CYCLOPAEDIA

709 PEARS' and high temperature, followed by inences rieors denoting great prostration of the pletely nfrspirations. A succe ion of these symptoms, together important Individual. with their temporary abeyance, is quite characteristic diagnose anil C Pwosis!' or Water-brash, is always due to indiculation FestJon is muctadonsofa*disagreeable a most and disagreeable is trcquently symptom, a ociated wa tery and fluid with is recognized heart-burn. by It has exertion, lienee, the as^iatmeal boiled bestmedtciiim mouth meat in I n gives any form, many agent rise people in to broths, the this certain circumstances form soups, of articles stewed dyspepsia. of is meat, dit bismuth, t, sudj 1 and he the slight the rendered m gSms of wIucI, may be taken half-au-hour before external Yet, i0&$2££T ^principal alkaloid which Is obof tamed tamed from irom cinchona e es most bark, commonly excellent properties called Peruvian as an health, respirations in antidote an debility anti-pyretic for ague, It in also certain as has a curative valuable forms of agent medicinal fever, in and neuralgia, properties as a tome as arc within by when applied locally, as in eczema, psoriasis, pityriasis, he dose of quinine varies the and very other much skin according affections. to circumstances—in 1 ague it is mouth sometimes given up to 35 [grains, but as a rule one or as two grains every hour or two is quite[Sufficient to applied was produce the desired medicinal effects of this substance. When quinine is taken for any length of time it gives for ear. rise which to peculiar may actually singing develop or rushing into complete noises within deafne the disease. ing for the time being. This is called cmchomsm. Quinine inhalation also this, gestion in however, many of the instances mucous is only acts membrane the as an case irritant exists. when to the chrome stomach coils i on to sumptive Quinsy, or Tonsilitis which has gone on to sup pur a certain tion po ibly is one attack of the the throat. most painful It is closely affections a ociated that with can is be rheumatism, and. as a rule, only develops in rheumatic soothing subjects. The author has found it frequently to precede belladonna, an attack of rheumatic fever. When the inflammation of quinsy has proceeded to a certain extent, it is liable nerve to give rise to an absce within the tonsil, which is is accompanied by considerable fever and excruciating this pain, especially when any attempt is being made to ternal swallow. Quinsy rarely attacks an individual who is in of good health, but, as a rule, is indicative of a lowered the state of the general system, which is accompanied by tint constipation, a highly acid condition of the urine, and organ a rheumatic condition of the blood. When tonsilitis amaurosis appears it is well to.suspect that quinsy may be in the may background, and with a view to prevent its occurrence occurring the following mixture should always be in readine , its and should be taken every two hours when the least membrane indication of inflammation of the tonsils is present Chlorate of potash and ounces—mix, salicine, of each 2^ drachms two guaiacum mixture, 6 and take a de ert direct spoonful every two hours. blood, Quotidian is the term applied to agues whose a ociated paroxysms occur every 24 hours. (See AGUE.) type. Radius is the bone of the fore-arm upon which disease the hand is articulated at the wrist-joint, and is so called even because of its power of revolving round on the ulna. this Rash, is that term which is applied to the dis attention colouration of the skin, or eruptions which occur in is certain diseases, such as scarlet fever, measles, fliettleby rash, erythema, etc. Small-pox and chicken-pox, on ably the other hand, develop vesicles which are termed the the eruption of these diseases. of Regimen is one of the most important adjuncts to thickly medicine in the treatment of every disease. In dysleast pepsia especially nothing conduces so much to the quently welfare of the patient as strict attention to regimen. which sidered—articles In such circumstances the diet must be carefully con only of certain descriptions being promatic hibited, while those of a more digestible character which should constitute the food of the patient. Regimen, Acute however, goes very much bevon the region of robbed The 1 dietetics. daily routine of the patient requires to This be modified in such a way as shall be most beneficial to constipation him in his endeavour to obtain restoration to health. development (See INDIGESTION, GYMNASTICS, DIET, HYGIENE, that etc.)Respiration influence is the term which is applied to the salicine whole proce of breathing, from the time the air coming 710 which takes place within the blood. Chronic rheumatism, although not so exce ively painful, and not productive of the feverish symptoms which the acute variety gives rise to, is a disease which entails much suffering and distre . Both of these varieties may be very much relieved by applying to the parts agents that have a soothing effect upon the nerves surrounding the affected areas. Amongst these agents may be mentioned—carbolic acid in solution, menthol, chloroform, belladonna, opium, etc. In every instance, however, the chief object of those who are in attendance upon the patient should be, to ensure the daily and free evacuation of the