Chapter X: Part 10

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

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

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

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

768. Burgundy Pitch

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

769. Chemical Remedies.

These comprise refrigerants, antacids, antalkalies, and escharotics.

770. Refrigerants.

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

771. Seville Oranges

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

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

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

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

772. Lemons

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

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

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

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

773. Antacids.

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

774. Soda, Carbonate of, and Sesquicarbonate of Soda

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

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

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

775. Antalkalies.

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

776. Citric Acid

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

_Dose_, from ten to thirty grains.

777. Tartaric Acid

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

_Dose_, from ten to thirty grains.

778. Escharotics.

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

779. Bluestone, or Sulphate of Copper

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

_Caution_.--It is a poison.

780. Lunar Caustic; or Nitrate of Silver

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

_Caution_.--It is a poison.

781. Solution of Chloride of Zinc,

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

_Caution_.--It is a most powerful poison.

782. Mechanical Remedies.

These comprise anthelmintics, demulcents, diluents, and emollients.

783. Anthelmintics.

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

784. Cowhage

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

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

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

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

785. Male Fern Root

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

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

786. Gamboge

Gamboge is a powerful drastic and anthelmintic.

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

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

787. Demulcents.

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

788. Tragacanth

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

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

789. Linseed

Linseed is emollient and demulcent.

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

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

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

790. Marsh-Mallow

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

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

_Dose_, the same as for linseed.

791. Mallow

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

_Dose_, same as for linseed and marsh-mallow.

792. Liquorice

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

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

793. Arrowroot etc.

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

794. Diluents.

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

795. Emollients.

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

796. Domestic Surgery.

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

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

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

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

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

797. Dressings.

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

798. Certain Instruments

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

799. Materials for dressings.

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

800. Rules.

The following rules should be attended to in applying dressings:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

801. Lint, how made.

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

802. Uses of Scraped Lint.

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

803. Carded Cotton

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

804. Tow

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

805. Ointments

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

806. Adhesive Plaster

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

807. Compresses

Compresses are made of pieces of linen, calico, lint, or tow, doubled
or cut into various shapes, according to the purposes for which they
are required. They are used to confine dressings in their places, and
to apply an equal pressure on parts. They should be free from darns,
hems, and knots. Ordinary compresses are square, oblong, and
triangular. Compresses are also graduated by placing square pieces of
folded cloth on one another, so arranged that they decrease in size
each time. They are used for keeping up pressure upon certain parts.

808. Pads

Pads are made by sewing tow inside pieces of linen, or folding linen
and sewing the pieces together. They are used to keep off pressure
from parts such as that caused by splints in fractures.

809. Poultices

Poultices are usually made of linseed meal, oatmeal, or bread, either
combined with water or other fluids; sometimes they are made of
carrots, charcoal, potatoes, yeast, and linseed meal, mustard, &c.,
but the best and most economical kind of poultice is a fabric made of
sponge and wool felted together, and backed by Indian rubber, called
"spongio piline."

The method of using this poultice is as follows:--A piece of the
material of the required form and size is cut off, and the edges are
pared or bevelled off with a pair of scissors, so that the caoutchouc
may come in contact with the surrounding skin, in order to prevent
evaporation of the fluid used; for, as it only forms the vehicle, the
various poultices generally used can be employed with much less
expenditure of time and money, and increased cleanliness.

For example,--a _vinegar_ poultice is made by moistening the fabric
with distilled vinegar; an _alum_ poultice, by using a strong solution
of alum; a _charcoal_ poultice, by sprinkling powdered charcoal on the
moistened surface of the material; a _yeast_ poultice, by using warmed
yeast, and moistening the fabric with hot water, which is to be well
squeezed out previous to the absorption of the yeast; a _beer_
poultice, by employing warm porter-dregs or strong beer as the fluid;
and a _carrot_ poultice, by using the expressed and evaporated liquor
of boiled carrots.

Spongio-piline costs about one farthing a square inch, and may be
obtained of the chemist. As a fomentation it is most invaluable, and
by moistening the material with compound camphor liniment or
hartshorn, it acts the same as a mustard poultice.

[TO-MORROW, DIES IN ANGUISH AND DESPAIR.]

