Chapter VIII: Part I (5)

370. _In Chronic Bronchitis_, _Coughs_, _Colds_, _and the_ _early stage of Hooping Cough_, it has been administered with manifest benefit as an expectorant and diaphoretic, in doses of five grains thrice daily or oftener, either alone or combined with Syrup or Country Liquorice (6).

371. +Vateria Indica+, _Linn._, +Resin of+. Piney, or White Dammar.

Suféd-dámar (_Hind._, _Duk._), Kúndro (_Beng._), Sundras (_Punj._), Sindrus (_Kash._), Vellai-kúndrikum (_Tam._), Dúpa-dámaru, Tella-dámaru (_Tel._), Vella-kúnturukkam (_Mal._), Hal, Hal-dumlua (_Cing._), Guttah rukam putch (_Malay_).

In the absence of White Dammar, Black Dammar, the resin of Canarium strictum, _Roxb._, may be substituted. Its native names are Kalá-damar (_Hind._, _Duk._, _Beng._), Karuppu-damar (_Tam._), Nalla-rojan (_Tel._), Kálo-damar (_Guz._).

372. The specimens of White or Piney Dammar are met with in the bazaars in irregular masses, which differ in colour, fragrance, and density, some being of a light greenish colour, dense and uniform in substance, whilst others are yellow, amber-coloured, and vesicular, or full of small bladders; these differences apparently arise from the mode of collection and the age of the trees producing them. This resin burns with a clear, steady light, giving off a pleasant smell, but very little smoke; under the influence of gentle heat it combines with wax and oil, and forms a good substitute for officinal Resin in various ointments and plasters. The following is an eligible form for common use. Take of White Dammar, five ounces; Kokum Butter, eight ounces; Wax, two ounces. Melt with a gentle heat, stirring briskly as it cools. This spread on rag or lint forms a good stimulant dressing for _Carbuncles and other Ulcerations_.

373. From the _fruit_ of Vateria Indica, _Linn._, common on the western coast of the Peninsula, is obtained a solid fatty oil named Piney Tallow or Vegetable Tallow of Canara, which has obtained considerable repute as a local application in _Chronic Rheumatism_, and some other painful affections. Like Kokum Butter, it may be used as a substitute for animal fats in the preparation of ointments, &c. It is deserving of more attention than has hitherto been paid to it.

373_a_. +Vernonia Seeds.+ The seeds of Vernonia anthelmintica, _Willd._

Sómráj, Bukchí (_Hind._), Sómráj (_Beng._), Káttu-shíragam (_Tam._), Adavi-jila-kara, Visha-kanta-kálu (_Tel._), Káttu-jírakam (_Mal._), Kádu-jirage (_Can._), Ránácha-jíré (_Mah._), Kadvo-jíri (_Guz._), Sanni-náegam, Sanni-násang (_Cing._), Justan hutan (_Malay_).

373_b_. The plant which yields these seeds is common in waste places near villages throughout India, and the dried seeds are met with in almost every bazaar; they are about the eighth of an inch in length, of a dark brown colour, covered with whitish scattered hairs, cylindrical, tapering towards the base, marked with about ten paler longitudinal ridges, and crowned with a circle of short brown scales; taste, nauseous and bitter. These seeds enjoy a high repute amongst the natives as a vermifuge in cases of _Lumbrici or Round Worms_, which, under their use, are stated to be expelled in a lifeless state, thus showing that they exercise a specific influence on the worm. The ordinary dose of the bruised seed, administered in electuary with honey, is about two drachms, given in two equal doses at the interval of a few hours, and followed by an aperient. In this character they seem well worthy of further trials. In Travancore, the bruised seeds, ground up into a paste with lime-juice, are largely employed as a means of destroying _Lice_ infesting the body. The reports received of their efficacy for this purpose justify farther trials with them.

374. +Vinegar.+

Sirká (_Hind._, _Duk._, _Beng._, _Punj._, _Kash._), Kádi (_Tam._), Kádi-nóllu (_Tel._), Káti (_Mal._), Hulirasa (_Can._), Kádi, Vená-kiri (_Cing._), Pón-ye (_Burm._), Chuka (_Malay_).

375. Many kinds of _Vinegar_ are met with in India, but as they are of very varying strength and degree of purity the imported English Distilled or White Wine Vinegar should be preferred, when procurable, as it generally may be in large bazaars, for medical purposes. In its absence the best native kinds, especially that prepared from the _Toddy_ of the Palmyra tree, should be used. At Peshaur and on our North-West frontier a very superior vinegar is manufactured from the juice of the grape; hence "Peshaur Vinegar" is well known throughout the Punjab and Kashmir, and even at Bombay and Kurrachee (_Dr. Aitchison_).

