Part 3

scurf Scaly or shredded dry skin, such as dandruff.

scurvy Disease caused by deficiency of vitamin C (citrus fruit; oranges, limes,..); causes spongy and bleeding gums, bleeding under the skin, and extreme weakness.

Seidlitz A village in Bohemia (also Sedlitz). Seidlitz powders, effervescing salts, consisting of forty grains of sodium bicarbonate, two drachms of Rochell salt (tartrate of potassium and sodium) and thirty-five grains of tartaric acid. The powders are mixed in water, and drunk while effervescing, as a mild cathartic; the result resembles the natural water of Seidlitz. Also Rochelle powders.

senega Dried root of seneca snakeroot containing an irritating saponin and was formerly used as an expectorant

sesquioxide Oxide containing three atoms of oxygen with two atoms (or radicals) of some other substance; thus, alumina, Al2O3 is a sesquioxide.

shirr Cook (unshelled eggs) by baking until set.

sinapism. See mustard plaster.

sitz bath Bathtub shaped like a chair, used to bathe only the hips and buttocks.

slaked lime See lime

sling Drink consisting of brandy, whiskey, or gin, sweetened and usually lemon-flavored.

smallpox Contagious febrile (feverish) disease characterized by skin eruption with pustules, sloughing, and scar formation. It is caused by a poxvirus (genus Orthopoxvirus) that is believed to exist now only in lab cultures.

smilax (catbrier, greenbrier) Slender vine (Asparagus asparagoides) with glossy foliage, greenish flowers, heart-shaped leaves, and bluish to black berries; popular as a floral decoration.

Socotrine Pertaining to Socotra, an island in the Indian Ocean, on the east coast of Africa.

sordes Dark brown or blackish crust-like deposits on the lips, teeth, and gums of a person with dehydration resulting from a chronic debilitating disease.

spermaceti White, waxy substance from the head of the sperm whale used for making candles, ointments, and cosmetics.

spematorrhea (spermatorrhoea) Involuntary discharge of semen without orgasm

spigelia (pinkroot ) Genus of American herbs (family Loganiaceae) related to the nux vomica and used as anthelmintics (expel or destroy parasitic intestinal worms).

sprue Chronic, chiefly tropical disease characterized by diarrhea, emaciation, and anemia, caused by defective absorption of nutrients from the intestinal tract.

squill (sea onion) Bulbous Eurasian and African plants of the genus Scilla, having narrow leaves and bell-shaped blue, white, or pink flowers. The dried inner scales of the bulbs used as rat poison and formerly as a cardiac stimulant, expectorant, and diuretic.

stephanotis Woody climbing plants of the genus Stephanotis, especially S. floribunda of Madagascar, cultivated for its showy fragrant white flowers.

staphisagria (stavesacre) Eurasian plant of the genus Delphinium (D. staphisagria). Ripe seeds of the stavesacre contain delphinine, are violently emetic and carthartic, and have been used to kill head lice called also staphisagria

steppage Peculiar gait seen in neuritis of the peroneal nerve and in tabes dorsalis; high stepping to allow the drooping foot and toes to clear the ground.

stertorous Harsh snoring or gasping sound.

stevia Plant of the genus Stevia or Piqueria, having white or purplish flowers.

stiletto Small dagger with a slender, tapering blade. Small, sharp-pointed instrument used for making eyelet holes in needlework.

stillingia Genus of widely distributed herbs and shrubs (family Euphorbiaceae). The dried root of a plant of the genus Stillingia (S. sylvatica) was formerly used as a diuretic, and laxative.

stomachic Relating to the stomach; gastric. Beneficial to digestion. An agent that strengthens the stomach.

strychnine Extremely poisonous white crystalline alkaloid, C21H22O2N2, derived from nux vomica and related plants, used to poison rodents and topically in medicine as a stimulant for the central nervous system.

stupe Hot, wet, medicated cloth used as a compress.

