The Cherokee Physician - Section 2-A



PART TWO. 
CONTAINING A DESCRIPTION OF THE SYMPTOMS 
OF DISEASE, AND THE METHOD OF TREATMENT.

   I will not trouble the reader here with a long treatise on the 
doctrines, or what is called the pathology of diseases, which would prove 
both tedious and tiresome, without imparting the least benefit to those 
for whom this work is especially intended. But in giving the symptoms of 
disease, or the various aspects under which it makes its appearance, I 
will endeavor to do it in both a concise and comprehensive manner, 
confining myself, principally, to 

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those diseases which are most common in our country, and peculiar to our 
climate. It is very necessary that the head of every family should be 
instructed, to some extent, in the method of curing their own maladies; 
simple remedies, and such as are at hand in most families, will, if taken 
in due time, often throw off diseases which might have baffled the skill 
of the most experienced physicians if it had been let to run on without 
remedy for a length of time. A full conviction of this fact will induce me 
to simplify the HEALING ART, so that any family, possessing an ordinary 
share of common sense, may become their own physician in most cases of 
disease, without the hazard of increasing the hold of disease or weakning 
the power of life. The Indian system of practice may appear simple to many 
persons who are not acquainted with their success in treating diseases, 
but I flatter myself that a fair trial of their method of treating 
diseases as is herein laid down, will almost invariably be crowned with 
success, and many painful and truly distressing complaints which have 
hitherto been considered by the whites, as incurable, will be found to 
yield speedily to simple remedies.

   Believing that colds are directly or indirectly the cause of most 
diseases by checking perspiration, obstructing the general or natural 
circulation of all the fluids, and there-by producing a marked action, or 
in other words, a diseased condition of the whole system--I will first 
begin with colds.

CATARRH OR COLD--(Oo-hur-tlah.)
   Colds are so common in every country, and their modes of treatment so 
generally known, that the reader will doubtless conclude that little or 
nothing need be written on a subject which is already so familiar. But 
when we reflect that it is often the forerunner and not unfrequently the 
foundation of other diseases which are difficult to remove, and in many 
instances highly dangerous, and even fatal, in despite of medical aid--the 
subject does not appear so trivial as on first thought; but is one which 
certainly demands the serious attention of all those who wish to enjoy a 
reasonable portion of health.

   Persons of delicate constitutions are most liable to take cold--and 
from the great carelessness of such persons in neglecting to avoid 
exposure--and to remove cold in its 

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earliest stages, originates most of the consumptions in this, as well as 
other countries. It is often the foundation of a host of other diseases, 
such as pleurisy, liver complaints, fevers, asthmas, &c. I therefore feel 
it my duty to impress it on the mind of the reader, that cold, however 
simple it may at first appear, should be taken in its earliest stage, at 
which time it is easily thrown off and by very simple means.

   SYMPTOMS.--A dull heaviness in the head, frequent sneezing, a discharge 
of watery mucous from the nose or eyes, or both, a stoppage in the nose 
and head--it is frequently attended with chillness, succeeded by flushes 
of heat, a very disagreeable fullness is felt about the eyes. Cold is 
often attended with soreness of the throat, cough and pain in the chest. 
Here I repeat that most of the consumptions of this country are occasioned 
by neglected colds, brought on by exposure to night air, by changing warm 
clothing for thin, by sudden check of perspiration, by damp feet, &c.

   TREATMENT.--Cold in its first stage may be thrown off very easily, and 
by very simple means, such as a free use of sage, mint, ground ivy, balm, 
pennyroyal; pepper or ginger teas, or any sweating tea that the patient 
may prefer, to which may be added a portion of the diaphoretic drops. If 
the violence of the attack requires it, bathe the feet in warm water 
fifteen or twenty minutes, then wipe them dry and draw on warm stockings. 
If the head should be much stopped up with cold, sweat it by covering it 
over with flannel or other covering, and place a hot rock on the hearth, 
then sprinkle water and vinegar on the rock, at the same time holding the 
head over it. After steaming the head in the above manner, care must be 
taken to avoid exposure to a free current of cold or damp air, which would 
check the perspiration suddenly, and in all probability do much more harm 
than the steaming had done good. If the symptoms are inflammatory, give 
cooling purges, such as cream of tartar, salts, castor oil, rheubarb, or 
any cooling cathartic. If the throat is sore, apply the red pepper 
poultice, or a poultice of onions or garlic, either of these poultices 
will give relief to the breast if applied to that part, in case of 
oppression from cold. If the patient is troubled with a cough, look under 
that head for a remedy; by turning to the index you will be referred to 
numerous valuable articles for coughs, some of which can be easily 
procured in all cases, I presume, with but very 

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little trouble or expense. The onion, garlic or pepper poultice, applied 
to the feet will also aid in produing a free perspiration. The following 
remedy, says Dr. Gunn, "has frequently afforded relief in cases where 
colds had nearly settled down into confirmed consumptions--take one tea 
spoonful of flaxseed, half an ounce of liquorice, and a quarter of a pound 
of raisons, put them into two quarts of rain water, and simmer the whole 
over a slow fire until you reduce the quantity to one quart; then prepare 
some candy made from brown sugar, and dissolve it in the quart of liquor. 
A half pint of this syrup is to be taken every night on going to bed, 
mixed with a little good vinegar to give it a slightly acid taste. This 
will certainly relieve a cold in a few days." The vinegar stew is also 
very good for colds, and should be prepared in the following manner: If 
the vinegar be very strong, add a little water, then put it on the fire 
until it becomes hot, then add a little butter and sweeten it well with 
honey This stew or syrup is good to relieve soreness in the breast, it is 
also good to check the cough arising from cold. A tea spoonful of 
paragoric or half that quantity of Bateman's drops may be added to the 
tea, which is to be drank for cold to great advantage.


INFLUENZA OR MALIGNANT SORE THROAT. 
(Oh-ch-tlah-tsu-ni-sik-wah-his-lee.
   This dangerous disease is sometimes called putrid or ulcerous sore 
throat. The symptoms are, soreness of the throat, attended with fever. The 
swallowing becomes more and more difficult, the skin burning and 
disagreeably hot without the least moisture, the pulse very quick and 
irregular, it is also attended with nausea and sometimes vomiting, 
restlessness, great debility, the face becomes flushed, the eyes inflamed, 
and the neck stiff, the mouth and throat assumes a fiery red color, and 
the palate and glands of the throat become much swelled as the disease 
advances, the whole internal surface of the mouth and throat will become 
interspersed with brown or ash colored spots, which soon become so many 
ulcers discharging an acid matter; a similar matter runs from the nose, 
and escapes at the mouth, this matter soon affects the lips and 
neighboring parts, and in some instances the brown spots extend over the 
whole body, the tongue becomes covered with a thick brown fur and the 
breath very offensive; there 

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is generally a purging, and in many cases, a frequent dischatge of 
excoriating matter or fluid from the fundament. If the disease is not 
checked, the ulceration corrodes deeper and deeper extending down the 
alimentary canal, and if still suffered to proceed, they become 
gangrenous; a severe purging ensues, and death closes the painful scene. 
The following symptoms are unfavorable and denote a fatal termination; the 
feet and hands become cold, the eruptions suddenly disappear, or become of 
a dark livid color, the inside of the mouth and throat assume a dark hue, 
purging a black matter of a very offensive smell, the pulse becoming 
small, quick and fluttering, hurried breathing with frequent sighing; and 
a cold clamy sweat. On the contrary, the symptoms are favorable when the 
fever in some degree abates and the skin becomes gradually soft and moist, 
the breathing becomes more free and natural, the eyes assume a natural and 
lively appearance, the eruptions on the skin become of a reddish color 
over the whole body, and the parts which separate from the ulcers fall off 
easily, and leave the sores of a clean and reddish color, the tongue 
gradually becomes clean and clear of the dark fur with which it is 
covered. These are favorable symptoms and denotes the recovery of the 
patient.

   Putrid sore throat, is an infectious or catching disease; and hence it 
sometimes prevails as an epidemic, and generally makes its appearance in 
the fall or early part of the winter seasons, especially when preceded by 
a dry, hot summer. Children and persons of delicate constitutions are most 
liable to be the victims of this dangerous disease. Neglect of 
cleanliness, eating damaged provisions, breathing impure air, or whatever 
tends to produce putrid fevers, will predispose to an attack of this 
complaint. When relief is not had, this disease generally terminates 
fatally between the fourth and seventh day.

   TREATMENT.--This disease generally makes its appearance at the close of 
sultry seasons, when the system is much weakened by protracted exposure to 
intense heat and when people have been for some time exposed to breathing 
the putrid atmosphere arising from stagnant waters and decaying 
vegetables. This fact will at once show the impropriety of administering 
sever purges or drawing blood. The stomach must be cleansed by an emetic 
of gulver and Indian physic, and the bowels relieved 

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of their putrid contents by injections, of thin gruel or soap-suds, to 
which may be added hogs lard and a little gulver syrup; no cathartic 
stronger than castor oil or rheubarb should be taken into the stomach. 
Well prepared charcoal, taken twice or three times a day, will be of great 
benefit. The mouth and throat must be washed and gargled with a 
preparation made as follows: Take of cayenne pepper in powder, two table 
spoonfuls, a small quantity of catnip and half a spoonful of common salt: 
pour on them one pint of boiling water, let them stand a half hour and 
strain off the liquor and add to it a half a pint of good vinegar--the 
patient should also swallow a table spoonful of this preparation every 
fifteen minutes. If the patient should become very weak, bathe him well in 
a strong decoction of red-oak bark, in which may be put one-fourth 
whiskey. If the weakness be very considerable, give wine or toddy made 
with spirits and sweetened with sugar to strengthen and support the 
system. For an external application to the throat, use a poultice made by 
thickening rye-meal or wheat-brand in red pepper tea.-- After the stomach 
is cleansed, give Virginia snake root tea, (commonly called black snake-
root,) or seneka snake-root tea freely. The bowels must be kept regular 
through the whole course by the use of injections. If the first emetic 
should fail to subdue the disease it should be repeated in moderation on 
the day following. By properly attending to the emetic, the acid matter 
may be thrown off, which would otherwise produce injury by descending into 
the bowels. The strength of the patient must be supported by a generous, 
nourishing and easily digested diet, comprising but little if any animal 
food.


PLEURISY.--Oh-ne-squah-ga-ni-tsu-na-his-na.
   SYMPTOMS.--An accute pain in the side, extending to the back, breast 
and shoulder, when the breath is drawn:--The pain is much increased by a 
short dry cough which generally attends it. Great difficulty is 
experienced in lying on the affected side. It is also attended with chills 
and fevers, great thirst and restlessness as in the inflamatory fever. The 
tongue is covered with a thick whitish fur. The urine is high colored, the 
face flushed, and the skin dry and hot; sometimes the cough increases, and 
a tough phlegm is spit up. The blood when drawn from the 

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arm and admitted to cool in the vessel, is covered with a scum or coat of 
a buffly color, which always denotes inflamation.

   The causes which predispose to an attack of this disease, are cold, 
lying on damp beds, exposure to free currents of damp air, wearing wet or 
damp clothes, sudden changes from heat to cold, sudden check of 
perspiration, suppression of periodical evacuations, or by the repulsion 
of eruptions. It may also arise from intemperance, great exertion in 
singing, speaking or playing on wind instruments

   TREATMENT.--It is an inflammatory disease, and therefore requires the 
immediate reduction of the inflammatory symptoms; for this purpose bleed 
freely according to the strength and constitution of the patient. If the 
pulse should remain full and hard after the first bleeding, and the pain 
be relieved for a short time and then return, you must bleed a second, 
third, and even the fourth time, where the inflammatory symptoms require 
it. After the first bleeding, apply cloths, wet with hot water to the 
pained part, as warm as can be borne, and bathe the feet in warm water. At 
the same time give a purge of epsom salts or gulver pills, and let the 
patient drink freely of a tea made of one-third of silk-weed root to two-
thirds pleurisy root. If this tea should increase the fever to any 
considerable extent, it may be used in smaller quantities and the lancet 
again resorted to. For a description of the above roots, look under their 
different heads You will also see the mode of preparing the black or 
gulver pill under its proper head.-- After the inflammatory action is in a 
considerable degree overcome, seneka snake-root should be combined with 
the silk-weed root and pleurisy root. A full description of these roots 
may be seen under their proper heads. After the abatement of the fever, if 
the pulse should sink and the patient become very weak, you should 
stimulate him with warm toddy or wine, mixed with warm water and sugar. 
This must be done with the greatest caution, taking great care not to 
stimulate so as to produce a return of the fever. If the extremities 
should become cold, apply plasters of ground mustard-seed wet with vinegar 
to the wrists, ankles and feet. These plasters will aid greatly in raising 
the pulse, and is not so apt to produce a return of the inflammatory 
symptoms as a too free use of spirits. The bowels must be kept open 
through the whole course by cooling 

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purges; such as salts, castor oil, cream of tartar, or gulver pills. The 
cathartics should be aided by mild and cooling injections, such as thin 
gruel, well strained new milk and water, &c.

