Publisher's Preface (part 2)

I dwells in the Herth, and I breathes in the Hair;
If you searches the Hocean, you'll find that I'm there.
The first of all Hangels, in Holympus am Hi,
Yet I'm banished from 'Eaven, expelled from on 'Igh.
But though on this Horb I am destined to grovel,
I'm ne'er seen in an 'Ouse, in an 'Ut, nor an 'Ovel;
Not an 'Oss nor an 'Unter e'er bears me, alas!
But often I'm found on the top of a Hass.
I resides in a Hattic, and loves not to roam,
And yet I'm invariably absent from 'Ome.
Though 'ushed in the 'Urricane, of the Hatmosphere part,
I enters no 'Ed, I creeps into no 'Art.
Only look, and you'll see in the Heye I appear,
Only 'ark, and you'll 'ear me just breathe in the Hear;
Though in sex not an 'E, I am (strange paradox!)
Not a bit of an 'Eifer, but partly a Hox.
Of Heternity Hi'm the beginning! And, mark,
Though I goes not with Noah, I am first in the Hark.
I'm never in 'Ealth—have with Fysic no power;
I dies in a Month, but comes back In a Hour!

In re-citing the above I strongly emphasized the misplaced

h

's. After a brief pause, Mrs. Hitchings exclaimed, "Very good; very clever." I then determined to complete my task by repeating the following enigma upon the same letter written by Miss Catherine Fanshawe and often erroneously attributed to Byron:

'Twas whispered in heaven, 'twas muttered in hell,
And echo caught faintly the sound as it fell;
On the confines of earth 'twas permitted to rest,
And the depths of the ocean its presence confessed.
'Twill be found in the sphere when 'tis riven asunder,
Be seen in the lightning, and heard in the thunder.
'Twas allotted to man with his earliest breath,
Attends at his birth, and awaits him in death;
It presides o'er his happiness, honour, and health,
Is the prop of his house, and the end of his wealth.
In the heaps of the miser 'tis hoarded with care,
But is sure to be lost on his prodigal heir.
It begins every hope, every wish it must bound,
With the husbandman toils, with the monarch is crowned.
Without it the soldier and seaman may roam,
But woe to the wretch who expels it from home.
In the whispers of conscience its voice will be found,
Nor e'en in the whirlwind of passion be drowned.
'Twill not soften the heart, and though deaf to the ear,
'Twill make it acutely and instantly hear.
But in shade let it rest, like a delicate flower—
Oh, breathe on it softly—it dies in an hour.

She was much pleased, but seemed thoughtful, and once or twice in conversation checked herself, and corrected herself in the pronunciation of words that were difficult to her.

A

few days afterwards., I called upon her, and upon being introduced to the parlour to wait for her appearance, I saw lying upon her table the following:

Memorandum on the Use of the Letter H.

Pronounce Herb 'Erb

Pronounce Heir 'Eir

Pronounce Honesty 'Onesty

Pronounce Honour Onour

Pronounce Hospital Ospital

Pronounce Hostler 'Ostler

Pronounce Hour 'Our

Pronounce Humour 'Umour

Pronounce Humble 'Umble

Pronounce Humility 'Umility

In all other cases the H is to be sounded when it begins a word.

Mem.—Be careful to sound the H slightly in such words as where, when, what, why—don't say were, wen, wat, wy.

I am happy to say that it is now a pleasure to hear Mrs. Hitching's conversation. I only hope that others may improve as she has done.

Glass Manufacturing in England A.D. 1457.

216. Conversation

There are many talkers, but few who know how to converse agreeably. Speak distinctly, neither too rapidly nor too slowly. Accommodate the pitch of your voice to the hearing of the person with whom you are conversing. Never speak with your mouth full. Tell your jokes, and laugh afterwards. Dispense with superfluous words—such as, "Well, I should think," etc.

Tabacco Brought to England from Virginia A.D. 1588.

217. The Woman who wishes her conversation to be agreeable

will avoid conceit or affectation, and laughter which is not natural and spontaneous, Her language will be easy and unstudied, marked by a graceful carelessness, which, at the same time, never oversteps the limits of propriety. Her lips will readily yield to a pleasant smile; she will not love to hear herself talk; her tones will bear the impress of sincerity, and her eyes kindle with animation as she speaks. The art of pleasing is, in truth, the very soul of good breeding; for the precise object of the latter is to render us agreeable to all with whom we associate—to make us, at the same time, esteemed and loved.

Telescopes Invented in Germany A.D. 1590.

218. Rudeness

We need scarcely advert to the rudeness of interrupting any one who is speaking, or to the impropriety of pushing, to its full extent, a discussion which has become unpleasant.

219. Pedantry

Some Men have a Mania for Greek and Latin quotations: this is peculiarly to be avoided. It is like pulling up the stones from a tomb wherewith to kill the living. Nothing is more wearisome than pedantry.

220. Proportion

If you feel your Intellectual Superiority to any one with whom you are conversing, do not seek to bear him down: it would be an inglorious triumph, and a breach of good manners. Beware, too, of speaking lightly of subjects which bear a sacred character.

221. Writing and Talking

It is a Common Idea that the art of writing and the art of conversation are one; this is a great mistake. A man of genius may be a very dull talker.

222. Interesting Conversation

The two grand modes of making your conversation interesting, are to enliven it by recitals calculated to affect and impress your hearers, and to intersperse it with anecdotes and smart things. Count Antoine Rivarol, who lived from 1757 to 1801, was a master in the latter mode.

223. Composition

If you would write to any purpose, you must be perfectly free from without, in the first place, and yet more free from within. Give yourself the natural rein; think on no pattern, no patron, no paper, no press, no public; think on nothing, but follow your own impulses. Give yourself as you are, what you are, and how you see it. Everyman sees with his own eyes, or does not see at all. This is incontrovertibly true. Bring out what you have. If you have nothing, be an honest beggar rather than a respectable thief. Great care and attention should be devoted to epistolary correspondence, as nothing exhibits want of taste and judgment so much as a slovenly letter. Since the establishment of the penny postage it is recognised as a rule that all letters should be prepaid; indeed, many persons make a point of never taking in an unpaid letter. The following hints may be worthy of attention:

224. Stamps

Always put a Stamp on your envelope, at the top, in the right-hand corner.

225. Direction

Let the Direction be written very plain; this will save the postman trouble, and facilitate business by preventing mistakes.

226. Postal District

If the Address be in London add the letters of the postal district in which it happens to be, for this also saves trouble in the General Post Office. Thus in writing to the publishers of "Enquire Within," whose house of business is in the East Central (E.C.) postal district, address your letter to Messrs. Houlston and Sons, Paternoster Square, London, E.C.

227. Heading

At the head of your Letter, in the right-hand corner, put your address in full, with the day of the month underneath; do not omit this, though you may be writing to your most intimate friend for the third or even the fourth time in the course of a day.

228. Subject

What you have to say in your Letter, say as plainly as possible, as if you were speaking; this is the best rule. Do not revert three or four times to one circumstance, but finish as you go on.

229. Signature

Let your signature be written as plainly as possible (many mistakes will be avoided, especially in writing to strangers), and without any flourishes, as these do not add in any way to the harmony of your letter. We have seen signatures that have been almost impossible to decipher, being a mere mass of strokes, without any form to indicate letters. This is done chiefly by the ignorant, and would lead one to suppose that they were ashamed of signing what they had written.

230. Crossing the Page

Do not cross your letters: surely paper is cheap enough now to admit of using an extra half-sheet, in case of necessity.

231. Return Envelope

If you write to a stranger for information, or on your own business, be sure to send a stamped envelope with your address plainly written; this will not fail to procure you an answer.

232. Good Materials

If you are not a good writer it is advisable to use the best ink, paper, and pens. For although they may not alter the character of your handwriting, yet they will assist to make your writing look better.

233. Clean and Neat

The paper on which you write should be clean, and neatly folded.

234. Stains

There should not be stains on the envelope; if otherwise, it is only an indication of your own slovenliness.

235. Individual Respect

Care must be taken in giving titled persons, to whom you write, their proper designations.

236. Addresses of Letters.

As this branch of epistolary correspondence is one of the most important, we subjoin a few additional hints which letter writers generally would do well to attend to.

1. When writing several letters, place each in its envelope, and address it as soon as it is written. Otherwise awkward mistakes may occur, your correspondents receiving letters not intended for them. If there be a town of the same name as that to which you are writing existing in another county, specify the county which you mean or, the address. Thus, Richmond, Yorkshire.

1. When the person to whom you are writing is visiting or residing at the house of another person, it is considered vulgar to put "at Mr. So-and-So's," but simply "Mr. So-and-So's," at being understood.

1. It is more respectful to write the word "Esquire" in full. The —— substituted for initials is vulgar, and pardonable only in extreme cases; if the Christian name or initials of your correspondent do not occur to you at the moment, endeavour to ascertain them by inquiry.

1. When addressing a gentleman with the prefix "Mr.," the Christian name or initials should always follow, being more polite, as well as avoiding confusion where persons of the same surname may reside in one house.

1. In addressing a letter to two or more unmarried ladies, write "The Misses Johnson," and not "The Miss Johnsons;" and, lastly, always write an address clearly and legibly, so that it may not be delayed in delivery, nor be missent.

237. Addresses of Persons of Rank and Distinction

238. The Royal Family.

Superscription

.—To the Queen's (

King's

) Most Excellent Majesty.

Commencement

.—Most Gracious Sovereign; May it please your Majesty.

Conclusion

.—I remain, with the profoundest veneration, Your Majesty's most faithful subject and dutiful servant.

239. Princes of the Blood Royal

1. The Sons and Daughters, Brothers and Sisters, Uncles and Aunts of the Sovereign.—Sup.—To His (Her) Royal Highness the Prince of Wales (Princess Beatrice).

Comm.—Your Royal Highness.

Con.—I remain, with the greatest respect (I have the honour to be), your Royal Highness's most obedient servant.

1. Other branches of the Royal Family.—Sup.—To His Royal Highness the Duke of Cambridge.

Comm.—Your Royal Highness.

Con.—I remain, with the greatest respect, your Royal Highness's most humble and obedient servant.

240. Nobility and Gentry.

1. Duke or Duchess.—Sup.—To His Grace the Duke (Her Grace the Duchess) of Northumberland.

Comm.—My Lord Duke (Madam).

Con.—I have the honour to be, My Lord Duke (Madam), Your Grace's most devoted and obedient servant.

1. Marquis or Marchioness.—Sup.—To the Most Honourable the Marquis (Marchioness) of Salisbury.

Comm.—My Lord Marquis (Madam).

Con.—I have the honour to be, My Lord Marquis, Your Lordship's (Madam, Your Ladyship's) most obedient and most humble servant.

1. Earl or Countess.—Sup.—To the Right Honourable the Earl (Countess) of Aberdeen.

Comm.—My Lord (Madam).

Con.—I have the honour to be, My Lord, Your Lordship's (Madam, Your Ladyship's) most obedient and very, humble servant.

1. Viscount or Viscountess.—Sup.—To the Right Honourable Lord Viscount (Lady Viscountess) Gough.

Comm. and Con. same as Earl's.

1. Baron or Baroness.—Sup.—To the Right Honourable Lord (Lady) Rowton.

Comm. and Con. same as Earl's.

1. Younger Sons of Earls, and all the Sons of Viscounts and Barons.—Sup.—To the Honourable Arthur Hamilton Gordon.

Comm.—Honoured Sir.

Con.—I have the honour to be, Honoured Sir, Your most obedient and very humble servant.

1. Baronet and His Wife.—Sup.—To Sir Stafford Northcote, Bart. (Lady Northcote).

Comm.—Sir (Madam). Con.—I have the honour to be, Sir, Your most humble and obedient (Madam, Your Ladyship's most obedient and very humble) servant.

1. Knight and his Wife.—Sup.—To Sir Francis Wyatt Truscott (Lady Truscott).

Comm. and Con. as preceding.

1. Esquire.—This title is now accorded to every man of position and respectability, but persons entitled to superior consideration are distinguished by "&c., &c., &c.," added to their superscription.

The wives of Gentlemen, when several of the same name are married, are distinguished by the Christian name of their husbands, as Mrs. John Harvey, Mrs. William Temple.

1. Privy Councillors.—These have the title of Right Honourable, which is prefixed to their name thus:

Sup.—To the Right Honourable William Ewart Gladstone, M. P.

Comm.—Sir.

Con.—I have the honour to be, Sir, Your most obedient very humble servant.

Footnote 1:

Adapted from the "Dictionary of Daily Wants," published by Houlston and Sons, Paternoster Square, E.C., in one volume, half bound, at 7s. 6d., or in three separate volumes, cloth, each 2s. 6d.

return to footnote mark

241. The Clergy

1. Archbishop.—Sup.—To His Grace the Archbishop of Canterbury.

Comm.—Your Grace.

Con.—I remain, Your Grace's most devoted obedient servant.

1. Bishop.—Sup.—To the Right Reverend the Bishop of Winchester.

Comm.—Right Reverend Sir.

Con.—I remain, Right Reverend Sir, Your most obedient humble servant.

1. Doctor of Divinity.—Sup.—To the Reverend James William Vivian, D.D., or, To the Reverend Dr. Vivian.

Comm.—Reverend Sir.

Con.—I have the honour to be, Reverend Sir, Your most obedient servant.

1. Dean.—Sup.—To the Very Reverend The Dean of St. Paul's; or, To the Very Reverend Richard William Church, M.A., D.C.L., D.D., Dean of St. Paul's.

Comm.—Mr. Dean; or, Reverend Sir.

Con.—I have the honour to be, Mr. Dean (or Reverend Sir), Your most obedient servant.

1. Archdeacon.—Sup.—To the Venerable Archdeacon Hessey, D.C.L.

Comm.—Reverend Sir.

Con.—I have the honour to remain, Reverend Sir, Your most obedient servant.

1. Clergymen.—Sup.—To the Reverend Thomas Dale.

Com. and Con. same as the preceding.

1. Clergymen with Titles.—When a Bishop or other Clergyman possesses the title of Right Honourable or Honourable, it is prefixed to his Clerical title, but Baronets and Knights have their clerical title placed first, as in the following examples:

Sup.—To the Right Honourable and Rigt Reverend the Lord Bishop of Bath and Wells.

Sup.—To the Honourable and Right Reverend the Lord Bishop of Norwich.

Sup.—To the Right Honourable and Reverend Lord Wriothesley Russell, M.A.

Sup.—To the Honourable and Reverend Baptist Wriothesley Noel, M.A.

Sup.—To the Reverend Sir Henry R. Dukinfield, Bart, M.A.

No clerical dignity confers a title or rank on the wife of the dignitary, who is simply addressed Mistress, unless possessing a title in her own right, or through her husband, independently of his clerical rank.

242. Judges &c.

1. Lord Chancellor. —Sup.—To the Right Honourable Roundell Palmer, Lord Selborne, Lord High Chancellor of Great Britain.

1. Master of the Rolls.—Sup.—To the Right Honourable the Master of the Rolls.

1. Chief Justice.—Sup.—To the Right Honourable the Lord Chief Justice; or, the Right Honourable Lord Coleridge, Lord Chief Justice of England.

The Chief Justice of the Court of Common Pleas is addressed in the same form, and are all styled My Lord.

1. Lords Justices of Appeal.—The Lords Justices of Appeal are Knights, and should be addressed thus:

Sup.—To the Right Honourable Sir W. Milbourne James, Knt.

1. Judge of County Courts.—Sup.—To His Honour John James Jeffreys, Judge of County Courts.

A Dirty Grate Makes Dinner Late.

243. Officers of the Navy and Army.

1. Naval Officers.—Admirals have the rank of their flag added to their own name and title thus:

Sup.—To the Honourable Sir Richard Saunders Dundas, Admiral of the White.

If untitled, they are simply styled Sir.

Commodores are addressed in the same way as admirals.

Captains are addressed either to "Captain William Smith, R.N.;" or if on service, "To William Smith, Esquire, Commander of H.M.S.—"

Lieutenants are addressed in the same way.

1. Military Officers.—All officers in the army above Lieutenants, Cornets, and Ensigns, have their military rank prefixed to their name and title.

Sup.—To General Sir Frederick Roberts.

Subalterns are addressed as Esquire, with the regiment to which they belong, if on service.

244. Municipal Officers.

1. Lord Mayor.—Sup.—To the Right Honourable the Lord Mayor (The Lady Mayoress) of London, York, Dublin; The Lord Provost (The Lady Provost) of Edinburgh.

Comm.—My Lord (Madam).

Con.—I have the honour to be, my Lord, Your Lordship's (Madam, Your Ladyship's) most obedient humble servant.

1. The Mayors of all Corporations, with the Sheriffs, Aldermen, and Recorder of London, are styled Right Worshipful; and the Aldermen and Recorder of other Corporations, as well as Justices of the Peace, Worshipful.

245. Ambassadors

Ambassadors have

Excellency

prefixed to the other titles, and their accredited rank added.

Sup

.—To His Excellency Count Karolyi, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary from H.I.M. (His Imperial Majesty) The Emperor of Austria.

Sup

.—To His Excellency The Right Honourable Earl of Dufferin, K.P., G.C.M.G., K.C.B., Her Britannic Majesty's Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Sublime Ottoman Porte.

Comm

.—My Lord.

Con

.—I have the honour to be, My Lord, Your Excellency's Most humble obedient servant.

The wives of Ambassadors have also Excellency added to their other titles.

Envoys and Chargés d'Affaires are generally styled Excellency, but by courtesy only.

Consuls have only their accredited rank added to their names or titles, if they have any.

246. Addresses of Petitions

1. Queen in Council.—All applications to the Queen in Council, the Houses of Lords and Commons, &c., are by Petition, as follows, varying only the title:

To the Queen's most Excellent Majesty in Council, The humble Petition of M.N., &c., showeth That your Petitioner.... Wherefore Your Petitioner humbly prays that Your Majesty will be graciously pleased to.... And Your Petitioner, as in duty bound, will ever pray.

1. Lords and Commons.—To the Right Honourable the Lords Spiritual and Temporal (To the Honourable the Commons) of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, in Parliament assembled.

The humble Petitioner &c. And your Petitioner [or Petitioners] will ever pray, &c.

247. To those who Write for the Press

It would be a great service to editors and printers if all who write for the press would observe the following rules. They are reasonable, and correspondents will regard them as such:

1. write with black ink, on white paper, wide ruled.

1. Make the pages or folios small, one-fourth of a foolscap sheet is large enough.

1. Leave the second page of each leaf blank; or, in other words, write on one side of the paper only.

1. Give to the written page an ample margin all round; or fold down the left hand side to the extent of one-fourth the width of the entire paper so as to leave a broad margin on the left side of the paper.

