For today's tidbit I'm sharing some of the various ways I've come across during the later part of the 19th century, to keep cool.
Another New York bookseller, who has been interviewed on the subject of keeping a store cool in summer, claims that it can be done if proper measures of precaution are taken.
"For example,*' he says, "I have a transom over my door that I leave open every night; also the top of the back window. This gives a draft of cool air during the night, and I find it cool in the morning. I also follow the trail of the sun, and in the hot days in summer see that it never gets into my store."
"All the cleaning that is done in my place of business is done between six and seven in the morning. This gets the store in trim for the day's work. In order to keep out flies the store should always be darkened and, above all, the atmosphere pure. Flies and other insects will only come when the air is bad. Care should always be taken to place everything out of the way that will attract them. If possible, do not permit any eating or cooking in your store during the hot months. If you do, then place all your stock under covers, for flies and other insects will play havoc with it."
There are electric fans and other machine devices to cool stores, but for the small city and town bookseller the above is simple and low in price.
Source: The Bookseller and Newsman ©1896
How to Keep Cool in Summer.—In summer we should eat less meat and less food than in winter. Usually our appetite is not so good in summer as it is in winter, and naturally, therefore, we take less food, and we should wear light clothing. Everything we do during the warm parts of the summer days we should do slowly and should not hurry. We should not walk much in the sun without being shaded.
How the Body is Kept Cool in Summer.—It would seem difficult to prevent the body from being overheated in summer when the air around us is so warm; and you might wonder, too, why it is that the blood of a locomotive engineer, or of a cook, who is in front of a hot fire all day long, is no warmer than that of persons who can keep cool. There are two ways in which the bodily heat is prevented from rising above 98 degrees when persons must be near furnaces and fires or are otherwise exposed to the heat.
Both methods depend upon the fact that whenever moisture or water leaves any surface it makes that surface cold; that is, it takes some of the heat of that surface with it. In India, the drinking-water is cooled by placing it in porous clay
In this way our blood does not get any warmer in summer than in winter. For in summer more moisture leaves the body than in winter. Moisture leaves the body in two ways: By the lungs and by the skin. We breathe more rapidly in summer than in winter, especially if it is very warm, and in this way, more moisture is given off to the air from the blood passing through the lungs. Then again, the expired air contains more moisture in summer.
Perspiration.—The moisture which passes off by the skin is called perspiration. This is taking place constantly through the pores, but in summer so much passes off that it collects in drops and is then called visible or sensible perspiration.
Ice-water in Summer.—There is no objection to ice-water in summer if you do not drink too much, and if you take but a little at a time. Some people get into the habit of drinking ice-water constantly. This is very unhealthy and will make them suffer. But if it be remembered to drink it slowly and only a little at a time, it will not usually do any harm.
Source: May's Anatomy, Physiology and ©1899
ABOUT YOUR HAIR
YOU will never look cool in summer unless you learn to arrange your hair properly—that is to say, to bid good-by to the heavy bang which is on your forehead, and which will, after a few hours, look frowzy and become uncurled. Draw part of this back and pin it down with small lace hairpins, and have the very shortest fringe possible, if, indeed, you wear one at all. If your forehead is low and broad you can say farewell to the bang, and parting your hair in the centre draw it back in the neatest way possible. Instead of the soft, full loops that retained their position during the winter, braid your back hair and pin it closely to your head. This done one's coiffure will be neat all the day long, and if you have a well-shaped head it will bring out its outlines to perfection. I do not want any girl to think that I wish her to lose her good looks, and if she doesn't look well with her hair parted then let her elect to wear it rolled off her forehead, or if she has a very high forehead then she must have a short fringe or bang, with the ends just turned to soften her face. Do not wear fancy pins or ribbons during the day. In the evening, though, it is quite proper for you to put among your locks anything that you may choose. By-the-by, it must be remembered that I am talking now to the busy girl who wants to look her best in the summer time, and who yet has not the half hours in which to rest, and who cannot wear dainty house dresses, as does the girl who has no occupation in the outside world.
Source: Ladies' Home Journal ©1893
Showing posts with label health- illnesses. Show all posts
Showing posts with label health- illnesses. Show all posts
Monday, August 28, 2017
Friday, June 23, 2017
Hepatitis Treatments
Below is a brief outline over the 19th century for the treatment of Hepatitis. As I was preparing this list I couldn't help but thank the Lord that I was born in this time period than back in that one. If your characters develop this disease, I sure do pity them.
In the American Journal of Medical Sciences Vol. 8 ©1830 the treatment for hepatitis was the use of leeches and bleeding.
I found a reference in the Medical Examiner ©1839 that mentions the use of the "blue pill" but also the use of the leeches.
Leeches and Bleeding is still standard course of treatment in 1845 cited in the Half-yearly abstract of the medical sciences. It also states a light diet is in order.
In 1871 Beeton's Medical Dictionary it states that blood letting is not recommended now except in severe cases. It mentions the most common treatment is to try to an support the system during the course of the disease. It also mentions the possibility of using Mercury.
In 1885 A Revised and Enlarged Edition of Clark's new system of electrical medication we find the use of electricity as the practice of apply the current to 'as much as the patient can bear' for 20 minutes once or twice a day.
In 1899 The Practitioner's manual, by Charles Allen acknowledges that the treatment is symptomatic, in other words it only treats the symptoms not the cause of the disease.
In the American Journal of Medical Sciences Vol. 8 ©1830 the treatment for hepatitis was the use of leeches and bleeding.
I found a reference in the Medical Examiner ©1839 that mentions the use of the "blue pill" but also the use of the leeches.
Leeches and Bleeding is still standard course of treatment in 1845 cited in the Half-yearly abstract of the medical sciences. It also states a light diet is in order.
In 1871 Beeton's Medical Dictionary it states that blood letting is not recommended now except in severe cases. It mentions the most common treatment is to try to an support the system during the course of the disease. It also mentions the possibility of using Mercury.
In 1885 A Revised and Enlarged Edition of Clark's new system of electrical medication we find the use of electricity as the practice of apply the current to 'as much as the patient can bear' for 20 minutes once or twice a day.
In 1899 The Practitioner's manual, by Charles Allen acknowledges that the treatment is symptomatic, in other words it only treats the symptoms not the cause of the disease.
Thursday, June 22, 2017
Red Lip Salve
Not to be confused with lipgloss or lipstick as we know it now. This salve was to prevent and treat the chapping of lips. This tidbit came out of the "New Receipts for Cooking" by Miss Leslie ©1854 Alkanet is a plant that is the source of a red dye. The second clip immediately follows the first with a recipe for cold cream. Lipstick as we know of it was first used in the 1890's.
RED LIP SALVE.—Mix together equal portions of the best suet and the best lard. There must be no salt about them. Boil slowly, and skim and stir the mixture. Then add a small thin bag of alkanet chips; and when it has coloured the mixture of a fine deep red, take it out. While cooling, stir in, very hard, sufficient rose or orange-flower water to give it a fine perfume. A few drops of oil of rhodium will impart to it a very agreeable rose-scent.
Cold cream for excoriated nostrils, chafed upper lips, or chapped hands may be made nearly as above, but with one-third suet, and two-thirds lard, and no alkanet. When it has boiled thoroughly, remove it from the fire, and stir in, gradually, a large portion of rose-water, or a little oil of rhodium, beating very hard. Put it into small gallicups, with close covers.
