CONSTITUTIONAL DISEASES.
RHEUMATIC GOUT. (Rheumatic Arthritis. Arthritis Deformans).—Cause.—It occurs most often from thirty to fifty-five, usually in women, generally at or after the change of life, and most frequently in those who have not had children. The involvement of the joints is most common in adult males.
Exciting cause may be: Exposure to cold and wet, improper food, unhygienic surroundings, worry, blows and acute infections.
Conditions.—Several joints are usually involved symmetrically. At the edge of the joints there is formation of new bone covered with cartilage, causing the enlargement of the bone and often partial loss of motion in that joint.
Symptoms.—Several distinct types exist. 1. General progressive types which may be acute or chronic.
Acute.—This occurs usually in women from twenty to thirty and at the change of life. It comes on like acute joint rheumatism, many joints being affected, permanent enlargement appearing early, redness of the joints rarely existing, the pain being very severe, some fever, feel very tired, with anemia, loss of flesh and strength. The first and later attacks are often associated with pregnancy, confinement or nursing.
[CONSTITUTIONAL DISEASES 315]
Chronic Type.—There is a gradual onset of pain or stiffness in one or more joints, usually of the fingers, then of the corresponding joints of the other side and then other joints. The swelling at first may be in the soft parts of the joints with effusion in the joints and tenderness. The pain varies from slight to severe. Periods of improvement and getting worse alternate; the joints becoming enlarged and deformed, often nearly stiff in partial bending on account of the thickened bone and soft tissues. The muscles that move the joint dwindle and there may be changes in the skin and nails of the parts affected due to the want of proper nourishment. Disturbances of the stomach and anemia are common. The heart is not affected. There may be only a few joints affected, or many, with great deformity, before the disease reaches the period of inactivity.
2. Monarticular or one joint type.—This usually occurs in males over fifty; one joint or a few large joints may be affected, generally with shrinking of the corresponding muscles. If it occurs in the hip it is called Morbus Coxae Senilis,—Hip joint disease in the aged.
Recovery.—The disease usually goes on with intervals of improvement and often results in great crippling and disability. In some cases it becomes permanent.
General Treatment.—The climate should be warm and dry. The patient should avoid exposing himself; lead a general hygienic life, with as nourishing food as his digestion will permit. The chief line of treatment should be to improve the general health and relieve the pain. The stomach, bowels, and kidneys should be kept working well. Nourishing food should be taken, but its effect must be watched. Cod-liver oil to build up the system, iron and arsenic may be of value. Sometimes iodide of potash is good. Early and thorough treatment at Hot Springs offers the best hope of arresting its progress, the Hot Springs in Bath County, Va., and in Arkansas. Much can be done at home by hot air baths, hot baths, and compresses at night to the tender joints.
Local.—Massage carefully given is helpful. The hot air treatment is good.
Baking the joints is now frequently done.
GOUT (PODAGRA).—A disorder of nutrition characterized by excess of uric acid in the blood, attacks of acute arthritis (inflammation of joints) with deposit of urate of sodium in and around the joints; with various general symptoms.
Causes.—Heredity; male sex, usually appears from thirty to fifty and rarely under twenty; from continued use of alcoholic liquors, especially fermented, with little or no exercise; too much meat. Unhygienic living with poor food, and excessive drinking of ale and beer may be followed by the "poor man's gout." It is common in lead workers.
Symptoms. Acute Type.—There is often a period of irritability, restlessness, indigestion, twinges of pain in the hands and feet; the urine is scanty, dark, very acid, with diminished uric acid and deposit when it is cooled. The attack sets in usually early in the morning with sudden intense pain in a joint of the big toe, generally the right; less often in an ankle, knee, wrist, hand or finger. The part swells rapidly, and is very tender, the overlying skin being red, glazed and hot. The patient is usually as cross as a wounded bear. The fever may be 103. The pain may subside during the day, and increase again at night. There is no suppuration (pus forming). The symptoms usually decrease, gradually, the entire attack may last from five to eight days. Scaling of the skin over the sore part may follow. After the attack, the general health may be improved, and the joint may become normal or but slightly stiff. It recurs at intervals of a few months commonly.
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Retrocedent Gout.—This is a term applied to serious symptoms which sometimes go with rapid improvement of the local joint conditions. There are severe pains in the stomach, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, pain in the heart, difficult breathing, palpitation, irregular and feeble action of the heart with brain symptoms, probably from uraemia. These attacks often cause death.
Chronic Gout, Causes, etc.—Frequent acute attacks; many joints, beginning with the feet, become stiff and deformed, perhaps with no motion. The overlying skin may ulcerate, especially over the knuckles. Dyspepsia, arterio-sclerosis, enlargement of the left ventricle of the heart and a great quantity of urine with low specific gravity are common. The patient is morose and irritable. Eczema, chronic bronchitis, frequently complicate the case.
Death often occurs from uraemia, meningitis, pleurisy, pericarditis or peritonitis.
Treatment, Preventive.—Live temperately, abstain from alcohol, eat moderately, have plenty of fresh air and sunshine, plenty of exercise and regular hours. These do not counteract the inherited tendency. The skin should be kept active, if the patient is robust, by the morning cold bath with friction after it; but if he is weak and debilitated, the evening warm bath should be substituted. The patient should dress warmly, avoid rapid alternations in temperature, and be careful not to have thc skin suddenly chilled.
Diet in Gout.—Most persons over forty eat too much. Eat reasonably and at regular hours and take plenty of time to eat. Do not eat too freely of meats and avoid too much starchy and sugary foods. Fresh vegetables and fruits may be used freely, except cranberries and bananas.
Dr. Osler of England says.—While all stimulants are injurious to these patients some are more so than others, particularly malted liquors, champagne, port and a very large proportion of all the light wines. Take large quantities of water on an empty stomach, mineral waters are no better than others, but treatment of chronic and irregular gout at springs gives the advantage of regular hours, diet, etc.
[Illustration: A Skiagraph (X-RAY photograph) of the hand. Made for the purpose of locating piece of needle. Photo by P. M. Campbell, Detroit, Mich.]
CONSTITUTIONAL DISEASES 317
Diet from a prominent hospital for gout patient:—
May Take—
Soups.—Fresh fish soups, vegetable broths clear.
Fish.—Raw oysters, fresh fish, boiled.
Meats.—Fat bacon, boiled or broiled chicken, game (all sparingly).
Farinaceous.—Cracked wheat, oatmeal, rice, sago, hominy, whole wheat bread, or biscuits, rye bread, graham bread or rolls, crackers, dry toast, milk toast, macaroni.
Vegetables.—Mashed potatoes, green peas, string beans, spinach, cabbage, cucumbers, cresses, lettuce, celery.
