Mineral Waters. — These may be classi-
fied simply as : I. Alkaline. 2. Saline. 3.
Sulphurous. 4. Chalybeate, containing Iron.
5. Purgative. 6. Limestone or Calcareous.
7. Thermal, /. e., Warm or Hot Springs.
While some special properties and effects
upon the system in states of disease belong
to each of these classes of waters, with dif-
ferences also among the members of each
class, they all agree in exerting an alterative
influence, which is especially likely to be
beneficial in chronic disorders. Som^ waters
are largel}^ supplied for particular remedial
uses; as the Apollinaris, an agreeable table
carbonated (effervescent) drink ; Hunyadi
Janos, Piillna, and Friedrichshalle, for pur-
gative action ; Vichy water (containing
soda), to relieve acidity, etc. The most
famous mineral waters in our country are
those of Saratoga (several kinds, all more or
less saline ; with more or less sulphur also,
or iron, iodine, bromine, etc) , Sharon {saline
and snlphuroics, with some iro7i), Richfield
{snlpluiro2cs~) — all these in the State of New
York; Bedford (chah^beate, i. e, containing
iron, and purgative), in Pennsjdvania ; and
a remarkable variet}^- of mineral springs
among the mountains of Virginia — White
and Red Sulphur, Warm Springs, Hot
Springs, etc. In chronic rhenmatism, liver
and kidney disorders, obstinate affections of
thei'y^zVz, and nervous troubles of some stand-
ing, the best alterative effects from using
mineral waters, internally or in baths, may
be hoped for. A phj^sician's advice had
better always be obtained before they are
resorted to in cases of serious disease of any
kind.
Morphia. — It is not necessary to have
morphia in the family medicine chest ; laud-
anum and paregoric will do for opiates under
almost all circumstances.
Musk. — A very strongl}^ odorous sub-
stance, secreted by the musk-deer of the
Himalaj^a Mountain region, in Asia. It is
antispasmodic, that is, composing to dis-
turbed nerves. Prescribed sometimes for
"cvhooping-cough and for convnlsions. Dose,
five to ten grains, in pill or mixture.
riustard- Plaster. — One of the most fre-
quently useful of all domestic remedies.
When anybody is suffering pain, or, indeed,
illness of any kind, if j'-ou do not know what
515
52
THE FAMIL Y DOCTOR
to do, put on a mustard-plaster, near the
seat of the trouble. Should you not find
where that is, put the mustard-plaster on
the middle of the back. If properly attended
to, it can do no harm ; and in ninety-nine
cases in a hundred it will do some good ;
sometimes a great deal of good .
To make one, mix from one to three or
four tablespoonfuls of mustard (either white
or black, so called) with the same amount
of wheat or Indian flour. Mix these with
enough hot water to make a paste. Then,
on a hot plate, near the person who is to
have it on, lay a piece of soft old muslin, or
thin flannel, twice as large as the plaster is
to be ; but spread the mustard and flour
paste only on half of the rag. This done,
double the other half over it, and stitch the
edges together, all around ; or, turn the
edges over instead, to keep the stuff in. It
may be put on at once, while warm, and
left on until it is felt to burn quite smartly,
if the patient is conscious. If not, it must
be looked under, in a quarter of an hour or
so, and, if the skin is decidedly red, take it
off.✪ Mustard Plaster
Page 185 · 1 recipe record on this page
Presented as published in 1901. Historical recipes may not meet modern food-safety standards. Cook from the modern interpretation, not the original instructions.
AI-modernized reading of the original text
Mineral Waters. — These may be classified simply as : I. Alkaline. 2. Saline. 3. Sulphurous. 4. Chalybeate, containing Iron. 5. Purgative. 6. Limestone or Calcareous. 7. Thermal, /. e., Warm or Hot Springs. While some special properties and effects upon the system in states of disease belong to each of these classes of waters, with differences also among the members of each class, they all agree in exerting an alterative influence, which is especially likely to be beneficial in chronic disorders. Some waters are largely supplied for particular remedial uses; as the Apollinaris, an agreeable table carbonated (effervescent) drink ; Hunyadi Janos, Piillna, and Friedrichshalle, for purgative action ; Vichy water (containing soda), to relieve acidity, etc. The most famous mineral waters in our country are those of Saratoga (several kinds, all more or less saline ; with more or less sulphur also, or iron, iodine, bromine, etc) , Sharon (saline and sulphureous, with some iron), Richfield (sulphureous) — all these in the State of New York; Bedford (chalybeate, i.e., containing iron, and purgative), in Pennsylvania ; and a remarkable variety of mineral springs among the mountains of Virginia — White and Red Sulphur, Warm Springs, Hot Springs, etc. In chronic rhenmatism, liver and kidney disorders, obstinate affections of the skin, and nervous troubles of some standing, the best alterative effects from using mineral waters, internally or in baths, may be hoped for. A physician's advice had better always be obtained before they are resorted to in cases of serious disease of any kind.
Morphia. — It is not necessary to have morphia in the family medicine chest ; laudanum and paregoric will do for opiates under almost all circumstances.
Musk. — A very strongly odorous substance, secreted by the musk-deer of the Himalaya Mountain region, in Asia. It is antispasmodic, that is, composing to disturbed nerves. Prescribed sometimes for "whooping-cough and for convulsions. Dose, five to ten grains, in pill or mixture.
Mustard-Plaster. — One of the most frequently useful of all domestic remedies. When anybody is suffering pain, or, indeed, illness of any kind, if you do not know what
to do, put on a mustard-plaster, near the seat of the trouble. Should you not find where that is, put the mustard-plaster on the middle of the back. If properly attended to, it can do no harm ; and in ninety-nine cases in a hundred it will do some good ; sometimes a great deal of good .
To make one, mix from one to three or four tablespoonfuls of mustard (either white or black, so called) with the same amount of wheat or Indian flour. Mix these with enough hot water to make a paste. Then, on a hot plate, near the person who is to have it on, lay a piece of soft old muslin, or thin flannel, twice as large as the plaster is to be ; but spread the mustard and flour paste only on half of the rag. This done, double the other half over it, and stitch the edges together, all around ; or, turn the edges over instead, to keep the stuff in. It may be put on at once, while warm, and left on until it is felt to burn quite smartly, if the patient is conscious. If not, it must be looked under, in a quarter of an hour or so, and, if the skin is decidedly red, take it off.
Records on this page
Mustard Plaster