Enquire within upon everything · Chapter 14Publisher's Preface (13)
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Dose
, one tablespoonful every three hours. Use after fevers and catarrhs.
564. Stomachic
Take twenty grains of powdered rhubarb, and rub it down in three ounces and a half of peppermint water, then add sal volatile and compound tincture of gentian, each one drachm and a half; mix.
Dose
, from one to one ounce and a half. Use this mixture as a tonic, stimulant, and stomachic.
565. Drinks
566. Tamarind (1)
Boil two ounces of the pulp of tamarinds in two pints of milk, then strain. Use as cooling drink.
567. Tamarind (2)
Boil two ounces of the pulp in two pints of warm water, and allow it to get cold, then strain. Use as cooling drink.
568. Powders
569. Compound Soda
Mix twenty-four grains of calomel, thirty-six grains of sesquicarbonate of soda, and one drachm of compound chalk powder, together. Divide into twelve powders. One of the powders to be given for a dose when required. Use as a mild purgative for children during teething.
570. Tonic
Mix one drachm of powdered rhubarb with the same quantity of dried carbonate of soda, then add two drachms of powdered calumba root.
Dose
, from ten to twenty grains as a tonic after fevers, in all cases of debility, and dyspepsia attended with acidity.
571. Rhubarb and Magnesia
Mix one drachm of powdered rhubarb with two drachms of carbonate of magnesia, and half a drachm of ginger.
Dose
, from fifteen grains to one drachm. Use as a purgative for children.
572. Sulphur and Potash
Mix one drachm of sulphur with four scruples of bicarbonate of potash, and two scruples of nitre.
Dose
, from half a drachm to one drachm. Use as a purgative, diuretic, and refrigerant.
573. Anti-Diarrhœal
Mix one grain of powdered ipecacuanha, and one grain of powdered opium, with the same quantity of camphor.
Dose
, one of these powders to be given in jam, treacle, &c., once or twice a day; but to adults only.
574. Antispasmodic
Mix four grains of subnitrate of bismuth, forty-eight grains of carbonate of magnesia, and the same quantity of white sugar, and then divide in four equal parts.
Dose
, one-fourth part. Use in obstinate pain in the stomach with cramps, unattended by inflammation.
575. Antipertussal, or against Whooping-Cough
Mix one drachm of powdered belladonna root, and two ounces of white sugar, together.
Dose
, six grains morning and evening for children under one year; nine grains for those under two and three years of age; fifteen grains for those between five and ten; and thirty grains for adults.
Caution
, this should be prepared by a chemist, as the belladonna is a poison, and occasional doses of castor oil should be given while it is being taken.
576. Purgative (Common)
Mix ten grains of calomel, with one drachm of powdered jalap, and twenty grains of sugar.
Dose
, one-half of the whole for adults.
577. Sudorific
Mix six grains of compound antimonial powder, two grains of ipecacuanha, and two grains of sugar together.
Dose
, as mixed, to be taken at bed-time. Use in catarrh and fever.
578. Miscellaneous
579. Anthelmintic, or Vermifuge
For ridding the bowels of tape-worms, an excellent medicine exists in the male fern—
Aspidium felix mas
. A decoction may be made of the fresh roots, or the root may be dried and powdered.
Dose
, of the powdered root, from ten to thirty grains; of the decoction, from a tablespoonful to a wineglassful, according to age. Use to kill tape-worm.
580. Another Anthelmintic
For thread-worms, which infest the rectum and especially the lower portion, near the orifice of the body, an injection of salt and water, in the proportion of one ounce and a half of salt to a pint, or twenty ounces of water, or of quassia chips, will generally prove effectual, and obviate the necessity of administering medicine.
581. Emulsion, Laxative
Rub down an ounce of castor oil in two drachms of mucilage of gum arabic, add three ounces of dill water, and a drachm of tincture of jalap, gradually.
Dose
, as prepared, the whole to be taken while fasting in the morning.
582. Emulsion, Purgative
Rub down six grains of scammony with six drachms of white sugar in a mortar, and gradually add four ounces of almond emulsion, and two drops of oil of cloves.
Dose
, as prepared, early in the morning.
