Ayer's monitor of health

Front matter

COPYRIGHT DEPOSIT.

AYE R'S

Monitor of Health,

Chapter II. D/seases Of The Breathing Organs

Structure and functions Nasal Catarrh — Symptoms, Causes, Effects, and Cure Throat Diseases .... Pharyngitis Tonsilitis, or Quinsy.

Laryngitis Hoarseness, and Loss of Voice

Bronchitis Phthisis, or Tubercular Consumption Persons especially liable to Symptoms

of the First Stage of Symptoms of the Second

Stage of Causes of Consumption Common

Errors in Examination Curative Treatment of

Consumption Medicated Inhalations

Asthma Symptoms Cure Best Prescriptions.

Pages 28-83

Chapter III. Heart Diseases

Structure and Functions of the Heart The

Pulse, and How to Interpret its Action Causes

(vii)

viii CONTENTS.

of Fainting Irregularity of the Circulation

Curability of certain Diseases of the Heart.

Common forms of Symptoms Causes. . . .

Influence of certain Habits in Relation to. Practical Suggestions concerning Best Prescriptions for Diseases of the Heart. Pages 84-95 .

Chapter IV. The Liver

Liver Complaints in Relation to the General

System The Various Diseases of the Liver

Symptoms. .... Causes Biliousness Best

Prescriptions.

Pages. . . 96-104

Chapter V. Diseases Of The Digestive System

Dyspepsia and its Train of Symptoms Its

Terrible Effects upon Body and Mind Causes

of the Ailment Why Dyspepsia is Seldom

Cured Anaemia Chlorosis — "Consumption

of the Blood.". . . .Causes and Symptoms Complications of the Disease Suitable and Unsuitable Diet Digestibility of certain Foods

Foods for Different Persons Practical

Suggestions Best Prescriptions.

Chapter VI. Rheumatism

Acute Stage /ironic Rheumatism Causes

of the Disease . Best Prescriptions.

CONTENTS. ix

Chapter VII. Diseases Of The Genito-urinary System

Diseases of the Kidneys Prevalence and Dangerous Character of General Symptoms

Bright's Disease Diabetes., . . .Inflammation of

the Kidneys Lumbago, or Pain in the Back. . . .

Suppression of Urine. . . . Incontinence, or Involuntary Passage of Urine Changes in the

Urine — What they Signify. . . Inflammation of the Bladder A Cause of Paralysis Neuralgia Inflammation of the Prostate Gland

Strangury, or Constant Disposition to Void Urine. .... Gravel, Varieties and Effects Best Prescriptions Solitary Vice Impotence Emissions Syphilis, or Pox in its Various Stages

Its Terrible Effects Danger from Neglect, or Bad

Treatment How it may be innocently Contracted Hints to Married and Unmarried

Men Certain and Speedy Cure Gonorrhea, or Clap Complications Best Prescriptions.

Pages 124-155

Chapter VIII. Secrets Every Woman Should Know

The Great Epochs of Life Causes of the Various Diseases. .... Prevention. . . . Recipes for

every Ailment peculiar to the Sex.

Pages 156-173 x CONTENTS.

Chapter IX. Miscellaneous Recipes For Many Ills

Intermittent Fever, or " Fever, and Ague."

Diseases of the Eye and Ear All Diarrhoeal

Complaints Cancer General Debility

Hemorrhage, or Bleeding Night Sweats.

. . . .Remedies for External Applications — Salves, Ointments, Liniments, Lotions, Hair Washes,

Counter-irritants Best Remedy for Bronchocele,

"Big Neck," Constipation, Piles, Etc Skin

Diseases Coughs, Colds, Whooping Cough.

. . . .Burns Wounds Drunkenness Tobacco and Opium Habits. . . .Dropsy Tape-worm Scrofula, Etc., Etc.

Chapter X. A Chapter For Mothers

Childhood's Second Summer Infant Mortality.

.... Full instructions concerning treatment of Infants — Nursing. . . . Weaning .... Suitable Foods — Clothing, etc. . . Important Suggestions. Pages 207-235

Chapter XI. Climates Of America

Their Influence upon Health Sketches of Favored Regions Practical Suggestions to Invalids, . . . .Mineral Springs Sea Bathing, etc.

