Chapter 34

Causes.--This disease has been called "The calamity of sailors." It has been known from the earliest times, and has prevailed particularly in armies in the field and among sailors on long voyages. It has become a very rare disease in the United States.

Predisposing Causes.--Overcrowding; dark unhealthy rooms; prolonged fatigue; mental depression.

Exciting Cause.--The lack of fresh vegetables, poisoning from slightly tainted food, or an infection. The gums are swollen, sometimes ulcerated, skin is spotted, bluish, etc,

[BLOOD AND DUCTLESS GLANDS 255]

Symptoms.--It comes on gradually (insidiously). There is loss of weight, progressively developing weakness and pallor, very soon the gums are swollen and look spongy and bleed easily. The teeth may become loose and fall out. The breath is very foul. The tongue is swollen, but it may be red and not coated. The skin becomes dry and rough and (ecchymoses) dark spots soon appear, first on the legs, and then on the arm and trunk and particularly about the hair follicles. These are spontaneous or follow a slight injury. In severe cases hemorrhages under the periosteum (the covering of the bones) may cause irregular swelling, especially in the legs, and these may break down and form ulcers. The slightest bruise or injury causes hemorrhages into the injured part. Extravasion under the skin, especially in the lower extremities may be followed by permanent hardness (induration) and stiffness due to connective tissue infiltration (scurvy sclerosis). There may be pains in the joints and often watery swelling (oedema) of the ankles. Bleeding from internal mucous membranes is less common than from the skin. The appetite is poor, palpitation of the heart and feebleness and irregularity of the pulse are prominent symptoms. Owing to the sore gums the patient is unable to chew the food. The urine often contains albumin and is scanty and concentrated. There are weariness, depression, headache and finally delirium or coma, or symptoms due to hemorrhages within the brain; or day and night blindness may be present.

Recovery.--The patient will recover if the cause can be removed, unless it is far advanced. Death may result from complications.

Treatment. Preventive.--Fresh or canned vegetables or fruit must be eaten.

Treatment for the attack.--Dr. Osler, of England, says: "I think the juice of two or three lemons daily and a diet of plenty of meat and fresh vegetables will cure all cases unless they are far advanced. For the stomach small quantities of scraped meat and milk should be given at short intervals, and the lemon juice in gradually increasing quantities. As the patient gains in strength you can give a more liberal diet, and he may eat freely of potatoes, cabbage, water cresses, and lettuce. A bitter tonic may be given. Permanganate of potash or dilute carbolic acid forms the best mouth-wash. Penciling the swollen gums with a tolerably strong solution of nitrate of silver is very useful. Relieve the constipation by enemas."

ADDISON'S DISEASE. Diseases of the Suprarenal (above Kidneys) Bodies.--A constitutional disease characterized by great weakness, stomach and bowel symptoms, heart weakness, and dark coloring of the skin.

Causes.--It usually occurs in men from twenty to forty years old. The skin and mucous membrane and sometimes the serous, like the pleura, etc., membranes are pigmented (darkened).

Symptoms.--There is a gradual onset of weakness, changeable symptoms in the stomach and bowels and darkening of the skin. There is great feeling of fatigue and feeble irregular action of the heart; nausea and vomiting and often absence of appetite and some diarrhea. The abdomen may be painful and drawn back in the course of the disease. The pigmentation (coloring of the skin) varies from the light yellow to dark brown, olive or black. It usually begins on the skin or regions naturally pigmented; or where pressure is exerted by the clothing. The mucous membranes are also pigmented. Death may occur from fainting, extreme weakness, convulsions or delirium or through tuberculosis. Usually death occurs within one year, though this may occur in a few weeks to two years, sometimes after intervals of improvement.

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Treatment.--This must be to meet the indications as they arise. It is a serious disease and should be under the supervision of a competent physician.

DISEASES OF THE SPLEEN. 1. Rupture of the spleen.--This may occur spontaneously from no apparent cause, or from hurts received in cases of typhoid or malaria.

Symptoms.--Severe pain, and signs of intestinal hemorrhages.

2. Acute inflammation of the spleen (splenitis).--This occurs in acute infections after injuries.

Symptoms.--They are pain, tenderness, and enlargement of the spleen.

