The Project Gutenberg EBook of Mother's Remedies, by T. J. Ritter This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org Title: Mother's Remedies Over One Thousand Tried and Tested Remedies from Mothers of the United States and Canada Author: T. J. Ritter Release Date: January 1, 2006 [EBook #17439] Language: English Character set encoding: ASCII *** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK MOTHER'S REMEDIES *** Produced by Don Kostuch [Transcriber's Notes] Some of the suggestions in this book may be helpful or at least have a placebo effect. Beware of the many recipes that include kerosene (coal oil), turpentine, ammonium chloride, lead, lye (sodium hydroxide), strychnine, arsenic, mercury, creosote, sodium phosphate, opium, cocaine and other illegal, poisonous or corrosive items. Many recipes do not specify if it is to be taken internally or topically (on the skin). There is an extreme preoccupation with poultices (applied to the skin, 324 references) and "keeping the bowels open" (1498 references, including related terms). I view this material as a window into the terror endured by mothers and family members when a child or adult took ill. The doctors available (if you could afford one) could offer little more than this book. The guilt of failing to cure the child was probably easier to endure than the helplessness of doing nothing. There are many recipes for foods I fondly remember eating as a child. Note the many recipes for a single serving that involve lengthy and labor-intensive preparation. Refrigeration was uncommon and the temperature of iceboxes was well above freezing, so food had to be consumed quickly. Many recipes use uncooked meat and eggs that can lead to several diseases. Obvious typographical errors have been corrected but contemporary spelling and usage are unchanged. Page headers are retained, but are moved to the beginning of the paragraph where the text is interrupted. Page numbers are shown in brackets [ ]. The author claims the material is directed toward non-medical "family" members, but many passages are obviously copied from medical textbooks. The following glossary of unfamiliar (to me) terms is quite lengthy and does not include incomprehensible (to me) medical terms and many words and names I could not find in several reference books. The book's own 16 page dictionary is on page 893. I recommend the article on "hydrophobia" (page 241) as an interesting history of the Pasture treatment. Don Kostuch Transcriber's Dictionary These entries are absent or brief in the original dictionary on page 893. A short cooking dictionary is on page 831. Check there for items not found here. acetanilide (also acetanilid) White crystalline compound, C6H5NH(COCH3), formerly used to relieve pain and reduce fever. It has been replaced because of toxicity. Aconite Various, usually poisonous perennial herbs of the genus Aconitum, having tuberous roots, palmately lobed leaves, blue or white flowers with large hoodlike upper sepals, and an aggregate of follicles. The dried leaves and roots of these plants yield a poisonous alkaloid that was formerly used medicinally. Also called monkshood, wolfsbane. actinomycosis (lumpy jaw) Inflammatory disease of cattle, hogs, and sometimes humans, caused by actinomyces; causes lumpy tumors of the mouth, neck, chest, and abdomen. Addison's disease Caused by partial or total failure of adrenocortical function; characterized by a bronze-like skin color and mucous membranes, anemia, weakness, and low blood pressure. ad libitum At the discretion of the performer. Giving license to alter or omit a part. affusion Pouring on of liquid, as in baptism. ague Alternating periods of chills, fever, and sweating. Used in reference to the fevers associated with malaria. aletris farinosa (Colicroot, star grass, blackroot, blazing star, and unicorn root ) Bitter American herb of the Bloodwort family, with small yellow or white flowers in a long spike (Aletris farinosa and A. aurea). algid Cold; chilly. alkanet European perennial herb (Alkanna tinctoria) having cymes of blue flowers and red roots. The red dye extracted from the root. Plants of the Eurasian genus Anchusa, having blue or violet flowers grouped on elongated cymes. allyl Univalent, unsaturated organic radical C3H5. aloin Bitter, yellow crystalline compound from aloe, used as a laxative. alum Double sulfates of a trivalent metal such as aluminum, chromium, or iron and a univalent metal such as potassium or sodium, especially aluminum potassium sulfate, AlK(SO4)2 12H2O, widely used in industry as clarifiers, hardeners, and purifiers and medicinally as topical astringents and styptics. anemonin Acrid poisonous compound containing two lactone groups; obtained from plants of the genus Anemone and genus Ranunculus, containing the buttercups. aneurysm (aneurism) Localized, blood-filled dilatation of a blood vessel caused by disease or weakening of the vessel wall. animadversion Strong criticism. Critical or censorious remark: anise Aromatic Mediterranean herb (Pimpinella anisum) in the parsley family, cultivated for its seed-like fruits and the oil; used to flavor foods, liqueurs, and candies. anodyne Relieves pain. antipyrine (antipyrin, phenazone) Analgesic and antipyretic (reduces fever) C11H12N2O formerly used, but now largely replaced by less toxic drugs such as aspirin. antrum Cavity or chamber, especially in a bone. Sinus in the bones of the upper jaw, opening into the nasal cavity. apomorphine Poisonous white crystalline alkaloid, C17H17NO2, derived from morphine and used to induce vomiting. arnica Perennial herbs of the genus Arnica. Tincture of the dried flower heads of the European species A. montana, applied externally to relieve the pain and inflammation of bruises and sprains. articular Relating to joints: the articular surfaces of bones. asafetida (asafoetida) Fetid (offensive odor) gum resin of Asian plants of the genus Ferula (especially F. assafoetida, F. foetida, or F. narthex). It has a strong odor and taste, and was formerly used as an antispasmodic and a general prophylactic against disease. atresia Absence or closure of a normal body orifice or tubular passage such as the anus, intestine, or external ear canal. Degeneration and resorption of one or more ovarian follicles before a state of maturity has been reached. atropine Poisonous, bitter, crystalline alkaloid, C17H23NO3, obtained from belladonna and related plants. Used to dilate the pupils of the eyes and as an antispasmodic. bainmarie Large pan of hot water in which smaller pans may be placed to cook food slowly or to keep food warm. barberry Shrubs of the genus Berberis having small yellow flowers, and red, orange, or blackish berries. baryta A barium compounds, such as barium sulfate. baste Sew loosely with large running stitches to hold together temporarily. batiste Fine, plain-woven fabric made from various fibers and used especially for clothing. bedizen Ornament or dress in a showy or gaudy manner. belladonna (deadly nightshade) Poisonous Eurasian perennial herb (Atropa belladonna) with solitary, nodding, purplish-brown, bell-shaped flowers and glossy black berries. An alkaloidal extract of this plant used in medicine. benne (sesame) Tropical Asian plant (Sesamum indicum) bearing small flat seeds used as food and as a source of oil. benzoin Balsamic resin obtained from certain tropical Asian trees of the genus Styrax and used in perfumery and medicine. Also called benjamin, gum benjamin, gum benzoin. A white or yellowish crystalline compound, C14 H12 O2, derived from benzaldehyde. berberine Bitter-tasting yellow alkaloid, C20H19NO5, from several plants such as goldenseal. Used medically as an antipyretic and antibacterial agent. bergamot Small tree (Citrus aurantium subsp. bergamia) grown in southern Italy for its sour citrus fruits. The rinds yield an aromatic oil (bergamot oil) used in perfume. beri-beri Deficiency of thiamine, endemic in eastern and southern Asia and characterized by neurological symptoms, cardiovascular abnormalities, and edema. Berserker Ancient Norse warriors legendary for working themselves into a frenzy before a battle and fighting with reckless savagery and insane fury. bijouterie Collection of trinkets or jewelry; decorations. bilious Relating to bile. Excess secretion of bile. Gastric distress caused by a disorder of the liver or gallbladder. Resembling bile, especially in color: a bilious green. Peevish disposition; ill-humored. bistort Eurasian perennial herb (Polygonum bistorta) with cylindrical spikes of pink flowers and a rhizome used as an astringent in folk medicine. blue flag Several irises with blue or blue-violet flowers, especially Iris versicolor of eastern North America. blue stone (blue vitriol, blue copperas, chalcanthite) Hydrated blue crystalline form of copper sulfate. bobbinet Machine-woven net fabric with hexagonal meshes. boil Painful, circumscribed pus-filled inflammation of the skin and subcutaneous tissue usually caused by a local staphylococcal infection. Also called furuncle. bolster Long narrow pillow or cushion. bombazine Fine twilled fabric of silk and worsted or cotton, often dyed black for mourning clothes. boracic acid (boric acid) Water-soluble white or colorless crystalline compound, H3BO3, used as an antiseptic and preservative. boutonniere Flower or small bunch of flowers worn in a buttonhole. bryonia Small genus of perennial old world tendril-bearing vines (family Cucurbitaceae) having large leaves, small flowers, and red or black fruit; Dried root of a bryony (Bryonia alba or B. dioica) used as a cathartic. bubo (buboes) An inflamed, tender swelling of a lymph node, especially in the area of the armpit or groin, that is characteristic of bubonic plague and syphilis. bubonic plague (black death) Contagious, often fatal epidemic disease caused by the bacterium Yersinia (syn. Pasteurella) pestis, transmitted from person to person or by the bite of fleas from an infected rodent, especially a rat; produces chills, fever, vomiting, diarrhea, and the formation of buboes. buchu South African shrubs of the genus Agathosma, especially A. betulina and A. crenulata; the leaves are used as a mild diuretic and provide an aromatic oil used for flavoring. burdock Weedy, chiefly biennial plants of the genus Arctium. cachexia Weight loss, wasting of muscle, loss of appetite, and general debility during a chronic disease. cajeput (paperbark) Australian and southeast Asian tree (Melaleuca quinquenervia, M. leucadendron) of the myrtle family (Myrtaceae); yields a pungent medicinal oil; grown in Florida. calamine White or colorless mineral, essentially Zn4Si2O7(OH)2.H2O (hemimorphite). Pink, odorless, tasteless powder of zinc oxide with a small amount of ferric oxide, dissolved in mineral oils and used in skin lotions. calcareous Composed of calcium carbonate, calcium, or limestone; chalky. cale Variety of cabbage in which the leaves do not form a head, being nearly the wild form of the species; also called kail. calomel Colorless, white or brown tasteless compound, Hg2Cl2, used as a purgative and insecticide. Mercurous chloride. cambric Finely woven white linen or cotton fabric. cantharis (pl. cantharides) (also called Spanish fly) Brilliant green blister beetle (Lytta vesicatoria or Cantharis vesicatoria) of central and southern Europe. Toxic preparation of the crushed, dried bodies of this beetle, formerly used as a counter-irritant for skin blisters and as an aphrodisiac. capsicum Topical American pepper plants, genus Capsicum, especially C. annuum and C. frutescens. capsid (mirid bug, mirid) Variety of leaf bug. carbolic acid (phenol) Caustic, poisonous, white crystalline compound, C6H5OH, derived from benzene and used in resins, plastics, and pharmaceuticals and in dilute form as a disinfectant and antiseptic. carbuncle A painful localized bacterial infection of the skin that usually has several openings discharging pus. cardamom Rhizomatous (horizontal, usually underground stem) Indian herb (Elettaria cardamomum) having capsular fruits with aromatic seeds used as a spice or condiment. Plants of the related genus Amomum, used as a substitute for cardamom. carminative Inducing the expulsion of gas from the stomach and intestines. cascara (See Rhamnus purshiana) A buckthorn native to northwest North America; the bark yields cascara sagrada. cassia Tropical or subtropical trees, shrubs, or herbs of the genus Cassia in the pea family, having yellow flowers, and long, flat or cylindrical pods. Tropical Asian evergreen tree (Cinnamomum cassia) having aromatic bark used as a substitute for cinnamon. Castile soap Fine, hard, white, odorless soap made of olive oil and sodium hydroxide. castor oil Colorless or pale yellowish oil extracted from the seeds of the castor-oil plant, used as a laxative and skin softener. catarrh Inflammation of mucous membranes, especially in the nose and throat. catechu (cutch, Acacia catechu, betel palm) Spiny Asian tree with yellow flowers, and dark heartwood. A raw material obtained from the heartwood of this plant, used in the preparation of tannins and brown dyes. caudal Near the tail or hind parts; posterior. Similar to a tail in form or function. caustic potash (potassium hydroxide) Caustic white solid, KOH, used as a bleach and in the manufacture of soaps, dyes, alkaline batteries. cerate Hard, unctuous, fat or wax-based solid, sometimes medicated, formerly applied to the skin directly or on dressings. chambray Fine lightweight fabric woven with white threads across a colored warp. chancel Space around the altar of a church for the clergy and sometimes the choir, often enclosed by a lattice or railing. chary Cautious; wary; not giving or expending freely; sparing. chelidnium Herbs of the poppy family (Papaveraceae) with brittle stems, yellowish acrid juice, pinnately divided leaves, and small yellow flowers that includes the celandine. Preparation of celandine (Chelidonium majus) used formerly as a diuretic. Cheviot Breed of sheep with short thick wool, originally raised in the Cheviot Hills. Fabric of coarse twill weave, used for suits and overcoats, originally made of Cheviot wool. chicken pox Caused by the varicella-zoster virus; indicated by skin eruptions, slight fever, and malaise. Also called varicella. chilblain Inflammation and itchy irritation of the hands, feet, or ears, caused by moist cold. chloral hydrate Colorless crystalline compound, CCl3CH(OH)2, used as a sedative and hypnotic. chlorosis Iron-deficiency anemia, primarily of young women, indicated by greenish-yellow skin color. cholera infantum Acute non-contagious intestinal disturbance of infants formerly common in congested areas with high humidity and temperature. cholera morbus Acute gastroenteritis occurring in summer and autumn exhibiting severe cramps, diarrhea, and vomiting. No longer in scientific use. chorea Nervous disorders marked by involuntary, jerky movements, especially of the arms, legs, and face. Chrysarobin Bitter, yellow substance in Goa powder (from the wood of a Brazilian tree Vataireopsis araroba), and yielding chrysophanic acid; formerly called chrysphanic acid. cinchona (Jesuit's bark, Peruvian bark) Trees and shrubs of the genus Cinchona, native chiefly to the Andes and cultivated for bark that yields the medicinal alkaloids quinine and quinidine, which are used to treat malaria. Dried bark of these plants. Cinnamyl Hypothetical radical, (C6H5.C2H2)2C, of cinnamic compounds. Formerly, cinnamule. clonic The nature of clonus--contraction and relaxation of muscle. cocculus Poisonous bean-shaped berry of a woody vine (Anamirta cocculus) of the East Indies that yields picrotoxin. cochineal Red dye made of the dried and pulverized bodies of female cochineal insects. coddle Cook in water below the boiling point: coddle eggs. Treat indulgently; baby; pamper. codling (codlin) Greenish elongated English apple used for cooking. Small unripe apple. Cohosh (baneberry, herb Christopher) Plant of the genus Actaea having acrid poisonous berries; especially blue cohosh, black cohosh. colchicum Various bulbous plants of the genus Colchicum, such as the autumn crocus. The dried ripe seeds or corms (short thick solid food-storing underground stem) of the autumn crocus which yield colchicine. collodion Highly flammable, colorless or yellowish syrupy solution of pyroxylin, ether, and alcohol, used as an adhesive to close small wounds and hold surgical dressings, in topical medications, and for making photographic plates. colocynth (bitter apple) Old World vine (Citrullus colocynthis) bearing yellowish, green-mottled fruits the size of small lemons. The pulp of the fruit is a strong laxative. colombo (calumba) Root of an African plant (Jatrorrhiza palmata, family Menispermaceae) containing columbin; it is used as a tonic called calumba root or colombo root. colostrum (foremilk) Thin yellowish fluid secreted by the mammary glands at birth, rich in antibodies and minerals. It precedes the production of true milk. coltsfoot (galax) Eurasian herb (Tussilago farfara), naturalized in parts of North America with dandelion-like flower heads. Dried leaves or flower heads of this plant have been long used in herbal medicine to treat coughs. consomme Clear soup or bouillion boiled down so as to be very rich. contretemps Unforeseen disruption of the normal course of things; inopportune occurrence. copaiba Transparent, often yellowish, viscous oleoresin from South American trees of the genus Copaifera in the pea family, used in varnishes and as a fixative in perfume. copperas (ferrous sulfate) Greenish crystalline compound, FeSO4.7H2O, used as a pigment, fertilizer, and feed additive, in sewage and water treatment, and in the treatment of iron deficiency. corrosive sublimate Mercuric chloride. costal Relating to or near a rib. costive Constipated cranesbill (geranium, storksbill) Plants of the genus Geranium, with pink or purplish flowers. Various plants of the genus Pelargonium, native chiefly to southern Africa and widely cultivated for their rounded and showy clusters of red, pink, or white flowers. cream of tartar Potassium bitartrate. White, acid, crystalline solid or powder, KHC4H4O6, used in baking powder, in the tinning of metals, and as a laxative. Creasote (creosote) Colorless to yellowish oily liquid containing phenols and creosols, obtained by the destructive distillation of wood tar, especially from beech, and formerly used as an expectorant in treating chronic bronchitis. Also used as a wood preservative and disinfectant. May cause severe neurological disturbances if inhaled. crepe de Chine Silk crepe used for dresses and blouses. cretonne Heavy unglazed cotton, linen, or rayon fabric, colorfully printed and used for draperies and slipcovers. croton oil Brownish-yellow, foul-smelling oil from the seeds of a tropical Asian shrub or small tree (Croton tiglium); formerly used as a drastic purgative and counterirritant. Its use was discontinued because of its toxicity. croup Condition of the larynx, especially in infants and children, causing respiratory difficulty and a hoarse, brassy cough. Culver's root Perennial herb (Veronicastrum virginicum) native to eastern North America; the root was formerly used as a cathartic and an emetic. cupping Therapeutic procedure, no longer in use; an evacuated glass cup is applied to the skin to draw blood to the surface. Cuprum Copper. Curacao Flavored with sour orange peel. Popular island resort in the Netherlands Antilles. cystitis Inflammation of the urinary bladder. damask Rich patterned fabric of cotton, linen, silk, or wool. Fine, twilled table linen. deadly night-shade (bittersweet, bittersweet nightshade, climbing nightshade, poisonous nightshade, woody nightshade, Solanum dulcamara) Perennial Eurasian herb with reddish bell-shaped flowers and shining black berries; extensively grown in United States; roots and leaves yield atropine (belladonna, Atropa belladonna). decollete Cut low at the neckline. Wearing a garment that is low-cut or strapless. demi-monde Class of women kept by wealthy lovers or protectors; prostitutes; group whose respectability is dubious or whose success is marginal. demulcent Soothing, usually mucilaginous or oily substance, such as glycerin or lanolin, used to relieve pain of irritated mucous membranes. diathesis Hereditary predisposition to disease, allergy, or other disorder. digitalis Plant of the genus Digitalis, including foxgloves. Drug prepared from the seeds and dried leaves used as a cardiac stimulant. dilatory Delay or postpone. discomfit Make uneasy or perplexed; disconcert; embarrass; thwart the plans of; frustrate. dry cupping See cupping. dysmenorrhea Painful menstruation. effusion Seeping of serous, purulent, or bloody fluid into a body cavity or tissue. The effused fluid. eiderdown (eider down) Down of the eider duck, used to stuff quilts and pillows. Quilt stuffed with the down of the eider duck. empyema Pus in a body cavity, especially the pleural cavity. ennui Listlessness, dissatisfaction, lack of interest; boredom: Epsom salts Hydrated magnesium sulfate, MgSO4.7H2O, used as a cathartic and to reduce inflammation. ergot Fungus (Claviceps purpurea) infecting cereal plants; forms compact black masses of branching filaments that replace many of the grains of the host plant. Disease caused by such a fungus. The dried sclerotia of ergot obtained from rye is a source of several medicinal alkaloids and lysergic acid. erigeron Genus of composite herbs having flower heads resembling asters. Formerly used as a diuretic and as a hemostatic in uterine hemorrhage erysipelas Acute skin disease caused by hemolytic streptococcus; marked by localized inflammation and fever. Also called Saint Anthony's fire. eschar Dry scab or slough formed on the skin caused by a burn or by the action of a corrosive or caustic substance. eucaine A crystalline substance, C15H21NO2, used as a local anesthetic, substituting for cocaine, in veterinary medicine. eucalyptol (cineole) Colorless oily liquid, C10H18O, from eucalyptus; used in pharmaceuticals, flavoring, and perfumery. eucalyptus Trees of the genus Eucalyptus, native to Australia; they have aromatic leaves that yield an oil used medicinally. farcy (see glanders) Chronic form of glanders that affects the skin and superficial lymph vessels. febrile ferverish felon Painful purulent infection at the end of a finger or toe in the area surrounding the nail. Also called whitlow. ferrocyanate Salt of ferrocyanic acid; a ferrocyanide. fistula An abnormal duct or passage resulting from injury, disease, or other disorder that connects an abscess, cavity, or hollow organ to the body surface or to another hollow organ. flounce Strip of decorative, gathered or pleated material attached by one edge, as on a garment or curtain. fondant Sweet creamy sugar paste used in candies and icings. Candy containing this paste. fontanelles The soft membranous gaps between the incompletely formed cranial bones of a fetus or an infant. Also called soft spot. formaldehyde Colorless gaseous compound, HCHO, used to manufacture resins, fertilizers, dyes, and embalming fluids and in aqueous solution as a preservative and disinfectant. formalin Aqueous solution of formaldehyde that is 37 percent by weight. fossa A small depression, as in a bone. foulard Lightweight twill or plain-woven fabric of silk or silk and cotton, often having a small printed design. Necktie or scarf, made of this fabric. Fowler's solution Solution of arsenite of potassium in water; named for Fowler, an English physician who brought it into use. frock coat Man's dress coat or suit coat with knee-length skirts. fuller's earth Highly adsorbent (attaches to other substances without any chemical action) clay-like substance consisting of hydrated aluminum silicates; used in talcum powders. fly blister Blister caused by the vesicating (blistering) body fluid of certain beetles. fusiform Tapered at each end; spindle-shaped. galatea Durable, often striped cotton fabric used in making clothing. galax (beetleweed, coltsfoot, wandflower) Stemless evergreen perennial plant (Galax urceolata) of the eastern US, with a rosette of glossy, heart-shaped leaves and small white flowers in spike-like clusters. gallic acid Colorless crystalline compound, C7H6O5, derived from tannin used as a tanning agent, ink dye, in photography, and paper manufacturing. gamboge Brownish or orange resin from trees of the genus Garcinia of south-central Asia and yielding a golden-yellow pigment. gaucherie Awkward or tactless act, manner, or expression. gelsemium Genus of climbing plants. The yellow (false) jasmine (Gelsemium sempervirens) is a native of the Southern United States; the root is used for malarial fevers. gentian Plants of the genus Gentiana, having showy, variously colored flowers. The dried rhizome and roots of a yellow-flowered European gentian, G. lutea, used as a tonic. germander Aromatic plants of the genus Teucrium, with purplish or reddish flowers. gingham Yarn-dyed cotton fabric woven in stripes, checks, plaids, or solid colors. glace Smooth, glazed or glossy surface, such as certain silks or leathers. Coated with a sugar glaze; candied. glairy Slimy consistency, like egg white; cough producing glairy sputum. glanders Contagious, usually fatal disease of horses, caused by the bacterium Pseudomonas mallei; causes swollen lymph nodes, nasal discharge, and ulcers of the respiratory tract and skin. Communicable to other mammals, including humans. glaubers salts (Na2SO4.10H2O); colorless salt used as a cathartic. gleet Inflammation of the urethra caused by chronic gonorrhea with a discharge of mucus and pus; the discharge that is characteristic of this inflammation. Glonoin Dilute solution of nitroglycerin used as a neurotic. glycerite Preparation made by mixing or dissolving a substance in glycerin. glycyrrhiza Widely distributed perennial herbs of the family Leguminosae that include licorice. Dried root of a licorice of the genus Glycyrrhiza (G. glabra); used to mask unpleasant flavors in drugs or to give a pleasant taste to confections called licorice. goiter (goitre) Enlargement of the thyroid gland; often results from insufficient intake of iodine. golden seal See hydrastis. groats Hulled, usually crushed grain, especially oats. grosgrain Closely woven silk or rayon fabric with narrow horizontal ribs. Ribbon made of this fabric. gruel Thin porridge (usually oatmeal or cornmeal). See page 574. guaiacum (guaiac ) Tree of the genus Guaiacum; a lignum vitae. Greenish-brown resin from this tree, used medicinally and in varnishes. gustatory Concerning the sense of taste. haematuria Blood in the urine. hamamelis Genus of shrubs or small trees (family Hamamelidaceae), including the witch hazels. Dried leaves of a witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) of the eastern U.S. used formerly as a tonic and sedative. hartshorn Antler of a hart, formerly used as a source of ammonia and in smelling salts. Ammonium carbonate. hellebore Plants of the genus Helleborus, native to Eurasia, most of which are poisonous. Plants of the genus Veratrum, especially V. viride of North America, yielding a toxic alkaloid used medicinally. henbane (black henbane, insane root) Poisonous Eurasian plant (Hyoscyamus niger) having an unpleasant odor, sticky leaves, and funnel-shaped greenish-yellow flowers. It is a source hyoscyamus, hyoscamine and scopolamine. henna Tree or shrub (Lawsonia inermis) of the Middle East, having fragrant white or reddish flowers. Reddish-orange dyestuff prepared from the dried and ground leaves of this plant, used as a cosmetic dye and for coloring leather and fabrics. To dye (hair, for example) with henna. Hepar Liver of sulphur; a substance of a liver-brown color, sometimes used in medicine. Fformed by fusing sulphur with carbonates of the alkalies (esp. potassium), and consists essentially of alkaline sulphides. Called also hepar sulphuris. A substance resembling hepar; in homeopathy, calcium sulphide, called also hepar sulphuris calcareum. hepatica (liverleaf) Woodland plants of the genus Hepatica, especially H. americana of eastern North America, having three-lobed leaves and white or lavender flowers. Herpes Zoster Varicella-zoster virus: A herpesvirus that causes chickenpox and shingles. Causes an acute viral infection--inflammation of the sensory ganglia of spinal or cranial nerves and the eruption of vesicles along the affected nerve path. It usually strikes only one side of the body and is often accompanied by severe neuralgia. Honduras Bark Dried bark of a tropical American tree (Picramnia antidesma) formerly used in the treatment of syphilis and skin diseases. Hunyadi (Hunyady ) Hungarian noble family, partly of Romanian origin. The first recorded member of the family was Serbe, who settled in Hunyad county in Transylvania from Wallachia. hydrastis Genus of herbs (family Ranunculaceae) with palmately lobed leaves and small greenish flowers and including the goldenseal (H. canadensis). The dried rhizome and roots of the goldenseal formerly used in pharmacy as a bitter tonic and antiseptic called also goldenseal. hydragogue Cathartics that aid in the removal of edematous fluids and promote the discharge of fluid from the bowels. hydrophobia (rabies) Viral disease of the nervous system of warm-blooded animals. Transmitted by a rhabdovirus (genus Lyssavirus) in infected saliva of a rabid animal. Causes increased salivation, abnormal behavior, and paralysis and death when untreated hypophosphite Salt of hypophosphorous acid. hyoscine (scopolamine) An alkaloid, C17H21NO4, from plants such as henbane; used as a mydriatic (dilatate the pupils) and sedative, and to treat nausea and motion sickness. hyoscyamus Poisonous Eurasian herbs of the family Solanaceae that have simple leaves, irregular flowers, and include the henbane (H. niger). Dried leaves of the henbane containing the alkaloids hyoscyamine and scopolamine, used as an antispasmodic and sedative. ichthyol Oily substance prepared by the dry distillation of a bituminous mineral containing fossil fishes. Used as a remedy for some skin diseases. ignatia Dried ripe seeds of the Saint-Ignatius's-bean used like nux vomica. impetigo Contagious bacterial skin infection, usually of children, indicated by the eruption of superficial pustules with thick yellow crusts, commonly on the face. incommode Cause inconvenience; disturb. inspissate Undergo thickening or cause to thicken, as by boiling or evaporation; condense. intercostal Relating to or near a rib. iodoform Yellowish crystalline compound, CHI3, used as an antiseptic. ipecac Tropical American shrub (Cephaelis ipecacuanha) that yields emetine. Medicinal preparation made from this shrub used to induce vomiting. Iris Florentina (Florentine iris, orris, Iris germanica florentina, Iris florentina) German iris having large white flowers and a fragrant rhizome. Irish moss (carrageen) Edible North Atlantic seaweed (Chondrus crispus) that yields a mucilaginous substance used medicinally and in preparing jellies. iritis Inflammation of the iris of the eye. jalap Eastern Mexican vine (Ipomoea purga) with tuberous roots that are dried, powdered, and used as a cathartic. jocose Given to joking; merry; humorous. kamala Asian tree (Mallotus philippinensis) that bears a hairy capsular fruit; vermifugal powder is obtained from the capsules of this tree. kino Reddish resin from several Old World trees of the genera Eucalyptus, Pterocarpus, and Butea and from tropical American trees of the genera Coccoloba and Dipteryx. kumiss (koumiss) Fermented milk of a mare or camel, used as a beverage in western and central Asia. La Grippe Influenza. lancinating Sensation of cutting, piercing, or stabbing. lard White solid or semisolid rendered fat of a hog. laudanum Tincture of opium, formerly used as a drug. leukemia (leucemia, leukaemia, leucaemia) Disease in humans and other warm-blooded animals involving the blood-forming organs; causes an abnormal increase in the number of white blood cells in the tissues with or without a corresponding increase in the circulating blood. lime (calcium oxide) White, caustic, lumpy powder, CaO, used as a refractory, as a flux, in manufacturing steel and paper, in glassmaking, in waste treatment, in insecticides, and as an industrial alkali. Slaked lime is calcium hydroxide, a soft white powder, Ca(OH)2, used in making mortar, cements, calcium salts, paints, hard rubber products, and petrochemicals. litmus Coloring material from lichens that turns red in acid solutions and blue in alkaline solutions. Liveforever (orpine, orpin, livelong, Sedum telephium) Perennial northern temperate plant with toothed leaves and heads of small purplish-white flowers. lobelia See Herb Department, page 428. lochia Normal uterine discharge of blood, tissue, and mucus from the vagina after childbirth. lupus Systemic lupus erythematosus. Chronic skin conditions characterized by ulcerative lesions that spread over the body. No longer in scientific use. lupulin Minute yellowish-brown hairs in the strobili of the hop plant, formerly used in medicine as a sedative. lycopodium Plant of the genus Lycopodium, including club mosses. The yellowish powdery spores of certain club mosses, especially Lycopodium clavatum, are used in fireworks and as a coating for pills. madras Cotton or silk cloth of fine texture, usually with a plaid, striped, or checked pattern. Large handkerchief of madras cloth. malines Thin, stiff net woven in a hexagonal pattern, used in dressmaking. mandrake (may-apple) Southern European plant (Mandragora officinarum) having greenish-yellow flowers and a branched root. This plant was once believed to have magical powers because its root resembles the human body. The root contains the poisonous alkaloid hyoscyamine. Also called mandragora. See podophyllin. marseille Heavy cotton fabric with a raised pattern of stripes or figures. meatus Body opening or passage, such as the opening of the ear or the urethra. menorrhagia Unusually heavy or extended menstrual flow. menstruum Solvent used to extract compounds from plant and animal tissues and preparing drugs. messaline Lightweight, soft, shiny silk cloth with a twilled or satin weave. mezereon Poisonous Eurasian ornamental shrub (Daphne mezereum) with fragrant lilac-purple flowers and small scarlet fruit. The dried bark of this plant was used externally as a vesicant (blistering agent) and internally for arthritis. miliary Appearance of millet seeds. Small skin lesions with the appearance of millet seeds. mullein Eurasian plants of the genus Verbascum, especially V. thapsus. Also called flannel leaf, velvet plant. muriate Chloride; compound of chlorine with another element or radical; especially, a salt or ester of hydrochloric acid called. myrrh Aromatic gum resin from trees and shrubs of the genus Commiphora of India, Arabia, and eastern Africa, used in perfume and incense. methyl salicylate Liquid ester C8H8O3 obtained from the leaves of wintergreen (Gaultheria procumbens) or the bark of a birch (Betula lenta); now made synthetically, and used as a flavoring and a counterirritant. motherwort Eurasian plants of the genus Leonurus, especially L. cardiaca, a weed having clusters of small purple or pink flowers. mugwort Aromatic plants of the genus Artemisia, especially A. vulgaris, native to Eurasia; used as a condiment. mustard plaster (sinapism) Medicinal plaster made with a paste-like mixture of powdered black mustard, flour, and water, used as a counterirritant. nephritis Various acute or chronic inflammations of the kidneys, such as Bright's disease. naphthalene (naphthaline, tar camphor) White crystalline compound, C10H8, derived from coal tar or petroleum and used in manufacturing dyes, moth repellents, and explosives and as a solvent. nebulize To convert a liquid to a fine spray; atomize. To treat with a medicated spray. nainsook Soft lightweight muslin used for babies. Neroli An essential oil made by distilling the flowers of the orange; it is used in perfume. nitre (niter, saltpeter) Potassium nitrate, KNO3, used in making gunpowder. nux vomica Tree (Strychnos nux-vomica) native to southeast Asia, having poisonous seeds that are the source of the medicinal alkaloids strychnine and brucine. ocher (ochre) Yellow, brown, or red mineral oxides of iron used as pigments. oil of vitriol Sulfuric acid; highly corrosive, dense, oily liquid, H2SO4, colorless to dark brown depending on its purity and used to manufacture a wide variety of chemicals and materials including fertilizers, paints, detergents, and explosives. omentum Folds of the peritoneum (membrane lining the abdominal cavity) that connect the stomach with other abdominal organs. ophthalmia neonatorum (infantile purulent conjunctivitis) Various forms of conjunctivitis in newborns, usually contracted during birth from passage through the infected birth canal of the mother. orchitis Inflammation of the testes, often the result of mumps or other infection, trauma, or metastasis. organdy (organdie) Stiff transparent fabric of cotton or silk, used for trim, curtains, and light apparel. Origanum Marjoram. Genus of mint-like plants (Origanum). The sweet marjoram (O. Majorana) is aromatic and fragrant, and used in cooking. The wild marjoram of Europe and America (O. vulgare) is less fragrant. orris Several species of iris with a fragrant rootstock, especially Iris germanica, used in perfumes and cosmetics. panada Paste or gruel of bread crumbs, toast, or flour combined with milk, stock, or water; used for soups or thickening sauces. Paralysis Agitans (Parkinson's disease, shaking palsy) Progressive nervous disease causing destruction of brain cells that produce dopamine, muscular tremor, slowing of movement, partial facial paralysis, peculiarity of gait and posture, and weakness. paregoric A camphorated tincture of opium, taken internally for the relief of diarrhea and intestinal pain Paris green Poisonous emerald-green powder, C4H6As6Cu4O16, used as a pigment, insecticide, and wood preservative. pedicle (pedicel) Small stalk or stalk-like structure, especially one supporting or connecting an organ or other body part. Slender foot-like part, as at the base of a tumor. pell mell Jumbled, confused manner; helter-skelter; frantic disorderly haste; headlong: pemphigus Several acute or chronic skin diseases characterized by groups of itching blisters. pennyroyal Eurasian mint (Mentha pulegium) with small lilac-blue flowers that yield an aromatic oil. Aromatic plant (Hedeoma pulegioides) of eastern North America, having purple-blue flowers that yields an oil used as an insect repellent peptonize Convert protein into a peptone (water-soluble protein derivative produced by partial hydrolysis of a protein by an acid or enzyme ). Dissolve (food) by means of a proteolytic enzyme. pernicious anemia (Addison's anemia, malignant anemia.) Severe anemia in older adults, caused by failure absorb vitamin B12; causes abnormally large red blood cells, gastrointestinal disturbances, and lesions of the spinal cord. pharyngitis Inflammation of the pharynx. phenacetine (phenacetin) White, crystalline compound, C10H13O2N, used as an antipyretic. phlox North American plants of the genus Phlox, having opposite leaves and flowers. phytolacca decandra (Scoke, Poke, Pokeweed) Tall coarse perennial American herb with small white flowers followed by blackish-red berries on long drooping racemes; young fleshy stems are edible; berries and root are poisonous. picric acid Poisonous, yellow crystalline solid, C6H2(NO2)3OH, used in explosives, dyes, and antiseptics. piece de resistance Outstanding accomplishment. Principal dish of a meal. pilocarpus Small tropical American shrubs (family Rutaceae) with small greenish flowers. pilocarpine muriate 3-ethyl-4-[(3-methylimidazol-4-yl)methyl]oxolan-2-one hydrochloride C11H17ClN2O2 pique Vexation caused by a perceived slight or indignity; feeling of wounded pride. pleurodynia Paroxysmal pain and soreness of the muscles between the ribs. Epidemic disease caused by a coxsackievirus, causing pain in the lower chest and fever, headache, and malaise. podophyllin Bitter-tasting resin from the dried root of the may apple; used as a cathartic. pokeweed (pokeberry, pokeroot.) Tall North American plant (Phytolacca americana) with small white flowers, blackish-red berries, and a poisonous root. prickly ash Deciduous or evergreen shrubs or trees of the genus Zanthoxylum. probang Long, slender, flexible rod with a tuft or sponge at the end; used to remove objects from or apply medication to the larynx or esophagus. proteid (obsolete term) Protein. proud flesh Swollen flesh that surrounds a healing wound, caused by excessive granulation (Small, fleshy, bead-like protuberances--new capillaries--on the surface of a wound that is healing). pruritus Severe itching, often of undamaged skin. Prunus Virginiana (Chokecherry) Astringent fruit of a species of wild cherry; the bush or tree which bears such fruit. pterygium Abnormal mass of tissue on the conjunctiva of the inner corner of the eye that obstructs vision by covering the cornea. pulsatilla Dried medicinal herb from a pasqueflower (especially Anemone pulsatilla) formerly used to treat amenorrhea and dysmenorrhea. punctilio Fine point of etiquette. Precise observance of formalities. purpura Hemorrhages in the skin and mucous membranes having the appearance of purplish spots or patches. pyemia Septicemia (blood poisoning) caused by pyogenic (producing pus) microorganisms in the blood, often resulting in the formation of multiple abscesses. pyrogallic Acid White, toxic crystalline phenol, C6H3(OH)3, used as a photographic developer and to treat certain skin diseases. quassia Tropical American shrub (Quassia amara) with bright scarlet flowers. A bitter substance from its wood is used in medicine and as an insecticide. Queen of the meadow (Meadowsweet) European herbaceous plant (Spiraea Ulmaria). North American shrubs (Spiraea alba or S. latifolia) having umbel-shaped clusters of white flowers. Perennial herbs of the genus Filipendula in the rose family. quinine Bitter, colorless, powder or crystalline alkaloid, C20H24N2O2-3H2O, derived from cinchona barks and used to treat malaria. quince Western Asian shrub or tree (Cydonia oblonga) with white flowers and hard apple-like fruit. quinsy Acute inflammation of the tonsils and surrounding tissue, often leading to an abscess. rabies see hydrophobia ranunculus bulbosus Perennial Old World buttercup with yellow flowers in late spring to early summer. red precipitate Mercuric oxide (HgO) a heavy red crystalline powder formed by heating mercuric nitrate, or by heating mercury in the air. repousse Ornamented with patterns in relief made by pressing or hammering on the reverse side; resorcinol (resorcin) White crystalline compound, C6H4(OH)2, used to treat certain skin diseases and in dyes, resin adhesives, and pharmaceuticals. Rhamnus Purshiana (Cascara buckthorn ) Buckthorn of the Pacific coast of the United States, which yields cascara sagrada. rhatany Dried root of South American shrubs (Krameria lappacea or K. argentea) used as an astringent and in toothpaste and mouthwash. rheumatic fever Acute inflammatory disease occurring after an infection from group A streptococci, marked by fever and joint pain. Associated with polyarthritis, Sydenham's chorea, and endocarditis; frequently causes scarring of the heart valves. rheumatism Painful disorder of the joints or muscles or connective tissues. Chronic auto-immune disease with inflammation of the joints and marked deformities. rhus Genus of vines and shrubs including poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac. rickets (rachitis) Childhood disease caused by a lack of vitamin D or calcium and from insufficient exposure to sunlight, characterized by defective bone growth. Rochelle salts Potassium sodium tartrate; colorless efflorescent crystalline compound, KNaC4H4O6.4H2O, used in making mirrors, in electronics, and as a laxative ruche Ruffle or pleat of lace, muslin, or other fine fabric used to trim women's garments. rumex Crispus (chrysophanic acid) Yellow crystalline substance found in the root of yellow dock (Rumex crispus). rush Stiff marsh plants of the genus Juncus, having pliant hollow or pithy stems and small flowers with scale-like perianths (outer envelope of a flower,). sago Powdery starch from the trunks of sago palms; used in Asia as a food thickener and textile stiffener. sal-ammoniac ammonium chloride; white crystalline volatile salt NH4Cl, used in dry cells and as an expectorant called. saleratus Sodium or potassium bicarbonate used as a leavening agent; baking soda. salicylate Salt or ester of salicylic acid. salicylic acid White crystalline acid, C6H4(OH)(COOH), used to make aspirin and to treat skin conditions such as eczema. salol White crystalline powder, C13H10O3, derived from salicylic acid and used in plastics, suntan oils, analgesics and antipyretics. Was a trademark. saltpetre (potassium nitrate, saltpeter, niter, nitre) (KNO3) used especially as a fertilizer, explosive and a diuretic. salt rheum Popular name in the United States, for skin eruptions, such as eczema. Eczema; inflammatory skin disease, indicated by redness and itching, eruption of small vesicles, and discharge of a watery exudation, which often dries up, leaving the skin covered with crusts;--called also tetter, and milk crust. sanguinaria Rhizome (horizontal, underground stem) and roots of the bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis) used formerly as an expectorant and emetic. sedulous Persevering and constant in effort or application; assiduous. senna Plants of the genus Cassia, having showy, nearly regular, usually yellow flowers. Dried leaves of Cassia angustifolia or C. acutifolia, used as a cathartic. santonin Colorless crystalline compound, C15H18O3, wormwood, especially santonica; used to expel or destroy parasitic intestinal worms. sarsaparilla Tropical American plants, genus Smilax, with fragrant roots used as a flavoring. Dried roots of any of these plants. Sweet soft drink flavored with these roots. savin Evergreen Eurasian shrub (Juniperus sabina) with brownish-blue seed-bearing cones and young shoots that yield an oil formerly used medicinally. scrofula (struma) A form of tuberculosis affecting the lymph nodes, especially of the neck. Common in children. Spread by unpasteurized milk from infected cows. scurf Scaly or shredded dry skin, such as dandruff. scurvy Disease caused by deficiency of vitamin C (citrus fruit; oranges, limes,..); causes spongy and bleeding gums, bleeding under the skin, and extreme weakness. Seidlitz A village in Bohemia (also Sedlitz). Seidlitz powders, effervescing salts, consisting of forty grains of sodium bicarbonate, two drachms of Rochell salt (tartrate of potassium and sodium) and thirty-five grains of tartaric acid. The powders are mixed in water, and drunk while effervescing, as a mild cathartic; the result resembles the natural water of Seidlitz. Also Rochelle powders. senega Dried root of seneca snakeroot containing an irritating saponin and was formerly used as an expectorant sesquioxide Oxide containing three atoms of oxygen with two atoms (or radicals) of some other substance; thus, alumina, Al2O3 is a sesquioxide. shirr Cook (unshelled eggs) by baking until set. sinapism. See mustard plaster. sitz bath Bathtub shaped like a chair, used to bathe only the hips and buttocks. slaked lime See lime sling Drink consisting of brandy, whiskey, or gin, sweetened and usually lemon-flavored. smallpox Contagious febrile (feverish) disease characterized by skin eruption with pustules, sloughing, and scar formation. It is caused by a poxvirus (genus Orthopoxvirus) that is believed to exist now only in lab cultures. smilax (catbrier, greenbrier) Slender vine (Asparagus asparagoides) with glossy foliage, greenish flowers, heart-shaped leaves, and bluish to black berries; popular as a floral decoration. Socotrine Pertaining to Socotra, an island in the Indian Ocean, on the east coast of Africa. sordes Dark brown or blackish crust-like deposits on the lips, teeth, and gums of a person with dehydration resulting from a chronic debilitating disease. spermaceti White, waxy substance from the head of the sperm whale used for making candles, ointments, and cosmetics. spematorrhea (spermatorrhoea) Involuntary discharge of semen without orgasm spigelia (pinkroot ) Genus of American herbs (family Loganiaceae) related to the nux vomica and used as anthelmintics (expel or destroy parasitic intestinal worms). sprue Chronic, chiefly tropical disease characterized by diarrhea, emaciation, and anemia, caused by defective absorption of nutrients from the intestinal tract. squill (sea onion) Bulbous Eurasian and African plants of the genus Scilla, having narrow leaves and bell-shaped blue, white, or pink flowers. The dried inner scales of the bulbs used as rat poison and formerly as a cardiac stimulant, expectorant, and diuretic. stephanotis Woody climbing plants of the genus Stephanotis, especially S. floribunda of Madagascar, cultivated for its showy fragrant white flowers. staphisagria (stavesacre) Eurasian plant of the genus Delphinium (D. staphisagria). Ripe seeds of the stavesacre contain delphinine, are violently emetic and carthartic, and have been used to kill head lice called also staphisagria steppage Peculiar gait seen in neuritis of the peroneal nerve and in tabes dorsalis; high stepping to allow the drooping foot and toes to clear the ground. stertorous Harsh snoring or gasping sound. stevia Plant of the genus Stevia or Piqueria, having white or purplish flowers. stiletto Small dagger with a slender, tapering blade. Small, sharp-pointed instrument used for making eyelet holes in needlework. stillingia Genus of widely distributed herbs and shrubs (family Euphorbiaceae). The dried root of a plant of the genus Stillingia (S. sylvatica) was formerly used as a diuretic, and laxative. stomachic Relating to the stomach; gastric. Beneficial to digestion. An agent that strengthens the stomach. strychnine Extremely poisonous white crystalline alkaloid, C21H22O2N2, derived from nux vomica and related plants, used to poison rodents and topically in medicine as a stimulant for the central nervous system. stupe Hot, wet, medicated cloth used as a compress. St. Vitus' Dance See chorea stye (hordeolum) Inflamed swelling of a sebaceous gland at the margin of an eyelid. suety Consisting of, or resembling, suet (hard fatty tissues around the kidneys of cattle and sheep, used in cooking and for making tallow.) sugar of lead lead acetate, a poisonous white crystalline compound, Pb(C2H3O2)2.3H2O, used in hair dyes, waterproofing compounds, and varnishes. sumbul Root of a plant of the genus Ferula (F. sumbul); formerly a tonic and antispasmodic. Summer complaint (summer diarrhea) Diarrhea of children that in hot weather; often caused by ingestion of food contaminated by microorganisms. Sulphonal Produced by combining mercaptan and acetone; employed as a hypnotic. sulphuric ether Ethyl ether; formerly called Naphtha vitrioli (naphtha of vitriol). sumac (sumach) Shrubs or small trees of the genus Rhus, having compound leaves, clusters of small greenish flowers, and usually red, hairy fruit. Some species, such as the poison ivy and poison oak, cause an acute itching rash on contact. suppuration Formation or discharge of pus. Also called pyesis, pyopoiesis, pyosis. suprarenal Located above the kidney; a suprarenal part, especially an adrenal gland. sweet william Annual, biennial, or perennial herb (Dianthus barbatus), native to Eurasia, widely cultivated as an ornamental for its flat-topped dense clusters of varicolored flowers. synechia Adhesions between the iris and the lens or cornea caused by trauma or eye surgery or as a complication of glaucoma or cataracts; may cause blindness terebenthene Oil of turpentine. terebinth Mediterranean tree (Pistacia terebinthus), a source of tanning material and turpentine. tetter Skin diseases (eczema, psoriasis, herpes) that cause eruptions and itching. thrall Slave or serf, who is held in bondage. One intellectually or morally enslaved. thrush A contagious childhood disease caused by a fungus, Candida albicans. Causes small whitish eruptions on the mouth, throat, and tongue, and usually accompanied by fever, colic, and diarrhea. thuja (arborvitae) A North American or east Asian evergreen tree or shrub of the genus Thuja, having flattened branchlets with opposite, scale-like leaves and small cones; used as ornamentals and timber. A similar plant of the genus Platycladus or Thujopsis. thymol White, crystalline, aromatic compound, C10H14O, derived from thyme oil and other oils or made synthetically and used as an antiseptic, a fungicide, and a preservative. tolu (balsam of tolu, tolu balsam) Aromatic yellowish brown balsam from the tolu balsam tree used in cough syrups. tormentil (Potentilla erecta) Plant of northern Europe found in clearings and meadows. The root has been used to stop bleeding, for food in times of need and to dye leather red. torpid Lacking the power of motion or feeling. tragacanth Thorny shrubs of the genus Astragalus, especially A. gummifer, of the Middle East, yielding a gum used in pharmacy, adhesives, and textile printing. trephine Surgical instrument with circular edges, used to cut out disks of bone from the skull. trillium (birthroot, wake-robin) Plants of genus Trillium, of North America, the Himalaya Mountains, and eastern Asia, having a cluster of three leaves and a variously colored, three-petaled flower. trional Contains three ethyls. Similar to sulphonal, used as a hypnotic. turbinated Shaped like a top. A small curved bone in the lateral wall of the nasal passage. tulle Fine, starched net of silk, rayon, or nylon, used for veils, tutus, or gowns. turmeric (tumeric) East Indian perennial herb (Curcuma longa) of the ginger family (Zingiberaceae) used as a coloring agent, a condiment, or a stimulant. Yellow to reddish brown dyestuff obtained from turmeric. typhus (prison fever, ship fever, typhus fever.) Infectious diseases caused by rickettsia bacteria, especially those transmitted by fleas, lice, or mites. Symptoms are severe headache, sustained high fever, depression, delirium, and the eruption of red rashes on the skin. ulster Loose, long overcoat made of rugged fabric. umbrage Offense; resentment. Affording shade. Vague or indistinct indication; a hint. Uva Ursi Common bearberry; a procumbent (trailing along the ground but not rooting) evergreen shrub 10-30 cm high with red berries. Valerianate (Valerianic) One of three metameric acids; the typical one (called also inactive valeric acid), C4H9CO2H, is from valerian root and other sources; it is a corrosive, oily liquid, with a strong acid taste, and the odor of old cheese. valvular Resembling or functioning as a valve. Relating to a valve, especially of the heart. varioloid Mild form of smallpox occurring in people previously vaccinated or who previously had the disease. vegetable marrow Squash plants with elongated fruit and smooth dark green skin and whitish flesh. veratrum Poisonous alkaloid from the root hellebore (Veratrum) and from sabadilla seeds. Used externally to treat neuralgia and rheumatism. verdigris Blue or green powder, basic cupric acetate used as a paint pigment and fungicide. A green patina of copper sulfate or copper chloride on copper, brass, and bronze exposed to air or seawater. vermifuge Medicine that expels intestinal worms. vervain (verbena) New World plants of the genus Verbena, especially those with showy spikes of variously colored flowers. Vichy water Sparkling mineral water from springs at Vichy, France or water similar to it. vis-a-vis One that is face to face with or opposite to another. vitiate Reduce the value; impair the quality; corrupt morally; debase; make ineffective; invalidate. voile Light, plain-weave, sheer fabric of cotton, rayon, silk, or wool used for dresses and curtains. wahoo Shrubby North American tree of the genus Euonymus (E. atropurpureus) having a root bark with cathartic properties. Waldorf salad Diced raw apples, celery, and walnuts mixed with mayonnaise. wen Harmless cyst, usually on the scalp or face, containing the fatty secretion of a sebaceous gland. whortleberry Two deciduous shrubs, Vaccinium myrtillus, of Eurasia, or V. corymbosum, of eastern North America, having edible blackish berries. wontedness Being accustomed. yarrow Plants of the genus Achillea, especially A. millefolium, native to Eurasia. Also called achillea, milfoil. yellow fever (yellow jack) Infectious tropical disease caused by an arbovirus transmitted by mosquitoes of the genera Aedes, especially A. aegypti, and Haemagogus; it causes high fever, jaundice, and gastrointestinal hemorrhaging. yerba reuma A low California undershrub (Frankenia grandifolia). Zingiber Tropical Asiatic and Polynesian perennial plants: ginger. zwieback Sweetened bread baked as a loaf and then sliced and toasted. The following table is copied from page 636. 20 grains equal 1 scruple 3 scruples " 1 dram 8 drams " 1 ounce 12 ounces " 1 pound The pound is the same as the pound Troy. Medicines are bought and sold in quantities by Avoirdupois Weight. 