RED LIP SALVE.—Mix together equal portions of the best suet and the best lard. There must be no salt about them. Boil slowly, and skim and stir the mixture. Then add a small thin bag of alkanet chips; and when it has coloured the mixture of a fine deep red, take it out. While cooling, stir in, very hard, sufficient rose or orange-flower water to give it a fine perfume. A few drops of oil of rhodium will impart to it a very agreeable rose-scent.
Cold cream for excoriated nostrils, chafed upper lips, or chapped hands may be made nearly as above, but with one-third suet, and two-thirds lard, and no alkanet. When it has boiled thoroughly, remove it from the fire, and stir in, gradually, a large portion of rose-water, or a little oil of rhodium, beating very hard. Put it into small gallicups, with close covers.
Monday, June 19, 2017
Mustard Plaster
We've all heard about them and perhaps some of you have used one but I think for most of us today this is definitely a thing of the past. Below you'll find the recipe for a Mustard Plaster from "New Receipts for Cooking" by Miss Leslie ©1854.
MUSTARD PLASTERS.—Mustard plasters are frequently very efficacious in rheumatic or other pains occasioned by cold. It is best to make them entirely of mustard and vinegar without any mixture of flour. They should be spread between two pieces of thin muslin, and bound on the part affected. As soon as the irritation or burning becomes uncomfortable, take off the plaster. They should never remain on longer than twenty minutes ; as by that time the beneficial effect will be produced, if at all. When a mustard plaster has been taken off, wash the part tenderly with a sponge and warm water. If the irritation on the skin continues troublesome, apply successive poultices of grated bread-crumbs wetted with lead water.
A mustard plaster behind the ear will often remove a toothache, earache, or a rheumatic pain in the head. Applied to the wrists they will frequently check an ague-fit, if put on as soon as the first symptoms of chill evince themselves.
Definition of ague-fit
An obsolete term for a chill following a fever, which is said to be typical of malaria. This term is not used to working medical parlance, though it continues to be used by laypersons.
Source: Medical Free Dictionary, http://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/ague+fit
MUSTARD PLASTERS.—Mustard plasters are frequently very efficacious in rheumatic or other pains occasioned by cold. It is best to make them entirely of mustard and vinegar without any mixture of flour. They should be spread between two pieces of thin muslin, and bound on the part affected. As soon as the irritation or burning becomes uncomfortable, take off the plaster. They should never remain on longer than twenty minutes ; as by that time the beneficial effect will be produced, if at all. When a mustard plaster has been taken off, wash the part tenderly with a sponge and warm water. If the irritation on the skin continues troublesome, apply successive poultices of grated bread-crumbs wetted with lead water.
A mustard plaster behind the ear will often remove a toothache, earache, or a rheumatic pain in the head. Applied to the wrists they will frequently check an ague-fit, if put on as soon as the first symptoms of chill evince themselves.
Definition of ague-fit
An obsolete term for a chill following a fever, which is said to be typical of malaria. This term is not used to working medical parlance, though it continues to be used by laypersons.
Source: Medical Free Dictionary, http://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/ague+fit
Friday, June 16, 2017
Hair Shampoo
Today we have an incredible amount of hair care products. In the 19th century they seemed to have equally as many. Below is a list of the various types of hair care products concluded with a recipe for shampoo.
Hair dye
Luster Oil
Hair Oil or Dressing (perfumes)
Shampoos
Hair Tonic
Restorative products
Cologne
Handoline--for the hair--as used in India
Crimps
Hair Curling Liquid
Hair Bleach
Pomade
Depilatory (Hair Removal)
Dandruff products
BOB HEATER'S SHAMPOO—Hair Tonio—Very Strong.
—First put oil of sweet almonds, 4 ozs., into alcohol, 1 pt., and put in oil of bergamot, 2 drs., or 1 dr., with oil citronella, 1 dr., when it can be had; then add aqua ammonia, 4 ozs.; rye whiskey 8 ozs.; gum camphor, % oz.; mix. Shake before applying, and rub in thoroughly. .
Remarks.—" Bob" Heater, a barber of Dresden, Ohio, where I married, and afterwards lived 14 yrs., obtained the first part of this receipt from a Mr. Squires, and put to it what we call the addenda or added portion, which makes it a strong and efficient tonic, to be used in cases where there is much falling out of the hair, or if considerable dandruff is present. He used it upon my own hair during the winter of '74, which myself, wife, and son spent in the " old home." It eradicated the dandruff and stopped the falling hair, and I still have an excellent head of hair at nearly 68 years of age, while at that time I thought it was all going. He had equal success with some others in a similar condition.
Source: Dr. Chase's Third, last, and complete receipt book and household physician©1888 pg 633-634
Thursday, June 15, 2017
Millefleurs Perfume
In the New Receipts for Cooking by Miss Leslie ©1854 you'll find lots of recipes for general food cooking. However in the middle chapters of the book are recipes for Perfumes, Remedies, Laundry-work, Needle work, etc. One of the perfume recipes for hair is listed below: Millefleurs literally means a thousand flowers.
MILLEFLEURS PERFUME.—Mix together an ounce of oil of lavender; an ounce of essence of lemon; an ounce and a quarter of oil of ambergris; and half an ounce of oil of carraway. Add half a pint of alcohol, or spirits of wine, which should be of the inodorous sort. Shake all well together. Let it stand a week, closelycorked, in a large bottle. You may then divide it in small bottles.
By mixing this perfume with equal quantities of olive oil, and oil of sweet almonds, instead of alcohol, you will have what is called millefleurs antique oil, which is used to improve the hair of young persons.
This began a search for me about the various hair treatments of the 19th century on Monday I'll continue to share what I've learned so far.
MILLEFLEURS PERFUME.—Mix together an ounce of oil of lavender; an ounce of essence of lemon; an ounce and a quarter of oil of ambergris; and half an ounce of oil of carraway. Add half a pint of alcohol, or spirits of wine, which should be of the inodorous sort. Shake all well together. Let it stand a week, closelycorked, in a large bottle. You may then divide it in small bottles.
By mixing this perfume with equal quantities of olive oil, and oil of sweet almonds, instead of alcohol, you will have what is called millefleurs antique oil, which is used to improve the hair of young persons.
This began a search for me about the various hair treatments of the 19th century on Monday I'll continue to share what I've learned so far.
Wednesday, April 26, 2017
Pumpkin Seed Oil
With all the discussion and interest in Essential Oils these days, I thought this article in the American Farmer ©1828 at first they were discussing how pumpkin seeds affect horses then they went on to explain pumpkin seed oil and it's possible uses. Personally, I love the roasted pumpkin seeds we would have as kids after we cut out the Jack-o-lantern, it was part of the holiday. But one pumpkin for a family at Halloween wouldn't deal with the rich harvest of pumpkins and their seeds to the average farmer. Below is the excerpt:
On The Oil Op Pumpkin Seeds. To Dr. C. L. Setger, Northampton, [Mass.)
Your inquiries respecting pumpkins, which have lately reached me, I hasten to answer to the best of my knowledge.
I understood that pumpkin seeds were pressed like rape seed, and of course cold: when I added "or like flax seed," it was because I had never seen flax seed or linseed pressed warm after roasting, as you say it is done with you.
Pumpkin seeds, being very oily, and containing thin oil, require no heat to help the effect of the press. They will yield their oil to the press as easily as almonds, walnuts, and seeds of the melon tribe.
The Harmonists press this oil in the press used for rape seed oil.
I do not think that the pumpkin seed oil can be employed, like linseed oil, for painting. It is too thin and fluid, but it will answer in the instances where walnut oil is employed, being similar to it in that respect, although otherwise much sweeter and less desecative.
