Enquire within upon everything · Chapter 16Publisher's Preface (15)
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externally
to foul ulcers.
Dose
, of the
infusion
, one and a half to two ounces; of the
tincture
, one to four drachms; of the
extract
, from ten to thirty grains.
717. Camomile
The flowers of the camomile are tonic, slightly anodyne, antispasmodic, and emetic.
They are
used externally
as fomentations, in colic, faceache, and tumours, and to unhealthy ulcers.
They are
used internally
in the form of infusion, with carbonate of soda, ginger, and other stomachic remedies, in dyspepsia, flatulent colic, debility following dysentery and gout. Warm infusion of the flowers acts as an emetic; and the powdered flowers are sometimes combined with opium or kino, and given in intermittent fevers.
Dose
, of the
powdered
flowers, from ten grains to one drachm, twice or thrice a day; of the
infusion
, from one to two ounces, as a tonic, three times a day: and from six ounces to one pint as an emetic; of the
extract
, from five to twenty grains.
To-morrow, Shrouded for a Bed of Clay.
718. Wormwood
Wormwood is a tonic and anthelmintic.
It is
used externally
as a discutient and antiseptic.
It is used
internally
in long-standing cases of dyspepsia, in the form of infusion, with or without aromatics. It has also been used in intermittents.
Dose
, of the
infusion
, from one to two ounces, three times a day; of the
powder
, from one to two scruples.
719. Angostura Bark
Angostura Bark, or Cusparia, is a tonic and stimulant. It expels flatulence, increases the appetite, and produces a grateful warmth in the stomach.
It is
used internally
in intermittent fevers, dyspepsia, hysteria, and all cases of debility, where a stimulating tonic is desirable, particularly after bilious diarrhœa.
Dose
, of the
powder
, from ten to fifteen grains, combined with cinnamon powder, magnesia, or rhubarb; of the
extract
, from three to ten grains; of the
infusion
, from one to two ounces.
Caution
. —This drug should never be given in inflammatory diseases or hectic fever.
720. Astringents
Astringents are medicines given for the purpose of diminishing excessive discharges, and to act indirectly as tonics. This class includes catechu, kino, oak bark, log wood, rose leaves, chalk, and white vitriol.
721. Catechu
Catechu is a most valuable astringent.
It is
used externally
, when powdered, to promote the contraction of flabby ulcers. As a local astringent it is useful in relaxed uvula, a small piece being dissolved in the mouth; small, spotty ulcerations of the mouth and throat, and bleeding gums, and for these two affections it is used in the form of infusion to wash the parts.
It is
given internally
in diarrhœa, dysentery, and hemorrhage from the bowels.
Dose
, of the
infusion
, from one to three ounces; of the
tincture
, from one to four drachms; of the
powder
, from ten to thirty grains.
Caution
.—It must not be given with soda or any alkali; nor metallic salts, albumen, or gelatine, as its property is destroyed by this combination.
722. Kino
Kino is a powerful astringent.
It is
used externally
to ulcers, to give tone to them when flabby, and discharging foul and thin matter.
It is
used internally
in the same diseases as catechu.
Dose
, of the powder, from ten to fifteen grains; of the
tincture
, from one to two drachms; of the
compound powder
, from ten to twenty grains; of the
infusion
, from a half to one and a half ounce.
Caution
.—Kino is used in combination with calomel, when salivation is intended, to prevent, by its astringency, the action of the calomel on the bowels, and thereby insure its affecting the constitution.— (See
).
723. Oak Bark
Oak Bark is an astringent and tonic.
It is
used externally
in the form of decoction, to restrain bleeding from lacerated surfaces. As a local astringent, it is used in the form of decoction, as a gargle in sore throat and relaxed uvula.
It is
used internally
in the same diseases as catechu, and when combined with aromatics and bitters, in intermittent fevers.
Dose
of the
powder
, from fifteen to thirty grains; of the
decoction
, from two to eight drachms.
724. Logwood
Logwood is not a very satisfactory astringent.
