Enquire within upon everything · Chapter 15Publisher's Preface (14)
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658. Flour of Brimstone
Flour of brimstone is a mild aperient in doses of about a quarter of an ounce; it is best taken in milk. Flour of brimstone, which is also called sublimed sulphur, is generally put up in ounce packets at 7d.; its wholesale price is 4d. per pound.
A Spark may Raise an Awful Blaze.
659. Medicines
Preparations of them.—The following directions are of the utmost value in connection with the
,
,
, and
.
They will be found most important to emigrants, attendants upon the sick, and persons who reside out of the reach of medical aid, sailors, &c., &c. They contain instructions not only for the compounding of medicines, but most useful hints and cautions upon the application of leeches, blisters, poultices, &c.
660. Articles Required for Mixing Medicines
Three glass measures, one to measure ounces, another to measure drachms, and a measure for minims, drops, or small doses.
A pestle and mortar, both of glass and Wedgwood-ware.
A glass funnel.
Glass stirring rods.
A spatula, or flexible knife, for spreading ointments, making pills, &c.
A set of scales and weights.
A small slab of marble, or porcelain, for making pills upon, mixing ointments, &c.
661. Medicine Weights and Measures.—Weights
When you open your box containing the scales and weights, you will observe that there are several square pieces of brass, of different sizes and thicknesses, and stamped with a variety of characters. These are the weights, which may now be explained.
662. Troy Weight
Medicines are made up by
troy
weight, although drugs are bought by
avoirdupois
weight. There are twelve ounces to the pound troy, which is marked
lb
.; the ounce, which contains eight drachms, is marked
i
; the drachm, containing three scruples, is marked
i
; and the scruple of twenty grains is marked
i
. The grain weights are marked by little circles, thus:
Each of the grain weights, in addition to the circles denoting their several weights, bears also the stamp of a crown. Care must be taken not to mistake this for one of the numerals. Besides these weights there are others marked
ss, which means half a scruple;
ss, meaning half a drachm; and
ss, meaning half an ounce. When there are ounces, drachms, or scruples, the number of them is shown by Roman figures, thus:—i. ii. iii. iv. v., &c., and prescriptions are written in this style.
663. Measures—Liquid
Liquid medicines are always measured by the following table:
And the signs which distinguish each are as follows:
Formerly drops used to be ordered, but as the size of a drop must necessarily vary, minims are always directed to be employed now for any particular medicine, although for such medicines as oil of cloves, essence of ginger, &c., drops are frequently ordered.
664. Specific Measuring Vessels
In order that medicines may be measured accurately, there are graduated glass vessels for measuring ounces, drachms, and minims.
665. Approximate Measures
When proper measures are not at hand, it is necessary to adopt some other method of determining the quantities required, and therefore the following table has been drawn up for that purpose:
These quantities refer to ordinary sized spoons and vessels. Some cups hold half as much more, and some tablespoons contain six drachms. A medicine glass, which is graduated so as to show the number of spoonfuls it contains, should be kept in every family.
To-day, Man Lives in Pleasure, Wealth and Pride.
666. Process of Making Medicines
To powder substances
.—Place the substance in the mortar, and strike it
gently
with direct perpendicular blows of the pestle, until it separates into several pieces, then remove all but a small portion, which bruise gently at first, and rub the pestle round and round the mortar, observing that the circles described by the pestle should gradually decrease in diameter, and then increase again, because by this means every part of the powder is subjected to the process of pulverization. In powdering substances, making emulsions, and whenever using a mortar, the pestle should always travel
from the right to the left
.
667. Preparation and Assistance
Some substances require to be prepared in a particular manner before they can be powdered, or to be assisted by adding some other body. For example, camphor powders more easily when a few drops of spirits of wine are added to it; mace, nutmegs, and such oily aromatic substances are better for the addition of a little white sugar; resins and gum-resins should be powdered in a cold place, and if they are intended to be dissolved, a little fine well-washed white sand mixed with them assists the process of powdering. Tough roots, like gentian and calumba, should be cut into thin slices; and fibrous roots, like ginger, cut slanting, otherwise the powder will be full of small fibres. Vegetable matter, such as peppermint, loosestrife, senna, &c., requires to be dried before it is powdered.
668. Care of the Mortar
Be careful not to pound too hard in glass, porcelain, or Wedgwood-ware mortar; they are intended only for substances that pulverize easily, and for the purpose of mixing or incorporating medicines. Never use acids in a marble mortar, and be sure that you do not powder galls or any other astringent substances in any but a brass mortar.