Desserts.—Plain milk pudding, junket, rice and milk, sago and milk, stewed fruits, all without sugar.
Drinks.—Weak tea (no sugar), milk, buttermilk, toast water, pure water, cold or hot.
Must Not Take—
Veal, pork, goose, duck, turkey, salted, dried, potted or preserved fish or meat (except fat bacon), eels, mackerel, crabs, salmon, lobster, eggs, rich soups, gravies, patties, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, asparagus, mushrooms, rhubarb, lemons, pickles, vinegar, fried or made dishes, rich puddings, spices, pies, pastry, sweets, nuts, dried fruits, tobacco, coffee, cider, malt liquors, sweet wines, champagne.
Treatment.—In an acute attack raise the affected limb and wrap the "sick" joint in cotton wool; warm fomentations may be used. The wine or tincture of colchicum in doses of twenty to thirty drops may be given every four hours in combination with the citrate of potash, fifteen grains, or the citrate of lithium five to ten grains. Stop the tincture of colchicum as soon as the pain is relieved and then you can give wine of colchicum ten drops every four hours, watching for irritation of the stomach, bowels and kidneys.
Dr. Hare of Philadelphia says.—For hospital practice a very useful mixture is made by adding one part of bicarbonate of sodium to nine parts of linseed oil. The joint is then wrapped in a piece of lint soaked with this concoction. In some cases oil of peppermint has been recommended. In chronic gout Dr. Hare also gives for diet milk and eggs, the white meat of chicken; fruits, cooked without sugar being added, are allowed. Tea and coffee being used only in moderation. If any wine is taken it must be followed by copious draughts of pure water and the last article should be used ad libitum. On the other hand, pastries and, more than all, sweet wines, are the worst things that such a patient can take, and must be absolutely prohibited.
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RHEUMATIC FEVER (Articular Rheumatism).—Causes. This may be acute or chronic. It is an infectious disease characterized by inflammation of several joints. The joints are held in place by ligaments and are inclosed by a thin membrane. In this acute rheumatism these parts become congested and inflamed, there is redness and swelling, heat and pain. Fluid is passed into the joint sometimes and then the parts look watery (oeclematous). The inflammation and swelling cause great pain in the joint.
Predisposing.—A damp climate, winter and spring, young adults and persons who are exposed to damp, wet and cold.
Condition.—There is congestion of the soft parts of the joints and effusion into the joint cavities of a watery fluid. Endocarditis, pericarditis, myocarditis, pleurisy and pneumonia may complicate it. The first named, endocarditis, is very common and as the mitral valves become inflamed it is likely to leave valvular trouble unless carefully watched and treated at the time.
Symptoms.—The invasion may be gradual, with a very tired feeling and often tonsilitis; but it is usually sudden, with pains, soreness in one or more joints and fever. The knees, ankles, elbows and wrists are much affected, but it frequently goes through almost every joint in the body and sometimes repeats the terrible dose. I know, for I had it twice. The suffering, torture and pain sometimes are simply indescribable and almost too hard to bear. The joints become hot, red, painful, swollen and tender to touch and motion. It seems to hurt worse when anyone comes near, for the patient is afraid of careless handling.
Fever.—This runs from 102 to 104 and is modified by profuse perspiration with bad odor and, generally, it does not afford any relief. The urine is very acid, very thick and looks like thick, strong coffee. The symptoms frequently disappear partially from one joint or joints as they begin in other joints, attacking several in rapid succession, the fever varying and changing with the degrees of joint involvement.
We may see the shoulder and hip, the elbow and wrist, knee and ankle, etc., all affected at once: Heart complications are frequent and bear close watching, for they are dangerous to life and the future health of the patient. The patient becomes very anemic and this progresses rapidly. When improvement does begin it is gradual; or the disease may become chronic. Care must be taken not to be too active when improvement sets in or you will cause a return by using the joints before they have become thoroughly well. I did the same thing in my anxiety to get out, but would never be as reckless again. Pain and stiffness of the joints often last long after convalescence has set in. One who has had this disease once is liable to another attack if he is not careful.
[CONSTITUTIONAL DISEASES 319]
MOTHERS' REMEDIES. 1. Articular Rheumatism.—A gentleman sends us the following treatment for articular rheumatism and writes as follows: "I send you the following treatment for articular rheumatism because I used it myself and was cured in a very short time, in fact, about ten days. It was a number of years ago in the early spring when my knee joints, ankles and wrists began to pain me and continued to become worse for about a week, at the end of which time both my knees were perfectly stiff. I sent for my physician; he wrapped my knees with common baking soda; taking long wide bandages he was enabled to have the baking soda a fourth of an inch thick around the knee, raising the bandage as he laid the soda on; after this was completed I had heavy wet hot cloths laid around my knee and renewed every fifteen or twenty minutes for probably eight or ten hours. In the meantime I was taking the salicylate of soda and the cathartic, veronica water, as directed below. The following day I sat up with my legs resting on a chair, straightened out, and hot flat irons at my knees. I began this treatment on Saturday, and the following Thursday was able to walk about and go out of town, and never had rheumatism since, but at two or three different times I suspected it was coming on and used the salicylate of soda and veronica water as a successful preventive; at least the rheumatism did not materialize.
Veronica Water.—Dose:—Glassful every two and one-half hours till bowels are free, then one dose a day.
Also
Salicylate of Soda 1 ounce
Water 6 ounces
Large teaspoonful every two hours with a quinine pill every other dose."
2. Rheumatism, Cotton Excellent for Inflammatory.—"Take a roll of cotton batting and wrap the limb, or part of the body affected, as firmly and tightly as possible, without tearing the cotton, let it remain "twenty-four hours, then tighten it up by unwinding and rewrapping the cotton as tight as possible, as on the first application, and so continue every twenty-four hours until cured, which, in my case, was three days. I had been troubled with rheumatism for a long time, and was unable to walk. I tried everything, doctors and all, but nothing helped me. A lady from Cincinnati, who was visiting at a neighbor's, called at my house one day and learning what was the matter with me, advised me to put cotton on as stated above. I had no faith in it, but I had tried everything else and concluded I would try that, with the result that it cured me. Possibly if a case should require a longer time for a cure than mine it might be necessary, or be better, to replace the cotton with a fresh roll. The rewrapping every twenty-four hours is intended to keep the cotton batting firmly and tightly around the part affected as the swelling recedes."
