228. In Poisoning by any of the Mineral Acids, Lime Water given plentifully in milk is an antidote of no mean value, though inferior to some of the other alkalies. It may also be given in Poisoning by Arsenic.
229. To Burns and Scalds few applications are superior to Lime Liniment, composed of equal parts of Lime Water and a bland oil. Olive Oil is generally ordered for this purpose, but Linseed Oil answers just as well, and where this is not at hand Sesamum Oil (338) forms a perfect substitute. When thoroughly shaken together, so as to form a uniform mixture, it should be applied freely over the whole of the burnt surface, and the parts kept covered with rags constantly wetted with it, for some days if necessary. This Liniment on cotton-wool, applied to the pustules, is said to be effectual in preventing Pitting in Smallpox.
230.
The Lime.
—The fresh fruit of Citrus Bergamia, Risso.
Límú, Níbú Nínbú (Hind., Duk.), Nébu (Beng.), Niúmb (Kash.), Elumich-cham-pazham (Tam.), Nimma-pandu (Tel.), Cheru-náranná, Jonakam-náranná (Mal.), Nimbo-hannu (Can.), Límbu (Mah.), Límbu, Nímbu (Guz., Punj.), Dehi (Cing.), Sámyá-si, Tambiya-sí (Burm.), Limowe Nipis (Malay).
231. The fresh juice of the Lime is a valuable resource to the Indian practitioner. In Scurvy it deservedly ranks highest in our list of remedies, and should be taken to the extent of not less than three ounces twice daily: the addition of sugar increases its efficacy. Should the patient be very debilitated, it may be advantageously combined with tonics, as Infusion of Chiretta (98), or Decoction of Ním Bark (260). Diluted with half its quantity of water it forms an excellent gargle for Scorbutic and other Ulcerations of the Mouth, and Sponginess of the Gums. When scurvy appears in a jail or other place where numbers of people are congregated together, the daily use of Lime Juice should be strictly enforced amongst the healthy, as it is one of our best preservatives against an attack of the disease. For other remarks, see Art. Scurvy, in Index.
232. In Smallpox, Measles, Scarlatina, and other forms of Fever, where there is a hot, dry skin, and much thirst, a very useful refrigerant drink, "Lemonade," may be made by pouring a pint of Boiling Water on five or six peeled Limes cut in thin transverse slices. When cool, strain, sweeten to taste, and let the patient drink as plentifully as he likes. In the same class of cases, when the mouth is dry and clammy, sucking a fresh Lime cut in slices is often both agreeable and useful, though when at hand a slice of Pineapple is said to answer the purpose even more effectually. The stringy portion should not be swallowed. In Diabetes, weak lemonade is preferable to plain water for allaying the great thirst; like other fluids, in this disease, it is better taken during the intervals between, than at meals.
233. In cases of Hæmmorrhage from the Lungs, Stomach, Bowels, Uterus, Kidneys, or other internal organs, especially when attended with feverish symptoms, the drink described in the last section, or made somewhat stronger, may be taken with advantage in considerable quantities. The patient should at the same time remain quiet in the recumbent position, and kept as cool as possible.