1. Number the pages; in the order of their succession.

1. Write in a plain, bold, legible hand, without regard to beauty of appearance.

1. Use no abbreviations which are not to appear in print.

1. Punctuate the manuscript as it should be printed.

1. For italics underscore one line; for small capitals, two; capitals, three.

1. Never interline without the caret (^) to show its place.

1. Take special pains with every letter in proper names.

1. Review every word, to be sure that none is illegible.

1. Put directions to the printer at the head of the first page.

1. Never write a private letter to the editor on the printer's copy, but always on a separate sheet.

248. Hints to those who have Pianofortes

1. Damp is very injurious to a pianoforte; it ought therefore to be placed in a dry place, and not exposed to draughts.

1. Keep your piano free from dust, and do not allow needles, pins, or bread to be placed upon it, especially if the key-board is exposed, as such articles are apt to get inside and produce a jarring or whizzing sound.

1. Do not load the top of a piano with books, music, &c., as the tone is thereby deadened, and the disagreeable noise alluded to in the last paragraph is often produced likewise.

1. Have your piano tuned about every two months; whether it is used or not, the strain is always upon it, and if it is not kept up to concert pitch it will not stand in tune when required, which it will do if it be attended to regularly.

1. An upright instrument sounds better if placed about two inches from the wall.

1. When not in use keep the piano locked.

1. To make the polish look nice, rub it with an old silk handkerchief, being careful first of all to dust off any small particles, which otherwise are apt to scratch the surface.

1. Should any of the notes keep down when struck, it is a sure sign that there is damp somewhere, which has caused the small note upon which the key works to swell.

249. Gardening Operations for the Year

250. January.—Flowers of the Month.

Christmas Rose, Crocus, Winter Aconite, Alyssum, Primrose, Snowdrop.

251. Gardening Operations

In-door preparations for future operations must be made, as in this month there are only five hours a day available for out-door work, unless the season be unusually mild. Mat over tulip beds, begin to force roses. Place pots over seakale and surround them with manure, litter, dried leaves, &c. Plant dried roots of border flowers in mild weather. Take strawberries in pots into the greenhouse. Take cuttings of chrysanthemums and strike them under glass. Prune and plant gooseberry, currant, fruit, and deciduous trees and shrubs. Cucumbers and melons to be sown in the hot-bed. Apply manures to the soil.

252. February.—Flowers of the Month.

Snowdrop, Violet, Alyssum, Primrose.

253. Gardening Operations

Transplant pinks, carnations, sweet-williams, candy-tuft, campanulas, &c. Sow sweet and garden peas and lettuces, for succession of crops, covering the ground with straw, &c. Sow also Savoys, leeks, and cabbages. Prune and nail fruit trees, and towards the end of the month plant stocks for next year's grafting; also cuttings of poplar, elder, willow trees, for ornamental shrubbery. Sow fruit and forest tree seeds.

254. March.—Flowers of the Month

Primrose, Narcissus, Hyacinth, Wallflower, Hepatica, Daisy, Polyanthus.

255. Gardening Operations

Seeds of "spring flowers" to be sown. Border flowers to be planted out. Tender annuals to be potted out under glasses. Mushroom beds to be made. Sow artichokes, Windsor beans, and cauliflowers for autumn; lettuces and peas for succession of crops, onions, parsley, radishes, Savoys, asparagus, red and white cabbages, and beet; turnips, early brocoli, parsnips and carrots. Plant slips and parted roots of perennial herbs. Graft trees and protect early blossoms. Force rose-tree cuttings under glasses.

256. April.—Flowers of the Month.

Cowslip, Anemone, Ranunculus, Tulip, Polyanthus, Auricula, Narcissus, Jonquil, Wallflower, Lilac, Laburnum.

257. Gardening Operations

Sow for succession peas, beans, and carrots; parsnips, celery, and seakale. Sow more seeds of "spring flowers." Plant evergreens, dahlias, chrysanthemums, and the like, also potatoes, slips of thyme, parted roots, lettuces, cauliflowers, cabbages, onions. Lay down turf, remove caterpillars. Sow and graft camelias, and propagate and graft fruit and rose trees by all the various means in use. Sow cucumbers and vegetable marrows for planting out.

This is the most important month in the year for gardeners.

258. May.—Flowers of the Month

Hawthorn, Gentianella, Anemone, Ranunculus, Columbine, Honeysuckle, Laburnum, Wistaria.

259. Gardening Operations

Plant out your seedling flowers as they are ready, and sow again for succession larkspur, mignonette, and other spring flowers. Pot out tender annuals. Remove auriculas to a north-east aspect. Take up bulbous roots as the leaves decay. Sow kidney beans, broccoli for spring use, cape for autumn, cauliflowers for December; Indian corn, cress, onions to plant out as bulbs next year, radishes, aromatic herbs, turnips, cabbages, savoys, lettuces, &c. Plant celery, lettuces, and annuals; thin spring crops; stick peas, &c. Earth up potatoes, &c. Moisten mushroom beds.

260. June.—Flowers of the Month

Water-lily, Honeysuckle, Sweet-william, Pinks, Syringa, Rhododendron, Delphinium, Stock.

261. Gardening Operations

Sow giant stocks to flower next spring. Take slips of myrtles to strike, pipings of pinks, and make layers of carnation. Put down layers and take cuttings of roses and evergreens. Plant annuals in borders, and place auriculas in pots in shady places. Sow kidney beans, pumpkins, cucumbers for pickling, and (late in the month) endive and lettuces. Plant out cucumbers, marrows, leeks, celery, broccoli, cauliflowers, savoys, and seedlings, and plants propagated by slips. Earth up potatoes, &c. Cut herbs for drying when in flower.

262. July.—Flowers of the Month

Rose, Carnation, Picotee, Asters, Balsams.

263. Gardening Operations

Part auricula and polyanthus roots. Take up summer bulbs as they go out of flower, and plant saffron crocus and autumn bulbs. Gather seeds. Clip evergreen borders and edges, strike myrtle slips under glasses. Net fruit trees. Finish budding by the end of the month. Head down espaliers. Sow early dwarf cabbages to plant out in October for spring; also endive, onions, kidney beans for late crop, and turnips. Plant celery, endive, lettuces, cabbages, leeks, strawberries, and cauliflowers. Tie up lettuces. Earth celery. Take up onions, &c., for drying.

264. August.—Flowers of the Month

Geranium, Verbena, Calceolaria, Hollyhock.

265. Gardening Operations

Sow annuals to bloom indoors in winter, and pot all young stocks raised in the greenhouse. Sow early red cabbages, cauliflowers for spring and summer use, cos and cabbage lettuce for winter crop. Plant out winter crops. Dry herbs and mushroom spawn. Plant out strawberry roots, and net currant trees, to preserve the fruit through the winter.

266. September.—Flowers of the Month

Clematis, or Traveller's Joy, Jasmine, Passion Flower, Arbutus.

267. Gardening Operations

Plant crocuses, scaly bulbs, and evergreen shrubs. Propagate by layers and cuttings of all herbaceous plants, currant, gooseberry, and other fruit trees. Plant out seedling pinks. Sow onions for spring plantation, carrots, spinach, and Spanish radishes in warm spots. Earth up celery. House potatoes and edible bulbs. Gather pickling cucumbers. Make tulip and mushroom beds.

268. October.—Flowers of the Month

Asters, Indian Pink, Chrysanthemum, Stock.

269. Gardening Operations

Sow fruit stones for stocks for future grafting, also larkspurs and the hardier annuals to stand the winter, and hyacinths and smooth bulbs in pots and glasses. Plant young trees, cuttings of jasmine, honeysuckle, and evergreens. Sow mignonette for pots in winter. Plant cabbages, &c., for spring. Cut down asparagus, separate roots of daisies, irises, &c. Trench, drain, and manure.

270. November.—Flowers of the Month

Laurestinus, Michaelmas Daisy, Chrysanthemum.

271. Gardening Operations

Sow sweet peas and garden peas for early flowers and crops. Take up dahlia roots. Complete beds for asparagus and artichokes. Plant dried roots of border flowers, daisies, &c. Take potted mignonette indoors. Make new plantations of strawberries, though it is better to do this in October. Sow peas, leeks, beans, and radishes. Plant rhubarb in rows. Prune hardy trees, and plant stocks of fruit trees. Store carrots, &c. Shelter from frost where it may be required. Plant shrubs for forcing. Continue to trench and manure vacant ground.

272. December.—Flowers of the Month

Cyclamen and Winter Aconite Holly berries are now available for floral decoration.

273. Gardening Operations

Continue in open weather to prepare vacant ground for spring, and to protect plants from frost. Cover bulbous roots with matting. Dress flower borders. Prepare forcing ground for cucumbers, and force asparagus and seakale. Plant gooseberry, currant, apple, and pear trees. Roll grass-plats if the season be mild and not too wet. Prepare poles, stakes, pea-sticks, &c., for spring.

274. Kitchen Garden

This is one of the most important parts of general domestic economy, whenever the situation of a house and the size of the garden will permit the members of a family to avail themselves of the advantages it offers. It is, indeed, much to be regretted that small plots of ground, in the immediate vicinity of the metropolis more especially, are too often converted into flower gardens and shrubberies, or used as mere play-grounds for children, when they might more usefully be employed in raising vegetables for the family. With a little care and attention, a kitchen garden, though small, might be rendered not only useful, but, in fact, as ornamental as a modern grass lawn; and the same expense incurred to make the ground a laboratory of sweets, might suffice to render it agreeable to the palate as well as to the olfactory nerves, and that even without offending the most delicate optics. It is only in accordance with our plan to give the hint and to put before the reader such novel points as may facilitate the proposed arrangement.

It is one objection to the formation of a kitchen garden in front of the dwelling, or in sight of the drawing-room and parlour, that its very nature makes it rather an eyesore than otherwise at all seasons. This, however, may be readily got over by a little attention to neatness and good order, for the vegetables themselves, if properly attended to, may be made really ornamental; but then, in cutting the plants for use, the business must be done neatly—all useless leaves cleared from the ground, the roots no longer wanted taken up, and the ravages of insects guarded against by sedulous extirpation. It will also be found a great improvement, where space will admit of it, to surround the larger plots of ground, in which the vegetables are grown, with flower borders stocked with herbaceous plants and others, such as annuals and bulbs in due order of succession, or with neat espaliers, with fruit trees, or even gooseberry and currant bushes, trained along them, instead of being suffered to grow in a state of ragged wildness, as is too often the case.

A Waiting Appetite Kindles Many a Spite.

275. Artificial Mushroom Beds

Mushrooms may be grown in pots, boxes, or hampers. Each box may be about three feet long, one and a half broad, and seven inches in depth. Let each box be half filled with manure in the form of fresh horse-dung from the stables, the fresher the better, but if wet, it should be allowed to dry for three or four days before it is put into the boxes. When the manure has been placed in the box it should be well beaten down. After the second or third day, if the manure has begun to generate heat, break each brick of mushroom spawn (which may be obtained from any seedsman) into pieces about three inches square, then lay the pieces about four inches apart upon the surface of the manure in the box; here they are to lie for six days, when it will probably be found that the side of the spawn next to the manure has begun to run in the manure below; then add one and a half inch more of fresh manure on the top of the spawn in the box, and beat it down as formerly. In the course of a fortnight, when you find that the spawn has run through the manure, the box will be ready to receive the mould on the top; this mould must be two and a half inches deep, well beaten down, and the surface made quite even.

In the space of five or six weeks the mushrooms will begin to come up; if the mould then seems dry, give it a gentle watering with lukewarm water. The box will continue to produce from six weeks to two months, if duly attended to by giving a little water when dry, for the mushrooms need neither

light

nor

free air

. If cut as button mushrooms each box will yield from twenty-four to forty-eight pints, according to the season and other circumstances. They may be kept in dry dark cellars, or any other places where the frost will not reach them. By preparing in succession of boxes, mushrooms may be had all the year through.—They may be grown without the manure, and be of a finer flavour. Take a little straw, and lay it carefully in the bottom of the mushroom box, about an inch thick, or rather more. Then take some of the spawn bricks and break them down—each brick into about ten pieces, and lay the fragments on the straw, as close to each other as they will lie. Cover them up with mould three and a half inches deep, and well pressed down. When the surface appears dry give a little tepid water, as directed for the mode of raising them described above, but this method needs about double the quantity of water that the former does, owing to having no moisture in the bottom, while the other has the manure. The mushrooms will begin to start in a month or five weeks, sometimes sooner, sometimes later, according to the heat of the place where the boxes are situated.

Some Hours We Should Find for the Pleasures of the Mind.

276. Dwarf Plants

The following method of producing miniature trees is taken from an article on this subject in

Gardening Illustrated

"Take an orange, and having cut a hole in the peel about the size of a shilling, take out the juice and pulp. Fill the skin thus emptied with some cocoa-nut fibre, fine moss, and charcoal, just stiffened with a little loam, and then put an acorn or a date stone, or the seed or kernel of any tree that it is proposed to obtain in a dwarfed form in this mixture, just about the centre of the hollow orange peel. Place the orange peel in a tumbler or vase in a window, and occasionally moisten the contents with a little water through the hole in the peel, and sprinkle the surface apparent through the hole with some fine woodashes. In due time the tree will push up its stem through the compost and the roots will push through the orange peel. The roots must then be cut off flush with the peel, and this process must be repeated at frequent intervals for about two years and a half. The stem of the tree will attain the height of four or five inches and then assume a stunted gnarled appearance, giving it the appearance of an old tree. When the ends of the roots are cut for the last time, the orange peel, which, curiously enough, does not rot, must be painted black and varnished."

The writer of the article saw this process carried out by a Chinaman that he had in his service, and the trees thrived and presented a healthy appearance for eight years, when the Chinaman left his employ and took the trees with him. He tried the plan which has been described but failed, but he was successful with an acorn and a datestone which were planted each in a thumb-pot in a mixture of peat and loam. The dwarfing was effected by turning the plants out of the pots at intervals of six weeks and pinching off the ends of the roots that showed themselves behind the compost. This shows that the production of dwarf plants is chiefly due to a constant and systematic checking of the root growth.

277. To Clear Rose Trees from Blight

Mix equal quantities of Sulphur and tobacco dust, and strew the mixture over the trees of a morning when the dew is on them. The insects will disappear in a few days. The trees should then be syringed with a decoction of elder leaves.

278. To prevent Mildew on all sorts of Trees

The best preventive against mildew is to keep the plant subject to it occasionally syringed with a decoction of elder leaves, which will prevent the fungus growing on them.

279. Your Friend the Toad

Toads are among the best friends the gardener has; for they live almost exclusively on the most destructive kinds of vermin. Unsightly, therefore, though they may be, they should on all accounts be encouraged; they should never be touched nor molested in any way; on the contrary, places of shelter should be made for them, to which they may retire from the burning heat of the sun. If you have none in your garden, it will be quite worth your while to search for them in your walks, and bring them home, taking care to handle them tenderly, for although they have neither the will nor the power to injure you, a very little rough treatment will injure them; no cucumber or melon frame should be without one or two.

280. Slugs and Snails

Slugs and snails are great enemies to every kind of garden plant, whether flower or vegetable; they wander in the night to feed, and return at daylight to their haunts. In order to catch them lay cabbage leaves about the ground, especially on the beds which they frequent. Every morning examine these leaves, and you will find a great many taking refuge beneath, and these may be killed by sprinkling them with a little lime or salt. These minerals are very annoying to snails and slugs; a pinch of salt kills them, and they will not touch fresh lime. It is a common practice to sprinkle lime over young crops, and along the edges of beds, about rows of peas and beans, lettuces and other vegetables; but when it has been on the ground some days, or has been moistened by rain, it loses its strength.

Let the Ticking Clock Guide the Boiling Crock.

281. Traps for Snails

Snails are particularly fond of bran; if a little is spread on the ground, and covered over with a few cabbage-leaves or tiles, they will congregate under them in great numbers, and by examining them every morning, and destroying them, their numbers will be materially decreased.

282. Grubs

Grubs on orchard trees, and gooseberry and currant bushes, will sometimes be sufficiently numerous to spoil a crop; but if a bonfire be made with dry sticks and weeds on the windward side of the orchard, so that the smoke may blow among the trees, you will destroy thousands; for the grubs have such an objection to smoke, that very little of it makes them roll themselves up and fall off: they must be swept up afterwards and destroyed.

283. Caterpillars and Aphides

A garden syringe or engine, with a cap on the pipe full of very minute holes, will wash away these disagreeable visitors very quickly. You must bring the pipe close to the plant, and pump hard, so as to have considerable force on, and the plant, however badly infested, will soon be cleared, without receiving any injury. Afterwards rake the earth under the trees, and kill the insects that have been dislodged, or many will recover and climb up the stems of the plants. Aphides may also be cleared by means of tobacco smoke, but after this has been applied the plant should be well syringed.

284. Butterflies and Moths

Butterflies and moths however pretty, are the worst enemies one can have in a garden; a single insect of this kind may deposit eggs enough to overrun a tree with caterpillars, therefore they should be destroyed at any cost of trouble.

285. Birds

To prevent destruction of fruit buds by birds.—Just before the buds are ready to burst, and again when they have begun to expand, give them a plentiful dusting with chimney soot. The soot is unpalatable to the birds, and they will attack no bush that is thus sprinkled. It in no way injures the nascent blossom or leaf, and is washed off in due course of time by the rain.

286. Wasps

Wasps destroy a good deal of fruit, but every pair of wasps killed in spring saves the trouble and annoyance of a swarm in autumn.

287. Cure for Sting of Wasp or Bee

A little ammonia applied to the puncture will speedily relieve the pain, and so will the juice of an onion obtained by cutting an onion in half and rubbing the cut part over the part affected. It is necessary, however, to be very careful in any attempt upon a wasp, for its sting, like that of the bee, causes much pain and frequently induces considerable swelling. In case of being stung, get the blue-bag from the laundry, and rub it well into the wound as soon as possible. Later in the season, it is customary to hang vessels of beer, or water and sugar, in the fruit-trees, to entice them to drown themselves. A wasp in a window may be killed almost instantaneously by the application of a little sweet oil on the tip of a feather.

288. To protect Dahlias from Earwigs

Dip a piece of wool or cotton in oil, and slightly tie it round the stalk, about a foot from the earth. The stakes which you will put into the ground to support your plants must also be surrounded by the oiled cotton or wool, or the insects will climb up them to the blossoms and tender tops of the stems. Insects may be prevented from climbing up stakes, trees, &c., by encircling them with a broad ring of tar, which may be renewed as often as may be necessary. Small pots inverted and placed on the top of stakes form a useful trap for slugs, snails, earwigs, &c., which crawl into them for shelter in the early morning, and may thus be caught and destroyed. When it is sought to take earwigs by this means, the bottom of each pot should be filled with a wisp of hay or dried grass, or a little cotton wool.