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS 256-260

DISEASES of the NERVOUS SYSTEM.

1 ',he beautiful and complicated system of telegraph, the trunks and numerous branches that connect with the great battery — the brain; the influence of one set of nerves upon others, the singular functions of each and all, and their connections, are indeed wonderful. Upon the harmony and perfect working of this mechanism, healthful life depends.

There are persons of greater nervous sensibility than others, by whom trifles are greatly magnified, who are seriously affected or agitated by the commonest affairs of life, who are more susceptible to painful impressions than others. This exalted or irritable nervous condition is sometimes due to temperament, but quite as often to illness. Such persons — the majority of whom are women — require especial sympathy from friends and attendants. It is difficult for a robust man who has never experienced protracted illness, to comprehend such morbid condition. The position of any animal in the scale of being depends upon the degree of development of its nervous system. Through this it is brought into relation with the external world. The nervous system is composed of the brain and spinal cord and the nerves which extend throughout the body. It consists of two parts — one the voluntary, thinking, reasoning part, the other the involuntary part, which governs all those organs over which the will has no control.

Best Prescriptions for Nervous Disorders.

Nervines Suitable in Almost all Cases.

9 M

Extract Valerian, twelve grains; extract Hyoscya-

mus, twelve grains; oxide zinc, twenty-four grains. Mix. Make 12 pills. Take one pill twice daily.

Fluid extract Valerian; Hoffman's Anodyne; of each, two ounces. Mix. Dose, one teaspoonful in four or five teaspoonfuls of water, three times daily.

Peruvian bark (Cinchona) is a good nervine and tonic. In suitable cases may be given according to the following formula: Fluid extract Cinchona; Fluid extract Valerian; of each, one ounce; essence of Cardamom, two drachms. Mix. Dose, a teaspoonful three times a day.

9 M

Fluid extract Cinchona, three ounces; Fluid ext.

Valerian, three ounces; of essence Cardamom, half

ounce; syrup Auranti Cort, two ounces; Fluid ext. Lettuce, one ounce ; Tinct. Black Cohosh, one ounce. Mix. Dose, a teaspoonful two or three times a day.

The following is especially valuable in cases of wakefulness: —

3 [5]

Comp. spirits ether ; Fluid ext. Valerian ; Aqua Pepperita; of each, one ounce. Mix. Dose, a teaspoonful in water three times daily — the last dose on retiring. Must not be taken without water.

Chorea, or St. Vitus' Dance.

This disorder is characterized by involuntary muscular contractions or contortions, without loss of consciousness, and without entire loss of power of the will. The disease generally comes on gradually, and is often preceded by symptoms of derangement of the stomach and alimentary canal, depression of spirits, and other signs of nervous disorder. The first movements of the muscles are usually of the face, shoulders and hands, the patient making ludicrous gestures and grimaces. The irregular motions increase, and at length the whole body becomes more or less involved in the disease. The head, trunk and extremities are in almost constant motion. The patient cannot use the hand in writing or sewing, and sometimes cannot even convey food to the mouth. In very bad cases, the sufferer loses the power of standing or of sitting, and is compelled to lie in bed. It seldom happens that the muscles are entirely at rest except during sleep, and in some cases, the movements are so incessant as to inter* fere with sleep.

14 A TUB'S MOXITOR OF HEALTH.

Occasionally the disease is subject to remissions, and assumes an intermittent character. The paroxysms are often greatly increased by motion. The patient is made worse when conscious that persons are watching him. The disease is sometimes attended with headache. The appetite is often capricious and generally craving. By proper treatment the disease is always speedily cured.

PRESCRIPTIONS FOR CHOREA.

Tinct. Aconite Ead, one drachm; Tinct. Black Cohosh, four ounces. Mix. Dose, fifteen drops three times a day.

