bowels. This is a very common disorder, arising from a variety of causes, foremost among which may be mentioned suppressed perspiration, a sudden chill or cold applied to the body, acid fruits, or any indigestible food, oily or putrid substances, deficiency of bile, increased secretion of mucus, worms, strong purgative medicines, gout or rheumatism turned inwards, etc. The symptoms are frequent and copious discharges of feculent matter, accompanied usually with griping and flatulency; there is weight and uneasiness in the lower belly, which is relieved for a time on the discharge taking place; there is nausea, often vomiting; a pale countenance, sometimes sallow; a bitter taste in the mouth, with thirst and dryness of the throat; the tongue is furred and yellow, indicating bile in the alimentary canal; the skin is dry and harsh, and if the disease is not checked, great emaciation ensues. The treatment must depend in some degree on the cause. The removal of the exciting matter, by means of an emetic, or aperient medicines, will, however, be a safe proceeding at first. If the Diarrhoea be caused by obstructed perspiration or exposure to cold, nauseating doses of Antimonial, or Ipecacuanha Wine, may be given every three or four hours, the feet put into a warm bath, and the patient be well covered up in bed. When the case is obstinate, resort may be had to the vapor bath, making a free use of diluents and demulcents. Where there is acidity of the stomach, denoted by griping pains and flatulency, take Chalk Mixture, with Aromatic Confection, and other anti-acid absorbents or alkalies, such as Carbonate of Potash, with Spirits of Ammonia, and Tincture of Opium, or some other anodyne; if from putrid or otherwise unwholesome food, the proper course, after the removal of the offending matter, is to give absorbents, in conbination with Opium, or if these fail, acid and an anodyne. The following is an efficacious formula: Diluted Sulphuric Acid, 2 drams; Tincture of Opium, a dram; water, 6 ounces: take a tablespoonful every two hours. When the fooseness proceeds from acrid or poisonous substances, warm diluent drinks should be freely administered, to keep up vomiting, previously excited by an emetic; for this purpose thin fat broth answers well; a purge of Castor Oil should also be given, and after its operation, small doses of Morphine, or some other preparation of Opium. The following prescription was used by the troops during the Mexican war with great success: Mix all together. Dose: a teaspoonful in a little water, or a half teaspoonful repeated in an hour afterward in a tablespoonful of brandy. This preparation will check Diarrhoea in ten minutes, and abate other premonitory symptoms of cholera immediately. In cases of cholera, it has been used with great success to restore reaction by outward application. When repelled, gout or rheumatism is the cause, warm fomentations, cataplasms, blisters to the extremities, and stimulant purges, such as Tincture of Rhubarb, to be followed by absorbents with anodynes. If worms are the exciting cause, their removal must be first attempted, but drastic purgatives, often given for the purpose, are dan gerous; in this case, Turpentine and Castor Oil, 1 dram of the first and 6 of the last, may be recommended. The Diarrhoea which often occurs in childhood during teething, should not be suddenly checked, nor at all, unless it prevails to a hurtful extent; if necessary to stop it, give first a dose of Mercury and Chalk, from 2 to 4 or 6 grains, according to age, and then Powder of Prepared Chalk, Cinnamon, and Rhubarb, about 2 grains of each every four hours. Diarrhoea sometimes attacks | above described, which reduce the pregnant women, and, in this case, its strength, and cause great emacin progress ought to be arrested as question." The proper treatment will be first with regard to the accompanying fever; if it be of the inflammatory kind, and the patient can bear it, there must be blood-letting, antiphlogistic medicines, and low diet; but very commonly the fever assumes a putrid character, in which case it must be ly as possible. In all cases of ness of the bowels it is best to avoid hot thin drinks, unless given for a specific purpose; the food, too, should be simple and easy of digestion; Milk, with Cinnamon boiled in it, thickened with Rice or Arrowroot, is good; vegetables, salt meat, suet puddings and pies are not; if there is much exhaus-treated as Typhus. If it becomes intertion, a little cool brandy and water may be now and then taken. When Diarrhoea is stopped, astringent tonics, with aromatics, should be given to restore the tone of the stomach. This disease may be distinguished from Dysentery by being unattended by either inflammation, fever, conta gion, or that constant