IN a number of instances, it has been found necessary to speak of \ few articles of medicine usually kept on hand in private houses, factories, and places -where accidents are likely to happen.* It is scarcely necessary to point out how great a risk is assumed in not keeping a little supply of such things on hand, ready for use at a moment's notice. Most prudent people do keep them, although pliysicians know of cases where an apotliecary has been rung up of a cold night to supply ten cents' -worth of paregoric for a sick child. TIiere is scarcely any excuse for such effrontery. Often there is a disposition to purchase these domestic medicines -wherever they are said to be kept, and at the lowest price. This should never be done with articles intended for internal use, as the education of the buyer d.>es not permit him to judge of the purity, strength, or activity of the drug. They should invariably be bought of the most reliable apothecary or retail druggist, if in the city or large town ; or if in the country, at the office of a reputable practitioner of medicine, who has made, or -will guarantee the named essential feature of the dif- lerent articles. What is left unused of prescriptions ordered by the physician, should not be preserved, as there is not one chance in a hundred that Wherever spoken of, reference 13 had to what are called the standard articles prepared according to the United States Pharmacopoeia, a volume re- vised every ten years, containing the accurate standard for the regulation o( Cbe strength and purity of medicines used by the physicians, of the United States, and everywhere recognized by them as an authority upon all mattera therein contained. It bears as close a resemblance as practicable to similar works, of the same obligatory character, of Great Britain and the different countries of Europe. This is the reason why physicians write the n&mes of medicines and directions for preparations in Latin, so that whenever pre- sented, no doubt can arise, from comparison with the works, as to what tttO writer intended. 124 APPENDIX. the same special combination will ever be required again ; unless it is some liniment, or constituent of one, which can be utilized. Be- sides, as a rule, medicines do not keep well; and the more bottles of such things there are about the house, the greater the chance of a mistake in getting hold of one, when another is needed. But a small quantity should be bought at once, for the reason just stated, that most of them undergo changes in character after being kept on hand some time. Each substance should be kept in a flint glass bottle with a closely fitting cork stopple ; or, what is better, a carefully fitted ground-glass stopple, as many medicines erode the delicate cork, permitting the escape of a valuable element or giving access of the air to the contents of the bottle. Each bottle should likewise be correctly and distinctly marked with a printed label; and when the medicine is poured out, pour from the side of the neck opposite the label, so that the last drop, if any, will not trickle down upon the label and deface it. When not in immediate use, all medicines should be kept in a separate closet or other well-defined space, where nothing else is kept, unless the little appliances of domestic surgery. It should be wholly free from dampness, as moisture impairs or destroys the activity of most drugs, especially those in powder, if it can get access to them. If the closet can be kept under lock and key, so much the better. Light must be excluded, as it destroys many substances, as the Sweet Spirits of Nitre ; and injuriously modifies the character of the oil of turpentine. A low uniform temperature is likewise needed otherwise the heat will vaporize the alcohol or ether of many pre- parations, and the supposed strength of the article may be danger- ously interfered with. Besides this, heat destroys many medicines. Syrups, or medicines containing sugar, when poured from a bottle, care should be taken to keep the neck at the cork free from the mix. ture. Independently of the neatness, the stopple and neck of the bottle should be wiped on each occasion of use, to prevent (lie collec. tion and decomposition of the saccharine matter, as the character of the medicine may be modified by it. Liniments for external use, in the majority of cases, and the same APPENDIX. 