810. Mustard Poultices.

These may be made of the mustard powder alone, or in combination with
bread crumbs, or linseed meal. When mustard only is used, the powder
should be moistened with water, and the paste thus produced spread on
a piece of linen, and covered with muslin to intervene between the
mustard and the skin. When mixed with linseed the powder and the meal
may be incorporated before water is added, or the meal may be
moistened and spread on linen for application, and the mustard be then
strewn on the surface, more or less thickly according to the age of
the patient. Rigollot's Mustard leaves, which can be procured from any
chemist, are now much used in the place of mustard poultices. They
only require wetting before application, and are both clean and
economical.

811. Bandages.

Bandages are strips of calico, linen, flannel, muslin, elastic
webbing, bunting, or some other substance, of various lengths, and
from one to six inches wide, free from hems or darns, soft and
unglazed. They are better after they have been washed. Their uses are
to retain dressings, apparatus, or parts of the body in their proper
positions, support the soft parts, and maintain equal pressure.

812. Simple and Compound Bandages.

Bandages are simple and compound; the former are simple slips rolled
up tightly like a roll of ribbon. There is also another simple kind,
which is rolled from both ends--this is called a double-headed
bandage. The compound bandages are formed of many pieces.

813. Bandages for Different Parts of the Body.

Bandages for the Head should be two inches wide and five yards long;
for the neck, two inches wide, and three yards long; for the arm, two
inches wide, and seven yards long; for the leg, two inches and a half
wide and seven yards long; for the thigh three inches wide, and eight
yards long; and for the body, four or six inches wide and ten or
twelve yards long.

814. To Apply a Single-Headed Bandage,

To apply a single-headed bandage, lay the _outside of the end_ near to
the part to be bandaged, and hold the roll between the little, ring
and middle fingers, and the palm of the left hand, using the thumb and
forefinger of the same hand to guide it, and the right hand to keep it
firm, and pass the bandage partly round the leg towards the left hand.
It is sometimes necessary to reverse this order, and therefore it is
well to be able to use both hands.

Particular parts require a different method of applying bandages, and
therefore it is necessary to describe the most useful separately; and
there are different ways of putting on the same bandage, which consist
in the manner the folds or turns are made. For example, the _circular_
bandage is formed by horizontal turns, each of which overlaps the one
made before it; the _spiral_ consists of spiral turns; the _oblique_
follows a course oblique or slanting to the centre of the limb; and
the _recurrent_ folds back again to the part whence it started.

815. Circular Bandages

Circular bandages are used for the _neck_, to retain dressings on any
part of it, or for blisters, setons, &c.; for the _head_, to keep
dressings on the forehead or any part contained within a circle
passing round the head; for the _arm_, previous to bleeding; for the
_leg_, above the knee; and for the _fingers_, &c.

816. To Confine the Ends of Bandages

To confine the ends of bandages some persons use pins, others slit the
end for a short distance, and tie the two strips into a knot, and some
use a strip of adhesive plaster. Always place the point of a pin in
such a position that it cannot prick the patient, or the person
dressing the limb, or be liable to be drawn out by using the limb;
therefore, as a general rule, turn the head of the pin from the free
end of the bandage, of towards the upper part of the limb. The best
mode is to _sew_ the bandage on. A few stitches will hold it more
securely than pins can.

[LITTLE DEEDS ARE LIKE LITTLE SEEDS.]

817. The Oblique Bandage

The oblique bandage is generally used for arms and legs, to retain
dressings.

818. The Spiral Bandage

The Spiral Bandage is generally applied to the trunk and extremities,
but is apt to fall off even when very carefully applied; therefore the
recurrent bandage, which folds back again, is generally used.

819. The Recurrent Bandage

The recurrent bandage is the best kind of bandage that we can employ
for general purposes. The method of putting it on the leg is as
follows:--Apply the end of the bandage that is free, with the outside
of it next the skin, and hold this end with the finger and thumb of
the left hand, while some one supports the heel of the patient; then
with the right hand pass the bandage over the piece you are holding,
and keep it crossed thus, until you can place your right forefinger
upon the spot where it crosses the other bandage, where it must be
kept firm. Now hold the roll of the bandage in your left hand, with
the palm turned upwards, and _taking care to keep that part of the
bandage between your right forefinger, and the roll in your left hand,
quite slack_; turn your left hand over, and bring the bandage down
upon the leg; then pass the roll under the leg towards your right
hand, and repeat this until the leg is bandaged up to the knee, taking
care _not to drag_ the bandage at any time during the process of
bandaging. When you arrive at the knee, pass the bandage round the leg
in circles just below the knee, and pin it as usual.

