum, Nuz moschata, Xux vomica, Pulsatilla, Sulphur, Veratrum. An attack every day. — Aconitum, Arsenicum, Belladonna, Bryonia, Cal- carea, Capsicum, Carbo vegetabilis, Cinchona, Ignatia, Ipecacuanha, Lachesis, Natrum muriaticum, Nux vomica, Pulsatilla, Bhus, Sulphur, Veratrum. every Other day — Antimonium crudum, Arnica, Arsenicum, Belladonna, Bryonia, Calcarea, Capsicum, Carbo vegetabilis, Cham- GENERAL DISEASES. 427 omilla, Cinchona, Ipecacuanha, Lachesis, Natrum muriaticum, Nux moschata, Nux vomica, Pulsatilla, Rhus, Veratrum. every fourth day. — Aconitum, Arnica, Arsenicum, Carbo vegeta- bilis, Ignatia, Nux moschata, Pulsatilla, Veratrum. every tWO Weeks. — Arsenicum. every year. — Arsenicum, Carbo vegetabilis, Lachesis. Coming OH in the evening". — Aconitum, Arnica, Arsenicum, Belladonna, Bryonia, Calcarea, Carbo vegetabilis, Ignatia, Ipecacuanha, Lachesis, Mercurius, Nux vomica, Pulsatilla, Rhus, Sulphur. in the night. — Arsenicum, Belladona, Calcarea, Capsicum, Carbo vegetabilis, Chamomilla, Hepar, Mercurius, Nux vomica, Pulsatilla, Rhus, Sulphur, Veratrum. in the morning.— Arnica, Arsenicum, Belladonna, Bryonia, Cal- carea, Carbo vegetabilis, Chamomilla, Cinchona, Hepar, Lachesis, Mercurius, Natrum muriaticum, Nux vomica, Sulphur, Veratrum. Chill and Coldness Only. — Bryonia, Capsicum, Cinchona, Coffea, Hyoscy- amus, Ipecacuanha, Nux vomica, Pulsatilla, Veratrum. Chill and heat, but no sweat. — Aconitum, Arnica, Arsenicum, Bella- donna, Bryonia, Capsicum, Carbo vegetabilis, Chamomilla, Ignatia, Ipecacuanha, Mercurius, Nux vomica, Pulsatilla, Rhus, Sulphur. Chill and sweat, but no heat. — Arsenicum, Bryonia, Pulsatilla, Rhus, Sulphur, Veratrum. Heat Only, little Or no Chill and sweat. — Aconitum, Arsenicum, Bella- donna, Bryonia, Calcarea, Coffea, Ipecacuanha, Lachesis, Nux vom- ica, Opium, Pulsatilla, Sulphur, Veratrum. Heat and sweat, but no Chill. — Aconitum, Arsenicum, Belladonna, Bryonia, Capsicum, Carbo vegetabilis, Chamomilla, Cinchona, Cina, Coffea, Hepar, Ignatia, Ipecacuanha, Nux vomica, Opium, Pulsatilla, Rhus, Veratrum. Sweat prevailing. — Aconitum, Arsenicum, Belladonna, Bryonia, Calcarea, Carbo vegetabilis, Cina, Hepar, Mercurius, Natrum muriaticum, Pulsatilla, Rhus, Sambucus, Sulphur, Veratrum. Chill, heat and sweat, all of the same degree. — Aconitum, Arsenicum, Belladonna, Bryonia, Capsicum, Chamomilla, Cinchona, Cina, Hepar, Ignatia, Ipecacuanha, Nux vomica, Pulsatilla, Rhus, Sulphur, Vera- trum. Chill then heat. — Aconitum, Arnica, Bryonia, Belladonna, Capsicum, Carbo vegetabilis, Cinchona, Cina, Hepar, Hyoscyamus, Ignatia, Ipecacuanha, Natrum muriaticum, Nux vomica, Pulsatilla, Rhus, Sulphur, Veratrum. First heat then chiU. — Belladonna, Bryonia, Calcarea, Capsicum, Nux vomica, Pulsatilla, Sulphur._ Heat and chill, alternating. — Arsenicum, Belladonna, Bryonia, Calcarea, 428 GENERAL DISEASES. Cinchona, Mercurius, Xatrum muriaticum, Xux vomica, Sulphur, Veratrum. Heat and chill at the same time. — Aconitum, Arsenicum, Belladonna, Bryonia, Calcarea, Chamomilia, Cinchona, Ignatia, Ipecacuanha, Mercurius, Xux vomica, Pulsatilla, Rhus, Sulphur, Veratrum. heat externally, chill internally.— Aconite, Arsenicum, Bella- donna, Calcarea, Coffea, Ignatia, Lachesis, ^ux vomica, Sulphur. heat internally, chill externally. — Arnica, Bryonia, Cinchona, Jlercurius, Pulsatilla, Rhus, Veratrum. Sweat Coming On With the Chill.— Arsenicum, Calcarea, Xux vomica, Pulsatilla, Sulphur. Chill then sweat Without heat. — Bryonia, Capsicum, Rhus, Veratrum. Sweat and heat together. — Aconitum, Belladonna, Bryonia, Capsicum, Chamomilia, Cinchona, Cina, Hepar, Ignatia, Ipecacuanha, Mer- curius, Xux vomica, Opium, Rhus, Veratrum. Sweat after the heat. — Arsenicum, Bryonia, Carbo vegetabilis, Chamo- milia, Cinchona, Cina, Coffea, Hepar, Ignatia, Ipecacuanha, Opium, Pulsatilla, Rhus, Sulphur, Veratrum. Thirst before the attack.— Arnica, Cinchona, Pulsatilla, Sulphur. during the Chill. — Aconitum, Antimonium crudum, Arnica, Ar- senicum, Bryonia, Calcarea, Capsicum, Carbo vegetabilis, Chamomilia, Cinchona, Cina, Hepar, Ignatia, Ipecacuanha, Xatrum muriaticum, Xux vomica, Rhus, Sulphur, Veratrum. after the chill, but before the heat. — Arsenicum, Cinchona, Pulsatilla. and heat together. — Aconitum, Belladonna, Bryonia, Calcarea, Capsicum, Chamomilia, Cinchona, Hepar, Hyoscyamus, lachesis, Mercurius, Natrum muriaticum, Xux vomica, Pulsatilla, Rhus, Sul- phur, Veratrum. No thirst during the heat. — Arsenicum, Belladonna, Capsicum, Carbo vegetabilis, Cinchona, Ignatia, Ipecacuanha, Lachesis, Mercurius, Xux moschata, Xux vomica, Pulsatilla, Rhus, Sambucus, Sulphur, Veratrum. Thirst after the heat. — Cinchona, Xux vomica, Opium, Pulsatilla. — i during the sweat. — Arsenicum, Chamomilia, Cinchona, Hepar, Mercurius, Xatrum muriaticum, Pulsatilla, Rhus, Veratrum. after the sweat.— Xux vomica. COMPLAINTS ACCOMPANYING INTERMITTENT FEVER. Pains in the limbs. — Arsenicum, Cinchona, Xatrum muriaticum, Xux vomica, Rhus, Veratrum. GENERAL DISEASES. 429 Great weakness.— Arsenicum, Cinchona, Ferrum, Hyoscyamus, Lachesis, Natrum muriaticum, Nux vomica, Elms. Dropsical symptoms. — Arsenicum, Cinchona, Ferrum. Drowsiness and sleepiness.— Belladonna, Carbo vegetabilis, Hyoscya- mus, Lachesis, Opium, Pulsatilla, Ehus. Sleep during the chill.— Natrum muriaticum, Nux moschata. during the heat — Ignatia. after the chill. — Arsenicum. Great nervous and mental excitement.— Aconitum, Arsenicum, Bel- ladonna, Bryonia, Chamomilla, Coffea, Ignatia, Nux vomica, Pul- satilla. Rush of blood to the head (with giddiness, delirium, stupor). — Aconitum, Belladonna, Bryonia, Carbo vegetabilis, Glonoine, Hyoscyamus, Lachesis, Nux vomica, Opium, Pulsatilla, Ehus. Violent headache. — Arnica, Arsenicum, Belladonna, Cinchona, Glonoine. Ignatia, Lachesis, Natrum muriaticum, Nux vomica, Pulsatilla, Ehus. Deranged stomach. — Antimonium crudum, Arsenicum, Belladonna, Bryonia, Chamomilla, Cinchona, Ignatia, Ipecacuanha, Natrum muriaticum, Nux vomica, Pulsatilla, Sulphur. Vomiting. — Antimonium crudum, Arsenicum, Bryonia, Cinchona, Cina, Ignatia, Nux vomica, Pulsatilla. Vomiting during the chill.— Bryonia, Ignatia. after the chill. — Arsenicum, Nux vomica. during the heat. — Nux vomica. of bile. — Bryonia, Ignatia, Nux vomica. of muCUS. — Cinchona, Ignatia, Pulsatilla. Of Victuals.— Ignatia. Tongue coated white. — Antimonium crudum, Bryonia, Nux moschata. — sticky, dry, during the chill.— Bryonia. Diarrhoea. — Arnica, Arsenicum, Chamomilla, Cinchona, Ipecacuanha, Pulsatilla, Ehus, Veratrum. Constipation. — Arsenicum, Bryonia, Calcarea, Mercurius, Nux vomica. Spleen, hardness of.— Nux moschata. pain in. — Capsicum. Liver, pains and swelling of. — Arsenicum, Cinchona, Mercurius, Nux vomica. Catarrhal symptoms (cough, etc.). — Aconitum, Belladonna, Bryonia, Cinchona, Hepar, Lachesis, Mercurius, Nux vomica, Pulsatilla, Ehus, Sulphur. Oppression of the chest and difficulty of breathing —Aconitum, Antimonium crudum, Arnica, Arsenicum, Bryonia, Cinchona, Ferrum, Hepar, Ipecacuanha, Lachesis, Nux vomica, Pulsatilla, Sulphur. 430 General diseases. The above accompanying complaints are present particularly : Before the attack. — Arnica, Arsenicum, Belladonna, Calearea carbonica, Carbo vegetabilis, Cinchona, Cina, Ignatia, Ipecacuanha, Xatrum muriaticum, Xux vomica, Pulsatilla, Rhus, Sulphur. During the chill. — Arnica, Arsenicum, Bryonia, Calearea, Capsicum, Carbo vegetabilis, Cinchona, Cina, Hepar, Ignatia, Ipecacuanha, Lachesis, Mercurius, Xatrum muriaticum, Sirs, moschata, Xux vomica, Pulsa- tilla, Rhus, Veratrum. During the heat. — Aconitum, Arsenicum, Bryonia. Belladonna, Calearea, Capsicum, Carbo vegetabilis. Charnomilla, Cinchona, Conea, Hyos- eyanius, Ignatia, Ipecacuanha, Lachesis. Mercurius. Xatrum muri- aticum, Xux vomica, Opium. Pulsatilla, Rhus. Sulphur, Veratrum. During the sweat. — Aconitum, Arsenicum, Bryonia, Charnomilla, Lach- esis, Mercurius, Xux vomica, Opium, Pulsatilla, Rhus, Sulphur, Veratrum. After the attack. — Arsenicum, Bryonia, Carbo vegetabilis, Coffea, Ignatia, Lachesis. Xux vomica, Pulsatilla, Ehus. Pulse, intermittent. — Arsenicum, Cinchona, Lachesis. Mercurius, Xa- trum muriaticum, Xux vomica, Opium. apparently wanting. — Aconitum, Arsenicum, Carbo vegetabilis, Hyoscyamus, Opium, Veratrum. Pulse hard. — Aconitum, Belladonna, Bryonia, Hyoscyamus, Xux vomica, Sulphur. small. — Aconitum, Arsenicum, Belladonna, Hyoscyamus, Lachesis. Mercurius, Xux vomica. Opium, Veratrum. slow. — Belladonna, Cinchona, Mercurius, Opium, Pulsatilla, Rhus, Sanibucus, Veratrum. hurried. — Aconitum. Arsenicum, Belladonna, Bryonia, Hyoscya- mus. Mercurius, Pulsatilla, Sulphur. — : irregular. — Aconitum, Antimonium crudum, Arsenicum, Bryonia ; Cinchona. Hepar, Lachesis, Mercurius. Xatrum muriaticum, Rhus. full. — Aconiium, Belladonna. Bryonia, Ferrum, Hyoscyamus, Lach- esis, Xux vomica, Opium, Pulsatilla, Sambucus, Sulphur. soft. — Carbo vegetabilis, Cinchona, Veratrum. trembling. — Arsenicum, Mercurius, Rhus. CONGESTIVE OR PERNICIOUS FEVER. REMITTENT OR BILIOUS FEVER. These fevers, like intermittent fevers, are caused by a poisonous air, called miasma. In the commencement they may be treated as stated under Fever and Ague. But GENERAL DISEASES. 431 they should always be treated by a homoeopathic physi- cian. If the blood rushes to the head, causing very soon loss of consciousness, Glonoine should give relief; seldom Aconitum, and still more seldom Belladonna, according to the symptoms stated under " Congestion to the Head and Headache." TYPHOID FEVER. This disease is one which, like scarlet fever, diphtheria and others, may arise from, filth accumulation, bad sewerage, etc. There is, however, no longer any doubt but that the disease is directly propagated by means of the evacuations from the bowels, for the essential feature of typhoid fever is .ulceration of a portion of the small intestines ; in these ulcerating sur- faces the seeds of the disease originate, and possessing strong vitality they resist many destructive influences. Hence in whatever manner these germs of the disease reach the system, they reproduce the disease of which they were the product. Privy vaults into which the dejections of typhoid fever patients have been thrown may drain into a contiguous well, or streams of water may in some way be contaminated by the evacuations; those drinking water from these sources are apt to contract the disease, or possibly the microscopically minute particles which constitute the seeds of typhoid fever may enfer a house, being introduced by sewer gas. Milk sometimes carries the contagion — the vessels of the dairy having been washed in water which is contaminated — and sometimes the disease arises from eating the flesh of cattle suffering from a form of typhoid fever. In caring for patients with this disease the greatest care should be observed in disposing of the fgecal evacuations of the sick, for therein lies the entire danger of contagion. Typhoid fever is essentially a febrile disease. In its varied manifestations it runs through a course of several weeks. Many patients succumb to it, though homoeopathic treatment saves a larger per- centage than any other. Frequently the disease is cut short in the Jbegin- ning by homoeopathic medicines. Attention to the food, giving mainly a milk diet, and no solids whatever, is of the utmost importance. Good nurs- ing and proper feeding are indispensable agents in its treatment, perhaps more so than any other disease. The medicines chiefly used in homoeo- pathic practice are Baptisia,Bryonia, Mhus tox., Phosphoric acid, Arsenicum and Hyoscyamus. The disease is so varied in its character, as it attacks different persons, and the symptoms are so numerous and frequently so obscure at first, that it is better not to pursue the subject further in this work. The premonitory symptoms, as affecting the head, bowels, etc., can be prescribed for under directions to be found in other divisions of this book. Should symptoms of any gravity threaten, a physician must be called. 432 GENERAL DISEASES. YELLOW FEVER. As sure as the cholera will never pass a boundary line — sulphuretted hydrogen — or spread among people With sulphur in their stockings, so sure can it be said to Yellow Fever: "Thus far, and no farther!" But being a very different disease, it must be done in an entirely different way; sulphur would only promote the evil. Just as I recommended Fear, Care and Sulphur in Asi- atic Cholera, so I recommend Fright, Run and Charcoal in Yellow Fever. Fright, because it would make people run away. Every one who can possibly go away ought to do so; the sooner the better; even the sick should be scattered, never crowded. Yellow Fever has always one or more central points whence it spreads around, and is alwa} r s communicated by inhalation. The substance carrying the disease is of gaseous nature, and it acts on others not only more or less according to their state of susceptibility, exactly as it is in all infectious diseases, but this infectious gaseous substance must be in a certain state of condensation; it does not act if much diluted, that is mixed with a large body of air. In this respect the cause and carrier of Yellow Fever, the miasma, as it is called, differs from others ; it is only similar to the miasma from swamps, causing intermittent fever, but this latter is confined to certain localities ; it cannot be carried about from place to place, it cannot be spread by the sick and dead. Single cases of Yellow Fever, scattered about particu- larly in a pure atmosphere, in an air higher, cooler and more in motion, will never spread the disease, and have never done so. Therefore, the sooner and wider apart the sick are scattered, the sooner the whole epidemic will be over. If this scattering abroad is done before the "panic," GENERAL DISEASES. 