Sesame Oil

The Egyptians uses Sesame long before others. During the 19th century I haven't found many food recipes that involved sesame seed oil. Below are a few excerpts with some information on sesame oil and it's uses during the 19th century. Also note that sesame seeds were primarily grown in India and the Middle East. It would be extremely rare for someone in America to have sesame seeds in America.

Sesame oil, almond oil, earth-nut oil, and rape oil arc better fitted for the preparation of machine oils, and the last named, being the cheapest, is more used than all the others. Source: Journal of the Society of Chemical Industry Vol. 2 pg 481 ©1883

Was often mixed with Olive oil. Various sources

SESAME OIL: ITS SUITABILITY FOR PHARMACEUTICAL PURPOSES.
By Thomas Haben, Pharmaceutical Chemist.
The literature relating to sesame oil is very meagre, and in "Pharmacographia" alone do we find anything like a satisfactory description of the article and its uses. The learned authors of that work state that the oil "might be employed without disadvantage for all the purposes for which olive oil is used," and it is with the view of indicating the reliability or otherwiso of this opinion, that I have, acting on the suggestion contained in the "Blue List," undertaken the preparation of this report.
Sesame oil differs little in its physical characters from either olive or almond oils. It has not the tinge of green which all but the finest specimens of the former possess, and is of a rather more decided shade of yellow than the latter, but generally speaking the difference in colour is not very marked. The odour of a fine specimen of sesame oil is very slight, while the tasto is at first sweetish and bland with a peculiar after-flavour. Olive oil becomes grainy through the deposit of a crystalline fatty body at 5° C, but the olein does not solidify till about -5° C. Sesame oil congeals at-5° C, and almond oil is liquid till -20° C. is reached. The difference in the congealing points is doubtless due to the percentage of olein, of which almond oil " consists almost wholly" (" Pharmacographia "); sesame oil contains 76 per cent, {ibid.), and olive oil 72 per cent. (Braconnot). According to the best authorities, however, the percentage of olein varies according to circumstances; and, in like manner, different samples of the same oil differ in density, as is evident from the fact that hardly two authors agree in giving the same specific gravity for any one oil.
Source: Year-Book of Pharmacy comprising Abstracts of Papers pg 540 ©1883

Three varieties of sesame seed are cultivated in India—the white-seeded (Suffed-iil), the red or parti-coloured (Kala-til), and the black variety (Tillee); it is the latter which affords the greater proportion of the Gingelly oil of commerce. At the commencement of 1861, white seed was worth in the London markets 65s.; black and brown, 58s. and 60s. per quarter.
A second sort of sesame oil, sometimes called "rape," is obtained from the red-seeded variety.
Black sesame is sown in March, and ripens in May. Red sesame is not sown till June.
Sesamum seed has of late been exported largely to France, where it is said to be employed for mixing with olive oil. Source:House of Commons Papers Vol. 35 pg59 ©1877

Below is a clip from the Omaha Daily Bee, Feb 12, 1886. In the article the dairymen were trying to fight the increase of oleo margarine.

Rattle Root - Black Cohash

This is an herb still used today the material below comes from "The Indian Household Medicine Guide" ©1883

Macrotys Racemosa. Black Cohosh. Rattle Root. Rattle Root is one of the finest remedies known in the Indian and Eclectic practice. Its medical powers and actions on the human system are simply wonderful. I have used it in over two thousand cases in which it was indicated, and it gave myself and the patient's satisfaction. It grows in most parts of the United States. It has a long stalk that grows into several branches, and each branch has a long plume-like cluster of little round pods, which are full of seeds. When the stalk is shaken the seeds will rattle, producing a sound like that of a rattlesnake, from which it takes the name of rattle root. The root is the medicinal part, and is best gathered during the months of July, August, and September. The main body of the root should be cut into several pieces carefully, as you will find it full of dirt, and then dried, watching that it does not mold before it dries out.

Medical properties and uses.—Without this plant or root the Indian squaw-doctor or midwife would feel that she had lost her king of female remedies. It is called by the Indians, squaw root. It is a very active remedy, in its proper administration, on the serous and mucous tissues, and for many cases of rheumatism, especially that of a muscular character. It acts on the nerves, and quiets nervous excitability. The Indian squaw doctors have their patients take this remedy two or three months before confinement, and it has that marked effect on them that they are never troubled with false rheumatic pains, hemorrhages, or lengthy labors. An Indian squaw, when following her tribe, if confined, will stop by the wayside for that day and wait upon herself, and the next day will proceed and overtake her tribe, while but few of our civilized women can get out of bed under the ninth or fourteenth day, and even after that they have to use strict care for a month or six weeks, and even longer. I know of no remedy that is better to overcome suppressed menstruation, or in words that are understood by all, the checked monthly flow, when it is caused by cold or nervous weakness. It is one of our very best remedies in a great many womb troubles, Girls, at the age of twelve, thirteen, or fourteen years, the time they usually enter womanhood, or the time when their monthlies become established, have often serious trouble with irregularity of flows; some flowing to a great extent, some not enough. In such cases as these this remedy is almost a certain relief, and cures if properly given. I prepare my tincture in this manner: Take the fine crushed root and fill a pint or quart bottle half full, and add whisky or diluted alcohol until full; keep it well corked, and shake once or twice every day for fourteen days. In female troubles I give from five to ten drops of the tincture in a teaspoonful of water four times a day. The largest dose should never exceed thirty drops; the smallest is one. In the treatment of rheumatism it is always better to combine the tincture of Prickly Ash with it in equal portions.

