OF THE COLIC.
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The general treatment of this disease is so nearlythe same with that of the iliac passion, or inflamma-tion of the guts, that we shall not insist upon it. Thebody is to be opened by mild purgatives given insmall doses, and frequently repeated, and their ope-ration must be assisted by soft oily clysters, fomenta-tions, &c. The castor oil is reckoned peculiarly pro-per in this disease. It may both be mixed with theclysters and given by the mouth; a table-spoonful totwo or three is a sufficient dose.
The Barbadoes tar is said to be an efficacious me-dicine in this complaint. It may be taken to thequantity of two drachms three times a day, or oftener,if the stomach will bear it. This tar, mixed with anequal quantity of strong rum, is likewise proper forrubbing the spine, in case any tingling, or othersymptoms of the palsy are felt. When the tar cannotbe obtained, the back may be rubbed with strongspirits, or a little oil of nutmegs, or of rosemary.
If the patient remains weak and languid after thisdisease, he must take exercise on horseback, and usean infusion of the Peruvian bark in wine. When thedisease ends in a palsy, the Bath waters are found tobe extremely proper.
To avoid this kind of colic, people must shun allsour fruits, acid and austere liquors, &c. Those whowork in lead ought never to go to their business fast-ing, and their food should be oily or fat. They maytake a glass of salad-oil, with a little brandy or rum,every morning, but should never take spirits alone.Liquid aliment is best for them, as fat broths, &c.but low living is bad. They should frequently go alittle out of the tainted air, and should never sufferthemselves to be costive. In the West-Indies, and onthe coast of Guinea, it has been found of great use,for preventing this colic, to wear a piece of flannelround the waist, and to drink an infusion of gingerby way of tea.
a small expense, and will be of service in several other cases, as therecovery of drowned persons, &c.12. 2 N
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