Chapter 6

400.The use of Tar-water in expanding the Lungs of Public Speakers, &c.—It has been found by the experience of many, that drinking tar-water very much deterges and opens the lungs, and thereby gives a very sensibly greater ease in speaking. A quart of tar is to be stirred six minutes in a gallon of water; but if there be somewhat less tar, it may do as well, especially at first, to try how it sits on the stomach. Take about one-fourth of a pint, at four several times, at a due distance from meals. Begin taking it in the spring for about fourteen days, and continue it for a greater length of time, as occasion may require.401.To prevent Danger from Wet Clothes.—Keep if possible in motion, and take care not to go near a fire or into any very warm place, so as to occasion a sudden heat, till some time after you have been able to procure dry clothes.402.Cold and Damp Feet.—Nothing can be more erroneous than the notion that by pouring spirits into boots and shoes, when the feet are wet, will prevent the effects of cold; on the contrary, the practice often produces cold, inflammation, and obstruction in the bowels. When the spirit reaches the feet, it immediately evaporates: the stronger it is, the more quickly it evaporates, and the greater is the cold produced.403.For Whooping Cough.—Mix two tea-spoonfuls of paregoric elixir, one table-spoonful of oxymel of squills, and the same quantity of water and mucilage of gum-arabic. A tea-spoonful may be taken three or four times a-day, or when the cough is troublesome.Treat the whooping cough with the same care as you would any other cough. Keep the children warmly clothed, and dryly lodged, and in the house, at all times, except in warm sunnydays, when air and exercise in moderation, observing that they do not overheat themselves, may do good. Put their feet in a pan of warm water just before they go to bed, and be careful to wipe them dry and wrap them in flannel. During the day they must wear woollen stockings and thick-soled shoes. Let their drink be toast-water, tea and raspberry vinegar mixed with water, two table-spoonfuls to a half-pint, or less if it be very sharp. Red or black currant-jelly dissolved in water makes a pleasant, cool drink. Be sure you give no kind of quack medicines—but an occasional dose of simple opening medicine, if the bowels are confined; and a quarter of a grain, or half a grain of plain ipecacuanha powder in a tea-spoonful of gruel or jelly at bed-time. Rub the chest and between the shoulders, with equal parts of rum and turpentine, adding a little oil, if it is too harsh for the skin. The child might suck an ipecacuanha lozenge two or three times a-day. Effervescent, saline draughts are very grateful and beneficial, where there is not only continual nausea, but frequent sickness from the spasmodic nature of the cough. If it be attended with pain in the chest or side, seek advice from a medical man without delay.404.For common Coughs.—Mix one ounce of oil of almonds, one drachm of powdered gum arabic, one ounce of syrup, and one ounce and a half of water; take a tea-spoonful or two occasionally.405.Winter Cough.—Mix two ounces of oxymel of stramonium with six ounces of the decoction of Iceland moss; take a dessert-spoonful when the cough is troublesome.406.For Cough and Hoarseness.—Beat well a newly laid egg, and stir it into a quarter of a pint of new milk, warmed, to which add a table-spoonful of capillaire.A piece of anchovy will almost instantly restore the just tone of voice to any one who has become hoarse by public speaking.407.White Mixture for Coughs.—Beat well the yolk of an egg, mix with it in a mortar half a drachm of powdered spermaceti, a little loaf sugar and twenty drops of laudanum(tincture of opium); add a gill of water, and mix well: a table-spoonful of this mixture will relieve an obstinate cough.Or, mix half a pint of almond emulsion, two drachms of syrup of poppies, the same of oxymel of squills, and one drachm of powder of gum tragacanth; two table-spoonfuls to be taken often.408.Colds.—A daily exposure to the outward air is absolutely necessary to secure us against the injurious influence of our variable climate. For cure of catarrh, reduce the amount of food, take exercise, keep the bowels open, and bathe the feet in warm water at bed-time.—Henderson.409.For a Cold in the Head.—What is called a head-bath is useful. Fill a wash-hand basin with boiling water, and add an ounce of flour of mustard; then hold the head, covered with a cloth to prevent the escape of the steam, over the basin as long as any steam arises.410.For a troublesome Cough.—Take of treacle and the best white wine vinegar six table-spoonfuls each; add forty drops of laudanum; mix it well, and put it into a bottle. A tea-spoonful to be taken occasionally when the cough is troublesome.411.For a sudden Hoarseness.—Mix one tea-spoonful of sweet spirits of nitre in a wine-glassful of water. This may be taken two or three times a day.412.Hoarseness.—A piece of flannel, dipped in brandy, and applied to the chest, and covered with a dry flannel, is to be worn all night. Four or six small onions, boiled, and put on buttered toast, and eaten for supper, are likewise good for colds on the chest.413.—Children's Coughs.—A few tea-spoonfuls of warm treacle taken occasionally, and particularly at bed-time, or when the cough is troublesome, will be found beneficial, especially for infants and children.414.For a "hacking" Cough.—Dissolve an ounce of mutton suet in a pint of milk, and drink it warm.415.For a Cough.—Mix vinegar and treacle in equal quantities, and let a tea-spoonful be taken occasionally, when the cough is troublesome. This is the recipe of Dr. James, of Carlisle.416.Quinsy, or Ulcerated Sore Throat.—Bake or roast three or four large onions or six smaller ones, till soft. Peel them quickly, and beat them flat with a rolling-pin or glass bottle. Then put them immediately in a thin muslin bag that will reach from ear to ear, and about three inches deep. Apply it speedily, and as warm as possible, to the throat. Keep it on day and night, changing it when the strength of the onions appears to be exhausted, and substituting fresh ones. Flannel must be worn round the neck after the poultice is removed.417.Saline Draught.—Dissolve one scruple of carbonate of potassa, (salt of tartar), in a table-spoonful of lemon-juice, and three table-spoonfuls of water; sweeten with lump sugar, and drink while it effervesces. This is an excellent remedy for sore throats, nausea, &c.418.Another.—Dissolve one drachm each of nitric acid and carbonate of potassa in three-quarters of a pint of water; add one ounce each of syrup of orange-peel and spirit of nutmeg, and mix. Two table-spoonfuls to be taken in fevers and inflammatory sore throats.419.To make Gargles.—For relaxed sore throat, mix five ounces of Cayenne pepper gargle, two ounces of infusion of roses, and one ounce of syrup of roses.Or, mix with the Cayenne pepper gargle, three ounces of vinegar, three drachms of tincture of myrrh, and four drachms of honey of roses.For inflammatory sore throats, mix six ounces of infusion of roses, one ounce of tincture of myrrh, and one ounce of honey of roses.Or, mix one drachm and a half of saltpetre, two ounces of honey, and six ounces of rose-water.For scorbutic gums, mix six ounces of infusion of roses, one ounce of borax, and one ounce of honey of roses.To make the Cayenne pepper gargle, pour six ounces of boilingwater upon one scruple of Cayenne pepper; cover it, and let it stand for three hours.420.To cure Hiccough.—This is caused by flatulency, indigestion, and acidity. It may be relieved generally by a sudden fright or surprise, or any sudden application of cold; also by drinking cold water slowly; eating a small piece of ice, taking a pinch of snuff, or anything that excites coughing. Or, take one tea-spoonful of common vinegar.421.A simple cure for Dysentery—which has never failed.—Take some butter off the churn, immediately after being churned, just as it is, without being salted or washed; clarify it over the fire like honey. Skim off all the milky particles when melted over a clear fire. Let the patient (if an adult) take two table-spoonfuls of the clarified remainder, twice or thrice within the day. This has never failed to effect a cure, and in many cases it has been almost instantaneous.422.For Diarrhœa.—Fill a tea-cup with dry flour, press it down, and cover it with a buttered cloth, tying it very closely; boil it three hours, when turn it out to cool into a hard mass. Grate a tea or a dessert-spoonful of it into peppermint water for children, or into a glass of port wine for adults.423.Chalk Mixture.—Mix half an ounce of prepared chalk, the same of lump sugar, and one ounce of powdered gum Arabic, with a pint of water. This is an excellent remedy for diarrhœa.424.Fig Paste for Constipation.—Cut up small one pound of figs, and mix it with two ounces of senna carefully picked over, and one tea-cupful of molasses; stew it till it becomes thoroughly mixed and firm; then cool it. A piece about half as large as a fig will generally be sufficient.425.Laxatives.—Infusions of Epsom salts and senna are often taken as laxatives, or opening medicines. It is a well-known fact, that a tea-spoonful of salts in a tumbler of cold water, if drunk before breakfast, is as effectual a dose as the usual ounce. Senna, too, if steeped in cold water, is equally efficacious, and free from the nauseous bitter taste which it has when infused in boiling water.426.To cure Boils.—Boil in half a pint of milk one table-spoonful of shot; pour it off, and drink it in small doses.427.To cure a Felon.—A felon generally appears on the end of the fingers or thumbs; it is extremely painful for weeks, and sometimes for months, and, in most cases, cripples or disfigures the finger or thumb that falls a victim to it. But it can easily be cured, if attended to in time. As soon as the pain is felt, take the thin white skin of an egg, which is found inside next to the shell; put it round the end of the finger or thumb affected, and keep it there until the pain subsides. As soon as the skin becomes dry, it will be very painful, and likely continue so for half an hour or more; but be not alarmed. If it grows painful, bear it; it will be of short duration in comparison to what the disease would be. A cure will be certain.BURNS AND SCALDS.428. We mention several remedies which have obtained popular reputation in these accidents, and which are valuable not only as giving more or less relief, but as being generally at hand, or to be readily procured in every dwelling. They are, wheat flour, which may be thickly sprinkled over the injured parts with a common kitchen dredger, till a perfect crust is formed—an excellent application. Finely-scraped chalk or magnesia, applied in the same way. These act both by excluding the atmospheric air, and absorbing the fluid secreted by the vessels of the inflamed surface. Another application reported to be very efficacious in allaying the pain, is a piece of lint wetted with a saturated solution of carbonate of soda. A poultice of grated raw turnip or potato, applied cold, is quickly productive of ease in slight burns, but requires renewing often enough to keep up the sensation of coldness.429.Burns.—Apply to, or wrap round the burnt part, some folds of cotton bought in sheets; however severe the pain may be, it will abate in a few hours. Should blisters arise, they may next day be carefully pricked with a needle, so as to break the skin as little as possible; and the cotton kept on till the cure is effected.430.A remedy for a Burn or Scald.—Apply immediately a thick covering of wool to the burnt part, and bind it on tight; in the course of half an hour very little pain will be felt, and scarcely any blister will remain. As this remedy is so simple, no housekeeper should be without loose wool at hand, in case of an accident. This remedy was discovered by the child of a woolcomber having been dreadfully scalded: its mother laid it in a basket of newly carded wool, whilst she ran for a doctor; when she returned, she found the child fast asleep amongst the wool, and when it awoke the excessive pain had subsided. We have frequently tried it, and invariably with success.431.For Burns and Scalds.—Plunge the injured part into cold spring or ice water; or, lay on it pounded ice wrapped in linen.Or, dissolve four ounces of alum in a quart of hot water; dip a cloth into it, and lay it on the part. As soon as it becomes hot and dry, repeat the application.Apply to a burn, bruise, or cut, the moist surface of the inside coating of the shell of a raw egg; it will adhere of itself, and heal without pain.432.Efficacy of Vinegar in curing Burns and Scalds.—Vinegar is a great antiseptic and corrector of putrescence and mortification. The progressive tendency of burns of the unfavorable kind, or those that are ill-treated, is to putrescence and mortification. When the outward skin is not broken, it may be freely used every hour or two; where the skin is broken, and if it gives pain, it must be gently used. But, equal parts of tepid vinegar and water applied every three or four hours, is the best rule to be directed by.433.Vitriol Accidents.—For a burn by vitriol, or any similar cause, lay on, with a feather, the white of eggs mixed with powdered chalk, and immediate relief will follow.Or, immediately after the accident, plunge the scalded limb in spirit of turpentine, and keep it there a few minutes.Or, dissolve in water or fresh soap-boilers' lees, a little soda or potash, and apply it instantly, and it will prevent all injury to the person or clothing.FEVERS.434. Feverish symptoms in young children may be reduced, and often entirely cured by sponging in tepid or cold water, according to the age and condition of the patient. Rest, in a clean bed, after sponging, is necessary. Should the fever continue, a gentle emetic may be given. Cold water is the best beverage in fevers, but if very thirsty, give the child a little warm tea.435.Dr. Dickson's cure for a Fever.—When a man is hot, and his skin dry all over, no matter what the cause be, you may bring his condition to the state of health by throwing cold water over him. You may do the same by an emetic. Oh! an emetic has a wonderful power in fever; and the old physicians treated all fevers in the first instance by emetics. They did not trouble themselves much about the cause. Thestateof the patient was what they cared most about. When he was cold, they warmed him, sometimes with one thing, sometimes with another. When hot, they cooled him; not in the Sangrado fashion of these days, by draining him of his life's blood; but by the employment of an emetic, or by sponging him over with cold water!436.Easy and almost instantaneous cure for the Fever and Ague.—An hour or two before the fit comes on, take a new-laid egg, in a glass of vinegar or brandy, and go to bed immediately.This very simple recipe has cured a great many, after more celebrated preparations have proved unsuccessful.437.Cure for Yellow Fever.—The New Orleans Tropic gives the following recipe, which is said to be used with great success in Mexico, in cases of yellow fever: "A tumbler two-thirds full of olive oil, well mixed with the juice oftwo limes, and a tea-spoonful of fine table salt, is the common remedy in that country; that he has seen it used in hundreds of cases, many of them the most desperate he ever saw, and that he never knew it fail to produce a cure in a solitary instance! It sometimes causes the patient to vomit; in such cases it should be repeated until the stomach will retain it."438.Treatment of Scarlet Fever—important prescription.—Dr. Lindsly, of Washington, strongly recommends the mode of treatment of scarlet fever, resorted to by Dr. Schneemann, physician to the King of Hanover. It is as follows, and exceedingly simple:Treatment of Scarlet Fever by inunction.—From the first day of the illness, and as soon as we are certain of its nature, the patient must be rubbed morning and evening over the whole body with a piece of bacon, in such a manner that, with the exception of the head, a covering of fat is everywhere applied. In order to make this rubbing-in somewhat easier, it is best to take a piece of bacon the size of the hand, choosing a part still armed with the rind, that we may have a firm grasp. On the soft side of this piece slits are to be made, in order to allow the oozing out of the fat. The rubbing must be thoroughly performed, and not too quickly, in order that the skin may be regularly saturated with the fat. The beneficial results of the application are soon obvious; with a rapidity bordering on magic, all, even the most painful symptoms of the disease are allayed; quiet, sleep, good humor, appetite, return; and there remains only the impatience to quit the sick room.439.Inflammatory Fevers.—In diseases termed "inflammatory," what measure so ready or so efficacious as to dash a pitcher or two of cold water over the patient—Cold Affusion, as it is called? Whilst serving in the army, I cured hundreds of inflammatory fevers in this manner—fevers, that, in the higher ranks of society, under the bleeding and starving systems—would have kept an apothecary and physician—to say nothing of nurses and cuppers—visiting the patient twice or thrice a day for a month, if he happened to live so long.Gentlemen, with the cold dash you may easily,"While others meanly take whole months to slay,Produce a cure in half a summer's day."—Dr. Dickson.440.Beverage for Fevers.—Boil two drachms of powdered alum in a pint of milk, and strain. The draught is a wine-glassful.441.Mustard Poultices.—Make a bag of the size required of fine, close muslin; mix equal quantities of mustard and flour, (or a larger proportion of mustard, should the case require it),with boiling water, until of a proper consistency. Fill the bag with it; sew it up, and, covering it with a handkerchief or piece of clean, soft linen, apply it to the part affected. When it has been on long enough, take it off, and lay on another piece of soft linen.442.Bread Poultice.—Mr. Abernethy directs a bread and water poultice to be made as follows:—Put half a pint of hot water into a pint basin; add to this as much of the crumb of bread as the water will cover, then place a plate over the basin, and let it remain about ten minutes; stir the bread about in the water, or, if necessary, chop it a little with the edge of a knife, and drain off the water, by holding the knife on the top of the basin, but do not press the bread as is usually done; then take it out lightly, spread it about one-third of an inch thick on some soft linen, and lay it upon the part. If it be a wound, you may place a bit of lint dipped in oil beneath the poultice. There is nothing better than the bread poultice for broken surfaces.443.Linseed Poultice.—Is made by simply mixing linseed meal into a paste with hot water.444.Management of Blisters.—Spread the plaster thinly on paper or linen, and rub over it a few drops of olive oil. In this way the blister acts speedily, and with less irritation than usual.445.Simple Ointment.—This is made by melting in a pipkin, by the side of the fire, without boiling, one part of yellow or white wax, and two parts of hog's lard or olive oil.446.Spermaceti Ointment.—This consists of a quarter of an ounce of white wax, three-quarters of an ounce of spermaceti, and three ounces of olive oil, melted as before. This is the common dressing for a blister.447.Elder-flower Ointment.—This is the mildest, blandest, and most cooling ointment which can be used; and it is very suitable for anointing the face or neck when sun-burnt. It is made of fresh elder-flowers, stripped from the stalks, two pounds of which are simmered in an equal quantity of hog's-lard tillthey become crisp; after which, the ointment, whilst fluid, is strained through a coarse sieve.448.Calamine Ointment, or Turner's Cerate.—This consists of half a pound of yellow wax and a pint of olive oil, which are to be melted together; this being done, half a pound of calamine powder is to be sifted in, and stirred till the whole be completely mixed.449.Sulphur Ointment.—This is made by rubbing well together three ounces of flowers of sulphur and half a pound of hog's lard. This ointment, if properly applied, is a certain cure for that nastiest of all nasty, and most easily-caught disease, the itch, which, although generally found among poor people, occasionally steals into the houses of the wealthy. The proper mode of managing it is, for the infected to rub himself well all over with the ointment, night and morning, for three days, during which time he must wear, without change, some old body-linen, stockings, and gloves, and lie in a pair of old sheets or blankets. Washing in the least degree is to be carefully avoided as the plague, for it will protract the cure. On the fourth day let him go into a warm bath, wash himself clean, and he will then be found quite well. Everything which had been worn during the cure should be burnt, sheets and all; but the blankets may be scoured.PLASTERS, BLISTERS, OINTMENTS, &c.450. The beneficial influence obtained from all such local applications depends upon the change of temperature they are capable of producing. Their results will vary with constitutions. Most patients, who suffer from chronic disease, point to a particular spot as the locality where they are most incommoded with "cold chills." This is the point for the application of the galbanum or other "warm plaster." A plaster of this kind to the loins has enabled me to cure a host of diseases that had previously resisted every other mode of treatment. The same application to the chest, when the patient complained of chilliness in that particular part, has materially aided me in the treatment of many cases of phthisis. In both instances, whereheatwas the more general complaint, cold sponging has been allowed by an equally beneficial effect.The ingredients of plasters, blisters, ointments, lotions, &c., what are they but combinations of the agents with which we combat fever? Their beneficial influence depends upon the change of motion and temperature which they produce by their electrical or chemical action on the nerves of the part to which they are directed. Cantharides will not blister the dead—they have very little effect even on a dying man!—Dr. Dickson's Lectures.451.Liquid Opodeldoc.—Dissolve one ounce of camphor in a little spirits of wine, and two ounces of soft soap in a little water; put these into a bottle, add half a drachm of oil of rosemary and the same of oil of thyme; shake them well together; add three-quarters of a pint of spirits of wine, and a quarter of a pint of water; set it in a warm place, and shake it occasionally, for a few days. This is an excellent remedy for bruises, sprains, chilblains, &c.452.Extract of Arnica, for Bruises, Sprains, Burns, &c.—Take one ounce of arnica flowers, dried; that prepared by the Shakers is considered the best; and put them in a wide-mouthed bottle; pour just enough scalding water over them to moisten them, and afterwards about a pint or a pint and a half of spirits of wine. In case of a burn or bruise, &c., wet a cloth in the arnica and lay it on the part affected. Renew the application occasionally, and the pain will soon be removed.453.For a Sprain.—Mix equal parts of spirit of camphor, distilled vinegar, and turpentine, and rub the part affected.Cold water applications are excellent for sprains; as, to bathe the part in cold water, to pour cold water upon it, or to put bandages wet in cold water around it.Extract of arnica, applied to a sprain, will remove the pain in a short time.454.Contusions or Bruises.—In slight bruises, and those not likely to be followed by much inflammation, nothing more is usually necessary than to bathe the part in cold water, or with spirit, as eau de Cologne, brandy, &c., mixed with an equal proportion of vinegar and water. In more severe cases, however, and where the accident is near an important part, as theeye, or any of the joints, it becomes a desirable object to prevent the approach of inflammation. This is to be attempted by the application of leeches, repeating them according to circumstances; purgatives and a low diet may become necessary. In the last stage of a bruise, where there is merely a want of tone in the parts, and swellings from the effused blood, &c., friction should be employed, either simply, or with any common liniment, as opodeldoc. Wearing a bandage, pumping cold water on the part, succeeded by warm friction, also a saturated solution of common salt in water, have each been found beneficial. The roots of bryony and Solomon's seal, bruised and applied as a poultice, are efficacious in hastening the disappearance of the lividity of bruises.455.Lime Water.—Pour three quarts of water upon eight pounds of unslaked lime; let stand half an hour, when add three gallons of water, and pour it off.It is useful in cases of derangement of the digestive organs.456.Walnut Water.—This is recommended as a remedy in subduing nausea and vomiting, if administered in doses of a wine-glassful every half-hour. It is distilled from green walnuts, angelica-seeds, and brandy.457.Uses of Borax.—Powdered borax, mixed with honey, or conserve of roses, is an excellent remedy for inside sores of the mouths of children.If a little of the mixture be dissolved in warm water, it will form, when cold, an efficacious gargle for an ulcerated sore throat.If a weak solution of borax in rose-water be constantly applied, by means of a fine linen cloth, over the redness which often affects the noses of delicate persons, it will relieve the sense of heat, and remove the redness. Many other spots on the face may be similarly removed.It is likewise a very useful application to chilblains.458.The virtues of Sage.—This valuable herb was held in such high esteem among the ancients, that they have left us a Latin verse, which signifies—"Why should a man die whilst he has sage in his garden?"It is reckoned admirable as a cordial, and to sweeten and cleanse the blood. It is good in nervous cases, and is given in fevers, with a view to promote perspiration. With the addition of a little lemon-juice, it is very grateful and cooling.459.Sage Tea.—Wood sage, which grows naturally, is the finest kind; with a little alum it makes an excellent gargle for a sore throat. It may be made as tea, but is better if boiled.460.Senna Tea.—Macerate for an hour, in a covered vessel, one ounce and a half of senna, a drachm of ginger, sliced, and a pint of boiling water; the dose is from one-half to a wine-glassful. Or, mix two drachms of senna, with a little Bohea tea, in a quarter of a pint of boiling water, and add, when poured off clear, a little sugar and milk.461.Chamomile Tea.—Take of chamomile flowers one ounce, boiling water, one quart; simmer for ten minutes, and strain.Chamomile tea is well known as an emetic, when taken in a tepid state. In some parts of England, a strong infusion of chamomile is frequently taken at bed-time, as hot as it can be swallowed, when it produces perspiration, and next morning acts as a purgative. It is also there considered as one of the best remedies for indigestion, colic, pains and obstructions of the bowels, especially when arising from cold. A cup of coffee taken hot on an empty stomach, will frequently be as efficacious as the chamomile, in either of the above cases.A small cupful of the tea, cold, taken in the morning, fasting, is often serviceable for indigestion. Chamomiles are also employed in fomentations, their greatest use being to retain the heat of the application.462.Linseed Tea.—Pour two quarts of boiling water upon one ounce of linseed, and two drachms of liquorice-root, sliced; let it stand six hours.463.Mint Tea.—Mint, to be used as tea, should be cut when just beginning to flower, and should be dried in the shade. The young leaves are eaten in salads, and some eat them as the leaves of sage, with bread and butter.464.Nitreis a cheap and valuable medicine, both cooling and purifying to the blood. In the feverishness that attendsa cold, from seven to ten grains of purified nitre, in a glass of water, may be taken two or three times a day, with safety and advantage. For old wounds, such as are commonly called "a bad leg," great benefit will be derived from taking a solution of nitre, prepared thus:—In one pint of boiling water, dissolve two ounces of saltpetre; of which take a table-spoonful twice a day. If it should occasion pain, a little hot ginger-tea will soon give relief.465.To make Verjuice.—The acid of the juice of the crab or wilding is called by the country people, verjuice, and is much used in recent sprains, and in other cases, as an astringent or repellant.466.Medicines in Travelling.—In case of change of food disagreeing with the stomach, dissolve a tea-spoonful of Epsom salts in half a pint of water, as warm as it can be drunk, and repeat the dose every half-hour, until it operates.For diarrhœa, or acidity of stomach, mix one drachm of compound powder of kino, with half an ounce of compound powder of chalk; divide into six powders, and take one or two a day, in three table-spoonfuls of water, and a tea-spoonful of brandy.467.To prevent Sea-sickness.—Pass a broad belt round the body, and place within it, on the region of the stomach, a pad stuffed with wool or horse-hair; this, when tightly braced, restrains the involuntary motion of the stomach, occasioned by the lurching of the vessel. During sickness, very weak cold brandy and water will be found the best means of allaying the heat and irritation.The frequent use of any sea-sickness preventive is, however, attended with danger.468.Valuable properties of Cherry-tree Gum.—The gum that exudes from the trunk and branches of the cherry-tree is equal to gum-Arabic. Hasselquist relates that, during a siege, more than an hundred men were kept alive for two months nearly, without any other sustenance than a little of this gum taken into the mouth sometimes, and suffered gradually to dissolve.469.How to get Sleep.—How to get sleep is to many persons a matter of high importance. Nervous persons who are troubledwith wakefulness and excitability, usually have a strong tendency of blood on the brain, with cold extremities. The pressure of the blood on the brain keeps it in a stimulated or wakeful state, and the pulsations in the head are often painful. Let such rise and chafe the body and extremities with a brush or towel, or rub smartly with the hands to promote circulation and withdraw the excessive amount of blood from the brain, and you will sleep in a few moments. A cold bath, or a sponge bath and rubbing, or a good run, or a rapid walk in the open air, or going up or down stairs a few times, just before retiring, will aid in equalizing circulation, and promoting sleep. These rules are simple and easy of application in castle or cabin, and minister to the comfort of thousands who would freely expend money for an anodyne to promote "Nature's sweet restorer, balmy sleep."470.Remedy for Bad Breath.—Take from five to ten drops of muriatic acid, in an ale-glassful of barley-water, and add a little lemon-juice and lemon-peel to flavor; mix for a draught to be taken three times a day, for a month or six weeks at least, and, if effectual, it may be continued occasionally. Another medicine of this kind, which has often proved beneficial when the stomach has been wrong, and the bowels costive, is the following: Take one drachm of sulphate of magnesia, two drachms of tincture of calumba, one ounce and a half of infusion of roses; make a draught, to be taken every morning, or every other morning, an hour before breakfast, for at least a month.471.Corpulence.—Those who are afflicted with corpulence should not allow themselves above six hours' sleep in the twenty-four. They should take as much exercise as possible, and avoid cream, malt liquors and soups—at least until they have succeeded in reducing their bulk. Salt provisions are good, having a tendency to promote perspiration, and carry off fat. Soda water is also beneficial.Recipe: Take Castile soap, in the form of pills, or electuary, of from one to four drachms dissolved in a quarter of a pint of soft water, when going to bed. But let not our lovely girls abuse their constitutions by drinking vinegar for this purpose, for consumption has often been produced by that habit.472.Leanness.—This is not a disease; on the contrary, lean people are generally healthy, muscular, strong, and active, and remarkable for a keen appetite. But when there appears a diminution of strength—when the spirits sink, and the food does not freely digest—then leanness is the sign of lurking disease. Such patients should take a cup of milk warm from the cow every morning, or cold milk, with two raw fresh eggs beaten up with it. A pint of the best porter or stout at dinner, and the same at supper. Tea is better than coffee, and salad with strong supplies of oil, not much vinegar, are recommended.473.Cure for Stammering.—Impediments in the speech may be cured, where there is no malformation of the organs of articulation, by perseverance for three or four months in the simple remedy of reading aloud, with the teeth closed, for at least two hours in the course of each day.POISONS AND ANTIDOTES.474.Acids.—These cause great heat, and sensation of burning pain, from the mouth down to the stomach. Remedies, magnesia, soda, pearlash, or soap, dissolved in water; then use stomach-pump or emetics.475.Alcohol.—First cleanse out the stomach by an emetic, then dash cold water on the head, and give ammonia (spirits of hartshorn.)476.Alkalies.—Best remedy is vinegar.477.Ammonia.—Remedy, lemon-juice or vinegar, afterwards milk and water or flaxseed tea.478.Arsenic.—Remedies, in the first place evacuate the stomach, then give the white of eggs, lime-water, or chalk and water, charcoal and the preparations of iron, particularly hydrate.479.Belladonna, or Night Henbane.—Give emetics, and then plenty of vinegar and water or lemonade.480.Charcoal.—In poisons by carbonic gas, remove the patient to open air, dash cold water on the head and body, and stimulate nostrils and lungs by hartshorn, at the same time rubbing the chest briskly.481.Corrosive Sublimate.—Give white of eggs freshly mixed with water, or give wheat flour and water, or soap and water freely.482.Creosote.—White of eggs and the emetics.483.Laudanum.—Same as opium.484.Lead. White Lead and Sugar of Lead.—Remedies, alum, cathartic, such as castor oil and Epsom salts, especially.485.Mushrooms, when poisonous.—Give emetics, and then plenty of vinegar and water, with dose of ether, if handy.486.Nitrate of Silver, (lunar caustic).—Give a strong solution of common salt, and then emetics.487.Nitrate of Potash, or Saltpetre.—Give emetics, then copious draughts of flaxseed tea, milk and water, and other soothing drinks.488.Opium.—First give a strong emetic of mustard and water, then strong coffee and acid drinks, dash cold water on the head.489.Oxalic Acid.—Frequently mistaken for Epsom Salts. Remedies, chalk, magnesia, or soap and water freely, then emetics.490.Prussic Acid.—When there is time, administer chlorine, in the shape of soda or lime. Hot brandy and water. Hartshorn and turpentine also useful.491.Snake Bites, &c.—Apply immediately strong hartshorn, and take it internally; also, give sweet oil, and stimulants freely. Apply a ligature tight above the part bitten, and then apply a cupping-glass.492.Tartar Emetic.—Give large doses of tea made of galls, Peruvian bark, or white oak bark.493.Tobacco.—First an emetic, then astringent tea, then stimulants.494.Verdigris.—Plenty of white of egg and water.495.White Vitriol.—Give the patient plenty of milk and water.In almost all cases of poisoning, emetics are highly useful, and of those, one of the very best, because most prompt and ready, is the common mustard flour or powder, a spoonful of which, stirred up in warm water, may be given every five or ten minutes, until free vomiting can be obtained.Emetics and warm demulcent drinks, such as milk and water, flaxseed or slippery elm tea, chalk water, &c., should be administered without delay. The subsequent management of the case will of course be left to a physician.496.To prevent Death from the Bite ofVenomousAnimals.—From observations made by Dr. Bancroft, it is found, that in South America, where the most venomous serpents abound, a very tight ligature, instantly made after the bite, between the part bitten and the trunk of the body, will prevent immediate danger, and allow time for proper means of remedy, either by excision of the whole joint, just above the ligature, or by topical applications upon the part bitten.For instance, if the bite should be upon the end of the finger, a tight ligature of small cord should immediately be made beyond the next joint of the finger.If the bite is on any part of the hand, the ligature should be made above the wrist, by means of a garter or cord, lapped several times round the arm, and rendered as tight as possible, by a small stick thrust betwixt the folds of the cord or garter, and twisted round very hard, to prevent the circulation of the blood betwixt the part bitten and the other part of the body. Ligatures of the same kind, applied by any one present, or the man himself, will frequently save a person's life, where, by accident, an artery in any of the limbs is wounded, and no surgeon is at hand.497.Prevention of Hydrophobia.—As there has been hitherto no remedy discovered which can be said to possess a specific control over this dreadful malady, and therefore little hope can be entertained of a cure for it, our best endeavors should be directed to thepreventivetreatment. This is to be commenced, then, by completely cutting out the whole wound as soon as possible after the bite of a suspected animal. After this, bleeding should be encouraged by immersion in warm water, or the application of a cupping-glass. Caustic should next be applied to every part of the wound, which is then to be covered with a poultice, and suffered to heal by granulation, or be kept open, and made to suppurate, by irritating ointments. The excision should never be omitted, even though the bitten part have healed, and let the interval since its occurrence be what it may. As for any of innumerable so-called specifics, there is not one that is worth a moment's trial.498.To alleviate the Pain occasioned by the Sting of Gnats.—The disagreeable itching occasioned by the sting of these insects, may be removed by volatile alkali, or immediately rubbing and washing the part affected with cold water.At night, to rub with fuller's earth and water, lessens the inflammation.499.Simple and effectual cure for those who may accidentally have swallowed a Wasp.—Instantly, on the alarming accident taking place, put a tea-spoonful of common salt in your mouth, which will instantaneously not only kill the wasp, but at the same time heal the sting.500.For the Sting of a Wasp or Bee.—Spread over the part a plaster of salad oil and common salt; if oil be not at hand, the salt may be used, moistened with water or vinegar. Or, keep the part constantly moist with a rag dipped in sal-volatile and cold water, as strong as can be borne without raising the skin. Or, immediately after taking out the sting, get an onion and bruise it, and apply it to the stung place, and it will afford immediate relief. Or, a washerwoman's blue-bag, applied in the same manner, will have a like effect.501.Sting of a Nettle.—Rub the part affected with balm, rosemary, mint, or any other aromatic herb, and the smart will soon cease.BATHS AND BATHING.502. The best materials for constructing baths, are slabs of polished marble, bedded with water-tight cement, in a wooden case, and carefully united at the edges. But, as white or veined marble baths are apt to get yellow or discolored by frequent use, and cannot easily be cleaned, large Dutch tiles, or square pieces of white earthenware, are sometimes substituted; these, however, are with difficulty kept water-tight, so that marble is altogether preferable. Copper, or tinned iron plates, are also used; the former is more expensive at the outset, but far more durable than the latter, which is also liable to leakage at the joints, unless excellently made. Both copper and iron should be well covered, in and outside, with several coats of paint. Wooden tubs—square, oblong, or oval—are sometimes used for warm baths, and are cheap and convenient; but the wood contracts a mouldy smell, and there is great difficulty in preventing shrinkage in them, and keeping them water-tight.The fittest place for baths, is the bed-room floor; they are sometimes placed in the basement story, which is cold and damp, and in all weather disagreeable.Due attention should be paid to the warming and ventilation of the bath-room. A temperature of 70 degrees, by the thermometer, should be kept up in it; and ventilation is requisite, to prevent the moisture settling upon the walls and furniture.An improvement in the construction of baths, is a slightly hollowed space at one end, to receive the head of the bather, so as to prevent that sensation of cramp which is often experienced from the ordinary, abrupt shape of a bath.The hand is a very uncertain test for the heat of water, and should, therefore, not be relied on in preparing a bath; but a thermometer should be employed, which will denote the actual temperature, thus:—Coldbath,from32° to 75°ofFahrenheit.Tepid""75 to 92""Warm""92 to 98""Hot""98 to 114""Vapor""100 to 140""503.Hand Shower-Bath.—An excellent hand shower-bath for children, has been invented. It consists of a metal vessel,containing about a gallon, the bottom of which is pierced with holes, while the upper part is open, and provided with a handle. When intended to be used, the vessel is immersed in a pail of water, and it quickly fills from the lower part. The thumb is placed over the aperture at the apex, which prevents all escape of water. It may be held at a convenient distance over the child, and the moment the thumb is removed, there falls a refreshing shower, which may be stopped instantaneously, by placing the thumb over the upper opening.504.Simple Vapor Bath.