289. To free Plants from Leaf-Lice

The following is recommended as a cheap and easy mode of getting rid of this pest:—Mix one ounce of flowers of sulphur with one bushel of sawdust; scatter this over the plants infected with these insects: they will soon be freed, though a second application may possibly be necessary.

290. A Moral

I had a little spot of ground,
Where blade nor blossom grew,
Though the bright sunshine all around
Life-giving radiance threw.
I mourned to see a spot so bare
Of leaves of healthful green,
And thought of bowers, and blossoms fair,
I frequently had seen.

Some seeds of various kinds lay by—
I knew not what they were—
But, rudely turning o'er the soil,
I strewed them thickly there;
And day by day I watched them spring
From out the fertile earth,
And hoped for many a lovely thing
Of beauty and of worth.

But as I marked their leaves unfold
As weeds before my view,
And saw how stubbornly and bold
The thorns and nettles grew—
I sighed to think that I had done,
Unwittingly, a thing
That, where a beauteous bower should thrive,
But worthless weeds did spring.

And thus I mused; the things we do,
With little heed or ken,
May prove of worthless growth, and strew
With thorns the paths of men;
For little deeds, like little seeds,
May flowers prove, or noxious weeds!

291. Taking a House

Before taking a house, be careful to calculate that the rent is not too high in proportion to your means; for remember that the rent is a claim that must be paid with but little delay, and that the landlord has greater power over your property than any other creditor. It is difficult to assign any fixed proportion between income and rental to suit all cases, but a reasonable basis for the settlement of this point may be found in the assertion that while not less than one-tenth of a man's entire income need be set apart for rent, not more than a sixth, or at the very utmost a fifth should be devoted to this purpose, and this amount ought to include parochial rates and taxes.

292. Having determined the Amount of Rent

Having determined the amount of rent which you can afford to pay, be careful to select the best and most convenient house which can be obtained for that sum. And in making that selection let the following matters be carefully considered:

293. First—Carefully regard the Healthfulness of the Situation

Find out the nature of the sub-soil on which the house stands—for example, a gravel or chalk subsoil is better than a subsoil of clay, because the former admits of a speedy escape of the surplus water in time of heavy and continuous rain, while the latter does not. Avoid the neighbourhood of graveyards, and of factories giving forth unhealthy vapours. Avoid low and damp districts, the course of canals, and localities of reservoirs of water, gas works, &c. Make inquiries as to the drainage of the neighbourhood, and inspect the drainage and water supply of the premises. A house standing on an incline is likely to be better drained than one standing upon the summit of a hill, or on a level below a hill. Endeavour to obtain a position where the direct sunlight falls upon the house, for this is absolutely essential to health; and give preference to a house the openings of which are sheltered from the north and east winds.

294. Second—Consider the Distance of the House

Consider the distance of the house from your place of occupation: and also its relation to provision markets, and shops in the neighbourhood.

295. Examine the House in Detail

Having considered these material and leading features, examine the house in detail, carefully looking into its state of repair; notice the windows that are broken; whether the chimneys smoke; whether they have been recently swept; whether the paper on the walls is damaged, especially in the lower parts, and the corners, by the skirtings; whether the locks, bolts, handles of doors, and window fastenings are in proper condition; make a list of the fixtures; ascertain whether all rates and taxes have been paid by the previous tenant, and whether the person from whom you take the house is the original landlord, or his agent or tenant. And do not commit yourself by the signing of any agreement until you are satisfied upon all these points,

and see that all has been done which the landlord may have undertaken to do, before you take possession of the house

A Blunt Knife Shows a Dull Wife.

296. If you are about to Furnish a House

If you are about to furnish a house, buy merely enough to get along with at first, and add other things by degrees. It is only by experience that you can tell what will be the wants of your family. If you spend all your money, you will find you have purchased many things you do not actually want, and have no means left to get many things which you do want. If you have enough, and more than enough, to get everything suitable to your situation, do not think you must spend all, you may be able to lay out in furniture, merely because you happen to have it. Begin humbly. As riches increase, it is easy and pleasant to increase in comforts; but it is always painful and inconvenient to decrease. Neatness, tastefulness, and good sense may be shown in the management of a small household, and the arrangement of a little furniture, as well as upon a larger scale. The consideration which many purchase by living beyond their income, and, of course, living upon others, is not worth the trouble it costs. It does not, in fact, procure a man valuable friends, or extensive influence.

297. Carpets

In buying carpets, as in everything else, those of the best quality are cheapest in the end. As it is extremely desirable that they should look as clean as possible, avoid buying carpeting that has any white in it. Even a very small portion of white interspersed through the pattern will in a short time give a dirty appearance to the whole.

298. A Carpet in which all the Colours are Light

A carpet in which all the colours are light never has a clean, bright effect, from the want of dark tints to contrast and set off the light ones.

299. For a Similar Reason

carpets whose colours are all of what artists call middle tint (neither dark nor light), cannot fail to look dull and dingy, even when quite new.

300. For a Carpet to be really Beautiful

and in good taste, there should be, as in a picture, a judicious disposal of light and shadow, with a gradation of very bright and of very dark tints; some almost white, and others almost or quite black.

301. The Best Carpets

The most truly chaste, rich, and elegant carpets are those which are of one colour only, the pattern, if pattern it may be called, being formed by a judicious arrangement of every variety of shade of this colour. For instance, a Brussels carpet entirely red; the pattern formed by shades or tints varying from the deepest crimson (almost a black), to the palest pink (almost a white). Also one of green only, shaded from the darkest bottle-green, in some parts of the pattern, to the lightest pea-green in others. Or one in which there is no colour but brown, in all its various gradations, some of the shades being nearly black, others of a light buff.

302. The Curtains, Sofas, &c.

The curtains, sofas, &c., must be of corresponding colours, that the effect of the whole may be satisfactory to the eye.

303. Colours of Carpets.

Carpets of many gaudy colours are much less in demand than formerly. Two or three colours only, with the dark and light shades of each, make a very handsome carpet.

304. Hearth-Rug

If you cannot obtain a Hearth-rug that exactly corresponds with the carpet, get one entirely different; for a decided contrast looks better than a bad match. The hearth-rug, however, should reflect the colour or colours of the carpet if possible.

305. Sheepskin Rugs

Large rugs of sheepskin, in white, crimson, or black, form comfortable and effective hearth-rugs for a drawing-room or dining-room. In the winter these may be removed and an ordinary woollen rug laid down as long as fires are kept up.

A Bad Broom Leaves a Dirty Room.

306. Wallpaper

In choosing paper for a room, avoid that which has a variety of colours, or a large showy figure, as no furniture can appear to advantage with such. Large figured papering makes a small room look smaller, but, on the contrary, a paper covered with a small pattern makes a room look larger, and a striped paper, the stripes running from ceiling to floor, makes a low room look higher.

307. Kitchen Floors

The best covering for a kitchen floor is a thick unfigured oil-cloth, of one colour. Linoleum or kamptulicon is warmer to the feet than the ordinary painted oilcloth.

308. Family Tool Chests

Much inconvenience and considerable expense might be saved if it were the general custom to keep in every house certain tools for the purpose of performing at home what are called small jobs, instead of being always obliged to send for a mechanic and pay him for executing little things that, in most cases, could be sufficiently well done by a man or boy belonging to the family, if the proper instruments were at hand.

309. The Cost

The cost of these articles is very trifling, and the advantages of having them always in the house are far beyond the expense.

310. Example Contents

For instance, there should be an axe, a hatchet, a saw (a large wood saw also, with a buck or stand, if wood is burned), a hammer, a tack-hammer, a mallet, three or four gimlets and bradawls of different sizes, two screw-drivers, a chisel, a small plane, one or two jack-knives, a pair of large scissors or shears, and a carpet fork or stretcher.

311. Nails

Also an assortment of nails of various sizes, from large spikes down to small tacks, not forgetting some large and small brass-headed nails.

312. Screws

An assortment of screws, likewise, will be found very convenient, and iron hooks of different sizes on which to hang things.

313. Container

The nails and screws should be kept in a wooden box, made with divisions to separate the various sorts and sizes, for it is very troublesome to have them mixed.

314. Maintain Supply

And let care be taken to keep up the supply, lest it should run out unexpectedly, and the deficiency cause delay and inconvenience at a time when some are wanted.

315. Tool Closet

It is well to have somewhere, in the lower part of the house, a roomy light closet, appropriated entirely to tools, and things of equal utility, for executing promptly such little repairs as may be required from time to time, without the delay or expense of procuring an artisan. This closet should have at least one large shelf, and that about three feet from the floor.

316. Drawer

Beneath this shelf may be a deep drawer, divided into two compartments. This drawer may contain cakes of glue, pieces of chalk, and balls of twine of different size and quality.

317. Shelves

There may be shelves at the sides of the closet for glue-pots, paste-pots and brushes, pots for black, white, green, and red paint, cans of oil and varnish, paint-brushes, &c.

318. Hanging Tools

Against the wall, above the large shelf, let the tools be suspended, or laid across nails or hooks of proper size to support them.

319. More Effective.

This is much better than keeping them in a box, where they may be injured by rubbing against each other, and the hand may be hurt in feeling among them to find the thing that is wanted.

320. Visible

But when hung up against the back wall of the closet, of course each tool can be seen at a glance.

321. Organization

There is an excellent and simple contrivance for designating the exact places allotted to all these articles in a very complete tool closet.

322. Outlined Tools

On the closet wall, directly under the large nails that support the tools, is drawn with a small brush dipped in black paint or ink, a representation in outline of the tool or instrument belonging to that particular place.

A Husband's Wrath Spoils the Best Broth.

323. Examples of Outlining

For instance, under each saw is sketched the outline of that saw, under each gimlet a sketch of that gimlet, under the screw-drivers are slight drawings of screw-drivers.

324. Place Shown

So that when any tool that has been taken away for use is brought back to the closet, the exact spot to which it belongs can be found in a moment; and the confusion which is occasioned in putting tools away in a box and looking for them again when they are wanted, is thus prevented.

325. Wrapping Paper

Wrapping paper may be piled on the floor under the large shelf. It can be bought at a low price by the ream, at the large paper warehouses; and every house should keep a supply of it in several varieties. For instance, coarse brown paper for common purposes, which is strong, thick, and in large sheets, is useful for packing heavy articles; and equally so for keeping silks, ribbons, blondes, &c., as it preserves their colours.

326. Printed Papers

Printed papers are unfit for wrapping anything, as the printing ink rubs off on the articles enclosed in them, and also soils the gloves of the person that carries the parcel.

327. Waste Newspapers

Waste newspapers had best be used for lighting fires and singeing poultry. If you have accumulated more than you can use, your butcher or grocer will generally buy them of you if they are clean.

328. Waste Paper

Waste paper that has been written on, cut into slips, and creased and folded, makes very good allumettes or lamp-lighters. These matters may appear of trifling importance, but order and regularity are necessary to happiness.

329. Beds for the Poor.

Beech-tree leaves are recommended for filling the beds of poor persons. They should be gathered on a dry day in the autumn, and perfectly dried. It is said that the smell of them is pleasant and that they will not harbour vermin. They are also very springy.

330. To Preserve Tables

A piece of oilcloth (about twenty inches long) is a useful appendage to a common sitting-room. Kept in the closet, it can be available at any time, in order to place upon it jars, lamps, &c., whose contents are likely to soil your table during the process of emptying or filling them. A wing and duster are harmonious accompaniments to the oilcloth.

331. Protecting Gilt Frames

Gilt frames may be protected from flies and dust by pinning tarlatan over them. Tarlatan fit for the purpose may be purchased at the draper's. It is an excellent material for keeping dust from books, vases, wool work, and every description of household ornament.

332. Damp Walls

The following method is recommended to prevent the effect of damp walls on paper in rooms:—Line the damp part of the wall with sheet lead, rolled very thin, and fastened up with small copper nails. It may be immediately covered with paper. The lead is not to be thicker than that which is used to line tea-chests.

333. Another Method

Another mode of preventing the ill effects of damp in walls on wall-paper, is to cover the damp part with a varnish formed of naphtha and shellac, in the proportion of 1/4 lb. of the latter to a quart of the former. The smell of the mixture is unpleasant, but it wears off in a short time, and the wall is covered with a hard coating utterly impervious to damp, and to which the wall paper can be attached in the usual way.

334. No Wet Scouring In Winter

Bedrooms should not be scoured in the winter time, as colds and sickness may be produced thereby. Dry scouring upon the French plan, which consists of scrubbing the floors with dry brushes, may be resorted to, and will be found more effective than can at first be imagined. If a bedroom is wet scoured, a dry day should be chosen—the windows should be opened, the linen removed, and a fire should be lit when the operation is finished.

A Wife's Art is Displayed in a Table Well Laid.

335. To Get Rid of a Bad Smell in a Room Newly Painted.

Place a vessel full of lighted charcoal in the middle of the room, and throw on it two or three handfuls of juniper berries, shut the windows, the chimney, and the door close; twenty-four hours afterwards, the room may be opened, when it will be found that the sickly, unwholesome smell will be entirely gone. The smoke of the juniper berry possesses this advantage, that should anything be left in the room, such as; tapestry, &c., none of it will be spoiled.

336. Smell of Paint

To get rid of the smell of oil paint, let a pailful of water stand in the room newly painted.

337. Airing a Larder

If a larder, by its position, will not admit of opposite windows, a current of air should be admitted by means of a flue from the outside.

338. Keeping a Door Open

To keep a door open, place a brick covered neatly with a piece of carpeting against it, when opened sufficiently.

339. To Ascertain whether a Bed be Aired

Introduce a drinking glass between the sheets for a minute or two, just when the warming-pan is taken out; if the bed be dry, there will only be a slight cloudy appearance on the glass, but if not, the damp of the bed will collect in and on the glass and assume the form of drops—a warning of danger.

340. To prevent the Smoking of a Lamp

Soak the wick in strong vinegar, and dry it well before you use it; the flame will then burn clear and bright.

341. Encrusted Tea-Kettles

Water of every kind, except rain water, will speedily cover the inside of a tea-kettle with an unpleasant crust; this may easily be guarded against by placing a clean oyster-shell or a piece of stone or marble in the tea-kettle. The shell or stone will always keep the interior of the kettle in good order, by attracting the particles of earth or of stone.

342. To Soften Hard Water

To soften hard water. or purify river water, simply boil it, and then leave it exposed to the atmosphere.

343. Cabbage Water

Cabbage water should be thrown away immediately it is done with, and the vessel rinsed with clean water, or it will cause unpleasant smells.

344. Disinfectants

A little charcoal mixed with clear water thrown into a sink will disinfect and deodorize it. Chloride of lime and carbolic acid considerably diluted, if applied in a liquid form, are good disinfectants, and carbolic powder—a pink powder with a smell resembling tar, and sold at about 2d. per lb.—is both useful and effective. The air of a bedroom may be pleasantly sweetened by throwing some ground coffee on a fire shovel previously heated.

345. Chimney Smoking

Where a chimney smokes only when a fire is first lighted, it may be guarded against by allowing the fire to kindle gradually, or by heating the chimney by burning straw or paper in the grate previous to laying in the fire.

346. Ground Glass

The frosted appearance of ground glass may be very nearly imitated by gently dabbing the glass over with a paint brush dipped in white paint or any other oil colour. The paint should be thin, and but very little colour taken up at one time on the end of the bristles. When applied with a light and even touch the resemblance is considerable.

347. Oiling Clocks

Family clocks ought only to be oiled with the very purest oil, purified by a quart of lime water to a gallon of oil, in which it has been well shaken, and suffered to stand for three or four days, when it may be drawn off.

348. Neat Mode of Soldering

Cut out a piece of tinfoil the size of the surfaces to be soldered. Then dip a feather in a solution of sal ammoniac, and wet over the surfaces of the metal, then place them in their proper position with the tinfoil between. Put the metals thus arranged on a piece of iron hot enough to melt the foil. When cold the surfaces will be found firmly soldered together.

Who Never Tries Cannot Win the Prize.

349. Maps and Charts

Maps, charts, or engravings may be effectually varnished by brushing a very delicate coating of gutta-percha solution over their surface. It is perfectly transparent, and is said to improve the appearance of pictures. By coating both sides of important documents they can be kept waterproof and preserved perfectly.

350. Temperature of Furniture

Furniture made in the winter, and brought from a cold warehouse into a warm apartment, is very liable to crack.

351. Paper Fire-Screens

Paper fire-screens should be sized and coated with transparent varnish, otherwise they will soon become soiled and discoloured.

352. Pastilles for Burning

Cascarilla bark, eight drachms; gum benzoin, four drachms; yellow sanders, two drachms; styrax, two drachms; olibanum, two drachms; charcoal, six ounces; nitre, one drachm and a half; mucilage of tragacanth, sufficient quantity. Reduce the substances to a powder, and form into a paste with the mucilage, and divide into small cones; then put them into an oven, used quite dry.

353. Breaking Glass

Easy method of breaking glass to any required Figure.—Make a small notch by means of a file on the edge of a piece of glass, then make the end of a tobacco-pipe, or of a rod of iron of the same size, red hot in the fire, apply the hot iron to the notch, and draw it slowly along the surface of the glass in any direction you please: a crack will follow the direction of the iron.

354. Bottling and Fining

Corks should be sound, clean, and sweet. Beer and porter should be allowed to stand in the bottles a day or two before being corked. If for speedy use, wiring is not necessary. Laying the bottles on their sides will assist the ripening for use. Those that are to be kept should be wired, and put to stand upright in sawdust. Wines should be bottled in spring. If not fine enough, draw off a jugful and dissolve isinglass in it, in the proportion of half an ounce to ten gallons, and then pour back through the bung-hole. Let it stand a few weeks. Tap the cask above the lees. When the isinglass is put into the cask, stir it round with a stick, taking great care not to touch the lees at the bottom. For white wine only, mix with the isinglass a quarter of a pint of milk to each gallon of wine, some whites of eggs, beaten with some of the wine. One white of an egg to four gallons makes a good fining.

355. To Sweeten Casks

Mix half a pint of vitriol with a quart of water, pour it into the barrel, and roll it about; next day add one pound of chalk, and roll again. Bung down for three or four days, then rinse well with hot water.

356. Wrinkly Paintings

Oil paintings hung over the mantel-piece are liable to wrinkle with the heat.

357. To Loosen Glass Stoppers of Bottles

With a feather rub a drop or two of salad oil round the stopper, close to the mouth of the bottle or decanter, which must then be placed before the fire, at the distance of about eighteen inches; the heat will cause the oil to insinuate itself between the stopper and the neck. When the bottle has grown warm, gently strike the stopper on one side, and then on the other, with any light wooden instrument; then try it with the hand: if it will not yet move, place it again before the fire, adding another drop of oil. After a while strike again as before; and, by persevering in this process, however tightly it may be fastened in, you will at length succeed in loosening it.