376. _In Smallpox_, _Measles_, _Scarlet Fever_, _and other Febrile Affections_, a mixture of one part of Vinegar and three of Water forms a soothing and refreshing application, with which the whole surface may be sponged twice or thrice daily, the temperature being regulated as described in Sect. 385. Sprinkled about the sick room, in these and other cases, undiluted vinegar acts in a degree as a deodorant, and is generally very agreeable to the patient.

377. _In Relaxed, Ulcerated, and other forms of Sore Throat, especially in that of Scarlet Fever, in Hoarseness, &c._, benefit is often derived from the inhalation of the vapour of hot Vinegar.

378. _In Phthisis_, sponging the chest with diluted Vinegar is said to be very effectual in allaying the _profuse perspirations_. A good mixture for this purpose is composed of one part of Vinegar, one of Eau de Cologne, and two of Water; it is a measure attended with salutary effects, and is generally of great comfort to the patient. _As a preventive of Phthisis_ the practice has been strongly recommended of washing the chest every morning with Vinegar and Water, beginning with it tepid, and reducing the temperature gradually, until it can be used quite cold. The same measure persevered in has been found useful by persons subject to repeated attacks of _Coughs and Asthmas_; it often seems to diminish the liability to a return of these attacks, and to act as a preventive.

379. _In Abortion and other forms of Uterine Hæmorrhage_, the continued application of cold Vinegar and Water to the pubes is not only agreeable to the patient, but tends considerably to arrest the discharge of blood. In the absence of better agents, Vinegar diluted and sweetened to taste may also be advantageously given internally. _Bleeding from the Nose_ sometimes yields to a piece of rag saturated with Vinegar introduced into the nostril.

380. _To Bruises, Sprains, Contusions, and local Inflammations_, diluted Vinegar is a popular and useful application. An excellent "EVAPORATING LOTION" in these cases is formed of equal parts of Vinegar, _Arrack_, and Water. This forms also a good application to the head in the _Headache and Delirium of Fever_. The pains of _Venomous Bites or Stings_, e.g., _of Scorpions, Centipedes, Wasps, Mosquitoes, &c._, is often greatly relieved by the constant application of a piece of rag moistened with Vinegar.

381. _To Milk or Mammary Abscesses_ warm Vinegar, perseveringly employed for twenty-four hours, is stated on good authority to be one of the best applications which can be used for relieving the congestion; it is particularly useful when the breasts are greatly and painfully distended with milk, and the earlier in the case it is employed, the greater are its chances of success.

382. _Particles of Lime_ (_Chunam_) _in the Eye_ are effectually dissolved and the pain eased by bathing the eye with diluted Vinegar, not strong enough to cause smarting; it requires to be introduced between the eyelids.

383. +Water.+

Pání (_Hind._, _Duk._, _Beng._, _Guz._, _Mah._, _Punj._) Áb, Sag (_Kash._), Tanni, Jalam, Nír (_Tam._), Jalam, Níllu (_Tel._), Vellam (_Mal._), Vaturu (_Cing._), Yé (_Burm._), Ahyer (_Malay_).

384. Water for medicinal purposes, _e.g._, making infusions, decoctions, &c., should be the purest which can be procured. At certain seasons, however, especially during the monsoon, the best water is apt to be so muddy as to be unfit either for medicinal or drinking use. Under these circumstances, recourse may be had to the native practice of rubbing the inside of a vessel or _chattie_ with Clearing Nut, the Seeds of Strychnos Potatorum, _Linn._, Nir-malí (_Hind._, _Beng._, _Mah._, and _Guz._), Chil-bínj (_Duk._), Tétrán-kottai (_Tam._ and _Malyal._), Tétrán-parala (_Tel._), Ingini-atta (_Cing._), Kamou-yeki (_Burm._), bruised or sliced, previous to the water being poured into it. This simple measure is said to render the muddiest water clear and wholesome. Where water has been collected from swampy or malarious localities, a better plan is to subject it (with the addition of a piece of freshly prepared charcoal) to _boiling_, and subsequent straining or filtering. The uses of water in medicine are multifarious and important.