1 grain equals 1 drop or 1 minim 60 grains or drops " 1 teaspoonful 1 teaspoonful " 1 fluid dram 8 drams (or 8 teaspoonfuls) make " 1 fluid ounce 2 tablespoonfuls make " 1 fluid ounce 1/2 fluid ounce is a " tablespoonful 2 fluid ounces is a " wineglassful 4 fluid ounces is a " teacupful 6 fluid ounces is a " coffee cup 16 ounces (dry or solid) is a " pound 20 fluid ounces is a " pint The remaining tables are copied from contemporary (circa 2005) sources Measurement Unit Conversion From Multiply by To get inches 25.4 millimeters inches 2.54 centimeters feet 30.48 centimeters yards 0.91 meters miles 1.61 kilometers teaspoons 4.93 milliliters tablespoons 14.79 milliliters fluid ounces 29.57 milliliters cups 0.24 liters pints 0.47 liters quarts 0.95 liters gallons 3.79 liters cubic feet 0.028 cubic meters cubic yards 0.76 cubic meters ounces 28.35 grams pounds 0.45 kilograms short tons (2,000 lbs) 0.91 metric tons square inches 6.45 square centimeters square feet 0.09 square meters square yards 0.84 square meters square miles 2.60 square kilometers acres 0.40 hectacres millimeters 0.04 inches centimeters 0.39 inches meters 3.28 feet meters 1.09 yards kilometers 0.62 miles milliliters 0.20 teaspoons milliliters 0.06 tablespoons milliliters 0.03 fluid ounces liters 1.06 quarts liters 0.26 gallons liters 4.23 cups liters 2.12 pints cubic meters 35.32 cubic feet cubic meters 1.35 cubic yards grams 0.035 ounces kilograms 2.21 pounds metric ton (1,000 kg) 1.10 short ton square centimeters 0.16 square inches square meters 1.20 square yards square kilometers 0.39 square miles hectacres 2.47 acres Temperature Conversion Between Celsius and Fahrenheit C = (F - 32) / 1.8 F = (C x 1.8) + 32 Condition Fahrenheit Celsius Boiling point of water 212 100 A very hot day 104 40 Normal body temperature 98.6 37 A warm day 86 30 A mild day 68 20 A cool day 50 10 Freezing point of water 32 0 Lowest temperature by mixing salt and ice 0 -17.8 U.S. Length Unit Equal to Metric Equivalent inch 1/12 foot 2.54 centimeters foot 12 inches or 1/3 yard 0.3048 meter yard 36 inches or 3 feet 0.9144 meter rod 16 1/2 feet or 5 1/2 yards 5.0292 meters furlong 220 yards or 1/8 mile 0.2012 kilometer mile (statute) 5,280 feet or 1,760 yards 1.6093 kilometers mile (nautical) 2,025 yards 1.852 kilometers U.S. Liquid Volume or Capacity Unit Equal to Metric Equivalent minim 1/60 of a fluid dram 0.0616 milliliters ounce 1/16 pint 29.574 milliliters wineglassful 2 ounces .0591 liter gill 4 ounces 0.1183 liter pint 16 ounces 0.4732 liter quart 2 pints or 1/4 gallon 0.9463 liter gallon 128 ounces or 8 pints 3.7853 liters barrel (wine) 31 1/2 gallons 119.24 liters (beer) 36 gallons 136.27 liters (oil) 42 gallons 158.98 liters U.S. Dry Volume or Capacity Unit Equal to Metric Equivalent pint 1/2 quart 0.5506 liter quart 2 pints 1.1012 liters peck 8 quarts or 1/4 bushel 8.8098 liters bucket 2 pecks 17.620 liters bushel 2 buckets or 4 pecks 35.239 liters U.S. Weight Unit Equal to Metric Equivalent grain 1/7000 pound 64.799 milligrams dram 1/16 ounce 1.7718 grams ounce 16 drams 28.350 grams pound 16 ounces 453.6 grams ton (short) 2,000 pounds 907.18 kilograms ton (long) 2,240 pounds 1,016.0 kilograms U.S. Geographic Area Unit Equal to Metric Equivalent acre 4,840 square yards 4,047 square meters Cooking Measures Unit Equal to Metric Units drop 1/76 teaspoon 0.0649 milliliter teaspoon 76 drops or 1/3 tablespoon 4.9288 milliliters tablespoon 3 teaspoons 14.786 milliliters cup 16 tablespoons or 1/2 pint 0.2366 liter pint 2 cups 0.4732 quart 4 cups or 2 pints 0.9463 British Liquid Volume or Capacity Unit British Units U.S. Units Metric Units minim 1/20 of a scruple 0.0592 milliliters pint 1/2 quart 1.201 pints 0.5683 liter quart 2 pints or 1/4 gallon 1.201 quarts 1.137 liters gallon 8 pints or 4 quarts 1.201 gallons 4.546 liters British Dry Volume or Capacity Unit British Units U.S. Units Metric Units peck 1/4 bushel 1.0314 pecks 9.087 liters bushel 4 pecks 1.0320 bushels 36.369 liters Apothecary Weights Unit Apothecary Units U.S. Units Metric Units grain 160 dram or 1/5760 pound 1 grain 64.799 milligrams dram 60 grains or 1/8 ounce 2.1943 drams 3.8879 grams ounce 8 drams 1.0971 ounces 31.1035 grams pound 12 ounces or 96 drams 0.8232 pound 373.242 grams [End Transcriber's Notes] MOTHER'S' REMEDIES Over One Thousand Tried and Tested Remedies from Mothers of the United States and Canada. Also Symptoms, Causes, Prevention, Diet, Nursing, Treatments, Etc., of Every Known Disease. Poisons, Accidents, Medicinal Herbs and Special Departments on Women, Children and Infants, by DR. T. J. RITTER Formerly connected with Medical Faculty of University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, Mich. REVISED with INTRODUCTION by DR. W. E. ZIEGENFUSS PUBLISHED BY G.H. FOOTE PUB. CO. DETROIT MICH 1921 Copyright, 1910 by G. H. FOOTE PUBLISHING CO. All rights reserved Copyright, 1915 by G. H. FOOTE PUBLISHING CO. All rights reserved RIVERSIDE PRINTING COMPANY PORT HURON MICHIGAN PREFACE. [iii] Medicine is not an exact science, and it is reasonable to presume that even Time, with all its qualifying influences, will fail in its effects on this one branch of science. As the millions of faces seem each to present some differentiating feature, so each human system seems to require special study of its individual temperament. So physicians find it necessary to have more than one remedy for a given ill; they still find truth in the old adage, "What is one man's meat is another's poison." But Mother finds a variety of remedies necessary for another reason. Her medicine-chest is usually lacking the full quota of drugs required to meet the many emergencies, and she must turn to the "remedy at hand." Necessity has again proved its influence and with the years thousands of simple home concoctions have found their way to the relief of the daily demands on Mother's ingenuity. These mothers' remedies have become a valuable asset to the raising of a family, and have become a recognized essential in a Mother's general equipment for home-making. For fifteen years the Publisher has handled so-called home medical works; during that time he has had occasion to examine practically all the home medical works published. He has been impressed with the utter uselessness of many, perhaps most, of these books because the simple home remedies were lacking. A few years ago he conceived the idea of gathering together the "Mothers' Remedies" of the world. This one feature of this book he claims as distinctly his own. Letters were sent by him to Mothers in every state and territory of the United States, and to Canada and other countries, asking for tried and tested "Mothers' Remedies." The appeal was met with prompt replies, and between one thousand and two thousand valuable remedies were collected in this way. Through courtesy to these Mothers who helped to make this book possible, the book was named "MOTHERS' REMEDIES." Dr. T. J. Ritter, of Ann Arbor, Michigan, a graduate of the regular School of Medicine at the University of Michigan, at Ann Arbor, and later one of the medical staff of the University, consented to furnish the necessary material to complete the Medical Department. Dr. Ritter, in over thirty years of actual practice, has met with all the exigencies of both city and country practice which have brought to him the ripe experience of what would be called a "physician's life-time." His success has been, in part, due to his honesty, kindliness and conscientiousness, as well as to his thorough training and natural adaptability to the profession. Besides writing the Causes, Symptoms, Preventives, Nursing, Diet, Physicians' Treatment, etc., he has examined each and every one of the Mothers' Remedies and added, when possible, the reason why that remedy is valuable. In short, he supplied in his remarks following each Mother's Remedy the Medical virtue or active principle of the ingredients. This lifts each Mother's Remedy into the realm of science,--in fact, to the level of a Doctor's Prescription. In writing his part, Dr. Ritter consulted, personally or through their works, considerably over one hundred of the acknowledged Medical Specialists of the world. Thus he has brought to you the latest discoveries of modern science,--the Medical knowledge of the world's great specialists. Dr. Ritter, therefore, wishes to acknowledge his indebtedness to the following: On the subject of Theory and Practice, to Dr. Wm. Osler, Oxford University, England; Dr. James M. Andres, Ph. D., Medico-Chirurgical College, Philadelphia, Pa.; Dr. Hughes Dayton, Vanderbilt Clinic-College of Physicians and Surgeons; Dr. Hobart A. Hare, Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, Pa.; Dr. Temple S. Hoyne, Hahnemann Medical College, Chicago, Ill.; Dr. A. E. Small, Hahnemann Medical College, Chicago, Ill.; Dr. C. G. Raue, Hahnemann Medical College, Philadelphia, Pa.; Dr. John King, Eclectic Medical Institute, Cincinnati, Ohio. On the subject of Materia Medica to Dr. John Shoemaker, Medico-Chirurgical College, Philadelphia, Pa.; Dr. Hobart A. Hare; Drs. Hemple and Arndt, Homeopathic, and others. On the subject of Obstetrics, to Dr. W. P. Manton, Detroit Medical College, and others. On the subject of Surgery, to the American Text Book on Surgery, edited by Drs. Keen and White, of Philadelphia, and many contributors. On the subject of Nervous Diseases, to Dr. Joseph D. Nagel and others. On the subject of the Eye, to Dr. Arthur N. Alling, of Yale University. On the subject of the Ear, to Dr. Albert H. Buck, College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York City; Dr. O. A. Griffin, University of Michigan and others. On the Nose and Throat, to Dr. James B. Ball, London, England. On the Skin, to Dr. James N. Hyde, Rush Medical College, Chicago, Ill.; Dr. Alfred Schalek, Rush Medical College, Chicago, Ill. On the Rectum and Anus, to Dr. Samuel G. Gant, Ph. D., Post-graduate College, New York City. On the Diseases of Children, to Dr. L. Emmett Holt, College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York City; Dr. Koplik, New York City; Dr. Charles Douglas, Detroit College of Medicine; Dr. Henry E. Tuley, University of Kentucky; Dr. Tooker, Chicago. On the subject of Nursing, to Isabel Hampton Robb, and on Dietetics, to Dr. Julius Friedenwald, College Physicians and Surgeons, Baltimore, Md. On the Baby to Drs. Holt, Douglas, Tooker, Koplik and Coolidge. On Insanity, to Dr. Selden Talcott, formerly superintendent of the Middleton State Hospital for the Insane, New York State. Besides the above a great many other physicians and their works might be mentioned, and to all appreciation is gratefully acknowledged. Mrs. Elizabeth Johnstone, who writes the department on "Manners and Social Customs," is the only daughter of the late Francis Gardiner, one of the early settlers of Washtenaw County, Michigan. She was educated at the State Normal School, now the Normal College at Ypsilanti, and taught for several years after graduation. In 1880 she married the late Robert Ferguson Johnstone, editor of the Michigan Farmer, and after his death became editor of the Household Department of that paper. In 1895, the Farmer having passed into other ownership, she became a member of the Editorial Staff of the Detroit Free Press, where,--continuing to write under the pseudonym of "Beatrix" she has become widely known through the vast circulation of that paper. Years of experience have enabled her to write on topics of interest to women with comprehension of their needs, and to answer social inquiries with exactness. Miss Edna Gertrude Thompson, who supplies the chapter on Domestic Science, is a graduate of the Northern State Normal of Michigan. She was for a time a teacher in the Public Schools of Michigan and New York State. Miss Thompson later graduated from and is now the director of the Domestic Science Department of the Thomas Normal Training School of Detroit, Michigan. Miss Thompson has won an enviable reputation in Domestic Science work. She has avoided all of the quackery, self-exploitation and money schemes, which have proved a temptation to many in the work, and which have tended to brand the science as an advertising scheme, and confined herself to study, teaching and the legitimate development of the science. Her work in the Normal and in giving lectures on Domestic Science brings her in touch with large numbers of intelligent and practical women who realize that housekeeping and cookery must be reduced to a science. Luxuries of fifty years ago are necessities today. The increase in the cost of living without a corresponding advance in wages has made it imperative that method and system he installed in the home. Domestic Science is still in the embryo, but let us hope it will, in a measure at least, prove a panacea for modern domestic ills and receive the encouragement and speedy endorsement that it deserves. TABLE OF CONTENTS [vii] Beginning on Page MEDICAL DEPARTMENT 1 Mother's Diagnosis 1 Respiratory Diseases 6 Animal Parasites, Diseases Caused by 44 Skin, Diseases of 52 Digestive Organs, Diseases of 97 Kidney and Bladder, Diseases of 152 Infectious Diseases 166 Blood and Ductless Glands, Diseases of 249 Nervous System, Diseases of 261 Constitutional Diseases 314 Circulatory System, Diseases of 337 Eye and Ear, Diseases of 346 Deformities 369 Intoxicants and Sunstrokes 371 Accidents, Emergencies and Poisons 376 Herb Department 408 Homeopathy 448 Patent Medicines and Secret Formula, 465 Woman's Department Diseases of Women 489 Obstetrics or Midwifery 515 All About Baby 544 Nursing Department 623 Schools of Medicine, Leading 669 Operations 662 Hot Springs of Arkansas 666 Common Household Articles, Medical Uses of 668 Mothers' Remedies, Unclassified 674 MANNERS AND SOCIAL CUSTOMS 683 BEAUTY AND THE TOILET 790 NURSERY HINTS AND FIRESIDE GEMS 800 DOMESTIC SCIENCE DEPARTMENT 817 CANNING, PICKLING, PRESERVING, ETC 831 CANDY DEPARTMENT 848 MISCELLANEOUS, GENERAL 856 DICTIONARY, MEDICAL 893 INDEX Medical 909 Manners and Social Customs 944 Miscellaneous 946 LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS [viii] ADENOIDS Opposite Page 8 APPENDIX, VERMIFORM (Showing Different Types) 116 APPENDIX, VERMIFORM (When Affected by Inflammation and Gangrene, Necessitating an Operation) 116 ARDIS (Baby Photo) 544 BANDAGING, HOSPITAL METHOD 384 BRONCHIAL TUBES AND LUNGS Opposite Page 6 CIRCULATORY SYSTEM Opposite Page 337 DIPHTHERIA Opposite Page 184 DROWNING (Schaefer Method of Resuscitating) Opposite Page 399 EYE BANDAGE, PLAN OF BORSCH'S Page 386 HAND ARTERIES Opposite Page 392 HAND NERVES Opposite Page 292 HEART, STOMACH AND APPENDIX Opposite Page 97 HERB PLATES: Bearberry Opposite Page 411 Blood Root Opposite Page 413 Boneset Opposite Page 414 Canada Fleabane Opposite Page 430 Chamomile, True Opposite Page 417 Elder Flowers Opposite Page 422 Elecampane Opposite Page 446 Ginseng Opposite Page 424 Indian Tobacco or Lobelia Opposite Page 417 Mandrake or May-apple Opposite Page 429 Marigold, Marsh Opposite Page 430 Mustard Opposite Page 432 Partridge Berry Opposite Page 432 Pleurisy Root Opposite Page 434 Rock Rose Opposite Page 431 St. John's Wort Opposite Page 443 Scouring Rush Opposite Page 414 Seneca Snake Root Opposite Page 438 Snake Head Opposite Page 408 Tansy Opposite Page 437 Wahoo Opposite Page 445 Wormsted, American Opposite Page 446 Wormwood Opposite Page 443 KIDNEYS, URETERS AND BLADDER Page 153 MUSCULAR SYSTEM Opposite Page 323 NERVOUS SYSTEM Page 262 OBLIQUE BANDAGE OF THE JAW 380 RITTER, DR. T. J. (Photo) Opposite Title Page SCIATIC NERVE Opposite Page 266 SKELETON Opposite Page 369 SKIAGRAPH (X-RAY PHOTOGRAPH) OF THE HAND 316 SPIRAL BANDAGE OF THE FINGER 384 SPIRAL BANDAGE OF THE FOOT 384 SPIRAL REVERSED BANDAGE OF THE JAW 386 TASTE BUDS 308 THYROID GLAND (Goitre) Opposite Page 258 PHYSICIAN'S INTRODUCTION [x] "Of the things which man can do or make here below, by far the most momentous, wonderful, and worthy, are the things we call Books." --CARLYLE. "A good book may be among the best of friends. It is the most patient and cheerful of companions. It does not turn its back upon us in times of adversity or distress. It always receives us with the same kindness." --S. SMILES. Of making books there seems no end. Some are good, some bad, and many just an encumbrance upon the book-shelves, neither of much use nor particularly harmful. Some books are to be read for cheer and amusement; some for reproof and correction; others to be studied for useful information and profit. The Ideal Book. There is a wide felt need for a worthy book of sound hygienic and medical facts for the non-medical people. The Ideal Book for this mission should be compact in form, but large enough to give the salient facts, and give these in understandable language; it must not be "loaded" with obsolete and useless junk of odds and ends which have long ceased to be even interesting; it must carry with it the stamp of genuine reliability; it should treat all the ordinary and most common forms of ailments and accidents; it must be safe in its teachings; it needs to be free from objectionable language and illustrations, so that all of any family may study and use it with profit; it must frequently warn of dangers ahead and urge the summoning of professional skill promptly, for there are many cases requiring the services of experienced physicians and surgeons in their treatment; it should advise remedies readily obtainable, as well as those for which long journeys to a drug store are required; and finally the book should be reasonable in price that those who most need it can afford to own it. Need of Brevity. The facts of hygiene and therapeutic measures are widely scattered through medical literature, and extend over hundreds of years of time. Many volumes have been written on diseases of the eye, the heart, liver, and stomach, brain and other organs, to understand which requires special technical education. It would be the height of folly to present these discussions to the laity in their original form, hence the necessity for condensation and presentation of the needful facts in the language of the people in whose interests the book is printed. In a book of fiction there may be need for useless verbiage for the sake of "making pages," but facts of vital importance and usefulness in our daily welfare need to be well boiled down and put into shape for ready reference. This has been done in "Mothers' Remedies" and I think it quite fulfills the ideal I have outlined above. The title is rather odd upon first seeing it, but the most plausible when you become acquainted with its import. It surely becomes the best friend of the whole family. "It does not turn its back upon us in times of adversity," but cheerfully answers a thousand and one questions of vital importance to the household. In the hour of distress, when illness or accident befalls the dear ones, you may turn again and again to its pages without meeting disappointment. Its Value. [x] There are many books on household medicines, but in my opinion this is the most useful of them all, a very present help in time of need. You can go to it for helpful information without failing to find it. Is there serious illness in the house? It will tell you about it concisely and plainly, describing its symptoms, nature and course, and advise you to consult the family physician if of a serious nature before it is too late. In the chapters on accidents, emergencies and poisons, it tells you what to do at once while awaiting the doctor's arrival. He will be much pleased to see that you have made the proper effort to treat the case. Prompt treatment makes for prompt recovery. The real value of any book, or what is sometimes called its intrinsic value, or utility, consists in what it avails to gratify some desire or want of our nature. It depends, then, wholly upon its qualities in relation to our desires. That which contributes in ever so small degree to the wellbeing of humanity is of greater value than silver or gold. This book contains hundreds of prescriptions, anyone of which will repay the small cost in money that it requires to possess it. In fact, the financial investment is so small when compared with the benefit derived from its pages that this feature need not be considered. Examples. In the stillness and loneliness of the night, away from medical help, there comes the hoarse barking cough of the child, perhaps, and a case of croup is upon the responsibility of the parents. The struggles and terror of the little patient throws the household into consternation, and all is excitement in a moment. If the mother ever knew what to do in such a case she is likely not able to recall the exact remedy at this time, the doctor is miles away, and the case is urgent. A reference to the medical index of "Mothers' Remedies" under croup shows that on pages 27, 28 and 29, is a full description of the attack, and there are fifteen (15) home remedies given, many of which can be found in the house, and the spasm may be stopped by the use of one of them. This is only one example of the use of this book. There are innumerable times when cases come up in the home, or accidents befall a dear one and a ready remedy is required; the book most likely contains it, and is willing to tell you if you consult it carefully. Tuberculosis. The article on tuberculosis is full of valuable rules on diet and hygiene for every person, whether he has the disease or not. A knowledge of the dangers and mode of spreading the disease is the best safeguard against having it. Where one person in every seven (7) dies of consumption it becomes imperative that full knowledge of the disease and its prevention should become widespread. Accidents and Poisons. [xii] Another department that illustrates the value of the book is that on Accidents and Poisons, where quick action is needed to prevent great suffering and danger and the salvation of life itself. One cannot always get the doctor in time. A quick reference to this part of the book will give the proper course of action to follow. The indicated mother's remedy or the physician's treatment as given here applied in the "nick of time" will save many a life in cases of burns, or accidental poisoning, or hemorrhage. I have been called in such cases where a simple drink of warm mustard water promptly used would have saved a life in carbolic acid poisoning. It is in the emergencies where a ready knowledge of the ways and means necessary to conserve life is most valuable; and it is in just such emergencies that one is most apt to forget what is best to do that a copy of Mothers' Remedies becomes a priceless boon of helpfulness. All About Baby. The Woman's Department, and the chapter on "All About Baby," alone contain priceless information for the guidance of the women of the home. It is like having a good doctor right in the house who is ready and able to answer more than 500 questions of vital interest about Baby. The book is thoroughly reliable, free from exaggerated statements and written in the plainest language possible so as to make it useful to every member of the home. The Herb Department gives a brief description of the more common and most useful plants and roots, with the time for gathering them, and the dose and therapeutic indication for their use. The botanical illustrations are correct and worthy of careful study. THE INDEX. Mothers' Remedies is unique in arrangement, and full of detail, but so well indexed that any portion of it, or any disease and remedy, can be readily found, and when found you will have a choice of home remedies ready at hand. This is one of the features of the book that distinguishes Mothers' Remedies from the usual home medical books heretofore sold. This feature of the book cannot be too strongly impressed. Its value becomes apparent as soon as one consults its pages. Long chapters of descriptive reading filled with high sounding, technical terms may look very learned because the average reader does not understand it fully. But it is what one can obtain from a book that is usable that makes it valuable. In Mothers' Remedies this idea has been excellently carried out. The Home Remedies. If there was any question regarding the success of the book in this homelike arrangement, the utilization of the home remedies, in addition to the strictly medical and drug-store ingredients; it was promptly dispelled when the book was printed and presented to the people interested. It has proved to be the most wonderful seller on the market--the most usable and useful book ever offered the non-medical reader; because never before has a medical book contained the hundreds of simple home remedies from mothers. Because a physician tells you why the remedies are useful--the reason why the things used are efficacious. Medical Terms. [xiii] Frequently one comes across technical terms in the secular papers which, unless understood, obscure the sense of the reading. There is a dictionary of medical terms as a separate department which adds much to the usefulness of the work; the spelling, pronunciation and definition being concisely given in English. Other Departments. There are other departments, such as chapters on Manners and Social Customs, by an expert. Nursery Hints, Candy Making, Domestic Science, and Miscellaneous departments which interest every member of any average family in health as well as in sickness. The Candy Department provides many an evening's enjoyment for the young people. In addition, the book gives under each disease the physician's remedies, the symptoms, causes, preventives wherever important, the diet, nursing, necessity for operations, and much other needful information for the sick-room. A complete chapter on Nursing and a detailed account of the Baby and its care is perhaps the most useful portion of the book to the mothers who desire to learn all about the baby. Many home medical books are of doubtful value by reason of exaggerated statements or vague and unusable directions regarding treatments. Mothers' Remedies stands squarely upon the foundation of utility and practical every-day usefulness. No matter how many other home medical books one may have, this is also needful because there's none other on the market like it. One of the missions of Mothers' Remedies in the home is the prevention of disease through its sound sanitary teachings. It was written exclusively for home use, and its instructions can be followed by anyone who can understand plain English, and the home remedies are extensively explained and recommended so that in emergencies one can always find something of value to use while awaiting the surgeon's arrival. It is a well-spring of usefulness in any home, and it gives me genuine pleasure to call attention to it in these few lines, and to bespeak for it the continued enthusiastic reception with which it has met heretofore. (Signed) WM. ELLWOOD ZIEGENFUSS, M.D. Detroit, July 2, 1914. The National Narcotic law makes it practically impossible for the laity to have prescriptions filled which contain opiates or cocaine. We therefore have substituted other remedies quite as good whenever this was possible and still retain the efficiency of the prescription. DR. W. E. ZIEGENFUSS. August, 1918. MEDICAL DEPARTMENT [1] MOTHERS' DIAGNOSIS STRIKING, CHARACTERISTIC SYMPTOMS of Many Diseases for Quick Reference and Comparison WHEN IN DOUBT BEFORE CALLING THE DOCTOR. APPENDICITIS.--Loss of appetite. There may be nausea and vomiting; there is usually a sudden onset of pain, often sharp and severe in the whole or part of the abdomen. Later the pain settles in the right groin. Patient lies on his back with his right knee drawn up. The muscles become rigid on the right side and later a lump appears in the right groin (iliac fossa). ANEMIA.--This disease is a diminution of the total quantity of the blood of its red cells, or red corpuscles or of their Haemoglobin, the coloring matter of the red corpuscles. Some difficulty of breathing. Palpitation on least exertion, tendency to faint, headache, tired, irritable, poor or changeable appetite, digestive disturbances, constipation, cold hands and feet, difficult and painful menstruation (dysmenorrhea), irregular menstruation, leucorrhea. And when the skin is pale, yellowish green tinge, with perhaps flushed cheeks, it might properly be called chlorosis or "green sickness." ADDISON'S DISEASE.--Great weakness, stomach and bowel disorders, weak heart and dark coloring (pigmentation) of the skin. BRIGHT'S DISEASE.--Albumin and casts in the urine. The onset is usually gradual. There is paleness and puffiness of the eyelids, ankles or hands in the morning. Later increased dropsy of face and the extremities, pasty yellow complexion, dyspepsia, constipation and heart symptom. [2 MOTHERS' DIAGNOSIS] BRONCHITIS, ACUTE. (Cold on the Chest.)--There is a feeling of tightness under the breastbone, with a dry hard cough and headache. This cough may make the chest feel raw and sore, especially in front. CHOLERA MORBUS.--The onset is usually sudden with nausea, vomiting, and cramp-like bowel pains; vomits at first the stomach contents. Purging follows; vomiting and purging with severe cramps in abdomen and legs. CROUP.--Child wakes up suddenly, perhaps at midnight, with a harsh barking cough, with difficulty of breathing, and it looks as if it could not get another breath. Then there is an easy spell and soon the spasm recurs. CANCER OF THE STOMACH.--There is anemia and a gradual loss of weight. A peculiar color of the skin (cachexia), irregular vomiting, some bleeding of "coffee-ground" color. Progressive loss of weight. Dragging or burning in the region of the stomach. CHICKEN POX.--Slight fever, chilly feelings. In twenty-four hours the eruption appears upon the body, face and forehead often only a few separate red pimples which soon become rounded vesicles; however, there may be few or many. DIABETES.--The onset is gradual, glucose (sugar) is persistently in the urine. Great quantity of urine passed; six to forty pints in twenty-four hours. Thirst is great. Large quantities of water is taken. Loss of strength and weight, mouth is dry, tongue is red and glazed, skin is dry and wrinkled. DIPHTHERIA.--This disease begins gradually, as a rule, with chilly feelings, pain in the back and limbs, pulse is faster, with a general redness of the throat before the formation of the membrane; with such symptoms there are great weakness, paleness, and a bad smelling breath. Soon a spot or spots may be seen on the tonsils, uvula or soft palate, but in a day or two a dirty white patch is seen on the tonsils and this may spread, and with it there is increased weakness, pallor, loss of appetite and fever. When the membrane is taken off of the tonsils there is left a raw surface, and the membrane rapidly reforms. DYSENTERY.--The onset may be marked by diarrhea, followed by a severe, cramp-like bowel pain, with frequent small stools containing blood and mucus and accompanied by much straining (tenesmus). DYSPEPSIA, ACUTE. (Acute Gastritis, Acute Indigestion).--Distress in the stomach, headache, thirst, nausea, vomiting, tongue heavily coated, foul breath, distaste for food, tender stomach. [3 MOTHERS' DIAGNOSIS] ERYSIPELAS.--The onset is sudden, high fever, and a local redness with a sharply defined margin between it and a healthy skin. It frequently appears upon the nose and spreads over one cheek or both. It may show only a smooth raised skin, or there may be vesicles. EARACHE.--This is very common in children. It comes frequently as an extension through the eustachian canal of a cold. The ache is only an evidence of congestion or inflammation in the ear. The child bursts out crying violently and nothing seems to make it stop. It may cry for some time then stop. When it is very young it is restless, and wants to move constantly, and refuses to be comforted by the soothing embraces of its mother. It is quiet only a few moments at a time and again renews its cries and restlessness. The cries are moaning and seem like hopeless cries. A child or infant that cries that way and will not be quieted, should be suspected of having earache, and hot applications of dry or wet heat should be applied to the ear. If such symptoms are neglected, in a few days you are likely to have a discharge running from the external canal (meatus) and perhaps permanent injury may be done to the drum membrane by ulceration. Warm water poured in the ear frequently relieves common earache. GALL STONES.--Sudden agonizing pain in the right upper abdomen in the region of the liver, with vomiting, prostration, tenderness in that region. Pain generally comes at intervals in paroxysms. There may be pains in the stomach during the weeks when the attack is absent and the patient may think the stomach is the seat of the trouble. IRITIS.--Pain is severe and worse at night, the iris looks cloudy, muddy, the pupil is small. There is congestion around the iris (ciliary congestion). KIDNEY STONES.--Pain goes from the kidneys down through the ureter into the bladder and into the scrotum. There may be sand in the urine that makes it look like blood. LA GRIPPE--The onset is usually sudden, with a chill, and all of the symptoms of an active fever, headache, bone-ache, a general ache all over. A feeling of extreme weakness; feels miserable and sick. LOCK-JAW (Tetanus).--History of a wound. The muscles of the jaw may be stiff and set. When there are spasms the muscles remain stiff and hard for some time. MALARIAL FEVER.--Chill, fever, and sweat, or one stage may be absent. There may be only a slight chilly feeling with fever almost all day and then remission. [4 MOTHERS' DIAGNOSIS] MUMPS.--The swelling is in front and below and behind the ear. Hard to eat and the swallowing of vinegar is almost impossible. MEASLES.--Comes on gradually. There is a feeling of tiredness and languor, headache followed shortly by sneezing, cold symptoms, running at the eyes, dry throat, cough, much like an ordinary cold in the head, but with a persistent, hard racking cough. The eruption appears first in the sides of the mouth, in the inner surface of the cheeks, lips, gums and soft palate, in size from that of a pin-head to that of a split pea. It appears then about the eyes and then on the face, chest and extremities. It is first in red spots and then gets blotchy. This is usually three to six days after the appearance of the cold (catarrh) symptoms. MEASLES (German).--Chilliness, slight fever, pain in the back and legs, coryza. The eruption appears on the first or second day, on the face, then on the chest and in twenty-four hours over the whole body. The glands under the jaw enlarge. OPHTHALMIA NEONATORUM. (Inflammation of Eyes at Birth).--A severe conjunctivitis in the newly-born baby, swelling and redness usually of both eyes, occurring on the second or third day after birth; very soon there is a discharge and shortly it becomes creamy pus which runs from the eyes when the lids are parted. PLEURISY.--The onset may be sudden or gradual. Sudden with a chill, fever, a severe sharp pain, stitch in the side, made worse by respiration, coughing or moving. The cough is dry. The pain is near the breast and sometimes it extends to the back. PNEUMONIA.--It begins with a chill, fever, pain in the lungs, expectoration with cough, and the material spit up may be mixed with blood (rusty sputa). Then also rapid rise of temperature, "grunting" breathing, the nostrils dilate, and the cheeks are flushed. RHEUMATIC FEVER OR INFLAMMATORY RHEUMATISM.--A number of joints become involved. It spreads from one joint to another, very painful joints; profuse sweating. SMALLPOX.--The onset is sudden and ushered in by a chill, nausea and vomiting, headache, and severe pains in the back and legs, without grip symptoms. There is a rapid rise of temperature. Usually on the fourth day after the onset small red pimples appear on the forehead, along the line of the hair and on the wrists. The temperature falls with the appearance of the eruption. SPOTTED FEVER.--Marked loss of appetite, chill, projectile vomiting, severe headache, pain and stiffness of the back and neck. Later head is drawn back, often the back is rigid. The muscles of the neck and back are very tender. [5 MOTHERS' DIAGNOSIS] SCARLET FEVER. (Scarlatina).--Comes on suddenly with loss of appetite, headache, sick stomach, perhaps vomiting, high fever, sore throat, vomiting may persist. The tongue is coated, edges are red; later it is red and rough; the so-called strawberry tongue. Usually within twenty-four hours an eruption appears, first upon the neck and chest which spreads rapidly over the face and the rest of the body. The eruption consists of red pimply elevations about the size of a pin-head, very close together, so that the body seems to be covered with a scarlet flush. If you look closely you can see these little pimply elevations. TUBERCULOSIS OF THE LUNGS.--Irregular temperatures, respiration is more frequent than normal, pulse is rapid, cough, expectoration, night sweats, perhaps, and general failure of strength. TONSILITIS. (Smooth and Follicular).--Commences with a chill, rapid rise of temperature, general aching in the back, and legs especially. The tonsils are large and red and spots may appear on them in a few hours. There may be no spots but a smooth; red, swollen tonsil, sometimes swollen to an enormous size. The spot and membrane, if any exists, are easily rubbed off and when this is done a glistening surface is seen, but not raw, as in diphtheria. TYPHOID FEVER--There is a feeling of illness for a week or two and the patient is not able to work much, does not sleep well, dreams, has a dull headache, back of the neck may be stiff, nosebleed sometimes, with a feeling as if there was some fever, increasing feeling of weakness, and sick feeling. Finally the fever, etc., becomes more prominent with constipation and diarrhea. ULCER OF THE CORNEA.--Light hurts the eyes very much, tears run freely and there is a feeling of something in the eye. The eyeball shows a rim of pink congestion about the cornea. The ulcer can be seen. ULCER OF THE STOMACH.--Pain, local tenderness, bleeding. Distress after eating and vomiting of a very acid fluid. Pain in the region of the stomach and usually sharp pain in the back is the most constant symptom. It is increased by food at once and relieved by vomiting. The tenderness upon pressure is usually marked and is localized. WHOOPING-COUGH.--Begins with symptoms of a cold in the eyes, nose, and the chest. The cough gradually becomes worse, usually in from seven to ten days; it comes in paroxysms (spells) and then the whoop. RESPIRATORY DISEASES [6] Including CROUP, COLDS, SORE-THROAT, HOARSENESS, BRONCHITIS, ASTHMA, HAY-FEVER, PLEURISY, ADENOIDS, PNEUMONIA, ETC. With Definition, Cause, Symptoms, Preventives, Mothers' Remedies, Physicians' Treatment; also Diet, Nursing and Sanitary Care; all for Home Use and Reference. THE ANATOMY OF THE NOSE.--The nose is divided by a middle partition (septum) into two cavities (nasal chambers or fossae) each being a wedge-shaped cavity, distinct by itself and extending from the nostril or anterior nares in front to the posterior openings behind and from the base of the skull to the hard palate below. Where the posterior opening or nares ends is called the nose-pharynx, The pharynx joins there with the cavities and hence called nose-pharynx. The partition (septum) is thin, one-tenth to one-eighth of an inch in thickness and is composed in front of cartilage (gristle) and behind of bone. In its normal state this partition (septum) should be perfectly straight, thin and in the middle line, The cartilaginous (gristle) portion is seldom found in this condition as, owing to its prominent location and frequent exposure to injury, blows and falling on the nose, the partition (septum) is often bent or turned to one side or the other so far in some cases as to close the nostril. The posterior part is composed of bone, and being well protected, is seldom found out of position or displaced, even when the cartilaginous portion is often badly deformed, The floor of the nose is formed by the upper jaw bone (maxillary) and the palate bone. The outer wall of the nose or nose cavity is the most complicated, for it presents three prominences, the turbinated bones, which extend from before backwards and partially divide the nose cavity into incomplete spaces called meatus passages. The turbinated bones are three in number, the inferior, middle and superior. They vary in size and shape, and owing to the relations they hear to the surrounding parts, and to the influence they exert on the general condition of the nose and throat, are of great importance. The inferior or lower turbinate bone is the largest and in a way is the only independent bone. The middle and superior are small. They are all concave in shape and extend from before backwards, and beneath the concave surface of each one of the corresponding passages or openings (meatus) is formed. The inferior or lower (meatus) opening or passage is that part of the nasal (nose) passage which lies beneath the inferior turbinate bone and extends from the nostrils in front to the passage behind the nose (post-nasal) (posterior nares) toward the pharynx. The middle opening (meatus) lies above the inferior turbinate bone and below the middle turbinate bone. The superior opening (meatus) is situated above the middle turbinate bone. [RESPIRATORY DISEASES 7] [Illustration: Bronchial Tubes and Lungs.] The mucous membrane lining the nasal passages is similar to other mucous membranes. It is here called the Schneiderian membrane after the name of a German anatomist named Schneider. It is continuous through the ducts with the mucous membrane of all the various accessory cavities of the nose. It is quite thin, in the upper part over the superior turbinate bone and partition (septum) while it is quite thick over the lower turbinate bone, the floor of the nose cavity and the lower part of the partition. It is well supplied with blood vessels, veins, and glands for producing the necessary secretion. The nose is an organ of breathing (respiration) and it warms and moistens the air we breathe and arrests particles of dust in the air before they enter the lungs. If the air we breathe is of an uneven temperature, or of marked degree of dryness, or if it is saturated with impurities, it always acts as a source of irritation to the mucous membrane of the upper respiratory tract, like the larynx. By the time the air reaches the pharynx, through the nose, it has become almost as warm as the blood, and also is well saturated with moisture. The mucous membrane that lines the nose cavity and especially that part over the lower turbinate bone, secretes from sixteen to twenty ounces of fluid daily. This fluid cleanses and lubricates the nose and moistens the air we breathe. Conditions may arise which interfere with this natural secretion. This may be due to the fact that some of the glands have shrunk or wasted (atrophied) and the secretion has become thick. This collects in the nose, decomposes and forms scabs and crusts in the nostrils. In this condition there will be dropping of mucus into the throat. This condition is usually only a collection of secretions from the nose,--which are too thick to flow away,--collect in the space behind the nose, and when some have accumulated, drop into the pharynx. [8 MOTHERS' REMEDIES] In order to be in good health it is necessary to breath through the nose, and to do this there must be nothing in the nose or upper part of the pharynx to interfere with the free circulation of the air through these cavities. The cavities of the nose may be partly closed by polpi (tumors) on the upper and middle turbinate bone, a spur on the (septum) partition, deviation of the partition or enlarged turbinate bones, or adenoids in the upper part of the pharynx. These troubles almost close up the nose sometimes and the person is compelled to breathe through his mouth. He not only looks foolish, talks thick, but is laying up for himself future trouble. By correcting the trouble in the nose and removing the adenoids in the upper part of the pharynx the patient can breathe through the nasal passages. If you take a tube you can pass it straight back through the lower channel (meatus) into the pharynx. It will touch the upper back wall of the pharynx. If the tube has a downward bend you can see it behind the soft palate and by attaching a string to that end you can draw it back out through the nostrils. In that way we plug the posterior openings (nares). The upper part of the pharynx reaches higher up behind than a line drawn horizontally above the tip of the nose to the pharynx. It reaches forward above the soft palate on its front surface. Its front surface is almost directly on a vertical line with tonsil, above the soft palate. On its upper part and on the side near the nose cavity is the opening of the eustachian tube. The name naso-pharynx means the junction of the nose and pharynx. Sometimes the upper posterior wall of the pharynx, called the vault of the pharynx, especially the part behind each eustachian tube, is filled almost full with adenoids. These are overgrowths or thickenings of the glandular tissue in the upper posterior wall of the pharynx (vault of the pharynx). ADENOIDS. (Pharyngeal Tonsil, Lursehkas Tonsil, Adenoid Vegetation, Post- nasal Growth.)--Adenoids are overgrowths or thickenings of the glandular tissue in the vault (top) of the pharynx. They are on the upper posterior wall of the pharynx, often filling the whole space, especially the part behind the ear-tube--eustachian tube. They are a soft pliable mass, well supplied with blood vessels, especially in children. Some are firmer and these are the kind seen in adults. The color varies from pale pink to dark red. The structure is similar to enlarged tonsils. [RESPIRATORY DISEASES 9] [Illustration: Adenoids] Symptoms.--Children breathe chiefly or wholly through the mouth. They are apt to breathe noisily, especially when they eat and drink. They sleep with their mouth open, breathe hard and snore. They have attacks of slight suffocation sometimes, especially seen in young children. There may be difficulty in nursing in infants; they sleep poorly, toss about in bed, moan, talk, and night terrors are common. They may also sweat very much during sleep. A constant hacking or barking cough is a common symptom and this cough is often troublesome for some hours before going to bed. Troubles with the larynx and pharynx are common and spasmodic laryngitis appears to be often dependent upon adenoids. Bronchial asthma and sneezing in paroxysms are sometimes connected with them. The chest becomes deformed. The prolonged mouth-breathing imparts to adenoid patients a characteristic look in the face. The lower jaw is dropped and the lips are kept constantly apart. In many cases the upper lip is short, showing some part of the upper teeth. The dropping of the jaw draws upon the soft parts and tends to obliterate the natural folds of the face about the nose, lips, and cheeks. The face has an elongated appearance and the expression is vacant, listless, or even stupid. The nose is narrow and pinched, from long continued inaction of the wings of the nose (alae nasi). The root of the nose may be flat and broad. When the disease sets in during early childhood, the palate may become high arched. If the disease continues beyond second teething, the arch of the palate becomes higher and the top of the arch more pointed. The upper jaw elongates and this often causes the front teeth to project far beyond the corresponding teeth in the lower jaw. The high arched palate is often observed to be associated with a deflected partition (septum) in the nose. The speech is affected in a characteristic way; it acquires a dead character. There is inability to pronounce the nasal consonant sounds; m, n, and ng and the l, r, and th sounds are changed. Some backwardness in learning to articulate is often noticed. Deafness is frequently present, varying in degree, transient and persistent. Attacks of earache are common and also running of the ears. The ear troubles often arise from the extension of catarrh from the nose-pharynx through the eustachian tubes to the middle ear. Sometimes the adenoids block the entrance to the tubes. The ventilation of the middle ear may be impeded. Dr. Ball, of London, England, says: "Ear troubles in children are undoubtedly, in the vast majority of cases, dependent upon the presence of adenoid vegetation" (growths). Children with adenoids are very liable to colds in the head, which aggravate all the symptoms, and in the slighter forms of the disease the symptoms may hardly be noticeable, except when the child is suffering from a cold. [10 MOTHERS' REMEDIES] Chronic catarrh is often caused by adenoids. A chronic pus discharge often develops, especially in children. There is often a half-pus discharge trickling over the posterior wall of the pharynx from the nose-pharynx. And yet some children with adenoids never have any discharge from the nose. There may be more or less dribbling of saliva from the mouth, especially in young children, and this is usually worse during sleep. Headache is not uncommon when these growths persist into adult life: they continue to give rise to most of the symptoms just described, although these symptoms may be less marked because of the relatively larger size of the nose-pharynx. The older patients seek relief, usually, from nasal catarrh symptoms. They complain of a dry throat on waking and they hawk and cough, In order to clear the sticky secretion from the throat. The adenoids have often undergone a considerable amount of shrinking, but they frequently give rise to a troublesome inflammation of the nose and pharynx. Rounded or irregular red elevations will often be seen on the posterior wall of the pharynx, outgrowths of adenoid tissue in this region. Similar elevations are sometimes seen on the posterior pillars of the fauces. The tonsils are often enlarged. A good deal of thick discharge will sometimes be seen in the posterior wall of the pharynx proceeding from the nose-pharynx. Although adenoids, like the normal tonsil, usually tend to diminish and disappear with the approach of youth, they constitute during childhood a constant source of danger and trouble and not infrequently inflict permanent mischief. Also children afflicted with adenoids are less able to cope with diphtheria, scarlet fever, measles, whooping-cough, etc. Deafness, mouth-breathing habit, and imperfect resonance of the voice, as well as the characteristic expression of the face, will often remain as permanent effects of the impairment of function due to these growths in childhood, even though they have more or less completely disappeared. The collapsed state of the wings of the nose, and wasted condition of their muscles, resulting from long disease, often contributes to the perpetuation of the mouth-breathing habit. On the other hand the rapid improvement, after a timely removal of the growths, is usually very striking. Treatment.--The only thing to do is to remove them soon, no matter how young the patient may be. An anaesthetic is usually given to children. The operation does not take long and the patient soon recovers from its effects. The result of an operation, especially in young children, is usually very satisfactory. Breathing through the nose is re-established, the face expression is changed for the better. The symptoms as before described disappear to a great extent. COLDS. (Coryza. Acute Nasal Catarrh. Acute Rhinitis).--This is an inflammation of the mucous membrane lining the nose. Causes.--Exposure to cold or wet when the body is overheated; sudden or extreme changes in the atmosphere; inhaling irritating fumes or dust. Symptoms.--A chilly feeling, limbs ache, tendency to sneeze, severe headache above the nose, eyes are dry, stopped-up feeling in the nostrils. Then there is a thin watery discharge, usually of an irritating character, very thin at first, but it soon becomes thicker; sometimes the ears ring (tinnitus). The nose and lining is red and swollen. MOTHERS' REMEDIES.--1. Colds. Borax for Cold Settled in Throat. "For a cold in the throat, dissolve a piece of borax, the size of a pea, in the mouth and don't talk. It will work like a charm." This is an old and well tried remedy and is very good for colds or sore throat. It acts by contracting the tissues and in that way there is less congestion in the parts. [RESPIRATORY DISEASES 11] 2. Colds, Valuable Caution and Treatment for.--Mrs. Maxwell, of Cleveland, writes in the Cleveland Press as follows: "If you intend to treat the cold yourself, take it up at the outset. Don't wait for it to develop. To break it up, nothing is better than the full hot bath at bed time, or the foot bath with mustard, followed by a hot drink. It is old-fashioned, but scientific, for nine colds out of ten are due to clogged pores. Benjamin Franklin said a hundred years ago that all colds come from impure air, lack of exercise, and over-eating, and nobody has ever bettered his conclusion. Even contagious colds will not be taken if the bodily resistance is kept at par. More fresh air, less grip. Avoid people who have colds, and keep out of badly ventilated rooms. Stuffy street cars are responsible for half the hard colds, not because people get chilled, but because the air is foul. And when you have a cold keep away from the baby. If the baby takes a cold, let it have medical attention at once. Don't experiment upon it with remedies intended for grown-ups." 3. Colds, Molasses-Vinegar Syrup for.--"One-half cup of molasses, butter the size of a hickory nut, one tablespoon vinegar, boil together. Dose: One teaspoonful or less as the case requires. Take often until relieved." This is an old remedy and a good one. 4. Colds, Quinine and Ginger for.--"Give plenty of quinine and drink hot water with ginger in it." Quinine, as we all know, is an old remedy for colds and therefore we all know how it acts. The ginger warms up the system and produces sweating. Care should be taken when using this remedy not to take cold, as the pores are all opened by the quinine. 5. Colds, Boneset for.--"Boneset tea steeped and drank cold cures a cold." Boneset simply acts by causing a better circulation in the system and in that way sweating is produced and we all know that a good sweat will usually cure a cold if taken in time. 6. Severe Cold or Threatened Consumption.--"One pint of molasses; one pint of vinegar; three tablespoonfuls of white pine tar; let this boil not quite half down; remove from the stove and let stand until next day; then take and skim tar off from the top, throwing tar away. Jar up and take as often as necessary. Spoonful every half to two hours." 7. Colds, Rock Candy Syrup for.--"Ten cents worth of rock candy; one pint of whisky; one pint of water; fifteen cents worth of glycerine; mix all together; this will syrup itself." Take one teaspoonful as often as necessary. This is excellent. 8. Colds, Skunk's Oil for.--"Skunk's oil has cured colds quickly by rubbing on chest and throat." The oil penetrates quickly and relieves the congestion. This remedy can always be relied upon. [12 MOTHERS' REMEDIES] 9. Colds, Lemons and Mustard for.--"A hot lemonade taken on going to bed and put the feet in a hot mustard bath; taken in time will break up a cold." The idea of the foot bath is to equalize the circulation, as so many of our colds begin in the head and by drawing the blood from the head the congested parts of the head are relieved. 10. Colds and Cough, Hops or Catnip Poultice for.--"Hops or catnip put in little bags and steamed until hot, then placed on lungs and throat." This is a very good remedy, as the hot bags act as a poultice and draw the congestion from the diseased parts. It produces not only local, but general perspiration. 11. Colds, Honey for.--"Eat honey. I have tried this many times and it is very good." The honey is very soothing, but if a little hoarhound or lemon is added it would make it much more effective. This is a good remedy for children, as they most all like honey. 12. Colds, to Break Up at the Outset.--"To break up a cold soak the feet in hot water and drink all the cold water you can." This has been known to cure many severe colds if taken at the beginning. 13. Cold in the Chest, Mutton Tallow and Red Pepper for.--"If cold is in the chest, render enough mutton tallow for one cupful and add one teaspoonful of red pepper and rub on chest and apply a flannel to keep out the cold. This is an old-time remedy and a good one." 14. Colds, Lard and Turpentine for.--"Melt a half cupful of lard and add one and one-half teaspoonfuls of turpentine, rub on chest and apply flannel cloth." 15. Cold, Milk and Cayenne as a Preventive.--"Drink a glass of milk with a pinch of cayenne in it. This will warm the stomach and prevent headache." PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Colds.--Preventive. Avoid the known causes of the trouble. A daily cold bath, if well borne, is held to be an effectual prevention against taking cold. Have the adenoids removed if your physician so recommends it. If seen early it can frequently be aborted. Bathe the feet in hot mustard water, a small handful of mustard to a pail half full of hot water. At the same time, drink hot teas, like hoarhound, ginger, lemonade, etc. Then put the patient to bed and place hot water fruit jars around him. This treatment will produce a good sweat. After the sweating has continued for some time and the patient feels uncomfortable because of the sweat, bathe him with a towel dipped in warm water, and dry the parts as you go along. Of course, all of this is done under cover. After you have bathed and dried the patient, put on a clean and well-aired night shirt and clean sheets, also well aired. This simple treatment will abort most colds. The patient should keep in bed for at least twelve hours after such a sweating. Plenty of cold water and lemonade can be given, especially after the patient has become cooler. Plenty of water is good for any cold; hot outside and cool for the inside. The bowels should be opened with salts. A Dover's powder (ten grains) will produce sweating, but why use it when sweating can be produced by the means first mentioned. [RESPIRATORY DISEASES 13] 1. Camphor and Vaseline Mixed, or Camphor and Cream, rubbed in the nose is good to stop the cold and soreness. 2. A few drops (two or three) of camphor taken internally every three hours will abort some colds, especially if the nose is all the time pouring out drops of water. 3. Aconite in small doses, one-tenth of a drop, every two hours is a splendid remedy at the beginning. My experience has shown me that aconite does better work in these small doses. Put one drop in ten teaspoonfuls of water and give one teaspoonful at a dose. 4. The following is good for a thick discharge: in oil spray. Menthol 6 grains Chloroform 5 drops Camphor 5 grains Liquid Alboline 2 ounces Mix and make into a solution. Use in an atomizer, every two hours. To cleanse the nostrils wash out each nostril gently with a solution made of one teaspoonful of listerine, or glyco-thymoline, or borolyptol, or one-quarter teaspoonful of common salt in a half glass of warm water. You can use a vaporizer and this solution: Menthol 5 grains Camphor 5 grains Compound tincture benzoin 1 dram Liquid Alboline 1 ounce Mix and make solution and use frequently in a nebulizer. Never snuff a solution into the nose, and do not blow the nose hard after using. Some of the solution or nasal discharge may be forced into the eustachian tube. 5. Lard or camphorated oil rubbed on the nose and throat twice a day is good. 6. To Restore the Loss of the Voice.-- Oil of wintergreen 2 drams Lanolin or vaseline 1 ounce Mix and rub on the throat at night and put on flannel until morning. This will relieve the loss of voice very promptly. 7. Put a quart of boiling water in a pitcher; add from two to four drams of the compound tincture of benzoin and inhale the hot vapor. Wrap both head and pitcher in a towel. This is very good for sore throat also. 8. Herb Teas for.--Ginger tea, catnip, hoarhound, pennyroyal, etc.; hot, are all good to produce sweating and thus relieve cold. 9. From Dr. Ball, a London, England, Specialist.-- Menthol 30 grains Eucalyptol 30 drops Carbolic acid 2 drams Rectified spirits of wine 1 dram Mix thoroughly; a teaspoonful to be put into a pint (or less) of hot water and the steam to be inhaled through the nose for four or five minutes. This is useful in acute colds, especially in the later stages, and in chronic catarrh, etc. [14 MOTHERS' REMEDIES] 10. When the stage is rather marked or prolonged spray or syringe out the nose with tepid solution once or twice a day using the following: Bicarbonate of soda 3 to 5 grains Borax 3 to 5 grains Tepid water 1 ounce Use a spray, douche, or gargle in chronic catarrh and chronic pharyngitis. When you wish to use a large quantity, mix an equal quantity each of soda and borax and put a couple teaspoonfuls to each pint of warm water and use. CATARRH. (Chronic Inflammation of the Nose, Chronic Rhinitis). Causes.-- Frequent attacks of colds, irritating gases and dust, adenoids, enlarged tonsils, spurs on the septum (partition bone) or foreign bodies in the nose, like corn, beans, stone, etc. Symptoms and Course.--There are alterations of the secretions: the amount varies in the same case at different times. Sometimes it is thin and watery, or thick, sticky mucus or this may alternate with more watery discharges. It may be mucus and pus or entirely pus. Frequently the secretions discharge into the throat and cause efforts to clear it by hawking and spitting. The secretion sometimes dries and forms crusts in the fore part of the turbinated bones and partition. Patients frequently pick the nose for this crust and ulceration may result at that point from its doing. Bleeding often occurs from picking the scales from the ulcers, and perforation of the partition may take place from extension of the ulceration. There is a feeling of stuffiness. There is some obstruction to breathing. If there is much thickness of the structures, nasal obstruction is a persistent symptom. Changed voice, mouth-breathing, etc., are noticed. A sensation of pain or weight across the bridge of the nose is sometimes complained of and this symptom is especially found associated with enlargement of the middle turbinated body on one or both sides, etc. MOTHERS' REMEDIES. 1. Catarrh, Successful remedy for.--- "Dissolve in one-half ounce olive oil as much camphor gum as it will take up. Moisten a little finger with the oil, rub into the nostrils and snuff well up into the head." The olive oil is very soothing to the diseased parts and the camphor contracts the swollen mucous membranes, thereby relieving the catarrh. This is an excellent remedy. 2. Catarrh, Cleansing Antiseptic Remedy for.--"Snuff about one teaspoonful of salt in cup of warm water every morning in nostrils. I have found this remedy simple but fine for catarrh and also having sleeping room well ventilated summer and winter will help in curing disease." This remedy will be found very effective in catarrh because it loosens up the secretions and cleanses the nose of the foul secretions and also has an antiseptic action. This can be used twice daily. Snuffing should be done very gently so as not to draw the water too far back. [RESPIRATORY DISEASES 15] 3. Catarrh, Witch-Hazel for.--"Pond's extract applied with nose spray." Pond's extract is simply witch-hazel water and everyone knows that witch-hazel water is healing and soothing to the membranes of the nose. This may be used regularly twice a day. 4. Catarrh, Cure for.-- Menthol 10 grains Camphor Gum 10 grains Chloroform 10 drops Fluid Alboline 8 ounces Mix. Apply in the nasal cavities with alboline atomizer. 5. Catarrh of head, Mullein Leaves. Treatment, etc., for.--"Smoke dried mullein leaves and blow the smoke through the nose, and in addition to this, put a heaping tablespoonful of powdered borax in a quart of soft water; syringe this up in the nose, and in addition to both of the above, frequently inhale a mixture of two drams of spirits of ammonia, half a dram tincture of iodine and fifteen drops of carbolic acid; smoke the mullein, syringe the borax water and inhale the last mixture all as frequently as convenient and it frequently will cure if kept up faithfully." 6. Catarrh, Milk and Salt Wash for.--"Mix together one teaspoonful common salt, a teacupful milk, and half pint of warm water. Inject this into the nostrils three times a day. You may use the same quantity of borax in place of the salt, if you choose to do so." PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Catarrh.--If the patient is run down, give tonics, plenty of fresh air and sunshine in the sleeping room, change of climate to a dry, unchangeable climate is sometimes necessary. Local.--Attend to any disturbing cause, such as adenoids, spurs on the partition, turbinate bone, etc. It is first necessary to render the parts clean, through the use of some mild antiseptic solution, such as glyco-thymoline, listerine, borolyptol, salt, etc. Salt should not be used stronger than one-quarter teaspoonful in a glass half full of water. The others can be used in one to two teaspoonfuls, to same amount of warm water. The solution should always be mild and warm. To use any solution pour it gently through the nose, tilting the head backward, with the mouth open; then as the solution flows through the head should be put forward and downward. The solution flows out of the mouth, and also out of the other nostril. A nasal douche cup made purposely should be used if possible. 1. Spray for.--After cleansing the nostrils with the solution the following soothing mild spray will be found of great benefit. Menthol 5 grains Camphor 5 grains Liquid Alboline 2 ounces Mix and make a solution. Use in an atomizer or nebulizer. [16 MOTHERS' REMEDIES] 2. Powders for.--Antiseptic powders are also very useful in some cases, such as, compound stearate of zinc and boric acid, or compound stearate of zinc and alum or compound stearate of zinc and menthol. One or two drams is enough to buy at once as it is very light; always use it in a powder in the following way: First take a long breath and while holding the breath, puff some of the powder into each nostril; then gently puff the breath out through each nostril. Do not snuff powder up the nose or use the powder-blower while breathing. If this is done, some will get into the pharynx and larynx and cause annoying coughing. 