433 as this disease of the mind is called, spreads, it will not be opposed by ignorant, barbarous neighbors, as has been the case. To scatter the sick is like scattering a fire, which will soon die out if there is no accumulation of combusti- ble matter. To recommend people to go away from the focus is like removing combustible matter from a house on fire, which ought to be done in time and regular order by an organized body. All those who are necessary to oversee and form this organized body should stay, all others go away. I admire with all my heart the grandeur of mind, shown by the members of the Howard Association who face the terrible enemy, in assisting the sick ; the clergymen who stand firmly at their posts to console in that reign of ter- ror; the statesmen who take the helm to prevent disorder and confusion; all of them sacrificing their own comforts, health, and risking their lives. I admire all but one class — the physicians of the old school. Although it was, as a matter of course, their plain duty to stay, it would have been much better for the sick, if they all had run away, following the example of their illustrious preceptor, Galen, who, as soon as an epidemic broke out, mounted his mule, and ran away with his valuable boxes; his slave running after him as fast as only a slave can, who is running away. "What a display of wisdom and deep learning, to give calomel for no other reason than that the patients looked yellow, and because the liver ought to have something to do with it; for calomel acts, according to their most stupid superstition, on the liver! As if every one, who recovered, would not certainly have done so much sooner and better without it. One of the most renowned physicians of the South came to Norfolk for the express purpose of advising his brother physicians to give nothing, no medicine whatever. He was truly a wise man, and an honest one. The next thing to be done is to destroy the miasma at 28 434 GENERAL DISEASES. all points of generation, in each focus. The stagnant swamps along shore, the wharves, canals, etc., are out of the question in times of danger, and ought not to be touched; stirring them up would only increase the poison in the air; what should have been done in the fall and winter cannot be done in summer. But every ship with stink- ing bilge-water, or which had Yellow Fever or similar diseases on board, ought to be disinfected. It w r as one of the greatest absurdities of the old school to suppose that chloride of lime, wdiich detroyed some other, entirely dif- ferent miasmas, would destroy that of Yellow Fever. It is nothing but a remnant of the old superstitious times, when doctors were hunting for one antidote to all poisons, and when they tried to find one remedy for all diseases. Every substance which is intended to destroy another, must have a chemical affinity for it. A few ex- periments would have convinced any one that chlorine mixes with the miasma wuthout changing it in the least. It is the same with all other "fumigations," even the most ridiculous, fires in the streets! But fire produces a substance which, as chemistry has known for nearly one hundred years, has the most pecu- liar property of absorbing gases, — it is the common char- coal. Experiments will prove to any one, what astonish- ing quantities of gases will be readily absorbed by a mere handful of charcoal — the more if it is crushed or coarsely powdered, as this gives it a larger surface. And, what is to be particularly remarked, gases of that class to which the miasma of Yellow Fever no doubt belongs, are by preference, as it were, and in larger quantities, absorbed by charcoal. A few bucketfuls of it will dis- infect a whole ship, if thrown down in the bilge-water, repeated, if necessary, until there is no longer any bad smell. This has never been done, and why not? The little black particles of charcoal are rather difficult to get out GENERAL DISEASES. 435 again! That's all. The same objection to it will be found in hospitals and private sick-rooms. My first proposition, since 1853,* when I first had the chance of observing cases of Yellow Fever for myself, was to send shiploads of charcoal to all infected places, to dis- infect all suspicious vessels with it thoroughly, to have it in every sick-room, to put it by handfulls on all and everything which passes from a Yellow Fever patient, what he vomits, his urine, his stools, at once before they are carried away; his sheets and bed-clothes before they are washed. This should be done in all and every case, and the washerwomen would then not die of the disease, as they have done, even in Philadelphia, in 1853. But it would, of course, require a great deal more water and work to remove all the little black spots from the linen. Above any other, it should be the most peremptory rule to cover all corpses, without exception, with charcoal, and to fill up the coffins with it, as the corpses produce the poisonous gas, and spread the disease more than anything else. By comparing the maps of the towns, and the local history of the epidemics, I found that the course of the fever was not so much in the direction of the prevailing winds, sometimes even against them, but always towards the burying-grounds, and principally along the streets through which the dead were carried, — the fever followed the dead. As this use of charcoal should be ordered and enforced by the authorities — for the general application only can produce a perceptible result — let the following experi- ment be made in a public place, which will convince every one of the great usefulness of charcoal : Put a dead rat in a small wooden box, upon a layer of charcoal about three inches thick, fill the box so that there are about six inches of charcoal over the rat. Every * Printed in " The Homoeopathic News," No. 7, October, 1855. 436 GENERAL DISEASES. one knows what a terrible stench will come in due time from a dead rat. Place this box upon the main table of the council room, and let every one of the rulers of the town take a smell at it every day. If they should perceive more than the common cellar air, they have only to change the upper layer of charcoal, and all the smell will have gone in a few minutes. The rat may rot in a parlor with- out anybody perceiving it. In a few w r eeks nothing but skin, hair, sinews and bones will be left. If a grave were filled with charcoal, at least three to four feet deep, it might be opened afterwards without any danger. A corpse, in a hermetically closed coffin, surrounded with charcoal two feet thick, might be trans- ported without danger to any place. But "let the dead bury the dead;" the most important result of such a rule, strictly carried out, would be the cessation of the fever in a very short time. All this, however, is independent of the treatment of the sick ; but if, in addition to it, all cases were treated homceopathic- ally, the good results would in a single week be perceived by all. It happens, not accidentally of course, but accord- ing to a law of nature, that what is the true chemical antidote, is also the best preventive and remedy, if taken internally, or the chemical is analogous to the dynamical. It happens, that among the symptoms of Carbo vegetabilis, as collected by Hahnemann, we find a true and most striking similarity of the same group of symptoms which characterize Yellow Fever. It must be left to the scien- tific portion of physicians to examine this thesis, it is not for everybody. The best preventive is Carbo vegetabilis in homoeopathic preparations. The degree of attenuation, and the repeti- tion, do not seem to be matters of much importance; though time and careful observations will ultimately show. But if given at the very first, it may be sufficient. One dose of the highest dilution has been sufficient in GENERAL DISEASES. 437 several cases. A patient who had already, on the first day, bleeding of the gums, got well by taking the third trituration every six to eight hours, for a few days. During the state of the greatest alarm, fatigue and ex- haustion, many homoeopathic physicians have given Aconitum and Belladonna, even in alternation ; I cannot find a sufficient similarity neither with the one nor the other. Still the reports are a great deal more favorable than those of the allceopathists would be, because the latter always kill more than they cure. If the homoeopathic physicians were governed, from the very commencement of the epidemic, by the law of similarity, and would find, according to Hahnemann's rule in the Organon, § 100 — 102, the medicines most cor- responding to the character of the epidemic, which may change and will differ in different places, at different sea- sons, and years, the results ought to be far more favor- able and striking than they have been hitherto. Every one who cannot observe Hahnemann's rule, should commence with Carbo vegelabills, which will act as a basis, after which all other medicines have a better effect. If alarming symptoms appear sometimes after it, another medicine may be given. Aconitum, for a dry skin, hot fever, with great agony and restlessness. Belladonna, rush of blood to the head or chest, when moving increases the symptoms. Lachesis (or, according to several reports, Crotalus) in the low, sinking state. Arnica, if the patient lies in a kind of stupor, with bad smell from the mouth ; if he answers, when asked how he is, that he feels well. Arsenicum, for great agony and burning pains; if not sufficient, Cantharides in water. 438 GENERAL DISEASES. FAINTING. SWOONING. When fainting occurs, it generally produces such alarm in those present, that all kinds of experiments, useless, disagreeable, and even injurious, are resorted to. If too large doses of spirits of hartshorn are administered, the consequences may be serious. Kemember, the first thing to be avoided in all such cases is hurry. Loosen the clothing, if tight, about the neck, chest and abdomen ; place the patient flat on the floor, and remove all ob- jects which, when consciousness returns, might make a disagreeable im- pression. Sprinkle some cold water from a feather gently upon the face, apply a little water to the neck, the back part of the head, and to the pit of the stomach. If this does not produce any effect, and if the patient be- comes cold, let him smell spirits of camphor. When the cause is known, the remedy may be selected accordingly ; for instance, if it arise from fright, Coffea, Opium or Aconitum; from loss of blood, or other debili- tating causes, wine, but only a few drops should be given, and afterwards Cinchona; when produced by sudden mental emotions, Ignatia or Chamomilla ; after loss of sleep, Cocculus. When slight pains cause fainting, give He-par ; when violent pain is present, Aconitum, Coffea or Chamomilla; when the pain preceding the fainting had almost driven the patient to distraction, give Veratrum; the same remedy will answer when debility and fainting are produced by the least exercise; when it occurs in the morning, Nux vomica is frequently of service, particularly in those who use ardent spirits immoderately, or those who have injured themselves by severe mental applica- tion. Nux moschata, if it occurs after exertion or taking cold in damp weather, in persons who used to complain of great weakness from the slightest exertion, particularly if, while fainting, they have palpitation of the heart, and are afterwards very sleepy. Carbo vegetabilis, in cases where too much mercury has been taken ; when it comes on after dinner, Nux vomica generally removes it, or should this fail, Phosphoric acid. If it is preceded by gid- diness, give Chamomilla or Hepar, according to the symp- toms. If preceded by nausea, Ipecacuanha. GENERAL DISEASES. 439 When vomiting occurs after recovery from fainting, do not interfere with it at all ; when the patient falls asleep after it, do not disturb him; rest will refresh him. APPARENT DEATH. In regard to instances of apparent death, the same error is usually committed as in cases of fainting. Either too much is done, or too many things are tried at once, or nothing is dene. There may be apparent death after a violent external injury, when life is only suspended. But appearance may perhaps become reality, by being taken for it too soon. There are many cases of sudden death; but apparent death sometimes occurs, particularly in cases of females who are pregnant, or in childbed. We know of but one sure sign of death, that is, when internal dissolution has proceeded so far as to become perceptible externally. Whenever there is the least uncertainty, and in all sudden cases, and when putrefaction does not com- mence as suddenly, nothing at least ought to be done that may cause actual death, and the interment should be postponed until the third day; on the third day changes usually appear in the bod}', which are decisive; all further proceedings should, however, be arrested until they make their appearance, though a week should elapse. In all cases of apparenth death, particularly from external violence, the bodies should be treated with the greatest care; if they are treated as the dead generally are, viz. : laid out on a board in a cold room, perhaps covered with ice, they will certainly be dead very soon, if they were not so before. APPARENT DEATH FROM HUNGER. Cases of persons, who from want of food have been so much weakened that they faint or are apparently dead, are by no means so very rare. They may and do happen 440 GENERAL DISEASES. on all our coasts after shipwrecks; in the mountains, when people lose their way, or in snow-storms, etc. All such persons must of course have food, as the first thing, but the longer they have been without it, the less of it they should have at once. Eating too much and too fast may kill them. In the worst cases, give repeated injections of warm milk ; when they show signs of returning life, give the milk to drink, at first a few drops, afterwards more and more; if they want more, give a few spoonfuls of good toastwater, broth, and a little wine. When a sound sleep succeeds, cover them up warm, and not until after that sleep, give them more solid food in small quan- tities. The following excellent broth for such and similar patients, is highly to be recommended. Take one pound of good beef, free it from fat and bones, cut it up in small pieces, pour over it one pint of cold water, let it stand several hours, stirring it occasionally, then let it simmer over a slow fire, strain it through a hair sieve or coarse cloth, adding enough water to make it a pint, and season it with a little salt. Of this broth give at first a teaspoon- ful at a time, and afterwards more. APPARENT DEATH FROM A FALL. Place the sufferer carefully on a bed, w T ith his head elevated, and in a place where he may remain quiet, put a few globules of Arnica on his tongue, and wait quietly until a ph} r sician comes to see if there are any fractures, and whether there are still signs of life. When the pa- tient has lost much blood from wounds, or from injudi- cious bleeding, give Cinchona, and a little wine, a few drops at a time, and afterwards Arnica. APPARENT DEATH FROM SUFFOCATION, HANGING, PRESSURE, CHOKING. Use the method recommended under the title "Appar- ent death from drowning." GENERAL DISEASES. 441 If these procedures are unsuccessful, the following method may be tried : a person in perfect health should pass his open hand from the head of the patient to his feet, keeping his hand at a distance of about an inch or two from the body of the patient; when arrived at the feet the hand should be returned quickly to the head of the patient, keeping it at a great distance from his body in doing so, and this should be continued in the same order for some time. Do not mind such would-be-wise people, who presume to ridicule such a proceeding, be- cause their wisdom cannot explain how it can act. Ask them what causes cholera, intermittent fever, etc.? They will tell you that it is a " something " in the air, a poison, or miasma, and so forth. Nobody has ever been able to take hold of this "something," bottle it up, or show its existence by the most delicate chemical tests ; the only , test is the human body. All we know is, that people when exposed to this "something" will sometimes cer- tainly get the cholera, fever and ague, etc., and we know, too, that persons have been restored to life by the above described process; but how this "something" in the air or the passes of the hand act we cannot tell, we must be satisfied with the facts. APPARENT DEATH FROM DROWNING. In a case of apparent death from drowning the following directions of Dr. Benjamin Howard are the best extant: "1. Instantly turn the patient downward with a large firm roll of clothing under stomach and chest. Place one of his arms under his forehead, so as to keep his mouth off the ground. Press with all your weight two or three times for four or five seconds each time, upon the patient's back so that the water is pressed out of the lungs and stomach, and drains freely out of the mouth. Then: 442 GENERAL DISEASES. "2. Quickly turn patient face upward with a roll of clothing under the back, just below the shoulder-blades, and make the head hang back as low as possible. Place patient's hands above his head. Kneel with patient's hips between your knees, fix your elbows firmly against your hips, now — grasping lower part of patient's naked chest — squeeze his two sides together, pressing gradually forward with all your weight, for about three seconds, until your mouth is nearly over mouth of patient; then, with a push, suddenly jerk yourself back. Rest about three seconds; then begin again, repeating these bellows- blowing movements with perfect regularity so that foul air may be pressed out, and pure air drawn into lungs, about eight or ten times a minute, for, at least, one hour, or until the patient breathes naturally. " Prevent crowding around patient; plenty of fresh air is important. Be careful not to interrupt the first short natural breaths. If they be long apart, carefully continue between them the bellows-blowing movements as before. After breathing is regular, let patient be rubbed dry, wrapt in warm blankets, take hot spirits and water in occasional doses, and then be left to rest and sleep." oSote. — The above directions must be used on the spot, the first instant the patient is taken from the water. A moment's delay and success is hopeless. APPARENT DEATH FROM BEING FROZEN. Where animation has been suspended by freezing, it may be restored in some cases even when it has ceased for several days. Great care should be taken in moving persons in this condition, so that no part of the body may be injured. Let them be taken from the open air under cover, but consider that even a very moderate heat may kill them ; a cold room or a barn where there is not the least draught, is the 'best place. Cover them entirely with GENERAL DISEASES. 