OR

9 [19]

Fluid ext. Cannabis Indica is often used as a substitute for opiates. Its use is not followed by headache. It is especially valuable in neuralgia, gout, rheumatism, mental depression, palsy, epilepsy and hysteria. In morbid states of the system it causes sleep, allays spasms, composes nervous inquietude and relieves pain. It differs from opium in not diminishing the appetite, checking the secretions, nor causing constipation. Dose, five to ten drops two or three times a day.

Calmative and Anti-Spasmodic.

3 [20]

Potass. Bromide, half ounce; Fluid ext. Gelsemin, one drachm; syrup Auranti Cort, one ounce; distilled water, seven ounces. Mix. Dose, one teaspoonful at night or noon or both.

OR

3 [21]

Comp. spirits ether, two ounces; fluid ext. Cinchona half ounce; fluid ext. Valerian, half ounce; essence Cardamom, one drachm; Tinct. Hyoscyamus, quarter drachm; aromatic Spirits Ammonia, quarter drachm; syrup Auranti Cort, two drachms; Pepperita menth. aqua, one ounce; Tinct. Black Cohosh, four ounces; Tinct. Poke Had., half ounce; Vini Colchici, one ounce; Tinct. Columbo, two ounces; Aqua dest., four ounces ; white sugar, half pound. Mix. Dose, a teaspoonful three times a day.

For St. Vitus' Dance and Epilepsy.

3 [29]

FlnM ext. Cinchona; Fluid ext. Valerian, of each, three ounces; Fluid ext. Lettuce, Fluid ext. Scullcap, Tinct. Cannabis Indica, Fluid ext. Humulus, of each, one ounces Tinct. Black Cohosh, two ounces; Tinct. Hyoscyamus. two drachms; Tinct. Cypripedium, one and half ounces, essence Cardamom, half ounce; syrup Auranti Cort, two ounces. Mix. Dose, a teaspoonful two or three times a day.

For St. Vitus' Dance.

9 [40]

Potassii Iodidi, seven grains ; Fid. extract Cimicifugae, twenty drops; Comp. syrup Sarsaparilla and Aqua, of each one drachm. Mix. Take this three times a day.

9 [41]

The Fluid extract Cypripedium (Lady's Slipper) is exceedingly useful in St. Vitus' Dance, Hysteria, nervous headache, cramps, and convulsions. Dose, thirty to sixty drops, two or three times a day.

[The most common causes of headache are decayed teeth, and inequalities of vision.]

Epilepsy— Epileptic Fits.

Any disease of the spine, effusion, tumor, etc., may induce convulsions or epilepsy. Fright, or other sudden mental emotion, has caused a convulsion, and the convulsion has been repeated, affording the most deplorable case of epilepsy. Disease within the cranium, by irritating other portions of the nervous system, may induce epilepsy, frequently of incurable character. The disease when having its origin in the nerves of the true spinal system, is curable in almost all cases.

By rational treatment continued for a reasonable time, and avoiding exciting causes, the liability to recurrence becomes less, the attacks are less frequent and severe, and at length cease altogether. To the true spinal system refer the symptoms and treatment.

Among the frequent causes of this alarming disease, is the presence of indigestible food in the stomach, loss of rest, violent passion, exhaustion and want of food. In this ailment the mental powers suffer, and a condition of imbecility sooner or later ensues. Patients who have been afflicted for many years, have finally and fully recovered under the following treatment.

CURE FOR EPILEPTIC FITS.

The best known remedy: —

3 [27]

Sodii Bromidi, Potassii Bromidi, Ammonii Bromidi, of

NEIiVOTTS SYSTEM. 17

each three drachms; Potassii Iodidi, Ammonii Iodidi, of each, one and a half drachms; Ammonii Sesquicarb, one drachm; Tinct. Columbae, one and one half ounces; Aqua dest., sufficient quantity to make eight ounces. Mix. Dose, one and half teaspoonfuls before each meal, and three teaspoonfuls at bed time.

Another good Prescription for the Same.

3 [28]

Potass. Brom., four ounces; Ammon'd Citrate Ferri, ten grains; Aqua dest., thirty -two ounces. Mix. One teaspoonful three times a day.

Epilepsy.