It is
used internally
in diarrhœa, the last stage of dysentery, and a lax state of the intestines.
Dose
, of the
extract
, from ten grains to one drachm; of the
decoction
from one to three ounces, three or four times a day.
725. Rose Leaves
Rose Leaves are stringent and tonic.
They are
used internally
in spitting of blood, hemorrhage from the stomach, intestines, &c., as a gargle for sore throat, and for the night sweats of consumption. The infusion is frequently used as a tonic with diluted sulphuric acid (oil of vitriol), after low fevers, or in combination with Epsom salts and sulphuric acid in certain states of the bowels.
Dose
of
infusion
, from two to four ounces.
To-day, Enjoys his Halls, Built to his Mind.
726. Chalk
Chalk, when prepared by washing, becomes an astringent as well as antacid.
It is
used internally
in diarrhœa, in the form of mixture, and
externally
as an application to burns, scalds, and excoriations.
Dose
of the
mixture
, from one to two ounces.
727. White Vitriol
White Vitriol, or Sulphate of Zinc, is an astringent, tonic, and emetic.
It is
used externally
as a collyrium for ophthalmia (See
), and as a detergent for scrofulous ulcers, in the proportion of three grains of the salt to one ounce of water.
It is
used internally
in indigestion, and many other diseases;
but it should not be given unless ordered by a medical man, as it is a poison.
728. Local Stimulants
Local stimulants comprise emetics, cathartics, diuretics, diaphoretics, expectorants, sialogogues, errhines, and epispastics.
729. Emetics
Emetics are medicines given for the purpose of causing vomiting, as in cases of poisoning. They consist of ipecacuanha, camomile, antimony, copper, zinc, and several others.
730. Ipecacuanha
Ipecacuanha is an emetic, diaphoretic, and expectorant.
It is
used internally
to excite vomiting, in doses of from ten to twenty grains of the powder, or one to one and a half ounce of the infusion, every half hour until vomiting takes place. To make it act well and easily, the patient should drink half pints of warm water after each dose of the infusion. As a diaphoretic, it should be given in doses of three grains, mixed with some soft substance, such as crumbs of bread, and repeated every four hours.
Dose
of the
wine,
from twenty minims to one drachm as a diaphoretic, and from one drachm to one and a half ounces as an emetic.
Caution.
—Do not give more than the doses named above, because, although a safe emetic, yet it is an acrid narcotic poison.
731. Mustard
Mustard is too well known to require describing. It is an emetic, diuretic, stimulant, and rubefacient.
It is
used externally
as a poultice. Mustard poultices are made of the powder, bread crumbs, and water; or of one part of mustard to two of flour; or, especially for children, of linseed meal, mixed with a little of the powder, or having some of the powder slightly sprinkled on the surface. Sometimes a little vinegar is added under the idea that it increases the strength of the poultice, but this is not necessary. In all cases where a stimulant is required, such as sore throats, rheumatic pains in the joints, cholera, cramps in the extremities, diarrhœa, and many other diseases. When applied it should not he left on too long, as it is apt to cause ulceration of the part. From ten to thirty minutes is quite long enough.
When
used internally
as an emetic, a large teaspoonful mixed with a tumbler of warm water generally operates quickly and safely, frequently when other emetics have failed. In dropsy it is sometimes given in the form of whey, which is made by boiling half an ounce of the bruised seeds in a pint of milk, and straining off the curd.
From three to four ounces of this is to be taken for a dose three times a day.
732. Cathartics
Cathartics are divided into laxatives and purgatives. Manna, tamarinds, castor oil, sulphur, and magnesia are
laxatives
; senna, rhubarb, jalap, colocynth, buckthorn, aloes, cream of tartar, scammony, calomel, Epsom salts, Glauber's salts, sulphate of potash, and Venice turpentine are
purgatives
.
733. Manna
Manna is a very gentle laxative, and therefore used for children and delicate persons.
Dose for children
, from one to two drachms; and for
adults
, from one to two ounces, combined with rhubarb and cinnamon water.