Treatment.--Treat the cause and relieve the pain. As this is a serious and painful affection a physician should be called. The pain is often relieved by a mustard poultice or hot fomentations. The patient should remain in bed for acute inflammation of the spleen no matter what the cause.

3. Chronic Splenitis. Causes.--It comes from malaria, syphilis or leukaemia, etc.

Symptoms.--There is the feeling of weight and symptoms of pressure on the lungs or bowel.

Treatment.--Remove the cause. If it comes from malaria, attend to that, etc.

MOTHERS' REMEDIES. 1. Blood Purifier, Molasses and Sulphur as a.--"Take a pint of molasses to five cents' worth of sulphur, and mix well." A teaspoonful four times a day in the spring will do wonders towards purifying the blood.

2. Blood Purifier, Sassafras Tea, Known all over as.--"Sassafras tea made from the root and boiled to extract the strength." Drink freely of this for a few days in the spring. It thins the blood, and is a good tonic.

3. Blood Purifier, Herb Tea Used as.--

Burdock Root 2 ounces Yellow Dock 2 ounces Slippery Elm Bark 1 ounce Mezeron Root 1 ounce Licorice Juice 1 ounce

Simmer gently in three pints of water down to one quart; when cold, strain and add one-fourth ounce of iodine potassium." A wineglassful may be taken three times a day. This preparation is a fine blood purifier and can be relied upon.

[BLOOD AND DUCTLESS GLANDS 257]

4. Blood Purifier, Sweet Fern for.--"Make a tea of this and drink freely. This is very good to take in the spring of the year, as it thoroughly cleanses the system."

5. Blood Purifier, Doctor Recommends Senna and Salts for:--"Five cents' worth of senna leaves, one tablespoonful of epsom salts in one quart of cold water; cover and let stand over night, then strain and put in bottles. Take a wine-glass full every morning until you feel well." This is from Mrs. Jonathan Shaw, she has used it with good results in her family. A physician in England told her if people would use this the year round they would seldom need a doctor.

6. Blood Purifier, Remedy Easy to Make for.--"We always use one teaspoonful of cream of tartar, two spoonfuls of sulphur, and mix with syrup. Any size spoon will do. Take a teaspoonful at a dose." This is an excellent remedy, and should be taken before retiring; about three times a week would be sufficient.

7. Blood Purifier, Beech Bark and Blackberry Root a Good.--"One gallon white beech bark (after the rough bark is removed), good big handful of blackberry root (cut fine), and also of sassafras root. Cover with cold water and steep to get the strength, then strain. When cool (not cold) add one pint baker's yeast and one cup sugar. Let it stand twenty-four hours in a warm place. Then strain and set in a cool place. Take a wineglassful three times a day before meals. This has been highly recommended to me by a friend from Kalkaska, Michigan."

8. Blood Purifier, from a Madison, Connecticut, Mother.--"Take blackberry root, black cherry bark, spruce boughs, wintergreens: sarsaparilla roots; steep in a large vessel, till all the goodness is out; strain and when lukewarm put in a cup of yeast, let work and bottle up."

9. Blood Purifier, How to make, Celery Compound for a.--

"Celery Compound 2 ounces Chamomile Flower 1 ounce Sassafras Root 1 ounce Senna Leaves 1 ounce Mandrake 1 ounce Wintergreen Essence 1 ounce Whisky 1 gill White Sugar 1 pound Hops 2 handfuls

Steep three hours in four quarts of water, strain, add sugar, when cold add wintergreen and whisky. Dose:--One teaspoonful before meals and at bedtime."

10. Blood Purifier, Another Effective Herb Remedy.--"Pour boiling hot water on four ounces of gentian root with two ounces of dried orange peel, a sufficient amount of water should be used to exhaust the strength in the root and orange peel; then boil in a porcelain pot until there is left one-half pint of the concentrated infusion to every ounce of gentian root used. Then to every one-half pint add one half ounce alcohol. The effect of the alcohol is to coagulate it from a quantity of jelly looking substance which must be separated by straining. This is one of the best strengtheners of the human system. Dose:--One teaspoonful in an ounce of water."