   For further information on this subject examine under the head of 
"Clystering Diets." The strictest abstinence from all kinds of animal 
food, must be observed in this disease. The diets and drinks must be such 
as will have a tendency to keep down fever, and such as the stomach will 
most easily digest. The drinks should consist of flaxseed tea, slippery-
elm tea, toast-water, &c. They should be taken warm, a little gruel, 
panada, or milk and water with mush, may be taken for nourishment.

   When recovering from this disease, great care must be taken to avoid 
sudden changes, dampness, cold, and very particularly avoid exposure to 
night air, excessive use of ardent spirits, violent exercise, &c. As the 
reverse of the above precautions generally produce dangerous relapses. 
Flannel, or some warm dress should be worn next the skin.


DROPSY--Tsa-no-tis-scoh.
   Dropsy is a disease of the whole system, arising from debility or 
weakness. This opinion is sustained by many of the most distinguished 
physicians in the United States. Dr. Rush was of opinion, that dropsy was 
caused by a morbid action of the arteries, and an increased action of the 
exhalents; or in other words, by an inactive state of the arteries and an 
active condition of the vessels which throw off the sweat from the body. 
Dr. Shelton's opinion is the very reverse, he says: "Notwithstanding the 
great popularity of this opinion and the high regard I have for Dr. Rush, 
yet I cannot concur with him. I believe the cause to be an increased 
action of the arteries and a decreased action of the exhalents. For we 
generally find in a Dropsy a quick pulse, which certainly indicates an 
increased action of the arteries; from the great fullness and distention 
of the exhalents, we might reasonably suppose they were too much relaxed, 
or too inactive to throw out the fluids as fast as they were forced into 
them by the active motion of the arteries." I have given the opinions of 
the above writers for the reflection and entertainment of the reader. The 
opinion of Dr. Shelton, however, accords nearest with my own.

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   SYMPTOMS.--Dropsy may easily be distinguished from other diseases, by 
the collection of water in some part of the body, and by the feet and 
ancles swelling, the flesh will have lost its elasticity, or in other 
words, when pressed upon by the finger the mark or impression will remain 
for some time after the finger is removed, the place where the impression 
was made being much paler than any other part. Among physicians, it is 
called by different names, according with the different parts of the 
system in which the water is deposited. When the water is seated in the 
cavities of the head or brain, the disease is called by physicians, 
Hydrocephalus. When seated in the cavity of the chest, it is called 
Hydrothorax; when in that of the belly, Ascites; when seated in the 
scrotum or bag of the privates, it is called Hydrocele; and when the water 
collects in the cellular membrane, which is situated between the flesh and 
skin, it is called Hydrocele. These different locations of Dropsy are 
manifested by somewhat different symptoms.

   Anasarea or Dropsy of the celular membrane, first gives symptoms of its 
approach by swelling of the feet and ankles; this swelling may be 
distinguished from other swellings in the manner above stated. The 
swelling extends by degrees to the thighs, trunk of the body, and finally 
to the head and face. The breathing becomes difficult, particularly when 
the patient lies down. A cough soon follows, and a watery mucous is spit 
up, the urine is high colored, and is voided in very small quantities, and 
when suffered to remain in the urinal or pot it deposites a reddish 
sediment; the bowels are costive, and the thirst great. These symptoms are 
suceeded by a dull torpor and slow fever.

   Ascites, or Abdominal Dropsy, is generally preceded by a loss of 
appetite, sluggishness, dryness of the skin, thirst, oppression of the 
chest, cough, decrease of urine, a swelling of the abdomen takes place, 
which increases gradually, as the disease advances. As the water 
accumulates, the breathing becomes more difficult, the countenance pallid 
and bloated, the thirst immoderate; the urine scanty, high colored; and 
deposites a brick colored sediment.

   Hydrothorax, or Dropsy of the Chest, generally comes on with a sense of 
uneasiness at the lower end of the breast bone, and difficulty of 
breathing, which is much increased 

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by exertion, or by lying down. It is attended with a cough. at first dry, 
but afterwards a thin mucous is spit up; as the disease advances, the 
thirst increases; the complexion becomes sallow; the feet and legs swell; 
the urine is voided in small quantities, high colored, and deposites a red 
sediment. The face and extremities become cold, the pulse feeble, and 
irregular; the sleep is much disturbed, frequent palpitations of the 
heart; a numbness extends from the heart towards one, and sometimes, both 
shoulders; the difficulty of breathing continues to increase until death 
ends the patient's sufferings. Hydrocephalus, or Dropsy of the Brain, is a 
disease common to children, and will be spoken of under the proper head.

   TREATMENT.--Cleanse the bowels with anti-billious pills, or some other 
purge. After the bowels are well cleansed, the patient should take the 
diuretic pill night and morning, three for a dose, or more if the 
constitution of the patient requires it; also drink bitters by putting a 
table spoonful of steeldust, and about four ounces of vervine root, into a 
half gallon of good spirits; of these bitters the patient should drink 
three or four times a day what the stomach will bear.

   ANOTHER REMEDY.--After the bowels have been cleansed as above directed, 
let the patient drink freely of cold water off of the root of Ah-squah-na-
ta-quah. This herb is fully described in materia medica, and is an 
infallible remedy for Dropsy; the root should be bruized before it is put 
into the water, about a half ounce of the root to a quart. the water may 
be renewed until the strength is all extracted. There are no disagreeable 
consequences whatever produced by the use of this root.

   The Chalybeat pill, taken night and morning after the bowels have been 
cleansed, will effect a cure in most casses. A Dose in this case is one 
pill about the size of a summer grape.

   Diets must in all cases of Dropsy be of the lightest and simplest kind. 
When the patient begins to recover from Dropsy, the appetite in most cases 
becomes voracious and almost insupportable, and if the patient is 
permitted to indulge it, to effect a cure will be found impossible. Water 
gruel, rye mush and butter milk or something of the kind is the safest 
nourishment I have ever tried in cases of this kind.

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   After the patient is freed from the water, extreme debility usually 
takes place. At this stage of the disease, the patient should continue 
whichever of the above treatments may have been adopted, and additionally 
use wine and a decoction of wild cherry-tree bark, or a decoction of 
Columbo root, or any other stimulant or tonic that may be most convenient.

   Dr. Gunn believes Dropsy to be an inflammatory disease and recommends 
bleeding freely, but goes on to speak highly of the advantages that have 
been derived from herbs of our own country, in this as well as other 
diseases. I quote the following from this author: "The following cures, 
which I shall notice, in the words of an experienced and distinguished 
physician, give evidence of the correctness of some of my introductory 
remarks, among which are the following: The discoveries of each succeeding 
day convinces, that the Almighty has graciously furnished man with the 
means of curing his own diseases, and there is scarcely a day, month or 
year which does not exhibit to us the surprising cures made by roots, 
herbs and simples, found in our own vegetable kingdom, when all foreign 
articles have utterly failed. The truth is, that the wise and beneficent 
Creator of the Universe, has made nothing in vain; and the time will come, 
when the apparently most useless and noxious plants, will be found 
eminently useful in the cure of diseases, which have hitherto baffled the 
profound skill, and most powerful energies of genius."--The following are 
the words of the author just alluded to: "I am knowing to two extremely 
distressing cases of Dropsy entirely relieved by means of the bark of 
common Elder. One a woman advanced in age, in the last stages of this 
disease, who lost a brother some short time previous, by the same 
complaint. The other a young woman, who had been for eighteen months 
confined to her bed, during four of which she was unable to lie down, and 
who is now wholy free from Dropsy, and recovering strength in a most 
surprising and unexpected manner. This young lady used the elder-barked-
wine, at the instance of one of the most distinguished physicians of 
Boston, who had previously tried every known prescription without success, 
and the use of the elder bark entirely cured her. A great many other 
cases, less aggravated, have been cured by this bark. I have used it 
myself with unusual success, 

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and its immediate adoption by the afflicted, is truly important and 
deserving attention. The receipt is as follows: Take two handfuls of the 
green or inner bark of the white common elder, steep it in two quarts of 
Lisbon wine twenty-four hours--if this wine cannot be had, Teneriff or 
Maderia, will answer; take a gill every morning, fasting, or more if it 
can be borne on the stomach."

   We have never tried the above preparation of elder bark in wine, but 
having witnessed similar effects produced by the free use of the tea and 
decoction of this bark, we are bound to place full confidence in the above 
statements, and earnestly recommend its use to those who may be afflicted 
with this truly distressing complaint.

   Diets should consist of gruel, a little milk and mush, or something of 
a similar nature.


DYSPEPSY, OR INDIGESTION. 
(Oh-ne-na-tse-tsunah-li-stoo-na.)
   SYMPTOMS--Are flatulency, defective appetite, palpitations of the 
heart, painful distention of the stomach and bowels. The last named 
symptoms greatly increased by eating a hearty meal or drinking spirituous 
liquors. This disease also extends its pernicious influence to the mind, 
which often becomes desponding and irritable, and the poor sufferer 
exhibits a peculiar anxiety of countenance. The sleep becomes disturbed 
and the urine high colored.

   CAUSES.--This disease originates in a great variety of causes. It 
arises in a great many instances, from a diseased state of the Liver as 
may be fully seen under that head. This lingering and painfully 
distressing malady is seldom to be met with among the Indians, owing, we 
suppose to the great simplicity of their diet, and the liberal exercise 
which they so generally take in the hunt, the chase, &c.; and the little 
use made by them of mercury in any form, or of strong minerals of any 
kind. This disease, on the contrary, appears to increase yearly among the 
whites. It seems to be a scourge upon the more refined portion of the 
human species, and one which refinement with all its charms, utterly fails 
to render agreeable, or in any respect desirable. It is to be found among 
all ranks and sexes; but when we meet with an individual who is afflicted 
with this torturing malady, and examine into his or her past life, the 
cause is generally obvious. An excessive use of 

Page 49

spirituous liquors of any kind, of tobacco, mercurial preparations, and 
other poisonous mineral substances used for medicines--improper diet, 
whether in kind or quality, inactivity of body, intense study, uneasiness, 
anxiety or grief, are all calculated in their nature to produce this 
painful disease. Dr. Carter, when speaking of the stomach, says. "It may 
be considered the great labratory or chemical workshop of the living 
power--where chemical operations upon our food and drink, are regularly 
performed, without effort, toil or study."

   Dr. Carter's statement respecting the stomach, shows at once the great 
necessity of regulating the food and drink according to the strength of 
this "chemical workshop."--The usual practice of over loading the stomach 
with high-seasoned, indigestible food, and a too free use of ardent 
spirits, injures its tone, and renders it incapable of performing its 
functions in a healthy manner. If Indigestion arises from a diseased state 
of the liver, there will also be felt a dead, heavy pain in the right 
side, also in the shoulder, and back of the neck. The urine on being 
deposited in a urinal or pot, will have in the bottom when cool, a reddish 
colored seddiment. The complection will become of a tawny or yellowish 
hue. The feet and hands, when held in one position, for a short time will 
become asleep for want of a free circulation of the blood. Great 
uneasiness will be felt throughout the whole system, and it is sometimes 
attended with vomiting. When these last named symptoms occur, you must 
refer to the proper treatment of the disease of the liver, &c.

   TREATMENT.--For common Dyspepsy, the patient must first sum up all the 
resolution which it is in his power to command, in order to regulate his 
diet with that rigidness. which is indispensably necessary, where a cure 
is to be sought for in this disease--the diet must be simple, such as 
gruel, a little rice prepared in clear water, and salted just sufficient 
to make it palatable, a cracker with a glass of spring water, or some 
similar food. It must be taken frequently and in small quantities, as 
fasting too long does great injury in Dyspepsy, which injury is much 
increased by the common practice of over-loading the stomach after long 
fasting. The use of animal food must be entirely abandoned if the sufferer 
wishes to obtain relief. To be 

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alternately loading the stomach with purges, animal food, and spirituous 
liquors, is only adding fuel to fire, and will ultimately end in the death 
of the patient if persisted in. The patient should first take a purge, 
anti-billious pills will be most suitable. These should be taken on going 
to bed--the number for a dose refer to that head--if they should not 
operate by morning they should be aided by half a dose of the same pills 
or by castor oil. After the bowels have been cleansed in the above manner, 
take a portion of the anti-dyspeptic syrup or hepatic pills morning and 
night. For directions how to prepare either of the above named medicines 
look under their different heads. While using the anti-dyspeptic syrup or 
hepatic pill, you should also use a mixture or syrup made by taking a 
strong decoction of the inside bark of white hickory, one pint well 
strained, to which add an equal quantity of soot, a pint or more of honey, 
of this mixture take a tea spoonful morning and night. A free use of 
charcoal, taken in water or otherwise, will be found of great benefit. For 
directions for preparing charcoal refer to that head. During the above 
course, the patient should take moderate exercise in the open air, if the 
strength will allow, and be very careful to avoid any thing either in 
eating or drinking, that will produce aggravation of the symptoms. The 
bowels, if they become costive, (which however is not apt to be the case 
while using the anti-dyspeptic syrup or hepatic pills,) must be regulated 
by the use of mild and cooling clysters. When the stomach and bowels have 
been kept free from irritation for a length of time by the above 
treatment; when the sleep becomes tranquil: the spirits revived, and the 
tongue assumes a clear and healthy appearance, a little mutton or beef 
soup may be taken. or chicken well boiled and the soup thickened with a 
little flour. If this diet should produce an uneasiness in the stomach or 
bowels, the quantity taken should be diminished, and if it still 
aggravates the symptoms, its use must be entirely discontinued, and 
recourse must again be had to the former simple dish--gruels, &c. But if 
the stomach will bear light meals of the above soups, the quantity may be 
gradually increased. but it must be done with great caution.