St. Vitus' Dance See chorea

stye (hordeolum) Inflamed swelling of a sebaceous gland at the margin of an eyelid.

suety Consisting of, or resembling, suet (hard fatty tissues around the kidneys of cattle and sheep, used in cooking and for making tallow.)

sugar of lead lead acetate, a poisonous white crystalline compound, Pb(C2H3O2)2.3H2O, used in hair dyes, waterproofing compounds, and varnishes.

sumbul Root of a plant of the genus Ferula (F. sumbul); formerly a tonic and antispasmodic.

Summer complaint (summer diarrhea) Diarrhea of children that in hot weather; often caused by ingestion of food contaminated by microorganisms.

Sulphonal Produced by combining mercaptan and acetone; employed as a hypnotic.

sulphuric ether Ethyl ether; formerly called Naphtha vitrioli (naphtha of vitriol).

sumac (sumach) Shrubs or small trees of the genus Rhus, having compound leaves, clusters of small greenish flowers, and usually red, hairy fruit. Some species, such as the poison ivy and poison oak, cause an acute itching rash on contact.

suppuration Formation or discharge of pus. Also called pyesis, pyopoiesis, pyosis.

suprarenal Located above the kidney; a suprarenal part, especially an adrenal gland.

sweet william Annual, biennial, or perennial herb (Dianthus barbatus), native to Eurasia, widely cultivated as an ornamental for its flat-topped dense clusters of varicolored flowers.

synechia Adhesions between the iris and the lens or cornea caused by trauma or eye surgery or as a complication of glaucoma or cataracts; may cause blindness

terebenthene Oil of turpentine.

terebinth Mediterranean tree (Pistacia terebinthus), a source of tanning material and turpentine.

tetter Skin diseases (eczema, psoriasis, herpes) that cause eruptions and itching.

thrall Slave or serf, who is held in bondage. One intellectually or morally enslaved.

thrush A contagious childhood disease caused by a fungus, Candida albicans. Causes small whitish eruptions on the mouth, throat, and tongue, and usually accompanied by fever, colic, and diarrhea.

thuja (arborvitae) A North American or east Asian evergreen tree or shrub of the genus Thuja, having flattened branchlets with opposite, scale-like leaves and small cones; used as ornamentals and timber. A similar plant of the genus Platycladus or Thujopsis.

thymol White, crystalline, aromatic compound, C10H14O, derived from thyme oil and other oils or made synthetically and used as an antiseptic, a fungicide, and a preservative.

tolu (balsam of tolu, tolu balsam) Aromatic yellowish brown balsam from the tolu balsam tree used in cough syrups.

tormentil (Potentilla erecta) Plant of northern Europe found in clearings and meadows. The root has been used to stop bleeding, for food in times of need and to dye leather red.

torpid Lacking the power of motion or feeling.

tragacanth Thorny shrubs of the genus Astragalus, especially A. gummifer, of the Middle East, yielding a gum used in pharmacy, adhesives, and textile printing.

trephine Surgical instrument with circular edges, used to cut out disks of bone from the skull.

trillium (birthroot, wake-robin) Plants of genus Trillium, of North America, the Himalaya Mountains, and eastern Asia, having a cluster of three leaves and a variously colored, three-petaled flower.

trional Contains three ethyls. Similar to sulphonal, used as a hypnotic.

turbinated Shaped like a top. A small curved bone in the lateral wall of the nasal passage.

tulle Fine, starched net of silk, rayon, or nylon, used for veils, tutus, or gowns.

turmeric (tumeric) East Indian perennial herb (Curcuma longa) of the ginger family (Zingiberaceae) used as a coloring agent, a condiment, or a stimulant. Yellow to reddish brown dyestuff obtained from turmeric.

typhus (prison fever, ship fever, typhus fever.) Infectious diseases caused by rickettsia bacteria, especially those transmitted by fleas, lice, or mites. Symptoms are severe headache, sustained high fever, depression, delirium, and the eruption of red rashes on the skin.

ulster Loose, long overcoat made of rugged fabric.

umbrage Offense; resentment. Affording shade. Vague or indistinct indication; a hint.