Bandaging is very easy, and if you once see any one apply a bandage
properly, and attend to these rules, there will not be any difficulty;
but bear one thing in mind, without which you will never put on a
bandage even decently; and that is, _never to drag_ or pull at a
bandage, but make the turns while it is slack, and you have your right
forefinger placed upon the point where it is to be folded down. When a
limb is properly bandaged, the folds should run in a line
corresponding to the shin-bone. Use, to retain dressings, and for
varicose veins.

820. A Bandage for the Chest

A bandage for the chest is always placed upon the patient in a sitting
posture; and it may be put on in circles, or spirally. Use, in
fractures of the ribs, to retain dressings, and after severe
contusions.

821. A Bandage for the Belly

A bandage for the belly is placed on the patient as directed for the
chest, carrying it spirally from above downwards. Use, to compress
belly after dropsy, or retain dressings.

822. Bandaging the Hand.

The hand is bandaged by crossing the bandage over the back of the hand
Use, to retain dressings.

823. Different Bandages for the Head.

For the head, a bandage may be circular, or spiral, or both; in the
latter case, commence by placing one circular turn just over the ears;
then bring down from left to right, and round the head again, so as to
alternate a spiral with a circular turn. Use, to retain dressings on
the head or over the eye; but this form soon gets slack. The circular
bandage is the best, crossing it over both eyes.

824. For the Foot.

Place the end just above the outer ankle, and make two circular turns,
to prevent its slipping: then bring it down from the inside of the
foot over the instep towards the outer part; pass it under the sole of
the foot, and upwards and inward over the instep towards the inner
ankle, then round the ankle and repeat again. Use, to retain dressings
to the instep, heel, or ankle.

825. For the Leg and Foot

For the leg and foot, commence and proceed as directed in the
preceding paragraph; then continue if up the leg as ordered in the
_Recurrent Bandage_.

826. Substitutes.

As it sometimes happens that it is necessary to apply a bandage at
once, and the materials are not at hand it is desirable to know how to
substitute something else _that any one may apply with ease_. This can
be readily done with handkerchiefs.

[THEY GROW TO FLOWERS, OR TO WEEDS.]

827. Handkerchiefs.

Any ordinary handkerchief will do; but a square of linen folded into
various shapes answers better. The shapes generally required are as
follows:--The triangle, the long square, the cravat, and the cord.

828. The Triangular Handkerchief

The triangular handkerchief is made by folding it from corner to
corner. Use, as a bandage for the head.

_Application_.--Place the base round the head, and the short part
hanging down behind, then tie the long ends over it.

829. The Long Square

The long square is made by folding the handkerchief in three. Use, as
a bandage to the ribs, belly, &c. If one handkerchief is not long
enough, sew two together.

830. The Cravat

The cravat is folded as usual with cravats. Use, as a bandage for the
head, arms, legs, feet, neck, &c.

831. The Cord

The cord is used to compress vessels, when a knot is made in it, and
placed over the vessel to be compressed. It is merely a handkerchief
twisted in its diagonal.

832. Multiple Handkerchiefs.

Two or more handkerchiefs must sometimes be applied, as in a broken
collar-bone, or when it is necessary to keep dressings under the arm.
The bandage is applied by knotting the opposite comers of one
handkerchief together, and passing the left arm through it, then
passing another handkerchief under the right arm, and tying it. By
this means we can brace the shoulders well back, and the handkerchief
will press firmly over the broken collar-bone: besides, this form of
bandage does not readily slip or get slack, but it requires to be
combined with the sling, in order to keep the arm steady.

833. For an Inflamed Breast

For an inflamed breast that requires support, or dressings to be kept
to it, pass one corner over the shoulder, bring the body of it over
the breast, and pass it upwards and backwards under the arm of that
side, and tie the opposite corners together.

834. An Excellent Sling

An excellent sling is formed by placing one handkerchief around the
neck, and knotting opposite corners ever the breast bone, then placing
the other in triangle under the arm, to be supported with the base
near to the hand; tie the ends over the handkerchief, and pin the top
to the other part, after passing it around the elbow.

