it.

It prolongs life and adds materially to its comfort,

and little more than this can be said of most operations. But it must not be

postponed till the powers of life have become so exhausted as to render the

chances of recovery from the operation poor; or till the large intestine has

become so distended as to have become damaged or inflamed. It should be

undertaken as soon as it is clear that the local disease has passed beyond the

power of local treatment with any prospect of good, and the general powers

of the patient are beginning to fail; as soon as the local distress finds no relief

from palliative measures, and a downward coui'se, with unmixed anguish, is evidently approaching. The difiiculties of colotomy are not great, nor are its dangers

numerous. When unsuccessful, it is usually made so from the delay in its

performance; from want of power in the patient; or death has resulted from

the secondary effects of the disease on the abdominal viscera.

When most successful, it gives immediate relief to most of the symptoms,

and makes life worth living. When least so, by lessening pain, it renders

what remains of life endurable. The operation is now regarded as established,

and creditable to surgical art, and according to Curling; but, in the general

way, it has been postponed until too late a period to demonstrate its value.

—

HYDROPHOBIA.—

Treatment.

Cut off the bitten part, or apply

dry cupping, or suction, at once. Also the caustic potash.

The internal

remedies heretofore employed have had little success. Perhaps nothing now

known promises more than to keep the patient, for a long time, under the

influence of chloroform or ether.

The tincture of scullcap, in 2 or 3 dram

and is always worth using. It has been

proposed to clear the throat of the tough mucus by cauterizing it with a strong

doses, will allay the nervous agitation,

solution of nitrate of silver applied with a shower syringe.

The remedy is

worthy of a trial.

Some of

the Western physicians declare the red chickweed, or scarlet

pimpernell, to be an absolute

remarkable cases of its success.

remedy for this disease, and cite some quite

Four ozs. of this plant, in the dried state, are

directed to be boiled in 2 qts. of strong beer or ale, until t-he liquid

is

reduce<i

DB. CHASE'S RECIPES.

344

The liquid is to be pressed out and strained, and 2 drs. of laudanum

The dose for a grown person is a wine-glassful every morning,

for 3 mornings.

A larger dose is required if the disease has begun lo show

one half.

added to it.

itself;

and if the case be fully developed, the whole may be taken in a day.

The wound is to be bathed with the same decoction.

The medicine, it Is said,

produces profuse sweating. It is worth a trial.

Considerable has been said of late of a remedy used in some p".rts of

Europe, and said to be effectual. It is the " golden cenotides " (cetonia aurata),

or common rose beetle, found in large quantities on all rose trees. A similar

When collected, they are dried and

insect is said to infest the geranium plant.

powdered; and given in this form, relieve excitement (so it is said) of the brain

and nerves, and throw the patient into a sound sleep.

HEARTBURN. — What is commonly called heartburn

is not a disease

of the heart, but an uneasy sensation of heat or acrimony about the pit of the

stomach, accompanied sometimes by a rising in the throat like water.

Causes.

— Debility of the stomach

;

the food, instead of being properly

digested and turned into chyle, runs into fermentation, producing acetic acid;

sometimes the gastric juice itself turns acid, and causes it;

arises from bilious humors in the stomach.

Treatment.

—Take

1

at other times, it

tea-spoonful of the spirit of nitrous ether, in a glass

of water or a cup of tea; or a large tea-spoonful of magnesia, in a cup of tea,

or a glass of mint-water.

DISEASES OP THE HEART. — The heart, from the important

part which it plays in the animal economy, is subject to various, serious and

often fatal diseases.

Like the other viscera, it is removed from the eye, so that

but little knowledge of its condition can be obtained by inspection; and hence

we must have recourse to other means. The ear is the principal means of

obtaining a knowledge of the state of the heart, and by auscultation and percussion we are enabled to detect the existence of various diseases. The heart

gives out two sounds, known as the first and second, which are distinguished

from each other. The first sound is longer than the second, and the interval

between the first and second sounds is shorter than that between the second

and first. They have been compared to the two syllables lupp, dupp. Any

manifest alteration in these sounds is indicative of the existence of disease.

They may be high or low, clear or dull, muffled, rough, intermittent, etc.

Murmurs or regurgitant sounds may arise from disease of the valves. The

power of distinguishing between the normal and abnormal sounds of the heart,

and of the causes producing the latter, can only be obtained by lengthened

experience.