669. Sifting
Sifting is frequently required for powdered substances, and this is usually done by employing a fine sieve, or tying the powder up in a piece of muslin, and striking it against the left hand over a piece of paper.
670. Filtering
Filtering is frequently required for the purpose of obtaining clear fluids, such as infusions, eye-washes, and other medicines; and it is, therefore, highly important to know how to perform this simple operation. First of all take a square piece of white blotting paper, and double it over so as to form an angular cup. Open out this filter paper very carefully, and having placed it in a funnel, moisten it with a little water. Then place the funnel in the neck of the bottle, and pour the liquid gently down the side of the paper, otherwise the fluid is apt to burst the paper.
671. Maceration
Maceration is another process that is frequently required to be performed in making up medicines, and consists simply in immersing the medicines in
cold water
or spirits for a certain time.
672. Digestion
Digestion resembles maceration, except that the process is assisted by a gentle heat. The ingredients are placed in a flask, such as salad oil is sold in, which should be fitted with a plug of tow or wood, and have a piece of wire twisted round the neck. The flask is held by means of the wire over the flame of a spirit lamp, or else placed in some sand warmed in an old iron saucepan over the fire, care being taken not to place more of the flask below the sand than the portion occupied by the ingredients.
673. Infusion
Infusion is one of the most frequent operations required in making up medicines, its object being to extract the aromatic and volatile principles of substances, that would be lost by decoction, or digestion; and to extract the soluble from the insoluble parts of bodies. Infusions may be made with cold water, in which case they are weaker, but more pleasant. The general method employed consists in slicing, bruising, or rasping the ingredients first, then placing them in a common jug (which should be as globular as possible), and pouring boiling water over them. Cover the jug with a cloth folded six or eight times, but if there be a lid to the jug so much the better. When the infusion has stood the time directed, hold a piece of
very coarse
linen over the spout, and pour the liquid through it into another jug.
To-morrow, Poor—or Life Itself Denied.
674. Decoction
Decoction, or boiling, is employed to extract the mucilaginous or gummy parts of substances, their bitter, astringent, or other qualities, and is nothing more than boiling the ingredients in a saucepan with the lid slightly raised. Be sure never to use an iron saucepan for astringent decoctions, such as oak-bark, galls, &c., as they will turn the saucepan black, and spoil the decoction. The enamelled saucepans are very useful for decoctions, but an excellent plan is to put the ingredients into a jar and boil the jar, thus preparing it by a water bath, as it is technically termed; or by using a common pipkin, which answers still better. No decoction should be allowed to boil for more than ten minutes.
675. Extracts
Extracts are made by evaporating the liquors obtained by infusion or decoction, but these can be bought much cheaper and better of chemists and druggists, and so can tinctures, confections, cerates and plasters, and syrups: but as every one is not always in the neighbourhood of druggists, we shall give recipes for those most generally useful, and the method of making them.
676. Precautions to be Observed in Giving Medicines.
677. Sex
Medicines for females should not be so strong as those for males, therefore it is advisable to reduce the doses about one-third.
678. Temperament
Persons of a phlegmatic temperament bear stimulants and purgatives better than those of a sanguine temperament, therefore the latter require smaller doses.
679. Habits
Purgatives never act so well upon persons accustomed to take them as upon those who are not, therefore it is better to change the form of purgative from pill to potion, powder to draught, or aromatic to saline. Purgatives should never be given when there is an irritable state of the bowels.
680. Use of Alcohol
Stimulants and narcotics never act so quickly upon persons accustomed to use spirits freely as upon those who live abstemiously.
681. Climate
The action of medicines is modified by climate and seasons. In summer, certain medicines act more powerfully than in winter, and the same person cannot bear the dose in July that he could in December.
682. General Health
Persons whose general health is good bear stronger doses than the debilitated and those who have suffered for a long time.
683. Idiosyncrasy
By this is meant a peculiar temperament or disposition not common to people generally. For example, some persons cannot take calomel in the smallest dose without being salivated, or rhubarb without having convulsions; others cannot take squills, opium, senna, &c.; and this peculiarity is called the patient's idiosyncrasy, therefore it is wrong to
insist
upon their taking these medicines.
684. Forms best suited for Administration
Fluids act quicker than solids, and powders sooner than pills.