Pumpkin bread and cakes are much used in the interior of the state of Kentucky, as pumpkin pies in New England. The bread is made either by itself or mixed with corn meal, by kneading pumpkins either raw or boiled, and baking them immediately afterwards, without any addition of yeast It has, therefore, a great similarity to corn bread, and is eaten either warm or cold. It is very sweet and of a reddish colour: I cannot say it is very palatable to me, but those that are used to it like it well. You know that corn bread is not liked at first by many persons. I think that the best pumpkin bread is that made by uniting equal parts of corn meal and boiled pumpkins.
Respecting the cultivation of pumpkins, I can hardly give you any additional information. Their culture is well understood all over the country, and all the farmers know how to avail themselves of the facility which they have of growing among corn, without injury to either crop. I do not conceive that any positive advantage might result from their separate cultivation. But manures might be highly beneficial in either instance, and would increase the crops.
I remember the following additional uses which may be made of pumpkins:
1. The cakes, remaining after the oil is pressed from the seeds, are eaten greedily by cattle and hogs.
2. In Europe, they make good preserves of pumpkins, by cutting them in slices and boiling them for a long time in strong syrup of sugar.
S. In the south of Europe, a very good soup is made by mashed or diluted pumpkins with oil, butter, or broth. This dish is called Furlata in Tuscany. Rice is often added to it.
4. The hard skin of pumpkins, if uninjured, may be used for pails, buckets, baskets, &c. The pumpkins may be made to assume almost any shape, by being confined while young, in wooden or hard vessels, which they will fill gradually, moulding themselves to their shapes.
I remain, respectfully, yours, &c.
C S. RAFINESQUE, Professor of Botany and JYat. History. Transylvania University, Sept. 10, 1819.
Another use for pumpkin seeds was written up in the American Journal of the Medical Sciences Vol. 25 ©1854 Fresh seeds rubbed up with sugar and water were administered once an hour in four doses. The patient had been prepared with a light breakfast and dinner then fasted for the evening. The seeds were prepared and administered as mentioned above and within half an hour the patent passed a tape-worm measuring about three yards. A month later the patient left the hospital without any evidence of the return of the affection. Theophilus Parvin, MD
On The Oil Op Pumpkin Seeds. To Dr. C. L. Setger, Northampton, [Mass.)
Your inquiries respecting pumpkins, which have lately reached me, I hasten to answer to the best of my knowledge.
I understood that pumpkin seeds were pressed like rape seed, and of course cold: when I added "or like flax seed," it was because I had never seen flax seed or linseed pressed warm after roasting, as you say it is done with you.
Pumpkin seeds, being very oily, and containing thin oil, require no heat to help the effect of the press. They will yield their oil to the press as easily as almonds, walnuts, and seeds of the melon tribe.
The Harmonists press this oil in the press used for rape seed oil.
I do not think that the pumpkin seed oil can be employed, like linseed oil, for painting. It is too thin and fluid, but it will answer in the instances where walnut oil is employed, being similar to it in that respect, although otherwise much sweeter and less desecative.
Pumpkin bread and cakes are much used in the interior of the state of Kentucky, as pumpkin pies in New England. The bread is made either by itself or mixed with corn meal, by kneading pumpkins either raw or boiled, and baking them immediately afterwards, without any addition of yeast It has, therefore, a great similarity to corn bread, and is eaten either warm or cold. It is very sweet and of a reddish colour: I cannot say it is very palatable to me, but those that are used to it like it well. You know that corn bread is not liked at first by many persons. I think that the best pumpkin bread is that made by uniting equal parts of corn meal and boiled pumpkins.
Respecting the cultivation of pumpkins, I can hardly give you any additional information. Their culture is well understood all over the country, and all the farmers know how to avail themselves of the facility which they have of growing among corn, without injury to either crop. I do not conceive that any positive advantage might result from their separate cultivation. But manures might be highly beneficial in either instance, and would increase the crops.
I remember the following additional uses which may be made of pumpkins:
1. The cakes, remaining after the oil is pressed from the seeds, are eaten greedily by cattle and hogs.
2. In Europe, they make good preserves of pumpkins, by cutting them in slices and boiling them for a long time in strong syrup of sugar.
S. In the south of Europe, a very good soup is made by mashed or diluted pumpkins with oil, butter, or broth. This dish is called Furlata in Tuscany. Rice is often added to it.
4. The hard skin of pumpkins, if uninjured, may be used for pails, buckets, baskets, &c. The pumpkins may be made to assume almost any shape, by being confined while young, in wooden or hard vessels, which they will fill gradually, moulding themselves to their shapes.
I remain, respectfully, yours, &c.
C S. RAFINESQUE, Professor of Botany and JYat. History. Transylvania University, Sept. 10, 1819.
Another use for pumpkin seeds was written up in the American Journal of the Medical Sciences Vol. 25 ©1854 Fresh seeds rubbed up with sugar and water were administered once an hour in four doses. The patient had been prepared with a light breakfast and dinner then fasted for the evening. The seeds were prepared and administered as mentioned above and within half an hour the patent passed a tape-worm measuring about three yards. A month later the patient left the hospital without any evidence of the return of the affection. Theophilus Parvin, MD
Thursday, April 13, 2017
Personal Hygiene 1880
I was reading through "Home Nursing, and how to help in cases of Accident" by Samuel Benton ©1880 and came across this informative chapter on personal hygiene. I've highlighted a couple of paragraphs that I can see myself taking advantage of in building conflict between characters. Enjoy!
In re-papering a room always take care to have the old paper removed; fancy living or sleeping in a room, as many people do, with the wall papers four or five deep, each one with the exhalations of a generation in process of decomposition. A separate bed should be provided for everyone in the house. Especially should children be prohibited from sleeping together, contaminating each other with their excretions from lungs and skin; it is even worse for a child habitually to sleep with a grown-up person, they only become pale and consumptive. Before getting into bed do not leave your day wearing apparel folded up in a heap, but separate each article so that it may be aired, especially those articles worn nearest the skin.
Under-linen and flannel should be changed at least twice a week; never wear any under-garment by day which is used at night. Always throw back the bedding, and expose it, especially the blankets, to fresh air and sunlight in getting up in the morning. Never fold up a nightshirt, but hang it on a peg to air, or spread it on the back of a chair.
Boys and girls, if left to dress themselves, will usually get out of bed, jump into their clothes, sponge their face and hands, and come down stairs. Children should be taught how to wash all over with soap and water, and rub themselves dry with a rough towel.
Tight-fitting clothes over the chest and round the waist must be prohibited.
Use stocking suspenders in preference to garters, but if the latter are used, always wear them above the knee; when garters are put on below the knee they hinder the venous current of blood towards the heart, and so engender swollen legs, varicose veins and ulcers. High-heeled boots and shoes alter the perpendicular line of the body, and cause fatigue, pain and deformity, also tight boots are a great mistake; to avoid corns and bunions wear boots which allow plenty of room for the toes, and for walking have thick firm soles.
It need only be mentioned with respect to corsets and tight stays, that these things should not be worn. Young growing girls should be encouraged to practise gymnastics on a small scale; it strengthens the spinal and other muscles, also increases the chest capacity. A trapeze and parallel bars can be erected in a dressing room or nursery, and dumb-bells supplied, at a very small cost.
