440 



DOMESTIC ECONOMY. 



[Chap. IV. 



gives the following, said to luivc proved many times a sure remedy for the 

 bite of a mad dog: 



"Take immediately -warm vinegar or tepid water, wash the woiind clean 

 therewitli, and then dry it; tlien pour upon the wound a few drops of 

 hydrochloric acid, hecanse ininci'ul acid destroys the poison of the saliva." 



Brazilian Mode ok Crui:. — AVe have seen it stated that the bites of rat- 

 tlesnakes and mad dogs and stings of scorpions are cured in Brazil by the 

 use of spirits of hartshorn. It should be ajiplied immediately, if possible, 

 and the wound kept wet by cloth application or continual sj)ongiug, and 

 doses of the spirits diluted, taken into the stomach three or four times a 

 day. It is said that the spirits of hartshorn has a chemical affinity for the 

 poison virus, and absorbs and decomposes it, and thus renders it harmless. 

 If this is the case, then ammonia in any form would have the same effect. 

 At any rate the remedy is simple and easily tried, and should be tested. 

 We have faith in it, knowing it to be an excellent remedy for a bee sting. 



490. Rpmedics for Lockjaw, Felons, and f Icersi — We have heard a great 

 deal about the medicinal value of a poultice made of grated beet-roots, and 

 now M'e find the following statement, which we consider worthy of attention, 

 the remedy is so easily applied : 



"A j-oung lady ran a nail into her foot, which produced lockjaw of such 

 a malignant character that her pihysicians pronounced her recovery hope- 

 less. An old nurse applied a poultice of pounded beetroots, renewing it 

 often, and the result was a comjjlete cure." 



A good remedy for a felon is made of common soft soap and air-slaked 

 lime, stirred till it is of the consistency of glazier's putty. Make a leather 

 thimble, fill it with this composition, and insert the finger therein, and our 

 informant says a cure is certain. This is a domestic application that every 

 housekeeper can apply promptly. 



A fig heated as M'arm as it can be borne, and cut open and applied to 

 almost any ulcerated sore, and renewed as it cools, is recommended for boils 

 and similar aftections as one of the best remedies. It may be applied to an 

 ulcerated tooth. 



497. Remedy for a Tight Finger-Ring. — If it can not be removed by such 

 mechanical appliances as inserting a stout thread under it and pulling ujjon 

 it, nor by thin strips of metal, then chemistry must be resorted to, and the 

 strength of the ring destroyed, so that it can be easily broken. This is done 

 by rubbing it with quicksilver, which has an aflinity for pure gold, and 

 makes it brittle. 