   I have known several persons relieved of this distressing complaint by 
the following simple remedy, after other 

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remedies had been tried and had failed: Take of cob ashes, steel dust, and 
common salts, of each a table spoonful, mix them well together, and add a 
sufficient quantity of honey to wet it or stick it together. Take of this 
mixture what will make three common sized pills morning and night, and 
noon if the stomach will bear it. At the same time take charcoal in water, 
prepared as directed under that head, and regulate the diet as before 
directed. I have known this to cure two cases of dyspepsy after the 
prescriptions of a physician in high standing had been tried and failed.


FLUX OR DYSENTARY. 
(Gee-guh-tsi-too-nuh-goo-skah.)
   SYMPTOMS.--A constant desire to go to stool without being able to pass 
much of any thing from the bowels, except a bloody kind of mucous. These 
desires to go to stool are usually accompanied with severe griping, and 
also with some fever; as this disease advances, the stools will consist of 
pure blood and matter mixed; and from severe straining to evacuate, part 
of the bowels will frequently protrude or come out, which soon becomes a 
source of great suffering, it is also attended in many instances with 
chillness, loss of strength, a quick pulse, great thirst, and an 
inclination to vomit.

   CAUSES.--Dysentary or Flux is generally most prevalent in the latter 
part of Summer and in the Fall, though it frequently occurs in other 
seasons of the year. A long drought followed by cold rains is apt to 
predispose the system to an attack of this disease. It is also produced by 
sudden suppression or stoppage of perspiration, which determine the fluids 
to the intestines; by eating unripe fruits; unwholesome, putrid food; and 
by breathing noxious vapors. Some writers say it is a contagious or 
catching disease, while others say it is not; be this as it may, it often 
attacks whole neighborhoods or towns at the same time; but it looks 
reasonable that the same general causes which produce it in a town, 
neighborhood or section of country, render all, whose modes of life and 
systems are in similar conditions, subject to it. This disease is more 
common in warm climates than in cold ones, and in rainy seasons than in 
dry ones. When it attacks persons of feeble constitutions or those 
laboring under scurvy, consumption &c. 

Page 52

it generally proves fatal. Grert debility, voilent fever, cold clammy 
sweats, hickups, dark colored spots on the skin, coldness of the 
extremities, and a feeble irregular pulse, are symptoms of a fatal 
termination. This disease should be taken in its earliest stages, at which 
time it is easy to be subdued by the use of the proper remedies, but if 
suffered to run on it is sometimes extremely difficult to overcome.

   TREATTMENT.--Take a handful of each of the following barks, red-bud 
horn-beam, (commonly called iron wood,) red-elm, sweet-gum and black-gum; 
also, a handful of yellow root and iron-weed root, make a strong decoction 
of these articles, and let the patient drink of it freely, a purge of the 
anti-billious pills should be taken to work off the acrid contents of the 
bowels. Another very valuable drink for this disease, may be made from the 
inside bark of swamp white-oak--take one pound of this bark, pound it well 
and put it into a half gallon of cold water. This is an excellent drink to 
cool and heal the bowels. If the belly be hard and sore to the touch, 
grease it well with any kind of oil or lard, or apply poultices of catnip 
to it. Injections of peach-tree gum or cherry-tree gum, made by dissolving 
the gum in water until it forms a mucilage to which may be added forty or 
fifty drops of laudanum for grown persons, and less for children, will aid 
in allaying the irritation of the bowels--the injections should be used 
cold. Castor oil combined with Bateman's drops, paragoric or laudanum may 
be used to advantage in this complaint--for a dose refer to the table of 
medicines; for a full description of all the above barks and roots refer 
to their different heads. The drinks during this complaint must be of the 
mildest kind, such as slippery--elm tea, flaxseed tea, &c., and diet of 
the lightest kind, such as light soups, jellies, new milk thickened with 
flour, all kinds of fruit must be avoided.

   I have known many cases of this disorder, among children, cured by the 
free use of a tea of vervine root, which grows in such abundance about our 
yards. On recovering from an attack of this disease, great care should be 
taken to avoid exposure, for fear of a relapse, which is generally very 
easy brought on by exposure, violent exercise or improper food.

Page 53

DIARRHOE OR LAX.--(Tsu-ne-squah-lah-tee)
   This disease is characterized by frequent and copious discharges from 
the bowels, unattended with fever, and has not the appearance of a 
contagious or catching disease as is the case with flux. It generally 
prevails among persons of weekly constitutions; persons advanced in years 
and those who have lived intemperately. Many are subject to its attacks 
from the slightest cold or exposure, which at all affects the bowels; and 
others are naturally and constitutionally of this habit of body. The 
appearance of the stools in this disease are very different at different 
times, depending in a great measure on the food and the manner in which it 
agrees or disagrees with the stomach and bowels. This disease is very 
often produced by worms.

   TREATMENT.--When this disease has been brought on by colds, or sudden 
stoppage of perspiration or sweat, use the warm bath and drink freely of 
some diaphoretic tea, to produce a determination to the surface, (or 
gentle moisture of the skin,) paragoric or Bateman's drops may be used 
with the tea--for a dose see table of medicines. Where this disease is 
constitutional it frequently continues through life, if not relieved by 
medicines. Such persons should be particular as to what kind of diet they 
eat, and strictly avoid everything that disagrees with their stomach or 
bowels; they should guard against damp feet, damp ground, &c., they should 
make daily use of bitters, composed of swamp white-oak inner bark, red dog-
wood inner bark, sweet-gum and cinnamon bark digested in old French 
brandy; in violent attacks the decoction recommended for flux should be 
taken until the violence of the symptoms abates. Slippery-elm bark or the 
root of common comfrey forms an excellent drink in this complaint. 
Injections of the same are also good. Where this disease is lingering and 
is attended with great debility, a raw egg taken of a morning on a fasting 
stomach will be found of great benefit. It should be taken in fresh spring 
water. In many instances a tea of flaxseed, slippery-elm, comfrey or 
vervine will entirely relieve it in a short time. When worms are supposed 
to be the cause of this disease in which case the breath will have a very 
foetid or offensive smell, treat the complaint for worms--see under that 
head.

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HEMORRHOIDS OR PILES. 
[Tsu-nah-tee-kah-stee-tsi-kah-nu-go-gah.]
   This complaint is sometimes hereditary, that is, it runs in families, 
and all ages and sexes are liable to it. There are two kinds of Piles 
originating from the same causes, and are distinguished as the bloody and 
blind Piles. The Piles are small swelled tumors, usually situated on the 
edge of the fundament; where these tumors break and discharge blood, the 
disease is called bloody Piles; but when the tumors discharge no blood, 
they are called blind Piles. There is usually a sense of weight in the 
back and lower part of the belly, giddiness in the head, sickness of the 
stomach, flatulency in the bowels and generally fever. Severe pain is 
experienced on going to stool, and small tumors may be felt projecting 
beyond the verge of the fundament; when these tumors break and discharge 
blood, the sufferer experiences intervals of ease; but when they do not 
break great agony is experienced during every motion, and great 
inconvenience is experienced in sitting down on a hard seat. In some 
cases, the lower end of the gut protrudes, (which means to come down) the 
length of two or three inches every time the patient goes to stool, and 
looks very raw and tender; this last case mostly occurs in children of 
weakly habits.

   CAUSES.--Piles may be occasioned by continued or habitual costiveness, 
by frequent drastic purges of aloes, by riding a great deal on horse-back 
in hot weather, by excessive drinking, exposure to cold, suppression of 
some accustomed evacuation, and by the pressure of the womb on the rectum, 
when in a state of pregnancy.

   TREATMENT.--Cold water is certainly one of the best applications that 
can be made either for a preventative or cure for this complaint. I do not 
believe that any person will be afflicted much with either bloody or blind 
Piles, who will bathe the fundament daily in cold water, say twice a day. 
I have known several persons relieve themselves of this painful disorder 
by this simple application. But I will proceed to give other remedies for 
the benefit of those who may prefer a cure not quite so simple, and one 
that will require rather more trouble than the former. Let the patient 
drink freely of a strong tea of yellow root. For a description of this 
root, look under that head. For an ointment, take mullen leaves, pound 
them fine and stew 

Page 55

or fry them in fresh butter until the strength is extracted, then strain 
it through a cloth; with this ointment annoint the rectum or gut when it 
protrudes or makes its appearance. Persons who are much afflicted with 
Piles of either kind, will derive much benefit from sitting on a stool or 
bench of green white-oak, a portion of each day; it should be made as warm 
as can be borne previous to each time of being used. Many persons are 
troubled with violent and sudden attacks of this disease, having at times 
but a very few minutes warning, until the pain is almost insupportable. In 
this case, the patient may obtain immediate relief by applying cloths 
wrung out of water or vinegar as hot as can be borne to the fundament; 
flannel cloths would be preferred, they should be changed every few 
minutes, keeping a fresh or warm one to the parts until relief is 
obtained. A salve made from the leaves, seeds or roots of the Jimson or 
Jamestown weed, and applied as an ointment, is a speedy and certain 
remedy. The mode of preparing it is as follows: Take the leaves, seeds or 
roots of this plant, bruise them well and stew them in fresh butter until 
the strength is extracted, then strain and cool for use, with this salve 
annoint the fundament frequently. A decoction of any part of this plant is 
also valuable when applied to the fundament by means of woolen cloths. I 
have known several children severely afflicted with this painful 
complaint, which was produced by extreme weakness; in this case I use 
tonic medicines, such as wild cherry-tree syrup or dog-wood or poplar bark 
syrup, and bathe the child once or twice a day in a strong decoction of 
dog-wood and red-oak bark. After each stool the fundament should be 
anointed with the Jamestown weed (Jimson) ointment or clean hogs lard. In 
all cases of Piles, the bowels should be kept open by the use of very mild 
cathartics. I prefer the use of equal quantities of cream of tartar and 
finely powdered sulphur, taken in sufficient quantity to keep the bowels 
gently open. All persons that are addicted to Piles, should live on light 
and cooling diets, take moderate exercise, and bathe the fundament 
frequently in cold water as above directed.


CHOLERA MORBUS, OR PUKING AND PURGING. 
(Tah-to-ne-tse-luh-ne-gah-slee.)
   This disease usually attacks with sickness at the stomach, 

Page 56

pain, flatulence, and severe pain or griping in the bowels. These symptoms 
are soon succeeded by heat, thirst, quickness of breathing, with a quick 
fluttering pulse and violent puking and purging. When the extremities 
become cold, the perspiration or sweat cold and clammy, the pulse 
irregular and changing, accompanied with cramp and hickuping, the case may 
be considered very dangerous and will soon terminate in death if relief is 
not obtained. It is generally too late at this stage to apply for medical 
aid.

   This disease may be produced by an excess of bile--by the food becoming 
rancid or acid on the stomach--by sudden check of perspiration, or by a 
sudden stoppage of the menstrual discharge. It is produced in some 
instances by breathing damp air; by being exposed to inclement weather; by 
getting the feet wet, &c.; but in most instances it is occasioned by 
eating such food as disagrees with the stomach and bowels. Many very 
different modes of treatment are on record among the whites for this 
distressing complaint--some recommends a puke, others a purge, blistering, 
&c.; and some have even recommended scalding the stomach, where death is 
so near as not to allow time to draw a blister with Spanish flies in the 
common way. "I have," says Dr. Foreman, "although an Indian, been a 
personal observer of their different modes of treatment, and the little 
success which generally attended it, I have never experienced any 
difficulty of consequence in arresting this disease, when called upon in 
any reasonable time, and that too with very simple means. Instead of 
punishing the stomach, which is already tortured with agitation, by giving 
an emetic, my first step is to tranquilize or quiet it."