583. To Prevent Pitting after Small Pox
Spread a sheet of thin leather with the ointment of ammoniacum with mercury, and cut out a place for the mouth, eyes, and nostrils. This forms what is called a mask, and, after anointing the eyelids with a little blue ointment, it should be applied to the face, and allowed to remain for three days for the distinct kind, and four days for the running variety.
Apply before
the spots fill with matter, although it will answer sometimes even after they have become pustulous. It may be applied to any part in the same way.
584. Another Method
Another method, and one more reliable, is that of touching every pustule, or poc, on the face or bosom with a camel-hair pencil dipped in a weak solution of lunar caustic (
nitrate of silver
), made in the proportion of two grains of nitrate of silver to one ounce of distilled water. The time for application is about the seventh day, while each pustule is filled with a limpid fluid, or before suppuration takes place, the lotion arresting that action, and by preventing the formation of matter, saving the skin from being pitted; a result that follows from the conversion of the adipose tissue into pus.
585. A Third Method
of effecting the same purpose is by passing 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 (4)
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 assume 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.
).
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 the 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 circumstances, 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.
and
, 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 homœopathic 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.
and
.
593. Chicken Pox
Mild aperients, No.
, succeeded by No.
, and No.
, 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.
, 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.
, followed by No.
, then diaphoretics, No.
, and afterwards tonics, No.
, in the stage of weakness. Avoid all excesses.
596. Common Cough
The linctus, No.
or No.
, 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.
, 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.
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.
.
600. Croup
Leeches to the throat, with hot fomentations as long as the attack lasts; the emetic, No.
, afterwards the aperient, No.
. Avoid cold and damp.
Despise School and Remain a Fool.
601. Dropsy
Evacuate the water by means of No.
, 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.
and No.
. If from debility or confirmed epilepsy, the mixture, No.
. Avoid drinking and excitement.
603. Eruptions on the Face
The powder, No.
, internally, sponging the face with the lotion, No.
. Avoid excesses in diet.
604. Erysipelas
Aperients, if the patient be strong, No.
, followed by No.
, then tonics, No.
. No. 27 may be used from the commencement for weak subjects.
605. Faintness
Effusion of cold water on the face, stimulants to the nostrils, pure air, and the recumbent position; afterwards, avoidance of the exciting cause. Avoid excitement.
606. Frost-Bite and Frozen Limbs
No heating or stimulating liquors must be given. Rub the parts affected with ice, cold, or snow water, and lay the patient on a cold bed.
607. Gout
The aperients No.
, followed by No.
, bathing the parts with gin-and-water; for drink, weak tea or coffee. Warmth by flannels. Abstain from wines, spirits, and animal food.
608. Gravel
No.
, followed by No.
, the free use of magnesia as an aperient. The pill No.
. Abstain from fermented drinks and hard water. Another form of gravel must be treated by mineral acids, given three times a day.
609. Whooping Cough
Whooping cough may be complicated with congestion or inflammation of the lungs, or convulsions, and then becomes a serious disease. If uncomplicated, No.
.
610. Hysterics
The fit may be prevented by the administration of thirty drops of laudanum, and as many of ether. When it has taken place open the windows, loosen the tight parts of the dress, sprinkle cold water on the face, &c. A glass of wine or cold water when the patient can swallow. Avoid excitement and tight lacing.
611. Indigestion
The pills No.
, with the mixture No.
, at the same time abstinence from veal, pork, mackerel, salmon, pastry, and beer; for drink, homœopathic cocoa, a glass of cold spring water the first thing every morning. Avoid excesses.
612. Inflammation of the Bladder
Bleeding, aperients No.
and No.
, the warm bath, afterwards opium; the pill No.
, three times a day till relieved. Avoid fermented liquors, &c.
613. Inflammation of the Bowels
Leeches, blisters, fomentations, hot baths, iced drinks, the pills No.
; move the bowels with clysters, if necessary, No.
. Avoid cold, indigestible food, &c.
614. Inflammation of the Brain
Application of cold to the head, bleeding from the temples or back of the neck by leeches or cupping; aperients No.
, followed by No.
; mercury to salivation, No.
. Avoid excitement, study, intemperance.
615. Inflammation of the Kidneys
Bleeding from the arm, leeches over the seat of pain, aperients No.