385. _As a drink in Fever and Inflammations_, cold water may be taken without restriction, and it may be rendered more refrigerant and agreeable by the addition of some mucilaginous agents, as rice, &c., and some vegetable acid, as tamarind pulp or lime-juice. For _Irritability of Stomach and Vomiting in Fever_, water drunk as hot as it can be borne will often prove very effectual; "But," observes Dr. Aitchison, "the remedy should not consist of merely a mouthful or so of hot water; but of two or three tumblers full. One would suppose that drinking this amount of water on an irritable stomach would rather produce vomiting: this is not the case. The patient may bring up a little of the water; but usually he simply turns round, and falls asleep as if a narcotic had been given him." _In Smallpox, Measles, Scarlatina, and other Fevers_, the practice of freely sponging the surface once or twice daily with water is extremely grateful and refreshing to the patient, and may be used with perfect safety unless the heat be high above the natural standard, when tepid water should be substituted. As a general rule, the temperature of the water should be regulated by the patient's feelings; it should be cold, tepid, or quite warm, as is most agreeable. A mixture of Vinegar and Water (one part of the former to three of the latter) is even more refreshing than plain water.

386. _In Sunstroke_, the first thing to be done after removing the patient into the shade and taking off the head-gear and upper clothing, is to practise COLD AFFUSION. For this purpose he should be held in a sitting posture, whilst the water, the colder the better, is poured down in a pretty full stream, at a height of two or three feet over the head, spine, and chest. After its application for a minute or two, the patient will probably heave a deep sigh or inspiration, when the affusion should be discontinued and the patient removed to a dry spot, thoroughly dried with a warm cloth or towel, and diligent friction maintained till full consciousness is restored. Mustard poultices (247), Turpentine stupes (362) to the feet and calves are also advisable if insensibility be long continued. One or two points demand attention. 1. The water should not descend all at once, but rather in a small continuous stream, and it should be directed not so much on the top of the head as on the back part and upper portion of the spine. 2. It should at once be discontinued when the patient begins to revive. 3. It is not adapted for the aged and debilitated, or when the skin is cold and clammy; in these cases affusion should be restricted to dashing cold water on the face and chest, together with persevering frictions of the extremities; and when the patient is able to swallow, administering mild stimulants, _e.g._, ammonia, weak brandy and water, &c. The above treatment is adapted for _Apoplexy and Profound Insensibility, such as occurs in Poisoning by Opium, Bish (Aconite), or the fumes of Datura_. In ordinary cases of _Fainting, Convulsions in Adults arising from no evident cause, and Hysterical Convulsions in Women_, simply dashing cold water with some little degree of violence on the face and bosom, is generally all that is required.

387. _In the Convulsions of Infancy and Childhood_ the little patient should be put into a hot bath, with as little delay as possible, the head at the same time being slightly elevated, and enveloped in cloths kept wet with cold water, the colder the better. Under the simultaneous use of the hot bath and the cold lotion to the head, aided by the administration of a dose of Castor Oil, the convulsions will often speedily subside. The bath should be as hot as can be borne, about 98° F., and the child should remain in it for ten or fifteen minutes, but the cold to the head may be continued for some hours. Should the convulsions return, the bath may be repeated, followed by small Mustard poultices (247) applied to the feet. A hot bath is also very useful in allaying _Colic in Children_.

388. _To check violent Hæmorrhage or Flooding after Labours_, nothing is much more effectual than dashing _cold_ water in a pretty full stream, and with some little degree of force, over the abdominal surface, especially the lower portion. At the same time, a piece of soft rag, made into a pyramidical form, thoroughly saturated with cold water, or vinegar and water (in equal parts), should be introduced into the vagina. After the flooding has been subdued, the external application of cold water, or vinegar and water, should be kept on for some time. _N.B._—During a confinement in India, it should be an invariable rule, to meet such an emergency as the above, to have ready at hand two or three _chatties_ of _cold_ water, for a patient may die from loss of blood if the water has to be fetched from a distant source.

389. _In Cholera_, the free use of cold water as a drink appears materially to aid other treatment, of whatsoever kind that may be; it should be as cold as procurable, iced if possible, and taken in large and repeated draughts; although the first four or five draughts may be rejected, its use should still be persevered in; the stomach will eventually retain it, and when this is effected, a beneficial change in the state of the patient generally takes place. Whatever other treatment is adopted, cold water (iced if possible) in copious draughts is a valuable auxiliary, perfectly safe, agreeable to the patient, and likely to be productive of the best effects.

390. _Many forms of Sore Throat, and Coughs attended with Difficulty of Breathing and Scanty Expectoration_, are much benefited by repeated inhalations of hot water, and their efficiency is increased by the addition of mucilaginous agents, as Abelmoschus (1). _In Croup_, relays of sponges filled with water, as hot as the little patient can bear, should be applied immediately beneath the chin, along the whole course of the throat. They should be persevered in for half an hour, and then discontinued if they fail to produce benefit. In severe cases, Turpentine stupes (362) prove more serviceable.

392. _In many painful affections of the Kidneys_, _Bladder, and Uterus_, _in the passage of Gall Stones_, and in _Retention of the Urine from Spasmodic Stricture consequent on a debauch or exposure_, the hot hip-bath proves highly serviceable and soothing.

