The Cherokee Physician - Section 5



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BLOOD-LETTING.
   It is highly necessary that the head of every family should understand 
how to open a vein with a lancet: they should also be acquainted with the 
cautions necessary for avoiding danger. Many cases occur where medical aid 
cannot be obtained in time, and where life is lost for want of bleeding. 
To draw blood from the arm you are to apply a bandage or ligature an inch 
or two above the elbow joint, and draw it so tight as to compress the 
veins immediately under the bandage, which will cause them to fill and 
swell immediately below it. As soon as the vein from which to draw blood 
rises, place the thumb of the left hand about an inch below the place you 
intend to open with the lancet; then with your right hand holding the 
lancet firmly between the thumb and forefinger, make the incision 
obliquely or slanting. This should be strictly observed, for by holding 
the handle of the lancet too high, the point will cut the under side of 
the vein and perhaps dangerously wound an artery. When the desired 
quantity of blood has been drawn, untie the bandage and place your thumb 
on the orifice and press it with a moderate force so as to bring the edges 
together. This will stop the blood from flowing. You are next to apply a 
compress about two inches square, made by 2 or 3 times folding a piece of 
linnen; over this you are to place a thick folding of linnen about four 
inches square, so as to fill up the bend or hollow of the arm. The folds 
of linnen is next to be confined by a tape or other bandage, which is to 
cross over them crosswise, extending above and below the elbow joint in 
the form of a figure eight, and to finish with making 

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a knot on the linnen immediately over the incision or orifice. If the 
bleeding should continue, pour cold water on the arm above the elbow; if 
this should fail to stop it take off the bandage, wash the orifice with 
strong vinegar and apply the cranes bill or some other styptic.

   To draw blood from the foot, place the bandage above the ankle joint 
and open the vein as directed for bleeding in the arm. The blood will flow 
more rapidly when the foot is emersed in warm water.

   Bleding, althho' indespensably necessary in many instances, may 
nevertheless be improperly resorted to. Regard must be always had to the 
strength, constitution and condition of the patient; stout, robust 
persons, of full habit, will require the loss of more blood than the more 
delicate and weakly. In all inflamatory diseases, bleeding will be found 
highly beneficial. But on the contrary where the disease arises from 
debility or weakness, bleeding will do serious injury.

DISPENSATORY.
   Having finished that part of Materia Medica, which embraces the simple 
articles of Medicine that have been introduced in this work in the 
treatment of the different diseases, and having pointed out their most 
obvious medical properties, together with the mode of preparing and 
administering them, I will now proceed to such compounds as the reader is 
referred to in the treatment of the different diseases.

   This part of the work will be arranged in the form of a Dispensatory 
for the greater convenience of the reader.--

   There is also given a short table of Mineral Medicines.

DIURETIC PILLS.
   Take one table-spoonful of copperas; one table-spoonful of pine rosin: 
the yolk of two hen-eggs: mix these articles well and add starch or flour 
enough to make it the proper consistence to roll into pills. Three is a 
common dose 

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for an adult. These pills are valuable for dropsy and other diseases that 
require the use of diuretics.

ANOTHER VALUABLE PREPARATION.
   Take of egg-shells half an ounce; coperas one ounce; elder-bark, of the 
root, one ounce; white sumac, bark of root, one and a half ounces; pine 
rosin one ounce. Brown the egg-shells and pulverize all the ingredients, 
and add water sufficient to the proper consistency to roll into pills.--
Three or four is the common dose for grown persons. Used for the same 
purposes as the foregoing.

DIURETIC POWDERS.
   Take of the common elder, bark of the root, six ounces; burdoc root six 
ounces; egg shells browned, four ounces: queen of the meadow, six ounces; 
agrimony, six ounces: horse radish four ounces. Reduce all these articles 
to fine powder, and sift them through a fine sieve; then bottle up for 
use; dose, a teaspoonful three or four times a day, in a tea of water-
melon or pumpkin seeds. These powders are useful to relieve suppressions 
of urine, and also to carry of the dropsical fluid from the body.

   When all the above articles cannot be had, use such as can be obtained; 
by turning to the materia medica, in the class of diuretics, you will find 
a number of simple articles described, any of which may be used in forming 
a compound, for gravel or dropsical affections; they should be pulverized 
and used as directed for the above preparation.

   Diuretic Tincture.--Take of elder leaves, one ounce; horse radish one 
ounce and a half; welt weed, the root, one ounce. Digest the whole four or 
five days in good spirits, in sun heat, shaking it well every day; of this 
tincture, take three or four drams a day; excellent for gravel, and 
urinary obstructions.

   Diaphoretics.--Medicines of this class are employed to promote 
prespiration

   Diaphoretic Powders.--Take of butterfly root, one lb.; silk weed root, 
one pound; rag weed root, one lb.; seneka snake root, five ozs.; ginger 
one lb.; cloves four ozs.; red pepper two ozs.; reduce all these articles 
to fine powder and sift through a fine sieve, then mix them thoroughly. 
Dose for an adult is one tea-spoonful in hot water. This compound is 
useful in colds, obstructions and in the first 

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stage of disease generally. They give tone and strength to the system, 
promote prespiration and thereby discharge the morbid matter, and remove 
obstructions. Where the the above articles cannot be conveniently 
obtained, the reader has but to turn to the class of diaphoretics in 
Materia Medica, where he will find a variety of articles of this class 
described at length, any of which may be prepared and used as the above in 
all cases where the above would be of service. In preparing compounds as 
above directed, the ginger, cloves and cayenne should never be omitted: 
these are articles which can generally be had anywhere almost.