835. Apparatus.

When a person receives a severe contusion of the leg or foot, or
breaks his leg, or has painful ulcers over the leg, or is unable from
some cause to bear the pressure of the bedclothes, it is advisable to
know how to keep them from hurting the leg. This may be done by
bending up a fire-guard, or placing a chair, resting upon the edge of
its back and front of the seat, over the leg, or putting a box on each
side of it, and placing a plank ever them; but the best way is to make
a _cradle_, as it is called. This is done by getting three pieces of
wood, and three pieces of iron wire, and passing the wire or hoop
through the wood. This can be placed to any height, and is very useful
in all cases where pressure cannot be borne. Wooden hoops cut in
halves answer better than the wire.

836. When a Person Breaks his Leg

When a person breaks his leg, and _splints_ cannot he had directly,
get bunches of straw or twigs, roll them up in handkerchiefs, and
placing one on each side of the leg or arm, bind another handkerchief
firmly around them; or make a long bag about three inches in diameter,
or even more, of coarse linen duck, or carpet, and stuff this full of
bran, sawdust, or sand, sew up the end, and use this the same as the
twigs. It forms an excellent extemporaneous splint. Another good plan
is to get a hat-box made of chip, and cut it into suitable lengths; or
for want of all these, take some bones out of a pair of stays, and run
them through a stout piece of rug, protecting the leg with a fold of
rug, linen, &c. A still better splint or set of splints can be
extemporized by cutting a sheet of thick pasteboard into proper sized
slips, then passing each piece through a basin of hot water to soften
it. It is then applied to the fractured limb like an ordinary splint,
when it hardens as it dries, taking the exact shape of the part to
which it is applied.

[GOOD-NATURE COLLECTS HONEY FROM EVERY HERB.]

837. Applying Dry Warmth.

When dry warmth is required to be applied to any part of the body, fry
a flour pancake and lay it over the part; or warm some sand and place
in the patient's socks, and lay it to the part; salt put into a paper
bag does as well; or warm water put into a stone jar, and rolled up in
flannel.

838. Minor Operations.

839. Bleeding

Bleeding is sometimes necessary at once in certain accidents, such as
concussion, and therefore it is well to know how to do this. First of
all, bind up the arm above the elbow with a piece of bandage or a
handkerchief pretty firmly, then place your finger over one of the
veins at the bend of the arm, and feel if there is any pulsation; if
there is, try another vein, and if it does not pulsate or beat, choose
that one. Now rub the arm from the wrist towards the elbow, place the
left thumb upon the vein, and hold the lancet as you would a pen, and
nearly at right angles to the vein, taking care to prevent its going
in too far, by keeping the thumb near to the point, and resting the
hand upon the little finger. Now place the point of the lancet on the
vein, push it suddenly inwards, depress the elbow, and raise the hand
upwards and outwards, so as to _cut obliquely across_ the vein.

When sufficient blood is drawn off, which is known by feeling the
pulse at the wrist, and near the thumb, bandage the arm. If the pulse
feel like a piece of cord, more blood should be taken away, but if it
is soft, and can be easily pressed, the bleeding should be stopped.
When you bandage the arm, place a piece of lint over the opening made
by the lancet, and pass a bandage lightly but firmly around the arm,
so as to cross it over the bend of the elbow, in form of a figure 8.

840. Dry Cupping

Dry cupping is performed by throwing a piece of paper dipped into
spirit of wine, and ignited, into a wineglass, and placing it over the
part, such as the neck, temples, &c. It thus draws the flesh into the
glass, and causes a determination of blood to the part, which is
useful in headache, and many other complaints. This is an excellent
method of extracting the poison from wounds made by adders, mad dogs,
fish, &c.

841. Ordinary Cupping

Ordinary Cupping is performed the same as dry cupping, with this
exception, that the part is scarified or scratched with a lancet, so
as to cause the blood to flow; or by the application of a
scarificator, which makes by one action from seven to twenty-one light
superficial cuts. Then the glass is placed over it again with the
lighted paper in it, and when sufficient blood has been taken away,
the parts are then sponged, and a piece of sticking plaster placed
over them.

842. Leeches and their Application.

The leech used for medical purposes is called the _hirudo medicinalis_
to distinguish it from other varieties, such as the horse-leech and
the Lisbon leech. It varies from two to four inches in length, and is
of a blackish brown colour, marked on the back with six yellow spots,
and edged with a yellow line on each side. Formerly leeches were
supplied by Lincolnshire, Yorkshire, and other fenny countries, but
latterly most of the leeches are procured from France, where they are
now becoming scarce.

