Page:Willich, A. F. M. - The Domestic Encyclopædia (Vol. 3, 1802).djvu/19

 THE

Rh  ET, a black inflammable concrete, which becomes electrical by friction; attracts light substances, in the same manner as amber, and, when burning, emits a bituminous smell. It has the grain of wood, is but moderately hard, and splits most easily in a horizontal direction.

Jet is always found in detached masses, lodged in other strata; it abounds no where so plentifully as in England, being very common in Yorkshire, and other northern counties, though it is also discovered in many clay-pits about London. Ireland, Sweden, Prussia, Germany, and other parts of Europe, as well as the East Indies, produce this fossil. It admits of a high polish, and is chiefly converted into small boxes, buttons, bracelets, and other toys. In conjunction with oils, it forms an ingredient in varnishes; and, when mixed with pulverized lime, it is said to produce a hard and durable .  ILIAC PASSION, or Ileus, one of the most dangerous maladies with which mankind is afflicted, and in which the motion of the bowels is totally inverted. It generally arises from spasms, or obstructions in the alimentary canal, by which the passage or descent of the excrements is impeded; an unnatural stricture of the intestines, ruptures, &c.; violent exertions of the body, such as leaping, running, or riding; the lifting of great weights; eating of unripe fruits, especially pears and nuts; the drinking of sour and ill-fermented liquors; the use of too strong laxatives, worms, and obstinate costiveness, are among the many causes which generate this fatal disorder.

Where the iliac passion proceeds from a distortion of the intestines, there is little hope of recovery. Various remedies, however, have been used, with different degrees of success. Thus, large blisters applied to the most painful part, while emollient clysters are injected; fomentations; camphor externally and internally; ipecacuanha in the smallest doses frequently repeated; linseed oil, both in small draughts, and in the form of clysters; as well as the warm bath, have all been found sometimes of service, but more frequently unavailing. And though experience has but too often evinced, that this obstinate disorder is not under the control of medicine, yet it may, in many instances, be arrested in