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Prevention.—Wear flannel late and early. Keep from taking cold. Put off wet things of every kind immediately upon getting home and dry your body and put on dry well-aired clothes. Never sleep in a damp bed, under damp unaired clothes. When you go away from home do not sleep in a room or bed that has been unoccupied for any length of time, especially if there is no furnace in the house. Do not sit down in wet damp clothes, stockings, shoes, etc. Do not sit down anywhere to "cool off." It is inviting trouble and sickness. Do not lie on the damp ground, do not sleep on the first floor of an old damp house. Have plenty of sunlight and air in your sleeping room. These directions apply to the chronic cases also. It does not matter so much if one is wet or sweating as long as he keeps moving or working. On wash day do not dry your clothes in the kitchen or sitting room, or put them on your bed, unless they have been thoroughly dried, aired and warmed before using. These little things mean much in real life.
PHYSICIANS' CAUTION for Articular Rheumatism.—Go to bed and remain there and do not get up too soon, for remember the parts are still tender when they may not be painful.
Local Treatment.—1. There must be absolute rest. Remove the sheets from the bed and wrap woolen cloths or blankets about the patient and protect the inflamed joints from the weight of the coverings. Cover the joints with gauze or absorbent cotton, after putting on the parts a thick coating of ichthyol ointment.
2. Sometimes hot fomentations are helpful in relieving the suffering; sometimes cold cloths are best.
3. The following is good. Apply with cloths wrung out of it:
Carbonate of Soda 6 drams
Tincture Arnica 10 ounces
Glycerin 2 ounces
Water 9 ounces
4. Oil of Wintergreen 1 ounce
Compound Soap Liniment 8 ounces
Mix.
Rub the affected parts with oil of wintergreen and then wrap the parts in cotton wool and soak with the solution.
5. "A layer or two of gauze saturated with methyl-salicylate is wrapped around the painful joints and covered with paraffin paper, or other impervious dressing, held in place by a bandage. This is renewed once or twice daily until the pain in all the joints is relieved."
6. Internal.—Sodium salicylate or aspirin given until the pain and temperature are relieved; usually five to ten grains of sodium salicylate every three hours for an adult; or five grains of the aspirin every three hours.
7. Dr. Hare recommends for the beginning in a strong, healthy individual, ten drops of the tincture of aconite at once in a little water, and follow it by a teaspoonful of a mixture containing fifteen drops of tincture of aconite and two ounces of water everyone-half hour, until perspiration on the skin betokens the circulatory depression through the action of the drug. I use aconite in this disease very often, but not in such doses as the first one. It seems to me that it is uselessly large. I use about one-tenth of a drop at a dose everyone to two hours during the first twenty-four hours.
[CONSTITUTIONAL DISEASES 321]
Nursing.—The nurse must have the patience of Job to attend a patient sick with this disease; but you must remember the suffering is awful. The patient may be very restless and the pillows may need rearranging every few minutes. Also be careful how you handle the patient. It hurts terribly to be even touched. A rough, hearty person has no business to care for such a patient. I allow patients to say anything they wish, for this is a painful disease. They may swear at me if they wish. I know how it is, for I was there twice, the last time for six long weeks. Have patience and courage and cheer your patient. Do not look cross or scold.
Diet.—Milk mainly, broths, gruels, albumen water, oyster or clam broth, milk toast, buttermilk, kumiss. Do not give solid food. Water, lemonade, vichy or carbonated water.
CHRONIC RHEUMATISM.—Causes.—Heredity may predispose to it. It is most common in those who are exposed to hard labor in the cold and wet; especially in women about middle age. It occasionally follows sub-acute, but rarely acute rheumatism.
Symptoms.—Many large joints are usually affected; sometimes it may be only one joint; at times, the small joints only are affected. It may be only on the one side. It usually persists in the joints involved, but may attack others. The chief symptoms are stiffness of the joints, especially after a rest and this diminishes after some motion, also pain, which grows worse in damp weather. The joints may be tender to the touch, slightly swollen, rarely red. They may in time become entirely stiff and deformed. The general health may be good or there may be anemia, dyspepsia and valvular disease due to sclerosis,—hardening of the valves of the heart.
Prognosis.—This is good as to life, but the disease is often progressive.
Treatment. Preventive.—A warm, dry, unchangeable climate, good surroundings, good food; keep the stomach and bowels and kidneys in good condition, avoid taking cold. Do not sit down in a draft to "cool off." Do not go into a cool room in summer when you are warm or sweated. Do not sleep in a bed that has not been used for months and kept for "company." Do not dry your clothes in the kitchen and in that way make the whole house steamy and damp. Do not sleep under unaired damp covers or in a damp night dress. Always air and dry your bedding and night dress before using. Do not take a hot bath and go into a cool room to cool off, but wrap yourself up so as to be warm and cool off gradually. Any additional cold will cause more rheumatism.
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Sleeping rooms on the first floor are an abomination for rheumatic persons. Do not sit down in wet clothes, stockings or shoes. Take them off immediately on getting home, wipe yourself dry and put on dry garments. Care in such little seemingly foolish things will do wonderful things for a rheumatic person. I had two rheumatic attacks in my first year of practice. Since then I have learned caution and through a hard and busy life I have kept myself reasonably well by looking after such little aids and cautions as, the above. I never sit down for any length of time in damp or wet clothes, and if I can do that, persons that are not driven like doctors can do the same. These cautions apply to not only this kind of rheumatism, but to all kinds of rheumatism, neuralgias, and to inflammatory diseases, such as neuritis, tonsilitis, pneumonia, pleurisy, etc. Hot air baths, Hot Springs, massage will be more effectual in this disease than in the former. Iodide of potash also is very useful. Flannel underwear, heavy and light weight, is very beneficial in rheumatism. Great benefit can be derived at home by wrapping the affected joints in cold cloths, covering with a thin layer of flannel and protected by oiled silk. A great many cases are helped by using hot fomentations of hops, wormwood, smartweed, etc. Turpentine applied locally to the joints is effective, but it is very likely to injure the kidneys when used freely and in these days when there are so many diseases of the kidneys one must be careful or they will produce an incurable and serious disease in the place of one that is painful, but not necessarily dangerous. Many of the simple remedies have a good effect on the rheumatic troubles.
PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Rheumatism.—Dr. Hare gives the following to rub on large joints:
1. Ichthyol 1/2 to 1 ounce
Lard 1 ounce
2. Tincture of Aconite 6 drams
Tincture Arnica 1 ounce
Oil of Turpentine l ounce (l or 2)
Soap Liniment enough for 8 ounces
Use as a liniment three times a day. This can be used for some weeks.
3. Strong Water of Ammonia 6 drams
Oil of Cajeput 1 dram
Tincture of Belladonna 1 to 2 ounces
Camphor Liniment enough for 8 ounces
Use as a liniment.
4. Tincture of Aconite 1 ounce
Tincture Belladonna 2 drams
Strong Ammonia Water 4 drams
Chloroform Liniment 6 drams
Used as a liniment on chronic or inflamed muscles or joints.