734. Tamarinds
Tamarinds are generally laxative and refrigerant. As it is agreeable, this medicine will generally be eaten by children when they will not take other medicines.
Dose
, from half to one ounce. As a refrigerant beverage in fevers it is extremely grateful.
To-morrow, in a Coffin is Confined.
735. Castor Oil
Castor Oil is a most valuable medicine, as it generally operates quickly and mildly.
It is
used externally,
combined with citron ointment, as a topical application in common leprosy.
It is
used internally
as an ordinary purgative for infants, as a laxative for adults, and in diarrhœa and dysentery. In colic it is very useful and safe; and also after delivery.
Dose
for
infants,
from forty drops to two drachms; for
adults,
from half an ounce to one and a half ounces.
736. Sulphur
Sublimed sulphur is laxative and diaphoretic.
It is
used externally
in skin diseases, especially itch, both in the form of ointment and as a vapour bath.
It is
used internally
in hemorrhoids, combined with magnesia, as a laxative for children, and as a diaphoretic in rheumatism.
Dose,
from one scruple to two drachms, mixed in milk or with treacle. When combined with an equal proportion of cream of tartar, it acts as a purgative.
737. Magnesia
Calcined magnesia
possesses the same properties as the carbonate.
Dose,
from ten to thirty grains, in milk or water.
Carbonate of magnesia
is an antacid and laxative, and is very useful for children when teething, and for heartburn in adults.
Dose,
from a half to two drachms, in water or milk.
Fluid Magnesia
is a useful preparation by whose use is avoided the grittiness that is inseparable from magnesia when taken in the form of powder.
738. Senna
Senna is a purgative, but is apt to gripe when given alone; therefore it is combined with some aromatic, such as cloves or ginger, and the infusion should be made with
cold
instead of hot water. It usually acts in about four hours, but its action should be assisted by drinking warm fluids.
Dose,
of the
confection,
commonly called
"lenitive electuary,"
from one to three or four drachma at bedtime; of the
infusion,
from one to two ounces; of the
tincture,
from one to two drachms; of the
syrup
(used for children), from one drachm to one ounce.
Caution.
—Do not give senna, in any form except confection, in hæmorrhoids, and never in irritability of the intestines.
739. Rhubarb
Rhubarb is a purgative, astringent and stomachic.
It is
used externally
in the form of powder to ulcers, to promote a healthy action.
It is given
internally
in diarrhœa, dyspepsia, and a debilitated state of the bowels. Combined with a mild preparation of calomel, it forms an excellent purgative for children.
Dose,
of the
infusion,
from one to two ounces; of the
powder
, from one scruple to half a drachm as a purgative, and from six to ten grains as a stomachic; of the
tincture
and
compound tincture,
from one to four drachms; of the
compound pill,
from ten to twenty grains.
740. Jalap
Jalap is a powerful cathartic and hydrogogue, and is therefore apt to gripe.
Dose,
of the
powder,
from ten to thirty grains, combined with a drop or two of aromatic oil; of the
compound powder,
from fifteen to forty grains; of the
tincture,
from one to three drachms; of the
extract,
from ten to twenty grains. The watery extract is better than the alcoholic.
741. Colocynth
Colocynth is a powerful drastic cathartic, and should never be given alone, unless ordered by a medical man, as its action is too violent for some constitutions.
Dose,
of the
extract,
from five to fifteen grains; of the
compound extract,
from five to fifteen grains; of the
compound colocynth pill,
the best of all its preparations, from ten to twenty grains.
742. Buckthorn
Buckthorn is a brisk purgative for children in the form of syrup.
Dose
of the
syrup
, from one to six drachms.
743. Aloes
Aloes is a purgative and cathartic in large, and tonic in smaller doses.
Dose,
of
powder,
from two to ten grains, combined with soap, bitter extracts, or other purgative medicines, and given in the form of pills; of the
compound pill,
from five to twenty grains; of the
pill of aloes
and
myrrh
from five to twenty grains; of the
tincture
, from four drachms to one ounce; of the
compound tincture
, from one to four drachms; of the
extract
, from six to ten grains; of the
compound decoction
, from four drachms to two ounces.