—Wrap the patient in blankets, which fasten closely about the neck, leaving the head exposed: then place him in a chair, under which set a basin or deep dish, with half a pint of spirits of wine, or whisky, which should be ignited: close the blankets to the floor, and in a few minutes the patient will be in a profuse perspiration, and should be put to bed between warm blankets.505.Advantages of Bathing.—It is a fact officially recorded, that during the terrible visitations of cholera in France, out of nearly 16,228 subscribers to the public baths of Paris, Bordeaux, and Marseilles, only two deaths among them were ascribed to cholera. We doubt whether there exists a more effectual preventive of disease of every kind, and a greater promoter of good health at all times, than the practice of daily bathing.506.Uses of Hot Water.—The efficacy of hot water, on many occasions in life, cannot be too generally known. It is an excellent gargle for a bad sore throat, or quinsy. In bruises, hot water, by immersion and fomentation, will remove pain, and prevent discoloration and stiffness. It has the same effect after a blow. It should be applied as quickly as possible, and as hot as it can be borne. Insertion in hot water will also cure that troublesome and very painful ailment, the whitlow.507.Good effects of Bathing.—"I am often asked, what baths are safest—as if everything, by its fitness or unfitness, is not safe, or the reverse. The value of all baths depends upon their fitness; and that, in many instances, can only be known by trial. It depends upon constitution, more than upon the name of a disease, whether particular patients shall be benefited byone bath or another. Generally speaking, when the skin is hot and dry, a cold bath will do good; and when chilly, a hot bath. But the reverse sometimes happens. The cold stage of ague, may at once be cut short by a cold bath. I have seen a shivering hypochondriac dash into the cold plunge bath, and come out, in a minute or two, perfectly cured of all his aches and whimseys. But, in cases of this nature, everything depends upon thegloworreactionwhich the bath produces; and that has as much to do with surprise or shock as with the temperature of the bath. I have seen a person with a hot, dry skin, go into a warm bath, and come out just as refreshed as if he had taken a cold one. In that case, the perspiration which it excited, must have been the principal means of relief."So far as my own experience goes, I prefer the cold and tepid shower-baths, and the cold plunge-bath, to any other; but there are cases in which these disagree, and I, therefore, occasionally order the warm or vapor-bath instead."—Dr. Dickson.508.Diet for Patients.—"I am every day asked by my patients, what diet they should take. I generally answer by the question, 'How old are you?' Suppose they say,Forty—'Forty!' I rejoin: 'you who have had forty years' experience of what agrees and disagrees with you—how can you ask me who have no experience of the kind in your case whatever?' Surely, gentlemen, a patient's experience of what agrees and disagrees with his own particular constitution, is far better than any theory of yours or mine. Why, bless my life! in many chronic diseases, the diet which a man can take to-day, would be rejected with disgust to-morrow; under such circumstances, would you still, according to common medical practice, tell a sick person to go on taking what he himself found worried him to death? Gentlemen, I hope better things of you."The only general caution you need give your patients on the subject of diet, ismoderation; moderation in using the things which they find agree with themselves best. You may direct them to take their food in small quantities at a time, at shortperiodicintervals—intervals of two or three hours, for example; and tell them to take the trouble to masticate it properly before they swallow it, so as not to give a weak stomach thedoublework of mastication and digestion—these processes being, even in health, essentially distinct. Unless properly comminuted and mixed with the saliva, how can youexpect the food to be anything but a source of inconvenience to persons whom the smallest trifle will frequently discompose?"—Dr. Dickson's Lectures.509.Abstinence, or Starvation.—Beware of carrying this too far!—for "abstinence engenders maladies." So Shakspeare said, and so nature will tell you, in the teeth of all the doctors in Europe! Abstinence may produce almost every form of disease which has entered into the consideration of the physician.—Ibid.510.The Blood is the Life—never be Bled!—"He who loses a pint of blood, loses a pint of his life. Of what is the body composed? Is it not of blood, and blood only? What fills up the excavation of an ulcer or an abscess? What re-produces the bone of the leg or thigh, after it has been thrown off dead, in nearly all its length? what but the livingBLOOD, under the vito-electrical influence of the brain and nerves! How does the slaughtered animal die? Of loss of blood solely. Is not the blood, then, in the impressive language of Scripture, 'the life of the flesh?' How remarkable, that while the value of the blood to the animal economy should be thus so distinctly and emphatically acknowledged, blood-letting is not even once alluded to, among the various modes ofcurementioned in the sacred volume. We have 'balms,' 'balsams,' 'baths,' 'charms,' 'physics,'—'poultices,' even—but loss of blood, never! Had it been practised by the Jews, why this omission? Will the men who now so lavishly pour out the blood, dispute its importance in the animal economy? Will they deny that it forms the basis of the solids? that when the body has been wasted by long disease, it is by the blood only it can recover its healthy volume and appearance?"—Dr. Dickson's Lectures.THE TOILET.511. Personal beauty is the gift of nature, but its preservation depends much on the care of its possessor. Beauty may also be cultivated and enhanced; even plainness may be improved, and the defects that sickness, accidents, and age impress on the human features and form, may be greatly remedied by simple means, and attention to a few important rules.The first requisite for the preservation and improvement of personal beauty isgood temper. The teachings of the New Testament, if you follow its precepts, will insure you this grace. The second requirement isgood health. The most important rules for its preservation and recovery are given in this chapter. The third requisite comprises attention to neatness, and that general care of the person which the rules and receipts we here subjoin, will aid in making complete.512.Of the Hair.—It is a great mistake to plait the hair of children under eleven or twelve years of age. The process of plaiting more or less strains the hairs in their roots by pulling them tight; tends to deprive them of their requisite supply of nutriment; and checks their growth. The hair of girls should be cut rather short, and allowed to curl freely. When they are about eleven or twelve, the hair should be twisted into a coil, not too tight, nor tied at the end with thin thread, but with a piece of riband.513.Do not Shave the Head.—Shaving the head is always injurious to the hair, the bulbs being frequently destroyed by the process; and washing frequently with an alkaline preparation, such as soap and water, is decidedly objectionable, for that, as well as sea-water, is very apt to change the color of the hair.514.To purify and beautify the Hair.—An excellent means of keeping the hair sweet, clean, glossy, and curly, is to brush it with a rather hard brush dipped by the surface only in eau de Portugal ("Portugal water"). In order to have it fresh and of fine quality, take a pint of orange flower water, a pint of rose water, and half a pint of myrtle water. To these put a quarter of an ounce of distilled spirit of musk, and an ounce of spirit of ambergris. Shake the whole well together, and the water will be ready for use. Only a small quantity should be made at a time, as it does not keep long, except in moderate weather, being apt to spoil either with cold or heat.515.To promote the Growth of Hair.—Mix equal parts of olive oil and spirits of rosemary, and add a few drops of oil of nutmeg. If the hair be rubbed every night with a little of this liniment, and the proportion be very gradually augmented, itwill answer every purpose of increasing the growth of hair, much more effectually than can be attained by any of the boasting empirical preparations which are imposed on the credulous purchaser.516.Curling Liquid for the Hair.—When the hair will not curl naturally, the curling irons should not be used; they only extract the moisture, and render the hair crisp and harsh. An excellent curling liquid is the following:—Put two pounds of common soap, cut small, into three pints of spirits of wine, with eight ounces of potash, and melt the whole, stirring it with a clean piece of wood. Add some essence of amber, vanilla, and nevoli, about a quarter of an ounce of each, to render the fluid agreeable. The liquids which are sold for the professed purpose of assisting in curling the hair, are chiefly composed of either oily or extractive substances.517.To prevent Hair from falling out.—Make a strong decoction of white-oak bark in water, and use it freely. It is best to make but little at a time, and have it fresh at least once a fortnight.518.To avoid Grey Hairs.—Those who would avoid that prominent mark of approaching old age, called grey hair, must be careful in the treatment of the hair in their youth. They must avoid constricting the skin, and strangling the hair at its roots, and everything that may throw into the blood an undue portion of lime. We say anundueportion, because a certain quantity of lime is indispensable in our system for repairing the wear and tear of the bones, teeth, &c. The lime necessary for the repair of bone is manufactured by the stomach and liver, along with the blood, from various articles of our diet which contain it. The greatest supply is usually from the water which we drink, or which is employed in the various processes of cooking and preparing liquors. All animal food also contains some portion of lime, as well as some of the sorts of vegetable food. Ascertain, then, by chemical trial, whether the water used for your tea, coffee, soups, &c., contains a large proportion of lime; and, if it do, you must either have it chemically purified, or remove to some other place where the water is more free from lime. If water be hard, you may be certain that it contains too much lime to be safely used. Rain-wateris the safest for tea and other liquids. Bread will always contain a portion of lime; you must, therefore, be careful in dealing with respectable bakers, who will not increase that unavoidable quantity by means of adulterating matter (such as whiting) which contains lime.519.To soften and cleanse the Hair.—Beat up an egg, rub it well into the hair, and then wash the head well. If the hair is very oily, add the juice of half a lemon. This receipt also answers much better for washing pet dogs than soap.520.To make a Curling Fluid for the Hair.—Melt a piece of white bees'-wax, about the size of a filbert kernel or large pea, in one ounce of olive oil; to this add one or two drops ofattarof roses or any other perfume.521.Gen. Twiggs' Hair Dye.—Dissolve in a pint of rose-water, one ounce of lac sulphur, and half an ounce of sugar of lead. Wet the hair with this mixture thoroughly every night, shaking the bottle occasionally. Some persons prefer whisky to rose-water, in mixing the articles.522.To change Hair to a deep Brown.—A solution of silver caustic in water is the foundation of all the nostrums for this purpose. It must be well diluted before used.523.To dye the Hair Black.—Procure from the dyer's a quantity of walnut-water; and with this wash the hair, as the first part of the process. Then make an aromatic tincture of galls, by scenting the common tincture with any agreeable perfume; and with this wet the hair, which must next be moistened with a strong solution of sulphate of iron.524.A simple Hair-dye.—Boil in a pint of water a handful of rosemary; when cold, strain and bottle, but do not cork it. Renew it every few weeks. Wet the hair with it every night.525.To darken the Eye-brows.—Take an ounce of walnuts, an ounce of frankincense, an ounce of resin, and an ounce of mastick. Burn them all on clear, red-hot charcoal, and receive the fumes into a funnel, in which a very fine black powder, slightly perfumed and unctuous, will adhere. Mix this with a little oilof myrtle, in a leaden mortar, and apply it to the eye-brows. This paste has the property of resisting both heat and perspiration; but it must be occasionally renewed. The following method may also be used: Burn a clove in the flame of a wax-candle, dip it into the juice of elder-berries, and apply it to the eye-brows. The powder, also, which is used in the East for painting the eye-lashes, and which is composed of antimony and bismuth, may be safely and advantageously used. Or, a paste prepared from powdered black lead, with eau de Cologne, or oil of myrtle, or essence of bergamot, will suffice for the purpose. When the eye-brows become long and shaggy, they give a ferocious and repulsive expression to the countenance. The scissors should in that case be often used. Some of the longest hairs might also be removed with the tweezers.526.To know whether Hair Powder is adulterated with Lime.—Put a little crude sal-ammoniac, in powder, to the suspected hair powder, and add a little warm water to the mixture, and stir it about; if the powder has been adulterated with lime, a strong smell of volatile alkali will arise from this mixture.527.To perfume Hair Powder.—Take one drachm of musk, fourouncesof lavender blossoms, one and a half drachm of civet, and half a drachm of ambergris; pound the whole together, and pass it through a sieve. Preserve this mixture in well-stopped bottles, and add more or less thereof, as agreeable, in your hair powder.528.To improve the Hair.—Powdered hartshorn, mixed with oil, being rubbed upon the head of persons who have lost their hair, will cause it to grow again. A very good oil for the hair is made by mixing one part of the liquid hartshorn with nine parts of pure castor-oil.529.An economical Hair Wash.—Dissolve in one quart of boiling water one ounce of borax and half an ounce of camphor; these ingredients fine. When cool, the solution will be ready for use. Damp the hair with it frequently. This wash not only cleanses and beautifies, but strengthens the hair, preserves the color, and prevents baldness.530.To remove Superfluous Hair.—This is very difficult, for if you pull the hair out by the roots from those places which it disfigures, there are thousands of roots ready to start through the skin the moment you make room for them. Old authors recommend depilatories in great variety. The principal of these methods consist in rubbing upon the part from which the hair is to be removed, leaven, parsley water, juice of acacia, the gum of ivy or of the cherry-tree, dissolved in spirits of wine, &c. Madame Elisi Voiart, in her "Encyclopédie des Dames," recommends a few drops of dulcified spirit of salt, (that is, muriatic acid distilled with rectified spirits of wine,) to be applied with a camel hair pencil.OF THE COMPLEXION.531.Never Paint.—The use of white paint as a cosmetic affects the eyes, which it renders painful and watery. It changes the texture of the skin, on which it produces pimples; attacks the teeth, destroys the enamel, and loosens them. It heats the mouth and throat, infecting and corrupting the saliva. Lastly, it penetrates the pores of the skin, acting by degrees on the spongy substance of the lungs, and inducing disease. Powdered magnesia, or violet powder, is no further injurious than by stopping the pores of the skin; but this is quite injury enough to preclude its use. The best cosmetics are early hours, exercise, and temperance.532.To soften the Skin and improve the Complexion.—Mix in a cup of milk a little flowers of sulphur; let it stand for an hour or two; then, without disturbing the sulphur, rub the milk into the skin. It will keep it soft and clear. It should be used before washing.533.How to treat Freckles.—Most of us have observed the effect produced on white paper by holding it closely to the fire: it changes rapidly from white to brown, and becomes scorched. Chemists tell us that most combustible things, both in the animal and vegetable world, have carbon for their basis—so has the skin; and, if it be exposed to the heat, it becomes, like them, spotted or charred. The iron and oxygen in the blood also assist to produce this effect. Thus we have the cause of freckles. Those who, like Richard Cœur de Lion, and MaryQueen of Scots, have red hair (which is caused by a red-colored oil, more strongly impregnated with iron than others), are most liable to freckles.The most effectual means of removing freckles, is the use of those chemicals which will dissolve the existing combination. The freckles are situated in the second or middle membrane of the skin; and, before any other application, it will be advisable to soften the surface by the use of some mild balsam or paste.534.For Freckles.—One ounce of bitter almonds, one ditto of barley flour, mix with a sufficient quantity of honey to make the whole into a smooth paste; with which the face, more particularly where the freckles are visible, is to be anointed at night, and the paste washed off in the morning. After a few days the skin will be prepared for a chemical remedy.535.Another.—To decompose the freckles, by laying hold of the iron, the following mixture may be applied: Take one drachm of muriatic acid, half a pint of rain-water, half a tea-spoonful of spirit of lavender; mix well together, and apply two or three times a day to the freckles, with a camel's hair brush. The acid seizes upon the iron, and the oxygen is disengaged.536.Purifying water for Freckled Skin.—Take one tea-spoonful of liquor of potassa, two ounces and a half of pure water, and ten drops of eau de Cologne. Mix, and apply three times a day with a camel's hair brush.537.Cosmetic Lotion for Freckles.—Take a tea-cupful of cold sour milk, scrape into it a quantity of horse-radish. Let this stand from six to twelve hours; and then, being well strained, let it be applied, as before directed, two or three times a day.538.Preventive Wash for Sunburn.—Take two drachms of borax, one drachm of Roman alum, one drachm of camphor, half an ounce of sugar-candy, and one pound of ox-gall; mix and stir well together, and repeat the stirring three or four times a day, until the mixture becomes transparent; then strain it through filtering paper, and it is fit for use.539.Grape Lotion for Sunburn.—Dip a bunch of green grapes in a basin of water; sprinkle it with powdered alum and salt, mixed together; wrap it in paper, and bake it under hot ashes; then express the remaining juice, and wash the face with the liquid.540.Lemon Cream for Sunburn and Freckles.—Put two spoonfuls of fresh cream into half a pint of new milk; squeeze into it the juice of a lemon, and half a glass of brandy, a little alum, and loaf sugar; boil the whole, skim it well, and, when cool, it will be fit for use.541.A French Receipt.—Take equal parts of the seeds of the melon, pompion, gourd, and cucumber, pounded and reduced to powder or meal; add to it fresh cream sufficient to dilute the flour; beat all up together, adding a sufficient quantity of milk, as it may be required, to make an ointment, and then apply it to the face. Leave it there for half an hour, and then wash it off with warm soft water. Pimpernel water is often used on the continent for the purpose of whitening the complexion. It is there in so high reputation, that it is said generally that it ought to be continually on the toilet of every lady who cares for the brightness of her skin.542.Moles.—The author of "The Art of Beauty," whose work appeared in 1824, has very judiciously observed: "The common brown mole appears to be much of the same nature as freckles, and to be situated in the middle layer of the skin, or membrane of color. Moles are sometimes so placed as to improve rather than injure a fine face. They contrast with the delicacy of a fair skin, and give a pleasing archness of expression to the countenance. They are, however, most frequently found on women of a dark complexion. The coloring matter, as in the case of freckles and sunburn, is probably some chemical combination of iron. Moles have evidently a superabundant vitality, and a tendency to increased action, in consequence, perhaps, of the stimulus of the iron; and hence they are often slightly elevated above the surface, and the natural down of the skin is changed into a tuft of hair. The same cosmetic applications may be tried as for freckles, with gentle friction, but they are seldom successful. But it will be found verydangerous to apply depilatories to eradicate the tufts of hair on moles, as cancer in the face is not unfrequently the consequence of such applications."543.Birth Marks.—Let them alone, or apply to some eminent surgeon to attempt their removal.544.Worm Pimple, with black points.—They are very common, and very unsightly, giving the skin an oily, greasy, and dirty appearance. Their origin is to be traced to the obstruction of the fountains or glands placed immediately under the skin, from which a minute pipe carries off the perspiration. This moisture, not getting free egress, thickens and closes the pores: it then catches the dust and other impurities, floating in the atmosphere, and soon becomes black. If squeezed violently between the nails, this thickened matter will be driven out, in the form of a yellowish white worm, with a black head, which is nothing more than the extraneous matter just mentioned. That there is any vitality in it, is an absurd, but popular and prevalent error. These pimples generally cluster on the sides of the nose and on the forehead, whilst the skin around them is greasy. They should be thoroughly pressed out of every pore, or there they will remain, and no cosmetic will dislodge them. When this is effectually done, the following safe and simple application may be tried: take one ounce of bitter almonds and one ounce of barley-flour; mix them with honey, until they form a smooth paste, and anoint the skin at night. Gentle friction, either with the hand or with a soft glove, is also good. When this state of the skin is induced by bilious disorders, indigestion, &c., sulphur, purgatives, and other remedies must be taken to remove it; but not without medical advice, as they often are the reverse of effectual.545.Another simple Remedy.—Bathe the pimples several times a day with lukewarm water and a sponge, rubbing the sponge over a piece of yellow soap. There is a truly healing power in soap, which is surprising when we learn to appreciate it, and which is quite distinct from mere cleanliness.546.Wash for Pimples.—Dissolve half a drachm of salt of tartar in three ounces of spirit of wine; apply with linen or a camel-hair pencil.547.A Paste for the Skin.—Boil the whites of four eggs in rose-water; add to it a small quantity of alum; beat the whole to the consistence of a paste. This will give great firmness to the skin.548.Cold Cream.—Take two ounces of oil of sweet almonds, and one drachm each of white wax and spermaceti, or half an ounce of white wax alone, which scrape very fine, and put them with the oil into an earthen dish, to melt slowly on the embers, and stir it till it becomes quite smooth. When it is cooling, add one ounce of rose-water, and put it into a gallipot, closely covered. It should be a very thick cream.549.Fard.—This paste is useful in removing sun-burnings, effects of wind on the face, and accidental cutaneous eruptions. It must be applied on going to bed. First, wash the face, and, when dry, rub the fard over it, and let it remain all night. Take two ounces of oil of sweet almonds, and the same quantity of spermaceti; melt them over a slow fire. When they are dissolved and mixed, take it from the fire, and stir into it one table-spoonful of fine honey. Continue stirring it till it is cold, and it is then fit for use.550.Court-plaster, or black Sticking-plaster.—Take half an ounce of benzoin, and six ounces of rectified spirit; dissolve and strain; then take one ounce of isinglass, and half a pint of hot water; dissolve and strain separately from the former. Mix the two, and set them aside to cool, when a jelly will be formed; and this is warmed and brushed ten or twelve times over a piece of black silk, stretched smooth. When this is done enough, and dry, finish it with a solution of four ounces of chian turpentine in six ounces of tincture of benzoin.551.An excellent Tooth-powder.—One of the best tooth-powders is made by mixing together one ounce and a half of prepared chalk, half an ounce of powder of bark, and a quarter of an ounce of camphor.552.Charcoal Tooth-powder.—Pound charcoal as fine as possible, in a mortar, or grind it in a mill; then well sift it, and apply a little of it to the teeth about twice a week, and it will not only render them beautifully white, but will also make the breath sweet, and the gums firm and comfortable.If the charcoal is ground in a mortar, it is convenient to grind it in water, to prevent the dust from flying about. Indeed, the powder is more convenient for use, when kept in water.553.A safe Tooth-powder.—Cut a slice of thick bread into squares, and burn it till it becomes charcoal. Pound it, and sift it through afinemuslin. It is then ready for use.554.Another Tooth-powder.—Mix hartshorn shavings, calcined and pulverized, three-fifths; myrrh, pulverized, two-fifths.555.A good Dentifrice.—Dissolve two ounces of borax in three pints of boiling water; before it is quite cold, add one tea-spoonful of tincture of myrrh, and one table-spoonful of spirits of camphor. Bottle the mixture for use. Add one wine-glassful of the solution to half a pint of tepid water, and use it daily. It preserves and beautifies the teeth, arrests decay, and induces a healthy action in the gums.556.Camphor Tooth-powder.—This excellent dentifrice is made by mixing prepared chalk, finely pulverized, and sifted through a fine muslin, with an equal quantity of pulverized camphor, prepared in the same way. It is a good preservative of the teeth.557.Orris-root Tooth-powder.—Mix equal quantities of finely pulverized and sifted orris-root and prepared chalk. Charcoal may be used instead of chalk, in both these receipts, but it must be prepared with great care, else its grittiness will injure the enamel of the teeth.558.To whiten the Teeth.—Mix honey with finely powdered charcoal, and use the paste as a dentifrice.559.Wash for the Teeth.—One ounce of myrrh, powdered, and dissolved in one pint of spirits of wine. A little of this dropped on the tooth-brush, is excellent for the teeth and gums.560.To remove Tartar from the Teeth.—1st. The use of the tooth-brush night and morning, and at least rinsing the mouth after every meal at which animal food is taken. 2d. Once daily run the brush lightly two or three times over soap, thendip it in salt, and with it clean the teeth, working the brush up and down rather than—or as well as—backwards and forwards. This is a cheap, safe, and effectual dentifrice. 3d. Eat freely of common cress—the sort used with mustard, under the name of small salad; it must be eaten with salt only. If thus used two or three days in succession, it will effectually loosen tartar, even of long standing. The same effect is produced, though perhaps not in an equal degree, by eating strawberries and raspberries, especially the former. A leaf of common green sage rubbed on the teeth, is useful both in cleansing and polishing, and probably many other common vegetable productions also.561.Obs.Soap is not at all a desirable medium for cleaning the teeth, as, though it may whiten for the time, the alkaline process destroys the enamel.562.To fill a decayed Tooth.—When a tooth is too much decayed to be filled by a dentist, or the person is at a distance from one, gutta percha will be found an useful expedient. Drop a small piece of this substance in boiling water, then taking off as much as will probably fill the tooth nearly level, press it, while soft, into the cavity. Then hold cold water in the mouth on that side, to harden it. It has been known to preserve a tooth two years at least, and keeps it free from cold.FOR THE DRESSING-TABLE.563.To make soft Pomatum.—Beat half a pound of unsalted fresh lard in common water; then soak and beat it in two rose-waters; drain it, and beat it with two spoonfuls of brandy; let it drain from this; add to it some essence of lemon, and keep it in small pots.564.Or: Soak half a pound of clear beef marrow, and one pound of unsalted fresh lard, in water, two or three days, changing and beating it every day. Put it into a sieve, and, when dry, into a jar, and the jar into a saucepan of water. When melted, pour it into a basin, and beat it with two spoonfuls of brandy; drain off the brandy, and then add essence of lemon, bergamot, or any other scent that is liked.565.Hard Pomatum.—Prepare equal quantities of beef marrow and mutton suet, as before, using the brandy to preserve it, and adding the scent; then pour it into moulds, or, if you have none, into phials of the size you choose the rolls to be. When cold, break the bottles, clear away the glass carefully, and put paper round the rolls.566.Or: Take equal quantities of marrow, melted and strained, lard, and castor oil; warm all together; add any scent you please; stir until cold, and put into pots.567.Pomade Divine.—Clear one and a half pound of beef marrow from the strings and bone; put it into an earthen pan or vessel of water fresh from the spring, and change the water night and morning for ten days; then steep it in rose-water twenty-four hours, and drain it in a cloth till quite dry. Take one ounce of each of the following articles, namely: storax, gum-benjamin, and odoriferous cypress powder; half an ounce of cinnamon, two drachms of cloves, and two drachms of nutmeg, all finely powdered: mix them with the marrow above prepared; then put all the ingredients into a pewter pot that holds three pints; make a paste of white of egg and flour, and lay it upon a piece of rag. Over that must be another piece of linen, to cover the top of the pot very close, that none of the steam may evaporate. Put the pot into a large copper pot with water, observing to keep it steady, that it may not reach to the covering of the pot that holds the marrow. As the water shrinks, add more, boiling hot—for it must boil four hours without ceasing a moment. Strain the ointment through a linen cloth into small pots, and, when cold, cover them. Do not touch it with anything but silver. It will keep many years.568.To make Jessamine Butter.—Hog's lard melted, and well washed in fair water, laid an inch thick in a dish, and strewed over with jessamine flowers, will imbibe the scent, and make a very fragrant pomatum.569.Rowland's Macassar Oil.—This is made by boiling castor oil, scenting it with oil of roses, and coloring it, while warm, with alkanet root.570.Macassar Oil.—Common oil, three quarts; spirits of wine, half a pint; cinnamon powder, three ounces; bergamot,two ounces: heat them together in a large pipkin, then remove it from the fire, and add four small pieces of alkanet root, keeping it closely covered for several hours. Let it then be filtered through a funnel lined with filtering paper.571.Wash for the Skin.—Four ounces of potash, four ounces of rose-water, two ounces of pure brandy, and two ounces of lemon-juice; put all these into two quarts of water, and when you wash, put a table-spoonful or two of the mixture into the basin of water you intend washing in.572.To make Milk of Roses.—To one pint of rose-water, add one ounce of oil of almonds and ten drops of the oil of tartar.N. B.—Let the oil of tartar be poured in last.573.Almond Paste.—Blanch half a pound of sweet almonds and a quarter of a pound of bitter almonds, and beat them to powder in a mortar with half a pound of loaf sugar; then beat them into a paste with orange-flower water.574.Almond Powder.—Blanch six pounds of bitter almonds, dry and beat them, and press from them one pint of oil; then beat them in an iron mortar, and pass the powder through a sieve. Keep it from air and moisture in a glass jar. Used instead of soap for washing the hands, it imparts a singular delicacy to their appearance.575.Violet Powder.—This preparation is universally applied for drying the skin after washing, especially at the joints, which, if left even damp, produces chaps and chafing, often followed, if neglected, by inflammation. Violet powder is best prepared by mixing three parts of the best wheat starch with one of finely-ground orris-root; the latter adds to the drying power of the starch, and imparts, at the same time, an agreeable odor like that of violet—hence the name of the mixture. It is also prepared by perfuming starch with essential oils, without the addition of orris-root: but, though the scent of the powder is stronger, and to some more tempting to use, it is far less beneficial in its application. The scent, acting as a stimulant to the skin, increases rather than abates any tendency to redness. Unperfumed powder is, therefore, the best to use, dusted over the part with a little brush made of swan's-down, called a puff.576.Another Powder for Chaps, &c.—Take dry hemlock bark, powder it, by rubbing on a fine grater; then sift this powder through gauze or muslin, and sprinkle it lightly on the part chapped. It is a safe and certain curative.577.Pearl White.—Bismuth dissolved in aqua-fortis, is pearl white. This, though at first it whitens, afterwards blackens the skin, as all preparations from lead do; and therefore none of them are safely to be used.—Dr. Moyes' Lectures.578.Pot-pourri.—Put into a large china jar the following ingredients in layers, with bay-salt strewed between the layers: two pecks of damask roses, part in buds and part blown; violets, orange-flowers, and jessamine, a handful of each; orris-root sliced, benjamin and storax, two ounces of each; quarter of an ounce of musk; quarter of a pound of angelica root, sliced; a quart of the red parts of clove-gillyflowers; two handfuls of lavender flowers; half a handful of rosemary flowers; bay and laurel leaves, half a handful of each; three Seville oranges, stuck as full of cloves as possible, dried in a cool oven, and pounded; half a handful of knotted marjoram; and two handfuls of balm of Gilead, dried. Cover all quite close. When the pot is uncovered the perfume is very fine.579.A quicker sort of sweet Pot-pourri.—Take three handfuls of orange-flowers, three of clove-gillyflowers, three of damask roses, one of knotted marjoram, one of lemon-thyme, six bay-leaves, a handful of rosemary, one of myrtle, half of mint, one of lavender, the rind of a lemon, and a quarter of an ounce of cloves. Chop all, and put them in layers, with pounded bay-salt between, up to the tip of the jar.If all the ingredients cannot be obtained at once, put them in as you get them; always throwing in salt with every new article.580.Hungary Water.—Mix one quart of spirits of wine; half a pint of water; and three-quarters of an ounce of oil of rosemary.581.Lavender Water.—Mix in a quart bottle three drachms of oil of lavender; one pint rectified spirit of wine; shake themwell together, and add an ounce of orange-flower water, an ounce of rose-water, four ounces of distilled water, and, if you like, two or three drachms of essence of musk.582.Rose-water.—When the roses are in full bloom pick the leaves carefully off, and to every quart of water put a peck of them; put them in a cold still over a slow fire, and distil gradually; then bottle the water; let it stand in the bottle three days, and then cork it close.583.Another.—Take two pounds of rose leaves, place them on a napkin tied round the edges of a basin filled with hot water, and put a dish of cold water upon the leaves; keep the bottom water hot, and change the water at top as soon as it begins to grow warm. By this kind of distillation you will extract a great quantity of the essential oil of the roses by a process which cannot be expensive, and will prove very beneficial.584.Tincture of Roses.—Put into a bottle the petals of the common rose, and pour upon them spirits of wine; cork the bottle, and let it stand for two or three months. It will then yield a perfume little inferior to attar of roses. Common vinegar is much improved by a very small quantity of this mixture being added to it.585.Honey Water.—One ounce of essence of bergamot, three drachms of English oil of lavender, half a drachm of oil of cloves, half a drachm of aromatic vinegar, six grains of musk, one and a half pint of spirits of wine. Mix and distil.586.Honey Water.—Take one pint of spirit as above, and three drachms of essence of ambergris; shake them well daily.587.Sweet-scented Water.—Put one quart of rose-water, and the same quantity of orange-water, into a large and wide-mouthed glass: strew upon it two handfuls of jessamine flowers; put the glass in thebalneum mariæ, or on a slow fire, and when it is distilled, add to it a scruple of musk and the same quantity of ambergris.588.A very fine Scent.—Take six drachms of oil of lavender, three of the essence of bergamot, sixty drops of ambergris, andtwo grains of musk. Mix these into a pint of the best rectified spirits of wine.589.To whiten the Hands.—Take a wine-glassful of eau de Cologne, and another of lemon-juice; then scrape two cakes of brown Windsor soap, or the same quantity of pure white soap, to a powder, and mix well in a mould. When hard, it will be excellent for whitening the hands.590.Camphor Cerate for Chapped Hands.—The following receipt was given to the contributor by a maid of honor to Queen Victoria. It is an excellent one. Scrape into anearthenvessel one ounce and a half of spermaceti and half an ounce of white wax; add six drachms of pounded camphor, and four table-spoonfuls of the best olive oil. Let it stand near the fire till it dissolves, stirring it well when liquid.Beforethe hands are washed, rub them thoroughly with a little of the cerate, then wash them as usual. Putting the cerate on before retiring, answers very well. This quantity costs about twenty-five cents, and will last three winters. The vessel it is kept in should be covered, to prevent evaporation.591.Paste for Chapped Hands.—Mix a quarter of a pound of unsalted lard, which has been washed in soft water, and then in rose-water, with the yolks of two new-laid eggs, and a large spoonful of honey. Add as much fine oatmeal or almond-paste as will work into a paste.Or:—Blanch one pound of bitter almonds, and pound them smooth in a marble mortar; add half an ounce of camphor, one ounce of honey, quarter of a pound of spermaceti, pounded and mixed with the almonds, till it becomes a smooth paste. Put it into jars, and tie it down till wanted.592.To prevent inconvenience from Perspiration of the Hands.—Ladies who work lace or embroidery sometimes suffer inconvenience from the perspiration on their hands; which may be remedied, by rubbing the hands frequently with a little dry wheaten bran.593.Another.—Any of the milder kinds of soaps will be found to answer the purpose of keeping the hands clean, soft, and as white as nature will permit.594.For preserving the Nails.—One ounce of oil of bitter almonds; one drachm of oil of tartar per deliquium; one ounce of prepared crabs'-eyes. Mix up with essence of lemon, to scent it.La Forest recommends rubbing the nails with lemon as a detergent.595.To whiten the Nails.—Mix two drachms of diluted sulphuric acid, one drachm of tincture of myrrh, and four ounces of spring-water. Cleanse the nails with soap, and then dip the fingers in the mixture.596.To remove Stains from the Hands.—Dip your hands in warm water, and rub on the stain a small portion of oxalic acid powder and cream of tartar, mixed together in equal quantities. Keep it in a box. When the stain disappears, wash the hands with fine soap or almond cream. A box of this stain powder should always be kept on hand.597.To make Wash-balls.—Shave thin two pounds of new white soap into about a tea-cupful of rose-water, then pour on as much boiling water as will soften it. Put into a brass pan a pint of sweet oil, half an ounce of oil of almonds, half a pound of spermaceti, and set all over the fire till dissolved; then add the soap and half an ounce of camphor, that has first been reduced to powder by rubbing it in a mortar, with a few drops of spirits of wine, or lavender-water, or any other scent. Boil ten minutes, then pour it into a basin, and stir it till it is quite thick enough to roll into hard balls, which must then be done immediately. If essence is used, stir it in quickly after it is taken off the fire.598.Essence of Soap, for shaving or washing hands.—Take a pound and a half of fine white soap, in thin slices, and add thereto two ounces of salt of tartar; mix them well together, and put this mixture into one quart of spirits of wine, in a bottle which will hold double the quantity of the ingredients: tie a bladder over the mouth of the bottle, and prick a pin through the bladder; set it to digest in a gentle heat, and shake the contents from time to time, taking care to take out the pin at such times, to allow passage for the air from within. When the soap is dissolved, filter the liquor through paper, to free itfrom impurities; then scent it with a little bergamot or essence of lemon. It will have the appearance of fine oil, and a small quantity will lather with water like soap, and is much superior in use for washing or shaving.599.Naples Soap.—Put into a pipkin or saucepan half a pint of ley, (strong enough to bear an egg,) with two ounces of lamb suet and one ounce of olive oil; simmer them over a fire until they be thick, when pour the mixture into a flat pan, cover it with glass, and expose it to the heat of the sun for seven weeks, stirring it once a day: the soap will then be made, and may be perfumed with a few drops of oil of ambergris, which should be well mixed. Put the soap into small jars, and it will be improved by keeping.

