Page:Medical guide.pdf/18

 introduce a properly-shaped bit of soap, to induce the bowels to act.

HEADACHE.

.——Effects of cold, especially sitting in a current of air ; bile or acid in stomach; fulness of blood, want of sleep, &c.

.——Pain, dull or acute and throbingthrobbing [sic], sometimes darting through head; sense of heat over forehead and temples.

.—Depending upon the cause that gives rise to it. In general, bathing the head with vinegar and water; and giving opening medicine such as seidlitz powders, &c.

.——The great matter is to ascertain the cause that produces headache (which is the accompaniment of many diseases), such as costive bowels, mental excitement, &c., and prescribe accordingly.

HEARTBURN.

.——Indigestion; errors in diet, very frequently producing acid in the stomach.

.——Burning uneasy sensation in the stomach.

.——If from acid, immediate relief is obtained by taking half a teaspoonful of carbonate of soda or magnesia.

.——Brandered animal food is best for persons who are predisposed to acid.

HOOPING COUGH.

.——Specific contagion, modified by the season of the year.

.——Repeated fits of coughing, which, after the disease is formed, is accompanied with a sonorous inspiration, called the hoop; increased heat of surface.

.——Measures to subdue the fever, such as light food, abundance of fluids to drink; if much pain is felt in chest, leech and blister; give an emetic of ipecacuan wine occasionally.

.——After the inflammatory symptoms have subsided, a change of air from the town to the