Diseases of the heart are usually divided into two classes- first,

Chief among the

functional or nervous; and second, structural or organic.

former are palpitations, syncope or fainting, and angina pectoris. They are

chiefly to be met with in persons of a naturally nervous temperament, more

especially women suffering from hysteria, or other like complaints, and may

be induced by great mental excitement. In such cases great attention should

be paid to the general health, and, by means of tonics, sea-bathing, and gentle

open-air exercise, the system is to be strengthened. Violent exertion and strong

TREATMENT OF DISEASES.

mental excitement are particularly to be avoided.

diseases to "which the heart

is

245

Among the principal organic

subject are pericarditis, carditis, endocarditis,

atrophy, hypertrophy, dilation and valvular diseases.

Treatment.

— In

all cases of

heart disease, the body and mind should be

tept as easy and cheerful as possible.

Nourishing but not stimulating.

lispensed with.

The diet should be well regulated,

Coffee, tea, liquors,

and tobacco must be

The feet should be constantly dry and warm, and occasion-

illy rubbed with mustard.

For inflammatory diseases of the heart, the bowels, if costive, may be

Qoved with compound tincture of jalap. To each dose add 10 grs. of cream

of tartar.

Keep up a perspiration till the pain is relieved, by giving a tea-

spoonful of compound tincture of Virginia snake-root; also a warm infusion

of pleurisy-root.

Mustard-plasters over the chest and spinal column are also

to be employed.

If the patient is troubled with sleeplessness, give 8 to 10 grs,

of compound powder of ipecac and opium.

For palpitation, the tincture of digitalis, 10 or 15 drops 3 or 4 times a day,

"When the nervous system is affected, give small quantities of wine or spirits, or a few drops of laudanum or ether.

For neuralgia, or breast-pang, gi ?e a tea-spoonful of a mixture of equal

parts of laudanum, ether, and oil of castor.

The powder of Indian hemp-root

has been found useful.

may also be taken in doses of a small tea-spoonful 2 or 3 times a day.

If the

stomach is acid, a tea-spoonful of soda in half a tumbler of water will correct it.

1.

INFLAMMATION OP THE LIVER.—Treatment.—Wheo

the bowels are confined, usually termed a costive state of the bowels, 1 pt.

of warm water, 1 table-spoonful of salt, and 1 tea-spoonful of hog's lard, as a

clyster, will give relief; or take

one or two of the following liver pills at bed-

time:

Dr. Chase's Cathartic and Liver Pill.— Take podophyllin, 60 grs.

make into 60

pills, with a little soft extract of mandrake or dandelion.

This is the best pill

leptandrin, sanguinarin, ipecac, and pure cayenne, each 30 grs.;

I have ever used, as a cathartic and liver pill, and to act on the secretions generally.

As a purgative the dose is from 2 to 4 pills, for a grown person;

and as an alterative and

pill once

substitute for blue mass, and to act

on the liver, 1

a day, or every other day.

Remarks.

— Should you not wish to go to the trouble of making this

pill,

inquire at the drug store for it, or send 25 cents to the Chase Medicine Com-

pany, Detroit, Mich.

,

for it.

When, from any cause, the languor, sleepiness, furred tongue, etc., give

attack, 4 or 5 of the liver pills should be

taken at night, and followed in the morning by a dose of infusion of senna

and salts, or a dose of castor oil. Extract of dandelion made into pills with 1

gr. of leptandrin to each pill, 1 taken every night, is an excellent remedy.

From a long practical experience I have found that the dandelion is a most

valuable medicine for this complaint, and there are herbs to cure all diseases

provided by our Heavenly Father, if we would but seek them out and test

notice of an impending bilious

DB. CHASE'S RECIPES.

246

their virtues.

But experiments on this subject have been too much neglected

we need.

found the use of the dandemost valuable remedy. Indeed I

may here observe that in the treatment of liver complaint the same precautionary remarks as those on indigestion, will also apjDly to this disease that sick

to afford us all the information

I have

lion in the treatment of this disease to be a

—

headache, foul tongue, or heaviness in the region of the stomach, will indicate

the necessity of giving a mild emetic of ipecacuanha; and should there be

great heat, inflammation, or feverishness, the use of warm lemonade or a dose

of salts mixed in warm water, and bathing the feet in warm water, so as to

produce perspiration or determination to the surface will afford relief. Should

the bowels be costive, regulate them with the following valuable pills: Take

extract of butternut, 30 grs. powdered jalap, 20 grs.

soap, 10 grs.

Mix.

Make 15 pills. Three or 4 is a dose. The extract of butternut has been found

one of the best cathartics in fevers, and as a general purgative medicine.

;

;

Dr. Wilson, in the Medico-Chirurgical Review, says:

delion is employed the more certain proofs

it will

—a fact to which my experience enables me to

"The more the dan-

afford of

testify.