bowels, to regulate the diet so as to promote digestion to its fullest extent, and to keep the patient clothed in flannel. Salicine may be given according to age, in from 5 to 20-grain closes every two hours, in the acute form of the disease, and it will also be found beneficial in the chronic variety. If the disease attacks the throat and quinsy is threatening, the following mixture will generally prove most efficacious in arresting its progre Salicine and chlorate of ounces—to potash, of each 2£ drachms; mixture of guaiacuin, 6 be mixed, and a de ert-spoonlul taken every two hours. It should always be remembered that rheumatism may attack portions of the human body which may appear to be unlikely places for it to locate itself, such as the eye, the mucous membranes, the ovaries, etc. People affected in this manner are generally exceedingly susceptible to the influences of cold, and from this fact alone a rheumatic condition of the system may be recognized. Thickening of the joints is frequently the result of a rheumatic state of the system, and what is often designated as rheumatic gout is neither more or le than chronic rheumatism. At the same time we must not over loci: the fact that gout is very closely related to A rheumatism, and is simply a phase of this disease. chronic congested condition of the throat is almost always of rheumatic origin, and it will be found that people suffering from this painful affection will procure great relief by taking salicine, or the salicine and guaiacuin mixture which is mentioned above. It is a well-known fact that individuals of a rheumatic temperament are very sensitive to changes of temperature and climate therefore, a dry, equable climate is to be preferred for; those who suffer trom this disease. Many medicinal springs have been found most useful in the treatment of this disease, and in consequence of their curative properties have become historical as health resorts. Amongst the most famous are those of Aix-les-Bains on the continent, Bath and Buxton in this country. Rhubarb as a medicine is obtained trom the root of the ordinary rhubarb. The climate, however, in which it grows seems to exert a considerable influence upon its medicinal properties, Turkey rhubarb being the best in the market. The great portion of the rhubarb, however, employed in medicine is grown in India and Chinese Tartary. It is a medicine of very great value, combining not only purgative fand antibilious, but tonic properties as well. When of good quality, its odour, though feeble, is anything but agreeable, and its colour should be of a bright yellow. There are few medicines which are more extensively employed than rhubarb, and few po e greater value or are safer remedies. Its peculiar characteristics are those of a mild but effectual aperient. It does not gripe it is a tonic and after its action it is a slight astringent.; It is taken; largely in the form of ‘Gregory's mixture,’ where its tonic effects combined with the carminative effects of the ginger contained, and the ant-acid and purgative effects of the magnesia, render it most useful m cases of constipation a ociated with acidity or indigestion in any form. It also enters largely into the compound rhubarb pill, and is also prescribed as the tincture, and for children there is a sweet e ence prepared which is not only easy to take, but very efficient in its action. There is no doubt that rhubarb has a slight stimulating effect upon the action of the liver hence, it is frequently combined with grey powder; in the treatment of bilious disorders. The ordinary dose for an adult is from 20 to 30 grains, while for a child one year old 5 grains may be gpven with perfect safety. When rhubarb is mixed with sherry wine ojr brandy it js deprived to 3 large extent of it? nauseous taste, or a few drops of eau de Cologne chloric ether, or spirits of nitre, may be added with a view Ribs to take away the characteristic taste of the drug are the bones which form the arch of the thorax in front, which has its foundation upon the vertebral column, and encloses the organs of the chest and those of the upper part of the abdomen. They are twelve in number on each side. The upper seven are directly connected with the breast bone, or ‘sternum * by means of cart i jag i no us attachments. These are called the * true ’ ribs. The remaining five have no direct connection with anything but the vertebral column, ribs. *1 he and cartilages they are connecting named the the ‘ floating true ribs ’ or with * false the ’ breast bone, together with the mobility of the ribs themselves, enable the chest to expand and contract in the proce of respiration. The ribs are liable to fracture lroin direct violence, and this frequently gives rise to very alarming symptoms, especially if the rib perforates the lungs, when haemorrhage may take place from the lung substance, and empnysema result in the ti ues external to the chest, in consequence of the air finding exit through the ruptured lung into the cellular ti ue of the body. Fracture of the rib is always accompanied by severe pain in the immediate neighbourhood of the injury. It, however, is a lesion which generally can be repaired without much trouble. Rickets is a disease in which the bones are deficient in the lime salts which enter so largely into their composition, and hence they lose the hardne