685. Best Method of Preventing the Nauseous Taste of Medicines
Castor oil may be taken in milk, coffee, or spirit, such as brandy; but the best method of covering the nauseous flavour is to put a tablespoonful of strained orange juice in a wineglass, pour the castor oil into the centre of the juice, and then squeeze a few drops of lemon juice upon the top of the oil. The wineglass should first be dipped, rim downwards, into water, so that the interior may be wetted. Cod liver oil may be taken, like castor oil, in orange juice. Peppermint water neutralizes, to a great extent, the nauseous taste of Epsom salts; a strong solution of extract of liquorice, that of aloes; milk, that of cinchona bark; and cloves that of senna.
To-day, Lays Plans for Many Years to Come.
686. An Excellent Way to Prevent the Taste of Medicines
An excellent way to prevent the taste of medicines is to have the medicine in a glass, as usual, and a tumbler of water by the side of it; take the medicine, and retain it in the mouth, which should be kept closed, and if drinking the water be then commenced, the taste of the medicine is washed away. Even the bitterness of quinine and aloes may be prevented by this means. If the nostrils are firmly compressed by the thumb and finger of the left hand, while taking a nauseous draught, and so retained till the mouth has been washed out with water, the disagreeable taste of the medicine will be almost imperceptible.
687. Giving Medicines to Persons
Medicines should be given in such a manner that the effect of the first dose shall not have ceased when the next dose is given, therefore the intervals between the doses should be regulated accordingly.
688. Doses of Medicine for Different Ages
It must be plain to every one that children do not require such powerful medicine as adults or old people, and therefore it is desirable to have some fixed method of determining or regulating the administration of doses of medicine. Now let it be supposed that the dose for a full-grown person is
one drachm
, then the following proportions will be suitable for the various ages given; keeping in view other circumstances, such as sex, temperament, habits, climate, state of
general health
, and idiosyncrasy.
689. Drugs, with their Properties and Doses
The various drugs have been arranged according to their properties, and the doses of each have been given. Many, however, have been necessarily omitted from each class, because they cannot be employed except by a medical man. The
doses
are meant for adults.
690. Classes of Drugs
Medicines have been divided into four grand classes
General stimulants;
Local stimulants;
Chemical remedies;
Mechanical remedies.
691. General Stimulants
General stimulants are subdivided into two classes, diffusible and permanent stimulants: the first comprising narcotics and antispasmodics, and the second tonics and astringents.
692. Narcotics
Narcotics are medicines which stupefy and diminish the activity of the nervous system. Given in small doses, they generally act as stimulants, but an increased dose produces a sedative effect. Under this head are included alcohol, camphor, ether, the hop, and opium.
693. Alcohol
Alcohol, or rectified spirit, is a very powerful stimulant, and is never used as a remedy without being diluted to the degree called proof spirit; and even then it is seldom used internally. It is
used externally
in restraining bleeding, when there is not any vessel of importance wounded. It is also used as a lotion to burns, and is applied by dipping a piece of lint into the spirit, and laying it over the part. Freely diluted (one part to eighteen) with water, it forms a useful eye-wash in the last stage of ophthalmia.
Used internally
, it acts as a very useful stimulant when diluted and taken moderately, increasing the general excitement, and giving energy to the muscular fibres; hence it becomes very useful in certain cases of debility, especially in habits disposed to create acidity; and in the low stage of typhus fevers.
Dose
.—It is impossible to fix anything like a dose for this remedy, as much will depend upon the individual; but diluted with water and sweetened with sugar, from half an ounce to two ounces may be given three or four times a day. In cases of extreme debility, however, much will depend upon the disease.
Caution
.—Remember that alcohol is an irritant
poison
, and that daily indulgence in its use originates dyspepsia, or indigestion, and many other serious complaints. Of all kinds of spirits the best as a tonic and stomachic is
brandy
.
To-morrow, Sinks into the Silent Tomb.
694. Camphor
Camphor is not a very steady stimulant, as its effect is transitory; but in large doses it acts as a narcotic, abating pain and inducing sleep. In moderate doses it operates as a diaphoretic, diuretic, antispasmodic, increasing the heat of the body, allaying irritation and spasm.
It is
used externally
as a liniment when dissolved in oil, alcohol, or acetic acid, being employed to allay rheumatic pains; and it is also useful as an embrocation in sprains, bruises, chilblains, and, when combined with opium, it has been advantageously employed in flatulent colic, and severe diarrhœa, being rubbed over the bowels.