443 snow, face and all, leaving merely the mouth and the nostrils free, in such a manner that every part of the body is covered with several inches of it. Place them in such a position that the melted snow may run off easily, and be replaced by fresh. When there is no snow put them into a cold bath, the temperature of which has been reduced by ice. If ice is attached to the body or to the clothes, remove it. In this manner thaw the body until every part becomes perfectly pliable, then gradually remove the clothing, if necessary, by cutting it from the body. As the limbs become soft and pliable, commence rubbing them with snow, and continue it until they become red; then place the patient on a dry bed, and rub him with cold flannel cloths, stockings, old pieces of felt, etc. If signs of returning life do not soon manifest them- selves under this treatment, small injections containing camphor — a drop of spirit of camphor to half a tumblerful of water — may be administered every quarter or half hour. If the patient begins to revive during the friction, or after taking the camphor, and gives symptoms of returning animation, administer small injections of lukewarm coffee without milk, — and as soon as he can swallow, give him some coffee — a teaspoonful at a time. It frequently takes hours to restore life, but we ought not to be sparing of labor. For the violent pains which are felt sometimes after the sufferer has revived, give Carbo vegetabilis every five to six hours, and if this proves unavailing, Arsenicum. If heat or stinging pains are felt in the head, a few doses of Aconitum will be of service. If the patient craves wine or brandy, a small quantity may be given to him. A person who has recovered from freezing, must avoid the heat of the stove and of the fire for a considerable time, as serious maladies, particularly diseases of the bones, are liable to result therefrom. See " Frostbite." 444 GENERAL DISEASES. APPARENT DEATH FROM LIGHTNING. A person rendered insensible by a stroke of lightning, should be at once placed into a freshly made opening in the ground, in a position half sitting, half lying, with the face toward the sun, and be covered all over with fresh ground. As soon as he moves the eyes, give internally a few globules of Nux vomica, by placing them upon the tongue, and repeat the dose in half an hour, if there is no sign of returning consciousness. The same remedy may also be given in injection, by dissolving from fifteen to twenty globules in half a pint of water. The complaints which frequently follow restoration, may generally be removed by Sulphur and Nux vomica. For blindness, Phosphorus. If you cannot place the patient in the ground, put him in a current of cool, fresh air, and dash plenty of cold water over his face, neck and chest, and use Nux vomica as above. APPARENT DEATH FROM MENTAL EMOTIONS AND OTHER CAUSES. Look under the different heads of the causes. A case of apparent death from violent mortification, was restored by Chamomilla. After suppressed grief, give Ignatia. After fright and violent anger, Aconitum. After grief caused by disappointed Jove, where apparent death fol- lowed after -a violent pain at the heart, Lachesis restored the patient. In cases of sudden, apparent death after violent mental emotions, you may, besides the remedies stated before, give Apis or Glvnoine, if the face is pale. Apis if it com- menced like fainting, with such a weakness that the pa- tient had to sit down on the spot, or fell down ; sometimes with vomiting ; particularly if it occurred after great men- GENERAL DISEASES. 445 tal or bodily pain. Glonoine, if the patient put his hand suddenly upon his heart or head ; afterwards cold sweat. Opium is better if the face is blue, as stated under " Ap- parent Death from Suffocation." APOPLEXY. For the premonitory symptoms of this complaint, such as great inclination to sleep ; general feeling of dulness or heaviness ; dimness before the eyes ; buzzing in the ears ; hardness of hearing; heavy, profound sleep and snoring; frequent yawning and fatigue after the least exertion; acute pains in the head ; vertigo or giddiness ; fainting ; irritability of temper; loss of memory; forgetfulness of words or things ; acuteness of vision, or double vision ; difficulty of swallowing ; numbness, or pricking sensation in the extremities; congestion of blood to the head, with throbbing of the arteries of the neck; red face, and quick, full pulse, etc. : see " Determination of Blood to the Head." In cases of apoplexy, bleeding is sometimes practiced ; the revival of the patient may possibly be hastened by it, but, at the same time, his death may be hastened too. The patient should at once be placed, if possible, in bed, with the head high, the clothing loosened about the neck and chest; plenty of fresh air should be obtained and perfect quiet enjoined. If the pulse is slow and full, face red or pale, give Opium; put a few globules of it upon the tongue of the patient, and use some globules, dissolved in a pint of water, as an injection ; if the pulse is very weak, give Lachesis in the same way. In other respects, select a remedy according to the cause, and particularly according to the symptoms which pre- ceded the fit. If it was preceded by nausea or inclination to vomit, or if the patient vomits when he recovers, give Antimon. tart.: if not better in half an hour, use a solution 44G GENERAL DISEASES. of the same remedy as an injection. Select, according to the symptoms, from the following: Aconitum, Veratrum, Pulsatilla, Phosphoric acid, Nux vomica, Arsenicum, Antimo- nium crudum, Hyoscyamus. . . The limits of this work will not admit of a more ex- tended notice of the disorder ; nor, indeed, is that neces- sary, as the treatment should in all cases be under the management of a homoeopathic physician. DIPHTHERIA, DIPHTHERITIS. This disease has been observed and described by med- ical writers of all nations under different names. Its history has indeed been traced back as far as Homer. In the sixteenth century it was epidemic in Holland, and was described by P. Forrest. Tow T ards the end of that century it raged in Spain, killing a great number by suf- focation; whence it was called garotilla. Since then it has been observed everywhere, more or less violent ; and in this country within a few years. It consists of a croupous or plastic exudation from the mucous membrane of the throat, mouth and nostrils; commencing with feverishness, chilliness and some diffi- culty in swallowing. The throat looks inflamed; often of a dark mahogany color; and soon becomes covered (usually after the first or second day) with a dirty-grayish, or yellowish-gray exudation or deposit of various thick- ness ; commencing in spots and patches, generally on the tonsils at first ; spreading over the soft palate and fauces into the posterior nares and cavity of the nose, and in some cases into the oesophagus and larynx. When this skinny exudation is loosened and removed by external means, it merely shows an inflamed-looking, sometimes an excoriated or ulcerated surface of the mucous membrane beneath, which is soon covered again by the same mem- brane. " Where it is loosened and thrown off spontaneously, GENERAL DISEASES. 447 it does not generally renew itself. In malignant cases this pseudo-membrane dissolves into an ill-looking ichor- ous mass, under which the mucous membrane appears in decayed shreds or dark colored crusts, emitting a most offensive odor. Mostly there co-exists a swelling of the glands beneath the jaw, the parotid glands and of the lymphatics. The great prostration of all the vital powers, which accompanies it from the first, is quite characteristic of this complaint. As to its causes, all writers agree that it is the effect of some specific poison, the nature of which we know just as little as that of cholera, typhus, or yellow fever; and as all persons are not attacked by it, it requires a predisposi- tion of the organism to it. We do not know, however, in what this consists. Besides, the atmospheric influences upon its spreading are not clearly understood ; it seems, however, that it is rather more prevalent in spring and summer than in winter, and more in damp, rainy weather than in a uniformly dry temperature. Diphtheria is not usually considered contagious, like the eruptive fevers (scarlatina, measles, small-pox); there is no evidence that it ever was conveyed in the clothing, etc.; but we can easily conceive of an epidemic cause, which may bring about more or less contamination of the atmosphere, thus rendering susceptible persons liable to contract the disease from breathing the atmosphere; or it may be propagated by an immediate inoculation of a portion of the vitiated secretions to an absorbent surface of another person, provided this person afford a congenial soil in which the specific cause may develop its specific effects. The patient should, for reasons which are plain, be isolated ; and the utmost care used with regard to the soiled linen and the emanations from the body, to prevent the spread of the disease. A rash on the skin, resembling sometimes measles; at other times scarlet fever, often accompanies this disease; 448 GENERAL DISEASES. it breaks out sometimes at the beginning, sometimes at a later period ; in a great number of cases it does not appear at all; it may last only a few hours, or remain a longer time, or reappear after having been absent for several days. An attack of diphtheria is not ^infrequently followed by partial paralysis of some portion or portions of the body. This paralysis does not usually appear at once after the attack, but a period of several weeks may elapse, and after the patient is apparently quite well the trouble appears. Difficulty in swallowing, due to paralysis of the muscles of swallowing, is the most common form, though the extremities may be affected. The heart often becomes greatly weakened during the progress of the disease and sometimes proves itself inadequate to perform its work if an extra tax is put upon it. So that death may result after even a slight exertion, or paralysis of the heart may occur. The system generally is left in a weakened, anae- mic condition after a bad attack of diphtheria, and weeks are frequently consumed ere health, is fully restored. Salt air is a great help to those convalescing from this disease. . The mildest attacks in the commencement have resulted unfavorably. Bad signs are: The acrid discharge from the nostrils. The invasion of the larynx or the development of diphtheritic croup. Hemorrhages from nose and mouth ; purpura ; petechias. Coldness of the external surface of the body. Albumin- uria; diarrhoea and vomiting. Convulsions. Complica- tions with scarlet fever. Certain localities and seasons seem to be the occasion of more dangerous cases than others. During the progress of the disease and afterward for some days or weeks even, the utmost attention should be paid to the diet and hygiene of the patient. The most nourishing food must be given at short intervals, and if the prostration is considerable, whisky is to be given freely. The patient must lie in bed, and in bad cases retain constantly the recumbent position. general diseases. 449 Treatment. Bryonia, the patient is quickly prostrated, shuns all motions, and complains, on moving or when being moved, of pain everywhere; white tongue; feeling of dryness in the mouth without peculiar thirst, or else desire for large quantities of water. Belladonna, the patient is restless, complains of sore throat; the fauces look highly inflamed; the pupils are enlarged; he feels drowsy, and yet unable to fall asleep; starts suddenly out of sleep. Lachesis, when, after Belladonna, by next evening there is no marked change for the better; or when he is even worse in the morning after some sleep, with a decided development of those skinny patches on the tonsils, worse on the left side; or when croupy symptoms appear, and the patient cannot bear anything touching his neck and throat Lycopodium, when the aspect of the fauces is rather of a brownish-redness, worse on right side, and worse from swallowing warm drinks; when the nose is stopped up, and the patient cannot breathe with his mouth shut ; he keeps his mouth constantly open, slightly projecting his tongue, which gives him a silly expression ; the nostrils are widely dilated with every inspiration ; on awakening out of a short nap, he is awfully cross, kicks and behaves in a naughty way (if a child), or he jumps up in bed, stares about and knows nobody, seemingly dreaming with open eyes; frequent jerkings of the lower limbs, mostly with a groan, awake or slumbering ; great fear of being left alone. Rhus toxicodendron, when the child is restless, wants to be carried about, wakes up every now and then complain- ing of pain in the throat; bloody saliva runs out of the mouth during sleep ; the parotid glands are a good deal swollen ; there are transparent,, jelly-like discharges from the bowels as stool, or afterwards. 