inclination to go to stool without a discharge which is common in the latter disease, in which the matter voided is sanguine ous and putrid, while that in Diarrhoea is simply feculent and alimentary, DYSENTERY, Inflammation of the mucous membrane of the large intestines, causing frequent evacuations of a peculiar fustid matter, consist ing of a large proportion of mucus, generally more or less mixed with Blood, Flux, or Bloody Flux, according as the discharges are free from, or deeply tinged with, the sanguineous fluid, are common names for this disease, which some French writers term Colite, millent, tonics must be resorted to, as prescribed under that head, With inore immediate reference to the disease itself, the seat of which is the intestines, an emetic consisting of 20 grains of Ipecacuanha Powder and 1 grain of Tartarized Antimony, followed by copious drinks of warm water, should be given as soon as the vomiting ceases, a powder, composed of 1 scruple of Powdered Rhubarb and 2 grains of Calomel, or a full dose of Castor Oil, or some refrigerant catharic, such as Epsom, or Glauber's Salts, Ipecacuanha alone, in doses not sufficiently large to produce vomiting, say 5 grains, frequently given, often acts well as a cathartic in Dysen tery. After this administer emollient glysters about three times a day, with Laudanum about a dram in every third one, or glysters of Mutton-broth and Arrowroot. For drinks, which should be cold, or nearly so, give solutions of Gum Arabic, or Milk, decoc tions of Linseed, Halop, or Barley, or thin Arrowroot. If these do not stop the Flux in twenty-four hours or so, try the following mixture:-Tincture of Opium and Nitrate of Potash, of each 1 dram; Antimonial Wine 2 drams; Mint Water, to make 6 ounces; take a tablespoonful every two or'three hours. When the disense has yet more The usual symptoms are cold shiver- advanced, and the frequency of the ings and other febrile signs, There stools appears to proceed chiefly from may be at the outset unusual costive- a weakened and relaxed state of the ness, with flatulency, severe griping, bowels, tonics and astringents should and frequent inclination to go to stool: be given-Arnica Bark, Calumba, Casthen comes loss of appetite, nausea, carilla, Catechu, Logwood, Kino, Quasand vomiting, an increase of the fesia, are among the best; Lime Water brile heat, copious evacuations as is also good, and an acidulous mix The causes of the inflammatory action may be a specific contagion; great moisture in the atmosphere suc ceeded by sudden heat; putrid or otherwise unwholesome food'; noxious vapors and exhalations; ulceration of the colon, resulting in spasmodic constriction. Cold perspiration, with prostration of strength, vomiting, and purging, but not of bile in this case, but a thin, colorless, odorless fluid, like ricewater; then come the dreadful cramps, seizing on the calves of the legs, the thighs, the fingers, the toes, and all ture composed thus:-Diluted Nitrous Acid 2 drams, Laudanum dram, Water 6 ounces; take a sixth part every four hours. This also will be found efficient-Tincture of Catechu, Confection of Opium, and Aromatic Confection, of each 2 drams, Cinnamon Water, 6 ounces; take two table-muscular parts; the body is bent, spoonfuls every four hours. Where there is much debility, Brandy and Water zay be given; but neither this nor Laudanum will do for the febrile stages. Persons residing in warm climates are especially subject to Dysentery. Those who are recovering from its attacks should be careful to avoid ex-husky, the form seems to shrink and posure to cold or damp, or any sudden atmospheric changes; to be regular in their mode of living, and to go warmly clothed, as they are very liable to a recurrence of the attack. Cholera Morbus is often preceded by heartburn, a sour taste in the mouth, and flatulency; there is vomiting and purging of a decidedly bilious character; griping and distension of the stomach, cramps, and ultimately convulsions; clammy sweats, difficulty in breathing, an anxious expression of face, constant hiccough, and if relief is not quickly obtained, death. the limbs twisted, the face becomes cadaverous and corpse-like, with sharp and contracted features, sunken eyes, with a dark circle round them, blue lips, and a tongue of leaden hue; the look wild and pitiful, the breathing hurried and difficult, the voice low and dwindle visibly, the pulse, at first small and weak, becomes rapidly more so, until its feeble beatings can scarcely, if at all, be detected; a smell, like that of a charnel-house, is exhaled from the body, which loses its natural warmth, as more withered and ghastly becomes the face; and the arms and hands, wrinkled like those of a washerwoman, with livid finger-nails, fall helplessly at the