Poplar Indian Medicine Herbal

I've only known of poplar as a type of hard wood that my dad used to make our hutch with. But apparently the bark was used for medicinal purposes. This comes from "The Indian Household Medicine Guide." ©1883


Populus Tremuloides.
Poplar.
This is a very valuable remedy, and should be used more than it is, and would be if everybody knew of its valuable properties. It is a plant common to this country, and is best gathered in the fall of the year, and is within the reach of everybody.

Medical properties and uses.—There are two kinds of barks, white and yellow; one is as good as the other. It is a very valuable remedy in all stomach troubles. It is a fine tonic, and should be used in cases of general debility with feeble digestion. It is good for convalescents when the appetite is deficient. My brother, some few years ago had a severe spell of continued fever. After the fever broke his convalescence was very slow; he had no appetite, and was swarthy, weak, and melancholy; the smell of victuals was that of disgust rather than a pleasure. Our family physician, and a good one, gave him tonics, but without the desired effect. I chanced to be at home at the time, and my mother being alarmed about his condition, asked me if I could recommend anything in our line of practice that would be good for him, give him an appetite and build him up. I recommended equal parts of the inner barks of poplar and dogwood and sarsaparilla root, cut up fine and put in a quart bottle until it was half full, then add whisky till full, and take a large tablespoonful, or a common swallow, before each meal. She did so, he took it, and in four weeks gained fifteen pounds. It immediately increased his appetite, strengthened his nerves, and restored his complexion to its natural color. He now lives twenty miles east of Cincinnati, Clermont county, Ohio. I will give you an Indian formula still better than the above:

19th Century Medical Books

Below is a resource list of Medical books folks had available to them during the 19th century. This is not a complete list but something to start from.

1827 The Medical Companion

1831 A Treatise on Family Medicine

1845 A Family Medicine Directory

1860 Homoeopathic Family Medicine

1865 Household Medicine Surgery Sick Room

1871 The Family Medical Guide

1883 The Indian Household Medicine Guide

Lipman's Great German Bitters

We've all read and heard about the tonics and various cure all medicines sold years ago. Below is the logo of Lippman's Great German Bitters, the second image is the list of what it cures or strengthens in the individual taking the medication or in this instance the bitters. These images come from the Charleston daily newspaper.

Here is a link to a label a little older than the above ad that was produced in Savannah, Ga in 1874

There were a few bottle images that came up on an image search.

Sprained Ankle Part 2

Below is an excerpt from "Transaction" Volumes 28-29 by the Texas Medical Association ©1896 I share this tidbit not only for the medical information of the time but also for the 6 case histories the author cites. Not because of the unusualness or the significance of these injuries happening in the 19th century but because these same events could happen today, with the exception of jumping down from one's buggy. Enjoy!
PS Tomorrow's post will give more food for thought about sprained ankles and the treatment mentioned below.

THE MODERN TREATMENT OF SPRAINED ANKLE. J. E. GILCREEST, M. I).
GAISESVILLE.
My excuse for offering a paper on this subject is because I have found so few physicians who have adopted this method of treatment in sprained ankles.

The treatment of which I am going to speak is by basket strapping, with adhesive plaster. This originated with Mr. Edward Cottrell, of London, as far as I know. Dr. V. P. Gibney, of New York, commenced using this treatment in 1888. One year later I consulted him in a case of this kind, and he advised the basket strapping. The patient, however, rebelled, and would not allow me to try it. I then determined to test its value on some other case when opportunity presented. Speaking of this class of injuries, Dr. Gibney said: "I had learned to look upon a sprain as a kind of mystery involving a laceration of fibrous structures about the joint, a rupture of the ligament or ligaments, sometimes a teno-synovitis, sometimes contusion of the cartilege, and was inclined to look with a certain degree of admiration or pity on the man who was able to say that this ligament or that ligament was torn or detached from the bone; but was never able to say which was which, and I treated my cases as most men do to-day, by fomentation for a little while, then plaster of paris bandage or silicate of sodium, rest on axillary crutches, subsequent rubbing and massage, etc., etc. I confess I was never enamored of this treatment, and I had a grave apprehension always when I took charge of a case, lest I should get a stiffish joint following treatment, an irritable joint—one very much like the joints left after tuberculous disease in children, where suppuration has not been a part of the disease. The external features of a sprain, the signs, were always very well pronounced. One could see the puffiness in the neighborhood of the malleolus or over the dorsum of the foot, the localized swelling with extra heat, and sometimes ecchymosis."

The method adopted by Dr. Gibney, as described in Mr. CottrelPs little book, is as follows: "Cut strips of rubber adhesive plaster about one-half inch in width and long enough to completely encircle the foot. Then, with the foot raised, begin strapping the ankle and lower third of the leg, as I would an ulcer. The first strip came over the outer side of the foot down near the base of the little toe. It was put obliquely so that the next strip should cross this, one end beginning near the heel and terminating under the ball of the great toe. The third strip overlapped the first about one-half and was snugly applied, while the fourth overlapped the second in same direction, and so on until I had completely covered the foot, ankle and lower third of leg."

In the cases I have treated this way, I have generally tried to hold the foot elevated, rubbing it gently to reduce the swelling as as much as possible for half an hour or so before applying the strips. I have treated quite a number of cases in this manner, and must say that it is the most satisfactory way that I have ever treated sprained ankles. I have notes of six cases in particular in which I adopted this method of treatment.

Case 1.—D. L., a colored porter at the depot, sprained his ankle badly by a bale of cotton turning over on it. When I saw him it was swollen badly and quite painful. I had it elevated, after bathing thoroughly and gentle rubbing kept up for about half an hour, while I was cutting my plaster ready to apply. I then applied it as described, and also a cheese-cloth bandage over the plaster to hold it more snugly. I told him to put on his sock and shoe and lace it up around his ankle, which he did, and continued at his work. He wore the plaster for about one week, considered his ankle was well, removed it and had no further trouble.

