Page:Mrs Beeton's Book of Household Management.djvu/2105

Rh assist. In ague, given in large doses—8 or 10 grains it is most useful. (It is also prepared in a more palatable form as Quinine Wine—quinine and orange wine. Dose: for an adult, as a tonic, 2 tablespoonfuls 3 times a day.)

Rhubarb.—This may be kept in powders in a stoppered bottle, each containing from 10 to 15 grains. One powder given with the same quantity of magnesia in a little water will act as a mild purgative in the case of an adult. It is useful in dyspepsia.

Spirits of Camphor.—Most useful in the case of a bad cold in the head. When first contracted 5 to 8 drops on a lump of sugar 2 or 3 times a day will give great relief and check the course of the cold; and the nasal congestion will be lessened by frequently inhaling the fumes through the nose.

Spirit of Sal-Volatile.—This is useful as a stimulant in fainting, hysteria, flatulent colic, and after a bite from a venomous animal. Dose: 1 teaspoonful in water, for an adult, which may be repeated in 2 or 3 hours.

Steel-Drops.—This is a useful preparation of iron, and may be given with advantage in cases of debility where there is anaemia or poverty of blood. Dose: 10 to 15 drops for an adult 3 times a day in water. It should be taken through a glass tube, and the teeth well brushed afterwards, as the iron has a tendency to blacken and destroy the enamel. In cases of erysipelas larger doses are required : 20 drops in 1 teaspoonful of glycerine mixed with water may be taken every 3 hours.

Sweet Spirit of Nitre.—This is useful in cases of fever, and also for kidney troubles. It should be given in doses of 10 to 40 drops, largely diluted with water, every 3 hours.