29 450 GENERAL DISEASES. Apis, great debility from the beginning; the membrane assumes at once a dirty-grayish color, or there is great oedema of the soft palate and uvula ; puffiness around the eyes ; pain in the ears, when swallowing ; an itchy, sting- ing eruption on the skin ; a sensation of weakness in the- larynx; numbness of the feet and hands and even paraly- sis. (Never does good either before or after Rhus tox.) Antimon. tart., difficult breathing, gasping for air; rat- tling in the chest; retching, vomiting of tenacious mucus; small circular patches, like small-pox pustules, in and upon the mouth and tongue ; oedema of the lungs. Ignaiia. In many cases this remedy is alone required. There is more or less membrane in the throat, usually in greater abundance on the right side. Much prostration. Mercurius. Tongue coated thickly white or yellowish. Much salivation; glands swollen. Much membrane on tonsils. INDEX. Abdomen, affections of, 282 determination of blood to, 292 wounds of, 135 Abortion, 344 Abscess, 409 Acids, injurious effects of, 76 poisoning by, 107 Administration of medicines, 18 Adulteration of brandy, 87 of bread, 87 of butter, 87 of flour, 87 of malt liquors, 86 of milk and ice cream, 87 of sweet oil, 87 of vinegar, 86 of wine, 84 Adulterations and poisons, 84 Affections of abdomen, 282 of chest, 194 of ears, 179 of head, 149 of mind, 33 of mouth, 264 of nose, 188 of stomach, 268 of teeth, 238 of throat, 233 of tongue, 267 After-pains, 354 Ague, 418 remedies for, 426 Alcohol, poisoning by, 109 Alkaline poisons, antidotes, 108 Alum, poisoning by, 109 Anger, 40 Antimony, poisoning by, 111 Anus, itching of, 294 Apoplexy, 445 Apparent death, 439 from drowning, 441 from a fall, 440 from being frozen, 442 from hunger, 439 of infant, 362 Apparent death from lightning, 444 from mental emotions, etc., 444 from suffocation, hanging, press- ure, choking, 440 Appetite, want of, 268 Arsenic, injurious effects of, 83 poisoning by, 110 Ascarides, 294 Asiatic cholera, 312 Asthma, 224 Back, pain in, 414 Bad taste in mouth, 264 Bed-sores, 411 Bichromate of potash, poisoning by, 110 Bilious fever, 430 Bites of animals, 117 of leeches, 131 of mad dogs, 120 of snakes, 118 Bleeding of nose, 189 Blindness, attacks of, 177 Blood, to the head, 151 loss of, 60 spitting of, 214 vomiting of, 276 Boil, 405 Bowels, inflammation of, 288 pain in, 46 Brain, concussion of, 123 Brandy, adulteration of, 87 Bread, adulteration of, 87 Breast, catarrh on, 219 Breasts, gathered, 360 preparation of, during preg- nancy, 349 putting infants to, 364 swelling of, in infants, 371 Breath, offensive, 265 Breathing, difficulty of, 45 Bronchitis, 219 Bruises, 125 of eyes, 126 Burns and scalds, 135 (451) 452 INDEX. Butter, adulteration of, 87 Buzzing in ears, 185 Camphor, injurious effects of, 95 poisoning by, 113 Canker, 265 Catarrh, 43 of chest, 219 in head, 191 headache from, 154 nasal, 191 of stomach, 273 Carbuncle, 406 Chamomile, injurious effects of, 77 Charcoal gas, poisoning by, 104 Cheese, poisonous, 89 Chest, affections of, 194 catarrh of, 219 congestion of, 214 Chicken-pox, 398 Chilblain, 410 Child-birth, 351 Children, over-feeding of, 62 squinting of, 178 Chills and fever, 418 Chloral, injurious effects of, 78 Chlorine gas, injurious effects of, 105 Chlorosis, 332 Choking, apparent death from, 440 Cholera, Asiatic or epidemic, 312 infantum, 379 morbus, 310 Chronic rheumatism, 414 Coffee, bad effects of, 74 Cold, consequences of, 42 headache from, 47 water, injurious effects from, 66 Colic, 65, 282 of infants, 370 Complaints accompanying inter- mittent ferer, 428 Concussion of brain, 123 Confinement, constipation during, 359 diarrhoea during, 359 within doors, 58 duration of, 355 Congestive or pernicious fever, 430 Congestion of chest, 214 Constipation, 314 during confinement, 359 headache from, 156 of infants, 369 during pregnancy, 340 Convulsions, epileptic, 41 & Convulsions, in consequence of fright, 34 of infants, 375 Consumption of the lungs, 23' Copper, poisoning by, 111 Corns, 410 Corrosive sublimate, poisoning by, 110 Coryza, 191 Cosmetics, poisonous, 93 Cough, 44, 196 whooping, 206 Cramp in limbs, 416 during labor, 353 from over-feeding, 64 during pregnancy, 343 of stomach, 277 Croup, 210 Crying of infants, 371 Death, apparent, 439 from drowning, 441 from a fall, 440 from being frozen, 442 from hunger, 439 from lightning, 444 from mental emotions, etc., 444 from suffocation, hanging, press- ure, choking, 440 Defects of vision, 175 Delirium tremens, 73 Delivery, Hooding after, 354 treatment after, 354 Dentition, 377 Derangement of mind in conse- quence of fright, 35 Despondency during pregnancy, 344 Diarrhoea, 301 from acids, 76 from taking cold, 45 during confinement, 359 from heat, 54 of infants, 369 in consequence of mental emo- tions, 34 from over-feeding, 65 during pregnancy, 340 from disordered stomach, 65 Diet, forbidden, 23 during pregnancy, 336 of sick, 21 Difficulty of breathing, 45 Diphtheria, 44(3 Diphtheritisy 446> Directions for prescribing, 16 INDEX. 453 Diseases of eyes, 166 treatment of, 149 of women, 324 Dislocations, 127 Dogs, mad, bite of, 120 Dose, repetition of, 18 Dropsy, 418 Drowning-, apparent death from, 441 Drugs, injurious effects of, 77 Drunkenness, 69 Dry rot, injurious effect of, 105 Dysentery, 307 Dyspepsia, 269 Earache, 48, 181 Ears, affections of, 47, 179 buzzing in, 47, 185 discharge from, of infants, 382 eruptions of, 179 foreign bodies in, 140 inflammation of, 180 pain in, 181 running of, 183 Emotions, mental, 33 Epilepsy, 416 Epileptic convulsions, 416 Epistaxis, 189 Ergot, poisoning by, 112 Eruptive fevers, 392 Eruptions of ears, 179 from over-feeding, 66 Eructations, 64 Erysipelas, 404 Excesses, 58 Excoriation of infants, 368 Exertion, 52 Exhaustion, 52 External injuries, 123 Eyelids, inflammation and swelling of, 167 styes on, 169 Eyes, affections of, 47 bruises of, 126 diseases of, 166 foreign bodies in, 139 inflammation of, 170 sore, of infants, 365 scrofula of, 172 Faceache, 262 Face, neuralgia of, 262 swelled, 261 Fainting, 438 and hysterical fits during preg- nancy, 341 in consequence of fright, 35 False pains during pregnancy, 349 Fatigue, 54 Fear, consequence of, 35 Feet, sore, 411 sore from walking, 55 suppressed perspiration of, 43 Felon, 407 Fever and ague, 418 congestive or pernicious, 430 intermittent, 418 intermittent, complaints accom- panying, 428 milk, 357 from over-feeding, 66 remittent or bilious, 430 scarlet, 395 typhoid, 431 yellow, 432 Fevers, eruptive, 392 Fish, poisonous, 90, 114 Fits in consequence of fright, 34 in consequence of grief, 36 Flatulency, 65, 287 Flooding after labor, 354 during pregnancy, 347 Flour, adulteration of, 87 Fluids, loss of, 60 Food, forbidden, 23 for sick, 21 Foreign bodies in throat, 141 Foreign substances, 139 introduced into human body, 139 into ear, 140 into eye, 139 into larynx or windpipe, 145' into nose, 141 into skin, 147 into stomach and intestines, 144 Furuncle, 405 malignant, 406 Fractures, 127 Fright, consequences of, 33 convulsions in consequence of, 34 diarrhoea in consequence of, 34 Fainting in consequence of, 35 Fits in consequence of, 34 ' derangement of mind in conse- quence of, 35 vomiting in consequence of, 34 Frost-bite, 138, 410 Frozen, being, apparent death from, 442 < Fruits, injurious, 90 disordered stomach from, 61 454 INDEX. Gases, poisonous, antidotes, 103 Gathered breasts, 360 Gathering in ear, 382 Giddiness, 149. Gout, 411 Green sickness, 332 Grief and sorrow, 36 Gums, bleeding of, 134 Hair, cutting the, bad effects from, 43, 51 dyes, poisonous, 93 falling out of, 165 falling off of, while nursing, 361 Hanging, apparent death from, 440 Hardness of hearing, 186 Head, affections of, 149 blood to, 151 catarrh in, 191 scald, of infants, 374 scurf on, of infants, 373 swelling and elongation of, in infants, 364 wounds of, 135 Headache, 153 from determination of blood, 153 from catarrh, 154 from cold, 47 from constipation, 156 from heat, 53 nervous, 160 from overfeeding, 63 from rheumatism, 155 caused by suppression of rheu- matism, gout, eruptions, etc., 164 sick, 187 from disordered stomach, 156 Hearing, hardness of, 186 Heart, palj^itation of, 222 Heartburn, 274 Heat, diarrhoea from, 54 headache from, 53 spots of infants, 382 Hemorrhage from gums, 134 from leech-bites, 131 from lungs, 214 from nose, 189 from wounds, 129 Hemorrhoids, 297 during pregnancy, 343 Herb teas, 77 Hernia, 323 inguinal, of infants, 382 , umbilical, of infants, 382 Hiccough of infants, 373 Hoarseness, 194 Homesickness, effects of, 37 Hunger, apparent death from, 439 Hydrophobia, 120 Ice, injurious effects from, Ice cream, injurious effects from, 62, 69 Indigestion, 269 Infants, apparent death of, 362 breasts, swelling of, 371 colic, 370 constipation, 369 contracted foreskin, 369 crying, 371 diarrhoea, 369 discharge from ears, 382 excoriation, 368 eyes sore, 365 gum, 368 heat spots, 382 hiccough, 373 inguinal hernia, 382 jaundice, 367 lameness, 384 limping, 384 meconium, 364 milk-crust, 373 navel, dressing of, 363 navel, rupture of, 382 nose, obstruction of, 366 putting to breast, 364 reception at birth, 362 restlessness and wakefulness, 372 ringworm of scalp, 374 scald head, 374 scurf on head, 373 snuffles, 366 sore mouth, 366 sore throat, 367 spasms, 375 squinting, 384 stuttering, 384 summer complaint, 379 swelling and elongation of head, 364 teething, 377 treatment of, 362 umbilical hernia, 382 retention of urine, 368 vaccination, 387 washing, 363 weaning, 383 v wetting bed, 384 whites, 383 Inflammation of bowels, 2S8 of ears, 180 INDEX. 455 Inflammation of eyes, 170 of eyelids, 169 of liver, 318 of lungs, 228, 230 of stomach, 288 of tongue, 267 Inflammatory rheumatism, 412 Ingrowing toe nails, 408 Inguinal hernia of infants, 382 Injuries, external, 123 Intermittent fever, 418 complaints accompanying, 428 Intestines, foreign bodies in, 144 Instructions for patients how to com- municate with a physician, 25 Introduction, 15 Intoxicating plants, 112 Intoxication, effects of, 72 Iodine, injurious effects of, 80 poisoning by, 109 Iron, injurious effects of, 83 Irritability, 40 Itch, 401 Itching of anus, 294 . of skin, 400 Jaundice, 319 of infants, 367. Kitchen salt, injurious effects of, 91 Kitchen utensils, poisonous, 91 Knees, swelling of, 50 Labor, 351 after pains, 354 flooding after, 354 protracted, 351 retention of urine after, 360 spasmodic pains, cramps and convulsions during, 353 treatment after, 354 Lameness of children, 384 Larynx, foreign bodies in, 145 Laudanum, injurious effects of, 77 Lead, injurious effects of, 82 poisoning by, 111 Light, dread of, 178 Lightning, apparent death from, 444 Limbs, cramp in, 416 pain in, 49 Limping of children, 384 Liver, inflammation of, 318 pains in, 318 Lochia, 356 Lock-jaw, 133 Loins, pain in, 414 Long-sightedness (hvpermetropia), 176 Love, disappointment in, 36 Leucorrhcea (whites), 334 of children, 383 Lumbago, 414 Lungs, consumption of, 232 inflammation of, 228, 230 hemorrhage from, 214 Luxations, 127 Mad dogs, bite of, antidotes, 120 Magnesia, injurious effects of, 80 Malignant furuncle, 406 Malt liquors, adulteration of, 86 bad effects from, 69 Mania-a-potu, 73 Masturbation, effects of, 59 Measles, 393 Meat, putrefied, poisoning by, 115 poisonous, 89 Meconium, 364 Medicines, administration qf, 18 Memory, weakness of, 150 Menses, cessation of, 333 copious, 329 suppression of, 327 Menstruation, 324 cessation of, 333 painful, 330 during pregnancy, 337 morning sickness during, 339 suppression of, 327 tardy, 325 tvX> copious, 329 Mental application, excessive, 58 Mental emotions, 33 apparent death from, 444 Mercury, injurious effects of, 81 Miscarriage, 344 Missteps, 125 Milk, adulteration of, 87 bad effects from, 69 crust, 373 excessive secretion of, 358 fever, 357 involuntary emission of, 358 poisonous, 89 suppressed secretion of, 358 Mind, affections of, 33 derangement of, in consequence of fright, 35 Mouth, affections of, 264 bad taste in, 264 Monthly sickness, 324 Morning sickness, 339 456 INDEX. Morphine, injurious effects of, 77 Mouth, sore, of infants, 366 Mumps, 179 Mushrooms, poisonous, 91, 112 Nails, toe, ingrowing, 408 Nasal catarrh, 191 Nausea from riding in a carriage, 56 Nausea and vomiting, 49, 275 Navel, dressing the, of infants, 363 rupture of, in infants, 382 Near-sightedness (myopia), 175 Neck, wry, 415 Nervous headache, 160 Nettle rash, 402 Neuralgia of face, 262 Night-mare, 66, 417 Nights, sitting up at, effects of, 57 Nipples sore, 360 Nitrate of silver, poisoning by, 111 Nose, affections of, 188 bleeding of, 189 catarrh of, 191 coryza, 191 foreign bodies in, 141 obstruction of, in infants, 366 ozaena, 191 swelling of, 188 Nursing, tailing off of hair while, 361 weakness lrom, 361 Offensive breath, 265 Old-sightedness (presbyopia), 175 Ophthalmia of infants, 365 scrofulous, 172 Opium or laudanum, poisoning by, 113 injurious effects of, 77 Overfeeding of children, 62 colic from, 65 cramps from, 64 diarrhoea from, 65 eruptions from, 06 fever from, 66 flatulency from, 65 headache from, 63 nightmare from, 66 sleeplessness from, 66 vomiting from, 64 Overheating, 52 Overlifting, 124 Ozama, 191 Panaceas and vermifuges, poisonous, 94 Pain in bowels, 46 Pain, false, during pregnancy, 349 in limbs, 49 Paints, poisonous, 92 Palpitation of heart, 222 Pernicious fever, 430 Perspiration, suppressed, of feet, 43 Peruvian bark, 78 Phosphorus, poisoning by, 109 Piles, 297 Pink root, poisoning by, 113 Pleurisy, 228 Pneumonia, 230 Poisoned wounds, 117 Poisoning, treatment in case of, 96 antidotes, general, 97 antidotes, table of, 122 by acids, mineral, 107 alcohol, 109 alkalies, 108 alum, 109 antimony, 111 arsenic, 110 bichromate of potash, 110 bismuth, 112 blighted grains (ergot), 112 camphor, 113 cheese, 115 copper, 111 charcoal gas, 104 chlorine gas, 105 dry rot, 105 gases, 103 hair of caterpillars, 114 honey, poisonous, 114 intoxicating plants, 112 iodine, 109 lead, 111 liver of sulphur, 108 laudanum, 113 meat, putrified, 115 mushrooms, 112 nitrate of silver, 111 opium, 113 painting of houses, 106 phosphorus, 109 pink root, 113 poison vine, 113 prussic acid, 106, 109 saltpetre, sal ammoniac, 110 shell fish, 114 Spanish flies, 114 spirits turpentine, 114 sublimate, corrosive, 110 tin, 111 vitriol, 110 zinc, 112 INDEX. 457 Poison vine or ivy, 113 Poisons and adulterations, 84 animal, antidotes, 114 generated by disease, 116 vegetable, antidotes, 112 Potassium, iodide of, injurious effects of, 80 Pregnancy, 335 constipation during, 340 cramps during, 343 depression of spirits during, 344 derangements during, 336 diarrhoea during, 340 diet during, 336 dress during, 336 exercise during, 336 fainting and hvsterical fits dur- ing, 341 false pains during, 349 flooding during, 347 hemorrhoids during, 343 incontinence of urine during, 343 itching or pruritus during, 340 pain in back during, 343 preparation of the breasts dur- ing, 349 menstruation during, 337 toothache during, 341 varicose veins during, 342 vertigo and headache during, 337 Prescribing, directions for, 16 Prickly heat of infants, 382 Prolapsus ani, 296 Protracted labor, 351 Pruritus during pregnancy, 340 Prussic acid, poisoning by, 106, 109 Quinine, injurious effects of, 78 Quinsy, 233 Eash from disordered stomach, 66 nettle, 402 scarlet, 398 Rectum, prolapsus of, 296 "Ked gum " of infants, 368 Regimen of the sick, 21 Remedies for a.gue, 426 Remittent or bilious fever, 430 Rheumatism, chronic, 414 headache from, 155 inflammatory, 412 Ring-worm on scalp of infants, 374 Rose, 404 Roseola, 402 Running of ears, 183 Rupture, 323 Salt, injurious effect of, 91 Saltpetre, poisoning bv, 110 Scabies, 401 Scald head of infants, 374 Scalds, 135 Scalp, ring-worm on, of infants, 374 Scarlatina, 395 Scarlet fever, 395 rash, 398 Scrofula of eyes, 172 Scrofulous ophthalmia, 172 Scurf on head of infants, 373 Scurvy, 265 Sea-sickness, 276 Sensitiveness and irritability, 40 Self-abuse, effects of, 59 Sick headache, 157 Sick, regimen of the, 21 Sitting up at night, effects of, 57 Skin, diseases of, 400 foreign bodies in, 147 itching of, 400 Sleeplessness, 417 from drinking coffee, 74 of infants, 372 from over-feeding, 66 Small-pox, 398 I Snakes, bites of, 118 ! Snuffles, 366 Sore feet, 411 nipples, 360 throat, 233 throat from cold, 48 Sorrow, 36 Sour food. 76 Spanish flies, poisoning by, 114 Spasms of infants, 375 of stomach, 277 Spectacles, selection of, 175 Spices, injurious effects of, 76 Spitting of blood, 214 Sprains, 125, 126 Squinting of children, 178, 384 St. Anthony's fire, 404 Stings and "bites of animals, 117 Stitch in side, 228 Stomach, affections of, 268 catarrh of, 273 cramp of, 277 diarrhoea from disordered, 65 disordered, 60 disordered, headache from, 156 468 INDEX. Stoma 144 inflammation of, 288 pain in. l~~ spa>:. - 277 weakness ofj 269 Storm, affeotel by, 51 ring of children, 334 Styes :n eyelids, 169 en mental em oti Sulphur, injurious effects of, 80 p :i~ : niii^r by V. - . : mplaint. I ' S ::;-":■ lie. "_ Surfeiting, consequences o: Swelled : se, 261 Swelling of nose, 188 Swooning, 438 Tape-worn:^ 2 I [Caste bad. in mouth. 