400.The use of Tar-water in expanding the Lungs of Public Speakers, &c.—It has been found by the experience of many, that drinking tar-water very much deterges and opens the lungs, and thereby gives a very sensibly greater ease in speaking. A quart of tar is to be stirred six minutes in a gallon of water; but if there be somewhat less tar, it may do as well, especially at first, to try how it sits on the stomach. Take about one-fourth of a pint, at four several times, at a due distance from meals. Begin taking it in the spring for about fourteen days, and continue it for a greater length of time, as occasion may require.401.To prevent Danger from Wet Clothes.—Keep if possible in motion, and take care not to go near a fire or into any very warm place, so as to occasion a sudden heat, till some time after you have been able to procure dry clothes.402.Cold and Damp Feet.—Nothing can be more erroneous than the notion that by pouring spirits into boots and shoes, when the feet are wet, will prevent the effects of cold; on the contrary, the practice often produces cold, inflammation, and obstruction in the bowels. When the spirit reaches the feet, it immediately evaporates: the stronger it is, the more quickly it evaporates, and the greater is the cold produced.403.For Whooping Cough.—Mix two tea-spoonfuls of paregoric elixir, one table-spoonful of oxymel of squills, and the same quantity of water and mucilage of gum-arabic. A tea-spoonful may be taken three or four times a-day, or when the cough is troublesome.Treat the whooping cough with the same care as you would any other cough. Keep the children warmly clothed, and dryly lodged, and in the house, at all times, except in warm sunnydays, when air and exercise in moderation, observing that they do not overheat themselves, may do good. Put their feet in a pan of warm water just before they go to bed, and be careful to wipe them dry and wrap them in flannel. During the day they must wear woollen stockings and thick-soled shoes. Let their drink be toast-water, tea and raspberry vinegar mixed with water, two table-spoonfuls to a half-pint, or less if it be very sharp. Red or black currant-jelly dissolved in water makes a pleasant, cool drink. Be sure you give no kind of quack medicines—but an occasional dose of simple opening medicine, if the bowels are confined; and a quarter of a grain, or half a grain of plain ipecacuanha powder in a tea-spoonful of gruel or jelly at bed-time. Rub the chest and between the shoulders, with equal parts of rum and turpentine, adding a little oil, if it is too harsh for the skin. The child might suck an ipecacuanha lozenge two or three times a-day. Effervescent, saline draughts are very grateful and beneficial, where there is not only continual nausea, but frequent sickness from the spasmodic nature of the cough. If it be attended with pain in the chest or side, seek advice from a medical man without delay.404.For common Coughs.—Mix one ounce of oil of almonds, one drachm of powdered gum arabic, one ounce of syrup, and one ounce and a half of water; take a tea-spoonful or two occasionally.405.Winter Cough.—Mix two ounces of oxymel of stramonium with six ounces of the decoction of Iceland moss; take a dessert-spoonful when the cough is troublesome.406.For Cough and Hoarseness.—Beat well a newly laid egg, and stir it into a quarter of a pint of new milk, warmed, to which add a table-spoonful of capillaire.A piece of anchovy will almost instantly restore the just tone of voice to any one who has become hoarse by public speaking.407.White Mixture for Coughs.—Beat well the yolk of an egg, mix with it in a mortar half a drachm of powdered spermaceti, a little loaf sugar and twenty drops of laudanum(tincture of opium); add a gill of water, and mix well: a table-spoonful of this mixture will relieve an obstinate cough.Or, mix half a pint of almond emulsion, two drachms of syrup of poppies, the same of oxymel of squills, and one drachm of powder of gum tragacanth; two table-spoonfuls to be taken often.408.Colds.—A daily exposure to the outward air is absolutely necessary to secure us against the injurious influence of our variable climate. For cure of catarrh, reduce the amount of food, take exercise, keep the bowels open, and bathe the feet in warm water at bed-time.—Henderson.409.For a Cold in the Head.—What is called a head-bath is useful. Fill a wash-hand basin with boiling water, and add an ounce of flour of mustard; then hold the head, covered with a cloth to prevent the escape of the steam, over the basin as long as any steam arises.410.For a troublesome Cough.—Take of treacle and the best white wine vinegar six table-spoonfuls each; add forty drops of laudanum; mix it well, and put it into a bottle. A tea-spoonful to be taken occasionally when the cough is troublesome.411.For a sudden Hoarseness.—Mix one tea-spoonful of sweet spirits of nitre in a wine-glassful of water. This may be taken two or three times a day.412.Hoarseness.—A piece of flannel, dipped in brandy, and applied to the chest, and covered with a dry flannel, is to be worn all night. Four or six small onions, boiled, and put on buttered toast, and eaten for supper, are likewise good for colds on the chest.413.—Children's Coughs.—A few tea-spoonfuls of warm treacle taken occasionally, and particularly at bed-time, or when the cough is troublesome, will be found beneficial, especially for infants and children.414.For a "hacking" Cough.—Dissolve an ounce of mutton suet in a pint of milk, and drink it warm.415.For a Cough.—Mix vinegar and treacle in equal quantities, and let a tea-spoonful be taken occasionally, when the cough is troublesome. This is the recipe of Dr. James, of Carlisle.416.Quinsy, or Ulcerated Sore Throat.—Bake or roast three or four large onions or six smaller ones, till soft. Peel them quickly, and beat them flat with a rolling-pin or glass bottle. Then put them immediately in a thin muslin bag that will reach from ear to ear, and about three inches deep. Apply it speedily, and as warm as possible, to the throat. Keep it on day and night, changing it when the strength of the onions appears to be exhausted, and substituting fresh ones. Flannel must be worn round the neck after the poultice is removed.417.Saline Draught.—Dissolve one scruple of carbonate of potassa, (salt of tartar), in a table-spoonful of lemon-juice, and three table-spoonfuls of water; sweeten with lump sugar, and drink while it effervesces. This is an excellent remedy for sore throats, nausea, &c.418.Another.—Dissolve one drachm each of nitric acid and carbonate of potassa in three-quarters of a pint of water; add one ounce each of syrup of orange-peel and spirit of nutmeg, and mix. Two table-spoonfuls to be taken in fevers and inflammatory sore throats.419.To make Gargles.—For relaxed sore throat, mix five ounces of Cayenne pepper gargle, two ounces of infusion of roses, and one ounce of syrup of roses.Or, mix with the Cayenne pepper gargle, three ounces of vinegar, three drachms of tincture of myrrh, and four drachms of honey of roses.For inflammatory sore throats, mix six ounces of infusion of roses, one ounce of tincture of myrrh, and one ounce of honey of roses.Or, mix one drachm and a half of saltpetre, two ounces of honey, and six ounces of rose-water.For scorbutic gums, mix six ounces of infusion of roses, one ounce of borax, and one ounce of honey of roses.To make the Cayenne pepper gargle, pour six ounces of boilingwater upon one scruple of Cayenne pepper; cover it, and let it stand for three hours.420.To cure Hiccough.—This is caused by flatulency, indigestion, and acidity. It may be relieved generally by a sudden fright or surprise, or any sudden application of cold; also by drinking cold water slowly; eating a small piece of ice, taking a pinch of snuff, or anything that excites coughing. Or, take one tea-spoonful of common vinegar.421.A simple cure for Dysentery—which has never failed.—Take some butter off the churn, immediately after being churned, just as it is, without being salted or washed; clarify it over the fire like honey. Skim off all the milky particles when melted over a clear fire. Let the patient (if an adult) take two table-spoonfuls of the clarified remainder, twice or thrice within the day. This has never failed to effect a cure, and in many cases it has been almost instantaneous.422.For Diarrhœa.—Fill a tea-cup with dry flour, press it down, and cover it with a buttered cloth, tying it very closely; boil it three hours, when turn it out to cool into a hard mass. Grate a tea or a dessert-spoonful of it into peppermint water for children, or into a glass of port wine for adults.423.Chalk Mixture.—Mix half an ounce of prepared chalk, the same of lump sugar, and one ounce of powdered gum Arabic, with a pint of water. This is an excellent remedy for diarrhœa.424.Fig Paste for Constipation.—Cut up small one pound of figs, and mix it with two ounces of senna carefully picked over, and one tea-cupful of molasses; stew it till it becomes thoroughly mixed and firm; then cool it. A piece about half as large as a fig will generally be sufficient.425.Laxatives.—Infusions of Epsom salts and senna are often taken as laxatives, or opening medicines. It is a well-known fact, that a tea-spoonful of salts in a tumbler of cold water, if drunk before breakfast, is as effectual a dose as the usual ounce. Senna, too, if steeped in cold water, is equally efficacious, and free from the nauseous bitter taste which it has when infused in boiling water.426.To cure Boils.—Boil in half a pint of milk one table-spoonful of shot; pour it off, and drink it in small doses.427.To cure a Felon.—A felon generally appears on the end of the fingers or thumbs; it is extremely painful for weeks, and sometimes for months, and, in most cases, cripples or disfigures the finger or thumb that falls a victim to it. But it can easily be cured, if attended to in time. As soon as the pain is felt, take the thin white skin of an egg, which is found inside next to the shell; put it round the end of the finger or thumb affected, and keep it there until the pain subsides. As soon as the skin becomes dry, it will be very painful, and likely continue so for half an hour or more; but be not alarmed. If it grows painful, bear it; it will be of short duration in comparison to what the disease would be. A cure will be certain.BURNS AND SCALDS.428. We mention several remedies which have obtained popular reputation in these accidents, and which are valuable not only as giving more or less relief, but as being generally at hand, or to be readily procured in every dwelling. They are, wheat flour, which may be thickly sprinkled over the injured parts with a common kitchen dredger, till a perfect crust is formed—an excellent application. Finely-scraped chalk or magnesia, applied in the same way. These act both by excluding the atmospheric air, and absorbing the fluid secreted by the vessels of the inflamed surface. Another application reported to be very efficacious in allaying the pain, is a piece of lint wetted with a saturated solution of carbonate of soda. A poultice of grated raw turnip or potato, applied cold, is quickly productive of ease in slight burns, but requires renewing often enough to keep up the sensation of coldness.429.Burns.—Apply to, or wrap round the burnt part, some folds of cotton bought in sheets; however severe the pain may be, it will abate in a few hours. Should blisters arise, they may next day be carefully pricked with a needle, so as to break the skin as little as possible; and the cotton kept on till the cure is effected.430.A remedy for a Burn or Scald.—Apply immediately a thick covering of wool to the burnt part, and bind it on tight; in the course of half an hour very little pain will be felt, and scarcely any blister will remain. As this remedy is so simple, no housekeeper should be without loose wool at hand, in case of an accident. This remedy was discovered by the child of a woolcomber having been dreadfully scalded: its mother laid it in a basket of newly carded wool, whilst she ran for a doctor; when she returned, she found the child fast asleep amongst the wool, and when it awoke the excessive pain had subsided. We have frequently tried it, and invariably with success.431.For Burns and Scalds.—Plunge the injured part into cold spring or ice water; or, lay on it pounded ice wrapped in linen.Or, dissolve four ounces of alum in a quart of hot water; dip a cloth into it, and lay it on the part. As soon as it becomes hot and dry, repeat the application.Apply to a burn, bruise, or cut, the moist surface of the inside coating of the shell of a raw egg; it will adhere of itself, and heal without pain.432.Efficacy of Vinegar in curing Burns and Scalds.—Vinegar is a great antiseptic and corrector of putrescence and mortification. The progressive tendency of burns of the unfavorable kind, or those that are ill-treated, is to putrescence and mortification. When the outward skin is not broken, it may be freely used every hour or two; where the skin is broken, and if it gives pain, it must be gently used. But, equal parts of tepid vinegar and water applied every three or four hours, is the best rule to be directed by.433.Vitriol Accidents.—For a burn by vitriol, or any similar cause, lay on, with a feather, the white of eggs mixed with powdered chalk, and immediate relief will follow.Or, immediately after the accident, plunge the scalded limb in spirit of turpentine, and keep it there a few minutes.Or, dissolve in water or fresh soap-boilers' lees, a little soda or potash, and apply it instantly, and it will prevent all injury to the person or clothing.FEVERS.434. Feverish symptoms in young children may be reduced, and often entirely cured by sponging in tepid or cold water, according to the age and condition of the patient. Rest, in a clean bed, after sponging, is necessary. Should the fever continue, a gentle emetic may be given. Cold water is the best beverage in fevers, but if very thirsty, give the child a little warm tea.435.Dr. Dickson's cure for a Fever.—When a man is hot, and his skin dry all over, no matter what the cause be, you may bring his condition to the state of health by throwing cold water over him. You may do the same by an emetic. Oh! an emetic has a wonderful power in fever; and the old physicians treated all fevers in the first instance by emetics. They did not trouble themselves much about the cause. Thestateof the patient was what they cared most about. When he was cold, they warmed him, sometimes with one thing, sometimes with another. When hot, they cooled him; not in the Sangrado fashion of these days, by draining him of his life's blood; but by the employment of an emetic, or by sponging him over with cold water!436.Easy and almost instantaneous cure for the Fever and Ague.—An hour or two before the fit comes on, take a new-laid egg, in a glass of vinegar or brandy, and go to bed immediately.This very simple recipe has cured a great many, after more celebrated preparations have proved unsuccessful.437.Cure for Yellow Fever.—The New Orleans Tropic gives the following recipe, which is said to be used with great success in Mexico, in cases of yellow fever: "A tumbler two-thirds full of olive oil, well mixed with the juice oftwo limes, and a tea-spoonful of fine table salt, is the common remedy in that country; that he has seen it used in hundreds of cases, many of them the most desperate he ever saw, and that he never knew it fail to produce a cure in a solitary instance! It sometimes causes the patient to vomit; in such cases it should be repeated until the stomach will retain it."438.Treatment of Scarlet Fever—important prescription.—Dr. Lindsly, of Washington, strongly recommends the mode of treatment of scarlet fever, resorted to by Dr. Schneemann, physician to the King of Hanover. It is as follows, and exceedingly simple:Treatment of Scarlet Fever by inunction.—From the first day of the illness, and as soon as we are certain of its nature, the patient must be rubbed morning and evening over the whole body with a piece of bacon, in such a manner that, with the exception of the head, a covering of fat is everywhere applied. In order to make this rubbing-in somewhat easier, it is best to take a piece of bacon the size of the hand, choosing a part still armed with the rind, that we may have a firm grasp. On the soft side of this piece slits are to be made, in order to allow the oozing out of the fat. The rubbing must be thoroughly performed, and not too quickly, in order that the skin may be regularly saturated with the fat. The beneficial results of the application are soon obvious; with a rapidity bordering on magic, all, even the most painful symptoms of the disease are allayed; quiet, sleep, good humor, appetite, return; and there remains only the impatience to quit the sick room.439.Inflammatory Fevers.—In diseases termed "inflammatory," what measure so ready or so efficacious as to dash a pitcher or two of cold water over the patient—Cold Affusion, as it is called? Whilst serving in the army, I cured hundreds of inflammatory fevers in this manner—fevers, that, in the higher ranks of society, under the bleeding and starving systems—would have kept an apothecary and physician—to say nothing of nurses and cuppers—visiting the patient twice or thrice a day for a month, if he happened to live so long.Gentlemen, with the cold dash you may easily,"While others meanly take whole months to slay,Produce a cure in half a summer's day."—Dr. Dickson.440.Beverage for Fevers.—Boil two drachms of powdered alum in a pint of milk, and strain. The draught is a wine-glassful.441.Mustard Poultices.—Make a bag of the size required of fine, close muslin; mix equal quantities of mustard and flour, (or a larger proportion of mustard, should the case require it),with boiling water, until of a proper consistency. Fill the bag with it; sew it up, and, covering it with a handkerchief or piece of clean, soft linen, apply it to the part affected. When it has been on long enough, take it off, and lay on another piece of soft linen.442.Bread Poultice.—Mr. Abernethy directs a bread and water poultice to be made as follows:—Put half a pint of hot water into a pint basin; add to this as much of the crumb of bread as the water will cover, then place a plate over the basin, and let it remain about ten minutes; stir the bread about in the water, or, if necessary, chop it a little with the edge of a knife, and drain off the water, by holding the knife on the top of the basin, but do not press the bread as is usually done; then take it out lightly, spread it about one-third of an inch thick on some soft linen, and lay it upon the part. If it be a wound, you may place a bit of lint dipped in oil beneath the poultice. There is nothing better than the bread poultice for broken surfaces.443.Linseed Poultice.—Is made by simply mixing linseed meal into a paste with hot water.444.Management of Blisters.—Spread the plaster thinly on paper or linen, and rub over it a few drops of olive oil. In this way the blister acts speedily, and with less irritation than usual.445.Simple Ointment.—This is made by melting in a pipkin, by the side of the fire, without boiling, one part of yellow or white wax, and two parts of hog's lard or olive oil.446.Spermaceti Ointment.—This consists of a quarter of an ounce of white wax, three-quarters of an ounce of spermaceti, and three ounces of olive oil, melted as before. This is the common dressing for a blister.447.Elder-flower Ointment.—This is the mildest, blandest, and most cooling ointment which can be used; and it is very suitable for anointing the face or neck when sun-burnt. It is made of fresh elder-flowers, stripped from the stalks, two pounds of which are simmered in an equal quantity of hog's-lard tillthey become crisp; after which, the ointment, whilst fluid, is strained through a coarse sieve.448.Calamine Ointment, or Turner's Cerate.—This consists of half a pound of yellow wax and a pint of olive oil, which are to be melted together; this being done, half a pound of calamine powder is to be sifted in, and stirred till the whole be completely mixed.449.Sulphur Ointment.—This is made by rubbing well together three ounces of flowers of sulphur and half a pound of hog's lard. This ointment, if properly applied, is a certain cure for that nastiest of all nasty, and most easily-caught disease, the itch, which, although generally found among poor people, occasionally steals into the houses of the wealthy. The proper mode of managing it is, for the infected to rub himself well all over with the ointment, night and morning, for three days, during which time he must wear, without change, some old body-linen, stockings, and gloves, and lie in a pair of old sheets or blankets. Washing in the least degree is to be carefully avoided as the plague, for it will protract the cure. On the fourth day let him go into a warm bath, wash himself clean, and he will then be found quite well. Everything which had been worn during the cure should be burnt, sheets and all; but the blankets may be scoured.PLASTERS, BLISTERS, OINTMENTS, &c.450. The beneficial influence obtained from all such local applications depends upon the change of temperature they are capable of producing. Their results will vary with constitutions. Most patients, who suffer from chronic disease, point to a particular spot as the locality where they are most incommoded with "cold chills." This is the point for the application of the galbanum or other "warm plaster." A plaster of this kind to the loins has enabled me to cure a host of diseases that had previously resisted every other mode of treatment. The same application to the chest, when the patient complained of chilliness in that particular part, has materially aided me in the treatment of many cases of phthisis. In both instances, whereheatwas the more general complaint, cold sponging has been allowed by an equally beneficial effect.The ingredients of plasters, blisters, ointments, lotions, &c., what are they but combinations of the agents with which we combat fever? Their beneficial influence depends upon the change of motion and temperature which they produce by their electrical or chemical action on the nerves of the part to which they are directed. Cantharides will not blister the dead—they have very little effect even on a dying man!—Dr. Dickson's Lectures.451.Liquid Opodeldoc.—Dissolve one ounce of camphor in a little spirits of wine, and two ounces of soft soap in a little water; put these into a bottle, add half a drachm of oil of rosemary and the same of oil of thyme; shake them well together; add three-quarters of a pint of spirits of wine, and a quarter of a pint of water; set it in a warm place, and shake it occasionally, for a few days. This is an excellent remedy for bruises, sprains, chilblains, &c.452.Extract of Arnica, for Bruises, Sprains, Burns, &c.—Take one ounce of arnica flowers, dried; that prepared by the Shakers is considered the best; and put them in a wide-mouthed bottle; pour just enough scalding water over them to moisten them, and afterwards about a pint or a pint and a half of spirits of wine. In case of a burn or bruise, &c., wet a cloth in the arnica and lay it on the part affected. Renew the application occasionally, and the pain will soon be removed.453.For a Sprain.—Mix equal parts of spirit of camphor, distilled vinegar, and turpentine, and rub the part affected.Cold water applications are excellent for sprains; as, to bathe the part in cold water, to pour cold water upon it, or to put bandages wet in cold water around it.Extract of arnica, applied to a sprain, will remove the pain in a short time.454.Contusions or Bruises.—In slight bruises, and those not likely to be followed by much inflammation, nothing more is usually necessary than to bathe the part in cold water, or with spirit, as eau de Cologne, brandy, &c., mixed with an equal proportion of vinegar and water. In more severe cases, however, and where the accident is near an important part, as theeye, or any of the joints, it becomes a desirable object to prevent the approach of inflammation. This is to be attempted by the application of leeches, repeating them according to circumstances; purgatives and a low diet may become necessary. In the last stage of a bruise, where there is merely a want of tone in the parts, and swellings from the effused blood, &c., friction should be employed, either simply, or with any common liniment, as opodeldoc. Wearing a bandage, pumping cold water on the part, succeeded by warm friction, also a saturated solution of common salt in water, have each been found beneficial. The roots of bryony and Solomon's seal, bruised and applied as a poultice, are efficacious in hastening the disappearance of the lividity of bruises.455.Lime Water.—Pour three quarts of water upon eight pounds of unslaked lime; let stand half an hour, when add three gallons of water, and pour it off.It is useful in cases of derangement of the digestive organs.456.Walnut Water.—This is recommended as a remedy in subduing nausea and vomiting, if administered in doses of a wine-glassful every half-hour. It is distilled from green walnuts, angelica-seeds, and brandy.457.Uses of Borax.—Powdered borax, mixed with honey, or conserve of roses, is an excellent remedy for inside sores of the mouths of children.If a little of the mixture be dissolved in warm water, it will form, when cold, an efficacious gargle for an ulcerated sore throat.If a weak solution of borax in rose-water be constantly applied, by means of a fine linen cloth, over the redness which often affects the noses of delicate persons, it will relieve the sense of heat, and remove the redness. Many other spots on the face may be similarly removed.It is likewise a very useful application to chilblains.458.The virtues of Sage.—This valuable herb was held in such high esteem among the ancients, that they have left us a Latin verse, which signifies—"Why should a man die whilst he has sage in his garden?"It is reckoned admirable as a cordial, and to sweeten and cleanse the blood. It is good in nervous cases, and is given in fevers, with a view to promote perspiration. With the addition of a little lemon-juice, it is very grateful and cooling.459.Sage Tea.—Wood sage, which grows naturally, is the finest kind; with a little alum it makes an excellent gargle for a sore throat. It may be made as tea, but is better if boiled.460.Senna Tea.—Macerate for an hour, in a covered vessel, one ounce and a half of senna, a drachm of ginger, sliced, and a pint of boiling water; the dose is from one-half to a wine-glassful. Or, mix two drachms of senna, with a little Bohea tea, in a quarter of a pint of boiling water, and add, when poured off clear, a little sugar and milk.461.Chamomile Tea.—Take of chamomile flowers one ounce, boiling water, one quart; simmer for ten minutes, and strain.Chamomile tea is well known as an emetic, when taken in a tepid state. In some parts of England, a strong infusion of chamomile is frequently taken at bed-time, as hot as it can be swallowed, when it produces perspiration, and next morning acts as a purgative. It is also there considered as one of the best remedies for indigestion, colic, pains and obstructions of the bowels, especially when arising from cold. A cup of coffee taken hot on an empty stomach, will frequently be as efficacious as the chamomile, in either of the above cases.A small cupful of the tea, cold, taken in the morning, fasting, is often serviceable for indigestion. Chamomiles are also employed in fomentations, their greatest use being to retain the heat of the application.462.Linseed Tea.—Pour two quarts of boiling water upon one ounce of linseed, and two drachms of liquorice-root, sliced; let it stand six hours.463.Mint Tea.—Mint, to be used as tea, should be cut when just beginning to flower, and should be dried in the shade. The young leaves are eaten in salads, and some eat them as the leaves of sage, with bread and butter.464.Nitreis a cheap and valuable medicine, both cooling and purifying to the blood. In the feverishness that attendsa cold, from seven to ten grains of purified nitre, in a glass of water, may be taken two or three times a day, with safety and advantage. For old wounds, such as are commonly called "a bad leg," great benefit will be derived from taking a solution of nitre, prepared thus:—In one pint of boiling water, dissolve two ounces of saltpetre; of which take a table-spoonful twice a day. If it should occasion pain, a little hot ginger-tea will soon give relief.465.To make Verjuice.—The acid of the juice of the crab or wilding is called by the country people, verjuice, and is much used in recent sprains, and in other cases, as an astringent or repellant.466.Medicines in Travelling.—In case of change of food disagreeing with the stomach, dissolve a tea-spoonful of Epsom salts in half a pint of water, as warm as it can be drunk, and repeat the dose every half-hour, until it operates.For diarrhœa, or acidity of stomach, mix one drachm of compound powder of kino, with half an ounce of compound powder of chalk; divide into six powders, and take one or two a day, in three table-spoonfuls of water, and a tea-spoonful of brandy.467.To prevent Sea-sickness.—Pass a broad belt round the body, and place within it, on the region of the stomach, a pad stuffed with wool or horse-hair; this, when tightly braced, restrains the involuntary motion of the stomach, occasioned by the lurching of the vessel. During sickness, very weak cold brandy and water will be found the best means of allaying the heat and irritation.The frequent use of any sea-sickness preventive is, however, attended with danger.468.Valuable properties of Cherry-tree Gum.—The gum that exudes from the trunk and branches of the cherry-tree is equal to gum-Arabic. Hasselquist relates that, during a siege, more than an hundred men were kept alive for two months nearly, without any other sustenance than a little of this gum taken into the mouth sometimes, and suffered gradually to dissolve.469.How to get Sleep.—How to get sleep is to many persons a matter of high importance. Nervous persons who are troubledwith wakefulness and excitability, usually have a strong tendency of blood on the brain, with cold extremities. The pressure of the blood on the brain keeps it in a stimulated or wakeful state, and the pulsations in the head are often painful. Let such rise and chafe the body and extremities with a brush or towel, or rub smartly with the hands to promote circulation and withdraw the excessive amount of blood from the brain, and you will sleep in a few moments. A cold bath, or a sponge bath and rubbing, or a good run, or a rapid walk in the open air, or going up or down stairs a few times, just before retiring, will aid in equalizing circulation, and promoting sleep. These rules are simple and easy of application in castle or cabin, and minister to the comfort of thousands who would freely expend money for an anodyne to promote "Nature's sweet restorer, balmy sleep."470.Remedy for Bad Breath.—Take from five to ten drops of muriatic acid, in an ale-glassful of barley-water, and add a little lemon-juice and lemon-peel to flavor; mix for a draught to be taken three times a day, for a month or six weeks at least, and, if effectual, it may be continued occasionally. Another medicine of this kind, which has often proved beneficial when the stomach has been wrong, and the bowels costive, is the following: Take one drachm of sulphate of magnesia, two drachms of tincture of calumba, one ounce and a half of infusion of roses; make a draught, to be taken every morning, or every other morning, an hour before breakfast, for at least a month.471.Corpulence.—Those who are afflicted with corpulence should not allow themselves above six hours' sleep in the twenty-four. They should take as much exercise as possible, and avoid cream, malt liquors and soups—at least until they have succeeded in reducing their bulk. Salt provisions are good, having a tendency to promote perspiration, and carry off fat. Soda water is also beneficial.Recipe: Take Castile soap, in the form of pills, or electuary, of from one to four drachms dissolved in a quarter of a pint of soft water, when going to bed. But let not our lovely girls abuse their constitutions by drinking vinegar for this purpose, for consumption has often been produced by that habit.472.Leanness.—This is not a disease; on the contrary, lean people are generally healthy, muscular, strong, and active, and remarkable for a keen appetite. But when there appears a diminution of strength—when the spirits sink, and the food does not freely digest—then leanness is the sign of lurking disease. Such patients should take a cup of milk warm from the cow every morning, or cold milk, with two raw fresh eggs beaten up with it. A pint of the best porter or stout at dinner, and the same at supper. Tea is better than coffee, and salad with strong supplies of oil, not much vinegar, are recommended.473.Cure for Stammering.—Impediments in the speech may be cured, where there is no malformation of the organs of articulation, by perseverance for three or four months in the simple remedy of reading aloud, with the teeth closed, for at least two hours in the course of each day.POISONS AND ANTIDOTES.474.Acids.—These cause great heat, and sensation of burning pain, from the mouth down to the stomach. Remedies, magnesia, soda, pearlash, or soap, dissolved in water; then use stomach-pump or emetics.475.Alcohol.—First cleanse out the stomach by an emetic, then dash cold water on the head, and give ammonia (spirits of hartshorn.)476.Alkalies.—Best remedy is vinegar.477.Ammonia.—Remedy, lemon-juice or vinegar, afterwards milk and water or flaxseed tea.478.Arsenic.—Remedies, in the first place evacuate the stomach, then give the white of eggs, lime-water, or chalk and water, charcoal and the preparations of iron, particularly hydrate.479.Belladonna, or Night Henbane.—Give emetics, and then plenty of vinegar and water or lemonade.480.Charcoal.—In poisons by carbonic gas, remove the patient to open air, dash cold water on the head and body, and stimulate nostrils and lungs by hartshorn, at the same time rubbing the chest briskly.481.Corrosive Sublimate.—Give white of eggs freshly mixed with water, or give wheat flour and water, or soap and water freely.482.Creosote.—White of eggs and the emetics.483.Laudanum.—Same as opium.484.Lead. White Lead and Sugar of Lead.—Remedies, alum, cathartic, such as castor oil and Epsom salts, especially.485.Mushrooms, when poisonous.—Give emetics, and then plenty of vinegar and water, with dose of ether, if handy.486.Nitrate of Silver, (lunar caustic).—Give a strong solution of common salt, and then emetics.487.Nitrate of Potash, or Saltpetre.—Give emetics, then copious draughts of flaxseed tea, milk and water, and other soothing drinks.488.Opium.—First give a strong emetic of mustard and water, then strong coffee and acid drinks, dash cold water on the head.489.Oxalic Acid.—Frequently mistaken for Epsom Salts. Remedies, chalk, magnesia, or soap and water freely, then emetics.490.Prussic Acid.—When there is time, administer chlorine, in the shape of soda or lime. Hot brandy and water. Hartshorn and turpentine also useful.491.Snake Bites, &c.—Apply immediately strong hartshorn, and take it internally; also, give sweet oil, and stimulants freely. Apply a ligature tight above the part bitten, and then apply a cupping-glass.492.Tartar Emetic.—Give large doses of tea made of galls, Peruvian bark, or white oak bark.493.Tobacco.—First an emetic, then astringent tea, then stimulants.494.Verdigris.—Plenty of white of egg and water.495.White Vitriol.—Give the patient plenty of milk and water.In almost all cases of poisoning, emetics are highly useful, and of those, one of the very best, because most prompt and ready, is the common mustard flour or powder, a spoonful of which, stirred up in warm water, may be given every five or ten minutes, until free vomiting can be obtained.Emetics and warm demulcent drinks, such as milk and water, flaxseed or slippery elm tea, chalk water, &c., should be administered without delay. The subsequent management of the case will of course be left to a physician.496.To prevent Death from the Bite ofVenomousAnimals.—From observations made by Dr. Bancroft, it is found, that in South America, where the most venomous serpents abound, a very tight ligature, instantly made after the bite, between the part bitten and the trunk of the body, will prevent immediate danger, and allow time for proper means of remedy, either by excision of the whole joint, just above the ligature, or by topical applications upon the part bitten.For instance, if the bite should be upon the end of the finger, a tight ligature of small cord should immediately be made beyond the next joint of the finger.If the bite is on any part of the hand, the ligature should be made above the wrist, by means of a garter or cord, lapped several times round the arm, and rendered as tight as possible, by a small stick thrust betwixt the folds of the cord or garter, and twisted round very hard, to prevent the circulation of the blood betwixt the part bitten and the other part of the body. Ligatures of the same kind, applied by any one present, or the man himself, will frequently save a person's life, where, by accident, an artery in any of the limbs is wounded, and no surgeon is at hand.497.Prevention of Hydrophobia.—As there has been hitherto no remedy discovered which can be said to possess a specific control over this dreadful malady, and therefore little hope can be entertained of a cure for it, our best endeavors should be directed to thepreventivetreatment. This is to be commenced, then, by completely cutting out the whole wound as soon as possible after the bite of a suspected animal. After this, bleeding should be encouraged by immersion in warm water, or the application of a cupping-glass. Caustic should next be applied to every part of the wound, which is then to be covered with a poultice, and suffered to heal by granulation, or be kept open, and made to suppurate, by irritating ointments. The excision should never be omitted, even though the bitten part have healed, and let the interval since its occurrence be what it may. As for any of innumerable so-called specifics, there is not one that is worth a moment's trial.498.To alleviate the Pain occasioned by the Sting of Gnats.—The disagreeable itching occasioned by the sting of these insects, may be removed by volatile alkali, or immediately rubbing and washing the part affected with cold water.At night, to rub with fuller's earth and water, lessens the inflammation.499.Simple and effectual cure for those who may accidentally have swallowed a Wasp.—Instantly, on the alarming accident taking place, put a tea-spoonful of common salt in your mouth, which will instantaneously not only kill the wasp, but at the same time heal the sting.