3. Solution for.-- Bicarbonate of soda 1/2 ounce Borax 1/2 ounce Salt 1/2 ounce White sugar 1 ounce Mix all. Half a teaspoonful to be dissolved in one-half tumbler of warm water; used with spray producer or a syringe. 4. Spray, for.-- Bicarbonate of soda 1-1/2 drams Listerine 6 drams Water 1 ounce Use as a spray. OZENA.--(Foul odor from nose, not breath, due to catarrh of the nose). The membrane is dry and shrunken. It is a very offensive odor, thus called "ozena." Causes.--It is usually seen in people who are very much debilitated, in young factory girls, and sometimes in healthy boys. Retained secretions in the nose, usually cause the odor. These decompose and ferment. The nose is large and roomy, the nostrils are filled with scabby secretions; hard masses are formed which sometimes fill the nostril. PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT.--The first few weeks, cleansing the nose with peroxide of hydrogen will stop the odor. First, remove the scabs with forceps and then wash and cleanse the nose with the peroxide solution. It can be used from one-quarter strength to full strength, but warm. This will leave the nose in a foamy, soapy condition and this can be cleansed with a mild solution of glyco-thymoline or salt water. HOME TREATMENT.--This is very important. The patient should use a douche three or four times a day. In the solution glyco-thymoline or borolyptol one or two teaspoonfuls to one-half cup of warm water, and follow by a nebulizer or atomizer in which the following solution can be used: 1. Lysol 10 drops Oil of Pine 15 drops Liquid Alboline 2 ounces Mix and make a solution, spray into the nose after douching. [RESPIRATORY DISEASES 17] 2. The following ointment can be used if there is no atomizer or nebulizer at hand: Iodol 5 grains Boric Acid 10 grains Cold cream 2 ounces Mix and make into an ointment, and rub a little into each nostril before retiring. 3. Dr. Ferguson of New York uses the following: A new antiseptic enzymol. This is used as follows.--Use one part of enzymol, three parts of warm water. Rub and cleanse the nose thoroughly with the solution, saturate a piece of absorbent cotton with this solution, place it in the nostril and leave it there fifteen to twenty minutes. HAY FEVER. (Rose Cold, June Cold or Hay Asthma).--This inflammation of the nose occurs in August and September. It is really a nervous affection of the nose membrane. Causes.--A predisposition: A peculiar sensitive area in the mucous membrane of the nose. An exciting cause circulating in the air, the dust or pollen of certain plants, such as rag-weed, hay and barley; the odor of certain flowers, such as roses and golden rod; dust of some drugs as ipecac and benzoic acid; the odor of some animals. It usually comes about the same date each year, growing worse each year and, in time, affects the bronchial tubes. Symptoms.--The earliest symptoms are, usually, an itching sensation in the roof of the mouth and the palate, or itching and burning at the inner corner of the eyes. Irritation within the nose is also experienced and very soon spells of sneezing set in. The nose soon feels stuffy and obstructed, and there is a clear water discharge from the nose, which is especially copious after sneezing. The eyes look red and watery and the eyeballs pain and there is also pain in the forehead above the nose. It may take several days to develop these symptoms. They are usually worse in the morning. After some days these symptoms become more persistent and severe. The nostrils are completely closed, and the patient must breathe through the mouth, and the spells of sneezing are very violent. The conjunctiva becomes congested and red, a profuse watery discharge runs from the eyes and the lids are swollen. In severe cases the face looks red and swollen. The mucous membrane of the mouth, pharynx and tonsils is more or less reddened and irritated, smell and taste are impaired and sometimes the patient is slightly deaf. The patient feels tired, weak, and it is hard to study or do manual labor. Slight feelings of chillness are common. MOTHERS' REMEDIES. 1. Hay fever, Quick Relief from.--"For hay fever and other slight forms of diseases which produce sneezing, there is no remedy more quickly effective, and often curative, than a vapor of heated salt and alcohol. Heat it very hot and breathe the vapor for ten minutes at a time, four or five times a day." 2. Hay fever, Remedy Worth Trying for.--"A mixture composed of ten grains of sulphate of zinc, half teaspoonful of borax, and about four ounces of rose water. This is very good to inject into the nostrils if there is much irritation of eyes and nostrils." [18 MOTHERS' REMEDIES] 3. Hay fever, Our Canadian Remedy for.--"Inhale smoke from ground coffee (sprinkle over coals). This relieved a case for me of five years standing." 4. Hay Fever, Medicine That Helps.--"Use phenol sodique as directed on the bottles. This was recommended to me by Mrs. Levi Weller, who said her husband had found more relief from this remedy than any other he had tried." PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Hay Fever.--1. The following gives relief from the distressing symptoms. (But first the nose should be examined, for often there is local trouble there.). Then give suprarenal extract tablets, each five grains. Take one every four or five hours. 2. Pill Blennostasin.--Each pill contains five grains. Take one every four hours. 3. The following solution gives temporary relief:-- Dionin 10 grains Adrenalin (1 to 1000) 5 drams Water 2 ounces Mix solution and spray into the nose every two hours. 4. After using the above spray which will shrink the mucous membrane apply the following oil spray:-- Thymol 5 grains Menthol 5 grains Camphor 5 grains Liquid Alboline 1 ounce Mix and make a solution and spray into the nose three or four times a day. 5. In some cases a drying powder does well, such as compound stearate of zinc and alum one dram; puff it into the nose with a powder-blower every hour. 6. Dr. Ball of London, England, gives the following.--A spray of a four per cent of cocaine, or direct application of cotton-wool soaked in a stronger solution will be found to afford immediate relief. But the after effect is likely to be bad. Hence menthol is a better application. [RESPIRATORY DISEASES 19] 7. Another from Dr. Ball.--A one to five per cent solution of menthol in liquid paraffin may be painted or sprayed on the mucous membrane, or a little cotton-wool soaked in an oily solution may be inserted in the nostrils. We must confess our weakness as physicians, when we treat this disease. There are local measures, such as give relief for the time being, but they must be carefully used. Diseases of the nose, tumors or "spurs" frequently cause in the first place; bad tonsils, and adenoids are likely to aggravate the trouble. A change of climate is the only real help. Tone the general health. If the patient is very nervous fifteen grains of bromide of sodium three or four time a day gives relief. People subjected to hay fever should be treated between the attacks to make them strong and to remove any local nose trouble and just before the time of year arrives for the attack it is well to take five grains three times a day of the suprarenal tablets or blennostasin the same way, and also spray the nose twice daily with a mild adrenalin solution as the following:- Adrenalin (1 to 1000) 1 dram Water 2 ounces Change of climate is frequently quite beneficial. Some are relieved in the dry mountain air, while others are more benefited by the seashore or an ocean trip. TUMOR OF THE NOSE. (Nasal Polypus).--This tumor consists of a soft jelly- like whitish growth, usually found in the upper front part of the nostril. It may extend to the bottom (floor) of the nose, is quite soft and moveable, being easy to push aside with a probe. The air passing through the nostril will move it backward and forward. There may be one or several and they may completely fill the nostril. They sometimes grow from the back end of the middle turbinate bone, and gradually extend backward filling up the back part of the nostril and even extending into the space behind the nose and, if large, they may be seen below the soft palate. PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT.--The only thing to do is to remove them. This is usually done by a wire placed around the polypus and by the thumb-screw in the instrument, tighten the wire until it has cut through the base. DEVIATION OF THE SEPTUM (Partition).--Deviation is the bending or curving of the partition (septum) to one side or the other, leaving one nostril very large and roomy and closing the other nostril wholly or partly. Causes.--Blows, falls, etc., high-arch palate. It is seldom seen under seven years of age. PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT.--The treatment is to replace if possible, the part in the proper position. This requires an operation. NOSEBLEED. Mothers' Remedies.--1. Nosebleed; remedy sent us by a Public School Teacher.--"Make a compress of paper soaked in cold water; put it under the upper lip and have the patient press the lip with the fingers. Remarks.--Tried with success in many cases by a school teacher." By putting under the lip and pressing on it, you press on an artery and stop bleeding. Be careful to use nothing but white paper, as ink or colors would come out when wet. 2. Nosebleed, Alum as a cure for.--"Apply cold water to face and back of neck; snuff powdered alum." The powdered alum contracts the blood vessels, thereby shutting off the supply of blood. The cold water applied to the back of the neck affects the nervous system in such a manner that the blood vessels are contracted and so the blood supply is diminished. [20 MOTHERS' REMEDIES] 3. Nosebleed; Remedy that succeeded in a severe case.--"Put pieces of ice in cloth. Lay a piece each side of the nose and on the back of the neck. Remarks.--My neighbor's daughter had nosebleed which refused to stop until they were much frightened but this treatment soon stopped it, after which she rested quietly for a time," 4. Nosebleed, Simple Remedy for.--"Place the finger on the side of the nose tight for ten or fifteen minutes. My mother has stopped her nose from bleeding when other remedies failed." This shuts off the circulation and helps to form a clot. 5. Nosebleed, Another Home Remedy for.--"Hold the head back as far as possible, press up the end of the nose with the end of the finger." Best to lie on the side so blood will not run down the throat and choke the patient. 6. Nosebleed, Puff-Ball for.--"Find an old brown puff-ball from the ground, pick out the soft inside part and put it in nose and let remain for some time." 7. Nosebleed, Vinegar and Water for.--"Wet a cloth in very cold water or strong cold water and vinegar and apply to back of neck, renewing as it gets warm. Have seen this tried and know it to be good." PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Nosebleed.--Place the patient on his side half lying, head and shoulders raised and apply a cold compress to the forehead, nose, and to the back of the neck. Press the end of the nose firmly against the partition between the nostrils, for some minutes. This presses directly upon the bleeding point, as a rule. Also, when lying in this position, the blood does not flow into the throat so readily. Raise the arms above the head, apply cold to the spine or to the scrotum of men and breasts of women. Mustard foot baths are good, injection of cold water, or the injection of hot water, 120 F., into the nostril will often help: Cold water, Or salt water, can be gently snuffed. Alum solution on a cloth put in the nostril often helps. A piece of bacon cut to bits and placed in the nostril often stops it. Vinegar injected into the nostril is good, or you can use a cloth saturated with vinegar and placed in the nostril. White oak bark tea, strong, is effective; juice of lemon applied same way or injected is helpful. How to plug the nostrils; (front or anterior nares).--Do this with narrow strips of sterilized gauze, by placing the first piece as far back as possible, then with a narrow pair of forceps pushing in a little at a time until the nostril is filled. The gauze should be only one-half inch wide. If the bleeding still continues the posterior opening (nares) should be plugged. This can be known by seeing the blood flowing down the throat (pharynx). [RESPIRATORY DISEASES 21] How this is done? Pass a soft rubber catheter, along the floor (bottom) of the nose until its end is seen passing down behind the soft palate into the throat. Grasp this with a pair of forceps and pull it forward into the mouth. Tie a stout string to the end of the catheter (about 1-1/2 feet long) and tie the other end of the string around the centre of a plug of lint or gauze, 1-1/2 inches long and three-quarters of an inch wide. Then pull the catheter back through the nostril, very gently. This will pull the plug into the posterior opening of the nose, and plug it. . Hold this same end firmly and with a pair of forceps fill the anterior nostril with strips (1/2 inch wide) of gauze, pushing them back to the posterior plug. The end of the string in the mouth may be fastened to a tooth or to the side of the cheek (if long enough) with a piece of adhesive plaster. The plug should not be left in position more than forty-eight hours, and it should be thoroughly softened with oil or vaselin before it is removed. Remove the anterior part first, gently and carefully and then with cocaine (if necessary) and more oil, the posterior plug is softened and removed by pulling the end of the string which is in the mouth gently and slowly. SORE THROAT (Acute Pharyngitis--Acute Pharyngeal Catarrh--- Inflammation of the Pharynx--Simple Angina).--This is a common complaint especially among some adults. A predisposition to it is often due to chronic pharyngitis, chronic enlargement of the tonsils and adenoids of the wall of the pharynx as well as chronic nasal obstruction. Rheumatic persons are especially subject to it and acute articular rheumatism is often observed to be preceded by an attack of pharyngitis. Tonsilitis is said to have the same influence also. Symptoms.--The throat is dry and feels stiff. There may be tenderness at the angle of the jaw and outside of the neck. Pains some to swallow. In a day or two there is a mucous secretion, making the patient inclined to clear the throat by hawking or coughing. The throat looks red and in the early stage this is more noticeable on the anterior pillars of the fauces, the soft palate and uvula. On the back wall you see bright red spots, the inflamed lymph follicles. It usually gets well in two to seven days. It may become chronic after repeated acute attacks. Chronic.--This is very common in persons who smoke or drink to excess, also people who use their voice in public speaking as preachers do, or in calling loudly as hucksters, railroad brakemen, stationmen, etc. Prevention of chronic kind.--Ascertain the cause and remove it. Too hot food or too much spiced food cause the chronic kind. Rest the voice. Remove any existing catarrh. Prevention of acute kind.--Avoid undue exposure to cold and wet, wear warm comfortable flannel underwear. Bath the neck and chest daily with cold water. This is good cold preventive. The wearing of handkerchiefs, mufflers, around the neck is injurious unless you are driving. Accustom your neck to the cold from the beginning in the fall and winter months. Wearing a full beard is said to be a good preventive. MOTHERS' REMEDIES.--1. Sore throat, Used for Years Successfully.--"Salt pork dipped in hot water then covered thick with black pepper. Heat in the oven and lay or bind on the throat or lungs. This has been a favorite remedy with us for years." Sew the pork to a piece of cotton cloth and bind over the sore parts after you have sprinkled the pork with salt and pepper. Leave this on as long as the patient can endure it. When the pork is removed, rub the affected parts with cold cream or vaselin and put a clean muslin cloth on to keep person from taking cold. [22 MOTHERS' REMEDIES] 2. Sore throat, Splendid Liniment for.-- "Olive oil 1/2 pint Ammonia 1/2 pint Turpentine 1/2 pint One egg. Shake till it forms emulsion. This can be used as a blister." This is a very effective remedy, but you must watch the throat very carefully as this will blister quickly. After removing the liniment, grease the parts with oil or cold cream. 3. Sore throat, Simple Gargle for.-- "Soda 1 teaspoonful Salt 1 teaspoonful Borax 1 teaspoonful Dissolve in pint of warm water; use as a gargle frequently." This is a very good gargle. It contracts the parts and acts as an antiseptic and thoroughly cleanses the parts. 4. Sore throat, Home Made salve for.- "Beeswax 1 ounce Rosin 1 ounce Camphor gum 1 ounce Lard about the size of an egg." Mix the above ingredients together and apply to the outside of the throat. This causes the skin to become red thus drawing the inflammation out of the throat and relieving the trouble. 5. Sore Throat, Cold Packs, Sure Cure for.--"Put cold packs on the throat. Remarks: Was in Washington once and my little girl had a very sore throat. I put cold packs on the throat the first half of the night and the next day she was out seeing the sights as well as ever." Gargle with very hot water and a little soda. This makes it very effective. 6. Sore Throat, Ointment for.-- "Oil Turpentine 1/2 ounce Oil of Hemlock 1/2 ounce Oil of Peppermint 1/2 ounce Oil of Encaliptus 1/2 ounce Mix with one cup warm lard, apply warm to the throat." [RESPIRATORY DISEASES 23] 7. Sore Throat, Remedy from a mother in Johnson City, Tenn.--"Fat meat stewed in vinegar and bound to the neck. Kind friends:--After waiting so long I will help you what I can, and where is the mother that won't want the book? I am truly glad you have such an interest in the welfare of suffering humanity. I hope this book will soon be out on its good mission. Kind friends, I think it a wonderful kindness to the rich as well as the poor to have a friend in time of need. I think a good honest book of home remedies tried by our good mothers and grandmothers will be accepted and looked to by all mothers, for we all think mother knows best. I certainly want this book completed and in my home." 8. Sore Throat, Gargle and Local Application for.-- "Common salt 2 tablespoonfuls Strained honey 2 tablespoonfuls Vinegar 3 tablespoonfuls Camphor 1/2 teaspoonful" Use as a gargle. External applications, wring a cloth out of salt and cold water and keep it quite wet, bind tightly about the neck and cover with a dry cloth. It is best to use this at night." 9. Mild Sore Throat, Vinegar Gargle for.--"Gargle with vinegar and hot water. This will help to sooth the irritation and in a mild sore throat is a sure cure." 10. Sore Throat, Alum and Vinegar for.--"One glass of warm water; one tablespoonful of vinegar; one teaspoonful of sugar; one-half teaspoonful of alum; dissolve well and gargle throat several times daily." 11. Sore Throat, Kerosene for.--"Dip a flannel cloth in coal oil, (kerosene) and bind on the throat. I have tried this; in fact it is what I always use. It is almost sure to cure." 12. Sore Throat and Cough, Remedy always at hand.--"Equal parts of alcohol and glycerin make a good gargle, or use three tablespoonfuls of vinegar and one of salt to a tumbler of water. Or simply hot water and salt when nothing else is to be had. The hot water alone is very good." 13. Tickling in Throat, Simple Remedy for.--"Take bread crumbs and swallow them." PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Sore Throat.--1. Inhalation of steam either with or without medicine is good. (See treatment of tonsilitis-Inhaling steam) I treated a man once who had a terrific pharyngitis, All the parts were so terribly swollen, that he was unable to swallow or talk. I induced him to inhale steam from a teakettle. He was able to put his mouth over the spout of the kettle and he was relived in a few minutes. I think it saved his life. I put no medicine in the water for that case. Very few persons can inhale the steam directly from the kettle. Other method is given under tonsilitis. A dose of salts at first is good. Remain in the house for a few days. 2. Sulphur and Cream for.--Mix some sulphur with cream and put some of it on the sore membrane. 3. Good Old Mother's Remedy.--"Steep a medium sized red pepper in one-half pint of water, strain and add one-fourth pint of good vinegar and a heaping teaspoonful each of salt and powdered alum and gargle with it as often as needed. This is a very good remedy." [24 MOTHERS' REMEDIES] 1. Physicians' Local Treatment.--A wet compress on the neck is useful at the onset. Sucking ice or gargling with ice or cold water, or applying an ice bag to the throat will be found useful. Later on, warm gargles and steam inhalation are more grateful. If there is great pain in swallowing, cocaine painted on the throat or sucking a cocaine lozenge before taking food will be found very useful. 2. When the attack is mild medicine may not be needed. When there is fever and the throat is real sore, you can use one drop doses of tincture of aconite every hour. This will frequently check it. 3. I like the following at the beginning. Give tincture of aconite and mercury biniodide, called the pink tablet, alternately. Put ten drops of the aconite in one-half glass of water and give from one-half to two teaspoonfuls everyone or two hours, alternating with one or two tablets of one-hundred grain tablet of mercury biniodide. After the first twenty-four hours stop the acoite and give the mercury biniodide every three hours. 4. For Chronic Catarrh remaining after, lozenges containing rhatany or tannin are useful. 5. Other gargles.-- Menthol 3 to 5 grains Camphor 2 to 4 grains Liquid paraffine 1 ounce For irritable and catarrhal conditions of nasal membrane use a spray. 8. Snuff.- Hydrochloride of Cocaine 1 grains Menthol 1 grain Sugar of Milk 2 drams Mix very thoroughly. When using the Menthol preparation do not use the preparation very hot. HOARSENESS. Inflammation of the Larynx. (Acute Laryngitis) Causes.--Due to taking cold or over using the voice; hot liquids, poisons. It may occur in influenza and measles; from irritating gases; some are subject to it. Symptoms.--Tickling in the larynx; cold air irritates, and breathing may cause some pain; dry cough; the voice may be altered. At first it may be only husky. In children breathing may be very difficult, after a day or two there may be a light expectoration and finally there may be a loose cough and a slight fever. The trouble is in the region of "Adam's Apple." There is little or no danger in these attacks if proper care is taken. The attack generally lasts two to four days. MOTHERS' REMEDIES. Hoarseness, Borax for.--"For hoarseness dissolve a piece of borax the size of a pea in the mouth and don't talk. It will work like a charm." The borax does away with the inflammation of the inflamed parts and gives relief very quickly. [RESPIRATORY DISEASES 25] 2. Hoarseness, Egg and Lemon for.--"Beaten white of one egg, juice of one lemon, with sugar enough to thicken, then add one teaspoonful olive oil." Take one teaspoonful every hour until relieved. 3. Hoarseness, Horseradish for.--"Horseradish root; eat plenty of it. This has been tried and proved successful." 4. Hoarseness, Successful Remedy for Adults.--"Take two ounces of fresh scraped horseradish root, infuse in a close vessel in one-half pint of cold water for two or three hours; then add four ounces of acid tincture of lobelia and one-half pound of honey. Boil altogether for one-half hour, strain and take a teaspoonful four times a day. This is a very good remedy, especially for adults." 5. Hoarseness, Lemon and Sugar for Children.--"Take the juice of one lemon and saturate with sugar, take a teaspoonful several times a day. It is sure to give relief. This is very pleasant to give to children, as they most all like it." PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Hoarseness.--1. Rest of the voice and if the case is severe keep in bed in a room with an even temperature and the air saturated with moisture from a steaming teakettle, etc. 2. An ice bag on the throat or cold water cloths to the front of the throat often give relief. 3. Tincture of Aconite.--This is given in the beginning when there is fever. The dose depends upon the age, and the amount of fever. You can give it to a child by putting one drop of aconite in twelve teaspoonfuls of water and then give one teaspoonful every one to three hours according to the case. For an adult you can put ten drops of aconite in ten teaspoonfuls of water and give one teaspoonful every hour or two. 4. Citrate of Potash is given every four to five hours in adults. 5. Full dose of five grains of Dover's powders at night for the irritating cough. 6. For a cough, for a child one year old you can give one-half teaspoonful, every two hours, of the following:-- Syrup of Dover's powder 1 fluid dram Tincture of Aconite 10 drops Simple syrup Enough to make two ounces Shake before using. TICKLING IN THROAT. Mothers' Remedies. Mullein Leaf Smoke Beneficial for.--"Smoke dried mullein leaves, just a few puffs are needed, and should be drawn into the throat. Myron H. Grinnel of Albion, Mich., says his grandmother always gathers mullein leaves for this purpose and finds them an excellent remedy. Too much would cause dizziness." Mullein leaves are good for inflamed membranes like the ear and throat. If a person does not wish to gather the leaves themselves they may buy them at a drug store. 2. Tickling in Throat, Good Northern Canada Remedy for.--"Chew some of the bark of slippery elm and gargle the throat with saliva. This stops tickling in a few minutes." [26 MOTHERS' REMEDIES] 3. Tickling in Throat, Tested Gargle for.--"Gargle from four to six times daily with following:-- Strong Sage Tea 1 pint Salt 2 tablespoonfuls Cayenne Pepper 2 tablespoonfuls Vinegar 2 tablespoonfuls Honey 2 tablespoonfuls Mix thoroughly and bottle for use." The above ingredients are all excellent for sore throat and it is an old tried remedy and can easily be obtained. If it is too strong dilute with warm water to the desired strength. SWELLING OF THE GLOTTIS. (Oedematous Laryngitis. Oedma of the Glottis).--Swelling or oedma of the glottis or more correctly of the structure which forms the glottis, is a very serious affection. It may follow acute laryngitis or may be met with in chronic diseases of the larynx and from other diseases. It is dangerous. Symptoms.--Difficulty of breathing which increases in intensity so that the condition becomes very serious in a short time. There is whistling breathing, the voice is husky and disappears. Acute Laryngitis.--Inhalations and sprays. Menthol 10 grains Oil of pine 1 dram Tincture of benzion 1 dram Liquid alboline 2 ounces Make a solution. Use one teaspoonful in a pint of boiling water; inhale with a cone placed over the dish or put a shawl over the head and dish and inhale the steam. Or this one to inhale same way: Tincture of benzoin 1 dram Oil of tar 1 drain Liquid alboline 2 ounces Make a solution and use one teaspoonful to a pint of boiling water as above. It may be necessary in order to save life, to have a physician make an opening by incision into the windpipe for the admission of air into the lungs. This process is called Tracheotomy. Diet in Laryngitis.--Hard and dry toasts should be avoided, for they give pain on being swallowed, same reason applies to highly seasoned foods. Milk, custards, eggs, scraped beef may be taken. Difficulty in swallowing may be overcome by allowing the patient to lie flat on the bed, etc., with his face over the edge. Food can be sucked through the tube from a vessel placed below; or the patient can lean forward while eating. "CHILD CROWING" (Spasm of the Glottis.)--This is usually peculiar to children. [RESPIRATORY DISEASES 27] Cause.--It is purely a nervous affection and it occurs between six months and three years, and is most commonly seen in children with rickets. Symptoms.--It may come in the night or day; or when the child awakes. The breathing is arrested, the child struggles for breath, the face is flushed, and then with a sudden relaxation of the spasm, the air is drawn into the lungs with a high pitched crowing sound. Convulsions may occur. Death rarely occurs. There may be many attacks during the day. PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT of Child Crowing. Preventive.--The gums should be carefully examined and if they are swollen and hot they should be lanced. The bowels should be carefully regulated, and as these children are usually of a delicate nature and afflicted with rickets, nourishing food and the treatment in diet and medicine should be given for rickets. Cod liver oil is a good general remedy. (See rickets). Cold Sponging.--In severe cases, the child should be placed in a warm bath tub and the back and chest thoroughly sponged for a minute or two with cold water. This plan may be used even when a child is in a paroxysm, though the attack is severe and the child looks blue, it is much better than to dash cold water in the face. Sometimes the attack can be stopped by introducing the finger far back into the throat. CROUP, Spasmodic.--This disease gives the parents a terrible shock if they have never seen any attacks of the kind. The symptoms which attend the attack are out of all proportion to the real danger. It is generally the result of exposure to cold or to the cold wind. Irritating, undigested food, often causes it. Symptoms.--Usually the child goes to bed perfectly well, or has a slight cold and wakes up an hour or two later, coughing and gasping for breath, due to a spasm in the wind pipe. The cough is shrill, more like a bark; the cough is repeated at intervals and soon the patient breathes quickly and laboriously. It must sit up for it can breathe easier sitting. The voice is oftentimes nearly or quite lost, or at least only a hoarse whisper; the face is bluish or perspiring. The spasm lasts for a variable period, but rarely exceeds one-half hour, sometimes only a few minutes. The croupy cough and oppressed breathing may last longer than this, but these too subside after a time, after which the child drops to sleep and usually rests quietly for the rest of the night. There is a tendency to recurrence on succeeding night unless obviated by treatment. Treatment. Preventive.--Guard against such children's exposure to cold winds and dampness, dress them warmly. The living and sleeping rooms should not be too warm. Do not give them food hard to digest at any time, especially before bedtime. Foods hard to digest frequently cause the attack. [28 MOTHERS' REMEDIES] MOTHERS' REMEDIES. Croup, Cold Application for.--"Apply to throat a flannel wrung out of cold water, lay a dry cloth over it." This is an excellent remedy for a mother to try in case of an emergency when no other medicine can be obtained. This very often will relieve a child until other remedies can be secured and has been known to save many children's lives: The cold water helps to draw the blood away from the larynx and air passages and also dilates the tubes and gives relief. Take great care not to wet the child, as this will cause it to take more cold and may prove fatal. 2. Croup, Sure Cure for.--"Give child anything that will make it vomit, soak feet in hot water, apply onion drafts to bottom of feet, roast onions and put on the chest, keep warm. My mother has cured me at least one hundred times with the above remedy. She generally gave me pig's foot oil, or oil from the feet of a chicken, sometimes melted lard. Croup has to be attended to at once or it is fatal with the child." This is a very good remedy. 3. Croup, Immediate Relief from Steaming.--"Put a small shawl over the child's head to retain steam, then put a small chunk of unslaked lime in a bowl of water under shawl. The steam affords immediate relief, usually, if child inhales it." This is very good; shawl should cover the child's head and bowl in which lime is dissolved. 4. Croup, for Baby or Older Child.--"Take a teaspoonful alum, pulverize it and sprinkle it on the whites of two fresh eggs in a cup or glass, let it stand for a few minutes, until the combination has turned to water, or water is produced; then give one-half teaspoonful to a child six months old or less and increase the dose to one teaspoonful for older children, and repeat the dose in fifteen or thirty minutes as the case may require. Remarks: From personal experience in my own and neighbors' families, I have never known a case where it did not bring relief and cure. The dose must produce vomiting." 5. Croup, Remedy that Never Fails.--"Two tablespoonfuls of liquor or brandy and one-quarter teaspoonful of glycerin, one teaspoonful of sugar, one tablespoonful of water; stir up well and give one teaspoonful every hour or oftener if necessary. Then at same time take a flannel and soak well in cold water, wring it gently and put around neck with a heavy, dry flannel over the damp one. If damp flannel becomes hot take it off, dampen it in more cold water and apply again, and so on until relieved. Do not allow the patient to get chilled. Better results are obtained if patient will go to bed. Remarks: I have used this in my family, and have always found it to be the best croup cure I have ever seen, and it will be found to give immediate relief. The external application is extremely good." 6. Croup, Coal Oil (kerosene) and Sugar for.--"Coal oil and sugar; put a few drops on a teaspoonful of sugar." The coal oil produces vomiting, relieving the trouble. If the first dose does not have this effect upon the child, repeat it. [RESPIRATORY DISEASES 29] 7. Croup, Pork and Onion Poultice for.--"Put pork and onions on the throat. Drink plenty of hot water." Bind the pork and onions on the throat, acting as a poultice. The virtue of this can be increased by cooking the onions and pork together. Onion syrup may be given internally to produce vomiting, even in very small babies. 8. Croup, Bloodroot for.--"One teaspoonful powdered bloodroot mixed with molasses or sugar. Have taken this myself and it relieved at once. If one dose does not seem enough it may be repeated." This is a very effective remedy, but is very weakening. Care should be taken not to repeat dose any oftener than absolutely necessary. 9. Croup, Time Honored Remedy for.--"Pulverized alum and sugar or honey or molasses; mix together and give half teaspoonful doses or less. For infants use only in emergency cases." This is one of the good old-fashioned remedies that nearly every mother has used. It acts simply by producing vomiting and causing the air tubes to relax. Repeat in five to twenty minutes until it causes vomiting. 10. Croup, Ipecac for.--"One-third teaspoonful of powdered ipecac dissolved in one teaspoonful of water, one tablespoonful of sugar; pour on one teacupful of boiling water and let boil down to a half cup, Dose: One teaspoonful for adults; children in proportion every two hours; or, if needed to vomit children give again in ten or fifteen minutes." If you cannot secure the powdered ipecac, the syrup can be bought at any drug store, and is already prepared, Dose: Ten to fifteen drops as the case may need. 11. Croup, Vaselin for.--"Vaselin rubbed on the chest, cover with a hot flannel, and take 1/4 teaspoonful of vaselin internally occasionally." Dissolve vaselin and repeat dose if necessary to produce vomiting. 12. Croup, Ice Application for.--"Ice applied to the throat is almost instant relief." It is best to break the ice up fine and sprinkle salt on same, putting it in a cheese cloth bag, binding on the throat with a flannel, and change as soon as it shows signs of wetting. 13. Croup, Salt for.--"Parched salt put on the throat hot." The parched salt acts the same as mustard plaster, by producing a redness on the throat. Salt is something that we can always have on hand and by using this remedy we are always prepared for an emergency in case of croup. 14. Croup, Castor Oil Breaks up.--"Castor oil, given before bedtime, is good. Dose.--From one-half to one teaspoonful. I have taken this when I was small." Castor oil is good when the bowels are constipated or the stomach is full. 15. Croup, Coal Oil, Turpentine and Snuff, a Canadian Remedy for.--"A little coal oil and a few drops of turpentine soaked up by snuff, and used as plaster. Makes the child sneeze after a few minutes. The poultice loosens the phlegm and the sneezing throws it off." [30 MOTHERS' REMEDIES] PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Croup.--Active. 1. Dr. Douglas says wring cloths out of cold water and apply very freely to the throat, and recommends the following syrup: Syrup of Ipecac 3 fluid drams Hive Syrup 4 fluid drams Water 1-1/2 ounces Mix, and give one teaspoonful every half hour until the child vomits, then repeat the dose every two hours as needed. 2. Place the child in a hot bath, wrap hot or cold cloths about the throat and put one teaspoonful of common soda in a glass of water and give one teaspoonful every fifteen minutes until relieved. 3. Dr. Holt of New York, says.--The room should be very warm, hot cloths or poultices should be applied over the throat (Adam's apple and below) and either a croup kettle or ordinary teakettle kept boiling in the room. This is more efficacious if the child is placed in a tent made by a raised umbrella or some like method with a sheet thrown over it, and the steam introduced beneath the tent. If the symptoms' are urgent ten drops of the syrup of ipecac should be given every fifteen minutes until free vomiting occurs. Whenever the symptoms reach a point where the breathing becomes difficult, a doctor should be summoned without delay. It might be some other disease. 4. Home Treatment.--One-half teaspoonful of alum mixed with molasses or honey will produce vomiting and help. This is very good when the croup is due to indigestion. At the same time, fry onions in lard and put them on the neck in front, or hot wet cloths may do. The alum can be given once or twice if necessary, half an hour apart, about in one-fourth or one-half the first dose. 5. Goose grease, or lard dissolved, and enough given to produce vomiting will do good. This idea is not only to cause vomiting but to cause a sick feeling after and at that time, which will cause the spasms to relax. A very good thing to do in addition is to put the child's feet in hot water, while local applications are put on the throat. These things tend to relax the muscles and this relieves the spasm. 6. Steam is Very Useful. It relaxes the spasm by local contact and by producing general sweating. Cover the child's head and a pitcher with a shawl and inhale the steam from the boiling water in pitcher. You can put in the pitcher one teaspoonful of oil of tar or one to two teaspoonfuls of tincture of benzoin. This can be kept up for some time. COLD IN THE CHEST. (Acute Bronchitis. Inflammation of Bronchial Tubes).-- This is an acute inflammation of the larger and medium sized bronchial tubes. [RESPIRATORY DISEASES 31] Causes.--Youth and old age are more predisposed to it. Lack of fresh air and exercise, dusty work, poor general health, dampness and changeable weather in winter and early spring. It may be secondary to cold, pharyngitis, measles, typhoid fever, malaria, asthma, and heart disease. Symptoms.--There is a feeling of oppression with chilliness and pain in the back, a dry, tight feeling beneath the breastbone with a dry harsh cough. This may cause headache and pain, and a raw feeling in the chest, chiefly in front. There may be a temperature of one hundred or one hundred three or less. After a few days there is a thick, sticky secretion; it is profuse. The other symptoms, except the cough, subside. This generally stops in ten days in a favorable case, or it may become chronic. In infants or old people it may extend to the smaller tubes causing broncho-pneumonia. There is more danger in infants than in older people. MOTHERS' REMEDIES. Bronchitis, Camphor and Lard for.--1. "Grease a cloth well with lard to which has been added some camphor gum, then sprinkle on some dry baking soda and lay it on the chest. The camphor and lard should be made into a salve, then put on the soda. The lard and camphor gum penetrates the affected parts, relieving the inflammation and tightness in the chest. It is well in children to put a layer of cotton cloth over the chest keeping them warm and getting better results from the remedy." 2. Bronchitis, Grandmother's Remedy for.-- "Hoarhound 5 cents worth Hops 5 cents worth Wild cherry bark 5 cents worth Licorice root 5 cents worth "Boil and simmer altogether in two quarts of water long enough to get the strength out of the ingredients, strain, add three cups sugar, then add enough good whisky to keep from souring, say a half pint." This combination is not only good for bronchitis, but for the cough left from the effects of bronchitis. The hoarhound, wild cherry bark and licorice root have a very soothing effect on the bronchial tubes, and the hops quiets the nervous system. This is also good for a common cough. [32 MOTHERS' REMEDIES] 3. Bronchitis, Antiphlogistine Plaster for.--"Antiphlogistine is fine for bronchitis, where there is any inflammation, pleurisy, any kind of a scratch, especially rusty nails; pneumonia, Set can in water long enough to heat, but not hot, spread on with case knife as thick as a silver dollar, spread cotton batting over it, keep on twenty-four hours, before changing. This is a very useful remedy to keep on hand." Antiphlogistine is very good to apply to the body wherever inflammation is present, as it withdraws the blood from the organ or part of the body that is affected. It does this by drawing the blood into the external circulation. It has the same effect upon the diseased parts as the old-fashioned mustard, but does not blister. In using the mustard plaster you are in fear of blistering, and then having the outward blister and inward inflammation to contend with. The antiphlogistine can be purchased at drug stores. Set the can in warm water until it is warm, then spread on a piece of cotton cloth and apply to the affected parts, where it may remain for twenty-four hours, then repeat if necessary. Should always be put on warm, but not hot. It usually drops off when dry and no longer effective. 4. Bronchial, or any Severe Cough. One of the best Home Remedies.-- "Hoarhound (herb form) 1 ounce Irish moss 1 ounce Flax Seed (the seed not pulverized) 1 ounce Boneset 1 ounce Licorice Root (cut up fine) 1 ounce Place the above in some suitable pan or dish for such purpose in a gallon of cold water, and put it on the back of the stove, so that it will simmer slowly until reduced to one-half gallon, which may require one day or more, then strain and place in a bottle, or bottles. Dose.--One wineglassful three times a day. Add a little sugar if desired." This is a very fine cough remedy, as the hoarhound loosens the cough, the flax seed soothes the membrane, and the boneset by its general action on the system produces sweating. The Irish moss is a sort of food for the whole system and helps to build a person up. 5. Bronchitis, Camphorated Oil and Steaming for.--"Bathe the chest and throat up around the head with camphorated oil; drink water and steam the throat and mouth over hot water. Have tried this recipe and found it effectual. Have a bronchial cough now and am treating it myself." The camphorated oil seems to have a very soothing effect upon the chest, in fact it acts about the same as camphor and lard, only is more pleasant to use, and can be bought already prepared. Drinking plenty of water cleanses the system by acting upon the stomach, bowels and kidneys, carrying off the impurities. The breathing of steam is very soothing and healing to the throat and air passages. 6. Bronchitis, General Relief for.--"Dose of castor oil every night; one teaspoonful for child. Grease well with camphorated oil or any good oil." The castor oil is very good for carrying off the phlegm from the stomach and bowels that children always swallow instead of coughing up like an older person. It is well in addition to the above remedy to give a little licorice or onion syrup to relieve the bronchial cough. 7. Bronchitis, Lard Poultice for.--"Take a piece of cotton batting large enough to cover chest and fit up close to the neck; wring out of melted lard as hot as the patient can stand it, and apply. Change as often as it gets cold. Also give dose of castor oil." 8. Bronchitis, Mustard Plaster for.--"Mustard plasters are very good." This acts as a counter-irritant, as it draws the blood to the surface and relieves the inflamed bronchial tubes. [RESPIRATORY DISEASES 33] 9. Bronchitis, Well-Known Remedy for.-- "Cod Liver Oil 2 ounces Ginger Syrup 2 ounces Mucilage of Gum Arabic 2 ounces Oil of Cloves 6 drops Dose :-Teaspoonful before meals and at bedtime." This is a very good remedy, as the cod liver oil by its general action tones up the whole system. The ginger tones and stimulates the stomach and takes away the sickening effect of the cod liver oil. 10. Bronchitis Remedy and General Tonic.--"Take small doses of glycerin and one teaspoonful three times a day of codfish oil." This remedy, though simple, is very effective. The glycerin and codfish oil are both soothing to the affected parts, and the codfish oil is a very good tonic to tone up the general system. 1. PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Bronchitis. Sweating Remedy for.--Take a hot bath and then go to bed, and take hot drinks after. See that the bowels are open. Nourishment is especially important in infants and old age. You can sweat them as directed under la grippe. Drink hot drinks, such as hoarhound, ginger, flaxseed, hot lemonade or slippery elm. These will produce sweating and will give much relief. An onion poultice applied over the breastbone where the pain and tightness are, will do good. 2. Steaming Remedy.--Inhaling steam from plain boiling water is good, or you can add one to two teaspoonfuls of compound tincture of benzoin or turpentine. The steaming will be more effective if you make a tent, by fastening four sticks to the cradle or bed and cover with a sheet, introducing the steam underneath this at the foot of the bed, etc. A rubber tube can be fastened to the kettle. In this same way you can produce, if you wish, sweating by putting the end of the tube under the clothes elevated a little above the patient. Be careful not to scald the patient. 3. Steaming With Pitcher.--If the soreness of the bronchial tubes is not relieved by this means, inhalations of steam arising from boiling water may be practiced, either through a cone, one end of which covers the top of a pitcher, and the other end of which covers the mouth and nose of the patient, or by covering the head and pitcher with a towel. The usefulness of this method may be much increased by the addition of from two teaspoonfuls to one tablespoonful of compound tincture of benzoin to each pint of water in a pitcher. This latter method can also be used in tonsilitis, pharyngitis and quinsy. 4. Rub the chest with a camphor liniment and give the following: Tincture of Aconite 10 drops Sweet Spirits of Nitre 2 drams Distilled water to make 4 ounces Mix--One-half teaspoonful to a child, or dessert spoonful to an adult in water every hour. [34 MOTHERS' REMEDIES] 5. For Adults.--Compound licorice mixture one to two drams every three to four hours; or five grains of Dover's powders every three to four hours. Diet in Bronchitis (similar to Laryngitis).--Drinks are useful in the dryer forms, such as hot flaxseed tea sweetened and flavored with lemon juice. It should be taken in large quantities. Hot milk and lemonade are also useful. CHRONIC BRONCHITIS. Causes.--People over middle age are more liable to it. It comes chiefly in winter, in changeable, cold and damp climates. It may follow repeated acute attacks. Symptoms.--These are variable and are present chiefly in winter and damp weather. The cough is worse at night, and in the morning, expectoration is usually great. There may be slight fever at times. Often the patients are entirely free from the trouble during the summer. PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Chronic Bronchitis. Preventive.--Warm equable climate, such as southern California, Florida, or the south of France, especially in the colder months; warm clothing, avoid exposure and fatigue. 1. First you can take three grains of ammonium chloride three to four times a day. 2. Ammonium Chloride 2 drams Fluid Extract of Licorice 2 drams Distilled water brought to 3 ounces Mix and take one teaspoonful every three hours. 3. If the cough is troublesome the following is good: Ammonium Chloride 2 drams Hive Syrup 4 drams Fluid Extract Licorice 1 ounce Paregoric 6 drams Distilled water enough to make 2 ounces Mix. Teaspoonful every three to four hours. COUGHS. Causes.--There are many causes; inflammation of the larynx, bronchial tubes, lungs, also stomach and liver; and a nervous cough is present in our day. Remove the cause when possible. There are many good cough medicines now put up, and they can be bought at any drug-store. Cough lozenges of all kinds are plenty, and a sure cure is claimed by each. MOTHERS' REMEDIES. Dry Cough and Tickling.--l. "Raspberry Tincture. Take one-half pound of honey, one cup water; let these boil; take off scum; pour boiling hot upon one-half ounce lobelia herb and one-half ounce cloves; mix well, then strain and add one gill of raspberry vinegar. Take from one teaspoonful to a dessertspoonful four times a day. Pleasant to take," [RESPIRATORY DISEASES 35] 2. Cough, Honey and Vinegar for.--"Honey and vinegar." This is an old and tried remedy and a good one. The vinegar cuts the phlegm in the throat and bronchial tubes, and the honey is very soothing. 3. Cough of Long Standing, Excellent Syrup for.-- "Carbonate Ammonia 40 grains Syrup Senega 6 drams Paregoric 4 drams Syrup Wild Cherry 6 drams Syrup Tolu 4 ounces" This is a very good syrup, and is especially good for chronic cough or chronic bronchitis. Dose.--One teaspoonful every three hours. 4. Cough, Reliable Mixture in Severe Cases.-- "Oil of Anise 1/2 ounce Syrup of Balsam of Tolu 1/2 ounce Black Stick Licorice 1/2 ounce Best Rye Whisky 1 pint Shake well before using. Dose:--One teaspoonful at intervals of one hour or oftener; if cough is very bad." 5. Cough, Mullein Leaf Tea for--"Mullein leaves steeped with loaf sugar cures a cough." Take four ounces of mullein leaves and boil for ten minutes in water: then add the loaf sugar. This is very soothing to the sore parts and also helps to loosen up the secretion so it can be raised easily. 6. Cough, Lemon Juice and Sugar for.--"Lemon juice and sugar is a good remedy for coughs." It is surprising to see how quickly the lemon juice will cut the phlegm in throat, and sugar is always good for cold. 7. Cough, Standard Remedy for.-- "Hoarhound Five cents worth Hops Five cents worth Wild cherry bark Five cents worth Licorice root Five cents worth Boil or simmer altogether in two quarts of water long enough to get the strength out of the ingredients; strain, add three cups sugar. Add enough good whiskey to keep from souring, say one-half pint. This will cure a stubborn cough." 8. Cough, Ipecac Syrup for.--"One-third teaspoonful of ipecac dissolved in one teaspoonful of water; one tablespoonful of sugar; pour on one teacupful of boiling water and let it boil down to half cup. Dose.--One teaspoonful for adults, and children in proportion, every two hours, or, if needed to vomit children give again in ten or fifteen minutes." [36 MOTHERS' REMEDIES] 9. Cough Remedy for Adults (not for children).-- "Laudanum Three cents worth Anise Three cents worth Essence of Peppermint Three cents worth Licorice (liquid) Three cents worth Brown Sugar 1 cup Molasses 1 cup Boiling water 2 cups Let this come to a little more than a boil. Take a teaspoonful of it as often as necessary." This is for adults. Do not use for children. 10. Coughs, Very Simple Remedy for.--"Take one-half tablespoonful hogs' lard or salt pork grease, heat it hot, fill spoon with coal oil and swallow while hot. Have used this, will stop and cure the worst cough." Not to be given to children. 11. Coughs, Glycerin, Brandy and Paregoric with Lemon, Good for.--"Glycerin, one ounce; brandy, one ounce; paregoric, one ounce; lemon juice, one ounce. Mix well; one teaspoonful every hour." This makes a very effective cough syrup. The glycerin and brandy cut the phlegm, and the paregoric is soothing and quieting. The lemon juice is healing to the membranes of the throat. PHYSICIANS'TREATMENT. For Coughs.-- 1. Flaxseed (unground) 3 teaspoonfuls Extract of Licorice 30 grains Boiling water 10 ounces "Allow the mixture to stand one to four hours in a warm place. Then add a little lemon juice and sugar and place one to two teaspoonfuls of gum arabic in the pitcher containing the mixture." A little paregoric (ten drops to the dose for adults) can be taken with it if the cough is very bad. Dose.--Drink freely every two to three hours. 2. A good combination is the following: Chloride of Ammonia 2 drams Fluid Extract of Licorice 2 drams Distilled water 20 ounces Mix. Teaspoonful every two hours or longer. 3. Ammonium Carbonate 1/2 dram Syrup Senega 4 drams Wine of Ipecac 3 drams Syrup Totu 1 ounce Spirits of Chloroform 3 drams Syrup of Wild Cherry enough to make 4 ounces Mix. Take one to two teaspoonfuls every hour or two until better. [RESPIRATORY DISEASES 37] 4. Ammonia Chloride 2 drams Hive Syrup 5 drams Paregoric 6 drams Syrup of Wild Cherry 4 ounces Mix. Teaspoonful every three hours until cough is better. 5. Many other combinations could be given. Hoarhound tea. Sugar enough to sweeten makes a good cough remedy. 6. Onion syrup is good for children. The bowels should always be kept open. BRONCHIAL ASTHMA. (Spasmodic Asthma.) Causes.--It occurs in all ages, but usually begins in the young, particularly males. It often follows whooping-cough. It may come from diseases of the mouth such as adenoids, polypi. Exciting causes are change of climate and residence, dust, smoke, odors, errors in diet, emotion, and cold. Symptoms.--The onset is often sudden, often during the night. Difficulty of breathing is intense. The patient cannot lie down, but often sits at an open window, resting the elbows on a table. The face is pale and the expression is anxious. There is a feeling of great oppression in the chest and often dread of suffocation. Respiration (breathing) though labored, is not unusually frequent, as expiration (out breathing) is much prolonged. In severe or prolonged attacks there are blueness, sweating, coldness of the extremities, with small and frequent pulse and great drowsiness. The attack lasts a few minutes to many hours, and may pass off suddenly, perhaps to recur soon, or on several successive nights, with slight cough and difficulty in breathing in the intervals. The cough is nearly dry at first and the sputum is very tenacious. MOTHERS' REMEDIES. 1. Asthma, Raspberry Tincture for Adults.--"Take a half pound of honey, one cup water; let these boil, take off the scum; pour boiling hot upon one-half ounce lobelia herb and one-half ounce cloves; mix well, then strain and add one gill of raspberry vinegar. Take from one teaspoonful to a dessertspoonful four times a day. Pleasant to take." The above remedy is very effective, as the honey has a soothing effect upon the inflamed parts, and the lobelia causes the bronchial tubes to dilate, relieving the patient. The raspberry tincture makes it more pleasant to take. In severe cases it will be necessary to give enough of the above remedy to cause vomiting which relieves the phlegm. 2. Asthma, Simple but Effective Remedy for.--"Take pieces of ordinary blotting paper and saturate it with a strong solution of saltpetre, then dry the paper. When a paroxysm is felt ignite a piece of the paper and inhale the smoke. This remedy is very good and acts quickly, doing away almost entirely with the distressing symptoms and shortens the paroxysm." [38 MOTHERS' REMEDIES] 3. Asthma, Lobelia Tea for.--"There is no medicine that is half so effective as lobelia in removing the tough, hard ropy phlegm from the asthmatic persons." This remedy is very good, but care should be taken not to give it to consumptives, because it is too weakening. To obtain the best results, enough of the remedy should be given to produce relaxation of the bronchial tubes. Dose.--For adults should be from fifteen to sixty drops according to the strength of the patient. This will cause a little sickness of the stomach and vomiting, thus relaxing the muscles and relieving the asthma. PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Asthma.--1. Inhale chloroform, or break a pearl of amyl nitrite in a handkerchief and inhale the fumes; or smoke saltpetre paper; or cigarettes containing stramonium (thornapple). Sometimes hot coffee fumes are good. To Prevent Recurrence.--Take five to twenty grains of iodide of potash three times a day. Do not eat much at night. Do not eat foods that cause gas or that are hard to digest. A change of climate is often good. Hot foot baths and hot drinks are helpful. Tincture of lobelia can be given in severe cases, fifteen drops repeated every half hour until the patient feels sick at the stomach. 2. Vapo-Cresolene burned in a room is very good. This can be bought in twenty-five cent bottles in any drug store, with directions around the bottle. 3. Tartar Emetic in one-hundredth grain, two given every half hour until there is a little sickening is a very good remedy. These can be bought at a drug store or from a homeopathic doctor or pharmacist. BLEEDING FROM THE WIND-PIPE AND LUNGS. (Haemoptysis).--This is a spitting of blood. It may come from the small bronchial tubes and less frequently from the blood vessels in the lung cavities or their walls. Symptoms.--In incipient consumption of the lungs, bleeding develops suddenly as a rule, a warm salty taste, lasting but a few moments, generally preceded by the spitting up of blood. The blood is coughed up and the bleeding may last only a few minutes or it may continue for days, the sputum being apt to remain blood-stained for a longer time. The immediate effect of the bleeding is to alarm the patient and family, no matter how slight it may be, inducing heart palpitation and other nervous symptoms. A small bleeding is not attended with any bad result, but large ones give rise to the symptoms of shock (sometimes immediate death) combined with anemia following the loss of blood. When the bleeding is large, blood by the mouthful may be ejected with each cough, and in these instances of such profuse bleeding is shown by dizziness, faintness, cold extremities, excessive pallor, sweating and rapid, small feeble pulse. This is followed, if the attack does not prove speedily fatal, by restlessness, and later by mild delirium and some fever. In few cases does the patient have a single bleeding; more frequently there are several at shorter or longer intervals. Large or small bleedings may precede by weeks, months, or even years any rational symptoms of consumption. [RESPIRATORY DISEASES 39] Quantity.--This varies greatly. There may be less than an ounce or it might amount to a pint or more before the bleeding stops. In advanced cases, in which large cavities have formed, large blood vessels may be eaten through and this followed by copious and alarming bleeding. MOTHERS' REMEDIES.--1. Bleeding from the Lungs. Salt Water for.--"Give the patient half a teaspoonful of common salt every hour or two until hemorrhage abates." 2. Bleeding from the Lungs. Herb Tea for.--"Two ounces each of bistory root, tormentil root, oak bark, and comfrey root, boil in three quarts of water down to one pint, strain and add one tablespoonful of ground ginger. Give a wine glass full every half hour until relieved. Place the feet in hot mustard water, keep the bowels open with a little senna and ginger tea and if necessary give a vapor bath," 3. Bleeding from the Lungs, Effective Remedy for.-- "Powdered Sugar 3 ounces Powdered Rosin 3 ounces Mix. Dose one teaspoonful three times a day." 4. Bleeding from the Lungs, Tannin and Sugar for.- "Tannin 30 grains Powdered Sugar 1 dram Mix. Make ten powders and give one every ten minutes until relieved." Either one of the above remedies is excellent for this trouble, as the tannin and rosin contract the arteries and acts as an astringent. PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Bleeding of the Wind-pipe and Lungs.--In many cases the bleeding is slight and no more need be done than to keep the patient quiet and absolute rest. If the bleeding is free, the patient should be placed in bed, not allowed to speak above a whisper nor to change his position. 1. First Thing to Do.--Eating ice, and using ice drinks are useful measures. The drinking of a little salt water at a time with one tablespoonful of salt in a glassful of water is good. In most cases more can be done by assuring the patient he will not die and keeping him quiet and at rest. Medicines should be given to satisfy the patient and family. The most cases stop of themselves. 2. If Caused by Coughing.--If cough causes the bleeding one-half grain of opium should be given to control it, hypodermically, or even morphine one-eighth grain. 3. Alum for.--Alum solution six grains to three ounces of water in fine spray is good. This goes right to the wind-pipe and contracts the vessels; use a vaporizer. 4. White Oak Bark Tea can be used as a spray in a vaporizer. If these produce coughing, they should be discontinued. [40 MOTHERS' REMEDIES] 5. Hot Water and Salt for.