740 HOW TO MAKE THE FARM PAY. 



Dysentery. — Is an inflammation of the lower or large intestines, 

 and the symptoms are different from any other inflammatory dis- 

 ease. Symptoms. Frequent bloodj^ stools with considerable 

 ph'lef m ; gripings ; bearing down and a more or less constant 

 desire to stock or strain ; natural excrement in small anft)unt and, 

 when present, in hard, small balls ; more or less fever ; loss of 

 appetite ; nausea and vomiting ; stools ver}' oftensive ; urine scanty 

 and liigh colored ; and great prostration. 



Treatment. In nine cases out of ten dysenter^^ can be cured 

 by injecting a quart of warm water into the bowels, and, as soon as 

 this has passed, immediately injecting again a solution of twenty 

 grains of nitrate of silver to one ounce of water. This course 

 should be repeated immediately after every operation from the 

 bowels ; three or four injections generally'' effect a cure. If the 

 pain and inflammation are severe apply mustard poultices and hot 

 fomentations, as directed for inflammation of the stomach. 



Injections of slippery elm tea and laudanum, two tablespoonfuls 

 of the former to half a teaspoonful of the latter, should be given, if 

 the nitrate of silver is not at liand, or flaxseed may be used in 

 place of slippery elm. Slippery elm tea flavored with cinnamon 

 may be given for a drink. The juice of ripe fruits, cherries, or 

 blackberries is beneficial. Dysentery may be cured by taking 

 moderate exercise dail^'^, keeping the skin clean, using nourishing 

 but easily digested food, («ee former Chapter,) keeping the bowels 

 regular, keeping out of the damp night air, and using moderately 

 fresh ripe fruits. 



Inflammatory Rheumatism. — Symptoms. Fever, severe pain, 

 swelling of the joints, shifting pains, increased by moving about. 

 The first thing to do is to caiise pi-ofnse sweating, after which 

 a gentle perspiration should l)e kept up by the use of warm herb 

 teas. A poultice of bruised jimson leaves or hops and lobelia 

 leaves should be kept on the painful parts. Keep the bowels 

 regular and open by mild injections. 



Apoplexy. — A person struck with apoplexy suddenly falls un- 

 conscious, and breathes slowly and as if snoring. Instantly raise 

 the head ; remove every thing from the neck; if necessary, remove 

 him to where he will have i)lenty of fresh air, and while one person 

 pours a stream of cold water upon the head and neck, another 

 should rub salt upon the head and temples. If the patient does 

 not quickly revive under this treatment, whip or rub the soles of 

 the feet so as to produce redness. Give a cathartic injection. 



Sun Stroke should be treated in the same way. Give free 

 fresh air, raise the head, and pour water upon the head and neck. 

 A cloth in the top of the hat, kept Avet, is a protection against 

 sun stroke. 



Asthma Phthisic— Persons subject to asthma should keep on 

 !»and jimson leaves wliich have been soaked in a solution of salt 



