This embrocation may be used without taking the hair off. Take
Mix well and put into a bottle; keep it well corked.
Take the green leaves of elder, if they can be had; if not, take of the inside bark any quantity and lard in proportion to the elder, then fry to a crisp, which will be found very efficacious in healing sores, scalds, burns, sprains, or any humorous swelling. The elder alone fried in the same manner and strained, makes a much better ointment. This is worth making and keeping on hand, as its cost is a mere trifle.
For curing the above disease dress with mercurial ointment two or three times, and then with iodine ointment. To make mercurial ointment, take 1 ounce of quicksilver to 3 ounces of lard, beat both together until thoroughly mixed. Iodine ointment is made by mixing equal quantities of iodine and mercurial ointment well together.
The following prescription will make an excellent powder for ordinary purposes. Take
The dose of this mixture is 1 table spoonful morning and evening.
The Spanish fly in its action is intense, yet superficial. It plentifully raises the cuticle, yet rarely injures the true skin and therefore seldom blemishes. The application of other acrid substances is occasionally followed by deeply seated ulceration; but a blister composed of the Spanish fly alone, while it does its duty, leaves, after a few weeks have passed, scarcely a trace behind. The art of blistering consists in cutting or rather shaving the hair close, then rubbing on the ointment at least ten minutes. As soon as the vesicles have risen, which will be in something like 20 hours, you may relieve the animal by the application of olive or neatsfoot oil. In inflammation of the lungs, &c., it should be made to act sooner. The principle of the blister is, that no intense inflammation can exist in the neighboring parts at the same time. An infusion of 2 ounces of the flies in 1 pint of oil of turpentine, for several days, is frequently used, and with good effect. This is a sure and safe remedy. If in the winter blanket the horse to keep him warm until he is over it; put a blanket over the head also if very cold.
This will answer well for dressing either fresh or old wounds. Take
Put these into a bottle and shake every day for two weeks, when it will be ready for use. This is an excellent preparation, and can be relied on. Any person having horses should never be without this tincture, the cost being but a mere trifle, and will often and in every case save time, trouble and expense, where there is use for it.
To make the above take 2 ounces of powdered opium and 2 pints spirits of wine, put into a bottle and shake well every day for a week, when it will be ready for use.
To make the above ointment which may be used for blistering in inflammation of the lungs, bowels, &c. Take
Melt the rosin, turpentine and lard in any common vessel, and when the mixture begins to cool put in the powdered flies; mix well by stirring. Before applying the blister clip or shave the hair off and grease, rub well for ten minutes. After it has acted, grease with lard or oil.
The following will be found very useful for removing ring bone or spavin, or any other bony substance. Take
Melt the lard, rosin and turpentine over a slow fire, and when beginning to cool add the spanish flies. Apply three mornings in succession; and in twelve hours after the last application dress with lard; keep out of the water while blistering, which may be reduced with oil and used for the purpose of irritating and removing inflammation, lameness, &c. The horse should not get wet while blistering.
To make spirits of pimento take
Put these into a bottle and shake well before using. It is now ready for use though it is better to let it stand several days. This is a good lotion for the wind colic after the gas has been removed.
To make this tincture take 1 ounce of iodine, 1 pint of spirits of wine, and mix well. It is very good for enlarged glands of the neck, joints and muscles, and may be used twice a day without taking the hair off.
To make this liniment, which will never fail in curing sprains, swellings, &c. &c. Take
Mix well together and put into a bottle, being careful to keep it well corked.
This is an excellent lotion for wounds of the eyes, &c. to be used after bleeding freely. Take
Put them into a bottle and shake often, so as to dissolve the ingredients. Apply it as a wash, bathing the parts affected two or three times a day.
This is a troublesome disease, and is very common amongst horses. It can easily be detected by examining the withers, which will be slightly sunk, and the skin becomes very tight to the muscles and flesh; and if suffered to run on, the horse will get very lame and the skin tight, and the withers much sunken. I have seen horses frequently have it on the rump ornear the hip bone; it would cause the horse to become very lame. This disease should be attacked when first discovered, and never suffer it to run on until the horse becomes very lame and the parts much sunken.
Put all into a bottle, shake, mix and dissolve well, and it is fit for use. Rub the liniment on the sunken parts with the hand as much as will soak in twice a day, until it becomes sore, and the skin gets loose; then apply once a day until all is used. This liniment will never fail in curing if applied properly, and is the only safe and sure remedy for sweaney. I have never known it to fail; you may grease with sweet oil 1 day after using the last time. This liniment will take off the hair, but it will do no harm, as the hair will come out in a short time as fine as ever, and will not leave the least blemish. The liniment must act on the skin,and if it does not make sore or act on the skin, add more spirits turpentine. If you have a horse that has the sweaney, do not put yourself to the trouble of getting any person to cure it for you, or purchase any quack medicine for it; but go to work and cure it yourself, which can be done for 12½ cents. The horse should not be worked while using it. I have known it to be cured whilst working the horse, but the animal should not be punished in that way. In case the first dose does not entirely relieve, use the second time: this you will have no need for if you do not work the horse.