358. The Best Oil for Lamps

The best oil for lamps, whether animal, vegetable, or mineral, is that which is clear and nearly colourless, like water.

359. China or Wedgwood Teapots

China teapots are the safest, and, in many respects, the most pleasant. Wedgwood ware is very apt, after a time, to acquire a disagreeable taste.

The Best Physicians are Dr. Diet, Dr. Quiet and Dr. Merryman.

360. Care of Linen

When linen is well dried and laid by for use, nothing more is necessary than to secure it from damp and insects. It may he kept free from the latter by a judicious mixture of aromatic shrubs and flowers, cut up and sewed in silken bags, which must be interspersed among the drawers and shelves. The ingredients used may consist of lavender, thyme, roses, cedar shavings, powdered sassafras, cassia, &c., into which a few drops of otto of roses, or other strong-scented perfume may be thrown.

361. Repairing Linen

In all cases it will he found more consistent with economy to examine and repair all washable articles, more especially linen, that may stand in need of it, previous to sending them to the laundry. It will also be prudent to have every article carefully numbered, and so arranged, after washing, as to have their regular turn and term in domestic use.

362. Mending

When you make a new article always save the pieces until "mending day," which may come sooner than expected. It will be well even to buy a little extra quantity for repairs. Read over repeatedly the "

Domestic Hints

pars

1783

1807

). These numerous paragraphs contain most valuable suggestions, that will be constantly useful if well remembered. They should be read frequently that their full value may be secured. Let your servants also read them, for nothing more conduces to good housekeeping than for the servant to understand the "system" which her mistress approves of.

363. Cleansing of Furniture

The cleaning of furniture forms an important part of domestic economy, not only in regard to neatness, but also in point of expense.

364. Method of Cleansing

The readiest mode indeed consists in good manual rubbing, or the application of a little elbow-grease, as it is whimsically termed; but our finest cabinet work requires something more, where brilliancy of polish is of importance.

365. Italian Varnish

The Italian cabinet-work in this respect excels that of any other country. The workmen first saturate the surface with olive oil, and then apply a solution of gum arabic dissolved in boiling alcohol. This mode of varnishing is equally brilliant, if not superior, to that employed by the French in their most elaborate works.

366. Another Method

But another mode may be substituted, which has less the appearance of a hard varnish, and may always be applied so as to restore the pristine beauty of the furniture by a little manual labour. Heat a gallon of water, in which dissolve one pound and a half of potash; and a pound of virgin wax, boiling the whole for half an hour, then suffer it to cool, when the wax will float on the surface. Put the wax into a mortar, and triturate it with a marble pestle, adding soft water to it until it forms a soft paste, which, laid neatly on furniture, or even on paintings, and carefully rubbed when dry with a woollen rag, gives a polish of great brilliancy, without the harshness of the drier varnishes.

367. Marble Chimney-Pieces

Marble chimney-pieces may also be rubbed with it, after cleaning the marble with diluted muriatic acid, or warm soap and vinegar; but the iron or brass work connected with them requires other processes.

368. Polished Iron Work

Polished iron work may be preserved from rust by an inexpensive mixture, consisting of copal varnish intimately mixed with as much olive oil as will give it a degree of greasiness, adding thereto nearly as much spirit of turpentine as of varnish.

369. Cast Iron Work

Cast iron work is best preserved by the common method of rubbing with black-lead.

370. Rust

If rust has made its appearance on grates or fire-irons, apply a mixture of two parts of tripoli to one of sulphur, intimately mingled on a marble slab, and laid on with a piece of soft leather. Or emery and oil may be applied with excellent effect; not laid on in the usual slovenly way, but with a spongy piece of fig wood fully saturated with the mixture. This will not only clean but impart a polish to the metal as well.

371. Brass

Brass ornaments, when not gilt or lacquered, may be cleaned in the same way, and a fine colour given to them, by two simple processes.

372. First Brass Process

The first is to beat sal ammoniac into a fine powder, then to moisten it with soft water, rubbing it on the ornaments, which must be heated over charcoal, and rubbed dry with bran and whiting.

373. Second Brass Process

The second is to wash the brasswork with roche alum boiled in strong ley, in proportion of an ounce to a pint; when dry, rub it with fine tripoli. Either of these processes will give to brass the brilliancy of gold.

374. Carpets

If the corner of a carpet becomes loose and prevents the door opening, or trips every one up that enters the room, nail it down at once. A dog's-eared carpet marks the sloven as well as the dog's-eared book. An English gentleman, travelling some years ago in Ireland, took a hammer and tacks with him, because he found dog's-eared carpets at all the inns where he rested. At one of these inns he tacked down the carpet, which, as usual, was loose near the door, and soon afterwards rang for his dinner. While the carpet was loose the door could not be opened without a hard push; so when the waiter came up, he just unlatched the door, and then going back a couple of yards, he rushed against it, as his habit was, with a sudden spring, to force it open. But the wrinkles of the carpet were no longer there to stop it, and not meeting with the expected resistance, the unfortunate waiter fell full length into the room. It had never entered his head that so much trouble might be saved by means of a hammer and half a dozen tacks, until his fall taught him that makeshift is a very unprofitable kind of shift. There are a good many houses in England where a similar practical lesson might be of service.

375. Cleaning Carpets

Take a pail of cold water, and add to it three gills of ox-gall. Rub it into the carpet with a soft brush. It will raise a lather, which must be washed off with clear cold water. Rub dry with a clean cloth. Before nailing down a carpet after the floor has been washed, be certain that the floor is quite dry, or the nails will rust and injure the carpet. Fuller's earth is used for cleaning carpets, and weak solutions of alum or soda are used for reviving the colours. The crumb of a hot wheaten loaf rubbed over a carpet has been found effective.

376. Carpet-Beating

Beat a carpet on the wrong side first; and then more gently on the right side. Beware of using sticks with sharp points, which may tear the carpet.

377. Sweeping Carpets

Persons who are accustomed to use tea-leaves for sweeping their carpets, and find that they leave stains, will do well to employ fresh cut grass instead. It is better than tea-leaves for preventing dust, and gives the carpets a very bright, fresh look.

378. Making a Carpet Last Longer

A half-worn carpet may be made to last longer by ripping it apart, and transposing the breadths.

379. Sweeping a Stair-Carpet

A stair carpet should never be swept down with a long broom, but always with a short-handled brush, a dust-pan being held closely under each step of the stairs during the operation of sweeping.

380. Cleaning Oilcloth

Oilcloth should never be scrubbed with a brush, but, after being first swept, it should be cleansed by washing with a large soft cloth and lukewarm or cold water. On no account use soap or hot water, as either will injure the paint, and in time remove it.

381. Cleaning Straw Matting

Straw matting may be cleaned with a large coarse cloth dipped in salt and water, and then wiped dry. The salt prevents the matting from turning yellow.

Eat Not to Dulness — Drink Not To Elevation.

382. Method of Cleaning Paper-Hangings

Cut into eight half quarters a quartern loaf, two days old; it must be neither newer nor staler. With one of these pieces, after having blown off all the dust from the paper to be cleaned, by the means of a good pair of bellows, begin at the top of the room, and, holding the crust in the hand, wipe lightly downward with the crumb, about half a yard at each stroke, till the upper part of the hangings is completely cleaned all round. Then go round again, with the like sweeping stroke downwards, always commencing each successive course a little higher than the upper stroke had extended, till the bottom be finished. This operation, if carefully performed, will frequently make very old paper look almost equal to new. Great care must be taken not to rub the paper hard, nor to attempt cleaning it the cross or horizontal way. The surface of the bread, too, must be always cut away as soon as it becomes dirty, and the pieces renewed as often as may be necessary.

383. Cleaning Rosewood Furniture

Rosewood furniture should be rubbed gently every day with a clean soft cloth to keep it in order.

384. Cleaning Ottomans and Sofas

Ottomans and sofas, covered with cloth, damask, or chintz, will look better for being cleaned occasionally with bran and flannel.

385. Polishing Dining-Tables

Dining tables may be polished by rubbing them for some time with a soft cloth and a little linseed oil.

386. Mahogany

Mahogany frames of sofas, chairs, &c., should be first well dusted, and then cleaned with a flannel dipped in sweet oil or linseed oil.

387. To Clean Cane-bottom Chairs

Turn the chair bottom upwards, and with hot water and a sponge wash the canework well, so that it may become completely soaked. Should it be very dirty you must add soap. Let it dry in the open air, or in a place where there is a thorough draught, and it will become as tight and firm as when new, provided none of the strips are broken.

388. Alabaster

Stains may be removed by washing with soap and water, then whitewashing the stained part, letting it stand some hours, then washing off the whitewash, and rubbing the stained part with a flannel moistened with lukewarm soap and water.

389. To Clean Marble

Take two parts of common soda, one part of pumice stone, and one part of finely powdered chalk; sift it through a fine sieve, and mix it with water. Rub the marble well all over with the mixture, and the stains will be removed; then wash the marble with soap and water, and it will be as clean as it was at first.

390. Glass

Glass should be washed in cold water, which gives it a brighter and clearer look than when cleansed with warm water; or, what is better, wash in warm water and rinse in cold water.

391. Using Charcoal (1)

Glass vessels, and other utensils, may be purified and cleaned by rinsing them out with powdered charcoal.

392. Bottles

There is no easier method of cleaning glass bottles than putting into them fine coal-ashes, and well shaking, either with water or not, hot or cold, according to the substance that fouls the bottle. Charcoal left in a bottle or jar for a little time will take away disagreeable smells.

393. Cleaning Japanned Waiters, Urns, &c.

Rub on with a sponge a little white soap and some lukewarm water, and wash the waiter or urn quite clean. Never use hot water, as it will cause the japan to scale off. Having wiped it dry, sprinkle a little flour over it; let it remain untouched for a short time, and then rub it with a soft dry cloth, and finish with a silk handkerchief. White heat marks on the waiters are difficult to remove; but rubbing them with a flannel dipped in sweet oil, and afterwards in spirits of wine, may be tried. Waiters of

papier maché

should be washed with a sponge and cold water only, and dredged with flour while damp. After the lapse of a few minutes the flour must be wiped off, and the article polished with a silk handkerchief.

Disease is Soon Shaken by Physic Soon Taken.

394. Papier Maché

Papier Maché articles of all kinds should be washed with a sponge and cold water, without soap, dredged with flour while damp, and polished with a flannel or a silk handkerchief.

395. Brunswick Black for Varnishing Grates

Melt four pounds of common asphaltum, and add two pints of linseed oil, and one gallon of oil of turpentine. This is usually put up in stoneware bottles for sale, and is used with a paint brush. If too thick, more turpentine may be added.

396. Blacking for Stoves

may be made with half a pound of black-lead finely powdered, and (to make it stick) mix with it the whites of three eggs well beaten; then dilute it with sour beer or porter till it becomes as thin as shoe-blacking; after stirring it, set it over hot coals to simmer for twenty minutes; when cold it may be kept for use.

397. To Clean Knives and Forks

Wash the blades in warm (but not hot) water, and afterwards rub them lightly over with powdered rotten-stone mixed to a paste with a little cold water; then polish them with a clean cloth.

398. For Cleaning Painted Wainscot or Other Woodwork

For cleaning painted wainscot or other woodwork, fuller's earth will be found cheap and useful: on wood not painted it forms an excellent substitute for soap.

399. To Scour Boards

Lime, one part; sand, three parts; soft soap, two parts. Lay a little on the boards with the scrubbing brush, and rub thoroughly. Rinse with clean water, and rub dry. This will keep the boards of a good colour, and keep away vermin.

400. Charcoal (2)

All sorts of glass vessels and other utensils may be purified from long-retained smells of every kind, in the easiest and most perfect manner, by rinsing them out well with charcoal powder, after the grosser impurities have been scoured off with sand and potash. Rubbing the teeth and washing out the mouth with fine charcoal powder, will render the teeth beautifully white, and the breath perfectly sweet, where an offensive breath has been owing to a scorbutic disposition of the gums. Putrid water is immediately deprived of its bad smell by charcoal. When meat, fish, &c., from intense heat, or long keeping, are likely to pass into a state of corruption, a simple and pure mode of keeping them sound and healthful is by putting a few pieces of charcoal, each about the size of an egg, into the pot or saucepan wherein the fish or flesh is to be boiled. Among others, an experiment of this kind was tried upon a turbot, which appeared to be too far gone to be eatable; the cook, as advised, put three or four pieces of charcoal, each the size of an egg, under the strainer in the fish-kettle; after boiling the proper time, the turbot came to the table sweet and firm.

401. To take Stains out of Mahogany Furniture

Stains and spots may be taken out of mahogany with a little aquafortis or oxalic acid and water, rubbing the part with a cork dipped in the liquid till the colour is restored. Then wash the wood well with water, and dry and polish as usual.

402. To take Ink-Stains out of Mahogany

Put a few drops of spirits of nitre in a teaspoonful of water; touch the spot with a feather dipped in the mixture, and as soon as the ink disappears, rub it over with a rag wetted in cold water, or there will be a white mark, which will not be easily effaced.

403. To remove Ink-Stains from Silver

Ink-stains on the tops and other portions of silver ink-stands may be completely eradicated by making a little chloride of lime into a paste with water, and rubbing it upon the stains. Chloride of lime has been misnamed "The general bleacher," but it is a great enemy to all metallic surfaces.

Disease is the Punishment of Neglect.

404. To take Ink-Stains out of a Coloured Table-Cover

Dissolve a teaspoonful of oxalic acid in a teacup of hot water; rub the stained part well with a flannel or linen rag dipped in the solution.

405. Ink Stains

Very frequently, when logwood has been used in manufacturing ink, a reddish stain still remains, after the use of oxalic acid, as in the former directions. To remove it, procure a solution of the chloride of lime, and apply it in the same manner as directed for the oxalic acid.

406. To take Ink out of Boards

Apply strong muriatic acid, or spirits of salts, with a piece of cloth; afterwards wash well with water.

407. Oil or Grease

Oil or grease may be removed from a hearth by covering it immediately with hot ashes, or with burning coals.

408. Marble may be Cleaned

Marble may be cleaned by mixing up a quantity of the strongest soap-lees with quick-lime, to the consistence of milk, and laying it on the marble for twenty-four hours; clean it afterwards with soap and water.

409. Silver and Plated Ware

Silver and plated ware should be washed with a sponge and warm soapsuds every day after using, and wiped dry with a clean soft towel.

410. Bronzed Chandeliers, Lamps, &c.

Bronzed chandeliers, lamps, &c., should be merely dusted with a feather-brush, or with a soft cloth, as washing them will take off the bronzing.

411. To clean Brass Ornaments

Wash the brasswork with roche alum boiled to a strong ley, in the proportion of an ounce to a pint. When dry it must be rubbed with fine tripoli.

412. For Cleaning Brasses Belonging to Mahogany Furniture

For cleaning brasses belonging to mahogany furniture, use either powdered whiting or scraped rotten-stone, mixed with sweet oil and rubbed on with chamois leather.

413. Brasses, Britannia Metal, Tins, Coppers, &c.

Brasses, Britannia metal, tins, coppers, &c., may be cleaned with a mixture of rotten-stone, soft soap, and oil of turpentine, mixed to the consistency of stiff putty. The stone should be powdered very fine and sifted. The articles should first be washed with hot water, to remove grease; then a little of the above mixture, mixed with water, should be rubbed over the metal; then rub off briskly with dry, clean rag or leather, and a beautiful polish will be obtained.

414. To preserve Steel Goods from Rust

After bright grates have been thoroughly cleaned, they should be dusted over with unslacked lime, and thus left until wanted. Coils of piano wires, thus sprinkled, will keep from rust for many years. Table-knives which are not in constant use ought to be put in a case in which sifted quicklime is placed, about eight inches deep. They should be plunged to the top of the blades, but the lime should not touch the handles.

415. To keep Iron and Steel Goods from Rust

Dissolve half an ounce of camphor in one pound of hog's lard; take off the scum: mix as much black lead as will give the mixture an iron colour. Iron and steel goods, rubbed over with this mixture, and left with it on twenty-four hours, and then dried with a linen cloth, will keep clean for months. Valuable articles of cutlery should be wrapped in zinc foil, or be kept in boxes lined with zinc. This is at once an easy and most effective method.

416. Iron Wipers

Old soft towels, or pieces of old sheets or tablecloths, make excellent wipers for iron and steel goods.

417. To Clean Looking-Glasses

First wash the glass all over with lukewarm soapsuds and a sponge. When dry, rub it bright with a chamois leather on which a little prepared chalk, finely powdered, has been sprinkled.

Keep the Blood Pure and Spare the Leech.

418. To Clean Mirrors, &c.

If they should be hung so high that they cannot be conveniently reached, have a pair of steps to stand upon; but mind that they stand steady. Then take a piece of soft sponge, well washed, and cleaned from everything gritty, dip it into water and squeeze it almost dry, dip it into some spirit of wine, and then rub it over the glass. Next, dust the glass over with some powder blue or whiting sifted through muslin; wipe the powder lightly and quickly off again with a cloth; then take a clean cloth, and rub the glass well once more, and finish by rubbing it with a silk handkerchief. If the glass be very large, clean one-half at a time, as otherwise the spirit of wine will dry before it can be rubbed off. If the frames are not varnished, the greatest care is necessary to keep them quite dry, so as not to touch them with the sponge, as this will discolour or take off the gilding. To clean the frames, take a little raw cotton in the state of wool, and rub the frames with it; this will take off all the dust and dirt without injuring the gilding. If the frames are well varnished, rub them with spirit of wine, which will take out all spots, and give them a fine polish. Varnished doors may be done in the same manner. Never use any cloth to

frames

or

drawings

, or oil paintings, when cleaning and dusting them.

419. China and Glass

The best material for cleansing either porcelain or glass, is fuller's earth: but it must be beaten into a fine powder, and carefully cleared from all rough or hard particles, which might endanger the polish of the surface.

420. Porcelain

In cleaning porcelain, it must also be observed that some species require more care and attention than others, as every person must have observed that chinaware in common use frequently loses some of its colours.

421. Red Fading

he red, especially of vermilion, is the first to go, because that colour, together with some others, is laid on by the Chinese after burning.

422. Modern Porcelain Fades Less

The modern Chinese porcelain is not, indeed, so susceptible of this rubbing or wearing off, as vegetable reds are now used by them instead of the mineral colour.

