The pocket book of practical medicine : or, Manual for emergencies, containing a concise account of diseases incident to the human frame, with formula to meet the exigencies of the moment where medical aid is distant or not to be procured, remarks on some of the diseases of women and children, accidents, wounds, &c., poisons, bathing, climate, settlers in distant lands, sea voyages, &c., &c

Front matter

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Dedication

SURGEON TO HIS LATE MAJESTY.

Sir,

When an author of celebrity dedicates his work to a distinguished personage, some reciprocity of favour may exist, but an obscure one must aspire to the hope of not dishonoring his patron, by the want of talent and value in his offering.

Preface

TO THE THIRD EDITION.

The very rapid sale of the first and second editions of this work, and the flattering reception is has met with, not only from men of Professional eminence but the Public in general, will it is presumed render an apology for presenting a Third Edition unnecessary, every article has been carefully revised, many important ones added, and the new discoveries in medicine made available.

Of the utility of such a treatise there can be little doubt ; in these times of universal travel, individuals may be, and indeed frequently are placed in situations of difficulty and peril, where medical aid cannot be obtained, even where pecuniary remuneration is no obstacle. To emigrants and settlers therefore in our new colonies, who must of necessity, be frequently located far from the haunts of their fellow men, the value of such a companion is unquestionable ; and in vessels where there is no surgeon, this volume with a judiciously furnished medicine chest, will enable the master or passengers, not only to alleviate suffering, but in many instances to preserve life ; often has a valuable member of society been lost from the want of medical or surgical aid, which might have been preserved by a little knowledge of what ought to be done, and presence of mind to effect it.

Objections have I know been constantly urged against popular works on medicine, they are however, more “a vox et pneterrea nihil,” than any thing just or substantial. That much benefit has been effected by such treatises, let us call to our remembrance the good effected by clergymen in largely populated districts, where it is out of the power of the medical attendant employed by the Parochial Unions, to see every case at the time of need, and to visit his patients oftener than every other, or every third day.

The following cases which fell under my own observation will fully illustrate and make valid these observations : a few

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PREFACE.

years since, a melancholy occurrence made desolate the hearths of two amiable families near the locality where I was at that time practising. A young clergyman and his friend had been recreating themselves with the amusement of rowing, wrhen by an imprudent exchange of places the boat was overset in the presence of the wife and sisters of the sufferers ; and though the bodies were recovered within ten minutes of their submersion, yet by ignorance and injudicious management, every effort which medical skill could suggest was afterwards rendered nugatory ; now it is more than probable, that had the directions of the Humane Society, or any others more simple been at hand, the relatives of these unfortunate gentlemen might not have had to mourn their untimely fate.

In another instance, a man by accident wounded the femoral artery of his thigh in the harvest field, and actually bled to death because there was no one who had the knowledge or presence of mind, to apply a compress on the limb above the wounded vessel.

To my junior medical brethren, this volume may serve as a remembrancer in cases of emergency, when they have neither time or opportunity for referring to more valuable monitors. The want of such has often experienced by myself in the earlier part of my career; while to the student it will convey some useful memoranda.

I shall now once more take my leave in the hope, that the same patronage will be extended to the little volume in its third, as was so liberally bestowed upon the two former editions.

25, Thayer Street,

Manchester Square.

N.B. — Dr. Hamilton Kittoe may be consulted at his Residence every morning from 10 to 12 o'clock, and in the evening from 3 till 4 o'clock.

Advice to the Poor gratis, Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings only, from 9 to 10 o'clock.

Patients in the Country corresponded with by enclosing the usual fee.

Contents

Inflammatory Fever

Page

Bilious Fever