Whatever you may intend the horse to do, it is always necessary to give him some idea what you wish him to do, and repeat whatever it may be until the horse is sure to remember it. To make a horse lay down, bend the left fore leg until the hoof is nearly bottom upwards; then fasten a loop over his leg above the pastern joint firmly, so that he cannot get the foot down: next fasten one end of another strap around his right foot above his hoof; place the strap through the left leg where it is bent; keep the strap in your right hand; keep on the left side of the horse; let the bridle have a strap to it; bring this up over the opposite-side of his neck, grasp it with your left hand, drawing the strap steady, so as to draw his head to the right; pull steady with the right hand strap, bearing against the shoulder to cause him to move; when he does move, he will come on his knees; keep the strap tight, so that he cannot straighten his leg; keep him in this position, turning his headtowards you; bear against his side slightly with your shoulder with an equal pressure; in ten minutes or so, he will be down. As soon as he is down, he will be conquered; and you can handle as you please; keep his head up, now you may take off the straps, straighten out his legs, rub him about the face, head and neck with your hand the way the hair lays; handle all his legs gently, and he will soon learn that you won’t do him any harm. After he has laid some 15 or 20 minutes, let him get up again. Rest him a short time, and make him lay down again as before: repeat the operation three or four times which is sufficient for one lesson; give him 3 or 4 lessons, and he will lay down by taking hold of one foot, and tapping him on the other leg with a stick while you have hold of his foot—finally he will lay down from the motion of the stick. Before you attempt to make a horse lay down, place a thick bed of hay on the floor or ground, so that he cannot hurt himself in the least. If your horse is very scarry, fretful or skittish after you have given him one or two lessons, take something that will rattle or any thing that is calculated to frighten him, rattleit and pass over his head and about him; he may be much frightened at first, keep his head up, and he cannot get up, and by continuing with this, he will soon get used to it and not mind it. It will be the same with a kicking horse after you pass over him with harness, chains, &c. he will soon become accustomed to it, so that you can hitch him up and work him with safety.—In all cases where horses have been broke of bad habits, you should be cautious not to show him opportunities to learn his old tricks over. The most gentle horse can be spoiled and brought into bad habits; so you should be careful with the one that has just been broke from his bad habits.
The above is the only safe and sure course which you can pursue with a horse with bad habits. I would here again press upon you when you have him on his knees, to commence patting him under the belly—continue with gentle strokes upon the belly. You will in a few minutes bring him to his knees behind: continue the process and he will lay down and submit himself to your treatment. By proceeding gently you may handle his feet andlegs any way you choose. By practising this process a few times, you will find him perfectly gentle and submissive, and will generally follow you, and is unwilling to leave you unless he be very wild; the first treatment will answer.—Should you have a very wild horse, and cannot manage him, take the button or horney substance which grows on the back part of the horse’s leg; dry this, pulverize it fine, drop a few drops of oil of roses and a few drops oil cummin; put some of this up his nostrils: this is best done by putting it in a large quill and blowing it up the nostril; feed him with a small portion of it from off your hand, with a little oats; also breathe your breath into his nostrils; by doing this, he will permit you to handle his feet, legs, &c. or permit you to get on his back, or suffer you to handle as you please. By pursuing these courses, and handling occasionally, always letting him know what you want him to do, you will be able to quiet and tame a horse to become perfectly gentle.
When you have a horse that shyes or scares at a stump, log or any object that may come in his way, never whip him for it, or attempt to force him up to it or by it. But be easy with him, try and get him up to the object by gentle handling; patting and rubbing him on the neck, shoulders, &c. Finally you will get him up to the object, and he will smell or feel it with his nose. If you pursue this course he will finally forget and give up the habit of scaring. If you wish to satisfy yourself about this course, take a buffalo robe or a red blanket, place your horse in a yard and hold up the robe, moving towards him; he will soon throw up his head, snort and run. Then throw the robe down in the centre of the yard; if frightened he will not rest until he has touched it with his nose; he will soon begin to walk toward the robe and snort, getting a little closer until he touches it with his nose, he will see that it will do him no harm, and finally he will pick it up with his teeth and care nothing about it. This will show you at oncethat if you can get him up to the object and let him feel it with his nose, he will care nothing about it, and soon forget his scaring, &c.—When you try the robe experiment step up to one side and watch his motions, and he will soon give you the principle upon which he acts. The same course must be pursued in breaking wild colts; go up to it cautiously and by degrees, never rush up to it all at once; be cautious, watch the colt, and if you see that he is frightened at your approach stop a little, and when he becomes quiet approach a little nearer, and so on until he will suffer you to touch his face, then rub him gently the way the hair lays; continue doing this until he will permit you to feel him pretty near all over; then place your halter on him, gently rubbing and feeling him over the face and head. When you have the halter on lead him over the yard cautiously; do not frighten him or whip him. Never whip unless he is very stubborn and does not fear you, then you should give him a few sharp cuts with the whip about his hind legs so as it will crack sharp and cause him to fear you. After you have him started feel his face, fore legs, &c. a gooddeal more than you have whipped him, then he will soon become fond of you again. After you have learned him to move off, you may put on the bridle and learn him by gentling him as you did with the halter; you may now put on the saddle, but do it cautiously, feeling him by degrees, then get yourself a block about eighteen inches high, place this by his side and when he gets used to this get up on the block, then put your foot in the stirrup, putting a little of your weight in it by degrees; as soon as you find he will bear it you can get on the saddle and make him move off, but do it all cautiously so as not to frighten him. When you have learned him all this you may next put on the harness, carefully feeling him first, and give him to understand what you want him to do; as soon as he finds out you will not hurt him he will suffer the harness to be put on; now you may hitch him to a light log, and learn him to pull this first; when he does this well use a heavier one, and when he does this all well you can hitch him up in a wagon or sulky, but do it all carefully, and do not frighten him or you may make a bad job of it. The above principleshould always be carried out in every thing you wish the horse to learn. You cannot expect a man to do any piece of work for you unless he understands it, or has learned the principle of it, much less can you expect a horse to do something he knows nothing about. If you pursue this course you can soon get the horse to understand what you want him to do, and he will become very fond of you. I will here state that if you have a very stubborn colt or horse, you may use the oil of roses and oil of cummin with the powdered button, which should be blown into his nostrils.