423. Temperature with China and Glass

It ought to be taken for granted that all china or glass ware is well tempered: yet a little careful attention may not be misplaced, even on that point; for though ornamental china or glassware is not exposed to the action of hot water in common domestic use, yet it may be injudiciously immersed therein for the purpose of cleaning; and as articles intended solely for ornament are not so highly annealed as others, it will be proper never to apply water beyond a tepid temperature.

424. Annealing Glass

An ingenious and simple mode of annealing glass has been some time in use by chemists. It consists in immersing the vessel in cold water, gradually heated to the boiling point, and suffered to remain till cold, when it will be fit for use. Should the glass be exposed to a higher temperature than that of boiling water, it will be necessary to immerse it in oil.

425. To take Marking-Ink out of Linen

Use a solution of cyanide of potassium applied with a camel-hair brush. After the marking ink disappears, the linen should be well washed in cold water.

426. To take Stains of Wine out of Linen

Hold the articles in milk while it is boiling on the fire, and the stains will soon disappear.

427. Fruit Stains in Linen

To remove them, rub the part on each side with yellow soap, then tie up a piece of pearlash in the cloth, &c., and soak well in hot water, or boil; afterwards expose the stained part to the sun and air until the stain is removed.

428. Mildewed Linen

may be restored by soaping the spots while wet, covering them with fine chalk scraped to powder, and rubbing it well in.

429. To keep Moths, Beetles, &c., from Clothes

Put a piece of camphor in a linen bag, or some aromatic herbs, in the drawers, among linen or woollen clothes, and no insects will come near them.

Loose Habits Lead to Tight Bandages.

430. Moths

Clothes closets that have become infested with moths, should be well rubbed with a strong decoction of tobacco, and repeatedly sprinkled with spirits of camphor.

431. To Remove Stains from Floors

For removing spots of grease from boards, take fuller's earth and pearlash, of each a quarter of a pound, and boil in a quart of soft water. While hot lay the mixture on the greased parts, allowing it to remain on them from ten or twelve hours; after which it may be scoured off with sand and water. A floor much spotted with grease should be completely washed over with this mixture the day before it is scoured. Fuller's earth and ox-gall, boiled together, form a very powerful cleansing mixture for floors or carpets. Stains of ink are removed by the application of strong vinegar, or salts of lemon.

432. Scouring Drops for removing Grease

There are several preparations of this name; one of the best is made as follows:—Camphine, or spirit of turpentine, three ounces: essence of lemon, one ounce; mix and put up in a small phial for use when required.

433. To take Grease out of Velvet or Cloth

Pour some turpentine over the part that is greasy; rub it till quite dry with a piece of clean flannel; if the grease be not quite removed, repeat the application, and when done, brush the part well, and hang up the garment in the open air to take away the smell.

434. Medicine Stains

Medicine stains may be removed from silver spoons by rubbing them with a rag dipped in sulphuric acid, and washing it off with soapsuds.

435. To Extract Grease Spots from Books or Paper

Gently warm the greased or spotted part of the book or paper, and then press upon it pieces of blotting-paper, one after another, so as to absorb as much of the grease as possible. Have ready some fine clear essential oil of turpentine heated almost to a boiling state, warm the greased leaf a little, and then, with a soft clean brush, apply the heated turpentine to both sides of the spotted part. By repeating this application, the grease will be extracted. Lastly, with another brush dipped in rectified spirit of wine, go over the place, and the grease will no longer appear, neither will the paper be discoloured.

436. Stains and Marks from Books.

A solution of oxalic acid, citric acid, or tartaric acid, is attended with the least risk, and may be applied to paper and prints without fear of damage. These acids, which take out writing ink, and do not touch the printing, can be used for restoring books where the margins have been written upon, without injuring the text.

437. To take Writing Ink out of Paper

Solution of muriate of tin, two drachms; water, four drachms. To be applied with a camel-hair brush. After the writing has disappeared, the paper should be passed through water, and dried.

438. A Hint on Household Management

Have you ever observed what a dislike servants have to anything cheap? They hate saving their master's money. I tried this experiment with great success the other day. Finding we consumed a vast deal of soap, I sat down in my thinking chair, and took the soap question into consideration, and I found reason to suspect we were using a very expensive article, where a much cheaper one would serve the purpose better. I ordered half a dozen pounds of both sorts, but took the precaution of changing the papers on which the prices were marked before giving them into the hands of Betty. "Well, Betty, which soap do you find washes best?" "Oh, please sir, the dearest, in the blue paper; it makes a lather as well again as the other." "Well, Betty, you shall always have it then;" and thus the unsuspecting Betty saved me some pounds a year, and washed the clothes better—

Rev. Sydney Smith

Bottles of Brandy are Followed by Bottles of Physic.

439. Domestic Rules

Mrs Hamilton, in her "Cottagers of Glenburnie," gives three simple rules for the regulation of domestic affairs, which deserve to be remembered, and which would, if carried into practice, be the means of saving time, labour, and patience, and of making every house a "well-ordered" one. They are as follows:

1. Do everything in its proper time.

1. Keep everything to its proper use.

1. Put everything in its proper place.

440. An Ever-dirty Hearth

An ever-dirty hearth, and a grate always choked with cinders and ashes, are infallible evidences of bad housekeeping.

441. Economy

If you have a strip of land, do not throw away soapsuds. Soapsuds are good manure for bushes and young plants.

442. Washing Woollens

Woollen clothes should be washed in very hot suds, and not rinsed. Lukewarm water shrinks them.

443. Keeping Coffee and Tea

Do not let coffee and tea stand in tin.

444. Freshness of Surfaces

Scald your wooden-ware often, and keep your tin-ware dry.

445. Re-using Letters

Preserve the backs of old letters to write upon.

446. Make Writing-Books

If you have children who are learning to write, buy coarse white paper by the quantity, and make it up into writing-books. This does not cost half so much as it does to buy them ready made at the stationer's.

447. No Waste

See that nothing is thrown away which might have served to nourish your own family or a poorer one.

448. Bread

As far as possible, have pieces of bread eaten up before they become hard: spread those that are not eaten, and let them dry, to be pounded for puddings, or soaked for brewis.

449. Brewis

Brewis is made of crusts and dry pieces of bread, soaked a good while in hot milk, mashed up, and eaten with salt. Above all, do not let crusts accumulate in such quantities that they cannot be used. With proper care, there is no need of losing a particle of bread.

450. Regular Mending

All the Mending in the house should be done once a week if possible.

451. Never put out Sewing.

If it be not possible to do it in your own family, hire some one to come to the house and work with them.

452. White Spots on Furniture

A warming-pan full of coals, or a shovel of coals, held over varnished furniture, will take out white spots. Care should be taken not to hold the pan near enough to scorch; the place to which heat has thus been applied, should be rubbed with a flannel while warm.

453. Acid Fading

Sal-Volatile or hartshorn will restore colours taken out by acid. It may be dropped upon any garment without doing harm.

454. New Iron

New iron should be very gradually heated at first. After it has become inured to the heat, it is not as likely to crack.

455. Before Using a Brass Kettle

Clean a brass kettle, before using it for cooking, with salt and vinegar.

456. Shaking Carpets

The oftener carpets are shaken the longer they wear; the dirt that collects under them grinds out the threads.

457. Saving Rags

All linen rags should be saved, for they are useful in sickness. If they have become dirty and worn by cleaning silver, &c., wash them and scrape them into lint.

458. Softening Washing-Water

If you are troubled to get soft water for washing, fill a tub or barrel half full of wood ashes, and fill it up with water, so that you may have ley whenever you want it. A gallon of strong ley, put into a great kettle of hard water, will make it as soft as rain water. Some people use pearlash, or potash; but this costs something, and is very apt to injure the texture of the cloth.

459. Protecting Knife-Handles

Do not let knives be dropped into hot dish-water. It is a good plan to have a large tin pot to wash them in, just high enough to wash the blades

without wetting

the handles.

460. Do It Well

It is better to accomplish perfectly a very small amount of work, than to half do ten times as much.

Be Temperate in All Things.

461. Polishing Knives with Charcoal

Charcoal Powder will be found a very good thing to give knives a first-rate polish.

462. Preventing Wear

A bonnet and trimmings may be worn a much longer time, if the dust be brushed well off after walking.

463. Good Examples

Much knowledge may be obtained by the good housewife observing how things are managed in well-regulated families.

464. Apple Pips

Apples intended for dumplings should not have the core taken out of them, as the pips impart a delicious flavour to the dumpling.

465. Rice Pudding

A rice pudding is excellent without either eggs or sugar, if baked gently: it keeps better without eggs.

466. "Wilful Waste makes Woeful Want."

Do not cook a fresh joint whilst any of the last remains uneaten —hash it up, and with gravy and a little management, eke out another day's dinner.

467. Shanks of Mutton

The shanks of mutton make a good stock for nearly any kind of gravy, and they are very cheap—a dozen may be had for a penny, enough to make a quart of delicious soup.

468. Lack of Fresh Air

Thick curtains, closely drawn around the bed, are very injurious, because they not only confine the effluvia thrown off from our bodies whilst in bed, but interrupt the current of pure air.

469. Regular Accounting

Regularity in the payment of accounts is essential to housekeeping. All tradesmen's bills should be paid weekly, for then any errors can be detected whilst the transactions are fresh in the memory.

470. Enough Talk

Allowing children to talk incessantly is a mistake. We do not mean to say that they should be restricted from talking in proper seasons, but they should be taught to know when it is proper for them to cease.

471. Blacking for Leather Seats, &c.

Beat well the yolks of two eggs and the white of one: mix a tablespoonful of gin and a teaspoonful of sugar, thicken it with ivory black, add it to the eggs, and use as common blacking; the seats or cushions being left a day or two to harden. This is good for dress boots and shoes

472. Black Reviver for Black Cloth

Bruised galls, one pound; logwood, two pounds; green vitriol, half a pound; water, five quarts. Boil for two hours, and strain. Use to restore the colour of black cloth.

473. Enamel Paint

Special preparations of paint, styled "enamel," are now made, suitable for both useful and decorative purposes—garden stands, indoor furniture or ornaments, baths, &c. They are ready mixed in a variety of shades, can be easily applied, and dry with a hard glossy surface.

Keep the Head Cool and the Feet Warm.

474. Hints for Home Comfort

1. Eat slowly and you will not overeat.

1. Keeping the feet warm will prevent headaches.

1. Late at breakfast—hurried for dinner—cross at tea.

1. A short needle makes the most expedition in plain sewing.

1. Between husband and wife little attentions beget much love.

1. Always lay your table neatly, whether you have company or not.

1. Put your balls or reels of cotton into little bags, leaving the ends out.

1. Whatever you may choose to give away, always be sure to keep your temper.

1. Dirty windows speak to the passer-by of the negligence of the inmates.

1. In cold weather a leg of mutton improves by being hung three, four, or five weeks.

1. When meat is hanging, change its position frequently, to equally distribute the juices.

1. There is much more injury done by admitting visitors to invalids than is generally supposed.

1. Matches, out of the reach of children, should be kept in every bedroom. They are cheap enough.

1. Apple and suet dumplings are lighter when boiled in a net than a cloth. Skim the pot well.

1. When sheets or chamber towels get thin in the middle, cut them in two, sew the selvedges together, and hem the sides.

1. When you are particular in wishing to have precisely what you want from a butcher, go and buy it yourself.

1. A flannel petticoat will wear as nearly as long again, if turned hind part before, when the front begins to wear thin.

1. People in general are not aware how very essential to the health of the inmates is the free admission of light into their houses.

1. When you dry salt for the table, do not place it in the salt cellars until it is cold, otherwise it will harden into a lump.

1. Never put away plate, knives and forks, &c., uncleaned, or great inconvenience will arise when the articles are wanted.

1. Feather beds should be opened every third year, the ticking well dusted, soaped, and waxed, the feathers dressed and returned.

1. Persons of defective sight, when threading a needle, should hold it over something white, by which the sight will be assisted.

1. In mending sheets and shirts, put in pieces sufficiently large, or in the first washing the thin parts give way, and the work done is of no avail.

1. When reading by candle-light, place the candle behind you, that the rays may pass over your shoulder on to the book. This will relieve the eyes.

1. A wire fire-guard, for each fire-place in a house, costs little, and greatly diminishes the risk to life and property. Fix them before going to bed.

1. In winter, get the work forward by daylight, to prevent running about at night with candles. Thus you escape grease spots, and risks of fire.

1. Be at much pains to keep your children's feet dry and warm. Don't bury their bodies in heavy flannels and wools, and leave their arms and legs naked.

1. Apples and pears, cut into quarters and stripped of the rind, baked with a little water and sugar, and eaten with boiled rice, are capital food for children.

1. A leather strap, with a buckle to fasten, is much more commodious than a cord for a box in general use for short distances; cording and uncording is a tedious job.

1. After washing, overlook linen, and stitch on buttons, hooks and eyes, &c.; for this purpose keep a "house-wife's friend," full of miscellaneous threads, cottons, buttons: hooks, &c.

1. For ventilation open your windows both at top and bottom. The fresh air rushed in one way, while the foul escapes the other. This is letting in your friend and expelling your enemy.

1. There is not any real economy in purchasing cheap calico for night-shirts. Cheap calico soon wears into holes, and becomes discoloured in washing.

1. Sitting to sew by candle-light at a table with a dark cloth on it is injurious to the eyesight. When no other remedy presents itself, put a sheet of white paper before you.

1. Persons very commonly complain of indigestion; how can it be wondered at, when they seem, by their habit of swallowing their food wholesale, to forget for what purpose they are provided with teeth.

1. Never allow your servants to put wiped knives on your table, for, generally speaking, you may see that that have been wiped with a dirty cloth. If a knife is brightly cleaned, they are compelled to use a clean cloth.

1. There is not anything gained in economy by having very young and inexperienced servants at low wages; the cost of what they break, waste, and destroy, is more than an equivalent for higher wages, setting aside comfort and respectability.

1. No article in dress tarnishes so readily as black crape trimmings, and few things injure it more than damp; therefore, to preserve its beauty on bonnets, a lady in nice mourning should in her evening walks, at all seasons of the year, take as her companion an old parasol to shade her crape.

Guard the Foot, and the Head will Seldom Harm.

475. Domestic Pharmacopœia

In compiling this part of our hints, we have endeavoured to supply that kind of information which is so often wanted in the time of need, and cannot be obtained when a medical man or a druggist is not near. The doses are all fixed for adults, unless otherwise specified. The various remedies are arranged in sections, according to their uses, as being more easy for reference,

476. Collyria, or Eye Washes

477. Alum

Dissolve half a drachm of alum in eight ounces (half a pint) of water.

Use

as astringent wash. When twice as much alum and only half the quantity of water are used, it acts as a discutient, but not as an eye-water.

Note

that this and the following washes are for

outward application

only.

478. Common

Add half an ounce of diluted acetic acid to three ounces of decoction of poppy heads.

Use

as anodyne wash.

479. Compound Alum

Dissolve alum and white vitriol, of each one drachm, in one pint of water, and filter through paper.

Use

as astringent wash.

480. Zinc and Lead

Dissolve white vitriol and acetate of lead, of each seven grains, in four ounces of elder-flower water; add one drachm of laudanum (tincture of opium), and the same quantity of spirit of camphor, then strain.

Use

as detergent wash.

481. Acetate of Zinc

Dissolve half a drachm of white vitriol in five ounces of water. Dissolve two scruples of acetate of lead in five ounces of water. Mix these solutions, then set aside for a short time, and afterwards filter.

Use

as astringent wash; this forms a most valuable collyrium.

482. Sulphate of Zinc

Dissolve twenty grains of white vitriol in a pint of water or rose water.

Use

for weak eyes.

483. Zinc and Camphor

Dissolve a scruple of white vitriol in ten ounces of water; add one drachm of spirit of camphor, and strain.

Use

as a stimulant.

484. Compound Zinc

Dissolve fifteen grains of white vitriol in eight ounces of camphor water (

Mistura camphoræ

), and the same quantity of decoction of poppy heads.

Use

as anodyne and detergent wash: it is useful for weak eyes.

485. Confections and Electuaries

486. Purpose

Confections

are used as vehicles for the administration of more active medicines, and

Electuaries

are made for the purpose of rendering some remedies palatable. Both should be kept in closely covered jars.

487. Almond Confection

Remove the outer coat from an ounce of sweet almonds, and beat them well in a mortar with one drachm of powdered gum arabic, and half an ounce of white sugar.

Use

to make a demulcent mixture known as "almond emulsion."

488. Alum Confection

Mix two scruples of powdered alum with four scruples of treacle.

Dose

, half a drachm.

Use

as astringent in sore throat, relaxed uvula, and ulcerations of mouth.

489. Orange Confection

Take one ounce of the freshly rasped rind of orange, and mix it with three ounces of white sugar, and beat together till perfectly incorporated.

Dose

, from one drachm to one ounce.

Use

as a gentle stomachic and tonic, and as a vehicle for administering tonic powders.

490. Black Pepper Confection

Take of black pepper and elecampane root, each one ounce; fennel seeds, three ounces; honey and sugar, of each two ounces. Rub the dry ingredient to a fine powder, and when the confection is wanted, add the honey, and mix well.

Dose

, from one to two drachms.

Use

in hæmorrhoids, or piles.

Better Pay the Cook than the Doctor.

491. Cowhage

Mix in treacle as much of the fine hairs or spiculæ of cowhage as the treacle will take up.

Dose

, a teaspoonful every morning and evening.

Use

as an anthelmintic.

492. Senna Confection. No. 1.

Take of senna, powdered, four ounces; figs, half a pound, viassia pulp, tamarind pulp, and the pulp of prunes, each four ounces; coriander seeds, powdered, two ounces; liquorice root, one ounce and a half; sugar, one pound and a quarter; water, one pint and a half. Rub the senna with the coriander, and separate, by sifting, five ounces of the mixture. Boil the water, with the figs and liquorice added, until it is reduced to one half; then press out and strain the liquor. Evaporate the strained liquor in a jar by boiling until twelve fluid ounces remain; then add the sugar, and make a syrup. Now mix the pulps with the syrup, add the sifted powder, and mix well.

Use

as a purgative.

493. Senna Confection. No. 2.

A more simple confection, but equally efficacious, may be made in the following manner. Infuse an ounce of senna leaves in a pint of boiling water, pouring the water on the leaves in a covered mug or jug, or even an old earthenware teapot. Let the infusion stand till it is cold, then strain off the liquor, and place it in a saucepan or stewpan, adding to it one pound of prunes. Let the prunes stew gently by the side of the fire till the liquor is entirely absorbed.

Use

as a purgative or laxative, giving half a teaspoonful to little children and a teaspoonful to children over ten years of age.

494. Castor Oil and Senna Confection

Take one drachm of powdered gum arabic, and two ounces of confection of senna, and mix, by gradually rubbing together in a mortar, with half an ounce of castor oil.

