The third form, which depends chiefly on interruption of the natural habit of periodic discharge, often results from repeated failure to move the bowels, in consequence of one or other of the two preceding forms of this trouble. This may generally be relieved by directing a perfectly regular attempt to go to stool, and by the use of the following draught, taken the first thing after rising from bed—not on awakening—in the morning, as nearly as possible at the same hour. It will be observed that it is not an aperient in the ordinary sense of the term. It is, as a rule, neither necessary nor desirable to continue it for longer than a fortnight. In most instances, it will be found to re-establish the normal habit in a week or less.
Ammoniæ carbonatis ʒj., tincturæ valerianæ ℥j.; aquæ camphoræ ℥v. Misce, fiat mistura; capiat partem sextam in modo dicto. (Brit. Med. Journ.)
The value of castor oil as a family aperient is undoubted. Referring to its use, Dr. Soper enlarges on the great advantages of a combination of castor oil and glycerine in equal proportions to act as a purgative. Glycerine has great therapeutic value, especially in its solvent properties, and this combination renders it especially valuable. In regard to castor oil, a great mistake is often made in the largeness of dose administered; in this mixture, only ½ teaspoonful is required combined with an equal bulk of glycerine. In all cases of chronic constipation, piles, &c., it has proved most useful. Also ½ teaspoonful doses in the early stages of bronchitis seem to promote exudation from the tubes, and is certainly expectorant. The great difficulty is the obstinacy with which the mixture becomes a mixture, as it can only be made by placing the bottle in hot water and violently agitating. By adding the oil to the glycerine gradually, and mixing the two in a mortar, the taste of the oil completely disappears. The following is recommended as a pleasant form for children:—1 dr. castor oil, 1 dr. glycerine, 20 drops tincture orange peel; 5 drops tincture senega; cinnamon water to make up ½ oz. mixture.
Consumption.—It is highly probable that adult mortality from phthisis might be considerably reduced, if members of phthisical families, and persons of phthisical habit and tendency, could be induced to pursue an intelligent course of life. In wisely-chosen food, suitable exercise, well-adapted clothing, and pure air, are four distinct and potent details of every-day life, well within control, which may be turned to efficient account in the prevention of phthisis. Precautions, if they are to be effectual, must not be put off until signs of lung mischief become manifest. Then the evil can only be mitigated, not avoided. If consumption be apprehended, the daily diet should be rich both in nitrogenous flesh-forming and fatty constituents. The especial nutritive value of milk in such a case is universally recognised. Next to well-arranged daily food, exercise in the open air is of the greatest importance. On this point the late Dr. Parkes laid down the rule that “the best climates for phthisis are perhaps not necessarily the equable ones, but those which permit the greatest number of hours to be passed out of the house.” By well-adapted clothing, many of the chills, catarrhs, and pulmonary congestions which often lead up to consumption, might be prevented. The rules in this respect are well established. The feet should always be dry and warm; the covered parts of the body, excepting the head, should be clothed in suitable woollen fabrics; the underclothing should be kept of the same thickness all the year round, and variations of apparel to suit the changes of season be made only in the outer garments; and no constrictions or compressions should be allowed to hamper the respiratory play of the chest and abdomen, or to impede the circulation of blood through the lungs and heart. With regard to the respiration of pure air, it may be said generally that it is within doors that the breathing of vitiated air is most likely to become dangerous, and is such a powerful excitant of consumption. (Brit. Med. Journ.)
No person, particularly if young, should be allowed to sleep in the same bed, or even in the same room, with a consumptive. No person should be allowed to remain for too long a time in too close or too constant attendance on a consumptive. Ventilation as perfect as possible should be secured. The expectoration of phthisical patients should be carefully disinfected. Those phthisical patients who are in the habit of mixing freely with other persons should wear one of those antiseptic respirators which are now to be obtained for a few pence.
Corns.—(a) Salicylic plaster has recently been put upon the market as a cure for corns, bunions, and thickened skins generally. The price is reasonable enough, but some may prefer to make it for themselves. Dissolve 2 dr. each of salicylic acid and common yellow resin in 6 dr. sulphuric ether, and paint the solution over belladonna or opium plaster spread on swan’s-down. The mixture dries almost instantaneously, and the plaster is then ready for cutting up into suitable sizes for corns. Considering that the whole does not cost more than 3-4s. per yd., and that several thousand plasters may be made out of that quantity, it is cheap.
(b) Some corns are so painful that neither paint nor plaster can be endured, something of the nature of a shield alone giving relief. For such cases as these, the following wrinkle may be appreciated: Take a corn-shield, enlarge the diameter of the hole to a small extent by means of a knife or scissors, and apply in the usual way. Then place in the hollow thus formed over the corn, a small quantity of any of the following solutions: Salicylic acid and extract cannabis indica dissolved in ether; or ½ dr. extract cannabis indica dissolved in 2 dr. liquor potassæ; or a saturated solution of iodine, or iodide of potash, in strong alcohol. The shield does the double service of taking the pressure of the boot off the corn, and at the same time preventing the liquid being rubbed off by the sock; while all these solutions penetrate the skin with more rapidity than the usual collodion preparation, and are consequently much more effective in their operation. The saturated solution of iodine often succeeds in removing corns and indurated epidermis when other remedies have failed, and the well-known solvent action of liquor potassæ is a sufficient credential to induce for it at least a trial.
(c) Many corns may be removed by a persevering application of the ordinary shield, which, relieving the pressure of the boot, enables nature to throw off the old skin. Acetic acid, too, is an excellent remedy for corroding the indurated epidermis; but it is necessary to protect the surrounding parts by means of a paper shield.
(d) Mix 16 fl. oz. collodion with 2 oz. (avoir.) salicylic acid, and, when this is dissolved, add 1 oz. (avoir.) zinc chloride. Keep it tightly stoppered and away from lights or fire.