In

its

great virtues,"

my own practice,

more than a hundred cases have been cured either by the simple extract of the

herb and root, or by taking a tea-cupful of a strong decoction of dandelion

twice a day.

In almost every instance I have succeeded in relieving and restoring those who have used this most valuable plant of the fields.

2.

The dandelion is diuretic and aperient, and has a direct action upon

the liver and kidneys when languid

and is likewise applicable to all derangements of the digestive organs generally. In chronic inflammation of the liver

and spleen, in cases of deficient biliary secretions and in dropsical affections of the abdominal viscera or belly, it will be found very beneficial.

Tlie inspissated (thick) extract is the most eflicacious and active form of using

this plant, and may be purchased at any drug store; the doses of these are

from 10 grs. to J.^ dr. I have, however, generally used it in a decoction as

;

before mentioned.

3.

cure.

The constant application of hot poultices relieves the pain and hastens

This is good for inflammation of any of the internal organs.

For disordered liver, good strong thoroughwort (boneset) tea is a mother's

For thorough case of biliousness there is nothing. better than Dr. Chase's

Cholagogue; it combines the antibilious ingredients that act directly upon the

cure.

liver in a mild and pleasant form,

1.

and is very effective in all malarial diseases.

BRAIN— Inflammation or Concussion of.— The name given

to the injury supposed to be received by the brain from great violence inflicted

on the head, when there is.no organic injury discovered, neither fissure, fracture, nor extravasation, either in the living or dead body. The same symptoms

occur when the head has not received any external injury, and when the shock

has appeared to have been sustained by tlie whole frame. A person may fall

from a height, light on his feet, and yet be affected with all the symptoms of

concussion of the brain. These vary in degree from the slight stunning which

follows almost every violence done to the head, to the loss of all sense and

TREATMENT OF DISEASES.

347

motion which is soon followed by death.

Dr. Abernethy thinks that the

symptoms of concussion may properly be divided in three stages; the first

is that state of insensibility and derangement of the bodily powers which immediately succeeds the accident. The breathing is difficult, but in general

without stertor or snoring; the pulse intermits, and the extremities are cold.

This goes off gradually, and is succeeded by the second stage; in this, the'

pulse and breathing are better, and though not regular, are sufficient to maintain life, and to diffuse warmth over the extreme parts of the body.

The

patient is inattentive to slight external impressions, though he feels when the

skin is pinched. As the effects of concussion diminish, he replies to questions

put to him in a loud tone of voice, particularly if they refer to his own suffering; otherwise he answers incoherently, and as if his attention was occupied by

something else. While the stupor remains there appears little inflammation of

the brain, but as the stupor abates, the inflammation increases; and this constiMuch caution and prudence are required in the treattutes the third stage.

ment of the tirst stage. A person is knocked down and becomes insensible;

many have seen or heard of bleeding being employed when a person has fallen

down suddenly, and the bystanders impatiently require that this shall be the

But the breathing is slow, the pulse intermitting

first article of the treatment.

and the extremities cold and to draw blood in such circumstances as these

would be taking the effectual method completely to extinguish life. Again,

suppose people were to reason from the resemblance of the state in which the

patient is in, to that of a person in a faint, and should as in that case give

stimulant liquors by the mouth, or apply pungent substances to the nose, there

is danger here, that by such appliances, the subsequent inflammation may be

The utmost that should be tried is the endeavoring to restore the

increased.

heat of the extremities by friction with warm cloths or with stimulating embrocations; we must wait a little till we see whether the patient recovers from the

first stunning effect of the blow, and then be regulated in our future treatment

by the symptoms that occur. Those that we are principally to look for art,

those of an inflammatory tendency; and to prevent the evils arising in the

after stages of concussion, we are to employ bleeding and purging, to keep the

patient in a dark room, to) enjoin perfect quiet, and to put in force the anti;

phlogistic (inflaming) regimen.

2. Brain—Inflammation of.— Inflammation of the brain and its membranes is characterized by very violent feverish symptoms, great flushing of

the face, redness of the eyes, intolerance of light and furious delirium; the

skin is hot and dry, the pulse hard and frequent, the bowels are costive, and

there is a great feeling of tightness across the forehead.

Causes.

—These symptoms are occasioned by passions of the mind, by drink-

ing spirituous liquors; and in

warm climates by exposure to the sun forming

what is called sun-stroke.

Treatment.

— Quiet both of mind and body with cooling aperient medi-

rich and stimulating food and drink is the proper

treatment; in those of spare, weakly habit, it is sometimes owing to want of

vital energy, and in this case the diet should be rich and stimulating; and the

cines, abstinence from all

DB. CHASE'S BECIPES.