Dose

, from half an ounce to an ounce.

Use

as a purgative.

495. Sulphur and Senna Confection

Take of sulphur and sulphate of potash, each half an ounce; confection of senna, two ounces; oil of aniseed, twenty minims; mix well.

Dose

, from one to two drachms.

Use

as a purgative.

496. Cream of Tartar Confection

Take one ounce of cream of tartar, one drachm of jalap, and half a drachm of powdered ginger; mix into a thick paste with treacle.

Dose

, two drachms.

Use

as a purgative.

497. Antispasmodic Electuary

Take six drachms of powdered valerian and orange leaves, mixed and made into an electuary, with a sufficient quantity of syrup of wormwood.

Dose

, from one to two drachms, to be taken two or three times a day.

498. Decoctions

These should only be made as they are wanted; pipkins or tin saucepans should be used for the purpose; and no decoction should be boiled longer than ten minutes.

499. Chimaphila

Take one ounce of pyrola (chimaphila, or winter-green), and boil it in a pint and a half of water until the water is reduced to one pint; then strain.

Dose

, from one to two ounces, four times a day.

Use

in dropsies, as a diuretic.

500. Logwood

Boil one ounce and a half of bruised logwood in two pints of water until the water is reduced to one pint; then add one drachm of bruised cassia, and strain.

Dose

, from one to two ounces.

Use

as an astringent.

501. Dandelion

Take two ounces of the freshly-sliced root, and boil in a quart of water until it comes to a pint.

Dose

, from two to four ounces, that is to say, from an eighth of a pint to a quarter of a pint.

Use

for sluggish state of the liver.

502. Embrocations and Liniments

These remedies are used externally as local stimulants, to relieve deep seated inflammations when other means cannot he employed, as they are more easily applied locally.

503. Anodyne and Discutient

Take two drachms of scraped white soap, half a drachm of extract of henbane, and dissolve them by a gentle heat in six ounces of olive oil.

Use

for glandular enlargements which are painful and stubborn, about half an ounce to be well rubbed into the part twice a day.

504. Strong Ammoniated

Add one ounce of strong liquid ammonia to two ounces of olive oil, shake well together until properly mixed.

Use

as a stimulant in rheumatic pains, paralytic numbnesses, chronic glandular enlargements, lumbago, sciatica, &c.

Note

that this embrocation must be used with care, and only employed in very obstinate cases.

505. Compound Ammoniated

Add six drachms of oil of turpentine to the strong ammoniated liniment above.

Use

for the diseases mentioned in the preceding paragraph and chronic affections of the knee and ankle joints.

506. Lime and Oil

Take equal parts of common linseed oil and lime water and shake well.

Use

for burns, scalds, sun peelings, &c.

507. Camphorated

Take half an ounce of camphor and dissolve it in two ounces of olive oil.

Use

as a stimulating and soothing application for stubborn breasts, glandular enlargements, dropsy of the belly, and rheumatic pains.

508. Soap Liniment with Spanish Flies

Take three ounces and a half of soap liniment, and half an ounce of tincture of Spanish flies, mix and shake well.

Use

as stimulant to chronic bruises, sprains, rheumatic pains, and indolent swellings.

509. Turpentine

Take two ounces and a half of resin cerate, and melt it by standing the vessel in hot water, then add one ounce and a half of oil of turpentine, and mix.

Use

as stimulant to ulcers, burns, scalds, &c.

510. Enemas

These are a peculiar kind of medicines, administered by injecting them into the rectum or outlet of the body. The intention is either to empty the bowels, kill worms, protect the lining membrane of the intestines from injury, restrain copious discharges, allay spasms in the bowels, or to nourish the body. These clysters, or glysters, are administered by means of bladders and pipes, or a proper apparatus.

511. Laxative

Take two ounces of Epsom salts, and dissolve in three quarters of a pint of gruel, or thin broth, with an ounce of olive oil.

512. Nutritive

Take twelve ounces of strong beef tea, and thicken with hartshorn shavings or arrowroot.

513. Turpentine

Take half an ounce of oil of turpentine, the yolk of one egg, and half a pint of gruel. Mix the turpentine and egg, and then add the gruel.

Use

as an anthelmintic.

514. Common

Dissolve one ounce of salt in twelve ounces of gruel.

515. Castor Oil

Mix two ounces of castor oil with one drachm of starch, then rub them together, and add fourteen ounces of thin gruel.

Use

as a purgative.

516. Opium

Rub three grains of opium with two ounces of starch, then add two ounces of warm water.

Use

as an anodyne in colic, spasms, &c.

517. Oil

Mix four ounces of olive oil with half an ounce of mucilage and half a pint of warm water.

Use

as a demulcent.

518. Asafœtida

Mix one drachm of the tincture of asafœtida in a pint of barley water.

Use

as an anthelmintic, or in convulsions from teething.

519. Gargles

These are remedies used to stimulate chronic sore throats, or a relaxed state of the swallow, or uvula.

520. Acidulated

Mix one part of white vinegar with three parts of honey of roses, and twenty-four of barley water.

Use

in chronic inflammation of the throat, malignant sore throat, &c.

521. Astringent

Take two drachms of roses and mix with eight ounces of boiling water, infuse for one hour, strain, and add one drachm of alum and one ounce of honey of roses.

Use

for severe sore throat, relaxed uvula, &c.

Violent Passions Lead to Great Depressions.

522. For Salivation

Mix from one to four drachms of bruised gall-nuts with a pint of boiling water, and infuse for two hours, then strain and sweeten.

523. Tonic and Stimulant

Mix six ounces of decoction of bark with two ounces of tincture of myrrh, and half a drachm of diluted sulphuric acid.

Use

in scorbutic affections.

524. Alum

Dissolve one drachm of alum in fifteen ounces of water, then add half an ounce of treacle, and one drachm of diluted sulphuric acid.

Use

as an astringent.

525. Myrrh

Add six drachms of tincture of myrrh to seven ounces of infusion of linseed, and then add one drachm of diluted sulphuric acid.

Use

as a detergent.

526. For Slight Inflammation of the Throat

Add one drachm of sulphuric ether to half an ounce of syrup of marsh-mallows, and six ounces of barley water. This may be used frequently.

527. Lotions

Lotions are usually applied to the parts required by means of a piece of linen rag or piline, wetted with them, or by wetting the bandage itself.

They are for

outward application only

528. Emollient

Use decoction of marsh-mallow or linseed.

529. Elder Flowers

Add two drachms and a half of elder flowers to one quart of boiling water, infuse for one hour, and strain.

Use

as a discutient.

530. Sedative

Dissolve one drachm of extract of henbane in twenty-four drachms of water.

531. Opium

Mix two drachms of bruised opium with half a pint of boiling water.

Use

, when cold, for painful ulcers, bruises, &c.

532. Stimulant

Dissolve one drachm of caustic potash in one pint of water, and then gradually pour it upon twenty-four grains of camphor and one drachm of sugar, previously bruised together in a mortar.

Use

for fungoid and flabby ulcers.

533. Ordinary

Mix one drachm of salt with eight ounces of water.

Use

for foul ulcers and flabby wounds.

534. Cold Evaporating

Add two drachms of Goulard's extract, and the same quantity of sulphuric ether to a pint of cold water.

Use

as lotion for contusions, sprains, inflamed parts, &c.

535. Hydrochlorate of Ammonia

Dissolve two drachms of sal ammoniac in six ounces of water, then add an ounce of distilled vinegar and the same quantity of rectified spirit.

Use

as a refrigerant.

536. Yellow Lotion

Dissolve one grain of corrosive sublimate in an ounce of lime water, taking care to bruise the crystals of the salt in order to assist its solution.

Use

as a detergent.

Note

, that corrosive sublimate is a

violent and deadly poison

537. Black Wash

Add half a drachm of calomel to four ounces of lime water, or eight grains to an ounce of lime water; shake well.

Use

as a detergent.

538. Acetate of Lead with Opium

Take twenty grains of acetate of lead, and a drachm of powdered opium, mix, and add an ounce of vinegar and four ounces of warm water, set aside for an hour, then filter.

Use

as an astringent.

539. Creosote

Add a drachm of creosote to a pint of water, and mix by shaking.

Use

as an application in cutaneous diseases.

540. Galls

Boil one drachm of bruised galls in twelve ounces of water until only half a pint remains, then strain, and add one ounce of laudanum.

Use

as an astringent and sedative.

541. Ointments and Cerates

These remedies are used as local applications to parts, generally ulcers. They are usually spread upon linen or other materials.

542. Camphorated

Mix half an ounce of camphor with one ounce of lard, having, of course, previously powdered the camphor, by adding a few drops of spirits of wine.

Use

as a discutient and stimulant in indolent tumours.

543. Chalk

Mix as much prepared chalk as you can into some lard, so as to form a thick ointment.

Use

as an application to burns and scalds.

544. For Itch

Mix four drachms of sublimed sulphur, two ounces of lard, and half a drachm of diluted sulphuric acid together.

Use

as an ointment to be rubbed into the body.

545. For Scrofulous Ulcerations

Mix one drachm of ioduret of zinc and one ounce of lard together.

Use

twice a day to the ulcerations.

546. Catechu

Mix one ounce of powdered catechu, two drachms and a half of powdered alum, one ounce of powdered white resin, and two ounces and a half of olive oil, together.

Use

for flabby and indolent ulcerations.

547. Tartar Emetic

Mix twenty grains of tartar emetic and ten grains of white sugar with one drachm and a half of lard.

Use

as a counter-irritant in white swellings, &c.

548. Pills

549. Strong Purgative

Take of powdered aloes, scammony, and gamboge, each fifteen grains, mix, and add sufficient Venice turpentine to make into a mass, then divide into twelve pills.

Dose

, one or two occasionally.

550. Milder Purgative

Take four grains of powdered scammony and the same quantity of compound extract of colocynth, and two grains of calomel; mix well, and add two drops of oil of cloves, or thin gum-water, to enable the ingredients to combine properly, and divide into two pills.

Dose

, one or two when necessary.

551. Common Purgative

Take of powdered jalap and compound extract of colocynth each four grains, of calomel two grains, mix as usual, and divide into two pills.

Dose

, one or two occasionally.

552. Tonic

Mix twenty-four grains of extract of gentian and the same of purified green vitriol (

sulphate of iron

) together, and divide into twelve pills.

Dose

, one or two when necessary. Use in debility.

553. Cough

Mix one drachm of compound powder of ipecacuanha with one scruple of gum ammoniacum and one of dried squill bulb in powder. Make into a mass with mucilage, and divide into twenty pills.

Dose

, one, three times a day.

554. Astringent

Mix sixteen grains of acetate of lead (

sugar of lead

) with four grains of opium, and make into a mass with extract of dandelion, so as to make eight pills.

Dose

, from one to two. Use as an astringent in obstinate diarrhœa, dysentery, and spitting of blood.

555. Mixtures

556. Fever, Simple

Add three ounces of spirit of mindererus (

Liquor ammonia acetatis

), three drachms of spirits of sweet nitre, four drachms of antimonial wine, and a drachm of syrup of saffron, to four ounces of water, or medicated water, such as cinnamon, aniseed, &c.

Dose

, for an adult, one or two tablespoonfuls every three hours. Use as a diaphoretic.

557. Aromatic

Mix two drachms of aromatic confection with two drachms of compound tincture of cardamoms, and eight ounces of peppermint water.

Dose

, from one ounce to one and a half. Use in flatulent colic and spasms of the bowels.

558. Cathartic

Dissolve two ounces of Epsom salts in six ounces of compound infusion of senna, then add two ounces of peppermint water.

Dose

, from one and a half to two ounces. Use as a warm and active cathartic.

559. Diuretic

Dissolve one drachm of powdered nitre in three ounces of camphor mixture; add five ounces of the decoction of broom, with six drachms of sweet spirits of nitre, and three drachms of tincture of squills; mix.

Dose

, one teaspoonful every two hours, or two tablespoonfuls every three hours. Use, excellent in dropsies

560. Cough

Dissolve three grains of tartar emetic and fifteen grains of opium in one pint of boiling water, then add four ounces of treacle, two ounces of vinegar, and one pint more of boiling water.

Dose

, from two teaspoonfuls to two tablespoonfuls, according to circumstances, every three hours, or three times a day. Use in common catarrh, bronchitis, and irritable cough.

561. Cough (for Children)

Mix three drachms of ipecacuanha wine with half an ounce of oxymel of squills, the same quantity of spirits of tolu, one ounce of mucilage, and two ounces of water.

Dose

, one teaspoonful for children under one year, two teaspoonfuls from one to five years, and a tablespoonful from five years, every time the cough is troublesome.

562. Antispasmodic

Dissolve fifty grains of camphor in two drachms of chloroform, and then add two drachms of compound tincture of lavender, six drachms of mucilage of gum arabic, eight ounces of aniseed, cinnamon, or some other aromatic water, and two ounces of distilled water; mix well.

Dose

, one tablespoonful every half hour if necessary. Use in cholera in the cold stage, when cramps are severe, or exhaustion very great; and as a general antispasmodic in doses of one dessert spoonful when the spasms are severe.

563. Tonic and Stimulant

Dissolve one drachm of extract of bark, and half a drachm of powdered gum arabic, in six ounces of water, and then add one ounce of syrup of marshmallow, and the same quantity of syrup of tolu.

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

1. 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.

1. Powdered rhubarb, Socotrine aloes, and gum mastic, each one scruple; make into twelve pills: one before and one after dinner.

1. Compound extract of colocynth, extract of jalap, and Castile soap, of each one scruple; make into twelve pills.

1. 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.

1. 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.

1. Powdered rhubarb, four grains; mercury and chalk, three grains; ginger in powder, one grain: an alterative aperient for children.

1. 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.

1. 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.

1. 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.

1. 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.

1. Pills of soap and opium, five grains for a dose, as directed.

1. Ammoniated tincture of valerian, six drachms; camphor mixture, seven ounces; a fourth part three times a day; in spasmodic and hysterical disorders.

1. 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.

1. 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.

1. 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.

1. 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.

1. Compound infusion of roses, seven ounces; tincture of myrrh, one ounce.

1. 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.

1. Blue pill, four grains; opium, half a grain: to be taken three times a day.

1. 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.

1. Chalk mixture, seven ounces; aromatic and opiate confection, of each one drachm; tincture of catechu, six drachms: two tablespoonfuls every two hours.

1. Carbonate of soda, powdered rhubarb, and Castile soap, each one drachm; make thirty-six pills; three twice a day.

1. Lotion.—Common salt, one ounce, distilled water, seven ounces; spirit of wine, one ounce: mix.

1. 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.

1. Compound powder of ipecacuanha, ten grains; powdered guaiacum, four grains: in a powder at bedtime.

1. Brandish's solution of potash; thirty drops twice a day in a wineglass of beer.

1. 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.

1. Flowers of sulphur, two ounces; hog's lard, four ounces; white hellebore powder, half an ounce: oil of lavender, sixty drops.

1. Hydriodate of potass, two drachms; distilled water, eight ounces.

1. 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.

1. 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.

1. 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.

1. Carbonate of iron, six grains; powdered rhubarb, four grains: one powder night and morning.

1. 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.

1. Sulphate of zinc, twelve grains; wine of opium, one drachm; rose water, six ounces.

1. 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.

1. Decoction of oak bark, a pint; dried alum, half an ounce: for an injection, a syringeful to be used night and morning.

1. 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.

1. Griffiths' mixture—one tablespoonful three times a day.

1. Ergot of rye, five grains; in a powder, to be taken every four hours. This should only be taken under medical advice and sanction.

1. Powdered opium, half a grain; camphor, two grains in a pill; to be taken every three or four hours whilst in pain.

1. Syrup of balsam of tolu, two ounces; the muriate of morphia, two grains; muriatic acid, twenty drops: a teaspoonful twice a day.

1. 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.

1. 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.

1. 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.

1. Carbonate of iron, three ounces; syrup of ginger, sufficient to make an electuary: a teaspoonful three times a day.

1. 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.

1. Spirit of rosemary, five parts; spirit of wine, or spirit of turpentine, one part.

1. 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

1. 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:

1. 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:

1. 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.

1. 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:

1. 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.

1. 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.

1. 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.

1. 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.

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

Domestic Pharmacopœia

Diseases

Prescriptions

, and

Poisons

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:

60 minims are contained in 1 fluid drachm

8 fluid drachms are contained in 1 fluid ounce

20 fluid ounces are contained in a pint

8 pints are contained in 1 gallon

And the signs which distinguish each are as follows:

c a gallon

o a pint

fl. a fluid ounce

fl. a fluid drachm

m a minim, or drop

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:

A tumbler usually contains about 10 ounces

A cup usually contains about 6 ounces

A wineglass usually contains about 2 ounces

A tablespoon usually contains about 4 drachms

A dessertspoon usually contains about 2 drachms

A teaspoon usually contains about 1 drachm

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.

Age Proportion Proportionate Dose

7 weeks one-fifteenth or grains 4

7 months one-twelfth or grains 5

under 2 years one-eighth or grains 7.5

under 3 years one-sixth or grains 10

under 4 years one-fourth or grains 15

under 7 years one-third or scruple 1

under 14 years one-half or drachm 1/2

under 20 years two-fifths or scruples 2

above 21 years the full dose

above 65 years the inverse gradation

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

1. General stimulants;
2. Local stimulants;
3. Chemical remedies;
4. 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

1340

1367

), 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

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

Catechu

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

Domestic Pharmacopœia,

), 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

Venice turpentine

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

used internally

in the same diseases as linseed.

The leaves are

used externally

as a fomentation, and the boiled roots are bruised and applied as an emollient poultice.

Dose

, the same as for linseed.

791. Mallow

Mallow is

used externally

as a fomentation and poultice in inflammation, and the infusion is

used internally

in dysentery, diseases of the kidneys, and the same diseases as marsh-mallow and linseed. It is also used as an enema.

Dose

, same as for linseed and marsh-mallow.

792. Liquorice

Liquorice is an agreeable demulcent, and is given in the form of decoction in catarrh, and some forms of dyspepsia, and the extract is used in catarrh.

Dose

, of the

extract

, from ten grains to one drachm; of the

decoction

, from two to four ounces.

793. Arrowroot etc.

Arrowroot, islinglass, almonds, suet, and wax, are too well known to require descriptions. (

See par

, for "Almond Confection" for preparations.)

794. Diluents

These are chiefly watery compounds, such as weak tea, water, thin broth, gruel, weak infusions of balm, hore-hound, pennyroyal, ground ivy, mint, and sage.

795. Emollients

These consist of unctuous remedies, such as cerates and ointments, and any materials that combine heat with moisture, —poultices of bread, bran, linseed meal, carrots, and turnips. (

See par

796. Domestic Surgery

This will comprise such hints and advice as will enable any one to act on an emergency, or in ordinary trivial accidents requiring simple treatment: and also to distinguish between serious and simple accidents, and the best means to adopt in all cases that are likely to fall under a person's notice.