DIAPHORETIC DROPS OR TINCTURE.
   Take of blue-flag root, green, one ounce; cayenne one ounce; peach 
kernels one ounce; common ginger, one and a half pounds; gum-myrrh one 
pound; alcohol six quarts. Pulverize all the solid ingredients, and add 
them to the alcohol; digest eight or ten days in sun heat, shaking several 
times a day. Dose from one to four tea-spoonfuls, repeated at discretion; 
it should be taken in some kind of sweating tea. It will be found valuable 
for pains in the stomach, dysentary, colic, colds, head-ache, internal 
inflamation, &c.

CATHARTIC PILL.
   For the simple articles of this class, see "Cathartics," Materia 
Medica, where you will find them described.

   Antibillious Pills.--Take of gulver root 1 1-4 pounds; Indian physic 1 
1-2 pounds; milk-weed root 1 1-4 pounds; highland big leaf 3-4 of a pound; 
black ash bark 3-4 of a pound; black walnut bark 1-2 pound; white walnut 
bark 15 pounds. Boil all these ingredients until the strength is 
extracted, then strain the decoction, and continue boiling until it is 
reduced to the consistence of very thick molasses; when it is cooled it 
will be stiff, add starch enough to roll it into pills. Eight pills of 
common size is a dose, if they fail to operate in a reasonable time, give 
half a dose.

   Gulver Pill.--Take any desirable quantity of gulver root, reduced to 
fine powder, add enough of a strong decoction of the same to make it the 
proper consistence to make into pills--from five to eight for a dose, 
repeated 

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in four hours, if they should fail to operate in that length of time. 
These pills are peculiarly adapted to nervous complaints.

   Gulver Syrup.--Boil any desirable quantity of this root to a strong 
decoction, strain and continue boiling until it is very strong, then 
sweeten it with molasses, and administer in table-spoonful doses, repeated 
every three hours until the desired effect is produced.

   Butternut Syrup.--Take any desirable quantity of white walnut bark, to 
every fifteen pounds of this bark add 1-2 pound of gulver root and a half 
pound of Indian physic, boil all the ingredients until the strength is 
extracted, strain and continue boiling to the consistence of molasses, 
then cool and bottle for use. Dose from one to two table-spoonsful.

   Hepatic Pill.--Take any desirable quantity of boneset leaves, boil them 
until the strength is extracted, then strain the decoction and continue 
boiling until it becomes thick, taking care not to scorch it, then add 
starch enough to enable you to roll it into pills. Three of these pills is 
a common dose. Useful for complain's of the liver.

   Antidyspeptic or Hepatic Syrup.--Take any desirable quantity of bone 
set leaves, boil to a very strong decoction, strain and boil to the 
consistence of molasses, add to each pint of this extract, a half gill of 
sourwood molasses. Dose: from a tea to a table-spoonful, morning, noon and 
night. Useful in complaints of the liver, indigestion, &c.

EMETICS.
   Emetics are a class of medicines used to produce vomiting; their 
operation may be rendered more easy and efficacious by the use of warm 
water after the first motion to vomit.

   Emetic Decoction.--Take of Indian physic or American ipecacuanha one 
pound, gulver root a half pound, put into one gallon of water, and boil 
down to a pint, strain and bottle for use; of this, give a half gill every 
twenty minutes until vomiting is produced. This class is among the 
mildest, safest and most certain emetics. These articles may be reduced to 
powders, combined in the same proportions. Dose of the powders, two tea-
spoonsful to a gill of boiling water, repeated every fifteen minutes until 
vomiting is produced.

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   Tincture of Lobelia.--Take of Lobelia, if dry four ounces, if green, 
eight ounces; alcohol one quart, pulverize the herb, and add the alcohol, 
digest eight or ten days in sun heat, shaking it several times a day. Dose 
from a tea to a table-spoonful, repeated every fifteen minutes, until 
vomiting is produced. The tincture made in the same manner of the 
pulverized seeds, is the strongest preparation of this herb. The tincture 
of lobelia is the safest and best emetic known for snake-bites and other 
poisons. Lobelia may be administered in powders. Dose a tea-spoonful every 
ten or fifteen minutes until vomiting is produced; they should be taken in 
some sweating tea, not over blood heat, as anything over this temperature 
will destroy the virtue of the lobelia.

BITTER TONICS.
   Articles of this class are generally employed to assist the organs in 
recovering a healthy, vigorous action. The proper time to administer 
medicines of this class is after the force of disease is overcome by other 
remedies. The simple articles of this class are very numerous. I will here 
mention some of the best and most common:--Bitter-root, hoar-hound, black 
and sampson snake-root, spikenard, columbo-root, goldenseal, bearberry, 
poplar bark, gum myrrh. These articles may be found under their proper 
heads in Materia Medica, where they are spoken of at greater length, their 
virtues may generally be increased by combining with them a portion of 
some astringent tonic. The following are some of the simple articles of 
this class: Dewberry and blackberry root, dog-wood, sumac, witch hazel, 
wild cherry tree bark, black birch, hayberry, cinnamon. When the use of 
astringent tonics produce dryness of the mouth, they should be 
discontinued.