Case 2. — Mr. ti., a lawyer by profession, jumped out of his buggy one afternoon in the country, lighting on a stone which turned under his foot, causing a very painful sprain. I saw him in about two hours afterwards; his ankle was swollen quite badly and very painful. I followed the same course of treatment, applying the adhesive strips and bandage. He staid in bed until the next morning, got up and put on his shoe and walked about the house some that day; and the next day went to his office, and continued from that time going on and attending to his business. His ankle, however, was somewhat sore in a week's time, and some of the strips had become loose, when I removed them and applied another dressing. He wore that for a week longer, then removed it and had no further trouble.

Case 3.—Mrs. D., a lady about 35- years old, rather tteshy and heavy, applied to me with a sprained ankle, which had been done about a week. She had not been able to walk without suffering a great deal of pain, or going on crutches. I applied the basket strappings as in the other cases. Her relief, however, was not so prompt as in the two former cases, but said it felt more comfortable immediately after the dressing was applied; she could wear her shoe and go with much less pain than before. It continued improving slowly and at the end of two weeks she was able to walk and have the dressing removed.

Case 4.—Miss C, a young lady about 15 years old, clerking in a dry goods store, stepped on a stone one morning while coming to the store, and sprained her right ankle. She called in my office soon afterwards. The ankle was swollen and painful: was hardly able to bear her foot on the floor. I applied the basket dressing, after which she put her shoe on and continued at work in the store. It gave her a little pain for a few days, but she continued goingr and wearing the dressing. I rebandaged the ankle in about a week. She wore the second bandage a week longer, when the ankle was well.

Case 5.—Miss H., a young lady attending school, jumped off the steps one evening; her foot turned, causing a painful sprain of the left ankle. I saw her two hours afterwards; she had been keeping it in hot water for some time before I saw it. I had it elevated for half an hour, having some one to rub it during that time, and then applied adhesive strips and bandage, as in the first case. She remained in bed that night, got up and put on her shoe the next morning. While she felt considerable soreness of the ankle, she could walk without much pain, and continued to do so. All pain and soreness was gone in about three days. She wore the dressing about a week, removed it and had no further trouble.

Case 6.—Mr. H., an attorney, stepped on a stone in his yard at noon and sprained his left ankle. It hurt him for a little while right badly, but he afterwards walked up to his office with the aid of a stick. It was hurting him so badly by night that he was hardly able to get home, and after walking home it became exceedingly painful. I saw it about eight hours after the injury, applied the adhesive plaster and bandages, told him' to get a laced shoe to put on the next morning, and try to walk around the house, which he did, and the next day he went to his office and continued using his ankle every day. He wore the dressing about ten days, then removed it, his ankle being perfectly well. There were no after effects.
I am highly pleased with the results I have had with this method of treating sprained ankles. With the old method of putting them up in plaster paris sometimes for weeks, we often find, upon taking them out, the joints sore and stiff, unable to move it. The modern method has certainly saved much valuable time for.my patients. The old method would have perhaps made larger bills for me, but I feel that we are more than recompensed by gratefulness from our patients when we can save them time and suffering.

Dr. Gibney, in commenting on this treatment, says: ilI have treated sprained ankles in this way at my clinic and in the outpatient department of the hospital. Both at clinic and at hospital we kept pretty full notes of cases, but they have not been tabulated. Suffice it to way that members of my staff and students have been very much impressed with the facility with which patients get about when thus treated, and medical friends who have asked me about sprains, and have adopted the plan here advocated, have reported to me almost uniformly the brilliant results they have obtained. I do not call to mind any adverse opinion."

Burns

A question was raised about the treatment of burns in 1850. I found a source from 1845, A Family Medicine Directory, that had several references about treating burns and scalds. One passage I found particularly interesting was about the use of Laudanum for the treatment of the burns. Here is the excerpt:

Laudanum...In burns, a piece of lint, soaked in Laudanum, and kept applied to the pained parts, and repeatedly moistened with the Laudanum, allays the pain, and affords great comfort to the sufferer. Beyond these simple maladies, Laudanum should never be applied without medical advice. When Laudanum has been taken as a poison, immediately excite vomiting, by giving ten grains of Sulphate of copper, dissolved in a wine glassful of pure water.

Parsley, Medical Use

I believe all of us are aware of this herb that is used in cooking but did you know that the roots could be used for medicine? In the Indian Household Medicine Guide ©1883, J.I. Lighthall wrote:

Petroselinum Sativum.
Parsley.
This is a garden plant, and the tops are used in cooking and flavoring different dishes, especially soups and dressing. The root is a splendid cooling diuretic, and should be given in all kidney troubles in low forms of fever. I have known it to succeed when more noted remedies failed. The only way I give it is in the form of a tea made from the green root, to be drank freely.

Household Medicine and sick-room © 1882 says:
Parsley.—The root and seeds of the garden parsley are unjustly neglected as domestic remedies. The dried roots taken in the form of a strong Infusion are useful diuretics in dropsies. The seeds, in doses of fifteen grains, simply bruised and swallowed, produce an effect somewhat similar to that of a glass of brandy-and-water. They cure intermittent*: in one experiment eighty-six cases of ague out of a hundred were so cured. Should be taken every four hours, in the intervals of the fits. The bruised leaves used as a poultice cure the bites or stings of insects. The seeds or leaves made into an ointment destroy vermin in the hair. A substance is separated from the seeds having the appearance of a fixed oil, and termed Apiol. It is a peculiar non-nitrogenous principle, powerfully antiperiodic, and is said to be almost equal to quinine The dose is five to seven drops every four hours. A saturated tincture of the seeds has proved a powerful remedy for intermittents.