--A teaspoonful of salt in a pint of hot water is good also, used as a spray, or to inhale. But the patient must lie down. 6. Other Easily Obtained Remedies.--Ergot in dose of one-half to one teaspoonful is very good; this contracts the vessels. Bromide of potash in a dose of five to fifteen grains; or chloral hydrate in dose of five to seven grains, if there is not heart trouble. If there is, chloral hydrate cannot be used. These quiet the nervous system and do much good. Strong hop tea will do the same thing if taken freely. Witch-hazel water thirty drops at a dose is good. Cautions.--Quiet the patient; keep quiet yourself. If the bleeding is bad the extremities should be bandaged, beginning at the toes and fingers. Thirst.--Give small quantities at a time of ice-water. Diet.--Peptonized or plain milk, liquid beef peptonoids, fresh beef juice, bouillon, should be given in small quantities, two or three ounces every two or three hours. If there is a tendency to constipation give rectal enemata. Return to the regular diet as soon as possible. Alcohol in any form is best avoided. If given as a stimulant it should be given in small quantities. BRONCHO-PNEUMONIA. (Acute Inflammation of the Smaller Tubes and Lungs).-- Causes.--Most common under two years and in old people. Taking cold, whooping cough and measles. Symptoms.--A primary case begins suddenly with a convulsion or chill, vomiting and rapid rise of temperature. Breathing is frequent and brain symptoms are marked. Secondary Cases.--After an ordinary case of whooping-cough, measles, bronchitis, etc., there is more fever. The pulse is more frequent, and also the respiration, difficulty in breathing and severe and often painful cough. Temperature rises to 102 to 104; respirations are very fast, up to 60 to 80; the breathing (inspiration) is hard, labored, while the wings of the nose dilate; expiration may be grunting. Face looks anxious and bluish. This color may increase, other symptoms decreasing as suffocation deepens, rattling in chest and death from heart weakness. Prevention.--Avoid exposure to sudden changes of temperature. For the attack, jacket of oil silk or flannel to prevent sudden exposure, keep the temperature warmed up to 68 to 70 degrees night and day; the air must be fresh and pure and changed regularly. [RESPIRATORY DISEASES 41] Children should be given ample room and not hampered by extra clothing, as they like change of position, to get relief. The hot bath must be used often to redden the skin and relieve the pressure on the lungs, till they can be given relief. If you wish to use a poultice the following is a nice way to make it. Take a piece of muslin or linen, or cheese-cloth, wide enough when doubled to reach from the lower margin of the ribs to well up under the arm pits, and long enough to go a little more than around the chest, open the double fold and spread the hot mass of poultice on one-half of the cloth and fold the other over it. It should be applied as hot as it can be comfortably borne and covered with oil silk or paraffin paper, so as to the longer retain the heat and moisture. The poultice should be renewed as often as it gets cold, and a fresh poultice should be all ready to put on when the old one is taken off. Place the end of the poultice uppermost, so that the contents will not fall out. MOTHERS' REMEDIES. 1. Pneumonia, Herb Tea and Poultice for.--"Congestion of the lungs. One ounce of each of the following, slippery elm bark, crushed thyme, coltsfoot flowers, hyssop or marshmallow. Simmer in two quarts of water down to three pints; strain and add one teaspoonful of cayenne. Dose:--Wineglassful every half hour. Apply hot bran poultices or chamomile scalded in vinegar, changing often until the violence of the symptoms abate. If the bowels are confined, give an injection of half pint of hot water in which one-half teaspoonful each of gum myrrh, turkey rhubarb and ginger powder have been well mixed. If possible give vapor bath. Apply hot stones or bottles to the feet." 2. Pneumonia, Home Remedy for.--"This can easily be relieved by the use of cayenne and vapor bath. This promotes the circulation in every part of the body, diminishing the pressure upon the lungs. These baths produce a regular circulation throughout the whole body, thus relieving the pressure upon the lungs by decreasing the amount of blood in the lungs. These baths should be taken but once a day, as they are weakening." 3. Pneumonia, Hot Vinegar Applications for.--Congestion of Lungs.--"Over the lungs lay cloths wet in clear hot vinegar. They should be five or six inches square and several thicknesses. Over the cloths lay a hot plate or hot water bottle; change as often as necessary to keep them hot. This treatment will soon give relief, after which rub as much oil into the lungs as possible." PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Pneumonia.--A doctor must be called. For high fever, one to one and a half drops of aconite, for adults every hour; for children, about one-twelfth to one-eighth of a drop. For cough, chloride of ammonium, one to two grain doses. For pain, hot applications. Diet.--Milk, broth and egg albumen and plenty of water to drink. (See laryngitis for diet.) ACUTE PLEURISY (Inflammation of the Pleura).--The pleura covers the wall of the chest cavity and infolds or surrounds the lungs. Pleurisy means the inflammation of this pleura or covering. [42 MOTHERS' REMEDIES] Causes.--Exposure to cold, etc. Onset may be gradual or sudden, with chills fever and sharp stitches in the side near the arm pit or breast. The patient lies on the affected side during the attack, the pain is made worse by breathing, coughing or motion. The cough is dry and painful, with difficult breathing. The temperature 102 to 103. Sometimes there is fluid accumulated in the cavity. In about seven to ten days the fever and other symptoms disappear. The fluid is absorbed quickly if it is scanty, often very slowly if abundant. This fluid is contained in the cavity of the pleura. The pleura covers the lungs. Its outer layer is attached to the ribs and costal cartilages in front and ribs behind, goes around the foot of the lungs underneath, then turns around under the side of the lungs and comes in front, making a sac. The two layers in health touch each other, but are separated when there is fluid in the cavity. The inner layer covers the lungs and drops into the grooves of the lungs. You can thus readily understand how easy it is for the pleura to be attacked. Also when the lung is inflamed we have what we call pleura-pneumonia. Pleurisy is a very painful disease. It hurts to move, breathe, or cough. The patient holds his chest when he coughs. The fluid that forms is poured out from the inflamed membrane, sometimes it is so great in quantity it must be drawn off,--tapped; we then call this hydrothorax,--water in the chest. Diet and Nursing--The patient should be kept quiet and in the easiest position. Milk diet is the best to use. There should not be much liquid diet, except milk. The milk may be diluted with lime water if necessary. Malted milk, Mellin's food, imperial granum, can be used when the milk cannot be taken. PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Pleurisy.--1. Home Remedy.--The patient must go to bed and remain there. It is a good thing to get the patient in a sweat. For this purpose you can use the corn sweat described under treatment of la grippe. This will ease the patient and may shorten the attack. I have great faith in this remedy in most inflammatory diseases. I had a patient sick with pleurisy; she did not get along fast enough to suit me, her color was a yellow-green. I advised the corn sweat and she improved fast from that time. Her night dress was green in color after the sweat. I have saved pneumonia cases in the same way. Of course, some cases may be too weak to stand it. [RESPIRATORY DISEASES 43] 2. Other Home Remedies.--Another way to produce sweating is by placing fruit cans filled with hot water about the patient. This will stop the chilly cold feeling and also will relieve the pain. If you have a rubber water bottle, put hot water in that and place it near the sorest spot. It may hurt the patient by its weight; if so, use less water, at the same time you can give hot drinks freely. Almost any kind will do. If the stomach feels bad, ginger or peppermint is best. Hoarhound tea is especially good for chest trouble. 3. Fomentations.--Of hops or wormwood or smartweed, or catnip applied frequently and hot to the affected side often bring relief. They must always be hot, and you must be careful not to get the night robes or covers wet. 4. Camphorated Oil for.--Rub the side with camphorated oil and cover over with a cotton jacket. This is good unless it makes the patient too warm. 5. Adhesive Plaster Zinc Oxide.--Use a roll two or two and one-half inches wide. Commence at the backbone and cross directly over the ribs to the further side of the breastbone. The first strip should be at the lower part of the chest. In putting on the succeeding strips make them lap one-half inch over the next lower. Bandage almost up to the arm-pit. It may take eight strips for an adult. After you have the strips on, place a piece at each end, part on the flesh and part on the plasters, to keep them from giving any. The patient should have his arms over his head when you are putting on the strips. This strapping will hold that side of the chest quieter. The breathing will be less full and consequently less motion and pain. 6. Tincture of aconite in doses of one-tenth to one drop can be given everyone to three hours at the beginning, if there is much fever, dry hot skin, and full bounding pulse. Dover's powder can be given at night. 7. A hypodermic of morphine is frequently given when the pain is intense. ABSCESS OF THE LUNGS. Causes.--Lobular pneumonia from abscesses in pyemia, from septic pleurisy, etc. Symptoms.--Fever, pain, difficult breathing, cough, and expectoration containing or consisting of pus of offensive odor, etc. PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT of Abscess of the Lungs.--Incision and drainage. You must depend entirely upon your physician. EMPHYSEMA.--A condition in which there is air or gas in tissues that normally have none, or an excess of air in tissues that normally contain a certain quantity of it. A condition of the lungs characterized by a permanent dilation of the air cells of the lung with dwindling of the air cell walls and the blood vessels, resulting in a loss of the normal elasticity of the lung tissue. Causes.--Heredity; it occurs in glass blowers, in musicians using wind instruments. It occurs also after whooping-cough, asthma, etc. HYDROTHORAX.--This is an exudation (liquid) in the pleural cavity. Causes.--Comes from disease causing dropsy, kidney disease, lung trouble, pleurisy, etc. [44 MOTHERS' REMEDIES] PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT.--Treat disease that causes it. An operation to remove the fluid may be necessary. A trusted physician must advise you. NIGHT SWEATS.--These are common in "consumption" and constitute one of the most distressing features of the disease. They usually occur when the fever drops in the early morning hours, or at any time of the day when the patient is sleeping. They may come on early in the disease, but are more persistent and frequent after cavities have formed in the lungs; some of the patients escape it altogether. MOTHERS' REMEDIES.-l. Night Sweats, Salt Bath for.--"Bathe the body in salt water every other day. Just before retiring take a cup of sage tea, and eat nourishing food," The salt acts as an astringent as it slightly closes up the pores, and the sage establishes a better circulation and at the same time helps the sweating. This is a very simple and effective remedy. 2. Night Sweats, Cold Sage for.--"Drink cold sage tea, before retiring." This cold sage tea is only to be used when the patient has a fever and needs a cold drink. In case of this kind it would be effective. PHYSICIAN'S TREATMENT for Night Sweats.--l. Atropine in doses of 1-120 to 1-60 grain is good to stop the sweating. It must be used carefully, three doses in twenty-four hours are enough. 2. Tonics to keep up the appetite like gentian, nux vomica or quinine may be given. The patient should wear flannel night-dresses, as the cotton night-shirt, when soaked with perspiration, has a cold, clammy feeling. Bathe the patient in the morning with tepid water and afterwards rub gently with alcohol diluted one-half with water. Night sweating occurs in rickets but mainly around the head. They also occur when one is run down, but they are not so debilitating and constant. In such cases, building up treatment is needed. Proper diet, bathing, out-door life, bitter tonics, etc. [ANIMAL PARASITES 45] ANIMAL PARASITES, DISEASES CAUSED BY. ROUND WORM.--(Ascariasis Lumbricoides).--The round worm resembles the angle worm in form; is the most common human parasite and is found chiefly in children. The female is seven to twelve inches long, the male four to eight inches. It is pointed at both ends. The parasite occupies the upper part of the small bowel and there is usually only one or two present, but sometimes they occur in enormous numbers. They migrate in a peculiar manner. They may pass into the stomach, whence they may be thrown out by vomiting, or they may crawl up the gullet, and enter the pharynx and cause serious trouble. They may go up the eustachian tube and appear at the external meatus (opening of ear). The serious migration is into the bile-duct. There is a specimen in the Wister-Horner Museum of the University of Pennsylvania in which not only the common bile-duct, but also the main branches throughout the liver, are enormously distended, and packed with numerous round worms. The bowel may be blocked or in rare instances an ulcer may be perforated; even the healthy bowel may be perforated. Symptoms.--Picking of the nose, grinding of the teeth, a whitish paleness around the mouth, restless sleep; sometimes convulsions, or presence of worms in the stool. Bad health, cross, peevish, irritable and dumpy, when the child is naturally the opposite. MOTHERS' REMEDIES.--l. Round or Pin Worms, Sage Tea for.--"Sage tea is a fine remedy for children troubled with worms, taken before breakfast or on going to bed." Sage tea may help; I have known other mothers to have faith in it. Its virtue may consist in being a laxative and an antiseptic which in themselves would add to the general health of the child. 2. Round and Pin Worms, Tansy remedy for.--"Tansy leaves may be crushed and put in whisky or dried and crushed with sugar. This is the best vermifuge I ever used." A tea made of tansy leaves must be used carefully as it is strong and never given to pregnant women. 3. Round and Pin Worms, Peach Leaf Tea for.--"Half an ounce of dried peach leaves may be infused in a pint of boiling water and a tablespoonful given for a dose three times a day." They are laxative and exert a sedative influence over the nervous system. They have been frequently used for worms with reported success. An infusion is highly recommended in irritability of the bladder, in sick stomach and in whooping cough. PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT.--l. Dr. Osler, of Oxford, England, recommends as follows: Santonin in doses of two or three grains for an adult; one or two a day for three or four days, followed by salts or calomel; one-half to one grain for children in the same way. This seems to me to be unnecessarily large. [46 MOTHERS' REMEDIES] 2. Dr. Ritter's Santonin Remedy.-- I always give it thus: Santonin 1/10 grain Calomel 1/10 grain Give four a day for two days, then miss two days, then give again for two days and stop. Salts can be given after this. I then follow this treatment by giving one drop doses of tincture of cina (Homeopathic preparation) four times a day for one or two weeks. Before giving any of these remedies it is well to move the bowels freely and also after the medicine has been stopped. 3. Dr. Douglass of Detroit, Michigan, recommends the following for a child five to ten years old: Santonin 12 grains Calomel 3 grains Divide into six powders, and give one night and morning while fasting. 4. The following is from Professor Stille: Spigelia 1/2 ounce Senna 2 drams Fennel seed 2 drams Manna 1 ounce Boiling water 1 pint Mix and make into an infusion (tea). Dose for a child, one or two teaspoonfuls. For an adult, one or two wineglassfuls. THREAD WORM OR PIN WORM.--(Oxyuris Vermicularis.)--This common worm occupies the rectum and colon. They produce great irritation and itching, particularly at night, symptoms which become intensely aggravated by the nightly migration (traveling) of the parasite. They sometimes in their travels enter the vagina. Occasionally abscesses are formed around the bowel (rectum) containing numbers of worms. The patient becomes extremely restless and irritable, for the sleep is very often disturbed, and there may be loss of appetite and also anemia. These worms are most common in children, but they can occur in all ages. The worms can easily be seen in the feces. The infection takes place through the drinking of water and possibly through salads, such as lettuce and cresses, and various other means. A person who is the subject of worms passes ova (eggs) in large numbers in the feces, and the possibility of reinfection must be guarded against very scrupulously. MOTHERS' REMEDIES.--1. Pin worms, Aloes treatment for.--"Pin worms or seat worms are usually found in children and sometime cause a great deal of annoyance to the child. They are usually very restless at night and pull at the rectum both day and night. This condition may be relieved by an injection, of powdered aloes,--five grains; hot water one-half pint." This is sufficient for two injections and should be used at about blood heat. [ANIMAL PARASITES 47] 2. Pin worms, Pink Root for.--"Take one ounce pink root, and one pint of water. Make a decoction of this by boiling the above to half a pint. Give a teaspoonful three times a day for two days, following this up by a good dose of castor oil or cream of tartar to thoroughly cleanse the system." 3. Pin worms, Quassia chips for.--"I knew of a child who had not slept three hours a night for several months, and several doctors had been called and none of them seemed to get down to the real trouble. Finally the mother tried an injection made by steeping quassia chips for two or three hours slowly, then straining it and injecting about one pint (luke warm) once a day. This gave the child immediate relief and improvement could be seen within a week." 4. Pin worms, Lime-water injection for.--"A very simple remedy is an injection of a teacupful of lime water once a day, preferably in the morning, as the worms are usually lodged in the rectum and this injection will bring them away, giving the child relief at once." 5. Worms-Stomach, Salt Remedy for.--"Encourage the child to eat as much salt as possible and give an injection of salt and water, about one teaspoonful of salt to two quarts of water, once a day." PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT.--1. Santonin in small doses and mild purgatives like rhubarb. Santonin in doses of one-tenth of a grain can be given for two days, three or four times a day, preceded by spiced syrup of rhubarb, one dram dose, and also followed by the rhubarb. In children the cold injections of strong salt and water is effective. They should be repeated for ten days. The hips should be well elevated so that the injection can be retained for some time. 2. Quassia chips 1 ounce Common salt 1/2 ounce Water 1 pint Soak over night and inject slowly all the bowels will hold. Repeat once each week till all are removed. 3. Dr. Tooker of Chicago, Illinois, recommends the following:--Give an injection of an infusion of fresh garlic for two or three nights in succession, using, to make the infusion, a small bunch of garlic in a pint of water, steeped down to one-quarter pint. 4. Dr. Tooker gives another method which is often successful. Anoint the anus for several nights in succession with sweet oil, using the little finger to insert the oil as far into the rectum as the fingers will reach. 5. Another Remedy. Inject cod-liver oil (pure) into the bowel or make into an emulsion with the yolk of an egg and then inject. [48 MOTHERS' REMEDIES] 6. Spearmint Remedy.--Make an infusion of the common spearmint and inject some in the bowel every night for one week. Some can be taken internally at the same time. Oil of Wormseed 1/2 ounce Oil of Turpentine 1-1/2 dram Castor Oil 2 ounces Fluid extract of Pink Root 3 drams Hydrastin 10 grains Syrup of Peppermint 4 drams One teaspoonful three times a day one hour before meals to a child ten years old. If it physics to much give less often. Good for both kinds of worms. 8. Tincture of Cina; to accompany any injection.--I give the Tincture of Cina (Homeopathic preparation) in from one-quarter to two or three drop doses, three or four times a day, always after I have given the other worm remedies. It can be given for weeks without producing bad effects. The dose can be made less for weakly children; or greater in grown people. It is good to give in small doses in pin worms when injections are used. It seems to prevent their formation. It is also a good remedy for the worms puppies are troubled with. I have saved the lives of a good many little fellows with this remedy. TAPE WORM, PORK.-(Taenia Solium). It is six to twelve feet long, but it is not a common form in this country. The head is small, round, not so large as the head of a pin and provided with four sucking ducts and a double row of hooklets. By these hooklets and disks, the parasite attaches itself to the mucous membrane of the small intestine in man. Below the head is a constricted neck, which is followed by a large number of segments, increasing in size from the neck onward. Each segment contains the generative organs of both sexes. The parasite (worm) becomes fully grown in three to three and one-half months. Segments then continually break off and are discharged at stool. Each ovum (egg) contains a single embryo, armed with six hooklets and contained in a thick shell. When swallowed by a pig or man these shells are digested and the embryos migrate (travel) to various parts of the body, where they change to Cysticerci or "Measles." Each contains a scolex or tape-worm. When meat, improperly cooked and containing "measles," is eaten, the cyst is dissolved in the human stomach and the free scolex or head attaches itself to the intestinal mucous membrane and grows into a tapeworm. TAPE WORM, BEEF.--(Taenia Saginata). This is a larger and longer parasite than the Pork Tape Worm. It is the common form found in this country. It may grow fifteen to twenty feet or more and possesses a large head in comparison with the Taenia Solium. It is square shaped and has four large sucking disks, but no hooklets. The ripe segments are larger and they are passed as in the Taemia Solium, and are eaten by cattle, in the flesh or organs of which the eggs develop into the Cysticerci. [ANIMAL PARASITES 49] Symptoms.--These worms (parasites) are found at all ages. They are not uncommon in children, and may be found in nursing children. They may cause excessive appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or abdominal pain or sometimes anemia. The knowledge of the presence of this worm may cause great nervousness or depression. The presence of the segment in the stools proves their presence in the bowels. Treatment, preventive.--This is most important. Careful attention should be given to three points: First, all tapeworm segments should be burned. They should never be thrown into the water-closet or outside; secondly, special inspection of all meat; and, thirdly, cooking the meat sufficiently to kill the parasites. MOTHERS' REMEDIES.--1. Tape Worms, Pumpkin Seed Tea for.--"One pint pumpkin seeds skinned and steeped. Add water enough to make three tumblers. Take one tumbler every half hour, then a good dose of castor oil. The worm will come with oil. My mother helped prepare the seeds and saw the tapeworm which came from a woman as a result of this dose." 2. Tape Worms, Another good Remedy for.-- "Powdered Kamala 3 drams Syrup simple 3 ounces Two doses of this mixture hardly ever fails to bring the worm. Give oil and turpentine two hours after the last dose." Of the oil and turpentine an average dose would be a half ounce of castor oil and fifteen drops of turpentine. 3. Tape Worm, Ontario Mother's Remedy for.--"Don't eat until very hungry (extremely so), then eat one-half pint of pumpkin seeds. This is good and will remove the worm every time." This remedy is different from the above in that you eat the seeds instead of making a tea. 4. Tape Worm, Successful Remedy for Children or Adult.-- "Turpentine 15 drops Castor Oil 1 teaspoonful Milk 1 teacupful Mix and for adult take at one dose. If not successful repeat the next day. For child under ten years, one-half the quantity." [50 MOTHERS' REMEDIES] PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT.--Preparing the Patient; Giving the Remedy, and Receiving the Worm.--Whenever a round or tape worm is to be attacked, the patient must be starved for at least twelve to twenty-four hours, in order that no food in the intestinal (bowel) tract may protect the worm from the action of the drug. During this time a little milk can be given, and after a night of fasting, before breakfast, the worm medicine (anthelmintic) must be swallowed. In addition, nearly all the drugs must be followed by purges in order to dislodge the intruder while he is paralyzed and has lost his hold; and in many it is well to have a basin of salt and water ready so that when a passage occurs a rectal injection may be given to wash out the segments of the worm which remain in the rectum. I am giving many remedies and the different ways of administering them. Not every one can be cured with the same remedy. One will act better in some people than in others. So I give a variety and they are all good. 1. For two days prior to the administration of the remedies the patient should take a very light, diet and have the bowels moved by a saline (salts) cathartic. As a rule the male fern acts promptly and well. The etheral extract of male fern in two dram doses may be given; fast, and follow in the course of a couple of hours by a brisk purgative; that is, calomel followed by salts. Fasting means this: Light diet for a day or two and a cathartic at night, no supper except a glass of milk before the worm medicine is given. Then at bed-time take two to three grains of calomel with ten grains of bicarbonate of sodium; rochelle salts, one-half to one ounce, upon awakening. As soon as the bowels have moved give oleorisin of aspidium, one dram in capsules. A saline cathartic should be given one-half to one hour later. Never give castor oil or any oil after this remedy, When calomel is given it should be given about one hour after taking the worm medicine and followed in one or one and one-half hours by a half to one ounce of salts. 2. Pelletierine Remedy for.--This comes in bottles of the proper dose. It is dear, but effective. It must be taken lying down, and followed by some cathartic or a dose of epsom salts in two hours after taking. 3. Infusion and Emulsion for.--An infusion of Pomegranate root 1/2 ounce Pumpkin seeds 1 ounce Powdered ergot 1 dram Boiling water 10 ounces To an emulsion of the male fern (a dram of the ethereal extract) made with acacia powders, two drops of croton oil are added. The patient should have had a low diet on the previous day and have taken a dose of salts in the evening. The emulsion and infusion are mixed and taken at nine in the morning. If the bowels do not move in two hours, salts should be taken. 4. An Old Remedy.--Chew freely of slippery elm bark. This, it is stated, is very effective and as it is cheap and will not injure, it is worth a thorough trial. I am often surprised at the value of the seemingly simple remedies. [ANIMAL PARASITES 51] TRICHINIASIS (Trichinosis).--The disease is caused by the trichina spiratis, a parasite introduced into the body by eating imperfectly cooked flesh of infected hogs. The "embryos" pass from the bowel and reach the voluntary muscles, where they finally become "encapsulated larvae,"--muscle trichinae. It is in the migration of these embryos that the group of symptoms known as trichiniasis is produced. When the flesh containing the trichinae is eaten by man or by any animal in which the development can take place, the capsules are digested and the trichinae are set free. They pass into the small intestine and about the third day attain their full growth and become sexually mature. The young produced by each female trichina have been estimated at several hundred. The time from the eating of the flesh containing the muscle trichinae to the development of the brood of embryos in the intestines (bowels) is from seven to nine days. The female worm penetrates the intestinal wall and the embryos are probably discharged into the lymph spaces, thence into the venous system, and by the blood stream to the muscles, which constitutes their seat of election. After a preliminary migration in the inter-muscular connective tissue, they penetrate the primitive muscle- fibres and in about two weeks develop into the full grown muscle form. In this process interstitial inflammation of the muscle is excited, and gradually an ovoid capsule develops about the parasite. Two, and occasionally three or four, worms may be seen within a single capsule. This process of encapsulation has been estimated to take about six weeks. Within the muscles the parasites do not undergo further development. Gradually the capsule becomes thicker and ultimately lime salts are deposited within it. This change may take place in man within four or five months. The trichinae may live within the muscles for an indefinite period. They have been found alive and capable of developing as late as twenty or twenty-five years after their entrance into the system. These calcified capsules appear as white specks in the muscles. In many instances however these worms are completely calcified. In the hog the trichinae cause few if any symptoms. An animal, the muscles of which are swarming with living trichinae, may be well nourished and healthy looking. An important point also is the fact that in the hog the capsule does not readily become calcified, so that the parasites are not visible as in the human muscles. Modes of Infection.--The danger of infection depends entirely upon the mode of preparation of the flesh. Thorough cooking, so that all parts of the meat reach the boiling point, destroys the parasites; but, in larger joints, the central portions are not often raised to this temperature. The frequency of the disease in different countries depends largely upon the habits of the people in the preparation of pork. In North Germany, where raw ham and wurst are freely eaten, the greatest number of instances have occurred. In South Germany, France, and England cases are rare. Salting and smoking the flesh are not always sufficient, and the Havre experiments showed that animals are readily infected when fed with portions of the pickled or the smoked meat as prepared in this country. [52 MOTHERS' REMEDIES] Symptoms.--The eating of trichinous flesh is not always followed by this disease. In the course of a few days after eating the infected meat there are signs of disturbance of the stomach and bowels, and pain in the abdomen, loss of appetite, vomiting and sometimes diarrhea; and yet, these preliminary symptoms do not always occur, for in some of the large epidemics cases have been observed in which they have been absent. Pain in different parts of the body, general debility and weakness have been noted in some of the epidemics. In some instances the stomach and bowel disturbances have been so marked from the outset that the attack resembled our cholera. The invasion symptoms develop between the seventh and tenth day. Sometimes not until the end of the second week, and they are marked by fever, a chill in some cases and pain and swelling and tenderness along the muscles involved. The migration of the parasites into the muscles excites a more or less intense inflammation of these muscles, which is characterized by pain on pressure and movement, and by swelling and tension of the muscles, over which the skin may be swollen. The limbs are placed in some position in which these muscles are more at rest. Difficulty in chewing and swallowing is caused by the involvement of the muscles controlling these acts. In severe cases the involvement of the diaphragm and intercostal muscles may lead to difficult breathing (Dyspnoea) which sometimes proves fatal. Watery swelling, a feature of great importance, may be seen early in the face, particularly about the, eyes. Later it develops in the extremities when the swelling and stiffness of the muscles are at their height. Profuse sweats, tingling and itching of the skin and in some instances hives (Urticaria) have been described. There are emaciation and anemia. In the severe cases the appearance may be like that in the third week of typhoid fever. In mild cases the fever and muscular symptoms subside in ten to fourteen days, in others only after two or three months. The mortality, from one to thirty per cent, seems to depend upon the virulence and number of parasites. PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT.--If discovered within twenty-four to thirty-six hours, thoroughly empty the bowel with purgatives. Rhubarb and senna, or an occasional dose of calomel may be given. Relieve the pains afterwards and support the strength. [SKIN DISEASES 53] DISEASES OF THE SKIN. The skin is divided into three layers. Beginning with the outer one and naming inward, they are named as follows: The outer layer is called the epidermis or cuticle (near or upon the skin). The second layer is called the corium, derma cutis vera, or true skin. The third layer is called the sub-cutaneous (under the skin) (fatty or connective) tissue. This last layer contains the sweat glands, the lower end of the deep-seated hair follicles, (little sacs containing the roots of the hair) and larger branches of the lymphatics, blood vessels and nerves, and serves in general as a bed for the true skin to rest upon, and by which the true skin is connected with the deeper parts, muscles, etc. The appendages of the skin are the hair, nails, sebaceous and sweat-glands. The discharge from the sweat-glands form a little or larger tumor. The contents of a wen are from sebaceous glands--fat secretions--fat tumor. The following names are frequently mentioned in the skin diseases: Macule. (Spots, patches). Skin is altered in color, but the skin is not raised or depressed; freckle, etc. Papule. (Pimple). Elevated piece of skin, varying in size from a pin-head to a coffee bean. Tubercle. (Node-lump). A solid elevation of the skin, varying in size from a pea to a cherry. Tumors. These are soft or firm elevations of the skin, like a wen or hard lump. They are always deep-seated. Wheel. A round flat, white or pink elevation of the skin; such as hives, mosquito bites, etc. Vesicle. This is a pin-head or pea-sized elevation of the outer layer (epidermis) filled with a watery fluid. Bleb. (Bulla). A circumscribed elevation of the skin and contains a watery fluid, such as a burn, etc. Pustule. A rounded elevation of the outer layer (epidermis) of varying size, containing pus (matter). A vesicle, bleb, and pustule are hollow; macule, papule, and tubercle are solid. Scale. (Squama). This is a dry attached or unattached thin piece from the skin as a result of disease of the skin. Crust. This is a dried mass as a result of fluid oozing from a diseased skin. Excoriation. Like a scratch mark. Fissures. This is a crack, like that found on chapped hands. Ulcer. (Sore). Eating away of the parts. Scar. Ulcer healed leaving a mark, like from a healed cut. Pigmentation. Discoloration. ACNE. (Simple Acne).--This is an inflammation of the sebaceous (fatty, cheesy) glands. It forms these pimples or pustules and these are intermingled with black-heads (comedones), flesh-worms. They vary from a pin-head to a split-pea in size, and are of a bright or dark red color. They occur for the most part on the face; also on the back, neck and chest. Condition.--An over secretion, or alteration and retention of the fatty (sebaceous) matter, and this is followed by inflammation involving the glands, ducts of the glands, and hair follicles. Pus often forms and tissue may be destroyed. [54 MOTHERS' REMEDIES] Causes.--These skin glands are active at the time of puberty. The active cause may be the stomach troubles, constipation, womb disorders, and poor general nutrition. PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Acne.--All stomach troubles, constipation, and womb troubles should be looked into and remedied. The diet and hygiene must be regulated. Food that stimulates and is hard to digest should be prohibited. When there is dyspepsia and constipation, bitter tonics, like compound tincture of gentian, one dram before meals, or pepsin (five grains) and loosening medicines like salts should be given. Tincture of Nux Vomica is a good stomach and bowel tonic given in doses of one to two drops before meals. Calomel, one-half grain at night for a few nights, followed in the morning by epsom salts or some mineral water like Abilena or Hunjadi is useful. The following is a good combination by Dr. Schalek: Tincture of Nux Vomica 2 drams Dilute Nitro Muriatic Acid 4 drams Sherry Wine enough for 3 ounces Mix and take one teaspoonful three times a day. Diet.--See diet for dyspepsia and constipation. All fatty, greasy, rich foods are prohibited. Local Treatment.--If the skin is quite red and tender, mild soothing applications should be used. Most cases require vigorous treatment. First wash the parts with warm water and the best soap, rinse with hot water and then dry carefully. Remove the black-heads by careful pressure of the fingers, or with black-head extractor; the pimples and pustules should be freely cut, to allow the matter to escape and all the matter taken out. External Medication, Ointment and Lotions.--Lotions are to be preferred in cases of oily discharge. If the skin becomes rough and chapped, soap should not be used in washing, and a soothing ointment should be applied. Drugs used are for stimulating the skin and healing the lesions. 1. Soothing Ointment.-- Precipitated Sulphur 1 dram Benzoinated Lard 1/2 ounce Lanolin 1/2 ounce For local use but not in oily cases. (Dr. Schalek.) 2. The following used as a soothing lotion: Washed Sulphur 2-1/2 drams Spirits of Camphor 3 drams Biborate of Sodium 2 drams Glycerin 6 drams Distilled water enough for 4 ounces Mix and shake well and apply freely so as to leave a film on the face. (Dr. Schalek.) [SKIN DISEASES 55] 3. Dr. Duhring's Lotion, following: Precipitated Sulphur 2 drams Glycerin 2 drams Alcohol 1 ounce Lime water 1 ounce Rose water 2 ounces Mix and shake before using and apply. 4. Kummerfield's Lotion. "Oriental Lotion." Precipitated Sulphur 4 drams Powdered Camphor 10 grains Powdered Tragacanth 20 grains Lime water 2 ounces Rose water 2 ounces Mix; shake well and apply every few hours. 5. Stimulating preparations. Corrosive sublimate 1/2 to 2 grains Emulsion bitter almonds 4 ounces Mix thoroughly and use to stimulate the skin. 6. Ointment of white precipitate (five to fifteen per cent strength) can be used in place of one above. 7. The Following Hebra Lotion (I give as written). Hydrarg. Bichlor 1 dram Aqua Distill 4 drams Ov. Albuminis 3 drams Succi Citri 3 drams Sacchari 1 ounce Mix and apply as directed. Caution.--Sulphur and mercury preparations should not be used at the same time, nor immediately succeeding each other, as they will stain the skin. BALDNESS. (Alopecia). Causes.--Hereditary and diseases. Congenital and senile (old age) baldness is incurable. Congenital (born without hair) baldness is rare. MOTHERS' REMEDIES. 1. Baldness, Well Recommended for.--"A first class hair restorative is made of sage tea and whisky in equal parts with a dash of quinine in the bottle." 2. Baldness, Vaselin and Quinine for.-- "Vaselin 1 ounce Quinine 1/2 ounce" Mix together and apply to the scalp. 3. Baldness, Good Canadian Remedy for.--"Strong sage tea. Rub the scalp frequently. I have used this with great success." [56 MOTHERS' REMEDIES] PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Baldness.--Persons who have an hereditary tendency to baldness should pay close attention to the hygiene of the scalp, as this is very important. The hair should be shampooed two or three times a week, to remove sebaceous accumulations and other foreign materials. After the scalp has been thoroughly rinsed with clean water and dried, some oil or (tube) vaselin should be rubbed in, Fine-toothed combs should never be used, The daily wetting of the hair is injurious, Rats should be light and well aired, When the hair begins to fall, stimulating applications should be used, in the form of ointments or lotions. The following are among the best with the author's name given but in English instead of Latin. Dr. Schalek. 1. Bichloride of Mercury 3 grains Tinct. of Cantharides 1/2 ounce Oil of Sweet Almonds 1 dram Spirits of Rosemary 1 ounce Rectified Spirits of Wine 2 ounces Distilled water enough to make 6 ounces Mix; shake bottle well; rub thoroughly into the scalp every morning. 2. Carbolic add 15 grains Glycerin 2 drams Cologne water 1 ounce Mix, and apply to the scalp once daily. 3. Precipitated Sulphur 1 dram Lanolin 2-1/2 drams Glycerin 2-1/2 drams Rose water enough to make 1 ounce Mix well. Part the hair in different places and rub ointment into the scalp. 4. Ihle's Mixture.-- Resorcin 1-1/2 drams Castor Oil 1-1/2 ounces Spirits of Wine 5 ounces Balsam Peru 10 drops Mix. Rub into the scalp daily with a piece of flannel. 5. Bulkley's Lotion.-- Tincture Cantharides 1/2 ounce Tincture Capsicum 1/2 ounce Castor Oil 1 dram Cologne Water 1 ounce Mix and apply daily to the scalp. 6. Lassar's Ointment.-- Pilocarpine Muriate 30 grains Vaseline 5 drams Lanolin 2 ounces Oil of Lavender 20 drops Mix and apply to the scalp. BALD PATCHES. (Alopecia Areata).--These appear rather suddenly. They are circular bald patches which may appear on any hairy part of the body, but more frequently on the scalp. It is considered a chronic trouble, but tends to final recovery. [SKIN DISEASES 57] Cause.--Occurs usually between the ages of ten and forty. It may be from a parasite. PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT.--Cod-liver oil, elixir quinine, iron and strychnine one dram three times daily. Arsenic, Fowler's solution, four drops three times daily. Local Treatment.--Stimulating remedies, like sulphur, tar, tincture of cantharides, capsicum, in various strength in combination such as given for baldness. In old persons it may become permanent. ANIDROSIS. (Lessened Sweat Secretion).--This means a diminution of the sweat secretion. The patient does not sweat enough, especially in certain skin diseases like psoriasis, etc. Treatment.--Hot water, vapor baths, friction, massage, etc., should be used to increase the sweat secretion. Treat the accompanying skin disease. FOUL SWEATING. (Bromidrosis). Symptoms.--The odor may be very disagreeable, or resemble the odor of certain flavors or fruits. It is generally found in the arm-pit and genital organs. MOTHERS' REMEDIES. 1. Offensive Sweating, Alum Water for.--"A wash made with a teaspoonful of alum and a quart of water will prevent offensive sweating. We all know how disagreeable it is to sit near a person in a street car or any crowded place, who has an odor of perspiration about them, How easy it would be to use this wash and rid yourself of this difficulty," 2. Sweaty Feet, Borax and Alcohol for.--"Dissolve a tablespoonful of powdered borax in half a pint of diluted alcohol (half alcohol, half water) and rub the feet at night, You will find this a splendid remedy." I 3. Sweating, Simple Home Remedy to Produce.--"Place a rubber sheet or blanket under the patient. Have a simple blanket soaking in hot water and when all is ready, wring blanket as dry as possible and wrap about the patient up to the neck. After this a dry blanket is wrapped around the patient. Care should be taken not to have the blanket hot enough to burn the patient, but not too cool. After a few minutes the patient is taken out, rubbed dry gently and left to rest and sleep." This treatment will be found very beneficial and inexpensive. PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Foul Sweating.--Frequent bathing, dressing powders of boric and salicylic acids, etc. 1. Salicylic Acid 1/2 ounce Powdered Starch 1/2 ounce Mix and dust on the parts. 2. Boric acid powdered may also be used. 3. Powdered Boric Acid and Salicylic Acid; Equal parts. To be used as a dusting powder on the sweating parts. [58 MOTHERS' REMEDIES] 3. One per cent solution of potassium permanganate or permanganate of potash is good applied to the parts. CALLOSITY or Callositas.--This is circumscribed yellowish-white, thickened and horny patches of one of the layers of the cuticle (epidermis). Causes--They come as the result of the occupation or pressure, and sometimes without any seeming cause. Symptoms.--They occur mostly on the hands and feet and are usually sensitive. PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT, for Callosity or Callositas.--Remove the cause of the horny masses. The latter is done by soaking them with prolonged hot water baths and scraping off the mass afterwards. This should be continued and done frequently. Salicylic Acid 30 grains Collodion 4 ounce Mix and apply with a camel's hair pencil. CORNS. (Calvus).--A small, flat, deep-seated, horny growth, mostly on or between the toes. Cause.--Usually the result of too tight or too loose shoes. Due to pressure and rubbing. MOTHERS' REMEDIES.--Corns, one of the Surest Remedies.--"Take salicylic acid, make a thick paste with flour, put on absorbent cotton and apply, leaving same on several days; soak well and corn will come out." This is a thoroughly tried remedy and a good one. This is about as good a cure as there is for corns. After this paste has been on the corn for three days, it should be removed and the feet soaked well, and the corn scraped off. 2. Corns, Turpentine and Kerosene for.--"A very simple remedy is to apply turpentine or kerosene oil to the affected part on going to bed." It is always a good plan to soak the feet well before treating the corn, as the turpentine will penetrate more quickly. 3. Corns, to Remove Without Pain.-- "Alcohol 1/2 ounce Muriatic Acid 1 dram Nitric Acid 1 dram Oil of Rosemary 1 dram Chloroform 2 drams Tincture Iron 2 drams Mix the above, and apply freely to the corn with little brush or feather until it can be removed with thumb lance. It may require several applications." 4. Corns, Onion a Cure for.--"Soak a small onion in vinegar four hours, then cut in two and bind on the corn at night. In the morning (if the onion has remained over the corn) the soreness will be gone and you can pick out the core. If not cured in first application repeat." [SKIN DISEASES 59] 5. Corns, Castile Soap an Effective Remedy for.--"Rub the corn night and morning with castile soap, as often as possible shave it, being careful not to cut deep enough to make it bleed." Be faithful in soaping it thoroughly night and morning for several days until it disappears. This is a very simple but effective remedy. 6. Hard Corns, Iodine a Successful Remedy for.--"Paint the corns with iodine every night for three nights, stop three nights, then apply three nights again, and so on for two weeks." Have tried this and know it to be very successful, especially good for hard corns. 7. Corns, Castor Oil for.--"Apply castor oil; rub it thoroughly, then soak feet. It will soften and remove corns." 8. Corns, Vinegar and Bread for.--"Take bread and soak in vinegar for twenty-four hours, put a plaster on for three or four nights. If not cured on first application, repeat." PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Corns.--Remove the cause; soften them by prolonged soaking in hot water, and then gently scrape off the softened particles, continue this for several days; then put a narrow strip of rubber or salicylated plaster (adhesive plaster) over to protect them from pressure. The following is good to soften them: 1. Salicylic Acid 1-1/2 dram Extract of Cannabis indica 10 grains Collodion 1 ounce Mix and paint on the corn for several days and after soaking corn scrape it off with a sharp knife. 2. A Good but Weaker Remedy:- Salicylic Acid 30 grains Extract of Cannabis indica 5 to 10 grains Collodion 1/2 ounce Both of these prescriptions are good, the first being stronger with salicylic acid. 3. When the corns are soft with inflammation, wash and dry the foot and apply a solution of nitrate of silver, sixty to one hundred and twenty grains to the ounce of water, to every part every four or five days. Ulcerating Corns.--Cauterize with nitrate of silver in stick form. CARBUNCLE. (Anthrax).--A carbuncle is an acute circumscribed inflammation of the skin and tissues beneath, of the size of an egg, orange, or larger. It is a hard mass and ends in local death of some of the tissue and formation of pus, which empties upon the surface through several sieve-like openings. [60 MOTHERS' REMEDIES] Symptoms.--There is a feeling of general sickness, chilliness and some fever. The skin over the sore part is hot and painful. The several dead parts may run together until the entire mass separates in a slough. In favorable cases it proceeds to heal kindly, but in severe cases it may spread to the surrounding tissues and end fatally, sometimes by the absorption of putrid materials, or by the resulting weakness. It runs usually from two to five weeks. Causes.--It comes in middle or advanced life, usually oftener in men than in women. It occurs frequently in patients suffering from diabetes, in whom it is usually fatal. MOTHERS' REMEDIES. Carbuncles, Poppy Leaves to Draw and Ripen.--"A poultice of poppy leaves is very efficacious to draw or ripen a carbuncle." A poultice made from these leaves is very quieting and soothing, and at the same time will cause the carbuncle to ripen. 2. Carbuncle, Slippery Elm and Sassafras Root for.--"Sassafras root and slippery elm bark boiled together and the decoction thickened with cornmeal." This should be changed as often as it becomes cool. 3. Carbuncle, Sheep Sorrel Poultice for.--"Gather a bunch of sheep sorrel leaves, wrap them in a cabbage leaf and roast in the oven. Apply to the carbuncle, and it will soon ripen and break." 4. Carbuncle, Bread and Milk Poultice for.--"Keep warm bread and milk poultice on until the core comes out, then put on salve or vaselin and keep covered until all healed." 5. Carbuncle, the Common Scabious for.--"Take scabious, the green herb and bruise it. Apply this to the affected part. This has been found a very effectual remedy." The common field scabious have many hairy, soft, whitish green leaves, some of which are very small and rough on the edges, others have hairy green leaves deeply and finely divided and branched a little. Flowers size of small walnut and composed of many little ones. Sometimes called "Morning Bride," "Devil's Bit," etc. 6. Carbuncle, Snap Bean Poultice for.--"Apply snap bean leaves beat up fine. Bruise the leaves until they are real fine, then apply as a poultice." PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Carbuncles.--Keep up the strength by a nourishing diet and in some cases, stimulants. [SKIN DISEASES 61] Local.--Cut it open thoroughly by a cross (crucial) cut, like this (x). The cut must reach through the mass to sound tissue beneath and beyond it. Then scrape out all the dead tissue. Dress with iodoform or sterile gauze. An antiseptic like listerine, glyco-thymoline, etc., can be used to wet the gauze, put on as a dressing afterwards and then more dry gauze above, strapped with adhesive plaster. Water and instruments must be boiled, hands must be absolutely clean. Everything around it must be clean. Sometimes it is necessary to go slowly and take out at each dressing only what can be easily removed, It is not always possible to get the whole mass away at once. Opening the carbuncle and giving free drainage afford great relief from the fever and often general symptoms. When the part feels as if it needed redressing, it should be done, for it then gives much relief. The dressings frequently become hard and do not absorb all of the material ready to be discharged. It is usually proper and prudent to dress a carbuncle two or three times a day. There is no danger if the one who dresses it is clean with the instruments, hands and gauze or cotton. LIVER SPOTS, Moth Patch, Chloasma, etc.--This is a discoloration of the skin of a yellowish to a blackish tint of varying size and shape. Causes.--It may be due to external agencies, such as rubbing, scratching, heat (tanning and sunburn) blistering; or due to diseases such as tuberculosis, cancer, malaria, Addison's disease, disease of the womb, pregnancy. PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Liver Spots.--Remove all causes if possible. Local.--This must be carefully used, find out first how sensitive the skin is. Dr. Bulkley recommends this lotion: Corrosive Sublimate 5 grains Dilute Acetic Acid 2 drams Borax 40 grains Rose water enough for 4 ounces Shake bottle, mix and apply to the part night and morning. If the skin becomes too scaly, a mild soothing ointment should be substituted for the above. White suggests the following: Hydrarg. Ammon. Chlar 2 drams Subnitrate Bismuth 2 drams Starch 1/20 ounce Glycerin 1/2 ounce Mix and apply twice daily. The application of peroxide of hydrogen has only a temporary effect. BLACK-HEADS. Flesh Worms, Comedones, Pimples, etc.--This is a disorder of the sebaceous glands in which the sebaceous (fatty, cheesy) secretions become thickened; the excreting ducts, appearing on the surface, as yellowish or blackish points. They appear chiefly on the face, neck, chest, and back and are very unsightly. Symptoms.--They are easily pressed out, and appear then as thread-like, whitish masses which contain fatty material. The black point may be due to pigment or to dirt from without. Comedones may exist with acne and seborrhoea and excessive secretion of sebum. Causes.--Want of tone to the skin, which performs its functions sluggishly. Stomach-bowel disorders, menstrual disturbances and anemia are other causes and assist in making them worse. Improper care of the skin and dusty air may be other assistant causes. [62 MOTHERS' REMEDIES] MOTHERS' REMEDIES. For Pimples and Black-heads.--l. Pimples on the face, effective yet harmless remedy for: Camphor 10 grains Acacia (pulverized) 20 grains Sulphur (precipitated) 2 drams Lime water 2 ounces Rose water 2 ounces Apply on the face with a soft cloth at bedtime. Allow to dry and brush off the excess of the powder. Anyone suffering from these eruptions is usually willing to try every known remedy. The above is excellent and very effective and is harmless. 2. Pimples, Alum Water for.--"Take a teaspoonful of alum to a quart of water and use as a wash, say three times a day. This will cure ordinary pimples on the face." 3. Skin Blotches, Cream of Tartar and Sulphur for.--"Two ounces cream tartar and one ounce of powdered sulphur (from the lump). Mix. Dose:--Teaspoonful in a little water three times a day will cure." 4. Rough Skin, Healing Cream for.--"One-fourth cup tallow melted, one teaspoonful glycerin, small lump camphor, dissolved. Mix all together by warming sufficiently." Rub in thoroughly as you do any face cream. PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Pimples.--Remove the cause if possible. The diet should be like that given under dyspepsia and constipation. Menstrual disorders should be remedied. Local.--Remove the plugs (of sebum) and stimulate the skin glands. For this purpose prolonged (ten minutes at a time) bathing of the face with hot water and soap; tincture of green soap in the more indolent, sluggish cases, should precede the pressing out of the blackheads: Lateral pressure with the fingers or with the comedone extractor, especially contrived for this purpose, will express the black-heads. After they are out, the skin dried and cleaned, various stimulating remedies can be applied in ointments and lotions such as following: 1. "Precipitated Sulphur 1 dram Ointment of Rose water 1 ounce Mix and rub on at night." 2. Beta-Naphthol 1/2 dram Resorcin 1/2 dram Lanolin 1 ounce Mix and apply locally. INFLAMMATION of the Skin. (Dermatitis).--This is due to many causes. It can come from injuries, for instance the rubbing or pressure of ill-fitting clothes, bandages, bites of insects and from scratching. Varieties.--Dermatitis ambustionis, (burning). This is due to excessive heat upon the skin. [SKIN DISEASES 63] PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Inflammation of the Skin.--Relieve the pain; protect the parts; exclude the air. Paint the burned part with a one to five per cent solution of cocaine, according to the severity of inflammation. Then apply soothing lotions of equal parts of lime-water and olive or linseed oil; cover the whole with absorbent cotton. Dusting powder of soda bicarbonate may also be used, or common soda. In burns with vesicles, etc., open them and then cover with carbolized oil, gauze and adhesive to hold the dressing. The parts can be washed with a solution of boric acid, one teaspoonful to a cup of water; then dust upon the parts sugar of lead once or twice a day. Some use it in solution; I like the powder better. Infusion of lobelia, one ounce to pint of hot water, is good. Also lead and laudanum wash. ECZEMA. (Humid Tetter-Salt Rheum-Dry Tetter). Definition.--Eczema is an inflammatory disease of the skin, characterized at its commencement by redness, pimples, vesicles, pustules and their combinations, with itching and burning. It terminates in a watery or pus-like discharge with the formation of crusts or scaling. Varieties.--There are many varieties, red, scaly, fissured, watery looking and hard skin. Symptoms.--Itching is almost always a symptom of this disease. There is more or less pouring out of liquid (serum). The dry, scaly type, and the weeping type, may alternate with each other. There are six cardinal symptoms; inflammation, itching, moisture, crusting, infiltration (liquid filling of the tissues), fissuring or cracking. Dr. Fox says that nearly one-third of all skin diseases are eczema in some of its stages or varieties. In one kind there is red spot (macule). The skin is dry, of a bright or dull red color, with intense itching or burning, more or less watery swelling in the acute stage. In the chronic stage, the skin becomes thick and covered with fine dry scales, usually in the face (Eczema Erythematosum). Eczema Vesiculosum. (Vesicular Eczema).--This is preceded by a feeling of heat and irritation about the part. In a short time pinhead sized vesicles appear. These frequently run together and form patches. They rupture rapidly; the liquid is poured out, dries up and forms crusts. The discharge stiffens linen, a characteristic of this variety. Eczema Pustulosum. (Pustules). Pustular Kind.--This is nearly like the preceding. The vesicles have pus in them from the start or develop from the vesicles. When the pustules rupture, their contents dry up to the thick greenish-yellow crusts. The scalp and face, in children especially, are the favored spots for this kind. It occurs in poorly nourished children. [64 MOTHERS' REMEDIES] Eczema Papulosum. (Papular Variety).--This is characterized by flat or sharp pointed reddish pimples (papules), varying in size from a small to a large pin-head. They are usually numerous, run or crowd together and form large patches. The itching is usually very intense. This causes much scratching, rawness and crusts. The pimples may continue as such, or change into vesicles. In chronic cases they run together, and finally form thick scaly patches, and may run into a scaly eczema. Eczema Rubrum (red).--The skin looks red, raw, and "weeps." It is most commonly found about the face and scalp in children, and the lower parts of the legs in the old. Eczema Squamosis. (Scaling).--This may follow any of the other varieties, but usually follows the red and pimple (papule) variety. They are various sized and shaped reddish patches, which are dry and more or less scaly. Thickening is always present, also a tendency to cracking of the skin, especially if it affects the joints. There are other varieties but these are the most important. RECOVERY.--Eczema has a tendency to persist and rarely disappears spontaneously. Causes.--Gout, diabetes, rheumatism, Bright's disease, dyspepsia, constipation, nervous trouble, heat, cold, strong soaps, acids, alkalies, rubbing, scratching, etc. MOTHERS' REMEDIES. 1. Eczema, Lemon or Vinegar for.--"Rub the spots with sliced lemon. This will sometimes relieve the itching. Bathing with vinegar water is better for some as it destroys the germs." The bowels should be kept open, and then constitutional faults removed as the eruption of the skin is but a local manifestation of a functional fault. 2. Eczema, Olive Oil and Powder for.--"Bathe with olive oil and sift over the skin a powder composed of equal parts of fine laundry starch and oxide of zinc powder." Do not bathe with water until healed. 3. Eczema, Herb Tea for.--"A good wash for eczema is made of an ounce of bruised blood-root and yellow dock, steeped well in a pint of alcohol, and half pint of vinegar." Apply gently to the affected parts. 