Or horses with bad habits. First take up one fore foot, bend his leg till his hoof is bottom upward, then slip a loop over his knee above the pastern joint to keep it tight. This should be done with a leather strap, forming a loop around the one, and so fixed as to buckle around the other; be careful so as to fasten it so as it cannot slip down or come loose, or you may pass a loop over the leg, and with another strap tie the loop close together, between the leg, so as to prevent it from coming down. This will leave the horse on three legs. You can handle now as you wish, as it is impossible for him to kick whilst his leg is up. This will conquer the horse quicker than any other course which you can pursue, and especially a kicker or one that runs off when he has the chance so to do.
The surest plan for a horse that will attempt to run off as soon as you hitch him up, is to fasten up his leg as directed above or learn him tohop along on three legs awhile, which he will soon learn to do. Exercise him two or three times, in this way fifteen or twenty minutes at a time, or until conquered, allowing his leg to be loosed. When you have learned him to walk in this way, fasten up his leg and put the harness on him and hitch up to sulky. Now you may drive off and need not be fearful of the horse kicking or doing any damage while one foot is up, nor can he kick or run fast enough to do any harm. But you can now drive him as you please. Should he want to run let him have the lines and whip too, with perfect safety; by doing this two or three times you will cure him at once of running off. The horse will be frightened at first, but he will soon see that you do not want to hurt him and will not care anything more about it. You can finally let down the leg and drive off gently without any further trouble.
I will here give you another plan to break or prevent a horse from kicking whilst working him. Loop a strap or rope around the horse’s hind leg, with one end and with the other end fasten around the foreleg, allowing it just longenough for him to make a step, in order to keep the strap from dragging on the ground or being in his way while walking. Pass a strap around his back, letting it pass under his belly and fasten it up in this way; this properly done will soon conquer him, as it is impossible for him to kick whilst the strap is to his legs.
I will still give you another plan to prevent a horse from kicking. Loop a strap around the hind leg; let it pass through between the fore legs, thence through the ring of the bridle bit, allowing the strap just long enough for him to make the step, now fasten the strap. You can now drive off with safety, as it is utterly impossible for him to kick or to do any harm. You should pass a strap around the horse’s back and fasten up the strap or rope to prevent it from dragging on the ground.
Another still to prevent a horse from kicking when hitched up in shafts, if he will stand quiet long enough to fasten in the shafts, when you have him hitched up, loop a strong strap around the shaft on the one side, let it pass over the hips and fasten it to the shaft on the opposite side; next fasten the strap to the harness at thetop, so as to prevent it from slipping down; you can now drive off with safety, as far as the kicking is concerned; for he cannot kick to do any harm if the strap stays firmly at its place, and the vehicle heavy enough to prevent him from raising it.
If you have a horse which you cannot manage to shoe, take up his leg as directed in the kicking horse, and handle him awhile, patting and rubbing all his legs, &c.; when he becomes quiet, let his leg down to rest; then take it up again and rub his legs as before, and let him know what you are about to do to him; then let his leg down and commence to shoe. Should he be very fretful yet, and will not suffer you to put on the shoe, you will meet with success by making him lay down and perform as directed in making the horse lay down.
Mix 1 pint honey with 1 quart sweet milk; give as a drench; 1 hour after dissolve 1 oz. pulverized copperas 1 pint of water, use as a drench; then give 1 quart linseed oil; this cure is said to be effectual. The principle of giving the horse the sweet drench is good; it will generally cause the bots to let loose and take a fill of the sweet drench; then you should not fail to give plenty of physic to carry them off.
Put your horse into a large stable or small yard; commence to gentle him a little, take hold of the halter or bridle, turn him towards you, touching him with a long whip; at the same time lead him the length of the stable or yard, rubbing him on the neck, face and head; say to him gently as you lead, come along boy, or better to use his name: whenever you turn, touch him slightly with the whip, so as to make him step up close to you; then gentle him again with your hand as before; he will soon learn to escape the whip and to be gentled with the hand; he will soon learn to follow you around without taking hold of the halter or bridle. Should he stop or turn from you, give him a few cuts about the hind legs; he will soon turn his head towards you, when you must always gentle him with your hand. A few lessons will make him follow you or run after you if he sees the motion of the whip; in a half hour he will follow you about the stable or yard. After you have given him 3 or 4 lessons in this way, you can take into a lot and from thence into the road, and he will follow you any where and run after you.
Commence to gentle him with your hand about the head, &c. Should he move give him a cut with the whip and put him back in the same place if he stands; gentle him with the hand as before, and continue in this until you can get around him without making him move; continue walking around him, increasing your walk, touching him occasionally; enlarging your circle as you walk around, and if he should move, give him a cut with the whip and put him again in his place; if he stands go up to him frequently and gentle him with your hand; then walk around him again. Do not keep him in one position too long at a time; permit him to come to you and walk him around or about with you; then stand him at another place, and continue as before. Do not train him more than half an hour at a time. You should never attempt to train a horse to do more than one thing at a time. Learn him the one which you have commenced on well first; then in no case should you attempt to learn him another under a week or so, always using caution no matter what you wish him to do or learn.
A compound of sulphor and antimony is a good alterative. It is given with sulphor and nitre in varying quantities.
Of these opium stands first on our list, next peppermint, tincture of pimento, turpentine, camphor, asafœtida, &c.
The spirits of camphor is made by taking 95 per cent. alcohol, put in as much gum camphor as it will dissolve.
Vinegar is a very useful application for sprains, bruises, &c. Equal parts of boiling water and cold vinegar will form a good fomentation; extract of lead or bay salt may be added with some advantage.
This is used in making many tinctures and other preparations; 3 or 4 ounces of which are largely diluted with water, and given to a horse that has become fatigued while on a journey, will cause him to rally and cheerfully pursue his course to the end of the day’s travel.