Ringworms

To Cure Ringworm
To one part of sulphuric acid add from sixteen to twenty parts of water. Use a brush or feather, and apply it to the part night and morning. A very few dressings will generally cure. _ If the solution is too strong, dilute it with more water, and if the irritation is excessive, rub a little oil or other softening applicant, but avoid soap.
Source: Four Hundred Household Recipes (no copyright date)

Toad Ointment

Toad Ointment.—For sprains, strains, lame-hack, rheumatism, caked breasts, caked udders, &c., &e.

Good sized live toads, 4 in number; put into boiling water and cook very soft; then take them out and boil the water down to 1 pt., and add fresh churned, unsalted butter 1 lb. and simmer together; at the last add tincture of arnica 2 ozs.

This was obtained from an old Physician, who thought more of it than of any other prescription in his possession. Some persons might think it hard on toads, but you could not kill them quicker in any other way.
Source: Dr. Chase's Recipes ©1870

Itch Ointment

Itch Ointment.—Unsalted butter 1 lb.; Burgundy pitch 2 oz.; spirits of turpentine 2 ozs.; red-precipitate, pulverized, 1 1/4 ozs.; melt the pitch and add the butter, stirring well together; then remove from the fire, and when a little cool add the spirits of turpentine, and lastly the precipitate, and stir until cold.

This will cure all cases of psora, usually called "The Itch," and many other skin eruptions, as pimples, blotches, &c.

Dr. Beach thinks the animal which infests the skin, in real itch, is the result of the disease, whilst most authors think it the cause.
Source: Dr. Chase's Recipes ©1865

Scarlet Fever

Household Medicine, Surgery, Sick-room Management and Diet for Invalids ©1854


Scarlatina is popularly supposed to be a different disease from scarlet fever. This is an error, scarlet fever being merely the technical name of scarlatina. The most severe and the mildest cases are termed by medical men, indifferently, scarlatina, or scarlet fever.
Scarlet fever is comparatively unfrequent after childhood; the cause of this appears to be, not that adults, as such, are insusceptible to the disease, hut that the majority of persons have been affected by it in childhood.
Like most of the other specific diseases, scarlet fever varies greatly in severity,—sometimes it is a disease so malignant as to kill in a few hours, at other times its symptoms are so mild that the patient is almost unconscious that he is ill.
The first symptom of scarlatina in an adult is usually considerable stiffness and soreness of the throat; this is quickly followed by shivering or chilliness, heat of skin, headache, thirst, and frequent pulse. In children these latter symptoms ordinarily precede complaints of sore throat. Among the symptoms less constantly present on the first day of disease are vomiting, and, in children, convulsions.
The rash from which the disease derives its name appears on the second day of illness—i.e.,supposing the child to have sickened on Monday, the rash may be looked for on Tuesday. The rash breaks out first on the throat and chest, it then affects the face and trunk, and extends in two or three days to the legs and arms. When first visible it consists of minute scarlet points; these soon grow so numerous as to unite and tint the skin generally of a scarlet hue. The colour is sometimes as vivid as that of the shell of the boiled lobster; at others, it is only a faint scarlet blush. AVhen the rash is fully out, the face is a good deal swollen, the skin is very hot, the pulse is very rapid; the patient's mind may wander at night; the tongue is intensely red or white, with red points projecting through it, and the throat red and swollen ; there is often, too, at this time, more or less swelling externally, about the angle of the lower jaw on either side. On looking down the throat ulceration of tho tonsils is sometimes visible, but more commonly what at the first moment appears to be an ulcer, is only a patch of adherent secretion. The rash of scarlet fever attains its maximum extent and intensity on about the fifth day.
From this date all the symptoms of the disease quickly subside, and in three or four days may altogether disappear. On or about the fifteenth day—sometimes, however, at a much earlier period—the skin begins to desquamate in small bran-like scales from the surface generally, but from the hands and feet the separation of the cuticle takes place in large flakes.
In a considerable proportion of cases, a fortnight or three weeks after the rash has faded the face is observed to be fuller than natural; and if the feet be examined thoy are found to be swollen; the patient has scarlatinal dropsy; the urine is at the same time small in quantity and of dark colour. Under these circumstances he may be suddenly seized with convulsions.
There are no remedies which can directly cure a ease of scarlet fever. The room in which the patient lies should be carefully kept cool, and freely ventilated ; his bed should be very lightly covered, and all his flannel clothing removed. Cold sponging of the whole surface, when the skin is very hot and the patient does not feel chilly after, affords considerable relief. The bowels should be kept moderately lax. No other medicines are needed in mild cases. In severe cases the treatment varies according to the intensity of the disease. Sometimes danger is occasioned by the occurrence of local inflammation, and at others by extreme debility. In the latter case brandy and ammonia may be demanded; in the former, blood-letting may be required. During the period of desquamation great care must be taken that there be no exposure to cold, as such exposure is generally supposed to favour the occurrence of dropsy. Warm baths are, during convalescence, of considerable advantage; and, should dropsy supervene, confinement to a warm room is essential for recovery.