248

aperients, if required, must be of a cordial nature; but all this should be left

to the medical practitioner; the disease too nearly affects the issues of life and

death to be tampered with, and a doctor must be called.

THROAT, INFLAMMATION OF,— Quinsy and sore throat

names of an acute disease, of which the seat is in the mucous membrane of the upper part of the throat, and all the surrounding parts of

The tonsils or almonds of the ears,

the muscles which move the jaws.

are especially affected, and the inflammation extends to the pendulous velum

of the palate and to the uvula. Commonly, shiverings and other symptoms of

approaching fever precede the affection of the throat, which is attended with

pain and difficulty of swallowing, the pain sometimes shooting to the ear;

there is also troublesome clamminess of the mouth and throat; a frequent but

diflScult discharge of mucus; and at an early period of the disease the fever is

fully formed.

The inflammation and swelling are commonly most considerable at first in one tonsil; and afterwards, abating in that, they increase in the

1.

are

other.

The disease is not contagious.

When the disease is actively treated at

an early period, it abates gradually, or is said to end in resolution but very

often it goes on to suppuration, and the pus which is evacuated is of the most

fetid and nauseous kind.

Very soon after the abscess breaks, great relief is

obtained, and the pain and difl^culty of swallowing cease.

Causes.

The most frequent cause is cold, externally applied, particularly

about the neck. It is chiefly the young and sanguine who are affected; and

when a person has had sore throat once or more, he is very liable to frequent

repetitions of it, so that the slightest exposure to cold, or getting wet feet, will

bring on an attack of the disease. It occurs especially in spring and autumn,

when vicissitudes of heat and cold are frequent.

;

—

Remarks.

tinguish

it

— The principal point in the diagnosis of this disease

is to dis-

from the sore throat which attends scarlet fever; in some varieties

of which the rash

is

inconsiderable, although the disease of the throat goes

rapidly on to gangrene, accompanied with a destructive fever of the typhoid

The distinction between the two kinds of sore throat is of great importkind.

ance, as it most materially influences our practice.

It

is,

in general, easily

The smart fever, the diflSculty of swallowing, and

the bright florid redness of the parts, mark out the inflammatory sore throat

made by proper attention.

with suflicient distinctness; and we are in many cases assisted by observing the

person affected to be often subject to the disease, which occurs soon after the

application of cold. The dangerous and malignant sore throat is known by

the dark and livid color about the fauces, by the appearance of specks on the

part, which rapidly spread and form sloughs; and by the circumstance of

The treatment proper in inflamscarlet fever being the prevailing epidemic.

matory sore throat would be destructive here. And it is probably the knowledge that some sore throats are so dangerous, that makes many people much

alarmed when a quinsy seizes themselves or any of their family.

Tkeatment.

When sore throat is threatened, it may in many cases be

prevented from coming forward, by using a strong astringent gargle. Of these,

—

TREATMENT OF DISEASES.

249

there is a great variety. As useful a one as can be made is that with diluted

The infusion of red rose

vinegar, a little sweetened with honey or sugar.

leaves, acidulated with a few drops of sulphuric acid, forms a very elegant

gargle.

The same purpose may be served by gargling with strong spirits, or

with the decoction of oak-bark or diluted spirit of hartshorn not so strong as

A blister behind the ear, extending from under the lower

to hurt the mouth.

jaw to the wind-pipe, will almost certainly prevent the internal disorder of the

throat; but it must be put on at the early part of the disease, or it will do no

good. If this is not done, Dr. Chase's Liniment should be rubbed on the under

,jaw, below the chin.

An emetic may be given at the commencement of the

disease, but a saline purgative is better.

diligence as long as the disease continues.

acids, or good

Gargles must be used with incessant

Jellies of preserved fruits, vegetable

sharp small beer, may assist the gargles in keeping the mouth

and allaying the thirst; but the difficulty of swallowing is so great that

the patient is very apt to save himself the pain, and let the throat get dry.

However, a resolute draught occasionally to quench the thirst, gives little more

pain than swallowing the spittle. A little bit of sal ammoniac, or sal prunella,

allowed slowly to dissolve in the mouth, is useful. If there is much swelling,

and pain in swallowing, 4 or 5 leeches may be applied outside the throat, and

afterwards large bran poultices should be assiduously kept on. At the same

time marked relief will be got by inhaling the steam of hot water, impregnated

with vinegar or any aromatic; and if there is a tendency to suppuration, this

As

is a good way of ripening the abscess, which often forms in the tonsils.

the sore throat and fever are sometimes relieved by perspiration, the patient

should keep his bed for a few days. Sometimes the swelling is so great that

nothing can be swallowed, and the breathing is impeded. The tonsils have been

scarified, or the abscess has been opened, and the operation of opening the

wind-pipe may be sometimes required. Happily those very violent cases are

clean

of rare occurrence.