393. HOT-WATER FOMENTATIONS are very serviceable in many cases, _e.g._, _Local Inflammations_, _Incipient Abscesses_, _Boils_, _Sprains_, _Lumbago_, _Colic and Spasmodic Affections of the Bowels_, _Congestion of the Liver_, _Asthma_, _&c._ To obtain their full effect, a few points require to be attended to. 1. The water should be as hot as can be borne. 2. Two or more thickly folded cloths (if flannel so much the better) of a size rather larger than the surface they are to cover, should be in readiness. 3. One of these having been removed from the water, should be thoroughly rung, so that it should hold no superfluous moisture, and should be immediately applied to the surface. 4. A second cloth having been got ready in the same way, the first, after the lapse of two or three minutes, should be removed, and the second applied. This process should be continued for half an hour if necessary, care being taken that the water be kept at the original temperature by means of fresh relays, and that there should be no longer interval than possible between the removal of one and the application of the succeeding fomentation. Subsequently, care should be taken to protect the fomented part from exposure to cold draughts of air. Some forms of _severe Headache, especially those occurring in Fevers_, are far more benefited by hot-water fomentations, or stupes thus applied, than from cold lotions commonly employed for the purpose. According to Dr. Aitchison, nothing relieves the _Headache or great fulness of the Head in Fevers_ so effectually as the continuous application of extremely hot-water stupes to the nape of the neck. _The Irritative Bilious Diarrhœa of these Fevers_, he adds, is more frequently improved and arrested by large warm-water enemas, administered at least morning and evening, than by any other remedy he knows of.

394. _In the treatment of Wounds, Ulcers, and Inflamed surfaces_, "WATER DRESSING" possesses many advantages, especially in tropical regions, over poultices and ointments. The process is exceedingly simple, consisting only of a piece of lint of thick texture, and of a size sufficient completely to cover the wound, soaked in tepid water. This is placed on the affected part, and the whole enveloped in an ample piece of oiled silk, so as effectually to prevent evaporation. Young plantain leaf answers the purpose as well as oiled silk. Cold water may be substituted for tepid, should it be more agreeable to the feelings of the patient.

395. _Sloughing and Gangrenous Ulcerations, and Carbuncles ("Rajah Boils") after suppuration_, are more effectually treated by what is termed "IRRIGATION," which consists in keeping up a continuous stream of water, tepid or cold, as the patient may prefer, for half an hour twice daily. A common kettle, or one of the natives' drinking-vessels provided with a spout, answers well for the purpose, and it should be held so that the fall of water should be about a foot, or rather more, but the height should be regulated in a measure by the patient's feelings. If pain is caused, the height should be diminished. With each irrigation, more or less of the slough comes away, and in a few days the ulcer will, in most instances, assume a healthy appearance, when it may be treated as an ordinary ulcer—with cold water dressing, Turpentine, or Wax Ointment, &c. In the intervals between the irrigation, _Toddy_ Poultices (355) should be applied.

396. Another way in which Water may be utilised is in the formation of a VAPOUR BATH, which is often a most serviceable resource in _Chronic Rheumatism_, _Obstinate Skin Disease_, _Dropsical Affections_, _the early stages of Diabetes_, _and in all cases where the skin is dry, rough, and not much above the natural standard_. It is inadvisable in fever cases. _Incipient Colds and Catarrhs_ following exposure to wet, &c., may often be speedily arrested by a vapour bath, taken immediately before going to bed at night.

397. The Vapour Bath apparatus, which should be kept ready in all large establishments in India, consists of a bamboo frame of a conical shape, covered with wax cloth or some other impervious material; it should be large enough to enclose the whole body (when the patient is in a sitting posture), and an aperture with a loose frill attached, so as to tie round the patient's throat, should be left at the apex. Under this the patient, divested of his clothing, should sit with the head and face projecting through the opening at the top, and a _chattie_, or open vessel, of boiling water having been introduced, sweating soon commences and should be kept up for a quarter of an hour or more. Then the patient should be thoroughly dried with warm, rough towels and go to bed, or be carefully wrapped up in blankets so as to be effectually protected from draughts of cold air.

397_b_. THE WET SHEET has been highly spoken of in the treatment of _Delirium Tremens_; it is applied as follows: Strip the patient naked and roll him in a wet sheet till he looks like a mummy, and then roll a blanket round this again. In many cases the delirious excitement will subside as soon as a hot vapour surrounds the patient, and he will fall into a quiet sleep. It should be used with caution in the case of an old debilitated drunkard.