843. When Leeches are Applied

When leeches are applied to a part, it should be thoroughly freed from
down or hair by shaving, and all liniments, &c., carefully and
effectually cleaned away by washing. If the leech is hungry it will
soon bite, but sometimes great difficulty is experienced in getting
them to fasten. When this is the case, roll the leech into a little
porter, or moisten the surface with a little blood, or milk, or sugar
and water. Leeches may be applied by holding them over the part with a
piece of linen cloth, or by means of an inverted glass, under which
they must be placed.

844. When applied to the Gums

When applied to the gums, care should be taken to use a leech glass,
as they are apt to creep down the patient's throat: a large swan's
quill will answer the purpose of a leech glass. When leeches are
gorged they will drop off themselves; never _tear_ them off from a
person, but just dip the point of a moistened finger into some salt
and touch them with it.

[ILL-NATURE SUCKS POISON FROM THE SWEETEST FLOWER.]

845. Quantity Removed.

Leeches are supposed to abstract about two drachms of blood, or six
leeches draw about an ounce; but this is independent of the bleeding
after they have come off, and more blood generally flows then than
during the time they are sucking. The total amount of blood drawn and
subsequently lost by each leech-bite, is nearly half an ounce.

846. After Leeches Come Away,

After leeches come away, encourage the bleeding by flannels dipped in
hot water and wrung out dry, and then apply a warm spongiopiline
poultice. If the bleeding is not to be encouraged, cover the bites
with a rag dipped in olive oil, or spread with spermaceti ointment,
having previously sponged the parts clean.

847. When Bleeding Continues

When bleeding continues from leech-bites, and it is desirable to stop
it, apply pressure with the fingers over the part, or dip a rag in a
strong solution of alum and lay over them, or use the tincture of
sesquichloride of iron, or apply a leaf of matico to them, placing the
under surface of the leaf next to the skin, or touch each bite with a
finely-pointed piece of lunar caustic, or lay a piece of lint soaked
in the extract of lead over the bites; and if all these tried in
succession fail, pass a fine needle through a fold of the skin so as
to include the bite, and twist a piece of thread round it. Be sure
never to allow any one to go to sleep with leech-bites bleeding,
without watching them carefully; and never apply too many to children;
or place them where their bites can be compressed if necessary. In
other words, _never apply leeches to children except over a bone_.

848. After Leeches have been Used

After leeches have been used they should be placed in water containing
sixteen per cent. of salt, which facilitates the removal of the blood
they contain; and they should afterwards be placed one by one in warm
water, and the blood forced out by _gentle_ pressure. The leeches
should then be thrown into fresh water, which is to be renewed every
twenty-four hours: they may then be re-applied after an interval of
eight or ten days, and be disgorged a second time. The best plan,
however, is to empty the leech by drawing the thumb and forefinger of
the right hand along its body from the tail to the mouth, the leech
being firmly held at the sucker extremity by the fingers of the left
hand. By this means, with a few minutes' rest between each
application, the same leech may be used four or five times in
succession.

849. If a Leech be Accidentally Swallowed,

If a leech be accidentally swallowed, or by any means should get into
the body, employ an emetic, or enema of salt and water.

850. Scarification

Scarification is useful in severe contusions, and inflammation of
parts. It is performed by scratching or slightly cutting through the
skin with a lancet, holding the lancet as you would a pen when you are
ruling lines on paper.

851. Terms used to express the Properties of Medicines.

852. Absorbents

Absorbents are medicines which destroy acidity in the stomach and
bowels, such as magnesia, prepared chalk, &c.

853. Alteratives

Alteratives are medicines which restore health to the constitution,
without producing any sensible effect, such as sarsaparilla, sulphur,
&c.

854. Analeptics

Analeptics are medicines that restore the strength which has been lost
by sickness, such as gentian, bark, &c.

855. Anodynes

Anodynes are medicines which relieve pain, and they are divided into
three kinds, _sedatives, hypnotics,_ and _narcotics_ (see these
terms); camphor is anodyne as well as narcotic.

856. Antacids

Antacids are medicines which destroy acidity, such as lime, magnesia,
soda, &c.

[ONE WATCH SET RIGHT WILL DO TO SET MANY BY.]

857. Antalkalies

Antalkalies are medicines given to neutralize alkalies in the system,
such as citric, nitric, and sulphuric, acids, &c.