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11. Blood Purifier, Burdock for.--"The root is the part employed eliminating very rapidly the specific poison from the blood. Best administered in decoction by boiling two ounces of the root in three pints of water, to two pints. Dose:--One tablespoonful four times a day." Burdock is a splendid blood purifier and is not expensive. It can be purchased at any drug store for a reasonable amount.

DISEASES OF THE THYROID GLAND.--Inflammation of the thyroid gland, (Thyroiditis),--Acute inflammation of the gland, simple or suppurative. It may develop in a patient with goitre, or acute infectious diseases, or from other parts, or from wounds. The gland is enlarged and soft and may contain abscesses.

Symptoms.--Pain, tenderness, and enlargement of the part or of all the gland. Fever may be present even in cases without signs of pus forming (suppuration). If there is great enlargement, there may be symptoms of compression of vessel, nerves or the windpipe.

Treatment.--If there is pus it must be carefully opened. The patient must remain quiet in bed. Sometimes cold applications relieve. Do not use warm applications. This disease is not frequent and the patient needs care and watching more than medicine.

GOITRE (BRONCHIAL). Causes.--No satisfactory explanation can be given for this disease. It seems to be more prevalent where lime-stone water is used. Heredity plays a part. This is an enlargement of the thyroid gland. Chronic enlargement of the thyroid is sporadic. Cases are scattered and endemic in certain mountainous regions. It affects young women most often. A great excess in lime drinking water may be the cause. It is very prevalent about the eastern shore of Lake Ontario and in parts of Michigan. It is a common complaint in this country.

Symptoms.--There is a gradual painless enlargement of the whole gland or one lobe, etc. It may press on the windpipe, and cause difficult breathing, also on the blood vessels and nerves.

Recovery.--This is usually favorable as to life, but not so favorable as a cure. It becomes chronic. A sudden fatal ending may come.

GOITRE, MOTHERS' REMEDIES,--1. Three Ingredient Remedy for.--"The following treatment is excellent, but must be continued for several months:

Extract of Belladonna 1/2 dram Compound Ointment Iodine 1/2 dram Vaselin 1/2 ounce

Apply this to the affected parts several times a day."

If this treatment is kept up faithfully it is sure to help.

[BLOOD AND DUCTLESS GLANDS 259]

2. Goitre, Simple Remedy for.--"Wring a cloth from cold water and bind it around the neck every night when retiring. This is a sure cure if continued for some time."

3. Goitre, Inexpensive Remedy for--"Apply the following several times a day: Extract of belladonna one-half dram, compound ointment of iodine two drams; this treatment must be kept up several months." The above treatment will be found very beneficial and is not an expensive one.

PHYSICIANS' TREATMENT for Goitre.--1. Locally tincture of iodine; paint some on the gland once or twice a day until it gets a little sore and keep it so for weeks, or use cosmoline and put in it about one-quarter as much iodine and rub on. Lard will do instead of cosmoline. The parts should be kept red and a little sore. Use also iodide of potash, five grains, three times a day internally, while you are using external applications.

2. Use the compound of tincture of iodine the same way, externally. This is not so strong and can be used longer with, I think, better results. At the same time you may use this same medicine internally. Take one to two drops internally three times a day; or you may take five grains of iodide of potash three times a day instead. Externally: These applications must produce a little redness and be continued for some time.

3. An Ointment. The red iodide of mercury is also good to rub on the part. This may be used if the others fail.

4. Other medical remedies are used, but they must be closely watched and must be used under the supervision of a doctor. The thymus or thyroid extracts are thus used and with good results in many cases.

5. Colorless Iodine: This does not stain, but I have no faith in it. It is used very much now and can be used freely. It is simply, druggists tell me, iodide of potash made in solution, dissolved, and put on the part. A great many cases of large goitres are now being operated upon with quite good success. It is not done until other measures have failed, unless the goitre is interfering with breathing and the blood supply.

6. This is very good, both for internal and external use.

Iodide of Potash 20 drams Iodine 1 dram Water enough for 3 ounces

Mix thoroughly and shake bottle before using.

Put some in two bottles; one for internal and other for external use. Take internally five to ten drops in a little water before meals. Externally, put on the enlarged neck, night and morning, unless it feels too sore, when you can use it once a day or less.

