Materia -Medica . 163 



pipe, first smeared slightly with simple lard, oil, or soap, 

 is gently passed into the rectum to the extent of two or 

 three inches. The bowl, being upwards, is filled with 

 successive portions of fluid, which readijy pass down, 

 attended with a gurgling sound. Messrs. Arnold and 

 Son, surgical instrument makers, 35, West Smithfield, 

 London, supply the instrument for seven shillings and 

 sixpence. 



CORDIALS. 



Under this term are included the various remedies 

 having warm, tonic properties. They are also simple 

 stimulants, their action being chiefly local, seldom or only 

 slightly influencing the action of the heart. They com- 

 prise the various seeds as carraway and cardamom ; the 

 peppers, ginger, &c, all of which are reduced to powder 

 as required, and incorporated with other remedies, as 

 salines, aloes, &c, to guard against their cooling, or 

 griping effects, and sometimes also to give tone to the 

 digestive organs on recovery from severe illness, for which 

 they are prescribed with mineral tonics. 



DEMULCENTS. 



This is a class of useful agents, which having no per- 

 ceptible medicinal action, may be viewed more correctly 

 as foods, but containing large quantities of mucilage, are 

 useful as mechanical agents, in softening, soothing, and 

 protecting the surface of mucous membranes when under 

 irritation from inflammation. On this account they are 

 prescribed in catarrhs affecting the lungs, bowels, kid- 

 neys, bladder, &c. 



1. Linseed Mucilage. — Linseed, 1 lb. ; cold water, 1 

 gal. Mix, cover up, and set aside, frequently, agitating. 

 In twenty-four hours it is ready for use. Add warm water 

 if required. This form of mucilage is a valuable adjunct 

 to systematic daily feeding. 



2. Linseed, 4 oz. ; boiling water, 1 qt. Let the mix- 

 ture simmer gently until a mucilaginous solution is ob- 

 tained, and use when cool. This is useful when No. 1 is 

 not kept constantly in use. 



