585. A Third Method

of effecting the same purpose is by pa.s.sing a fine needle through each poc, when fully distended with lymph; the escape of the fluid averting, as in the other mode, the suppuration which would otherwise ensue.

[A FOOL OR A PHYSICIAN AT FORTY.]

586. Another Method.

A fourth and much more simple method of preventing pitting from small-pox is to lightly touch every part of the face with a feather dipped in sweet oil. It also tends to prevent this disfigurement to cause the light in the patient's apartment by day to a.s.sume a yellow tinge or colour, which may be easily managed by fitting the room with yellow or brownish yellow linen blinds.

587. Mucilage of Gum Arabic.

Rub one ounce of gum arabic in a mortar, with four ounces of warm water. Use for coughs, &c.

588. Mucilage of Starch.

Rub one drachm of starch with a little water, and gradually add five ounces of water, then boil until it forms a mucilage. Use for enemas, topical applications, and demulcents.

589. Diseases.

_For the proper Remedies and their Doses see "Prescriptions"_ (_par._ 650).

590. Seek Medical Advice.

It should be clearly understood, that in all cases of disease, the advice of a skilful physician is of the first importance. It is not, therefore, intended by the following information to supersede fhe important and necessary practice of the medical man; but rather, by exhibiting the treatment required, to show in what degree his aid is imperative. In cases, however, where the disorder may be simple and transient, or in which remote residence, or other circ.u.mstances, may deny the privilege of medical attendance, the following particulars will be found of the utmost value. Moreover, the hints given upon what should be AVOIDED will be of great service to the patient, since the _physiological_ is no less important than the _medical_ treatment of disease.

591. Apoplexy.

Immediate and large bleeding from the arm, cupping at the back of the neck, leeches to the temples, aperients Nos. 1 and 7, one or two drops of croton oil rubbed or dropped on the tongue. Avoid excesses, intemperance, animal food.

592. Bile, Bilious, or Liver Complaints.

Abstinence from malt liquors, cool h.o.m.oeopathic cocoa for drink, no tea or coffee, few vegetables, no broths or soups; lean juicy meat not over-cooked for dinner, with stale bread occasionally and a slice of toasted bacon for breakfast. Nos. 44 and 45.

593. Chicken Pox.

Mild aperients, No. 4, succeeded by No. 7, and No. 8, if much fever accompany the eruption.

594. Chilblains.

Warm, dry woollen clothing to exposed parts in cold weather, as a preventive. In the first stage, friction with No. 48, used cold. When ulcers form they should be poulticed with bread and water for a day or two, and then dressed with calamine cerate. Or, chilblains in every stage, whether of simple inflammation or open ulcer, may always he successfully treated by Goulard's extract, used pure or applied on lint twice a day.

595. Common Continued Fever.

Aperients in the commencement, No. 1, followed by No. 7, then diaph.o.r.etics, No. 8, and afterwards tonics, No. 13, in the stage of weakness. Avoid all excesses.

596. Common Cough.

The linctus, No. 42 or No. 43, abstinence from malt liquor, and protection from cold damp air. Avoid cold, damp, and draughts.

597. Constipation.

The observance of a regular period of evacuating the bowels, which is most proper in the morning after breakfast. The use of mild aperients, No. 47, and brown bread instead of white. There should be an entire change in the dietary for a few days while taking opening medicine.

598. Consumption.

The disease may be complicated with various morbid conditions of the lungs and heart, which require appropriate treatment. To allay the cough, No. 42 is an admirable remedy. Avoid cold, damp, excitement, and over exertion.

599. Convulsions (Children).

If during teething, free lancing of the gums, the warm bath, cold applications to the head, leeches to the temples, an emetic, and a laxative clyster, No. 20.

600. Croup.

Leeches to the throat, with hot fomentations as long as the attack lasts; the emetic, No. 16, afterwards the aperient, No. 5. Avoid cold and damp.

[DESPISE SCHOOL AND REMAIN A FOOL.]

601. Dropsy.

Evacuate the water by means of No. 10, and by rubbing camphorated oil into the body night and morning.

602. Epilepsy.

If accompanied or produced by fulness of the vessels of the head, leeches to the temples, blisters, and No. 1 and No. 7. If from debility or confirmed epilepsy, the mixture, No. 18. Avoid drinking and excitement.

603. Eruptions on the Face.