Uva Ursi Common bearberry; a procumbent (trailing along the ground but not rooting) evergreen shrub 10-30 cm high with red berries.

Valerianate (Valerianic) One of three metameric acids; the typical one (called also inactive valeric acid), C4H9CO2H, is from valerian root and other sources; it is a corrosive, oily liquid, with a strong acid taste, and the odor of old cheese.

valvular Resembling or functioning as a valve. Relating to a valve, especially of the heart.

varioloid Mild form of smallpox occurring in people previously vaccinated or who previously had the disease.

vegetable marrow Squash plants with elongated fruit and smooth dark green skin and whitish flesh.

veratrum Poisonous alkaloid from the root hellebore (Veratrum) and from sabadilla seeds. Used externally to treat neuralgia and rheumatism.

verdigris Blue or green powder, basic cupric acetate used as a paint pigment and fungicide. A green patina of copper sulfate or copper chloride on copper, brass, and bronze exposed to air or seawater.

vermifuge Medicine that expels intestinal worms.

vervain (verbena) New World plants of the genus Verbena, especially those with showy spikes of variously colored flowers.

Vichy water Sparkling mineral water from springs at Vichy, France or water similar to it.

vis-a-vis One that is face to face with or opposite to another.

vitiate Reduce the value; impair the quality; corrupt morally; debase; make ineffective; invalidate.

voile Light, plain-weave, sheer fabric of cotton, rayon, silk, or wool used for dresses and curtains.

wahoo Shrubby North American tree of the genus Euonymus (E. atropurpureus) having a root bark with cathartic properties.

Waldorf salad Diced raw apples, celery, and walnuts mixed with mayonnaise.

wen Harmless cyst, usually on the scalp or face, containing the fatty secretion of a sebaceous gland.

whortleberry Two deciduous shrubs, Vaccinium myrtillus, of Eurasia, or V. corymbosum, of eastern North America, having edible blackish berries.

wontedness Being accustomed.

yarrow Plants of the genus Achillea, especially A. millefolium, native to Eurasia. Also called achillea, milfoil.

yellow fever (yellow jack) Infectious tropical disease caused by an arbovirus transmitted by mosquitoes of the genera Aedes, especially A. aegypti, and Haemagogus; it causes high fever, jaundice, and gastrointestinal hemorrhaging.

yerba reuma A low California undershrub (Frankenia grandifolia).

Zingiber Tropical Asiatic and Polynesian perennial plants: ginger.

zwieback Sweetened bread baked as a loaf and then sliced and toasted.

The following table is copied from page 636.

20 grains equal 1 scruple 3 scruples " 1 dram 8 drams " 1 ounce 12 ounces " 1 pound

The pound is the same as the pound Troy. Medicines are bought and sold in quantities by Avoirdupois Weight.

1 grain equals 1 drop or 1 minim 60 grains or drops " 1 teaspoonful 1 teaspoonful " 1 fluid dram 8 drams (or 8 teaspoonfuls) make " 1 fluid ounce 2 tablespoonfuls make " 1 fluid ounce 1/2 fluid ounce is a " tablespoonful 2 fluid ounces is a " wineglassful 4 fluid ounces is a " teacupful 6 fluid ounces is a " coffee cup 16 ounces (dry or solid) is a " pound 20 fluid ounces is a " pint

