Uses, &c. Galls are extensively employed in the art of dyeing, and constitute one of the principal ingredients in all the shades of black, and are also employed to fix or improve several other colours. A decoction of galls, to which a little green copperas and gum Arabic has been added, forms common writing ink. In medicine they are used as an astringent, in hæmorrhages and fluxes, in doses of 10 to 20 gr.; and topically, under the form of infusion or decoction, as a gargle in relaxation of the uvula; as an injection in gleet and leucorrhœa; as a lotion or fomentation in flabby ulcers, prolapsus ani, &c.; and as an ointment in piles, watery ulcers, &c. The infusion or decoction is also used as an antidote to poisoning by the alkaloids, and was formerly given as a tonic in intermittents. See Gallic Acid, Ink, &c.
GALL′STONE. Syn. Calculus biliosus, C. cysticus bovinus, L. Formed in the gall-bladder of neat cattle in winter, when they are fed upon dry food. Used as a yellow pigment, and in medicine—Dose, 1 gr.; in dyspepsia and flatulency. Man is also subject to gall-stone, the presence or passage of which is attended with the most acute pain, frequently accompanied with nausea and sickness. In no case should a patient suffering from a paroxysm such as above described delay to seek immediate medical aid. The following treatment is recommended for the benefit of those only who, like emigrants and others, may be unable to obtain professional assistance.
The pain and spasm should be endeavoured to be alleviated by full doses of laudanum, given in soda water. If there be much sickness, the laudanum should be given in the form of an enema. If the paroxysm be excessive, the cautious inhalation of ether or chloroform should be tried. When the pain is of long duration, leeching should be had recourse to. Ice applied freely to the pit of the stomach has sometimes been found to give relief. See Calculus.
GALV′ANIZED IRON. See Iron and Zincing.
GAM′BOGE. Syn. (Camboge; Cambogia, L. B. P.) Gambogia, L. “A gum-resin obtained from Garcinia Morella.” (B. P.) Gamboge is an active hydragogue and drastic purgative, which occasionally proves useful in torpor of the abdominal and pelvic viscera; but which is highly dangerous in an irritable or inflammatory state of the stomach or bowels, and during pregnancy. It is very apt to induce nausea and vomiting. In large quantities it is a violent poison. “The deaths which have occurred from the use of enormous quantities of Morrison’s pills are mainly ascribable to the gamboge contained in those medicines.” (Pereira.)—Dose, 1 to 5 gr., made into pills or mixture, every 4 to 6 hours; in obstinate constipation, in dropsies, in apoplexy and like cerebral affections, and in worms (especially tape-worm), either alone or combined with other cathartics. See Compound Extract of Colocynth.
GAME. The flesh of game is believed to possess strengthening qualities superior to that of poultry. It also contains less fat. Game is tender and easy of digestion, and it has a delicate and marked flavour. It forms a valuable diet for the invalid, by reason of its easy digestibility.
Respecting the choice and preservation of game, Eliza Acton writes—“Buck venison, which is in season only from June to Michaelmas, is considered finer than doe venison, which comes into the market in October, and remains in season through November and December; neither should be cooked at any other part of the year.
“The greater the depth of fat upon the haunch the better the quality of the meat will be, provided it be clear and white, and the lean of a dark hue.
“If the cleft of the hoof, which is always left on the joint, be small and smooth, the animal is young; but it is old when the marks are the reverse of these.[325] Although the haunch is the prime and favourite joint of venison, the neck and shoulder are also excellent, dressed in various ways, and make much-approved pasties. A free current of air in a larder where venison is kept is always a great advantage.
[325] Venison is not in perfection when young.