This is a valuable external application for destroying fungus excrescences. A pledget of tar should be dipped in the acid, then firmly pressed on the cankerous surface. Every part with which the acid comes in contact will be deadened and slough off, when healthy granulations spring up.
Sulphuric acid is a good application for the thrush and canker, and in fact the only thing that can be relied on. It is occasionally used with tar in the proportion of an ounce of acid to 1 pound of tar.
The Barbadoes aloes is the best for the horse. They are of a dark brown color; they are very useful for physic, and the dose is from ½ to 1 ounce, which should be given immediately in cases where it is needed. They are also very useful in the form of a tincture, to make which 8 ounces of powdered aloes and 1 ounce of powdered myrrh, put into 2 quarts of alcohol diluted with an equal quantity of water. This mixture should be well shaken once a day for a fortnight, and be suffered to stand, in order that the undissolved portion may fall to the bottom. This constitutes an excellent application for wounds, whether recent or of long standing and indisposed to heal. It is not only a gentle stimulant but it forms a thin coat over the wound, and shields it from the action of the air.
Is occasionally used internally in cases of supurgation, in the form of alum whey:—two drachms of pulverized alum being put into a pint of hot milk; yet there are much better astringents. Its principal use is external. A solution of 2 drachms to a pint of water makes alone, or with the addition of a small quantity of white vitriol, a very useful wash for cracked heels, grease and those forms of swelled legs, attended with moisture through the skin.
This acid is very strong and should be bottled and corked tight. As soon as it touches any muscular or living part, a change of color is perceived. It is good for corns, canker thrush, and for every case where caustic is needed, this acid is unrivalled.
This will be found useful in inflammation of the chest or bowels. When using, it should be well rubbed on.
Are the basis of the most approved and useful blister. In blistering, the hair should be cut or rather shaved off close, then rubbing in the ointment well for at least 15 minutes, repeating it every day until it does its work. After it has acted you may relieve the torture of the animal by the application of olive oil or lard. In deep seated sprains or inflammations, the blister should not be discontinued too hurriedly. An infusion of 2 ounces of the flies in a pint of oil of turpentine for several days is used as a liquid blister, and when sufficiently reduced with common oil, is called a sweating oil, and gradually abates or removes old or deep inflammation or cause of lameness.
This is occasionally used with linseed meal, for poulticing offensive ulcers and cracked heels; it removes the unwholesome smell and purifies the parts so that they heal easily.
The usual and most convenient mode of administering medicines, is in the form of balls compounded with sweet oil. Balls should never weigh more than 1½ ounces, otherwise they will be so large as not to pass down the gullet. They should not be more than one inch in diameter, and three inches in length. The mode of delivering balls is not difficult to acquire. The horse should be backed in the stall, the tongue drawn out gently with the left hand on the off side of the mouth, not continuing to pull, but by pressing the finger against the lower jaw. The ball being now taken between the tips of the fingers of the right hand, is passed rapidly up the mouth as near the palate as possible, until it reaches the root of the tongue. It is then delivered with a slight jerk, the hand being immediately withdrawn. Its passage should be watched down the left side of the throat; if it does not pass down a slight tap under the jaw or chin, will generally cause the horse to swallow it, or a few gulps of water will convey in into the stomach. Very few balls should be kept made.
These are useful and too often neglected means of hastening the bowels to their speedy action, where diseases require it. The old ox bladder filled and tied on the wooden or elder pipe, answers every purpose for injecting the fluid into the intestines. For a moderate clyster take 2 ounces of soft or yellow soap, mix with 1 gallon of warm water; for a more active clyster take ½ pound epsom salts, dissolve in the same quantity of water.
An infusion of linseed is often used instead of water for the drink of a horse with a sore throat, catarrh, disease of the urinary organs, or of the bowels. Thin gruel is preferable, being as soothing and more nutritious. Linseed meal makes an excellent poultice for almost any purpose.
This should be powdered, put into a black bottle, corked tight, and kept in a dark place. It is one of the most valuable medicines in veterinary practice, and on account of its action in diminishing the pulse and general irritability of the system, is very useful in inflammations, &c. It is usually given in combination with emetic tartar and nitre. The average dose is 1 drachm of digitalis, 1½ drachms emetic tartar, and 3 drachms of nitre, repeated twice or three times a day. When the horse begins to amend the dose must be diminished one-half, and in a few days it may be omitted altogether, but the emetic tartar and the nitre should be continued during several days.
Is used in plasters. The best plaster for sand crack consists of 1 pound of pitch and 1 ounce of yellow beeswax melted together.
Constitute a very important provender in sickness or health. A mash given occasionally to a horse that is fed on dry meat, prevents him from becoming dangerously costive. To the over-worked and tired horse, nothing is so refreshing as a warm mash, with his usual allowance of corn in it. Mashes are used for putting horses in good order for sale, giving him a round and plump appearance. They are made by pouring boiling water on bran, stirring it well; cover over with a cloth, and let it remain until cool enough for the horse to eat; if in the heat of summer, a cold mash is preferable,—yet it should be made with hot water, and remain until it is cold.
Is as valuable as a cordial as the gentian is as a tonic. These are both valuable in horse powders.
Are to open the pores of the skin and promote perspiration in the part, so as to abate local swellings, relieve pain and lessen inflammation. The effect depends upon the warmth of the water and not upon any herb that may have been boiled in it; they are best applied by means of flannel dipped in the hot water, or on which the water is poured, which should be as hot as the hand will bear. The fomentation should be continued for 15 or 20 minutes, but if kept on with for half an hour will be better. The parts fomentated should be wrapped or covered up warm. Great good has sometimes resulted from fomentations.
Stands at the head of vegetable tonics, an infusion of which is one of the best applications for putrid ulcers known.
