Ledgend of Medicine

ACONITUM NEPALLUS
   ...ing sensation of aconite. The alkaloid itself must never be tasted, and the solution only when extremely diluted, and then with the greatest of caution. Aconitine is soluble in alcohol, ether, and ben......tible cases vesicular or pustular eruptions take place, or intense cutaneous itching. Both are extremely irritating to the nasal and ocular membranes, and when inhaled may give rise to a peculiar loca...... results. Toxicology.—In poisonous amounts the symptoms given are exaggerated and the effects extremely rapid. Tingling and numbness increase and are felt all over the body, the thrilling and creepin...²

ACTÆA ALBA.
   The rhizome and rootlets of Actaea alba, Bigelow (Nat. Ord. Ranunculaceae). A perennial of the United States east of the Mississippi, abounding in... / ...�Atony dependent upon nervous derangements from reproductive disturbances, with headache, insomnia, melancholia, and convulsive tendencies; extreme sensitiveness of the ovarian region; “pinkish hue o... / ...arising from derangement of the reproductive organs. Like cimicifuga it is useful in atonic indigestion of the nervous dyspepsia type. ²

AGARICUS (Amanita muscaria)
   The fungus Amanita muscaria, Persoon; (Agaricus muscarius, Linné.) (Nat. Ord. Fungi.) An extremely poisonous fungus found in the pine forests of... / The fungus Amanita muscaria, Persoon; (Agaricus muscarius, Linné.) (Nat. Ord. Fungi.) An extremely poisonous fungus found in the pine forests of Europe. Common Name: Fly Agaric. Principal Consti... / ...by Eclectic practitioners. Muscarine is used in atropine and belladonna poisoning, sometimes being employed in place of eserine (physostigmine). ²

AGRIMONIA EUPATORIA
   The whole plant of Agrimonia Eupatoria, Linné (Nat. Ord. Rosaceae). A common perennial in the United States, Canada, Europe, and Asia. Dose, 5 to... / ... from kidneys and hips to the umbilicus; atony or irritation of the urinary tract, with muddy, ill-smelling urine. Action and Therapy.—A mild tonic and astringent, indicated as abovementioned, and of... / ...it to give relief in abdominal pain due to faulty intestinal digestion. Dribbling of urine in old persons is said to be relieved by agrimony. ²

ALOE^ALOE
   The dried juice of the leaves of several species of Aloe: (1) Aloe Perryi, Baker; (2) Aloe vera, Linné; (3) Aloe ferox, Miller. (Nat. Ord.... / .... When a purgative is needed for bowel impaction in the insane—particularly in hypochondriasis and melancholia—aloes is probably the best that can be given. The improvement in the mental state often...²

APOCYNUM CANNABINUM
   The root of Apocynum cannabinum, Linné (Nat. Ord. Apocynaceae) gathered in autumn after the leaves and fruit have matured. Grows throughout the... / ...s and to put into action that portion of sound tissue that remains. The most we can hope for is an amelioration of the symptoms, and a notable decrease of the watery accumulation may be looked for. Un...²

ASAFOETIDA (Ferula fetida)
   A gum-resin derived from the rhizome and rootlets of Ferula Asafetida, Linné; Ferula foetida, Regel, and other species of Ferula (Nat. Ord.... / ...tulent colic of children and flatus due to intestinal indigestion of old persons, asafetida is extremely satisfactory. Tympanites occurring during fevers is often relieved by it, for its carminative i... / ...or tardy or imperfect menstruation. Asafetida is contraindicated by inflammation. It may be given in emulsion, tincture, or pill or capsule. ²

AVENA SATIVA
   The unripe seed of the Avena sativa, Linné, and the farina derived from the ripened seed (Nat. Ord. Graminaceae). Probably indigenous to Sicily... / ...be about the consistence of milk. Oatmeal gruel, when not otherwise contraindicated, as in diabetes mellitus or amylaceous indigestion, is an excellent and easily digested food in convalescence from e... / ...off the habit has not been sustained. In our own experience we have utterly failed to accomplish any good with it in any form of drug habit. ²

