Care and Preservation of the Instrument.
In all cases, after the instrument has been used for injecting any medicinal preparation, gruel, or in fact anything except clear water, care should be taken to thoroughly cleanse it before laying it aside, or it will become foul. This can be easily effected by pumping through it some pure water, which will generally remove all sediment that may be left in the instrument. If an injection containing oil has been used, strong soapsuds will be required to remove the oily matter. If in cleansing the syringe the plunger is withdrawn from the barrel, great care should be taken that the leather is not injured in returning it again. (See Directions for Use.)
As this instrument is composed wholly of the best of Britannia, and not of part lead, like most of the instruments of the kind, it can be easily kept clean and bright as when new, by rubbing it smartly for a moment with a piece of soft flannel or wash-leather. The little trouble occasioned by this process will be amply repaid by the handsome appearance of the apparatus.
Common Injections.
Take of cold or warm water about three quarters of a pint. These are the most simple injections for costiveness, and are generally very effective in their action. Cold water is highly recommended by Dr. Jackson, of Boston, in cases of habitual costiveness, and may be used daily for many years, without injury.
Laxative Injections.
Form I.
Take one half pint of strong soapsuds, made from the yellow bar; or common soft soap is often used, in two gills of warm water. This will be found very active, and is much used in bad cases of constipation, or to hasten the operation of cathartics taken by the mouth.
Form II.
Take of common salt, molasses, and lard, one table spoonful each, to which add one pint of warm water. If this do not operate as effectually as may be desired, the effect may be increased by the addition of a table spoonful of olive oil, or infusion of senna.