2.

The yolk of a raw egg is excellent for sore throat of public speakers.

Gargle frequently with hot water and vinegar in which black pepper

has been boiled.

Remarks. I would add: apply to the throat flannel cloths wrung out of

hot water and vinegar, covering them with dry ones.

(See receipts for sore

3.

—

throat elsewhere.)

1.

INFLAMMATION OP THE LUNGS.— This disease requires

prompt treatment, and of course, if possible, a physician should be called at the

earliest moment.

"When one is not to be had conveniently, let no time be lost,

but pursue the course here marked out, which in a great many cases will be

the means of curing the disease, or checking it while medical aid is being procured.

—

Treatment. Open the bowels by means of an injection, and also giving

some mild purgative, such as castor oil, Epsom or Rochelle salts, or rhubarb.

Apply leeches, 10 to 20 to the side affected, if they can be procured; if not,

scarify (to scratch or cut the skin off) and apply the cups, (cupping is the operatioD

DB CHASE'S RECIPES.

250

of drawing blood after the skin has been scratched off)after which a warm poultJce

of bran, Indian meal, or linseed meal or slippery elm, etc., to be sprinkled over

with a little laudanum or paregoric to be applied frequently. Small doses o? ipecac, either in powder or the syrup, should be given every 3 hours, just so a^ to produce slight nausea hut not vomiting. When this has been continued fot about 12

hours, then use the following mixture: Water, 8 ozs. (1 gill); syrup of ipecac,

1 table-spoonful, or 5 grs. of the powder; chlorate of potash, 1 dr., or about

1 tea-spoonful; spirits of nitre, 2 table-spoonfuls.

Dose A tea-spoonf ui every

3 hours; if much sickness of the stomach is produced, not so often

Let the

patient have plenty of cooling drinks, such as flaxseed tea, gum arable, or

slippery elm water, toast water, etc.

The bowels to be moved occasionally by

a dose of castor oil.

;

—

Dr. Scudder's treatment of this disease is so short, plain and effective,! will

give it in his own words.

He says:

" Have the person bathed with an alkaline wash, to prevent undue heat of

the skin, and apply a poultice of bran, or corn meal to the chest, changing it

twice a day, keeping the patient well covered. Give internally, tinct. of veratrum, 1 dr.; tinct. of aconite, 20 drops; water, 4 ozs.; a tea-spoonful every

hour until the fever is subdued, and then in smaller doses. On the third, or

fourth day, add a solution of acetate of potash as follows: Acetate of potash,

1 oz.

water, 8 ozs. simple syrup, 2 ozs. mix. This will be found an excellent diuretic in fevers and inflammations, headaches, etc., as it helps to carry

off the urea, or solid matter that should be carried off by the urine.

Dose

tea-spoonful every 1, 2 or 3 hours as required.

The patient's bowels should be kept regular, but active physic should be

avoided. If the cough is very severe, give a sufficient dose of opium to give

the necessary sleep.

Let the patient's food be light and nutritious. Keep the

room well ventilated, and everything scrupulously clean."

;

;

;

—

'

'

Thus you have it in a "nut shell."

The variations which I make are as

follows:

In cases where a good nurse, or plenty of help is not to be had to look

"bran, or cornmeal poultice to

the chest," I use a bag of hot dry bran, changing it suflSciently often to keep it

hot, and occasionally use a mustard poultice, having a thin piece of cloth between

the poultice and the body, as this means appears, at least, to have as good an

effect, and avoids the icetting of the bed clothing and the chilly dampness

after the comfort of the patient, instead of the

which will arise unless, as above stated, you have plenty of help and use great

care to keep the patient dry and comfortable.

taken in hand at once, in the commencement of the

first, as you will see below, but if the

disease gets some days the start, then the " alkaline wash," or spirit sponging,

not only " twice a day," but as often as it will add to the comfort of the patient.

Also, if the case

is

disease, 1 take the sweating process at

The temperature of the "wash" must also be governed by the patient's feelif he wants it cool, have it so, if warm, make it to his liking.

The

tinctures of veratrum vii'ide, and aconite, in all injlammatoi'y diseases and in

fevers, I consider almost an absolute necessity.

ings

—

2.

Sweating Process. — Pleurisy has been cured with but very little

other treatment than the bag of hot dry bran, being kept

upon the side for the

greater portion of the day, after the case became severe.