   TREATMENT.--First give a tea of the Cholera Robus root, which will soon 
stop the puking. This root or plant is called by the Indians or Natives, 
Sah-ko-ne-ga-tre-kee, "but I have," says Dr. Foreman, "always called it by 
the name of Cholera Morbus root, when speaking of it to the whites, as 
this name came nearest conveying a correct idea of its medical qualities. 
I have never seen the whites use it except when directed to do so by the 
natives, and if they have any other name for it I do not know it." A full 
description of this plant may be seen under its proper head. When the 
violence of the puking has measurably subsided 

Page 57

from the use of the above named tea, it will be necessary to clense the 
stomach and bowels. For this purpose take a purge of anti-billious or 
gulver pills, or some active cathartic. For the mode of preparing these 
pills, refer to their different heads. If the extremities become cold, 
bathe the feet in warm water, and apply plasters of ground mustard seed to 
the feet, ankles and wrists. After the puking and purging has abated, if 
the patient should become very weak, stimulate him with weak toddy, give 
nourishing diet and such as the stomach will easily digest. The rapidity 
with which this disease proceeds, requires the remedies to be promptly 
applied, for the disease is, generally speaking, highly dangerous, and 
soon terminates fatally, unless relief is speedily obtained. In cold 
climates this disease is most prevalent in the latter part of summer and 
beginning of fall, when there are sudden transitions from heat to cold; 
but in warm climates it occurs at all seasons. Persons who are subject to 
this sudden and dangerous complaint, should be very cautious as to what 
kind of food they indulge in; and should be very particular in avoiding 
the causes which produce it--for, by indulging the appetite and by 
exposure to the causes which produce it, the disease may return with 
redoubled violence and danger.


SCROFULA OR KINGS-EVIL.--(Oo-niller-oo-tah-ner.)
   SYMPTOMS.--Small tumors appear behind the ears; under the chin they 
also make their appearance, in some instances about the joints of the 
elbows, ankles, fingers and toes; rarely on other parts of the body. As 
these tumors grow larger, the skin which covers them, becomes of a purple 
or livid hue, with inflammatory symptoms; at length they break and become 
ulcers, from which is discharged a white matter some what resembling 
curdled milk. Young persons are most liable to become the victims of this 
disease. It is said by some writers, that "true scrofula never makes its 
appearance after the age of thirty, unless it has shown it self in some 
shape before." It is caused by a taint or constitutional weakness in 
parents; or from cold, strains, bruises, &c. Children of lax fibers, with 
smooth soft skin, fair hair and delicate complexion, are more liable to 
attacks of this complaint than those of a different character.

   TREATMENT.--The existence of this complaint in any person, is a plain 
indication of a corrupt, morbid state of the 

Page 58

fluids of the body. It must therefore be obvious, that the proper mode of 
treatment will be, first to correct and purify the fluids, this will 
prevent in a great degree the formation of other tumors, and aid external 
remedies in effecting a cure of those already formed. No strong active 
medicines of any kind should be used in this disease. The bowels should be 
kept regulated by the use of mild cathartics, such as rhubarb and sulphur, 
equal quantities combined, taken daily in a sufficient quantity to produce 
from two to three stools a day. Dr. Wright recommends a tea spoonful of 
common salt taken in water every morning for this purpose. It the disease 
is attended with great debility, a chalybeate pill may be taken night and 
morning--or take a decoction of burdock-root, sarsaparilla and wild 
cucumber once or twice a day, say a gill twice a day for an adult; by 
these means the morbid matter may be thrown off, the fluids corrected and 
a healthy and vigorous action imparted to the system. Wash the tumors with 
casteel soapsuds, and then anoint them with cedar oil, then apply the 
powders of ever-green plantain. When the ulcer is deep, you should use 
some stimulating wash after the soapsuds--such as a decoction of bayberry, 
wild lettuce, dewberry, brier-root, witch hazle, beach-bark or leaves, or 
spice-wood, after which apply the oil and powders.--The tumors should be 
dressed in the above manner every twelve hours. When the inflammation 
ceases, the use of the powders may be discontinued and healing salve 
applied in its stead. Before the tumor breaks, an ointment made by stewing 
together two-thirds fresh butter to one-third cedar oil will answer much 
better than cedar oil used alone. The diet and drink should be of a light 
and cooling nature, such as good light bread with tea, coffee or milk, 
soup of the flesh of young animals well prepared, with an occasional glass 
of wine. Moderate exercise should be regularly taken. Cold and damp should 
be particularly guarded against. This disease often afflicts persons for 
years, the ulcers extend to the bone, and a very offensive matter is 
discharged. For ulcers of this last kind, in addition to the above 
treatment, look under the following head--Ulcers--for additional remedies.


ULCERS.--(Yah-nah-wa-skur.)
   By Ulcers, is commonly understood an old running sore, 

Page 59

and it is in this sense that we here use this term. Sometimes caused by 
slight wounds or bruises. At other times they appear to be constitutional 
or a hereditary disease in connexion with a scrofulous habit. These latter 
are generally tedious and slow to heal.

   TREATMENT.--The ulcer should first be well washed with casteel soap 
suds, next bathe the part in a strong decoction of beach bark or leaves, 
after the part is well bathed, dry it perfectly dry and anoint it with 
cedar oil, and apply a poultice made by thickening rye meal or wheat bran 
in a strong decoction of black-oak bark, the face of the poultice should 
be smeared with a little cream or lard to prevent it from sticking. If 
this treatment should not allay the fever and reduce the swelling in a few 
days, apply a poultice of polk-root and may-apple root, boiled to a strong 
decoction, thickened and applied as above; this last poultice is to draw 
out any offensive matter that may be lurking at the bone, and must be 
continued until the inflammation subsides--after the fever a bates, the 
black-oak poultice may be re-applied during the whole time, the wound must 
be regularly washed, bathed and anointed as above directed, every twelve 
hours. The patient should occasionally cleanse the bowels with anti-
billious pills, or some other cathartic, and make a constant use of a 
decoction of white sarsaparilla and wild mercury to cleanse and purify the 
blood. The sarsparilla and wild mercury may be taken in powders or pills 
if prepared. The diet should be light and nourishing, every thing of a 
stimulating or heating nature must be avoided, particularly ardent 
spirits. Charcoal applied by sprinkling it on the poultice, will cleanse 
or purify the sores and prevent them from having a disagreeable smell. A 
salve made of Jamestown weed (Jimson) is very good for tedious ulcers, as 
is also a salve of alder-bark.


CANCER.--[Oh-tah-yeh-sku.]
   The term Cancer had been applied indiscriminately to all eating, 
spreading ulcers; of a virulent kind. Of the cancerous ulcer, there 
appears to be several kinds; but the medical profession have reserved the 
term cancer for the most malignant and incurable kind. The appearance of 
the real Cancer is as follows: It commences with a small inflamed pimple 
or lump of a bluish color, which 

Page 60

becomes a sore with hard rising edges of a ragged appearance. On close 
examination of the sore, you will discover two whitish lines, crossing 
from the centre to the edge of the sore. At first a burning sensation is 
felt in the sore, which is accompanied as the disease advances with sharp, 
shooting pains. After some time these pains subside and the cancer 
discharges a very offensive matter; this discharge gradually increases and 
the matter communicating to the adjoining parts, finally forms a large 
offensive sore or ulcer, of a most dreadful and exhausting nature, always 
terminating (unless cured) in a lingering, painful and horrible death.

   Cancers are usually seated in some gland, but are sometimes seated in 
some other part. They generally make their appearance about the lips, the 
nose and breasts, but sometimes on other parts of the body. Those who are 
advanced in life, are much more subject to cancerous affections than young 
persons, particularly if they have scrofulous constitutions, which have 
descended to them from their parents.

   TREATMENT.--First wash the cancer with casteel soapsuds, next bathe it 
well with a strong decoction of red-root, then apply a salve made as 
follows: Take of heart-leaf-root well pulverized, sheep suet and pine 
rozin, equal quantities and a smaller quantity of beeswax, stew them over 
a slow fire until the strength of the heart-leaf-root is extracted, then 
strain for use. The cancer should be washed bathed and dressed in the 
above manner every twelve hours; but some attention should be paid to the 
general health of the patient, or all the external applications may fail 
to effect a cure. The bowels should be kept regular by the use of the anti-
billious pills, or some other cathartic. The patient should drink bitters 
to cleanse and purify the blood, such as sarsaparilla, wild mercury, or 
some similar bitters, and make a free and general use of sassafras tea. 
The diet must be light, such as rice, chicken, squirrel or venison, cooked 
in their own oil alone, and salted just enough to make them palatable; 
strong diet of all kinds should be avoided. This disease requires time and 
perseverance, but I have never known the above course fail to effect a 
cure, when properly attended to, says Dr. Foreman.

   ANOTHER MODE OF TREATMENT.--Take the green switch of 

Page 61

yellow-root, and the moss out of the river, burn them into ashes, then 
take hogs lard, or mutton tallow, and mix with the ashes and apply it in 
the form of a plaster to the cancer. In the first stage of this disease, 
narrow-doc-root bruized and steeped in vinegar, is a good application.


SORE LEGS--(Oh-nuh-sco-hah.)
   Sore Legs frequently arise from neglected bruises, cuts, &c. It 
sometimes runs in families for several generations. When it runs in 
families, it is generally such families as are addicted to scrofula, 
scurvy and similar diseases.-- This disease bears so close a resemblance 
to scrofula, and the treatment for it is so near the same as the treatment 
for that disease and ulcers, that it would be useless to write much on the 
subject. But as I am personally acquainted with several persons, who have 
been afflicted with sore legs for a number of years, I think it probable 
that they will more readily find and understand the mode of treatment if 
laid down under its proper head.

   TREATMENT.--Where sore legs are of long standing, the general health of 
the patient must be attended to. First, give a dose of antibillious pills 
to cleanse the stomach and bowels and next let the patient make a constant 
and free use of a decoction of sarsaparilla and wild mercury, or some 
other articles to cleanse and purify the blood and increase the general 
tone and strength of the system. Wash the leg well with casteel soap, and 
bathe it in a strong decoction of beach-bark or leaves, next anoint it 
with cedar oil, as directed for Ulcer. It should be poulticed as directed 
for ulcer; if the smell be very offensive sprinkle charcoal over the 
poultice. The leg should be dressed in the above manner every twelve 
hours. The patient should take moderate exercise, but spend the greater 
portion of his time lying, as this will give the affected part greater 
case. A salve of the root of swamp-doc forms an excellent application to 
old ulcers, and a strong decoction of the same forms a good wash for 
tedious ulcers. Diets must be light, such as are recommended for scrofula 
and ulcers. The use of ardent spirits must not be indulged in, if the 
patient wishes his limb restored to health, for all remedies will fail 
where this poison is taken even in moderate quantities.

Page 62

WHITE SWELLING.--(Colah-te-coh-nu-go-gee.)
   Different writers give various and even contradictory accounts of this 
most painful disease. They attempt entertaining the reader with accounts 
of several kinds of White Swelling, which are distinguished according to 
the seat of the disorder. All this I believe to be unnecessary in this 
work, as I offer but one remedy. I therefore make but two directions in 
White Swelling, viz: The inflammatory or first stage and the chronic or 
second or last stage. There is no disease to which the human family is 
liable, that has hitherto inflicted more severe and lasting misery, than 
White Swelling. It has baffled the skill of the most eminent physicians, 
and rendered hundreds of children of the finest constitutions and greatest 
activity cripples for life. Dr. Wright, a physician, who has been 
successful in treating this disease, speaks of it in the following words: 
"If the patient survives the severity of the first assault, he may for 
many years drag out a painful and miserable existence, his masecrated body 
filled with sores from the crown of the head to the sole of the feet, and 
his sufferings so protracted, violent and agonizing, that when he dies, as 
he will of a hectic fever, his friends and relations, and even parents, 
feel comfort in the thought that death has relieved him from his miseries, 
and willingly consign to the tomb the mortal remains of the unhappy 
victim."

   Male children of the most active life and best health, from three or 
four to fifteen or twenty years of age, are most subject to White 
Swellings, but both sexes may be afflicted with it from a few months old 
to twenty-five years old; after which age, I have never known a case to 
occur. Some physicians believe that all White Swellings are caused by 
cold. I am of the opinion that very many causes of this disease are 
occasioned by cold, but I think that the number occasioned by bruises are 
equally great.