$ [30]

Sodae Brom., one ounce; Ammon. Brom., one ounce; Tinct. Strammonium, half drachm. Mix. A teaspoonful three times a day. Eat no supper.

3 [31]

Bromide of Soda may be substituted for common salt for table use, in cases of headache, or even in epilepsy, and ©ther diseases requiring the constant use of the bromides.

The Valerian extract is useful in epilepsy, hysteria, hypochondria, and low forms of fever attended with restlessness and morbid vigilance. Take from three to six three-grain pills on retiring.

IS AYE&S MONITOR OF HEALTH.

Hysteria.

This disease generally occurs in cases of Dyspepsia or of Chlorosis, but is occasionally induced by powerful mental emotions, as excessive grief or joy, and a less curable form of the affection has been caused by fright. Hysteria is peculiar to women, and is often marked by sighing, sobbing, tears, or laughter, with a sense of suffocation, and with some urgent affection of the head, heart, lungs, stomach or muscular system. A fit of laughter, or of crying, sometimes becomes convulsive and uncontrollable, with a peculiar spasmodic choking. The countenance is alternately flushed and pale ; sometimes there is hoarseness or entire loss of voice; acute pain in the chest, or a feeling as of a ball ascending into the throat. In the inveterate form, there is an almost perpetual agitation of some part of the body, or limbs.

The varieties of Hysteria are as numerous as those of Dyspepsia or Chlorosis. The disorder affects all the systems which constitute the human frame, — the organs, the muscles, — voluntary, involuntary, and mixed; the faculties of the mind, and the emotions ; the functions of head, heart, stomach, kidneys and other organs. It is the imitator of many real diseases.

The causes of the affliction are frequently a disordered state of the general health, some functional disturbance, or powerful mental emotion. No chronic disease occurs more frequently than this. An ancient writer says "it is the origin of six hundred ills and innumerable calamities." The difficulty is one of nervous character, and is no less important to the sufferer or her friends than the diseases which it simulates.

FOR HYSTERICAL CASES.

» [6]

Tinct. Hyoscyamus, half drachm; aromatic Spirits Ammonia, half drachm; syrup Auranti Cort, half drachm; aqua Pep. menth, ten drachms. Mix. Dose, a teaspoonful three times a day.

OR

» m

Cryst. Bromide Potass., one ounce; aqua dest., three ounces ; essence wintergreen, one drachm. Mix. A teaspoonful three times a day.

Paralysis.

This affection of the nervous system is a loss, partial or complete, of sensation and power of motion. The disease may appear suddenly, or its invasion may be gradual. In the latter case, it is generally preceded by deranged sensation of the part, as pricking, coldness and weakness, or a feeling as if the parts were asleep, or as if ants were crawling over the surface. A large portion of the body may be attacked at once, or the affection may begin in one spot, and thence extend more or less over the body. This form of the disease is generally known as "creeping palsy. "

Not un frequently Paralysis is attended with rigidity of the muscles, amounting, in some cases, to convulsions.

20 A YEA'S MONITOR OF HEALTH.

Pain in the palsied part is not uncommon. It may be slight, dull or acute. The limb generally wastes; the muscles become flaccid, and the skin over the part pale and cold, the capillary circulation being imperfect. The memory and mental powers fail, and the disposition is often wholly changed. When the affection is confined to one side, it is called "Hemiplegia " ; when it affects the lower extremities only, it is called "Paraplegia." The disease may be caused by whatever interferes with the nerves, and by whatever depresses the vital powers by direct or indirect agency, or through previous excesses or excitement. It is more prevalent at the present day than formerly, owing to excessive mental labor, and the faulty social and business habits of the people.

FOR PARALYSIS.

$ [37]

Celerina in teaspoonful doses, at intervals of four hours, is an excellent remedy.

Fluid extract Black Cohosh is a tonic to the nervous system, and is especially valuable in neuralgia, rheumatism, consumption, and Intermittent fevers, and in derangements of the uterine system. Dose, ten to forty drops, according to the nature of the disease.

Neuralgia.

