VOMITING.

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the erysipelas, or other diseases, to the stomach. It may likewiseproceed from a looseness having been too suddenly stopped ; fromthe stoppage of any customary evacuations, as the bleeding piles,the menses, &c. from a weakness of the stomach, the colic, theiliac passion, a rupture, a fit of the gravel, worms, or from anykind of poison taken into the stomach. It is an usual symptom ofinjuries done to the brain ; as contusions, compressions, &c. Itis likewise a symptom of wounds or inflammations of the dia-phragm, intestines, spleen, liver, kidneys, &.c.

Vomiting may be occasioned by unusual motions, as falling,being drawn back in a carriage, *fcc. It may likewise be excitedby violent passions, or by the idea of nauseous or disagreeableobjects, especially of such things as have formerly produced vom-iting. Sometimes it proceeds from a regurgitation of the bile intothe stomach : in this case, what the patient vomits is generally ofa yellow or greenish colour, and has a bitter taste. Persons whoare subject to nervous affections are often suddenly seized withviolent fits of vomiting. Lastly, vomiting is a common symptomof pregnancy. In this case it generally comes on about two weeksafter the stoppage of the menses, and continues during the firstthree or four months.

When vomiting proceeds from a foul stomach or indigestion, itis not to be considered as a disease, but as the cure of a disease.It ought, therefore, to be promoted, by drinking lukewarm water,or thin gruel. If this does not put a stop to the vomiting, a doseof ipecacuanha may be taken, and worked off with weak camomiletea.

When the retrocession of the gout, or the obstruction of custom-ary evacuations occasion vomiting, all means must be used torestore these discharges ; or, if that cannot be effected, their placemust be supplied by others, as bleeding, purging, bathing theextremities in warm water, opening issues, setons, perpetual blis-ters, &c.

When vomiting is the effect of pregnancy, it may generally bemitigated by bleeding, and keeping the body gently open. Thebleeding, however, ought to be in small quantities at a time, andthe purgatives should be of the mildest kind, as figs, stewed prunes,manna, or senna. Pregnant women are most apt to vomit in themorning immediately after getting out of bed, which is owingpartly to the change of posture, but more to the emptiness of thestomach. It may generally be prevented, by taking a dish ofcoffee, tea, or some light breakfast, in bed. Pregnant women,who are afflicted with vomiting, ought to be kept easy both in bodyand mind. They should neither allow their stomachs to be quiteempty, nor should they eat much at once. Cold water is a veryproper drink in this case ; if the stomach be weak, a littlebrandy may be added to it. If the spirits be low, and the personapt to faint, a spoonful of cinnamon-water, with a little marmaladeof quinces or oranges, may be taken.

If vomiting proceeds from weakness of the stomach, bitters willbe of service. Peruvian bark infused in wine or brandy, with asmuch rhubarb a¡j will keep the body gently open, is an excellentmedicine in this case. Sulphuric acid is also a good medicine