4. Eczema, Potato and Camphor for.--"Make a poultice of a cold potato with a small quantity of camphor. This is very good and relieves the trouble very soon." 5. Eczema, Sulphur and Lard for.--"An excellent eczema cure is made by applying a paste made of sulphur and lard to the affected parts." This is very easily prepared, and has been known to cure many cases. [SKIN DISEASES 65] 6. Skin Diseases, Burdock Tea a Standard Remedy for.--"Take a handful of the freshly bruised burdock root to two quarts of water and boil down one-half; drink from a half to one pint a day." This is considered one of the best home remedies for skin diseases that is known and is perfectly harmless. 7. Skin Disease, Blood Purifier for.-- "Iodide Potash 192 grains Fluid Extract Stillingia 1 ounce Fluid Extract Prickly Ash Bark 1/2 ounce Fluid Extract Yellow Dock 1 ounce Compound Syrup Sarsaparilla to make 8 ounces Mix." 8. Tetter, Reliable Remedy for.--"Turpentine 1 ounce, red precipitate 3 drams, vaselin 4 ounces. Mix, rub on the affected parts several times a day." This is a splendid ointment for a severe case of tetter. PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Eczema.--Water is likely to make acute cases worse. In order to cleanse the parts use water softened by starch or bran. Use oily preparations to soften the crusts and then they can be removed with water and good soap. In Chronic Sluggish Cases.--Water and strong soaps may be used. Cloths wrung from hot water and applied, will frequently relieve the itching. Use lotions in moist and salves in dry eczema. For the acute kind the remedy should be soothing, and more or less stimulating for the chronic forms. Local Treatment for the acute and sub-acute (between acute and chronic) eczema. In acute cases, with much pouring out of liquid (serum), lotions have a cooling effect. They should be frequently renewed. 1. Black Wash. Calomel 1 dram Mucilage Tragacanth 1 dram Lime water 10 ounces Mix. Can be used full strength or diluted. Bathe the affected parts several times daily for fifteen or twenty minutes with this lotion and apply oxide of zinc ointment afterwards. 2. Lead and Laudanum wash.--When the parts discharge moisture with burning feeling, and are very sensitive the following is good: Laudanum 1/2 ounce Solution of Sugar of lea 7-1/2 ounces Mix and apply externally with gauze saturated with it. 3. A solution of boric acid is also a good remedy. 4. Apply the following soothing application frequently, allowing the sediment to remain on the skin: Powdered Calamine 1 dram Oxide of Zinc 1 dram Glycerin 1 dram Lime water 6 ounces [66 MOTHERS' REMEDIES] 5. Dusting powders.--Corn, potato or rice starch powders. Mennen's baby powder is also good. Borated kind is the best for this. 6. Oxide of Zinc ointment alone, applied night and morning, is valuable in many cases. The Black wash should be used twice a day just before the oxide of zinc ointment is applied. In other cases powdered oxide of zinc is dusted over the part if the discharge is watery or profuse. 7. McCall Anderson's Ointment.-- Oxide of Bismuth 1 ounce Pure Oleic Acid 8 ounces White Wax 3 ounces Vaselin 9 ounces Oil of Rose 5 drops Make an ointment and apply. The proportions of each ingredient call be reduced one-half, for smaller amount. 8. Pastes are often borne better than ointment. The following is a good one. Lassar's paste: Starch 2 drams Oxide of Zinc 2 drams Vaselin 4 drams Mix and make a paste, apply to the part and cover with soft gauze. 9. For the Itching.-- Powdered Oxide of Zinc 1/2 ounce Powdered Camphor 1-1/2 dram Powdered Starch 1 ounce Mix and dust on as needed. When the disease is not so acute (sub-acute) applications of a mildly stimulating character are needed. For this purpose, resorcinal in the proportion of two to thirty grains to the ounce of lard, according to the severity and amount of hardness existing. Apply to the part. Stimulant and soothing. External Treatment of Chronic Eczema.--Applications for chronic and lasting sluggish eczema. 1. Tincture of green soap used with hot water until the skin is bared and then dress with oxide of zinc ointment. 2. Tar in the form of the pure Official tar ointment. 3. Salicylic acid thirty to sixty grains to an ounce of lard and applied for stimulating purposes. 4. Dr. Schalek uses the same remedies in part and the following for a fixed dressing, especially on the eyes. They do not need to be changed often. [SKIN DISEASES 67] Glycogelatin Dressing.-- Gelatin 10 drops Oxide of Zinc 10 drops Glycerin 40 drops Water 40 drops Mix and apply to the part. The above may be made in any quantities,--using drops, spoonfuls, etc. Dress the parts in a thin gauze bandage, over which the melted preparation is painted. I have given many different prescriptions, but those who treat skin diseases know that a great many are needed, for they act differently upon different persons. Special Varieties of Eczema and what to do for them.-- Eczema of Children.--This is generally acute of the vesicular (watery) or vesicular pustular (pus forming) variety. The parts commonly affected are the scalp and the face. PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Eczema.--Remove the causes, watch the feeding. Keep the folds of the skin dry and free from friction. To prevent scratching, masks must be applied to the scalp and face, or the hands must be tied in bad cases. The local treatment is the same as above except the strength of the drugs used must be reduced in proper proportion. Eczema of the Scalp, Milk Crust.--Remove the crusts by soaking the scalp with some bland oil for twelve hours, followed by a shampoo, (the hair should be cut in children) then the lotions and thin ointment (see above) should be applied. Eczema of the Face.--A mask of soft linen with holes cut out for the eyes, mouth and nostrils may be used. Eczema of the Scrotum.--A well fitting suspensory should be worn, sponge the parts with very hot water and follow with the anti-itching lotion and dusting powders for the itching. Eczema of the Hands in Adults.--Keep the hands out of water as much as possible. Dry them thoroughly and then anoint. Greatly thickened patches may be softened by soap plasters or bathe the parts in ten or twenty per cent solutions of caustic potash and followed by a salve application. The internal treatment must be given for the cause. Diet in Eczema.--Avoid salty foods, such as salted fish or pork and corned beef; greasy foods such as bacon and fried dishes; pastry and cheese. [68 MOTHERS' REMEDIES] MOTHERS' REMEDIES for Salt Rheum. 1. Alum Wash and Cathartic for.--"Use an astringent wash as alum, tablespoonful in pint of water, and keep bowels opened by cooling medicines, as cream tartar, rochelle salts, etc." The alum solution will be found very cooling and by keeping the bowels open you will carry off all the impurities thus cleansing the blood, which is one of the essential things to do in salt rheum. 2. Salt Rheum, Ammonia and Camphor for.--"Apply ammonia and camphor to the cracks. Have used this successfully when everything else failed." Care should be taken not to have the ammonia too strong, as it may irritate the skin more. If used properly, it is a good remedy. 3. Salt Rheum, Cactus Leaf Cure for.--"From one large cactus leaf take out the thorns, add one tablespoon of salt, three tablespoons lard, stew out slowly, and grease with this at night. Remarks:--This cured my hand that had been in an awful condition for years." 4. Salt Rheum, Pine Tar for.--"Apply pine tar as a paste." This is an excellent remedy but care should be taken in using it, as pine tar is very irritating to some people, and should be used very cautiously. BOIL. (Furunculus, Furuncle). Causes.--Boils may appear in a healthy person, but they are often the result of a low condition of the system; they are frequently seen in persons suffering from sugar diabetes. MOTHERS' REMEDIES. 1. Boil, My Mother's Poultice for.--"Poppy leaves pounded up and bound on are good. My mother has used this recipe and found it to be good." This remedy not only makes a good poultice, but is very soothing, as poppies contain opium. The leaves may be purchased at any drug store. 2. Boil, Soap and Sugar Poultice for.--"Poultice made of yellow or soft soap and brown sugar, equal parts. Spread on cloth and apply faithfully." This makes a good strong poultice, and has great drawing powers and would be apt to create a good deal of pain, but would draw the boil to a head. The above remedy was sent in by a number of mothers, all of whom said they had tried it with success when other remedies failed. 3. Boil, Vinegar or Camphor for.--"May be cured by bathing in strong vinegar frequently when they first start. When it stops smarting from the vinegar cover with vaseline or oil." Bathing the boil in vinegar seems to check the growth and does not allow them to become as large as they would ordinarily. If you do not have vinegar in the house, camphor will answer the same purpose. 4. Boil, Bean Leaf Poultice for.--"Apply snap bean leaves, beat up fine." Bruise the leaves so that they are real fine, and apply to the boil. This acts the same as a poultice. 5. Boil, Another Vinegar Remedy for.--"If taken at first a boil can be cured by dipping the finger in strong vinegar and holding on the boil until it stops smarting. Repeat three or four times then apply a little oil to the head of boil." [SKIN DISEASES 69] PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Boils.--Tonics such as iron, quinine, and strychnine are good. Elixir, iron, quinine and strychnine from a half to one teaspoonful three times a day is a good tonic for an adult. Sulphide of calcium one-tenth grain four times a day is good. Paint the inflamed spot when it first begins, with a solution of gun cotton (collodion) and renew it every hour until a heavy contractile coating is formed. Poultices, if used, should contain sweet oil and laudanum. Alcohol and camphor applied over the skin in the early stages is recommended by Ringer. This I know is good. Another, wipe the skin and use camphorated oil. When boils occur in the external ear, the canal should be washed out with hot water. If it is ripe it should be opened. The following is good for the pain of a boil: Iodoform 4 grains Menthol 2 grains Vaselin 1 dram Mix and smear a cotton plug and insert in the ear two or three times a day. ABSCESS.--An accumulation of pus (matter) in any part of the body. External Abscess.--Boil the knife, wash your hands in clean, hot, soapy water. Wash the abscess and surrounding parts in hot water and good soap, and rinse off with alcohol, a salt solution, or listerine, etc. Then make a good deep clean cut and scrape out if necessary. Dress with a clean linen gauze or absorbent cotton, Poultices may be used if you are careful. Such an abscess should be dressed twice a day. The inner dressing should be soft and thick enough to absorb all the secretion given out between dressings. MOTHERS' REMEDIES. 1. Abscess, Beech Bark Poultice for.--"Poultice made of red beech bark and wheat bran," A poultice made of the bark will cause a drawing feeling, and the wheat bran will retain the heat. The proportions for making the poultice should be about half and half. 2. Abscess, Milk and Salt Poultice for.--"Make a poultice of one cup of hot milk and common salt three teaspoonfuls; salt added gradually so it will not curdle. Cook until smooth and creamy, then add enough flour so it will spread but not be dry. Divide this into four poultices and apply in succession every half hour. This will remove the soreness and it should be kept oiled until healed." 3. Abscess, More Good Poultices for.--"Take equal parts of rosin and sugar, mix well and apply for several days until the abscess is broken. If this does not cause the abscess to break, poultice hourly with flaxseed meal." [70 MOTHERS' REMEDIES] FELON. (Whitlow).--An inflammation of the deeper structures and frequently it is under the covering of the bone, (periosteum). If under the latter it must be opened soon or the resulting pus will burrow and destroy bone, joints, etc. The pain is intense, and after the patient has passed one sleepless night walking the floor and holding his finger it should be opened. How? Place the hand with the fingers extended with the palm up (it is usually under the finger or in the palm of the hand) upon the table; stand by the side of the arm. Attract the patient to something else; have a curved two-edge knife ready and put the point, one-half inch, toward the palm, away from the felon part, press hard and the patient will jerk his hand and the cut will be made down to the bone, the membrane and tissues all opened freely, a vent given for the pus and in ten minutes very little pain. Dress as for an abscess. If opened this way, it need not be reopened. If in the Palm.--This needs a doctor, and must be opened with care. There are too many blood vessels to be careless there and one who understands it must do it. Open a true felon early before it has time to destroy the bone. SUPERFICIAL FELONS. Mothers' Remedies. 1. A Cure if Taken in Time.--"If taken in time a felon may be cured without lancing, but if poultice or liniment is used it is important that they should be bound on tightly as the mechanical compression is more essential than the application. A good remedy is finely pulverized salt, wet with spirits of turpentine bound tightly and left two or three days, wetting with the turpentine when dry without removing the cloth." 2. Felon, Treatment until time to Lance.--"If the felon has succeeded in getting a good start and pains considerably, it is well to paint it with iodine; in a few days it will become very painful, the pain being so intense that you cannot sleep. See a physician at once then, and have it lanced as the sac of pus on the bone must be opened. Then apply flaxseed poultices. Care should be taken not to have it lanced too early, as this is dangerous. 3. Felon, Strong Remedy for.--"Turpentine, yellow of egg and salt, equal parts, bind on." This is very strong and should only be allowed to remain on the finger a short time. 4. Felon, Lemon to draw inflammation from.--"Take a lemon, make a little hole, put finger in it and hold there a number of hours." Lemons have a great many healing qualities in them, and seem to be very good for felons. The acid in the lemon seems to help draw out the inflammation and serves as a poultice. 5. Felon, Hot Water Cure for.--"When you first feel it coming put the finger in a cup of hot water, just so it does not blister, keep adding more hot water as it cools for one hour. This has been tried several times and it has always stopped them." 6. Felon, Soap and Cornmeal Poultice for.--"Poultice with soft soap and cornmeal. This never fails if taken in time." [SKIN DISEASES 71] 7. Felon, Smartweed Poultice for.--"Apply the bruised leaves of smartweed and bind on tight as can be borne." This makes a very good poultice applied in this way. 8. Felon, Hot Application for.--"When a felon first starts, soak the finger in equal parts of alcohol and hot water; keep it as hot as the finger will bear it." 9. Felon, an Old, Tried Remedy for.--"Put wood ashes, covered with warm water in a dish on the stove, hold the affected part in this, allowing it to get as hot as can be borne." 10. Felon, Turpentine Cure for.--"Soak the finger for one hour in turpentine. This has been known to cure a great many cases of felon." 11. Felon, Weak Lye Application for.--"Stick your finger in weak lye (can lye). Have water just as hot as you can stand your finger in. Hold it in as long as possible." 12. Felon, Rock Salt and Turpentine for.--"Rock salt dry and pounded fine. Mix equal portions with turpentine. When dry change. This cured a felon on my father." As much of our Canadian salt is rock salt, it is the most common salt to use. PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Superficial Felons.--Such may be averted perhaps. I have heard of that but have never seen it done. They are not the genuine, true blue, terrible felons, but even these can give much pain. They do not need such a deep opening, and they are not so dangerous to the structures. They are superficial and abscesses, perhaps, might be the better term. For these many applications have been made. 1. Some hold the finger in hot lye. That is a good poultice. 2. Yolk of an egg and salt (equal parts) make a salve as a drawer. 3. The membrane within the shell of an egg is another good drawing remedy. Dr. Chase gives this definition of a felon in his first edition: "This is on one of the fingers, thumb or hand and is very painful. It is often situated at the root of the nail." The latter is the kind, and also that of the structures above the covering of the bone that are eased by local treatment. Especially the superficial, about the nail, etc. Steaming with herbs will do such good, or any hot poultice will do good. Dr. Chase says in another place, "Whitlow resembles a felon, but it is not so deeply seated. It is often found around the nail. Immerse the finger in strong lye as long and as hot as can be borne several times a day." Such felons are curable by local treatment. I prefer the salt and yolk of the egg to the lye. If you cannot stand this all the time, steam in the intervals with strong herbs or use hot poultices, and then open when it points. [72 MOTHERS' REMEDIES] ULCERS. An Eating Away of the Parts, Causes.--Diseases like syphilis, tuberculosis, leprosy. Disturbances of nutrition, constitutional ulcers, local conditions. Ulcers are acute and chronic. An acute ulcer is a spreading ulcer, in and about which acute destructive inflammation exists. Treatment.--Keep them thoroughly clean (aseptic) and use soothing applications, mild lotions and salve. Chronic Ulcer.--This is one which does not tend to heal, or heals very slowly. Sometimes such ulcers need to be stimulated like the application of nitrate of silver and then healing applications. Carbolated oxide of zinc ointment is a good healing ointment. MOTHERS' REMEDIES. 1. Sores and Ulcers, the Potato Lotion for.--"Take the water you boil potatoes in and in one quart of it boil one ounce of foxglove leaves for ten minutes, then add one ounce tincture of myrrh to the lotion, bathe the affected parts with the lotion warm, then keep a cloth wet with it on the sore, if possible, until cured." 2. Sores and Ulcers, Chickweed Ointment for.--"Chop chickweed and boil in lard, strain and bottle for use." This makes a fine green cooling ointment, It is surprising to see the relief obtained by this simple ointment. 3. Old Sores and Wounds, Healing Ointment for.-- "Honey 4 ounces Spirits of Turpentine 1/2 ounce Beeswax 4 ounces Oil of Wintergreen 1/2 ounce Tincture of Opium 1 ounce Fluid Extract Lobelia 1/4 ounce Lard 3/4 pound Mix by the aid of gentle heat, stirring well at the same time. This is a very useful ointment for healing wounds and old sores." 4. Sores and Ulcers, Excellent Salve for.--"One tablespoon of melted mutton or even beef tallow while warm; add some spirits of turpentine and one teaspoonful of laudanum, stir well." 5. Ill-Conditioned Sores, an Old German Remedy for.--"Wash or syringe the sore with weak saleratus water, and while wet fill with common black pepper. Remarks:--This is a highly recommended German remedy, and has been tried by my mother with good, results." 6. Sores, Cuts, Antiseptic Wash for; Also Tooth Wash.--"Peroxide of hydrogen. Should always be kept in the house." If you are cut by anything that might cause infection or if scratched by a cat, in fact wherever there is chance for infection and blood poison, peroxide of hydrogen may be used by moistening well the wound with it as soon as you can. As a mouth wash put a little in a glass of water. Directions usually on the bottle. [SKIN DISEASES 73] 7. Indolent Ulcers and Boils, Chickweed and Wood Sage Poultice for.--"Equal parts of chickweed and wood sage pounded together make a good poultice for all kinds of indolent ulcers and boils." 8. Ulcers, Proud Flesh, Venereal Sores and all Fungus Swellings, Blood Root and Sweet Nitre for.--"Two ounces pulverized blood root; one pint of sweet nitre; macerate for ten days, shake once or twice a day." 9. Rosin 1 ounce Beeswax 1 ounce Mutton Tallow 4 ounces Verdigris 1 dram Melt the rosin, tallow and wax together, then add the verdigris. Stir until cool and apply. Add a few drops of carbolic acid to the above and you will have the carbolated salve which is quite expensive when bought prepared and under the manufacturer's label. 10. Sores and Chapped Hands, Sour Cream Salve for.--"Tie thick sour cream in a cloth and bury in the ground over night. In the morning it will be a nice salve. Excellent for chapped hands or anything that requires a soft salve." 11. Old Sores, A Four-Ingredient Remedy for.--"Soften one-half pound of vaselin, stir into it one-half ounce each of wormwood, spearmint and smartweed. This is good for old and new sores. My people near Woodstock, Canada, used this and found it very good." 12. Ulcers and Sores, Carrots will heal.--"Boil carrots until soft and mash them to a pulp, add lard or sweet oil sufficient to keep it from getting hard. Spread and apply; excellent for offensive sores. Onion poultice made the same way is good for slow boils and indolent sores." This makes a very soothing poultice and has great healing properties. 13. Ulcers and Sores, a Remedy that Cures.--"To one-fourth pound of tallow add one-fourth pound each of turpentine and bayberry and two ounces of olive oil. Good application for scrofulous sores and ulcers." This makes a good ointment, but should not be continued too long at a time as the turpentine might have a bad action on the kidneys. 14. Ulcers and Old Sores, Bread and Indian meal for.--"Take bread and milk or Indian meal, make to consistency of poultice with water, stir in one-half cup of pulverized charcoal. Good to clean ulcers and foul sores." The bread and Indian meal make a good poultice while the charcoal is purifying and a good antiseptic. [74 MOTHERS' REMEDIES] PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Ulcers.--Keep them thoroughly cleaned. A mild, weak, hot solution of salt water is good in chronic, slow healing, indolent ulcers. Carbolated salve applied afterwards is healing. Sometimes a stimulating poultice is necessary, like salt pork followed by soothing salves. If an ulcer looks red and angry, it needs soothing. If there is any "proud flesh" powdered burnt alum applied directly upon it and left on for an hour or two is good. Then soothing salves. Balsam of Peru is good for chronic ulcers. It stimulates them to a little activity. A salve made by boiling the inner bark of the common elder, the strained juice mixed with cream or vaselin is a good healing application for ulcers. Poultice an irritable, tender, painful ulcer with slippery elm bark. Repeat when necessary. Indolent Sluggish Ulcer.--This kind needs stimulating, salt solution, or salt pork applied. Poultice made of sweet clover is well recommended for ulcers. As before stated, the active kind should have soothing treatment. The chronic indolent kind, should be stimulated occasionally and then soothing applications applied. SHINGLES (Herpes Zoster). Definition.--This is an acute inflammatory disease of the skin, characterized by groups of vesicles upon the inflamed base, distributed along the course of one or more cutaneous (skin) nerves. Symptoms.--The eruption is preceded by a great deal of neuralgic pain and is almost always one-sided. They first appear as red patches and upon these patches vesicles soon develop (skin elevations with liquid in them); these are separate, size of a pin-head to a coffee bean, swollen with a clear fluid, and clustered in groups of two to a dozen. They may dry up in this stage, or they may fill with pus or run together, forming larger patches; new crops may appear, while the others fade. The vesicles rarely rupture of themselves, but dry into brownish crusts, which drop off leaving a temporary colored skin. It follows the course of a nerve. The most common seat of this disease is over one or more intercostal (between the rib) nerves, extending from the backbone to the breastbone. It also occurs along the side of the face and temple. Causes.--It is a self-limited disease, runs its course in a few weeks, of nervous origin and may be produced by exposure to weather changes, blows and certain poisons. MOTHERS' REMEDIES. Shingles, Herb Remedy for.--1. "Make a solution of yerba rheuma, one ounce to a pint of boiling water, and apply freely to the part several times a day." The yerba rheuma has an astringent action and contracts the tissues, relieving the inflammation of the skin. It also relieves the itching. [SKIN DISEASES. 75] 2. Shingles, Mercury Ointment for.--"Apply night and morning an ointment from the oleate of mercury." This preparation will be found effective, but care should be taken not to use too much of it, as oleate of mercury is very powerful. It relieves the burning and itching. PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Shingles.--Protect the vesicles from rupture or irritation and relieve the pain. Paint the surface with a solution of gun cotton (collodion). Tonics to keep up the strength. EXCESSIVE SWEATING. (Hyperidrosis).--This is a disorder of the sweat glands in which sweat is thrown out in excessive quantities. Symptoms.--It may be great only in the armpit where it stains the clothing. When it comes on the hands and feet they may be wet, clammy and have an offensive odor. They may be soaked, inflamed and painful. Causes.--The local forms may be due to a nervous condition; it is often the result of general debility. Treatment.--General tonics are needed and those given under anemia, which see. Applications for the local treatment.--Solution of alum applied to the part will act as an astringent. White oak bark tea is good as anything. It should not be used so strong as to stop sweating entirely. Then follow it with dusting powders of starch or boric acid, containing salicylic acid (two to five per cent). When it occurs upon the feet use the Diachylon ointment. It must be made up fresh in a drug store. This is applied on strips of lint or muslin after the parts have been thoroughly washed and dried; it should be renewed twice daily, the parts being dried with soft towels and then covered with dusting powder, followed by the ointment. FRECKLES. (Lentigo).--Freckles are an excessive deposit of pigment in the skin. Causes.--Exposure to the sun's rays aggravates this condition. MOTHERS' REMEDIES for Freckles. 1. Freckles, Buttermilk for.--"Buttermilk on the face every night." This is a very simple remedy, and as buttermilk is very easily obtained, anyone troubled with freckles can try this remedy without very much expense. This simple remedy has been known to cure many cases. 2. Freckles, to Remove.--"Nitrate of potash applied to the face night and morning is very good, and the freckles will soon disappear." 3. Freckles, Alcohol and Lemon Juice for.--"Use alcohol and lemon juice freely at night." Lemon juice is very good for the skin if applied frequently. [76 MOTHERS' REMEDIES.] 4. Freckles, Excellent Lotion for.-- "Rose Water 4 ounces Alcohol 1/2 ounce Hydrochloric Acid 1/2 dram Mix and apply with sponge or cloth three times daily. 5. Freckles, Borax Water for.--"Rain water eight ounces, borax one-half ounce. Mix and dissolve; wash parts twice daily." 6. Freckles, Canadian Remedy for.--"Glycerin, lemon juice, rosewater, equal parts. Apply at night with a soft cloth," PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Freckles.--They are apt to return on exposure to the sun. The following ointment may be of service. Care should be taken not to blister: Ammoniated Mercury 1 dram Subnitrate of Bismuth 1 dram Glycerin Ointment 1 ounce Mix and apply every other night. PRICKLY HEAT RASH.--An acute inflammatory disease of the sweat glands; minute pimples and vesicles develop. Symptoms.--It occurs upon the body and consists of many pinhead sized bright red pimples and vesicles which are very close together. It appears suddenly, and is usually accompanied by much sweating and subsides in a short time with slight scaling following. There is itching, tingling and burning usually present. Cause.--Excessive heat in summer in children and weak people. MOTHERS' REMEDIES. 1. Prickly Heat, Soda Water for.--"Bathe with saleratus (baking soda) water, dry carefully and apply good talcum powder freely." 2. Prickly Heat, Relief from pain of.-- "Borax Powder 6 drams Menthol 10 grains Rose Water 6 ounces Bathe the parts and between applications dust on lycopodium powder." The borax powder will be found good to cover the parts and muriate of morphia relieves the pain. The rose water is simply put in to dissolve the other ingredients. 3. Prickly Heat, a Hamilton, Ontario, Mother Found Burnt Cornstarch good for.--"Dust with browned cornstarch. This acts like talcum powder and is not so expensive." [SKIN DISEASES. 77] 4. Rash, Soothing Ointment for. l.--"Make an ointment of one dram of boric acid powder to one ounce of vaseline. First wash the affected parts with a strong solution of saleratus, then apply the ointment and dust talcum powder over this." The washing with saleratus is very important as this is a good antiseptic and thoroughly cleanses the parts. PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Prickly Heat.--It disappears usually in a few days. Tonics for the weak, light clothing, a light nourishing diet and frequent cold bathing. Alcoholic drinks are prohibited. White oak bark tea as a wash for the sweating, followed by dusting powders of starch, oatmeal, and zinc oxide, etc. MOTHERS' REMEDIES. 1. Chafing, Fuller's Earth Eases.--"Wash parts well with boracic acid water, then dust with fuller's earth," The boracic water is cleansing and fuller's earth is very healing. This is a very simple but effective remedy. 2. Chafing, Good Home Remedy for.--"Usually all that is required is washing the parts well with castile soap and cold water, and anointing with plain vaselin," This remedy is always at hand, and is one to be relied upon. Vaselin, as we all know, is very healing. 3. Chafing, Borax and Zinc Stops.--"Wash parts frequently with cold water and use the following solution: Pure Water 2 gills Powdered Borax 1 teaspoonful Sulphate of Zinc 1/2 teaspoonful Apply by means of a soft rag several times daily. After drying the parts well, dust with wheat flour, corn starch or powdered magnesia;" The above combination is excellent as the water cleanses the parts and the borax and zinc are very soothing and healing. 4. Chafing, Common Flour good to stop.--"Burn common wheat flour until brown. Tie in rag and dust chafed parts." MOLE. (Naevus).--Mole is a congenital condition of the skin where there is too much pigment in a circumscribed place. It varies in size from a pin-head to a pea or larger. The face, neck and back are their usual abiding place. PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Moles.--They should be removed by knife or by electricity. The last is the best, especially for the hairy variety. Causes.--If they are subject to too much irritation they develop into malignant growth. ENLARGED NAIL. (Onychauxis).--The nail may become too long, thick or wide. Treatment.--Remove the cause. Trim away the excessive nail tissue with a knife or scissors. In paronychia, inflammation around the nail, pieces of lint or cotton should be inserted between the edge of the nail and the inflamed parts, and wet solution of antiseptics, like listerine or salt water, applied with cloths. [78 MOTHERS' REMEDIES] INFLAMMATION OF THE NAIL. (Onychia). Treatment.--Cut into the back part if it needs it. That will relieve the tension and pain. Sometimes the nail must be removed. The inflammation is at the base (matrix) of the nail. LOUSE, Disease of the Skin Produced by.--This is a disease of the skin produced by an animal parasite, the pediculus or louse. There are the head louse, pediculus capitis; the body louse, pediculus corporis; the pubis, (about the genitals) pediculus pubis. The color of lice is white or gray. They multiply very fast, the young being hatched out in about six days and within eighteen days are capable of propagating their same species. The nits are glued to the hair with a substance which is secreted by the female louse. HEAD LOUSE or Pediculus Capitis. Treatment.--The symptoms are very apparent. Apply pure kerosene, rub it into the hair thoroughly. It can be mixed with an equal part of balsam of peru. It should be left on the scalp for twelve to twenty-four hours and then removed by a shampoo. Other remedies that can be used are, tincture of staphisagria (stavesacre), this can be made into an ointment; or ointment of ammoniated mercury. The dead nits are removed from the hair by dilute acetic acid or vinegar. Cutting the hair is not usually required. An infusion of quassia is good as a wash. Body Louse or Clothes Louse (Pediculus Corporis).--This parasite lives in the clothes. It is apt to be found in the folds or seams, especially where the clothes come in close contact with the skin, as about the neck, shoulders and waist. This creature visits the body for its meal. They may produce different kinds of skin troubles like eczema, boils, etc. PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Lice.--Destroy the lice and their eggs (ova) by thoroughly baking or boiling the clothing. The irritated skin can be healed by soothing applications like vaselin, and oxide of zinc. (Pediculus Pubis).--Lice on the hair of the pubis or about the genitals. This is the smallest parasite of the three varieties, and it attaches itself firmly to the hair with its head buried in the follicular openings, and it is removed with great difficulty. PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Lice.--1. Ointment of mercury, blue ointment. This is to be used frequently. It is rather unclean and may create a severe inflammation so be careful of it. 2. Solution of corrosive sublimate, from one to four grains to one ounce of water. This is good and can be used once or twice a day; rub thoroughly into the parts. It will cause redness and inflammation may follow if too much is used. It is very effective. Kerosene with an equal quantity of balsam of peru is a good remedy. [SKIN DISEASES 79] BLISTER DISEASE, (Pemphigus).--This is an acute or chronic skin disease in which there are blisters of various sizes and shapes, and these usually occur in crops. Symptoms.--The disease may attack any part of the body. The blisters range from the size of a pea to a large egg. They contain at first a clear fluid, which soon becomes cloudy and looks more or less like pus. They last several days and then dry up. They do not rupture of themselves very often. It is not catching. Causes.--These are obscure and not understood. A low state of the system is usually found. PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Blister Disease.--General treatment should be given. Arsenic is the best remedy and can be given in the form of Fowler's solution, five drops after meals at the beginning far an adult. This should be increased until some poisonous symptoms, such as bloating in the face is produced. Elixir Quinine, Iron and Strychnine is good as a tonic, one teaspoonful after meals. Regulate the diet, give nourishing and easily digested food. Local Treatment.--Puncture the blisters. Then put on a mild ointment like vaselin; bran and starch baths can be given in some cases. The length of the time of the disease is uncertain. THE ITCH DISEASE. (Psoriasis) (not Common Itch). Definition.--This is a chronic inflammatory disease of the skin, in which there appear upon the skin thick, adherent, overlapping, scales of a shiny, whitish color, and these are situated upon a reddish, slightly raised and sharply outlined (defined) base. Symptoms.--They begin as small reddish spots, sharply defined against the healthy skin. They may be elevated slightly and soon became covered with whitish pearl colored scales. If the scales are picked off, there is left a smooth red surface, and from this, small drops of blood ooze out. No watery or pus-like discharge escapes at any period of this disease. These spots extend at the circumference (periphery), reaching the size of the drops, or of the coins, or they may run together and form ring-shaped, or crooked wavy lines of patches, with a center that is healing up. A few scattered spots may be present, or large areas may be involved. In rare cases the whole skin is affected. These spots or patches may occur an any part of the body, but involve the extending part of the limbs, especially the elbows and knees. There may be slight itching present at times. Course of the Disease.--It is chronic; patches may continue indefinitely or they may disappear in one place, while new crops appear elsewhere. This disease usually appears far the first time between the ages of ten and fifteen; it may then return at various intervals during a lifetime. It is usually worse during the winter. [80 MOTHERS' REMEDIES.] Causes.--Are usually unknown, it may occur in all classes and kinds of people. PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Itch Disease.--Remedies for the general symptoms are demanded. The general health must be looked after. Stimulating foods and drinks and the use of tobacco are forbidden. Arsenic in the form of Fowler's solution from three to ten drops three times a day; or the arsenious acid in pills of 1/50 of a grain three times a day. This medicine must not be used in the acute form, but only in chronic cases. Local Treatment.--1. Remove the scales first and follow this by stimulating applications unless there is much inflammation. In such cases soothing lotions should be applied. Dr. Schalek of New York, recommends the following: 2. Remove the scales thoroughly with hot water and soap and then apply: Chrysarobin 1 dram Ether, Alcohol Equal parts of each and enough to dissolve the first remedy Collodion 1 ounce Mix and apply with a brush to the parts affected. This solution may cause inflammation and great swelling, and on that account it should not be used on the face, it stains the skin. Dr. Hare recommends a bath only before the application. In that way some scales remain and there is not so much inflammation and swelling resulting. The stain can be removed with a weak solution of chlorinated lime. 3. Tar Remedy.--Tar is also a good remedy in ointment forms. The skin should be closely watched to find out how sensitive it is to the tar's action, not only in this but in all skin diseases. Drugs should be changed occasionally, for they lose their efficiency. 4. Tar and Sulphur Remedy for.--Never use tar on the face, it stains. Ointment of Tar 1 ounce Ointment of Sulphur 1 ounce Mix thoroughly and apply at night. 5. Precipitated Sulphur 6 drams Tar 6 drams Green Soap 2 ounces Lard 2 ounces Powdered Chalk 4 drams Apply frequently. If necessary more lard can be used, especially if the skin is very tender. [SKIN DISEASES 81] 6. Another good local application. It is composed of the following ingredients: Resorcinol 1 dram Zinc Oxide 1 dram Rose Water Ointment 10 drams Apply twice a day to the part affected. After mixing the ointment heat it until the resorcinol crystals melt to prevent any irritation of the skin from them. Ichthyol 2-1/2 drams Salicylic Acid 2-1/2 drams Pyrogallic Acid 2-1/2 drams Olive Oil 1 ounce Lanoline 1 ounce Mix thoroughly and apply. The result of the disease is always favorable as to life and general health. It yields to treatment, but it has a tendency to recur. ITCH. Common Itch (Scabies).--Itch is a contagious disease, due to the presence of an animal parasite. There is intense itching in this disease. The parasite seeks the thin, tender regions of the skin, the spaces between the fingers, wrists and forearms, the folds in the arm-pit, the genitals in men and the breasts in women. Cause.--It is always transmitted by contagion. An intimate and long contact is usually needed. A person occupying the same bed with one who has it is liable to take it. The female parasite lives from six to eight weeks, during which time she lays fifty eggs, which, when hatched out, become impregnated in their turn. MOTHERS' TREATMENT for Common Itch. 1. Mustard Ointment for.--"Make an ointment of cup of fresh lard (without salt) and a tablespoonful of dry mustard, work to cream and apply." This is very soothing. 2. Itch, Grandmother's Cure for.--"Sulphur and lard mixed; rub on at night, then take a good bath, using plenty of soap, every day." The above ingredients are always easily obtained and anyone suffering with this disease will find relief from the itching by using this remedy. It is very soothing. 3. Itch, Herb Ointment for.--"Mix the juice of scabious with fresh lard and apply as an ointment. A decoction made from the same herb might be taken at the same time to purify the blood. It is always well to take some blood tonic together with any outward application you may use." Some who read the above may know scabious by other names as the "morning bride" or "sweet scabious" or "devil's bit," etc. 4. Itch, Elecampane Root Ointment for.--"Boil elecampane root in vinegar, mix with fresh lard, beating thoroughly." This is an excellent remedy for itch, having a very soothing effect and relieving the itching. [82 MOTHERS' REMEDIES] 5. Itch, Oatmeal for.--"A poultice of oatmeal and oil of bays; cures the itch and hard swellings." Oatmeal poultices are more stimulating and draw more rapidly than those made of linseed meal. 6. Itch, a Mother at Parma, Michigan, Sends the Following.--"Make a salve of sulphur and lard and each night apply it to the whole body; also one tablespoonful internally for three mornings, then skip three and so on. This is the only thing I know of that will cure itch. I have tried it with success." 7. Itch, Kerosene for.--"Apply kerosene oil, undiluted, to the parts several times a day. Apply nitrate of mercury ointment to the body." 8. Itch, Splendid Ointment for Common Itch.-- "Lac-Sulphur 160 grains Napthaline 10 grains Oil Bergamot 4 drops Cosmoline 1 ounce Rub lac-sulphur into fine powder. Sift it into the melted cosmoline and stir until nearly cool, then add napthaline and oil bergamot. Stir until cool." PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Itch.--If the skin is much inflamed or irritable, soothing baths and ointments should be used at first. There are three indications to be met in the treatment; first, to destroy the cause, the parasite; second, to cure the result of their work; third, to prevent a return or transmission to others. First Thing to Do.--Soak the body thoroughly with soap (green soap if you have it) and water, this softens the outer layer (epidermis). This layer covers the female parasite which burrows under it. The male does not burrow and it is therefore easier to kill. Rub the skin thoroughly with a rough towel after the soaking. This rubbing will remove the outer skin scales and with it some of the parasites. The towel should be boiled at once to prevent it from conveying the parasite to others. Then apply the ointment, which, if thoroughly applied, relieves the patient at once. The skin should be well softened and rubbed in order to open every track (burrow) of the parasite. Allow the ointment to remain on all night and use it for three or four nights successively. Ointments.--1. Simple sulphur ointment alone. 2. Oil of Cale (from Juniper) 1 dram Sulphur Ointment 2 drams Lanolin 5 drams 3. Flowers of Sulphur 6 ounces Oil of Fagi 6 ounces White Chalk 4 ounces Green Soap 16 ounces Lard 16 ounces Apply at night. This is not so strong. [SKIN DISEASES 83] 4. For children the following can be used: Sulphur 1 dram Balsam Peru 1 dram Lard 1 ounce Apply as usual. 5. The following for adults: Precipitated Sulphur 2 drams Carbonate of Potash 1 dram Lard Ointment 1-1/2 ounces Rub well into the skin. Second:--Heal the resultant sores with soothing applications like vaselin and a little camphor in it. Third:--Boil and disinfect all underwear and bedding or any article liable to give an abiding place to the parasite. It is easily cured with proper treatment. DANDRUFF (Seborrhoea).--The scurfs or scales (dandruff) upon the scalp are formed from seborrhoea. Definition.--The word seborrboea means to flow suet or fatty fluids. Seborrhoea is a functional disorder of the sebaceous gland (fatty, suet matter) and this secretion is somewhat altered in character. Varieties.--There are three varieties. These depend upon the character of the material excreted. 1. Oily seborrhoea (seborrhoea oleosa). 2. Dry seborrhoea (seborrhoea sicca). 3. Mixed type of both. Oily seborrhoea.--Symptoms.--This appears most frequently upon the nose and forehead and sometimes upon the scalp. The skin looks oily, glistening, with the appearance of dust adhering to it. Small drops of oil are seen to ooze out of the follicles and when wiped off it reforms at once. The ducts of the follicles appear gaping or they are plugged with black-heads (comedones). The hair is rendered unusually oily, when it appears on the scalp, and it is especially noticeable on bald heads. It is very common in the negro, almost natural or physiological. Dry Seborrhoea.--This is a more common form and occurs upon the hairy or non-hairy parts, but chiefly upon the scalp (dandruff). The affected parts are covered with grayish, greasy scales, which are easily dislodged, the skin underneath is oily and slate gray in color. This type of the disease forms one type of dandruff. When it is of long standing the hair becomes dry and falls out. [84 MOTHERS' REMEDIES] Mixed type.--This type is common upon the scalp. The surface is covered, more or less, with scales and crusts. If the disease continues long the hair becomes dry, lusterless and falls out. Permanent baldness may result. Causes.--These may be constitutional and local. "Green sickness" (chlorosis), disorders of the stomach and bowels are often the cause. Local.--Uncleanness, lack of care of the scalp, heavy and airtight hats may cause it. Some writers claim parasites are the cause. MOTHERS' REMEDIES.--1. Dandruff, Home Preparation from New York State Mother.--"Into one pint of water drop a lump of fresh quick-lime, the size of a walnut; let it stand all night, pour off the clear liquid, strain, and add one gill of the best vinegar, wash the roots of the hair with the preparation. It is a good remedy and harmless." 2. Dandruff, a Barber's Shampoo for.--"Shampoo with the following: Sassafras 5 cents worth Salts of Tartar 10 cents worth Ether 10 cents worth Castile Soap 5 cents worth Dissolve the above in one gallon of soft water. Rinse the hair thoroughly and repeat as often as necessary. This recipe was given me by a barber and I find it very good," 3. Dandruff, Lemon Juice for.--"Cut a lemon in two, loosen the hair and rub the lemon into the scalp. Do this in the evening before retiring, for about a week, then stop for a few nights, then use for another week, and so on until cured." 4. Falling Hair, a Brook, Ontario, Lady Prevents.--"Garden sage, make a quart sage tea, add equal parts (a teaspoonful) of salt, borax and rosewater, and one-half pint of bay rum. Wet the head with this every night." 5. Hair Restoratives, Simple and Harmless.--"A simple and harmless "invigorator" is as follows: Cologne Water 2 ounces Tincture of Cantharides 2 drams Oil of Lavender 10 drops Oil of Rosemary 10 drops Use twice daily. If it makes the scalp a tittle sore, discontinue for a short time." 6. Dandruff, Talcum Powder an Excellent Remedy for.--"Take talcum powder and sprinkle in the hair thoroughly, then brush," This is a very good remedy. PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Dandruff.--If there are general diseases, they should be treated. [SKIN DISEASES 85] Local--In mild cases, shampooing with hot water and a good soap may be sufficient when the scales and crusts are thick and abundant; first soften them with olive oil and then remove them with hot water and green soap. After the scalp has been cleaned, the remedies should be applied. The remedies should be thoroughly rubbed in and applied in the form of ointments or lotions and used once daily. Cutting the hair may be necessary. The odor of sulphur may be overcome by the use of perfume. If the scalp becomes too dry after shampooing some oil should first be applied, whatever application is used afterwards. Remedies.--Resorcin, sulphur, salicylic acid, in combination with other ingredients. Some favorite prescriptions are now given: 1. Resorcin 1 to 2 drams Pure Castor Oil 1 dram Alcohol 2 ounces Mix and rub well into the scalp. 2. Precipitated Sulphur 1 dram Salicylic Acid 15 grains Ointment Petrolatum 1 ounce 3. Washed Sulphur 4 drams Castor Oil 10 drams Oil of Cocoa 1 ounces Balsam of Peru 1/2 ounce Apply twice daily. 4. Carbolic Acid 20 drops to 1 dram Oil of Almonds 4 drams Oil of Lemon 1 dram Distilled Water, enough to make 2 ounces Apply after washing. The oily type is best treated with lotions and powders. The disease is very obstinate, but generally gets well. WEN (Sebaceous Cyst. Steatoma).--A wen varies in size from a millet seed to an egg, and it is due to the distention of a sebaceous gland by its retained secretions. They occur most commonly on the scalp, face and back. They cause no pain, grow slowly, and after they have grown to a certain size remain stationary for an indefinite time. Sometimes they become inflamed and ulcerate. Treatment.--Make a free cut and take the mass out. Its covering (capsule) or sac must be removed at the same time, for if any of this membrane (capsule) is left it will fill up again. Equal parts of fine salt and the yolk of an egg beaten together and applied continuously will eat the skin open and the mass can then be taken out. This is quite painful and takes several days, while with the knife there is little pain if cocaine is injected and it will all be over in a few minutes. [86 MOTHERS' REMEDIES] RINGWORM (Tinea Trichophytina).--Ringworm is a contagious disease of the skin, produced by the presence of a vegetable parasite. The disease affects the hair follicles of the scalp and the beard, and also of the portions of the body that, seemingly at least, have no hair. Varieties.--Ringworm affecting the body called Tinea Circinata. Ringworm affecting the scalp called Tinea Tonsurans. Ringworm affecting the beard, etc., Tinea Barbae (barbers' itch). Ringworm of the Body.--This type of ringworm usually begins as one or several round, somewhat raised and very small, defined congested spots and these are covered with a few branny scales. The disease extends from the circumference and, while healing in the center, assumes a shape like a ring and these rings may become as large as a silver dollar and remain the same size for months or years, or they may go together (coalesce) to form circle (gyrate) patches. Vesicle and pimples frequently crop out at the circumference. Mothers' Remedies for Ringworm.--1. Gunpowder and Vinegar for.--"Make a paste of gunpowder and vinegar and apply. Sometimes one application will be sufficient; if not, repeat." 2. Ringworm, Cigar Ashes for.--"Wet the sore and cover with cigar ashes. Repeat frequently. This will cure if taken in time." This is a very simple and effective remedy. Cigar ashes are always easy to obtain and if applied to the ringworm at the very beginning, the nicotine in the tobacco will draw out the soreness and relieve the inflammation. 3. Ringworm, Kerosene for.--"Apply kerosene with the finger or a cloth several times a day." 4. Ringworm, Ontario Mother Cured Boy of.--"Wash head with vinegar and paint with iodine to kill germ. Cured a neighbor's boy." 5. Ringworm, Another from a Mother at Valdosta, Georgia.--"Burdock root and vinegar." Take the dock root and steep it the same as any ordinary herb tea, then add your vinegar, making the proportions about half and half. Apply this to the affected part. 6. Ringworm, Egg Skin Remedy for.--"Take the inner skin of an egg and wrap around it, and cover with a piece of cloth." 7. Ringworm, from a Mother at Owosso. Michigan.--"Take gunpowder and wet it and put it on the sores," This remedy has been tried a great many times and always gives relief when taken right at the beginning. So many people will wait, thinking the ringworm will disappear of its own accord, instead of giving some simple home remedy like the above a trial. [SKIN DISEASES 87] PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Ringworm.--1. For infants and children simpler remedies should be used at first. Scrub each patch with tincture of green soap, or merely good soap and water may be employed. Then apply tincture of iodine to the patches, once or twice a day, enough to irritate the patches. Dilute acetic acid, or dilute carbolic acid will do the same work. A ten per cent solution of sodium hyposulphite is a good remedy also. 2. Corrosive sublimate, one to four grains to the ounce of water, is very good to put on the patches. For children the strength should be about one-half grain to the ounce. 3. Ammoniated mercury is also very good to put on. Sometimes a combination of remedies will do better, as follows: Milk of Sulphur 2-1/2 drams Spirits of Green Soap 6 drams Tincture of Lavender 6 drams Glycerin 1/2 dram 4. Pure Iodine 2 ounces Oil of Tar 1 ounce Mix with care gradually. 5. Creasote 20 drops Oil of Cadini 3 drams Precipitated Sulphur 3 drams Bicarbonate Potash 1 dram Lard 1 ounce Mix, to be used in obstinate cases in adults. Ringworm of the Scalp.--Cautions and Treatment.--Be careful that others do not catch it from you. Separate the child affected. Cleanse the diseased parts from time to time by shampooing with a strong soap. The hair over the whole scalp should be clipped short and the affected parts shaved, or if allowed, the hairs in the affected parts pulled out. The remedies are then applied if possible in the shape of ointments, which are thoroughly rubbed in. Vaselin and lanolin are better as a base for the medicine, as they penetrate deeper. Following remedies are the most valuable: 1. Carbolic acid, one to two drams to glycerin one ounce. 2. Oleate of mercury, strength ten to twenty per cent. 3. Sulphur Ointment, ten to twenty per cent strength. 4. Tincture of Iodine. This variety lasts longer than the ringworms on the body, months sometimes are required to cure it. BARBER'S ITCH (Ringworm of the Beard).--Mother's Remedies. 1. Standard Remedy for.--"Plain vaselin two ounces, venice turpentine one-half ounce, red precipitate one-half ounce. Apply locally. Great care should be taken not to expose affected parts to cold and draughts while ointment is in use, especially if affected surface is large." The above is a standard remedy and will be found very effective in all cases of barber's itch. The vaselin will assist in healing the sores and softening up the scabs. [88 MOTHERS' REMEDIES] 2. Barber's Itch, Healing Ointment for.--"Plain vaselin four ounces, sulphur two ounces, sal-ammoniac powder two drams. Mix and apply daily after cleansing the parts thoroughly with castile soap and soda water. This is also an almost infallible cure for common itch." The vaselin is very good and healing, while the sulphur has a soothing effect and is a good antiseptic. 3. Barber's Itch, Reliable Remedy for.--"Citrine ointment one dram, vaselin or cosmolin one ounce. Mix thoroughly. Wash the affected parts clean and apply this ointment on a soft rag three times a day." This is a standard remedy and one to be relied upon. It is very soothing and has great healing properties. 4. Barber's Itch, Sulphur and Lard for.--"Sulphur and lard mixed together and applied three or four times a day. Have found this to be the best of anything ever used for barber's itch." This remedy will be found very good if the case is not very severe. If the face is covered with sores, filled with pus and of long standing a stronger treatment should be used. See other Mothers' Remedies, also Doctors' Treatment. 5. Barber's Itch, Cuticura Ointment for.--"Apply cuticura ointment to the sores, and as it draws out the water press a clean cloth against the sore to absorb the water. This will generally draw the water out in three or four days." PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Barber's Itch.--Pulling out the hairs or close shaving every day. Keep the affected parts soaking with olive oil for two successive days. The evening of the third day the shampoo is employed, the skin is washed free from crusts and scales, shave cleanly. After shaving bathe the parts for ten minutes with borated water, as hot as can be borne; while this is being done, all pustules or points where there is a mucous fluid coming out to the surface are opened with a clean needle. Sponge freely over the affected surface with a strong solution of hyposulphite of sodium for several minutes and not allow it to dry; this solution may contain one dram and perhaps more to the ounce. After a thorough and final washing with hot water, the tender skin is carefully dried and gently smeared with a sulphur ointment containing one to two drams of sulphur to the ounce of vaselin, often with the addition of from one-quarter to one-half grain of mercuric sulphide. In the morning wash the ointment off with soap and water, the sodium solution is reapplied and a borated or salicylated powder is thoroughly dusted and kept over the parts during the day and apply ointment at night. The shaving must be repeated at least the next day. As soon as there are no pustules (lumps), or they have diminished in size, the ointment at night is superseded by the use of the dusting powder. The washing with very hot water and with the solution hyposulphite is continued nightly, when the inflammation excited by the parasite is limited to the follicles that are invaded. Continue the dusting powder after the ointment is discontinued. [SKIN DISEASES 89] WART (Verucca). Mothers' Remedies.--1. An Application for, also Good for Cuts and Lacerations.--"Make a lotion of ten drops tincture of marigold to two ounces of water and apply." This is also good for severe cuts and lacerations. It may be applied by cloths or bandages if the case requires. 2. Warts, Match and Turpentine Wash.--"Dissolve matches in turpentine and apply to wart three or four times," This preparation helps to eat them away and if kept on too long is apt to produce a sore; care should therefore be taken in using this remedy. 3. Warts, Muriate of Ammonia for.--"Take a piece of muriate of ammonia, moisten and rub on the wart night and morning; after a week's treatment the wart, if not extra large, will disappear." 4. Warts, Turpentine for.--"Rub frequently with turpentine for a few days and they will disappear. This is a very simple remedy, but a good one, and worth trying if you are afflicted with warts." 5. Warts, to Remove.--"The juice of the marigold frequently applied is effectual in removing them. Or wash them with tincture of myrrh." 6. Warts, Milkweed Removes.--"Let a drop of the common milkweed soak into the wart occasionally, the wart will loosen and fall out. This can be applied as often as convenient; here in Canada we do not have to go far to get a plant." 7. The following is a good application: Salicylic Acid 1/2 dram Cannabis Indicia 5 grains Collodion 1 ounce Mix and apply to the wart. Tincture of thuja is very good in some cases when applied daily. HIVES, Nettle Rash (Urticaria). Causes.--Foods such as shell fish, strawberries, cheese, pickles, pork and sausages. Medicines that may cause it.--Quinine, copaiba, salicylic acid, etc. Disorders of the stomach and bowels. Insects, like mosquito, bedbug, etc. MOTHERS' REMEDIES.--1. Hives or Nettle Rash, Slippery Elm.--"Slippery elm used as a wash and taken as a drink." Slippery elm is especially good for any skin disease, as it is very soothing to the parts and relieves the itching. If taken as a drink it acts on the kidneys and bowels, throwing off all the impurities. 2. Hives or Nettle Rash, External and Internal Home Medicine for.--"Bathe with weak solution of vinegar. Internal remedy; sweet syrup of rhubarb with small lump of saleratus (size of a pea) dissolved in it. This dose was given to a two-year-old child." The rhubarb helps to rid the stomach and bowels of its impurities, relieving the disease, as hives are usually due to some disorder of the kidneys and bowels. [90 MOTHERS' REMEDIES] 3. Hives or Nettle Rash, Tea and Powder for.--"Rub with buckwheat flour; this will relieve the itching almost immediately. Sassafras tea is a good internal remedy." 4. Hives or Nettle Rash, Catnip Tea for.--"Boil catnip leaves to make a tea, slightly sweeten and give about six or eight teaspoonfuls at bed time and keep patient out of draughts." The tea can be taken throughout the day also. If taken hot on going to bed it causes sweating and care should be taken not to catch cold while the pores are opened. 5. Hives or Nettle Rash, Mother from Buckhorn, Florida, says following is a sure Cure for.--"Grease with poplar bud stewed down until strong; take out buds, add one teaspoonful lard, stew all the water out. Grease and wrap up in wool blanket." 6. Hives or Nettle Rash, from a Mother at New Milford, Pennsylvania.--"One tablespoonful castor oil first. Then put one tablespoonful salts and cream tartar in glass of water; take one spoonful before eating. Have used this and found it excellent." The castor oil acts on the bowels and the cream of tartar on the blood. 7. Hives or Nettle Rash, Buttermilk for.--"Buttermilk applied two or three times a day. Found this to be good for nettle rash." Buttermilk is very soothing and will relieve the itching. This is an old tried remedy. 8. Hives or Nettle Rash, Baking Soda Wash for.