These hints will be of the utmost value to heads of families, to emigrants, and to persons who are frequently called upon to attend the sick. We strongly recommend the Parent, Emigrant, and Nurse,

to read over these directions occasionally

, —to regard it as a duty to do so at least three or four times a year, so as to be prepared for emergencies whenever they may arise. When accidents occur, people are too excited to acquire immediately a knowledge of what they should do; and many lives have been lost for want of this knowledge.

Study, therefore, at moderate intervals, the

Domestic Surgery

Treatment of Poisons

Rules for the Prevention of Accidents

How to Escape from Fires

the Domestic Pharmacopœia

&c.

, which will he found in various pages of

Enquire Within

And let it be impressed upon your mind that

The Index

will enable you to refer to

anything

you may require

In A Moment

. Don't trouble to hunt through the pages; but when you wish to

Enquire Within

, remember that the

Index

is the knocker, by which the door of knowledge may be opened.

To-morrow, Cries Too Late to be Forgiven.

797. Dressings

These are substances usually applied to parts for the purpose of soothing, promoting their reunion when divided, protecting them from external injuries, absorbing discharges, protecting the surrounding parts, insuring cleanliness, and as a means of applying various medicines.

798. Certain Instruments

Certain Instruments are required for the application of dressings in domestic surgery, viz.—scissors, a pair of tweezers or simple forceps, a knife, needles and thread, a razor, a lancet, a piece of lunar caustic in a quill, and a sponge.

799. Materials for dressings

These consist of lint, scraped linen, carded cotton, tow, ointment spread on calico, adhesive plaster, compresses, pads, bandages, poultices, old rags of linen or calico, and water.

800. Rules

The following rules should be attended to in applying dressings:

1. Always prepare the new dressing before removing the old one.

1. Always have hot and cold water at hand, and a vessel to place the foul dressings in.

1. Have one or more persons at hand ready to assist, and, to prevent confusion, tell each person what they are to do before you commence; thus, one is to wash out and hand the sponges, another to heat the adhesive plaster, or hand the bandages and dressings, and, if requisite, a third to support the limb, &c.

1. Always stand on the outside of a limb to dress it.

1. Place the patient in as easy a position as possible, so as not to fatigue him.

1. Arrange the bed after changing the dressings; but in some cases you will have to do so before the patient is placed on it.

1. Never be in a hurry when applying dressings, do it quietly.

1. When a patient requires moving from one bed to another, the best way is for one person to stand on each side of the patient, and each to place an arm behind his back, while he passes his arms over their necks, then let their other arms be passed under his thighs, and by holding each other's hands, the patient can be raised with ease, and removed to another bed. If the leg is injured, a third person should steady it; and if the arm, the same precaution should be adopted. Sometimes a stout sheet is passed under the patient, and by several people holding the sides, thy patient is lifted without any fatigue or much disturbance.

801. Lint, how made

Lint, how made. This may be quickly made by nailing a piece of old linen on a board, and scraping its surface with a knife. It is used either alone or spread with ointment. Scraped lint is the fine filaments from ordinary lint, and is used to stimulate ulcers and absorb discharges; it is what the French call

charpie

802. Uses of Scraped Lint

This is made into various shapes for particular purposes. When it is screwed up into a conical or wedge-like shape, it is called a

tent

, and is used to dilate fistulous openings, so as to allow the matter to escape freely; and to plug wounds, so as to promote the formation of a clot of blood, and thus arrest bleeding. When rolled into little balls, called

boulettes

, it is used for absorbing matter in cavities, or blood in wounds. Another useful form is made by rolling a mass of scraped lint into a long roll, and then tying it in the middle with a piece of thread; the middle is then doubled and pushed into a deep-seated wound, so as to press upon the bleeding vessel, while the ends remain loose and assist in forming a clot; or it is used in deep-seated ulcers to absorb the matter and keep the edges apart. This form is called the

bourdonnet

. Another form is called the

pelote

, which is merely a ball of scraped lint tied up in a piece of linen rag, commonly called a dabber. This is used in the treatment of protrusion of the navel in children.

803. Carded Cotton

Carded cotton is used as a dressing for superficial burns, and care should be taken to free it from specks, as flies are apt to lay their eggs there, and generate maggots.

804. Tow

Tow is chiefly employed as a padding for splints, as a compress, and also as an outer dressing where there is much discharge from a surface.

805. Ointments

Ointments are spread on calicoes, lint, or even thin layers of tow, by means of a knife; they should not be spread too thick. Sometimes ointment is applied to discharging surfaces on a piece of linen, folded over on itself several times, and then cut at the corners with scissors, in order to make small holes in it. The matter discharged passes out freely through these holes, and is received in a layer of tow spread over the linen.

806. Adhesive Plaster

Adhesive plaster is cut into strips, ranging in width, according to the nature of the wound, &c., but the usual width is about three-quarters of an inch. Isinglass plaster is not so irritating as diachylon, and is more easily removed.

807. Compresses

Compresses are made of pieces of linen, calico, lint, or tow, doubled or cut into various shapes, according to the purposes for which they are required. They are used to confine dressings in their places, and to apply an equal pressure on parts. They should be free from darns, hems, and knots. Ordinary compresses are square, oblong, and triangular. Compresses are also graduated by placing square pieces of folded cloth on one another, so arranged that they decrease in size each time. They are used for keeping up pressure upon certain parts.

808. Pads

Pads are made by sewing tow inside pieces of linen, or folding linen and sewing the pieces together. They are used to keep off pressure from parts such as that caused by splints in fractures.

809. Poultices

Poultices are usually made of linseed meal, oatmeal, or bread, either combined with water or other fluids; sometimes they are made of carrots, charcoal, potatoes, yeast, and linseed meal, mustard, &c., but the best and most economical kind of poultice is a fabric made of sponge and wool felted together, and backed by Indian rubber, called "spongio piline."

The method of using this poultice is as follows:— A piece of the material of the required form and size is cut off, and the edges are pared or bevelled off with a pair of scissors, so that the caoutchouc may come in contact with the surrounding skin, in order to prevent evaporation of the fluid used; for, as it only forms the vehicle, the various poultices generally used can be employed with much less expenditure of time and money, and increased cleanliness.

For example,—a

vinegar

poultice is made by moistening the fabric with distilled vinegar; an

alum

poultice, by using a strong solution of alum; a

charcoal

poultice, by sprinkling powdered charcoal on the moistened surface of the material; a

yeast

poultice, by using warmed yeast, and moistening the fabric with hot water, which is to be well squeezed out previous to the absorption of the yeast; a

beer

poultice, by employing warm porter-dregs or strong beer as the fluid; and a

carrot

poultice, by using the expressed and evaporated liquor of boiled carrots.

Spongio-piline costs about one farthing a square inch, and may be obtained of the chemist. As a fomentation it is most invaluable, and by moistening the material with compound camphor liniment or hartshorn, it acts the same as a mustard poultice.

To-morrow, Dies in Anguish and Despair.

810. Mustard Poultices

These may be made of the mustard powder alone, or in combination with bread crumbs, or linseed meal. When mustard only is used, the powder should be moistened with water, and the paste thus produced spread on a piece of linen, and covered with muslin to intervene between the mustard and the skin. When mixed with linseed the powder and the meal may be incorporated before water is added, or the meal may be moistened and spread on linen for application, and the mustard be then strewn on the surface, more or less thickly according to the age of the patient. Rigollot's Mustard leaves, which can be procured from any chemist, are now much used in the place of mustard poultices. They only require wetting before application, and are both clean and economical.

811. Bandages

Bandages are strips of calico, linen, flannel, muslin, elastic webbing, bunting, or some other substance, of various lengths, and from one to six inches wide, free from hems or darns, soft and unglazed. They are better after they have been washed. Their uses are to retain dressings, apparatus, or parts of the body in their proper positions, support the soft parts, and maintain equal pressure.

812. Simple and Compound Bandages

Bandages are simple and compound; the former are simple slips rolled up tightly like a roll of ribbon. There is also another simple kind, which is rolled from both ends—this is called a double-headed bandage. The compound bandages are formed of many pieces.

813. Bandages for Different Parts of the Body

Bandages for the head should be two inches wide and five yards long; for the neck, two inches wide, and three yards long; for the arm, two inches wide, and seven yards long; for the leg, two inches and a half wide and seven yards long; for the thigh three inches wide, and eight yards long; and for the body, four or six inches wide and ten or twelve yards long.

814. To Apply a Single-Headed Bandage

To apply a single-headed bandage, lay the

outside of the end

near to the part to be bandaged, and hold the roll between the little, ring and middle fingers, and the palm of the left hand, using the thumb and forefinger of the same hand to guide it, and the right hand to keep it firm, and pass the bandage partly round the leg towards the left hand. It is sometimes necessary to reverse this order, and therefore it is well to be able to use both hands.

Particular parts require a different method of applying bandages, and therefore it is necessary to describe the most useful separately; and there are different ways of putting on the same bandage, which consist in the manner the folds or turns are made. For example, the

circular

bandage is formed by horizontal turns, each of which overlaps the one made before it; the

spiral

consists of spiral turns; the

oblique

follows a course oblique or slanting to the centre of the limb; and the

recurrent

folds back again to the part whence it started.

815. Circular Bandages

Circular bandages are used for the

neck

, to retain dressings on any part of it, or for blisters, setons, &c.; for the

head

, to keep dressings on the forehead or any part contained within a circle passing round the head; for the

arm

, previous to bleeding; for the

leg

, above the knee; and for the

fingers

, &c.

816. To Confine the Ends of Bandages

To confine the ends of bandages some persons use pins, others slit the end for a short distance, and tie the two strips into a knot, and some use a strip of adhesive plaster. Always place the point of a pin in such a position that it cannot prick the patient, or the person dressing the limb, or be liable to be drawn out by using the limb; therefore, as a general rule, turn the head of the pin from the free end of the bandage, of towards the upper part of the limb. The best mode is to

sew

the bandage on. A few stitches will hold it more securely than pins can.

Little Deeds are Like Little Seeds.

817. The Oblique Bandage

The oblique bandage is generally used for arms and legs, to retain dressings.

818. The Spiral Bandage

The spiral bandage is generally applied to the trunk and extremities, but is apt to fall off even when very carefully applied; therefore the recurrent bandage, which folds back again, is generally used.

819. The Recurrent Bandage

The recurrent bandage is the best kind of bandage that we can employ for general purposes. The method of putting it on the leg is as follows: —Apply the end of the bandage that is free, with the outside of it next the skin, and hold this end with the finger and thumb of the left hand, while some one supports the heel of the patient; then with the right hand pass the bandage over the piece you are holding, and keep it crossed thus, until you can place your right forefinger upon the spot where it crosses the other bandage, where it must be kept firm. Now hold the roll of the bandage in your left hand, with the palm turned upwards, and

taking care to keep that part of the bandage between your right forefinger, and the roll in your left hand, quite slack

; turn your left hand over, and bring the bandage down upon the leg; then pass the roll under the leg towards your right hand, and repeat this until the leg is bandaged up to the knee, taking care

not to drag

the bandage at any time during the process of bandaging. When you arrive at the knee, pass the bandage round the leg in circles just below the knee, and pin it as usual.

Bandaging is very easy, and if you once see any one apply a bandage properly, and attend to these rules, there will not be any difficulty; but bear one thing in mind, without which you will never put on a bandage even decently; and that is,

never to drag

or pull at a bandage, but make the turns while it is slack, and you have your right forefinger placed upon the point where it is to be folded down. When a limb is properly bandaged, the folds should run in a line corresponding to the shin-bone. Use, to retain dressings, and for varicose veins.

820. A Bandage for the Chest

A bandage for the chest is always placed upon the patient in a sitting posture; and it may be put on in circles, or spirally. Use, in fractures of the ribs, to retain dressings, and after severe contusions.

821. A Bandage for the Belly

A bandage for the belly is placed on the patient as directed for the chest, carrying it spirally from above downwards. Use, to compress belly after dropsy, or retain dressings.

822. Bandaging the Hand

The hand is bandaged by crossing the bandage over the back of the hand Use, to retain dressings.

823. Different Bandages for the Head

For the head, a bandage may be circular, or spiral, or both; in the latter case, commence by placing one circular turn just over the ears; then bring down from left to right, and round the head again, so as to alternate a spiral with a circular turn. Use, to retain dressings on the head or over the eye; but this form soon gets slack. The circular bandage is the best, crossing it over both eyes.

824. For the Foot

Place the end just above the outer ankle, and make two circular turns, to prevent its slipping: then bring it down from the inside of the foot over the instep towards the outer part; pass it under the sole of the foot, and upwards and inward over the instep towards the inner ankle, then round the ankle and repeat again. Use, to retain dressings to the instep, heel, or ankle.

825. For the Leg and Foot

For the leg and foot, commence and proceed as directed in the preceding paragraph; then continue if up the leg as ordered in the

Recurrent Bandage

826. Substitutes

As it sometimes happens that it is necessary to apply a bandage at once, and the materials are not at hand it is desirable to know how to substitute something else

that any one may apply with ease

. This can be readily done with handkerchiefs.

They Grow to Flowers, or to Weeds.

827. Handkerchiefs

Any ordinary handkerchief will do; but a square of linen folded into various shapes answers better. The shapes generally required are as follows:—The triangle, the long square, the cravat, and the cord.

828. The Triangular Handkerchief

The triangular handkerchief is made by folding it from corner to corner. Use, as a bandage for the head.

Application

.—Place the base round the head, and the short part hanging down behind, then tie the long ends over it.

829. The Long Square

The long square is made by folding the handkerchief in three. Use, as a bandage to the ribs, belly, &c. If one handkerchief is not long enough, sew two together.

830. The Cravat

The cravat is folded as usual with cravats. Use, as a bandage for the head, arms, legs, feet, neck, &c.

831. The Cord

The cord is used to compress vessels, when a knot is made in it, and placed over the vessel to be compressed. It is merely a handkerchief twisted in its diagonal.

832. Multiple Handkerchiefs

Two or more handkerchiefs must sometimes be applied, as in a broken collar-bone, or when it is necessary to keep dressings under the arm. The bandage is applied by knotting the opposite comers of one handkerchief together, and passing the left arm through it, then passing another handkerchief under the right arm, and tying it. By this means we can brace the shoulders well back, and the handkerchief will press firmly over the broken collar-bone: besides, this form of bandage does not readily slip or get slack, but it requires to be combined with the sling, in order to keep the arm steady.

833. For an Inflamed Breast

For an inflamed breast that requires support, or dressings to be kept to it, pass one corner over the shoulder, bring the body of it over the breast, and pass it upwards and backwards under the arm of that side, and tie the opposite corners together.

834. An Excellent Sling

An excellent sling is formed by placing one handkerchief around the neck, and knotting opposite corners ever the breast bone, then placing the other in triangle under the arm, to be supported with the base near to the hand; tie the ends over the handkerchief, and pin the top to the other part, after passing it around the elbow.

835. Apparatus

When a person receives a severe contusion of the leg or foot, or breaks his leg, or has painful ulcers over the leg, or is unable from some cause to bear the pressure of the bedclothes, it is advisable to know how to keep them from hurting the leg. This may be done by bending up a fire-guard, or placing a chair, resting upon the edge of its back and front of the seat, over the leg, or putting a box on each side of it, and placing a plank ever them; but the best way is to make a

cradle

, as it is called. This is done by getting three pieces of wood, and three pieces of iron wire, and passing the wire or hoop through the wood. This can be placed to any height, and is very useful in all cases where pressure cannot be borne. Wooden hoops cut in halves answer better than the wire.

836. When a Person Breaks his Leg

When a person breaks his leg, and

splints

cannot he had directly, get bunches of straw or twigs, roll them up in handkerchiefs, and placing one on each side of the leg or arm, bind another handkerchief firmly around them; or make a long bag about three inches in diameter, or even more, of coarse linen duck, or carpet, and stuff this full of bran, sawdust, or sand, sew up the end, and use this the same as the twigs. It forms an excellent extemporaneous splint. Another good plan is to get a hat-box made of chip, and cut it into suitable lengths; or for want of all these, take some bones out of a pair of stays, and run them through a stout piece of rug, protecting the leg with a fold of rug, linen, &c. A still better splint or set of splints can be extemporized by cutting a sheet of thick pasteboard into proper sized slips, then passing each piece through a basin of hot water to soften it. It is then applied to the fractured limb like an ordinary splint, when it hardens as it dries, taking the exact shape of the part to which it is applied.

Good-Nature Collects Honey from Every Herb.

837. Applying Dry Warmth

When dry warmth is required to be applied to any part of the body, fry a flour pancake and lay it over the part; or warm some sand and place in the patient's socks, and lay it to the part; salt put into a paper bag does as well; or warm water put into a stone jar, and rolled up in flannel.

838. Minor Operations.

839. Bleeding

Bleeding is sometimes necessary at once in certain accidents, such as concussion, and therefore it is well to know how to do this. First of all, bind up the arm above the elbow with a piece of bandage or a handkerchief pretty firmly, then place your finger over one of the veins at the bend of the arm, and feel if there is any pulsation; if there is, try another vein, and if it does not pulsate or beat, choose that one. Now rub the arm from the wrist towards the elbow, place the left thumb upon the vein, and hold the lancet as you would a pen, and nearly at right angles to the vein, taking care to prevent its going in too far, by keeping the thumb near to the point, and resting the hand upon the little finger. Now place the point of the lancet on the vein, push it suddenly inwards, depress the elbow, and raise the hand upwards and outwards, so as to

cut obliquely across

the vein.

When sufficient blood is drawn off, which is known by feeling the pulse at the wrist, and near the thumb, bandage the arm. If the pulse feel like a piece of cord, more blood should be taken away, but if it is soft, and can be easily pressed, the bleeding should be stopped. When you bandage the arm, place a piece of lint over the opening made by the lancet, and pass a bandage lightly but firmly around the arm, so as to cross it over the bend of the elbow, in form of a figure 8.

840. Dry Cupping

Dry cupping is performed by throwing a piece of paper dipped into spirit of wine, and ignited, into a wineglass, and placing it over the part, such as the neck, temples, &c. It thus draws the flesh into the glass, and causes a determination of blood to the part, which is useful in headache, and many other complaints. This is an excellent method of extracting the poison from wounds made by adders, mad dogs, fish, &c.

841. Ordinary Cupping

Ordinary cupping is performed the same as dry cupping, with this exception, that the part is scarified or scratched with a lancet, so as to cause the blood to flow; or by the application of a scarificator, which makes by one action from seven to twenty-one light superficial cuts. Then the glass is placed over it again with the lighted paper in it, and when sufficient blood has been taken away, the parts are then sponged, and a piece of sticking plaster placed over them.