, followed by No.
, the warm bath. Avoid violent exercise, rich living.
616. Inflammation of the Liver
Leeches over the right side, the seat of pain, blisters, aperients No.
, followed by No.
, afterwards the pills No.
, till the gums are slightly tender. Avoid cold, damp, intemperance, and anxiety.
617. Inflammation of the Lungs
Bleeding from the arm or over the painful part of the chest by leeches, succeeded by a blister; the demulcent mixture, No.
, to allay the cough, with the powders No.
. Avoid cold, damp, and draughts.
618. Inflammation of the Stomach
Leeches to the pit of the stomach, followed by fomentations, cold iced water for drink, bowels to be evacuated by clysters; abstinence from all food except cold gruel, milk and water, or tea. Avoid excesses, and condiments.
619. Inflammatory Sore Throat
Leeches and blisters externally, aperients No.
, followed by No.
, gargle to clear the throat, No.
. Avoid cold, damp, and draughts.
620. Inflamed Eyes
The bowels to be regulated by No.
, a small blister behind the ear or on the nape of the neck—the eye to be bathed with No.
.
621. Influenza
No
as an aperient and diaphoretic. No.
to allay fever and cough. No.
as a tonic, when weakness only remains. Avoid cold and damp, use clothing suited to the change of temperature.
622. Intermittent Fever, or Ague
Take No.
during the intermission of the paroxysm of the fever; keeping the bowels free with a wine-glass of No.
. Avoid bad air, stagnant pools, &c.
623. Itch
The ointment of No.
, or lotion No.
.
624. Jaundice
The pills No.
, afterwards the mixture No.
, drinking freely of dandelion tea.
625. Looseness of the Bowels (English Cholera)
One pill No.
, repeated if necessary; afterwards the mixture No.
. Avoid unripe fruits, acid drinks, ginger beer; wrap flannel around the abdomen.
626. Measles
A well-ventilated room, aperients No.
, with No.
to allay the cough and fever.
627. Menstruation (Excessive)
No.
during the attack, with rest in the recumbent position; in the intervals, No.
.
628. Menstruation (Scanty)
In strong patients, cupping the loins, exercise in the open air, No.
, the feet in warm water before the expected period, the pills No.
; in weak subjects, No.
. Gentle and regular exercise. Avoid hot rooms, and too much sleep. In cases of this description it is desirable to apply to a medical man for advice. It may be useful to many to point out that pennyroyal tea is a simple and useful medicine for inducing the desired result.
629. Menstruation (Painful)
No.
during the attack; in the intervals, No.
twice a week, with No.
. Avoid cold, mental excitement, &c.
630. Mumps
Fomentation with a decoction of camomiles and poppy heads; No.
as an aperient, and No.
during the stage of fever. Avoid cold and attend to the regularity of the bowels.
631. Nervousness
Cheerful society, early rising, exercise in the open air, particularly on horseback, and No.
. Avoid excitement, study, and late meals.
632. Palpitation of the Heart
The pills No
, with, the mixture No.
.
633. Piles
The paste No.
, at the same time a regulated diet. When the piles are external, or can be reached, one or two applications of Goulard's extract, with an occasional dose of lenitive electuary, will generally succeed in curing them.
634. Quinsey
A blister applied all round the throat: an emetic, No.
, commonly succeeds in breaking the abscess; afterwards the gargle No.
. Avoid cold and damp.
635. Rheumatism
Bathe the affected parts with No.
, and take internally No.
, with No.
at bedtime, to ease pain, &c. Avoid damp and cold, wear flannel.
636. Rickets
The powder No.
, a dry, pure atmosphere, a nourishing diet.
637. Ringworm
The lotion No.
, with the occasional use of the powder No.
. Fresh air and cleanliness.
638. Scarlet Fever
Well-ventilated room, sponging the body when hot with cold or tepid vinegar, or spirit and water; aperients, No
; diaphoretics No.
. If dropsy succeed the disappearance of the eruption, frequent purging with No.
, succeeded by No.
.
639. Scrofula
Pure air, light but warm clothing, diet of fresh animal food; bowels to be regulated by No.
and No.
, taken regularly for a considerable time.