--"Make a strong solution of common baking soda, about three teaspoonfuls to pint of water. Sponge or bathe body thoroughly." Any mother who has a child in the house knows how valuable baking soda is in case of burns, on account of its cooling properties. For this same reason it will be found excellent for above disease, as it will relieve the itching and is very soothing. Good for children if used not quite as strong. 9. Hives or Nettle Rash, Canada Blue Clay for.--"Mix up blue clay and water to make a paste. Leave until dry and then wash off." PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Hives or Nettle Rash.--Remove causes. Bowels and kidneys should act freely. Abstain from eating for a day or two if necessary. For the Itching.--Diluted vinegar, applied is effective. Also camphor. Cream of Tartar 2 ounces Epsom Salts 2 ounces Take three or four teaspoonfuls to move the bowels, or one teaspoonful every three hours if the bowels are regular enough. For a child one year old, give one teaspoonful in water every three hours until the bowels move freely. SUNBURN.--When severe, sunburn may present the symptoms of inflammation of the skin. Then there will be redness, swelling and pain followed by deep discoloration of the skin. [SKIN DISEASES 91] MOTHERS' REMEDIES for Sunburn.--1. Lemon Juice and Vinegar for.--"An application of the juice of a lemon or vinegar." 2. Sunburn, Ammonia Water for.--"Ammonia will remove sunburn in one night." Care should be taken in using this remedy. The ammonia should be diluted half with water and not used too often. 3. Sunburn, Relief from Pain and Smarting of.--"Benzoated zinc ointment or vaselin applied to the affected parts is sure to give relief and avoid much pain and smarting." 4. Sunburn, Preparation for.--"I have found nothing better than mentholatum." Mentholatum is simply a mixture of vaselin or cosmolin and menthol. They are both very healing, and will be found beneficial. PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Sunburn.--Soothing ointments and dusting powders are generally sufficient for sunburn. Talcum powder (Mennen's borated), rice powder, oatmeal powders are good and healing. The following are good: 1. Oxide of Zinc Powder 1/2 ounce Powdered Camphor 1-1/2 dram Powdered Starch 1 ounce Mix. Dust on the parts. 2. Powdered Starch 1 ounce Powdered Camphor 1 dram Well mixed and applied is soothing to the parts. 3. The following is a good combination: Carbonate of Lead 1 dram Powdered Starch 1 dram Ointment of Rose Water 1 ounce Olive Oil 2 drams Mix and apply to the inflamed skin. GANGRENE.--This is the death of a part of the body in mass. There are two forms, moist and dry. Dry Gangrene.--This is a combination produced by a loss of water from the tissues. The skin becomes dark and wrinkled and is often hard, like leather. Senile or old age gangrene, and really due to the arterial sclerosis, usually occurs in the lower extremities, involving the toes. A slight injury may first start up the trouble. The pain in this variety is not usually great. [92 MOTHERS' REMEDIES] MOTHERS' REMEDIES.--1. Gangrene, Remedy from New York that cured a Gangrenous Case.--"A man aged 74 years had a sore below the knee for fifteen years; at last gangrene appeared in his foot and three physicians pronounced his case hopeless on account of his age. I was called as a neighbor and found the foot swollen to twice its natural size, and the man in pain from head to foot. I ordered cabbage leaves steamed until wilted, then put them over the limb from knee to foot and covered with a cloth. In about fifteen minutes they were black, so we removed them and put on fresh ones, repeating the change until the leaves did not turn black. Then the sore was thoroughly cleansed with a weak solution of saleratus and while wet was thickly covered with common black pepper and wrapped up. The saleratus water and pepper was changed night and morning until the sore was entirely healed. After the third day this man had no pain, and in four weeks was entirely healed. A year later he said he had never had any trouble with it or with rheumatism which he had had for years before." PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Gangrene.--The skin should be treated. Poultices sometimes may be good, or bottles of hot water around the parts. A general tonic should be given. Moist Gangrene. Causes.--Wounds, fractures, injuries, pressure from lying in bed and frost bite. PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Moist Gangrene.--Remove the cause if possible. This kind is more dangerous, and a physician should be called as the best treatment that can be given is none too good. BLISTER.--This is a watery elevation of the outer skin. It is caused by rubbing, for instance of a shoe, friction from anything, or from burns. It frequently appears on the hands after working for some time at manual labor, when the hands are not accustomed to work. It is the common blister which hardly needs much describing. MOTHERS' REMEDIES for Blister.--1. Linseed Oil for.--"Linseed oil used freely." This is a very good remedy because it is soothing. Any good soothing lotion or salve that will draw out the soreness and pain is helpful. 2. Blister. A Method of Raising a Blister.--"If a blister is needed take an ordinary thick tumbler, rub alcohol inside and around the rim, then invert over a piece of cotton, saturated with alcohol and ignited; after a few minutes the glass may be removed and clapped on the surface of the body. As the glass contains rarified air the flesh will be drawn up into it and a blister formed." IVY POISONING.--The parts usually affected are the hands, face, the genitals, the arms, the thighs and neck. Symptoms.--These usually appear soon. Red patches, with scanty or profuse watery pimples, with a watery discharge after bursting. There is swelling, intense burning and itching. The parts sometimes swell very much and look watery. The person can hardly keep from scratching. MOTHERS' REMEDIES.--1. Ivy Poisoning, Buttermilk and Copperas for.--"Wash in copperas and buttermilk three or four times a day. Have seen this used and it helped." The copperas and buttermilk is very good when applied to the parts immediately after the poison is discovered. The copperas acts very much like sugar of lead and in some cases is very much more effective. [SKIN DISEASES 93] 2. Ivy Poisoning, Cure for.-- "Bromine 10 to 20 drops Olive Oil 1 ounce Mix. Rub the mixture gently into the affected parts three or four times a day. The bromine being volatile the solution should be freshly made." This remedy is frequently used by physicians, and is very effective. CHAPPED HANDS AND FACE. Mothers' Remedies.--1. Chapped Hands, Quince Seed Cream for.--"Soak one teaspoonful of quince seeds in one cup warm water over night. Strain through a cloth and add one ounce glycerin, five cents' worth bay rum, and perfume if you choose." 2. Chapped Hands, Soothing Lotion for.--"Bathe them in soft water using ivory soap and Indian meal; when dry bathe in vinegar. Have tried this treatment and my hands feel soft and easy after treatment." It would be best to dilute the vinegar with water one-half. 3. Chapped Hands, Glycerin for.--"Use glycerin freely." Glycerin is very irritating to some people, then again it works like a charm. You can tell only by trying it. 4. Chapped Hands, Carbolic Salve for.--"We always use a good carbolic salve for these, as we have found nothing better for sores of any kind." A few drops of carbolic acid added to any good salve will give you the above. 5. Chapped Hands, Glycerin and Lemon Juice for.--"Two-thirds glycerin, one-third lemon juice, mix well together; apply nights." 6. Chapped Hands, Camphor Ice for.--"Camphor ice." Apply frequently after thoroughly washing and drying the hands. 7. Chapped Hands, Remedy from a New York Lady.-- Glycerin 4 ounces Cologne 2 ounces Benzoin 1/2 ounce Rain water 1 pint Mix thoroughly and apply to the hands after washing. This remedy has also been used for years by a friend, and we have proved it good. If applied frequently during the winter the hands will not chap." 8. Chapped Hands, Rose Cream for.--"Get ten cents' worth of rose water, five cents' worth of glycerin and the juice of one lemon. Mix and rub on the affected parts," 9. Chapped Hands, Preventive for.--"A little diluted honey or almond oil will restore softness and prevent chapping." [94 MOTHERS' REMEDIES] 10. Chapped Hands or Face, from a Twin Falls Idaho, Mother.--"One-fourth ounce gum tragacanth dissolved in one and half pints of soft water; then add ounce each of alcohol, glycerin and witch-hazel, also a little perfume. I find this one of the best remedies I ever used for sore or chapped hands." PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Chapped Hands.-- 1. Subnitrate of Bismuth 3 drams Oleate of Zinc 3 drams Lycopodium 2 drams Mix. Apply to the parts three times daily. 2. Powdered camphor mixed with vaselin is healing. 3. Ointment of water of roses (cold cream) is a soothing application. It can be improved by adding a little glycerin and benzoic acid--this keeps it sweet in warm weather. 4. Powdered zinc oxide, or starch as a dusting powder. FACE CREAMS, Mothers' Preparations.--l. Cream of Pond Lilies.--"This agrees especially well with oily skins; will keep indefinitely. Orange Flower Water, triple 6 ounces Deodorized Alcohol 1-1/2 ounces Bitter Almonds, blanched and beaten in a mortar 1 ounce White Wax 1 dram Spermaceti 1 dram Oil of Benne 1 dram Shaving Cream 1 dram Oil of Bergamot 12 drops Oil of Cloves 6 drops Oil of Neroli Bigrade 6 drops Borax 1/5 ounce Dissolve the borax in the orange flower water, slightly warmed. Mix the wax, spermaceti, oil of benne and shaving cream in a bainmaire, at gentle heat. Then stir in the perfumed water and almonds. Strain through a clean muslin strainer, place in a mortar and while stirring gradually work in the alcohol in which the oils have been previously dissolved." 2. Face Cream, When Facing our North Winds, in Canada, I Use this.--"Honey, almond meal, and olive oil to form paste. Use after getting skin cleaned. I used it myself and find it good when going out driving." 3. Face Cream, Lanolin Cream.-- Lanolin 1 ounce Sweet Almond Oil 1/2 ounce Boric Acid 40 drops Tincture of Benzoin 10 drops This is a good skin food to be rubbed into the skin with the tips of the fingers." 4. Face Cream, Cucumber Lotion.-- "Expressed Juice of cucumbers 1/2 pint Deodorized Alcohol 1-1/2 ounces Oil of Benne 3-1/4 ounces Shaving Cream 1 dram Blanched Almonds 1-3/4 drams [SKIN DISEASES 95] The preparation of this is the same as for almond lotion. It is an excellent cosmetic to use in massaging the face and throat, as it not only tones any relaxed tissues, but also may be used to cleanse the skin during the day. A complexion brush is an excellent investment; one should be chosen that has fine camel's hair bristle's. It should be used in connection with good soap." 5. Face Cream, Almond Lotion to Whiten and Soften the Skin.-- "Bitter Almonds, blanched and beaten 4 ounces Orange Flower Water 12 ounces Curd Soap (or any fine toilet soap) 1/2 ounce Oil of Bergamot 50 drops Oil of Cannelle 10 drops Oil of Almonds 20 drops Alcohol (65% solution) 4 ounces Powder or break up the soap; dissolve in the orange flower water by heating in a bain-maire, gradually work almonds into the soap and water. Strain and finish as directed above. This is a bland lotion, very cleansing, whitening and softening." 6. Face Cream. the Cold Ontario Wind Harmless When Using this.--"Wash in warm water, rub face dry with corn-meal. This takes place of bottle cream." FROST BITES.--Keep the patient in a cold atmosphere, or put into a cold bath and the frozen part rubbed with snow or ice until sensation is felt and color returns; then discontinue the rubbing and apply ice water compresses. Stimulants such as brandy, coffee and hot drinks are given, but external heat is only gradually permitted, for the circulation returns very slowly to the frost-bitten parts, and in trying to hasten it, we run the risk of producing or, at least, increasing the tendency to gangrene of the frozen parts. MOTHERS' REMEDIES.--l. Frost Bites. Remedy from Northern New York.--"Soak the parts affected in kerosene oil; this will soon draw out the frost." 2. Frost Bites, Roasted Turnips for.--"Roasted turnips bound to the parts frosted." This is a very soothing application, but should not be put on warm. Cold applications are what are needed in frost bites. [Transcriber's Note: From the Mayo Clinic (2005): 1. Get out of the cold. 2. Warm hands by tucking them into your armpits. If your nose, ears or face is frostbitten, warm the area by covering it with dry, gloved hands. 3. Don't rub the affected area, especially with snow. 4. If there's any chance of refreezing, don't thaw out the affected areas. If they're already thawed out, wrap them up so they don't refreeze. 5. Get emergency medical help if numbness remains during warming. If you can't get help immediately, warm severely frostbitten hands or feet in warm--not hot--water.] BUNIONS.--This is a lump over a joint usually of the big toe, usually due to pressure and a wrong position of the surfaces of the joint. MOTHERS' REMEDIES.--1. Bunions, Remedy from Your Flower Garden.--"Peel the outside skin from the leaf of 'Live Forever' and apply as a poultice. Repeat until cured. This is a very good remedy and one that should be tried if you are troubled with bunions or corns." [96 MOTHERS' REMEDIES] 2. Bunions, A Cure for.-- "Tincture of Iodine 2 drams Tincture of Belladonna 2 drams Apply twice a day with camel's hair brush." This mixture when applied will have a drawing effect, and care should be taken not to leave it on too long, as it will irritate the parts and make it very sore. 3. Bunions, Iodine for.--"Apply tincture of iodine to the bunion night and morning. This will reduce size; if used at first will entirely remove." 4. Bunions, Tested Remedy for.--"Take about one teaspoonful salicylic acid in two tablespoons of lard, and apply night and morning. Before doing this apply adhesive plasters to the affected parts." This is a standard remedy. PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Bunions.--Rest of the part, cold applications and liniments. CHILBLAINS. (Erythema Pernio).--This occurs usually in people with a feeble circulation or scrofulous constitution, usually seen in the young or very old. The redness shows most, as a rule, on the hands and feet. The redness may be either a light or dusky shade. It itches and burns especially when near artificial heat. The redness disappears on pressure, and the parts are cool rather than hot. It is an inflammation that follows freezing or a frost-bite. It may return for years at the return of cold weather. MOTHERS' REMEDIES. 1. Chilblains, a Cure for.--"Equal parts of extract of rosemary and turpentine. Apply night and morning until cured." The rosemary is very soothing, and the turpentine creates a drawing sensation. It has cured many cases of chilblains. 2. Chilblains, Witch-hazel for.--"Bathe feet in lukewarm water and soda and apply carbolized witch-hazel." This remedy is very soothing, and always give relief. 3. Broken Chilblains, Ointment for.-- "Sweet Oil 1/2 pint Venice Turpentine 1-1/2 ounce Fresh Lard 1/4 pound Beeswax 1-1/2 ounce Simmer gently together in a pan water bath until the beeswax is melted, stirring until cool. When it is ready for use apply on going to bed on a soft rag." 4. Chilblains, Vinegar Cure.--"Soak the feet in a weak solution of vinegar, then rub good with vaselin or oil." 5. Chilblains, Home-made Salve for.-- Fresh Lard 2 ounces Venice Turpentine 1/2 ounce Gum Camphor 1/2 ounce Melt together, stirring briskly. When cold it is ready for use. 6. Chilblains, Common Glue for.--"Put a little common (dissolved) glue in hot water and soak the feet in it. Repeat if necessary." This is very good and gives relief. [Illustration: Hearth, Stomach and Appendix] [SKIN DISEASES 97] 7. Chilblains, the Onion Cure for.--"Raw onion rubbed on chilblains every night and morning." The onion seems to have a very soothing effect upon the chilblains, and this remedy has been known to cure many stubborn cases. It is always well to soak the feet well before applying this treatment, as the juice from the onion will penetrate more quickly. 8. Chilblains, the Hemlock Remedy for.--"Hemlock twigs mixed with lard and pounded until it is green, then bound on." PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Chilblains.--Thick woolen stockings, mittens and ear protections should be worn. Daily cold baths, especially of such parts, should be taken. Alcohol applied to the parts, full strength, will harden the tissues. Camphor also is good. Internal.--Iron should be given to establish a better circulation and give strength. Tincture of iron, five drops three times a day, is good. External.--1. Alum as a wash applied to the parts. 2. Ointment of ichthyol, one-half strength, is very good in some cases. 3. Rosin made in an ointment is also good to relieve some cases. 4. Lard and iodine ointment is excellent for some. 5. The following is also good: Prepared Chalk 1 ounce Powdered Camphor 10 grains Linseed Oil 2 ounces Balsam of Peru 20 drops Mix and apply. DIGESTIVE ORGANS, DISEASES OF. CANKER SORE MOUTH. (Aphthous Stomatitis.)--This is a variety of inflammation of the mouth where there are one or more vesicles (cankers) upon the edges of the tongue, the cheek or the lips. Causes.--They are most common in children between two and six years of age; but are not rare in adults. Predisposing causes are spring and autumn, tuberculosis, teething, poor nutrition, stomach and bowel disorders. Symptoms.--The vesicles soon rupture and leave the ulcer (canker). There may be a few or many, pin-head or split pea in size, along the edges of the tongue, inside the cheeks. They are very tender. [98 MOTHERS' REMEDIES] MOTHERS' REMEDIES.--1. Canker Sore Mouth, Raspberry Leaf for.--"Infuse a handful of raspberry leaves in a half pint of boiling water for fifteen minutes; when cold strain and add two ounces tinc. of myrrh, rinse the mouth with a little of it two or three times a day, swallow a little each time until relieved. This is also good for spongy gums, loose teeth, bad breath and for gently correcting and cleansing the stomach." 2. Canker Sore Mouth, Oak Bark Tea for.--"Red Oak bark, a little salt and pepper." The bark should be boiled down to make a good strong tea, according to age of person. The salt has an astringent effect upon the mouth and is also a good antiseptic. The pepper should not be used when the parts are very red and inflamed. It should be used only when they are rather sluggish. 3. Canker Sore Mouth, Boracic acid for.--"Rinse the mouth with a solution of boracic acid and put some of the dry powder on the canker," This is a very good remedy as the boracic acid is a good antiseptic and is especially good for children and mild cases of canker sore mouth. 4. Canker Sore Mouth, Canker Weed Tea for.--"Apply canker weed found in the woods. A small plant with dark green leaves spotted with white." Make a tea of the canker weed by steeping it, then strain and apply to the affected parts. This is a very good remedy. 5. Canker Sore Mouth, Honey and Borax for.--"Honey and borax used as a mouth wash or swabbing is excellent." The honey is very soothing and the borax is a good antiseptic. 6. Canker Sore Mouth, Wild Turnip for.--"Dried wild turnip grated fine and put in mouth. I know this is excellent." 7. Canker Sore Mouth, Alum for.--"Take a piece of alum, rub on the canker often." 8. Canker Sore Mouth, Borax Water for.--"Rinse the mouth well with a weak solution of borax water, then put a little dry borax on the canker. They will generally heal after one or two applications." 9. Sore Mouth, Common and Effective Remedy for.--"Make an infusion of sumach bobs (not the poison ones, of course). Good for sore throat when used as a gargle and a little swallowed frequently." This is a very effective remedy and is also good for sore mouth. 10. Sore Mouth, Shoemaker Root and Borax good for.--"Take the inside bark of shoemaker root and steep it; strain, add a little borax; have known it to take off canker where doctors failed." If the above cannot be secured make a tea from common strawberry leaves. You can use this for a baby by swabbing the mouth, and I have known some mothers to throw in a small piece of alum making it stronger for an older person. [DIGESTIVE ORGANS 99] 1. PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Canker Sore Mouth.--If from the diseases mentioned treat them. In the meantime to relieve the local conditions keep the mouth clean and use as a mouth wash boric acid, one teaspoonful to a cup of warm water. 2. Burnt alum applied directly to the part is good. 3. Nitrate of silver pencil applied directly to the canker until it turns whitish, cures in a few applications. Use twice a day. 4. A wash of sage tea is good also, but it must be strong. 5. The juice of a ripe tomato is good applied locally. Sore mouth should be kept absolutely clean. Thrush frequently comes from uncleanness. GANGRENOUS STOMATITIS.--This is a rapidly spreading gangrenous affection of the cheeks and forms a rare occurrence and ending fatally in most cases. The trouble may extend to the jaws and lips. Causes.--It is more common in girls and boys and usually appears between the ages of two and five years. It is worse in the low countries like Holland, but it is not contagious. It is more likely to attack the sickly children suffering from the effects of overcrowding. It may follow diseases like scarlet fever, typhoid fever, smallpox, etc. Symptoms.--It usually affects first the mucous membrane of one cheek, near the corner of the mouth, as a dark, ragged, sloughing ulcer and spreads for two or three days before the substance of the cheek is infected. If you grasp the cheek between the thumb and finger you can then feel a hard and sensitive lump. The cheek may be eaten through by the third day, though a week generally passes before this happens. There is a burning watery discharge from the unhealthy wound. The breath smells terribly and it is almost unbearable. The gangrene may spread over one half of the face of the side affected. TREATMENT.--The death rate is eighty to ninety per cent. This is a very dangerous disease and a doctor must be in attendance. Cut, away all the dead tissue by using burning caustics, such as fuming nitric acid, solid zinc chloride, nitrate of silver, carbolic acid on the actual canker. Sometimes mild applications like sub nitrate of bismuth, chloride of potash or the following do well:-- Sulphate of copper 2 drams Powdered cinchona 1/2 ounce Water enough to make 4 ounces Mix and apply. Peroxide of hydrogen is good as a disinfectant or boric acid solution, etc., may be used. Keep up the patient's strength. Fortunately this disease is rare. I have never seen a case in practice. Salivation.--Stop the mercury, keep the bowels open and use the same antiseptic washes as directed for sore mouth. [100 MOTHERS' REMEDIES] Chlorate of Potash Solution, Soda Solutions, Boracic Acid Solutions.--Brush the ulcers with nitrate of silver sticks. Keep the mouth clean with hot water washes and some of the antiseptics put in the water as boric acid, soda, glycothymotine, listerine, etc. ACUTE DYSPEPSIA.--(Acute Indigestion, Acute Gastritis). "Gaster" is the Greek for stomach; "itis" means inflammation,--thus acute inflammation of the stomach. It may be acute or chronic. When acute it may be called acute gastritis, acute gastric catarrh, acute dyspepsia or acute indigestion. When chronic it may be called chronic gastritis, chronic catarrh of the stomach, chronic dyspepsia or chronic indigestion. Causes.--This is a very common complaint and is usually caused by eating foods that are hard to digest, which either themselves irritate the stomach, or remain undigested, decompose, and so excite an acute dyspepsia, or indigestion, or it may be caused by eating or taking in more than the stomach can digest. A frequent cause is eating decomposing food, particularly in hot weather. Alcohol is another great cause. Symptoms.--In mild cases. Distress in the stomach, headache, weary feeling, thirst, nausea, belching of wind, sour food, and vomiting; the tongue is heavily coated and the saliva increased. In children there are loose bowels and colicky pains. It lasts rarely more than twenty-four hours. Vomiting usually relieves the patient. Severe cases.--These may set in with a chill; fever 102 or 103. The tongue is much coated, breath foul and frequent vomiting, loss of appetite, great thirst, tenderness in region of the stomach; repeated vomiting of food at first, then of bile stained fluid with mucus; constipation or diarrhea. Attacks last one to five days. MOTHERS' REMEDIES.--1. Indigestion or Dyspepsia, Mustard and Molasses for.--"Mustard is an excellent household remedy kept in every home. A tablespoonful of white mustard mingled with two ounces of molasses and then taken once a day will act gently on the bowels and is a beneficial remedy in dyspepsia." By acting upon the bowels it relieves the stomach of any food that may have caused a disturbance and relieves the dyspepsia. 2. Flatulent Dyspepsia, Wormwood tea for.--"Wormwood, one to two teaspoonfuls, water one pint. Make a tea and take from one to four teaspoonfuls daily." This is an old tried remedy and one that should be given a trial if affected with dyspepsia. 3. Indigestion or Dyspepsia, Dry salt for.--"One-half teaspoon dry salt taken before each meal. Knew a gentleman who was nearly worn out with this trouble and entirely cured himself with this simple remedy." It is always well to give these simple remedies a fair trial, before resorting to strong drugs. Salt is a good stimulant. [DIGESTIVE ORGANS 101] 4. Indigestion or Dyspepsia, Chicken Gizzard Skin for.--"Four ounces good brandy, one-fourth pound of loaf sugar, one tablespoonful pulverized chicken gizzard skin, one teaspoonful Turkish rhubarb dried on paper stirring constantly; this prevents griping; the chicken gizzard skin is the lining of the gizzard which should be thoroughly cleaned and dried then pulverized. To prepare put brandy and sugar together (crush the sugar), light a paper and set fire to the brandy; let burn until sugar is dissolved, then add the gizzard skin and rhubarb, stir together and if too thick add a little water and boil up. Dose :--Infant, one-half teaspoonful every four hours; child, one teaspoonful every four hours; adult, one tablespoonful every four hours. Have used this remedy for a great many years and given it to a great many people who have worn out all other remedies." 5. Indigestion or Dyspepsia, an Excellent Tonic for.-- "Tincture Gentian Compound 2 ounces Tincture Rhubarb 2 ounces Tincture Ginger 1/2 ounce Essence Peppermint 2 ounces Bicarbonate Soda 1/2 ounce Water to make 8 ounces Mix. For acute cases of indigestion where the stomach and bowels are full and distended, or sour stomach, spitting up of food. This will often relieve at once and with continued use relieves entirely." 6. Indigestion or Dyspepsia, Fruit Diet Cure for.--"Persons afflicted with this disease would find great relief if they would confine themselves to a diet of fruit only for several days." This gives the stomach an opportunity to rest up and get back to its natural state. 7. Indigestion or Dyspepsia, Hickory Ashes for.--"Take a swallow of hickory limb ashes and water three times a day." 8. Indigestion or Dyspepsia, Salt and water for.--"Drink sal and water before eating breakfast." 9. Indigestion or Dyspepsia, Slippery Elm for.--"Chew slippery elm; it aids digestion." 10. Indigestion or Dyspepsia, Cold Water for.--"A glass of cold water half hour before eating." 11. Indigestion or Dyspepsia, Hot Water for.--"Sip a cup of boiling hot water before eating anything." 12. Indigestion or Dyspepsia, Yolk of Egg and Salt for.--"A very simple but good remedy is the yolk of one egg, with a small quantity of common salt before breakfast. This treatment has been tried and known to cure in many cases." 13. Indigestion or Dyspepsia, Lemon Remedy for.--"Drink a half glass of water into which has been put the juice of a lemon (no sugar) morning and evening. This is a fine remedy." [102 MOTHERS' REMEDIES] 14. Indigestion or Dyspepsia, Hops Excellent for.--"Pour one quart of boiling water over one-half ounce of hops, cover this over and allow the infusion to stand for fifteen minutes; the tea must then be strained off into another jug. A small cupful may be drank in the morning, which will create an appetite and also strengthen the digestive powers. It is an excellent medicinal drink." Hops does its work by the soothing and quieting action on the whole system, and should be taken regularly for some time. 15. Indigestion or Dyspepsia, Tested Remedy for.--"A good digestive is made as follows: Tincture of Leptandrin 1 ounce Tincture of Hydrastis 1 ounce Tincture of Colombo 1 ounce Wine of Pepsin 1 ounce Mix. Dose, two teaspoonfuls after each meal." The leptandrin acts on the liver, the colombo is a bitter tonic and hydrastis is a good tonic for the stomach. 16. Indigestion or Dyspepsia, Chamomile Tonic for Aged Persons also for Children.--"Put about one-half ounce chamomile flowers into a jug, pour a pint of boiling water upon them, cover up the tea, and when it has stood about ten minutes pour it off from the flowers into another jug; sweeten with sugar or honey. A cupful in the morning will strengthen the digestive organs, a teacupful in which is stirred a large dessert spoonful of moist sugar and a little grated ginger is an excellent thing to give to aged persons a couple of hours before dinner," It is remarkable to see how this treatment aids the digestion, especially in chronic cases. It may also be given to fretful children in small doses. PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT in mild cases of acute Dyspepsia.--These recover by themselves by giving the stomach rest, and taking a dose of castor oil. Hot water is good to help to clean out the stomach. Treatment in severe forms.--Promote vomiting by drinking large amount of warm water. This cleans the stomach of the sour, foul, decomposing food. If warm water does not cause vomiting, give any simple emetic you may have at your hand, such as mustard, etc., one teaspoonful. If the stomach tastes very sour, take some baking soda; subnitrate of bismuth (ten grains) is good, if you have it. If the bowels are constipated you should take an enema (injection) or salts. Soda water can be drank freely. Rest the stomach for a day from food. For the thirst cracked ice is relished. As the patient is usually very thirsty the mouth should be rinsed frequently with cool water and some can be swallowed. As stated before for nausea and sour belching, baking soda or bismuth subnitrate can be used when there is much gas, sour belchings; crust coffee is very good. Burn the toast and make a hot coffee of it. [DIGESTIVE ORGANS 103] DIET.--Given us by the Lady Superior of one of the largest Catholic Hospitals in Ohio. May take-- Soups--Clear thin soups of beef, mutton or oysters. Fish--Oysters raw, shad, cod, perch, bass, fresh mackerel. Meats--Beef, mutton, chicken, lamb, tripe, tongue, calf's head, broiled chopped meat, sweetbread, game, tender steak. Eggs--Boiled, poached, raw. Farinaceous--Cracked wheat, hominy, rolled oats, rice, sago, tapioca, crackers, dry toast, stale bread, corn bread, whole wheat bread, graham bread, rice cakes. Vegetables--Spinach, string beans, green peas, lettuce, cresses, celery, chicory, asparagus. Desserts--Rice, tapioca or farina pudding, junket, custards, baked apples, apple snow, apple tapioca, ripe fruits--raw or stewed. Drinks--One cup of milk and hot water equal parts, or one glass of pure cool water, sipped after eating, Panopepton or cracked ice. Must Not Take--Rich soups or chowders, veal, pork, hashes, stews, turkey, potatoes, gravies, fried foods, liver, kidney; pickled, potted, corned or cured meats; salted, smoked or preserved fish; goose, duck, sausage, crabs, lobster, salmon, pies, pastry, candies, ice cream, cheese, nuts, ice water, malt or spirituous liquors. CHRONIC DYSPEPSIA (Chronic Indigestion--Chronic Gastritis--Stomach Trouble).--A chronic digestive disorder characterized by increased secretion of mucus, changes in the gastric juice, weakening of the stomach muscles and diseased changes in the mucous membrane. Causes.--The use of unsuitable and improperly prepared food, too much fat, starchy foods, New England pie, and hot meals, biscuits, cakes, etc., greasy gravies, too strong tea or coffee, and too much alcohol. Eating too much food, eating too fast, and eating between meals. Drinking of ice and cold water during or after meals. Chewing, especially, and smoking tobacco. [104 MOTHERS' REMEDIES] Symptoms.--Almost every bad feeling can be put under this head, both physical and mental. It has been coming on gradually for some time and the warnings have not been heeded; The appetite is variable, sometimes good and often poor. Among the early symptoms are feelings of distress or oppression after eating, and they may amount to actual pain; great or small. Sometimes feels sick at the stomach, belching of gas and bitter liquids and vomiting of food immediately after eating or some hours later. Stomach tender and painful to the touch. Stomach and abdomen are distended, especially after meals, with costive bowels or diarrhea. Feels weary, blue, tired, discouraged, poor sleep, bad dreams, bitter taste in the mouth, tongue coated especially on the back part, craves different things, much wind on the stomach, acid stomach, heavy feeling in the stomach, sometimes as if a stone lay there. Stomach feels weak, it is hard to sit up. Frequently must lie down after meals. Urine may have sand in it, Stomach feels full after eating only a little, must open up the clothes across the stomach. Persons are cross, irritable, discouraged, gloomy, nervous, generally look thin, haggard and sallow. The dreams are of horrid things, nightmare. MOTHERS' REMEDIES, Stomach Trouble, Spice Poultice for,--1. "Take all kinds of ground spices and make a poultice. Heat whisky and wet the poultice with it, then apply to the stomach and bowels." This will always give relief. Wetting the poultice with whisky will be found very beneficial as it will retain the heat longer. 2. Stomach Trouble, Oil of Hemlock for,--"The Oil of Hemlock is a superior remedy in gastric irritation of the stomach. Dose:--One to two drops in sweetened water every ten or twenty minutes until relief is afforded, for an adult." 3. Cramps in Stomach, Ginger and Soda for.--"One teaspoonful of ginger stirred in half glass of hot water in which a half teaspoonful of baking soda has been dissolved." The ginger is very beneficial, as it warms up the stomach and thereby relieves the cramps, and the baking soda relieves any gas in the stomach that may be causing the trouble. 4. Cramps in Stomach, Oil of Peppermint for.--"Put a few drops of peppermint in a glass of warm water. Take a teaspoonful every few minutes until relieved." This is an old time-tried remedy our grandmothers used to use and can be relied upon. 5. Cramps in Stomach, Mustard Poultice and Eggs for.--"Make a mustard poultice with whites of eggs instead of water, and apply same to bowels. Give a teaspoonful of blackberry tea every fifteen or twenty minutes until relieved." The poultice acts as a counter irritant and will almost always relieve the cramps without further medicines. 6. Pains in Stomach, Hot Plate for.--"Hot plate laid on stomach. Use the heavy English made plates, common to us in Canada, as they will hold heat longer." [DIGESTIVE ORGANS 105] PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Chronic Gastritis.--Most cases can be cured if the patient is willing to do the proper thing in eating and drinking and regulating the habits. It takes time to cure such cases, and plenty of grit and courage and "stick" on the patient's part. Remember it has been a long time coming, longer than it will be going if the patient does right. Diet and habits must be corrected. You cannot help the trouble if you put into the stomach what has caused it. We eat too much fat and too much improper and improperly cooked foods, our bread, etc., is half baked. Gravies are rich and greasy, everything is highly seasoned, very much like the life we lead. Diet.--A regular time for eating and no eating between meals. Do not eat too much or too fast, or anything that you know disagrees with you. Fried foods are generally harmful, pies, cakes, hot breads, strong tea and coffee and alcohol, gravy and highly spiced foods; vinegar pickles, preserves, etc., are generally bad. If there is acid belching gas on stomach, the starch foods should be restricted, particularly potatoes and the coarser vegetables. Potatoes fried in lard or butter are always bad unless you are a hard physical worker. Dr. Osler, England, says breads, pancakes, pies, and tarts, with heavy pastry and fried articles of all sorts, should be strictly prohibited. As a rule, white bread toasted is more readily digested than bread made from the whole meal. Sometimes graham bread is better. Sugar and very sweet articles of food should be used in great moderation or avoided altogether. Ice cream frequently aggravates it. Soda water is a great dyspepsia producer. Fats, except a little good butter, very fat meats, and thick greasy soups and gravies should be avoided. Ripe fruits are good in some cases. Bananas generally are not digested. Berries are frequently harmful. Milk is splendid diet for some people. Cautions.--The bowels must be kept "moving" every day, try to do it by dieting, rubbing the abdomen and exercise. Bathing the abdomen in cool water is good. Go to the closet at a regular time every day and try to have a passage, as this helps. Never put off going to stool when nature calls. Dyspepsia is frequently made worse by constipation. Seek good cheerful company. Do not worry over your condition. By care and diet you will soon be all right. Home Treatment.--1. Drink a glass of cold water an hour before breakfast, or hot water if it agrees better with you. 2. Do not eat much meat. 3. If the stomach wants tone, bitter tonics, like quassia, gentian, cardanum are good, even if drank as teas. When the tongue is coated with a white thick fur, golden seal is good. Medicines are not as essential as care and diet. 4. Charcoal in small doses is good for' a "gassy" stomach. 5. If a bitter tonic is needed the following is good: Bicarbonate of Soda 1 dram Tincture of Nux Vomica l to 2 drams Compound tincture of Gentian, enough for 3 ounces Mix and take one teaspoonful to a dessert spoonful before meals. [106 MOTHERS' REMEDIES] NERVOUS DYSPEPSIA.--This is acquired from over work, worry, excitement, hurried or irregular meals, or inherited. It shows itself in all sorts of symptoms and they must be met as they come. Diet the same as for general dyspepsia, never eat when you are tired, rest after eating. ULCER OF THE STOMACH AND DUODENUM (Upper part of bowel).--Round or perforating ulcer. The stomach ulcer is most common in women of twenty or thirty; servant girls, shoemakers, and tailors are frequently attacked. Ulcer of the duodenum is usually in males and may follow large superficial burns. The ulcer in the stomach is usually situated near the pylorus (small end) and in the first portion of the duodenum. Symptoms.--Pain, local tenderness, vomiting and bleeding. These may not show until perforation or bleeding occurs. Distress after eating, often nausea and vomiting of very acid fluid, loss of weight and lack of blood. Pain in the region of the stomach and the back is the most constant symptom. It is usually sharp, increased at once by food, relieved by vomiting. The tender spot can be located. Bleeding occurs in about one-half the cases and is usually profuse, bright red and fluid; if retained in the stomach the blood becomes clotted and brown. Tar-like stools when there is blood in the bowels. They usually recover under treatment, but may recur. PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT FOR ULCER OF THE STOMACH.--1. Rest in bed most of the time for several months. 2. Feed by the rectum at first in severe cases, then peptonized or plain milk or buttermilk (three to four ounces) every two hours, some adding eggs, chicken, scraped beef and farinaceous food, made of: rice, flour, corn, potatoes, etc. CANCER OF THE STOMACH.--Usually occurs after the age of forty. Symptoms.--Indigestion for a few months; lack of blood and loss of weight. Well marked case shows the following symptoms:--Distaste for food, nausea, irregular vomiting, especially in cases where it is located near the pylorus--the opening between the stomach and the small intestine--usually one hour or more after eating; bleeding rarely profuse, usually of "coffee-ground type," dragging, gnawing or burning pain in the region of the stomach, back, loins or shoulders, usually increased by food; progressive loss of weight and strength; peculiar sallow look, skin pale or yellowish. Course.--The person usually dies in twelve to eighteen months, sometimes in three to four months. [DIGESTIVE ORGANS 107] PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT of Cancer of the Stomach and Bowels.--There is no cure for this trouble except by an operation. This must be done early; even this may not cure but it, at least, prolongs life and makes the patient more comfortable while life does last. In the line of medicine the only thing to do is to give only such remedies as will ease the symptoms. Diet.--Attend to this also and you will save pain and distress. Every case should be treated as it needs and no special directions can be given here. BLEEDING FROM THE STOMACH.--(Haematemesis). Causes.--Cancer and ulcer of the stomach are main causes of excessive bleeding; poisons also cause it; injuries also. Symptoms.--The vomited blood may be fluid or clotted; it is usually of dark color. The longer it remains in the stomach the darker it becomes. There may be great weakness and faint feeling on attempting to rise before a vomiting of blood. The contents of the bowels when passed look "tarry." PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Bleeding of the Stomach.--Absolute rest in bed is necessary. The bowels should be moved by an enema and it can be repeated carefully as often as necessary. Cracked ice in bag over the stomach. If the patient vomits much medicine is useless. They generally recover with rest. The extremities can be bandaged if there is great weakness and also external heat can be applied if there is a tendency to faintness. Caution.--A person so afflicted, if he has ulcer, must be careful of his diet for months after an attack. He should be careful not to lift, over work, over eat or worry. NEURALGIA OF THE STOMACH (Cardialgia, Gastralgia, Gastrodynia).-- This is a severe pain in paroxysms in the region of the stomach. Causes.--The patients are of a nervous type. They may have anemia, exhaustion from sickness and bleedings, the menstruation be at fault. Grief, worry and anxiety. Symptoms.--The attack comes suddenly as a rule. The pains are agonizing in the stomach region, they may dart to the back or pass around the lower ribs. The attack lasts from a few minutes to an hour or two. It does not depend upon the food taken. PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Neuralgia of the Stomach.--The causes should be understood and especial treatment given for them. The patients are usually run down and a tonic treatment is needed. Constipation and menstrual troubles should be cured, worry, trouble and anxiety, if possible, be removed. The following is good for nervous patients:-- Valerianate of zinc 18 grains Valerianate of quinine 18 grains Iron Arsenate 2 grains Mix and make into eighteen pills and take one after meals. [108 MOTHERS' REMEDIES] Bitter tonics can be taken such as gentian, columbo, quassia. Change of air and scene may be needed. Sometimes morphine must be given for the attack. A physician should do this. If there is much gas, soda and peppermint are good. DIARRHEA:--Causes. (a) Improper or excessive food, including green or over-ripe fruit. (b) Poison substances; such as decomposed milk or meat either fresh or canned: or caused by arsenic, mercury or colchicum. (d) Exposure to cold, wet or draughts. (c) Stomach disorder, preventing thorough digestion. (e) Extension of inflammation from other organs. Symptoms.--Sudden colicky pain in the bowels, moving about with rumbling noises. The pain is not constant and is followed at intervals with a sudden extreme desire to empty the bowels. The stools may be four to twenty a day, watery or gruel-like in appearance and they sometimes contain mucus or undigested food. The stools usually relieve the pain for the time. It usually lasts two or three days or longer. MOTHERS' REMEDIES.--Diarrhea.--1. "Wild Sage Tea." Wild sage tea is a very good remedy for bowel trouble because of its astringent virtues. Before the sage is used, however, the bowels should be thoroughly cleansed with castor oil or salts. 2. Diarrhea, Egg and Nutmeg for.--"Beat up an egg, grate in half a nutmeg and sweeten to taste. Repeat two or three times during the day. Remarks: Has been known to help in chronic cases when doctors' medicine failed." 3. Diarrhea, Scorched Flour and Sugar for.--"Scorched flour in boiled milk or scorched flour and sugar eaten dry is very good. This is a simple but a never failing remedy if taken right at the beginning of the trouble." 4. Diarrhea, Excellent Compound for.-- "Paregoric 1 ounce Tincture of Camphor 1/2 ounce Tincture of Ginger 1/2 ounce Tincture of Red Pepper 1/2 ounce Essence of Peppermint 1/2 ounce Ether 1/2 ounce Mix.--Dose for adult, one teaspoonful to four of water every two hours if necessary. This is an excellent remedy." 5. Diarrhea, Spice Poultice for.--"Make a poultice of all kinds of ground spices, heat whisky and wet the poultice, apply to the stomach and bowels." 6. Diarrhea, Blackberry Root Tea for.--"One-half ounce blackberry root boiled in one pint water fifteen minutes, strain. Dose.--One teaspoonful every hour or two until relieved." [DIGESTIVE ORGANS 109] 7. Diarrhea, Hot Milk, for.--"A glass of sweet milk that has been boiled well. Drink hot; use several times daily until checked." 8. Diarrhea, Castor Oil for.--"Castor oil. Dose.--One to four teaspoonfuls according to age. Wrap warm flannel around abdomen." 9. Summer Complaint, Former Canadian's Remedy for.--"Eat one blossom of the May weed every hour or two until relieved. This remedy came from Port Huron and has been used by my father with success." 10. Summer Complaint, a Goderich Lady Found this Good for.--"Powdered rhubarb, cinnamon, baking soda (one tablespoonful of each), dissolve in one pint of boiling water, add one tablespoonful of peppermint; take every hour one teaspoonful in water." 11. Summer Complaint, Inexpensive Remedy for.-- "Paregoric 2 ounces Brandy 1 ounce Jamaica Ginger 1 ounce Have used this and found it excellent." Dose: 1/2 dram every 3 hours. 12. Summer Complaint, Fern Root Good to Relieve.--"A decoction is made with two ounces of the sweet fern root boiled in one and one-half pints water to one pint. Dose.--A tablespoonful several times a day as the case requires. Most useful in diarrhea," This may be purchased at any drug store and will be found a very good treatment for diarrhea. 13. Summer Complaint, Milk and Pepper a Common Remedy for.--"Sweet milk and black pepper once or twice a day. Dose.--Three or four swallows. Mother used to use this for us children." The milk should be warmed, for in this way it relieves the diarrhea while the pepper is stimulating. PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Diarrhea.--1. Rest in bed is the best. Abstain from food, especially at first, and then only give a little milk and boiled water or milk and lime water every two hours for two days. Cracked ice is good for the thirst. 2. A dose of one-half to an ounce of castor oil to an adult is of great benefit, as it removes all the irritating matter from the bowels. This often cures a light diarrhea. Follow by a blackberry wine or blackberry cordial if it is more severe. 3. For children.--An infusion of path weed is an excellent remedy for this trouble in children; after castor oil in one to two teaspoonful doses has been given. If castor oil is too bad to take, you can use what is called "spiced syrup of rhubarb," one to two teaspoonfuls to a child one to two years old, and then follow with blackberry wine. 4. For infants.--An infusion of chamomile is good for the green diarrhea of teething babies. [110 MOTHERS' REMEDIES] 5. Another for infants.--For infantile diarrhea the root of geranium maculation or cranesbill, boiled in milk in the proportion of one or two roots to the pint, will be found of great service and is tasteless. 6. Ginger tea is frequently of good service, especially when the stomach needs "toning." 7. Infants of six months.--Chalk and bismuth mixture by Dr. Douglass, of Detroit. "Subnitrate of Bismuth 2 drams Paregoric 2 fluid drams Chalk mixture 2 fluid drams Mix and shake bottle. Give one-half to one teaspoonful for loose bowels in a child six months old, every two to four hours as needed." DIET IN DIARRHEA.--From the Head Nurse of a Large Hospital. May Take-- Soups.--Milk soup well boiled, clam juice, beef tea. Meats.--Scraped fresh beef or mutton well broiled, sweetbread, beef juice from freshly broiled steak (all sparingly). Eggs.--Lightly boiled or poached on dry toast. Farinaceous.--Rice, sago, macaroni, tapioca, arrowroot, dry toast, milk toast, toasted crackers. Desserts.--Milk puddings, plain, with sago, rice, tapioca or arrowroot (no sugar). Drinks.--Tea, toast water, boiled peptonized milk, Panopepton. Must Not Take-- Oatmeal, wheaten grits, fresh breads, rich soups, vegetables, fried foods, fish, salt meats, lamb, veal, pork, brown or graham bread, fruits, nuts, pies, pastry, ice cream, ice water, sugars, sweets, custards, malt liquors, sweet wines. Infants.--Bottle-fed infants should stop milk and use egg albumen, etc. This is prepared by gently stirring (not to a froth) the white of one egg in a cup of cold water and one-fourth teaspoonful of brandy and a little salt mixed with it. Feed this cold. [DIGESTIVE ORGANS 111] If it causes foul or green stools it must be stopped. Dr. Koplik, of New York, recommends stopping the feeding of breast and bottle-fed infants in severe diarrhea or cholera infantum and to use the following:--Albumin water, acorn cocoa, or beef juice expressed and diluted with barley water. The white of one egg is equal in nourishing value to three ounces of milk and is well borne by infants. The albumin water can be used alternately with the solution of acorn cocoa or beef juice or barley water. Liebig's soup mixture is better liked by older children. Meat juice is made from lean beef, slightly broiled, then cutting it in squares and squeezing these in a lemon press. Rice or barley water can be added to this if the meat juice causes vomiting. Add only one or two teaspoonfuls of barley or rice water and increase, if it agrees well, in a day or two. CHOLERA MORBUS (Acute Inflammation of Stomach and Upper Bowel).--This is most common in young people in late summer, after indiscretion in eating. Symptoms.--Sometimes the patient feels tired, then nausea, etc. The attack though is usually sudden, with nausea, vomiting, and cramp-like pains in the abdomen. The contents of the stomach are vomited. The bowel discharge at first is diarrhea and later like rice water. Repeated vomiting and purging, with severe cramps. It looks like true cholera. MOTHERS' REMEDIES, Cholera Morbus.--Castor Oil for.--"Castor oil one tablespoonful for an adult, one-half tablespoonful for children." This is an old, tried remedy and very good. 2. Cholera Morbus, Blackberry Root and Boiled Milk for.--"Steep the root of the long blackberry, give in one-half teaspoonful doses; alternate with teaspoonfuls of well boiled sweet milk, one-half hour apart." 3. Cholera Morbus, Blackberry Cordial for.--"Take a quantity of blackberries, strain out all of the juice. To each pint of juice add a pint of sugar. Then put in a little bag or cloth one-half ounce of cinnamon, one-fourth ounce of mace, two teaspoonfuls of cloves. Place this little bag with spices in the berry juice and boil for about two minutes, after which remove bag of spices and add one large cup of brandy or whisky to each pint of juice." 4. Cholera Morbus, Tincture Cayenne Pepper for.--"Tincture cayenne pepper, five to ten drop doses in a little hot water. Before giving this medicine it is well to drink a quantity of tepid water and produce vomiting. This can be made more effective by adding five or ten drops of camphor." 5. Cholera Morbus, Nutmeg and Jamaica Ginger for.--"Grate one teaspoonful nutmeg, put few drops Jamaica ginger in three or four tablespoonfuls of brandy, add little water." The writer says this is one of the finest remedies she has ever known for summer complaint. 6. Cholera Morbus, Home Remedy for.--"To a pint of water, sweetened with sugar, add chalk one-half dram, anise, two drams, cayenne pepper, ten grains; boil this down to one-half pint. Give a teaspoonful every hour or two until relieved. Kerosene may be applied to the abdomen with cloths. This is a very good remedy and easily prepared." [112 MOTHERS' REMEDIES] 7. Cholera Morbus, Old Reliable Remedy for.-- Tincture Rhubarh 4 ounces Spirits Camphor 2 ounces Paregoric (Tinct. opii camph.) 3 ounces Spirits Ammonia 4 ounce Essence Peppermint 1 dram Take a half teaspoonful every two hours. This is a tested recipe; have known of its being used the last fifty years." The camphor and paregoric will relieve the pain, while the rhubarb and pepper are stimulating and laxative. 8. Cholera Morbus, Common Remedy for.--"To check vomiting and purging, the following mixture is excellent: Essence of Peppermint 1 ounce Water 1 ounce Carbonate of Potash 20 grains Paregoric 1 teaspoonful White Sugar or Honey 2 teaspoonfuls Mix and shake well. Dose.--One teaspoonful every ten or twenty minutes until the patient becomes quiet. If necessary keep up bodily heat by means of hot flannels or bricks to extremities. Keep the patient quiet." This is an excellent remedy for this trouble and may be used by anyone. The above mixture is for an adult. PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Cholera Morbus.--l. Heat to the bowels and to the extremities. Give plenty of hot water to aid vomiting and to wash the stomach. It is always well to keep on drinking hot water and frequently the vomiting stops. If not, the camphor, laudanum and water can be given. 2. Morphine by hypodermic method. A doctor must give this. 3. Tincture of Camphor 15 drops Laudanum 15 drops Mix in one-third of a cup of hot water. This is a good remedy. Mustard poultice to the stomach and bowels benefits. [DIGESTIVE ORGANS 113] CHOLERA INFANTUM, Symptoms.--Usually begins with a diarrhea, which is often so mild as to attract but little attention, but should be a warning. If a weakly baby has a diarrhea which persists, or is foul smelling and especially if there is a marked loss of flesh and dullness of mind, there is ground for worry. If a bright child loses interest in things and has diarrhea something is wrong. The two essential features are vomiting and diarrhea, and the vomiting is persistent. First it vomits food, then the mucus and bile. The thirst is great, but anything taken to relieve it is instantly thrown up. The stools are frequent, large and watery. They may be painless and involuntary. They may look like dirty water, but later they loose all color. They are sometimes so thin and copious as to soak through the napkin and saturate the bed. They may be without odor, and again the odor is almost over-powering. The prostration is great and rapid. The fontannelles, openings in the head, are depressed, the face becomes pale and pinched, and the eyes are sunken. It occurs usually during the summer months, oftener in babies under eighteen months and still more under a year old. Cautions.--This book will probably find its way into homes many miles from a drug store and possibly a long distance from a physician. Should a child in that home show symptoms of cholera infantum it would be imperative for that mother to begin at once home treatments. We, therefore, give below a number of remedies which a mother can either prepare in her home or can take the precaution to have filled at some convenient time and keep constantly at hand, properly labeled so she can turn to them at any moment. On the other hand, should you have to wait even three or four hours for a physician begin one of the treatments below until he comes; you may save the child's life by doing so. Cholera infantum and pneumonia claim so many of our little ones each year, and in many cases snatch them away within a few hours of the first noticeable symptoms that we must advise you to call a physician as soon as you suspect it is serious. Cases vary and only a trained eye can detect the little symptoms and changes that may weigh in the balance the life of baby. MOTHERS' REMEDIES for Cholera Infantum.--l. Castor oil and warm applications for.--"Give the child one teaspoonful of castor oil, then wring woolen cloths out of warm whisky and apply to the abdomen. This will most always give relief, especially after the castor oil has acted upon the bowels." 2. Cholera Infantum, First Thing to Do.--"The first thing to do is to give a teaspoonful of castor oil, so as to thoroughly clean out the bowels. Then add one tablespoonful of turpentine to one quart of hot water and wring cloths out of this and apply to the bowels to relieve the pain that is always present in this disease. The turpentine is especially good for the bowels when they are bloated and have much gas in them." 3. Cholera Infantum, White of Egg and Cathartic for.--"One teaspoonful castor oil every two hours, until the movements are natural. Give no food except albumen water, which is composed of the white of one egg (slightly beaten) and a small pinch of salt in a glass of cold water which has been previously boiled. Feed this by spoonfuls." 4. Cholera Infantum, Olive or Sweet Oil for.--"One teaspoonful sweet or olive oil three times a day and an injection of one tablespoonful of the oil at night, to be retained in the bowels. If continued this will completely cure." 5. Cholera Infantum, Spice and Whisky Poultice for.--"Take all kinds of ground spices, make a poultice. Heat whisky and wet the poultice. Apply to the stomach and bowels." [114 MOTHERS' REMEDIES] 6. Cholera Infantum, Cabbage Leaf Poultice for.--"Take a cabbage leaf, hold it over the stove until warm as can be stood on back of hand; lay it across the child's abdomen. Repeat if necessary." 7. Cholera Infantum, Herb Remedy for.--"Strawberry root, blackberry root and raspberry root, equal parts, steeped together. I have used this remedy and found it good, but it should be used in time." Make a tea of these roots and take one teaspoonful every hour until relieved. This is a mild astringent. 8. Cholera Infantum, Tomatoes Will Relieve.--"Make a syrup of peeled tomatoes well sweetened with white sugar. Give one teaspoonful every half hour." This syrup is very soothing and the tomatoes are especially good if there is some ulcerated condition of the bowels. This preparation should always be strained before using. 9. Cholera Infantum, Injection for.--"For infant one year old inject into the bowels one pint of thin starch, in which is mixed from three to five drops of laudanum; cool, repeat night and morning. Plenty of water or cold barley water may be given and the food for a time may consist of egg albumen with a few drops of brandy. When the symptoms first appear apply a spice plaster or hot application over the abdomen; and keep child as quiet as possible." This is a remedy recommended and used by a number of physicians and has cured many severe cases. Diets and Drinks.--Stop ordinary feeding at once. A little cream and water, or barley water and cream may do. If the breast milk excites the stomach and the bowels, stop it for a few hours. You can give a few drops of raw beef juice or a little brandy and water. To satisfy the thirst, wrap up a small bit of ice in a linen cloth and let the baby mouth it. Dilute the milk or stop entirely and give only water, or lime water and milk, barley water. Give all the water the child can drink boiled and cooled. PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Cholera Infantum.--1. Washing out of the bowel frequently by injection controls the diarrhea. Use water of a temperature of 107. Elevate the tube about two feet above the bed, use one-half pint at one time. As the half pint flows in disconnect the funnel attached to the tube and the contents of the bowel are allowed to escape. Then allow another one-half pint to flow in. Some may escape and this is not an unfavorable sign. Keep on until a quart is given. This treatment is to wash and clean out the gut and stimulate the heart. The salt solution should be used, if necessary. Give only two daily. 2. For Vomiting.--Wash out the stomach through a tube or by giving a great deal of water. 3. Subcarbonate of bismuth for the vomiting and straining; two or three grains in powder every two or three hours. If there is much colicky pain, add one-half grain of salol to the bismuth powder. [DIGESTIVE ORGANS 115] 4. Castor oil; one teaspoonful may be needed if the bowels have any fecal matter in them. 5. Mustard poultice or spice poultice on the belly is useful. Vomiting.--This is simply a symptom; many diseases cause it, as scarlet fever, tuberculosis, meningitis, acute dyspepsia, biliousness, chronic dyspepsia, indigestion, neuralgia of the bowels, appendicitis, ulcer and cancer of the stomach, pregnancy, etc. Many persons with dyspepsia vomit their food. MOTHERS' REMEDIES for Vomiting.