264 Tea, be Ter:l:. a±e::i n= :i. 23-S . : _: 3 Teething, 377 :.:::> :". 1 : : foreism bodies in. 141 sore, 233 - re in consequence of c : - re, : : in:::: - - Thrush Thunder-storm, affected by, 51 Tie douloureux. 1 _ Tin, pois ning by, 111 Tobacco, bad efle > roaogne, afiecti >ns I _ " lameness ::. 1 - inflammation c •:". 2 3 7 Toothaee. 23 S from cold. 45 from cold water from drinking coffee. 74 during pregnane v. 341 Turpentine. [ nsoning by, 114 Typhoid fever. 431 Ulcers. 4 " Umbilical hernia of infants, 382 Urination, difficult. 32 painful. 32 Urinarv complaints. : ; _ Urine, bloody, 1 1 _ incontinence of. during nancy. 343 involuntary emission 01. 1 2 Urine, retention of. in infants, 368 ntion of, after labor, 360 Vaccination. 3^7 Varicose veins during pregnancv, Varioloid, 400 A egetables and fruits, inj nifnges, injurious ciic,:- Vertigo, 149 Vexation, 38 Vinegar, adulteration of, 36 Vision, iefects :. 175 Vitriol, poisoning y, 110 Vomiting 275 of blood, l" in consequence of fright, 34 from over-feeding. 64 Warts, 411 W:.jli:;g ;; Water, cold, injurious effects from, cold, toothache from pc-i; : d - 3 rash. 274 Weakness of memory. 150 from nursing. 361 Wea ning. 383 Wells, poisonous, 88 . r V.ed. 3>4 White: of children, 383 Whitlow, 4 ' Whooping-cough, 206 Wind}: e, foreign bodies in. 145 Wine, adulteration of. 84 injurious effects from, 62 Wounds. 12S of abdomen. 135 deansing :. 131 lressingo| 128 head, 135 Le:i: rrhag 1 m, 129 i .res. 117 treatment of. 132 Women, lise :24 Worms 292 tape. 294 Wry-neck, 415 Yellow fever. 432 Zinc, pois 112 New Catalogue (1883) of the Hahnemann Publishing House. F. E. BOERICKE'S (LATE BOERICKE & TAFEL) piomoeopatliic Publications, PHILADELPHIA. ALLEN, DR. TIMOTHY F. The Encyclopedia of Pure Materia Medica; a Record of the Positive Effects of Drugs upon the Healthy Human Organism. With contributions from Dr. Richard Hughes, of England ; Dr. C. Hering, of Philadelphia ; Dr. Carroll Dun- ham, of New York ; Dr. Adolph Lippe, of Philadelphia, and others. Ten volumes. Price bound in cloth, $60.00 ; in half morocco or sheep, $70.00 This is the most complete and extensive work on Materia Medica ever attempted in the history of medicine — a work to which the homoeopathic prac- titioner may turn with the certainty of finding the whole pathogenetic record of any remedy ever used in homoeopathy, the record of which being published either in book form or in journals. " With the Volumes IX. and X. now before us — Allen's Encyclopedia of Pure Materia Medica — is completed. It comprises all remedies proved or applied by Homoe- opaths. With truly wonderful diligence everything has been carefully collated from the whole medical literature that could be put under contribution to Homoeopathy, thus enabling anyone who wants to make a thorough study of Materia Medica, or who wants to read up a special remedy to find what he needs and where to look for it. . . . As regards printing, paper, and general get-up, the house of Boericke & Tafel has fully upheld its old established reputation." — From the Allgemeine Homosopathische Zeitung. ALLEN, DR. TIMOTHY F. A General Symptom Register of the Homoeopathic Materia Medica. — 1,331 pages. Large 8vo. Cloth, ... $12.00 Half morocco or sheep, ........ $14.00 This valuable work was eagerly welcomed by the homoeopathic profession, and a large portion of the edition has already been disposed of. The work can be obtained through every homoeopathic pharmacy, and those desiring to secure a copy should send in their orders without delay, as but a limited number of copies remain available. " The long hoped for ' Index ' has come, and now lies before us in all the glory of a comely volume of 1,331 pages, beautifully printed on good, clear paper, and bound in cloth. 2 F. E. BOERICKE S "Every scientific practitioner in the world will heartily thank the indefatigable author for crowning his pharmaco-encyclopedic edifice so promptly with a workable repertorial index. The thing we are most thankful for is that the arrangement is strictly alphabetical. First, the part affected; second, the sensation, conditioned or modified. No fads or fancies, theories or hypotheses. Of course everybody has a copy of the ' Encyclopedia,' and now everybody will get a copy of the Index. We cannot pretend to review such a work. It bears every mark of care, capability and conscientiousness, and to hunt about for specks of dirt on such a grand picture is not the kind of work for us. The only piece of advice we offer to intending purchasers is that they ask for it bound in leather, for common cloth binding, no matter how nice to the eye, soon begins to tear at the back, and becomes the source of endless annoyance. This applies, of course, to a work for frequent reference, and Allen's ' Index ' is practically a dictionary to his ' Encyclopedia,' and as such will be used many times a day." — From the Homoeopathic World. ALLEN AND NORTON. Ophthalmic Therapeutics. See Nor- ton's Ophthalmic Therapeutics. ALLEN, WILLIAM A. Repertory of the Symptoms of Inter- mittent Fever. Arranged by William A. Allex. 107 pages. 12mo. Cloth. Price, $1.00 We give a letter of Timothy F. Allen, M.D., recommending the publication of this little work : " I have carefully examined the repertory of Dr. Wm. Allen, of Flushing, and assure you that it is exceedingly valuable. It should be printed in pocket form. I should use it constantly. Dr. Allen has a large experience in the treatment of inter mi ttents, and his own observations are entitled to great respect." BAEHR, DR. B. The Science of Therapeutics according to the Principles of Homoeopathy. Translated and enriched with numer- ous additions from Kafka and other sources, by C. J. Hempel, M.D. Two volumes. 1387 pages. Half morocco, .... $9.00 " The descriptions of disease — no easy thing to write — are always clear and full, some- times felicitous. The style is easy and readable, and not too prolix. Above all, the rela- tions of maladies to medicines are studied no less philosophically than experimentally, with an avoidance of abstract theorizing on one side, and of mere empiricism on the other, which is most satisfactory." — From the British Journal of Homoeopathy. BELL and LAIRD, DRS. The Homoeopathic Therapeutics of Diarrhoea, Dysentery, Cholera, Cholera Morbus, Cholera Infantum, and all other Loose Evacuations of the Bowels; by James B. Bell, M.D. Second edition. 275 pages. 12mo. Cloth, .... SI. 50 " This little book, issued in 1869, by Dr. Bell, has long been a standard work in Homoeopathic Therapeutics. We feel quite within bounds in asserting that it has been the means under our law, of saving thousands of lives. Than this no greater commendation could be penned. ... In this second edition, Dr. Bell has been assisted by Dr. Laird, of Maine ; also by Drs. Lippe, William P. Wesselhoeft and E. A. Farrington. Thirty- eight new remedies are given ; the old text largely re-written ; many rubrics added to the repertory; a new feature, the 'black type,' for especially characteristic symptoms, introduced. "This is a typical homoeopathic work, which no homoeopathic physician can afford to be without. The typographical setting is worthy of the book." — From the Homoeopathic Physician. EERJEAU, J. PH. The Homoeopathic Treatment of Syphilis, Gonorrhoea, Spermatorrhoea, and Urinary Diseases. Revised, with numerous additions, by J. H. P. Frost, M.D. 256 pages. 12mo. Cloth, $1.50 ''This work is unmistakably the production of a practical man. It is short, pithy, and contains a vast deal of sound practical instruction. The diseases are briefly described ; the directions for treatment are succinct and summary. It is a book which might with profit be consulted by all practitioners of homoeopathy." — North American Journal. HOMOEOPATHIC PUBLICATIONS. 6 BREYFOGLE, DR. W. L. Epitome of Homoeopathic Medi- cines. 383 pages, $1.25 We quote from the author's preface : " It has been my aim, throughout, to arrange in as concise form as possible, the leading symptoms of all well-established provings. To accomplish this, I have compared Lippe's Mat. Med. ; the Symtomen-Codex ; Jahr's Epitome ; Boenninghausen's Therapeutic Pocket- Book, and Hale's New Kemedies. BRIGHAM, DR. GERSHAM N. Phthisis Pulmonalis, or Tuber- cular Consumption. Pp. 224. 8vo. Cloth. Price, . . $2.00 This interesting work on a subject which has been the "Opprobrium Med- icorum" for generations past, has met with a favorable reception at the hands of the profession. It is a scholarly work and treats its subject from the stand- point of pure homoeopathy. "Just now a fresh move of interest in consumption is passing over the world, and hence we may say Dr. Brigham's monograph comes apropos; but on the other hand it comes too early, as the parasitic nature of phthisis is now the great phthisiological question which be- littles and dwarfs every other. "Our author's work must be pronounced as decidedly able, and its principal defects are those of the subject itself in its present state of development. In our opinion the whole question is still involved in too much doubt and difficulty to admit of its being handled very lucidly at present. Dr. Brigham tries very hard to clear the deck of all notions that might be in the way of handling the subject scientifically, but he does not quite succeed even in defining clearly one single form of phthisis. Why? because in the present state of the sub- ject it is impossible for any man to do so, and we question whether a much better book on phthisis is possible at present." — From The Homoeopathic World, for October, 1882. BRYANT, DR. J. A Pocket Manual, or Repertory of Homoeo- pathic Medicine, Alphabetically and Nosologically arranged, which may be used as the Physicians' Vade-mecum, the Travellers' Medical Com- panion, or the Fatniiy Physician. Containing the Principal Remedies for the most important Diseases; Symptoms, Sensations, Characteristics of Diseases, etc. ; with the principal Pathogenetic Effects of the Medicines on the most important Organs and Functions of the Body, together with Diagnosis, Explanation of Technical Terms, Directions for the Selection and Exhibition of Remedies, Rules of Diet, etc. Compiled from the best Homoeopathic authorities. Third edition. 352 pages. 18mo. Cloth, $1.50 DR. BURNETT'S ESSAYS. Ecce Medicus; Natrum Muriati- cum; Gold; The Causes of Cataract; Curability of Cataract; Diseases of the Veins; Supersalinity of the Blood. Pp. 296. 8vo. Cloth. Price, _ . $2.50 Dr. Burnett's essays were so favorably received in this country, that they would undoubtedly have commanded a very large sale, had they not been so high in price. As it was the six essays would have cost over five dollars, and in order to bring them within reach oi' the many we reprinted them, by special arrangement with the author, who contributed a new essay, "The Causes of Cataract," not hitherto published, and a general introduction to the volume. The book is printed in good style on heavy toned paper and well bound, and we are able to furnish it at less than half the price of the imported volumes. We feel sure that these suggestive and sprightly monographs will be highly appreciated by the profession at large. BUTLER, DR. JOHN. A Text-Book of Electro-Therapeutics and Electro-Surgery; for the Use of Students and General Practitioners. By John Butler, M.D., L.R.C.P.E., L.R.C.S.L, etc., >etc. Second edition, revised and enlarged. 350 pages. £vo. Cloth, $3.00 4 F. E. BOERTCKE S " Among the many works extant on Medical Electricity, we have seen nothing that comes so near 'tilling the bill' as this. The book is sufficiently comprehensive for the stu- dent or the practitioner. The fact that it is written by an enthusiastic and very intelligent homoeopathist, gives to it additional value. It places electricity on the same basis as other drugs, and points out by specific symptoms when the agent is indicated. The use of elec- tricity is therefore clearly no longer an exception to the law of similia, but acts curatively only Avhen used in accordance with that law. We are not left to conjecture and doubt, but can clearly see the specific indications of the agent, in the disease we have under observa- tion. The author has done the profession an invaluable service in thus making plain the pathogenesis of this wonderful agent. The reader will find no difficulty in following both the pathology and treatment of the cases described. Electricity is not held up as the cure- all of disease, but is shown to be one of the most important and valuable of remedial agents, when used in an intelligent manner. We have seen no work which we ean so heartily recommend as this." — Cincinnati Medical Advance. BUTLER, DR. JOHN. Electricity in Surgery. Pp. 111. 12mo. Cloth. Price, $100 This interesting little volume treats on the application of Electricity to Surgery. The following are some of the subjects treated of: Enlargement of the Prostate ; Stricture ; Ovarian Cysts ; Aneurism ; Naevus ; Tumors ; Ulcers; Hip Disease; Sprains; Burns; Galvano-Cautery ; Haemor- rhoids ; Fistulje ; Prolapsus of Rectum ; Hernia, etc., etc. The direc- tions given under each operation are most explicit and will be heartily welcomed by the practitioner. DUNHAM, CARROLL, A.M., M.D. Homoeopathy the Science of Therapeutics. A collection of papers elucidating and illustrating the principles of homoeopathy. 529 pages. 8vo. Cloth, . . $3.00 Half morocco, $4.00 "More than one-half of this volume is devoted to a careful analysis of various drug- provings. It teaches us Materia Medica after a new fashion, so that a fool can understand, not only the full measure of usefulness, but also the limitations which surround the drug. . . We. ought to give an illustration of his method of analysis, but space forbids. We not only urge the thoughtful and studious to obtain the book, which they will esteem as second only to the Organon in its philosophy and learning." — The American Homoeopathist, DUNHAM, CARROLL, A.M., M.D. Lectures on Materia Medica. 858 pages. 