   Tonic Powders.--Take of columbo root six ounces, poplar bark, of the 
root six ounces, dogwood bark, of the root six ounces, wild cherry tree 
bark six ounces, boneset leaves four ounces, cayenne pepper one ounce, 
pulverize and sift through a fine seive, and mix all the ingredients well 
together. Dose, a tea-spoonful in either warm or cold water, repeated 
several times a day. Useful in debility, and in all cases where bitter 
tonics are required, as in intermittent fever or ague and fever. Where the 
above ingredients are not at hand, by turning to "Tonic" in Materia 

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Medica, you will doubtless find the description of such as are at hand, 
and such perhaps as will answer equally well. Where there is no fever the 
simple articles may be digested in spirits and taken as bitters.

   Laxative Bitter Tonics.--Compounds of this kind should be formed of 
such tonics as possess aperient properties, by examing Materia Medica you 
will see several valuable articles of this class described, among which 
are poplar bark, boneset, sarsaparilla, black root, &c. They should be 
prepared and used as directed for tonic powders.

   Chalybeate Pill.--Take of pleurisy root a half ounce, spikenard root a 
half ounce, star root a half ounce, elecampane a half ounce, Jerusalem oak 
seeds a quarter of an ounce, seneka snake root a half ounce, flour of 
sulpher three-fourths of an ounce, steel dust one ounce, pulverize all the 
ingredients, and sift through a fine sieve or thin cloth, then add a 
sufficiency of honey to cement it, and roll it into pills. Valuable in all 
cases where tonics are necessary.

   Ague Pill.--Take equal quantities of mullen leaves and red sassafras 
bark, of the root, boil in water to a strong decoction, then strain and 
continue boiling the decoction to the consistency of very thick molasses, 
add a sufficient quantity of sassafras bark finely pulverized to make it 
the proper consistence to roll it into pills. Dose three or more morning 
and night. Useful in ague and fever.

NERVINES
   Are medicines employed to allay nervous irritation, and should be 
employed in all compounds which are to be used in cases of this kind. One 
of the best nervines in Botanical Materia Medica is the root of the 
moccasin flower in doses of a tea-spoonful in warm water, repeated at 
discretion.

   Nervine Powders.--Take of yellow moccasin flower root six ounces, 
ginseng one ounce, agrimony one ounce, nutmeg I ounce; pulverize all these 
ingredients, and mix them well together. Dose, a tea-spoonful in warm 
water, repeated as often as necessary. For a full description of several 
articles of this class, turn to "Antispasmodics" in Materia Medica, any of 
the articles in this class may be prepared and used as the one above, or 
they may be tinctured if desired, this is done by pulverizing as above 
directed, 

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and then digesting in alcohol several days, shaking it every day.

   Nervine Tincture.--Take of moccasin flower root six ounces, ginseng 
root two ounces, mountain dittany two ounces, sassafras, bark of the root 
four ounces, nutmeg one ounce, gum camphor a fourth of an ounce, alcohol 
three pints; pulverize all the solid articles, add the alcohol, and digest 
six or eight days in sun heat, shaking it every day. Dose, from one to 
three-tea-spoonsful, repeated every fifteen minutes until relief is 
obtained. Useful in colics, pains in the stomach, and very valuable for 
children.

   Antispasmodic Tincture.--Take of moccasin flower root two ounces, 
cayenne pepper two ounces, blueberry root two ounces, asafoetida a half 
ounce, lobelia seeds a half ounce; pulverize all these articles, then add 
them to 1 quart of good spirits of any kind, let them digest eight or ten 
days in sun heat, shaking it well every day. Dose from a half to a 
teaspoonful, repeated as often as circumstances require. Useful in fits, 
spasms and the like: also in snakebites and where poisons have been taken 
into the stomach. Any of the articles in Materia Medica in the class of 
antispasmodics may be tinctured and used as above directed, but may be 
rendered better by adding a liberal portion of red pepper, and a small 
portion of lobelia seeds. Any of the articles may be used alone if others 
cannot be had, or the articles may be tinctured separately and the 
tinctures mixed.

ANTI-EMETICS.
   Anti emetics are medicines employed to allay irritation of the stomach 
and check vomiting. When spontaneous vomiting proceeds from a foul 
stomach, means should not be used to check it, until the stomach has been 
cleansed with an emetic. The best articles of this class are cholera 
morbus root, seven bark, pepper mint and spear mint; there are also other 
articles which possess the property of anti-emetics in a less active 
degree; by examining materia medica, you will find a full description of 
the above articles, together with several others. They may be taken in tea 
or infusion, or tinctured in French brandy. The oil or essence of pepper 
mint may be used in tea for the purpose of checking vomiting. Medicines 
employed for this purpose, should be administered in small doses, repeated 

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at short intervals, until the desired effect is produced.--Where vomiting 
is attended with spasms in the stomach, some anti-spasmodic should be 
combined with the antiemetic. The anti-spasmodic tincture will probably 
answer best for this purpose.

SEVERAL VALUABLE PREPARATIONS FOR VENEREAL.
   Make of highland big leaf root three pounds, piney root three ounces; 
put both articles into four gallons of water; boil down to one gallon, 
strain and bottle for use. Dose, one gill, three times a day.

   Another preparation.--Take of the white sumac root, one pound, dew-
berry brier root, one pound; pine, inside bark root, one half pound; boil 
all these articles in 4 gallons of water down to two gallons; of this, the 
patient should drink a pint each day. Take white sumach root, two pounds; 
may apple root, one pound; devil shoe string, one half pound; persimmon, 
bark of the root, one fourth pound.--Boil in four gallons of water down to 
two; strain, and bottle for use. Dose, a half gill three times a day.

