We have instances that patients, after two hours application, have been brought to life again; therefore every means possible should be tried. Of all the various stimulants, salt, or potashes, is the best; spirits must not be made use of, nor indeed vinegar, in the time of recovery; as that is liable to congeal the blood, and prevent it from circulation, till the recovery is procured; when the sage punch, or mulled wine, or some other cordial may be proper. Spirits of hartshorn, if it is on board may also, with propriety, be held to the nose, or poured a little down the throat, as that is stimulating, but not coagulating.
When at length the patient has recovered, let him take the forementioned draught No. [IV]. as also the warm sage punch No. [V]. and take all possible care for his recovery.—If Bronchotomy was obliged to be performed, let the wound carefully be washed, closed, and dress’d with dry lint; over which lay a compress with warm claret intermixed with camphor spirits; and the more to favour the healing, let his head constantly be inclined; rest should also be promoted as much as possible, for which purpose 8 or 10 drops of liquid laudanum will be very proper; likewise silence should be strictly imposed on him; and that should be a material object to be observed, by those who tend him. In every respect else, let him be treated as is directed under the head of fevers and other circumstances, as they shall occur.
Here then I shall conclude this lecture, and beg leave to observe, that as mankind are ever liable to accidents, particularly that class I have here devoted myself to serve, it behoves us ever to be provided with preconsiderations, that we may be always ready to give our friendly assistance in the hour of distress. In time of need, the mind is too much hurried to read with any attention; and dangers particularly from accidents admits of no delay.
The prudent seaman, especially the father of his Crew will therefore make himself acquainted with all these circumstances in his hours of tranquillity, by which he may ever be ready with his friendly aid, and receive the blessing of him that is benefited by his Humanity and generous care.
LECTURE IV.
ON
EXTERNAL DISEASES,
AND THEIR
CURE.