8vo. Cloth, , . . . . $5.00 Half morocco, $6.00 "Vol. I. is adorned with a most perfect likeness of Dr. Dunham, upon which stranger and friend will gaze with pleasure. To one skilled in the science of physiognomy there will be seen the unmistakable impress of the great soul that looked so long and steadfastly out of its fair windows. But our readers will be chiefly concerned with the contents of these two books. They are even better than their embellishments. They are chiefly such lectures on Materia Medica as Dr. Dunham alone knew how to write. They are preceded quite naturally by introductory lectures, which he was accustomed to deliver to his classes on general therapeutics, on rules which should guide us in studying drugs, and on the therapeutic law. At the close of Vol. II. we have several papers of great interest, but the most important fact of all is that we have over fifty of our leading remedies presented in a method which belonged peculiarly to the author, as one of the most successful teachers our school has yet produced. . . . Blessed will be the library they adorn, and the wise man or woman into whose mind their light shall shine." — Cincinnati Medical Advance. EDMONDS on Diseases Peculiar to Infants and Children. By W. A. Edmonds, M.D., Professor of Paedology in the St. Louis Homoeo- pathic College of Physicians and Surgeons, etc., etc., etc. 1881. Pp. 300. 8vo. Cloth, .... ..... $2.50 This work meets with rapid sales, and was accorded a flattering reception by the homoeopathic press. "This is a good, sound book, by an evidently competent man. The preface is as manly as it is unusual, and engages one to go on and read the entire work. In the chapter on the HOMOEOPATHIC PUBLICATIONS. O examination of sick children we read that 'no physician will ever have full and comfort- able success as a paedologist who has a brusque, reticent, undemonstrative manner. It is indispensable that a physician having children in charge should convince them by his manner that he likes them, and sympathizes with them in their whims, foibles and peculi- arities. Their intuitions as to whom they ought to like and ought not to like are marked and wonderfully accurate at a very tender age.' The physician who writes thus is a born paedologist, and most assuredly a very successful practitioner " After the examination of children has been dwelt upon, our author proceeds to dis- cuss of the hygiene of children in a very able and sensible manner. lie then discourses upon the various diseases of children in an easy and yet didactic manner, and any one can soon discover that he knows whereof he writes." — From the Homoeopathic World. EGGERT, DR. W. The Homoeopathic Therapeutics of Uterine and Vaginal Discharges. 543 pages. 8vo. Half morocco, $3.50 The author here brought together in an admirable and comprehensive arrangement everything published to date on the subject in the whole homoeo- pathic literature, besides embodying his own abundant personal experience. The contents, divided into eight parts, are arranged as follows: — Part 1. Treats of Menstruation and Dysmenorrhea. Part II. Menorrhagia. Part III. Amenorrhea. Part IV. Abortion and Miscarriage. Part V. Metror- rhagia. Part VI. Fluor albus. Part VII. Lochia, and Part VIII. General Concomitants. No work as complete as this, on the subject, was ever before attempted, and we feel assured that it will meet with great favor by the profes- sion. GUERNSEY, DR. H. N. The Application of the Principles and Practice of Homoeopathy to Obstetrics and the Disorders Pe- culiar to Women and Young Children. By Henry N. Guernsey, M.D., Professor of Obstetrics and Diseases of Women and Children in the Homoeopathic Medical College of Pennsylvania, etc., etc. With numerous Illustrations. Third edition, revised, enlarged, and greatly improved. Pp. 1004. 8vo. Half morocco, $8.00 In 1869 this sterling work was first published, and w T as at once adopted as a text-book at all homoeopathic colleges. In 1873 a second edition, considerably enlarged, was issued; in 1878 a third edition was rendered necessary. The wealth of indications for the remedies used in the treatment, tersely and suc- cinctly expressed, giving the gist of the author's immense experience at the bed- side, forms a prominent and well appreciated feature of the volume. " This standard work is a credit to the author and publishers. * * * * * The instructions in the manual and mechanical means employed by the accoucheur are fully up to the latest reliable ideas, while the stand that is taken that all derangements incidental to gestation, parturition and post partum are not purely mechanical, but will in the majority of cases, if not all, succumb to the action of the properly selected homoeopathic remedy, shows that Prof. Guernsey has not fallen into the rut of methodical ideas and treatment. The appendix contains additional suggestions in the treatment of suspended animation of newly-born children, hysteria, ovarian tumors, sterility, etc., suggestions as to diet during sickness of any kind, etc., etc. After the index is a glossary, a useful appendix in itself. Every practitioner should have a copy of this excellent work, even if he has two or three copies of old school text-books on obstetrics and diseases of women." — From the Cincinnati Medical Advance. GUERNSEY, DR. E. Homoeopathic Domestic Practice. With full Descriptions of the Dose to each single Case. Containing also Chap- ters on Anatomy, Physiology, Hygiene, and abridged Materia Medica. Tenth enlarged, revised, and improved edition. Pp. 653. Half leather, $2.50 HAGEN, DR. R. A Guide to the Clinical Examination of Patients and the Diagnosis of Disease. By Kichard Hagen, M.D., Privat 6 F. e. boericke's docent to the University of Leipzig. Translated from the second revised and enlarged edition, by G. E. Gramm, M.D. Pp. 223. 12mo. Cloth, $1.25 " This is the most perfect guide in the examination of patients that we have ever seen. The author designs it only for the use of students of medicine before attending clinic.-, but Ave have looked it carefully through, and do not know of 223 pages of printed matter any- where of more importance to a physician in his daily bedside examinations. It is simply invaluable." — From the St. Louis Clinical Review. HAHNEMANN, DR. S. Organon of the Art of Healing. By Sam- uel Hahnemann, M.D. Aude Sapere. Fifth American edition. Trans- lated from the fifth German edition, by C. Wesselhoeft, M.D. Pp. 244. 8vo. Cloth, $1.75 ''To insure a correct rendition of the text of the author, they (the publishers) selected as his translator Dr. Conrad Wesselhoeft, of Boston, an educated physician in every respect, and from his youth up perfectly familiar with the English and German languages, than whom no better selection could have been made." "That he has made, as he himself declares, 'an entirely new and independent translation of the whole work/ a careful com- parison of the various paragraphs, notes, etc., with those contained in previous editions, gives abundant evidence ; and while he has, so far as possible, adhered strictly to the letter of Hahnemann's text, he has at the same time given a pleasantly flowing rendition that avoids the harshness of a strictly literal translation." — Hahnemann ian Monthly : HAHNEMANN, DR. S. The Lesser Writings of. Collected and Translated by R. E. Dudgeon, M.D. AVith a Preface and Rotes by E. Marcy, M.D. With a Steel Engraving of Hahnemann from the statue of Steinhauser. Pp. 784. Half morocco, . . . . 83.00 This valuable work contains a large number of Essays of great interest to laymen as well as medical men, upon Diet, the Prevention of Diseases, Venti- lation of Dwellings, etc. As many of these papers were written before the dis- covery of the homoeopathic theory of cure, the reader will be enabled to peruse in this volume the ideas of a gigantic intellect when directed to subjects of gen- eral and practical interest. HALE, DR. E. M. Lectures on Diseases of the Heart. In three parts. Part. I. Functional Disorders of the Heart. Part II. Inflamma- tory Affections of the Heart. Part III. Organic Diseases of the Heart. Second enlarged edition. Pp. 248. Cloth, . . . . 81.75 " After giving a thorough overhauling to the lectures of Dr. Hale,, with the full inten- tion of a close criticism, I acknowledge myself conquered. True there are text books on the same subject of thrice the number of pages — more voluminous, but not so concise; and in this very conciseness lies the merit of the work. Students will find there everything they need at the bedside of their patients. It fills just a want long felt by the profession, and we can only congratulate Dr. Hale to have found in Messrs. Boericke & Tafel, pub- lishers who have done their work equally well." — North American Journal of Homoeopathy. HALE, DR. E. M. Materia Medica and Special Therapeutics of the New Remedies. By Edwix M. Hale, M.D., Professor of Materia Medica and Therapeutics of the ISew Remedies in Hahnemann Medical College, Chicago, etc., etc. Fifth edition, revised and enlarged. In two volumes — Vol. I. Special Symptomatology. With new Botanical and Pharmacological Notes. Pp. 770. 18827 Cloth, . . . $5.00 Half morocco, $6.00 " Dr Hale's work on New Remedies, is one both well known and much appreciated on this side of the Atlantic. For many medicines of considerable value we are_ indebted to his researches. In the present edition, the symptoms produced by the drug investigated, and those which they have been observed to cure, are separated from the clinical observa- tions, by which the former have been confirmed. That this volume contains a very large HOMOEOPATHIC PUBLICATIONS. 7 amount of invaluable information is incontestable, and that every effort has been made to secure both fulness of detail and accuracy of statement, is apparent throughout. For these reasons we can confidently commend Dr. Hale's fourth edition of his well known work on the New Remedies to our homoeopathic colleagues." — From tlie Monthly Homoeopathic Review. HALE, DR. E. M. Materia Medica and Special Therapeutics of the New Remedies. By Edwin M. Hale, M.D. Late Professor of Materia Medica and Therapeutics of the New Remedies in Hahnemann Medical College, Chicago ; Professor of Materia Medica in the Chicago Homoeopathic College, etc. Fifth edition, revised and enlarged (thirty- seven new remedies), in two volumes. Vol. II. Special Therapeutics. With illustrative cases. Pp. 901. 8vo. Cloth, . . . $5.00 Half morocco, .... ...... $6.00 "Hale's New Remedies is one of the few works which every physician, no matter how poor he may be, ought to own. Many other books are very nice to have, and very desir- able, but this is indispensable. This volume before us is an elegant specimen of the printers' and binders' art, and equally enjoyable when we consider its contents, which are not only thoroughly scientific, but also as interesting as a novel. Thirty-seven new drugs are added in this edition, besides numerous additions to the effects of drugs, previously dis- cussed. * * * ~ ;: ~ * We must say and reiterate if necessary, that Dr. Hale has hit the nail on the head in his plan for presenting the new remedies. It does well enough to tabu- late and catalogue, for reference in looking up cases, barren lists of symptoms, but for real enjoyable study, for the means of clinching our information and making it stand by us, give us volumes planned and executed like that now under consideration." — From the New Eng- land Medical Gazette. HALE, DR. E. M. Medical and Surgical Treatment of the Dis- eases of Women, especially those causing Sterility. Second edition. Pp. 378. 8vo. Cloth, . . . . . . . $2.50 " This work is the outcome of a quarter of a century of practical gynecological experi- ence, and on every page we are struck with its realn.ess. It is one of those books that will be kept on a low shelf in the libraries of its possessors, so that it may be found readily, at hand in case of need. It is a work that soon will be well-thumbed by the busy practitioner who owns it, because in many a difficult obstetric case he will pace his study, tug at the favorite button a little nervously, and suddenly pause and exclaim, ' Let us see what Hale says about it ! ' and in seeing what Hale does say about it he will feel strengthened and com- forted, as one does after a consultation with a hulfreicher colleague in a difficult or dangerous case, in which the enormous responsibility had threatened to crush one. " In many obstinate uterine cases we shall reach this book down to read again and again what this clinical genius has to say on the subject. We have never seen Professor Hale in the flesh, but we have had scores of consultations with him in the pages of his New Remedies, and he has thus feelessly helped us cure many an obstinate case of disease. " When we get a good book we mentally shake hands with the author, and think grate- fully of him for giving us of his great riches. This is a good book, and thus we act and feel towards its gifted author, Professor Hale.' — From the Homoeopathic World, London. HART, DR. C. P. Diseases of the Nervous System. Being a Treatise on Spasmodic, Paralytic, Neuralgic and Mental Affections. For the use of Students and Practitioners of Medicine. By Ceas. Porter Hart, M.D., Honorary Member of the College of Physicians and Sur- geons of Michigan, etc., etc., etc. Pp. 409. 8vo. Cloth, . $3.00 "This work supplies a need keenly felt in our school — a work which will be useful alike to the general practitioner and specialist ; containing, as it does, not only a condensed compilation of the views of the best authorities on the subject treated, but also the author's own clinical experience ; to which is appended the appropriate homoeopathic treatment of each disease. It is written in an easy, flowing style, at the same time there is no waste of words. ***** "We consider the work a highly valuable one, bearing the evidence of hard work, considerable research and experience." — Medico-Chirurgical Quarterly. " We feel proud that in Hart's ' Diseases of the Nervous System ' we have a work up 8 F. e. boemcke's to date, a work which we need not feel ashamed to put in the hands of the neurologist or alienist for critical examination, a work for which we predict a rapid sale." — North Ameri- can Journal of Homoeopathy. HELMUTH, DR. W. T. A System of Surgery. Illustrated with 568 Engravings on Wood. By Wm. Tod Helmuth, M.D. Third edition. Pp. 1000. Sheep, $8.50 This standard work, for many years used as a text-book in all homoeopathic colleges, still maintains its rank as the best work ever brought out by our school on the subject. Ever since it was issued the necessity, for the student or prac- titioner, to invest in allopathic works on the subject ceased to exist. It is up to date, and abounds in valuable hints, for it gives the results of the author's ripe and extensive experience with homoeopathic medication in connection with sur- gical operations. In elegance of diction our author has never been approached. . . . . " We have in this work a condensed compendium of almost all that is known in practical surgery, written in a terse, forcible, though pleasing style, the author evidently having the rare gift of saying a great deal in a few words, and of saying these few words in a graceful, easy manner. Almost every subject is illustrated with cases from the doctor's own practice ; nor has he neglected to put before us the great advantage of homoe- opathic treatment in surgical diseases. The work is in every respect up to the require- ments of the times "Taken altogether, we have no book in our literature that we are more proud of. " One word of commendation to the publishers is naturally drawn from us as we com- pare this handsome, clearly -printed, neatly-bound volume Avith the last edition. The dif- ference is so palpable that there is no necessity of making further comparisons." — Homoeo- pathic Times. HELMUTH, DR. W. T. Supra-Pubic Lithotomy. The High Operation for Stone — Epicystotomy — Hypogastric Lithotomy — "The High Apparatus." By Wm. Tod Helmuth, M.D., Professor of Surgery in the N. Y. Horn. Med. College ; Surgeon to the Hahnemann Hospital and to Wards Island Homoeopathic Hospital, N. Y. 98 quarto pp. 8 lithographic plates. Cloth. Price, 84. 