“In addition to the common remedies prescribed for the effects of masturbation—as bark, iron, silver, the cold bath and shower bath, &c., which are valuable remedies for this local, as well as for the general debility attending the habit—other remedies, of a more stimulating character, and that have a more direct local effect upon these organs, are also indicated. Of these, tincture of lytta, bals. copaiva, and nitrate of silver, may be named. The strong tinct. of lytta, (made of pulv. lytta, 10 oz. alcohol, lbj.) may be taken in doses of from 10 to 20 drops, increasing, so as to produce a slight irritation of the urethra, and continued in such doses as will keep up this effect without occasioning actual pain. The dose should be repeated three or four times a day, generally. The very best effects often result from the use of this remedy.
“Balsam of copaiva, if the urethra is irritable, may be a valuable remedy. Nitrate of silver is also both useful as a general remedy, and as having some local action on these organs. From one to four grains may be taken daily, combined with a little opium, to prevent irritation of the stomach and bowels.
“In leucorrhœa, which too frequently arises from this cause, these remedies promise much; and when prescribed in efficient doses, often effect a cure, whatever may have been the cause of the disease. It is not too much to say, that no one cause more frequently affects the health of females, and lays the foundation of fatal disease, than severe and long continued leucorrhœa; and yet, if attended to early, it is easily cured. It ought, however, even if slight, never to be neglected.”
Many cases similar in character to those already stated, and confirming the foregoing observations, have been transmitted to us by Dr. A. Sidney Doane, and Prof. J. W. Francis, both of New York. Our limits, however, forbid their insertion.
FOOTNOTES:
[1] The injection into the rectum of a strong decoction of pomegranate root will destroy these ascarides. These injections should be repeated noon and night, and in five or six days the end is attained. Should these animals be found in the vagina, the same decoction should be used.
[2] This learned work is dedicated to the Bishop of Lubeck, and has this motto:—
“Delicias pariunt veneri audelia flagra
Dum nocet, illa juvat: dum juvet, ecce nocet.”
Transcriber’s Note:
Renumbered sections to match “Table of Contents”, reformatted section headers for consistency.