   It generally makes its attack after being overheated by violent 
exercise and cooling suddenly. This disease is seated on the surface of 
the bone, and in the periorteum or membrane which covers the bone. 
Although this painful disease has baffled the skill of the most eminent 
physicians for centuries past, unless taken at the very commencement of 
the disease before it could be fully known whether it was White Swelling 
or not, yet a simple, easy, and certain remedy abounds in our own native 
forest. For the 

Page 63

discovery of this remedy we are indebted to the Cherokee Indians. It has 
already relieved hundreds of this torturing and painful disease, and 
restored them to a state of health and activity. It has never failed in 
their (the Cherokees) hands to give general relief in a short time.--It 
has been tried by myself in cases where the regular and botanic physician 
had each a fair trial and had failed.--Cherokee remedies had the desired 
effect. And I feel no hesitation in saying from personal experience, that 
their mode of treatment will relieve White Swelling at any stage, if 
perseveringly attended to.

   SYMPTOMS.--Sometimes the first symptom is a violent pain in the part 
affected, the pain continues for several days before the patient has signs 
of fever, the pain increases, in some instances it is of a whitish and in 
others of a reddish or flesh color--as the disease increases the patient 
becomes feverish with loss of appetite, great thirst, and flushed face--at 
other times it makes its attacks with more violence, (immediately after 
being over-heated, and cooling suddenly) with the appearance of 
inflammatory fever, which if left to itself, in a few days settles on some 
part of the limb; the part swells rapidly, with violent pain, and in this 
case it frequently has a high red color, although it is called white 
swelling.

   TREATMENT.--First steam the affected part well with spice-wood, this 
should be done as follows: Boil the twigs of spice-wood to a strong 
decoction, and place the vessel under the afflicted part, covering the 
limb at the same time to prevent the steam from escaping, let it remain 
until it is properly steamed; next anoint it with cedar oil and bathe it 
in with a hot iron or shovel. If it is in the first or forming stage, 
after it is steamed and anointed, apply a poultice made of pole-cat or cat-
paw bark, this bark is to be boiled to a strong decoction, and the 
decoction thickened with rye meal or wheat bran. This poultice is to 
scatter or drive back the disease, which it will do in a few days if 
matter is not already formed at the bone; where matter has formed at the 
bone the disease must come to a head--in this case steam and anoint it as 
above directed, and apply a poultice made of one-third poke-root to two-
thirds buckeye-root, (the bark off the roots is the part used) they are to 
be boiled, thickened and applied, as directed for the cat-paw or pole cat 
poultice. When it is sufficiently 

Page 64

ripe, lance it deep and continue the poke and buckeye poultice until a 
copious discharge is produced; if this poultice should give much pain it 
may be changed for one made by boiling the root of highland fern and 
thickening it as directed for the above poultices; but whenever the 
inflammation increases, and the part swells, the poke and buckeye poultice 
must be applied for a time. After the inflammation has subsided the cat-
paw poultice may be applied. The affected part must be regularly steamed, 
anointed and pulticed every twelve hours. Cases of long standing will 
require more time to effect a cure than those of short duration: but the 
above treatment will cure, let the case be of as long standing as it may, 
if properly and perseveringly attended to.


FELON OR WHITLOW--(Oo-ne-scoh-hupee.)
   Felon is an inflammation of the finger or thumb, and generally confines 
itself to the first joint. This disease bears so strong a likeness to 
white swelling that I am constrained to believe that it is one and the 
same disease, for Fellon like white swelling, evidently has its seat on 
the surface of the bone, or in the periosteum which covers the bone, it is 
attended with the most exquisite pain; this pain continues, in some 
instances, for several days before the color or appearance of the affected 
thumb or finger is materially changed--but if the disease is not checked, 
the affected part will put on a glossy or shiny appearance. I have known 
this torturing malady to prevent the sufferer from sleeping, for one, two 
and even three weeks in succession, during which time the part was 
regularly attended to in the usual manner with warm poultices, &c.

   TREATMENT.--On the first appearance of the Felon, the circulation 
should be prevented in the affected part by means of tape or similar 
binding; the affected thumb or finger should be pressed gently between the 
thumb and fore finger, then wind the tape tightly around it commencing at 
the extremity and winding upwards towards the hand. This bandage should 
remain until a cure is affected. If the bandage should increase the pain 
so that it cannot be born, it should be gradually loosened until it can be 
borne; but as immediate case is a blessing which the great Author of our 
being seems to have denied in this torturing little plague, it is hoped 
that some patience will be 

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exercised with regard to the bandage, it may be taken off once in twenty-
four hours to examine the part, but must be replaced immediately. If the 
Felon is so far advanced as to have formed matter, next the bone, an 
incision should be made with a needle or lancet to the bone, and the 
bandage again applied moderately tight, and a poultice of bitter herbs 
applied to the incision. Some physicians recommend the insertion of 
vegetable caustic to the bottom of the incision. It is likely the caustic 
would render the cure more speedy but it would be a very severe 
application. Where the patient will not submit to the above treatment look 
under the head of white swelling for another mode. I have used the black 
poultice with much success in driving back risings of other descriptions, 
and when they were too far advanced to be driven back, it causes them to 
come to a head sooner and with much less pain than they would otherwise 
do. I have often thought that this poultice might prove beneficial in case 
of Felon, but have never tried it. But cedar oil is the "sovereign balm" 
in all diseases of the bone and the membrane which covers it.


PHTHISIC OR ASTHMA.--(Tse-nah-wah-ste-skow.)
   This distressing complaint has long been numbered with those that could 
only be mitigated, and not cured; but the Cherokees profess to be master 
of this disease with all its wheezing terrors. It is a spasmodic affection 
of the lungs, which mostly comes on by paroxysms or fits. From infancy to 
old age, all sexes are subject to this complaint. Many children that have 
been afflicted with it from a very early age appear to outgrow it about 
the time they arrive at the age of puberty. Also at this age many persons 
become afflicted with it who have never before had it.--Where it is not 
hereditary, it leaves persons at or a little after middle age, say 40 or 
50. But if it be hereditary, and does not go off at the time he or she 
arrives at the age of man or woman, it is apt to become more aggravated in 
the decline of life.

   Causes which excite, or bring on a spell or fit, are often owing to the 
peculiar states of the atmosphere. It may be too hot or too cold, too dry 
or too damp, it may contain too much or too little electricity, for the 
nature of the disease 

Page 66

in different persons. When the body is warm and sweating, sudden cold is 
sure to produce it; sudden changes from dry hot to damp cool weather 
almost invariably produce a paroxysm of this disease on those who are 
addicted to it.

   SYMPTOMS.--For several hours, and in some instances days, before the 
fit comes on, you feel a slight difficulty of breathing, a weight and 
fullness in the breast and stomach, bad appetite and sometimes a great 
craving for food; headache, depression of spirits amounting to melancholy, 
restless feelings accompanied with drowsiness; the fit or paroxysm usually 
comes on of an evening or night, with great difficulty in breathing, 
attended almost to suffocation, a wheezing noise is made in breathing, 
attended by a hard dry cough at first, which gradually diminishes in 
toughness until a white, stringy, tough mucous is discharged from the 
throat and mouth, accompanied by a gentle moisture of the skin, and in 
some instances it amounts to copious sweating, severe palpitation of the 
heart, fever and sometimes vomiting attend it.

   TREATMENT.--Take a half pound of garlic, three or four pods of red 
pepper and a table spoonful of common salt, pulverize and mix them well 
together, and take what will make two pills morning and night, and a 
greater quantity if the urgency of the case requires it; but this amount 
should be regularly taken when the patient is apparently free from the 
disease. Secondly, boil sour-wood bark or leaves to a strong decoction, 
then strain the decoction and boil it down to the consistency of molasses, 
then take common brown sugar and heat it in an oven over a slow fire until 
it melts and again becomes dry and lumpy, then add them together--
proportions, four table spoonfuls of the molasses to one pound of sugar, 
to which add three table spoonfuls of sweet or British oil, put it again 
over a slow fire and mix it well together, and bottle for use. Give a tea 
spoonful of this syrup or mixture morning and evening. This last 
preparation of itself often effects an entire cure, but I prefer using 
them together as above directed.--They should be taken regular even when 
the patient appears to be entirely free from Phthisic. Lobelia is also 
very good for this complaint, either the green or dry herb digested in 
spirits long enough to extract the strength; take of this tincture just 
enough to produce slight nausea, say 

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three times a day, this must be continued for a length of time after all 
symptoms of the disease have disappeared. Smoking the root or seeds of the 
Jamestown (Jimson) weed is also very good for Asthma. Persons afflicted 
with this disease suffers very much from extreme weakness and palpitation 
of the heart, particularly of a morning--to relieve this, swallow a raw 
egg every morning with a few swallows of fresh spring water for several 
mornings, say ten or twelve, then omit a few and again use the egg. The 
Asthmatic should rise early, take moderate exercise in the open air, but 
should avoid wet and damp. The diet should be light, nourishing and 
frequent. In cases where the difficulty of breathing is extremely great, 
temporary relief may be had by stewing together equal quantities of sage 
and honey, and letting the patient swallow it in tea spoonful doses. I 
believe bleeding to be very injurious in this disease, although it is 
recommended in the writings of several eminent physicians.


FEVERS.
GENERAL REMARKS.
   Fever shows itself in so many ways and forms, that it is almost 
impossible to describe it correctly. To judge of its presence with any 
degree of correctness, we will have to pay particular attention to the 
following appearances and indications. The state of the pulse, the skin, 
the stomach and bowels, the breathing, the appetite, the color of the 
face, the change of feature, the tongue, eyes, &c.--There is generally 
soreness over the whole body, as if with fatigue after a hard day's labor, 
great thirst, violent pain in the head or back, or both, sometimes there 
is a constant desire to sleep, and sometimes great restlessness, sometimes 
the strength is greatly in creased by Fever.

   From an early period, down to the present day, Fever and febrile 
diseases, have been the fruitful theme of speculation. The most 
distinguished medical men have differed in opinion as to the cause of 
Fevers. Theory has been piled upon theory, and the subject yet appears 
much in the dark. The opinion that most diseases originate from the 
stomach, appears to be supported by as sound reasoning, 

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and good judgment, as any other theory that has yet been advanced. The 
first impression is made on the stomach by medicine, which acts 
immediately by sympathy. It is the general reservoir which receives those 
medical remedies by which the disease is to be subdued: The effects 
produced on the system by remedies taken into the stomach, show at once 
the great sympathy between the stomach and the whole system, and also the 
many evil consequences that must evidently follow a derangement of this 
reservoir or work-shop.

   The principal secret of medicine is to discover the first cause of 
disease, and in the next place to apply suitable remedies in a proper way, 
and at a proper time. There is not so much difficulty in the science and 
practice of medicine as a great many persons imagine, if you will but 
attend to the causes of diseases, and watch the effects of the remedies. 
The fact is that any person possessing common sense and judgment, who will 
take their seat at the bed-side of the sick, ascertain how and when he was 
taken sick, and all the particulars as to the pains first complained of, 
and be minute in examining into the habits of the patient, will in nine 
cases out of ten succeed in relieving the patient, when mere theorists who 
prescribe for the names of diseases, without a due portion of sound 
judgment and practical knowledge will fail. The inhabitants of very few 
countries are entirely exempt from the attacks of Fever. I will therefore 
describe plainly the symptoms of such Fevers as are most common amongst 
us, so that with a little care and common judgment, the reader will be 
enabled to distinguish between Fevers and other diseases, and also to 
ascertain the exciting cause, which knowledge will enable him at once to 
strike at the root of the disease.

AGUE AND FEVER, OR INTERMTTENT FEVER. 
(Oo-nah-wah-stee-skee.)
   This disease generally makes its attack in the fall season of the year, 
and those who live on water courses, or on low marshy countries or 
situations are most subject to its attacks.

   Agues are generally distinguished by names expressive of the periods of 
intermission or lapse of time between the fits.

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   That returning every twenty-four hours, is called by Doctors, Quotidian.

   That which returns every forty-eight hours, or every other day is 
called Tertians.

   And that returning every third day is called Quartans.

   The above divisions are given in order to describe the disease more 
plainly, for the treatment is the same, differing only in the mildness or 
severity of the attack; if very severe the remedies employed should be 
active and powerful, on the contrary if the attack be mild and gentle, 
remedies less active and powerful will answer. Each paroxism or fit of 
this fever, is divided into three different stages: the cold, the hot, and 
the sweating stage. The cold stage commonly commences with a feeling of 
Ianguor, debility or weakness, and an aversion to motion.--Frequent 
stretching and yawning; the feet and hands become cold, the skin looks 
shriveled, and a numbness or want of feeling is experienced over the whole 
body, and finally a chill comes on accompanied by a shivering or shaking, 
which lasts fifteen or twenty minutes and sometimes a much longer time. 
The pulse is small and frequent, and often irregular. As the chill or 
first stage goes off, the second or hot stage comes on, with a sense of 
heat over the whole body; the face becomes red, the skin dry and hot, 
increased thirst, pain in the back and head, throbbing in the temples, 
accompanied with great anxiety and restlessness; the respiration becomes 
fuller and freer but is still frequent; the pulse becomes more regular, 
hard and full; the tongue furred. If the attack be severe and the blood 
determines to the head, delirium often takes place for a time. In the 
commencement of the third and last stage, the intense heat begins to 
subside, moisture begins to break out on the forehead and generally 
extends itself over the whole body, the thirst diminishes, breathing 
becomes more free and full, and most of the functionaries resume their 
ordinary state and operation, but the patient is left in a state of 
extreme weakness.