125 is true of Lotions, depend for their usefulness upon articles not to be taken internally. They should be kept in a distinct corner by them- selves, labeled " Poison," and as soon as used, returned to the spot they belong. Many of them, containing chloroform, ether, or other volatile substances, are apt to dislodge the stopple, and this element, perhaps the active one, rapidly evaporates. When ordered for im- mediate use, these substances can scarcely be preserved in their proper proportions to the other ingredients until consumed, even when an attempt is made to tie down the stopple. Powders should be kept in tight metal boxes ; or, what is better, wide-mouth bottles with closely fitting ground-glass stopples. Ointments (" Salves") should never be kept in any quantity, or for any length of time. Unless purchased in large cities, at the re- tail shops, where large and rapid sales compel a constant renewal of Btock, they are usually rancid. This is especially true of what is called " cold cream." A rancid ointment is unfit for use to a delicate part. It is quite as difficult, as a general thing, for an apothecary to keep ointments from becoming rancid, as it is for a housekeeper to preserve butter in its original freshness. Pills kept for some time, particularly those containing certain articles, become so hard that they are about as soluble in the stomach as grains of coffee. This is especially true of sugar-coated pills. This defect can be overcome by enclosing the number to be taken in a piece of muslin and reducing them to fragments by a blow.* * There are few observant physicians who will not Bay that these things are used much too often when not really necessary. Many people take them because they are what they call " bilious." which, In nineteen cases out 01' twenty, and this is said thoughtfully, means that the person has eaten too much food; not diminished the consumption of heat- proaucing articles, as fatty matters, as the heated weather approached: or has taken food which did not digest properly, owing to its nature, the mode in which taken, or the condition of the stomach at the time. In such cases absence from food until the material already there can have passed off, and the alimentary track restored, is all that is needed. A little thought after- ward, with a little common forbearance, is all that is needed to keep from getting " bilious" again. Another thing is to "purifythe blood." Buthowdo you know thatitneedBit? 126 APPENDIX. Medicines to be taken internally are usually ordered by drops, tea-spoonful, dessert-spoonful, or table-spoonful; not because these measures of quantity are correct, but because they are convenient. Drops vary in size, according to the temperature of the liquid, the shape of the edge over -which it is poured, and the specific gravity nnd general character of the substance poured. All other things being equal, drops of ether are, perhaps, not more than one third as large as a drop of syrup. However, the physician usually takes all these things into consideration -when medicines are ordered, so if the directions as to the number of drops is followed, no danger need be apprehended from this source. A Tea-spoonful means the quantity occupying the space occupied by forty-five drops of pure water. Some tea-spoons now the style hold much more than this ; hence in every house should be kept a tea-spoon known, by exact measurement, to contain just a typical tea- spoonful, or forty-five drops of water of ordinary purity. With this correct standard, another can be found holding just twice as much, and this will be what is called, in measuring medicine, a Dessert- spoonful. This doubled, or four tea-spoonfuls, is the Table-spoonful of medicine, or half an ounce. What is best of all, is the common graduated measure, as it is called, used by apothecaries and all who wish to accurately estimate quantities of liquid. Not only the technical characters should be cut on the glass, but the quantities written out in full in plain English. There is a kind in the market with the characters pressed on the glass instead of being etched, but some think them, as a rule, less accurate than the other kind. If a true one cannot be had, take some Bead over what has just been Bald about " bllloua" people, and see It there la not some suggestion there to meet the case. Another thing often alleged is " constipation." Now there is often apparent reason in this. Physicians will say, however, that what is a necessity for one person twice a day, will not be tor another twice a week; and one enjoys as good health as the other. If the reader has reached the age of forty years, and will think bach over things, he will find things which were once a neces- sity have become nseless ; and things once not needed, can not now be dis- pensed with. Therefore, because things do not happen now as they once did, or happen now that once did not, remember there may be nothing wrong about it; at least, not enough to excuse the wrong of taking a lot of pills without cousultiug a physician as to whether they are really needed. 