--1. Spice Poultice to Stop.--"Make a poultice of one-half cup of flour and one teaspoonful of each kind of ground spice, wet with alcohol or whisky. Apply over the stomach." This acts as a counter irritant and has the same action on the system as a mustard plaster, only not so severe and can be left on for hours, as there need be no fear of blistering. This kind of a poultice should always be used when it is necessary to leave one on any length of time. 2. Vomiting, Mustard Plaster to Stop.--"Plaster of mustard on pit of stomach." Be very careful not to allow the plaster to remain on too long, as it will blister, and this would be worse to contend with than the vomiting. 3. Vomiting, Parched Corn Drink to Stop.--"Take field corn and parch it as brown as you can get it without burning. When parched throw in boiling water and drink the water as often as necessary until vomiting is stopped." 4. Vomiting, Peppermint Leaves Application for.--"Bruise peppermint leaves and apply to the stomach." This can be found in any drug store in a powder form, and is easily prepared by crushing the leaves and applying to the stomach. If you have the essence of peppermint in the house, that will answer about the same purpose taken internally and rubbed over abdomen. 5. Vomiting, to Produce, Mustard and Water for.--"To produce vomiting take two tablespoonfuls dry mustard, throw luke warm water over it and let stand a minute, then drink." This is an old, tried remedy that we all know about. 6. Vomiting, to Produce, Warm Water for.--"Drink a quart of warm water and you will easily find relief at once." The warm water remedy is very good as the water helps the patient by removing all decomposed food. PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Vomiting.--The only way to treat it is to treat the disease that causes it. Here I may mention a very simple remedy; a tea made from wood soot is frequently helpful. It is the creosote in the wood soot that gives it its medical virtue. 2. For nervous vomiting; two to five drops of garlic juice is good. Dose of syrup for a child [is] one teaspoonful. Dose of syrup for an adult is four teaspoonfuls. [116 MOTHERS' REMEDIES] 3. A little brandy on cracked ice is often good. 4. Oil of cloves, one-half to one drop, helps in some cases. 5. Lime water added to milk is good in babies. 6. Vinegar fumes, saturate a cloth and inhale the fumes. 7. Seidlitz powder often settles the stomach, soda also. 8. Mustard plaster over the stomach is good in all cases. 9. One-tenth of a drop of ipecac is good for nausea and vomiting. 10. One-half of a drop of Fowler's solution every two hours is useful in nausea following a spree. So also one drop dose of nux vomica every half hour. APPENDICITIS.--Inflammation of the vermiform appendix is the most important of acute bowel troubles. Sometimes the appendix may contain a mould of feces, which can be squeezed out readily. Sometimes foreign bodies like pins are found there; in about seven per cent of cases foreign bodies are found. It is a disease of young persons. Fifty per cent occur before the twentieth year. It is most common in males. Persons who do heavy lifting are quite subject to the disease. Some cases follow falls or blows. Indiscretions of diet are very apt to bring on an attack, particularly in those who have had it before. Pain in the appendix in such persons, frequently follows the eating of food hard to digest. Gorging with peanuts is also a cause. Symptoms.--In a large proportion of cases the following symptoms are present:--Sudden pain in the abdomen, usually referred to the right groin region. Fever often of moderate form or grade. Disturbances of the stomach and bowels, such as nausea, vomiting and frequently constipation. Tenderness or pain in the appendix region. The pain in fully one-half of the cases is localized in right lower part of the abdomen, but it may be in the central portion, scattered, or in any part of the abdomen. Even when the pain is not in the region of the appendix at first, it is usually felt there within thirty-six or forty-eight hours. It is sometimes very sharp and colic-like; sometimes it is dull. The fever follows rapidly upon the pain. It may range from 100 to 102 and higher. The tongue is coated and moist usually,--seldom dry. Nausea and vomiting are commonly present. It rarely persists longer than the second day in favorable cases. Constipation is the rule, but the attack may start with diarrhea. Local Signs.--Tenderness of the rectus muscle (to the right of the centre of the abdomen) and tenderness or pain on deep pressure. The muscle may be so rigid that a satisfactory examination cannot be made. Sometimes there is a hardness or swelling in the appendix region. Tenderness, rigidity and actual pain on deep pressure; with the majority of cases, a lump or swelling in the region of the appendix. [Illustration: Vermiform Appendix. When Affected by Inflamation and Gangrene Necessitating an Operation.] [Illustration: Vermiform Appendix. Showing Different Types.] [DIGESTIVE ORGANS 117] Recovery.--Recovery is the rule. It frequently returns. General peritonitis may be caused by direct perforation of the appendix and death in appendicitis is usually due to peritonitis. Surgeons have declared that sudden pain in the region of the appendix, with fever and localized tenderness, with or without a lump almost without exception means appendix disease. Rest in bed, take measures to allay the pain; ice bag applied to the part is very effective. Operation.--Dr. Osler, of Oxford, England, says.--"Operation is indicated in all cases of acute inflammatory trouble in this region, whether the lump is present or not, when the general symptoms are severe, and when by the third day the features of the case points to a progressive (condition) lesion. An operation after an acute attack has disappeared is not fraught with much danger." Diet.--All food should be withheld for a few days if possible. Liquids, such as egg albumen, weak tea, thin broth, barley or rice water, or milk diluted with lime water may be given in small quantities if necessary. When the acute symptoms have subsided, milk may be taken undiluted, and eggs may be added to the broth. When the pain and fever have disappeared entirely, gruels made of rice or barley, soft-boiled egg, scraped beef, stewed chicken, toast, and crackers may be added to the list; still later, mashed potatoes and vegetables, finely divided and strained, may be allowed and, finally, when well, usual diet resumed. APPENDICITIS, Mothers' Remedies.--Home Treatment Found Good for.--"To allay the pain and stop the formation of pus in appendicitis it is recommended that a flannel cloth be saturated with hot water, wrung out, drop ten to fifteen drops of turpentine on it and apply to the affected parts as hot as the patient can bear. Repeat until relief is obtained. Then cover the bowels with a thin cotton cloth, upon which place another cloth wrung out of kerosene oil. This sustains the relief and conduces to rest and eventual cure. It is an essential part of the absorbent cure for appendicitis, and since its adoption doctors do not resort to a surgical operation half so often." The above is a standard remedy and will most always give relief. PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Appendicitis.--The bowels should at first be moved by an enema, The patient should be perfectly quiet in bed. The ice-bag should be applied to the part, but wrapped in flannel and flannel also on the skin, It must not be allowed to make the flesh too cool. This coolness relieves the inflammation of the part. Small doses, from one-tenth to one drop, of aconite can be given for the fever and inflammation the first twenty-four hours. Dose every one to three hours. But little medicine is now given in appendicitis. [118 MOTHERS' REMEDIES] Caution.--Keep the bowels regular, especially if you have ever had appendicitis before, also be careful of your eating. This disease will attack high livers, hearty eaters and those with constipated bowels more quickly than others. INFLAMMATION OF THE BOWELS. Mothers' Remedies.--1.--Inflammation of the Bowels, Excellent Remedy for.--"First bathe the abdomen with warm salt water, then lay over the navel a piece of lard the size of black walnut. Hold the hand over this until it softens; then rub well into the bowels. This often relieves when pills and powders fail." The massaging brings about action of the bowels without a cathartic usually. Sweet oil or olive oil instead of lard, will do as well. 2. Inflammation of the Bowels, Red Beet Poultice for.--"Take red beets; chop up, put in bag, warm a little and put across the stomach. This will draw out the inflammation quickly and makes a very good poultice." 3. Inflammation of the Bowels, Hop Poultice for.--"Take hops, strain them and put in a sack. Lay across the stomach and bowels." 4. Inflammation of the Bowels, Griddle Cake Poultice for.--"Apply hot griddle cakes on bowels. This acts as a poultice, and should be replaced as soon as cold." This remedy saved my life when I was seventeen years of age. Am now fifty. This remedy will be found very good, but care should be taken not to burn the patient. 5. Cold or Pain in the Bowels, Spice Poultice for Child or Adult.--"Take a cloth sack large enough to cover abdomen; take all kinds of ground spices, put in the bag and tie up, sprinkle bag lightly with alcohol, just enough to dampen spices; lay this on abdomen." This serves as a poultice and is an excellent remedy for this trouble. This may be used for a child as well as an adult. 6. Inflammation of the Bowels, Simple Remedy Always at Hand for.--"Apply hot woolen cloths to abdomen as hot as can be wrung out, change every few minutes. My life was saved twice when I was several hundred miles from a doctor by this treatment." This simple but never failing remedy is easily prepared and, as we all know, heat is the most essential thing for this trouble, especially moist heat. 7. Inflammation of the Bowels, a Rather Unique Remedy for.--"Cut the head off of a hen, cut open down the breast, take out the inwards, pound flat and roll with rolling pin and apply to the bowels. This will draw out all inflammation, but must be done in as little time as possible." The above remedy can do no harm. Many people use it. Perhaps other poultices would be easier to prepare, just as effective and save the hen. 8. Inflammation of the Bowels, Marshmallow Leaves, a Canadian Remedy for.--"Green marshmallow leaves (dry will do). Wet flannel and apply hot." Make a strong tea of the marshmallow leaves and while hot dip flannels and apply to abdomen. [DIGESTIVE ORGANS 119] 9. Inflammation of the Bowels, Syrup of Rhubarb for.--"Add to three pints of simple syrup one and three-fourths ounces of crushed rhubarb, one-fourth ounce each of crushed cloves and cinnamon, one dram of bruised nutmeg, one pint of diluted alcohol, evaporate liquid by a gentle heat to one-half pint. Excellent in bowel complaint in one-half dram (one-half teaspoonful) doses every hour until it operates." The rhubarb moves the bowels and casts out all irritating matter. The oil of cloves stimulates the membranes of the bowels and the cinnamon and nutmeg are astringents. MOTHERS' REMEDIES for Toothache, Dry Salt and Alum for.--1. "Equal parts. Take common salt and alum. Mix and pulverize these together, wet a small piece of cotton and cause the mixture to adhere to it and place in the hollow tooth. At first a sensation of coldness will be produced, which will gradually disappear, as will the toothache. This is an excellent remedy and should be given a trial by any person suffering with this trouble." 2. Toothache, Oil of Cloves Quick Relief for.--"If the tooth has a cavity take a small piece of cotton and saturate with oil of cloves and place in tooth, or you may rub the gum with oil of sassafras." These are both good remedies, and will often give relief almost instantly. 3. Toothache, Home-Made Poultice for.--"Make a poultice of a slice of toast, saturate in alcohol and sprinkle with pepper and apply externally. This will give almost instant relief." 4. Toothache, Clove Oil and Chloroform for.--"Clove oil and chloroform, each one teaspoonful. Saturate cotton and apply locally." 5. Toothache, Sure Cure for.-- "Peppermint water 1/2 ounce Nitre 1/4 ounce Chloroform 1 dram Ether 1 dram Oil of mustard 10 drops Remark: This remedy will give relief where all others fail. Not only for toothache, but for neuralgia pains in any part of the body, apply with cloth moistened and lay on the parts affected. Continue until relieved." 6. Toothache, Salt and Alum Water for.--"Fill a bottle of any size half full of equal parts of pulverized alum and salt, then fill up the bottle with sweet spirits of nitre. Shake and apply it to the tooth and gums. Apply it freely, as there is nothing to hurt or injure you." 7. Toothache, Oil of Cinnamon for.--"A drop of oil of cinnamon will frequently relieve very serious cases of toothache. Apply to the tooth with a little cotton. This will at least give temporary relief until you can see your dentist and have the tooth treated." 8. Toothache, Reliable Remedy for.--"Chloroform, clove oil, alcohol, one half ounce of each. Mix together and saturate a piece of cotton and place it in the tooth. This is sure to give relief." [120 MOTHERS' REMEDIES] 9. Toothache, From Decayed Teeth.--"If the tooth is decayed take a small piece of raw cotton, saturate with chloroform and place in cavity." MOTHERS' TOOTH POWDERS.--1. "The ashes of burnt branches of the common grape vine make a very superior tooth powder. It will clean the blackest of teeth, if continued for a few mornings, to that of pure white." 2. Tooth Powder.--"Precipitated chalk four ounces, powdered orris root eight ounces, powdered camphor one ounce; reduce camphor to fine powder moistening with very little alcohol, add other ingredients. Mix thoroughly and sift through fine bolting cloth." Have used this with great success. 3. Tooth Powder.--"All tooth powders, or anything that has a grit will, with the friction of the brush, scour loose from the enamel of the teeth; and this is far superior to any of them in every respect. Soap tree bark 1 pound Turpentine 2 ounces Powdered orris root 2 ounces Alkanet root 1/2 ounce Diluted alcohol, half water, sufficient to make the whole into one gallon. Let it stand in an earthen jar to macerate for fourteen days; stir occasionally, then strain and filter through filtering paper. The alcohol will have no injurious effect. This is an excellent tooth remedy." 4.--Tooth Wash.--"One teaspoonful of boracic acid in a pint of boiling water. Tincture Myrrh 1/2 teaspoonful Spirits of Camphor 1/2 teaspoonful Essence of Peppermint 1/2 teaspoonful Use in the water in which you brush your teeth. Let boracic acid water cool, then add last three ingredients." 5. Tooth Powder.--"Precipitated chalk four ounces, pulverized sugar two ounces, powdered myrrh one ounce, pulverized orris root one ounce. Mix and sift through fine bolting cloth. This is fine." 6. Tooth Powder, Commonly Used.-- "Precipitated Chalk 12 drams Rose Pink 2 drams Carbonate of Magnesia 1 dram Oil of Rose 5 drops Mix all well together and after using it you will find the following mouth-wash fine for rinsing out the mouth." Antiseptic Mouth Wash.-- "Boric Acid 10 grains Resorcin 4 grains Salol 2 grains Thymol 1/2 dram Glycerin 1/2 dram Pure water 1 ounce This sweetens and cleanses the mouth." [DIGESTIVE ORGANS 121] 7. Tooth Powder, Simple and Unsurpassed.-- Cream of Tartar, powdered 3 ounces Cochineal 1 dram Alum, powdered 4 drams Myrrh 1 dram Cinnamon 1 ounce Sugar 1 ounce Mix and pass through a sieve. This is a preparation that has no superior for cleaning, preserving and whitening the teeth. PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Toothache.--1. Chloretone dissolved in oil of cloves and applied on a cotton wad is very good for toothache. 2. Creosote.--Put on a piece of cotton and put this in the hollow tooth. 3. Toothache in an ulcerated or hollow tooth, caused from wet feet, etc. Take a hot foot bath and drink a hot lemonade, hot ginger, or hot pennyroyal tea, and go to bed and take a good sweat. Aching tooth needs the care of a dentist. It pays to retain your natural teeth in good shape. INTESTINAL OBSTRUCTION.--Causes.--This may be caused by strangulation, telescope (intussusception) of the bowels, twists and knots, strictures and tumors, abnormal contents. 1. Strangulation is the most frequent cause; this is caused by adhesions and bands from former peritonitis, or following operations. The strangulation may be recent and due to adhesion of the bowels to the abdominal cut or wound, or a coil of the bowel may be caught between the pedicle of a tumor and the wall of the pelvis. These cases are rather common after some operations. 2. Intussusception.--This means that one portion of the bowel slips into an adjacent portion. These two portions make a cylindrical lump varying in length from one-half inch to a foot or more. Irregular worm-like motion of the bowel is a cause of intussusception. 3. Twists and knots.--Most frequent between thirty and forty. (There is an unusually long mesentery.) 4. Strictures and tumors.--These are not very important causes. 5. Abnormal contents.--Fruit stones, coins, pins, needles, false teeth, round worms rolled in a mass. Coins rarely cause inconvenience. [122 MOTHERS' REMEDIES] Symptoms of Acute Obstruction.--Constipation, pain in the bowels, and vomiting are the three most important symptoms. Pain sets in early, and may come on abruptly when walking or more commonly when working. It is at first colicky, but soon becomes continuous and very intense, vomiting soon follows and is constant and very distressing. First the stomach contents are vomited, and the greenish bile-stained material, and soon the material vomited is a brownish-black liquid, with a bowel odor. This peculiar vomiting is a very characteristic symptom. Constipation may be absolute, without the discharge of either feces or gas. Very often the contents of the bowel below the obstruction are discharged. The abdomen is usually distended and when the large bowel is involved this is extreme. If it is high up in the small intestine, it may be very slight. At first, the abdomen is not tender, but later it becomes very sensitive and tender. The face is pale and anxious and finally collapse symptoms intervene. The eyes are sunken, the features look pinched and a cold, clammy sweat covers the skin. The pulse becomes rapid and weak. There may be no fever, and it may go below normal. The tongue is dry, parched, and the thirst is incessant. Recovery.--The case terminates as a rule in death in three to six days, if aid is not given. Treatment.--Purgatives should not be given. For the pain, hypodermics of morphine are needed. Wash out the stomach for distressing vomiting. This can be done three to four times a day. Thorough washing out of the large bowel with injections should be practised, the warm water being allowed to flow in from a fountain syringe and the amount carefully estimated. Hutchinson recommends that the patient be placed under an anesthetic, the abdomen kneaded, and a copious enema given with the hips placed high or patient in inverted position. Then the patient should be thoroughly shaken, first with the abdomen held downward and subsequently in the inverted position. If this and similar measures do not succeed by the third day surgical measures must be resorted to. For bloating, turpentine cloths should be used, and other hot, moist applications. Diet.--Should be very light, if any, for a day or so. RUPTURE (Hernia).--Hernia means a protrusion of an organ from its natural cavity, through normal or artificial openings in the surrounding structures. But by the term hernia, used alone, we mean the protrusion of a portion of the abdominal contents through the walls, and that is known by the popular term of "rupture." [DIGESTIVE ORGANS 123] The most common forms of rupture protrude through one of the natural openings or weak spots in the abdominal walls, as for instance, the inguinal (groin) and femoral canals. The femoral canal is located at the upper and inner part of the thigh, and this place is a seat of rupture, especially in women. Rupture may also occur at the navel, when it is called umbilical hernia or rupture. The contents of a hernia are bowel and omentum (a covering of the bowel) separately or together. The bowel involved in a rupture is usually the lower portion of the small bowel, but the large bowel is sometimes affected. A sac covers the bowel or omentum in a rupture. This sac consists of the protruded portion of peritoneum, which has been gradually pushed through one of the canals (inguinal or femoral) or of the process of peritoneum, which has been carried down by the testicle in its descent, and the connection of which with the peritoneum of the abdomen still continues, not having been obliterated, as it usually is before birth. The former is called an acquired rupture sac; the latter is a congenital rupture sac, and it is found only in groin (inguinal rupture). Causes.--Rupture is more common in men than in women. It may occur at any time of life. The majority of cases occur before middle age, and the largest number during the first ten years of life, owing to the want of closure of the peritoneum which is carried down by the testicles before birth. Rupture is most frequently strangulated between the ages of forty and fifty. Location.--The great majority of cases of rupture are groin or inguinal rupture. Symptoms.--A fullness or a swelling is first noticed in the groin, which is made worse in standing, coughing and lifting. This disappears on lying down and reappears on rising in many cases, even at first; coughing makes the lump or swelling harder. It may come on both sides, when it is called double rupture or hernia. MOTHERS' REMEDIES.--Rupture, Poultice for.--"Take equal parts of lobelia and stramonium leaves; make a poultice and apply to the parts. Renew as often as necessary. This combination makes a very effective poultice and is sure to give relief." PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT.--A person should wear a truss (support) that fits perfectly, and this should not cause any pain or discomfort. The truss should be worn all day, taken off at night after going to bed and put on before rising, when still lying down. If it is put on after rising a little of the gut may be in the canal and pressed down by the support. There are many kinds of supports. Operations now performed for rupture are very successful if the patient takes good care for months afterwards until the parts are thoroughly healed. The operation simply closes a too large opening. The testicles descending through the groin canal from the abdominal cavity before birth and in congenital rupture, left too big an opening. In acquired rupture, these natural openings were enlarged by lifting, falls, etc. The round ligament of the womb goes down through this canal and sometimes there is too large an opening left or acquired by accident. Irreducible Rupture.--This is when the rupture cannot be returned into the abdominal cavity, and it is without any symptoms of strangulation. They are of long standing and of a large size. This condition is often due to carelessness of a patient in not keeping in a reducible rupture with a proper support. Adhesions form, holding the rupture. Even if it is small, it gives rise to much discomfort and the patient is always in danger of strangulation of the rupture. Operation for radical cure is generally a success. [124 MOTHERS' REMEDIES] Strangulation Hernia or Rupture.--This means the rupture is so tightly constricted that it cannot be returned into the abdominal cavity, and its circulation is interfered with; then there is not only obstruction to the passage of the feces, but also an arrest of circulation in the protruded portion of bowel which, if not relieved, results in gangrene and death. This occurs more often in old than in recent ruptures and more often in congenital than in acquired rupture. Symptoms.--Sudden and complete constipation with persistent vomiting. The lump may be tense, hard and irreducible. Then there is faintness, collapse; severe abdominal pain, complete constipation, with no gas passing, then vomiting, at first of food, then of the bile-stained fluid and finally of fluid with a bowel odor. All these symptoms increase and the patient gradually sinks from exhaustion in eight or nine days, though in very acute cases the patient may die within forty-eight hours. MOTHERS' REMEDIES.--Strangulated Hernia, Hop Poultice for.--"A large warm poultice of hops over the abdomen will be found one of the best known means of relieving strangulated hernia." PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT.--It must be reduced or an operation must be performed and soon. To reduce.--The patient is put under an anesthetic and placed on his back with the hips (pelvis) raised and the thigh of the affected side flexed, bent up and rotated inward if the rupture be inguinal or femoral. This motion relaxes the parts. The neck of the sac is then seized with the thumb and fingers of one hand, and thus fixed, while with the other hand, the operator endeavors to return the strangulated gut by gentle pressure in the proper direction. In femoral rupture, this is at first downward, to bring the gut opposite the opening then backward and then upward. In groin (inguinal) rupture it is usually slightly upward and outward. It must be coaxed, kneaded and squeezed carefully. Care must be taken. If it cannot be returned in from five to ten minutes no further time should be wasted, but an operation should be performed immediately. This consists in cutting down to the constriction and through it, thus allowing the rupture to be reduced. The patient should be kept in bed and treated the same way as for other abdominal operations. Caution.--Persons with rupture must be very careful not to lift or fall. If a support is worn it must fit perfectly and be worn with comfort. [DIGESTIVE ORGANS 125] INTESTINAL COLIC. (Enteralgia).--Causes.--Predisposing; poor general condition, worry, over-work, nervous disposition. Exciting causes; exposure, gas in the bowels, mass of feces, undigested or irritating food, cold drinks, green fruit, ice cream when a person is very warm. Symptoms.--Intermittent pain usually in the umbilical (navel) region, moving from place to place, dull or sharp pain, relieved by pressure or bending forward. Abdomen is distended or drawn back. It lasts a few minutes or many hours, ending gradually or suddenly, after a passage of gas or movement of the bowels. PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT.--1. Remove cause first if possible. Mild cases; put heat to the abdomen by hot water bag, wring cloths out of hot water and put in them ten drops of turpentine and place over the bowels hot. Give dose of peppermint water or ginger tea. 2. Severe case.--Morphine hypodermically, if necessary, in a severe case; mustard poultice is good, also a spice poultice. 3. Tincture of Colocynth (bitter cucumber) is an excellent remedy for this trouble. I have often used it with great success. Put five drops of it in a glass half full of water and give two teaspoonfuls every fifteen minutes until relieved. A few doses generally relieve the patient. THE LIVER.--The liver is the largest gland in the body, and is situated in the upper and right part of the abdominal cavity. The lower border of the liver corresponds to the lower border of the ribs in front and to the right side. It weighs fifty to sixty ounces in the male; in the female, forty to fifty ounces. It is about eight to nine inches in its transverse measurement; vertically near its right surface it is six to seven inches, while it is four to five inches thick at its thickest part. Opposite the backbone from behind forward it measures about three inches. The left lobe, the smallest and thinnest, extends to the left, over what is called the pit of the stomach. BILIOUSNESS.--This condition presents different symptoms in different cases, but it always includes languor, headache or dizziness, perhaps some yellow color of the skin and conjunctiva, and a general sense of want of tone, depression of spirits and discomfort. Causes.--The liver does not perform its function well, or there is a retention of bile in the bile ducts. Most of the symptoms do not depend directly upon the changes in the bile, but upon failure of proper digestion in the stomach and intestines. Certain poorly prepared foods or improper food for stomach digestion, quickly cause the development of active fermentation and its results irritate the stomach mucous membrane bringing about a faulty stomach secretion of mucus, which causes further trouble. It may end in a sick headache. TREATMENT. Prevention.--Normal, easily digested food, open bowels. Active exercise, horseback riding, massage of the liver region. Stooping over and bending from side to side and bending back with feet close together are good aids. [126 MOTHERS' REMEDIES] Diet.--Do not over-eat. Avoid alcohol in any form. Stimulating foods such as spices, mustard salads, concentrated meat extracts and meat broths, pepper, horseradish are not to be used. Do not use too much salt; strong coffee and tea are harmful. In severe cases milk either diluted with water or lime water or peptonized should alone be used. Gruels, albumen water, kumiss, buttermilk and oyster broth may be allowed. Orange juice as well as lemonade may generally be given. Fasting is good in biliousness. No one will starve in a few days of fasting. MOTHERS' REMEDIES.--1. Biliousness, Lemons for.--"One lemon squeezed in a glass of water with a very little sugar, repeat for several days." Lemon is a very good medicine, and it is surprising to know how few people realize what medical properties the lemon contains. This is a good, simple, but very effective remedy. 2. Biliousness, Salt and Water for.--"Take a teaspoonful of salt to a cup of water and drink before breakfast for a few mornings." It is a well-known fact that a little salt in warm water before breakfast is laxative and also cleanses the system and bowels on account of its purifying action. 3. Biliousness, (chronic) Dandelion Tea for.--"Dandelion root is highly recommended for this." The root should be collected in July, August or September. Dose:--A strong tea may be taken freely two or three times a day, or the fluid extract may be purchased at any drug store. 4. Biliousness, a cheap and very safe plan.--"Drink plenty of cold water and exercise freely in the open air." Following the above advice is often better than medicines and spring tonics, also unless doing hard physical labor, cut down on the meat eating. In fact, eat less generally for a time. 5. Biliousness, Salt Lemonade for.--"Hot salt lemonade night and morning. Juice of one lemon and teaspoonful salt to as much hot water as you can drink." 6. Biliousness, Boneset Tea for.--"Pour hot water on boneset and let stand until it is cold. Take a swallow occasionally." This is very good. PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT. Medicines.--1. Nitro-hydrochloric acid three drops three times a day in half a tumblerful of water is valuable. 2. Twenty drops of fluid extract of Queen's root three times a day. [DIGESTIVE ORGANS 127] 3. The following combination forms a good pill to be taken every night: Extract of Chirata 40 grains Podophyllin 4 grains Wahoo 8 grains Culver's root 8 grains Creosote 10 grains Mix and make into twenty pills. Take one every night. 4. For the Attack.--Take calomel one-sixth grain tablets; one every fifteen minutes until six are taken, and then follow with two to four teaspoonfuls of epsom salts. JAUNDICE (Icterus).--A symptom consisting in discoloration by bile pigment of the skin, whites of the eyes, other mucous membranes and secretions. Causes.--Obstruction of the gall ducts, from gall stones, inflammation, tumor, strictures, from pressure by tumors, and other enlarged abdominal organs. Symptoms.--The skin and the conjunctiva (red membrane of the eyes) are colored from a pale lemon yellow to a dark olive or greenish black. The itching may be intense, especially in a chronic case. The sweat may be yellow. The stools are a pale slate color, from the lack of bile, and are often pasty and offensive. The pulse is slow. Recovery depends upon the cause. Plain, simple jaundice cases recover in a few days or weeks. MOTHERS' REMEDIES.--1. Jaundice, Sweet Cider Sure Cure for.--"New cider before it ferments at all. Drink all you can." This is a very simple remedy, but a sure one if taken in the early stages of jaundice. It causes the bowels to move freely and carries off any impurities in the system. 2. Jaundice, Lemon Juice for.--"Take a tablespoonful of lemon juice several times a day." This disease is produced by congestion of the liver, and as lemon is excellent as a liver tonic it is known to be an excellent remedy for jaundice. 3. Jaundice, Peach Tree Bark for.--"Take the inner bark of a peach tree, and make a strong tea, and give a teaspoonful before each meal for five days, then stop five days, and if the patient's indications do not warrant a reasonable expectation that a cure is effected repeat the medicine as above. I never knew of a case in which the above medicine failed to cure. Keep the bowels open with sweet oil." MOTHERS' REMEDIES for Liver Complaint. Mandrake Root for.--1. "Dry and powder the mandrake root (often called may-apple) and take about one teaspoonful." This dose may be repeated two or three times a day, according to the requirements of the case. This is a stimulant, a tonic and a laxative, and is especially good when the liver is in a torpid and inactive condition. [128 MOTHERS' REMEDIES] 2. Liver Trouble, Dandelion Root Tea for.--"Steep dandelion root, make a good strong tea of it; take a half glass three times a day." This is a very good remedy as it not only acts on the liver, but the bowels as well. This will always cure slight attacks of liver trouble. 3. Torpid Liver, Boneset Tea for.--"Drink boneset tea at any time during the day and at night. It is also good for cleansing the blood." This is a very good remedy, especially for people who live in a low damp region. 4. Liver Trouble, Mandrake Leaves for.--"A very good remedy to use regularly, for several weeks, is to use from one to three grains of may-apple (mandrake) seed, night and morning, followed occasionally by a light purgative, as seidlitz powder or rochelle salts." This is sure to give relief if kept up thoroughly. 5. Liver Trouble, Mullein Leaf Tea for.--"Mullein leaves steeped, and sweetened. Drink freely." This acts very nicely upon the liver. PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Liver Trouble.--1. For the itching, hot alkaline baths with baking soda in water, or dust on the following:-- Starch 1 ounce Camphor, powdered l-1/2 drams Oxide of Zinc 1/2 ounce Mix and use as a powder, or use carbolic vaselin locally. Move the bowels with salts and do not give much food for a few days. Use nothing but milk. 2. The following is good to move the bowels when the stool is yellow and costive in a child one year old: Sulphate of Magnesia 2 ounces Cream of tartar 2 ounces Mix and give one-half teaspoonful in water every three hours until the bowels move freely. Phosphate of soda in one dram doses every three hours is good. 3. Severe Type and Epidemic Form.--Give one to two drops of tincture myrica cerifera (barberry) every two hours for an adult. This I know to be very good. 4. The common simple kind of jaundice will get well readily by moving the bowels freely and keeping the patient on light food. CATARRHAL JAUNDICE. (Acute catarrhal angiocholitis).--Jaundice caused by obstruction of the terminal portion of the common duct, by swelling of the mucous membrane. Causes.--This occurs mostly in young people. It follows inflammation of the stomach or bowels, also from emotion, exposure, chronic heart disease. It may be epidemic. [DIGESTIVE ORGANS 129] Symptoms.--Slight jaundice preceded by stomach and bowel trouble. Epidemic cases may begin with chill, headache and vomiting. There may be slight pain in the abdomen, the skin is light or bright yellow, whites of the eyes are yellowish, pain in the back and legs, tired feeling, nausea, clay colored stools. Pulse is rather slow, liver may be a little enlarged. It may last from one week to one to three months. PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Catarrhal Jaundice.--1. Restrict the diet if the stomach and bowels are diseased. Sodium phosphate may be given one teaspoonful every three hours to keep the bowels open. Drink large quantities of water and with it some baking soda one-half to one teaspoonful in the water. 2. If you have calomel you may take one-tenth of a grain every hour for four hours, and then follow with the sodium phosphate in one-half teaspoonful doses every two to three hours, until the bowels have fully moved, or epsom salts, two to four teaspoonfuls. Keep in bed if there is a fever or a very slow pulse say of forty to fifty. GALL STONES. (Biliary Calculi, Cholelithiasis).--Cases of gall stones are rare under the age of twenty-five years. They are very common after forty-five, and three-fourths of the cases occur in women. Many people never know they have them. Sedentary habits of life, excessive eating and constipation tend to cause them. They may number a few, several, or a thousand, or only one. Symptoms.--There are usually none while the stones are in the gall bladder, but when they pass from the gall bladder down through the (channel) duct into the bowel they often cause terrific pain, especially when the stone is large. Chill, fever, profuse sweating and vomiting, which comes in paroxysms or is continuous. The pain may be constant or only come on at intervals. The region of the liver may be tender, the gall bladder may be enlarged, especially in chronic cases and very tender. In some cases the pain comes every few weeks and then may be scattered, sometimes seeming to be in the stomach, and then in the bowels, or in the region of the liver. When a person has such pains and locates them in the stomach or bowels, and they come periodically, every week or two or more, he ought to be suspicious about it being gall stones, especially if the symptoms do not show any stomach trouble. If the stone is large and closes the common duct, jaundice occurs; the stools are light colored; the urine contains bile. The attacks of pain may cease suddenly after a few hours, or they may last several days or recur at intervals until the stone is passed. The stones may be found in the bowel discharges after an attack. Death may occur from collapse during an attack. MOTHERS' REMEDIES.--1. Gall Stones, Sweet Oil for.--"Massaging the part over the region of the liver lightly night and morning is very good, following by drinking a wineglassful of sweet oil at bedtime." The patient should take some good cathartic the next morning, such as a seidlitz powder or cream of tartar. Teaspoonful in glass of water each morning. This treatment should be continued for several weeks and is very effective. [130 MOTHERS' REMEDIES] 2. Gall Stones, Tried and Approved Remedy for.--"Drink about a wineglass of olive oil at bedtime followed in the morning by a cathartic, as seidlitz powder, or cream of tartar and phosphate of soda; teaspoonful each morning in wineglass of water. This treatment to be pursued several weeks. Massage the part over the liver lightly night and morning. If the suffering is intense use an injection of thirty drops of laudanum to two quarts of water." In many cases the cathartic may not be needed as the olive oil will move the bowels freely. Massaging the parts over the liver will cause it to work better and has proven successful in many cases. PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Gall Stones.--1. For the pain. Morphine must be used and by the hypodermic method; one-fourth grain dose and repeated, if necessary, and chloroform given before if the pain is intense, until the morphine can act. Fomentations can be used over the liver. 2. Soda.--The bowels must be kept open by laxatives, Sodium Phosphate or Sodium Sulphate, (Glauber's) salt. 3. Olive Oil.--Olive oil is used very extensively. I do not know whether it does any good; some people think it does. From two to ten ounces daily, if possible. The phosphate or sulphate of sodium should be taken daily in one to two teaspoonfuls doses each day. Some claim these salts prevent formation of gall stones. 4. Powder for the Itching.--For the intolerable itching you may use the following powder, dust some of it over the skin: Starch 1 ounce Zinc Oxide 1/2 ounce Camphor 1-1/2 drams Mix into a powder. Diet.--This must be thoroughly regulated. The patient should avoid the starchy and sugar foods as much as possible. He or she should also take regular exercise. If a person afflicted with gall stones keeps the stomach and bowels in good condition, they will be better. Pure air, sunshine, exercise, and diet are big factors in the treatment of chronic diseases. A woman so afflicted should not wear anything tight around the stomach and liver, corsets are an abomination in this disease; olive oil if taken must be continued for months. Surgery.--The operation is indicated when the patient is suffering most of the time from pain in the liver region or when the person is failing in health, or during an acute attack. When there are symptoms of obstruction or when there is fever, sweating shows that there is pus in the gall bladder. Also an operation is then necessary, and in most cases it results satisfactorily. [DIGESTIVE ORGANS 131] CANCER OF THE GALL BLADDER, AND BILE DUCTS. Causes.--It usually occurs between forty and seventy years of age. The cases that originate here show no percentage in either sex; but those that appear here as secondary cancers are three times as frequent in women as in men. Chronic irritation by gall stones is an important cause. They are hard to diagnose and, of course, fatal in the secondary kind. For the primary kind early complete removal may cure if you can get at them. CIRCULATORY DISTURBANCES OF THE LIVER. (Acute Hyperemia or Congestion).--This occurs normally after meals, and in acute infections, diseases, etc. CHRONIC CONGESTION OR NUTMEG LIVER.--This is due to an obstruction of the blood circulation in the liver by chronic valvular heart disease with failure of heart action. Lung obstruction in the trouble called Emphysema, Chronic Pneumonia, etc., may cause it. The cut section of a liver shows an appearance like a nutmeg, due to a deeply congested central vein and capillaries. In a later stage the liver is contracted, central liver cells are shrunk and the connective tissue is increased. ACUTE YELLOW ATROPHY. (Malignant Jaundice).--This is fortunately a rare disease. There is rapid progress, and it is fatal in nearly all cases. The liver is very small and flabby. The symptoms are many and are hard to differentiate. You must depend upon your physician. The only thing for him to do is to meet the symptoms and relieve them if possible. CIRRHOSIS OF THE LIVER. (Sclerosis of the Liver, Hobnail Liver, Gin Drinkers Liver, Hard Liver).--This occurs most often in men from forty to sixty years old. It is not uncommon in children. Cause.--It is usually due to drinking of alcohol to excess, especially whisky, brandy, rum or gin. The liver is small and thin; hard, granular, white bands run through it and press on the liver cells and destroy them. Symptoms.--These are few as long as proper circulation in the heart is maintained. Fatty cirrhosis is often found in post-mortems. The first symptoms are the same as those accompanying chronic gastritis, dyspepsia, They are:--Appetite is poor, nausea, retching and vomiting, especially in the morning; distress in the region of the stomach, constipation or diarrhea. These increase and vomiting of blood from the stomach may occur early and late. Bleeding from the stomach and bowels, etc., cause the stools to look like tar. Nosebleed and piles are common and profuse; bleeding may cause severe lack of blood. The epigastric and mammary veins are enlarged. Ascites (dropsy in the abdomen) usually occurs sooner or later and may be very marked, and it recurs soon after each tapping. The feet and genital organs may be oedematous (watery swelling), jaundice is slight and does not occur until late. During the late stage the patient is much shrunken, face is hollow, the blood vessels of the nose and cheeks are dilated, abdomen is greatly distended. Delirium, stupor, coma or convulsions may occur at any time. [132 MOTHERS' REMEDIES] PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Cirrhosis of the Liver.--It is usually fatal; sometimes even after temporary improvements. No coffee or alcohol; simple diet, bitter tonics, keep bowels open, A physician must handle such a case. ABSCESS OF THE LIVER. Hepatic Abscess: Suppurative Hepatitis.--This is a circumscribed collection of pus in the liver tissue. If there is only one abscess it is in the larger lobe in seventy per cent of the cases. The amount of fluid contained in such an abscess may be two or three quarts and its color varies from a grayish white to a creamy reddish-brown; when the abscess is caused by a type (amebic) of dysentery, there is generally only one abscess, occurring more often in the right lobe, whereas other forms due to septic infection give rise to many abscesses. Causes.--This disease is rare even in tropical climates. When it is excited by gall stones, it is invariably septic in character and the infecting material reaches the interior through the liver vessels or bile passages. Stomach ulcers, typhoid fever, appendicitis, may bring on such an abscess. Pus wounds of the head are sometimes followed by a liver abscess. The most common method of infection is through the portal vein. Other causes that may be mentioned are foreign bodies traveling up the ducts, as round-worms and parasites. Symptoms.--Hectic temperature, pain, tenderness, and an enlarged liver, and often slight jaundice. In acute cases the fever rises rapidly, reaching 103 or 104 in twenty-four hours. It is irregular and intermittent, and it may be hectic, that is, like the fever of consumption. Shakings or decided chills frequently are present with the rise of fever and when the fever declines there may be profuse sweating. The skin is pale and shows a slight jaundice, the conjunctiva being yellowish. Progressive loss of strength with disturbance of the stomach and bowels is present. The bowels are variable and constipated and loose. Dropsy of the abdomen (Ascites) may develop, on account of pressure on the big vein, inferior vena-cava. Lung symptoms, severe cough, reddish-brown expectoration are often present. THE ABSCESS.--May break into the pleural cavity, bronchial tubes, lungs and stomach, bowels, peritoneum or through the abdominal wall. Recovery.--The result is unfavorable as it generally goes on to a rapid termination. The abscess should be opened and evacuated when its location can be detected. The death rates ranges from fifty to sixty per cent. Treatment.--Open it if you can, Sponge liver region with cool water. For the pain, mustard poultices, turpentine stupe or hot fomentations prove beneficial. Keep up strength by stimulation and quinine. [DIGESTIVE ORGANS 133] Diet in Liver Troubles sent us from Providence Hospital (Catholic), Sandusky, Ohio: May Take-- Soups--Vegetable soups with a little bread or cracker, light broths. Fish--Boiled fresh cod, bass, sole or whiting, raw oysters. Meats--Tender lean mutton, lamb, chicken, game, (all sparingly). Farinaceous--Oatmeal, hominy, tapioca, sago, arrowroot (well cooked), whole wheat bread, graham bread, dry toast, crackers. Vegetables--Mashed potato, almost all fresh vegetables (well boiled), plain salad of lettuce, water-cress, dandelions. Desserts--Plain milk pudding of tapioca, sago, arrowroot or stewed fresh fruit (all without sugar or cream), raw ripe fruits. Drinks--Weak tea or coffee (without sugar or cream), hot water, pure, plain or aerated water. Must Not Take-- Strong soups, rich made dishes of any kind, hot bread or biscuits, preserved fish or meats, curries, red meats, eggs, fats, butter, sugar, herrings, eels, salmon, mackerel, sweets, creams, cheese, dried fruits, nuts, pies, pastry, cakes, malt liquors, sweet wines, champagne. ACUTE GENERAL PERITONITIS. (Inflammation of the Peritoneum, Lining of the Abdominal Cavity).--Causes. Primary; Occurs without any known preceding disease, and is rare. Secondary; Occurs from injuries, extension from inflamed nearby organs, such as appendicitis or infection from bacteria, without any apparent lesion (disease of the bowel). Perforation causes most of the attacks of peritonitis. Peritonitis may accompany acute infections or accompany chronic nephritis, rheumatism, pleurisy, tuberculosis and septicemia. Peritonitis occurs from perforation of the bowel in typhoid fever also, and it frequently occurs after appendicitis and sometimes after confinement. Symptoms.--This is often the history of one of the causes mentioned above, followed in cases with perforation or septic disease by a chill or chilly feeling and pain, varying at first, with the place where the inflammation begins. The patient lies on his back, with the knees drawn up, and the body bent so as to relax the muscles of the abdomen, which are often rigidly contracted,--stiff at first on the side where the pain starts. The pain may be absent. The abdomen becomes distended, tympanitic (caused by gas). An early symptom is vomiting and it is often repeated. There is constipation; occasionally diarrhea occurs. The temperature may rise rapidly to 104 or 105 and then become lower; it is sometimes normal. The pulse is frequent, small, wiry and beats 100 to 150 per minute; the breathing is frequent and shallow. The tongue becomes red and dry and cracked. Passing the urine frequently causes pain; sometimes there is retention of urine. The face looks pinched, the eyes are sunken, the expression is anxious, and the skin of the face is lead colored or livid. Hiccoughs, muttering, delirium or stupor may be present. [134 MOTHERS' REMEDIES] Recovery, Prognosis, etc.--The action of the heart becomes weak and irregular, respiration is shallow, the temperature taken in the rectum is high, the skin is cold, pale and livid, death occurs sometimes suddenly, usually in three to five days; less often thirty-six to forty-eight hours; or even after ten days. The results depend mainly upon the cause of the inflammation, and the nature of the infection, infectious disease that produces it, being usually very bad after puerperal sepsis (after confinement), induced abortion, perforation of the bowel or stomach, or rupture of an abscess. LOCAL PERITONITIS.--This may come from local injury, but it is usually secondary to empyema, tuberculosis, or cancer, abscess, perforation of the stomach or bowel, ulcer, etc. Symptoms.--Onset is usually sudden. There is sudden local pain, increased by any movements; tenderness, and vomiting; then chills, irregular fever, sweating, difficult breathing, emaciation. TREATMENT OF THE ACUTE PERITONITIS.--There must be absolute rest, morphine by hypodermic method, one-fourth to one-half grain to relieve the pain. Ice cold and hot fomentations with some herb remedy like hops, smartweed, etc.; or cloths wrung out of hot water with five to ten drops of turpentine sprinkled on them. This is very good when there is much bloating from gas. The turpentine should be stopped when the skin shows red from it. The cloths should not be heavy or they will cause pain by their weight. Ice water can be used when cold cloths are needed. For vomiting.--Stop all food and drink for the time and give cracked ice. Diet.--Should be hot or cold milk with lime water or peptonized milk if necessary. If the feeding causes vomiting, you must give food by the rectum. For the severe bloating enemas containing turpentine should be given, one to two to six ounces of water used with ten to thirty drops of turpentine in it; sometimes it is necessary to resort to surgery. TUBERCULAR PERITONITIS.--This may occur as a primary trouble or secondary to tuberculosis of the bowels, lungs, and Fallopian tube. It is most frequent in males between twenty and forty. [ DIGESTIVE ORGANS 135] Symptoms.--These are variable. It may occur like acute peritonitis with sudden onset of high fever, pain, tenderness, bloating, vomiting and constipation; these symptoms passing into those of chronic peritonitis. Often there are gradual loss of strength and flesh, low and irregular fever; frequently the temperature goes below normal with a little ascites tympanites, constipation, diarrhea and masses in the abdomen which consist of the omentum (apron covering the bowels) rolled up and matted into a sausage-shaped tumor in the upper part of the abdomen, or of thickened or adherent coils of the bowel, enlarged mesentric lymph nodes, etc. Spontaneous recovery may occur, or the course of the disease may resemble that of a malignant tumor. Treatment.--If there is effusion and few adhesions, cutting in and removing the fluid may help. In other cases good nourishing diet with cod liver oil is best. ASCITES. (Hydroperitoneum. Abdominal Dropsy).--This is an accumulation of serous fluid in the peritoneal cavity. It is but a symptom of disease. Local Causes.--Chronic peritonitis, obstruction of the portal (vein) circulation as in cirrhosis of the liver, cancer or other liver disease, from heart disease, tumors, as of the ovaries or enlarged spleen. All these mentioned may produce this dropsy. General Cause.--Heart disease, chronic nephritis, chronic malaria, cancer, syphilis, etc. Symptoms.--Gradual increasing distention of the abdomen, causing sometimes a sense of weight, then difficulty of breathing from pressure. The abdomen is distended, flattened at the sides unless it is very full. The skin may be stretched tense, superficial veins are distended. The navel may be flat or even protrude and around it the vessels may be greatly enlarged. There is fluctuation when you tap sharply at one side, while holding your hand on the other side you feel a wavy feeling. PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Ascites.--First treat the disease causing it. Sometimes it is necessary in order to prolong life to repeatedly tap the patient as in cirrhosis of the liver. When it is caused by the heart or kidneys, give cathartics that carry away much liquid, hydragogue cathartics. One dram of jalap at night followed by a big dose of salts before breakfast. Cream of tartar and salts are good, equal parts. Or cream of tartar alone, one to two drams, with lemon juice in water in repeated doses. Digitalis and squill, of each one grain to cause great flow of urine. Infusion of digitalis is also good to increase flow of urine, when the heart is the real cause of the ascites. These treatments take the liquids away through the proper channels, the bowels and kidneys. [136 MOTHERS' REMEDIES] Ascites caused by an Ovarian Tumor.--The tumor must be removed. I am not in favor of indiscriminate operating, but operations often save lives. I remember one case in which I very strongly urged the lady to have an operation performed. It was a case of ascites, caused, as I was sure, by a tumor of the ovary. The lady, as almost all people do,--and I do not blame them for it,--dreaded even the thought of an operation, but she was finally compelled to have an operation or die. She filled so full that it was almost impossible for her to breathe. She went away from home in terrible shape, almost out of breath, and returned home a well woman and has remained so. Such cases formerly died. But not all cases of ascites can be cured by an operation, it depends upon the cause. In many cases all one can do is to doctor the cause, if that cannot be removed, make the patient's remaining days as comfortable as possible. DISEASES OF THE RECTUM AND ANUS.--The lower part of the alimentary canal is called the rectum, originally meaning straight. It is not straight in the human animal. It is six to eight inches long. The anus is the lower opening of the rectum. In health it is closed by the external Sphincter (closing muscle). Disease may wear this muscle out and then the anus remains open, causing the contents of the bowel to move involuntary. CONSTIPATION. Causes.--1. Mechanical obstruction. 2. Defective motion of the bowels. 3. Deficient bowel secretions. 4. Other causes. Mechanical obstruction.--Anything that will hinder the free and easy passage of the feces (bowel contents). Too tight external sphincter (rectum) muscle, stricture, tumors, etc. Bending of the womb on the bowel. Defective Worm-like Bowel Movement.--Irregular habits of living head the list causing this defective action. Everyone should promptly attend to Nature's call. Some people wait until the desire for stool has all gone, and in that way the "habit" of the bowels is gradually lost. Everyone should go to stool at a certain regular time each day, and at any other time when Nature calls. If a person heeds this call of Nature, the call will come regularly at the proper time, say every morning after breakfast. If these sensations (Nature's calls) are ignored day after day, the mucous membrane soon loses its sensitiveness and the muscular coat its tonicity, and as a result, large quantities of fecal matter may accumulate in the sigmoid (part of the bowel) or in the rectum without exciting the least desire to empty the bowels. Again, irregular time for eating and improper diet are liable to diminish this action also. Foods that contain very little liquid and those that do not leave much residue are liable to accumulate in the bowel and at the same time press upon the rectum hard enough to produce a partial paralysis. Deficiency of the Secretions.--Many of the causes that hinder worm-like motion are also likely to lessen the normal secretions of the bowel. Some kinds of liver diseases tend to lessen the secretions of the bowel, because the amount of bile emptied into the bowel is lessened. Sometimes the glands of the intestine are rendered less active by disease and other causes. Sundry Causes.--Diabetes, melancholy, insanity, old age, paralysis, lead poisoning and some troubles of local origin, like fissure of the rectum, ulceration, stricture and polypus. [DIGESTIVE ORGANS 137] Symptoms.--Headache, inattention to business, loss of memory, melancholy, sallow complexion, indigestion, loss of appetite, nervous symptoms. Spasmodic muscular contraction of the external sphincter. The bowel contents press upon it; spasm of this sphincter muscle is frequently brought on by the presence of a crack in the mucous membrane, caused by injury inflicted during expulsion of hardened feces. Instead of aiding a bowel movement, the muscles now present an obstruction beyond control of the will and aggravate the condition. The most frequent cause of disease of the rectum is constipation and anyone of the following local diseases of the rectum and anus may be a symptom of constipation. (1) Fissure or crack of the anus. (2) Ulceration. (3) Hemorrhoids (piles). (4) Prolapse (falling). (5) Neuralgia. (6) Proctitis and periproctitis. Fissure of the anus is a common local symptom of constipation. The feces accumulate when the bowels do not move for a few days, the watery portion is absorbed; they become dry, hard, lumpy, and very difficult to expel, frequently making a rent (tear) in the mucous membrane and resulting eventually in an irritable fissure. Ulceration of the rectum and the sigmoid (part of the bowel) is a symptom of persistent constipation, because the pressure exerted upon the nourishing blood vessels by the fecal mass causes local death of the tissues. Hemorrhoids (Piles) may be produced by constipation in several ways; first by obstruction to the return of the venous (dark) blood. Second, by venous engorgement (filling up) of the hemorrhoidal veins during violent and prolonged straining at stool. Third, as a result of the general looseness of the tissues in those suffering from constipation. Prolapse (Falling of the Bowel).--This falling of the rectum may be partial or complete, and may be caused by straining or by the downward pressure exerted by the fecal mass during the emptying movement of the bowel. It may also be the result of a partial paralysis of the bowel caused by pressure of the feces upon the nerves. Proctitis and Peri-Proctitis.--Inflammation of the rectum and surrounding tissue that may or may not terminate in an abscess and fistula, sometimes follows injury to the very sensitive mucous membrane by the hardened feces. Neuralgia of the Rectum.--This may sometimes result from the pressure of the fecal mass upon the nearby nerves causing pain in the sacrum coccyx (bones). MOTHERS' REMEDIES.--1. Constipation, a Good Substitute for Pills and Drugs.--"Two ounces each of figs, dates, raisins, and prunes (without pits) one-half ounce senna leaves. Grind through meat chopper, and mix thoroughly by kneading. Break off pieces (about a level teaspoonful) and form into tablets. Wrap each in a wax paper and keep in covered glass jars, in a cool place. Dose.--One at night to keep the bowels regular. Very pleasant to take." [138 MOTHERS' REMEDIES] 2. Constipation, Substitute for Castor Oil.--"Take good clean figs, and stew them very slowly in olive oil until plump and tender, then add a little honey and a little lemon juice, and allow the syrup to boil thick. Remarks.--Keep this in a covered glass jar and when a dose of castor oil seems necessary, a single fig will answer every purpose. Not unpleasant to take." 3. Constipation, Hot Water for.