In re-papering a room always take care to have the old paper removed; fancy living or sleeping in a room, as many people do, with the wall papers four or five deep, each one with the exhalations of a generation in process of decomposition. A separate bed should be provided for everyone in the house. Especially should children be prohibited from sleeping together, contaminating each other with their excretions from lungs and skin; it is even worse for a child habitually to sleep with a grown-up person, they only become pale and consumptive. Before getting into bed do not leave your day wearing apparel folded up in a heap, but separate each article so that it may be aired, especially those articles worn nearest the skin.
Under-linen and flannel should be changed at least twice a week; never wear any under-garment by day which is used at night. Always throw back the bedding, and expose it, especially the blankets, to fresh air and sunlight in getting up in the morning. Never fold up a nightshirt, but hang it on a peg to air, or spread it on the back of a chair.
Boys and girls, if left to dress themselves, will usually get out of bed, jump into their clothes, sponge their face and hands, and come down stairs. Children should be taught how to wash all over with soap and water, and rub themselves dry with a rough towel.
Tight-fitting clothes over the chest and round the waist must be prohibited.
Use stocking suspenders in preference to garters, but if the latter are used, always wear them above the knee; when garters are put on below the knee they hinder the venous current of blood towards the heart, and so engender swollen legs, varicose veins and ulcers. High-heeled boots and shoes alter the perpendicular line of the body, and cause fatigue, pain and deformity, also tight boots are a great mistake; to avoid corns and bunions wear boots which allow plenty of room for the toes, and for walking have thick firm soles.
It need only be mentioned with respect to corsets and tight stays, that these things should not be worn. Young growing girls should be encouraged to practise gymnastics on a small scale; it strengthens the spinal and other muscles, also increases the chest capacity. A trapeze and parallel bars can be erected in a dressing room or nursery, and dumb-bells supplied, at a very small cost.
Tuesday, March 14, 2017
Chimney Sweeps Health
Today we still have chimney sweeps and it is wise to clean your chimneys once a year. In the 19th century the need for workers in this field was high.
In The Hygiene, diseases and mortality book ©1892 published in London, we find this excerpt about the health issues chimney sweeps deal with.
Chimney Sweeps are a class by themselves so far as concerns the active cause of disease existing among them. In the chapter on the ' conditions of labour,' we have cited sweeps as a class of labourers who suffer physically and morally by the social position allotted them. They are to a certain degree Helots of society, placed under circumstances inimical to their social well-being and their health; and, from this cause, apart from the peculiar incidents of their occupation, we might expect them to occupy an unfavourable position in tables of comparative mortality, and such we find to be the case. Thus Dr. Ogle says their death-rates between the ages of twenty-five and forty-five, and also between fortyfive and sixty-five, arc excessively high, and their 'total mortality, as shown by their comparative mortality figure (1519), is 50 per cent. higher than the average' (op. cit. p. 56).
As to causes of death, the Table K indicates no marked difference between those prevailing among coal-heavers and sweeps. Those of the circulatory system are somewhat rare, and those of the digestive organs decidedly so. Phthisis and respiratory maladies stand much on a par in the two trades; the latter in a slightly lower ratio. But, in the matter of alcoholism, sweeps show a greatly higher percentage than coal-heavers; that is, as 206 to 13 per cent.
Moreover, sweeps are often troubled with skin (eczematous) eruptions, and their eyes suffer with the acrid soot, making them blear-eyed. It seems demonstrable, moreover, that the soot finds its way into the subcutaneous tissue, where it produces small patches, not removable by washing. From these the black particles can, it seems, make their way along the lymphatic spaces to more distant localities. (See remarks by Mr. W. G. Spencer, British Medical Journal, November 15, 1890.)
But the disease, par eminence, attaching to their calling is epithelial cancer. Dr. Ogle discovered, from his statistics, that' of 242 deaths of chimney sweeps, no less than forty-nine were due to some or other form of malignant disease. This gives 202 deaths from this cause to 1000 deaths from all causes; whereas the proportion of deaths from malignant disease to deaths from all causes, among all males from twenty-five to sixty-five years of age in England and Wales, is only thirty-six in 1000; so that, even if the total mortality of sweeps were simply equal to that of all males, their mortality from malignant disease would be more than five times as much as the average. But the mortality of chimney sweeps ... is 50 per cent. higher than the average, so that the liability of chimney sweeps to malignant disease is about eight times as great as the average liability for all males. These figures scarcely support the belief expressed by some authorities that improvements in the art and habits of sweeps have caused this disease to be comparatively infrequent among them.' Of the forty-nine cases of deaths by cancer returned, the scrotum and adjacent parts weje the seat of the lesion in twenty-three; in thirteen the organ affected was not stated; but in seven of them the malady was in internal organs, and the rest in the face, hip, orbit, palate, or neck.
The consoling belief that sweeps' cancer is becoming a scarce phenomenon, since the application of the special Acts of Parliament controlling their work, is also somewhat rudely shaken by Mr. Butlin, of St. Bartholomew's Hospital, who, in his work on Cancer, affirms that numerous instances are to be met with.
In The Hygiene, diseases and mortality book ©1892 published in London, we find this excerpt about the health issues chimney sweeps deal with.
Chimney Sweeps are a class by themselves so far as concerns the active cause of disease existing among them. In the chapter on the ' conditions of labour,' we have cited sweeps as a class of labourers who suffer physically and morally by the social position allotted them. They are to a certain degree Helots of society, placed under circumstances inimical to their social well-being and their health; and, from this cause, apart from the peculiar incidents of their occupation, we might expect them to occupy an unfavourable position in tables of comparative mortality, and such we find to be the case. Thus Dr. Ogle says their death-rates between the ages of twenty-five and forty-five, and also between fortyfive and sixty-five, arc excessively high, and their 'total mortality, as shown by their comparative mortality figure (1519), is 50 per cent. higher than the average' (op. cit. p. 56).
As to causes of death, the Table K indicates no marked difference between those prevailing among coal-heavers and sweeps. Those of the circulatory system are somewhat rare, and those of the digestive organs decidedly so. Phthisis and respiratory maladies stand much on a par in the two trades; the latter in a slightly lower ratio. But, in the matter of alcoholism, sweeps show a greatly higher percentage than coal-heavers; that is, as 206 to 13 per cent.
Moreover, sweeps are often troubled with skin (eczematous) eruptions, and their eyes suffer with the acrid soot, making them blear-eyed. It seems demonstrable, moreover, that the soot finds its way into the subcutaneous tissue, where it produces small patches, not removable by washing. From these the black particles can, it seems, make their way along the lymphatic spaces to more distant localities. (See remarks by Mr. W. G. Spencer, British Medical Journal, November 15, 1890.)
But the disease, par eminence, attaching to their calling is epithelial cancer. Dr. Ogle discovered, from his statistics, that' of 242 deaths of chimney sweeps, no less than forty-nine were due to some or other form of malignant disease. This gives 202 deaths from this cause to 1000 deaths from all causes; whereas the proportion of deaths from malignant disease to deaths from all causes, among all males from twenty-five to sixty-five years of age in England and Wales, is only thirty-six in 1000; so that, even if the total mortality of sweeps were simply equal to that of all males, their mortality from malignant disease would be more than five times as much as the average. But the mortality of chimney sweeps ... is 50 per cent. higher than the average, so that the liability of chimney sweeps to malignant disease is about eight times as great as the average liability for all males. These figures scarcely support the belief expressed by some authorities that improvements in the art and habits of sweeps have caused this disease to be comparatively infrequent among them.' Of the forty-nine cases of deaths by cancer returned, the scrotum and adjacent parts weje the seat of the lesion in twenty-three; in thirteen the organ affected was not stated; but in seven of them the malady was in internal organs, and the rest in the face, hip, orbit, palate, or neck.