11)f APPBTOIX. --' water and count out forty-five drops until a "tea-spoon" is found of the precise size to hold it. One tea-spoonful = 1 dram =: forty-five drops pure water. One dessert-spoonful = 2 drams, or 2 tea spoonfuls. One table-spoonful = 4 drams =4 teaspoonfuls or 2 dessert. spoonfuls, and is also equal to one-half of a fluid ounce. Two table- spoonfuls, of course, makes one fluid ounce. While speaking of certain articles of domestic medicine which should always be kept on hand, especially should several large and reliable apothecary-shops not be in the immediate neighborhood, there is one practice to be decidedly condemned. For some reason or another, or perhaps more correctly to say for lack of reason, certain persons persist in keeping about the house a parcel of Arsenic, Corrosive Sublimate, and if particularly favored, a few grains of Strychnia. They are often purchased under the de- lusion that they are intended for "rats," or something else. Some- times, even, they are carried around in the waistcoat-pocket, or kept on the mantel, or in a well-known conspicuous place on the clock, to be displayed and their merits dwelt upon in the most reckless man- ner whenever a listener can be found. The fondness for doing such things apparently belongs to the same order of mental obliquity that leads some innocent-minded people to keep dangerous firearms, largely loaded, constantly about the house; or with as little reason, a ferocious dog in the front yarj. Independently of the danger of some one getting and taking such dangerous substances by accident, it should always be remembered that an unnecessary familiarity wi& such tilings is of no advantage to any one. While, perhaps, harm- less in some hands, it should never be forgotten that often "the sight, of means to do ill deeds, makes deeds, ill done." When it is necessary to get such things, tell the apothecary the use to be made of them, and ask him, as a precautionary measure, to add something to give offensive bulk to the poison without impair- ing its usefulness for the purpose intended. Further, solutions of Corrosive Sublimate and Oxalic Salt should always be kept in a receptacle the appearance of which, alone, inde- pendent of the name of the substance and the word Poison and other 128 APPENDIX. marks, will suggest unpleasant ideas, should the contents be used otherwise than legitimately intended. Several of the commonly kept medicines have individual pecu- liarities not generally known, but it will be so readily seen that the value of the article depends upon them that they -will therefore be briefly mentioned in detail. Alcohol.—This is kept in most houses for various purposes. In a close bottle, it will keep for an indefinite length of time. Aqua AmmonisB (Water of Ammonia) "Hartshorn."—As the name implies, this is water, saturated, as the chemists say, with a known quantity of Ammonia, a substance for practical purposes, existing in the form of a gas. The strength, of course, depends upon the quantity of the gas held by the water. As the Ammonia is readily driven from the water by moderate heat, and rapidly leaves it on ex- posure to the open air, it can be seen that the strength of the Aqua Ammonise, compared with the standard, even when purchased of the best dealers, may vary a great deal. Owing to the difficulty of keep- ing it, a small quantity only should be purchased at one time. As the ammonia rapidly corrodes the common cork, and finds an outlet for escape from the bottle, the liquid should be kept under a ground- glass stopple. It is never used internally, but chiefly in combination with other substances, as a stimulating liniment. If the necessary articles are to be had, a useful Liniment, when there are no breaks in the skin, ican be easily prepared by mixing equal quantities of Aqua Ammo- ;niie, Tincture of Opium (Laudanum), Oil of Turpentine, or Glycerine, ,or Tincture of Camphor. Any three of these will answer. No more ;need be mixed at a time than will last for a few applications. This Ammonia, united with Carbonic Acid Gas, gives the Carbo- nate of Ammonia; which, coarsely bruised, and scented with various substances, constitutes the common smelling-salts, so much used by ladies as a nasal stimulant in fainting and hysteria. Aromatic Spirits of Ammonia.—This is suitably prepared Aqua Ammonise, with other substances. No house should be without APPENDIX. 12^ this valuable article. If the supply can readily be replenished, no more than an ounce need be bought at once. The value of it as a medicine depends, of course, upon the useful agent in it, which is the Ammonia previously spoken of, so care should be taken to keep up a fresh supply, and take proper care of what you get. If, in an emergency, it can not be felt that the article is reliable, the dose may be increased. Aromatic Spirits of Ammonia is what physicians call a diffusible stimulant, in many respects like Brandy, and in some instances bet- ter. Tlie Ammonia in it is an Alkali; so it is also called an antacid, and given internally to neutralize a supposed excess of acid in the stomach. As a stimulant, the dose is twenty drops in a tea-spoonful of cold water, every couple of minutes, until certain results sought are ob- tained. Aromatic Sulphuric Acid.