which is e ential to their healthy condition. In consequence of this, they are liable to become malformed and bent in various directions, according to the weight which is brought to bear upon them. Rickets, as a rule, are entirely due to want of proper nourishment. It has been erroneously attributed to a deficiency of lime in the water of certain localities, but this is a great mistake, as nature has provided for a sufficiency ofilime being present in every healthy article of diet. It is, therefore, a matter beyond dispute that rickets invariably result from children being fed upon sloppy and unnatural articles of diet; in short, rickets resolves itself into a species of starvation. Where rickety children exist it will always be found that there is improvidence on the part of the parents. They are usually di ipated, and care le for their children than they ao for their own individual comforts, luxuries, and exce es. It is quite a mistake to suppose for a moment that rickets is a natural disease, and that A it can be cured by the administration of medicine. wholesome regimen must be adopted, or certainly the disease will develop into the usual outcome, viz., tuberculosis. Rickets are characterized by deformities of the limbs, of the pelvis, of the spine, and of the ribs, and, in many instances, of the bones of the skull. The best medical remedy, combined with wholesome nourishment, is the muriate of calcium, along with the syrup of the hypophosphites. Rigor is that condition of „ the,. body, which,... although.., a ociated invariably with a very high temperature, gives the impre ion to the individual that he is. intensely cold. It is invariably accompanied by shivering It is usually the precursor of some feverish condition resulting from a contamination of the blood such inflammations. as is experienced It may, at however, the onset also of result acute from fevers some and nervous irritation, when, of course, its import is not so great as if it was due to some septic influence acting upon Ring-Worm the blood. is due to the presence of _ a r fungus which locates itself within the hair follicles of the skin, and by the development of its progeny there spreads sometimes over a considerable area. It rarely attacks the hair of adults, but in children, it frequently produces most disastrous results, and is a disease centre—hence always difficult of eradication. It radiates from a the origin of its narr. j—and in its progre it destroys the hair, or rather it destroys the power of the hair bulbs to develop new hair. The proper method to treat it, if recognized in its very earliest stage, is to apply some powerful parasiticide, such as acetic acid, carbolic acid m solution, or strong mercurial ointment. Before applying any of these substances, however, it is nece ary to wash away from the surface which is invaded all greasy PEARS’ CYCLOPAEDIA. 711 matter, by means of carbolic soap. Another remedy expedient which has been advocated for this affection is turpenproper tine, frequently applied to the part. When the disease suffers attacks the beard, whiskers, or moustache of an adult, the it is then very much more difficult to eradicate, and in these circumstances it is absolutely nece ary that action, every hair be pulled out by the root, and an ointment, inability composed of one part of oleate of mercury ointment, It one part of the oleate of zinc ointment to which has of lieen added one-eighth part of aristol, be applied. with, This ointment should be well rubbed into the affected rheumatic part night and morning, and continued for a consider development able period after all traces of the disease appear to events have disappeared. At the same time the health of the with individual should be strengthened by the admin i str a are tion of cod-liver oil, together with an abundance of most nourishment. There can be little doubt, although it so has not been tried on a very large scale, that the and application of pure chloroform repeated at frequent symptoms intervals, would have a most beneficial effect upon this of disease. The author, however, has found that it has muscles proved very efficacious in this loathsome affection. the Rupture, or Hernia, is the protrusion of one or erratic other portion of the bowel, or of any of the contents of is the abdominal cavity. This protrusion usually takes with place in the groin, when it is called an ‘ inguinal hernia,’ and although it may also pa through at a lower level than mouth, this, when it is termed a * femoral hernia,' the distinctive by names being given to the rupture which pa es through asking the inguinal or femoral rings. Hernias not unfrequently any take place at the umbilicus, or navel. These are most his frequently met with in females who have borne chilbeen dren, and are called umbilical hernias. In infants a St. slight protrusion frequently takes place at the navel, like but this, as a rule, is easily put right by a properly constipated applied bandage. Hernias are said to be congenital or of acquired. When a child is bom with a hernia it is the most desirable that a properly fitting tru should be affection immediately procured and worn constantly, so as to in prevent the bowel coming down. I f proper precautions point Be taken in this respect the probabilities are that the observe swelling will soon disappear, at least within the