640. Scurvy
Fresh animal and vegetable food, and the free use of ripe fruits and lemon juice. Avoid cold and damp.
641. Small Pox
A well-ventilated apartment, mild aperients; if fever be present, No.
, succeeded by diaphoretics No.
, and tonics No.
in the stage of debility, or decline of the eruption.
642. St. Vitus's Dance
The occasional use, in the commencement, of No.
, followed by No.
, afterwards No.
.
643. Thrush
One of the powders No.
every other night; in the intervals a dessertspoonful of the mixture No.
three times a day; white spots to be dressed with the honey of borax.
644. Tic Doloreux
Regulate the bowels with No.
, and take in the intervals of pain, No.
. Avoid cold, damp, and mental anxiety.
645. Toothache
Continue the use of No.
for a few alternate days. Apply liquor ammoniæ to reduce the pain, and when that is accomplished, fill the decayed spots with silver succedaneum without delay, or the pain will return. A drop of creosote, or a few drops of chloroform on cotton, applied to the tooth, or a few grains of camphor placed in the decayed opening, or camphor moistened with turpentine, will often afford instant relief.
646. Typhus Fever
Sponging the body with cold or tepid water, a well-ventilated apartment, cold applications to the head and temples. Aperients No.
, with refrigerants No.
, tonics No.
in the stage of debility.
647. Water on the Brain
Local bleeding by means of leeches, blisters, aperients No.
, and mercurial medicines, No.
.
648. Whites
The mixture No.
, with the injection No.
. Clothing light but warm, moderate exercise in the open air, country residence.
649. Worms in the Intestines
The aperient No.
, followed by No.
, afterwards the free use of lime water and milk in equal parts, a pint daily. Avoid unwholesome food.
650. Prescriptions
To be used in the Cases enumerated under the head "Diseases" (page 112).
651. List of Prescriptions
The following prescriptions, originally derived from various prescribers' Pharmacopœias, embody the favourite remedies employed by the most eminent physicians:
652. Medicines, Aperient
Take of powdered aloes, nine grains; extract of colocynth, compound, eighteen grains; calomel, nine grains; tartrate of antimony, two grains; mucilage, sufficient to make a mass, which is to be divided into six pills; two to be taken every twenty-four hours, till they act thoroughly on the bowels: in cases of inflammation, apoplexy, &c.
Powdered rhubarb, Socotrine aloes, and gum mastic, each one scruple; make into twelve pills: one before and one after dinner.
Compound extract of colocynth, extract of jalap, and Castile soap, of each one scruple; make into twelve pills.
James's powder, five grains; calomel, three grains: in fevers, for adults. For children, the following:—Powdered camphor, one scruple; calomel and powdered scammony, of each nine grains; James's powder, six grains; mix, and divide into six powders. Half of one powder twice a day for an infant a year old; a whole powder for two years: and for four years, the same three times a day.
James's powder, six grains; powdered jalap, ten grains; mix, and divide into three or four powders, according to the child's age: in one powder if for an adult.
Powdered rhubarb, four grains; mercury and chalk, three grains; ginger in powder, one grain: an alterative aperient for children.
Dried sulphate of magnesia, six drachms; sulphate of soda, three drachms; infusion of senna, seven ounces; tincture of jalap, and compound tincture of cardamoms, each half an ounce: in acute diseases generally; take two tablespoonfuls every four hours till it operates freely.
Nitrate of potass, one drachm and a half; spirits of nitric ether, half an ounce; camphor mixture, and the spirit of mindererus, each four ounces: in fevers, &c.; two tablespoonfuls, three times a day, and for children a dessertspoonful every four hours.
Spirit of nitric ether, three drachms; dilute nitric acid, two drachms; syrup, three drachms; camphor mixture, seven ounces; in fevers, &c., with debility; dose as in preceding prescription.
Decoction of broom, half a pint; cream of tartar, one ounce, tincture of squills, two drachms: in dropsies; a third part three times a day.
Pills of soap and opium, five grains for a dose, as directed.
Ammoniated tincture of valerian, six drachms; camphor mixture, seven ounces; a fourth part three times a day; in spasmodic and hysterical disorders.