   Dr. Wright's beer for consumption.--Take of Spikenard root, if green, 
two pounds, if dry, one pound; seneka snake root, two ounces; wild cherry 
tree bark, one half pound iron weed root, one half pound; wild potatoe, 
one half pound; burdock root, one half pound; boil all these articles into 
ten gallons of water, and boil down to three: while boiling, pour the 
decoction into a keg or jug, and add one quart of honey; let it remain 
until it ferments, and it is fit for use. Dose, a half pint two or three 
times a day It is valuable in liver complaints, consumption, &c.

RHEUMATIC OINTMENT.
   Take of Cedar oil, one half pint, British oil one half pint mix well 
and anoint the affected part twice a day bathing it with a warm iron.

   Relaxing ointment.--Take of Turkey buzzard's oil, one gill; fox oil, 
one gill: cedar oil, one gill; mix all well together. This is a valuable 
ointment for stiff joints; it should be applied to the affected part two 
or three times a day, bathing it with warm iron.

   Essence of Pepper.--Take of African cayenne one-fourth 

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ounce, alcohol one quart, add together and burn one third of the alcohol 
away, then strain and bottle for use. This is a valuable external 
application to pained parts; it seldom fails to give speedy relief.

   Black Poultice.--Take of common soap, one fourth pound, hog's lard one 
fourth pound, table salt, three ounces, extract of sour wood, one gill; 
cedar's oil, one fourth gill; mix all these ingredients together, and 
apply in the form of a poultice. This poultice forms a good application to 
swellings, boils, stone bruises, and the like, drawing them to a head, and 
causing them to break, and run, much sooner than they would otherwise do. 
The sourwood extract, and cedar oil have a tendency to mitigate the pain.

   Ointment for sores.--Take of bear's foot, the root, half pound, heart 
leaf the root half pound, elder bark, fourth of a pound; boil all 
together, until the strength is extracted, then strain and continue 
boiling to a very strong oose; then add to it of fresh butter, hog's lard, 
or mutton or deer's suet, two pounds; pine rosin, two ounces; sweet gum 
rosin, two ounces; stew all together, until the water is evaperated; then 
cool, and it will be ready for use. Valuable for cuts, wounds, sores, &c.

   Another for the same.--Take of tag elder bark, one half pound; common 
elder bark, one half pound, bamboo brier root one half pound; heart leaf 
root, one half pound; boil until the strength is extracted; then strain, 
and add to the decoction, of bees-wax, one fourth of a pound; hog's lard, 
one pound; pine rosin, two ounces; sweet gum rosin, two ounces; stew the 
whole together, until the water is evaporated. To make a very drawing 
salve, add to either of the above, a portion of blue flag root, or balm of 
gilead buds.

   Healing Salve.--Take of bear's foot root, a half pound; heart leaf 
root, a half pound; bruise and boil until the strength is extracted, then 
strain and add a half pound of fresh butter; stew it until the water is 
evaporated. Useful for eruptions of the skin, and in all cases where a 
cooling, healing salve is required, when both the articles cannot be had, 
either will answer.

   Turner's Cerate.--This ointment, which is so celebrated in burns is 
prepared as follows: Take of calamine in fine powder, one half pound; bees 
wax one half pound; hog's lard, one pound; melt the wax with the lard and 
put it out 

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in the air, when it begins to thicken, or become cool, mix with it, the 
calomel, and stir it well until cold.

   When you inquire for this article at an apothecary or Doctor's shop, 
ask for calamine in powder; it is a mineral imported from different 
countries.

PLASTER FOR DRAWING BLISTERS.
   Take the root of wild wet-fire, bruise and wet it with water, and apply 
where the blister is desired; the skin should be moistened with vinegar 
also.

   Another for the same.--Take the bruised herb of wild camomile and apply 
it to the skin, as above directed.

   Another for the same.--Take mustard seed, pound or grind them fine and 
make them into a plaster by wetting them with vinegar or spirits. Moisten 
the skin with vinegar or spirits before applying the plaster. Apply to the 
feet and wrists in the low stages of disease, to raise the pulse, and 
produce a revulsion from the head.

   Strengthening Plaster.--Take of pine rosin, obtained by boiling a rich 
pine root, 1-2 pound; African cayenne, 1-4 ounce; moccasin flower root, 1-
2 ounce. Pulverize the cayenne and moccasin root, and add them to the 
rosin while warm, and mix them well, then spread it on a piece of thin 
leather or stiff cloth and apply it while sufficiently warm to adhere to 
the skin. When a sufficient quantity cannot be obtained by boiling the 
roots, that which exudes from the tree may be added, it soft. Useful for 
weak backs, also good to remove pains in the side, breast and back. It 
should be applied immediately over the pained part, and let it remain 
until it comes off.

STYPTICS.
   STYPTICS are articles applied to wounds, cuts, &c., to stop the flow of 
blood.

   Cranes Bill is a most powerful Styptic.--A full description of this 
herb, tegether with the mode of preparing and applying, may be seen under 
that head. It is said by some to answer equally well when pulverized and 
applied to the bleeding surface.