5. Iodide of Potash 1/2 ounce Compound Syrup of Sarsaparilla 3 ounces Distilled Water 3 ounces
Mix and take a dessertspoonful in a glass of water two hours after meals for chronic rheumatism.
[Illustration: Muscular System.]
[CONSTITUTIONAL DISEASES 323]
6. This is prepared by Parke, Davis & Co., and made into a syrup:
Red Clover 32 grains
Queen's Root 16 grains
Barberry 10 grains
Prickly Ash Bark 4 grains
Burdock Root 16 grains
Poke Root 16 grains
Honduras Bark 16 grains
Iodide of Potash 8 grains
This portion to each fluid ounce of the syrup.
7. The following is good:
Equal parts of each of the following:
Blue Cohosh Root
Black Cohosh Root
Poke Root
Yellow Dock Root
Blue Flag Root
Prickly Ash Root
Burdock Root
Dandelion Root
Bruise them thoroughly or grind them coarsely, steep and make a tea and drink freely of it. If you wish you can take three to five grains of Iodide of Potash to each dose. This may in time disorder the stomach and you may then stop it for a time. All these can be used in muscular rheumatism also. The food should not be rich or highly seasoned. Spices are bad for such patients. Pickles, mustard, etc., are best let alone.
MUSCULAR RHEUMATISM.—This is a very painful affection of the voluntary muscles, called also neuralgia, or according to its location, torticollis (stiff neck, wry neck), pleurodynia, lumbago (rheumatism in the back).
Causes.—Predisposed to it by previous attacks, having a rheumatic or gouty constitution (diathesis). It follows sudden exposure, hence it is most common in men.
Symptoms.—Local pain in the muscles, sharp or dull, aching constant, or caused by certain movements and is usually relieved by pressure. It lasts from a few days to several weeks and frequently recurs. The common forms are: Lumbago. This affects the muscles of the back, and usually comes on suddenly with a sharp stich-like pain, and is chiefly seen in those who labor hard, often completely disabling them for a time.
Torticollis (stiff or wry neck).—It is usually on the side or back of the neck. Comes from a draught of cold wind on the neck, etc.
Pleurodynia, pain in the chest muscles, etc.—With pain in all movements of the chest, resembling intercostal neuralgia or pleurisy.
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Diet for Rheumatism from the Head Nurse of a Prominent Hospital:—
May Take—
Soups.—Mutton broth, chicken or beef tea, in small quantities.
Fish.—Raw clams or oysters, fresh fish (whiter kinds) boiled.
Meats.—Chicken, calf 's head, sweetbread, tripe, broiled fat bacon or broiled ham (all sparingly).
Farinaceous.—Whole wheat, corn or brown bread, arrowroot, rice, dry toast, milk toast.
Vegetables.—Spinach, green peas or cabbage (well boiled), celery, lettuce, cresses, radishes.
Desserts.—Milk, rice or arrowroot pudding, (all without sugar), junket.
Drinks—Tea (without sugar), buttermilk, pure water, plain with lemon or lime juice (no sugar).
Must Not Take—
Pork, veal, turkey, goose, duck, fried fish or salt meats, cooked oysters or clams, salted, dried, potted or preserved fish or meats (except fat bacon or ham), crabs, salmon, lobster, eggs, rich made dishes, gravies, potatoes, tomatoes, beans, asparagus, mushrooms, candies, rich puddings, pies, pastry, nuts, cheese, coffee, cider, malt liquors, wines.
Treatment for Stiff Neck.—Wry Neck, (torticollis).—Warmth applied either dry or moist as hot salt bag or fomentations of hops, etc. Parke, Davis & Co., Detroit, now make a preparation called capsicine. This is very good for this trouble, rubbed on thoroughly as directed. It can be bought at most drug stores. It is also good for headaches and neuralgias. The same line of treatment, hot and cold applications, can be given for pain in the chest muscles (pleurodynia) and lumbago.
A MOTHERS' REMEDY for Stiff Neck.—Hot Salt and Oil of Sassafras.—"If troubled with stiff neck, fill a bag with hot salt and sleep on it, or rub the neck with oil of sassafras which, by the way, is also excellent for lumbago and to scatter, not cure, rheumatism pains."
PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Rheumatism.—Preventive.—Avoid exposure as stated for other rheumatism. Rest the chest by strapping with adhesive plaster as in pleurisy. Porous plasters are good and liniments; sometimes help is obtained by rubbing freely with camphor. Hot dry or wet applications are frequently useful. Mustard plaster is very good when the space is not too great. Mix the mustard with the white of an egg and after it is taken off grease the part and keep on warm cloths. Hot foot baths and hot drinks of lemonade or teas, after which the person should go to bed and sweat and remain there for some hours.
[CONSTITUTIONAL DISEASES 325]
Liniment.—
Oil of Wintergreen 1/2 to 1 ounce
Compound Soap Liniment 8 ounces
Mix and rub on thoroughly.
MOTHERS' REMEDIES.—Lumbago, Menthol Liniment for.—Apply the menthol liniment, cover with a thick cloth and put the hot water bottle next to it and go to bed. If up through the day have a cotton batting sewed to cloth and keep affected parts warm, using the liniment freely." The menthol liniment will be found an excellent remedy for lumbago, The menthol absorbs quickly and by applying the hot water bottle relief is sure to follow.
1. Weak Back, Vinegar and Salt for.—"One tablespoonful of salt and one tablespoonful of vinegar to a quart of hot water. Bathe the back, then rub well with sweet oil and relief will soon follow,"
2. Weak Back. Simple Remedy for.—"Aching may be relieved by taking a large pinch of buchu leaves, steep and drink. Sweeten if desired. Use a pint of water for steeping the leaves," This is a good remedy for a weak back, resulting from kidney trouble. The buchu leaves acts quickly on the kidneys and it is surprising to see how quickly the backache will disappear. You can purchase a two ounce package for five cents at any drug store.
3. Weak Back, Good Liniment for.—
"Tincture of Aconite 1 ounce
Oil of Wintergreen 1/2 ounce
Tincture of Belladonna 1 ounce
Tincture of Arnica 1 ounce
Aqua Ammonia 2 ounces
Mix and use as a liniment."
This is a very good liniment.
4. Lameness, Chloroform Liniment for.—"Chloroform liniment is the best for all lameness and sore limbs."
5. Lameness, Plantain Leaves and Cream for.—"Make ointment from plantain laves, simmered in sweet cream or fresh butter. This is very cooling."
MOTHERS' REMEDIES.—1. Rheumatism, Saltpetre Good in Cases of.—"One ounce of saltpetre to one pint of water. Take one teaspoonful of the above in a large glass of water, about six times daily." The saltpetre acts on the kidneys, carrying off the impurities in this way. Care should be taken not to continue this treatment too long at a time, as continued use would result in injury to the kidneys.