Is the most valuable drug on the list as an anti-spasmodic; it is also a sedative and astringent. As an anti-spasmodic it enters into the colic drink; as a sedative it relaxes spasms of the muscular system. Opium should, however, be given with caution. In the early acute stage of fever it will be a bad practice to give it even in the smallest quantity. When the fever has passed it may be given with great benefit.
Few persons are aware of the value of these simple applications in abating inflammation, relieving pain, cleansing wounds, and disposing them to heal. In all inflammations of the foot they are very beneficial, by softening the horn hardened by the heat of the inflamed foot.—Linseed meal forms the best general poultice.
A drink is not so portable as a ball; it is more troublesome to administer, and a portion of it is usually wasted. Medicines given as a drench will act upon the horse much quicker than when given in balls, but the great objection is in wasting a portion. Too much of the drink should not be forced into the horse’s mouth at once, as it will be found very difficult to make him swallow large quantities; small portions should be given, which he should be made to swallow before any more is put into the mouth.
Melted with an equal quantity of grease forms the usual stopping of the farrier. It is warm or slightly stimulant, and is therefore useful in dressing bruised or wounded feet; it prevents the penetration of dirt and water to the wounded part; it is also useful in chronic coughs.
Are designed to remove deep seated pain and inflammation, by gently stimulating the skin. The following is an excellent liniment for old swellings, sprains, or rheumatism: 2 ounces of hartshorn, 2 ounces camphorated spirits, 1 ounce oil of turpentine, and ½ ounce of laudanum, mixed well together; or 1 ounce of camphor may be dissolved in 4 ounces of sweet oil, to which may be added 1 ounce of oil of turpentine. A little powdered cantharides or tincture of cantharides or ground mustard, will render either of these more powerful, or convert it into a liquid blister.
Is the basis of the most effectual application for mange. It is an excellent alterative, combined usually with antimony and nitre, particularly for mange, surfeit, grease, hidebound or want of condition, and it is a useful ingredient in the cough and fever ball.
Is very useful in a clyster. A solution of it has been given as an aperient drink, sprinkled over hay or in mash, it is very palatable to sick horses; few things will so soon recall the appetite as a drink composed of 6 or 8 ounces of salt in solution. Horses in health, it promotes the digestion of the food. There are few better lotions for inflamed eyes than a solution of ½ ounce of salt, in 4 pints of water. An ounce of salt to 8 pints of water is a good embrocation for sore shoulders and back.
The common liquid turpentine has been described as one of the best diuretics; for the removal of colic it stands unrivalled; with cantharides it is the basis of the sweating blister for old sprains and swellings.
This is very good for removing the smell of fistula, withers, poll evil and ill conditioned wounds and ulcerations. Chloride diluted with twenty times its quantity of water, and used as a wash for the wounds, will remove any infection that may lurk about them. One pint of the chloride, mixed with 3 gallons of water and brushed over the walls, manger and rack of the foulest stable, will completely remove all infections.
This is an excellent stimulant. It is useful in loss of appetite and flatulent colic, while it rouses the intestinal canal to its proper action. The ginger and gentian powdered is also very much used. Brown sugar is useful in the loss of appetite.
This made into an ointment is valuable for healing. Take five ounces of lard, one ounce of rosin, melt them together and when these begin to get cool, stir in 2 ounces of calamine, finely powdered. If the wound is not healthy, a small quantity of common turpentine may be added. This salve justly deserves the name of healing ointment. The calamine is sometimes sprinkled with advantage on cracked heels.
This is a good carminative for relieving colic, arresting mortification, and for sprains, rheumatism, pains, &c. As a general stimulant it may be taken in teaspoonful doses in water and repeated as the case demands. Take ½ gallon of fourth proof brandy, ½ pound pulverized gum myrrh and ½ ounce of African pepper, mix and macerate for ten days, when it will be ready for use.
Take 2 pounds good gum, shellac, 2 ounces pulverized borax; put into an earthen crock, filled half full of water; boil until all is dissolved, then take out a portion and roll into sticks while hot, on a table or smooth board.
Heat the edges of the ware over a fire or hot stove, then heat the cement in the same manner; put the cement on the edges of the ware regularly, heat it again along the edges and place together as quick as possible, holding them firm until the cement cools, being careful to put the pieces together as they came off, so as it will fit nicely. If done properly it will hold so firm that the ware will break some other place before where it has been mended.
Is very useful in curing bites of rabid dogs, and for removing ulcerations of any kind.
This has been tried by many physicians and has proved a valuable remedy in chronic rheumatism and gout. It is certainly a powerful emetic when given in large doses, and the effect continues a long time. In over doses it effects the functions of the brain and nervous system, in a powerful manner producing giddiness, prostration of strength, &c. It has arrested the paroxysm of gout and given relief in some unyielding cases of chronic rheumatism. It requires to be given with great caution and under vigilant restrictions. The mode of administration is in the form of a tincture. A saturated tincture is made in wine and 3 parts of this is mixed with 1 of the wine of opium; of this mixture from 15 to 20 drops. In some cases however, 1 drachm of the mixture will be required to give relief, which quantity generally vomits and always gives relief. The proper method of preparing this tincture is to macerate 8 ounces of the sliced root in 2½ pints of spanishwhite wine, let it stand for 15 days and filter. Before given, it must be mixed with one-fourth its quantity of the wine of opium; from 15 to 60 drops is a dose. In some cases less than the nauseating point will cure the disease, if not it must be carried to that point.
If poison should be administered or swallowed accidentally, take two tablespoonsful of ground mustard, mixed with warm water, which will operate as an instantaneous emetic.
The Indian turnip, when partially dried and grated and mixed with honey, is good for the coughs of old persons, when there is no fever. It also enters into many of the cough syrups.