To-day, He Floats on Honour's Lofty Wave.
744. Cream of Tartar
Cream of Tartar is a purgative and refrigerant. It is
used internally
in dropsy, especially of the belly, in doses of from one scruple to one drachm. As a refrigerant drink it is dissolved in hot water, and sweetened with sugar, and is used in febrile diseases, care being taken not to allow it to rest too much upon the bowels.
Dose
, as a
purgative
, from two to four drachms, as a
hydrogogue
, from four to six drachms, mixed with honey or treacle.
Caution.
—Its use should be followed by tonics, especially gentian and angostura.
745. Scammony
Scammony is a drastic purgative, generally acting quickly and powerfully; sometimes producing nausea, and even vomiting, and being very apt to gripe.
It is
used internally
, to produce watery evacuations in dropsy, to remove intestinal worms, and correct the slimy motions of children.
Dose
, of the
powder
, from five to sixteen grains, given in liquorice water, treacle, or honey; of the
confection
, from twenty to thirty grains.
Caution.
—Do not give it in an irritable or inflamed state of the bowels.
746. Epsom Salts
Epsom Salts is a purgative and diuretic. This medicine generally operates quickly, and therefore is extremely useful in acute diseases. It is found to be beneficial in dyspepsia when combined with infusion of gentian and a little ginger. It forms an excellent enema with olive oil.
Dose
, from a half to two ounces, dissolved in warm tea or water. Infusion of roses partially covers its taste and assists its action.
Note
, that with regard to Epsom salts, the
larger in reason
is the amount of water in which they are taken, the
smaller
the dose of salts required: thus, half an ounce properly dissolved may be made a strong dose. The action and efficacy of Epsom salts may be greatly increased by adding one grain of tartar emetic to a dose of salts.
747. Glauber's Salt
Glauber's Salt is a very good purgative.
Dose
, from a half to two ounces, dissolved in warm water
748. Sulphate of Potash
Sulphate of Potash is a cathartic and deobstruent. It is
used internally
, combined with aloes or rhubarb, in obstructions of the bowels, and is an excellent saline purgative in dyspepsia and jaundice.
Dose
, from ten grains to one drachm.
749. Venice Turpentine
Venice Turpentine is cathartic, diuretic, stimulant, and anthelmintic.
It is
used externally
as a rubefacient, and is given
internally
in flatulent colic, in tapeworm, rheumatism, and other diseases.
Dose
, as a
diuretic
, from ten grains to one drachm; as a
cathartic
, from ten to twelve drachms; as an
anthelmintic
, from one to two ounces every eight hours, till the worm be ejected.
750. Diuretics
Diuretics are medicines which promote an increased secretion of urine. They consist of nitre, acetate of potassa, squills, juniper, oil of turpentine, and others, vegetable and mineral.
751. Nitre
Nitre is a diuretic and refrigerant.
It is
used externally
as a detergent when dissolved in water, and as a lotion to inflamed and painful rheumatic joints.
It is given
internally
in doses of from ten grains to half a drachm, or even one drachm; in spitting blood it is given in one drachm doses with great benefit. It is beneficial in sore throat, a few grains being allowed to dissolve in the mouth.
752. Acetate of Potassa
Acetate of Potassa is diuretic and cathartic.
It is given
internally
as a diuretic, in combination with infusion of quassia; in dropsy, in doses of from one scruple to one drachm, every three or four hours.
Dose
, as a
cathartic
, from two to three drachms.
753. Squills
Squills is diuretic and expectorant when given in small doses; and emetic and purgative when given in large doses.
It is
used internally
in dropsy, in combination with calomel and opium; in asthma, with ammoniacum; in catarrh, in the form of oxymel.
Dose
, of the
dried bulb powdered
, from one to two grains every six hours; of the
compound pill
, from ten to fifteen grains; of the
tincture
, from ten minims to half a drachm; of the
oxymel
, from a half to two drachms; of the
vinegar
, from twenty minims to two drachms.