2. Rheumatism, Rochelle Salts for.—"One teaspoonful rochelle salts in one-half glass water every other morning." This acts on the bowels and cleanses the system.
3. Rheumatism, Flowers of Sulphur Will Relieve Pain of.—Sciatica is sometimes very much improved by wrapping the limb for one night with flowers of sulphur."
[326 MOTHERS' REMEDIES]
4. Rheumatism, Three Simple Ingredient Liniment for.—"One pint pure cider vinegar, one pint of turpentine, four fresh eggs, put the egg shells and all in the vinegar, let stand until the vinegar eats the eggs all up, then add the turpentine." This makes a fine liniment.
5. Rheumatism, Sulphur Good for.—"Cases of chronic rheumatism are often relieved by sulphur baths and sulphur tea. Dose:—Powder sulphur and mix with molasses. A teaspoonful three times a day," Sulphur is a good blood purifier and laxative.
6. Rheumatism, Horse-Radish for.—"An excellent and well-known remedy for rheumatism is to make a syrup of horse-radish by boiling the root and add sufficient sugar to make it palatable. Dose:—Two or three teaspoonfuls two or three times a day,"
7. Rheumatism, Simple Remedy to Relieve Pain of.—
"Peppermint 1 ounce
Oil of Mustard 1/4 ounce
Vinegar 1 pint
White of one egg.
Beat egg; stir all together."
8. Rheumatism, Liniment for Chronic.—
"Olive Oil 1 pint
Sassafras Oil 2 drams
Camphor Gum 2 ounces
Chloroform 1/2 ounce
Dissolve the camphor in the oil and when dissolved add the chloroform and four ounces of turpentine or rosemary. Rub the parts well night and morning. If the limbs are very sensitive to cold, add to the mixture two ounces of tincture of capsicum."
9. Rheumatism, Herb Remedy for.—
Tincture Colchicum Seed 4 ounces
Gum Guaiacum 4 ounces
Black Cohosh Root 4 ounces
Prickly Ash Berries 4 ounces
Iodide Potash 1 ounce
Dose for adult, one teaspoonful three times a day in wineglassful of water or milk."
10. Rheumatism, Three Things that Will Help.—
"Best Rye Whisky 2 pints
Ground Burdock Seed 1/2 pound
Poke Berry Juice 1/2 pint
Mix, shake well before using.
Dose for adults, one and one-half or two tablespoonfuls night and morning." In severe cases take three times a day. This is a thoroughly tried remedy and is a very successful one.
[ CONSTITUTIONAL DISEASES 327]
11. Rheumatism, Good Liniment for.—
"Alcohol 1 ounce
Oil of Wintergreen 1 dram
Chloroform 5 drams
Gum Camphor 1/2 ounce
Sulphuric Ether 3/4 ounce
Oil of Cloves 1/2 dram
Oil of Lavender 1 dram
Mix and apply externally for rheumatism and you will find it a very beneficial remedy."
12. Rheumatism, Camphor and Alcohol for.—"Soak cotton batting in alcohol and camphor and apply on part." Application to the affected parts will frequently give relief in some rheumatic patients, when in others no relief is obtained by this method, it being necessary to take something internally.
13. Rheumatism, Sweet Fern Tea Excellent for.—"Sweet fern tea taken three times a day. Dose, one cupful. Father has used this successfully himself."
14. Rheumatism, Well-known Celery Remedy for.—"Celery tea several times a day with plenty of celery cooked or raw as a regular table food. Cut the celery in pieces, boil until soft in water and let the patient drink the tea, then make a stew of the remaining bits. If fresh celery cannot be obtained, celery preparations can be found at the drug store.
15. Rheumatism, Flowers of Sulphur Relieves.—"Rheumatism is effectually removed by enveloping the limb one night with flowers of sulphur." The flowers of sulphur can be purchased at any drug store, and will give great relief, especially in severe cases.
16. Rheumatism, Poultice for.—"Apply belladonna ointment to seat of pain, poultices applied very hot. Sulphur applied to painful part is very effective, after which the parts should be enveloped in flannel." The belladonna ointment acts like a fly blister, but not quite so severe. The ointment can remain on for some time without blistering. This treatment relieves by removing the inflammation from the sore parts.
17. Rheumatism, Novel Relief for.—"The best remedy is electricity. It cured me; I used medical battery." Electricity has been known to help in a great many cases, but should be applied by a competent person.
18. Rheumatism, Snake Root and Lemons Good for.—"Make use of lemon juice freely. Use decoction of black snake root, one ounce to pint of boiling water; a tablespoonful four times a day. Wet compress renewed every two hours applied to painful joints."
The black snake root is a remedy that was used by the early settlers for this trouble. The wet compresses are very soothing, but care should be taken not to wet the bed clothing, as the patient would then take cold.
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19. Rheumatism, Another Good Liniment for.—
Alcohol 5 ounces
Amber 30 drops
Tincture of Pinoum 30 drops
Hemlock Oil 30 drops
Tincture of Iron 30 drops
Aconite 30 drops
DIABETES MELLITUS.—A disorder of nutrition in which sugar accumulates in the blood and is excreted in the urine, the daily amount of which is greatly increased.
Causes.—Hereditary influences play an important role and cases are on record of its occurrence in many members of the same family. Men are more frequently affected than women, the ratio being about three to two. Persons of a nervous temperament are often affected. It is a disease of the higher classes. Hebrews seem especially prone to it. The disease is comparatively rare in the colored race; women more than men in the negro,- nine to six. In a considerable proportion of the cases of diabetes the patients have been very fat at the beginning of or prior to the onset of the disease. It is more common in cities than in country districts. The combination of intense application to business, over-indulgence in food and drink, with a sedentary life, seem particularly prone to induce the disease. Injury to or disease of the spinal cord or brain has been followed by diabetes. It is much more frequent in European countries than here. Acute and chronic forms are recognized in the former.
Symptoms.—The only difference is that the patients are younger in acute forms, the course is more rapid and the wasting away is more marked. The onset of the disease is gradual and either frequent passing of urine (six to forty pints in twenty-four hours) or inordinate thirst attracts attention. When it is fully established, there is great thirst, the passage of large quantities of sugar urine, a terrible appetite, and, as a rule, progressive emaciation. The thirst is one of the most distressing symptoms. Large quantities of water are required to keep the sugar in solution and for its excretion in the urine. Some cases do not have the excessive thirst; but in such case the amount of urine passed is never large. The thirst is most intense an hour or two after meals. The digestion is generally good, but the appetite is inordinate. Pain in the back is common. The tongue is usually dry, red and glazed, and the saliva is scanty. The gums may become swollen. Constipation is the rule. The skin is dry and harsh and sweating rarely occurs. The temperature is under normal. In spite of the enormous amount of food eaten a patient may become rapidly emaciated. Patients past middle life may have the disease for years without much disturbance of the health; on the other hand I have seen them die after that age. Progress is more rapid the younger the person. Death usually occurs from coma of diabetes. This is most common in young patients.