The consoling belief that sweeps' cancer is becoming a scarce phenomenon, since the application of the special Acts of Parliament controlling their work, is also somewhat rudely shaken by Mr. Butlin, of St. Bartholomew's Hospital, who, in his work on Cancer, affirms that numerous instances are to be met with.
Friday, January 27, 2017
Common Cold
A few years back when I was hit with a chest cold and I thought it only fitting to choose the subject of having a cold. I found this article interesting. My great grandmother died of influenza in 1918 leaving behind five children, the youngest being only 3 months old.
Below is an excerpt from Six Discourses on the Functions of the Lungs by Samuel Sheldon Fitch. ©1853
COMMON COLD CURES CONSUMPTION.
I have before hinted that a common cold will occasionally cure consumption. It may seem paradoxical that a cold will cause consumption, and will also at other times cure it. I will endeavor to make you understand how this can be. Suppose I stick a nail in my hand, and suppose inflammation follows; should this inflammation run over the skin of my hand, and be superficial, my hand would swell very much, but I should not lose it; but if the inflammation should attack the bones and deep-seated parts of my hand, I might lose the hand. It is the same with a cold; at one time it will attack the deep-seated parts of the lungs, and cause consumption; at other times it will only run over the skin, lining the air-pipes and air-cells of the lungs; in this way enlarging the lungs very much, and will prevent and even cure consumption, as I have witnessed in many cases. The case of Mr. McNeil, of Hillsboro', mentioned in heart cases, at page 04, is an illustration of consumption retarded, and its fatal termination prevented by a cold on the lungs; or, as it is called, pulmonary catarrh. General McNeil had a cough and seeming consumption for thirty-five years before his heart became affected; when for five years the heart affection and cold acted together, and both cured the consumption upon the lungs; when, the exciting cause being removed, all got well, both the heart disease and the lung affection, &c
In Liverpool, England, I met a lady whose mother died of consumption, and, as her only child was very delicate as she grew up, all thought she would, at an early period, fall a prey to consumption. At nineteen years of age, she took a bad cold, as it was thought, and as it actually was: soon her health became good. When I knew her, she had had a cough and daily expectoration for twentyseven years; saving its inconvenience, she enjoyed excellent health, with a full, well expanded chest, without any symptoms of a decline. In November, 1842, I lectured at Burlington, Vt., upon consumption; after the lecture, a respectable lawyer of that town, Griswold, Esq., came to see me. He told me that if he could have thought I had previously known him, he would have believed that I had lectured upon him; as my various remarks so strikingly corresponded with his experience. He had suffered from a cough for more than thirty years, and raised a great deal from his lungs. At one time he had a bad influenza, and joined to his old cough, presented strong symptoms of rapid consumption. It was in March, a very cold, windy month. He was attended by two extremely well educated physicians, both professors, teachers and practitioners of medicine. They adopted the usual practice, a very warm room; as if cold were a mortal enemy to the lungs, and emetic tartar, confinement to his bed, and all accessible remedies, to reduce the strength of the patient, and thus drive off his disease. Under this treatment his strength rapidly declined; cough and expectoration became profuse, and every symptom of rapid consumption appeared. In this state his two physicians, knowing the extent of his business, felt it to be their duty to make known to him that he was near his end. On this announcement, he said at once, "If that is the case, why have you kept me so long in bed? I should have much preferred to have been up." He immediately had an arm chair brought to him, that had wheels on its feet, and caused himself to be dressed, and was wheeled into his parlor—a large, well aired room. This was on Thursday; on Saturday after, his physicians called; he told them that the next Monday morning he should start for Montreal, capital of Canada, about eighty miles north from Burlington—"For," said he, "as you say, I have a great deal to do, and but a short time to do it in." They remonstrated against this unheard of temerity, as a species of suicide; that his death must be the result in a very short time. Their entreaties and positive advice had no effect upon his resolution. He went to Montreal, and returned nearly well. I saw him eighteen years after this transaction, in vigorous health, although still subject to his old cough and expectoration. As a very strong intimation of his consumptive habit, I may mention he has lost two sons by consumption.
Below is an excerpt from Six Discourses on the Functions of the Lungs by Samuel Sheldon Fitch. ©1853
COMMON COLD CURES CONSUMPTION.
I have before hinted that a common cold will occasionally cure consumption. It may seem paradoxical that a cold will cause consumption, and will also at other times cure it. I will endeavor to make you understand how this can be. Suppose I stick a nail in my hand, and suppose inflammation follows; should this inflammation run over the skin of my hand, and be superficial, my hand would swell very much, but I should not lose it; but if the inflammation should attack the bones and deep-seated parts of my hand, I might lose the hand. It is the same with a cold; at one time it will attack the deep-seated parts of the lungs, and cause consumption; at other times it will only run over the skin, lining the air-pipes and air-cells of the lungs; in this way enlarging the lungs very much, and will prevent and even cure consumption, as I have witnessed in many cases. The case of Mr. McNeil, of Hillsboro', mentioned in heart cases, at page 04, is an illustration of consumption retarded, and its fatal termination prevented by a cold on the lungs; or, as it is called, pulmonary catarrh. General McNeil had a cough and seeming consumption for thirty-five years before his heart became affected; when for five years the heart affection and cold acted together, and both cured the consumption upon the lungs; when, the exciting cause being removed, all got well, both the heart disease and the lung affection, &c
In Liverpool, England, I met a lady whose mother died of consumption, and, as her only child was very delicate as she grew up, all thought she would, at an early period, fall a prey to consumption. At nineteen years of age, she took a bad cold, as it was thought, and as it actually was: soon her health became good. When I knew her, she had had a cough and daily expectoration for twentyseven years; saving its inconvenience, she enjoyed excellent health, with a full, well expanded chest, without any symptoms of a decline. In November, 1842, I lectured at Burlington, Vt., upon consumption; after the lecture, a respectable lawyer of that town, Griswold, Esq., came to see me. He told me that if he could have thought I had previously known him, he would have believed that I had lectured upon him; as my various remarks so strikingly corresponded with his experience. He had suffered from a cough for more than thirty years, and raised a great deal from his lungs. At one time he had a bad influenza, and joined to his old cough, presented strong symptoms of rapid consumption. It was in March, a very cold, windy month. He was attended by two extremely well educated physicians, both professors, teachers and practitioners of medicine. They adopted the usual practice, a very warm room; as if cold were a mortal enemy to the lungs, and emetic tartar, confinement to his bed, and all accessible remedies, to reduce the strength of the patient, and thus drive off his disease. Under this treatment his strength rapidly declined; cough and expectoration became profuse, and every symptom of rapid consumption appeared. In this state his two physicians, knowing the extent of his business, felt it to be their duty to make known to him that he was near his end. On this announcement, he said at once, "If that is the case, why have you kept me so long in bed? I should have much preferred to have been up." He immediately had an arm chair brought to him, that had wheels on its feet, and caused himself to be dressed, and was wheeled into his parlor—a large, well aired room. This was on Thursday; on Saturday after, his physicians called; he told them that the next Monday morning he should start for Montreal, capital of Canada, about eighty miles north from Burlington—"For," said he, "as you say, I have a great deal to do, and but a short time to do it in." They remonstrated against this unheard of temerity, as a species of suicide; that his death must be the result in a very short time. Their entreaties and positive advice had no effect upon his resolution. He went to Montreal, and returned nearly well. I saw him eighteen years after this transaction, in vigorous health, although still subject to his old cough and expectoration. As a very strong intimation of his consumptive habit, I may mention he has lost two sons by consumption.