When reduced to a fine powder
, by the addition of a little spirit of wine and friction, it is very useful as a local stimulant to indolent ulcers, especially when they discharge a foul kind of matter; a pinch is taken between the finger and thumb, and sprinkled into the ulcer, which is then dressed as usual.
When dissolved in oil of turpentine
, a few drops placed in a hollow tooth and covered with jeweller's wool, or scraped lint, give almost instant relief to toothache.
Used internally
, it is apt to excite nausea, and even vomiting, especially when given in the solid form.
As a stimulant
it is of great service in all low fevers, malignant measles, malignant sore throat, and confluent small-pox; and when combined with opium and bark, it is extremely useful in checking the progress of malignant ulcers, and gangrene.
As a narcotic
it is very useful, because it allays pain and irritation, without increasing the pulse very much.
When powdered and sprinkled
upon the surface of a blister, it prevents the cantharides acting in a peculiar and painful manner upon the bladder.
Combined with senna
, it increases its purgative properties; and it is also used to correct the nausea produced by squills, and the irritating effects of drastic purgatives and mezereon.
Dose
, from four grains to half a scruple, repeated at short intervals when used in small doses, and long intervals when employed in large doses.
Doses of the various preparations
.—Camphor mixture, from half an ounce to three ounces; compound tincture of camphor (
paregoric elixir
), from fifteen minims to two drachms.
Caution
.—When given in an overdose it acts as a poison, producing vomiting, giddiness, delirium, convulsions, and sometimes death. Opium is the best antidote for camphor, whether in excess or taken as a poison.
Mode of exhibition
.—It may be rubbed up with almond emulsion, or mucilage, or the yolk of eggs, and by this means suspended in water, or combined with chloroform as a mixture, in which form it is a valuable stimulant in cholera and other diseases. (
See
Mixtures,
-
).
695. Ether
Ether is a diffusible stimulant, narcotic and antispasmodic.
696. Sulphuric Ether
Sulphuric Ether is used
externally
both as a stimulant and a refrigerant. In the former case its evaporation is prevented by covering a rag moistened with it with oiled silk, in order to relieve headache; and in the latter case it is allowed to evaporate, and thus produce coldness: hence it is applied over scalded surfaces by means of rags dipped in it.
As a local application
, it has been found to afford almost instant relief in earache, when combined with almond oil, and dropped into the ear.
It is used
internally
as a stimulant and narcotic in low fevers and cases of great exhaustion.
Dose
, from fifteen minims to half a drachm, repeated at short intervals, as its effects soon pass off. Give in a little camphor julep, or water.
697. Nitric Ether
Nitric Ether is a refrigerant, diuretic, and antispasmodic, well known as "
sweet spirit of nitre
."
Used externally
, its evaporation relieves headache, and it is sometimes applied to burns. It is used
internally
to relieve nausea, flatulence, and thirst in fevers; also as a diuretic.
Dose
, from ten minims to one drachm. The smaller dose taken in a little warm water or gruel is useful as a sudorific in cases of cold and chill, to induce and promote the proper action of the skin which has been checked. If a larger dose be taken, it acts as a diuretic and not as a sudorific, and so fails to produce the desired effect.
To-day, His Food is Dressed in Dainty Forms.
698. Compound Spirit of Sulphuric Ether
Compound Spirit of Sulphuric Ether is a very useful stimulant, narcotic, and antispasmodic.
Used internally
in cases of great exhaustion, attended with irritability.
Dose
, from half a drachm to two drachms, in camphor julep. When combined with laudanum, it prevents the nauseating effects of the opium, and acts more beneficially as a narcotic.
699. The Hop
The Hop is a narcotic, tonic, and diuretic; it reduces the frequency of the pulse, and does not affect the head, like most anodynes.
Used externally
, it acts as an anodyne and discutient, and is useful as a fomentation for painful tumours, rheumatic pains in the joints, and severe contusions. A pillow stuffed with hops acts as a narcotic. When the powder is mixed with lard, it acts as an anodyne dressing in painful ulcers.
Dose
, of the
extract
, from five grains to one scruple; of the
tincture
, from half a drachm to two drachms; of the
powder
, from three! grains to one scruple; of the
infusion
, half an ounce to one and a half ounce.
700. Opium
Opium is a stimulant, narcotic, and anodyne.
