The treatment of Sprains and Fractures must be learnt from one of the many small handbooks of First-aid.
Medicine Cases and Drugs.
For use in Africa no better case has been devised than the ‘Congo Chest’ (No. 250) of Messrs. Burroughs, Wellcome & Co., and in other countries, where it cannot be carried far, it is useful as a store to be kept at the base camp. A smaller case, which will fulfil most of the ordinary requirements, is the No. 231 case, weight about 7 lb. For the higher ascents, where only the barest necessities can be carried, a leathern pocket-case (such as No. 114, B. W. & Co.) should be taken. In all circumstances it will be advisable to take an additional supply of bandages and dressings, which cannot be contained in the case itself.
It is important that all drugs should be obtained fresh from the makers shortly before the departure of the expedition.
The following is a list of drugs, etc., which may be found useful in a tropical expedition:
| Quinine bihydrochloride | gr. v. |
| Quinine bisulphate | gr. v. |
| Blaud pill | gr. iv. |
| Potassium chlorate | gr. v. |
| Dover powder | gr. v. |
| Iron and arsenic compound. | |
| Bismuth subnitrate | gr. v. |
| Ginger essence | min. x. |
| Potassium permanganate | gr. ii. |
| Calomel | gr. i. |
| Salol | gr. v. |
| Salicin | gr. v. |
| Laxative vegetable. | |
| ‘Livingstone Rouser.’ | |
| Zinc sulphate | gr. i. |
| Opium | gr. i. |
| Aspirin | gr. v. |
| Phenacetin | gr. v. |
| Soda mint. | |
| Easton syrup | dr. ½ |
| Cascara sagrada | gr. ii. |
| Ipecacuanha (sine emetine) | gr. v. |
In addition to the above, which are taken in tabloid form, a supply should be taken of the following:
- Pure carbolic acid.
- Boric acid.
- Castor oil.
- Sulphate of magnesia.
- Iodoform.
- Lanolin.
- Vaselin.
- Sulphur ointment (1 in 10).
- Ammoniated mercury ointment (1 in 10).
- Iodine liniment.
And the following various articles:
- Metal-handled lancet.
- Dressing scissors.
- Dissecting forceps.
- Probe.
- Clinical thermometers.
- Caustic holder and points.
- Suture needles and silk.
- Safety pins.
- Mustard leaves.
- Adhesive plaster, 1 inch and 2 inch.
- Court plaster.
- Oiled silk.
- Large supply of bandages of 1-inch and 2-inch width.
- Supply of lint.
- Gauze.