Disulphate of quina, half a drachm; dilute sulphuric acid, twenty drops; compound infusion of roses, eight ounces: two tablespoonfuls every four hours, in intermittent and other fevers, during the absence of the paroxysm.
Almond mixture seven ounces and a half; wine of antimony and ipecacuanha, of each one drachm and a half: a tablespoonful every four hours; in cough with fever, &c.
Calomel, one grain; powdered white sugar, two grains; to make a powder to be placed on the tongue every two or three hours. Should the calomel act on the bowels, powdered kino is to be substituted for the sugar.
Antimony and ipecacuanha wines, of each an ounce; a teaspoonful every ten minutes for a child till vomiting is produced; but for an adult a large tablespoonful should be taken.
Compound infusion of roses, seven ounces; tincture of myrrh, one ounce.
Infusion of orange peel, seven ounces; tincture of hops, half an ounce; and a drachm of carbonate of soda: two tablespoonfuls twice a day. Or, infusion of valerian, seven ounces; carbonate of ammonia, two scruples; compound tincture of bark, six drachms; spirits of ether, two drachms: one tablespoonful every twenty-four hours.
Blue pill, four grains; opium, half a grain: to be taken three times a day.
For a Clyster.—A pint and a half of gruel or fat broth, a tablespoonful of castor oil, one of common salt, and a lump of butter; mix, to be injected slowly. A third of this quantity is enough for an infant.
Chalk mixture, seven ounces; aromatic and opiate confection, of each one drachm; tincture of catechu, six drachms: two tablespoonfuls every two hours.
Carbonate of soda, powdered rhubarb, and Castile soap, each one drachm; make thirty-six pills; three twice a day.
Lotion.—Common salt, one ounce, distilled water, seven ounces; spirit of wine, one ounce: mix.
Dried sulphate of magnesia, six drachms; heavy carbonate of magnesia, two drachms; wine of colchicum, two drachms; water, eight ounces: take two tablespoonfuls every four hours.
Compound powder of ipecacuanha, ten grains; powdered guaiacum, four grains: in a powder at bedtime.
Brandish's solution of potash; thirty drops twice a day in a wineglass of beer.
Disulphate of quina, half a drachm; dilute sulphuric acid, ten drops; compound infusion of roses, eight ounces: two tablespoonfuls every four hours, and as a tonic in the stage of weakness succeeding fever.
Flowers of sulphur, two ounces; hog's lard, four ounces; white hellebore powder, half an ounce: oil of lavender, sixty drops.
Hydriodate of potass, two drachms; distilled water, eight ounces.
Flowers of sulphur, half a drachm; carbonate of soda, a scruple; tartarized antimony, one-eighth of a grain: one powder, night and morning, in eruptions of the skin or face.
Milk of bitter almonds, seven ounces; bichloride of mercury, four grains; spirits of rosemary, one ounce: bathe the eruption with this lotion three times a day.
Sulphate of zinc, two scruples; sugar of lead, fifteen grains; distilled water, six ounces: the parts to be washed with the lotion two or three times a day.
Carbonate of iron, six grains; powdered rhubarb, four grains: one powder night and morning.
Elecampane powder, two ounces; sweet fennel-seed powder, three ounces; black pepper powder, one ounce; purified honey, and brown sugar, of each two ounces; the size of a nutmeg, two or three times a day.
Sulphate of zinc, twelve grains; wine of opium, one drachm; rose water, six ounces.
Sulphate of magnesia, six drachms; sulphate of iron, ten grains; diluted sulphuric acid, forty drops; tincture of cardamoms (compound), half an ounce; water, seven ounces: a fourth part night and morning.
Decoction of oak bark, a pint; dried alum, half an ounce: for an injection, a syringeful to be used night and morning.
Compound gamboge pill, and a pill of assafœtida and aloes, of each half a drachm: make twelve pills; two twice or three times a week.
Griffiths' mixture—one tablespoonful three times a day.
Ergot of rye, five grains; in a powder, to be taken every four hours. This should only be taken under medical advice and sanction.
Powdered opium, half a grain; camphor, two grains in a pill; to be taken every three or four hours whilst in pain.
Syrup of balsam of tolu, two ounces; the muriate of morphia, two grains; muriatic acid, twenty drops: a teaspoonful twice a day.