course the of two or three years, and not be liable to return unle salicine the parts are subjected to some severe strain. When a soothe rupture is acquired it is generally due to some powerful from muscular strain which has forced the bowel down the through the apertures or rings before mentioned. I f the valerian ate rupture has been pioduced in this way it must be say, reduced with as little delay as po ible, and afterwards of a tru worn to prevent its recurrence. When a rupture and is due to this cause it is not so likely to be recovered from entirely, and it will be a nece ity for the patient tree to wear a tru ever afterwards. There are surgical marshy means, however, which may be adopted for the cure of there hernia, and as these operations involve little risk they appear are to be recommended, as the comfort of the patient disease is so much increased and his peace of mind a ured antidote when there is no dread of the rupture returning. When neighbourhood. the rupture comes down, and cannot be returned again forming to the bowel by the individual himself, medical aid which should at once be called in, and every expedient is resorted to with a view to get the bowel replaced in especially the abdomen. Otherwise, it is liable to become not strangulated, and when this occurs it becomes most acute painful from the inflammation which nece arily is set within up, and may even prove fatal if operative measures are or not immediately resorted to for its reduction. If the suffering, medical man fails by the proce of what is called should taxis’ in getting the hernia reduced, then it will be matism nece ary to supplement this by the administration of in chloroform with a view to relax the parts thoroughly. ever The employment of an anaesthetic in these cir cum combined stances is always attended with very great benefit, and There cnerally enables the surgeon to reduce the swelling. employed? f this fails, then the sac in which the bowel is con salicylic tained, and which is composed of peritoneum, will is require to be exposed, and the neck ot the sac divided, have so as to permit the bowel being replaced within the There abdominal cavity. If this is not done with sufficient acts promptitude gangrene of the bowel will certainly result, act, when, of course, it will be almost impo ible afterwards by to avert a fatal i ue. When a tru is worn for the relief of a hernia the greatest care must be taken in its the selection and proper fit, and it is always safe and mouth, to get the opinion of a medical man as to the kind of tru to purchase. Everyone who from hernia should be particularly careful about daily evacuation Dance of his bowels. St. Vitus's is a peculiar involuntary or perhaps it would be more correct to say an to direct the action of the voluntary muscles. is a disease purely confined to the nervous apparatus the body, and is very closely allied to, if not identical rheumatism. It probably is entirely due to a condition of the blood and a tendency to the of this disease in the system. It is at all a curious fact that chorea is closely a ociated many of the symptoms and consequences which peculiar to rheumatism. It is a disease for the part confined to young persons, but may become chronic in these as to last beyond the age of puberty even beyond that of manhood. The most marked in this disease are the involuntary movements what ought to be voluntary muscles—that is to say, which, as a rule, are under the control of will, refuse to act as the will directs, but make most excursions in their endeavour to Jperfprm what required of them. It is a disease which is a ociated a cons i dor able amount of twitching about the face neck, and especially about the muscles of the the most extraordinary grimaces being made those suffering from St. Vitus’s dance, while on a child affected in this way to clutch or grasp object his will seems to lose the power of directing hand to do what he wishes. Many things have blamed for the development of the symptoms of Vitus’s dance. The probability, however, is that it, all other rheumatic affections, takes its origin in a state of the bowels, thereafter an acid state the blood, and consequently a poisoned condition of nervous apparatus, which culminates in a rheumatic of the whole system. The nervous apparatus these circumstances is first affected. The great therefore in the treatment of this disease is to strict regularity of the bowels, to counteract rheumatic condition of the blood by means of or salicylate of soda, and at the same time the nervous symptoms (which naturally arise the vitiated condition of the blood acting upon nerves which have become erratic) by means of of zinc combined with extract of conium for a child of ten years old, i£ grains of valerian ate zinc, and i grain extract of conium, made into a pill given three times a day. Salicine is obtained from the bark of the willow and from the fact that the willow grows in damp,; districts, and rheumatism is prevalent wherever is dampne and humidity of the soil, it would that nature has so arranged that wherever is developed by certain circumstances its is at the same time provided in the immediate Salicine is a peculiar bitter substance in crystals very like the other alkaloids with we are so well acquainted, such as quinine. It not only a remedy, but a specific for rheumatism, that of