Used externally
it acts almost as well as when taken into the stomach, and without affecting the head or causing nausea. Applied to irritable ulcers in the form of tincture, it promotes their cure, and allays pain. Cloths dipped in a strong solution, and applied over painful bruises, tumours, or inflamed joints, allay pain. A small piece of solid opium stuffed into a hollow tooth relieves toothache. A weak solution of opium forms a valuable collyrium in ophthalmia. Two drops of the wine of opium dropped into the eye acts as an excellent stimulant in bloodshot eye; or after long-continued inflammation, it is useful in strengthening the eye. Applied as a liniment, in combination with ammonia and oil, or with camphorated spirit, it relieves muscular pain. When combined with oil of turpentine, it is useful as a liniment in spasmodic colic.
Used internally
, it acts as a very powerful stimulant: then as a sedative, and finally as an anodyne and narcotic, allaying pain in the most extraordinary manner, by acting directly upon the nervous system. In acute rheumatism it is a most excellent medicine when combined with calomel and tartrate of antimony; but its exhibition requires the judicious care of a medical man.
Doses of the various preparations.
—.
Confection of opium
, from five grains to half a drachm;
extract of opium
, from one to five grains (this is a valuable form, as it does not produce so much after derangement of the nervous system as solid opium);
pills of soap and opium
, from five to ten grains;
compound ipecacuanha powder
("Dover's Powder"), from ten to fifteen grains;
compound kino powder
, from five to fifteen grains;
wine of opium
, from ten minims to one drachm.
Caution
.—Opium is a powerful
poison
when taken in too large a quantity (
See
Poisons
,
pars
.
-
), and thus should be used with extreme caution. It is on this account that we have omitted some of its preparations. The best antidote for opium is camphor.
701. Antispasmodics
Antispasmodics are medicines which possess the power of overcoming the spasms of the muscles, or allaying any severe pain which is not attended by inflammation. The class includes a great many, but the most safe and serviceable are ammonia, assafœtida, galbanum, valerian, bark, ether, camphor, opium, and chloroform; with the minerals, oxide of zinc and calomel.
702. Ammonia
Ammonia, or Sal Volatile, is an antispasmodic antacid, stimulant and diaphoretic.
Used externally
, combined with oil, it forms a cheap and useful liniment, but it should be dissolved in
proof
spirit before the oil is added. One part of this salt, and three parts of extract of belladonna, mixed and spread upon leather, makes an excellent plaster for relieving rheumatic pains. As a local stimulant it is well known, as regards its effects in hysterics, faintness, and lassitude, when applied to the nose, as common smelling salts.
It is used
internally
as an adjunct to infusion of gentian in dyspepsia or indigestion, and in moderate doses in gout.
Dose
, from five to fifteen grains.
Caution
.—Overdoses act as a narcotic and irritant poison.
To-morrow, is Himself a Feast for Worms.
703. Bicarbonate of Ammonia
Bicarbonate of Ammonia is used internally the same as
sal volatile
.
Dose
, from six to twelve grains. It is frequently combined with Epsom salts.
704. Solution of Sesquicarbonate of Ammonia
Solution of Sesquicarbonate of Ammonia, used the same as
sal volatile
.
Dose
, from half a drachm to one drachm, combined with some milky fluid, like almond emulsion.
705. Asafœtida
Asafœtida is an antispasmodic, expectorant, excitant, and anthelmintic.
Used internally
, it is extremely useful in dyspepsia, flatulent colic, hysteria, and nervous diseases; and where there are no inflammatory symptoms, it is an excellent remedy in hooping cough and asthma.
Used locally
as an enema, it is useful in flatulent colic, and convulsions that come on through teething.
Doses of various preparations
.—
Solid gum
, from five to ten grains as pills;
mixture
, from half an ounce to one ounce;
tincture
, from fifteen minims to one drachm;
ammoniated tincture
, from twenty minims to one drachm.
Caution
. —Never give this drug when inflammation exists.
706. Galbanum
Galbanum is stimulant, antispasmodic, expectorant, and deobstruent.
Used externally
, it assists in dispelling tumours when spread upon indolent leather as a plaster, and is useful in weakness of the legs from rickets, being applied as a plaster to the loins.
Employed internally
, it is useful in chronic or old-standing rheumatism and hysteria.
Doses of preparations
.—Of the
gum
, from ten to fifteen grains as pills;
tincture
, from fifteen minims to one drachm. It may be made into an emulsion with mucilage and water.
707. Valerian
Valerian is a powerful antispasmodic, tonic, and excitant, acting chiefly on the nervous centres.
Used internally
, it is employed in hysteria, nervous languors, and spasmodic complaints generally. It is useful in low fevers.