-Five or ten drops in a wine-glass of water is used internally. Like the acid of sour fruit, or pickles, this acid "sets the teeth on edge-," so immediately after using it, the mouth should be rinsed out with some water, with a little alkali in it-say the common baking soda. This will neutralize any particles of the acid adherent to the inside of the mouth. Tincture of Arnica—"Arnica." This popular name is as in- correct as it would be to call Tincture of Opium ^(Laudanum) "Opium." It consists of the active principle of the flowers of the plant, suitably exhausted and kept in solution by Alcohol. It is use- ful as a Liniment by itself or mixed with other things ; but perhaps of less value than popularly supposed. It has no more "healing- properties, when applied to wounds and bruises, than Laudanum, and is, in fact, not as soothing. As there is no necessity, unless to soothe pain, for using Laudanum for this purpose, there is none for pouring on Tincture of Arnica, as many simple-hearted people do. Tincture of Arnica, internally, is poisonous, like Aconite (see Poi- - soning by Aconite, p. 105'). 130 APPENDIX. Tincture of Camphor.—This is Camplior dissolved in Alcohol (2 ounces of Camphor to a pint of Alcohol, U. S. P.) Tincture of Capsicum. —A few drops of this in a little water is a pure stimulant—equal, in many respects, to brandy. Tincture of Myrrh.—A tea-spoonful, with thirty drops of the Tincture of Capsicum, added to a couple of ounces of sage-tea, with as much Chlorate of Potash as will lie heaped upon a two-cent piece, is a good domestic gargle. The throat should first be cleansed by rargling it out with some warm water, or salt and water, then fol- lowed by the mixture. Tincture of Opium—"Laudanum." This, as the name implies, is the active principle of Opium exhausted by alcohol. This valu- able preparation should always be purchased of a most reliable apothecary. The Tincture of Opium sold in the rural stores often contains scarcely a trace of opium, and may, therefore, be said to be oseless. An ounce is enough, as a rule, to keep on hand. If the stopper becomes loosened, from any cause, the Alcohol, of course, evaporates, which might occasion serious inconvenience, by increas- ing its strength beyond the officinal standard. The dose of Opium is one grain, and twenty-five drops of the Tincture of Opium (Laudanum) contains this quantity. Hence, twenty-five drops is a dose for an average person in health. Tincture' of Ehubarb and Senna—"Warner's Gout Cordial"— is a useful cathartic for the weak, especially used in cold weather, when there is an instinctive repugnance to the alkaline class of such medicines as Epsom Salts, Seidlitz-powders, etc. From a tea-spoonful to a table-spoonful is a dose. Camphorated Tincture of Opium—" Paregoric," " Paregoric Elixir." The name suggests it scoinponents to a degree; but it con- tains several other things, none of which interfere with the action of its prominent ingredient—Opium. This should be kept as suggested for the Tincture of Opium (Laudanum.) APPENDIX. 131 A table-spoonful (which is lialf a fluid ounce, two dessert-spoon- fuls, or four tea-spoonfuls, p. 127), contains one grain of Opium. Hence, for an adult a table-spoonful would be a dose; but is rarely used by adults for producing sleep. A tea-spoonful, therefore, contains one-fourth of a grain of Opium, and is equivalent to about six drops of the Tincture of Opium (Laudanum). It is given to children, however, in preference to Laudanum, for producing sleep. Dose for an infant of one year of age is ten drops; for a child of two years, twenty-five drops. Camphorated Tincture of Soap—"Soap Liniment," is a well- known and valuable Liniment for ordinary domestic use. Tincture of Ginger, "Essence of Ginger," is something that every body buys, but rarely has; because the bottle it comes in is not suitable for keeping it. This tincture should be kept as carefully as the other tinctures named. It should be purchased of the apothe- cary, but in traveling, when needed, that made by Mr. Frederick Brown, of this city, and sold under the name of "Essence of Jamaica Ginger," can be used. Castor Oil.—The juice of half a lemon squeezed into the dose of the warmed oil makes it more palatable, and it is said nearly doubles its activity. Olive Oil—"Sweet-oil."—When given internally, the best, per- fectly free from rancidity, should be used. One-third of sweet-oil and two-thirds of the Aromatic Syrup of Rhubarb, is a desirable combination for infants and small children. For "hartshorn liniment," the commoner commercial oil may answer. Oil of Turpentine.