858. Anthelmintics

Anthelmintics are medicines used to expel and destroy worms from the
stomach and intestines, such as turpentine, cowhage, male fern, &c.

859. Antibilious

Antibilious are medicines which are useful in bilious affections, such
as calomel, &c.

860. Antirheumatics

Antirheumatics are medicines used for the cure of rheumatism, such as
colchicum, iodide of potash, &c.

861. Antiscorbutics

Antiscorbutics are medicines against scurvy, such as citric acid, &c.

862. Antiseptics

Antiseptics are substances used to correct putrefaction, such as bark,
camphor, charcoal, vinegar, and creosote.

863. Antispasmodics

Antispasmodics are medicines which possess the power of overcoming
spasms of the muscles, or allaying severe pain from any cause
unconnected with inflammation, such as valerian, ammonia, opium, and
camphor.

864. Aperients

Aperients are medicines which move the bowels gently, such as rhubarb,
manna, and grey powder.

865. Aromatics

Aromatics are cordial, spicy, and agreeably-flavoured, medicines, such
as cardamoms, cinnamon, &c.

866. Astringents

Astringents are medicines which contract the fibres of the body,
diminish excessive discharges, and act indirectly as tonics, such as
oak bark, galls, &c.

867. Attenuants

Attenuants are medicines which are supposed to thin the blood, such as
ammoniated iron, &c.

868. Balsamics

Balsamics are medicines of a soothing kind, such as tolu, Peruvian
balsam, &c.

869. Carminatives

Carminatives are medicines which allay pain in the stomach and bowels,
and expel flatulence, such as aniseed water, &c.

870. Cathartics

Cathartics are strong purgative medicines, such as jalap, &c.

871. Cordials

Cordials are exhilarating and warming medicines, such as aromatic
confection, &c.

872. Corroborants

Corroborants are medicines and food which increase the strength, such
as iron, gentian, meat, and wine.

873. Demulcents

Demulcents correct acrimony, diminish irritation, and soften parts by
covering their surfaces with a mild and viscid matter, such as
linseed-tea, gum, mucilage, honey, and marsh-mallow.

874. Deobstruents

Deobstruents are medicines which remove obstructions, such as iodide
of potash, &c.

875. Detergents

Detergents clean the surfaces over which they pass, such as soap, &c.

876. Diaphoretics

Diaphoretics produce perspiration, such as tartrate of antimony,
James's powder, and camphor.

877. Digestives

Digestives are remedies applied to ulcers or wounds, to promote the
formation of matter, such as resin, ointments, warm poultices, &c.

878. Discutients

Discutients possess the power of repelling or resolving tumours, such
as galbanum, mercury, and iodine.

879. Diuretics

Diuretics act upon the kidneys and bladder, and increase the flow of
urine, such as nitre, squills, cantharides, camphor, antimony, and
juniper.

880. Drastics

Drastics are violent purgatives, such as gamboge, &c.

881. Emetics

Emetics produce vomiting, or the discharge of the contents of the
stomach, such as mustard and hot water, tartar-emetic, ipecacuanha,
sulphate of zinc, and sulphate of copper.

882. Emmenagogues

Emmenagogues are medicines which exercise a direct action on the
uterus or womb, provoking the natural periodical secretion, such as
castor, asafoetida, galbanum, iron, mercury, aloes, hellebore, savine,
ergot of rye, juniper, and pennyroyal.

883. Emollients

Emollients are remedies used externally to soften the parts they are
applied to, such as spermaceti, palm oil, &c.

884. Epispastics

Epispastics are medicines which blister or cause effusion of serum
under the cuticle, such as Spanish flies, Burgundy pitch, rosin, and
galbanum.

885. Errhines

Errhines are medicines which produce sneezing, such as tobacco, &c.

886. Escharotics

Escharotics are medicines which corrode or destroy the vitality of the
part to which they are applied, such as lunar caustic, &c.

[ONE THAT GOES WRONG MAY MISLEAD A WHOLE NEIGHBOURHOOD.]

887. Expectorants

Expectorants are medicines which increase expectoration, or the
discharge from the bronchial tubes, such as ipecacuanha, squills,
opium, ammoniacum.

888. Febrifuges

Febrifuges are remedies used in fevers, such as all the antimonials,
bark, quinine, mineral acids, arsenic.

889. Hydragogues

Hydragogues are medicines which have the effect of removing the fluid
of dropsy, by producing watery evacuations, such as gamboge, calomel,
&c.