Doses of various preparations
. —
Powder
, from ten grains to half a drachm, three or four times a day;
tincture
, from two to four drachms;
ammoniated tincture
, from one to two drachms;
infusion
, from two to three ounces, or more.
708. Peruvian Bark
Bark, or, as it is commonly called, Peruvian bark, is an antispasmodic, tonic, astringent, and stomachic.
Used externally
, it is an excellent detergent for foul ulcers, and those that heal slowly.
Used internally
, it is particularly valuable in intermittent fever or ague, malignant measles, dysentery, diarrhœa, intermittent rheumatism, St. Vitus's dance, indigestion, nervous affections, malignant sore throat, and erysipelas; its use being indicated in all cases of debility.
Doses of its preparations
.—
Powder
, from five grains to two drachms, mixed in wine, water, milk, syrup, or solution of liquorice;
infusion
, from one to three ounces;
decoction
, from one to three ounces;
tincture
and
compound tincture
, each from one to three drachms.
Caution
.—If it causes oppression at the stomach, combine it with an aromatic; if it causes vomiting, give it in wine or soda water; if it purges, give opium; and if it constipates give rhubarb.
709. Sulphuric Ether
Sulphuric Ether is given internally as an antispasmodic in difficult breathing and spasmodic asthma; also in hysteria, cramp of the stomach, hiccough, locked jaw, and cholera. It is useful in checking sea-sickness.
Dose
, from twenty minims to one drachm.
Caution
.—An overdose produces apoplectic symptoms.
To-day He's Clad in Gaudy, Rich Array
710. Camphor (2)
Camphor is given internally as an antispasmodic in hysteria, cramp in the stomach, flatulent colic, and St. Vitus's dance.
Dose
, from two to twenty grains.
711. Opium (2)
Opium is employed internally in spasmodic affections, such as cholera, spasmodic asthma, whooping cough, flatulent colic, and St. Vitus's dance.
Dose
, from one-sixth of a grain to two grains of the solid opium, according to the disease.
712. Oxide of Zinc
Oxide of Zinc is an antispasmodic, astringent, and tonic.
Used externally
, as an ointment, it forms an excellent astringent in affections of the eyelids, arising from relaxation; or as a powder, it is an excellent detergent for unhealthy ulcers.
Used internally
, it has proved efficacious in St. Vitus's dance, and some other spasmodic affections.
Dose
, from one to six grains twice a day.
713. Calomel
Calomel is an antispasmodic, alterative deobstruent, purgative, and errhine.
Used internally
, combined with opium, it acts as an antispasmodic in locked jaw, cholera, and many other spasmodic affections. As an alterative and deobstruent, it has been found useful in leprosy and itch, when combined with antimonials and guaiacum, and in enlargement of the liver and glandular affections. It acts beneficially in dropsies, by producing watery motions. In typhus it is of great benefit when combined with antimonials; and it may be given as a purgative in almost any disease, provided there is not any inflammation of the bowels, irritability of the system, or great debility.
Dose
, as a deobstruent and alterative, from one to five grains, daily; as a cathartic, from five to fifteen grains; to produce ptyalism, or salivation, from one to two grains, in a pill, with a quarter of a grain of opium, night and morning.
Caution
.—When taking calomel, exposure to cold or dampness should be guarded against, as such an imprudence would bring out an eruption of the skin, attended with fever. When this does occur, leave off the calomel, and give bark, wine, and purgatives; take a warm bath twice a day, and powder the surface of the body with powdered starch.
714. Tonics
Tonics are given to improve the tone of the system, and restore the natural energies and general strength of the body. They consist of bark, quassia, gentian, camomile, wormwood, and angostura bark.
715. Quassia
Quassia is a simple tonic, and can be used with safety by any one, as it does not increase the animal heat, or quicken the circulation.
Used internally
, in the form of infusion, it has been found of great benefit in indigestion and nervous irritability, and is useful after bilious fevers and diarrhœa.
Dose
, of the
infusion
, from one and a half to two ounces, three times a day.
716. Gentian
Gentian is an excellent tonic and stomachic; but when given in large doses, it acts as an aperient.
It is
used internally
in all cases of general debility, and when combined with bark is used in intermittent fevers. It has also been employed in indigestion, and it is sometimes used, combined with sal volatile, in that disease; but, at other times alone, in the form of infusion. After diarrhœa, it proves a useful tonic. Its infusion is sometimes applied