A garter applied tightly round the limb affected will, in most cases, speedily remove this complaint. When it is more obstinate, a brick should be heated, wrapped in a flannel bag, and placed at the foot of the bed, against which the person troubled may place his feet. No remedy, however, is equal to that of diligent and long-continued friction.
Cramp is apt to attack the calves of the legs and toes soon after retiring to rest. Get out of bed, and exercise the muscles vigorously.
390. For Spasms.—Mix four table-spoonsful of camphor julep and twenty drops of sal-volatile, for a dose, to be repeated twice or thrice a day.
391. To apply Leeches.—Make the part clean and dry, and dry the leeches in a clean cloth; if this fail, scratch the surface of the skin with a point of a lancet, and apply the leech on the spot, moistened with the blood. To apply a number of leeches, put them into a very small wine-glass, which hold over them till they are fixed. If the skin be much inflamed and heated, pour a little tepid water into the water containing the leeches, before they are taken out to be applied. If sulphur be taken internally, or applied externally, leeches will not bite; neither will they bite if the skin be covered with perspiration; or if there be tobacco smoke or vinegar-vapor in the room.
All that is requisite to stop the bleeding, after the leech is taken away, is constant pressure on the spot; a piece of sponge or cotton, the size of a pin's head, is to be put upon the aperture, and kept there by cross slips of adhesive plaster spread upon linen, or the surgeon's strapping: if greater pressure be necessary, some linen may be placed between the stopper and the plaster.
392. A useful embrocation for Rheumatism, Lumbago, or Strains.—Half an ounce of strongest camphorated spirit, one ounce spirits of turpentine, one raw egg, half pint best vinegar. Well mix the whole, and keep it closely corked. To be rubbed in three or four times a day. For rheumatism in the head, or face-ache, rub all over the back of the head and neck, as well as the part which is the immediate seat of pain.