Treatment of Corns

This tidbit comes from "The New England Economical Housekeeper and Family Receipt Book  ©1845

* Soak the feet in warm soap-suds, till the outer surface of the corn is quite soft; then wipe dry, and apply caustic all over the corn; it will soon be dry; let them remain for several days till you can remove the black skin without difficulty; then apply more caustic, and so continue till there is no corn left.
Use a salve made of equal parts of roasted onions and soft soap; apply it hot. Or apply a sponge wet with a solution of pearlash.
* Wild turnip scraped and bound upon the corn, after the corn has been cut and made tender, will cure it in a short time.
Take a small piece of flannel which has not been washed, wrap or sew it round the corn and toe. One thickness will be sufficient. Wet the flannel where the corn is, night and morning, with fine sweet oil. Renew the flannel weekly, and at the same time pare the corn, which will very soon disappear.

Inflammation in breasts and navels of Infants

This comes from Ayers Every Man His Own Doctor Family Medical Adviser ©1879

Inflammation of the Breasts and Navel

New-born infants are liable to a singular inflammation and enlargement of the breasts, which is often very injuriously treated by squeezing, sucking, or pressing them, in order that they may be "milked out," as ignorant nurses talk of. In moderate cases of this kind, nothing more is necessary than to apply a piece of linen moistened with a little sweet oil; or a weak solution of the muriate of ammonia in vinegar and water, in the proportion of a drachm of the ammonia to four ounces of vinegar. The solution ought to applied warm by moistening pieces of linen with it, and laying them over the affected parts.

Inflammation and consequent ulceration about the navel is a frequent occurrence during the first nine or ten days after birth. The most common cause is deficient attention to cleanliness, particularly in not clearing away the white caseous matter from about the umbilicus. A solution of the sulphate of copper, in the proportion of ten grains to an ounce of water, may be applied once or twice daily, and the parts afterwards covered with lead ointment, where there is cations are made, the parts should be carefully washed with lukewarm water, at least twice daily.

Anaemia

While researching a novel a friend asked about anemia in the late 1800's. Below you'll find what "Ayer's Everyman His Own Doctor" © 1879 had to say:

Anaemia
This is a condition of the constitution in which there is a deficiency of the red globules, or coloring matter, in the blood. It is marked by extreme pallor in those parts, such as the lips, which are generally suffused; and is not uncommon in young females of a weak or scrofulous habit. It appears to arise from a deficiency of vital energy in the system, either constitutional or brought on by want of nourishment, breathing impure air, or great loss of blood. In any case a cure may be effected by good generous diet, pure air, moderate exercise, and strengthening medicines.
Treatment--Any of the various preparations of iron may be taken in combination, if the appetite be bad, with some bitter tonic, such as infusion of gentian, with a little quinine. Should there be much emaciation, cod-liver oil, taken in orange whie, will be of service. The pores of the skin should be kept open by tepid spouging, and the bowels moderately so by a rhubarb or colocynth pill now and then. Strong purgatives should be avoided, and especially salines. In young females the absence of the monthly discharge need cause no uneasiness; with returning strength that will most likely return. Should it not do so, however when this treatment has been persisted in for a time, and should the pallor, languor, sleepleessness, headache, confined bowels, swelling of the feet, &c., which generally distinguish anaemia, continue, a medical man ought to be consulted, as it is likely there may be consumption, or other organic disease, at the root of the mischief.

Medical Advertisments

While reading "A Family Medicine Directory" ©1854 by Charles Dinneford, I discovered some recommendations in the book of various medicines and treatments that Dinneford approved of. Today's post includes several from this book.

SELECT MEDICINES FOR FAMILY USE,
BY
DINNEFOED & Co.,
Pharmacentical Chemists
172, NEW' BOND STREET, LONDON.

THE CORDIAL TINCTURE OF TURKEY RHUBARB.
This preparation possesses all the properties of the root, combined with such aromatics as render it an exceedingly useful medicine in a variety of affections where a cordial aperient is required, particularly for indigestion and griping pains in the stomach and bowels; it is esteemed by those who have been in the habit of taking it, .one of the most useful aperients for persons affected with the Gout, and can be taken in such cases, when a cooling aperient would be attended with danger.

CONCENTRATED PEPPERMINT WATER.
The medicinal virtues of the herb Peppermint, in relieving cramps, spasms, flatulency, and other affections of the stomach and bowels ; and also languor, lowness of spirits, general debility, &c, have been long so well known as to render it one of our most valuable medicines. This is a preparation of such general utility, and so applicable to all cases of emergency, that its possession is earnestly recommended to the heads of every family. The sick chamber or nursery should never be without it, as it may be taken at all times, and under all circumstances, with equal success.

AROMATIC CORDIAL GINGER.
This elegant preparation possesses all the valuable properties of the finest Jamaica Ginger, and is presented in the most agreeable form in which that esteemed domestic medicine is capable of being administered. In cases of languor or temporary depression, no other stimulant is more agreeable and efficacious.

DR. BABINGTON'S DOMESTIC PILLS.
These Pills have been used in the practice of that distinguished Physician for nearly fifty years, and are invaluable as a standing family medicine, for all disorders arising from a confined state of the bowels—such as pains in the stomach, head-ache, dimness of sight, &c, &c. They contain neither calomel, antimony, or any other medicine requiring the least confinement or alteration of diet; they may be taken by persons of all ages, for any number of years, without the slightest injury to the constitution, and are therefore peculiarly adapted to persons of sedentary or studious habits, who are unable to take necessary exercise.

DR. ARMSTRONG'S DIGESTIVE PILLS.
These Dinner Pills assist the digestion, improve the appetite, increase the action of the bowels, and by regular use will give new vigour to the constitution.

COMPOUND RHUBARB PILLS,
USED AS DIGESTIVE OR DINNER PILLS.
Dinneford and Co. give especial attention to the selection of medicines constituting this valuable compound ; the Pills as prepared by them, possess stomachic and aperient qualities, and are confidently recommended to the heads of families for general domestic use.