--"A cup of hot water, as hot as one can drink it, a half an hour before breakfast." The hot water thoroughly rinses the stomach and helps the bowels to carry off all the impurities. 4. Constipation. Excellent Nourishment for Old People.--"A tablespoonful of olive oil three times a day internally for weak or very old people: it can be injected,--used as an enema." Olive oil will be found very beneficial for young people as well as old. It acts as a food for the whole system and is very nourishing. 5. Constipation, Salt and Water for.--"A pinch of salt in a glass of water taken before breakfast every morning. I have found it a very good remedy." This is a remedy easily obtained in any home and will be found very helpful. Few people seem to realize how valuable salt is as a medicine. It acts as a stimulant and loosens the bowels. 6. Constipation, Water Cure for.--"Drink a quantity of water on retiring and during the day." This simple home remedy has been known to cure stubborn cases of constipation if kept up faithfully. 7. Constipation, Tonic and Standard Remedy for.--"Calomel one ounce, wild cherry bark one ounce, Peruvian bark one ounce, Turkish rhubarb ground one ounce, make this into one quart with water, then put in sufficient alcohol to keep it." Dose:--Take a small teaspoonful each morning when the bowels need regulating, or you need a stimulating tonic. 8. Constipation, Glycerin and Witch-Hazel Remedy Where Castor Oil Failed-- "Equal parts of glycerin and witch-hazel." Dose :--One teaspoonful every night at bedtime. In severe cases where you have been unable to get a movement of the bowels by the use of other cathartics, take a teaspoonful every two hours until the bowels move freely. This remedy has been known to cure when castor oil and other remedies have failed. 9. Constipation, Well-known Remedy for.-- "Fluid Extract Cascara Sagrada 1 ounce Syrup Rhubarb 1 ounce Simple Syrup 2 ounces Mix." One teaspoonful at night or fifteen drops four times a day for an adult. [DIGESTIVE ORGANS 139] 10. Constipation, Effective Remedy, in the most Stubborn Cases of.-- "Fluid Extract Cascara Sagrada 1 ounce Fluid Extract Wahoo 1 ounce Neutralizing Cordial 2 ounces Mix." Adults may take a teaspoonful of this mixture before retiring, this will be found very effective in the most stubborn cases of constipation. 11. Constipation, Remedy from a Mother at Lee, Massachusetts.-- "Senna Leaves 1/2 pound English Currants 1/2 pound Figs 1/4 pound Brown Sugar 1 large cup Chop all together fine. Dose:--One-fourth to one-half teaspoonful every night. Do not cook. The best remedy I know." 12. Constipation, Fruit and Hot Water Cure for.--"Drink a pint of hot water in the morning before eating. Eat fruit, plenty of apples, eat apples in the evening, and they will loosen the bowels. Chew them fine, mix with saliva." 13. Constipation, Herb Tea for.--"One ounce senna leaves steeped in one-half pint of hot water, with a teaspoonful of ginger powdered; strain. This is a most certain and effective purge, and mild in its action upon the bowels. Dose:--A cupful at bedtime. This is far superior to salts." 14. Constipation, Purshiana Bark Tea Without an Equal for.--"An infusion of one ounce of purshiana bark to one pint of boiling water; infuse for one hour and strain. It stands without an equal in the treatment of constipation in all its varied forms. Dose:--One teaspoonful, morning and evening according to symptoms or until the bowels are thoroughly regulated." This is fine for constipation, especially if of long standing. It may be used in connection with cascara. This will give relief when other remedies fail. PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Constipation.--Too much reliance has been placed upon medicine in the treatment of this disease and too little attention given to diet, and the establishment of regular habits in eating, exercising, sleeping and attending to the calls of Nature. Also, local disease of the rectum has been overlooked until of late years. Remedies of a laxative and cathartic nature soon lose their power and the dose must be repeated or a new remedy must be given. This method of treatment is well recommended and is very good. 1--Stretching of the sphincter. 2--Frequent rectal and abdominal massage. 3--Copious injection of warm water (in the beginning only). 4--Application of electricity over the abdomen and in the rectum. [140 MOTHERS' REMEDIES] In addition to this treatment which must be carried out by a physician the patient must observe the following rules: Go to stool daily, and as near the same time as is convenient, correct errors of diet. Drink an abundance of water and eat sufficient fruit. Take plenty of outdoor exercise; take a cold bath every morning followed by a thorough rubbing. Dress warmly in winter and cool in summer. Change of temperature or climate if the case demands it. Be temperate in all things affecting the general health. Stretching the sphincter must be done carefully, but in a thorough manner. It can only be done properly by an experienced person. Stretching of the sphincter closes the opening so that the feces are not passed at all times. It is circular in shape. Sometimes this grows larger, stiffer, or it acts spasmodically. The opening is often so tight in some people that it is difficult to introduce even a finger, and it frequently produces a spasm of pain in the bowels, stomach and head to do so. This kind will produce constipation or make it worse. In such cases it should be stretched thoroughly but carefully so that the muscle will be able to close the opening and the bowel contents will not pass at any time unhindered. There are two methods of stretching the muscle--forcible or gradual. The forcible method is generally done by inserting the two thumbs into the anus and stretching the muscle thoroughly in every direction until there is no resistance. (Dilators are made for this purpose, but unless they are very carefully used they will tear the muscle). The forcible method should be done under an anesthetic. Gradual stretching is done when an anesthetic cannot be used. It is better to do too little than to do too much at the first sitting. The muscle is very stubborn sometimes, and it requires careful handling or the irritability will be increased. An instrument in the hands of a careful man is all right. They can be stretched by the fingers or the Wales' bougie, thus: Patients should come to the office two or three times a week, the instrument (bougies) are introduced and allowed to remain within the bowel until the muscle resistance is overcome, and many times their withdrawal will soon be followed by a copious stool. Forcible stretching is seldom required more than once, if a large sized instrument is used from time to time afterward, just as in gradual stretching; when thorough dilatation has been accomplished, the muscle instead of acting as an impassable barrier to the discharge of the feces, now offers only passive resistance, but sufficiently strong, however, to prevent any unpleasant accidents, yet not strong enough to resist the power of the expulsory muscles when the latter are brought into full play during stool. Large quantities of feces do not now accumulate; consequently the pressure upon the mucous membrane and neighboring nerves is eliminated, and the bowel regains its normal sensibility and strength. There are now sold dilators in sets for self use in almost every drug store. These when used continuously do good and successful work. [DIGESTIVE ORGANS 141] Abdominal Massage. (Kneading, Rubbing, etc.).--This is an essential feature in the treatment. It was practiced by Hippocrates hundreds of years ago. Place the patient in the recumbent position upon a table which can be so manipulated that the head may be raised or lowered, the body rolled from side to side. Gentle but firm pressure is then made with the palm of the hand and the ball of the thumb over the large intestine beginning in the lower right groin region. Then go up to the ribs on the right side, then over the body to the same place on the left side and down to the left lower side and center, accompanying the pressure by kneading the parts thoroughly with the fingers. Repeat this several times for about ten to twelve minutes. At first this should be practised every day; later twice a week. Special treatment should be given the small intestines and liver when the bile and intestinal secretion are lessened. In children gentle rubbing of the abdomen with circular movements from right to left with a little oil for ten minutes daily will help to increase the action of the bowels and often bring on a normal movement. Copious Warm Water Injections.--This is good at the beginning of the treatment when the feces become packed. They soften the mass and aid its discharge. The water must go above the rectum into the colon. To do this a colon tube from eighteen to twenty-four inches long, a good syringe (the Davidson bulb) hard rubber piston or a fountain syringe, the nozzle of which can be inserted into the tube, are required. The patient is placed in the lying down position on the left side with knees drawn up, with the hips elevated. Oil the tube and pass it gently and slowly up the bowel for a few inches until it meets with a slight obstruction. A few ounces of water are then forced through the tube and at the same time pressure is made upward with the tube; by these means the obstruction will be lifted out of the way each time the tube meets with resistance; the procedure must be repeated until the tube is well within the colon. Attach the syringe to the tube and allow the water to run until the colon is distended. A quart to a gallon of warm water can be used depending upon the age and amount of feces present. The water should be retained as long as possible. The injections should be continued daily until all the feces has been removed. They should not be used for weeks as has been recommended. If soap suds are used in the enema, green or soft soap should be used, not the hard soap. Electricity.--One pole may be placed over the spinal column and the other moved about over the course of the colon, or one over the spine and the other over the rectum. Again constipation is caused by the womb lying upon the rectum. Change this condition. (See diseases of women). [142 MOTHERS' REMEDIES] Rules.--Patients should go to stool daily at the same hour, usually after the morning meal. You can educate the bowel to act daily at the same hour or after breakfast; or on the other hand not more than once in two or three days in those who are careless in their habits. Some patients need to have two or three movements daily in order to feel well. It may take time to educate the bowels to do this, but it can be done in many cases and many persons become constipated because they put off attending to the educated bowel's call, and often produce constipation by carelessness. It is surprising how many educated people put off this duty; Nature neglected, soon ceases to call. If constipated persons will persevere in going to the closet at or near the same time every day and devote their entire time while there to the expulsion of the fecal contents, and not make it a reading room, they will bring about the desired result. Patients are apt to become discouraged at first; they should be informed that the final result of the treatment is not influenced by the failure of the bowel to act regularly during the first few days. Do not strain to expel the stool. Corrections of Errors in Diet.--This is one of the necessary features in the treatment. All kinds of foods known to disagree should be discarded. The foods should be easily digested. In children the diet should be rich in fats, albuminoids and sugar, but poor in starches. A reasonable amount of fruits such as apples, oranges, and figs should be allowed. Meals should be at regular hours. Foods that can be used: May Take-- Soups.--Meat broths, oyster soup. Fish.--Boiled fish of all kinds, raw oysters. Meats.--Almost any fresh tender meat, poultry, game, not fried. Farinaceous.--Oatmeal, wheaten grits, mush, hominy, whole wheat bread, corn bread, graham bread, rye bread. Vegetables.--Boiled onions, brussels sprouts, spinach, cauliflower, potatoes, asparagus, green corn, green peas, string beans, salads with oil. Desserts.--Stewed prunes, figs, baked apples with cream, ripe peaches, pears, oranges, apples, melons, grapes, cherries, raisins, honey, plain puddings, fig puddings, apple charlotte. Drinks.--Plenty of pure water, cold or hot, new cider, buttermilk, orange juice, unfermented grape juice. Must Not Take-- Salt, smoked, potted or preserved fish or meats, pork, liver, eggs, new bread, puddings of rice or sago, pastry, milk, sweets, tea, nuts, cheese, pineapple, spirituous liquors. Foods classed as laxatives are honey, cider, molasses, and acid fruits, such as apples, pears, peaches, cherries, and oranges. Berries are effective laxatives on account of the acids and seeds they contain. (Huckleberries are constipating). Prunes, dates and figs are good and effective, also fruit juices. [DIGESTIVE ORGANS 143] Drinks.--There are few laxatives better than a glass of cold water or preferably hot water, taken upon an empty stomach before breakfast; water prevents the feces from becoming dry and massed, and stimulates the intestinal movements. A pinch of salt added to the water increases its effectiveness. Out-door Exercise.--This should be taken regularly and freely. Bathing.--The best time is before breakfast, and in as cold water as possible. The bath should be followed by a thorough rubbing of the skin with a Turkish towel. Clothing.--Warm clothing in winter; cool clothing in summer. Cold weather induces constipation, and warm weather diarrhea. Moderate manner of living is everything. PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Constipation. 1. One year to three years.--For infants one teaspoonful or less of black molasses or store syrup, or of olive oil; and Mellin's food eaten dry, is good for babies a year and older. 2. Small Children.--Increase cream in the milk, give oatmeal or barley water. Castile soap suppository, enema, massage, castor oil, or citrate of magnesia if drugs are needed. 3. Older Children.--In older children, fruit, oatmeal, etc. Black molasses is good for children, one to two teaspoonfuls. 4. Fluid Extract of Cascara Sagrada.--Dose: ten to sixty drops at night. This is good for a great many cases and sometimes it cures the trouble, but on the other hand it seems to injure some people. 5. The Aromatic Cascara is also good; doses are larger and pleasant to take. This is more agreeable for children. 6. The Compound Licorice Powder is a mild, simple laxative and effective. It is composed of senna eighteen parts, licorice root powder sixteen parts, fennel eight parts, washed sulphur eight parts, sugar fifty parts. Dose:--One to two teaspoonfuls. 7. For one dose, or one capsule, the proportions would be: ONE AMOUNT FOR CAPSULE ONE DOZEN Aloin 1/4 grain 3 grains Extract of Belladonna 1/8 grain 10 grains Extract Nux Vomica 1/4 grain 3 grains Powdered Gentian 3 grains 36 grains Mix and put up in twelve capsules and take one at night. There are many tablets and pills made that can be bought at any drug store. No doubt some of them are first class, though perhaps not attaining to that high degree of virtue claimed in their advertising columns. [144 MOTHERS' REMEDIES] ITCHING OF THE ANUS. (Itching Piles) (Pruritus ani).Causes.--An inherited or an acquired nervous constitution. Disease of the colon, rectum or anus. Improper diet. Skin affections in that region. Operations about the rectum and anus with resulting discharge sometimes. Diseases in the neighboring organs. Disease of the general system. Diarrhea, discharge of mucus and pus, fissure, etc. Irregular habits and dissipation. Over-seasoned foods such as lobster, salmon, shell-fish and foods containing much grease or starch are especially conducive to it; the same is true of tea, coffee, cocoa, strong alcoholic drinks. Skin diseases, lice, pin worms often cause it. After Operations.--Some part has not healed, and there is left an irritating discharge. Symptoms.--There is intense itching at the anus, increased by warmth, and contact of the buttocks. The itching grows worse after the patient becomes warm in bed. It may spread and extend to the scrotum, down the limbs and sometimes over the lower back. PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT FOR ITCHING OF ANUS. Preventive and Palliative. DIET.--May Take.--Strong drink must be prohibited; tea, coffee, cocoa, if used at all should be sparingly used. A light diet such as bread, milk, eggs, nourishing soups, kumiss and a little fresh fish, broiled steak, etc., may be used. May Not Take--Hot cakes, pastry, parsnips, cheese, pickles, beans, cucumbers, cabbage, oatmeal, pork, shell-fish, salmon, lobster, salt fish, confectionery and starchy or highly seasoned foods are to be prohibited. Regular meals, no lunches between meals, and the patient must not over-eat at any time. Long course dinners and over-indulgence in highly seasoned foods and wines aggravate it. Remedies for Bath.--The bowels should move daily and the parts should be kept clean. The parts should be bathed with hot water or weak solutions of carbolic acid, alcohol or listerine, the heat being especially soothing. Bathing the parts with bran, oatmeal, flaxseed, salt, rice, slippery elm teas, or tar water adds much comfort to these parts. Do not wash much with soapy water. 1. Separate the Buttocks with Gauze, a thin layer of cotton or a piece of soft cloth. This eases the soreness, pain and itching by absorbing the secretions and preventing irritations while walking. The patient should not scratch the parts. Direct pressure over the itching parts with a soft cloth, or by drawing a well oiled cloth across the sore parts several times gives relief. 2. Dr. Allingham Recommends the introduction of a bony or ivory nipple-shaped plug into the anus before going to bed. It is self retaining, about two inches in length, and as thick as the end of the index finger. He claims it prevents the night itching by pressing upon the many veins and terminal nerve fibres of the parts. When the rawness is extensive and the parts are highly inflamed, the patient should be kept to bed and kept on his back with the limbs separated until the irritation is allayed. 3. Local Applications.--Soothing remedies: These can be used when the parts are inflamed and raw. Lead and opium wash, or boric acid, or linseed oil, or starch, or cocaine, and zinc stearate with boric acid. This form of zinc adheres to the parts when rubbed on, and is thus more valuable. [DIGESTIVE ORGANS 145] 4. The following is good to dust in the parts:-- Boric Acid 2 drams Stearate of Zinc 2 drams Talcum 1 dram Apply as a dusting powder. 5. The following is good for the raw parts:-- Carbolic Acid 1 scruple Menthol 10 grains Camphor 10 grains Suet enough to make 1 ounce Mix. Apply freely two or three times daily after cleansing the parts. Melt the suet and when partially cold, add the other ingredients. 6. The following is good for the itching and to heal the raw surfaces:-- Carbolic acid 1 dram Zinc oxide 1 dram Glycerin 3 drams Lime water 8 ounces Mix and apply once or twice daily to relieve the itching. 7. Carbolic acid 1 dram Calamin prep 2 drams Zinc oxide 4 drams Glycerin 6 drams Lime water 1 ounce Rose water enough to make 8 ounces Mix. Keep in contact with the itching area by means of gauze or cotton while the itching is intense. 8. For injections into the rectum for rawness of the mucous membrane, the following is well recommended. Use three drams of this at one time. Fluid extract Witch Hazel 2 ounces Fluid extract Ergot 2 drams Fluid extract Golden Seal 2 drams Compound tincture Benzoin 2 drams Carbolized Olive or Linseed Oil 1 ounce Carbolic acid 5 per cent Mix and shake well before using. 9. For the same purpose:-- Ichthyol 1 dram Olive oil 1 ounce Mix and apply in the rectum on a piece of cotton. [146 MOTHERS' REMEDIES] PILES. (Hemorrhoids).--Hemorrhoid is derived from two Greek words, meaning blood and flowing with blood. "Pile" is from a Greek word meaning a ball or globe. Hemorrhoids, or piles, are varicose tumors involving the veins, capillaries of the mucous membranes and tissue directly underneath the mucous membrane of the lower rectum, characterized by a tendency to bleed and protrude. They were known in the time of Moses. Varieties.--There are the external (covered by the skin) and the internal (covered by mucous membrane). Causes.--Heredity. More frequent in males. Women sometimes suffer from them during pregnancy. Usually occurs between the ages of twenty-five and fifty. Sedentary life, irregular habits, high-grade wines and liquors, hot and highly seasoned and stimulating foods. Heavy lifting. Those who must remain on their feet long or sit on hard unventilated seats for several hours at a time. Railway employees, because they take their meals any time and cannot go to stool when Nature calls, causing constipation. Purgatives and enemata used often and for a long time. Constipation is perhaps the most frequent cause: when a movement of the bowels is put off for a considerable time the feces accumulate and become hard and lumpy and difficult to expel. If this hard mass is retained in the rectum, it presses upon the blood vessels interfering with their circulation and by bruising the vessels may induce an inflammation of the veins when the hardened feces are expelled; straining is intense, the mass closes the vessels above by pressure and forces the blood downward into the veins, producing dilatation when the force is sufficient. One or more of the small veins near the anus may rupture and cause a bloody (vascular) tumor beneath the mucous membrane or skin. External Piles.--Two kinds, venous piles and skin or simple enlarged tags of skin. Venous piles usually occur in robust persons. They come on suddenly and are caused by the rupture of one or more small veins during the expulsion of hardened feces. There may be one or more, and may be located just at the union of the mucous membrane and the skin. Their size is from a millet-seed to a cherry, livid or dark blue in color, and appear like bullets or small shots under the skin. At first they cause a feeling of swelling at the margin of the anus; but as the clot becomes larger and harder, there is a feeling of the presence of a foreign body in the lower part of the anal canal (or canal of the anus). The sphincter muscle resents this and occasionally contracts, spasmodically at first, producing a drawing feeling; later these contractions become longer and more frequent, and there is intense suffering caused by the pile being squeezed, and this suffering may be so great that sleep is impossible without an opiate. Because of the straining, irritation of the rectum and pain in the sphincter, the piles soon become highly inflamed and very sensitive. The clot may be absorbed without any treatment. Occasionally it becomes ulcerated from the irritation, infection takes place and an abscess forms around the margin of the anus terminating in a fistula. [DIGESTIVE ORGANS 147] Skin Piles. (Cutaneous).--These are enlarged tags of the skin. They frequently follow the absorption of the clot in the venous piles where the skin is bruised and stretched. There may be one or many and usually have the skin color. These cause less suffering than the venous variety, and sometimes they exist for years, without any trouble, providing care is taken; but when bruised from any cause, such as a kick or fall, sitting on a hard seat, stretching of the parts during stool, or when they become irritated by discharges from the rectum or vagina, they become inflamed and cause much annoyance and pain. When they are acutely inflamed they swell greatly, are highly colored, swollen, painful, and extremely sensitive to the touch and cause frequent spasmodic contractions of the sphincter muscle and may finally result in an abscess. The pain is usually confined to the region of the anus, but may go up the back, down the limbs or to the privates. MOTHERS' REMEDIES FOR PILES. Sulphur and Glycerin for.--"Equal parts of sulphur and pure glycerin. Grease parts." This preparation is very healing, and will often give relief even in severe cases. 2. Piles, Strongly Recommended Remedy for.-- Extract Belladonna 15 grains Acetate lead 1/2 dram Chloretone 1 dram Gallic acid 15 grains Sulphur 20 grains Vaseline 1 ounce Mix. In protruding, itching and blind piles, this ointment will give you almost instant relief. If kept up several days it will promote a cure." 3. Piles, Good Salve for.--"Red precipitate two and one-half drams, oxide of zinc one dram, best cosmoline three ounces, white wax one ounce, camphor gum one dram." It is much better to have this salve made by a druggist, as it is difficult to mix at home. This it a splendid salve and very good for inflammation. 4. Piles, Smartweed Salve for.--"Boil together two ounces of fresh lard and half an ounce smartweed root. Apply this to the piles three or four times a day." This is very healing, and has been known to cure in many cases when taken in the early stages. 5. Piles, the Cold Water Cure for.--"Take about a half pint of cold water and use as an injection every morning before trying to have a movement of the bowels." This simple treatment has cured many cases where the stronger medicines did not help. 6. Piles, Simple Application and Relief from.--"Mix together one tablespoonful plain vaselin and one dram flower of sulphur. Apply three times daily and you will get relief." 7. Piles, Steaming with Chamomile Tea for.--"A tea made of chamomile blossoms and used as a sitz bath is excellent; after using the sitz bath use vaselin or cold cream and press rectum back gently." [148 MOTHERS' REMEDIES] PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Piles.--What to do first.--The palliative treatment of both varieties of external piles is the same. In all cases the patient should lie flat on his back in bed and remain there for a few days. Highly seasoned foods and stimulants, tea, coffee, whisky, wine, etc., must be discarded. Secure a daily half liquid stool by the use of small doses of salts, Hunyadi or Abilena water. Cleansing the parts with weak castile soap water is essential to allay the pain, reduce the inflammation and soothe the sphincter muscle; cold, or if it is more agreeable, hot applications may be kept constantly on the parts. Hot fomentations of hops, smartweed, wormwood, or poultice of flaxseed, or slippery elm, or bread and milk give almost instant relief in many cases; while in others soothing lotions, and ointments or suppositories are needed. The lead and laudanum wash is always reliable. Lead and Laudanum Wash.-- Solution of Subacetate of Lead 4 drams Laudanum 20 drams Distilled water enough to make 4 ounces Mix thoroughly and apply constantly ice cold on cotton to the sore parts. The following ointments, lotions, and suppositories to be used freely within the bowels and to the piles, are effective in relieving the pain, reducing inflammation and diminishing pain and spasm in the sphincter. 1. Ointment of Stramomium 1-1/2 drams Ointment of Belladonna 2-1/2 drams Ointment of Tannic Acid 1/2 ounce Mix thoroughly and apply inside and outside the anus. 2. Camphor Gum 1 dram Calomel 12 grains Vaselin 1 ounce This must be thoroughly mixed. Apply freely within the anus and to the piles. Good for the pain. 3. For External Piles cleanse them well with a sponge dipped in cold water, and then bathe them with distilled extract of witch hazel. 4. If there is much itching with the piles use the following salve:-- Menthol 20 grains Calomel 30 grains Vaselin 1 ounce Mix and apply to the piles. 5. I use quite frequently the following for sore external piles: Chloroform and Sweet oil in equal parts Apply freely with cotton or on to the piles. Ten cents will buy enough to use. [DIGESTIVE ORGANS 149] Operation for Piles.--When these measures do not relieve the pains or the piles become inflamed from slight causes and often, it is best to operate. This can be done in a few minutes with a local anesthetic and the patient frequently goes to sleep afterward, almost free from pain. Inject a three per cent solution of eucaine, or six per cent solution of cocaine. Thoroughly cleanse the part and hold the buttocks apart, pierce the pile at its base with a thin sharp-pointed curved knife, laying it open from side to side. Remove the clot with a curette, cauterize the vessel and pack the cavity with gauze to prevent bleeding and to secure drainage. Cutaneous (skin) piles are operated upon as follows.--Each one is grasped in turn with a pair of strong forceps and snipped off with the scissors, or removed with a knife. Close the wound with sutures, if necessary, and dress it with gauze. Small ones need no sutures. Be careful not to remove too much tissue. Much after-pain can be prevented by placing in the rectum a suppository containing one-half grain of opium or cocaine before either of the above operations are performed. The after treatment is quite simple. Keep the patient quiet, cleanse the parts frequently, and secure a soft daily stool. Cleanse with tepid boiled water with clean sterilized gauze and give salts in small doses, one to two drams to produce a stool. INTERNAL PILES. Symptoms.--The two prominent symptoms are bleeding and pain. The bleeding is usually dark. It may be slight and appear as streaks upon the feces or toilet paper; it may be moderate and ooze from the anus for some time after a stool, or it may be so profuse as to cause the patient to faint from loss of blood while the "bowels are moving." Death may follow in such a case unless the bleeding is stopped. The blood may look fresh and fluid or if retained for some time, it looks like coffee grounds, sometimes mixed with mucus and pus. Patients who bleed profusely become pale and bloodless, and are very nervous and gloomy and they believe they are suffering from cancer or some other incurable trouble. The first the patient notices he has internal piles is when a small lump appears at the end of the bowel during a stool and returns spontaneously; afterwards the lump again protrudes after the stool and others may appear. They become larger and larger, come down oftener and no longer return spontaneously, but must be replaced after each stool. As a result of this handling, they grow sensitive, swollen, inflamed and ulcerated, and the sphincter muscle becomes irritable. Later on one or more of the piles are caught in the grasp of the sphincter muscle and rapidly increases in size. It is then hard to relieve them, and when returned they act as foreign bodies, excite irritation and they are almost constantly expelled and the same procedure goes on at each stool. The sphincter muscle contracts so tightly around them as to cause strangulation and unless properly treated they become gangrenous and slough off. [150 MOTHERS' REMEDIES] Recovery, Pain, etc.--The pain is not great in the early stages, but when the muscle grasps and contracts the pile or piles it becomes terrible and constant. Piles rarely end fatally. Palliative treatment does not afford a permanent cure. They frequently return, but by care and diet many can be kept from returning so frequently. They should be treated upon their first appearance when the chances of a permanent cure without an operation are much better. PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Internal Piles.--What to do first. The cause should be removed. Restore a displaced womb. Regulate the bowels, liver, diet, and habits. Much can be accomplished by these measures if properly used, in allaying inflammation diminishing pain and reducing the size of the piles. These measures will not cure them if they are large, overgrown and protruding. When the piles are inflamed, strangulated or ulcerated, the patient should remain in bed in a recumbent position and hot fomentations of hops, etc., and hot poultices, of flaxseed, slippery elm, bread and milk, the ice bag, or soothing applications and astringent remedies, should be applied to the parts. In some cases cold applications are the best. The cold or astringent applications give the best results where the piles are simply inflamed and the sphincter muscle does not act spasmodically, jerkily. But when the piles are strangulated, "choked tight" by the sphincter muscle, hot fomentations, poultices and soothing remedies give the most relief, because they reduce spasmodic contractions of the muscle and allay the pain. Instead of the poultices and fomentations, the "sitz" bath can be used. Put in the steaming water, hops, catnip, tansy, pennyroyal, etc., and the steam arising will frequently give great relief. This can be given frequently; ten to twenty drops of laudanum can be added to the poultices when the piles are very painful. 1. For inflamed piles, the following combinations may be used:-- Gum Camphor 1 dram Calomel 12 grains Vaselin 1 ounce Mix thoroughly and apply freely around the anus and in the rectum on the piles. The external parts should always be bathed with hot water, thoroughly, before using. 2. Gum Camphor 2 drams Chloretone 1 dram Menthol 20 grains Ointment of Zinc Oxide 1 ounce Mix and apply directly to the piles. 3. When there is a slight bleeding, water of witch-hazel extract, one to two ounces to be injected into the rectum. This witch-hazel water freely used is good for external piles also. This is good and well recommended. [DIGESTIVE ORGANS 151] 4. If the protruded pile is inflamed and hard to push back, the following is good and recommended highly:-- Chloretone 1 dram Iodoform 1 dram Gum Camphor 1 dram Petrolatum 1 ounce Mix and use as a salve. 5. An ointment composed of equal parts of fine-cut tobacco and raisins, seedless, chopped fine and mixed with enough lard, makes a good ointment to apply on both external and internal piles. 6. Tea of white oak bark, boiled down so as to be strong, and mixed with lard and applied frequently, is good as an astringent, but not for the very painful kind. It will take down the swelling. 7. Take a rectal injection of cold water before the regular daily stool. This will soften the feces and decrease the congestion. Preventive Treatment.--This is very important and includes habits and diet and other diseases. If the patient is thin and pale give tonics. Correct any disease of any neighboring organ. Attend to any disease that may be present. For Constipation.--Take a small dose of salts or hunyadi water so as to have one semi-solid stool daily. If necessary remove any feces that may even then be retained, by injections of soap suds or warm water containing oil. Discontinue injections as soon as a daily full stool can be had without it. Habits.--Full-blooded people should not use upholstered chairs as the heat of the body relaxes the tissues of the rectum. A cane seated chair is best or an air cushion with a hollow center. It is best to rest in bed, if possible, after stool for the rest relieves the congestion and soreness. An abundance of out-door exercise, when the piles are not present, or bad, consisting of walking or simple gymnastics may usually be indulged in; violent gymnastics and horseback riding must be avoided. A daily stool must be secured. Diet.--Such patients should avoid alcoholic beverages, spiced foods, strong coffee, and tea, cheese, cabbage, and old beans. Foods Allowed.--Potatoes, carrots, spinach, asparagus, and even salads, since they stimulate intestinal action and thus aid in keeping the stool soft. Stewed fruits, including grapes, oranges, pears, and apples. Water is the best to drink. Meats: tender broiled, boiled or baked beef--do not eat the inside part to any great amount. Other meats, but no pork or ham, fresh fish, chicken. The foods should not be too highly seasoned; vinegar is not to be used to any extent and this excludes pickles, etc. PERIPROCTITIS. Abscess Around the Anus and Rectum. (Ano-rectal) (Ischio- rectal Abscess).--This is an inflammation of the tissues around the rectum which usually terminates in the above named abscess. It occurs mostly in middle-aged people. Men are affected more often than women. [152 MOTHERS' REMEDIES] Causes.--Sitting in cold, damp hard seats; horseback riding, foreign bodies in the rectum such as pins, fish-hooks, etc., blows on the part, kicks, tubercular constitution, etc. Symptoms.--Inflammation of the skin, like that of a big boil, some fever, throbbing pain, swelling of the part, heat and fullness in the rectum, these symptoms increase until the pus finds an outlet into the rectum. PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Periproctitis.--Little can be done in a palliative way. It generally terminates in an abscess. Make the patient as comfortable as possible, by applying cold or hot things to the part, rest in bed, mild laxatives to keep the bowels open. Cut it open as soon as possible, and it should be laid wide open, so that every part is broken up. Then it should be thoroughly washed and scraped out. Sometimes it is necessary to use pure carbolic acid to burn out the interior. The dressing should be as usual for such wounds and removed when soiled and the wound washed out with boiled water and then gauze loosely placed in the bottom and in every corner of the wound. The dressing should be continued until all has been healed from inside out. Be sure to leave no cotton in to heal over it. Such patients should be built up with nourishing foods, and should remain quietly in bed. Cod liver oil is good for some patients. Iron, etc., for others. Keep the bowels regular. Outdoor life and exercise. If treated right it should not return. FISTULA IN ANUS.--This usually follows the abscess. It has two openings, one upon the surface of the body near the anus, and the other in the rectum. There are a great many varieties of fistula, but it is unnecessary to name them. What can be done for them? PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT.--If the general health is good an operation is the best thing to do, but patients in the last stage of consumption, nephritis, diabetes, or organic heart disease, are not apt to receive much benefit from an operation. The patient in poor condition should be given the treatment suitable to his condition, according to the advice of a trusted physician. [KIDNEY AND BLADDER 153] DISEASES OF THE KIDNEYS AND BLADDER. KIDNEYS.--The kidneys are deeply placed and cannot be felt or distinctly identified when normal. They are most accessible to pressure just below the last rib, behind. The right kidney usually lies lower than does the left, but even then, the lower part of this kidney is an inch above the upper part of the hip bone, or an inch above a line drawn around the body parallel with the navel. The kidney is about four inches long. The long axis of the kidneys corresponds to that of the twelfth rib; on an average the left kidney lies one-half inch higher than the right. [Illustration: Kidneys, Ureters and Bladder.] As stated before, each kidney is four inches long, two to two and one-half in breadth, and more than one inch thick. The left is somewhat longer, though narrower, than the right. The kidney is covered with what is called a capsule. This can be easily stripped off. The structure of the kidney is quite intricate. At the inner border of each kidney there is an opening called the pelvis of the kidney, and leading from this, small tubes penetrate the structure of the kidney in all directions. These tubes are lined with special cells. Through these tubes go the excretions (urine) from the body of the kidneys, to the pelvis, and from the pelvis through the ureters, sixteen inches long, to the bladder. [154 MOTHERS' REMEDIES] KIDNEY TROUBLE. MOTHERS' REMEDIES.--1. Kidney Trouble and Inflammation of the Bladder, Cornsilk for.--"Get cornsilk and make a good strong tea of it by steeping slowly, and take one ounce three or four times a day. This acts well on the kidneys, and is a harmless remedy to use." 2. Kidney Trouble, Flaxseed and Lemons for.--"Make a tea by placing the flaxseed in a muslin or linen bag, and suspend it in a dish of water, in the proportion of about four teaspoonfuls for each quart of water. After allowing the seeds to soak for several hours remove the same and tea will be ready for use. The addition of a little lemon juice will improve the flavor. Give in quantities as may be found necessary." 3. Kidney Trouble, Temporary Relief for.--"Rub witchhazel on stomach and back; use freely." This is an old-time remedy, and can be relied upon to at least give temporary relief. The witch hazel has a very soothing effect upon the parts affected. 4. Kidney and Bladder Trouble, Buchu Leaves for.--"Get five cents' worth of buchu leaves at any drug store, and make a good strong tea of it by steeping. This acts nicely on the kidneys. This remedy is easily prepared, and is not expensive." 5. Kidney Trouble, Common Rush Root for.--"Take a handful of the root of common rush in one and one-half pints of water, boil down to one pint. Dose:--One tablespoonful every two or three hours. For a child ten years, give one teaspoonful four times a day. For a child of four to six years, one-half teaspoonful four times a day." 6. Kidney Trouble, Effective and Easy Cure for.-- "Fluid Extract of Cascara Sagrada 1 ounce Fluid Extract of Buchu 2 ounces Fluid Extract of Uva Ursi 2 ounces Tincture Gentian Comp 1 ounce Simple Syrup 1 pint Mix the above ingredients and give a teaspoonful four times a day. This is a very good remedy, as the cascara sagrada acts on the bowels and the buchu and uva ursi acts on the kidneys, carrying off all the impurities that would otherwise be retained in the system and cause trouble." 7. Kidney Trouble, Sheep-Sorrel Excellent for.--"Make a decoction of sheep sorrel, one ounce to pint of water; boil, strain and cool. Give wineglassful, three or four times a day. If necessary apply the spinal ice bag to kidneys." The sheep sorrel is a good kidney remedy, and the ice bag by continuous application will relieve the congestion. [KIDNEY AND BLADDER 155] MOVABLE KIDNEY. (Floating Kidney. Nephroptosis).--Causes.--This condition is usually acquired. It is more common in women than in men, possibly due to lacing and the relaxations of the muscles of the abdomen from pregnancy. It may come from wounds, lifting too heavy articles, emaciation. Symptoms.--They are often absent. There may be pain or dragging sensation in the loins, or intercostal neuralgia; hysteria, nervousness, nervous dyspepsia and constipation are common. The kidney can be felt. A dull pain is caused by firm pressure. Sometimes there are attacks of severe abdominal pain, with chill, fever, nausea, vomiting and collapse. The kidney becomes large and tender. The urine shows a reddish deposit and sometimes there is blood and pus in the urine. Treatment.--If the symptoms are not present, it is best for the patient not to know the true condition, as nervous troubles frequently follow a knowledge of its presence. If the symptoms are present, replace the kidney while the patient is lying down and retain it by a suitable belt. Also treat the nervous condition. If the symptoms are of the severe kind an operation may be needed to fasten the kidney in its proper condition. This is quite generally successful, and does away with much suffering and pain. The pain may be so severe at times as to require morphine. Sometimes the pain is due to uric acid or oxalates in the urine. For this regulate the diet. Diet for Movable Kidney.--The diet should be such as to produce fat. Milk is excellent where it is well borne; if not well borne give easily digested meats, such as chicken, roast beef, broiled steak and lamb chop; fish of various kinds and vegetables, such as spinach, carrots, asparagus and cauliflower; of fats, butter, cream, and chocolate; for constipation, cider, buttermilk, grape-juice, fruits and honey. ACUTE CONGESTION OR HYPEREMIA OF THE KIDNEYS.--This occurs at the beginning of acute nephritis; in acute infectious diseases, after taking turpentine, chlorate of potash, cantharides, carbolic acid, alcohol, etc.; after one kidney has been removed. Kidney.--The kidney is enlarged, dark red, while the covering is very tight (tense). The urine is scanty, and there is increased specific gravity (normal is 1015 to 1020) and contains albumin and a few casts. Treatment.--The cause should always be removed if possible. Rest in bed, and as a diet use only milk; if the congestion is bad, use dry cupping over the kidneys and inject large quantities of hot normal salt solution in the bowels. Hot fomentations of wormwood or smartweed are of benefit. If you can get the patient into a sweat the congestion will be somewhat relieved by it. [156 MOTHERS' REMEDIES] CHRONIC CONGESTION OF THE KIDNEYS. Causes.--Diseases of other organs and obstruction to the return of the circulation in the veins. Cirrhosis of the liver causes it. The kidney is enlarged dark red, the urine is diminished, with albumin and casts and sometimes blood. Treatment.--Remove the cause if possible. Fluid diet, like milk, broths, etc. Dry cupping or sweating materials can be used. Rest in bed if possible. The bowels should be kept open, and the kidneys should rest. BLOOD IN THE URINE. (Haematuria). Causes.--The congestion of the kidneys, pernicious malaria, etc., nephritis, tuberculosis, kidney stones. The urine looks smoky and dark, or bright red. Treatment.--This depends upon the cause. The patient must rest in bed and the kidneys should not be stimulated. Cold applications to the loins. Hot applications would injure. URAEMIC TOXAEMIA.--This means poison in the blood occurring in acute and chronic nephritis (inflammation of the kidneys). The cause is unknown. The disease is acute and chronic. ACUTE URAEMIA. Symptoms.--The onset may be sudden or gradual. The headache is severe, usually on the back top of head (occipital) and extending to the neck; there is persistent vomiting with nausea and diarrhea attending it. This may be due to inflammation of the colon. Difficulty in breathing, which may be constant or comes in spells. This is worse at night, when it may resemble asthma; fever if persistent, is usually slight until just before death. General convulsions may occur. There may be some twitching of the muscles of the face and of other muscles. The convulsions may occur frequently. The patient becomes abnormally sleepy, before the attack, and remains so. One-sided paralysis may occur. Sudden temporary blindness occurs sometimes. There may be noisy delirium or suicidal mania. Coma (deep sleep) may develop either with or without convulsions or delirium, and is usually soon followed by them; sometimes by chronic uraemia or recovery. CHRONIC URAEMIA.--This develops most often in cases of Arterio-sclerosis or chronic interstitial nephritis, (one kind of Bright's disease). The symptoms are less severe than those of acute uraemia, but similar, and of gradual onset, sometimes with symptoms of the acute attack. There is often constant headache and difficult breathing; the tongue is brown and dry, sometimes there is nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, sleeplessness, cramps of the legs and much itching may be present. It may last for years. Death may occur when the patient is in coma (deep sleep). There may have been mania, muscular twitchings or convulsions before death. Treatment.--Found under "Chronic Interstitial Nephritis." [KIDNEY AND BLADDER 157] ACUTE BRIGHT'S DISEASE. (Acute Inflammation of the Kidneys. Acute Nephritis).--This occurs chiefly in young people and among grown men. Exciting causes are exposure to cold, wet, burns, extensive skin tears (lesions), scarlet fever, diphtheria, typhoid fever, measles and acute tuberculosis, poisons; and pregnancy is one cause when it occurs in women. Symptoms.--After exposure or scarlet fever the onset may be sudden, sometimes with chills or chilliness, variable fever, pain in the loins, watery swelling of the face and extremities, then of other portions of the body like the abdomen, then general dropsy. Sometimes there is nausea, vomiting, headache, delirium, or very deep sleep. The urine is scanty, dark colored, of increased "specific gravity" and contains albumin, cells and casts. Anemia is marked. After some fever disease, the onset is gradual with anemia, swelling of the eyelids, face and extremities; scanty thickish urine containing casts, then headache, nausea, vomiting, little or no fever, dry skin. In these cases there may be gradual recovery, attack of uraemia, or they may end in chronic nephritis. Diagnosis.--Examine the urine often in pregnancy, scarlet fever, etc., and especially when watery swelling is noticed. Recovery.--The result in your children when it comes with scarlet fever is not so good. It may run into chronic nephritis. In adults when it is due to exposure the rule is recovery. Treatment.--The patient must be kept in bed until there is complete recovery. He should be clothed in flannel. Diet and Nursing.--This must be of milk, water or mineral water in large quantities; milk or buttermilk should be the main article of food. You can give gruels made of arrowroot or oatmeal, barley water, beef tea and chicken broth. But it is better to stick strictly to milk. As the patient gets better, bread and butter, lettuce, watercress, grapes, oranges, and other fruits may be given. The return to a meat diet should be gradual. The patient should drink freely of mineral waters, ordinary water or lemonade, these keep the kidneys flushed and wash out the "debris" from the tubes. One dram of cream of tartar in a pint of boiling water, add the juice of half a lemon and a little sugar; this when taken cold is a pleasant satisfactory diluting drink. Cream of tartar one dram, juice of lemon, sugar sufficient, water one pint, may be given whenever desired. There should be hot water baths daily or oftener; or you can produce sweating by placing hot water jars around the patient, and watch to see whether it is too weakening. It can also be done by introducing steam underneath the bedding, that is then lifted a little, so that the steam vapor can circulate about the patient. Be careful not to burn the patient with the hot steam. This, of course, is done through a hose attached to a steaming kettle. Also see treatment of dropsy under "scarlet fever." Bowels, Attention to.--They should be moved every morning by a saline (salt) cathartic, if necessary, especially if the dropsy continues. This produces watery stool. Cream of tartar and epsom salts, equal parts, is good remedy; one-half teaspoonful every three hours for a child one year old until the bowels move freely; one-half to one ounce can be given to an adult. [158 MOTHERS' REMEDIES] CHRONIC BRIGHT'S DISEASE. (Chronic Parenchymatous Nephritis. Chronic Diffuse Desquamative or Tubal Nephritis. Chronic Diffuse Nephritis with Exudation). Causes.--Young adult life and most common in males. It may come from acute inflammation of the kidneys that was due to exposure, pregnancy, or scarlet fever, or follow excessive use of alcohol, etc. In children it usually follows acute inflammation of the kidneys or scarlet fever. Condition.--The kidneys may be enlarged, with thin capsule, white surface, cortex thickened and yellowish, or whitish (large white kidney). The epithelium of the tubules is granular, or fatty or the tubules are distended and contain casts. Cells of the "Glomeruli" and their capsules are swollen. There is moderate increase of interstitial tissue. In other cases, the "small white kidney," the kidney is small and pale either at first or as a later stage of the large white kidney. The surface is pale, rough and granular; the capsule is thickened and partially adherent; the surface is thin with white and yellowish areas of fatty degenerations. The interstitial tissue is much increased; epithelial degeneration in the tubules extensive. There is also the large red kidney, and with any of these types the left heart may be enlarged and the arteries thickened. Symptoms.--If it occurs after acute nephritis the symptoms of acute nephritis subside, but anemia and the changes in the urine persist. Usually there is a gradual onset with paleness and puffiness of the eyelids, ankles or hands in the morning. Later there is difficult breathing, increased watery swelling of the face, extremities and dependent portions of the body; worse in the morning. There is a pasty yellowish pallor, afterwards dropsy of the abdominal and chest cavities. The urine is diminished, high colored, specific gravity usually 1020 to 1025 with much albumin. Many casts which are named hyaline, granular, epithelial and fatty. The action of the heart is bad. There may be trouble with the stomach and bowels, constipated, etc. The digestion is poor and the patient frequently suffers with much gas. Recovery is rare after it has lasted one year. Treatment. Diet.--Milk or buttermilk should be the main article of food. You can give gruels made of arrowroot or oatmeal, barley water, beef tea, and chicken broth, but it is better to keep strictly to milk. As the patient gets better, bread and butter, lettuce, watercress, grapes, oranges and other fruits may be given. The return to the meat diet should be gradual. The patient should drink freely of mineral water, ordinary water, or lemonade. These keep the kidneys flushed and wash out the "debris" from the tubes. One dram (teaspoonful) of cream of tartar in a pint of boiling water, add the juice of a half a lemon and a little sugar. This when taken cold is a pleasant, satisfactory drink. Medical treatment is not satisfactory. The only thing to do is to give medicines to meet the indications; fifteen to twenty grain doses of lactate of strontium. Diuretin also is used. Basham's mixture for anemia is of help in some cases. It can be bought at any drug store. [KIDNEY AND BLADDER 159] CHRONIC INTERSTITIAL NEPHRITIS. (Sclerosis or Cirrhosis of the Kidneys. Granular, Contracted or Gouty Kidney).--This is met with, (a) as a sequence of the large white kidneys forming the so-called pale granular or secondary contracted kidney; (b) as an independent primary affection; as a sequence of arterio-sclerosis. Causes.--The primary form is chronic from the onset, and is a slow creeping degeneration of the kidney substance, and in many respects an anticipation of the gradual changes which take place in the organ in extreme old age. Families in which the arteries tend to degenerate early are more prone to this disease. Doctor Osler says: "Among the better classes in this country Bright's disease is very common and is caused more frequently by over-eating than by excesses in alcohol." Arterio-Sclerotic Form.--This is the most common form in this country, and is secondary to arterio-sclerosis. The kidneys are not much, if at all, contracted; very hard, red and show patches of surface atrophy. It is seen in men over forty who have worked hard, eaten freely, and taken alcohol to excess. They are conspicuous victims of the "strenuous life," the incessant tension of which is felt first in the arteries. After forty, in men of this class, nothing is more salutary than to experience the shock brought on by the knowledge of albumin and cast tubes in the urine. Symptoms.--Perhaps a majority of the cases are latent (hidden) and are not recognized until the occurrence of one of the serious and fatal complications. There may have been no symptoms to suggest to the patient the existence of a dangerous malady. In other cases the general health is disturbed. The patient is tired, sleepless; he must get up two or three times at night to pass urine; the digestion is disordered, the tongue is coated; the patient complains of a headache, failing sight, and gets out of breath by exercising. There may be vomiting, headache, neuralgia, and increase of the quantity of urine is common. This is light in color, of low specific gravity, 1005 to 1012; frequently there is a trace of albumin and a few casts of the hyaline and granular kind. In the late stages the albumin may be increased with high specific gravity and a less quantity of urine. The disease often lasts for a year. In the arterio-sclerotic variety the urine may be normal or diminished in quantity, specific gravity normal or increased, the casts are more numerous, and the albumin is usually more abundant. There is an enlargement of the heart; the pulse is increased in tension; the wall of the artery is thickened. The skin is usually dry, with eczema common, but dropsy is rare, except when it is due to heart failure. There may be bronchial and lung troubles; attacks of uraemia, or hard breathing caused by the heart, frequently occurs. There may be hemorrhage of the brain or hemorrhage of the membranes, and these are often fatal. [160 MOTHERS' REMEDIES] Recovery.--Chances are unfavorable, but life may be prolonged for years, especially with care and especially if it is discovered early. Treatment.--A quiet life without mental worry, with gentle but not excessive exercise, and residence in a climate that is not changeable should be recommended. A business man must give up his worry; his rush; his hurried eating, and rest. The bowels should be kept regular; there should be a tepid water bath daily, and the kidneys should be kept acting freely by drinking daily a definite amount of either distilled water or some pleasant mineral water. Alcohol, tobacco, excessive eating and improper food must not be allowed. Weak tea and coffee may be allowed. The diet should be light and nourishing. Meat should not be taken more than once a day. If it is possible, the patient should be urged to move to a warm equable climate during the winter months, from November to April, like that of southern California. Medicines must be given to meet the indications. No special directions can be given. The heart, stomach, and bowels must be watched. DIET as Allowed by a Prominent Hospital.-- May Take:-- Soups.--Broths with rice or barley, vegetable or fish soup. Fish.--Boiled or broiled fresh fish, raw oysters, raw clams. Meats.--Chicken, game, fat bacon, fat ham (sparingly). Farinaceous.--Hominy, oatmeal, wheaten grits, rice, stale bread, whole wheat bread, toast, milk toast, biscuits, maccaroni. Vegetables.--Cabbage, spinach, celery, water-cresses, lettuce, mushrooms, mashed potatoes, cauliflower, onions. Desserts.--Rice and milk puddings, stewed fruits, raw ripe fruits. Must Not Take:-- Fried fish, pork, corned beef, veal, heavy bread, hashes, stews, battercakes, lamb, beef, mutton, gravies, peas, beans, pastry, ice cream, cakes, coffee, tobacco, malt or spirituous liquors. [KIDNEY AND BLADDER 161] PYELITIS.--This is an inflammation of the pelvis of the kidney and may be caused by bacteria from the blood, or by ascending pus, infection or tuberculous infection from the lower tracts like the ureter, bladder and urethra. Symptoms.--There is pain in the back, with tenderness and pressure, cloudy-looking urine, either acid or alkaline, containing pus, mucus, and sometimes red blood cells; chills, high fever, and sweating occur. This may become chronic and then it becomes quite serious. Anemia and emaciation are then marked. Mild cases usually recover; pus cases may end in other diseases or death from exhaustion. Treatment. Diet.--In mild cases fluids should be taken freely, particularly the alkaline mineral water to which citrate of potash can be added. Tonics should be given when called for, and milk diet and buttermilk may be taken freely. When a tumor has formed, and even before, it is perceptible, if the symptoms are serious and severe, an operation may be necessary. KIDNEY STONE. (Renal Calculus. Nephro-Leithiasis).--Forming of a stone or gravel in the kidney or its pelvis may occur in intra uterine, (before the child is born), in the womb, or at any age. A family tendency, sedentary life, excesses in eating and drinking and very acid urine predispose. They vary in size from that of fine sand to that of a bean. Symptoms.--Patients may pass gravel for years without having an attack of renal (kidney) colic, and a stone may never lodge in the ureter. A person may pass an enormous number of calculi. Dr. Osler speaks of having had a patient who had passed several hundred kidney stones (calculi) with repeated attacks of kidney colic. His collection filled an ounce bottle. A patient may pass a single stone and may never be troubled again. A stone remaining in the kidney may cause dull aching pain in the affected kidney, or the pain may be referred to the other side and sometimes there may be blood or pus in the urine, with chill and fever due to pyelitis. Kidney (renal) colic comes on when a stone enters the ureter, if it is at all large. At attack may set in abruptly, without any apparent reason, or it may follow a strain in lifting. The pain may be agonizing in character, which starts in the flank of the affected side, passes down along the course of the ureter and is felt in the testicle and along the inner side of the thighs. The testicle is drawn back. The pain may also go through the abdomen and chest, and be very severe in the back. In severe attacks nausea and vomiting are present and the patient is collapsed; sweating breaks out in his face and the pulse is feeble and weak. The pain lasts from an hour to several days, until the stone reaches the bladder, partial suppression of the urine during the attack occurs, but a large quantity of urine is usually passed after it and a feeling of soreness may, be present for several days. The stone may again cause pain in passing through the urethra, or it may remain in the bladder as a nucleus for a bladder calculus (stone). Dr. Osler gives Montaigne's description as follows; "Thou art seen to sweat with pain,