To-morrow, Leaves his Title for a Grave.
754. Juniper
Juniper is diuretic and stomachic.
It is given
internally
in dropsy.
Dose
, of the
infusion
, from two to three ounces every four hours, of the
oil
, from one to five minims.
755. Oil of Turpentine
Oil of Turpentine is a diuretic, anthelmintic, and rubefacient.
It is
used externally
in flatulent colic, sprinkled over flannels dipped in hot water and wrung out dry.
It is
used internally
in the same diseases as
.
Dose
, from five minims to two drachms.
756. Diaphoretics
Diaphoretics are medicines given to increase the secretion from the skin by sweating. They comprise acetate of ammonia, calomel, antimony, opium, camphor, sarsaparilla.
757. Solution of Acetate of Ammonia
Solution of Acetate of Ammonia is a most useful diaphoretic.
It is
used externally
as a discutient, as a lotion to inflamed milk-breasts, as an eye-wash, and a lotion in scald head.
It is given
internally
to promote perspiration in febrile diseases, which it does most effectually, especially when combined with camphor mixture. This is the article so frequently met with in prescriptions, and called spirits of mindercrus.
Dose
, from a half to one and a half ounces every three or four hours.
758. Antimony.—Tartar emetic
Tartar emetic
is diaphoretic, emetic, expectorant, alterative, and rubefacient.
It is
used externally
as an irritant in white swellings and deep-seated inflammations, in the form of an ointment.
It is given
internally
in pleurisy, bilious fevers, and many other diseases, but its exhibition requires the skill of a medical man, to watch its effects.
Dose
, from one-sixth of a grain to four grains.
Caution
. —It is a
poison
, and therefore requires great care in its administration.
759. Antimonial Powder
Antimonial Powder is a diaphoretic, emetic, and alterative.
It is given
internally
, in febrile diseases, to produce determination to the skin, and is useful in rheumatism, when combined with opium or calomel.
Dose
, from three to ten grains every four hours, taking plenty of warm fluids between each dose.
760. Sarsiparilla
Sarsiparilla is diaphoretic, alterative, diuretic, and tonic.
It is given
internally
in cutaneous diseases, old-standing rheumatism, scrofula, and debility.
Dose
, of the
decoction
, from four to eight ounces; of the
compound decoction
, from four to eight ounces; of the
extract
, from five grains to one drachm.
761. Expectorants
Expectorants are medicines given to promote the secretion from the windpipe, &c. They consist of antimony, ipecacuanha, squills, ammoniacum, and tolu.
762. Ammoniacum
Ammoniacum is an expectorant, antispasmodic, diuretic, and deobstruent.
It is
used externally
as a discutient, and is given
internally
, with great benefit in asthma, hysteria, and chronic catarrh.
Dose
, from ten to twenty grains.
763. Tolu
Tolu is an excellent expectorant, when there are no inflammatory symptoms.
It is given
internally
in asthma and chronic catarrh.
Dose
, of the
balsam
, from five to thirty grains, combined with mucilage and suspended in water; of the
tincture
, from a half to one drachm; of the
syrup
, from a half to four drachms.
764. Sialogogues
These are given to increase the flow of saliva or spittle. They consist of ginger and calomel, pellitory of Spain, tobacco, the acids, and some others.
765. Ginger
Ginger ia a sialogogue, carminative, and stimulant.
It is
used internally
in flatulent colic, dyspepsia, and to prevent the griping of medicines. When chewed, it acts as a sialogogue, and is therefore useful in relaxed uvula.
Dose
, from ten to twenty grains of the
powder
; of the
tincture
, from ten minims to one drachm.
To-day, his Beauteous Visage we Extol.
766. Epispastics and Rubefacients
These are remedies which are applied to blister and cause redness of the surface. They consist of cantharides, ammonia, Burgundy pitch, and mustard.
767. Cantharides, or Spanish flies
Cantharides, or Spanish flies, when used internally, are diuretic and stimulant; and epispastic and rubefacient when applied externally.