—It is said that unless one purchases Oil of Turpentine of the apothecary, he is apt to get something more or less adulterated with Benzine. The writer does not know this to be true, but he would suggest that the article should be bought where there can be no doubt of its purity. Owing to the action of light upon this 132 APPENDIX. substance, it should be kept in a colored bottle, or a bottle pasted over with a piece of thick blue paper. In using it, keep away from flame. Elixir of the Valerianate of Ammonia (Hubbell's).— Directions found on the bottles. If not, a tea-spoonful may be given every few minutes until relief is obtained. Monsell's Solution.—This powerful styptic is sometimes very useful in stopping bleedings. It acts by direct contact, clotting the blood and plugging up the injured vessel to that extent; so, to get the benefit, great care must be observed in cleansing out the wound and applying the solution. If it is a superficial cut, a thin, small slip of linen, wet in it and applied to the wound, closes the vessels, and it may be left there, if there is no bleeding nor discharge of pus. The mouth of the bottle and stopple must be kept free from the solution by wiping after using, or it causes the applied surfaces to gum so firmly that the stopple can not be withdrawn when necessary. A good way is to keep the dry salt of the Persulphite of Iron in a bottle; as much as will lie on a penny in a table-spoonful of water, will rapidly form the desired solution. Lime-Water.—A large bottle of this easily-prepared compound should always be kept prepared for use. It is not only desirable as an antidote to many poisons, as Oxalic acid, but it is a valuable anti acid, when such a thing is required. To make it, take a piece of unslacked lime (never mind the sise, be- cause the water will only take up a certain quantity); put it into a perfectly clean bottle and fill the bottle up with cold water; keep the bottle corked, and in a cool, dark place, such as a cellar. In a few minutes it is ready for use, and the clear lime-water can be poured off whenever it is needed. When the water is exhausted, fill the bottle again. This may be done three or four times, after which some new lime must be used, as in the beginning. Hoffmann's Anodyne.—The dose of this is a half tea-spoonful or more every few minutes, AfPESDIX. 133 Like the Sweet Spirits of Nitre, it should be kept in a colored bottle, or in one covered with thick blue paper. Aromatic Syrup of Khnbarb.-Bose for an infant, a tea spoon- ful. When given for cosfiveness, this quantity, with half as much of the best olive-oil ("sweet-oil") may be added with advantage. Sweet Spirits of Mtre.-Half a tea-spoonful in water or lemonade is given every two or three hours in certain febrile states. It should be protected from the light. See Hoffmann's Anodyne above. Compound Tincture of Lavender-compound Spirit of Lav- ender).-Half a tea-spoonful on a lump of sugar, about as often as the Tincture of the Oil of Peppermint, should be given. Tincture of the Oil of Peppermint ("Essence of Peppermint"). —Half a tea-spoonful on a lump of sugar is a dose. In all these things, reference is had to reliable articles from the apothecary's. Componnd Syrnp of Squill, "Cox's Hive Syrup," improperly called "Syrup of Squill," which is the correct name of another thing, has a well established use over the country, and is held in es- teem by many of the older physicians. Many others, particularly the junior members of the profession, do not like it, from containing a small quantity of Tartar Emetic. Having in several instances seen a good deal of unnecessary subse- quent prostration follow from this ingredient of the Compound Syrup of Squill, the writer feels inclined to recommend the Syrup of Ipe- cacuanha instead, as an Emetic, leaving the other to be taken when specially ordered by the medical attendant. Syrup of Ipecacuanha.-This is often known by the popular ab- breviation of "Syrup of Ipecac," and when there are children in the house, especially in the winter season, when croup is prevalent, should be kept on hand in quantities of an ounce or so. Children can be made to swallow it easier than they can the pulverized Ipe- 134 APPENDIX. cacuanha or Mustard, when vomiting is required, and from the ten- dency of small children to dispose of so many things by gwal» lowing them, this syrup is often needed without the time to send far for it. It will keep for some months in a properly secured bottle. The dose, as an emetic, for a child one or two years old, is a tea- spoonful or more. This may be repeated every few moments until it acts. In croup and some analagous disorders, the sensibility of the nerves to the stomach appears to be so much impaired, that even this will not act as an Emetic, unless assisted by a Warm Bath. Chalk-Mixture Powder.