TREATMENT OF DISEASES. 191 



treatment may yet prove to be very valuable by enabling us to dispense with 

 excessive doses of opium. 



PAINTING.— Treatment.— Lay the patient upon the back, with the 

 head low; let fresh air into the room instantly, and apply gentle friction. 

 Sprinkle a little cold water upon the face, and hold spirits of camphor, ether, 

 hartshorn, or vinegar to the nose, — rubbing a little of the spirits of camphor 

 upon the forehead, and about the nostrils. As soon as the patient can swallow, 

 give a tea-spoonful of compound spirits of lavender, with 10 drops of water 

 of ammonia in it. 



Persons subject to fainting should not go into crowded assemblies where 

 the air is bad; neither should they wear tight dresses, or allow themselves to 

 get excited. Cold bathing, a well regulated diet, and vegetable tonics, will do 

 much to break up the habit. 



Remarks. — Whatever causes debility, particularly of the nervous system, 

 will predispose to fainting. Persons much weakened by disease, faint easily — 

 especially when they attempt to stand still. When on their feet, such persons 

 should keep moving. Fainting is sometimes induced by sudden surprises and 

 emotions, by violent pains, by the sight of human blood, and by irritation of 

 the coats of the stomach by indigestible food. 



GAIjL stones.— Treatment.— To reduce the spasm, give Dover's 

 powder in full doses, or chlorodine. Also apply mustard over the right 

 hypochondrium and stomach, and follow it with hot fomentations with hops, 

 or use wet cups. 



If the stomach is irritable, give the neutralizing mixture until it moves 

 the bowels. A warm infusion of thoroughwort, given to the extent of pro- 

 ducing vomiting, will sometimes do well, and lobelia enough with it to relax 

 the duct may be useful. 



To relieve the acidity on which the formation of these stones so often 

 depends, the following neutralizing preparation may be given for a long time, 

 the diet, in the meantime, being well regulated: Rhubarb, pulverized, }4. o^.; 

 spearmint herb., pulv., 3^oz.; pulv. cascarilla, }4. oz- ; pulv. bicarbonate ol 

 potassa, 14 oz. ; pulv. wild cherry bark, J^ oz. Mix. and pour on one quart 

 of hot water. Let this stand till cold, and add % P'Q* of brandy. Dose — 

 Half a wine-glassful. The sponge bath, with saleratus and water, should be 

 taken daily, followed by brisk rubbing; and free exercise in the open air 

 should on no account be omitted. 



PLEURISY.— Treatment. — As a general thing I am opposed to bleed- 

 ing, and am even reluctant to recommend it in pleurisy. Yet if there is a 

 human ailment which will justify it, pleurisy is that one. 



Sweating should be encouraged immediately. The compound tincture of 

 Virginia snake root, given every half hour, in tea-spoonful doses, will gener- 

 ally produce a free perspiration, and give immediate relief. It may be given 

 in infusion of catnip, balm, or pleurisy root. At the same time, the affected 

 side should be fomented with hops, tansy, wormwood, etc., applied very hot. 