00 A superb quarto edition, with lithographic plates, printed in five colors, and illustrated by charts and numerous wood-cuts. HEINIGKE, DR. CARL. Pathogenetic Outlines of Homoeo- pathic Drugs. By Dr. Carl Heinigke, of Leipzig. Translated from the German by Emil Tietze, M.D., of Philadelphia. Pp. 576. 8vo. Cloth, $3.50 " The reader of this work will gain more practical knowledge of a given drug from its pages in the same space of time than from any other book on the same subject. " The publishers' part of the work has been executed with the usual elegance, neatness and durability which characterizes all their publications which we have seen. " To the English reading portion of our colleagues, this book will be a boon to be appreciated, in proportion that it is consulted, and will save them many weary researches when in doubt of the true homoeopathic remedy." — American Homoeopath. HEMPEL, DR. C. J., and DR. J. BEAKLEY. Homoeopathic Theory and Practice. With the Homoeopathic Treatment of Surgical Diseases. Designed for Students and Practitioners of Medicine, and as a Guide for an intelligent public generally. Fourth edition. Pp.1100. $3.00 HERING, DR. CONSTANTINE. Condensed Materia Medica. Second edition, more Condensed, Revised, Enlarged and Improved. 806 pages, large 8vo. Half morocco, ...... $7.00 This, the most complete work issued from the pen of the late illustrious author, has a very large sale, having been adopted from its first appearance as Text-book in all Homoeopathic Colleges in the LTnited States. HOMOEOPATHIC PUBLICATIONS. 9 "This work, the author tells us, is made up from the manuscript prepared for the ' Guiding Symptoms/ and is intended to give the student an idea of the main features of each drug in as narrow a compass as possible. It is, in fact, the ' Guiding Symptoms ' boiled down. It has therefore a value of its own in enabling the student or practitioner to see quickly the chief symptoms of each medicine. Its name indicates its nature exactly, the condensation being more valuable from the hands of Dr. Hering than it might be from others of smaller experience. To those who wish to have such an aid to the Materia Medica beside them, we can recommend it."' — Monthly Homoeopathic Review for September, 1880. " The favor with which this work has been received, and the rapidity with which it has been adopted as a text-book in all the homoeopathic medical colleges, attests most fully its value. Embracing the rich experience and the extensive learning of the author, its author- ity is unquestioned. The relationship of the drugs is peculiarly valuable, and can be found nowhere else outside of Bcenninghausen. The schema is according to Hahnemann, simi- larity in symptoms being clearly indicated. Hering's Materia Medica has now become the leading work of its kind in our school. Its broad pages lie invitingly before you. You read over the symptomatology of each drug with the consciousness that each and every line has been well considered before incorporation, and that it is a storehouse of wealth from which every worker can draw his supplies. The appearance of the work reflects credit upon the publishers, who have already gained their reputation as book publishers of the first rank." — Homoeopathic News. HERING, DR. CONSTANTINE. Domestic Physician. Seventh American Edition. 464 Pp $2.50 The present editor, Claude E. Norton, M.D., a former assistant of Dr. Hering, undertook, at his desire, the task of superintending the publication of the work. Some additions to the text have been made, a few remedies intro- duced, and, at times, slight alterations in the arrangement effected, but the well- known views of the author have been respected in whatever has been done ; but for unavoidable reasons, the issue of the present edition has been delayed until this time. HOMCEOPATHIC POULTRY PHYSICIAN (Poultry Veteri- narian) ; or, Plain Directions for the Homoeopathic Treatment of the most Common Ailments of Fowls, Ducks, Geese, Turkeys, and Pigeons, based on the author's large experience, and compiled from the most reliable sources, by Dr. Fe. Scheotee. Translated from the German. 84 pages. 12mo. Cloth, $0.50 We imported hundreds of copies of this work in the original German for our customers, and as it gave good satisfaction, we thought it advisable to give it an English dress, so as to make it available to the public generally. The little work sells very fast, and our readers will doubtless often have an oppor- tunity to draw the attention of their patrons to it. HOMCEOPATHIC COOKERY. Second edition. With additions by a Lady of an American Homoeopathic Physician. Designed chiefly for the Use of such Persons as are under Homoeopathic Treatment. 176 pages. $0.50 HULL'S JAHR. A New Manual of Homoeopathic Practice. Edited, with Annotations and Additions, by F. G. Snelleng, M.D. Sixth American edition. With an Appendix of the New Eemedies, by C. J. Hempel, M.D. 2 vols. 2076 pages, $9.00 This first volume, containing the symptomatology, gives the complete pathogenesis of two hundred and eighty-seven remedies, besides a large number of new remedies added by Dr. Hempel, in the appendix. The second volume contains an admirably arranged Repertory. Each chapter is accompanied by copious clinical remarks and the concomitant symptoms of the chief remedies for the malady treated of, thus imparting a mass of information, rendering the work indispensable to every student and practitioner of medicine. 10 F. E. BOERICKE'S JAHR, DR. G. H. G. Therapeutic Guide; the most Important results of more than Forty Years Practice. With Personal Observations regard- ing the truly reliable and practically verified Curative Indications in actual cases of disease. Translated, with Notes and New Remedies, bv C. J. Hempel, M.D. 546 pages, * $3.00 "With this characteristically long title, the veteran and indefatigable Jahr gives us another volume of homoeopathies. Besides the explanation of its purport contained in the title itself, the author's preface still further sets forth its distinctive aim. It is intended, he says, as a 'guide to beginners, where I only indicate the most important and decisive points for the selection of a remedy, and where I do not offer anything but what my own indi- vidual experience, during a practice of forty years, has enabled me to verify as absolutely decisive in choosing the proper remedy.' The reader will easily comprehend that, in carry- ing out this plan, I had rigidly to exclude all cases concerning which I had no experience of my own to offer We are bound to say that the book itself is agreeable, chatty, and full of practical observation. It may be read straight through with interest, and referred to in the treatment of particular cases with advantage." — British Journal of Homoe- opathy. JAHR, DR. G. H. G. The Homoeopathic Treatment of Diseases of Females and Infar.ts at the Breast. Translated from the French by C. J. Hempel, M.D. 422 pages. Half leather, . . . $2.00 This work deserves the most careful attention on the part of homoeopathic practitioners. The diseases to which the female organism is subject are de- scribed, with the most minute correctness, and the treatment is likewise indicated with a care that would seem to defy criticism. No one can fail to study this work but with profit and pleasure. JONES, DR. SAMUEL A. The Grounds of a Homoeopaths Faith. Three Lectures, delivered at the request of Matriculates of the Department of Medicine and Surgery (Old School) of the University of Michigan. By Samuel A. Jones, M.D., Professor of Materia Medica, Therapeutics, and Experimental Pathogenesy in the Homoeopathic Medical College of the University of Michigan, etc., etc. 92 Pages. 12mo. Cloth (per dozen, $3), . . . ' $0.30 The first Lecture is on The Law of Similars; its Claim to be a Science in that it Enables Perversion. The second Lecture, The Single Remedy a Necessity of Science. The third Lecture, The Minimum Dose an Inevitable Sequence. A fourth Lecture, on The Dynamization Theory, was to have finished the course, but was prevented by the approach of final examinations, the prepara- tion for which left no time for hearing evening lectures. The Lectures are issued in a convenient size for the coat-pocket ; and as an earnest testimony to the truth, we believe they will find their way into many a homoeopathic house- hold. JOHNSON, DR. I. D. Therapeutic Key; or Practical Guide for the Homoeopathic Treatment of Acute Diseases. Tenth edition. 347 pages. Bound in linen, ......... $1.75 Bound in flexible leather cover, . . . . . . 2.25 The same including twelve insets properly lined and headed for daily visits, $3.25, or the insets separately at $1 per set of twelve. Each inset will be found sufficient for a month's visits in ordinary practice and well supplies the usual visiting list, and this without a perceptible increase in bulk. This has been one of the best selling works on our shelves ; more copies being in circulation of this than of any two other professional works put to- gether. It is safe to say that there are but few homoeopathic practitioners in this country but have one or more copies of this little remembrancer in their possession. HOMOEOPATHIC PUBLICATIONS. 11 " This is a wonderful little book, that seems to contain nearly everything pertaining to the practice of physic, and all neatly epitomized, so that the book may be carried very com- fortably in the pocket, to serve as a source for a refresher in a case of need. " It is a marvel to us how the author has contrived to put into 347 pages such a vast amount of information, and all of the very kind that is needed. jSTo wonder it is in its tenth edition. " Right in the middle of the book, under P, we find a most useful little chapter, or article, on 'Poisonings/ telling the reader what to do in such cases. — Homoeopathic World, London. JOHNSON, DR. I. D. A Guide to Homoeopathic Practice. De- signed for the Use of Families and Private Individuals. 494 pages. Cloth, ... .1 $2.00 This is the latest work on Domestic Practice issued, and the well and favor- ably known author has surpassed himself. In this book fifty-six remedies are introduced for internal application, and four for external use. The work con- sists of two parts. Part I is subdivided into seventeen chapters, each being devoted to a special part of the body, or to a peculiar class of disease. Part II contains a short and concise Materia Medica. The whole is carefully written with a view of avoiding technical terms as much as possible, thus insuring its comprehension by any person of ordinary intelligence. "Family Guides are often of great service, not only in enabling individuals to relieve the trifling maladies of such frequent occurrence in every family, but in the graver forms of disease, by prompt action to prepare the way for the riper intelligence of the physician. "The work under notice seems to have been carefully prepared by an intelligent physi- cian, and is one of the handsomest specimens of book-making we have seen from the house of Boericke & Tafel, its publishers." — Homoeopathic Times. LAURIE and McCLATCHEY. The Homoeopathic Domestic Medicine . By Joseph Laurie, M.D., Ni7ith American, from the Twenty- first English edition. Edited and revised, with numerous and important additions, and the introduction of the new remedies. By R. J. Mc- Clatchey, M.D. 1044 pages. 8vo. Half morocco, . ' . $5.00 " We do not hesitate to endorse the claims made by the publishers, that this is the most complete, clear, and comprehensive treatise on the domestic homoeopathic treatment of dis- ease extant. This handsome volume of nearly eleven hundred pages is divided into six parts. Part I is introductory, and is almost faultless. It gives the most complete and exact directions for the maintenance of health, and of the method of investigating the con- dition of the sick, and of discriminating between different diseases. It is written in the most lucid style, and is above all things wonderfully free from technicalities. Part II. treats of symptoms, character, distinctions, and treatment of general diseases, together with a chapter on casualties. Part III. takes up diseases peculiar to women. Part IV. is devoted to the disorders of infancy and childhood. Part V. gives the characteristic symptoms of the medicines referred to in the body of the work, while part VI. introduces the reper- tory." — Hahnemannian Monthly. " Of the usefulness of this work in cases where no educated homoeopathic physician is within reach, there can be no question. There is no doubt that domestic homoeopathy has done much to make the science known; it has also saved lives in emergencies. The prac- tice has never been so well presented to the public as in this excellent volume." — New. Eng. Med. Gazette. LILIENTHAL, DR. S. Homoeopathic Therapeutics. By S. Lilienthal, M.D., Editor of North American Journal of Homoeopathy, Professor of Clinical Medicine and Psychology in the New York Homoe- opathic Medical College, and Professor of Theory and Practice in the New York College Hospital for Women, Etc. Second edition. 835 pages. 8vo. Cloth, . . $5.00 Half morocco, 6.00 " Certainly no one in our ranks is so well qualified for this work as he who has done it, and in considering the work done, we must have a true conception of the proper sphere 12 f. e. boericke's of such a work. For the fresh graduate, this hook will he invaluable, and to all such we unhesitatingly and very earnestly commend it. To the older one, who says lie has no use for t his book, we have nothing to say. He is a good one to avoid when well, and to dread when ill. We also hope that he is severely an unicum." — Prof. Samuel A. Jones in American Observer. " .... It is an extraordinary useful book, and those who add it to their library will never feel regret, for we are not saying too much in pronouncing it the best work on therapeutics in homoeopathic (or any other) literature. With this under one elbow, and Hering's or Allen's Materia Med lea under the other, the careful homoeopathic practitioner can refute ISlemayer's too confident assertion, 'I declare it idle to hope for a time when a medical prescription should be the simple resultant of known quantities.' Doctor, by all means buy Lilienthal's Homoeopathic Therapeutics, It contains a mine of wealth." — Prof. Chas. Gatchel in Ibid." LUTZE, DR. A. Manual of Homoeopathic Theory and Practice. Designed for the use of Physicians and Families. Translated from the German, with additions by C. J. Hempel, M.D. From the six- tieth thousand of the German edition. 750 pp. 8vo. Half leather, $2.50 MALAN, H. Family Guide to the Administration of Homoeo- pathic Remedies. 112 pages. 32mo. Cloth, . . . $0.30 MANUAL OF HOMCEOPATHIC VETERINARY PRACTICE. Designed for all kinds of Domestic Animals and Fowls, prescribing their proper treatment when injured or diseased, and their particular care and general management in health. Second and enlarged edition. 684 pages. 