842. Leeches and their Application

The leech used for medical purposes is called the

hirudo medicinalis

to distinguish it from other varieties, such as the horse-leech and the Lisbon leech. It varies from two to four inches in length, and is of a blackish brown colour, marked on the back with six yellow spots, and edged with a yellow line on each side. Formerly leeches were supplied by Lincolnshire, Yorkshire, and other fenny countries, but latterly most of the leeches are procured from France, where they are now becoming scarce.

843. When Leeches are Applied

When leeches are applied to a part, it should be thoroughly freed from down or hair by shaving, and all liniments, &c., carefully and effectually cleaned away by washing. If the leech is hungry it will soon bite, but sometimes great difficulty is experienced in getting them to fasten. When this is the case, roll the leech into a little porter, or moisten the surface with a little blood, or milk, or sugar and water. Leeches may be applied by holding them over the part with a piece of linen cloth, or by means of an inverted glass, under which they must be placed.

844. When applied to the Gums

When applied to the gums, care should be taken to use a leech glass, as they are apt to creep down the patient's throat: a large swan's quill will answer the purpose of a leech glass. When leeches are gorged they will drop off themselves; never

tear

them off from a person, but just dip the point of a moistened finger into some salt and touch them with it.

Ill-Nature Sucks Poison from the Sweetest Flower.]

845. Quantity Removed

Leeches are supposed to abstract about two drachms of blood, or six leeches draw about an ounce; but this is independent of the bleeding after they have come off, and more blood generally flows then than during the time they are sucking. The total amount of blood drawn and subsequently lost by each leech-bite, is nearly half an ounce.

846. After Leeches Come Away

After leeches come away, encourage the bleeding by flannels dipped in hot water and wrung out dry, and then apply a warm spongiopiline poultice. If the bleeding is not to be encouraged, cover the bites with a rag dipped in olive oil, or spread with spermaceti ointment, having previously sponged the parts clean.

847. When Bleeding Continues

When bleeding continues from leech-bites, and it is desirable to stop it, apply pressure with the fingers over the part, or dip a rag in a strong solution of alum and lay over them, or use the tincture of sesquichloride of iron, or apply a leaf of matico to them, placing the under surface of the leaf next to the skin, or touch each bite with a finely-pointed piece of lunar caustic, or lay a piece of lint soaked in the extract of lead over the bites; and if all these tried in succession fail, pass a fine needle through a fold of the skin so as to include the bite, and twist a piece of thread round it. Be sure never to allow any one to go to sleep with leech-bites bleeding, without watching them carefully; and never apply too many to children; or place them where their bites can be compressed if necessary. In other words,

never apply leeches to children except over a bone

848. After Leeches have been Used

After leeches have been used they should be placed in water containing sixteen per cent. of salt, which facilitates the removal of the blood they contain; and they should afterwards be placed one by one in warm water, and the blood forced out by _gentle_ pressure. The leeches should then be thrown into fresh water, which is to be renewed every twenty-four hours: they may then be re-applied after an interval of eight or ten days, and be disgorged a second time. The best plan, however, is to empty the leech by drawing the thumb and forefinger of the right hand along its body from the tail to the mouth, the leech being firmly held at the sucker extremity by the fingers of the left hand. By this means, with a few minutes' rest between each application, the same leech may be used four or five times in succession.

849. If a Leech be Accidentally Swallowed

If a leech be accidentally swallowed, or by any means should get into the body, employ an emetic, or enema of salt and water.

850. Scarification

Scarification is useful in severe contusions, and inflammation of parts. It is performed by scratching or slightly cutting through the skin with a lancet, holding the lancet as you would a pen when you are ruling lines on paper.

851. Terms used to express the Properties of Medicines

852. Absorbents

Absorbents are medicines which destroy acidity in the stomach and bowels, such as magnesia, prepared chalk, &c.

853. Alteratives

Alteratives are medicines which restore health to the constitution, without producing any sensible effect, such as sarsaparilla, sulphur, &c.

854. Analeptics

Analeptics are medicines that restore the strength which has been lost by sickness, such as gentian, bark, &c.

855. Anodynes

Anodynes are medicines which relieve pain, and they are divided into three kinds,

sedatives, hypnotics,

and

narcotics

(see these terms); camphor is anodyne as well as narcotic.

856. Antacids

Antacids are medicines which destroy acidity, such as lime, magnesia, soda, &c.

One Watch Set Right will Do to Set Many by.

857. Antalkalies

Antalkalies are medicines given to neutralize alkalies in the system, such as citric, nitric, and sulphuric, acids, &c.

858. Anthelmintics

Anthelmintics are medicines used to expel and destroy worms from the stomach and intestines, such as turpentine, cowhage, male fern, &c.

859. Antibilious

Antibilious are medicines which are useful in bilious affections, such as calomel, &c.

860. Antirheumatics

Antirheumatics are medicines used for the cure of rheumatism, such as colchicum, iodide of potash, &c.

861. Antiscorbutics

Antiscorbutics are medicines against scurvy, such as citric acid, &c.

862. Antiseptics

Antiseptics are substances used to correct putrefaction, such as bark, camphor, charcoal, vinegar, and creosote.

863. Antispasmodics

Antispasmodics are medicines which possess the power of overcoming spasms of the muscles, or allaying severe pain from any cause unconnected with inflammation, such as valerian, ammonia, opium, and camphor.

864. Aperients

Aperients are medicines which move the bowels gently, such as rhubarb, manna, and grey powder.

865. Aromatics

Aromatics are cordial, spicy, and agreeably-flavoured, medicines, such as cardamoms, cinnamon, &c.

866. Astringents

Astringents are medicines which contract the fibres of the body, diminish excessive discharges, and act indirectly as tonics, such as oak bark, galls, &c.

867. Attenuants

Attenuants are medicines which are supposed to thin the blood, such as ammoniated iron, &c.

868. Balsamics

Balsamics are medicines of a soothing kind, such as tolu, Peruvian balsam, &c.

869. Carminatives

Carminatives are medicines which allay pain in the stomach and bowels, and expel flatulence, such as aniseed water, &c.

870. Cathartics

Cathartics are strong purgative medicines, such as jalap, &c.

871. Cordials

Cordials are exhilarating and warming medicines, such as aromatic confection, &c.

872. Corroborants

Corroborants are medicines and food which increase the strength, such as iron, gentian, meat, and wine.

873. Demulcents

Demulcents correct acrimony, diminish irritation, and soften parts by covering their surfaces with a mild and viscid matter, such as linseed-tea, gum, mucilage, honey, and marsh-mallow.

874. Deobstruents

Deobstruents are medicines which remove obstructions, such as iodide of potash, &c.

875. Detergents

Detergents clean the surfaces over which they pass, such as soap, &c.

876. Diaphoretics

Diaphoretics produce perspiration, such as tartrate of antimony, James's powder, and camphor.

877. Digestives

Digestives are remedies applied to ulcers or wounds, to promote the formation of matter, such as resin, ointments, warm poultices, &c.

878. Discutients

Discutients possess the power of repelling or resolving tumours, such as galbanum, mercury, and iodine.

879. Diuretics

Diuretics act upon the kidneys and bladder, and increase the flow of urine, such as nitre, squills, cantharides, camphor, antimony, and juniper.

880. Drastics

Drastics are violent purgatives, such as gamboge, &c.

881. Emetics

Emetics produce vomiting, or the discharge of the contents of the stomach, such as mustard and hot water, tartar-emetic, ipecacuanha, sulphate of zinc, and sulphate of copper.

882. Emmenagogues

Emmenagogues are medicines which exercise a direct action on the uterus or womb, provoking the natural periodical secretion, such as castor, asafœtida, galbanum, iron, mercury, aloes, hellebore, savine, ergot of rye, juniper, and pennyroyal.

883. Emollients

Emollients are remedies used externally to soften the parts they are applied to, such as spermaceti, palm oil, &c.

884. Epispastics

Epispastics are medicines which blister or cause effusion of serum under the cuticle, such as Spanish flies, Burgundy pitch, rosin, and galbanum.

885. Errhines

Errhines are medicines which produce sneezing, such as tobacco, &c.

886. Escharotics

Escharotics are medicines which corrode or destroy the vitality of the part to which they are applied, such as lunar caustic, &c.

One that Goes Wrong may Mislead a Whole Neighbourhood.

887. Expectorants

Expectorants are medicines which increase expectoration, or the discharge from the bronchial tubes, such as ipecacuanha, squills, opium, ammoniacum.

888. Febrifuges

Febrifuges are remedies used in fevers, such as all the antimonials, bark, quinine, mineral acids, arsenic.

889. Hydragogues

Hydragogues are medicines which have the effect of removing the fluid of dropsy, by producing watery evacuations, such as gamboge, calomel, &c.

890. Hypnotics

Hypnotics are medicines that relieve pain by procuring sleep, such as hops, henbane, morphia, poppy.

891. Laxatives

Laxatives are medicines which cause the bowels to act rather more than natural, such as manna, &c.

892. Narcotics

Narcotics are medicines which cause sleep or stupor, and allay pain, such as opium, &c.

893. Nutrients

Nutrients are remedies that nourish the body, such as sugar, sago, &c.

894. Paregorics

Paregorics are medicines which actually assuage pain, such as compound tincture of camphor, henbane, hops, opium.

895. Prophylactics

Prophylactics are remedies employed to prevent the attack of any particular disease, such as quinine, &c.

896. Purgatives

Purgatives are medicines that promote the evacuation of the bowels, such as senna, aloes, jalap, salts.

897. Refrigerants

Refrigerants are medicines which suppress an unusual heat of the body, such as wood-sorrel, tamarind, &c.

898. Rubefacients

Rubefacients are medicaments which cause redness of the skin, such as mustard, &c.

899. Sedatives

Sedatives are medicines which depress the nervous energy, and destroy sensation, so as to compose, such as foxglove. (

See

Paregorics

900. Sialogogues

Sialogogues are medicines which promote the flow of saliva or spittle, such as salt, calomel, &c.

901. Soporifics

Soporifics are medicines which induce sleep, such as hops, &c.

902. Stimulants

Stimulants are remedies which increase the action of the heart and arteries, or the energy of the part to which they are applied, such as food, wine, spirits, ether, sassafras, which is an internal stimulant, and savine, which is an external one.

903. Stomachics

Stomachics restore the tone of the stomach, such as gentian, &c.

904. Styptics

Styptics are medicines which constrict the surface of a part, and prevent the effusion of blood, such as kino, Friar's balsam, extract of lead, and ice.

905. Sudorifics

Sudorifics promote profuse perspiration or sweating, such as ipecacuanha, antimony, James's powder, ammonia.

906. Tonics

Tonics give general strength to the constitution, restore the natural energies, and improve the tone of the system, such as all the vegetable bitters, most of the minerals, also some kinds of food, wine, and beer.

907. Vesicants

Vesicants are medicines which blister, such as strong liquid ammonia, &c.

908. Special Rules for the Prevention of Cholera

1. It is impossible to urge too strongly the necessity, in all cases of cholera, of instant recourse to medical aid, and also in every form and variety of indisposition; for all disorders are found to merge in the dominant disease.

1. Let immediate Relief be sought under disorder of the bowels especially, however slight. The invasion of cholera may thus be readily prevented.

1. Let every Impurity, animal and vegetable, be quickly removed to a distance from the habitation, such as slaughterhouses, pig-sties, cesspools, necessaries, and all other domestic nuisances.

1. Let all Uncovered Drains be carefully and frequently cleansed.

1. Let the Grounds in and around the habitation be drained, so as effectually to carry off moisture of every kind.

1. Let all Partitions he removed from within and without habitations, which unnecessarily impede ventilation.

1. Let every Room be daily thrown open for the admission of fresh air; this should be done about noon, when the atmosphere is most likely to be dry.

1. Let Dry Scrubbing be used in domestic cleansing in place of water cleansing.

1. Let excessive Fatigue, and exposure to damp and cold, especially during the night, be avoided.

1. Let the Use of Cold Drinks and acid liquors, especially under fatigue, be avoided, or when the body is heated.

1. Let the Use of Cold Acid Fruits and vegetables be avoided.

1. Let Excess in the use of ardent and fermented liquors and tobacco be avoided.

1. Let a Poor Diet, and the use of impure water in cooking, or for drinking, be avoided.

1. Let the Wearing of wet and insufficient clothes be avoided.

1. Let a Flannel or woollen belt be worn round the belly.

1. Let Personal Cleanliness be carefully observed.

1. Let every cause tending to depress the moral and physical energies be carefully avoided. Let exposure to extremes of heat and cold be avoided.

1. Let Crowding of persons within houses and apartments be avoided.

1. Let Sleeping in low or damp rooms be avoided.

1. Let Fires be kept up during the night in sleeping or adjoining apartments, the night being the period of most danger from attack, especially under exposure to cold or damp.

1. Let all Bedding and clothing be daily exposed during winter and spring to the fire, and in summer to the heat of the sun.

1. Let the Dead be buried in places remote from the habitations of the living. By the timely adoption of simple means such as these, cholera, or other epidemic, will be made to lose its venom.

The Loveliest Bird has No Song.

909. Rules for the Preservation of Health

910. Fresh Air

Pure atmospheric air is composed of nitrogen, oxygen, and a

very

small proportion of carbonic acid gas. Air once breathed has lost the chief part of its oxygen, and acquired a proportionate increase of carbonic acid gas.

Therefore

, health requires that we breathe the same air once only.

911. Diet and Exercise

The solid part of our Bodies is continually wasting, and requires to be repaired by fresh substances.

Therefore

, food which is to repair the loss, should be taken with due regard to the exercise and waste of the body.

912. Water

The fluid part of our bodies also wastes constantly; there is but one fluid in animals, which is water.

Therefore

, water only is necessary, and no artifice can produce a better drink.

913. Proportion of Food and Drink

The fluid of our bodies is to the solid in proportion as nine to one.

Therefore

, a like proportion should prevail in the total amount of food taken.

914. Sunshine

Light exercises an important influence upon the growth and vigour of animals and plants.

Therefore

, our dwellings should freely admit the solar rays.

915. Bad Odours

Decomposing animal and vegetable substances yield various noxious gases which enter the lungs and corrupt the blood.

Therefore

, all impurities should be kept away from our abodes, and every precaution be observed to secure a pure atmosphere.

916. Warmth

Warmth is essential to all the bodily functions.

Therefore

, an equal bodily temperature should be maintained by exercise, by clothing, or by fire.

917. Exercise and Clothing

Exercise warms, invigorates and purifies the body; clothing preserves the warmth the body generates; fire imparts warmth externally.

Therefore

, to obtain and preserve warmth, exercise and clothing are preferable to fire.

918. Ventilation

Fire consumes the Oxygen of the air, and produces noxious gases.

Therefore

, the air is less pure in the presence of candles, gas, or coal fire, than otherwise, and the deterioration should be repaired by increased ventilation.

So the Loveliest Woman may Lack Virtue.

919. Clean Skin

The skin is a highly-organized membrane, full of minute pores, cells, bloodvessels, and nerves; it imbibes moisture or throws it off, according to the state of the atmosphere and the temperature of the body. It also "breathes," as do the lungs (though less actively). All the internal organs sympathize with the skin.

Therefore

, it should be repeatedly cleansed.

920. Over-Work

Late hours and anxious pursuits exhaust the nervous system, and produce disease and premature death.

Therefore, the hours of labour and study should be short.

921. Body and Mind

Mental and bodily exercise are equally essential to the general health and happiness.

Therefore

, labour and study should succeed each other.

922. Over-Indulgence

Man will live most healthily upon simple solids and fluids, of which a sufficient but temperate quantity should be taken.

Therefore

, over indulgence in strong drinks, tobacco, snuff, opium, and all mere indulgences, should be avoided.

923. Moderate Temperature

Sudden alternations of heat and cold are dangerous (especially to the young and the aged).

Therefore

, clothing, in quantity and quality, should be adapted to the alternations of night and day, and of the seasons; and drinking cold water when the body is hot, and hot tea and soups when cold, are productive of many evils.

924. Summary

Moderation in eating and drinking, short hours of labour and study, regularity in exercise, recreation, and rest, cleanliness, equanimity of temper and equality of temperature, —these are the great essentials to that which surpasses all wealth,

health of mind and body

925. Homœopathy

926. Principle of Homœopathy

As homœopathy is now practised so widely and, indeed, preferred to the older system in many families, the Domestic Pharmacopœia could scarcely lay claim to be considered complete without a brief mention of the principal remedies used and recommended by homœopathic practitioners, and the disorders for which these remedies are specially applicable. The principle of homœopathy is set forth in the Latin words "

similia similibus curantur

," the meaning of which is "likes are cured by likes."

The meaning of this is simply that the homœopathist in order to cure a disease, administers a medicine which would produce in a perfectly healthy subject, symptoms

like

, but not

identical

with or the

same

as, the symptoms to counteract which the medicine is given. The homœopathic practitioner, therefore, first makes himself thoroughly acquainted with the symptoms that are exhibited by the sufferer; having ascertained these, in order to neutralize them and restore the state of the patient's health to a state of equilibrium, so to speak, he administers preparations that would produce symptoms of a like character in persons in good health.

It is not said, be it remembered, that the drug can produce in a healthy person the disease from which the patient is suffering: it is only advanced by homœopathists that the drug given has the power of producing in a person in health, symptoms similar to those of the disease under which the patient is languishing, and that the correct mode of treatment is to counteract the disease symptoms by the artificial production of similar symptoms by medicinal means, or in other words, to suit the medicine to the disorder, by a previously acquired knowledge of the effects of the drug, by experiment on a healthy person.

927. Allopathy

Allopathy is the name given to the older treatment of disorders, and the name is obtained from the fact, that the drugs given, do not produce symptoms corresponding to those of the disease for whose relief they are administered as in homœopathy. The introduction of the term is contemporary with homœopathy itself. It was merely given to define briefly the distinction that exists between the rival modes of treatment, and it has been accepted and adopted by all medical men who have no faith in homœopathy, and the treatment that its followers prescribe.

Deep Rivers Flow with Silent Majesty.

928. Comparison

Allopathic treatment is said to be experimental, while homeopathic treatment is based on certainty, resulting from experience. The allopathist tries various drugs, and if one medicine or one combination of drugs fails, tries another; but the homœopathist administers only such medicaments as may be indicated by the symptoms of the patient. If two drugs are given, as is frequently, and perhaps generally, the case, it is because the symptoms exhibited are of such a character that they cannot be produced in a healthy person by the action of one and the same drug, and, consequently cannot be counteracted or neutralized by the action of a single drug.

929. Homœopathic Medicines