Salts of tartar, two scruples, twenty grains of powdered cochineal; 1/4 lb. of honey; water, half a pint; boil, and give a tablespoonful three times a day.
Calomel, ten grains; Castile soap, extract of jalap, extract of colocynth, of each one scruple; oil of juniper, five drops: make into fifteen pills; one three times a day.
Infusion of orange peel, eight ounces; carbonate of soda, one drachm; and compound tincture of cardamoms, half an ounce: take a tablespoonful three times a day, succeeding the pills.
Carbonate of iron, three ounces; syrup of ginger, sufficient to make an electuary: a teaspoonful three times a day.
Take of Castile soap, compound extract of colocynth, compound rhubarb pill, and the extract of jalap, each one scruple; oil of caraway, ten drops; make into twenty pills, and take one after dinner every day whilst necessary.
Spirit of rosemary, five parts; spirit of wine, or spirit of turpentine, one part.
Take of thick mucilage, one ounce; castor oil, twelve drachms; make into an emulsion: add mint water, four ounces; spirit of nitre, three drachms; laudanum, one drachm; mixture of squills, one drachm; and syrup, seven drachms; mix; two tablespoonfuls every six hours.
652. Medicines (Aperient)
In the spring time of the year, the judicious use of aperient medicines is much to be commended.
653. Spring Aperients
For children, an excellent medicine is
Brimstone and treacle, prepared by mixing an ounce and a half of sulphur, and half an ounce of cream of tartar, with eight ounces of treacle; and, according to the age of the child, giving from a small teaspoonful to a dessertspoonful, early in the morning, two or three times a week.
As this sometimes produces sickness, the following may be used:
Take of powdered Rochelle salts one drachm and a half, powdered jalap and powdered rhubarb each fifteen grains, ginger two grains, mix. Dose, for a child above five years, one small teaspoonful; above ten years, a large teaspoonful; above fifteen, half the whole, or two teaspoonfuls: and for a person above twenty, three teaspoonfuls, or the whole, as may be required by the habit of the person.
This medicine may be dissolved in warm water, mint, or common tea. The powder can be kept for use in a wide-mouthed bottle, and be in readiness for any emergency. The druggist may be directed to treble or quadruple the quantities, as convenient.
654. Aperient Pills.
To some adults all liquid medicines produce such nausea that pills are the only form in which aperients can be exhibited; the following is a useful formula:
Take of compound rhubarb pill a drachm and one scruple, of powdered ipecacuanha ten grains, and of extract of hyoscyamus one scruple; mix, and beat into a mass, and divide into twenty-four pills; take one or two, or if of a very costive habit, three at bedtime.
For persons requiring a more powerful aperient, the same formula, with twenty grains of compound extract of colocynth, will form a good purgative pill. The mass receiving this addition must be divided into thirty, instead of twenty-four pills.
655. Black Draught
The common aperient medicine known as black draught is made in the following manner:
Take of senna leaves six drachms, bruised ginger half a drachm, sliced liquorice root four drachms, Epsom salts two and a half ounces, boiling water half an imperial pint. Keep this standing on the hob or near the fire for three hours, then strain, and after allowing it to grow cool, add of sal volatile one drachm and a half, of tincture of senna, and of tincture of cardamoms, each half an ounce. This mixture will keep a long time in a cool place. Dose, a wineglassful for an adult; and two tablespoonfuls for young persons about fifteen years of age. It is not a suitable medicine for children.
656. Tonic Aperient
The following will be found a useful medicine for persons of all ages.
Take of Epsom salts one ounce, diluted sulphuric acid one drachm, infusion of quassia chips half an imperial pint, compound tincture of rhubarb two drachms. Dose, half a wineglassful twice a day.
657. Infants' Aperient
The following may be used with safety for young children.
Take of rhubarb five grains, magnesia three grains, white sugar a scruple, grey powder five grains; mix. Dose, for an infant from twelve to eighteen months of age, from one-third to one-half of the whole.
A useful laxative for children is composed of calomel five grains, and sugar a scruple, made into five powders. Dose, half of one of these for a child from birth to one year, and a whole one from that age to three years.