2sO

RHEUMATISM.

To those who can afford the expense, I would recommend thewarm baths of Buxton or Matlock in Derbyshire. These haveoften, to my knowledge, cured very obstinate rheumatisms, andare always safe, either in or out of the fit. When the rheu-matism is complicated with scorbutic complaints, which is not sel-dom the case, the Harrowgate waters, and those of Moffat, areproper. They should both be drank and used as a warm bath.

There are several of our own domestic plants which may beused with advantage in the rheumatism. One of the best is thewhite mvstard. A table-spoonful of the seed of this plant may betaken twice or thrice a-day, in a glass of water or small wine.The water trefoil is likewise of great use in this complaint. Itmay be infused in wine or ale, or drank in form of tea. Theground-ivy, camomile, and several other bitters, are also benefi-cial, and may be used in the same manner. No benefit, however,is to be expected from these, unless they be taken for a considera-ble time. Excellent medicines are often despised in this disease,because they do not perform an immediate cure : whereas nothingwould be more certain than their effect, were they duly persist-ed in. Want of perseverance in the use of medicines is one rea-son why chronic diseases are so seldom cured. .

The internal remedies most generally recommended in chronicrheumatism are sudorifics, and medicines of a stimulating nature,which abound in essential oils and resins ; and therefore volatilealkaline salts, guaiacum, turpentine combined with Cinchona bark,and the like, may be given in any of the Undermentioned forms.*

Cold bathing, especially in salt water, often cures the rheuma-tism. We would also recommend exercise, and wearing flannelnext the skin. Issues are likewise very proper, especially inchronic cases. If the pain affects the shoulders, an issue may bemade in the arm ; but if it affects the loins, it should be put intothe leg or thigh.

Persons afflicted with the scurvy are very subject to rheumaticcomplaints. The best medicines in this case are bitters and mudpurgatives. These may either be taken separately or together, asthe patient inclines. An ounce of Peruvian bark, and half anounce of rhubarb, in powder, may be infused in a bottle of wine, andone, two, or three wine glasses of it taken daily, as shall be foundnecessary for keeping the body gently open. In cases where thebark itself proves sufficiently purgative, the rhubarb may be omit-ted.

* Take Oil of Turpentine, 1J drachm-Yolk of an egg, enough to mixthem,Then add,

Compound Spirit of Juniper, 1 oz.Decoction of Bark, ó ounces .Make a mixture, of which take two table-spoonsful every four hours.

■or

Take Rectified Oil of Turpentine,Spirit of Nitric Ether,of each equal parts, 1 ounce.

K tea-spoonful to be taken three timesa-day in some appropriate vehicle.

Take Guaiacum, in Powder,

Antimonial PowderSyrup of Ginger, enough toto be taken three times aorTake Ammoniated TinctureGuaiacum,Spirit of Cinnamon,Decoction of Bark.Solution of 7'artarized

Make a draught, to be takentimes a-day.

o grains.

3 grainsform a bolusday

of3 drachms.¿ ounce.1 ounce.Antimony ,

2-t drops,two or three