As often as one

l_Witch Hazel, or VVinterbloom.

Yellow

Butterfly Weed.

Seal,

or

Puccoon.

2-Blue Cohosh, or Papoose Root. 3-Golden

5-Pleurisy Root, or

4-Poison Hemlock.

TREATMENT OF DISEASES.

251

became at all cool, another was ready to be applied, as hot as it could be boriKi,

by which means a little perspiration was kept up, until the severity of the.

in fact, inflammation nor f evev

pain gave way, and the cure was complete

can long exist in the system after a gentle perspiration is fully established, and

—

permanently maintained.

Remarks.— There is no alkaline wash equal to that made by leaching ashes

in the regular way, as for making soap, then put sufficient of this lye to the water

to give it quite a perceptible slippery feeling to the hand. Dr. Beach recommends

it very highly

in all fevers

and inflammations, when there is any considirable

iQYQT, to be used as often as the 7ieai or dry harshness of the skin calls for it.

3.

Sal-soda makes a passable substitute, using of it until the same slip

The putting of sufficient ashes into a pail ol' water and

pery feeling is obtained.

stirring until a good strength is obtained, then straining off, also

answers very

well.

4.

groin.

5.

Congestion of Lungs.—Bandage limbs

Keep the blood in the extremities.

tightly at

arm pit and

Apply hot fomentations or poultices to chest; renew fireq^ently and

keep covered with dry compress.

1.

ACID IN STOMACH.—Also Inflammation from Gas.—

Chloroform, 10 to 20 drops in a little sweetened water, ten oi Sfteen minute?

after meals.

Remarks.

—I know from experience that this

is an excellent, remedy.

For pains in the stomach, or old stomach troubles: foi an adult, 1 tea'

2.

spoonful of fl. ex. of Eucalyptus in milk, before meals, will produce instant

relief in most cases.

3.

Lying with the head lower than the rest of the body during sleep at

night cures headache caused from a deranged stomach.

INFLAMMATION OF THE STOMACH.— This

is a very much

Though it does not put life in immediate danger, it perverts the feelings of the stomach and causes many of the symp-

more common disease than the preceding.

toms of indigestion.

Dyspepsia, however,

is

a different cowplaint, and not

necessarily connected with inflammation.

—

Treatment. If there be much tenderness, we may apply leeches over

With less tenderness, counter-irritation will answer, as blisters, croton oil, mustard poultices, the compound tar plaster^ or dry cups.

The skin of the whole surface should receive special attention. The

—

the stomach.

warm or the cold bath should be used often, according to the strength of the

patient.

When the reaction is good, a cold compress bound upon the stomach

every night will do much to bring relief.

The diet cannot be too carefully managed. While there is considerable

tenderness, the nourishment must be of the most simple and un-irritating kind,

consisting of little more than the most bland nutritive drinks; and even

—

these should be taken in small quantities at a time.

water, barley water,

Gum arable water, rice

arrowroot gruel, tea, and toast without butter will be

;

DR. CHASE'S RECIPES.

352

amply sufficient to keep soul and body together, and will, in two or three

weeks, generally starve the enemy out of his quarters. After this a more

nourishing diet may gradually be resumed.

INFLAMMATION OP THE BOWELS OR BELLY ACHE.—

Like other chronic inflammations, this may follow the acute form, but it also

results from various other causes, as unripe fruit, taking cold, drastic physic,

and improper treatment of other diseases.

Symptoms. Red end and borders of the tongue, dull pain in belly,

increased by pressure and rough motion, abdomen either swelled or flat, skin

dry and husky, feet and hands cold, small frequent pulse, thirst, loss of flesh,

low spirits, urine scanty and high-colored, and dirty, slimy discharges from

the bowels, from one to four times a day.

Treatment. —To begin with blisters of croton oil or mustard poultices

—

if

the tenderness is not great, or leeches if it is.

If the

bowels are hot and feverish, bind a cold compress upon the belly

it well with flannel.

The warm bath should be used

—

over night, covering

twice a week.

—

The diet must be of the most simple, un-irritating kind, beginning with

a solution of gum arabic, rice water, barley water, arrowroot or sago gruel,

and gradually rising as the symptoms improve, to beef tea, mutton and chicken

'

broth, tender beef steak, etc.

When the strength will permit gentle exercise must be taken in the open

air,

but not on horseback or in hard, jolting carriages.

As soon as the inflammation is subdued some mild laxative may be given

in connection with an infusion of wild cherry bark, geranium, and Solomon's

seal,

equal parts.

1.