side, and the weak, wailing voice sinks to a whisper in ite frequent calls for drink, to quench the intolerable thirst. To the last, there appears to be a wandering kind of consciousness, but no power to express a wish or will; there is utter indifference in that forlorn look which the sufferer occasionally casts around, and no ray of pleasant recognition lights up the eye when it rests upon familiar faces. Then comes the perfect insensibility of collapse, and soon the Lose no time in sending for medical feeble flickering light of life is quenchattendance when attacked, and informed; unless, as is sometimes the case, re-action sets in; then the pulse begins to flutter, like a bird escaping from the snare, the skin to get warm again, the dim eyes to brighten, the face to assume a more natural hue, the flaccid muscles to become more tense, the pulse is again perceptible, and it may be seen at a glance that the crisis is past, and the vital energies of the patient have rallied, and are likely to carry him through this imminent danger. Treatment.-3 drams of Spirits of Camphor; 3 drams of Laudanum; 3 drams of Oil of Turpentine; 30 drops of Oil of Peppermint. Mix, and take a teaspoonful in a glass of weak Brandy and Water for diarrhoea, and a tablespoonful in weak Brandy and Water for cholera. the doctor of what has been taken. Medical men assert, and experience shows, that this is an excellent remedy and well worth being kept on hand by every family. Asiatic or Malignant Cholera, with which we first became acquainted in this country in the autumn of 1831, is a more severe form of the disease than either of the above; it very commonly comes on without any premonitory warning whatever, and the patient is a corpse in a few hours. I With regard to the treatment of Cholera, there is much disagreement among medical men, and so rapid is the progress of the disease, that there really is little time for the operation of remedies. At times, when it is likely to be prevalent, particular attention should be paid to the state of the bowels, and the slightest tendency to looseness should at once be checked. Chalk Mixture, with a little Aromatic Confection added, taken after each loose motion; add 5 or 10 drops of Laudanum to each dose, and take milk and farinaceous diet; avoid unripe fruits, hard puddings, pastry, and any indigestible food; live temperately, but not too abstemiously, so as to weaken the system; be careful as to the purity of the water drunk, and to avoid chills, or whatever tends to lower the standard of health. If the bowels are confined, do not take saline aperients, but such as are of a warm, stimulating character, such as Rhubarb, combined with Magnesia, mixed in Cinnamon or Peppermint Water. If the more severe symptoms above described come on, obtain medical help immediately, if possible; should it not be so, use every effort to keep up the temperature of the body by hot applications, apply friction to the muscular parts most af fected with cramps; hot Bran Bags, with Turpentine sprinkled over them, are good, Mustard Poultices and strong Liniments. Let the patient gratify his intense thirst with copious draughts of cold water, in every quart of which has been dissolved 1 dram of Common Salt, the same of Chlorate of Soda, and 20 grains of Chlorate of Potash; administer every quarter of an hour, by placing it upon the tongue, a powder containing 1 grain of Calomel and 1 grain of Opium; and about every half hour a draught, with 20 drops of Sulphuric Ether, or 5 drops of Chloroform, with 10 drops of Laudanum, or Camphor Mixture. Some physicians recommend warm stimulating drinks, such as Brandy and Water, with cataplasms of Opium and Camphor, blisters to the stomach, and antispasmodic clysters. Nothing can show more clearly how little is really understood of the real nature of this terrible disease, than the diverse opinions entertained with regard to the proper remedial measures: it is indeed the pestilence that walketh in darkness, and whether contagious, as some contend, or infectious, as others, or both, as seems likely, it warns us to be prepared for the summons that may come at any moment. WORMS. There are several kinds of these troublesome parasites which infest the intestinal canals of man. Those most generally found there are the Ascarides, small Thread Worms, varying from the eighth of an inch to one and a half inches in length; they are mostly in the rectum, or last gut. The Lumbrici are long round Worms, from two or three to ten or more inches in length; they are of a yellowish-white or brownish-red color, and are usually found in the small intestines. The Taenia, or Tape-worm, occupies mostly the upper part of the intestinal tube, but is occasionally found in every part of it. There are two sorts of Taenia: one, the commonest, frequently grows to an enormous length (as much as thirty or forty feet), and generally comes away entire; the other passes off in one or more joints, which resemble pumpkin seeds. As may be expected, from the highly organized and sensitive parts which they occupy, Worms cause great constitutional derangement, resulting in all kinds of bad symptoms, more especially affecting the stomach and head; hence we have in these cases variable appetite, sometimes deficient, at others absolutely voracious; pains in the stomach, foetid breath, nausea, headache, vertigo and giddiness, irritation about the nose and anus; frequently cough and disturbed rest, and a disordered state of the bowels. In children, we have a hard and tumid belly, with slimy stools, and sometimes convulsive fits. Occasion Wy in adults, na well as children Worms give rise to epileptic fits, cause great emaciation. An excessive use of fruit and vegetables, or sugar, or any other highly nutritive substance, favors the generation of Worms, which most frequently infest those of a relaxed habit, with weak digestive organs; the greater indulgence in sweets, and too common abstinence from salt, appears to be the main reason why children are most troubled with them. Worms are more common in some countries and districts than others, and it has been noticed that they are particularly so in parts where much ilk and cheese are taken. It has been asserted that a habit of eating meat in a partially raw state will be pretty sure to produce them. Trentment. This must be of a tonic and strengthening character; such medicines as tend to invigorate the system are the best, and especially those which act upon the stomach and intestines; Salt, preparations of Iron, Sulphur, and Camphor, are those which may be principally depended on, in conjunction with an avoidance of vegetable and saccharine food. About 1 ounce of common Salt dissolved in nearly a pint of water, and taken in the morning fasting, twice a week for some little time, will generally bring away any kind of Worms, if the plan is followed out, especially if a pill containing 1 grain of Calomel and 3 of Extract of Colycinth, be taken at bedtime the previous night. At the same time should be taken a strengthening mixture, composed of Sulphate of Iron, 12 grains; Infusion of Quassia, 12 ounces; Tincture of Ginger, 2 drams. Dose, two tablespoonfuls twice a day. Or else, Sulphate of Iron and Quinine, each 12 grains; dilute Sulphuric Acid, 24 minims; Cinnamon Water, 12 ounces: dose as above. remedy for this kind of worm: the mode of administration is to boil 2 ounces of the bruised bark in 11 pints of water down to a pint, the whole of which is to be taken in the course of the morning, fasting, in four draughts, with intervals of half an hour between each. Should this not be effectual the first day, it may be repeated two, three, or even four times. Another remedy is the Oil of Male Fern. Rue, Tansy, Tin Filings, Tobacco, and a variety of other substances, have likewise been recommended, but those mentioned appear to be the most efficacious. For the species called Lumbrici, the bursting pods of the Couchage are no doubt useful; and for the small white Thread Worm, so frequently infesting the last gut of children, about pint of Limewater should be injected once a day, and an active aperient pill, or powder, or a dose of Castor Oil, be given once a week. Should this not effect the desired object, inject a solution of Salt in Water, or a strong decoction of worm seed. Although Salt is recommended as a remedy for Worms, yet salt meat is not good for persons so troubled: plenty of it should be eaten with fresh animal food, and the few vegetables that may be taken; but it is better to avoid these altogether for a time, as well as fruit, and live chiefly upon bread and farinaceous puddings. Diseases of the Kidney, or renal diseases, as they are sometimes called, are generally difficult of treatment; the most common are those which result in the formation of calculi, or stone, which is sometimes retained in the pelvis, where, by constant deposition, it increases so as to completely fill that, and the calices which open into it, For Tape-worm, Castor Oil and causing a stoppage in the flow of the Spirits of Turpentine is often given; secretion, and a most dangerous state about an ounce of the latter, and 2 of constitutional derangement. Gendrams of the former, is the dose. It erally, however, the stone passes should be taken fasting, and may be through the ureter into the bladder, repeated two or three times, at inter-producing in its passage violent spasvals of two or three days or so. Pome- modic pains in the loins, with nausea, granate Bark is a very old and useful and generally hæmorrhage, etc. With |