BELLADONNA (Atropa belladonna)^ATROP
   The (1) dried root and the (2) dried leaves and tops of Atropa Belladonna, Linné (Nat. Ord. Solanaceae). Europe and Central Asia; also... / ...d the ocular disturbance it is likely to occasion. Ointment of belladonna and the liniment are extremely useful in local inflammations and swellings, having a wide range of efficiency. Thus they may b...²

CACTUS (Selenicereus spp.)
   The fresh, green stems and the flowers of Selenicereus grandiflorus (L.) Britt. & Rose (and other Selenicereus species—MM) (Cereus grandiflorus,... / ... noises, and a disposition to be sad or to imagine evil, are among its many nervous manifestations. Melancholia often follows such action. It is contended by many that the mental, cerebral, gastric, a... / ...organ were held with a strong band, it is often the most prompt of all cardiac remedies. It is a good remedy in the heart troubles produced by to²

CARYOPHYLLUS
   The unexpanded flowers (dried flower-buds) of Eugenia aromatica (Linné), O Kuntze. (Jambosa Caryophyllus (Sprengel) Niedenzu). (Nat. Ord.... / ...similarly. It excites the salivary secretions and stimulates digestion by impressing the nerves of smell and taste, dilating the gastric vessels, provoking the flow of gastric juice, and inducing incr... / ...oil of clove frequently relieves it. Eugenol. Derived from oil of clove and other sources may be given in doses of 1 to 3 minims.²

CASCARA SAGRADA
   The dried bark of Rhamnus Purshiana, De Candolle (Nat. Ord. Rhamnaceae). A shrub of Northern Idaho and the Pacific coast. Dose, 5 to 30... / ...bark are desirable; the fresh bark is emetic and otherwise disturbing. The taste of cascara is extremely bitter. This may be modified to a large degree by the addition of fluidextract of licorice and ... / ...Dose: One half to one teaspoonful at bedtime. If a more profound action is desired a half drachm of Specific Medicine Podophyllum may be added.²

CERA ALBA
   Yellow wax bleached by exposure to air, light, and moisture. (See Cera Flava.) Common Name: White Wax. Description.—A yellowish-white solid,... / ... Cerate). (White Wax 3, Benzoinated Lard 7.) CERA FLAVA. A peculiar concrete substance prepared by melting and purifying the honey-comb of the Apis mellifera, Linné, or Common Honey Bee. Common Name... / ...and yellow wax are principally employed in the making of ointments, cerates, and plasters, to impart to them proper consistence and tenacity.²

CHELIDONIUM
   The whole plant of Chelidonium majus, Linné (Nat. Ord. Papaveraceae). Europe naturalized in waste places in the United States. Dose, 1 to 60... / ...nsive or throbbing pain in the right hypochondrium, with dull pain radiating to the right shoulder; melancholia, headache and stomach disorders depending upon imperfect hepatic function. Action and Th... / ...they are proportionately relieved by the action of chelidonium upon the latter. The greatest drawback to chelidonium is its horribly nasty taste.²

CHIONANTHUS
   The bark of the root of Chionanthus virginicus, Linné. (Nat. Ord. Oleaceae.) United States from Pennsylvania southward. Dose, 5 to 30... / ...t upon the functions of the pancreas, it is probably of little value in that worst form of diabetes mellitus in which the cells of Langerhans are destroyed. It should be given renewed study in the gly... / ...never reach the true diabetic state. There is good reason to believe that the prolonged use of chionanthus will be of much benefit in such cases.²

BAEL FRUIT
   The fruit of AEGLE MARMELOs, Corr. Astringent. Useful in diarrhea.³

GLYCERlN
   A dense fluid remarkable for its strong aflinity for moisture. It is hence of great use as a local depletant, especially to mucous membranes. It is thus applied to the cervix uteri to relieve conges tion and on a similar principle is used in the form of suppositories to cause the bowels to move. In diabetes mellitus, it is sometimes used in place of sugar as a sweetening agent in articles of food.³

JAMBUL
   The seeds of EUGENIA JAMBOLANA, Lam. Astringent, antizymotic; a remedy of great value in some forms of diabetes mellitus, greatly diminishing the excretion of sugar.³

