219. Lime in a medical point of view is of great importance as the basis of Lime Water (in India it is essentially necessary to see that nurses and sick attendants understand the difference between Lime Water and Lime Juice; accidents have been known to occur from their ignorance), a mild and useful antacid; it is prepared by adding two ounces of slaked lime to one gallon of water, in a stoppered bottle, shaking well for two or three minutes, and then allowing it to stand till the lime is deposited at the bottom. In cases of emergency, as burns, &c., half an hour is sufficient for this purpose; otherwise it should be allowed to stand for twelve hours at least before being used. It is only the clear water which holds a portion of Lime in solution, which is employed in medicine. It is advisable always to keep a supply ready prepared, as it is useful in many ways, and it will remain good for a long time, if kept in well-stoppered bottles, so that the air cannot have access to it. The dose for adults is from 1 to 3 ounces twice or thrice daily; it is best administered in milk.

220. Another form, called the Saccharated Solution of Lime, thought to be better adapted for internal use in the diseases of childhood and infancy, is prepared by carefully mixing together in a mortar one ounce of Slaked Lime and two ounces of powdered White Sugar, and adding this to a pint of Water, as described above. It should be kept in a well-stoppered bottle. The dose of the clear water is from 15 to 20 drops or minims in milk twice or thrice daily.

221. In Acidity of the Stomach, in Heartburn, and in those forms of Indigestion arising from or connected with acidity of the stomach, Lime Water in doses of 1½ to 2 ounces, is often speedily and permanently effectual. It is particularly useful in indigestion when the urine is scanty and high coloured, and when vomiting and acid eructations are prominent symptoms. It is best given in milk.

222. In Diarrhœa arising from Acidity Lime Water frequently proves useful; it is best given in a solution of gum arabic or other mucilage, and in obstinate cases ten drops of Laudanum with each dose increases its efficacy; it may also be advantageously combined with Omum water (317). In Chronic Dysentery the same treatment sometimes proves useful. Enemas of Lime Water diluted with an equal part of tepid milk or mucilage have also been used with benefit. It is especially adapted for the Diarrhœa and Vomiting of Infants and young children which result from artificial feeding; in these cases a sixth or a fourth part of Lime Water may be added to each pint of milk. The Saccharated Solution of Lime (220) has also been found of great service in this class of cases.

223. Obstinate Vomiting sometimes yields to a few doses of Lime Water in milk, when other more powerful remedies have failed. It is worthy of a trial in the Vomiting attendant on the advanced stages of Fever; it has been thought to arrest even the black vomit of yellow fever. It is also a remedy of much value in Pyrosis or Waterbrash.

224. To relieve the distressing Irritation of the Genital Organs (Pruritus Pudendi) bathing the parts well with tepid Lime Water three or four times a day sometimes affords much relief. Leucorrhœa and other Vaginal Discharges have in some instances been mitigated and even cured by the use of vaginal injections of a mixture of 1 part of Lime Water and 2 or 3 of Water.

225. In Scrofula, Lime Water in doses of ½ ounce in Milk, three or four times a day, proves beneficial in some cases; it is thought to be especially adapted for those cases in which abscesses and ulcers are continually forming. To be of service, it requires to be persevered in for some time. Scrofulous and other Ulcers attended by much discharge have been found to improve under the use of Lime Water as a local application. For Syphilitic Ulcers or Chancres, one of the best applications is a mixture of Lime Water ½ pint, and Calomel 30 grains; this—commonly known as Black Wash—should be kept constantly applied to the part by means of a piece of lint or rag moistened with it. Many forms of Skin Disease, attended with much secretion and with great irritation or burning, are benefited by Lime Water either pure or conjoined with oil (229). To sore or cracked Nipples it proves very serviceable. Diluted with an equal part of water or milk it forms a useful injection in Discharges from the Nose and Ears occurring in scrofulous and other children.

226. In Consumption, Lime Water and milk has been strongly recommended as an ordinary beverage. The same diet-drink has been advised in Diabetes; but little dependence is to be placed upon it as a cure; it may produce temporary benefit.

227. In Thread Worm, enemas of 3 or 4 ounces of Lime Water, repeated two or three times, have sometimes been found sufficient to effect a cure.