   TREATMENT.--First give an emetic to cleanse the stomach, see emetics in 
the Dispensatory, next give a purge, antibilious pills or some other 
cathartic. After the stomach and bowels have been well cleansed, give a 
sweat of seneka snake-root, black snake-root or burnt whiskey and red 
pepper, as either will answer. The sweat should be 

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given about an hour and a half before the expected return of the chill. 
The bowels should be kept regulated by the use of cathartics, the above 
pill is preferable to any cathartic in my knowledge for this purpose. 
After the sweat has been given the patient should drink daily of the tonic 
bitters. See Dispensatory.

   If this bitter cannot be conveniently had, the patient may take a 
strong decoction made of equal quantities of wild-cherry tree bark, the 
bark of the root of red dog-wood, and the bark of the root of the yellow 
or swamp poplar.--A table spoonful of this decoction should be taken 
regularly every hour when there is no fever, but when there is fever, it 
should be omitted. The Ague pill is also a valuable remedy for Ague and 
Fever. For the mode of preparing and administering these pills, refer to 
the Dispensatory.

BILIOUS FEVER--(Remittent Fever.)
   Bilious Fever is Ague and Fever just described, under something of a 
different modification. In Ague and Fever there is an entire intermission 
or stoppage of the disease, whereas, in Bilious or Remittent Fever, there 
is nothing more than an abatement of the fever for a time. It has received 
the popular name of Bilious Fever because in most cases there appears to 
be an increased secretion of bile. Bilious attacks are most frequent in 
the latter part of summer and in the fall. It is most commonly met with 
along streams, in the vicinity of marshes and near stagnant waters. In 
warm climates, where great heat and heavy rains rapidly succeed each 
other, Remittent Fevers of a very malignant character sometimes prevail as 
an epidemic.

   The symptoms, are a sense of heaviness and languor, pain in the head 
and back; in most cases the patient is taken with a chill, which is 
succeeded by intense heat over the whole body--the pulse is more tense and 
full than in Ague and Fever. If the attack of Bilious Fever be severe, the 
eyes and skin often appear yellow, the tongue is covered with a brownish 
fur, the bowels are generally costive and the urine high colored.

   TREATMENT.--In mild attacks of this disease, if taken at the 
commencement, it may be thrown off by cleansing the bowels with 
antibilious pills or some other cathartic, and 

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drinking freely of some sweating tea. But if the attack be violent, more 
active means must be employed. Give an emetic of gulver and ipecac or 
Indian physic to cleanse the stomach and render its operation fully 
effective by giving warm water or chamomile tea freely; when the stomach 
is well cleansed give water gruel to determine it to the bowels. It the 
emetic is taken in the morning, the patient should take a dose of 
antibilious pills at night, say from eight to ten hours after the emetic. 
After the stomach and bowels have been cleansed in the above manner, give 
a sweat of Seneka or black snake-root; a tea of rag-weed will answer 
admirably and will produce copious sweating, in many instances, where 
nothing else will. If the fever should rise very high and produce 
delirium, put the hands in cold water, or rub the hands and wrists with 
cloths wet with cold water and vinegar, and apply cloths wet with cold 
water and vinegar to the forehead and temples, and bleed freely according 
to the strength and constitution of the patient. Care must be taken to 
continue the use of purges, until the stools assume a healthy appearance. 
Next take three table-spoonfuls of the powders of boneset, and pour on 
them a quart of boiling water; of this tea, let the patient drink a half-
pint a day, unless it should produce vomiting, in which case the quantity 
must be diminished; this tea is intended to act mildly on the bowels, and 
also on the liver. It is one of the best correctors of the bile now known. 
After the disease is checked, if the patient suffers from debility, give 
tonics, such as dog-wood-bark, columbo-root, wild cherry-tree bark, &c. 
See tonics in the Dispensatory, and also in the Materia Medica, at which 
places you will find directions for preparing and administering medicines 
of this class.

   Puking, purging and bleeding, is often followed to such an extent as to 
bring the patient to an alarming state of debility as soon as the fever 
leaves; in cases of this kind give the chalybeate pill morning, noon and 
night. Dose in this case is one pill about the size of a summer grape; 
this medicine acts more like a charm in extreme debility than any thing 
else.

   I omitted stating in the proper place, that plasters of mustard-seeds, 
or poke-root poultices, or some other of the articles recommended for that 
purpose in Materia Medica, 

Page 72

should be applied to the feet to produce a revulsion from the head, where 
the fever is very high and the determination to the brain very great. This 
will greatly aid the bleeding and cold applications to the head and wrists 
in giving relief.

NERVOUS FEVER--(Typhus Fever.) 
[Gah-lah-a-lee-oo-lee.]
   This Fever as its name imports, affects the whole nervous system, and 
produces a tremulous motion of the body and limbs, and extreme debility, 
which attends it from the very beginning; the system appears to be 
sinking, great weariness, loss of appetite, low spirits, frequent sighing, 
are among the first symptoms; these are soon followed by dryness of the 
mouth, quick low pulse, and sometimes an unnatural perspiration or sweat 
breaks out on the skin for a time. The sleep is very much disturbed and 
unrefreshing, the countenance sinks, or seems to change from its natural 
expression of feature to a ghastly appearance, the tongue, teeth and gums 
soon become covered with a dark buff-colored scurf, the sight of food is 
unpleasant, and sometimes disgusting, from the extreme debility or 
weakness of the stomach. The difficulty of breathing becomes very 
considerable, sometimes the hands and feet are glowing with heat, whilst 
the forehead is covered with sweat; sometimes it comes very suddenly with 
chills and flushes, and at other times it is ten or twelve days, or even 
longer, before it shows symptoms of violence, making its advances so 
slowly and gradually as to produce no alarm. The following symptoms may be 
considered very dangerous: A constant inclination to throw off the cover; 
a changing of the voice from its usual tone; great weakness; picking at 
the bed-clothing; inability to retain or hold the urine; involuntary 
discharge from the bowels; slight aberrations of the mind, muttering as if 
speaking to one's self; a wild and fixed look, as if the eyes were riveted 
on some particular object. When these last symptoms occur, there is little 
to expect but that the case will terminate fatally.

   TREATMENT.--Give an emetic to cleanse the stomach.--Ipecac, or Indian 
physic, and gulver, (see Dispensatory,) in, ten or twelve hours after the 
operation of the emetic, give 

Page 73

a purge of anti-billious pills, or some other purge. See cathartics in the 
Dispensatory.

   After the stomach and bowels have been cleansed in the above manner, 
give the hepatic pill night and morning; 4 for a dose. A gentle 
perspiration should be kept up by the use of snake-root tea. After the 
stomach and bowels have been cleansed, as above directed, the patient 
should make constant use of bitters of gulver, ipecac or Indian physic and 
bone-set, infused in good whiskey or wine.--Where there is trembling of 
the limbs and great agitation of the nerves, give nerve powders in the tea 
taken by the patient, freely. If the bowels incline to be costive, use 
injections of thin gruel made tolerably salt, to which add nerve powders 
freely. In the low stage of this disease, use wine freely: if the pulse is 
low, and the extremities cold, apply mustard seed plasters to the feet, 
ankles and wrists; also bathe and rub them well with whiskey and red 
pepper.

   Diets must be light and nourishing, taken frequently and in small 
quantities. Slippery-elm tea or mucilage, is a valuable drink in this 
Fever; dried apple or peach syrrup or tea is also very good. All possible 
pains should be taken to keep the mind of the patient composed.

   Tonics may be used freely in the advanced stages of this disease with 
good effects; camphor will have a good effect combined with dog-wood or 
wild cherry-tree bark. Wine or French brandy may be taken freely.

   Bleeding in Nervous Fever is almost certain death, and should never be 
practiced at any stage of the disease.

YELLOW FEVER.
   SYMPTOMS.--An attack of Yellow Fever is sometimes preceded by loss of 
appetite, disagreeable taste in the mouth, heat in the stomach, pain or 
giddiness in the head, costiveness, languor, debility, and dejection of 
spirits. At other times it attacks suddenly, with a chill, a pain in the 
head and eye-balls, flushing of the face, excessive thirst, and great 
prostration of strength; the stomach is very irritable, throwing up 
whatever is taken into it; the tongue is covered with a dark colored fur, 
the skin dry and hot, pulse small, and quick, and hard, the urine high 
colored and voided in small quantities; the eyes, and skin about the face, 
neck, and breast, becomes yellow; a dark colored 

Page 74

matter resembling coffee grounds is at length thrown up from the stomach, 
called the black vomit. Sometimes diarrhæa takes place, the stools have a 
very offensive smell, and a black or green color; sometimes the victim of 
this disease sinks into a sleepy state and dies without a struggle. At 
other times putrid symptoms of a very violent character occur, and the 
patient dies in convulsions.

   TREATMENT.--This Fever requires prompt and efficient treatment at the 
very onset. As soon as Yellow Fever is discovered, cleans the stomach, by 
giving an emetic; for this purpose the roasted root of prickly-sumac is 
probably the best article in my knowledge. Take a double handful of the 
roasted root, steep it in water until the strength is extracted, then give 
a half pint of the tea or more, and repeat in fifteen minutes if the first 
should not operate; give warm water freely to render the operation fully 
effective. After the operation of the emetic, give anti-billious pills to 
cleans the bowels--for dose see Dispensatory.--Then give a tea of barberry-
root or the root of golden-seal, one or both; this tea is made by putting 
one-fourth ounce of the dried root into a quart of boiling water--of this 
the patient should drink a pint a day, or more if the stomach will bear 
it. The patient should be kept in a gentle perspiration by the use of 
seneca or black-snake root tea.--The bowels should be kept regulated 
through the whole course by the use of anti-billious pills, taken in small 
doses morning and night, just sufficient to produce the desired effect on 
the bowels, which must be judged of by he who administers.

SCARLET FEVER.
   This disease often prevails as an epidemic, and is most frequent in the 
Fall season of the year, though it may occur at any season of the year. It 
is most apt to attack children and young persons, yet it sometimes attacks 
whole families and persons of all ages.

   SYMPTOMS.--This, like other Fevers, commences with languor, lassitude, 
chills, heat, dry skin, nausea, and sometimes vomiting. The pulse is quick 
though languid, the respiration difficult and hurried, the skin is red 
like scarlet, and if the disease is suffered to progress, spots of a vivid 
red color make their appearance on the face and 

Page 75

neck, and gradually extend over the whole body; the throat becomes sore, 
the voice hoarse, and the breathing very hurried and difficult; in the 
evening the fever is highest and the spots brightest. In the more 
malignant form of this disease, all the above symptoms are aggravated, 
inflamation and ulceration of the tonsils takes place, the redness or 
efflorescence spreads over the whole body, with appearance of swelling, 
the tongue, which in the milder form of the disease is covered with a 
white thick fur, is in the more malignant form covered with a black or 
brownish fur or incrustation. Derangement of the mind is common to each 
form of Scarlet Fever. When there is a tendency to putrifaction the pulse 
becomes small indistiact and irregular; the sores in the mouth and nose 
and throat become very putrid, and a briny substance or matter is often 
discharged from the nose, which takes the skin as it passes. This last 
stage of the disease is considered very dangerous, and if immediate relief 
is not had the system sinks into a state of collapse.

   TREATMENT.--First give an emetic or puke to cleanse the stomach. A tea 
made of the bark of the shell-bark hickory is the best emetic with which I 
am acquainted; for this purpose it should be steeped in water until the 
strength is extracted, and the tea administered freely until it operates. 
When it is not convenient to give the above emetic, any other good emetic 
will answer--see emetics in Dispensatory. The bowels should next be 
cleansed by giving a dose of anti-bilious pills or some other cathartic. 
After the stomach and bowels have been cleansed as above directed, the 
patient should take the hepatic pill every morning on a fasting stomach--
three for a dose for an adult; also give sweating teas freely, such as 
black or seneca snake-root; during the whole course must be kept regulated 
by the use of anti-bilions pills or some other cathartic, taken in small 
portions night and morning.