Mode of application.
—A portion of the blistering plaster is spread with the thumb upon brown paper, linen, or leather, to the size required; its surface then
slightly
moistened with olive oil and sprinkled with camphor, and the plaster applied by a
light
bandage: or it is spread on adhesive plaster, and attached to the skin by the adhesive margin of the plaster.
Caution.
—If a blister is to be applied to the head, shave it at least ten hours before it is put on; it is better to place a thin piece of gauze, wetted with vinegar, between the skin and the blister. If a distressing feeling be experienced about the bladder, give warm and copious draughts of linseed tea, milk, or decoction of quince seeds, and apply warm fomentations of milk and water to the blistered surface. The
period required
for a
blister
to remain on varies from eight to ten hours for adults, and from twenty minutes to two hours for children: as soon as it is removed, if the blister is not raised, apply a "spongio-piline" poultice, and it will then rise properly. When it is required to act as a rubefacient, the blister should remain on from one to three hours for adults, and from fifteen to forty minutes for children.
To dress a blister.
—Cut the bag of cuticle containing the scrum at the lowest part, by snipping it with the scissors, so as to form an opening like this—
V
; and then apply a piece of calico, spread with spermaceti or some other dressing. Such is the ordinary method; but a much better and more expeditious plan, and one that prevents all pain and inconvenience in the healing, is, after cutting the blister as directed above, to immediately cover it with a warm bread and water poultice for about an hour and a half, and on the removal of the poultice to dust the raw surface with violet powder; apply a handkerchief to retain the powder, and lastly dust the part every two hours. It will be healed in twelve hours.
Caution.
—Never attempt to take cantharides internally, except under the advice of a medical man, as it is a poison, and requires extreme caution in its use.
768. Burgundy Pitch
Burgundy Pitch is warmed and spread upon linen or leather, and applied over the chest in cases of catarrh, difficult breathing, and hooping cough; over the loins in debility or lumbago; and over any part that it is desirable to excite a mild degree of inflammation in.
769. Chemical Remedies
These comprise refrigerants, antacids, antalkalies, and escharotics.
770. Refrigerants
These are medicines given for the purpose of suppressing an unnatural heat of the body. They are Seville oranges, lemons, tamarinds, nitre, and cream of tartar.
771. Seville Oranges
Seville Oranges and sweet oranges are formed into a refrigerant beverage, which is extremely grateful in febrile diseases.
The
rind
is an agreeable mild tonic, carminative, and stomachic.
Dose
, of the
tincture
, from one to four drachms; of the
infusion
, from one to two ounces.
To-morrow, Loathsome in the Sight of All.
772. Lemons
Lemons are used to form a refrigerant beverage, which is given to quench thirst in febrile and inflammatory diseases,
Lemon
juice
given with carbonate of potash (half an ounce of the juice to twenty grains of the salt), and taken while effervescing, allays vomiting; a tablespoonful, taken occasionally, allays hysterical palpitations of the heart, it is useful in scurvy caused by eating too much salt food, but requires to be taken with sugar.
The
rind
forms a nice mild tonic and stomachic in certain forms of dyspepsia.
Dose
of the
infusion
(made the same as orange peel), from one to two ounces.
773. Antacids
These are given to correct acidity in the system. They are soda, ammonia, chalk, and magnesia.
774. Soda, Carbonate of, and Sesquicarbonate of Soda
Soda, Carbonate of, and Sesquicarbonate of Soda, are antacids and deobstruents.
They are
used internally
in acidity of the stomach and dyspepsia.
Dose
of both preparations, from 10 grains to half a drachm.
775. Antalkalies
These are given to neutralize an alkaline state of the system. They are citric acid, lemon juice, and tartaric acid.
776. Citric Acid
Citric Acid is used to check profuse sweating, and as a substitute for lemon juice when it cannot be procured.
Dose
, from ten to thirty grains.
777. Tartaric Acid
Tartaric Acid, when largely diluted, forms an excellent refrigerant beverage and antalkali. It enters into the composition of extemporaneous soda and Seidlitz waters.