INFLAMMATION OF THE KIDNEYS. — Treatment. —

Avoid everything of a heating or stimulating nature, and

let the diet consist

chiefly of light, thin broth, mild vegetables, etc.; drink plentifully of balm tea,

sweetened with honey, decoction of marshmallow roots, with barley licorice,

Nothing so safely and certainly abates the inflammation as copious diluetc.

Should there be much pain in the back, heat should be applied to the

tion.

part; and this is done by means of cloths dipped in hot water, re-warmed as

they grow cool. Another good plan is to fill bladders with a decoction of

madders and camomile flowers, to which is added a little saffron, and mixed

with about a third part of new milk. Should there be shivering and signs of

fever with considerable tenderness over the kidneys, and no medical advice at

hand a few leeches may be applied. After some time the bowels should be freely

opened, and the best means.of effecting this is with 3 grs. of calomel, and 2 hours

afterward J^anoz. of castor oil; subsequently the following may be given; carbonate of soda, 2drs. spirit of nitric ether, tincture of henbane, of each 2 drs.;

syrup of tolu, mixture of acacia, of each 1 oz. camphor mixture 4 to 8 ozs.

mix, and take half a wine-glassful every 4 hours. A very good remedy is

the following- Take of tincture of opium, liquor of ammonia, spirit of turpentine, and soap liniment, of each equal portions; mix and rub well into

;

;

TREATMENT OF DISEASES.

the parts affected.

353

In conjunction with this external application, take of

powdered tragacanth, 5 grs. tincture of buchu,

mix for a draught, and take every morning. If there be much nausea,

infusion of buchu, 11 drs.

1 dr. ;

;

;

a clyster should be administered, consisting of a dram of laudanum, with 3^

a tea-cupful of thin starch; this to be injected every 3 or 3 hours, or at longer

intervals,

according to the effect produced.

Employ the warm bath, and

afterwards warm fomentations to the stomach and loins; drink freely of linseed tea. Take also of sulphate of magnesia 1 oz. solution of carbonate of

;

henbane and tincture of ginger, of each 3 drs.

sulphuric ether, J^ a dr. water, 4 ozs. mix and give 3 table-spoonfuls every

Those who have once suffered from inflammation of the kidneys

6 hours.

magnesia, 1 oz.

;

tincture of

;

are very liable to it again

;

;

to prevent a recurrence of the attack, they shoifld

abstain from wine and stimulants; use moderate exercise; avoid exposure to

wet and cold; eat of food light and easy of digestion; not lie too much on the

back, and on a mattress in preference to. a bed

2.

Aconite in minute doses

is

good for kidney complaint, peritonitis,

puerperal fever, etc.

Constant application of poultices, as recommended in "2" for the

promotes cure and relieves pain.

3.

liver,

1.

INFLAMMATION OF THE BLADDER — Acute. — This

— sometimes muscular sub-

disease affects the lining membrane of the bladder,

stance.

It

its

may attack the upper portion, the middle, or the neck of this organ.

It runs a rapid course.

Treatment.

—If the urine be retained,

it is

of the utmost importance

that it be early drawn off with the catheter, lest a distention of the bladder

Great care is required not to produce irritation by

any roughness in introducing the instrument.

Leeches should be applied upon the lower part of the bowels, the perinseum

and around the anus. When these are removed, warm poultices should be

applied.

Cold compresses will often do as well. The bowels must be opened

with Epsom salts. Injections of warm water with a few drops of tincture of

arnica leaves will act finely as a local bath, the water being retained as long

bring on mortification.

—

as possible.

The tincture of veratrum viride will be required in 5 to 10-drop doses, or

the compound tincture of Virginia snake root to induce perspiration.

Dover's

powders may sometimes be used for the same purpose.

Drinks must be taken very sparingly. A small amount of cold infusion

of slippery elm bark or marshmallow and peach leaves.

This mucilaginous

drink must be the beginning and the end of the diet during the active stage of

the disease.

—

2.

Inflammation of the Bladder Chronic. —This is much

more common than the active form of the disease. It often arises from the

same causes which produce acute inflammation of the bladder.

DB. CHASE'S RECIPES.

254

It often passes under the title of "catarrh of the bladder."

It is a chronic

inflammation of the mucous lining of the bladder, and is a very common and

troublesome affection

Treatment.

oil,

among old people.

—To reduce the inflammation apply leeches, mustard, croton

or a cold compress every night.