KOUSSO (Cusso, Brayera)
   The female inflorescence of HAGENIA ABYSSINICA, (Bruce) Gmel. Anthclminlic, tenicide, cathartic. The remedy (for tapeworm) should be taken in the morning, fasting, a cathartic having been given the previous evening. A synthetic antipyretic, closely resembling in its properties and uses Phenacetin, q. v.³

LEMON BALM (Melissa)
   The leaves and tops of MELISSA OFFICINALIS, Lin. In hot in fusion, diaphoretic and emmenagogue.³

MALE FERN (Aspidium)^DRFI2
   The rhizome of DRYOPTERIS FILIX-MAS, (L.) Schott. An efficient remedy for tapeworm. The oleoresin is the best preparation. The dose should be taken in the morning fasting, followed in two hours by a calomel purge, not by castor oil.³

SANTONIN
   Neutral principle obtained from ARTEMISIA PAUCIFLORA, Weber. Anthelmintic. A favorite remedy for lumbricoid worms, most com monly exhibited in the form of lozcnges. Dose for adult, 0.06 to 0.12 Grm. (1 to 2 grs.). The dose should be followed within six hours with 0.15 or 0.2 Grm. (2 or 3 grs.) of calomel. and two hours later with a saline cathartic, to produce the best effects. Often, however. the calomel is given with the santonin at bed-time, and a seidlitz powder or other cathartic given th³

SODIUM BICARBONATE (Baking Soda)
   Antacid, much used to correct acidity of the stomach and in treatment of rheumatism and lithiasis; is often of benefit in glycosuria. Locally applied it gives relief in burns and scalds and in acute articular rheumatism. Often advantageously combined with sodium chloride t‘o relieve distress in dyspepsia. Aids notably the action of calomel as a cholagogue. Dose as antacid, 0.60 to 2.0 Grm. (10 to 30 grs.).³

THYROID GLAND
   The desiccated gland or an extract from it is used with remark able effects in myxedema. cretinism, scleroderma and excessive obesity and is also said to have given good results in acute mania, melancholia, puerperal and climacteric insanity and other condi tions of mental derangement. Dose of the dried gland (Thyroideum Siccum, B. P.), 0.2 to 0.6 Grm. (3 to 10 grs.).³

WATERMELON^CITRU
   The seeds of CITRULLUS VULGARIS, Schrad. Demulcent, diuretic, refrigerant. May be used where other diuretics might be too stimulating³

BILIOUSNESS
   When “bilious” attack is threatened give mercurous iodide, 1 gr. or calomel 2 to 5 grs. (or % gr. every 15 minutes till six doses... / When “bilious” attack is threatened give mercurous iodide, 1 gr. or calomel 2 to 5 grs. (or % gr. every 15 minutes till six doses are taken), followed in four hours by a saline (effervescing granules mag nesia citrated). O... / ...insist on regular open air exercise, advising especially horseback riding.³

CHOLERA, ASIATIC
   As prophylactic measures, avoid all uncooked foods, especiaHy water that has not been boiled;... / ...the pint. To relieve pain, chlorodyne; morphine only in urgent cases. An old plan of treatment which was very successful was with heroic doses of calomel. In stage of collapse stimulants and hot baths or hot water bed; strychnine and atropine hypodermatically; subcutaneous injection of normal salt s...³

CHOLERA INFANTUM
   Withheld milk, substituting the juice of raw beef. , If irritant un digested food is present, give castor oil (aromatic); if stools are wa tery and colorless, give podophy1lin(1-20 gr. repeated in 2 hours), to change character of stools, then give astringents and carminatives. If vomiting is severe the best remedy is calomel in small repeated doses. Irrigation of the bowels with water at 100° F. is often useful. Apply a mild mustard or spice poultice over the bowels.³

CHOLERA MORBUS
   Apply hot mustard poultice over abdomen. Calomel may be given in the outset or castor oil to free bowel of irritant matter. Give aromatic sulphuric acid with carminatives and intestinal antisep tics. Large rectal injections of water as hot as can be borne often give prompt relief.³