FLUID EXTRACT OF DANDELION.
Containing all the active properties of the fresh root in a concentrated state. A dessert-spoonful in water is equal to half a pint of the ordinary decoction of the root.

CONCENTRATED ESSENCE OF JAMAICA GINGER.
Possessing all the aromatic properties of the root in the greatest perfection; this liquid form of Ginger is peculiarly serviceable where gouty, spasmodic, and flatulent affeotions disturb the digestive functions.

SUPERIOR AROMATISED SAL VOLATILE.
This elegant preparation has long been celebrated for its beautiful flavour and softness, being entirely deprived of the unpleasant caustic qualities complained of in the Sal Volatile of ordinary use.

CONCENTRATED ESSENCE OF CAMPHOR.
A convenient preparation for the extemporaneous production of CAMPHOR JDLEP, which can be made by adding thirty or forty drops of the essence to a wineglassful of water.

CAMPHORATED SAL VOLATILE.
An efficacious and convenient restorative for relieving sickness, lowness of spirits, languor, and faintings, particularly when produced from over-heated assemblies. A small teaspoonful, mixed with a wineglassful of water, forms a draught equal in every respect to Sal Volatile, taken with Camphor Julep, the inconvenience of two bottles being avoided.

EFFERVESCING MAGNESIAN APERIENT.
This agreeable preparation will be found efficacious as an aperient in cases of habitual costiveness; as a remedy for heartburn, acidity of stomach, and cutaneous eruptions, it may be taken in smaller doses with equal advantage. Being comparatively tasteless, it may be given to children, who frequently refuse the usual aperients.

GERMAN TASTELESS SALT.
Prepared from an analysis of the mineral springs of Germany, and adapted for the cure of bilious affections, indigestion, want of appetite, habitual costiveness, cutaneous eruptions, &c.; by regular use this salt will prevent the necessity of having recourse to Calomel, Epsom Salts, and other more powerful and nauseous medicines, which frequently tend only to weaken by giving temporary relief.

TASTLESS SEIDLITZ POWDER.
From its portability this preparation is far more convenient for use than the ordinary Seidlitz Powder. The dose can be proportioned to form either an Aperient or a Saline Draught.
For the former it is only necessary to dissolve a large tablespoonful in two-thirds of a tumbler of water; for the latter a teaspoonful.
It will keep good in every situation, and is singularly efficacious in preventing sea-sickness.

TRUE WIESBADEN SALT.
The celebrated saline water of Wiesbaden possesses alterative and aperient properties; it stimulates the absorbent system, and is found beneficial in gouty and other affections depending on a deranged state of the system, The salt obtained by evaporation from the natural spring, as specially consigned to Messrs. Dinneford & Co., will be found correspondingly efficacious and desirable.

LEMON AND KALI,
FOR MAKING SALINE DRAUGHTS.
This peculiarly grateful effervescent may be taken with the greatest advantage in febrile and other similar affections, and as a beverage for allaying thirst during the heat of summer.

DR. GREGORY'S STOMACHIC POWDER.
For gout, indigestion, acidity, &c., composed of Turkey Rhubarb, Farina of Jamaica Ginger, and pure Calcined Magnesia. This composition was a favourite remedy of the late Professor Gregory, of Edinburgh, for affections of the stomach (such as acidity, flatulency, &c.), and torpidity of the bowels, consequent upon an impaired state of the secretions necessary for the process of digestion. Its effects are antacid, carminative, and gently aperient. It is particularly serviceable to gouty and dyspeptic invalids, and may be taken without any restraint whatever, according to the directions which accompany it.

ESSENCE OF CAMOMILE AND GINGER.
The ingredients of this formula are especially selected: the aromatic properties of the Ginger assist in relieving flatulence; whilst the bitter qualities of the Camomile act as a mild tonic on the stomach, assisting digestion and restoring the appetite.

DINNEFORD'S INDIAN TONIC,
For weak stomachs, flatulency, indigestion, loss of appetite, nervous affections, and constitutional debility.

ORANGE QUININE WINE.
An elegant and grateful stomachic, and strengthening stimulant to the nervous system.

RASPBERRY SALINE DRAUGHT.
A grateful effervescing beverage for allaying thirst.

MEDICATED COTTON.
For preventing and relieving colds, difficulty of breathing,

AROMATIC BLACK DRAUGHT.
A most agreeable form for administering this usually nauseous draught. It is an admirable domestic medicine, and may be had recourse to in all cases, with safety, in the absence of a medical man. It will keep good for any length of time.

Posted by Lynn Coleman at 7:27 AM 0 comments 
Labels: 1854, Household Medicine, Medicine

Baths & Bathing Part 2

Today's post continues from yesterday picking up about Sea Bathing, from "A Family Medicine Directory ©1854 by Charles Dinneford.

SEA-WATER BATH.
The topical action of sea-water is more stimulant than common water, and, employed as a bath, it more speedily and certainly causes the re-action and glow, and, consequently, the sea-water bath may be used for a longer period, without causing exhaustion, than the common water bath. It is a popular opinion, which is, perhaps, well founded, that patients are less liable to take cold after the use of salt water, as a bath, than after the use of common water.