890. Hypnotics

Hypnotics are medicines that relieve pain by procuring sleep, such as
hops, henbane, morphia, poppy.

891. Laxatives

Laxatives are medicines which cause the bowels to act rather more than
natural, such as manna, &c.

892. Narcotics

Narcotics are medicines which cause sleep or stupor, and allay pain,
such as opium, &c.

893. Nutrients

Nutrients are remedies that nourish the body, such as sugar, sago, &c.

894. Paregorics

Paregorics are medicines which actually assuage pain, such as compound
tincture of camphor, henbane, hops, opium.

895. Prophylactics

Prophylactics are remedies employed to prevent the attack of any
particular disease, such as quinine, &c.

896. Purgatives

Purgatives are medicines that promote the evacuation of the bowels,
such as senna, aloes, jalap, salts.

897. Refrigerants

Refrigerants are medicines which suppress an unusual heat of the body,
such as wood-sorrel, tamarind, &c.

898. Rubefacients

Rubefacients are medicaments which cause redness of the skin, such as
mustard, &c.

899. Sedatives

Sedatives are medicines which depress the nervous energy, and destroy
sensation, so as to compose, such as foxglove. (_See_ Paregorics.)

900. Sialogogues

Sialogogues are medicines which promote the flow of saliva or spittle,
such as salt, calomel, &c.

901. Soporifics

Soporifics are medicines which induce sleep, such as hops, &c.

902. Stimulants

Stimulants are remedies which increase the action of the heart and
arteries, or the energy of the part to which they are applied, such as
food, wine, spirits, ether, sassafras, which is an internal stimulant,
and savine, which is an external one.

903. Stomachics

Stomachics restore the tone of the stomach, such as gentian, &c.

904. Styptics

Styptics are medicines which constrict the surface of a part, and
prevent the effusion of blood, such as kino, Friar's balsam, extract
of lead, and ice.

905. Sudorifics

Sudorifics promote profuse perspiration or sweating, such as
ipecacuanha, antimony, James's powder, ammonia.

906. Tonics

Tonics give general strength to the constitution, restore the natural
energies, and improve the tone of the system, such as all the
vegetable bitters, most of the minerals, also some kinds of food,
wine, and beer.

907. Vesicants

Vesicants are medicines which blister, such as strong liquid ammonia,
&c.

908. Special Rules for the Prevention of Cholera.

i. It is impossible to urge too strongly the necessity, in all cases
of cholera, of instant recourse to medical aid, and also in every form
and variety of indisposition; for all disorders are found to merge in
the dominant disease.

ii. Let immediate Relief be sought under disorder of the bowels
especially, however slight. The invasion of cholera may thus be
readily prevented.

iii. Let every Impurity, animal and vegetable, be quickly removed to a
distance from the habitation, such as slaughterhouses, pig-sties,
cesspools, necessaries, and all other domestic nuisances.

iv. Let all Uncovered Drains be carefully and frequently cleansed.

v. Let the Grounds in and around the habitation be drained, so as
effectually to carry off moisture of every kind.

vi. Let all Partitions he removed from within and without habitations,
which unnecessarily impede ventilation.

vii. Let every Room be daily thrown open for the admission of fresh
air; this should be done about noon, when the atmosphere is most
likely to be dry.

viii. Let Dry Scrubbing be used in domestic cleansing in place of
water cleansing.

ix. Let excessive Fatigue, and exposure to damp and cold, especially
during the night, be avoided.

x. Let the Use of Cold Drinks and acid liquors, especially under
fatigue, be avoided, or when the body is heated.

xi. Let the Use of Cold Acid Fruits and vegetables be avoided.

xii. Let Excess in the use of ardent and fermented liquors and tobacco
be avoided.

xiii. Let a Poor Diet, and the use of impure water in cooking, or for
drinking, be avoided.

xiv. Let the Wearing of wet and insufficient clothes be avoided.

xv. Let a Flannel or woollen belt be worn round the belly.

xvi. Let Personal Cleanliness be carefully observed.

xvii. Let every cause tending to depress the moral and physical
energies be carefully avoided. Let exposure to extremes of heat and
cold be avoided.

xviii. Let Crowding of persons within houses and apartments be
avoided.

xix. Let Sleeping in low or damp rooms be avoided.

xx. Let Fires be kept up during the night in sleeping or adjoining
apartments, the night being the period of most danger from attack,
especially under exposure to cold or damp.

xxi. Let all Bedding and clothing be daily exposed during winter and
spring to the fire, and in summer to the heat of the sun.

xxii. Let the Dead be buried in places remote from the habitations of
the living. By the timely adoption of simple means such as these,
cholera, or other epidemic, will be made to lose its venom.