DIABETES MELLITUS
   Exclude sugar and starch as far as possible from the diet, but do not starve the patient. The remedies most likely to be useful are; Solution Gold and Arsenic Bromide, Fl. Ext. J ambul seed, morphine o_r codeine (particularly Tablets of Codeine without sugar); in gouty cases, colchicine, iodides, lithium salts, and arsenic; in rheumatic cases, salicylic acid, salicylates, potassium iodide. Other remedies are methylene blue (2 to 5 grs. three times a day), uranium nitrate (2 grs. increased gradua...³

DIARRHEA
   See also Cholera Infantum, Cholera Morbus and Dysentery. Simple Atonic Diarrhea is best treated... / ...ture and similar formulas given under Astringents, Intestinal in Part II. Many cases of diarrhea are best treated in the outset with a mer urial (calomel, mercurous iodide or blue mass) to be followed by remedies such as the foregoing. Often intestinal antiseptics are more useful than astringents, e... / ...over abdomen. bismuth. silver nitrate, alum waters; intestinal antiseptics are often indicated.³

DYSENTERY
   The most useful remedies in acute cases are; magnesium sul phate (drachm doses of a saturated solution, with aromatic sulphuric acid); calomel in full cathartic dose; ipecac in large doses, combimxi with opium to restrain vomiting; ergot for its antihemorrhagic action. Irrigation of the bowel with mercuric chloride (l;5000) or silver nitrate (12500) or zinc sulphocarbolate (l;l000) is useful in chronic cases.³

ENDOCARDITIS
   In the early stage, control heart’s action with aconite or veratrum viride; calomel and opium or morphine; leeches or ice bag over pre cordium. Later sustain heart’s action with digitalis. If of rheuma tic or syphilitic origin adopt appropriate general treatment. In cases of acute articular rheumatism, watch for indications of cardiac inflammation and meet symptoms promptly.³

HEPATITIS
   In Acute Hepatitis, employ the usual remedies for inflammation; aconite, calomel followed by seidlitz powder, potassium citrate, spirit nitrous ether; small blister over liver; Glyceroplasma; food must be simple and easily digested (or predigested). If abscess forms, evacuate by aspiration. - In the Chronic Hepatitis of hot climates, nitromuriatic acid in ternally and locally applied is the most approved remedy; potassium iodide, ammonium chloride.³

INFLUENZA
   The remedies most prescribed in the early stage are; aconlte and potassium citrate to control... / ...e febrile symptoms; phenacetin or acetanilid, often combined with salol, for their analgesic action; quinine salicylate, aspirin, salicylic acid; calomel followed by a saline purge. The bronchitis must be treated in the usual manner, avoid ing depressing agents such as tartar emetic. Cannabis indica...³

JAUNDICE
   Treatment is somewhat empirical, the remedies most used being sodium phosphate (20 to 120 grs. two or three times a day), hydrastis, iodoform, citric acid, pilocarpine and salol. When due to catarrh of the duct, calomel and sodium bicarbonate in divided doses followed by a saline cathartic.³

MENINGITIS
   In acute stage eontrol arterial excitement with veratrum or aconite, prescribing also calomel and opium for antiphlogistic and calmative effect. Apply cold to head and leeches to nape of neck. Later control nervous irritability with chloral and bromides and sustain strength by nourishing food with alcohol if indicated.³

NEPHRITIS, ACUTE
   Prescribe at first aconite, calomel and sodium bicarbonate fol lowed by a saline cathartic; warm mucilaginous drinks, potassium citrate and Ze-an; Glyceroplasma over loins. If uremia is threaten ed, elaterium, Tonic Pilocarpine Compound, hot air baths to cause sweating. In later stages digitalis and squill, caffeine, compound spirit juniper, even cantharides in small doses.³

NEPHRITIS, CHRONIC
   Special care must be taken to avoid exposure to cold. Alcohol must be interdicted and the diet must be carefully regulated so as to throw as little burden as possible on the kidneys. Albumin may often be diminished by nitro-glycerine, sometimes by cantharides. As diuretics, digitalis, squill and calomel, digitalis and caffeine or juniper berries and potassium bitartrate have their uses.³

PERICARDITIS
   General treatment for Inflammation, q. v.; aconite; calomel and opium of special importance; for heart failure caffeine and alcohol are safer than digitalis, whose effects must be carefully watched. If ef fusion occurs, use hydragogues or aspirate.³