398. +Wax.+

Móm (_Hind._, _Duk._, _Beng._, _Punj._), Si'úth (_Kash._), Mozhukka (_Tam._), Máinam (_Tel._), Mezhuka (_Mal._), Ména (_Can._, _Mah._), Mín (_Guz._), Ittí (_Cing._), Phayoui (_Burm._), Libu lubah (_Malay_).

399. Wax, obtainable of good quality in most bazaars, has no especial medicinal properties; it is, however, extensively used in the formation of ointments, plasters, &c., for the purpose of giving them consistence, and a mildly stimulant action. The following is stated to be an excellent stimulant application to "_Blind Boils_," so common at certain seasons in many parts of India; it is thought to bring them to a head sooner than any other remedy. Take of Indian Bdellium—Gúgul (_Hind._, _Punj._), Kánt-i-gun (_Kash._), the gum resin of Balsamodendron Mukul (_Hooker_), and B. pubescens (_Stocks_)—Wax, and Sesamum oil, of each one ounce; melt together with a gentle heat, stirring well, and strain. A portion of this, spread on rag or lint, should be placed over each boil. It is also a good dressing for subsequent _Ulceration_.

ADDENDA.

400. +Cinchona Febrifuge, or Darjeeling Cinchona Alkaloid.+ This was really employed as a cheap substitute for Quinine.

In 1875 Mr. Wood, the Government Quinologist, prepared from the bark of Cinchona succirubra and other species under cultivation at Darjeeling an alkaloid, or rather a mixture of alkaloids, which has received the provisional names of "DARJEELING CINCHONA ALKALOID," and "CINCHONA FEBRIFUGE." A rough analysis shows that it contains: Quinine, 15·5; Cinchonidine, 29·0; Cinchonine, 33·5; Amorphous Alkaloid, 17·0; and Colouring Matter, 5·0 in 100 parts. It occurs in the form of a buff-coloured powder, of a peculiar disagreeable smell, and bitter, nauseous taste; insoluble in water, soluble in mineral and vegetable acids.

401. In the treatment of _Intermittent Fever_ this remedy ranks next to Quinine, over which it possesses the advantage of being comparatively cheap, and, from its being manufactured in India, is within the reach of all. It has its disadvantages, however, being apt to create nausea, vomiting, with a burning sensation at the pit of the stomach, extending, in some instances, to the throat, and occasionally diarrhœa. Like Quinine, if given in sufficient doses to produce its specific effect, it gives rise to headache, singing in the ears, giddiness, and other symptoms included under the term "Quinism;" but all these pass away on the discontinuance of the remedy, leaving no after ill effects. It is, in fact, a thoroughly safe and efficacious remedy in ordinary simple Intermittents, but its use is limited to these. In the severer forms and in Remittent Fevers it is not to be depended upon: here Quinine remains the sheet anchor. The dose is from 5 to 10 grains twice or thrice daily during the intermission or in anticipation of an expected paroxysm. Dilute Sulphuric Acid (one and a half minim to one grain of the alkaloid) is said to be the best solvent, but given with Dilute Hydrochloric or Citric Acid, its disagreeable taste and smell are partially masked, and hence is more easily borne. Fresh Lime Juice is recommended as an eligible vehicle for popular use.

402. _In Debility after Fevers_ it promises to be of great value as a tonic, given in small doses. It is worthy of a trial in _Enlargement of the Spleen_ in combination with Sulphate of Iron (176). In _Neuralgia_, _Faceache_, _Tic Douloureux_, when assuming a periodical form, this remedy is well worthy of a fair trial. It should be given in full doses (10 grains) thrice daily for adults.

403. Closely allied to the foregoing is another form of collective Cinchona Alkaloids, to which its discoverer, Dr. de Vrij, has given the name of QUINETUM. It is said to represent the whole of the alkaloids in Cinchona succirubra bark in proportion of Quinine, 25; Cinchonidine, 50; and Cinchonine, 20 in 100 parts. Dr. Vinkhuysen, who tried it extensively in the treatment of _Intermittent Fevers_, says that "Quinetum is of great value as a febrifuge, but that it takes longer to act, and will not replace Quinine in pernicious fever. It has the same apyretic effect as Quinine, but is less powerful; larger doses are therefore required at longer intervals before the paroxysms. It produces no ill effects, no noises in the ear, and can be taken by those who cannot take Quinine. It is more efficacious in chronic cases and as a tonic, whilst in masked malaria it is incomparably superior to Quinine." This statement is quoted from Sir Joseph Fayrer's valuable work _On the Climate and Fevers of India_ (London, 1882), and to it he (Sir Joseph) adds the expression of his own belief that "it is a very valuable drug." We learn from the same authority that it is now largely prepared in India. This being the case, and as it is less than half the price of Quinine, it may be regarded as an important addition to Indian Materia Medica. The dose is from 8 to 16 grains in diluted Lime Juice or other acidulated water.