Artificial Sea-Water Bath.—A solution of one part of common salt in thirty parts of water, is a cheap substitute for a sea-water bath. When, however, a more faithful imitation of sea-water is desired, the following formula, founded on Marcet's analysis, may be relied on:—
Common Salt 390 grains
Sulphate of Soda (crystals) 172 grains
Chloride of Calcium (crystals) 36 grains
Chloride of Magnesium (crystals) .... 144 grains
Iodide of Potassium 1 grain
Bromide of Potassium 1 grain
Water 1 wine quart
This imitation is perfect.
The following remarks on " Sea Bathing" are compressed from an able article which formerly appeared in The Lancet:—
" The Cold Sea Bath—Is a therapeutic agent, not only of immense power, but it admits of no substitute: it will accomplish what no other remedy will effect. On the other hand, a cold plunge, indiscreetly resorted to in visceral disease, may prove to be a plunge into eternity. For these reasons the cold sea bath should only be used (by invalids) under special medical direction. Nor is any medical practitioner justified in giving directions for its use, unless he have a practical acquaintance, not only with the morbid conditions which it is calculated to rectify, but with all the circumstances which indicate or contra-indicate its use— with the requisite dose or frequency of repetition—with the signs of an over-dose or excessive use—and with the indications for perseverance in its use on the one hand, or for its discontinuance on the other. All this is considered essential in administering a drug, and it holds with equal force in reference to a bath. Yet the use of the cold bath as a remedy for disease, is, perhaps, less understood by the profession than any agent of equal power. The conditions of its administration, not less than the effects of its abuse, are alike subjects on which erroneous views extensively prevail.

" There are reasons for this deficiency of knowledge, which go far both to explain and excuse it. In the first place, a comparatively small number only of the practitioners of these islands have opportunities of witnessing and watching the operations of the old sea bath—those, namely, who are located at marine watering places. Their inland brethren cannot be expected to take much interest in the study of a subject which to them must be purely theoretical. Nor is it at all necessary that they should do so. I only entreat them, as they value human life, to abstain from prescribing at random, a remedy of which they cannot understand the value; and to admonish their patients visiting the coast, not to consign their health to the care of the ignorant proprietors of bathing machines, or their more ignorant ' guides.' As well might a lancet be plunged into the vein of a patient at the dictum of the instrument maker, or calomel be administered under the advice of the laboratory man, as for such persons to have the direction of this powerful remedy. So far as disease is concerned, every bathing establishment should be under medical superintendence. And as every watering place may be supposed to contain medical practitioners who are practically acquainted with the subject, there can be no excuse whatever for the encouragement of the form of hydropathic quackery above described.

Baths & Bathing Part 1

This is the first of two posts on Baths & Bathing taken from "A Family Medicine Directory ©1854 by Charles Dinneford.

BATHS AND BATHING.
The simplest and most natural division of Baths is into hot and cold; the former comprehending all those which occasion the feeling of heat, the latter all which communicate the sensation of cold. The following arrangement of Baths according to temperature, is likely to be generally useful:—
1 The cold bath 60° to 70°
2 The temperate hath 75° to 85°
8 The tepid bath 85° to 92°
4 The warm bath 92° to 98°
5 The hot bath 98° to 112°
THE COLD BATH.
As a preventative of the numerous diseases produced by cold, or rather by variations of temperature, the cold bath excels all other measures. In the numerous variations of catarrhal disorders it is frequently of extreme value. It obviously acts, too, in warding off these diseases; in the first place, as a tonic to the whole system, thereby rendering it less easily affected by deleterious influences from without. Secondly, it strengthens, in a peculiar manner, the skin and the mucous membranes of the air passages, on which part the morbific impressions, producing catarrh, are generally made. In the third place, by accustoming the surface to a frequent change of temperature, it renders it less liable to suffer from those which are unavoidable, and which are known to be the common cause of colds. The same observations apply, in a great measure, to rheumatism, chilblains, and other diseases produced by the same causes.
THE WARM BATH.
The following are a few of the cases in which the warm bath is highly beneficial:—
1.—In fatigue after great muscular exertion, particularly if long continued; in those cases the body should be allowed time to cool before the bath is taken, and the temperature of this should not be higher than is absolutely necessary to produce the desired effects. In general 94°, 95°, or 96° will be sufficiently high.
2.—After a long journey, more particularly in the case of persons of a delicate or feverish habit. Travelling for several successive days, even in the easiest carriage, and on the best roads, produces, in almost every person, dryness of skin, irregular distribution of blood, defective secretion and excretion, general irritation of the nervous system, and a slight degree of feverish heat; in all such cases the warm bath is an invaluable remedy.
3.—After long continued and mental excitement and loss of sleep, as in studious labours ; and after great bodily exertion and activity of the external senses, as many departments of public and professional life impose, the warm bath is very beneficial.
The warm bath is of essential benefit in many diseases, but it is unnecessary here to speak of bathing medicinally, the only object being to offer a few suggestions for the guidance of persons in health.
Period Of Stay In The Bath.—Speaking generally, a quarter of an hour may be said to be the shortest period, an hour the longest, and twenty-five minutes to half an hour the medium.
THE TEPID BATH.
The effects of the tepid bath are similar in kind to those of the warm bath, but inferior in degree. The tepid bath is less pleasant, less animating, less soothing; it possesses neither the direct stimulus of the warm, nor the indirect stimulus of the cold bath, and in its medical effects may be taid to occupy a middle position between the temperate and warm baths.

THE HOT BATH.
The application of the hot hath is exclusively therapeutical, and its employment, consequently, circumscribed; tbe propriety of its use must, therefore, be determined by the practitioner.

THE VAPOUR BATH.
The vapour bath is applicable in most cases of chronic, rheumatism and gout, in some cutaneous affections, and in slight colds from checked perspiration; the general effects of the vapour bath are those of a powerful stimulant and sudorific, followed by a feeling of languor and tendency to sleep; it seems that a much higher temperature can be borne in the vapour, than in the warm bath, and that the exhalation and consequent exhaustion is also less.
The Medicated Vapour Bath.—Is prepared by impregnating aqueous vapour with the odour of medicinal plants. There is no good reason, however, for supposing that it possesses any advantage over the simple vapour bath.