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EXOPHTHALMIC GOITRE. (Parry's, Graves or Basedows Disease).--It is characterized by exophthalmos (bulging of the eyes), Goitre, fast beating of the heart, trembling and nervousness.

Causes.--It is most common in women from twenty to thirty. Several cases may occur in the same family. The exact cause is unknown.

Symptoms.--Acute cases. Sudden onset, vomiting, diarrhea, the heart beats fast with throbbing arteries, bulging of the eyes, enlarged thyroid gland. Death may occur in a few days.

Chronic Cases.--There is usually a gradual onset of tachy cardia,--fast beating of the heart,--pulse being 100 to 180 or more, if excited. Later there are throbbing of the arteries and of the thyroid glands.

Bulging of the eyeball is sometimes extreme. There may be fever and usually is anemia, emaciation, weakness, nervousness, perspiration, difficult breathing, dark color of the skin. It usually lasts several years. Spontaneous recovery may occur in six months to a year and is not common. Recovery is rare in advanced cases.

Treatment.--Prolonged rest in bed, with an ice bag constantly over the heart, or better over the lower part of the neck and upper breast bone. Avoid all worry and excitement. Drugs are uncertain. Surgery is sometimes resorted to. The thyroid extract has been used.

MYXOEDEMA.--This is a constitutional disease due to atrophy (wasting away) of the thyroid gland and characterized by swollen condition of the tissue under the skin, wasting of the thyroid and mental failures. Three forms exist, myxoedema proper, cretinism and operative myxoedcma.

Causes of Cretinism.--This may exist at birth (congenital) or it may develop at puberty, and is due to the absence or loss of function of the thyroid gland. Sporadic (here and there) cretinism may follow an acute infectious disease or it may be congenital. Myxoedema may be hereditary and is most common in women.

Symptoms, (a) Cretinism.--Mental and bodily development is slow. There is extraordinary disproportion between the different parts of the body. The condition is sometimes not recognized until the child is six or seven years old, then the slow development is noticed. The tongue looks large and hangs out of the mouth. The hair may be thin, the skin very dry. Usually by the end of the first year and during the second year the signs of the cretinism become very marked and should be recognized. The face looks large, looks bloated, the eyelids are puffy and swollen, the nose is flat and depressed and thick. Teething is late, and the teeth that do appear decay. The fontanelles are open. The abdomen is swollen, the legs are short and thick, the hands and feet are not developed and look pudgy. The face is pale and has a waxy, sallow tint. The muscles are weak and the child cannot support itself. Above the collar bone there are pads of fat. The child does not develop mentally and there may be one of the grades of idiocy and imbecility (feeble-minded).

[BLOOD AND DUCTLESS GLANDS 261]

(b) Myxoedema, proper--The skin is infiltrated, causing loss of the lines of the facial expression, skin is dry and harsh, much thickened, especially in the region above the collar bone. The face is broad, with coarse features, the nose is broad and thick, the mouth is large, lips thick, hair scanty and coarse, slowness of motion and thought, weak memory, irritability, headache, suspiciousness, followed sometimes by hallucinations, delusion and dementia (insane). The disease may progress for ten or fifteen years. Death may occur early.

Operative type.--This rarely develops except the thyroid glands have been entirely removed and then only if no extra glands are present.

Symptoms.--Are the same as that of cretinism.

Treatment.--An even, warm climate. Thyroid extract, to be given by a physician, is the remedy. After the recovery occasional small doses still may be necessary for some, or in cretinism for life.

DISEASES OF THE NERVOUS SYSTEM.

NEURALGIA.--Pain occurring in the course of the nerves and in their area of distribution. The pain has remission and intermissions, and is due to some morbid affection of the nerves of sensation or their spinal or (brain) centers.

Causes.--The affection may depend upon some functional disturbance alone; or it may be due to some organic disease of the nerve or to some disease or diseased state outside of the nervous system. It occurs more frequently in women past the middle-age, in those of a nervous tendency. As stated, it affects women more than men. Debility is a frequent cause. Neuralgia is frequently associated with the various forms of anemia. It may occur at the onset of acute diseases like typhoid fever. Exposure to cold causes it in susceptible persons. Decayed teeth may cause neuralgia of the fifth nerve. It also occurs in rheumatism, gout, lead poisoning, and diabetes. Persistent neuralgia may be a feature of hidden Bright's disease.