404. +Sugar.+

Shakar (_Hind._, _Duk._), Bhúra, Chiní (_Beng._), Misri (_Punj._), Sakkará, Sharukkarai (_Tam._), Shakkara (_Tel._), Sharkkara, Panjasára (_Mal._), Síní, Sakkere (_Cing._), Saghia or Tagiya (_Burm._), Gúla (_Mal._).

405. This article is not usually regarded as a medicine, but Dr. Aitchison in his valuable notes, points out how he has utilised it as such with excellent effect; and as it is procurable throughout the length and breadth of India, it seems well worthy of notice in this place. Only the best and purest kinds should be employed for medicinal purposes.

406. In all forms of _Ophthalmia_ (_Country Sore Eyes, &c._), Dr. A. states that he has found a solution of one drachm of Sugar in three drachms of Water dropped into the eye every hour or so, never fail to afford relief, and that generally, if applied early, cuts short the disease at once. This practice, he adds, he has followed for twelve years, and used nothing else. Children, according to his experience, will actually come and ask to have the remedy dropped into their eyes, so great is the relief it affords. At bedtime, in these cases, it is advisable to apply to the eyelashes a little sweet oil or grease, and the first thing in the morning carefully to wash the eyes with hot milk and water. This solution is also useful for _removing small foreign substances from the eye_.

407. _In Gonorrhœa and Vaginal Discharges_ the above solution is an excellent application, though not so uniformly useful as in Ophthalmia. In Gonorrhœa, it may be commenced with at once, the injections being repeated frequently during the day, in addition to general remedies; but in Vaginal discharges other remedies may be tried first. (See _Index._)

408. Sugar is an excellent dressing for certain forms of _Foul, Gangrenous looking Ulcers_, the Sugar (white or refined) in grain being merely sprinkled over the sore, which under its use soon assumes a healthy appearance. As a drawing plaster for _Boils_ equal parts of Sugar and Yellow Soap, is an old remedy. (Dr. Aitchison.)

409. +Petroleum. Rock Oil.+

Mittí-ká-tél (_Hind._, _Duk._), Mátiyá-tail (_Beng._), Man-yenney, Man-tayilam (_Tam._, _Mal._), Manti-tayilam, Manti-núné (_Tel._), Mannunyanné (_Can._), Mattí-cha-téla (_Mah._), Mattí-nu-tel (_Guz._), Yé-ná (_Burm._).

409_a_. Petroleum, a mineral oil, semi-liquid, somewhat of the consistence of treacle, tenacious, semi-transparent, of a deep sherry red or nearly opaque, tar-like brown, with a peculiar though not unpleasant aromatic odour and pungent acrid taste, exudes spontaneously from the rocks in volcanic regions, and collects on the surface of certain lakes in Persia, Burmah, Assam, and the islands on the Arracan Coast, as well as in Barbadoes, Trinidad, and other West Indian Islands. As a medicinal agent, it is a terebinthinate (turpentine-like) stimulant, and as such appears to act specially on the kidneys, increasing in a marked degree the urinary secretion. The dose is about half a fluid drachm (thirty drops) suspended in mucilage.

410. Petroleum is very generally employed by the Native practitioners externally as a stimulant in _Paralytic Affections_ and in _Chronic Rheumatism_, and Dr. Fleming (Cat. p. 53), commenting on this, adds that he can, from his own experience, recommend it in the latter disease as an efficacious remedy, having derived more benefit from it than from the more costly Cajeput Oil, which he had previously used. A case of _Beri-beri_ successfully treated by it, externally and internally, is recorded by Mr. S. Arokeum (_Madras Quart. Med. Journ._, July 1863), but how far the recovery was due in this instance to the Petroleum seems doubtful. Still, it seems worthy of further trials in this obscure affection.

411. _In Skin Diseases_, it is a useful external application, and a case of _Chronic Eczema_, which had resisted a host of remedies cured by it, is recorded by Dr. J. W. Mudge (_Indian Ann. of Med. Science_, 1854, p. 450). He used it incorporated with Soap in the proportion of a drachm to an ounce.