In chronic rheumatism it has been of great service by its universal stimulant and diuretic effects. If however an ounce of the root be boiled in a pint of water to a strong tea, and all be taken at once, a violent vomiting, purging and diuresis occurs. The disease has been known to yield to one dose, but this is a desperate one, and should not be ventured upon by a person much debilitated; take a wine glass full 3 times until the water is evacuated in uterine complaints,—especially in painful menstruation is the seneca a good remedy. Begin one day before the return of the catatmenia and take it in such portions as the stomach will bear, every two hours until the flow commences. For this put 1 ounce of the root in a pint of water, give a small wine glass full every one, two or three hours.
Take 1 pound of beeswax, 1 pound of rosin, 1 pound of tallow; put all into a pan and heat until the ingredients are melted, after cooling it will be ready for use. When using put a coat of the cement over the grafted part, thick enough to prevent the rain and air from penetrating.
Take 4 ounces powdered gum guaiacum, 1½ pints spirits of amonia, put them together and let the mixture stand for fourteen days, when it will be ready for use. Shake the bottle occasionally. This is a celebrated remedy in the treatment of chronic rheumatism. The dose is from one to two teaspoonsful three times a day, given in milk or some mucilaginous tea. The stomach must be well cleaned before the tincture is used, and the diet light.
Take of gentian root bruised 2 ounces, orange peel do. 2 ounces, cardamom seed do. ½ ounce, proof whiskey 1 quart; add the other ingredients to the whiskey, and shake the bottle once a day for fourteen days, when it will be ready for use. This is much used in dyspepsia and debilitated states of the digestive organs. The stomach should be cleaned before it is given. It is not admissable where there is fever. Dose from one to two teaspoonsful in water, to be repeated before breakfast, dinner and supper.
Take 6 drachms of beefs marrow, 2 drachms oil of sweet almonds, 1 drachm red peruvian bark, powdered, mix and melt over a slow fire. Apply every day, washing it off every morning with mild soap.
Take of best Turkey rhubarb 3 ounces and pulverize, good whiskey 1 quart, add the rhubarb to the whiskey and shake it every day for a week, then let it stand ten days and filter through paper, or let it stand without filtering. From a tea spoonful to a large table spoonful is a dose according to the age of the person and nature of the case. It is a good purgative in costive habits. Take it at bed time in sweetened water.
Take of best Turkey rhubarb 2 ounces, water 1 pint, macerate the rhubarb in the water warm for twenty-four hours; strain off, add 2 pounds of refined white sugar and simmer until they are well mixed, add 2 tablespoonsful of whiskey, stop it tight in a bottle for use. This is a good medicine for infants in teaspoonful doses.
This is a mild tonic, calculated to meet the indications alike with the other bitters of its class. It is a very good and pleasant tonic in indigestion and dyspepsia, improving the appetite and digestion. It is given in infusion and in substance—1 ounce of the pulverized root infused in a pint of boiling water. A small wine glass full of the infusion may be taken once in 2 hours, or from thirty to sixty grains of the pulverized substance, in sweetened water, from 3 to 5 times a day; but the most common way of using the columbo is in combination with other tonics, such as gentian, orange peel, and columbo, of each 1 ounce powdered, then add to them 1 quart of whiskey, of which bitters a tablespoonful may be taken in water three times a day, as a tonic in cases of debility.
The berries of this plant are sometimes used, but the bark is the proper medicinal part of the shrub. It is best adapted to the cure of flabby, ill-conditioned ulcers and mortifications, in which a strong decoction is freely used with great benefit. It should be given internally several times a day, as well as applied as a wash and poultice to the parts. A saturated tincture, both of the bark and berries is used internally.
The prickley ash has a good reputation in the United States as a remedy in chronic rheumatism. In that disease its operation seems analogous to that of mazorion and guaiacum, which it nearly resembles in its sensible properties. Many physicians place so much confidence in it that it is generally kept by the apothecaries. It is most frequently given in decoction—an ounce being boiled in a quart of water and taken in small quantities, frequently repeated. Dr. George Hayward, of Boston, took it in his own case of chronic rheumatism with evidently good effect; he took a pint of the decoction a day, diluted with water so as to weaken its pungency. The powdered bark may be taken in doses of from 10 to 20 grains, and frequently repeated. Dr. Bigelow says it is also given with good effect in cases of old indolent sores; it is given internally and applied to the sore in the form of a wash. Doctors Barton and Thatcher both speak highly of this medicine.
Every part of this plant is a pure and very strong bitter. It is used in form of tea or tincture and is good for ague and fever. It was used in the yellow fever at Philadelphia with good effect. It may be given even when the fever is on, in such quantities as the stomach will bear. It is not apt to nauseate and is an excellent tonic for the stomach, which improves the appetite and promotes digestion. It is highly recommended by Drs. Barton, Chapman and Elliott, all of whom are physicians of high respectability.
Has been much employed in Germany and the United States, and is certainly a valuableremedy in chronic diseases of the liver and the digestive organs generally. It is also a good remedy in diseases of the spleen. It is beneficial in consumption and as a general alterative when combined with sarsaparilla, and invaluable in scrofula. One ounce of the fresh root, or ½ ounce of the dried, and the same quantity of sarsaparilla put into a pitcher and a pint of boiling water poured on it at night, to be used at pleasure next day, so that all is taken before bed time, or as much more as the stomach will bear. This repeated for a month, produces a fine effect on the system, when the blood needs purifying or in cases of chronic affections of the liver.
The blood root is an active emetic and cathartic, which acts finely on the liver. It has been given in pneumonia, catarrh, whooping cough,croup, consumption, rheumatism, jaundice and dropsy of the chest. For rheumatism, it may be given in 2 or 3 grain pills, 3 or 4 times a day. It is an effectual remedy for the yellow water in horses: 3 or 4 ounces of the fresh root may be bruised and a pint of water added, the juice of which should be squeezed out for a drench; 1 or 2 doses will cure. It purges the horse freely. The tincture is often used: 2 ounces of the root to a quart of spirits makes the tincture, ½ an ounce of which is a dose for an adult.