Symptoms.--Pain is the chief and characteristic symptom. It may develop suddenly and without warning, or soreness or stiffness in the tissues surrounding may precede it. There is a burning or violent sensation in the course of the affected nerve, increased on exertion in acute cases. In other cases the pain comes intermittently or in paroxysms, and is of a darting, stabbing character, or accompanied by tingling sensations. There may be a want of sensation of the skin in the affected region or over-sensitiveness over the entire nerve-trunk with certain painful points. The attacks of pain may come only at long intervals of time, but usually they occur every few minutes and last for some hours. Pain may be continued for hours or days in severe cases. In rare cases it may persist for months or years, being worse at a certain time each day, especially in cases where malaria exists. There is paleness or congestion of the part affected, various eruptions, and changes in the color of the hair occur and, in advanced chronic cases, symptoms of interference with the general nutrition also occur. Spasms of the adjacent muscles may accompany the severe paroxysms.

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[NERVOUS SYSTEM 263]

Varieties.--Neuralgia may be classified according to its causes, as neurotic, toxic, rheumatic, etc.; or according to its location as trifacial, intercostal, sciatic, and so on, Exposure to cold, mechanical irritations, tumors, pressure on the nerves, and wounds may lead to neuralgia. It is more frequent in cold and damp climates than in dry and warm locations; everyone should remember the causes.

MOTHERS' REMEDIES. Neuralgia.--1. Lemon Juice as Liniment for.--"Cut a lemon in two and squeeze juice on parts afflicted and rub in, then place hot cloths over it. I know this will cure the pain." This is very good.

2. Neuralgia, Salt and Vinegar Will Relieve.--"A small sack of hot salt applied to the pain, or steam with vinegar." The heat from the salt is very effective and the moisture of the vinegar is also very good. This simply produces a counter irritation.

3. Neuralgia, Quinine Will Cure.--"Use quinine three times a day." It is well in taking quinine to take two grains three times a day for two days, then take some good cathartic, so as not allow the quinine to remain in the system. This is very beneficial, especially when neuralgia is due to malarial conditions.

4. Neuralgia, Four Ingredient Remedy for.--

"Oil of Peppermint 1 ounce Oil of Mustard (strong) 1/4 ounce Vinegar 1 pint White of one egg.

Beat egg and stir all together."

5. Neuralgia, Good Liniment for.--

"Essential Oil of Mustard 1 dram Tincture Aconite 1 dram Glycerin 1 ounce Alcohol 4 ounces

Mix and shake well before using."

This remedy is a valuable external preparation for all nervous and neuralgia pains, rub twice a day until relieved.

6. Neuralgia, Menthol Liniment for.--"One dram of menthol liniment, two ounces of alcohol. This makes a very excellent liniment for many purposes. For rheumatism, neuralgia, headache, etc." This liniment will be found very beneficial as the menthol is soothing and quieting, and we all know that alcohol is very good to be applied for any of the above mentioned diseases.

7. Neuralgia, Belladonna Plaster for.--"Melt three ounces of rosin plaster and add one-half ounce of extract of belladonna. An excellent application in neuralgia and rheumatism."

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PHYSICIANS' GENERAL TREATMENT for Neuralgia.--Remove the cause if possible. If from anemia, give tonics for that and try to cure that disease. Tonics with good nourishing food, and proper surroundings are needed for anemia. In malaria, syphilitic or gouty patients, constitutional treatment must be given for those diseases before the neuralgia will be better. The systematic use of galvanic electricity, properly used, is the most valuable means at the physician's disposal, especially in the descending current, beginning with the mild current and gradually increasing in strength. Internally: Arsenic, bromine, ergotinc, aconite, gelsemium, valerian, ether, cannabis indica and quinine are recommended. Opium may be used in the very severe forms, but it must be used with caution, or you will make your patient a drug fiend, and his latter state will be worse than the first condition. Wet compresses, vapor baths, cold affusions, wet cloths, are highly recommended.

1. For the Cure of an Attack--

Antipyrine 30 grains Citrate of Caffeine 20 grains

Make into ten powders. Take one everyone-half hour until 3 doses are taken. Three (3) doses at least should relieve the neuralgia.