Thursday, December 22, 2016
Rosemary
Recently I watched a television program concerning improving health for the over 40. One item really stood out to me and that was the herb Rosemary. Apparently it helps improve memory. So I decided to do a quick search about the use of Rosemary in the 19th century. There are many poems written that mentioned rosemary. Here are a couple of my finds.
Below is an excerpt from The Antiquary. Vol. 3 pg. 209 ©1873
Rosemary was also considered influential in making love,* was worn at weddings, and sometimes hung before the doors of houses as a charm against the plague and evil spirits, and used as a token of remembrance. Many of our poets allude to this herb in their works.
Below is a lengthy excerpt but there are many key points, this comes from The House and farm accounts of the Shuttleworths of Gawthorpe Vol. 46 Pg 943 ©1858
Rosemary. (Rosmarinum Coronarium.) Ger. describes and figures this, the golden rosemary, named coronal because women have been accustomed to make crowns and garlands thereof; the Ros sylvestre or wild, and the poet's rosemary or garderobe; so named because the people of Grenada, Montpellier, and Valencia use it in their presses and wardrobes. Rosemary groweth in France, Spain, and other hot countries; there is such plenty in Langucdoc that the inhabitants burn scarcely any other fuel; they make hedges of it in the gardens of Italy and England. Wild rosemary groweth in Lancashire in divers places, especially in a field called Little Reede, amongst the hurtleherries, near unto a small village called Maudsley [in the parish of Croston, eight miles south-west from Chorley] there found by a learned gentleman, often remembered in our history, and that worthily, Master Thomas Hesketh. Rosemary is spice in the German kitchens and other cold countries. The flowers made up into plates with sugar, after the manner of sugar-roset, and eaten, comforteth the heart, &c. The people of Marchia use to put it into their drink, the sooner to make their clients drunk; and also into chests and presses among clothes, to preserve them from moths or other vermin. (Ger.) It is not properly called rosemary, but ros marinus, as it were dew of the sea, for commonly it growith in places by the sea side. The floure of rosemaryis called anthos, and of it an electuary is named dianthos. The herb is called libramondos, or dendrolibanos;some call it liantis, others ycterycon, and others lerim. When rosemary is found in recipes, it is the floure, and if ye find libramondos or dendrolibanos, it is the leaves. (Grete Herball, 1516, which gives recipes ofrosemary for the heart, weakness of brain, throat as a gargarism, stomach, &c.) The oil, essence, or quintessence of rosemary is not much used in medicine, but very much by perfumers, to aromatise their liquors, wash-balls, &c. Some esteem it very greatly for the cure of wounds, as a specific balsam, which has given occasion to some strollers and mountebanks to make it a mighty commodity, when what they sell for it is nothing but oil of turpentine and pitch melted together and coloured with orcanet [alkanet]. The next merchandise we sell that comes from rosemary is " the Queen of Hungary's water," which has made such noise in the world for many years together, and is pretended to be a secret delivered by a hermit to a certain queen of Hungary. The great virtues of this water must be owing to the spirit of wine and rosemary flowers, from which two things only it is made ; but there are a thousand cheats imposed upon the world by those who pretend to have the true recipe; and these people generally spoil this medicine by making it of the worst materials and in coarse vessels. You have it described at large, and the best methods of preparing it, by Mr. Verni, master apothecary of Montpellier, in his " Pharmacopeia, or treatise of Distilled Waters," p. 829; and by Mr. Charas, in his " Chymical Pharmacopeia," p. 632. [Recipes for Hungary or rosemary water abound in the old books. Mark,gives one and says that a bath of this decoction is called the Bath of Life ; it maketh a woman look young, and hath all the virtues of balm, cleansing away the spots of the face and comforting the heart. Rosemary enters largely into some of his recipes for "aqua composita." Price makes Hungary water of rosemary flowers and spirit of sack. C. C. Die. uses 4 lb. of the former, and 3 quarts of well rectified wine, for " the Queen of Hungary's water."] We likewise sell the dried flowers, seed, and salt of rosemary ; we have likewise a liquid conserve of the flowers; besides which they bring us from Languedoc and Provence, oil of spike, which is made of the flowers of rosemary and the small leaves of a plant — the spike, male lavender, or bastard nard. This oil of spike or rosemary is proper for painters, farriers, and others, besides its use in physic. (Pomet.) The plant was considered a symbol of remembrance, and was so used at weddings and funerals. Shakspere uses it repeatedly. In Hamlet poor Ophelia says, " There's rosemary; that's for remembrance." In the Winter's Tale,rosemary and rue are beautifully put together, rue for grace, and rosemary for remembrance. Rosemary was stuck around the coffin of the dead, not only from its fragrance and funereal character, but perhaps also for some antiseptic qualities it was supposed to possess. So in Rom. and Jul. : —
Dry up your tears, and stick your rosemary
On this fair corse.
At weddings, it was usual to dip the rosemary in the cup and drink to the health of the new married couple. Sometimes it garnished meats, as in a play of Beaumont and Fletcher, " a good piece of beef stuck with rosemary." The custom of carrying it at funerals is noticed as late as the time of Gray in his " Pastoral Dirge." In an old play, direction is given that the mourners have
A sprig of rosemary, dipp'd in common water,
To smell at as they walk along the street.
Instances of the popular favour of this " herb of remembrance," might be greatly multiplied. (See Nares, Brand, &c.) In the Accounts, in Decemher 1608 at Islington, some rosemary was bought for 1 1/2 d. In November 1617, amongst spices and confectionary bought of Mr. Thomas Lever, confectioner, London, was one lb. rosemary comfits, 18d.
Below is an excerpt from The Antiquary. Vol. 3 pg. 209 ©1873
Rosemary was also considered influential in making love,* was worn at weddings, and sometimes hung before the doors of houses as a charm against the plague and evil spirits, and used as a token of remembrance. Many of our poets allude to this herb in their works.
