397b. The wet sheet has been highly spoken of in the treatment of Delirium Tremens; it is applied as follows: Strip the patient naked and roll him in a wet sheet till he looks like a mummy, and then roll a blanket round this again. In many cases the delirious excitement will subside as soon as a hot vapour surrounds the patient, and he will fall into a quiet sleep. It should be used with caution in the case of an old debilitated drunkard.
398.
Wax.
Móm (Hind., Duk., Beng., Punj.), Si'úth (Kash.), Mozhukka (Tam.), Máinam (Tel.), Mezhuka (Mal.), Ména (Can., Mah.), Mín (Guz.), Ittí (Cing.), Phayoui (Burm.), Libu lubah (Malay).
399. Wax, obtainable of good quality in most bazaars, has no especial medicinal properties; it is, however, extensively used in the formation of ointments, plasters, &c., for the purpose of giving them consistence, and a mildly stimulant action. The following is stated to be an excellent stimulant application to "Blind Boils," so common at certain seasons in many parts of India; it is thought to bring them to a head sooner than any other remedy. Take of Indian Bdellium—Gúgul (Hind., Punj.), Kánt-i-gun (Kash.), the gum resin of Balsamodendron Mukul (Hooker), and B. pubescens (Stocks)—Wax, and Sesamum oil, of each one ounce; melt together with a gentle heat, stirring well, and strain. A portion of this, spread on rag or lint, should be placed over each boil. It is also a good dressing for subsequent Ulceration.
ADDENDA.
400.
Cinchona Febrifuge, or Darjeeling Cinchona Alkaloid.
This was really employed as a cheap substitute for Quinine.