   White Hickory.--The inner bark boiled until the strength is extracted, 
then strain and continue boiling to the 

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consistence of molasses--forms an excellent application to stop bleeding; 
it should be applied by wetting lint in the extract, and applying it to 
the bleeding surface. It may be preserved any length of time, by adding to 
it a portion of good rum, and excluding the atmosphere by stopping it up 
in glass bottles. It forms a very good dressing for wounds, where there is 
not too much inflammation.

   Burnt Stone, finely pulverized and applied to a fresh cut, will in most 
instances stop bleeding.

   Persimmon inner bark, boiled to a very strong ooze, is very good to 
stop bleeding.

   The extract of Oak, either kind, applied to fresh wounds, or bleeding 
surface, is good to stop the flow of blood.

   Soot applied to a fresh wound, is very valuable to stop bleeding.

   Sassafras Leaves bruised or pounded fine, is good to stop bleeding.

   In the class of "astringents" in Materia Medica, the reader will find 
several valuable articles for this purpose.



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GLOSSARY, 
OR EXPLANATION OF THE TECHNICAL TERMS.
   Abdomen, lower part of the belly. Abortion, expulsion of the foetus 
before the 7th month. Abcess, a tumor containing matter. Absorbents, 1st. 
medicines that correct acidity, and dry up superfluous moisture: 2d. small 
delicate vessels that absorb fluid substances, and convey them to the 
blood. Absorption, the act of sucking up substances. Accoucher, one who 
assists at child-birth, a mid-wife. Acid, that which imparts a sharp or 
sour sensation. Acrid, burning, pungent, corrosive. Acute, a term applied 
to a disease denoting violent symptoms, hastening to a crisis. Adult, a 
person full grown. After-birth, the fleshy substance that connects the 
foetus to the womb. Affusion, pouring one thing on another. Ague-cake, 
enlargement of the spleen. Alimentary canal, the stomach and intestines. 
Alcohol, rectified spirits of wine. Alkali, any substance uniting with an 
acid neutralizes or destroys its acidity. Alternate, changed by turns; in 
botany, leaves and branches are said to be alternate, when they grow out 
singly on opposite sides of the stem, rising above each other in regular 
order. Amputation, the act of cutting off a limb. Anatomy, the dissection 
of organized bodies. Annual, yearly, every year. Anodyne, medicines which 
ease pain. Anti-acid, that which destroys acidity. Anthelmintics, 
medicines which remove or correct the bile. Antidote, a medicine that 
destroys poisons. Anti-emetic, a remedy for vomiting. Anti-scorbuctic, 
preventing or curing scurvy. Antiseptic, that which prevents or removes 
putrefaction. Antispasmodic, remedies for spasms. Amus, the fundament. 
Aperient, opening. Aarta, the great artery of the body. Artery, the canal 
conveying the blood from the heart to all parts of the body. Aromatic, 
fragrant, spicy, pungent. Astringent, medicines to correct looseness and 
debility, by rendering the solids denser and firmer. Axillary, in botany 
it means the angle formed by a branch with the stem, or by a leaf with the 
stem or branch.

   Biennial, a botanical term applied to those plants which produce their 
roots and leaves the first year, and produce their fruit the second, and 
then die. Bile, the bitter, 

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yellowish fluid secreted by the liver. Bitternate, having three. Botany, 
that part of natural history which relates to the vegetable kingdom. 
Bulbous, a botanical term, denoting a round, oblate shape like that of an 
onion

   Calculi, small stones or gravel. Caloric, the chemical term for the 
matter of heat. Calyx, a cup, the external covering of an unexpanding 
flower. Cancer, small corroding ulcers. Capsule, the part of the plant 
containing the seed. Carminative, that which expels wind from the stomach. 
Cataplasm, a poultice, soft plaster. Cartilage, a white elastic substance 
connecting the bones.--Catarrh, a discharge from the glands about the head 
and neck. Cathartic, a purgative medicine. Catheter, a small tube for 
drawing off the urine, being introduced into the bladder. Caudex, a 
botanical term denoting the main head or body of a root. Caustics, burning 
applications. Cellular, consisting of cells. Chancre, a venereal ulcer. 
Chronic, a term denoting a disease of long standing. Clyster, a liquid 
substance injected into the bowels. Connate, growing from one base, united 
together. Coagula, clots of blood. Conoption, the impregnation of the 
womb. Constipation, great costiveness. Constriction, a drawing together, 
contraction. Contagious, caught by infection. Cordate, having the shape of 
a heart. Corrosive, consuming, eating away. Convalescence, the state of 
returning health after sickness. Convulsion, a violent spasmodic 
affection, a fit. Corymb, a cluster of flowers at the top of a plant 
forming an even expanded surface Cutaneous, belonging to the skin. Cyme or 
cyma, an aggregate, like the sunflower.

   Decoction, a preparation by boiling. Decumbent, reclined, bending down. 
Delirium, craziness, alienation of mind. Detergent, cleansing. 
Diaphoretic, promoting sweating. Digestion, the process of dissolving 
aliment in the stomach. Digest, to dissolve by the action of a solvent, to 
infuse any medical substance in spirits. Discutient, an application to 
disperse a tumor. Diuretic, a medicine that icreases the secretion of 
urine. Drastic, strong, active, violent.

   Efflorescence, redness of the skin around an eruption. Emetic, a 
medicine which excites vomiting. Emmenagogue, that which promotes the flow 
of the menses. Emolient, that which softens and relaxes the solids. 
Epidemic, 

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a contagious disease, attacking many people the same season. Errhines, 
articles that excite sneezing. Eruption, breaking out on the skin. 
Excoriate, to strip off the skin. Excrement, the alvine, foeces, or stools.