Thoroughwort is tonic, diaphoretic, and in large doses emetic and purgative. It is good in intermittent fevers to break the chill, if given in large doses in the form of warm tea as the chill comes on; in less doses a little warm it will sweat the patient freely; in large draughts takencold it acts as a tonic and prevents the return of the chill. It is good in pleurisy as a sweat or in heavy colds; it is also good when made into a syrup for bad coughs, and in some forms of consumption, where the patient is weak and the skin hot and dry. It grows in almost every part of the United States, but mostly in the Western and Southern divisions, and should be gathered in September. Every part of the plant is medicinal, but the leaves and flowers are best. It should always be given in the form of a tea.
The root is the part used in the form of bitters in asthma and catarrh, also coughs and dyspepsia and in rheumatism. It may be taken in the form of bitters in quantities sufficient to purge gently and freely, or in powder in 20 grain doses, 3 times a day, or it may be given in strong infusion, 1 ounce of the root to a pint of water and drink in such doses as the stomach will bear.
It has long been employed by the regular medical faculty as a valuable medicine in pleurisy, catarrh, pneumonia, consumption and other diseases of the breast, and is evidently useful in all these cases. It is good in acute rheumatism and dyspepsia. It may be given in the form of a strong tea, or in powder; if in powder from 20 to 60 grains may be given several times a day, in sweetened water.
Take of pure sulphate of iron 2 drachms, white sugar 3 drachms, pulverize, mix and divide into 12 powders. Then take of super carbonate of soda 2 drachms, white sugar three drachms, mix and divide into 12 powders. Mix one of each of the powders separately in half atumblerful of water, pour together and drink while effervescing. This is a pleasant drink and a good tonic for a weak stomach.
Gentian possesses in a high degree the tonic properties which characterize the simple bitters. It excites the appetite, invigorates the powers of digestion. It may be used in all cases of disease depending upon pure debility of the digestive organs, or requiring a general tonic impression; as dyspepsia, gout, difficult menstruations, hysteria, scrofula, intermittent fever, diarrhœa, and worms. It is given in the form of infusion or tincture. The dose in infusion is a wine glassful 3 or 4 times a day. Infuse ½ ounce of the powdered root in a pint of water. A tea spoonful of the tincture may be given as often in a little water.
This unites with a tonic power the property of stimulating the secretions, particularly those of the skin, kidneys and mucus membrane of the lungs. Its medical properties are found in its salutary effects upon the nervous system, in neuralgia of the heart, in sciatica, and in other forms of rheumatism. It is equal if not superior to the colchicum in rheumatism, and far superior to it in neuralgia of any description. I have used it extensively in those cases, and with the happiest effects. I cured myself of a severe sciatica in twenty-four hours with it, but the dose was too large, producing violent sickness, great prostration, nausea, vomiting and profuse perspiration. I took 3 or 4 drachms of the saturated tincture at one dose; but it effects the cure completely when properly prepared. It acts upon the stomach and bowels powerfully, and its full effects are not obtained until it purges freely. The following is the best formula for its preparation.
Mix and macerate for 20 days and filter. One tea spoonful should be taken 3 times a day, in sweetened water, which may be increased or diminished so as to produce 3 or 4 operations on the bowels in 24 hours. I have seen some persons that it would not purge. It sometimes produces vertigo before it begins to operate, but these symptoms will all subside after the purging commences, yet it will cure if it does not purge. Several cases of Vitus’ Dance are recorded by Dr. Jesse Young, in which it performed cures after other remedies had failed.—It is usually administered in decoction by those living in the country. One ounce of the powdered root is boiled in a pint of water for a few minutes, and a small wine glassful given from 3 to 5 times a day according to its effects.
This is an evergreen found in pine woods and in light shady soils in all parts of the United States, which blossoms in mid summer. The whole plant has rather a pungent and bitter taste.
It is diuretic and tonic and is useful in all eruptive forms of diseases, especially in scrofula and cancer. A strong decoction may be made of the leaves and twigs, and a gill taken 3 times a day. Many cures of old ulcers, sore throats and like affections have been ascribed to the use of the pipsisseway. A decoction made of the leaves and given in small portions is excellent for colic in children. For grown persons it should be put in good rye whiskey, which, if made strong will seldom fail to cure the severest cases of colic and cramps. The pipsisseway put into whiskey and distilled the same as Wickey’s cholera medicine is much better. Dose for an adult is from 1 to 3 tablespoonsful, for children from 10 drops to a teaspoonful.
If you want to save money never buy your castor oil by the bottle, but buy a pint of oil of some honest druggist, and you will then be able to perceive the difference. If put up in bottlesit will cost you from 50 to 62½ cents; by the pint it may cost you 31 cents per pint. This is a great saving, as the article is always needed in a family. Never buy any other medicine or any thing that goes by measurement in small quantities, and especially such articles as come into every day use. Paying from 40 to 100 per cent. more for domestic articles will amount to a considerable sum in 5 or 10 years. Some persons may say: “I am too poor and cannot spare the money.” That kind of argument will not hold good. By saving 50 or 100 per cent. is the means to make you able. Try the experiment and you will soon be convinced; money is worth but 6 per cent.
Take 1 pound of sugar to one quart of vinegar; 6 pounds of pears, peeled and quartered; ½ ounce of cinnamon bark, broken in small pieces; ½ ounce of cloves. Dissolve the sugar in the vinegar, then put the pears, cinnamon and cloves into a pot or crock, pour over the vinegar andboil all together until the pears become soft, and you have a pickel far superior to any preserves. This is worth giving a trial. Should the pears be too sweet, add a little vinegar at any time, heating after the addition.