400.The use of Tar-water in expanding the Lungs of Public Speakers, &c.—It has been found by the experience of many, that drinking tar-water very much deterges and opens the lungs, and thereby gives a very sensibly greater ease in speaking. A quart of tar is to be stirred six minutes in a gallon of water; but if there be somewhat less tar, it may do as well, especially at first, to try how it sits on the stomach. Take about one-fourth of a pint, at four several times, at a due distance from meals. Begin taking it in the spring for about fourteen days, and continue it for a greater length of time, as occasion may require.

401.To prevent Danger from Wet Clothes.—Keep if possible in motion, and take care not to go near a fire or into any very warm place, so as to occasion a sudden heat, till some time after you have been able to procure dry clothes.

402.Cold and Damp Feet.—Nothing can be more erroneous than the notion that by pouring spirits into boots and shoes, when the feet are wet, will prevent the effects of cold; on the contrary, the practice often produces cold, inflammation, and obstruction in the bowels. When the spirit reaches the feet, it immediately evaporates: the stronger it is, the more quickly it evaporates, and the greater is the cold produced.

403.For Whooping Cough.—Mix two tea-spoonfuls of paregoric elixir, one table-spoonful of oxymel of squills, and the same quantity of water and mucilage of gum-arabic. A tea-spoonful may be taken three or four times a-day, or when the cough is troublesome.

Treat the whooping cough with the same care as you would any other cough. Keep the children warmly clothed, and dryly lodged, and in the house, at all times, except in warm sunnydays, when air and exercise in moderation, observing that they do not overheat themselves, may do good. Put their feet in a pan of warm water just before they go to bed, and be careful to wipe them dry and wrap them in flannel. During the day they must wear woollen stockings and thick-soled shoes. Let their drink be toast-water, tea and raspberry vinegar mixed with water, two table-spoonfuls to a half-pint, or less if it be very sharp. Red or black currant-jelly dissolved in water makes a pleasant, cool drink. Be sure you give no kind of quack medicines—but an occasional dose of simple opening medicine, if the bowels are confined; and a quarter of a grain, or half a grain of plain ipecacuanha powder in a tea-spoonful of gruel or jelly at bed-time. Rub the chest and between the shoulders, with equal parts of rum and turpentine, adding a little oil, if it is too harsh for the skin. The child might suck an ipecacuanha lozenge two or three times a-day. Effervescent, saline draughts are very grateful and beneficial, where there is not only continual nausea, but frequent sickness from the spasmodic nature of the cough. If it be attended with pain in the chest or side, seek advice from a medical man without delay.

404.For common Coughs.—Mix one ounce of oil of almonds, one drachm of powdered gum arabic, one ounce of syrup, and one ounce and a half of water; take a tea-spoonful or two occasionally.

405.Winter Cough.—Mix two ounces of oxymel of stramonium with six ounces of the decoction of Iceland moss; take a dessert-spoonful when the cough is troublesome.