Below is a lengthy excerpt but there are many key points, this comes from The House and farm accounts of the Shuttleworths of Gawthorpe Vol. 46 Pg 943 ©1858
Rosemary. (Rosmarinum Coronarium.) Ger. describes and figures this, the golden rosemary, named coronal because women have been accustomed to make crowns and garlands thereof; the Ros sylvestre or wild, and the poet's rosemary or garderobe; so named because the people of Grenada, Montpellier, and Valencia use it in their presses and wardrobes. Rosemary groweth in France, Spain, and other hot countries; there is such plenty in Langucdoc that the inhabitants burn scarcely any other fuel; they make hedges of it in the gardens of Italy and England. Wild rosemary groweth in Lancashire in divers places, especially in a field called Little Reede, amongst the hurtleherries, near unto a small village called Maudsley [in the parish of Croston, eight miles south-west from Chorley] there found by a learned gentleman, often remembered in our history, and that worthily, Master Thomas Hesketh. Rosemary is spice in the German kitchens and other cold countries. The flowers made up into plates with sugar, after the manner of sugar-roset, and eaten, comforteth the heart, &c. The people of Marchia use to put it into their drink, the sooner to make their clients drunk; and also into chests and presses among clothes, to preserve them from moths or other vermin. (Ger.) It is not properly called rosemary, but ros marinus, as it were dew of the sea, for commonly it growith in places by the sea side. The floure of rosemaryis called anthos, and of it an electuary is named dianthos. The herb is called libramondos, or dendrolibanos;some call it liantis, others ycterycon, and others lerim. When rosemary is found in recipes, it is the floure, and if ye find libramondos or dendrolibanos, it is the leaves. (Grete Herball, 1516, which gives recipes ofrosemary for the heart, weakness of brain, throat as a gargarism, stomach, &c.) The oil, essence, or quintessence of rosemary is not much used in medicine, but very much by perfumers, to aromatise their liquors, wash-balls, &c. Some esteem it very greatly for the cure of wounds, as a specific balsam, which has given occasion to some strollers and mountebanks to make it a mighty commodity, when what they sell for it is nothing but oil of turpentine and pitch melted together and coloured with orcanet [alkanet]. The next merchandise we sell that comes from rosemary is " the Queen of Hungary's water," which has made such noise in the world for many years together, and is pretended to be a secret delivered by a hermit to a certain queen of Hungary. The great virtues of this water must be owing to the spirit of wine and rosemary flowers, from which two things only it is made ; but there are a thousand cheats imposed upon the world by those who pretend to have the true recipe; and these people generally spoil this medicine by making it of the worst materials and in coarse vessels. You have it described at large, and the best methods of preparing it, by Mr. Verni, master apothecary of Montpellier, in his " Pharmacopeia, or treatise of Distilled Waters," p. 829; and by Mr. Charas, in his " Chymical Pharmacopeia," p. 632. [Recipes for Hungary or rosemary water abound in the old books. Mark,gives one and says that a bath of this decoction is called the Bath of Life ; it maketh a woman look young, and hath all the virtues of balm, cleansing away the spots of the face and comforting the heart. Rosemary enters largely into some of his recipes for "aqua composita." Price makes Hungary water of rosemary flowers and spirit of sack. C. C. Die. uses 4 lb. of the former, and 3 quarts of well rectified wine, for " the Queen of Hungary's water."] We likewise sell the dried flowers, seed, and salt of rosemary ; we have likewise a liquid conserve of the flowers; besides which they bring us from Languedoc and Provence, oil of spike, which is made of the flowers of rosemary and the small leaves of a plant — the spike, male lavender, or bastard nard. This oil of spike or rosemary is proper for painters, farriers, and others, besides its use in physic. (Pomet.) The plant was considered a symbol of remembrance, and was so used at weddings and funerals. Shakspere uses it repeatedly. In Hamlet poor Ophelia says, " There's rosemary; that's for remembrance." In the Winter's Tale,rosemary and rue are beautifully put together, rue for grace, and rosemary for remembrance. Rosemary was stuck around the coffin of the dead, not only from its fragrance and funereal character, but perhaps also for some antiseptic qualities it was supposed to possess. So in Rom. and Jul. : —
Dry up your tears, and stick your rosemary
On this fair corse.
At weddings, it was usual to dip the rosemary in the cup and drink to the health of the new married couple. Sometimes it garnished meats, as in a play of Beaumont and Fletcher, " a good piece of beef stuck with rosemary." The custom of carrying it at funerals is noticed as late as the time of Gray in his " Pastoral Dirge." In an old play, direction is given that the mourners have
A sprig of rosemary, dipp'd in common water,
To smell at as they walk along the street.
Instances of the popular favour of this " herb of remembrance," might be greatly multiplied. (See Nares, Brand, &c.) In the Accounts, in Decemher 1608 at Islington, some rosemary was bought for 1 1/2 d. In November 1617, amongst spices and confectionary bought of Mr. Thomas Lever, confectioner, London, was one lb. rosemary comfits, 18d.
Wednesday, December 14, 2016
Indian Medicine
The information below comes from the second printing of The Indian Household Medicine guide ©1883 by J. I. Lighthall
Hydrastis Canadensis.
Golden Seal. Orange Root. Yellow Root. These are the various names that are ascribed to this plant by botanists, by medical men, and by those who are familiar with the plant or herb. Itis generally known by the name of Yellow Root. The fruit it bears is similar to that of a raspberry. The root is the part that possesses the medicinal properties. It is used by the Indians in coloring their garments. It colors them a bright yellow. Yellow Root, when in combination with indigo, will color goods a fine green. This root is one of the Indian's favorite remedies; and medical men of the present age recognize it as one of the standard remedies for many pathological conditions or diseases of the human body. Too much cannot be said of this valuable agent, that has been veiled in darkness to the medical world so long. I consider it one of the kings of diseases of the mucous membrane. It is unsurpassed by any known remedy. Many medical powers and properties have been claimed^for this root, but at present its true therapeutical or medical properties are well understood. Medical properties and uses.—It is admitted by all to be a fine tonic. It acts very gently on the liver, and as an alterative on the mucous membrane. It is a fine remedy*in|the treatment of dyspepsia and many other affections requiring a tonic treatment. It is a diuretic. When taken, it can, in a few hours, be smelled in the urine. It is a good blood purifier. To snuff the powder in small quantities in a great many cases will cure catarrh. Many a bad case of chronic diarrhoea is said to have been cured by chewing the root as one would chew tobacco. It is splendid to take the powder and sprinkle in on an old cancer sore or ulcer. Take the powder and mix with water; this makes a fine gargle for a chronic sore throat, diptheria, or any ulceration of the mucous membrane. It should be gargled some five or six times a day. The fluid extract, diluted one-half with water, and injected four times, is a certain cure for gonorrhoea. It is unparalleled as an appetizer. The way it should be prepared so as to constitute a bitters for the stomach and general system, is to take the root and cut it up fine and put in a quart bottle till it is half full, add one pint of alcohol or good whisky, and as much water, let it stand fourteen days, shake well once every day, and at the end of the fourteenth day you have a pure tincture ready for use. The dose is a tablespoonful or a common swallow before each meal. Crushed sarsaparilla, gentian root, and anise seed, will prove a great addition to it, acting as a blood purifier, appetizer, tonic and alterative. If everybody, when first feeling bad, would commence taking this, they would seldom be obliged to suffer with fevers and bilious attacks. The Indian holds this as sacred to the welfare of his body as the farmer does paint for the protection and preservation of his house. A watery solution of the powder has been known to cure, by injections, many cases of whites and womb troubles. It is something that is worthy of a place in every doctor's office and citizen's house.
Hydrastis Canadensis.
Golden Seal. Orange Root. Yellow Root. These are the various names that are ascribed to this plant by botanists, by medical men, and by those who are familiar with the plant or herb. Itis generally known by the name of Yellow Root. The fruit it bears is similar to that of a raspberry. The root is the part that possesses the medicinal properties. It is used by the Indians in coloring their garments. It colors them a bright yellow. Yellow Root, when in combination with indigo, will color goods a fine green. This root is one of the Indian's favorite remedies; and medical men of the present age recognize it as one of the standard remedies for many pathological conditions or diseases of the human body. Too much cannot be said of this valuable agent, that has been veiled in darkness to the medical world so long. I consider it one of the kings of diseases of the mucous membrane. It is unsurpassed by any known remedy. Many medical powers and properties have been claimed^for this root, but at present its true therapeutical or medical properties are well understood. Medical properties and uses.—It is admitted by all to be a fine tonic. It acts very gently on the liver, and as an alterative on the mucous membrane. It is a fine remedy*in|the treatment of dyspepsia and many other affections requiring a tonic treatment. It is a diuretic. When taken, it can, in a few hours, be smelled in the urine. It is a good blood purifier. To snuff the powder in small quantities in a great many cases will cure catarrh. Many a bad case of chronic diarrhoea is said to have been cured by chewing the root as one would chew tobacco. It is splendid to take the powder and sprinkle in on an old cancer sore or ulcer. Take the powder and mix with water; this makes a fine gargle for a chronic sore throat, diptheria, or any ulceration of the mucous membrane. It should be gargled some five or six times a day. The fluid extract, diluted one-half with water, and injected four times, is a certain cure for gonorrhoea. It is unparalleled as an appetizer. The way it should be prepared so as to constitute a bitters for the stomach and general system, is to take the root and cut it up fine and put in a quart bottle till it is half full, add one pint of alcohol or good whisky, and as much water, let it stand fourteen days, shake well once every day, and at the end of the fourteenth day you have a pure tincture ready for use. The dose is a tablespoonful or a common swallow before each meal. Crushed sarsaparilla, gentian root, and anise seed, will prove a great addition to it, acting as a blood purifier, appetizer, tonic and alterative. If everybody, when first feeling bad, would commence taking this, they would seldom be obliged to suffer with fevers and bilious attacks. The Indian holds this as sacred to the welfare of his body as the farmer does paint for the protection and preservation of his house. A watery solution of the powder has been known to cure, by injections, many cases of whites and womb troubles. It is something that is worthy of a place in every doctor's office and citizen's house.