   Foeces, excrements or stools. Febrile, indicating fever, pertaining to 
fever. Febrifuge, that which removes fever. Fibrous, consisting of small 
threads. Flatulency, windiness in the stomach and intestines. Fomentation, 
the application of flannel dipped in hot water.--Flooding, an excessive 
flow of the menses. Friction, the act of rubbing. Fracture, a broken bone. 
Fundament, the aperture from which the excrements are ejected, the seat. 
Fungus, proud flesh, or any other excrescence. Fur, the coat of morbid 
matter upon the tongue.

   Gangrene, the incipient or forming stage of mortification. Gargle, a 
wash for the mouth and threat.

   Hectic, a slow fever. Hemorrhages, a discharge of bleed. Hemorrhoids, 
the piles. Hepatic, pertaining to the liver. Hydragogue, that which 
promotes the discharge of humors from the body. Hypocondriacal, low 
spirited. Hymen, the virginal membrane, partly closing the passage of the 
vagina. Hysterics, a disease peculiar to women, characterized by 
spasmodical and nervous affections, and often attended with hypocondriacal 
symptoms.

   Idiophatic, a term applied to diseases that exist independent of all 
other complaints. Idiosyncrasy, the peculiar temperament or constitution 
of the body. Indented, notched. Indigenous, native. Infectious, 
communicating disease by contagion. Infuse, to steep in a liquid without 
boiling. Intestines, the tubes in the abdomen, vulgarly called guts. 
Intermittent, ceasing for intervals of time.

   Jagged, uneven, having jaggs or teeth.

   Lanceolate, oblong, shaped like a lancet. Laxatives, a gentle 
cathartic. Ligature, a bandage. Ligament, a strong membrane connecting the 
joints. Lithotomy, the operation of cutting the stone out of the bladder.

   Materia Medica, description of medicine. Meconium, the first stools of 
an infant. Membrane, a thin delicate skin. Menses, monthly courses of 
females. Menstruation, 

Page 307

the act of discharging the menses. Menstrual, pertaining to the menses. 
Miasm, putrid exhalations. Menstruum, any fluid used as a solvent. Morbid, 
diseased, unhealthy. Mucilage, a glutinous, slimy substance. Mucous, the 
slimy fluid secreted by the mucous membrane. Muscles, the organs of motion.

   Narcoctic, that which produces sleep by stupefaction. Nausea, 
inclination to vomit. Nervine, that which relieves disorders of the nerves.

   Oblong, longer than broad. Obtuse, a dull, heavy pain opposite to 
acute. Organ, any part capable of preparing some distinct operation. 
Orifice, an opening.

   Paralytic, relating to palsy. Paroxysm, a periodical attack or fit of a 
disease. Peduncle, the stem that supports the flower. Perennial, in 
botany, a plant that lives more than two years. Perspiration, evacuation 
of fluid matter through the pores of the skin. Petioles, the foot stalks 
of a leaf. Pinnate, a compound leaf, composed of one stem and several 
small leaves on each side of it. Plethory, a fulness of habit fulness of 
the vessels. Pulmonary, pertaining to the lungs.

   Quartan, recurring every fourth day. Quotidian, recurring every day.

   Racemes, growing in clusters. Radiating, spreading or shooting in the 
form of rays. Radical, pertaining to the root. Rectum, that part of the 
intestines that reaches to the anus. Respiration, the act of breathing.--
Retching, straining to vomit. Rigidity, stiffness. Rigor, a sense of 
chillness, with contraction of the skin. Rubefacient, an application that 
reddens the skin without blistering.

   Saliva, the spittle. Secretion, the act of separating substances from 
the blood. Serrate, notched like a saw. Sinapism, a poultice of mustard, 
vinegar and flour. Solvent, that which has the power of dissolving. 
Stimulants, medicines that excite action and energy in the system. 
Stranguary, difficulty in voiding urine. Styptics, medicines that check 
the flow of blood. Sudorifics, medicines that produce sensible 
perspiration. Syphilis, the venereal disease.

   Tent, a roll of lint placed in the opening of an ulcer Terminal, 
terminating, growing at the end of a stem. 

Page 308

Tertian, a disease whose paroxysms return every other day. Tonics, 
medicines that increase the tone and strength of the system. Tumor, a 
swelling. Typhoid, resembling typhus, weak, low. Triennial, lasting three 
years.

   Umbel, a flower resembling an umbrella. Umbeliferous, bearing umbels. 
Umbilical, pertaining to the naval. Ulcer, an ill conditioned, running 
sore. Urethra, the canal conveying the urine. Uterus, the womb.

   Vagina, the canal leading to the womb, Ventilation. a free admission of 
air. Vermifuge, medicines that expel worms. Vertigo, giddiness of the 
head. Viscera, the entrails.

   Whorls, flowers or leaves growing round the stem in a ring.



   NOTE.--We have corrected innumerable errors that were in the copy from 
which this work is printed, and altered the grammatical construction of 
many sentences, and yet there are very many left, but we hope none that 
will mislead the common reader, and none but what may be easily understood 
and corrected by those who are more particular in such things. Our absence 
at various times during the execution of the work, prevented us from doing 
that justice that the work otherwise would have received.

   JAMES M. EDNEY.
   April 12, 1850.