406.For Cough and Hoarseness.—Beat well a newly laid egg, and stir it into a quarter of a pint of new milk, warmed, to which add a table-spoonful of capillaire.

A piece of anchovy will almost instantly restore the just tone of voice to any one who has become hoarse by public speaking.

407.White Mixture for Coughs.—Beat well the yolk of an egg, mix with it in a mortar half a drachm of powdered spermaceti, a little loaf sugar and twenty drops of laudanum(tincture of opium); add a gill of water, and mix well: a table-spoonful of this mixture will relieve an obstinate cough.

Or, mix half a pint of almond emulsion, two drachms of syrup of poppies, the same of oxymel of squills, and one drachm of powder of gum tragacanth; two table-spoonfuls to be taken often.

408.Colds.—A daily exposure to the outward air is absolutely necessary to secure us against the injurious influence of our variable climate. For cure of catarrh, reduce the amount of food, take exercise, keep the bowels open, and bathe the feet in warm water at bed-time.—Henderson.

409.For a Cold in the Head.—What is called a head-bath is useful. Fill a wash-hand basin with boiling water, and add an ounce of flour of mustard; then hold the head, covered with a cloth to prevent the escape of the steam, over the basin as long as any steam arises.

410.For a troublesome Cough.—Take of treacle and the best white wine vinegar six table-spoonfuls each; add forty drops of laudanum; mix it well, and put it into a bottle. A tea-spoonful to be taken occasionally when the cough is troublesome.

411.For a sudden Hoarseness.—Mix one tea-spoonful of sweet spirits of nitre in a wine-glassful of water. This may be taken two or three times a day.

412.Hoarseness.—A piece of flannel, dipped in brandy, and applied to the chest, and covered with a dry flannel, is to be worn all night. Four or six small onions, boiled, and put on buttered toast, and eaten for supper, are likewise good for colds on the chest.

413.—Children's Coughs.—A few tea-spoonfuls of warm treacle taken occasionally, and particularly at bed-time, or when the cough is troublesome, will be found beneficial, especially for infants and children.

414.For a "hacking" Cough.—Dissolve an ounce of mutton suet in a pint of milk, and drink it warm.

415.For a Cough.—Mix vinegar and treacle in equal quantities, and let a tea-spoonful be taken occasionally, when the cough is troublesome. This is the recipe of Dr. James, of Carlisle.

416.Quinsy, or Ulcerated Sore Throat.—Bake or roast three or four large onions or six smaller ones, till soft. Peel them quickly, and beat them flat with a rolling-pin or glass bottle. Then put them immediately in a thin muslin bag that will reach from ear to ear, and about three inches deep. Apply it speedily, and as warm as possible, to the throat. Keep it on day and night, changing it when the strength of the onions appears to be exhausted, and substituting fresh ones. Flannel must be worn round the neck after the poultice is removed.

417.Saline Draught.—Dissolve one scruple of carbonate of potassa, (salt of tartar), in a table-spoonful of lemon-juice, and three table-spoonfuls of water; sweeten with lump sugar, and drink while it effervesces. This is an excellent remedy for sore throats, nausea, &c.

418.Another.—Dissolve one drachm each of nitric acid and carbonate of potassa in three-quarters of a pint of water; add one ounce each of syrup of orange-peel and spirit of nutmeg, and mix. Two table-spoonfuls to be taken in fevers and inflammatory sore throats.

419.To make Gargles.—For relaxed sore throat, mix five ounces of Cayenne pepper gargle, two ounces of infusion of roses, and one ounce of syrup of roses.

Or, mix with the Cayenne pepper gargle, three ounces of vinegar, three drachms of tincture of myrrh, and four drachms of honey of roses.

For inflammatory sore throats, mix six ounces of infusion of roses, one ounce of tincture of myrrh, and one ounce of honey of roses.

Or, mix one drachm and a half of saltpetre, two ounces of honey, and six ounces of rose-water.

For scorbutic gums, mix six ounces of infusion of roses, one ounce of borax, and one ounce of honey of roses.

To make the Cayenne pepper gargle, pour six ounces of boilingwater upon one scruple of Cayenne pepper; cover it, and let it stand for three hours.

420.To cure Hiccough.—This is caused by flatulency, indigestion, and acidity. It may be relieved generally by a sudden fright or surprise, or any sudden application of cold; also by drinking cold water slowly; eating a small piece of ice, taking a pinch of snuff, or anything that excites coughing. Or, take one tea-spoonful of common vinegar.

421.A simple cure for Dysentery—which has never failed.—Take some butter off the churn, immediately after being churned, just as it is, without being salted or washed; clarify it over the fire like honey. Skim off all the milky particles when melted over a clear fire. Let the patient (if an adult) take two table-spoonfuls of the clarified remainder, twice or thrice within the day. This has never failed to effect a cure, and in many cases it has been almost instantaneous.

422.For Diarrhœa.—Fill a tea-cup with dry flour, press it down, and cover it with a buttered cloth, tying it very closely; boil it three hours, when turn it out to cool into a hard mass. Grate a tea or a dessert-spoonful of it into peppermint water for children, or into a glass of port wine for adults.

423.Chalk Mixture.—Mix half an ounce of prepared chalk, the same of lump sugar, and one ounce of powdered gum Arabic, with a pint of water. This is an excellent remedy for diarrhœa.

424.Fig Paste for Constipation.—Cut up small one pound of figs, and mix it with two ounces of senna carefully picked over, and one tea-cupful of molasses; stew it till it becomes thoroughly mixed and firm; then cool it. A piece about half as large as a fig will generally be sufficient.

425.Laxatives.—Infusions of Epsom salts and senna are often taken as laxatives, or opening medicines. It is a well-known fact, that a tea-spoonful of salts in a tumbler of cold water, if drunk before breakfast, is as effectual a dose as the usual ounce. Senna, too, if steeped in cold water, is equally efficacious, and free from the nauseous bitter taste which it has when infused in boiling water.

426.To cure Boils.—Boil in half a pint of milk one table-spoonful of shot; pour it off, and drink it in small doses.

427.To cure a Felon.—A felon generally appears on the end of the fingers or thumbs; it is extremely painful for weeks, and sometimes for months, and, in most cases, cripples or disfigures the finger or thumb that falls a victim to it. But it can easily be cured, if attended to in time. As soon as the pain is felt, take the thin white skin of an egg, which is found inside next to the shell; put it round the end of the finger or thumb affected, and keep it there until the pain subsides. As soon as the skin becomes dry, it will be very painful, and likely continue so for half an hour or more; but be not alarmed. If it grows painful, bear it; it will be of short duration in comparison to what the disease would be. A cure will be certain.

428. We mention several remedies which have obtained popular reputation in these accidents, and which are valuable not only as giving more or less relief, but as being generally at hand, or to be readily procured in every dwelling. They are, wheat flour, which may be thickly sprinkled over the injured parts with a common kitchen dredger, till a perfect crust is formed—an excellent application. Finely-scraped chalk or magnesia, applied in the same way. These act both by excluding the atmospheric air, and absorbing the fluid secreted by the vessels of the inflamed surface. Another application reported to be very efficacious in allaying the pain, is a piece of lint wetted with a saturated solution of carbonate of soda. A poultice of grated raw turnip or potato, applied cold, is quickly productive of ease in slight burns, but requires renewing often enough to keep up the sensation of coldness.

429.Burns.—Apply to, or wrap round the burnt part, some folds of cotton bought in sheets; however severe the pain may be, it will abate in a few hours. Should blisters arise, they may next day be carefully pricked with a needle, so as to break the skin as little as possible; and the cotton kept on till the cure is effected.

430.A remedy for a Burn or Scald.—Apply immediately a thick covering of wool to the burnt part, and bind it on tight; in the course of half an hour very little pain will be felt, and scarcely any blister will remain. As this remedy is so simple, no housekeeper should be without loose wool at hand, in case of an accident. This remedy was discovered by the child of a woolcomber having been dreadfully scalded: its mother laid it in a basket of newly carded wool, whilst she ran for a doctor; when she returned, she found the child fast asleep amongst the wool, and when it awoke the excessive pain had subsided. We have frequently tried it, and invariably with success.

431.For Burns and Scalds.—Plunge the injured part into cold spring or ice water; or, lay on it pounded ice wrapped in linen.

Or, dissolve four ounces of alum in a quart of hot water; dip a cloth into it, and lay it on the part. As soon as it becomes hot and dry, repeat the application.

Apply to a burn, bruise, or cut, the moist surface of the inside coating of the shell of a raw egg; it will adhere of itself, and heal without pain.

432.Efficacy of Vinegar in curing Burns and Scalds.—Vinegar is a great antiseptic and corrector of putrescence and mortification. The progressive tendency of burns of the unfavorable kind, or those that are ill-treated, is to putrescence and mortification. When the outward skin is not broken, it may be freely used every hour or two; where the skin is broken, and if it gives pain, it must be gently used. But, equal parts of tepid vinegar and water applied every three or four hours, is the best rule to be directed by.

433.Vitriol Accidents.—For a burn by vitriol, or any similar cause, lay on, with a feather, the white of eggs mixed with powdered chalk, and immediate relief will follow.

Or, immediately after the accident, plunge the scalded limb in spirit of turpentine, and keep it there a few minutes.

Or, dissolve in water or fresh soap-boilers' lees, a little soda or potash, and apply it instantly, and it will prevent all injury to the person or clothing.

FEVERS.

434. Feverish symptoms in young children may be reduced, and often entirely cured by sponging in tepid or cold water, according to the age and condition of the patient. Rest, in a clean bed, after sponging, is necessary. Should the fever continue, a gentle emetic may be given. Cold water is the best beverage in fevers, but if very thirsty, give the child a little warm tea.

435.Dr. Dickson's cure for a Fever.—When a man is hot, and his skin dry all over, no matter what the cause be, you may bring his condition to the state of health by throwing cold water over him. You may do the same by an emetic. Oh! an emetic has a wonderful power in fever; and the old physicians treated all fevers in the first instance by emetics. They did not trouble themselves much about the cause. Thestateof the patient was what they cared most about. When he was cold, they warmed him, sometimes with one thing, sometimes with another. When hot, they cooled him; not in the Sangrado fashion of these days, by draining him of his life's blood; but by the employment of an emetic, or by sponging him over with cold water!

436.Easy and almost instantaneous cure for the Fever and Ague.—An hour or two before the fit comes on, take a new-laid egg, in a glass of vinegar or brandy, and go to bed immediately.

This very simple recipe has cured a great many, after more celebrated preparations have proved unsuccessful.

437.Cure for Yellow Fever.—The New Orleans Tropic gives the following recipe, which is said to be used with great success in Mexico, in cases of yellow fever: "A tumbler two-thirds full of olive oil, well mixed with the juice oftwo limes, and a tea-spoonful of fine table salt, is the common remedy in that country; that he has seen it used in hundreds of cases, many of them the most desperate he ever saw, and that he never knew it fail to produce a cure in a solitary instance! It sometimes causes the patient to vomit; in such cases it should be repeated until the stomach will retain it."

438.Treatment of Scarlet Fever—important prescription.—Dr. Lindsly, of Washington, strongly recommends the mode of treatment of scarlet fever, resorted to by Dr. Schneemann, physician to the King of Hanover. It is as follows, and exceedingly simple:

Treatment of Scarlet Fever by inunction.—From the first day of the illness, and as soon as we are certain of its nature, the patient must be rubbed morning and evening over the whole body with a piece of bacon, in such a manner that, with the exception of the head, a covering of fat is everywhere applied. In order to make this rubbing-in somewhat easier, it is best to take a piece of bacon the size of the hand, choosing a part still armed with the rind, that we may have a firm grasp. On the soft side of this piece slits are to be made, in order to allow the oozing out of the fat. The rubbing must be thoroughly performed, and not too quickly, in order that the skin may be regularly saturated with the fat. The beneficial results of the application are soon obvious; with a rapidity bordering on magic, all, even the most painful symptoms of the disease are allayed; quiet, sleep, good humor, appetite, return; and there remains only the impatience to quit the sick room.

439.Inflammatory Fevers.—In diseases termed "inflammatory," what measure so ready or so efficacious as to dash a pitcher or two of cold water over the patient—Cold Affusion, as it is called? Whilst serving in the army, I cured hundreds of inflammatory fevers in this manner—fevers, that, in the higher ranks of society, under the bleeding and starving systems—would have kept an apothecary and physician—to say nothing of nurses and cuppers—visiting the patient twice or thrice a day for a month, if he happened to live so long.

Gentlemen, with the cold dash you may easily,

"While others meanly take whole months to slay,Produce a cure in half a summer's day."—Dr. Dickson.

"While others meanly take whole months to slay,Produce a cure in half a summer's day."—Dr. Dickson.

440.Beverage for Fevers.—Boil two drachms of powdered alum in a pint of milk, and strain. The draught is a wine-glassful.

441.Mustard Poultices.—Make a bag of the size required of fine, close muslin; mix equal quantities of mustard and flour, (or a larger proportion of mustard, should the case require it),with boiling water, until of a proper consistency. Fill the bag with it; sew it up, and, covering it with a handkerchief or piece of clean, soft linen, apply it to the part affected. When it has been on long enough, take it off, and lay on another piece of soft linen.

442.Bread Poultice.—Mr. Abernethy directs a bread and water poultice to be made as follows:—Put half a pint of hot water into a pint basin; add to this as much of the crumb of bread as the water will cover, then place a plate over the basin, and let it remain about ten minutes; stir the bread about in the water, or, if necessary, chop it a little with the edge of a knife, and drain off the water, by holding the knife on the top of the basin, but do not press the bread as is usually done; then take it out lightly, spread it about one-third of an inch thick on some soft linen, and lay it upon the part. If it be a wound, you may place a bit of lint dipped in oil beneath the poultice. There is nothing better than the bread poultice for broken surfaces.

443.Linseed Poultice.—Is made by simply mixing linseed meal into a paste with hot water.

444.Management of Blisters.—Spread the plaster thinly on paper or linen, and rub over it a few drops of olive oil. In this way the blister acts speedily, and with less irritation than usual.

445.Simple Ointment.—This is made by melting in a pipkin, by the side of the fire, without boiling, one part of yellow or white wax, and two parts of hog's lard or olive oil.

446.Spermaceti Ointment.—This consists of a quarter of an ounce of white wax, three-quarters of an ounce of spermaceti, and three ounces of olive oil, melted as before. This is the common dressing for a blister.

447.Elder-flower Ointment.—This is the mildest, blandest, and most cooling ointment which can be used; and it is very suitable for anointing the face or neck when sun-burnt. It is made of fresh elder-flowers, stripped from the stalks, two pounds of which are simmered in an equal quantity of hog's-lard tillthey become crisp; after which, the ointment, whilst fluid, is strained through a coarse sieve.

448.Calamine Ointment, or Turner's Cerate.—This consists of half a pound of yellow wax and a pint of olive oil, which are to be melted together; this being done, half a pound of calamine powder is to be sifted in, and stirred till the whole be completely mixed.

449.Sulphur Ointment.—This is made by rubbing well together three ounces of flowers of sulphur and half a pound of hog's lard. This ointment, if properly applied, is a certain cure for that nastiest of all nasty, and most easily-caught disease, the itch, which, although generally found among poor people, occasionally steals into the houses of the wealthy. The proper mode of managing it is, for the infected to rub himself well all over with the ointment, night and morning, for three days, during which time he must wear, without change, some old body-linen, stockings, and gloves, and lie in a pair of old sheets or blankets. Washing in the least degree is to be carefully avoided as the plague, for it will protract the cure. On the fourth day let him go into a warm bath, wash himself clean, and he will then be found quite well. Everything which had been worn during the cure should be burnt, sheets and all; but the blankets may be scoured.

450. The beneficial influence obtained from all such local applications depends upon the change of temperature they are capable of producing. Their results will vary with constitutions. Most patients, who suffer from chronic disease, point to a particular spot as the locality where they are most incommoded with "cold chills." This is the point for the application of the galbanum or other "warm plaster." A plaster of this kind to the loins has enabled me to cure a host of diseases that had previously resisted every other mode of treatment. The same application to the chest, when the patient complained of chilliness in that particular part, has materially aided me in the treatment of many cases of phthisis. In both instances, whereheatwas the more general complaint, cold sponging has been allowed by an equally beneficial effect.

The ingredients of plasters, blisters, ointments, lotions, &c., what are they but combinations of the agents with which we combat fever? Their beneficial influence depends upon the change of motion and temperature which they produce by their electrical or chemical action on the nerves of the part to which they are directed. Cantharides will not blister the dead—they have very little effect even on a dying man!—Dr. Dickson's Lectures.

451.Liquid Opodeldoc.—Dissolve one ounce of camphor in a little spirits of wine, and two ounces of soft soap in a little water; put these into a bottle, add half a drachm of oil of rosemary and the same of oil of thyme; shake them well together; add three-quarters of a pint of spirits of wine, and a quarter of a pint of water; set it in a warm place, and shake it occasionally, for a few days. This is an excellent remedy for bruises, sprains, chilblains, &c.

452.Extract of Arnica, for Bruises, Sprains, Burns, &c.—Take one ounce of arnica flowers, dried; that prepared by the Shakers is considered the best; and put them in a wide-mouthed bottle; pour just enough scalding water over them to moisten them, and afterwards about a pint or a pint and a half of spirits of wine. In case of a burn or bruise, &c., wet a cloth in the arnica and lay it on the part affected. Renew the application occasionally, and the pain will soon be removed.

453.For a Sprain.—Mix equal parts of spirit of camphor, distilled vinegar, and turpentine, and rub the part affected.

Cold water applications are excellent for sprains; as, to bathe the part in cold water, to pour cold water upon it, or to put bandages wet in cold water around it.

Extract of arnica, applied to a sprain, will remove the pain in a short time.

454.Contusions or Bruises.—In slight bruises, and those not likely to be followed by much inflammation, nothing more is usually necessary than to bathe the part in cold water, or with spirit, as eau de Cologne, brandy, &c., mixed with an equal proportion of vinegar and water. In more severe cases, however, and where the accident is near an important part, as theeye, or any of the joints, it becomes a desirable object to prevent the approach of inflammation. This is to be attempted by the application of leeches, repeating them according to circumstances; purgatives and a low diet may become necessary. In the last stage of a bruise, where there is merely a want of tone in the parts, and swellings from the effused blood, &c., friction should be employed, either simply, or with any common liniment, as opodeldoc. Wearing a bandage, pumping cold water on the part, succeeded by warm friction, also a saturated solution of common salt in water, have each been found beneficial. The roots of bryony and Solomon's seal, bruised and applied as a poultice, are efficacious in hastening the disappearance of the lividity of bruises.

455.Lime Water.—Pour three quarts of water upon eight pounds of unslaked lime; let stand half an hour, when add three gallons of water, and pour it off.

It is useful in cases of derangement of the digestive organs.

456.Walnut Water.—This is recommended as a remedy in subduing nausea and vomiting, if administered in doses of a wine-glassful every half-hour. It is distilled from green walnuts, angelica-seeds, and brandy.

457.Uses of Borax.—Powdered borax, mixed with honey, or conserve of roses, is an excellent remedy for inside sores of the mouths of children.

If a little of the mixture be dissolved in warm water, it will form, when cold, an efficacious gargle for an ulcerated sore throat.

If a weak solution of borax in rose-water be constantly applied, by means of a fine linen cloth, over the redness which often affects the noses of delicate persons, it will relieve the sense of heat, and remove the redness. Many other spots on the face may be similarly removed.

It is likewise a very useful application to chilblains.

458.The virtues of Sage.—This valuable herb was held in such high esteem among the ancients, that they have left us a Latin verse, which signifies—

"Why should a man die whilst he has sage in his garden?"

It is reckoned admirable as a cordial, and to sweeten and cleanse the blood. It is good in nervous cases, and is given in fevers, with a view to promote perspiration. With the addition of a little lemon-juice, it is very grateful and cooling.

459.Sage Tea.—Wood sage, which grows naturally, is the finest kind; with a little alum it makes an excellent gargle for a sore throat. It may be made as tea, but is better if boiled.

460.Senna Tea.—Macerate for an hour, in a covered vessel, one ounce and a half of senna, a drachm of ginger, sliced, and a pint of boiling water; the dose is from one-half to a wine-glassful. Or, mix two drachms of senna, with a little Bohea tea, in a quarter of a pint of boiling water, and add, when poured off clear, a little sugar and milk.

461.Chamomile Tea.—Take of chamomile flowers one ounce, boiling water, one quart; simmer for ten minutes, and strain.

Chamomile tea is well known as an emetic, when taken in a tepid state. In some parts of England, a strong infusion of chamomile is frequently taken at bed-time, as hot as it can be swallowed, when it produces perspiration, and next morning acts as a purgative. It is also there considered as one of the best remedies for indigestion, colic, pains and obstructions of the bowels, especially when arising from cold. A cup of coffee taken hot on an empty stomach, will frequently be as efficacious as the chamomile, in either of the above cases.

A small cupful of the tea, cold, taken in the morning, fasting, is often serviceable for indigestion. Chamomiles are also employed in fomentations, their greatest use being to retain the heat of the application.

462.Linseed Tea.—Pour two quarts of boiling water upon one ounce of linseed, and two drachms of liquorice-root, sliced; let it stand six hours.

463.Mint Tea.—Mint, to be used as tea, should be cut when just beginning to flower, and should be dried in the shade. The young leaves are eaten in salads, and some eat them as the leaves of sage, with bread and butter.

464.Nitreis a cheap and valuable medicine, both cooling and purifying to the blood. In the feverishness that attendsa cold, from seven to ten grains of purified nitre, in a glass of water, may be taken two or three times a day, with safety and advantage. For old wounds, such as are commonly called "a bad leg," great benefit will be derived from taking a solution of nitre, prepared thus:—In one pint of boiling water, dissolve two ounces of saltpetre; of which take a table-spoonful twice a day. If it should occasion pain, a little hot ginger-tea will soon give relief.

465.To make Verjuice.—The acid of the juice of the crab or wilding is called by the country people, verjuice, and is much used in recent sprains, and in other cases, as an astringent or repellant.

466.Medicines in Travelling.—In case of change of food disagreeing with the stomach, dissolve a tea-spoonful of Epsom salts in half a pint of water, as warm as it can be drunk, and repeat the dose every half-hour, until it operates.

For diarrhœa, or acidity of stomach, mix one drachm of compound powder of kino, with half an ounce of compound powder of chalk; divide into six powders, and take one or two a day, in three table-spoonfuls of water, and a tea-spoonful of brandy.

467.To prevent Sea-sickness.—Pass a broad belt round the body, and place within it, on the region of the stomach, a pad stuffed with wool or horse-hair; this, when tightly braced, restrains the involuntary motion of the stomach, occasioned by the lurching of the vessel. During sickness, very weak cold brandy and water will be found the best means of allaying the heat and irritation.

The frequent use of any sea-sickness preventive is, however, attended with danger.

468.Valuable properties of Cherry-tree Gum.—The gum that exudes from the trunk and branches of the cherry-tree is equal to gum-Arabic. Hasselquist relates that, during a siege, more than an hundred men were kept alive for two months nearly, without any other sustenance than a little of this gum taken into the mouth sometimes, and suffered gradually to dissolve.

469.How to get Sleep.—How to get sleep is to many persons a matter of high importance. Nervous persons who are troubledwith wakefulness and excitability, usually have a strong tendency of blood on the brain, with cold extremities. The pressure of the blood on the brain keeps it in a stimulated or wakeful state, and the pulsations in the head are often painful. Let such rise and chafe the body and extremities with a brush or towel, or rub smartly with the hands to promote circulation and withdraw the excessive amount of blood from the brain, and you will sleep in a few moments. A cold bath, or a sponge bath and rubbing, or a good run, or a rapid walk in the open air, or going up or down stairs a few times, just before retiring, will aid in equalizing circulation, and promoting sleep. These rules are simple and easy of application in castle or cabin, and minister to the comfort of thousands who would freely expend money for an anodyne to promote "Nature's sweet restorer, balmy sleep."

470.Remedy for Bad Breath.—Take from five to ten drops of muriatic acid, in an ale-glassful of barley-water, and add a little lemon-juice and lemon-peel to flavor; mix for a draught to be taken three times a day, for a month or six weeks at least, and, if effectual, it may be continued occasionally. Another medicine of this kind, which has often proved beneficial when the stomach has been wrong, and the bowels costive, is the following: Take one drachm of sulphate of magnesia, two drachms of tincture of calumba, one ounce and a half of infusion of roses; make a draught, to be taken every morning, or every other morning, an hour before breakfast, for at least a month.

471.Corpulence.—Those who are afflicted with corpulence should not allow themselves above six hours' sleep in the twenty-four. They should take as much exercise as possible, and avoid cream, malt liquors and soups—at least until they have succeeded in reducing their bulk. Salt provisions are good, having a tendency to promote perspiration, and carry off fat. Soda water is also beneficial.Recipe: Take Castile soap, in the form of pills, or electuary, of from one to four drachms dissolved in a quarter of a pint of soft water, when going to bed. But let not our lovely girls abuse their constitutions by drinking vinegar for this purpose, for consumption has often been produced by that habit.

472.Leanness.—This is not a disease; on the contrary, lean people are generally healthy, muscular, strong, and active, and remarkable for a keen appetite. But when there appears a diminution of strength—when the spirits sink, and the food does not freely digest—then leanness is the sign of lurking disease. Such patients should take a cup of milk warm from the cow every morning, or cold milk, with two raw fresh eggs beaten up with it. A pint of the best porter or stout at dinner, and the same at supper. Tea is better than coffee, and salad with strong supplies of oil, not much vinegar, are recommended.

473.Cure for Stammering.—Impediments in the speech may be cured, where there is no malformation of the organs of articulation, by perseverance for three or four months in the simple remedy of reading aloud, with the teeth closed, for at least two hours in the course of each day.

474.Acids.—These cause great heat, and sensation of burning pain, from the mouth down to the stomach. Remedies, magnesia, soda, pearlash, or soap, dissolved in water; then use stomach-pump or emetics.

475.Alcohol.—First cleanse out the stomach by an emetic, then dash cold water on the head, and give ammonia (spirits of hartshorn.)

476.Alkalies.—Best remedy is vinegar.

477.Ammonia.—Remedy, lemon-juice or vinegar, afterwards milk and water or flaxseed tea.

478.Arsenic.—Remedies, in the first place evacuate the stomach, then give the white of eggs, lime-water, or chalk and water, charcoal and the preparations of iron, particularly hydrate.

479.Belladonna, or Night Henbane.—Give emetics, and then plenty of vinegar and water or lemonade.

480.Charcoal.—In poisons by carbonic gas, remove the patient to open air, dash cold water on the head and body, and stimulate nostrils and lungs by hartshorn, at the same time rubbing the chest briskly.

481.Corrosive Sublimate.—Give white of eggs freshly mixed with water, or give wheat flour and water, or soap and water freely.

482.Creosote.—White of eggs and the emetics.

483.Laudanum.—Same as opium.

484.Lead. White Lead and Sugar of Lead.—Remedies, alum, cathartic, such as castor oil and Epsom salts, especially.