[THE LOVELIEST BIRD HAS NO SONG.]

909. Rules for the Preservation of Health.

910. Fresh Air.

Pure atmospheric air is composed of nitrogen, oxygen, and a _very_
small proportion of carbonic acid gas. Air once breathed has lost the
chief part of its oxygen, and acquired a proportionate increase of
carbonic acid gas.

_Therefore_, health requires that we breathe the same air once only.

911. Diet and Exercise.

The solid part of our Bodies is continually wasting, and requires to
be repaired by fresh substances.

_Therefore_, food which is to repair the loss, should be taken with
due regard to the exercise and waste of the body.

912. Water.

The fluid part of our bodies also wastes constantly; there is but one
fluid in animals, which is water.

_Therefore_, water only is necessary, and no artifice can produce a
better drink.

913. Proportion of Food and Drink.

The fluid of our bodies is to the solid in proportion as nine to one.

_Therefore_, a like proportion should prevail in the total amount of
food taken.

914. Sunshine.

Light exercises an important influence upon the growth and vigour of
animals and plants.

_Therefore_, our dwellings should freely admit the solar rays.

915. Bad Odours.

Decomposing animal and vegetable substances yield various noxious
gases which enter the lungs and corrupt the blood.

_Therefore_, all impurities should be kept away from our abodes, and
every precaution be observed to secure a pure atmosphere.

916. Warmth.

Warmth is essential to all the bodily functions.

_Therefore_, an equal bodily temperature should be maintained by
exercise, by clothing, or by fire.

917. Exercise and Clothing.

Exercise warms, invigorates and purifies the body; clothing preserves
the warmth the body generates; fire imparts warmth externally.

_Therefore_, to obtain and preserve warmth, exercise and clothing are
preferable to fire.

918. Ventilation.

Fire consumes the Oxygen of the air, and produces noxious gases.

_Therefore_, the air is less pure in the presence of candles, gas, or
coal fire, than otherwise, and the deterioration should be repaired by
increased ventilation.

[SO THE LOVELIEST WOMAN MAY LACK VIRTUE.]

919. Clean Skin.

The skin is a highly-organized membrane, full of minute pores, cells,
bloodvessels, and nerves; it imbibes moisture or throws it off,
according to the state of the atmosphere and the temperature of the
body. It also "breathes," as do the lungs (though less actively). All
the internal organs sympathize with the skin.

_Therefore,_ it should be repeatedly cleansed.

920. Over-Work.

Late hours and anxious pursuits exhaust the nervous system, and produce disease and premature death.

_Therefore_, the hours of labour and study should be short.

921. Body and Mind.

Mental and bodily exercise are equally essential to the general health
and happiness.

_Therefore_, labour and study should succeed each other.

922. Over-Indulgence.

Man will live most healthily upon simple solids and fluids, of which a
sufficient but temperate quantity should be taken.

_Therefore_, over indulgence in strong drinks, tobacco, snuff, opium,
and all mere indulgences, should be avoided.

923. Moderate Temperature.

Sudden alternations of heat and cold are dangerous (especially to the young and the aged).

_Therefore_, clothing, in quantity and quality, should be adapted to the alternations of night and day, and of the seasons; and drinking cold water when the body is hot, and hot tea and soups when cold, are productive of many evils.

924. Summary.

Moderation in eating and drinking, short hours of labour and study,
regularity in exercise, recreation, and rest, cleanliness, equanimity
of temper and equality of temperature,--these are the great
essentials to that which surpasses all wealth, _health of mind and
body_.

925. Homoeopathy.

926. Principle of Homoeopathy.

As homoeopathy is now practised so widely and, indeed, preferred to
the older system in many families, the Domestic Pharmacopoeia could
scarcely lay claim to be considered complete without a brief mention
of the principal remedies used and recommended by homoeopathic
practitioners, and the disorders for which these remedies are
specially applicable. The principle of homoeopathy is set forth in the
Latin words "_similia similibus curantur_," the meaning of which is
"likes are cured by likes."