—If kept in tin-foil until ready for use, is better for preservation than the liquid mixture. Mustard.—Pulverized Mustard, or, as it is commonly called, Ground Mustard, should always be kept in every house, and in a place where it can always be found. The kitchen can not always be depended on for a supply. The time the last is used there is not as often reported, as when some more is needed. The delay caused in sending and getting some, in case of many poisons, often decides the case. It is not easy to get it pure, but if there is any doubt about this, an extra quantity can be given as an emetic, as it will all be rejected, and none is absorbed into the blood. Great care should be observed in keeping the mustard in a tight, wide-mouthed bottle otherwise the delicate active principle will escape from the powder into the air and be lost. As an Emetic, a tea-spoonful rubbed down in a tea-cup of warm water should be given every two or three minutes until vomiting commences, when draughts of warm water should be freely given until there is reason to think the contents of the stomach have been rejected. Pulverized Ipecacuanha, "Ipecac."—This valuable Emetic (p. 92), should be kept in every house or place where it might be em- ployed. A couple of drams is enough to get at once, and it should be kept in a .bottle with a close-fitting cork. As much as will lie heaped .up on an ordinary two-cent piece weighs about ten grains. At-PENftIX. 1SS When $t is desired in an attack of Croup to give an Emetic, there is notliing better for a child than this substance, as it does not appear to be absorbed into the blood to any extent, or if it does, no harm seems to occur, and it can be given without the fear of giving too much. Even if there should be more given than necessary, like ground mustard, the excess is brought up with the first effort of vo- miting. See Syrup of Ipecacuanha (p. 133). Sulphate of Zinc, " White Vitriol," is a prompt Emetic when given in solution in water, in the dose of about twenty grains, as much as will twice lie heaped up on a two-cent piece. This should be repeated every few minutes until vomiting follows. Although universally recommended as an Emetic in cases of Poisoning, and when on hand is most valuable, it is always better, instead of wait- in " for it, to give mustard or common salt. Not that the Sulphate of Zinc is inferior, but because it is so much easier to get ground mustard, and easier still to get common salt, which, in doses of a heaping table-spoonful dissolved in water (four or five tea-spoonfuls), is as good as either of the others. It should be given in this quantity every couple of minutes until it acts. Persons have managed to take an ounce or more of the Sulphate of Zinc for the Sulphate of Magnesia, which its crystals resemble some- what. If not vomited, it would so greatly irritate the stomach and bowels in such a dose, as to entitle it to be called an irritant poison. Half an ounce is enough, therefore, to keep in the house, and it should be kept in a bottle, not a paper. Husband's Magnesia is as good, and much cheaper than the best English makes. Dose, a tea-spoonful for an adult. Seidlite Powders.—These depend for their value upon their re- liability, and this upon the apothecary who sells them. They should be truly made, of active ingredients, freshly compounded, and kept perfectly dry in a cool place. Dissolve each powder separately in less than half a tumbler of water; mix together, and drink down while In a state of effervescence. They sliould be taken early in the morning, before breakfast, and 136 APPENDIX. the water should not be ice-water, for the cold condenses the escap- ing gas (Carbonic Acid) as it forms, and there is no effervescence. The components of the Seidlitz Powder, or articles in most respects like them, are combined in various ways as "granular salts," and it is possible, owing to palatability, readiness of carrying, and small bulk, may, in the course of time, as effectually displace the Seidlitz Powder, with many people, as the Seidlitz Powder did the less ele- gant "Epsom Salts," "Rochelle Salt," and other things of the kind. Tarrant's Seltzer Aperient.—Directions on the bottle. All these effervescing preparations must be kept from exposure to air, or their efficiency will become impaired. Opium Pills, of one grain each, may be kept on hand, and as a precautionary measure, reduced to a powder before taken. One grain of opium is contained in twenty-five drops of laudanum, and in ten grains of the Dover powder. Opium Suppositories.