485.Mushrooms, when poisonous.—Give emetics, and then plenty of vinegar and water, with dose of ether, if handy.

486.Nitrate of Silver, (lunar caustic).—Give a strong solution of common salt, and then emetics.

487.Nitrate of Potash, or Saltpetre.—Give emetics, then copious draughts of flaxseed tea, milk and water, and other soothing drinks.

488.Opium.—First give a strong emetic of mustard and water, then strong coffee and acid drinks, dash cold water on the head.

489.Oxalic Acid.—Frequently mistaken for Epsom Salts. Remedies, chalk, magnesia, or soap and water freely, then emetics.

490.Prussic Acid.—When there is time, administer chlorine, in the shape of soda or lime. Hot brandy and water. Hartshorn and turpentine also useful.

491.Snake Bites, &c.—Apply immediately strong hartshorn, and take it internally; also, give sweet oil, and stimulants freely. Apply a ligature tight above the part bitten, and then apply a cupping-glass.

492.Tartar Emetic.—Give large doses of tea made of galls, Peruvian bark, or white oak bark.

493.Tobacco.—First an emetic, then astringent tea, then stimulants.

494.Verdigris.—Plenty of white of egg and water.

495.White Vitriol.—Give the patient plenty of milk and water.

In almost all cases of poisoning, emetics are highly useful, and of those, one of the very best, because most prompt and ready, is the common mustard flour or powder, a spoonful of which, stirred up in warm water, may be given every five or ten minutes, until free vomiting can be obtained.

Emetics and warm demulcent drinks, such as milk and water, flaxseed or slippery elm tea, chalk water, &c., should be administered without delay. The subsequent management of the case will of course be left to a physician.

496.To prevent Death from the Bite ofVenomousAnimals.—From observations made by Dr. Bancroft, it is found, that in South America, where the most venomous serpents abound, a very tight ligature, instantly made after the bite, between the part bitten and the trunk of the body, will prevent immediate danger, and allow time for proper means of remedy, either by excision of the whole joint, just above the ligature, or by topical applications upon the part bitten.

For instance, if the bite should be upon the end of the finger, a tight ligature of small cord should immediately be made beyond the next joint of the finger.

If the bite is on any part of the hand, the ligature should be made above the wrist, by means of a garter or cord, lapped several times round the arm, and rendered as tight as possible, by a small stick thrust betwixt the folds of the cord or garter, and twisted round very hard, to prevent the circulation of the blood betwixt the part bitten and the other part of the body. Ligatures of the same kind, applied by any one present, or the man himself, will frequently save a person's life, where, by accident, an artery in any of the limbs is wounded, and no surgeon is at hand.

497.Prevention of Hydrophobia.—As there has been hitherto no remedy discovered which can be said to possess a specific control over this dreadful malady, and therefore little hope can be entertained of a cure for it, our best endeavors should be directed to thepreventivetreatment. This is to be commenced, then, by completely cutting out the whole wound as soon as possible after the bite of a suspected animal. After this, bleeding should be encouraged by immersion in warm water, or the application of a cupping-glass. Caustic should next be applied to every part of the wound, which is then to be covered with a poultice, and suffered to heal by granulation, or be kept open, and made to suppurate, by irritating ointments. The excision should never be omitted, even though the bitten part have healed, and let the interval since its occurrence be what it may. As for any of innumerable so-called specifics, there is not one that is worth a moment's trial.

498.To alleviate the Pain occasioned by the Sting of Gnats.—The disagreeable itching occasioned by the sting of these insects, may be removed by volatile alkali, or immediately rubbing and washing the part affected with cold water.

At night, to rub with fuller's earth and water, lessens the inflammation.

499.Simple and effectual cure for those who may accidentally have swallowed a Wasp.—Instantly, on the alarming accident taking place, put a tea-spoonful of common salt in your mouth, which will instantaneously not only kill the wasp, but at the same time heal the sting.

500.For the Sting of a Wasp or Bee.—Spread over the part a plaster of salad oil and common salt; if oil be not at hand, the salt may be used, moistened with water or vinegar. Or, keep the part constantly moist with a rag dipped in sal-volatile and cold water, as strong as can be borne without raising the skin. Or, immediately after taking out the sting, get an onion and bruise it, and apply it to the stung place, and it will afford immediate relief. Or, a washerwoman's blue-bag, applied in the same manner, will have a like effect.501.Sting of a Nettle.—Rub the part affected with balm, rosemary, mint, or any other aromatic herb, and the smart will soon cease.BATHS AND BATHING.502. The best materials for constructing baths, are slabs of polished marble, bedded with water-tight cement, in a wooden case, and carefully united at the edges. But, as white or veined marble baths are apt to get yellow or discolored by frequent use, and cannot easily be cleaned, large Dutch tiles, or square pieces of white earthenware, are sometimes substituted; these, however, are with difficulty kept water-tight, so that marble is altogether preferable. Copper, or tinned iron plates, are also used; the former is more expensive at the outset, but far more durable than the latter, which is also liable to leakage at the joints, unless excellently made. Both copper and iron should be well covered, in and outside, with several coats of paint. Wooden tubs—square, oblong, or oval—are sometimes used for warm baths, and are cheap and convenient; but the wood contracts a mouldy smell, and there is great difficulty in preventing shrinkage in them, and keeping them water-tight.The fittest place for baths, is the bed-room floor; they are sometimes placed in the basement story, which is cold and damp, and in all weather disagreeable.Due attention should be paid to the warming and ventilation of the bath-room. A temperature of 70 degrees, by the thermometer, should be kept up in it; and ventilation is requisite, to prevent the moisture settling upon the walls and furniture.An improvement in the construction of baths, is a slightly hollowed space at one end, to receive the head of the bather, so as to prevent that sensation of cramp which is often experienced from the ordinary, abrupt shape of a bath.The hand is a very uncertain test for the heat of water, and should, therefore, not be relied on in preparing a bath; but a thermometer should be employed, which will denote the actual temperature, thus:—Coldbath,from32° to 75°ofFahrenheit.Tepid""75 to 92""Warm""92 to 98""Hot""98 to 114""Vapor""100 to 140""503.Hand Shower-Bath.—An excellent hand shower-bath for children, has been invented. It consists of a metal vessel,containing about a gallon, the bottom of which is pierced with holes, while the upper part is open, and provided with a handle. When intended to be used, the vessel is immersed in a pail of water, and it quickly fills from the lower part. The thumb is placed over the aperture at the apex, which prevents all escape of water. It may be held at a convenient distance over the child, and the moment the thumb is removed, there falls a refreshing shower, which may be stopped instantaneously, by placing the thumb over the upper opening.504.Simple Vapor Bath.—Wrap the patient in blankets, which fasten closely about the neck, leaving the head exposed: then place him in a chair, under which set a basin or deep dish, with half a pint of spirits of wine, or whisky, which should be ignited: close the blankets to the floor, and in a few minutes the patient will be in a profuse perspiration, and should be put to bed between warm blankets.505.Advantages of Bathing.—It is a fact officially recorded, that during the terrible visitations of cholera in France, out of nearly 16,228 subscribers to the public baths of Paris, Bordeaux, and Marseilles, only two deaths among them were ascribed to cholera. We doubt whether there exists a more effectual preventive of disease of every kind, and a greater promoter of good health at all times, than the practice of daily bathing.506.Uses of Hot Water.—The efficacy of hot water, on many occasions in life, cannot be too generally known. It is an excellent gargle for a bad sore throat, or quinsy. In bruises, hot water, by immersion and fomentation, will remove pain, and prevent discoloration and stiffness. It has the same effect after a blow. It should be applied as quickly as possible, and as hot as it can be borne. Insertion in hot water will also cure that troublesome and very painful ailment, the whitlow.507.Good effects of Bathing.—"I am often asked, what baths are safest—as if everything, by its fitness or unfitness, is not safe, or the reverse. The value of all baths depends upon their fitness; and that, in many instances, can only be known by trial. It depends upon constitution, more than upon the name of a disease, whether particular patients shall be benefited byone bath or another. Generally speaking, when the skin is hot and dry, a cold bath will do good; and when chilly, a hot bath. But the reverse sometimes happens. The cold stage of ague, may at once be cut short by a cold bath. I have seen a shivering hypochondriac dash into the cold plunge bath, and come out, in a minute or two, perfectly cured of all his aches and whimseys. But, in cases of this nature, everything depends upon thegloworreactionwhich the bath produces; and that has as much to do with surprise or shock as with the temperature of the bath. I have seen a person with a hot, dry skin, go into a warm bath, and come out just as refreshed as if he had taken a cold one. In that case, the perspiration which it excited, must have been the principal means of relief."So far as my own experience goes, I prefer the cold and tepid shower-baths, and the cold plunge-bath, to any other; but there are cases in which these disagree, and I, therefore, occasionally order the warm or vapor-bath instead."—Dr. Dickson.508.Diet for Patients.—"I am every day asked by my patients, what diet they should take. I generally answer by the question, 'How old are you?' Suppose they say,Forty—'Forty!' I rejoin: 'you who have had forty years' experience of what agrees and disagrees with you—how can you ask me who have no experience of the kind in your case whatever?' Surely, gentlemen, a patient's experience of what agrees and disagrees with his own particular constitution, is far better than any theory of yours or mine. Why, bless my life! in many chronic diseases, the diet which a man can take to-day, would be rejected with disgust to-morrow; under such circumstances, would you still, according to common medical practice, tell a sick person to go on taking what he himself found worried him to death? Gentlemen, I hope better things of you."The only general caution you need give your patients on the subject of diet, ismoderation; moderation in using the things which they find agree with themselves best. You may direct them to take their food in small quantities at a time, at shortperiodicintervals—intervals of two or three hours, for example; and tell them to take the trouble to masticate it properly before they swallow it, so as not to give a weak stomach thedoublework of mastication and digestion—these processes being, even in health, essentially distinct. Unless properly comminuted and mixed with the saliva, how can youexpect the food to be anything but a source of inconvenience to persons whom the smallest trifle will frequently discompose?"—Dr. Dickson's Lectures.509.Abstinence, or Starvation.—Beware of carrying this too far!—for "abstinence engenders maladies." So Shakspeare said, and so nature will tell you, in the teeth of all the doctors in Europe! Abstinence may produce almost every form of disease which has entered into the consideration of the physician.—Ibid.510.The Blood is the Life—never be Bled!—"He who loses a pint of blood, loses a pint of his life. Of what is the body composed? Is it not of blood, and blood only? What fills up the excavation of an ulcer or an abscess? What re-produces the bone of the leg or thigh, after it has been thrown off dead, in nearly all its length? what but the livingBLOOD, under the vito-electrical influence of the brain and nerves! How does the slaughtered animal die? Of loss of blood solely. Is not the blood, then, in the impressive language of Scripture, 'the life of the flesh?' How remarkable, that while the value of the blood to the animal economy should be thus so distinctly and emphatically acknowledged, blood-letting is not even once alluded to, among the various modes ofcurementioned in the sacred volume. We have 'balms,' 'balsams,' 'baths,' 'charms,' 'physics,'—'poultices,' even—but loss of blood, never! Had it been practised by the Jews, why this omission? Will the men who now so lavishly pour out the blood, dispute its importance in the animal economy? Will they deny that it forms the basis of the solids? that when the body has been wasted by long disease, it is by the blood only it can recover its healthy volume and appearance?"—Dr. Dickson's Lectures.THE TOILET.511. Personal beauty is the gift of nature, but its preservation depends much on the care of its possessor. Beauty may also be cultivated and enhanced; even plainness may be improved, and the defects that sickness, accidents, and age impress on the human features and form, may be greatly remedied by simple means, and attention to a few important rules.The first requisite for the preservation and improvement of personal beauty isgood temper. The teachings of the New Testament, if you follow its precepts, will insure you this grace. The second requirement isgood health. The most important rules for its preservation and recovery are given in this chapter. The third requisite comprises attention to neatness, and that general care of the person which the rules and receipts we here subjoin, will aid in making complete.512.Of the Hair.—It is a great mistake to plait the hair of children under eleven or twelve years of age. The process of plaiting more or less strains the hairs in their roots by pulling them tight; tends to deprive them of their requisite supply of nutriment; and checks their growth. The hair of girls should be cut rather short, and allowed to curl freely. When they are about eleven or twelve, the hair should be twisted into a coil, not too tight, nor tied at the end with thin thread, but with a piece of riband.513.Do not Shave the Head.—Shaving the head is always injurious to the hair, the bulbs being frequently destroyed by the process; and washing frequently with an alkaline preparation, such as soap and water, is decidedly objectionable, for that, as well as sea-water, is very apt to change the color of the hair.514.To purify and beautify the Hair.—An excellent means of keeping the hair sweet, clean, glossy, and curly, is to brush it with a rather hard brush dipped by the surface only in eau de Portugal ("Portugal water"). In order to have it fresh and of fine quality, take a pint of orange flower water, a pint of rose water, and half a pint of myrtle water. To these put a quarter of an ounce of distilled spirit of musk, and an ounce of spirit of ambergris. Shake the whole well together, and the water will be ready for use. Only a small quantity should be made at a time, as it does not keep long, except in moderate weather, being apt to spoil either with cold or heat.515.To promote the Growth of Hair.—Mix equal parts of olive oil and spirits of rosemary, and add a few drops of oil of nutmeg. If the hair be rubbed every night with a little of this liniment, and the proportion be very gradually augmented, itwill answer every purpose of increasing the growth of hair, much more effectually than can be attained by any of the boasting empirical preparations which are imposed on the credulous purchaser.516.Curling Liquid for the Hair.—When the hair will not curl naturally, the curling irons should not be used; they only extract the moisture, and render the hair crisp and harsh. An excellent curling liquid is the following:—Put two pounds of common soap, cut small, into three pints of spirits of wine, with eight ounces of potash, and melt the whole, stirring it with a clean piece of wood. Add some essence of amber, vanilla, and nevoli, about a quarter of an ounce of each, to render the fluid agreeable. The liquids which are sold for the professed purpose of assisting in curling the hair, are chiefly composed of either oily or extractive substances.517.To prevent Hair from falling out.—Make a strong decoction of white-oak bark in water, and use it freely. It is best to make but little at a time, and have it fresh at least once a fortnight.518.To avoid Grey Hairs.—Those who would avoid that prominent mark of approaching old age, called grey hair, must be careful in the treatment of the hair in their youth. They must avoid constricting the skin, and strangling the hair at its roots, and everything that may throw into the blood an undue portion of lime. We say anundueportion, because a certain quantity of lime is indispensable in our system for repairing the wear and tear of the bones, teeth, &c. The lime necessary for the repair of bone is manufactured by the stomach and liver, along with the blood, from various articles of our diet which contain it. The greatest supply is usually from the water which we drink, or which is employed in the various processes of cooking and preparing liquors. All animal food also contains some portion of lime, as well as some of the sorts of vegetable food. Ascertain, then, by chemical trial, whether the water used for your tea, coffee, soups, &c., contains a large proportion of lime; and, if it do, you must either have it chemically purified, or remove to some other place where the water is more free from lime. If water be hard, you may be certain that it contains too much lime to be safely used. Rain-wateris the safest for tea and other liquids. Bread will always contain a portion of lime; you must, therefore, be careful in dealing with respectable bakers, who will not increase that unavoidable quantity by means of adulterating matter (such as whiting) which contains lime.519.To soften and cleanse the Hair.—Beat up an egg, rub it well into the hair, and then wash the head well. If the hair is very oily, add the juice of half a lemon. This receipt also answers much better for washing pet dogs than soap.520.To make a Curling Fluid for the Hair.—Melt a piece of white bees'-wax, about the size of a filbert kernel or large pea, in one ounce of olive oil; to this add one or two drops ofattarof roses or any other perfume.521.Gen. Twiggs' Hair Dye.—Dissolve in a pint of rose-water, one ounce of lac sulphur, and half an ounce of sugar of lead. Wet the hair with this mixture thoroughly every night, shaking the bottle occasionally. Some persons prefer whisky to rose-water, in mixing the articles.522.To change Hair to a deep Brown.—A solution of silver caustic in water is the foundation of all the nostrums for this purpose. It must be well diluted before used.523.To dye the Hair Black.—Procure from the dyer's a quantity of walnut-water; and with this wash the hair, as the first part of the process. Then make an aromatic tincture of galls, by scenting the common tincture with any agreeable perfume; and with this wet the hair, which must next be moistened with a strong solution of sulphate of iron.524.A simple Hair-dye.—Boil in a pint of water a handful of rosemary; when cold, strain and bottle, but do not cork it. Renew it every few weeks. Wet the hair with it every night.525.To darken the Eye-brows.—Take an ounce of walnuts, an ounce of frankincense, an ounce of resin, and an ounce of mastick. Burn them all on clear, red-hot charcoal, and receive the fumes into a funnel, in which a very fine black powder, slightly perfumed and unctuous, will adhere. Mix this with a little oilof myrtle, in a leaden mortar, and apply it to the eye-brows. This paste has the property of resisting both heat and perspiration; but it must be occasionally renewed. The following method may also be used: Burn a clove in the flame of a wax-candle, dip it into the juice of elder-berries, and apply it to the eye-brows. The powder, also, which is used in the East for painting the eye-lashes, and which is composed of antimony and bismuth, may be safely and advantageously used. Or, a paste prepared from powdered black lead, with eau de Cologne, or oil of myrtle, or essence of bergamot, will suffice for the purpose. When the eye-brows become long and shaggy, they give a ferocious and repulsive expression to the countenance. The scissors should in that case be often used. Some of the longest hairs might also be removed with the tweezers.526.To know whether Hair Powder is adulterated with Lime.—Put a little crude sal-ammoniac, in powder, to the suspected hair powder, and add a little warm water to the mixture, and stir it about; if the powder has been adulterated with lime, a strong smell of volatile alkali will arise from this mixture.527.To perfume Hair Powder.—Take one drachm of musk, fourouncesof lavender blossoms, one and a half drachm of civet, and half a drachm of ambergris; pound the whole together, and pass it through a sieve. Preserve this mixture in well-stopped bottles, and add more or less thereof, as agreeable, in your hair powder.528.To improve the Hair.—Powdered hartshorn, mixed with oil, being rubbed upon the head of persons who have lost their hair, will cause it to grow again. A very good oil for the hair is made by mixing one part of the liquid hartshorn with nine parts of pure castor-oil.529.An economical Hair Wash.—Dissolve in one quart of boiling water one ounce of borax and half an ounce of camphor; these ingredients fine. When cool, the solution will be ready for use. Damp the hair with it frequently. This wash not only cleanses and beautifies, but strengthens the hair, preserves the color, and prevents baldness.530.To remove Superfluous Hair.—This is very difficult, for if you pull the hair out by the roots from those places which it disfigures, there are thousands of roots ready to start through the skin the moment you make room for them. Old authors recommend depilatories in great variety. The principal of these methods consist in rubbing upon the part from which the hair is to be removed, leaven, parsley water, juice of acacia, the gum of ivy or of the cherry-tree, dissolved in spirits of wine, &c. Madame Elisi Voiart, in her "Encyclopédie des Dames," recommends a few drops of dulcified spirit of salt, (that is, muriatic acid distilled with rectified spirits of wine,) to be applied with a camel hair pencil.OF THE COMPLEXION.531.Never Paint.—The use of white paint as a cosmetic affects the eyes, which it renders painful and watery. It changes the texture of the skin, on which it produces pimples; attacks the teeth, destroys the enamel, and loosens them. It heats the mouth and throat, infecting and corrupting the saliva. Lastly, it penetrates the pores of the skin, acting by degrees on the spongy substance of the lungs, and inducing disease. Powdered magnesia, or violet powder, is no further injurious than by stopping the pores of the skin; but this is quite injury enough to preclude its use. The best cosmetics are early hours, exercise, and temperance.532.To soften the Skin and improve the Complexion.—Mix in a cup of milk a little flowers of sulphur; let it stand for an hour or two; then, without disturbing the sulphur, rub the milk into the skin. It will keep it soft and clear. It should be used before washing.533.How to treat Freckles.—Most of us have observed the effect produced on white paper by holding it closely to the fire: it changes rapidly from white to brown, and becomes scorched. Chemists tell us that most combustible things, both in the animal and vegetable world, have carbon for their basis—so has the skin; and, if it be exposed to the heat, it becomes, like them, spotted or charred. The iron and oxygen in the blood also assist to produce this effect. Thus we have the cause of freckles. Those who, like Richard Cœur de Lion, and MaryQueen of Scots, have red hair (which is caused by a red-colored oil, more strongly impregnated with iron than others), are most liable to freckles.The most effectual means of removing freckles, is the use of those chemicals which will dissolve the existing combination. The freckles are situated in the second or middle membrane of the skin; and, before any other application, it will be advisable to soften the surface by the use of some mild balsam or paste.534.For Freckles.—One ounce of bitter almonds, one ditto of barley flour, mix with a sufficient quantity of honey to make the whole into a smooth paste; with which the face, more particularly where the freckles are visible, is to be anointed at night, and the paste washed off in the morning. After a few days the skin will be prepared for a chemical remedy.535.Another.—To decompose the freckles, by laying hold of the iron, the following mixture may be applied: Take one drachm of muriatic acid, half a pint of rain-water, half a tea-spoonful of spirit of lavender; mix well together, and apply two or three times a day to the freckles, with a camel's hair brush. The acid seizes upon the iron, and the oxygen is disengaged.536.Purifying water for Freckled Skin.—Take one tea-spoonful of liquor of potassa, two ounces and a half of pure water, and ten drops of eau de Cologne. Mix, and apply three times a day with a camel's hair brush.537.Cosmetic Lotion for Freckles.—Take a tea-cupful of cold sour milk, scrape into it a quantity of horse-radish. Let this stand from six to twelve hours; and then, being well strained, let it be applied, as before directed, two or three times a day.538.Preventive Wash for Sunburn.—Take two drachms of borax, one drachm of Roman alum, one drachm of camphor, half an ounce of sugar-candy, and one pound of ox-gall; mix and stir well together, and repeat the stirring three or four times a day, until the mixture becomes transparent; then strain it through filtering paper, and it is fit for use.539.Grape Lotion for Sunburn.—Dip a bunch of green grapes in a basin of water; sprinkle it with powdered alum and salt, mixed together; wrap it in paper, and bake it under hot ashes; then express the remaining juice, and wash the face with the liquid.540.Lemon Cream for Sunburn and Freckles.—Put two spoonfuls of fresh cream into half a pint of new milk; squeeze into it the juice of a lemon, and half a glass of brandy, a little alum, and loaf sugar; boil the whole, skim it well, and, when cool, it will be fit for use.541.A French Receipt.—Take equal parts of the seeds of the melon, pompion, gourd, and cucumber, pounded and reduced to powder or meal; add to it fresh cream sufficient to dilute the flour; beat all up together, adding a sufficient quantity of milk, as it may be required, to make an ointment, and then apply it to the face. Leave it there for half an hour, and then wash it off with warm soft water. Pimpernel water is often used on the continent for the purpose of whitening the complexion. It is there in so high reputation, that it is said generally that it ought to be continually on the toilet of every lady who cares for the brightness of her skin.542.Moles.—The author of "The Art of Beauty," whose work appeared in 1824, has very judiciously observed: "The common brown mole appears to be much of the same nature as freckles, and to be situated in the middle layer of the skin, or membrane of color. Moles are sometimes so placed as to improve rather than injure a fine face. They contrast with the delicacy of a fair skin, and give a pleasing archness of expression to the countenance. They are, however, most frequently found on women of a dark complexion. The coloring matter, as in the case of freckles and sunburn, is probably some chemical combination of iron. Moles have evidently a superabundant vitality, and a tendency to increased action, in consequence, perhaps, of the stimulus of the iron; and hence they are often slightly elevated above the surface, and the natural down of the skin is changed into a tuft of hair. The same cosmetic applications may be tried as for freckles, with gentle friction, but they are seldom successful. But it will be found verydangerous to apply depilatories to eradicate the tufts of hair on moles, as cancer in the face is not unfrequently the consequence of such applications."543.Birth Marks.—Let them alone, or apply to some eminent surgeon to attempt their removal.544.Worm Pimple, with black points.—They are very common, and very unsightly, giving the skin an oily, greasy, and dirty appearance. Their origin is to be traced to the obstruction of the fountains or glands placed immediately under the skin, from which a minute pipe carries off the perspiration. This moisture, not getting free egress, thickens and closes the pores: it then catches the dust and other impurities, floating in the atmosphere, and soon becomes black. If squeezed violently between the nails, this thickened matter will be driven out, in the form of a yellowish white worm, with a black head, which is nothing more than the extraneous matter just mentioned. That there is any vitality in it, is an absurd, but popular and prevalent error. These pimples generally cluster on the sides of the nose and on the forehead, whilst the skin around them is greasy. They should be thoroughly pressed out of every pore, or there they will remain, and no cosmetic will dislodge them. When this is effectually done, the following safe and simple application may be tried: take one ounce of bitter almonds and one ounce of barley-flour; mix them with honey, until they form a smooth paste, and anoint the skin at night. Gentle friction, either with the hand or with a soft glove, is also good. When this state of the skin is induced by bilious disorders, indigestion, &c., sulphur, purgatives, and other remedies must be taken to remove it; but not without medical advice, as they often are the reverse of effectual.545.Another simple Remedy.—Bathe the pimples several times a day with lukewarm water and a sponge, rubbing the sponge over a piece of yellow soap. There is a truly healing power in soap, which is surprising when we learn to appreciate it, and which is quite distinct from mere cleanliness.546.Wash for Pimples.—Dissolve half a drachm of salt of tartar in three ounces of spirit of wine; apply with linen or a camel-hair pencil.547.A Paste for the Skin.—Boil the whites of four eggs in rose-water; add to it a small quantity of alum; beat the whole to the consistence of a paste. This will give great firmness to the skin.548.Cold Cream.—Take two ounces of oil of sweet almonds, and one drachm each of white wax and spermaceti, or half an ounce of white wax alone, which scrape very fine, and put them with the oil into an earthen dish, to melt slowly on the embers, and stir it till it becomes quite smooth. When it is cooling, add one ounce of rose-water, and put it into a gallipot, closely covered. It should be a very thick cream.549.Fard.—This paste is useful in removing sun-burnings, effects of wind on the face, and accidental cutaneous eruptions. It must be applied on going to bed. First, wash the face, and, when dry, rub the fard over it, and let it remain all night. Take two ounces of oil of sweet almonds, and the same quantity of spermaceti; melt them over a slow fire. When they are dissolved and mixed, take it from the fire, and stir into it one table-spoonful of fine honey. Continue stirring it till it is cold, and it is then fit for use.550.Court-plaster, or black Sticking-plaster.—Take half an ounce of benzoin, and six ounces of rectified spirit; dissolve and strain; then take one ounce of isinglass, and half a pint of hot water; dissolve and strain separately from the former. Mix the two, and set them aside to cool, when a jelly will be formed; and this is warmed and brushed ten or twelve times over a piece of black silk, stretched smooth. When this is done enough, and dry, finish it with a solution of four ounces of chian turpentine in six ounces of tincture of benzoin.551.An excellent Tooth-powder.—One of the best tooth-powders is made by mixing together one ounce and a half of prepared chalk, half an ounce of powder of bark, and a quarter of an ounce of camphor.552.Charcoal Tooth-powder.—Pound charcoal as fine as possible, in a mortar, or grind it in a mill; then well sift it, and apply a little of it to the teeth about twice a week, and it will not only render them beautifully white, but will also make the breath sweet, and the gums firm and comfortable.If the charcoal is ground in a mortar, it is convenient to grind it in water, to prevent the dust from flying about. Indeed, the powder is more convenient for use, when kept in water.553.A safe Tooth-powder.—Cut a slice of thick bread into squares, and burn it till it becomes charcoal. Pound it, and sift it through afinemuslin. It is then ready for use.554.Another Tooth-powder.—Mix hartshorn shavings, calcined and pulverized, three-fifths; myrrh, pulverized, two-fifths.555.A good Dentifrice.—Dissolve two ounces of borax in three pints of boiling water; before it is quite cold, add one tea-spoonful of tincture of myrrh, and one table-spoonful of spirits of camphor. Bottle the mixture for use. Add one wine-glassful of the solution to half a pint of tepid water, and use it daily. It preserves and beautifies the teeth, arrests decay, and induces a healthy action in the gums.556.Camphor Tooth-powder.—This excellent dentifrice is made by mixing prepared chalk, finely pulverized, and sifted through a fine muslin, with an equal quantity of pulverized camphor, prepared in the same way. It is a good preservative of the teeth.557.Orris-root Tooth-powder.—Mix equal quantities of finely pulverized and sifted orris-root and prepared chalk. Charcoal may be used instead of chalk, in both these receipts, but it must be prepared with great care, else its grittiness will injure the enamel of the teeth.558.To whiten the Teeth.—Mix honey with finely powdered charcoal, and use the paste as a dentifrice.559.Wash for the Teeth.—One ounce of myrrh, powdered, and dissolved in one pint of spirits of wine. A little of this dropped on the tooth-brush, is excellent for the teeth and gums.560.To remove Tartar from the Teeth.—1st. The use of the tooth-brush night and morning, and at least rinsing the mouth after every meal at which animal food is taken. 2d. Once daily run the brush lightly two or three times over soap, thendip it in salt, and with it clean the teeth, working the brush up and down rather than—or as well as—backwards and forwards. This is a cheap, safe, and effectual dentifrice. 3d. Eat freely of common cress—the sort used with mustard, under the name of small salad; it must be eaten with salt only. If thus used two or three days in succession, it will effectually loosen tartar, even of long standing. The same effect is produced, though perhaps not in an equal degree, by eating strawberries and raspberries, especially the former. A leaf of common green sage rubbed on the teeth, is useful both in cleansing and polishing, and probably many other common vegetable productions also.561.Obs.Soap is not at all a desirable medium for cleaning the teeth, as, though it may whiten for the time, the alkaline process destroys the enamel.562.To fill a decayed Tooth.—When a tooth is too much decayed to be filled by a dentist, or the person is at a distance from one, gutta percha will be found an useful expedient. Drop a small piece of this substance in boiling water, then taking off as much as will probably fill the tooth nearly level, press it, while soft, into the cavity. Then hold cold water in the mouth on that side, to harden it. It has been known to preserve a tooth two years at least, and keeps it free from cold.FOR THE DRESSING-TABLE.563.To make soft Pomatum.—Beat half a pound of unsalted fresh lard in common water; then soak and beat it in two rose-waters; drain it, and beat it with two spoonfuls of brandy; let it drain from this; add to it some essence of lemon, and keep it in small pots.564.Or: Soak half a pound of clear beef marrow, and one pound of unsalted fresh lard, in water, two or three days, changing and beating it every day. Put it into a sieve, and, when dry, into a jar, and the jar into a saucepan of water. When melted, pour it into a basin, and beat it with two spoonfuls of brandy; drain off the brandy, and then add essence of lemon, bergamot, or any other scent that is liked.565.Hard Pomatum.—Prepare equal quantities of beef marrow and mutton suet, as before, using the brandy to preserve it, and adding the scent; then pour it into moulds, or, if you have none, into phials of the size you choose the rolls to be. When cold, break the bottles, clear away the glass carefully, and put paper round the rolls.566.Or: Take equal quantities of marrow, melted and strained, lard, and castor oil; warm all together; add any scent you please; stir until cold, and put into pots.567.Pomade Divine.—Clear one and a half pound of beef marrow from the strings and bone; put it into an earthen pan or vessel of water fresh from the spring, and change the water night and morning for ten days; then steep it in rose-water twenty-four hours, and drain it in a cloth till quite dry. Take one ounce of each of the following articles, namely: storax, gum-benjamin, and odoriferous cypress powder; half an ounce of cinnamon, two drachms of cloves, and two drachms of nutmeg, all finely powdered: mix them with the marrow above prepared; then put all the ingredients into a pewter pot that holds three pints; make a paste of white of egg and flour, and lay it upon a piece of rag. Over that must be another piece of linen, to cover the top of the pot very close, that none of the steam may evaporate. Put the pot into a large copper pot with water, observing to keep it steady, that it may not reach to the covering of the pot that holds the marrow. As the water shrinks, add more, boiling hot—for it must boil four hours without ceasing a moment. Strain the ointment through a linen cloth into small pots, and, when cold, cover them. Do not touch it with anything but silver. It will keep many years.568.To make Jessamine Butter.—Hog's lard melted, and well washed in fair water, laid an inch thick in a dish, and strewed over with jessamine flowers, will imbibe the scent, and make a very fragrant pomatum.569.Rowland's Macassar Oil.—This is made by boiling castor oil, scenting it with oil of roses, and coloring it, while warm, with alkanet root.570.Macassar Oil.—Common oil, three quarts; spirits of wine, half a pint; cinnamon powder, three ounces; bergamot,two ounces: heat them together in a large pipkin, then remove it from the fire, and add four small pieces of alkanet root, keeping it closely covered for several hours. Let it then be filtered through a funnel lined with filtering paper.571.Wash for the Skin.—Four ounces of potash, four ounces of rose-water, two ounces of pure brandy, and two ounces of lemon-juice; put all these into two quarts of water, and when you wash, put a table-spoonful or two of the mixture into the basin of water you intend washing in.572.To make Milk of Roses.—To one pint of rose-water, add one ounce of oil of almonds and ten drops of the oil of tartar.N. B.—Let the oil of tartar be poured in last.573.Almond Paste.—Blanch half a pound of sweet almonds and a quarter of a pound of bitter almonds, and beat them to powder in a mortar with half a pound of loaf sugar; then beat them into a paste with orange-flower water.574.Almond Powder.—Blanch six pounds of bitter almonds, dry and beat them, and press from them one pint of oil; then beat them in an iron mortar, and pass the powder through a sieve. Keep it from air and moisture in a glass jar. Used instead of soap for washing the hands, it imparts a singular delicacy to their appearance.575.Violet Powder.—This preparation is universally applied for drying the skin after washing, especially at the joints, which, if left even damp, produces chaps and chafing, often followed, if neglected, by inflammation. Violet powder is best prepared by mixing three parts of the best wheat starch with one of finely-ground orris-root; the latter adds to the drying power of the starch, and imparts, at the same time, an agreeable odor like that of violet—hence the name of the mixture. It is also prepared by perfuming starch with essential oils, without the addition of orris-root: but, though the scent of the powder is stronger, and to some more tempting to use, it is far less beneficial in its application. The scent, acting as a stimulant to the skin, increases rather than abates any tendency to redness. Unperfumed powder is, therefore, the best to use, dusted over the part with a little brush made of swan's-down, called a puff.576.Another Powder for Chaps, &c.—Take dry hemlock bark, powder it, by rubbing on a fine grater; then sift this powder through gauze or muslin, and sprinkle it lightly on the part chapped. It is a safe and certain curative.577.Pearl White.—Bismuth dissolved in aqua-fortis, is pearl white. This, though at first it whitens, afterwards blackens the skin, as all preparations from lead do; and therefore none of them are safely to be used.—Dr. Moyes' Lectures.578.Pot-pourri.—Put into a large china jar the following ingredients in layers, with bay-salt strewed between the layers: two pecks of damask roses, part in buds and part blown; violets, orange-flowers, and jessamine, a handful of each; orris-root sliced, benjamin and storax, two ounces of each; quarter of an ounce of musk; quarter of a pound of angelica root, sliced; a quart of the red parts of clove-gillyflowers; two handfuls of lavender flowers; half a handful of rosemary flowers; bay and laurel leaves, half a handful of each; three Seville oranges, stuck as full of cloves as possible, dried in a cool oven, and pounded; half a handful of knotted marjoram; and two handfuls of balm of Gilead, dried. Cover all quite close. When the pot is uncovered the perfume is very fine.579.A quicker sort of sweet Pot-pourri.—Take three handfuls of orange-flowers, three of clove-gillyflowers, three of damask roses, one of knotted marjoram, one of lemon-thyme, six bay-leaves, a handful of rosemary, one of myrtle, half of mint, one of lavender, the rind of a lemon, and a quarter of an ounce of cloves. Chop all, and put them in layers, with pounded bay-salt between, up to the tip of the jar.If all the ingredients cannot be obtained at once, put them in as you get them; always throwing in salt with every new article.580.Hungary Water.—Mix one quart of spirits of wine; half a pint of water; and three-quarters of an ounce of oil of rosemary.581.Lavender Water.—Mix in a quart bottle three drachms of oil of lavender; one pint rectified spirit of wine; shake themwell together, and add an ounce of orange-flower water, an ounce of rose-water, four ounces of distilled water, and, if you like, two or three drachms of essence of musk.582.Rose-water.—When the roses are in full bloom pick the leaves carefully off, and to every quart of water put a peck of them; put them in a cold still over a slow fire, and distil gradually; then bottle the water; let it stand in the bottle three days, and then cork it close.583.Another.—Take two pounds of rose leaves, place them on a napkin tied round the edges of a basin filled with hot water, and put a dish of cold water upon the leaves; keep the bottom water hot, and change the water at top as soon as it begins to grow warm. By this kind of distillation you will extract a great quantity of the essential oil of the roses by a process which cannot be expensive, and will prove very beneficial.584.Tincture of Roses.—Put into a bottle the petals of the common rose, and pour upon them spirits of wine; cork the bottle, and let it stand for two or three months. It will then yield a perfume little inferior to attar of roses. Common vinegar is much improved by a very small quantity of this mixture being added to it.585.Honey Water.—One ounce of essence of bergamot, three drachms of English oil of lavender, half a drachm of oil of cloves, half a drachm of aromatic vinegar, six grains of musk, one and a half pint of spirits of wine. Mix and distil.586.Honey Water.—Take one pint of spirit as above, and three drachms of essence of ambergris; shake them well daily.587.Sweet-scented Water.—Put one quart of rose-water, and the same quantity of orange-water, into a large and wide-mouthed glass: strew upon it two handfuls of jessamine flowers; put the glass in thebalneum mariæ, or on a slow fire, and when it is distilled, add to it a scruple of musk and the same quantity of ambergris.588.A very fine Scent.—Take six drachms of oil of lavender, three of the essence of bergamot, sixty drops of ambergris, andtwo grains of musk. Mix these into a pint of the best rectified spirits of wine.589.To whiten the Hands.—Take a wine-glassful of eau de Cologne, and another of lemon-juice; then scrape two cakes of brown Windsor soap, or the same quantity of pure white soap, to a powder, and mix well in a mould. When hard, it will be excellent for whitening the hands.590.Camphor Cerate for Chapped Hands.—The following receipt was given to the contributor by a maid of honor to Queen Victoria. It is an excellent one. Scrape into anearthenvessel one ounce and a half of spermaceti and half an ounce of white wax; add six drachms of pounded camphor, and four table-spoonfuls of the best olive oil. Let it stand near the fire till it dissolves, stirring it well when liquid.Beforethe hands are washed, rub them thoroughly with a little of the cerate, then wash them as usual. Putting the cerate on before retiring, answers very well. This quantity costs about twenty-five cents, and will last three winters. The vessel it is kept in should be covered, to prevent evaporation.591.Paste for Chapped Hands.—Mix a quarter of a pound of unsalted lard, which has been washed in soft water, and then in rose-water, with the yolks of two new-laid eggs, and a large spoonful of honey. Add as much fine oatmeal or almond-paste as will work into a paste.Or:—Blanch one pound of bitter almonds, and pound them smooth in a marble mortar; add half an ounce of camphor, one ounce of honey, quarter of a pound of spermaceti, pounded and mixed with the almonds, till it becomes a smooth paste. Put it into jars, and tie it down till wanted.592.To prevent inconvenience from Perspiration of the Hands.—Ladies who work lace or embroidery sometimes suffer inconvenience from the perspiration on their hands; which may be remedied, by rubbing the hands frequently with a little dry wheaten bran.593.Another.—Any of the milder kinds of soaps will be found to answer the purpose of keeping the hands clean, soft, and as white as nature will permit.594.For preserving the Nails.—One ounce of oil of bitter almonds; one drachm of oil of tartar per deliquium; one ounce of prepared crabs'-eyes. Mix up with essence of lemon, to scent it.La Forest recommends rubbing the nails with lemon as a detergent.595.To whiten the Nails.—Mix two drachms of diluted sulphuric acid, one drachm of tincture of myrrh, and four ounces of spring-water. Cleanse the nails with soap, and then dip the fingers in the mixture.596.To remove Stains from the Hands.—Dip your hands in warm water, and rub on the stain a small portion of oxalic acid powder and cream of tartar, mixed together in equal quantities. Keep it in a box. When the stain disappears, wash the hands with fine soap or almond cream. A box of this stain powder should always be kept on hand.597.To make Wash-balls.—Shave thin two pounds of new white soap into about a tea-cupful of rose-water, then pour on as much boiling water as will soften it. Put into a brass pan a pint of sweet oil, half an ounce of oil of almonds, half a pound of spermaceti, and set all over the fire till dissolved; then add the soap and half an ounce of camphor, that has first been reduced to powder by rubbing it in a mortar, with a few drops of spirits of wine, or lavender-water, or any other scent. Boil ten minutes, then pour it into a basin, and stir it till it is quite thick enough to roll into hard balls, which must then be done immediately. If essence is used, stir it in quickly after it is taken off the fire.598.Essence of Soap, for shaving or washing hands.—Take a pound and a half of fine white soap, in thin slices, and add thereto two ounces of salt of tartar; mix them well together, and put this mixture into one quart of spirits of wine, in a bottle which will hold double the quantity of the ingredients: tie a bladder over the mouth of the bottle, and prick a pin through the bladder; set it to digest in a gentle heat, and shake the contents from time to time, taking care to take out the pin at such times, to allow passage for the air from within. When the soap is dissolved, filter the liquor through paper, to free itfrom impurities; then scent it with a little bergamot or essence of lemon. It will have the appearance of fine oil, and a small quantity will lather with water like soap, and is much superior in use for washing or shaving.599.Naples Soap.—Put into a pipkin or saucepan half a pint of ley, (strong enough to bear an egg,) with two ounces of lamb suet and one ounce of olive oil; simmer them over a fire until they be thick, when pour the mixture into a flat pan, cover it with glass, and expose it to the heat of the sun for seven weeks, stirring it once a day: the soap will then be made, and may be perfumed with a few drops of oil of ambergris, which should be well mixed. Put the soap into small jars, and it will be improved by keeping.