412. _As an Antiseptic agent in Surgical Practice_, some trials have been made with it by Sir Joseph Fayrer (_Indian Med. Gazette_, Sept. 1869, p. 184), and he comes to the conclusion that it possesses some, if not all, the advantages assigned to Carbolic Acid in this character. He used it, pure or diluted, with equal parts of oil or glycerine; and he states that whilst it certainly has some deodorising power, it appeared also to have that of limiting suppuration and of restraining the development of septic miasmata in the discharges. He likewise found it useful as a stimulating and detergent application to _Sloughing and Ulcerated Surfaces_, and in one case of _Carbuncle_ it proved most efficacious. It causes little inconvenience beyond slight smarting. "The evidence of its virtue," Sir J. Fayrer observes, "is as yet but limited, yet it is such as to suggest the advantage of making further trial of what may prove to be a valuable addition to our surgical resources, and it has the advantage of being produced in the country." The summaries of twenty cases are appended to illustrate the use of this hydrocarbon. It is to be hoped it will meet with further trials.

413. +Kerosene Oil.+ A burning oil, refined from crude Petroleum.

Pathar-ka-tél (_Punj._).

414. Owing to the extensive use of this mineral Oil for lighting purposes during the past few years, it can now be obtained in nearly every bazaar in the country. According to the experience of Dr. Aitchison, no local remedy is so pre-eminently useful in all _Skin Diseases_ as this, especially when of a parasitic origin. It is comparatively of little use in syphilitic eruptions.

415. The oil may be employed pure when no large surface is involved, but if the disease to be treated extensively covers the body, it should be diluted with equal parts of sweet oil. Nothing can come up to it, he asserts, in removing and _destroying bugs_ from old wood. It is also said to be of use in _removing white ants_.

416. _In Itch_, when of limited extent, after opening each pustule, rub into the part carefully twice or thrice daily pure Kerosene Oil. If it be extensively diffused over the whole body, after thoroughly washing with soap and water, rub in a solution of equal parts of Kerosene and Sweet Oil. This, observes Dr. Aitchison, far surpasses the Sulphur treatment. _In Ringworm_ it is sufficient to paint the affected spot with the pure oil twice or thrice daily. _In Scalled Head_, after cutting the hair as short as possible, apply a poultice to clean off the scab from the scalp, and then thoroughly saturate the cleansed surface with Kerosene Oil. During treatment the patient should wear an oil-skin cap. Oil alone, applied thus, adds Dr. Aitchison, will cure the disease, but Kerosene does it more quickly and effectually. _Lice_ of all kinds are at once destroyed by rubbing Kerosene Oil into the parts they occupy, and are totally exterminated by two or three free applications. (Dr. Aitchison.)

417. +Rock Salt+, an impure Chloride of Sodium.

Senda-lon, Senda-namak (_Hind._, _Duk._), Indúppú (_Tam._, _Tel._), Intúppa (_Mal._), Nímak, Lun (_Punj._).

418. Rock Salt occurs in large masses varying in weight from 2 or 3 to 8 or 10 lb.: dull or brownish-white externally, white and crystalline internally, of a pure saline taste; procurable in all large Indian bazaars at four or five annas per lb. Though known to be a mere variety of Chloride of Sodium (common salt) it is possessed of far stronger purgative properties, it is also stronger than Cream of Tartar; but like this, it is not a satisfactory cathartic given alone; in combination with other purgatives, however, it is equal if not superior to it, and may advantageously replace it in Kaladana and other officinal Powders. (Dr. Moodeen Sheriff.)

COOKERY FOR THE SICK.

419. +Mutton Broth and Beef Tea.+

Take a pound of meat, free from fat; chop it up fine, and let it stand for one hour in a pint of cold water. Then add half a dozen Okra (1) cut transversely, and boil at a gentle heat to half a pint; strain and flavour with salt and pepper to taste. It should be freshly prepared daily.

420. +Chicken Broth.+

This is prepared in the same manner as the preceding, a full-grown fowl being substituted for the pound of meat. The two essential points to be attended to being that the flesh is cut small or well bruised, and that it stands for an hour in cold water previous to being put on the fire. Half-grown fowls will answer for children. Like the preceding, it should be prepared fresh daily.

421. +Raw Meat Juice.+

The juice of raw meat is an invaluable remedy in sickness, more especially in the many diseases of the intestinal canal from which Europeans suffer in Indian, whether during infancy or in adult life. For obtaining this juice any meat will do, but beef is to be preferred. From a piece, say, a pound in weight, remove all the fat; then mince the meat; after which cover the mince with as much water as it will absorb in four or five minutes; then reduce the soft mass into a pulp in a mortar by means of a pestle. Pass this pulp through a cloth forcibly: the fluid which passes through the cloth is meat juice. Children will take this readily without any addition being made to it. Adults, however, frequently cannot do so, owing to its peculiar raw odour. In such cases it can be made palatable by the addition of a little salt, sometimes sherry, Worcester sauce, or even a little acid jelly; but whatever is done to this juice to make it palatable, on no account add mineral acids, or cook it, as in both cases the albumen of the juice becomes coagulated, making it less digestible. Where ice is procurable, meat in this form can be conveniently kept fresh for more than forty-eight hours. Where ice cannot be obtained, and the climate is at summer heat, the juice should be extracted from the meat fresh each time it is to be given. (Dr. Aitchison.)