Dose
, from ten to thirty grains.
778. Escharotics
These are remedies used to destroy the vitality of a part. They comprise lunar caustic, bluestone, and solution of chloride of zinc.
779. Bluestone, or Sulphate of Copper
Bluestone, or Sulphate of Copper, is used in a solution of from four to fifteen grains to the ounce of water, and applied to foul and indolent ulcers, by means of rag dipped in it. It is rubbed in substance on fungous growths, warts, &c., to destroy them.
Caution
.—It is a poison.
780. Lunar Caustic; or Nitrate of Silver
Lunar Caustic; or Nitrate of Silver, is an excellent remedy in erysipelas when applied in solution (one drachm of the salt to one ounce of water), which should be brushed all over the inflamed part, and for an inch beyond it. This blackens the skin, but it soon peels off. To destroy warts, proud flesh, and unhealthy edges of ulcers, &c., it is invaluable; and as an application to bed sores, pencilled over with a solution of the same strength, and in the same manner as for erysipelas.
Caution
.—It is a poison.
781. Solution of Chloride of Zinc
Solution of Chloride of Zinc, more commonly known as Sir William Burnett's "Disinfecting Fluid," is a valuable escharotic in destroying the parts of poisoned wounds, such as the bite of a mad dog. It is also very useful in restoring the hair after the scalp has been attacked with ringworm; but its use requires extreme caution, as it is a powerful escharotic. In itch, diluted (one part to thirty-two) with water, it appears to answer very well.
Caution
.—It is a most powerful poison.
782. Mechanical Remedies
These comprise anthelmintics, demulcents, diluents, and emollients.
783. Anthelmintics
These are medicines given for the purpose of expelling or destroying worms. They are cowhage, scammony, male fern root, calomel, gamboge, tin, and turpentine.
784. Cowhage
Cowhage is used to expel the round worm, which it does by wounding it with the fine prickles.
Dose
of the confection, for a child three or four years old, a teaspoonful early, for three mornings, followed by a dose of castor oil. (
See par
.)
The mechanical anthelmintics are strictly confined to those agents which kill the worm in the body by piercing its cuticle with the sharp darts or spiculae of the cowhage hairs, or the fine metallic points of powdered tin (
pulvis stanni
). When these drops are employed, they should be given in honey or treacle for ten or fifteen days, and an aperient powder every fourth morning, to expel the killed worms.
785. Male Fern Root
Male Fern Root is a powerful anthelmintic, and an astringent. It is used to kill tapeworm.
Dose
, three drachms of the powdered root mixed in a teacupful of water, to be taken in the morning while in bed, and followed by a brisk purgative two hours afterwards; or from a tablespoonful to a wineglassful, according to age, to be taken early in the morning. (
See par 569
).
786. Gamboge
Gamboge is a powerful drastic and anthelmintic.
It is
used internally
in dropsy, and for the expulsion of tapeworm; but its use requires caution, as it is an irritant poison.
Dose
, from two to six grains, in the form of pills, combined with colocynth, soap, rhubarb, or bread-crumbs.
787. Demulcents
These are used to diminish irritation, and soften parts by protecting them with a viscid matter. They are tragacanth, linseed, marsh-mallow, mallow, liquorice, arrowroot, isinglass, suet, wax, and almonds.
788. Tragacanth
Tragacanth is used to allay tickling cough, and lubricate abraded parts. It is usually given in the form of mucilage.
Dose
, from ten grains to one drachm, or more.
789. Linseed
Linseed is emollient and demulcent.
It is
used externally
, in the form of powder or "meal," as a poultice; and the oil, combined with lime water, is applied to burns and scalds.
It is used
internally
as an infusion in diarrhœa, dysentery, and irritation of the intestines after certain poisons, and in catarrh. The best form of linseed meal is that which is obtained from seed from which the oil has not been extracted.
Dose
, of the
infusion
, as much as the patient pleases.
790. Marsh-Mallow
Marsh-Mallow is