   If the Fever should continue high and the thirst be great, the emetic 
should be repeated; if the throat should become very sore, treat it as 
directed for Malignant Sore Throat. If the patient should sink into 
extreme weakners or debility, give dogwood-root bark in tea or decoction 
freely to drink and by injections; also give the chalybeate pills night 
and morning. A little sulphur should be 

Page 76

added to the diaphoretic tea which will prevent heart sickness, and aid in 
driving the efflorescence to the surface, which is the principal object in 
this disease. Flannel wet with spirits, may be kept to the neck, and the 
patient may inhale the steam of vinegar from the spout of a coffee-pot. 
The drink should be warm and the diet light.


INFLAMMATION OF THE BRAIN.
   SYMPTOMS.--Violent pain in the head, the eyes are red, inflamed, and 
unable to bear the light; watchfulness, frightful dreams, great anxiety 
and indistinct recollection. The face becomes flushed, the skin dry, the 
bowels costive, the urine scant, and there is an extreme susceptibility of 
the whole nervous system. The pulse is irregular and tremulous, or strong 
and hard; the arteries of the temples and neck usually throb and beat 
violently. In the first stages of this disease the patient dislikes to 
talk, but as the disease advances, the eyes assume a great brightness, the 
patient becomes furious and talks wildly, and generally on subjects which 
have left deep impressions on the mind when in health. The tongue becomes 
dry and rough and of a black or dark yellow color. Favorable symptoms are 
copious perspiration, discharge of blood from the nose, a dysentary and 
plentiful evacuation of urine. Unfavorable symptoms, are starting of the 
nerves, total deprivation of sleep, retention of urine, continual spitting 
and grinding the teeth, and violent fits of delirium.

   Inflammation of the brain is sometimes a primary ideophatic disease, 
but it is often only symptomatic of some other complaint. Inflammation of 
the brain, may at all times be considered an extremely dangerous disease, 
and one which must inevitably prove fatal without the immediate use of 
active, prompt and efficient remedies.

   Causes likely to produce this disease are, excessive use of ardent 
spirits, indulgence in violent fits of passion, intense study, excessive 
venery, violence about the head, as blows, &c. Sudden cold, long exposure 
to the direct rays of the hot sun, fevers, small-pox, mumps, and also by 
the sudden suppression of accustomed evacuations, whether natural or 
artificial. When the disease is long protracted, it often terminates in 
insanity.

   TREATMENT.--First take blood from the arm by a large orifice or 
opening; wait a little while and again take blood, 

Page 77

until a gentle sweat is seen, or the patient feels like fainting. Let the 
patient be kept in bed, with the head placed on high pillowing and the 
body in as upright a posture as possible, so as to lessen as far as 
possible the determination or flowing of the blood to the head. Give a 
dose of antibilious pills, and aid their operation by the frequent use of 
laxative injections. But while the above means are in use for the 
evacuation of the contents of the bowels, lose no time in shaving the hair 
from the head, and apply cloths wet in the coldest water and vinegar that 
can be had constantly over the naked head; if ice can be had, put a 
portion with the vinegar and it will be so much the better. If this does 
not cause the violence of the symptoms to abate in a short time, and the 
strength of the patient will bear it, give an emetic of ipecac and gulver 
(see Dispensatory,) or Indian physic, and draw a blister on the back part 
of the head and neck, also bathe the feet in warm water and apply plasters 
of mustard-seeds to them and the ankles in order to produce a revulsion of 
the blood from the head. I neglected to state in the proper place, that 
after the bleeding and evacuation of the contents of the bowels, every 
means should be used to produce sweating, such as the free use of 
diaphoretic teas or powders; for this purpose a tea of seneca snake-root 
and black snake-root is preferable, but where neither of these can be had, 
other diaphoretics will answer. After the violent symptoms abate, still 
keep the bowels open for several days with cream of tartar, salts, senna, 
or something that causes copious watery discharges from the bowels. During 
the whole time the room of the patient should be kept perfectly cool and 
as dark as convenient, nor ought the least noise to be permitted to 
disturb the quiet of the patient.--When the fever begins to subside and 
the reason to return, these instructions should be particularly attended 
to--because the slightest cause will, in many instances, bring on a return 
of the disease and with redoubled violence, which will in all probability 
prove fatal in a short time. Diets for several days should be of the 
lightest kind.


INFLAMMATION OF THE STOMACH.
   Inflammation of the Stomach may proceed from obstructed perspiration, 
from receiving blows or wounds in the region of the stomach, from severe 
and frequent emetics, 

Page 78

drinking extremely cold water when the body is over heated from corrosive 
poisons taken into the stomach; also by the transition of the gout, or 
acute rheumatism to the stomach.

   SYMPTOMS.--Inflammation of the Stomach can easily be distinguished from 
other diseases by its peculiar symptoms, it is therefore impossible to 
mistake it for any other disease if proper attention be paid to those 
symptoms. It is always attended with a violent pain in the stomach, which 
is greatly increased by pressure over the stomach; there is also a burning 
heat at the pit of the stomach, frequent retching as if to vomit; when any 
thing is taken into the stomach it is immediately vomited up; there is 
great loss of strength, excessive thirst and uneasiness, continued moving 
of the body from side to side. If the disease be not checked, it rapidly 
advances, the hands and feet become cold, the bowels costive, the 
countenance haggard and wears an indiscribably anxious aspect, hickups 
ensue and the patient soon dies.

   TREATMENT.--This is a very dangerous complaint, and may terminate 
fatally in twenty-four hours, if not arrested in its progress. First bleed 
freely from the arm--the pulse is frequently low, and small, but this 
should not deter you from bleeding, the pulse will frequently rise on 
bleeding several times. Employ some anti-emetic, to check the vometing, 
the contents of the bowels should be evacuated as speedily as possible, by 
the use of laxative injections, such as gulver syrup in a strong tea of 
catnip. As soon as the inflammatory symptoms have been subdued by frequent 
bleeding, and clystering, the patient should be put into the warm bath and 
remain there as long as possible; as soon as he is taken from the bath 
apply a blister over the region of the stomach, or a large plaster of 
ground mustard-seeds wet with strong vinegar will answer. By turning to 
Dispensatory you will find directions for preparing several plasters, 
which will draw blisters. Small quantities of sweet oil, given 
occasionally will aid in allaying the inflammation. The bowels must be 
kept open by injections made of flaxseed tea, chicken water, slippery-elm 
tea or thin gruel. These injections will also aid in nourishing the 
patient, as it will be improper to take nourishment into the stomach. The 
patients drink should consist of slippery-elm or flaxseed tea taken a 
little 

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below blood heat. When the inflammatory symptoms have subsided and the 
stomach will bear it, nourishment may be taken, but it must be done with 
great caution, and in very small quantities; it should consist of slippery-
elm tea, flax-seed tea, new milk boiled and thickened a little, rice, 
light soups, or thin gruel with a little new milk in it; any thing taken 
into the stomach should neither be too, warm or too cool, a little below 
blood heat is probably the safest temperature. When this disease is 
produced by poisons taken into the stomach, the poison must be removed by 
an emetic, as directed under that head, and the disease then treated as 
above directed. When inflammation of the stomach terminates fatally, it 
always ends in mortification. A sudden change from severe misery to 
perfect case, is conclusive evidence that mortification has taken place. 
Inflammation of the stomach, sometimes occurs in putrid diseases. It is 
discovered by inflammatory appearances on the inside of the mouth. When 
the face and mouth is so affected in Fevers, it is to be feared that it 
reaches the stomach, especially if the stomach shows unusual 
susceptability, accompanied with frequent vomiting--in this the progress 
of the disease may be arrested by giving a tea-spoonful of the spirits of 
turpentine in a little water. This medicine is well calculated to prevent 
gangrene and mortification, and must be given more or less frequently, 
according to the urgency of the symptoms.


INFLAMMATION OF THE INTESTINES.
   In this disease the danger of mortification is great and relief must be 
given soon or every effort will be vain.--Symptoms are, severe griping or 
pain in the bowels, especially near the naval. It may easily be 
distinguished from inflammation of the stomach, by the pain being lower 
down, and from cholic, by the smallness and quickness of the pulse, and by 
the extreme tenderness of the belly, the pain being increased by pressure 
upon it; whilst in cholic it affords relief, it is attended with sickness 
at the stomach and vomiting, obstinate costiveness and considerable fever. 
Great weakness attends this disease, the urine is high colored and voided 
with difficulty.

   Inflammation of the Intestines is produced by nearly the same causes as 
those which produce inflammation of the stomach. It also arises in some 
instances from hard indigestible 

Page 80

food remaining in the bowels; from severe cholic, blows and wounds about 
the region of the bowels--by long and severe dysentery, worms, and in some 
instances from hernia or rupture.

   TREATMENT.--In the first, stage of this very dangerous disease, it will 
be necessary to bleed and repeat as often as the urgency of the case 
requires it. A free and thorough discharge should be produced from the 
bowels by means of laxative injections repeated at short intervals until 
the desired object is obtained. A part of each injection should be 
composed of slippery-elm or flaxseed tea and a strong tea of cat-nip. The 
whole abdomen should be kept well bathed with a strong tea of catnip, red 
pepper and vinegar; the warm bath will be of service, but the temperature 
should be very moderate. It the disease should prove obstinate or 
unyielding, apply a blister over the belly. Sweet oil may be given in 
table-spoonful doses and repeated frequently; after the bowels are 
thoroughly cleansed, injections of catnip and slippery-elm tea must be 
given frequently for several days, to which may be added laudanum, about 
forty or fifty drops for a grown person and less for children. Purgatives 
in this complaint only tend to aggravate the symptoms. Your principal 
reliance is therefore to be placed on injections and copious bleeding, 
especially if the patient is of full habit. Charcoal taken by the mouth 
and administered by injection, seldom fails to produce good effects. The 
slightest causes are exceedingly apt to produce a relapse of this disease, 
for this reason, exposure to cold should be carefully avoided, and 
indigestible food should not be used; the bowels should also be kept 
regulated by the use of mild and cooling injections. Diet should be very 
light and taken in very small quantities, and nothing better than slippery-
elm tea could be recommended for the patient's constant drink.


INFLAMMATION OF THE KIDNEYS.
   SYMPTOMS.--A severe pain about the small of the back, some degree of 
fever, the pain frequently darting down the thigh or thighs, as the case 
may be. The urine voided in small quantities and with difficulty, of a 
pale or reddish color. The pain in this disease is seated nearer the back 
bone and loins than in cholic. The bowels are costive, the skin is dry and 
hot, there is nausea and sometimes 

Page 81

vomiting. The slightest motion or jolting gives great pain, and even 
sitting upright in bed produces restlessness, the patient always 
experiencing the greatest ease, when lying on the affected part. Sometimes 
one and sometimes both of the testicles are drawn up to the belly, so that 
you can scarcely feel them.

   The causes most likely to produce this complaint, are wounds or bruises 
of the kidneys, calculous concretions lodged in them, the too free use of 
active diuretic medicines, great exertions in lifting, violent and sudden 
strains, exposure to cold when over heated, and lying on the damp ground.

   TREATMENT.--If the patient be stout and full of blood, the lancet 
should be used; the bowels must be opened by mild clysters and oil, cream 
of tartar or some gentle purge. A mixture of sulphur and cream of tartar 
is an excellent preparation for keeping the bowels open in this complaint. 
Flannel cloths wrung out of hot catnip tea, or a decoction of red pepper 
and vinegar should be applied over the small of the back. After the bowels 
have been cleansed as above directed, give the diuretic powders morning 
and night a tea spoonful for a dose, at the same time let the patient 
drink a tea made of the piny weed root, at least a half pint a day; if the 
piny powders cannot be had, a tea of the common rush will answer, but it 
is not so good as the piny.

   All the drinks should be made warm, and a portion of peach-tree gum 
dissolved in them. Slippery-elm or flaxseed tea will answer a good 
purpose. A strong decoction of peach-tree leaves, either green or dried, 
is a most excellent remedy in this complaint, and has of itself affected 
many wonderful cures.

   Diets should be light; onions, although not a light diet, will answer 
well in this disease, where the stomach will bear it. The patient should 
be kept quiet and easy, and free from cold while any appearance of 
inflammation continue. When the patient begins to recover, moderate 
exercise in the open air will be proper and advantageous.


INFLAMMATION OF THE BLADDER.
   SYMPTOMS.--This disease is known by a sharp pain at the bottom of the 
belly, immediately above the privates, the pain is much increased by 
pressing on the part with 

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the fingers; there is sometimes considerable uneasiness in the lower part 
of the back. There is a constant desire to make water, which is passed 
with much difficulty and in very small quantities, it is high colored, and 
not unfrequently tinged with blood. It is also attended with sickness and 
vomiting and a constant desire to go to stool; the bowels are bound, the 
pulse irregular, and always some fever. Inflammation of the bladder is 
produced by obstructions in the urethra, by suppression of urine, by the 
formation of calculous concretions, and by costiveness. It may also be 
produced by injuries, such as severe blows, falls, kicks, &c., by holding 
the urine a great length of time, and by taking the tincture of 
cantharides or Spanish flies.