As this work is designed for the benefit of families as well as other purposes, it is hoped that a chapter on the preservation of the health of young girls will not be out of place. What we design to say in this chapter, will be applicable to the girl of ten years and upwards. It is the duty of the mother or guardian so to direct the conduct of the daughter that she may enjoy the blessings of life, and become a useful member of society. But in order to lay the foundation of future usefulness, the health should be well guarded in early life. Much of course depends upon a good constitution, andstrict attention should be paid to its development and preservation. The child at an early age should be guarded against all that would tend to weaken or derange this desirable attribute of the human system.
Exposure is one of the principal sources of injury to the constitution, and therefore the clothing should always be adapted to the season of the year, and the temperature of the air, whether children are at home or abroad. Girls are generally clothed sufficiently warm while at home, but when they are going from home, they change their warm apparel for thinner and cooler garments. They are often allowed to expose themselves to the chilling blasts of winter, with their arms naked, their breasts and shoulders exposed, and their feet clad with thin stockings and shoes, in the place of those just laid aside, which were warm and comfortable.—This is a practice that cannot be too much deprecated, being one of the great evils of dress and fashion, upon whose altar thousands have been sacrificed. How many do we find in these days with enlarged tonsils and broken croaking voices, the fruits of exposure and nothing else?
The practice of tight lacing is another fruitful cause of destruction of health and broken-down constitutions. Young girls should not lace at all—an easy smooth jacket to make the dress fit smoothly is all they should wear. Are we asked why lacing is injurious? We answer, first, the ribs are soft and very elastic and the cartilages that join them to the breast bone are softer than the ribs. If then a jacket or corset be laced around the ribs or chest, so as to prevent a free and full play of the ribs at every inspiration, in the same proportion is the cavity of the chest diminished, and consequently the lungs are deprived of a certain amount of atmospheric air, in proportion to the contraction of the ribs, produced by the laced jacket or corset. Thus the order of nature is deranged and the system is deprived of that due proportion of oxygen which is necessary to health, the vitality of blood and the vigor and proper proportions of the system. One of the consequences of tight lacing therefore is, that the lungs are prevented from discharging a due portion of carbonic acid gas from the blood, and receiving in lieu therefor of due proportion of oxygen from the atmosphere.Hence the person looks pale, the lips assume a blue or purplish color, the breathing is labored, the breast heaves and the circulation is prevented from going on as freely as it should. The small air vessels of the lungs are partially obliterated, they become diseased in their action and tubercles form in them or the lungs; these remain to become in a few years the seeds of an incurable consumption.
Again: The free action of the heat is prevented by tight lacing and the consequence is it labors like a dying man, but in vain—it cannot get relieved from its fetters. The blood is prevented from flowing with that freedom and ease which are essential to the well being of the system, and the violent exertions which the heart must make in order to carry on the circulation, become the cause of disease in that organ, which perhaps can never be cured. Another evil of lacing: The stomach is always included in the deadly grasp of the corset. The lower floating ribs are forced to take the place the stomach should occupy in part; the skirts are compelled to grow too narrow, the liver is also pressed too closely and the stomach is bound as with a cord.The gastric juice is partly prevented from secreting and that which is secreted is unhealthy, the ducts of the liver and pancreatic gland are prevented from performing their healthy functions and consequently the food is not taken in due quantity to nourish the system, and what is taken is not properly digested, for the want of a free and healthy action of the digestive functions. Dyspepsia is the result,—a feeble and finally a destroyed constitution. For all the powers of nature must act freely and naturally, or a sound constitution and good health can never be enjoyed.
Nothing is so fascinating to an intellectual young man as a well cultivated mind, a rosy cheek, an intellectual eye, and a corresponding expression of countenance; these you cannot have if you suppress any of the healthy functions of the system. Exercise is another essential item to promote the health of girls, and this they should be allowed to take freely. At an early age, let them run and play, jump the rope, throw the hoop, leap and skip; for free exercise gives freedom to the muscles and joints and strengthens the nerves, all of which arenecessary for the building up of a good constitution. Girls should be allowed to sleep one-third of their time or eight hours in twenty-four, and when younger—they should sleep more. The young of all the animal creation require more sleep than those that are fully grown: girls, therefore, should retire early that they may obtain sleep enough; rise early and enjoy the benefit of the morning air, which is bracing to their systems. After children are ten years old, they should not sleep more than two in a bed, and there should not be more than two beds in a room, unless the room be very large and well ventilated. Girls should rise early and air and set their rooms in order; they should use free ablution of cold water over their breasts and arms, especially as far as they are in the habit of exposing them to the air, as this will prevent their taking cold as easily as they otherwise would. The diet of children should be plain and simple, as their digestive powers are not as strong as those of grown persons. The quantity should always be proportioned to the age and strength of the child. Much mischief is done by letting children eat too much. Theyshould be allowed full time to eat and be taught to chew their victuals well. They should be taught to eat any thing that is common, so that they may appear easy at table at all times, and make their friends so likewise. Frequent bathing is of great service to youth; it invigorates the constitution and gives a fine complexion. The bath may be changed according to the season; it may be cold, tepid or salt. When the cold bath is used, either fresh or salt, the skin should be well rubbed with a coarse towel, as well before they go into the bath, as after they come out. When children are healthy liquid food is as a general rule, better for them than solid food, because it supplies more blood, and this is needed to form and build up the solids, but they should be allowed some of both.
Children should always take light suppers and light breakfasts. Their dinner should be of more substantial food and taken freely. But they should never be allowed to eat in haste, as nothing aids the powers of digestion more than the perfect mastication of food.