422. +Rice Milk.+

Boil one table-spoonful of ground Rice with a pint and a half of Milk, or equal parts of milk and water; stir it smooth, and boil for two minutes; flavour with sugar and nutmeg. A very nourishing food for children.

423. +Arrowroot.+

Take a table-spoonful of the best Arrowroot, and make it into a thin paste with a little water; then add gradually half a pint of boiling water, stirring it the whole time. Put it on the fire for two or three minutes, still continuing to stir it till the whole is uniformly mixed; then remove it from the fire and add grated nutmeg, sugar, &c., to taste. If made with milk instead of water, it is more nourishing, but when the stomach is weak it sometimes disagrees, and then water is preferable. It should be prepared fresh when required.

424. +Sago.+

Add a table-spoonful of the best Sago to a pint of Water, and let it stand for two hours, then boil for a quarter of an hour, stirring the whole time, till it forms a clear uniform jelly. Remove from the fire, and flavour with sugar, nutmeg, &c.

425. +Pish-Pash+ (_Puss-Pass_).

This is a regular Indian dish for invalids, and consists of fresh meat cooked amongst rice. Usually a chicken is cut up into small pieces, put into the bottom of a small pan, to which are added three table-spoonfuls of rice, well cleaned, and over the whole is poured two breakfast-cupfuls of cold water. This is now allowed to cook over a slow fire for three or four hours. Spices and salt, of course, can be added during the cooking process. If the patient is extremely ill the rice part alone is used, which has absorbed nearly the whole of the strength of the meat. Besides being given to invalids, this is a common diet amongst European children in India (Dr. Aitchison).

426. +Brandy Mixture.+

Take of Brandy and of Water each four table-spoonfuls, the yolks of two eggs, and half an ounce of powdered white sugar. Beat the yolks and sugar well together, then add the spirit and water, and flavour with grated cinnamon or nutmeg.

This is a valuable stimulant and restorative in the low forms and advanced stages of _Fever_, _Smallpox_, _Measles_, _Exhausting Hæmorrhages_, _Cholera_, and other cases where the vital powers are greatly depressed. The dose for adults is from one to three table-spoonfuls repeated according to circumstances; for children from a teaspoonful to a table-spoonful according to age or the urgency of the symptoms.

427. _In Delirium Tremens_ this is one of the best forms of stimulant, combining as it does nutritive with stimulant properties; indeed, when other food is rejected, the proportion of eggs may be doubled or trebled. In the young and vigorous, and in first attacks, all alcoholic drinks may be safely and strictly withheld, but should there be a great craving for drink, Omum water (320) may be tried, as it is said to relieve this condition. In the old debilitated confirmed drinker, however, stimulants become a necessity, and Brandy Mixture in doses of one to two ounces may be given at stated intervals as required, but the patient should not be allowed to sip it, or take it occasionally as he thinks fit.

428. +White Wine Whey.+

Take one pint of fresh Milk, add Mace, Nutmeg and Cinnamon, with Sugar to taste. Put it on a clear slow fire, stirring until the milk is on the point of boiling over. Then take it off, and throw in one or two wineglassfuls of Sherry or Madeira. Put it on the fire again, stirring it gently one way until it curdles; then remove, and strain through cloth or muslin. This taken at bedtime, the patient being well covered with clothes, so as to produce copious perspiration, has often an excellent effect in arresting incipient attacks of _Catarrh_, _Influenza_, _&c._

429. +Egg Wine.+

Beat up one Egg (both yolk and white) with a table-spoonful of cold Water. On this pour a mixture of a glass of Sherry and half a glass of water previously heated together (not boiling), stirring all the time. Then sweeten with white sugar, and add a little grated nutmeg, to taste. Taken in this form it is more digestible, but its flavour is improved by heating the ingredients in a clean saucepan over a gentle fire (not to boiling), stirring them one way till they thicken. This, with a small piece of toast or biscuit, may be advantageously taken by invalids twice daily, or as occasion requires.

430. +Strengthening Jelly.+

Steep two ounces of Isinglass or Prepared Gelatine, one ounce of Gum Arabic, five ounces of Sugar Candy, and a grated Nutmeg in a bottle of Port wine all night. In the morning, simmer over a slow fire till quite dissolved; then strain and set aside in a cool place till it forms a firm jelly. A piece the size of a nutmeg may be taken five or six times a day. This jelly is admirably suited for cases of debility when the stomach is unable to bear animal food.