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.
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.
Tuesday, December 13, 2016
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.
* 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.
Wednesday, November 30, 2016
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.
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.
Monday, November 28, 2016
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.
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.
Wednesday, November 23, 2016
Time Required for Digesting Food Part 2
Continued from yesterday's post from Houghtaling's Handbook ©1887
FOOO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . HOW COOKED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . HOURS.MINUTES
Fowls, domestic. . . . . . . . . . . Roasted. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.00
Hashed meat and vegetables. .Warmed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.30
Lamb, fresh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Broiled . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.30
Milk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Boiled . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.00
Milk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Raw . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.15
Mutton, fresh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Broiled . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.00
Oysters, fresh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Broiled . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.00
Oysters, fresh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Raw . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.55
Oysters, fresh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Roasted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.15
Parsnips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Boiled . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.30
Pork, steak . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Broiled . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.15
Pork, fat and lean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Roasted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.15
Pork, recently salted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . stewed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.00
Pork, recently salted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fried . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.15
Potatoes, Irish . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Baked . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.30
Potatoes, Irish . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Boiled . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.30
Salmon, salted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Boiled . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.00
Sausages, fresh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Broiled . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.20
Soup, bean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Boiled . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.00
Soup, chicken . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Boiled . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.00
Soup, mutton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Boiled . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.30
Soup, beef, vegetables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Boiled . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.00
Trout, salmon, fresh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Boiled . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.30
Turkey, domesticated . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Roasted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.30
Veal, fresh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Boiled . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.00
Veal, fresh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fried . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.30
FOOO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . HOW COOKED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . HOURS.MINUTES
Fowls, domestic. . . . . . . . . . . Roasted. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.00
Hashed meat and vegetables. .Warmed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.30
Lamb, fresh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Broiled . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.30
Milk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Boiled . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.00
Milk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Raw . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.15
Mutton, fresh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Broiled . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.00
Oysters, fresh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Broiled . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.00
Oysters, fresh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Raw . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.55
Oysters, fresh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Roasted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.15
Parsnips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Boiled . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.30
Pork, steak . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Broiled . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.15
Pork, fat and lean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Roasted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5.15
Pork, recently salted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . stewed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.00
Pork, recently salted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fried . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.15
Potatoes, Irish . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Baked . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.30
Potatoes, Irish . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Boiled . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.30
Salmon, salted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Boiled . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.00
Sausages, fresh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Broiled . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.20
Soup, bean . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Boiled . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.00
Soup, chicken . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Boiled . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.00
Soup, mutton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Boiled . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.30
Soup, beef, vegetables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Boiled . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.00
Trout, salmon, fresh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Boiled . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.30
Turkey, domesticated . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Roasted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.30
Veal, fresh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Boiled . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.00
Veal, fresh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fried . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.30
Time Required for Digesting Food
The information below comes from Houghtaling's Handbook ©1887
Time Required for Digesting Food
FOOD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . HOW COOKED. . . . . . . HoursMinutes
Apples, sour, hard . . . . . . . raw . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.50
Apples, sweet, mellow . . . . raw . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.30
Bass, striped . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Broiled . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.00
Beans, pod . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Boiled . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.30
Beans and green corn . . . . . Boiled . . . . . . . 3.45
Beef . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fried . . . . . . . 4.00
Beefstead . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Broiled . . . . . . . 3.00
Beef, fresh, lean, dry . . . . . . . Roasted . . . . . . . 3.30
Beef, fresh, lean, rare . . . . . . . Roasted . . . . . . . 3.00
Beets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Boiled. . . . . . . 3.00
Bread, corn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Baked . . . . . . . 3.15
Bread, wheat, fresh . . . . . . . Baked . . . . . . . 1.30
Cabbage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Raw . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.30
Cabbage, with vinegar . . . . . . . Raw . . . . . . . 2.00
Cabbage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Boiled . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.30
Carrot, orange . . . . . . . . . . Boiled . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.13
Catfish . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fried. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.30
Cheese, old, strong . . . . . . . Raw . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.30
Chicken, full grown . . . . . . . Fricasseed . . . . . . . 2.45
Codfish, cured dry . . . . . . . Boiled . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.00
Custard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Baked . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.45
Duck, tame . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Roasted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.00
Duck, wild . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Roasted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.30
Eggs, fresh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Raw. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.00
Eggs, fresh. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Scrambled . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.30
Eggs, fresh. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Roasted. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.15
Eggs, fresh. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Soft boiled. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.00
Eggs, fresh. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hard boiled. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.30
Eggs, fresh. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fried. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.30
Time Required for Digesting Food
FOOD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . HOW COOKED. . . . . . . HoursMinutes
Apples, sour, hard . . . . . . . raw . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.50
Apples, sweet, mellow . . . . raw . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.30
Bass, striped . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Broiled . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.00
Beans, pod . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Boiled . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.30
Beans and green corn . . . . . Boiled . . . . . . . 3.45
Beef . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fried . . . . . . . 4.00
Beefstead . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Broiled . . . . . . . 3.00
Beef, fresh, lean, dry . . . . . . . Roasted . . . . . . . 3.30
Beef, fresh, lean, rare . . . . . . . Roasted . . . . . . . 3.00
Beets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Boiled. . . . . . . 3.00
Bread, corn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Baked . . . . . . . 3.15
Bread, wheat, fresh . . . . . . . Baked . . . . . . . 1.30
Cabbage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Raw . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.30
Cabbage, with vinegar . . . . . . . Raw . . . . . . . 2.00
Cabbage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Boiled . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.30
Carrot, orange . . . . . . . . . . Boiled . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.13
Catfish . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fried. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.30
Cheese, old, strong . . . . . . . Raw . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.30
Chicken, full grown . . . . . . . Fricasseed . . . . . . . 2.45
Codfish, cured dry . . . . . . . Boiled . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.00
Custard . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Baked . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.45
Duck, tame . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Roasted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.00
Duck, wild . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Roasted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4.30
Eggs, fresh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Raw. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.00
Eggs, fresh. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Scrambled . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1.30
Eggs, fresh. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Roasted. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2.15
Eggs, fresh. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Soft boiled. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.00
Eggs, fresh. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hard boiled. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.30
Eggs, fresh. . . . . . . . . . . . . . Fried. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.30
Tuesday, November 22, 2016
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
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
Wednesday, November 16, 2016
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.
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.
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