Page:Willich, A. F. M. - The Domestic Encyclopædia (Vol. 3, 1802).djvu/20

2] its progress, and perhaps eventually cured, when a just diagnosis can be formed of its nature.—The writer of these pages had lately an opportunity of seeing the most inveterate iliac passion, with all its horrors, in an aged patient whose memory he reveres; but who, in consequence of constant nausea, hiccough, and vomiting, could not be prevailed upon to take those appropriate medicines which might have been attended with the desired effect. On this occasion, several of the most experienced practitioners in the metropolis were consulted, one of whom was bold enough to prescribe a combination of arsenic and hemlock, with a view to effect such a change in the whole alimentary canal, or to stimulate Nature to such exertions, as appeared to be necessary for removing a supposed cancer of the colon, or the largest of the intestines. Unfortunately, however, this powerful medicine produced the most alarming prostration of strength, such as might have been expected in a patient who was already reduced to a state of exhaustion and despair. Hence we are firmly persuaded, that, in similar cases, no other remedy can with advantage and safety be employed, than frequent doses of castor-oil; and, if this fail to procure relief, that quicksilver, in a native state, is the only medicine on which any reliance can be placed. Had these simple means been adopted, we venture to pronounce, that the life of our venerable patient would, in all probability, have been protracted.

The diet of patients affected with the iliac passion, ought to consist of very light food, taken in moderate quantities, and neither too warm nor too cold. Wines, spirits, acrimonious and irritating substances, as well as heating liquors, ought to be carefully avoided; because they are always productive of bad consequences. Thin gruel, prepared from barley or oatmeal, or weak chicken broth, are equally proper; and the patient's drink ought to consist of decoctions of emollient vegetables, or water in which toasted bread has been boiled, or clear whey.—Particular attention ought also to be paid to the mind, which should be preserved in a state of cheerfulness and serenity.  . See.  IMPLEMENTS of Husbandry, denote those machines or instruments which are used in the different branches of rural and domestic economy; such as ploughs, harrows, hoes, churns, threshing-machines, straw-cutters, &c.

The improvement of husbandry, by the construction of more perfect implements, calculated to facilitate its operations, has within the last fifty years become an object of general attention; and, with this view, the patriotic agricultural societies, especially those of Britain, have granted liberal premiums to the inventors of useful and ingenious machinery, on condition that such contrivances should be communicated for the benefit of the public. Much, however, remains to be done in this important department of economy; which, we apprehend, will not be carried to its relative degree of perfection, till the science of husbandry form a more leading part of education at public schools. The ancients have bequeathed to us a variety of excellent and classical books on the subject: hence it were sincerely to