500.For the Sting of a Wasp or Bee.—Spread over the part a plaster of salad oil and common salt; if oil be not at hand, the salt may be used, moistened with water or vinegar. Or, keep the part constantly moist with a rag dipped in sal-volatile and cold water, as strong as can be borne without raising the skin. Or, immediately after taking out the sting, get an onion and bruise it, and apply it to the stung place, and it will afford immediate relief. Or, a washerwoman's blue-bag, applied in the same manner, will have a like effect.

501.Sting of a Nettle.—Rub the part affected with balm, rosemary, mint, or any other aromatic herb, and the smart will soon cease.

502. The best materials for constructing baths, are slabs of polished marble, bedded with water-tight cement, in a wooden case, and carefully united at the edges. But, as white or veined marble baths are apt to get yellow or discolored by frequent use, and cannot easily be cleaned, large Dutch tiles, or square pieces of white earthenware, are sometimes substituted; these, however, are with difficulty kept water-tight, so that marble is altogether preferable. Copper, or tinned iron plates, are also used; the former is more expensive at the outset, but far more durable than the latter, which is also liable to leakage at the joints, unless excellently made. Both copper and iron should be well covered, in and outside, with several coats of paint. Wooden tubs—square, oblong, or oval—are sometimes used for warm baths, and are cheap and convenient; but the wood contracts a mouldy smell, and there is great difficulty in preventing shrinkage in them, and keeping them water-tight.

The fittest place for baths, is the bed-room floor; they are sometimes placed in the basement story, which is cold and damp, and in all weather disagreeable.

Due attention should be paid to the warming and ventilation of the bath-room. A temperature of 70 degrees, by the thermometer, should be kept up in it; and ventilation is requisite, to prevent the moisture settling upon the walls and furniture.

An improvement in the construction of baths, is a slightly hollowed space at one end, to receive the head of the bather, so as to prevent that sensation of cramp which is often experienced from the ordinary, abrupt shape of a bath.

The hand is a very uncertain test for the heat of water, and should, therefore, not be relied on in preparing a bath; but a thermometer should be employed, which will denote the actual temperature, thus:—

Coldbath,from32° to 75°ofFahrenheit.Tepid""75 to 92""Warm""92 to 98""Hot""98 to 114""Vapor""100 to 140""

503.Hand Shower-Bath.—An excellent hand shower-bath for children, has been invented. It consists of a metal vessel,containing about a gallon, the bottom of which is pierced with holes, while the upper part is open, and provided with a handle. When intended to be used, the vessel is immersed in a pail of water, and it quickly fills from the lower part. The thumb is placed over the aperture at the apex, which prevents all escape of water. It may be held at a convenient distance over the child, and the moment the thumb is removed, there falls a refreshing shower, which may be stopped instantaneously, by placing the thumb over the upper opening.

504.Simple Vapor Bath.—Wrap the patient in blankets, which fasten closely about the neck, leaving the head exposed: then place him in a chair, under which set a basin or deep dish, with half a pint of spirits of wine, or whisky, which should be ignited: close the blankets to the floor, and in a few minutes the patient will be in a profuse perspiration, and should be put to bed between warm blankets.

505.Advantages of Bathing.—It is a fact officially recorded, that during the terrible visitations of cholera in France, out of nearly 16,228 subscribers to the public baths of Paris, Bordeaux, and Marseilles, only two deaths among them were ascribed to cholera. We doubt whether there exists a more effectual preventive of disease of every kind, and a greater promoter of good health at all times, than the practice of daily bathing.

506.Uses of Hot Water.—The efficacy of hot water, on many occasions in life, cannot be too generally known. It is an excellent gargle for a bad sore throat, or quinsy. In bruises, hot water, by immersion and fomentation, will remove pain, and prevent discoloration and stiffness. It has the same effect after a blow. It should be applied as quickly as possible, and as hot as it can be borne. Insertion in hot water will also cure that troublesome and very painful ailment, the whitlow.

507.Good effects of Bathing.—"I am often asked, what baths are safest—as if everything, by its fitness or unfitness, is not safe, or the reverse. The value of all baths depends upon their fitness; and that, in many instances, can only be known by trial. It depends upon constitution, more than upon the name of a disease, whether particular patients shall be benefited byone bath or another. Generally speaking, when the skin is hot and dry, a cold bath will do good; and when chilly, a hot bath. But the reverse sometimes happens. The cold stage of ague, may at once be cut short by a cold bath. I have seen a shivering hypochondriac dash into the cold plunge bath, and come out, in a minute or two, perfectly cured of all his aches and whimseys. But, in cases of this nature, everything depends upon thegloworreactionwhich the bath produces; and that has as much to do with surprise or shock as with the temperature of the bath. I have seen a person with a hot, dry skin, go into a warm bath, and come out just as refreshed as if he had taken a cold one. In that case, the perspiration which it excited, must have been the principal means of relief.

"So far as my own experience goes, I prefer the cold and tepid shower-baths, and the cold plunge-bath, to any other; but there are cases in which these disagree, and I, therefore, occasionally order the warm or vapor-bath instead."—Dr. Dickson.

508.Diet for Patients.—"I am every day asked by my patients, what diet they should take. I generally answer by the question, 'How old are you?' Suppose they say,Forty—'Forty!' I rejoin: 'you who have had forty years' experience of what agrees and disagrees with you—how can you ask me who have no experience of the kind in your case whatever?' Surely, gentlemen, a patient's experience of what agrees and disagrees with his own particular constitution, is far better than any theory of yours or mine. Why, bless my life! in many chronic diseases, the diet which a man can take to-day, would be rejected with disgust to-morrow; under such circumstances, would you still, according to common medical practice, tell a sick person to go on taking what he himself found worried him to death? Gentlemen, I hope better things of you.

"The only general caution you need give your patients on the subject of diet, ismoderation; moderation in using the things which they find agree with themselves best. You may direct them to take their food in small quantities at a time, at shortperiodicintervals—intervals of two or three hours, for example; and tell them to take the trouble to masticate it properly before they swallow it, so as not to give a weak stomach thedoublework of mastication and digestion—these processes being, even in health, essentially distinct. Unless properly comminuted and mixed with the saliva, how can youexpect the food to be anything but a source of inconvenience to persons whom the smallest trifle will frequently discompose?"—Dr. Dickson's Lectures.

509.Abstinence, or Starvation.—Beware of carrying this too far!—for "abstinence engenders maladies." So Shakspeare said, and so nature will tell you, in the teeth of all the doctors in Europe! Abstinence may produce almost every form of disease which has entered into the consideration of the physician.—Ibid.

510.The Blood is the Life—never be Bled!—"He who loses a pint of blood, loses a pint of his life. Of what is the body composed? Is it not of blood, and blood only? What fills up the excavation of an ulcer or an abscess? What re-produces the bone of the leg or thigh, after it has been thrown off dead, in nearly all its length? what but the livingBLOOD, under the vito-electrical influence of the brain and nerves! How does the slaughtered animal die? Of loss of blood solely. Is not the blood, then, in the impressive language of Scripture, 'the life of the flesh?' How remarkable, that while the value of the blood to the animal economy should be thus so distinctly and emphatically acknowledged, blood-letting is not even once alluded to, among the various modes ofcurementioned in the sacred volume. We have 'balms,' 'balsams,' 'baths,' 'charms,' 'physics,'—'poultices,' even—but loss of blood, never! Had it been practised by the Jews, why this omission? Will the men who now so lavishly pour out the blood, dispute its importance in the animal economy? Will they deny that it forms the basis of the solids? that when the body has been wasted by long disease, it is by the blood only it can recover its healthy volume and appearance?"—Dr. Dickson's Lectures.

511. Personal beauty is the gift of nature, but its preservation depends much on the care of its possessor. Beauty may also be cultivated and enhanced; even plainness may be improved, and the defects that sickness, accidents, and age impress on the human features and form, may be greatly remedied by simple means, and attention to a few important rules.

The first requisite for the preservation and improvement of personal beauty isgood temper. The teachings of the New Testament, if you follow its precepts, will insure you this grace. The second requirement isgood health. The most important rules for its preservation and recovery are given in this chapter. The third requisite comprises attention to neatness, and that general care of the person which the rules and receipts we here subjoin, will aid in making complete.

512.Of the Hair.—It is a great mistake to plait the hair of children under eleven or twelve years of age. The process of plaiting more or less strains the hairs in their roots by pulling them tight; tends to deprive them of their requisite supply of nutriment; and checks their growth. The hair of girls should be cut rather short, and allowed to curl freely. When they are about eleven or twelve, the hair should be twisted into a coil, not too tight, nor tied at the end with thin thread, but with a piece of riband.

513.Do not Shave the Head.—Shaving the head is always injurious to the hair, the bulbs being frequently destroyed by the process; and washing frequently with an alkaline preparation, such as soap and water, is decidedly objectionable, for that, as well as sea-water, is very apt to change the color of the hair.

514.To purify and beautify the Hair.—An excellent means of keeping the hair sweet, clean, glossy, and curly, is to brush it with a rather hard brush dipped by the surface only in eau de Portugal ("Portugal water"). In order to have it fresh and of fine quality, take a pint of orange flower water, a pint of rose water, and half a pint of myrtle water. To these put a quarter of an ounce of distilled spirit of musk, and an ounce of spirit of ambergris. Shake the whole well together, and the water will be ready for use. Only a small quantity should be made at a time, as it does not keep long, except in moderate weather, being apt to spoil either with cold or heat.

515.To promote the Growth of Hair.—Mix equal parts of olive oil and spirits of rosemary, and add a few drops of oil of nutmeg. If the hair be rubbed every night with a little of this liniment, and the proportion be very gradually augmented, itwill answer every purpose of increasing the growth of hair, much more effectually than can be attained by any of the boasting empirical preparations which are imposed on the credulous purchaser.

516.Curling Liquid for the Hair.—When the hair will not curl naturally, the curling irons should not be used; they only extract the moisture, and render the hair crisp and harsh. An excellent curling liquid is the following:—Put two pounds of common soap, cut small, into three pints of spirits of wine, with eight ounces of potash, and melt the whole, stirring it with a clean piece of wood. Add some essence of amber, vanilla, and nevoli, about a quarter of an ounce of each, to render the fluid agreeable. The liquids which are sold for the professed purpose of assisting in curling the hair, are chiefly composed of either oily or extractive substances.

517.To prevent Hair from falling out.—Make a strong decoction of white-oak bark in water, and use it freely. It is best to make but little at a time, and have it fresh at least once a fortnight.

518.To avoid Grey Hairs.—Those who would avoid that prominent mark of approaching old age, called grey hair, must be careful in the treatment of the hair in their youth. They must avoid constricting the skin, and strangling the hair at its roots, and everything that may throw into the blood an undue portion of lime. We say anundueportion, because a certain quantity of lime is indispensable in our system for repairing the wear and tear of the bones, teeth, &c. The lime necessary for the repair of bone is manufactured by the stomach and liver, along with the blood, from various articles of our diet which contain it. The greatest supply is usually from the water which we drink, or which is employed in the various processes of cooking and preparing liquors. All animal food also contains some portion of lime, as well as some of the sorts of vegetable food. Ascertain, then, by chemical trial, whether the water used for your tea, coffee, soups, &c., contains a large proportion of lime; and, if it do, you must either have it chemically purified, or remove to some other place where the water is more free from lime. If water be hard, you may be certain that it contains too much lime to be safely used. Rain-wateris the safest for tea and other liquids. Bread will always contain a portion of lime; you must, therefore, be careful in dealing with respectable bakers, who will not increase that unavoidable quantity by means of adulterating matter (such as whiting) which contains lime.

519.To soften and cleanse the Hair.—Beat up an egg, rub it well into the hair, and then wash the head well. If the hair is very oily, add the juice of half a lemon. This receipt also answers much better for washing pet dogs than soap.