the acute character but it matters what the nature of the rheumatism; whether be is, it or chronic, whether it be due to some deposit the joints or inflammatory affection of the tonsils, chorea in short, if rheumatism is the cause of the salicine; will invariably be the medicine that be prescribed. Many a case of acute rheuhas been cut short by the action of salicine, and the author's experience no case of tonsilitis need progre to the stage of suppuration if salicine, with guaiacum. be properly administered. are other preparations of salicine which are also for similar purposes, viz., salicylate of soda, acid, and salicylate of various bases which it quite unnece ary to enumerate. All, however, [peculiar antidotal properties over rheumatism. can be little doubt that this Important medicine very much in the same way as other antipyretics viz., by destroying the poison which is generated the fever producing the attack. Saliva is the secretion of the glands surrounding gums, which have their exit In the cavity of the and are stimulated by the act of chewing, and PEARS’ CYCLOPAEDIA. 712 especially the chewing of savoury foods. It is entirely due to the action of the saliva that starch, or farinaceous matter, is digested. Starch, by the action of the saliva, is transformed into glucose, and thereby becomes fit to be acted upon by the biliary and pancreatic secretions, and then transformed into chyle. Gastric juice, however, on the other hand, has no effect upon starch, so that in the partaking of starchy food it is e ential that these be thoroughly masticated and mixed with the saliva before pa ing into the stomach. It is a wonderful fact that the very idea of partaking of food often sets the salivary glands into action, and we frequently find that even the odour of cooking is sufficient to excite the appetite and operate on these glands. Thus, we hear.ot one's mouth watering, or one’s teeth watering, when odours are experienced. It is quite unnece ary for one in a work of this kind to enter into the various chemical constituents of this most interesting fluid suffice it to say, that its acting principle is clue to the; presence of pty a line, which has the power of acting upon diastase and starch, and transforming these into glucose or saccharine matter. Saliva may therefore be considered to be one of the digestive juices, as without its aid a great many distre ing symptoms, such as acidity, flatulence, distension, and inconvenience would be experienced. Salivation is the exce ive secretion of saliva, and may be due to mercurial poisoning, the administration of iodide of pota ium in exce , or to a diseased condition of the nerves regulating the action of the salivary glands. Some people have a peculiar faculty of secreting saliva to a degree which can neither be pleasant to themselves nor agreeable to those in their company. Salol is a coal-tar product employed in the treatment of rheumatism. It has been employed in solution as a lotion, and when it is applied round inflamed and rheumatic joints is said to be of considerable sendee. Its benefits are most powerfully and permanently demonstrated, however, when it is partaken of by the mouth, the dose being from 5 to 15 grains every two hours in cases of rheumatism or feverish attacks. This substance, however, neither po e es nor does it deserve the reputation which has been obtained by salicine, its compounds and phenacetine. Sal-Prunell is a purified form of saltpetre, which is generally sold in the form of marbles. It is an old but exploded remedy for the treatment of sore throat, but no doubt it has had its day, and has proved of service in these circumstances. Salt is applied to everything which is soluble in water, and has an elementary body, such as potash, soda, lime, or magnesia for its base. It is usually applied, however, to the salt which is employed for domestic purposes, although it must be understood that it is not because of this term that the general cognomen has been adopted. Salines and salts are identical as far as chemical composition goes. In this paragraph, however, the term must be confined to that of the chloride of sodium, which is the salt that is employed for domestic purposes. It is composed of eaual portions of chlorine and sodium, and is contained in large quantities in various springs, in mines, and, as is well known, in sea-water. Without it, it would be impo ible for the stomach to secrete the various juices which are e ential to digestion. Chlorine, for instance, enters largely into the composition of gastric juice, and without common salt it would be very difficult to procure chlorine. Salt, as is well known, has many properties beyond its uses as a digestive agent. It has wonderful antiseptic and, in consequence, preserving powers, which before the knowledge of antiseptics was so perfect as it is at present, were made available for, anci utilized to a very large extent in, the preservation of animal food. Salt Of Tartar is an old name which was applied to the impure carbonate of potash. It was largely employed for cleaning purposes, especially where it was desirable to remove grease, paint, and stains of any kind. Saltpetre has been described under the article of Nitrate of Potash and Sal-Prunelle. Sal-Volatile is the aromatic spirits of ammonia, and is both a stimulant and an antiseptic, and is espe-