—If kept in a dry, cold place, will preserve their efficiency for a long time. The small form known as children's are quite large enough. One ^rain of Opium to each is a convenient size to keep. If needed, one can be followed by a second. Few things can be found more useful if kept on hand; and if the physi- cian speaks of a Laudanum injection for relieving pain anywhere in the lower part of the body, he should be told of the supply of suppo- sitories on hand. As the three next salts still maintain quite a reputation, it may be well to say something about them. Epsom Salt, "Sulphate of Magnesia."—The medium dose of this salt, often termed "salts," is an ounce. In bulk this is about two table-spoonfuls. It should be dissolved in water, no more than is sufficient for the purpose. In using Epsom Salt, always be sure not to take another sub- stance much resembling it in appearance, and often kept about the house. This is Oxalic Acid, a powerful and rapid poison. The Ox- alic acid is sour to the taste, the Epsom Salt is not. APPENDIX. 137 It also resembles in color, and has been mistaken for the Sulphate of Zinc. Kochelle Salt, " Tartrate of Potassa and Soda."—The dose of this salt is about lialf an ounce, or about a table-spoonful. It should be dissolved in water. It is one of the constituents of the Seidlitz Powder. Glauber's Salt, "Sulphate of Soda's—This old-fashioned, disa- greeable salt is gradually disappearing from use, having been super- seded by the Sulphate of Magnesia (Epsom Salt), which is less dis- agreeable to take. The dose is half an ounce, dissolved in water, and taken like all other medicines of tlie class, of a saline character, upon getting up, before breakfast. A little lemon-juice, or a pinch of cream of tartar, is said to make it more acceptable to the taste. Pills.—The persistent use of cathartics, whether in shape of pills, salt, or liquid, is sure to bring on trouble which nothing else for the rest of the life may correct. Be careful of what you eat, how you eat, and when you eat, and in a few months, never mind how much medicine of the kind is now taken, you will find, unless it is an ex- ceptional case, a marked improvement in health. If medicines, particularly pills, must be taken, do not use the wretched "vegetable" varieties, when there are so many better, to be had of any Apothecary, freshly made, of the best material, in pro per quantities, and, as some people will say, at a much less price. The physician in the country, too, makes the same thing, in the same way, and under the same name. There are several of them, but the two to be remembered are the Compound Cathartic Pilli Compound Rhubarb Pill.—Three or four of either are a safe, gentle cathartic, acting by morning, when taken at late bedtime. Two will often answer. These two kinds of pills being made according to the precise direc- tions of the V. S. Pharmacopoeia, can be had of any Apothecary, in 138 AI-PENDIX. any quantity; and as they are made of the best material, they may be relied upon for the purpose intended. Besides these advantages, they are BO constantly ordered by Physicians in prescriptions, that they are usually freshly made. The "Compressed Pills," now so generally preferred on account of the purity of their components, as well as the ease with which they dissolve, will often be found more active than the same number of pills as usually prepared and kept. Sugar of Lead (Acetate of Lead).—Used as a substitute for Lead- water, by taking of it pulverized a tea-spoonful dissolved in a pint of water, adding a table-spoonful of cider vinegar. It is quite as useful as the expensive "Goulard's Extract" of lead, and much less cost- ly and easier to get. Laudanum can be added to this lead-water the same as to any other. Chlorate of Potash is not very soluble in water. Some of the salt made into a saturated solution is a popular gargle. Quinine.—Two-grain quinine pills ordinarily can be best kept, re- ducing them to powder, to insure digestion at the time of using. In malarious regions, it is kept in larger quantities. By the ounce (437 grains) it can be ordered, per post, of wholesale dealers, at quite a moderate price. Any of the responsible dealers can supply it. The dose depends so much on circumstances that nothing can be said about it. It is soluble in the Aromatic Sulphuric Acid often found in houses. The best way to take it is to place the compact bulk on the tongue, and wash it down with a swallow of water. It is much easier, by taking it, to prevent malarial poisons, than to break the "chills" afterward. Sulphate of Cinchonia, and tlie Sulphate of Cinchonidia, as stated on page 88, are now much used as economical substitutes for the above salt. They much resemble Quinia in appearance and taste, and in a little larger quantity may be given under the same circumstances. For use on plantations, they can be best ordered per post, by the ounce, of some reliable dealer.