The word "Neuralgia" signifies nerve ache. It is characterized by a severe, sharp pain, more or less darting, lancinating, or pulsating. Neuralgia is a term of modern date, and embraces a group of local affections marked by pain, which may occur without inflammation, or any appreciable changes in the part affected. The term is often improperly applied to any pain, the origin of which cannot be readily ascertained. It is sometimes preceded by distress in the stomach, nausea, and chilliness, but it generally appears without any premonitory symptoms, either beginning gradually, with a sense of aching in the part, and increasing until the pain becomes almost insupportable, or darting at once through the part with greatest intensity, as if it were electric flashes. It may consist of a continuous pain, varying in degree, or a succession of violent twinges, with comparative ease during the intervals. It may be confined to the course of a single nerve and its branches, or it may be diffused, sometimes darting from one point to another.

In some instances, there is tenderness of the part, which is very sensitive, and the patient cannot bear the slightest touch, but more frequently, strong pressure upon the part affords relief. With the pain there is often spasmodic twitches of the adjacent muscles.

The disease when affecting the eye, is accompanied with increased flow of tears. There is generally more or less redness of the part in which the disease is located. The paroxysms are generally brief, disappearing after a few minutes or hours, and may not return for days; but in some cases, it is more lasting, continuing for days or weeks; but usually there is more or less remission. It not unfrequently happens that neuralgic attacks are intermittent, occurring at certain parts of the day, with comparative ease at other times. The pain may abate gradually, leaving a sensation of tingling in the parts for a short time, or it may leave suddenly.

Neuralgia may be followed by Paralysis of the part affected. It is always a symptom of some other ailment, and may proceed from a multiplicity of causes, as Nasal Catarrh, Dyspepsia, Mental exhaustion, etc. The duration of the disease is uncertain, depending upon its cause, and may continue for a life-time. While of itself it rarely proves fatal, except as it affects the heart, it undermines the health and is liable to induce ailments that may prove fatal. Neuralgia may occur in any part of the body, but is more liable to attack the face, head, stomach, kidneys, or pleura, the jaws, ears, or the sciatic nerve, always causing excruciating suffering.

FOR NEURALGIA.

5 [12]

Potassii Iodidi, one scruple ; Sodii Bromidi, two scruples ; aqua, one ounce. Mix. A teaspoonf ul twice daily.

$ [13]

Valerianate of Zinc is anti-spasmodic and is excellent for neuralgia and other nervous diseases, also for palpitation of the heart. Dose, one or two one-grain pills three times a day.

For Facial Neuralgia and Hysteria.

9 [14]

Croton Chloral Hydrate, one drachm; Glycerine, two ounces ; water, quantity sufficient to make four ounces. Dose, a teaspoonful three times daily. If the symptoms are quite urgent, give a teaspoonful every two hours till the pain is relieved. It is useful in all painful affections of the head.

3 [15]

Sal Amoniac, half drachm ; aqua Camphora, one ounce. Mix. Dose, one teaspoonful. Repeat every ten minutes till relieved.

OR

Gross' prescription: —

n li«]

Quinine Sulph., ten grains; Strychnia, one tenth grain ; ext. Aconite, two grains ; Sulph. Morphia, a quarter grain ; arsenious acid, quarter grain. Mix. Make five pills. One every four hours till relieved.

OR

9 [17]

Citrate Ferri, one drachm; Strychnia, quarter grain; Syrup Auranti Cort., two ounces; aqua dest., one pint. Mix. A teaspoonful three times a day.

The concentrated Compound Valerian is useful for neuralgia of the head, stomach, etc., also for wakefulness or headache.

9 [22]

Brown Sequard's prescription for neuralgia is generally useful.

Ext. Hyoscyami two thirds of a grain ; ext. Conii, two grains; ext. Ignat. Am., half grain; ext. Opii, half grain; ext. Aconite, a third of a grain; ext. Cannabis Indica, quarter of a grain ; ext, Strammoni, a fifth of a grain ; ext. Belladonnse, a sixth of a grain. Mix. [This preparation in pills (Mc K & R) is to be obtained in the drug stores generally ]

Neuralgia.