Tomorrow continues with a long post on Sea Bathing.

Cancer

I found this to be interesting information. This comes from The Family Medical Guide and what was thought of Cancer in 1853. Since my father has experienced four types of cancer and survived all of them, I'm very glad we live with the information modern medicine has made with the disease.

CANCER.
This disease is, on its first appearance, a hard tumour, situated upon some gland; it increases in size, and becomes knotty, hard, and very painful; in course of time it turns into an ulcer, which has an uneven surface, ragged and painful edges, and spreads very rapidly, discharging a thin matter that flays the surrounding parts, and has a foetid smell. The parts generally affected are the breasts and testicles, but sometimes it attacks the lips, tongue, and womb. Chimneysweepers are very liable to it, from the soot lodging in the folds of the scrotum. It is most generally to be met with in persons advanced in life, especially in women about the turn of life. Women who have had no children, and those who have had them but not suckled them, are very liable to it. A cancer may arise from external injury, such as a blow, &c. When any gland has become enlarged and shews a tendency to become hard, proper means should be immediately applied to disperse it. All pressure should be removed, especially those lady-killers called stays, if it be the breasts that are affected. The bowels should be kept gently open, and a cooling regimen enjoined; all stimulants, such as wine, spirits, &c., should be abstained from. A mustard poultice should be put on the part (if accessible), and it should be constantly bathed with warm water and well rubbed with Measam's Cream. These means I have found to prevent many cancers.

When the disease shews itself in reality, sedative poultices made of poppies, hemlock, &c, should be applied to relieve the pain, and these should be constantly applied. If the disease proceeds to ulceration, make a poultice of the following :—Take half a pound of bread and two ounces of charcoal; mix with warm water for a poultice, and put it all over the parts: or a poultice of carrots scraped, mixed with yeast and oatmeal. These will in many cases afford great relief, and destroy the fcetor and acrimony of the discharge. The air should be excluded in all cases. In general, every means will be found ineffectual; but the above, and the constant use of Measam's Cream, I have found to be pre-eminently successful.

By all means avoid the LANCET and the KNIFE : if relief is to be obtained at all, it is not from them. The celebrated Dr. Reid, of Edinburgh, had as many as three operations performed upon him; he was afflicted with cancer on the tongue ; but although he had the best and most able advice England or Scotland could afford, every operation seemed only to increase the violence of the disease. He at last sunk under it, and was indebted to chloroform for relief from the agonies of a death-bed. If, then, such a man, with such aid, could have no relief from their deadly use, how can those less fortunately circumstanced expect it ? The remark of Dr. Dickson is quite true ; he says :—" Few people now die of disease—it is the orthodox fashion to die of the doctor."

Camphor A Cure for Cholera

From Houghtaling's Handbook ©1887

Camphor a Cure for Cholera

The following simple remedy was issued in handbill form by the Hibernia Printing Office, Dublin Ireland, during the severe visitiation of the cholera in 1836, and was the means of saving thousands of lives. It was also used with valuable effect in 1848, and we would advise its use again should that epidemic visit our shores. In any case, however, no hard could be done by having it in the house during the warm months:

Dissolve one ounce of camphor in six ounces of spirits of wine and give a small bottle of it to any intelligent person in your neighborhood who will undertake to administer it to his poor neighbors when they are seized with cholera or any of its symptoms, withou deviating in the slightest degree from the following instructions:

When any person is seized with symptoms of cholera, such as vomiting, purging, sudden weakness, coldness, cramps or spasms, do not give them brandy or whiskey or any kind of medicine whatever, but put them to bed at once, covering them warmly, not overloading them with bed clothes, and as soon as you possibly can let the patient take two drops (not more) of the camphor mixture on a little pounded sugar in a spoonful of cold or iced water. In five minutes after let him take a second dose of two drops in the same way, and in five minutes repeat the same thing. He is then to wait ten or fifteen minutes to see wether or not there is a sense of returning warmth, with a disposition toward perspiration and manifest decrease of sickness, cramps, etc., when, if necessary, he must take two drops, as before, and repeat the dose every five minutes until twelve or fourteen drops have been taken. In administering this remedy you must particularly observe that if the patient takes anything of any sort or kind, except cold or iced water while the medicine is intended to operate, its whole effects will be destroyed, for the least foreign medicine will neutralize the camphor, which is given to check vomiting and to produce a free, warm perspiration. The use of the cold or iced water is given on the advice of the late celebrated and successful Dr. Paddock, of London, who always allowed his patients to drink cold or iced water, as it tends to promote free perspiration, and also abundant discharge of yellow bile.

The patient must not be allowed to rise and expose him or herself to the slightest degree of cold, and should not be tormented with baths, steamings or rubbing of any kind, but permitted to lie still, as he will fall asleep when perspiration comes on, and after some hours will, with God's assistance, awake well, though weak and languid and perhaps a little feverish in which case he may get a dose, say a teaspoonful of Gregory's powder or rhubarb and magnesia, with a little peppermint water or weak sal volatile and water to wash it down, but must be kept quiet, taking only a little soup, broth or gruel for a day or two.

Lord Ponsonby writing to his brother, the Bishop of Derry, stated that to his knowledge these camphor drops had proved to be a certain cure for cholera, both in France and Germany, whenever taken in time, and the cure is generally effected before it is possible to procure a physician-that is less than in an hour.