520.To make a Curling Fluid for the Hair.—Melt a piece of white bees'-wax, about the size of a filbert kernel or large pea, in one ounce of olive oil; to this add one or two drops ofattarof roses or any other perfume.

521.Gen. Twiggs' Hair Dye.—Dissolve in a pint of rose-water, one ounce of lac sulphur, and half an ounce of sugar of lead. Wet the hair with this mixture thoroughly every night, shaking the bottle occasionally. Some persons prefer whisky to rose-water, in mixing the articles.

522.To change Hair to a deep Brown.—A solution of silver caustic in water is the foundation of all the nostrums for this purpose. It must be well diluted before used.

523.To dye the Hair Black.—Procure from the dyer's a quantity of walnut-water; and with this wash the hair, as the first part of the process. Then make an aromatic tincture of galls, by scenting the common tincture with any agreeable perfume; and with this wet the hair, which must next be moistened with a strong solution of sulphate of iron.

524.A simple Hair-dye.—Boil in a pint of water a handful of rosemary; when cold, strain and bottle, but do not cork it. Renew it every few weeks. Wet the hair with it every night.

525.To darken the Eye-brows.—Take an ounce of walnuts, an ounce of frankincense, an ounce of resin, and an ounce of mastick. Burn them all on clear, red-hot charcoal, and receive the fumes into a funnel, in which a very fine black powder, slightly perfumed and unctuous, will adhere. Mix this with a little oilof myrtle, in a leaden mortar, and apply it to the eye-brows. This paste has the property of resisting both heat and perspiration; but it must be occasionally renewed. The following method may also be used: Burn a clove in the flame of a wax-candle, dip it into the juice of elder-berries, and apply it to the eye-brows. The powder, also, which is used in the East for painting the eye-lashes, and which is composed of antimony and bismuth, may be safely and advantageously used. Or, a paste prepared from powdered black lead, with eau de Cologne, or oil of myrtle, or essence of bergamot, will suffice for the purpose. When the eye-brows become long and shaggy, they give a ferocious and repulsive expression to the countenance. The scissors should in that case be often used. Some of the longest hairs might also be removed with the tweezers.

526.To know whether Hair Powder is adulterated with Lime.—Put a little crude sal-ammoniac, in powder, to the suspected hair powder, and add a little warm water to the mixture, and stir it about; if the powder has been adulterated with lime, a strong smell of volatile alkali will arise from this mixture.

527.To perfume Hair Powder.—Take one drachm of musk, fourouncesof lavender blossoms, one and a half drachm of civet, and half a drachm of ambergris; pound the whole together, and pass it through a sieve. Preserve this mixture in well-stopped bottles, and add more or less thereof, as agreeable, in your hair powder.

528.To improve the Hair.—Powdered hartshorn, mixed with oil, being rubbed upon the head of persons who have lost their hair, will cause it to grow again. A very good oil for the hair is made by mixing one part of the liquid hartshorn with nine parts of pure castor-oil.

529.An economical Hair Wash.—Dissolve in one quart of boiling water one ounce of borax and half an ounce of camphor; these ingredients fine. When cool, the solution will be ready for use. Damp the hair with it frequently. This wash not only cleanses and beautifies, but strengthens the hair, preserves the color, and prevents baldness.

530.To remove Superfluous Hair.—This is very difficult, for if you pull the hair out by the roots from those places which it disfigures, there are thousands of roots ready to start through the skin the moment you make room for them. Old authors recommend depilatories in great variety. The principal of these methods consist in rubbing upon the part from which the hair is to be removed, leaven, parsley water, juice of acacia, the gum of ivy or of the cherry-tree, dissolved in spirits of wine, &c. Madame Elisi Voiart, in her "Encyclopédie des Dames," recommends a few drops of dulcified spirit of salt, (that is, muriatic acid distilled with rectified spirits of wine,) to be applied with a camel hair pencil.

531.Never Paint.—The use of white paint as a cosmetic affects the eyes, which it renders painful and watery. It changes the texture of the skin, on which it produces pimples; attacks the teeth, destroys the enamel, and loosens them. It heats the mouth and throat, infecting and corrupting the saliva. Lastly, it penetrates the pores of the skin, acting by degrees on the spongy substance of the lungs, and inducing disease. Powdered magnesia, or violet powder, is no further injurious than by stopping the pores of the skin; but this is quite injury enough to preclude its use. The best cosmetics are early hours, exercise, and temperance.

532.To soften the Skin and improve the Complexion.—Mix in a cup of milk a little flowers of sulphur; let it stand for an hour or two; then, without disturbing the sulphur, rub the milk into the skin. It will keep it soft and clear. It should be used before washing.

533.How to treat Freckles.—Most of us have observed the effect produced on white paper by holding it closely to the fire: it changes rapidly from white to brown, and becomes scorched. Chemists tell us that most combustible things, both in the animal and vegetable world, have carbon for their basis—so has the skin; and, if it be exposed to the heat, it becomes, like them, spotted or charred. The iron and oxygen in the blood also assist to produce this effect. Thus we have the cause of freckles. Those who, like Richard Cœur de Lion, and MaryQueen of Scots, have red hair (which is caused by a red-colored oil, more strongly impregnated with iron than others), are most liable to freckles.

The most effectual means of removing freckles, is the use of those chemicals which will dissolve the existing combination. The freckles are situated in the second or middle membrane of the skin; and, before any other application, it will be advisable to soften the surface by the use of some mild balsam or paste.

534.For Freckles.—One ounce of bitter almonds, one ditto of barley flour, mix with a sufficient quantity of honey to make the whole into a smooth paste; with which the face, more particularly where the freckles are visible, is to be anointed at night, and the paste washed off in the morning. After a few days the skin will be prepared for a chemical remedy.

535.Another.—To decompose the freckles, by laying hold of the iron, the following mixture may be applied: Take one drachm of muriatic acid, half a pint of rain-water, half a tea-spoonful of spirit of lavender; mix well together, and apply two or three times a day to the freckles, with a camel's hair brush. The acid seizes upon the iron, and the oxygen is disengaged.

536.Purifying water for Freckled Skin.—Take one tea-spoonful of liquor of potassa, two ounces and a half of pure water, and ten drops of eau de Cologne. Mix, and apply three times a day with a camel's hair brush.

537.Cosmetic Lotion for Freckles.—Take a tea-cupful of cold sour milk, scrape into it a quantity of horse-radish. Let this stand from six to twelve hours; and then, being well strained, let it be applied, as before directed, two or three times a day.

538.Preventive Wash for Sunburn.—Take two drachms of borax, one drachm of Roman alum, one drachm of camphor, half an ounce of sugar-candy, and one pound of ox-gall; mix and stir well together, and repeat the stirring three or four times a day, until the mixture becomes transparent; then strain it through filtering paper, and it is fit for use.

539.Grape Lotion for Sunburn.—Dip a bunch of green grapes in a basin of water; sprinkle it with powdered alum and salt, mixed together; wrap it in paper, and bake it under hot ashes; then express the remaining juice, and wash the face with the liquid.

540.Lemon Cream for Sunburn and Freckles.—Put two spoonfuls of fresh cream into half a pint of new milk; squeeze into it the juice of a lemon, and half a glass of brandy, a little alum, and loaf sugar; boil the whole, skim it well, and, when cool, it will be fit for use.

541.A French Receipt.—Take equal parts of the seeds of the melon, pompion, gourd, and cucumber, pounded and reduced to powder or meal; add to it fresh cream sufficient to dilute the flour; beat all up together, adding a sufficient quantity of milk, as it may be required, to make an ointment, and then apply it to the face. Leave it there for half an hour, and then wash it off with warm soft water. Pimpernel water is often used on the continent for the purpose of whitening the complexion. It is there in so high reputation, that it is said generally that it ought to be continually on the toilet of every lady who cares for the brightness of her skin.

542.Moles.—The author of "The Art of Beauty," whose work appeared in 1824, has very judiciously observed: "The common brown mole appears to be much of the same nature as freckles, and to be situated in the middle layer of the skin, or membrane of color. Moles are sometimes so placed as to improve rather than injure a fine face. They contrast with the delicacy of a fair skin, and give a pleasing archness of expression to the countenance. They are, however, most frequently found on women of a dark complexion. The coloring matter, as in the case of freckles and sunburn, is probably some chemical combination of iron. Moles have evidently a superabundant vitality, and a tendency to increased action, in consequence, perhaps, of the stimulus of the iron; and hence they are often slightly elevated above the surface, and the natural down of the skin is changed into a tuft of hair. The same cosmetic applications may be tried as for freckles, with gentle friction, but they are seldom successful. But it will be found verydangerous to apply depilatories to eradicate the tufts of hair on moles, as cancer in the face is not unfrequently the consequence of such applications."

543.Birth Marks.—Let them alone, or apply to some eminent surgeon to attempt their removal.

544.Worm Pimple, with black points.—They are very common, and very unsightly, giving the skin an oily, greasy, and dirty appearance. Their origin is to be traced to the obstruction of the fountains or glands placed immediately under the skin, from which a minute pipe carries off the perspiration. This moisture, not getting free egress, thickens and closes the pores: it then catches the dust and other impurities, floating in the atmosphere, and soon becomes black. If squeezed violently between the nails, this thickened matter will be driven out, in the form of a yellowish white worm, with a black head, which is nothing more than the extraneous matter just mentioned. That there is any vitality in it, is an absurd, but popular and prevalent error. These pimples generally cluster on the sides of the nose and on the forehead, whilst the skin around them is greasy. They should be thoroughly pressed out of every pore, or there they will remain, and no cosmetic will dislodge them. When this is effectually done, the following safe and simple application may be tried: take one ounce of bitter almonds and one ounce of barley-flour; mix them with honey, until they form a smooth paste, and anoint the skin at night. Gentle friction, either with the hand or with a soft glove, is also good. When this state of the skin is induced by bilious disorders, indigestion, &c., sulphur, purgatives, and other remedies must be taken to remove it; but not without medical advice, as they often are the reverse of effectual.

545.Another simple Remedy.—Bathe the pimples several times a day with lukewarm water and a sponge, rubbing the sponge over a piece of yellow soap. There is a truly healing power in soap, which is surprising when we learn to appreciate it, and which is quite distinct from mere cleanliness.

546.Wash for Pimples.—Dissolve half a drachm of salt of tartar in three ounces of spirit of wine; apply with linen or a camel-hair pencil.

547.A Paste for the Skin.—Boil the whites of four eggs in rose-water; add to it a small quantity of alum; beat the whole to the consistence of a paste. This will give great firmness to the skin.

548.Cold Cream.—Take two ounces of oil of sweet almonds, and one drachm each of white wax and spermaceti, or half an ounce of white wax alone, which scrape very fine, and put them with the oil into an earthen dish, to melt slowly on the embers, and stir it till it becomes quite smooth. When it is cooling, add one ounce of rose-water, and put it into a gallipot, closely covered. It should be a very thick cream.

549.Fard.—This paste is useful in removing sun-burnings, effects of wind on the face, and accidental cutaneous eruptions. It must be applied on going to bed. First, wash the face, and, when dry, rub the fard over it, and let it remain all night. Take two ounces of oil of sweet almonds, and the same quantity of spermaceti; melt them over a slow fire. When they are dissolved and mixed, take it from the fire, and stir into it one table-spoonful of fine honey. Continue stirring it till it is cold, and it is then fit for use.

550.Court-plaster, or black Sticking-plaster.—Take half an ounce of benzoin, and six ounces of rectified spirit; dissolve and strain; then take one ounce of isinglass, and half a pint of hot water; dissolve and strain separately from the former. Mix the two, and set them aside to cool, when a jelly will be formed; and this is warmed and brushed ten or twelve times over a piece of black silk, stretched smooth. When this is done enough, and dry, finish it with a solution of four ounces of chian turpentine in six ounces of tincture of benzoin.

551.An excellent Tooth-powder.—One of the best tooth-powders is made by mixing together one ounce and a half of prepared chalk, half an ounce of powder of bark, and a quarter of an ounce of camphor.

552.Charcoal Tooth-powder.—Pound charcoal as fine as possible, in a mortar, or grind it in a mill; then well sift it, and apply a little of it to the teeth about twice a week, and it will not only render them beautifully white, but will also make the breath sweet, and the gums firm and comfortable.

If the charcoal is ground in a mortar, it is convenient to grind it in water, to prevent the dust from flying about. Indeed, the powder is more convenient for use, when kept in water.

553.A safe Tooth-powder.—Cut a slice of thick bread into squares, and burn it till it becomes charcoal. Pound it, and sift it through afinemuslin. It is then ready for use.

554.Another Tooth-powder.—Mix hartshorn shavings, calcined and pulverized, three-fifths; myrrh, pulverized, two-fifths.

555.A good Dentifrice.—Dissolve two ounces of borax in three pints of boiling water; before it is quite cold, add one tea-spoonful of tincture of myrrh, and one table-spoonful of spirits of camphor. Bottle the mixture for use. Add one wine-glassful of the solution to half a pint of tepid water, and use it daily. It preserves and beautifies the teeth, arrests decay, and induces a healthy action in the gums.

556.Camphor Tooth-powder.—This excellent dentifrice is made by mixing prepared chalk, finely pulverized, and sifted through a fine muslin, with an equal quantity of pulverized camphor, prepared in the same way. It is a good preservative of the teeth.

557.Orris-root Tooth-powder.—Mix equal quantities of finely pulverized and sifted orris-root and prepared chalk. Charcoal may be used instead of chalk, in both these receipts, but it must be prepared with great care, else its grittiness will injure the enamel of the teeth.

558.To whiten the Teeth.—Mix honey with finely powdered charcoal, and use the paste as a dentifrice.

559.Wash for the Teeth.—One ounce of myrrh, powdered, and dissolved in one pint of spirits of wine. A little of this dropped on the tooth-brush, is excellent for the teeth and gums.

560.To remove Tartar from the Teeth.—1st. The use of the tooth-brush night and morning, and at least rinsing the mouth after every meal at which animal food is taken. 2d. Once daily run the brush lightly two or three times over soap, thendip it in salt, and with it clean the teeth, working the brush up and down rather than—or as well as—backwards and forwards. This is a cheap, safe, and effectual dentifrice. 3d. Eat freely of common cress—the sort used with mustard, under the name of small salad; it must be eaten with salt only. If thus used two or three days in succession, it will effectually loosen tartar, even of long standing. The same effect is produced, though perhaps not in an equal degree, by eating strawberries and raspberries, especially the former. A leaf of common green sage rubbed on the teeth, is useful both in cleansing and polishing, and probably many other common vegetable productions also.

561.Obs.Soap is not at all a desirable medium for cleaning the teeth, as, though it may whiten for the time, the alkaline process destroys the enamel.

562.To fill a decayed Tooth.—When a tooth is too much decayed to be filled by a dentist, or the person is at a distance from one, gutta percha will be found an useful expedient. Drop a small piece of this substance in boiling water, then taking off as much as will probably fill the tooth nearly level, press it, while soft, into the cavity. Then hold cold water in the mouth on that side, to harden it. It has been known to preserve a tooth two years at least, and keeps it free from cold.

563.To make soft Pomatum.—Beat half a pound of unsalted fresh lard in common water; then soak and beat it in two rose-waters; drain it, and beat it with two spoonfuls of brandy; let it drain from this; add to it some essence of lemon, and keep it in small pots.

564.Or: Soak half a pound of clear beef marrow, and one pound of unsalted fresh lard, in water, two or three days, changing and beating it every day. Put it into a sieve, and, when dry, into a jar, and the jar into a saucepan of water. When melted, pour it into a basin, and beat it with two spoonfuls of brandy; drain off the brandy, and then add essence of lemon, bergamot, or any other scent that is liked.

565.Hard Pomatum.—Prepare equal quantities of beef marrow and mutton suet, as before, using the brandy to preserve it, and adding the scent; then pour it into moulds, or, if you have none, into phials of the size you choose the rolls to be. When cold, break the bottles, clear away the glass carefully, and put paper round the rolls.

566.Or: Take equal quantities of marrow, melted and strained, lard, and castor oil; warm all together; add any scent you please; stir until cold, and put into pots.

567.Pomade Divine.—Clear one and a half pound of beef marrow from the strings and bone; put it into an earthen pan or vessel of water fresh from the spring, and change the water night and morning for ten days; then steep it in rose-water twenty-four hours, and drain it in a cloth till quite dry. Take one ounce of each of the following articles, namely: storax, gum-benjamin, and odoriferous cypress powder; half an ounce of cinnamon, two drachms of cloves, and two drachms of nutmeg, all finely powdered: mix them with the marrow above prepared; then put all the ingredients into a pewter pot that holds three pints; make a paste of white of egg and flour, and lay it upon a piece of rag. Over that must be another piece of linen, to cover the top of the pot very close, that none of the steam may evaporate. Put the pot into a large copper pot with water, observing to keep it steady, that it may not reach to the covering of the pot that holds the marrow. As the water shrinks, add more, boiling hot—for it must boil four hours without ceasing a moment. Strain the ointment through a linen cloth into small pots, and, when cold, cover them. Do not touch it with anything but silver. It will keep many years.

568.To make Jessamine Butter.—Hog's lard melted, and well washed in fair water, laid an inch thick in a dish, and strewed over with jessamine flowers, will imbibe the scent, and make a very fragrant pomatum.

569.Rowland's Macassar Oil.—This is made by boiling castor oil, scenting it with oil of roses, and coloring it, while warm, with alkanet root.

570.Macassar Oil.—Common oil, three quarts; spirits of wine, half a pint; cinnamon powder, three ounces; bergamot,two ounces: heat them together in a large pipkin, then remove it from the fire, and add four small pieces of alkanet root, keeping it closely covered for several hours. Let it then be filtered through a funnel lined with filtering paper.

571.Wash for the Skin.—Four ounces of potash, four ounces of rose-water, two ounces of pure brandy, and two ounces of lemon-juice; put all these into two quarts of water, and when you wash, put a table-spoonful or two of the mixture into the basin of water you intend washing in.

572.To make Milk of Roses.—To one pint of rose-water, add one ounce of oil of almonds and ten drops of the oil of tartar.

N. B.—Let the oil of tartar be poured in last.

573.Almond Paste.—Blanch half a pound of sweet almonds and a quarter of a pound of bitter almonds, and beat them to powder in a mortar with half a pound of loaf sugar; then beat them into a paste with orange-flower water.

574.Almond Powder.—Blanch six pounds of bitter almonds, dry and beat them, and press from them one pint of oil; then beat them in an iron mortar, and pass the powder through a sieve. Keep it from air and moisture in a glass jar. Used instead of soap for washing the hands, it imparts a singular delicacy to their appearance.

575.Violet Powder.—This preparation is universally applied for drying the skin after washing, especially at the joints, which, if left even damp, produces chaps and chafing, often followed, if neglected, by inflammation. Violet powder is best prepared by mixing three parts of the best wheat starch with one of finely-ground orris-root; the latter adds to the drying power of the starch, and imparts, at the same time, an agreeable odor like that of violet—hence the name of the mixture. It is also prepared by perfuming starch with essential oils, without the addition of orris-root: but, though the scent of the powder is stronger, and to some more tempting to use, it is far less beneficial in its application. The scent, acting as a stimulant to the skin, increases rather than abates any tendency to redness. Unperfumed powder is, therefore, the best to use, dusted over the part with a little brush made of swan's-down, called a puff.

576.Another Powder for Chaps, &c.—Take dry hemlock bark, powder it, by rubbing on a fine grater; then sift this powder through gauze or muslin, and sprinkle it lightly on the part chapped. It is a safe and certain curative.

577.Pearl White.—Bismuth dissolved in aqua-fortis, is pearl white. This, though at first it whitens, afterwards blackens the skin, as all preparations from lead do; and therefore none of them are safely to be used.—Dr. Moyes' Lectures.

578.Pot-pourri.—Put into a large china jar the following ingredients in layers, with bay-salt strewed between the layers: two pecks of damask roses, part in buds and part blown; violets, orange-flowers, and jessamine, a handful of each; orris-root sliced, benjamin and storax, two ounces of each; quarter of an ounce of musk; quarter of a pound of angelica root, sliced; a quart of the red parts of clove-gillyflowers; two handfuls of lavender flowers; half a handful of rosemary flowers; bay and laurel leaves, half a handful of each; three Seville oranges, stuck as full of cloves as possible, dried in a cool oven, and pounded; half a handful of knotted marjoram; and two handfuls of balm of Gilead, dried. Cover all quite close. When the pot is uncovered the perfume is very fine.

579.A quicker sort of sweet Pot-pourri.—Take three handfuls of orange-flowers, three of clove-gillyflowers, three of damask roses, one of knotted marjoram, one of lemon-thyme, six bay-leaves, a handful of rosemary, one of myrtle, half of mint, one of lavender, the rind of a lemon, and a quarter of an ounce of cloves. Chop all, and put them in layers, with pounded bay-salt between, up to the tip of the jar.

If all the ingredients cannot be obtained at once, put them in as you get them; always throwing in salt with every new article.

580.Hungary Water.—Mix one quart of spirits of wine; half a pint of water; and three-quarters of an ounce of oil of rosemary.

581.Lavender Water.—Mix in a quart bottle three drachms of oil of lavender; one pint rectified spirit of wine; shake themwell together, and add an ounce of orange-flower water, an ounce of rose-water, four ounces of distilled water, and, if you like, two or three drachms of essence of musk.

582.Rose-water.—When the roses are in full bloom pick the leaves carefully off, and to every quart of water put a peck of them; put them in a cold still over a slow fire, and distil gradually; then bottle the water; let it stand in the bottle three days, and then cork it close.

583.Another.—Take two pounds of rose leaves, place them on a napkin tied round the edges of a basin filled with hot water, and put a dish of cold water upon the leaves; keep the bottom water hot, and change the water at top as soon as it begins to grow warm. By this kind of distillation you will extract a great quantity of the essential oil of the roses by a process which cannot be expensive, and will prove very beneficial.

584.Tincture of Roses.—Put into a bottle the petals of the common rose, and pour upon them spirits of wine; cork the bottle, and let it stand for two or three months. It will then yield a perfume little inferior to attar of roses. Common vinegar is much improved by a very small quantity of this mixture being added to it.

585.Honey Water.—One ounce of essence of bergamot, three drachms of English oil of lavender, half a drachm of oil of cloves, half a drachm of aromatic vinegar, six grains of musk, one and a half pint of spirits of wine. Mix and distil.

586.Honey Water.—Take one pint of spirit as above, and three drachms of essence of ambergris; shake them well daily.

587.Sweet-scented Water.—Put one quart of rose-water, and the same quantity of orange-water, into a large and wide-mouthed glass: strew upon it two handfuls of jessamine flowers; put the glass in thebalneum mariæ, or on a slow fire, and when it is distilled, add to it a scruple of musk and the same quantity of ambergris.

588.A very fine Scent.—Take six drachms of oil of lavender, three of the essence of bergamot, sixty drops of ambergris, andtwo grains of musk. Mix these into a pint of the best rectified spirits of wine.

589.To whiten the Hands.—Take a wine-glassful of eau de Cologne, and another of lemon-juice; then scrape two cakes of brown Windsor soap, or the same quantity of pure white soap, to a powder, and mix well in a mould. When hard, it will be excellent for whitening the hands.

590.Camphor Cerate for Chapped Hands.—The following receipt was given to the contributor by a maid of honor to Queen Victoria. It is an excellent one. Scrape into anearthenvessel one ounce and a half of spermaceti and half an ounce of white wax; add six drachms of pounded camphor, and four table-spoonfuls of the best olive oil. Let it stand near the fire till it dissolves, stirring it well when liquid.Beforethe hands are washed, rub them thoroughly with a little of the cerate, then wash them as usual. Putting the cerate on before retiring, answers very well. This quantity costs about twenty-five cents, and will last three winters. The vessel it is kept in should be covered, to prevent evaporation.

591.Paste for Chapped Hands.—Mix a quarter of a pound of unsalted lard, which has been washed in soft water, and then in rose-water, with the yolks of two new-laid eggs, and a large spoonful of honey. Add as much fine oatmeal or almond-paste as will work into a paste.

Or:—Blanch one pound of bitter almonds, and pound them smooth in a marble mortar; add half an ounce of camphor, one ounce of honey, quarter of a pound of spermaceti, pounded and mixed with the almonds, till it becomes a smooth paste. Put it into jars, and tie it down till wanted.

592.To prevent inconvenience from Perspiration of the Hands.—Ladies who work lace or embroidery sometimes suffer inconvenience from the perspiration on their hands; which may be remedied, by rubbing the hands frequently with a little dry wheaten bran.

593.Another.—Any of the milder kinds of soaps will be found to answer the purpose of keeping the hands clean, soft, and as white as nature will permit.

594.For preserving the Nails.—One ounce of oil of bitter almonds; one drachm of oil of tartar per deliquium; one ounce of prepared crabs'-eyes. Mix up with essence of lemon, to scent it.

La Forest recommends rubbing the nails with lemon as a detergent.

595.To whiten the Nails.—Mix two drachms of diluted sulphuric acid, one drachm of tincture of myrrh, and four ounces of spring-water. Cleanse the nails with soap, and then dip the fingers in the mixture.

596.To remove Stains from the Hands.—Dip your hands in warm water, and rub on the stain a small portion of oxalic acid powder and cream of tartar, mixed together in equal quantities. Keep it in a box. When the stain disappears, wash the hands with fine soap or almond cream. A box of this stain powder should always be kept on hand.

597.To make Wash-balls.—Shave thin two pounds of new white soap into about a tea-cupful of rose-water, then pour on as much boiling water as will soften it. Put into a brass pan a pint of sweet oil, half an ounce of oil of almonds, half a pound of spermaceti, and set all over the fire till dissolved; then add the soap and half an ounce of camphor, that has first been reduced to powder by rubbing it in a mortar, with a few drops of spirits of wine, or lavender-water, or any other scent. Boil ten minutes, then pour it into a basin, and stir it till it is quite thick enough to roll into hard balls, which must then be done immediately. If essence is used, stir it in quickly after it is taken off the fire.

598.Essence of Soap, for shaving or washing hands.—Take a pound and a half of fine white soap, in thin slices, and add thereto two ounces of salt of tartar; mix them well together, and put this mixture into one quart of spirits of wine, in a bottle which will hold double the quantity of the ingredients: tie a bladder over the mouth of the bottle, and prick a pin through the bladder; set it to digest in a gentle heat, and shake the contents from time to time, taking care to take out the pin at such times, to allow passage for the air from within. When the soap is dissolved, filter the liquor through paper, to free itfrom impurities; then scent it with a little bergamot or essence of lemon. It will have the appearance of fine oil, and a small quantity will lather with water like soap, and is much superior in use for washing or shaving.

599.Naples Soap.—Put into a pipkin or saucepan half a pint of ley, (strong enough to bear an egg,) with two ounces of lamb suet and one ounce of olive oil; simmer them over a fire until they be thick, when pour the mixture into a flat pan, cover it with glass, and expose it to the heat of the sun for seven weeks, stirring it once a day: the soap will then be made, and may be perfumed with a few drops of oil of ambergris, which should be well mixed. Put the soap into small jars, and it will be improved by keeping.

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