288 INTRODUCTION TO GENERAL SCIENCE 



in order to cure a cold. Likewise mustard plaster, made by 

 mixing flour, mustard, and water and spreading the mass on 

 one cloth and covering with another cloth, may be used to 

 relieve " cold in the chest." In both cases, the mustard 

 acts as an irritant and, to do good, must hurt. It causes the 

 blood to leave the congested locality, which is all that a simple 

 cold is, and thus produces relief. 



Cloves and allspice, applied to the gum near an aching 

 tooth, will relieve the pain. Toothache, except neuralgia, 

 is a warning to go to a dentist as soon as possible. If the pain 

 is neuralgic, consult a doctor; do not use any of the " pain- 

 killers " without medical advice. 



Baking soda, dissolved in water and taken internally, will 

 relieve sour stomach temporarily. Sour stomach, if chronic, 

 is due to poor digestion. Do not chew gum, even " pepsin 

 gum/' to cure indigestion. It causes unnecessary waste of 

 the saliva. Consult a doctor. 



Baking soda, dissolved in water and applied to the skin 

 before exposure to poison oak or poison ivy, will prevent 

 unpleasant results due to poisoning. Even after exposure, if 

 applied as soon as possible, it may make the poisoning slight. 

 Mere bathing will not accomplish any good; the poison is an 

 acid and must be neutralized. In very bad cases of exposure, 

 just the hands may be washed in a solution of washing soda 

 and then washed in clear water. Do not use washing soda 

 for the face or any part of the body except the hands. Alcohol 

 may remove the poison. 



Cracker soaked in hot milk may be used as a poultice for 

 local inflammations and swellings. Do not neglect any 

 gathering of pus, as it may lead to blood poisoning. 



Ammonia should be used to remove acids from carpets, 

 clothes, or hands, and to counteract stings of insects. 