Asheville Messenger.
   This is a large and handsome sheet, published on fine paper, and new 
type, Whig in politics, devoted chiefly to Agriculture, Internal 
Improvements, Education, Temperance, Foreign and Domestic News, Science, 
Literature, and General Intelligence. Published at $2 00 a year, payable 
in six months; $2 50 after six months; or $3 00 after the end of the year.

JAMES M. EDNEY, 
Editor and Proprietor.


N. B.--Cards, Circulars, Pamphlets, Books, and every sort of Job Work 
executed at short notice, in the best style, and on the most reasonable 
terms.

Asheville, N. C., April, 1850.



Page 1

INDEX.
ANATOMY, 7 
Air, 22 
Anger, 28 
Avarice, 30 
Ague and Fever, 68 
Apoplexy, 104 
Abortion, 155 
After Pains, 162 
American Senna, 190 
Aloes, 193 
Allspice-Tree, 204 
Angellica, 226 
Astringents, 232 
Assafoetida, 278 
Agrimony, 237 
Allum Root, 242 
Antiseptics, 279 
Anthelmintics, 288 
Anti-Emetics, class of 299 
Ah-squah-na-ta-quah, 267 
BILLIOUS FEVER, 70 
Bloody Urine, 111 
Bilious Cholic; 117 
Bealed Jaw, 120 
Butternut, 186 
Buck Thorn, 192 
Benne Plant, 193 
Blue Flag, 196 
Black Pepper, 200 
Button Snake-Root, 201 
Butterfly Weed, 202 
Blue-Root, 210 
Bone Set, 212 
Black-Snake root, 215 
Black-Ash tree, 218 
Burns and Scalds, 135 
Balm, 222 
Black Haw, 230 
Balm of Gilead, 233 
Bamboo Brier, 240 
Black Dittany, 250 
Burdock, 266 
Bear-Berry, 267 
Blue-Berry, 277 
Bear's-Foot, 281 
Blood-Letting, 292 
Balsam of Fir or Silver Fir tree, 286 
Buck-Eye, 285 
Black Sarsaparilla, 285 
Buck-Tree, 284 
CHOLERA Infantum, 175 
Cathartics, 295 
Calimus, 195 
Camphor Tree, 198 
Columbo Root, 218 
Cholera morbus Root, 230 
Croup. 172 
Cholic in Infants, 171 
Child-Bed Fever, 165 
Constant desire to make water, 153 
Cramp, 151 
Chicken-Pox, 132 
Chronic Rheumatism, 90 
Crane's Bill, 237 
Cinquefoil, 238 
Cat-Paw, 240 
Cedar, 251 
Comfrey, 236 
Cat-Tongue, 261 
Culsay-tse-e-you-stee, 271 

Page 2

Clap-Weed, 263 
Chamomile, 276 
Catnip, 277 
Common Garden Rue, 290 
Carolina Pink, 289 
Charcoal of wood, 287 
Cathartics, class of 186 
Clothing, 25 
Cleanliness, 27 
Catarrh or Cold, 38 
Cholera morbus, 55 
Cancer, 59 
Consumption, 85 
Clap, 109 
Cholic, 116 
Cinnamon Tree, 204 
DROPSY, 44 
Dyspepsy, 48 
Diarrhoea, 53 
Deafness, 101 
Diseases of the skin, 122 
Diseases of Pregnancy, 150 
Diabetes, 115 
Dwarf Bay, 201 
Dog Fennel, 211 
Dogwood, 219 
Dewberry, 235 
Diuretics, 253 
Dispensatory, 293 
Diruretic Pills, 293 
Diuretic Powders, 294 
Diaphoretics, class of 295 
Diseases of Children, 76 
EXERCISES, 23 
Envy, 30 
Ear-Ache, 102 
Epilepsy, 103 
Emetics, class of 179 
Elecampane, 269 
Emetics, 296 
FIT-ROOT, 275 
Flax-seed, 258 
Fennel, 228 
Food, and Drink, 25 
Fear, 32 
Flux, 51 
Felon, or whitlow, 64 
Falling of the palate, 94 
Fractures, 136 
Flooding, 154 
False pains, 155 
Falling of the womb, 166 
Flux weed, 192 
GRIEF, 34 
Gravel and Stone, 112 
Green Sickness, 146 
Gillenia, 185 
Gulver root 189 
Garlic, 194 
Ginger, Race, 199 
Golden seal, 227 
Gentain, 231 
Green switch, 243 
Golden rod, 252 
Ginseng, 275 
Green Plantain, 280 
Glossary, 304 
HATRED, 29 
Hemorrhoides or Piles, 54 
Hope, 33 
Hooping-cough, 138 
Heart-Burn, 153 
Horse-radish, 222 
Horn bean, 241 
Heart leaves, 247 
Horse mint, 253 
Highland big leaf, 263 
Hop-vine, 264 
Hysop, 273 
Highland Fern, 286 
INFLUENZA, 40 
Inflamation of the Brain, 76 
Inflamation of the Stomach, 77 
Inflamation of the Intestines, 79 
Inflamation of the Kidneys, 80 
Inflamation of the Bladder, 81 
Inflamation of the Spleen, 82 
Inflamation of the Liver, 83 