As a diuretic give an infusion of buchu, uva ursi, trailing arbutus, queen

meadow, etc. The compound infusion of trailing arbutus is well

recommended. So is the compound balsam of sulphur. An infusion of the

of the

pods of beans has been well spoken of, but I have found the following very

Pulverized gum arable, 1 scruple; soft water, 2 ozs., sweet spirits of

nitre, }4 oz.

tincture of veratrum viride, 20 drops.

Mix.

Give

a teaspoonful every half hour.

effective:

%

;

An injection into the bladder once a day of a tepid infusion of golden

3.

seal root

with

much care may be of great service; or an infusion of equal

and stramonium. It may be done with a

parts of golden seal, witch hazel

gum elastic catheter and a small syringe.

The bowels must be kept open with the neutralizing mixture or some other

mild physic; and the skin bathed with saleratus and water once a day and

rubbed well with a coarse towel.

Should there be any scrofulous, gouty, or rheumatic condition of the

system, the remedies for those complaints may be used in addition to the above.

4.

For an adult, 1 pint a day of compound of sarsaparilla is the " boss"

Try it.

cure for gravel, and restores the worn out and wasted system.

1.

BRONCHITIS. — Treatment. — The patient should, as a matter of

course, be confined to bed;

warm diluent drinks, such as flaxseed tea, or barley

water, with a slice or two of lemon in

it;

baths, and hot bran poultices to the chest.

to be placed

upon nauseating medicines.

gentle aperients, if required; foot-

The chief dependence, however, is

Four grs. of ipecacuanha powder,

a little warm water every quarter of an hour until vomiting is produced,

and should be kept up at intervals of 2 or 3 hours. Sometimes a state of coma

or collapse follows this treatment, and then it is necessary to give stimulants;

carbonate of ammonia in 5 er. doses, or sal volatile, }4. tea-spoonful about

every hour. These are preferable to alcoholic stimulants; but should they not

Should the urgency of

succeed, brandy may be tried, with strong beef tea.

in

symptoms yield to the emetics, a milder treatment may be followed out.

The following is a good mixture: Ipecacuanha wine, 1 dr. aromatic spirit of

the

;

ammonia, 2 drs.

to be

;

carbonate of potash, 1 dr.

given every 4 hours.

of morphine.

If the cough

is

;

water, 8 ozs.

;

2 table-spoonfuls

troublesome, add

1 gr.

of acetate

The diet should be light and nourishing, and all exposure to

cold must be carefully avoided.

In children, acute bronchitis does not com-

monly produce such marked effects as in adults, although sometimes it is

extremely rapid and fatal, allowing little time for the action of remedies, which

should be much the same as those above recommended, with proper regard, of

course, to difference of age.

If the child is unweaned, it must be allowed to

suck very sparingly, if at all. The best plan is to give it milk with a spoon,

TREATMENT OF DISEASES.

255

or feediug-bottle, as the quantity can be thus better regulated.

Great attention

must be paid to the bowels, and also to the temperature of the air breathed by

the little sufferer. A blister on the chest, about as big as a large copper cent,

may be sometimes applied with advantage if the hot bran does not give the

desired

relief.

and asthma are very commonly but forms of

For the troublesome coughs which almost invariably

attend confirmed bronchitis, and especially in the aged, opium is the most

The best form of administration is perhaps the compound

effectual remedy.

dr. of

tincture of camphor taken with ipecacuanha or antimonial wine say

the former, with 10 grs. of either of the latter, in a little sugar and water or

If there are febrile symptoms,

flaxseed tea, or use Dr. Chase's Cough Syrup.

Winter coughs,

catarrh,

chronic bronchitis.

—

%

add 15 minims of sweet spirits of nitre to each dose.

It is especially during the spring months, and when there is a prevalence

of east wind, that bronchitis attacks young and old, often hurrying the former

premature grave, and making the downward course of the latter more

quick and painful. With aged people, in such cases, there is commonly a great

accumulation of mucus in the bronchial tubes, which causes continued and

violent coughing in the efforts to expel it, which efforts are often unsuccessful.

Thus the respiration is impeded the blood, from want of proper oxygenization, becomes unfit for the purposes of vitality, and death, often unexpectedly

to a

;

sudden, is the consequence. Such bronchitic patients must be carefully treated

no lowering measures will do for them, but warm and generous diet; opium

—

can not safely be ventured on.

Warm flannel next the skin, a genial atmos-

— medicated with horehound, or some demulcent

plants, so much the better — a couple of compound squill pills at night, and

phere, inhalation of steam

ii

during the day a mixture, composed of camphor mixture, 6 ozs. tincture of

squills, wine of ipecacuanha, and aromatic spirits of ammonia, each 2 drs.

;

with perhaps 2 drs. of tincture of hops.

Take a table-spoonful