The remaining tables are copied from contemporary (circa 2005) sources

Measurement Unit Conversion

From Multiply by To get inches 25.4 millimeters inches 2.54 centimeters feet 30.48 centimeters yards 0.91 meters miles 1.61 kilometers teaspoons 4.93 milliliters tablespoons 14.79 milliliters fluid ounces 29.57 milliliters cups 0.24 liters pints 0.47 liters quarts 0.95 liters gallons 3.79 liters cubic feet 0.028 cubic meters cubic yards 0.76 cubic meters ounces 28.35 grams pounds 0.45 kilograms short tons (2,000 lbs) 0.91 metric tons square inches 6.45 square centimeters square feet 0.09 square meters square yards 0.84 square meters square miles 2.60 square kilometers acres 0.40 hectacres

millimeters 0.04 inches centimeters 0.39 inches meters 3.28 feet meters 1.09 yards kilometers 0.62 miles milliliters 0.20 teaspoons milliliters 0.06 tablespoons milliliters 0.03 fluid ounces liters 1.06 quarts liters 0.26 gallons liters 4.23 cups liters 2.12 pints cubic meters 35.32 cubic feet cubic meters 1.35 cubic yards grams 0.035 ounces kilograms 2.21 pounds metric ton (1,000 kg) 1.10 short ton square centimeters 0.16 square inches square meters 1.20 square yards square kilometers 0.39 square miles hectacres 2.47 acres

Temperature Conversion Between Celsius and Fahrenheit

C = (F - 32) / 1.8 F = (C x 1.8) + 32

Condition Fahrenheit Celsius Boiling point of water 212 100 A very hot day 104 40 Normal body temperature 98.6 37 A warm day 86 30 A mild day 68 20 A cool day 50 10 Freezing point of water 32 0 Lowest temperature by mixing salt and ice 0 -17.8

U.S. Length

Unit Equal to Metric Equivalent inch 1/12 foot 2.54 centimeters foot 12 inches or 1/3 yard 0.3048 meter yard 36 inches or 3 feet 0.9144 meter rod 16 1/2 feet or 5 1/2 yards 5.0292 meters furlong 220 yards or 1/8 mile 0.2012 kilometer mile (statute) 5,280 feet or 1,760 yards 1.6093 kilometers mile (nautical) 2,025 yards 1.852 kilometers

U.S. Liquid Volume or Capacity

Unit Equal to Metric Equivalent minim 1/60 of a fluid dram 0.0616 milliliters ounce 1/16 pint 29.574 milliliters wineglassful 2 ounces .0591 liter gill 4 ounces 0.1183 liter pint 16 ounces 0.4732 liter quart 2 pints or 1/4 gallon 0.9463 liter gallon 128 ounces or 8 pints 3.7853 liters

barrel (wine) 31 1/2 gallons 119.24 liters (beer) 36 gallons 136.27 liters (oil) 42 gallons 158.98 liters

U.S. Dry Volume or Capacity

Unit Equal to Metric Equivalent pint 1/2 quart 0.5506 liter quart 2 pints 1.1012 liters peck 8 quarts or 1/4 bushel 8.8098 liters bucket 2 pecks 17.620 liters bushel 2 buckets or 4 pecks 35.239 liters

U.S. Weight

Unit Equal to Metric Equivalent grain 1/7000 pound 64.799 milligrams dram 1/16 ounce 1.7718 grams ounce 16 drams 28.350 grams pound 16 ounces 453.6 grams ton (short) 2,000 pounds 907.18 kilograms ton (long) 2,240 pounds 1,016.0 kilograms

U.S. Geographic Area

Unit Equal to Metric Equivalent acre 4,840 square yards 4,047 square meters

Cooking Measures

Unit Equal to Metric Units drop 1/76 teaspoon 0.0649 milliliter teaspoon 76 drops or 1/3 tablespoon 4.9288 milliliters tablespoon 3 teaspoons 14.786 milliliters cup 16 tablespoons or 1/2 pint 0.2366 liter pint 2 cups 0.4732 quart 4 cups or 2 pints 0.9463

British Liquid Volume or Capacity

Unit British Units U.S. Units Metric Units minim 1/20 of a scruple 0.0592 milliliters pint 1/2 quart 1.201 pints 0.5683 liter quart 2 pints or 1/4 gallon 1.201 quarts 1.137 liters gallon 8 pints or 4 quarts 1.201 gallons 4.546 liters

British Dry Volume or Capacity

Unit British Units U.S. Units Metric Units peck 1/4 bushel 1.0314 pecks 9.087 liters bushel 4 pecks 1.0320 bushels 36.369 liters