Page 3

Inflamatory Rheumatism, 90 
Itch, 126 
Imperforation of the Hymen, 142 
Injections or Clysters, 175 
Ipecacuanha, 179 
", American, 180 
Indian Physic, 182 
Indian Fever Root, 185 
Indian Turnip, 198 
Iron Filings, 231 
Iron Weed, 241 
Indian Cup-plant, 245 
Indian Hemp, 257 
Indian Balm, 283 
JOY, 33 
Jaundice, 92 
Jerusalem Oak, 289 
KNOTT ROOT, 242 
LOVE, 35 
Locked Jaw, 118 
Labour, 157 
Lochial Discharges, 162 
Lobelia, 183 
Lettuce, 209 
Long Root, 251 
Liquorice, 271 
Lungwort, 272 
Lynn Tree, 280 
Liver Wort, 274 
MINERAL POISONS, 97 
Milk Sick, 98 
Measles, 132 
Motherwort, 204 
Mountain Dittany, 249 
Maiden Fern, 273 
Milk Weed, 274 
Moccasin Flower, 276 
Mumps, 134 
Menstruation, 139 
Menses, retention of 141 
Menses, Suppressed, or obstructed, 143 
Menstruation, painful 145 
Menstruation, profuse, 147 
Menses, cessation of 147 
Milk Fever, 164 
Meconium, retention of 167 
May Apple, 190 
Moor Wort, 196 
Misletoe, 197 
Mulberry, 191 
Mustard white & black, 221 
Mullen, 283 
NEVER WET, 232 
Nervine, class of 298 
Nervous Fever, 72 
Nervous Colic, 117 
ONIONS, 272 
Oak, white, red, black, 234 
Go-na-stah lah-cah-tsee-le-skee, 229 
PAIN in the Head, 152 
Passions, 27 
Pulse, 36 
Pleurisy, 42 
Poisons, 94 
Poisons, of the skin, 122 
Pox, 107 
Palsy, 120 
Burns and Scalds, 135 
Pregnancy, signs of 150 
Peach Tree, 188 
Pine, 205 
Prickly Ash, 217 
Persimmon, 235 
Princes-Feather, 237 
Pennyroyal, 245 
Peppermint, 248 
Penny-worth, 252 
Pumpkin, 260 
Parsley, 261 
Poor Robin's Plantain, 263 
Piney-weed, 268 
Puccoon, red 270 
Poke weed, 284 
Plaster for blisters, 302 
Phthisic, 65 

Page 4

Queen of the Meadow, 261 
RHEUMATISM, 89 
Rupture, or Hernia, 88 
Ring-worm, 125 
Red Gum, 169 
Rheubarb, 187 
Red Pepper, 200 
Rosin-weed, 206 
Raspberry, 240 
Red-root, 241 
Rattle-weed, 246 
Rheumatic Ointment, 300 
Rush, 256 
Rattle-snake's Master, 268 
SLEEP, 24 
Scrofula, or King's Evil, 57 
Scarlet Fever, 74 
Snake bite, 95 
Sting of Insects, 96 
Scurvy, 100 
Scald-head, 123 
Shingles, 127 
St. Anthony's Fire, 127 
Sore Legs, 16 
Small Pox, 128 
Sickness of the Stomach 151 
Swelled Legs, 152 
Stoppage or suppression of Urine, 154 
Swelled Breasts, 163 
Sore Nipples, 163 
Swelled Leg, 164 
Snuffles, 168 
Sore Eyes, 169 
Sudorifics and Diaphoretics, 243 
Seneka Snake Root, 243 
Spice Wood, 246 
Shell Bark Hickory, 248 
Spear Mint, 248 
Strawberry, 253 
Smart-weed, 257 
Sumach, 258 
Silk weed 259 
Southern Yaupon, 265 
Slippery Elm, 279 
Sheep Sorrel, Wild Sorrel, 280 
Sassafras, 282 
Swamp Lilly, 286 
Spruce Pine, 285 
Styptics, 302 
Stimulants, 194 
Sage, 197 
Seven Bark, 197 
Saffron, 201 
Spikenard, 213 
Sampson snake root, 215 
Sourwood, 218 
Star root, 220 
Snake head, 226 
Solomon's Seal, 227 
Sweet Gum Tree, 235 
Skervish Frost Root, 239 
TOOTH-ACHE, 119 
Tetter-worm, 124 
Twins, 161 
Thrush, 170 
Tonics, 210 
Tag Alder, 211 
Tansy, 217 
Tobacco, 253 
Twin Leaf, 262 
Tar, 273 
The China tree, 288 
Tonics, class of 297 
ULCERS, 58 
Unnatural Presentations 160 
Urine, retention of 168 
VENEREAL, 105 
Vegetable poisons, 96 
Vaccination, 131 
Vervine, 184 
Vinegar, 288 
WILD MERCURY, 269 
White Hoarhound, 273 
White swelling 62 
Wen, 121 

Page 5

Wounds and cuts, 137 
Whites or fluor albus, 148 
Worms, 173 
White snake root, 203 
Wild Ginger, 205 
Wild wet-fire, 207 
White poppy, 207 
Wild cucumber, 216 
White sarsaparilla, 225 
Wild hoarhound, 225 
Willow, 228 
Wild Cherry tree, 229 
Water plantain, 238 
White Hickory, 242 
Winter Clover, 250 
Water Big Leaf, 252 
White Elder, 260 
Wild Potatoe, 262 
Wild Ratsbane, 266 
Worm-wood, 290 
Wild Indigo, 287 
YELLOW FEVER, 173 
Yellow Gum, 170 
Yellow Poplar, 223 
Yellow Sarsaparilla, 224 
Yarrow, 238 
Yellow Dock, 282