   TREATMENT.--In this disease, when the patient is of full habit and 
there is much fever, bleed. The bowels must be opened by cooling purges 
and injections, after which, the patient should take of the diuretic 
powders, as directed for inflammation of the kidneys, and also drink of 
the tea of piny powders or rush. The region over the bladder should be 
frequently bathed with a strong decoction of red pepper and vinegar, or a 
poultice of catnip applied over the part. When this complaint is caused by 
the lodgment of a stone in the neck of the bladder, the cause should be 
removed as directed under the head of Gravel, at the same time using the 
above means to allay the inflammation. A tea of slippery-elm or flax-seed 
injected into the bladder, will be found very good. Every time the patient 
has to make water he should sit over the steam of pine tops, cedar tops, 
or bitter herbs; this will greatly assist the passing off of the urine, 
and also in relieving the pain occasioned by voiding it. Diets and drinks 
of a heating nature should, by all means, be avoided.


INFLAMMATION OF THE SPLEEN.
   SYMPTOMS.--In this disease there is considerable pain in the left side, 
just under the ends of the ribs, and round to the back-bone. In severe 
cases the pain reaches up to the left arm-pit and into the shoulder; the 
skin and eyes are yellow. The pain which extends up the side, may easily 
be distinguished from the plurisy, by numbness and deadness about the 
shoulder joint, and also by the seat of the pain being below the ends of 
the ribs; the symptoms most to be relied on are, puking of blood, 
watchfulness, 

Page 83

great weakness, and very frequently the mind is much confused: there is 
also considerable fever.

   TREATMENT.--Purge well with antibilious pills. (See Dispensatory for 
dose.) After which, they should be taken in doses sufficiently large, 
night and morning, to keep the bowels gently open. These pills are 
peculiarly adapted to this disease. The side should be bathed frequently 
with a strong decoction of pepper and vinegar or essence of pepper. After 
the inflammatory symptoms have in some degree subsided, the patient should 
drink bitters, composed of equal quantities of gulver-root and bone-set 
leaves, and a much smaller quantity of Indian physic infused in spirits. 
If the spirits should disagree with the patient, the hepatic pill or anti-
dispeptic syrup, taken night and morning will answer. In chronic cases, 
after bathing the side as above directed, for a few days apply a 
strengthening plaster. Diets must be light and nourishing, and the 
exercise moderate.

   This complaint is brought on by long continued fevers, or by long 
continued fever and ague, and by affections of the liver. What are 
commonly termed ague cakes, are diseases of the spleen, and sometimes 
terminates in Inflammation of the Spleen.


INFLAMMATION OF THE LIVER.
   There are two species or forms of this disease, distinguished as acute 
and chronic inflammation of the liver.

   Symptoms of acute Inflammation of the Liver.--In this form of this 
disease, there is a severe pain in the right side, from the ribs to the 
hip, accompanied with fever and slight chills; the pain often rises to the 
point of the shoulder, and extends to the collar-bone; there is hard 
breathing, dry cough, a tightness across the breast, an inclination to lie 
on the right side and yet hard pressure on the right side increases the 
pain. The bowels are costive, the urine high colored, the pulse frequent 
and hard, and the tongue covered with a whitish fur. There is often 
sickness and vomiting of a bilious matter. The skin is dry and hot, and if 
the disease is still permitted to advance, the skin and whites of the eyes 
assume a yellow color.

   TREATMENT.--If the inflammation is considerable, and the pain severe, 
bleed, and follow the bleeding by cathartics. The anti-billous pill is 
probably the most suitable 

Page 84

preparation for this purpose. After the inflammatory symptoms have been 
subsided by bleeding and purging, give the hepatic pill night and morning--
three for a dose if the stomach will bear them, if it will not, give them 
in such doses as the stomach will bear. The bowels must be kept open by 
the daily use of the anti-billous pills in small doses, the quantity being 
best judged of by the patient. The patient should also drink freely of a 
strong tea of liverwort, and use bitters composed of one-third silkweed 
root and two-thirds butterfly root. A tea of spicewood forms a valuable 
drink in this disease, as it promotes a gentle perspiration. Blistering 
the side often gives great relief where the pain is severe.

   Chronic is a term applied to diseases which are of long continuance, 
and are generally attended with but little fever. Chronic affections of 
the liver, is commonly best known by the name of "Fever Complaint" It may 
either be a consequence of the above, or it may come on gradually, without 
acute inflammation. The chronic form of this complaint is generally 
produced by exposure to sudden viscissitudes of heat and cold, by the 
intemperate use of spirituous liquors, by long continued attacks of 
intermittent and remittent fevers, and by the improper treatment of 
measles and other diseases.

   SYMPTOMS.--Chronic inflammation of the liver, is frequently so mild at 
its commencement, and so very obscure in its attack, as to produce but 
little pain, and excite but little uneasiness, until the disease is firmly 
seated, at which stage it is tedious to cure, and if cured, requires a 
persevering use of the remedies, with the most scrupulous attention to 
regimen and diet. It is attended with general weakness and dislike to 
motion, indigestion, flatulency or frequent belching of wind from the 
stomach, a short dry cough, and occasionally, difficulty in breathing. The 
bottoms of the hands and feet are generally dry and hot, tho' sometimes 
moist and cold. A dull pain or misery is felt between the ribs and right 
hip, extending at times to the right shoulder. The bowels are mostly 
bound, but sometimes become very laxative for a few days--the stools are 
generally of a clay color, and occasionally particles of blood are seen 
among them. Whatever is taken into the stomach as food, frequently sours, 
and produces pains in the stomach, and an acid taste in the mouth and 
throat.-- 

Page 85

There is often a burning at the stomach, somewhat different from heart-
burn, and an unpleasant headache, with frequent giddiness or swimming. The 
urine is high colored and usually scant, the complexion and countenance 
assumes a sallow or diseased appearance, and the whole system is oppressed 
with an unusual sense of fullness.

   TREATMENT.--First purge with anti-billous pills, butternut syrrup, or 
black-root pills or syrrup, then give the hepatic pill, three every 
morning, if the stomach will bear them, and two, if three cannot be 
retained without producing great nausea. A chalybeate pill should be taken 
every night about the size of a pea or summer grape.--The patient should 
also drink freely of the tea of liverwort, and bitters, as directed for 
Acute Inflammation of the Liver. During the whole course, the bowels must 
be kept open by the use of cathartics. The Dispensatory shows several 
valuable preparations for this purpose. Bathing the feet in warm water 
frequently, will be found of service, or if convenient, the warm bath is 
much better.

   The diets must be light and taken in small quantities, moderate 
exercise on horseback or otherwise, will be necessary. But all cold, 
immoderate exercise and exposure of every kind must be avoided, if a cure 
is desired.


CONSUMPTION. 
(Oo-coh-yoh-ter-tsu-ne-si-wah-skan.)
   This complaint is marked by a general wasting of the body; great 
weakness is felt on the slightest bodily exertion; the pulse is quicker 
than natural, small and irregular; a short dry cough which becomes more 
troublesome at night; a white frothy mucous is spit up. As the disease 
advances, a pain, and sensation of heat and oppression is felt through the 
breast, extending up to the points of the shoulders, the spitting becomes 
more copious and frequent, and is sometimes streaked with blood--sometimes 
it is dark, and at other times it is of a yellow or green color, having a 
remarkably unpleasant smell; when put into pure water it sinks to the 
bottom, while common mucous floats on the surface of the water; the urine 
is high colored, and deposits a muddy sediment, the cheek or cheeks 
frequently flush with hectic fever, which lasts one or two hours, and then 
gradually goes off; the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet are 
mostly hot; the pulse gradually 

Page 86

grows quick and hard--these symptoms are soon followed by profuse night 
sweats. In the last stage of Consumption the countenance assumes a 
ghastly, unnatural appearance; the voice becomes hoarse, hollow and 
unnatural; the white part of the eyes have a shiny or pearly appearance, 
while the eye itself beams with uncommon lustre; the nails are of a purple 
color; there is frequent purging, and great difficulty in breathing, 
amounting at times, almost to suffocation. When these last symptoms occur, 
the case may be considered desperate.

   Obstructions from cold in some way or other, is the common cause of 
Consumptions. It is most apt to attack persons between the age of twelve 
and thirty; but it sometimes attacks persons at the age of fifty. In youth 
when a change of voice takes place and the lad enters the incipient stage 
of manhood, there is considerable debility experienced, and not 
unfrequently accompanied with a short dry cough. This is a critical 
period, and a little carelessness or neglect may end in an incurable 
attack of Consumption. Such persons as have been raised tenderly, without 
due exercise or fresh air, will be much more liable to an attack of this 
ever-to-be-dreaded disease, than those who have been accustomed to daily 
labor or exercise. Damp air, damp beds, damp clothes, is often the cause 
of Consumption; it is also caused by inflammation of the lungs, 
suppression of the menses in females; tight lacing; diseases at the liver 
and stomach. It is hereditary and often takes whole families as fast as 
they approach man or womanhood.

   TREATMENT.--The patient should commence by taking a tea spoonful of the 
mixture or syrup for Consumption night and morning; it is made as follows:

   Take a table spoonful of tar, the same quantity of honey and the yolk 
of an egg, mix these articles well together; the tar should be a little 
warm, that they may the more easily mix. A large quantity may be prepared 
observing the same proportions. If the patient is very weak and the above 
dose operates too severe, give a smaller portion, he who administers will 
be best able to determine as to this. It will be three or four days before 
this medicine gets into full operation, and when it is taking hold of the 
disease to advantage, it causes the patient to expectorate or spit up 
mucous from the lungs with great rapidity; while taking 

Page 87

the above, the patient should also take the inner bark of the yellow pine, 
and spikenard root, of each one pound, keep it constantly by the fire that 
it be warm, and use it as a constant drink. I have used the chalybeate 
pill night and morning, in connexion with the above remedies with the 
happiest effects. Where the patient is laboring under great debility it is 
without doubt one of the best stimulating and tonic medicines in the world.

   Diets should be light; all kinds of rich and oily food should be 
avoided; buttermilk and corn or rye mush is very good, as is also rice, 
half cooked eggs, and milk drank warm from the cow morning and evening. 
Squirrel or chicken may be eaten by some, but others cannot use either 
without injury; the patient or administering physician will have to 
exercise some judgment on this subject. Wet and damp of every kind must be 
avoided, regular but moderate exercise taken, the mind should be kept 
cheerful; long journeys are spoken of by some physicians as being 
advantageous, but I cannot agree with them in this particular. They 
unavoidably produce irregular habits in eating, drinking, sleeping, using 
medicine and often keep the mind in a high state of anxiety about things 
left behind, &c., all of which produce injury rather than benefit. 
Regularity of habits is indispensably necessary in the cure of 
Consumption, I would therefore advise persons afflicted with this disease 
to remain at home with their friends, for I can assert that the kindness 
of friends in connexion with neighborhood exercise and amusements, will 
greatly aid in restoring health, where long journeys would only fatigue 
the patient and aid the disease in wearing out and extinguishing the 
little remaining spark of animal life.

   Bleeding in Consumption is a most pernicious practice and the sooner it 
is abandoned the better it will be for those who are afflicted with this 
alarming and too often fatal disease. Yet it is recommended by a majority 
of the most eminent physicians of our age. Dr. Wright, however, is an 
exception, he disapproves bleeding in this disease in the strongest terms. 
He says, "The disease itself proceeds from debility, which produces 
obstructed perspiration, and nature not being able to relieve the lungs 
from the matter thrown upon them, acts as an irritant and occasions 
coughing and diarrhæ, and in proportion to the 

Page 88

vital fluid you abstract, you impair the strength of the patient, and open 
a road for the incursions of the enemy." Dr. Wright has been more 
successful in the treatment of Consumption, than any physician among the 
whites, with whom I have ever had an acquaintance, he in many instances 
restored persons to health after they had tried such remedies as are 
usually prescribed for Consumption, and had been given over as incurable, 
his treatment is simple, and consists of remedies that may be procured by 
any person. I give it in full that those who wish to try it may have it in 
their power to do so.

DR. WRIGHT'S TREATMENT FOR CONSUMPTION.
   Take his chalybeate pill night and morning, and through the day drink 
from a pint to a pint and a half of Dr. Wright's beer for Consumption. 
This course should be pursued with regularity.

   Diet should be light and nourishing, such as butter-milk and rye mush, 
half done eggs and the like, he also recommends new milk of a morning.

   The success of Dr. Wright in the treatment of this disease, is 
acknowledged by all those who were acquainted with his practice.