ANTACIDS, 53 
develop its medicinal value. We have already noted Bistort 
and Cranesbill, which, although principally astringent, are also 
antiseptic. There are several good antiseptics in the regular 
medicine list. However, we believe we have given the best of 
them, but the scriptural injunction stands good here: ‘‘ Prove 
all things, and hold fast that which is good.” 
ANTACIDS. 
There is but one medicine that comes under this head in 
the vegetable list, that is charcoal. One teaspoonful three 
times a day is a valuable remedy in acidity ; but while herbal 
medicines have little power to relieve this unpleasant symptom, 
many can prevent it or put the stomach in such a condition of 
health that acid will not generate in it. The other antacids are 
the carbonates of soda, potash, and ammonia; none of them 
can be claimed as a cure, they only relieve. If our readers 
are troubled with it let them take stomach bitters as a 
preventive; we have known it to work wonders. Rhubarb 
and magnesia is also a good mixture to relieve acidity and 
correct the stomach. The dose of the carbonate of soda as an 
antacid is 10 to 60 grains in water when urgently needed; we 
would not advise it often as it ts rough on the stomach if 
continued long. The carbonate of ammonia is 3 to 10 grains 
dissolved in water; the bicarb. of potash 10 to 40 grains taken 
similarly. 
Another remedy that works well with some people is 
SPANISH JUICE. 
A little piece chewed and swallowed occasionally gives the 
desired relief. We need hardly remind our readers that 