3 [33]

The Valerianate of Ammonium in one grain pills is a safe and effective remedy for neuralgia. Take from one to six pills daily.

For Sick Headache.

$ [23]

The Citrate of Caffeia, in grain doses, every hour, during the paroxysm, is a remedy and preventive of sick headache. Two or three doses in a day is usually sufficient.

Headache from Intoxication.

$ [24]

Solution Acet. Ammonia, half ounce; Tinct. Auranti Cort, one drachm; syrup Auranti Cort, one drachm; Tinct. Capsicum, twenty drops ; Comp. Infusion orange-peel six drachms. Mix. All to be taken at once.

Fluid ext. Scullcap is used in Hysteria, Epilepsy, and, all nervous affections, sick headache, etc. Dose, from twenty to sixty drops.

For Nervous Headache.

3 [36]

Extract Hyoscyamus two and one half grains ; Pulv. Camphor, two and one half grains. Mix. Make two pills. One to be taken when the pain is severe.

Valuable Nerve Tonic.

3 [34]

Strychnia, one grain. Dilute Phosphoric Acicl, half ounce ; Peppermint water, one and half pints. Dissolve the Strychnia in the acid, then add the peppermint water. Dose, half teaspoonful before breakfast and dinner. This should not be long continued, and never be taken by persons suffering from heart disease.

9 [35]

Phosphorus half grain; Ferrum Eedactum fifty grains. Mix. Make twenty-five pills. Dose, one pill twice a day with food. Do not take more than a hundred of these pills consecutively. After an interval of thirty days the prescription may be repeated if necessary. The above is adapted to the treatment of nervous diseases dependent on defective nutrition, and debility of the spinal column. It increases appetite and promotes nutrition.

» [36]

For nervous debility the Valerianate of Quinia is excellent, taken in half-grain pills, — one pill three times daily.

Nerve Tonic.

Especially valuable in tuberculous disease, consumption, or scrofula, or other impoverished condition of the blood, sciatica and neuralgia-

Nervine to quiet Pain.

3 [8] • Camphora Pulv. ; ext. Hyoscyamus Ale. ; of each, ten grains; ext. Valerianae, five grains. Mix. Make 10 pills. Dose, one pill two or three times a day till relieved.

For Sleeplessness.

^ [9]

Lupulin is useful in diseases of general or local debility associated with morbid vigilance, or other nervous derangement ; especially useful in Dyspepsia and in nervous tremors, etc. One, two, or three pills of three grains each, on retiring.

OB

3 [10]

Tinct. Gelsemin, twenty drops; Tinct. Aconite Had. half drachm; Tinct. Hyoscyamus, three drachms; Potass. Br omidi, half ounce ; Syrup Doveri (Gregory), quantity sufficient to make two ounces. Mix. A teaspoonful in water, on retiring.

OR

The following formula of Prof. Gross, is excellent: —

b [ii]

Potasii Bromidi, half drachm; Chloral, 15 grains; Morph. sulph., an eighth of a grain; Syrup Auranti, one drachm ; aqua, one drachm. Mix. Take half of above on retiring.

Sleep is improved by placing the head to the north.

For Melancholia, especially with Women. 3 [39]

The Valerianate of Zinc, Quinia, and Citrate of Iron, of each twenty grains. Mix. Make twenty pills. One pill three times a day.

For Vertigo. 3 [42] For Gastric Vertigo, with disturbed circulation give

NERVOUS SYSTEM.

Pepsin at meals, and — Argenti Oxidi half Hyoscyami, two grains. Mix. Make a pill, may be taken three times daily, if needful.

grain; ext.

Such pills

9 [43] The Fluid ext excitability,

Hyoscyamus is used to allay pain, quiet and arrest spasms. Dose, three or four drops. In over-doses, it is a powerful narcotic poison. Fluid extract of Lettuce causes effects similar to, but milder than those of opium, but its use is not followed by headache, nor constipation. Dose, twenty to sixty drops two or three times a day, if required.

[For prescriptions for suitable liniments, lotions, etc., see External Applications.]