1000 THE AMERICAN FARMER. 



Nitrate of Silver. When poisoned with nitrate of silver or lunar caustic, give a 

 tablespoonful of common salt in a large tumbler of water, to be followed by castor oil. 



Strong Lye. When strong lye has been swallowed by mistake, as it sometimes is by 

 children, give ofive oil or vinegar, or a teacupful of thin, sweet cream. This will neutralize, 

 in a great measure, the effect of the lye. By following it with a mustard emetic, the stomach 

 will be relieved of its contents, although the soap formed by the mingling of the oil and lye, 

 or the acetate of potash by the vinegar and lye, will not materially injure the stomach. 



Poisoning by Ammonia. Perhaps it is not generally known that water of 

 ammonia or hartshorn, if taken in an undiluted state into the stomach, acts as a violent 

 poison. When this accident happens, give vinegar instantly, mixed with a little water. This 

 will neutralize the effect of the ammonia, since vinegar is an acid and ammonia is an 

 alkali. 



Poisoning from Matches. Children sometimes become poisoned by eating off the 

 ends of matches, which are composed of very poisonous substances, the principal being 

 phosphorus. Give an emetic of mustard and lukewarm water as quickly as possible, and 

 send for a physician. 



Opium, Morphine, Laudanum, etc. When a person has been poisoned by 

 opium, morphine, laudanum, paregoric, nux vomica, aconite, belladonna, veratrum viride. or 

 croton oil, give an emetic of ground mustard and water immediately, and continue till free 

 vomiting is produced. Then follow with a drink of vinegar and sweet oil. If any of the 

 above poisons produce drowsiness or numbness, rub the body and limbs and soles of the feet 

 with a stiff flesh brush or crash towel. Keep him in the open air, and walking if possible; 

 dash water in his face, etc., to prevent him from sleeping. Strong coffee is said to counteract 

 the effect of some of these poisons. 



Poisoning by Dogwood, Ivy, etc. Bathe in salt and warm water, and after 

 wards apply a strong tea or decoction of witchhazel bark (Pond s Extract). When the feet 

 and ankles are badly poisoned, as will sometimes be the case with farmers in working in the 

 hay field, we have known great relief to follow covering them entirely for a few hours with 

 freshly-turned soil, the soil seeming to counteract the effect of the poison in a remarkable 

 degree. 



Convulsions. If a child is taken with convulsions, put it instantly into a hot bath 

 (88 to 110 Fah.) to relax the muscles. Be very careful that the water is not too hot. 

 Apply cold water compresses to the head. In fits, loosen all clothing, rub the body and 

 limbs, and give the patient plenty of fresh air. 



When Bitten by a Dog. The first thing to do is to get rid of the poison before it 

 passes into the system. This must be done by burning it out, or by a friend sucking it out, 

 and immediately rejecting the blood taken into the mouth. 



Sunstroke. When a person is attacked with sunstroke, he must be carried into a 

 cool place, and the temperature of the body reduced. This can best be done by undressing 

 him, dashing cold water over him, and applying ice. Sunstroke may be often prevented by 

 abstaining from the excessive use of cold water, wearing loose, light-fitting garments, and 

 paying particular attention not to expose the head to the rays of the sun. If symptoms 

 appear, drop every occupation and retire to the shade. 



Articles of Diet for the Sick. The following recipes for common articles of 

 diet for sick persons, derived from various sources, may be sometimes convenient for refer 

 ence in the household: 



Oatmeal or Indian Meal Gruel. Mix one or two tablespoonfuls of the meal 

 smoothly in cold water; then stir it in one pint of boiling water, salted with a saltspoon of 

 salt; boil slowly from one to two hours; sweeten afterward, if desired, to suit the taste. 



Barley Gruel. Wash the barley, then put half a teacup in a quart of cold water, let 

 it boil two or three hours. Strain, sweeten to the taste, and flavor with a little grated 

 nutmeg. (Gruels require very thorough cooking.) 



Thickened Milk. Dissolve two tablespoons of flour in a teacup of cold water. Boil 

 one quart of milk in a can within another vessel of water; add the flour and water while the 

 milk is boiling, stir all the while, and boil about ten minutes. Remove it from the fire, 

 flavor with a teaspoon of the essence of lemon or vanilla. Sweeten to the taste. 