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1. There is a sudden onset after exertion of weakness, feeble pulse, stupor, coma, death in a few hours.
2. Sudden headache, coma, death in a few hours.
3. After nausea, vomiting or a lung complication, there are headache, delirium, abdominal pain, rapid labored breathing, sweetish odor of the breath, stupor, rapid feeble pulse, coma and death within a few days.
Recovery.—Instances of cure in true diabetes are rare.
Treatment. Preventive.—The use of starchy and sugary articles of diet should be restricted in families with a marked disposition to this disease. Sources of worry should be avoided and he should lead an even quiet life, if possible, in an equable climate. Flannel and silk should be worn next to the skin, and the greatest care should be taken to promote its action. A lukewarm and, if tolerably robust, a cold bath should be taken every day. An occasional Turkish bath is useful.
Diet.—Let the patients eat food of easy digestion, such as veal, mutton and the like, and abstain from all sorts of fruit and garden stuff. In Johns Hopkins' Hospital these patients are kept for three or four days on the ordinary ward diet, which contains a moderate amount of carbo-hydrates, in order to ascertain the amount of sugar excretions. For two days more the starches are gradually cut off. They are then placed on the following standard non-carbohydrate diet.
Breakfast: 7:30, six ounces of tea or coffee; four ounces of beefsteak, mutton chops without bone, or boiled ham; one or two eggs.
Lunch: 12:30, six ounces of cold roast beef; two ounces celery, fresh cucumbers or tomatoes with vinegar, olives, pepper and salt to taste, five drams of whisky with thirteen ounces of water, two ounces of coffee without milk or sugar.
Dinner: 6:00 P. M., six ounces of clear bouillon; seven and a half ounces of roast beef; one and one-half drams of butter; two ounces of green salad with two and a half drams of vinegar, five drams of olive oil, or three tablespoonfuls of some well-cooked green vegetable: three sardines; five drams of whisky with thirteen ounces of water.
Supper: 9:00 P. M., two eggs, raw or cooked, thirteen ounces of water .
The following is a list of articles which a diabetes patient may take as given by one of the best authorities in the world on diabetes:
Liquids: Soups.—Ox tail, turtle bouillon and other clear soups. Lemonade, coffee, tea, chocolate and cocoa; these to be taken without sugar, but they may be sweetened with saccharin. Potash or soda water and appollinaris, or the Saratoga-vichy and milk in moderation may be used.
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Animal Food.—Fish of all sorts, including crabs, oysters, salt and fresh butcher's meat (with the exception of liver), poultry and game, eggs, buttermilk, curds and cream cheese.
Bread.—Gluten and bran bread, almond and cocoanut biscuits.
Vegetables.—Lettuce, tomatoes, spinach, chickory, sorrel, radishes, asparagus, water-cress, mustard and cress, cucumber, celery and endives; pickles of various sorts.
Fruits.—Lemons and oranges, currants, plums, cherries, pears, apples (tart), melons, raspberries and strawberries may be taken in moderation. Nuts, as a rule, allowable.
Must Not Take—
Thick Soups and Liver. Ordinary bread of all sorts (in quantity), rye, wheaten, brown or white. All farinaceous (starchy) preparations, such as hominy, rice, tapioca, arrowroot, sago and vermicelli.
Vegetables: Potatoes, turnips, parsnips, squashes, vegetable-marrows of all kinds, beets, common artichokes.
Liquids: Beer, sparkling wine of all sorts and the sweet aerated drinks.
Medicines. Codeine.—A patient may begin with one-half grain three times a day, which may be gradually increased to six or eight grains in the twenty-four hours (under the doctor's care); withdraw it gradually when sugar is absent or reduced as far as possible.
DIABETES INSIPIDUS.—A chronic affection characterized by the passage of large quantities of normal urine of low specific gravity.
Causes.—It is most often found in young males and is probably of nervous origin. It may follow excitement or brain injury.
Symptoms.—The onset is usually gradual. The urine is pale; ten to twenty quarts a day. Thirst, dryness of the mouth and skin. Appetite and general conditions are usually normal; sometimes there are feebleness and emaciation. Death usually occurs from some other disease.
Treatment.—There is no known cure. Keep the general health in good condition according to the advice of your family physician.
OBESITY.—An excessive development of fat; it may be hereditary. It occurs most frequently in women of middle age and in children. Its chief cause is excessive eating and drinking, especially of the starch and sugar foods and malt liquors, and lack of exercise. The increase of fat is in all the normal situations and the heart and liver are often large and fatty. The condition in general may be good or there may be inactivity of the mind and body. Disturbances of digestion and symptoms of a fatty heart. There is less power to resist disease. Death may occur from fatty infiltration of the heart, resulting in dilatation or rupture.
[CONSTITUTIONAL DISEASES 331]
Treatment.—Must be in regulating the diet. The person must avoid all excess in food and drink, and avoid especially foods that contain starch and sugar. There must be regular and systematic exercise, hot baths and massages are helps. Medicines made from the poke berry are much used and are successful in some cases.
Diet.—The food of a fleshy person should be cut down gradually. Its bulk can be great, but its nourishing properties should be small. The diet for reduction of obesity should consist chiefly of bulky vegetables, but not too much of any one article or set of articles. The following list is recommended by Dr. Hare of Philadelphia:
For Breakfast.—One or two cups of coffee or tea, without milk or sugar, but sweetened with a fraction of a grain of saccharin. Three ounces of toasted or ordinary white bread or six ounces of brown bread; enough butter may be used to make the bread palatable, not more than one ounce. Sliced raw tomatoes with vinegar, or cooked tomatoes without any sugar or fats. This diet may be varied by the use of salted or fresh fish, either at breakfast or dinner. This fish must not be rich like salmon or sword-fish, but rather like perch or other small fish.
Noon Meal—Dinner.—One soup plate of bouillon, consomme julienne, or other thin soup, or Mosqueras beef-jelly, followed by one piece of the white meat of any form of fowl or a small bird. Sometimes a small piece, the size of one's hand, of rare beef, or mutton but no fat, may be allowed, and this should be accompanied by string beans, celery (stewed or raw), spinach, kale, cabbage, beans, asparagus, beets and young onions. Following this, lettuce with vinegar and a little olive oil (to make a French dressing), a cup of black coffee or one of tea, and a little acid fruit, such as sour grapes, tamarinds and sour oranges, or lemons may be taken, and followed by a cigar, if the patient has such a habit.
