Counter-irritation acts by derivation or diversion of a mor-
bid action from one part by setting up another equally or mor6
powerful influence on the nerves of another part. It places in
our hands a very powerful means of acting upon diseases of
internal organs that are not absolutely close to the part acted
upon, as well as when applied near to the seat of the malady.
An example of the latter is afforded by the influence of bella-
donna or aconite on rheumatic or neuralgic pains; of the
former, in the beneficial effects produced on the brain by a
blister plaster applied to the nape of the neck.
Counter-Irritants and External Stimulants. — The
following are the chief agents of this class mentioned: —
Blistering plaster.
Tincture, liniment, and ointment of iodine.
Compound camphor liniment and turpentine liniment.
Soap liniment (opodeldoc).
Nitrate of silver
286 MEDICINAL.
Basilicon ointment.
Citrine ointment.
Belladonna liniment.
The Nurse. — It is not always possible to meet with a well
trained nurse, even in a large town, while for those who are
likely to consult the pages of this book it may be an impossi-
bility to meet with a professional nurse of any kind. The hints
here given are therefore addrc s:d to those who may be com-
pelled to be both nurse and doctor, and who in either capacity
may be beyond the reach of professional or other aid. Cheer-
fulness and forgetfulness of self are prime requisites in the
character of the women who undertakes the duties of a nurse.
Illness makes people selfish, therefore it is the more necessary
that there should be unselfishness to cope with this weakness.
A nurse should secure quietness in the sick room, and
should permit only cheerful conversation — if possible, not too
much of that. In acute affections of the brain this is a point
of the highest importance. In hsemoptysis, or "spitting of
blood," strict silence must be enjoined upon the patient, who
should make use of a pencil for questions or answers. The
nurse should carefully avoid the narration of doleful tales of
fearful cases she has seen or heard of, as these depress the
patient and interfere with recovery.
Directions for the management of the patient, given by
those who are responsible for the well-doing of each case
should be strictly attended to by the nurse. In all severe
cases of illness, such as fevers, inflammations, accidents, etc.,
a written memorandum should be kept of each time of taking
food, wine, medicine, etc., with their precise quantities. With-
out a check of this kind it is very easy to give too much or
two little, or to transgress directions as to time. It need hardly
be remarked that sobriety is absolutely indispensable in a
nurse. This requisite is at once admitted; but many persons
do, through false kindness' their very best to banish temper-
ance from the sick room. They will leave wine and spirit
bottles open in the room, and expect that they shall not be
touched. Until nurses in general have gained a much higher
character than iz at present the case, it is safer not to put
temptation in the way.
MEDICINAL. 287
Page 200
Presented as published in 1883. 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
Counter-irritation acts by derivation or diversion of a morbid action from one part by setting up another equally or more powerful influence on the nerves of another part. It places in our hands a very powerful means of acting upon diseases of internal organs that are not absolutely close to the part acted upon, as well as when applied near to the seat of the malady. An example of the latter is afforded by the influence of belladonna or aconite on rheumatic or neuralgic pains; of the former, in the beneficial effects produced on the brain by a blister plaster applied to the nape of the neck.
Counter-Irritants and External Stimulants. — The following are the chief agents of this class mentioned: — Blistering plaster.
Tincture, liniment, and ointment of iodine. Compound camphor liniment and turpentine liniment. Soap liniment (opodeldoc). Nitrate of silver
Basilicon ointment. Citrine ointment. Belladonna liniment.
The Nurse. — It is not always possible to meet with a well trained nurse, even in a large town, while for those who are likely to consult the pages of this book it may be an impossibility to meet with a professional nurse of any kind. The hints here given are therefore addressed to those who may be compelled to be both nurse and doctor, and who in either capacity may be beyond the reach of professional or other aid. Cheerfulness and forgetfulness of self are prime requisites in the character of the women who undertakes the duties of a nurse. Illness makes people selfish, therefore it is the more necessary that there should be unselfishness to cope with this weakness.
A nurse should secure quietness in the sick room, and should permit only cheerful conversation — if possible, not too much of that. In acute affections of the brain this is a point of the highest importance. In haemoptysis, or "spitting of blood," strict silence must be enjoined upon the patient, who should make use of a pencil for questions or answers. The nurse should carefully avoid the narration of doleful tales of fearful cases she has seen or heard of, as these depress the patient and interfere with recovery.
Directions for the management of the patient, given by those who are responsible for the well-doing of each case should be strictly attended to by the nurse. In all severe cases of illness, such as fevers, inflammations, accidents, etc., a written memorandum should be kept of each time of taking food, wine, medicine, etc., with their precise quantities. Without a check of this kind it is very easy to give too much or two little, or to transgress directions as to time. It need hardly be remarked that sobriety is absolutely indispensable in a nurse. This requisite is at once admitted; but many persons do, through false kindness; their very best to banish temperance from the sick room. They will leave wine and spirit bottles open in the room, and expect that they shall not be touched. Until nurses in general have gained a much higher character than is at present the case, it is safer not to put temptation in the way.