MEDICAL.
A Constant Sufferer.—The liver is a most unfortunate organ, since it has to bear the brunt not only of special diseases of its own, but also of many of the morbid conditions of the stomach and bowels below, and of the heart and lungs above. But this is not all. The liver has to suffer for every indiscretion in diet—a most formidable form of slavery—and over and above this, it is held responsible for many complaints with which it has nothing to do. If you eat too much, too rich food, too often, or too indigestible food, the liver must suffer. The signs of “liver complaint” are a feeling of oppression in the right side of the abdomen; a yellowish tinge of the skin; headache; weariness and disinclination for work or exertion of any kind; sleeplessness and nightmares; constipation, usually, and general debility. The cause is almost invariably overeating or overdrinking, combined with a sedentary occupation. But it may be due to other more serious causes. The treatment is suggested by the cause—extra exercise, little to eat, and still less to drink. There is one drug which is of immense value in this condition, namely, calomel. Two grains of calomel with twenty grains of bicarbonate of soda, and one day’s absolute fasting, will usually cure an attack of “liver.” Abstemious living will prevent the attacks from recurring.
Constant Reader.—Your friend had far better see her own doctor. It would be a waste of time to discuss all the possible things from which she may be suffering, and you tell us nothing which could lead us to a correct view of her illness.
Anxious One.—Your condition is connected with a feeble circulation. Plenty of digestible food, warm clothing, and plenty of exercise, will do you more good than any local application; but the ichthiol ointment may do something for you.