8vo. Half morocco, $5.00 " In order to rightly estimate the value and comprehensiveness of this great work, the reader should compare it, as we have done, with the best of those already before the public. In size, fulness, and practical value it is head and shoulders above the very best of them, while in many most important disorders it is far superior to them altogether, containing, as it does, recent forms of disease of which they make no mention." — Hahnemannian Monthly. MARSDEN, DR. J. H. Handbook of Practical Midwifery, with full Instructions for the Homceopathic Treatment of the Dis- eases of Pregnancy, and the Accidents and Diseases incident to Labor and the Puerperal State. J. H. Marsden, A.M., M.D., 315 pages. Cloth, ^ . . . . $2.25 " It is seldom we have perused a text-book with such entire satisfaction as this. The author has certainly succeeded in his design of furnishing the student and young prac- titioner, within as narrow limits as possible, all necessary instruction in practical midwifery. The work shows on every page extended research and thorough practical knowledge. The style is clear, the array of facts unique, and the deductions judicious and practical. We are particularly pleased with his discussion of the management of labor, and the management of mother and child immediately after the birth, but much is left open to the common sense and practical judgment of the attendant in peculiar and individual cases." — Homoeo- pathic Times. MORGAN, DR. W. The Text-book for Domestic Practice; being plain and concise directions for the Administration of Homoeopathic Medi- cines in Simple Ailments. 191 pages. 32mo. Cloth, . . S0.50 This is a concise and short treatise on the most common ailments, printed in convenient size for the pocket ; a veritable traveler's companion. NORTON, DR. GEO. S. Ophthalmic Therapeutics. By Geo. S. Norton, M.D., Professor of Ophthalmology in the College of the New York Ophthalmic Hospital, Senior Surgeon to the New York Ophthalmic Hospital, etc. With an introduction by Prof. T. F. Allen, M.D. Sec- ond edition. Re-written and revised, with copious additions. Pp. 342. 8vo. Cloth, ' . $2.50 HOMCEOPATIIIC PUBLICATIONS. 13 The second edition of Allen & Norton's Ophthalmic Therapeutics has now been issued from the press. It has been re-written, revised and considerably en- larged by Professor Norton, and will, without doubt, be as favorably received as the first edition — out of print since several years. This work embodies the clinical experiences garnered at the "N. Y. Ophthalmic Hospital, than which a better appointed and more carefully conducted establishment does not exist in this country. Diseases of the eye are steadily on the increase, and no physician can atford to do without the practical experience as laid down in the sterling- work under notice. RAUE, DR. C. G. Special Pathology and Diagnosis, with Thera- peutic Hints. Second edition, re-written and enlarged. Pp. 1,072. Large 8vo. Half morocco or sheep, $7.00 This second edition is brought down to date, and, rendered in Dr. Raue's own luregnant, terse style. These thousand pages will be found to be encyclopedic as to the comprehensiveness, and epitomatic as to the condensed form of the in- formation imparted. " . . . . The first edition has 644 pages; this new has 1,072, and if Raue has added 428 pages it was because lour hundred and twenty-eight pages of something solid had to find a place in this universe The present edition is written up to date, tersely it is true, but so far as I have read, in consonance with the latest teachings I envy the practitioner who can read this second edition without learning something ; and I would say to the young graduate, in an expressive Western phrase, ' Tie to it.' It has become a platitude to compliment publishers, but, really, Boericke & Tafel, and the Globe Printing House, may well be proud of this book." — S. A. Jones in American Observer. REIL, DR. A. ACONITE, Monograph on, its Therapeutic and Physiological Effects, together with its Uses and Accurate Statements, derived from the various Sources of Medical Lit- erature. By A. Reil, M.D. Translated from the German by H. B. Millard, M.D. Prize essay. 168 pages, * $0.60 " This Monograph, probably the best which has ever been published upon the subject, has been translated and given to the public in English, by Dr. Millard, of New York. Apart from the intrinsic value of the work, which is well known to all medical German scholars, the translation of it has been completed in the most thorough and painstaking way; and all the Latin and Greek quotations have been carefully rendered into English. The book itself is a work of great merit, thoroughly exhausting the whole range of the subject. To obtain a thorough view of the spirit of the action of the drug, we can recom- mend no better work." — North American Journal. RUSH, DR. JOHN. Veterinary Surgeon. The Hand-book to Veteri- nary Homoeopathy; or, the Homoeopathic Treatment of Horses, Cattle, Sheep, Dogs and Swine. From the London edition. With numerous ad- ditions from the Seventh German edition of Dr. F. E. Gunther's "Homoeo- pathic Veterinary." Translated by J. F. Sheek, M.D. 150 pages. 18mo. Cloth, $0.50 SCHAEFER, J. C. New Manual of Homoeopathic Veterinary Medicine. An easy and comprehensive arrangement of Diseases, adapted to the use of every owner of Domestic Animals, and especially designed for the farmer living out of the reach of medical advice, and showing him the way of treating his sick Horses, Cattle, Sheep, Swine and Dogs, in the most simple, expeditious, safe and cheap manner. Translated from the German, with numerous additions from other veterinary manuals, by C. J. Hempel, M.D. 321 pages. 8vo. Cloth, .... $2.00 SHARP'S TRACTS ON HOMCEOPATHY, each, . . 5 Per hundred, $3.00 14 F. e. boericke's No. 1. What is Homoeopathy ? No. 7. The Principles of Homoeopathy. No. 2. The Defence of Homoeopathy. No. 8. Controversy on " No. 3. The Truth of " No. 9. Remedies of " No. 4. The Small Doses of " No. 10. Provings of " No. 5. The Difficulties of " No. 11. Single Medicines of " No. 6. Advantages of No. 12. Common sense of " SHARP'S TRACTS, complete set of 12 numbers, . . . $0.50 Bound, $0.75 SMALL, DR. A. E. Manual of Homoeopathic Practice, for the use of Families and Private Individuals. Fifteenth enlarged edition. 831 pages. 8vo. Half leather, $2.50 Manual of Homoeopathic Practice. Translated into German by C. J. Hempel, M.D. Eleventh edition. 643 pages. 8vo. Cloth, $2.50 STAPF, DR. E. Additions to the Materia Medica Pura. Trans- lated by C. J. Hempel, M.D. 292 pages. 8vo. Cloth, . $1.50 This work is an appendix to Hahnemann's Materia Medica Pura. Every remedy is accompanied with extensive and most interesting clinical remarks, and a variety of cases illustrative of its therapeutical uses. TESSIER, DR. J. P. Clinical Remarks concerning the Homoeo- pathic Treatment of Pneumonia, preceded by a Retrospective View of the Allopathic Materia Medica, and an Explanation of the Homoeo- pathic Law of Cure. Translated by C. J. Hempel, M.D. 131 pages. 8vo. Cloth, ;■. $0.75 TESTE. A Homoeopathic Treatise on the Diseases of Children. By Alph. Teste, M.D. Translated from the French by Emma H. Cote. Fourth edition. 345 pages. 12mo. Cloth, . . . . $1.50 This sterling work is by no means a new applicant for the favorable con- sideration of the profession, but is known to the older physicians since many years, and would be as well known to the younger had it not been out of print for nearly eight years. However, as orders for the work were persistently re- ceived from all quarters, we concluded to resurrect the book as it were, and purchasing the plates from the quondam publishers, w T e re-issued it in a much improved form, i. e., well printed on excellent paper. Dr. Teste's work is unique, in that in most cases it recommends for certain affections remedies that are not usually thought of in connection, therewith ; but, embodying the results of an immense practical experience, they rarely fail to accomplish the de- sired end. VERDI, DR. T. S. Maternity, a Popular Treatise for Young Wives and Mothers. By Tullio Suzzara Verdi, A.M., M.D., of Washington, D.C. 450 pages. 12mo. Cloth, . . . $2.00 " No one needs instruction more than a young mother, and the directions given by Dr. Verdi in this work are such as I should take great pleasure in recommending to all the young mothers, and some of the old ones, in the range of my practice." — George E. Ship- man, M.D., Chicago, III. "Dr. Verdi's book is replete with useful suggestions for wives and mothers, and his medical instructions for home use accord with the maxims of my best experience in prac- tice." — John F. Gray, M.I)., New York City. Mothers and Daughters : Practical Studies for the Conservation of the Health of Girls. By Tullio Suzzara Verdi, A.M , M.D. 287 pages. 12mo. Cloth, • $1.50 HOMCEOP^THIC PUBLICATIONS. 15 "The people, and especially the women, need enlightening on many points connected with their physical life, and the time is last approaching when it will no longer be thought singular or ' Yankeeish' that a woman should be instructed in regard to her sexuality, its organs and their functions Dr. Verdi is doing a good work in writing such books, and we trust he will continue in the course he has adopted of educating the mother and daughters. The book is handsomely presented. It is printed in good type on fine paper, and is neatly and substantially bound." — Hahnemannian Monthly. VON TAGEN. Biliary Calculi, Perineorrhaphy, Hospital Gan- grene, and its Kindred Diseases. 154 pages. 8vo. Oloth, $1.25 " Von Tagen was an industrious worker, a close observer, an able writer. The essays before us bear the marks of this. They are written in an easy, flowing, graceful style, and are full of valuable suggestions. While the essay on perineorrhaphy is mainly of interest to the surgeon, the other essays concern the general practitioner. They are exhaustive and abound in good things. The author is especially emphatic in recommending the use of bromine in the treatment of hospital gangrene, and furnishes striking clinical evidence in support of his recommendation. " The book forms a neat volume of 150 pages, and is well worthy of careful study." — Medical Counselor. WILLIAMSON, DR. W. Diseases of Females and Children, and their Homoeopathic Treatment. Third enlarged edition. 256 pages, $1.00 This work contains a short treatise on the homoeopathic treatment of the diseases of females and children, the conduct to be observed during pregnancy, labor and confinement, and directions for the management of new-born infants. WILSON, DR. T. P. Special Indications for Twenty-five Reme- dies in Intermittent Fever. By T. P. Wilson, M.D., Professor of Theory and Practice, Ophthalmic and Aural Surgery, University of Michi- gan. 1880. 53 pages. 18mo. Cloth, ...... $0.40 This little work gives the characteristic Indications in Intermittent Fever of twenty-live of the mostly used remedies. It is printed on heavy writing paper, and plenty of space is given to make additions. The name of the drug is printed on the back of the page containing the symptoms, in order that the student may the better exercise his memory. WINSLOW, DR. W. H. The Human Ear and Its Diseases. A Practical Treatise upon the Examination, Recognition and Treatment of Affections of the Ear and Associate Parts, Prepared for the Instruction of Students and the Guidance of Physicians. By W. H. Winslow, M.D., Ph.D., Oculist and Aurist to the Pittsburg Homoeopathic Hospital, etc., etc., with one hundred and thirty-eight illustrations. Pp. 526. 8vo. Cloth. Price, $4.50 "It would ill-become a non-specialist to pass judgment upon the intrinsic merits of Dr. Winslow's book, but even a general reader of medicine can see in it an author who has a firm grasp and an intelligent apprehension of his subject. There is about it an air of self- reliant confidence, which, when not offensive, can come only from a consciousness of know- ing the matter in hand, and we have never read a medical work which would more quickly lead us to give its author our confidence in his ministrations. This is always the conse- quence of honest and earnest and inclusive scholarship, and this author is entitled to his meed." — Dr. S. A. Jones in American Observer. WORCESTER, DR. S. Repertory to the Modalities. In their Re- lations to Temperature, Air, Water, Winds, Weather and Sea- sons. Based mainly upon Hering's Condensed Materia Medica, with ad- ditions from Allen, Lippe and Hale. Compiled and arranged by Samuel Worcester, M.D., Salem, Mass., Lecturer on Insanity and its Jurispru- 16 F. e. boericke's dence at Boston University School of Medicine, etc., etc. 1880. 1G0 pages. 12mo. Cloth, 81. '25 "This Repertory to the Modalities is indeed a most useful undertaking, and will, without question, be a material aid to rapid and sound prescribing where there are prominent modal- ities. The first chapter treats of the sun and its effects, both beneficial and hurtful, and we see at a glance that strontium carb., anacardium, conium mac., and kali bich. are likely to be useful to patients who like basking in the sun. No doubt many of these modalities are more or less fanciful; still a great many of them are real and of vast clinical range. ''The book is nicely printed on good paper, and strongly bound. It contains 160 pages. We predict that it will meet with a steady, long-continued sale, and in the course of time be found on the tables of most of those careful and conscientious prescribes who admit the philosophical value of (for instance) lunar aggravations, effects of thunder-storms, etc. And who, being without the priggishness of mere brute science, does not?" — Homoeopathic World. WORCESTER, DR. S. Insanity and Its Treatment. Lectures on the Treatment of Insanity and Kindred Nervous Diseases. By Samuel Worcester, M.D., Salem, Mass. Lecturer on Insanity, Nervous Dis- eases and Dermatology, at Boston University School of Medicine, etc., etc. 262 pages, 83.50 Dr. Worcester was for a number of years assistant physician of the Butler Hospital for the Insane, at Providence, R. L, and was appointed shortly after as Lecturer on Insanity and Nervous Diseases to the Boston University School of Medicine. The work, comprising nearly five hundred pages, will be wel- comed by every homoeopathic practitioner, for every physician is called upon sooner or later to undertake the treatment of cases of insanity among his pat- ron's families, inasmuch as very many are loth to deliver any afflicted member to a public institution without having first exhausted all means within their power to effect a cure, and the family physician naturally is the first to be put in charge of the case. It is, therefore, of paramount importance that every •homoeopathic practitioner's library should coutain such an indispensable work. " The basis of Dr. Worcester's work was a course of lectures delivered before the senior students of the Boston University School of Medicine. As now presented with some alter- ations and additions, it makes a very excellent text-book for students and practitioners. Dr. Worcester has drawn very largely upon standard authorities and his own experience, which has not been small. In the direction of homoeopathic treatment, he has received valuable assistance from Drs. Talcott and Butler, of the New York State Asylum. It is not, nor does it pretend to be, an exhaustive work ; but as a well-digested summary of our present knowledge of insanity, we feel sure that it will give satisfaction. We cordially recommend it." — New England Medical Gazette. rmRSL *'j p i ■■'■»■ ■I 11^919 lfflMJ c HHT M« 90$ . I V