Supper.—This should consist of one or two soft boiled eggs, which may be poached, but not fried, a few ounces of brown bread, some salad and fruit and perhaps a glass or two of light, dry (not sweet) wine, if the patient is accustomed to its use.
Before Going to Bed.—To avoid discomfort from a sensation of hunger during the night, the patient may take a meal of panada, or he may soak graham or bran crackers or biscuits in water and flavor the mess with salt and pepper. The reduction of the diet is generally best accomplished slowly and should be accompanied by measures devoted to the utilization of the fat present for the support of the body. Thus, the patient should not be too heavily clad, either day or night, should resort to exercise, daily becoming more severe, and should not drink freely of water, unless sweating is established sufficiently to prevent the accumulation of liquid in vessels and tissues. Baths of the proper kind, cold or Turkish, should be used, if the patient stands them well. The bowels should be kept active by laxative fruit or purges. Salts are useful if drinks are thrown off rapidly. If proper exercise is impossible the rest cure with massage, electricity, passive exertion and absolute skimmed milk diet may be resorted to, particularly in those persons known as "fat anemics," who have not enough red corpuscles in their blood to carry sufficient oxygen to the tissues to complete oxidation.
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CANCER.—(In the following article on cancer we quote in part from material issued by the Public Health Department of the State of Michigan).
Cancer is curable if it be operated upon in its early stages.—If it be left to grow and develop, cancer is always fatal. It may be partially removed when in an advanced stage, and relief may be had for some time after operation; but beyond the early stage, cancer cannot at present be permanently removed, nor permanently cured. Permanent cure of a cancer is possible if the afflicted person obtains an early diagnosis and receives early attention from a skilled surgeon. The only permanent cure for cancer known at the present time is early surgical operation.
Have Operations Failed to Cure?—Very few persons die from operations performed by skilled surgeons for the removal of cancer. Where cancer operation is done by experienced surgeons the fatality in America for the past fourteen years is less than one case out of a hundred, or in other words ninety-nine persons out of a hundred survive operation for cancer. Many persons have died from the return of the cancerous growth even after operation by a skilled surgeon, and this fact has led many persons to believe that operation for cancer is, therefore, unsuccessful, that it does not cure. This is not the fact. It is true that cancer often returns after operation, and that this method does not always effect a permanent cure; but it is not true that operations are, therefore, useless. The reason that operations do not remove cancers permanently in a great number of cases is that such cases do not submit to operation soon enough. The majority of persons suffering from cancer seek surgical aid too late. If a house is on fire and one refuses to turn in an alarm until the fire has spread from cellar to garret, neither blame nor disparagement must be placed upon the fire department if it failed to save the burning house. So with cancer; if the public refuses or neglects to operate for cancer at the time when it can be eradicated, the public cannot censure or belittle surgery. A cancer is like a green and ripe thistle. Pull up the green thistle and you have gotten rid of it. But if you wait until the thistle is ripe, and the winds have blown away the seeds, there is no use of pulling up that thistle. Early operations are successful. Late ones are not.
No reliable surgeon claims to save his patient or cure him of cancer if the disease be in an advanced stage. But experienced surgeons do recognize the fact that cancer in its early stage can be permanently removed and a permanent cure can be effected by surgical operation. No other means of permanent cure are known.
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Caustic pastes applied to cancerous growths or sera, are sometimes successful in obliterating the cancer for a time; but they are not reliable for effecting enduring cures, and usually are merely palliative, The fact that a cancer does not return for three years after removal is not sure proof that it will not return; the return of a cancerous growth depends upon its state of development and other conditions at the time of removal from the cancer. In Johns Hopkins' Hospital forty-seven per cent of all patients with cancers of the breast operated upon remained well for three years or more, and seventy-five per cent of this forty-seven per cent were cured, being in the most favorable condition for cure at the time of the operation. But where conditions are not favorable at the time of the operation, many patients have a return of the cancer even after the three years of apparent cure have elapsed.
What is Cancer?—A cancer is a growth of cancerous cells in a network of connective tissue. The cause of cancer is not known. It has not been proved to be communicable and the majority of investigators of this subject believe that it is not caused by a germ. Nor is it thought to be inherited. Out of 8,000 cases of cancer at Middlesex Hospital, London, no evidence of heredity was found. Until the cause of cancer is known, it cannot be prevented. The only safeguard lies in an early diagnosis of the condition and an immediate operation. Eminent investigators are carrying on extensive research and thousands of dollars are being spent annually to ascertain, if possible, what is the cause of this dread disease, and it is confidently believed that final success will crown this labor.
When to Suspect Cancer and What to Do.—External or Exposed Cancer.—Cancer of the exposed or surface parts of the body, such as the skin of the lip, nose, cheek, forehead, temples, etc., is more readily recognized than internal cancer, and is therefore more liable to early operation and prompt cure. One rarely sees these forms of cancer in an advanced stage, because such cases are readily seen and recognized by physicians in the early stage of development, when operation can be sufficiently early to effect a lasting cure.
The least malignant of all cancers is that kind which first exhibits itself by a hardening of the skin, forming a nodule looking pimple or a mole and having a dark red color, due to tortuous blood vessels, upon the sides of the nose near the eyes, upon the cheek bones, forehead or temples. This form of epithelioma is called rodent ulcer, flat epithelioma or cancroid and sometimes does little harm for many years, but should receive the attention of a physician familiar with cancer and its eradication.
Deep or squamous cancer occurs on the lip, the tongue or the forehead or wherever the mucous membrane joins the skin, and is characterized by a hard, deep-seated sore formed upon any such part, growing down into the flesh and having a dark red or purplish-red color.
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If such a cancer is suspected of being present, the patient should at once seek diagnosis from a competent physician. Cancer of the lip is more frequent in men than in women, occurring usually in the under lip and called "Smoker's Cancer." Any hard persistent nodule in the under lip should cause suspicion and should be taken to a skilled surgeon, as cancer of the under lip is easily removed when in its early stage of development.
CANCER OF THE STOMACH.—The beginning of cancer of the stomach is very difficult to recognize and it is far safer and wiser, upon the appearance of the first suspicious symptom, to seek the aid of some physician skilled in cancer diagnosis than to ignore and neglect these early warnings of the disease. Although cancer of the stomach may occur in younger persons, it is usually met with in persons after forty years of age. Therefore, any person at this age who suffers from continuous indigestion or characterized by retention and prolonged fermentation of food in the stomach, should at once consult a competent physician. In the early stages of the cancer of the stomach the patient loses weight, but in the later stages there is more or less pain.