Apothecary Weights

Unit Apothecary Units U.S. Units Metric Units grain 160 dram or 1/5760 pound 1 grain 64.799 milligrams dram 60 grains or 1/8 ounce 2.1943 drams 3.8879 grams ounce 8 drams 1.0971 ounces 31.1035 grams pound 12 ounces or 96 drams 0.8232 pound 373.242 grams

[End Transcriber's Notes]

MOTHER'S' REMEDIES Over One Thousand Tried and Tested Remedies from Mothers of the United States and Canada.

Also Symptoms, Causes, Prevention, Diet, Nursing, Treatments, Etc., of Every Known Disease. Poisons, Accidents, Medicinal Herbs and Special Departments on Women, Children and Infants,

by DR. T. J. RITTER Formerly connected with Medical Faculty of University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, Mich.

REVISED with INTRODUCTION by DR. W. E. ZIEGENFUSS

PUBLISHED BY G.H. FOOTE PUB. CO. DETROIT MICH 1921

Copyright, 1910 by G. H. FOOTE PUBLISHING CO. All rights reserved

Copyright, 1915 by G. H. FOOTE PUBLISHING CO. All rights reserved

RIVERSIDE PRINTING COMPANY PORT HURON MICHIGAN

PREFACE. [iii]

Medicine is not an exact science, and it is reasonable to presume that even Time, with all its qualifying influences, will fail in its effects on this one branch of science. As the millions of faces seem each to present some differentiating feature, so each human system seems to require special study of its individual temperament.

So physicians find it necessary to have more than one remedy for a given ill; they still find truth in the old adage, "What is one man's meat is another's poison." But Mother finds a variety of remedies necessary for another reason. Her medicine-chest is usually lacking the full quota of drugs required to meet the many emergencies, and she must turn to the "remedy at hand."

Necessity has again proved its influence and with the years thousands of simple home concoctions have found their way to the relief of the daily demands on Mother's ingenuity. These mothers' remedies have become a valuable asset to the raising of a family, and have become a recognized essential in a Mother's general equipment for home-making.

For fifteen years the Publisher has handled so-called home medical works; during that time he has had occasion to examine practically all the home medical works published. He has been impressed with the utter uselessness of many, perhaps most, of these books because the simple home remedies were lacking.

A few years ago he conceived the idea of gathering together the "Mothers' Remedies" of the world. This one feature of this book he claims as distinctly his own. Letters were sent by him to Mothers in every state and territory of the United States, and to Canada and other countries, asking for tried and tested "Mothers' Remedies." The appeal was met with prompt replies, and between one thousand and two thousand valuable remedies were collected in this way.

Through courtesy to these Mothers who helped to make this book possible, the book was named "MOTHERS' REMEDIES."

Dr. T. J. Ritter, of Ann Arbor, Michigan, a graduate of the regular School of Medicine at the University of Michigan, at Ann Arbor, and later one of the medical staff of the University, consented to furnish the necessary material to complete the Medical Department. Dr. Ritter, in over thirty years of actual practice, has met with all the exigencies of both city and country practice which have brought to him the ripe experience of what would be called a "physician's life-time." His success has been, in part, due to his honesty, kindliness and conscientiousness, as well as to his thorough training and natural adaptability to the profession.

Besides writing the Causes, Symptoms, Preventives, Nursing, Diet, Physicians' Treatment, etc., he has examined each and every one of the Mothers' Remedies and added, when possible, the reason why that remedy is valuable. In short, he supplied in his remarks following each Mother's Remedy the Medical virtue or active principle of the ingredients. This lifts each Mother's Remedy into the realm of science,--in fact, to the level of a Doctor's Prescription.

In writing his part, Dr. Ritter consulted, personally or through their works, considerably over one hundred of the acknowledged Medical Specialists of the world. Thus he has brought to you the latest discoveries of modern science,--the Medical knowledge of the world's great specialists.