In addition to these there have been introduced notices of Indian Hemp (Gunjah) smoking in the treatment of Tetanus, of the antiscorbutic properties of Ámchur (dried Mangoes), the lactifuge powers of Sambac flowers (Jasminum Sambac), the emmenagogue virtues of Til or Jinjili Seeds (Sesamum Indicum), and other points unnoticed in previous editions. The therapeutic applications of Water are enlarged upon; as also are those of Carbolic Acid, especially in the treatment of Leprosy. The Sick Dietary has likewise been extended. Amongst the new matter has been introduced a section (pp. 268-272) detailing the "Precautions to be taken by persons residing in snake-infested localities."
By these and other additions (occupying upwards of thirty pages of new matter), and by the revision and modification of other passages, it is confidently hoped that the practical value of the work will be found to be materially increased. Indeed, it has been my earnest endeavour throughout to render this little volume as useful as possible, and if through its instrumentality suffering humanity be in any degree benefited my highest aspiration will be attained.
E. J. WARING.
PREFACE TO THE SECOND EDITION.
Fourteen years have elapsed since this work, in an elementary form, was first issued for the use of the District Vaccinators of Travancore, whose sphere of action was far removed from regular medical aid. It was originally published in English and Tamil on opposite pages; subsequently it was reprinted in Tamil alone by the London Missionary Society's Press at Nagercoil, for the use of the catechists and others connected with that Mission. In 1868, a Malyalim translation, by Dresser Ramswammy Rajoo, was issued by the Travancore Government. From reports received from various quarters, there is reason to believe that the work has enjoyed a wide circulation amongst the people of Travancore and Tinnevelly, and that it has exercised a considerable influence on the practice of the native doctors of those districts.
Were I wise, I ought, perhaps, to rest satisfied with these results, which far exceed what were originally contemplated; but recent observation has convinced me that there are other classes scattered through our great Indian possessions to whom a work of the kind would prove most acceptable, by pointing out to them the agents—either purchasable in the bazaars at an almost nominal price, or procurable at the cost of collection, from the road-sides, waste places, or gardens in the immediate neighbourhood of almost every out-station—by means of which, with the exercise of ordinary intelligence, they may often be enabled to relieve the sufferings of those amongst whom their lot has been cast.
And at the head of these classes stand the Missionaries, whose stations, for the most part, are too far removed from the busy haunts of men to allow of their calling in regular medical aid in cases of sickness, and who are consequently thrown, at such times, very much on their own resources. Many of the missionaries have under their charge large establishments of catechists, pupils, &c.; and it cannot be otherwise than highly desirable that they should be put in possession of any information regarding the available means of relieving the sufferings, and treating the diseases, of those placed under their care. This is not the place to enter into a disquisition on missionary work, but I cannot refrain from expressing my firm conviction that the more the principle of Medical Missions—making Religion and Medicine go hand in hand—is carried out, the greater, humanly speaking, will be the success of missionary efforts. How many a door for the admission of Gospel truth, which would otherwise be shut, would be opened, and that readily, to one who, with "the glad tidings of great joy" in the one hand, would bring in the other the means of relieving physical suffering and curing bodily disease! The highest distinction that I would claim for this little work is, that it may constitute, as far as India is concerned, a Missionaries' Medical Vade Mecum.
Next on the rôle comes a large army of European and Anglo-Indian officials, whether within the magic circle of "the Service" or beyond its pale, who are attached to the Public Works, Forests, Railway, Telegraph, or other Departments, or employed in Tea, Coffee, or Cotton plantations, in commercial pursuits, &c., many of them married men, with families and a large number of dependants, the majority at distant "up-country stations," miles away from medical aid; how important for persons under such circumstances to possess a knowledge of the means lying (literally so in many instances) at their very feet, by which pain and suffering may be alleviated, and, perhaps, a valuable life saved.
Lastly, but by no means least, either in point of numbers or importance, comes the daily increasing array of educated Natives, who, as a class, readily avail themselves of every scrap of knowledge drawn from trustworthy European sources, which tends to throw light on the products and resources of their native land. Whilst, on the one hand, I am perfectly prepared to admit that much of the knowledge I possess of the properties and uses of Indian drugs has been derived from Native sources, I think I may, on the other hand, without presumption, claim the credit of repaying the debt with interest, furnishing in return a considerable amount of information on the uses of even the same drugs, of which the Natives themselves had previously no idea. It is to this class that I venture to think this little work will prove most useful and acceptable.
In addition to the above, I venture to hope that to even duly qualified Medical Officers, especially at up-country stations, a work like the present may prove serviceable on emergencies, e.g., a failure of the supply of European drugs, &c., by showing them what resources they have at command in the bazaars or in their immediate neighbourhood, by means of which many a gap may be stopped till more efficient remedies are available.