Whenever a physician finds that a patient has a pappy, insipid taste with a furred, pale, rarely dry and red tongue, and is suffering from continuous, dull sensations or pain in the region of the stomach, periodically increasing to paroxysms, often induced by pressure or increased by it, together with a sensation of weight, drawing pains of varying character, and frequent pain in the shoulder, loss of appetite, frequent belching of fetid gas from the stomach, severe and frequent vomiting, often periodical, often occurring before partaking of a meal but more often afterwards with slight indigestion, but vomitus being more or less watery and containing mucus and blood, usually decomposed and recurring frequently, together with constipation of the bowels, the skin being sallow, yellowish, dry and flaccid, and losing weight and strength, he should suspect cancer of the stomach and where possible advise an immediate surgical operation for the removal of the cancer.
CANCER OF THE UTERUS.—What women should know regarding it. The menopause or change of life comes on gradually, rarely suddenly. It is not preceded by excessive flowing or discharge or pain in a healthy woman.
By cancer period is understood those years after forty, although rarely it may occur earlier. The first symptoms of uterine cancer are:
1. Profuse flowing, even if only a day more than usual. Flowing or spotting during the interval or after the use of a syringe or the movement of the bowels.
2. Whites or Leucorrhea, if not existing previously. If existing but getting more profuse, watery, irritating, or producing itching is a very suspicious symptom.
[CONSTITUTIONAL DISEASES 335]
3. Loss of weight, if no other cause is apparent. Pain in the region of the womb, back or side.
If any of the above symptoms occur after the age of thirty-five or forty, a woman should seek relief and insist on thorough investigation of the cause and prompt treatment.
Cancer is always at first a local disease and can be removed if early recognized and an absolute, permanent cure brought about.
CANCER OF THE BREAST.—Eighty-one per cent of an tumors of the breast are cancer or become so. Whenever a woman feels a lump in her breast, particularly if she be at the cancerous age, she should consult a skilled physician at once and keep that breast under medical observation. If so advised by her physician or by a skilled surgeon, she should have an operation for the removal of the cancer, as it can be completely eradicated when operated upon in its early stages. If left to grow and develop it will get beyond the aid of even the most skillful surgeon. Early diagnosis plus surgery is the only hope for a cancerous person. Operation offers a most hopeful outlook for those afflicted with cancer. It is more important to make an early diagnosis in cancer of the breast than it is in appendicitis.
CANCER (CARCINOMA).—This is very malignant. This kind is divided into two classes, Scirrhus and Epithelial.
1. Scirrhus cancer. This is a hard, irregular growth of moderate size. Its special seat is the breast, the pyloric (smaller) end of the stomach and in few instances the glands of the skin.
Soft Medullary or Encephaloid cancer. This type resembles brain tissue both in appearance and consistence. It appears quite soft and may be mistaken for an abscess. In form, it differs according to the organ attacked. Special seats: The testicle, liver, bladder, kidney, ovary, the eye and more rarely the breast.
Colloid cancer; jelly-like substance.—The cancer cells have undergone a degeneration in one of the preceding varieties. The material it contains is a semi-translucent, glistening, jelly-like substance. Its special seats are the stomach, bowel, omentum, ovary and, occasionally, the breast.
Diagnosis.—This kind is very rare before thirty years of age and common after forty. They involve the gland early, contrary to what the sarcoma variety does. Innocent growths occur, as a rule, in younger patients, do not grow so rapidly, do not become adherent to neighboring parts and do not ulcerate.
2. The Epithelial Cancer (Carcinoma).—These always spring from free epithelium-clad surfaces, as the skin, and mucous membranes or from the glands of the same. These growths appear with great frequency at the points of junction of mucous membranes and skin surfaces, probably because these parts are subjected to more frequent and varied forms of mechanical and chemical irritation, Special seats: Skin surfaces, the nose, the lower lip, the penis and scrotum, the vulva, the anus (mucous surfaces), tongue, palate, gums, tonsils, larynx, pharynx, gullet, bladder, womb.
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MOTHERS' REMEDIES.—l. Cancer, Simple Remedy for.—"Give a teaspoonful of sarsaparilla tea four times daily, made with two ounces of sarsaparilla root and quart of water boiled to one pint and apply to cancer growth a poultice made of carrots scraped or mashed cranberries." These simple remedies will relieve and often cure growths taken for cancers, but if it is really a cancerous growth no medicine will help and a physician should be consulted at once.
2. Cancer, Nettles and Laudanum Will Help.—"Take the juice of common nettles inwardly and mix a little laudanum with the juice and rub the parts outwardly. Cancer has often yielded to this treatment." This remedy will no doubt help an ugly looking ulcer, repeatedly taken for cancer, by the patients themselves and frequently the doctor. It is always well to give this simple home remedy a trial, at least, for it is frequently admitted by the medical fraternity to-day that ugly ulcers are often treated in this way as cancers, sometimes to the lasting detriment of the sufferer. Then why not try some efficient home remedy like the above until you are certain that it is a cancer?
TUMORS.—A tumor is a new growth which produces a localized enlargement of a part, or an organ, has no tendency to a spontaneous cure, has no useful function, in most cases tends to grow during the whole of the individual's life. Clinically, tumors are divided into the benign and the malignant.
A benign tumor is usually composed of tissues, resembling those in which it originates.
A malignant tumor usually consists of tissues widely different from those in which it originates; its growth is rapid and therefore often painful; it infiltrates all the surrounding tissues, however resistant, even bone, because it is never encapsulated; it thus early becomes immovable; the overlying skin is apt to become adherent, especially when the breast is involved. Sooner or later it usually infects the group of lymphatic glands intervening between it and the venous circulation and from these new centres, or directly through the veins, gives rise to secondary deposits in the internal organs.
Some varieties. 1. Fibrous tumors; these consist of fibrous tissues. 2.
Fatty tumors (or lipomata); these consist of normal fat tissue. 3.
Cartilaginous tumors; consist of cartilage. 4. Osseous (bony) tumors. 5.
Mucous tumors (myxomata). 6. Muscular tumors (myomata). 7. Vascular tumors
(Angeiomata). 8. Nerve tumors (Neuromata).
Malignant Sarcoma (Sarcomata).—These are a variety of tumors. The result of these varies with the location of the tumor. If located in the jaw, an operation may cure it. If in the tonsil or lymphatic gland, it destroys life rapidly. If in the sub-cutaneous tissue, it may be repeatedly removed, the system remaining free, or the amputation of the limb involved will probably cure the disease.
[Illustration: Circulatory System.]
[CONSTITUTIONAL DISEASES 337]
TUMORS.—Diagnosis. It is uncommon under thirty, quite common after. Epithelioma of the lower lip is limited almost entirely to men. If, then, a man of from forty to seventy develops a small tumor in the lower lip which ulcerates early, it is likely to be the cancer. The same applies to some extent to the tongue. These growths and sores need attention early.
Treatment.—The best treatment is early free removal of the entire growth before the glands are involved.