Chapter 66
CHAPTER XVI. EMERGENCY MEDICINS. The writer would emphatically discourage self-medication and dosing, and would oppose the taking of medicines of any kind, except the simplest remedies, without the advice of a physician. Hundreds of thousands of people have been made sick because the wrong medicine was administered
to them, and many more have taken medicine when they didn't need it. The following emergency medicines are presented with a distinct understanding that they should not be used except in simple cases. Ammonia. What is known as ammonia in water, or a liquor of ammonia, or as spirits of hearts horn, or
is of several strengths and is highly irritating and poisonous if taken internally. Applied externally, if of considerable strength, it will cause blisters and pain. Ammonia should not be applied to an open wound or irritated surface, except in case of snake bites or stings of insects, where it is intended to neutralize the poisons. The vapor of ammonia water, inhaled through the nostrils, affects the nervous system and
may be used in fainting or epilepsy, but always with caution. For a strong preparation of ammonia applied to the nose may produce a violent shock. It is better to saturate a handkerchief or a wad of cotton and hold it a short distance from the nostrils. The buyer is cautioned against the use of the strongest ammonia water.
Aromatic spirits of ammonia. This is a stimulant and may be used in cases of sick headache, hysteria, colic, or fainting, doses from 10 to 30 drops in sweetened water. Arnica. Tincture of arnica is supposed to be of value in accidents and especially efficacious for
sprains and bruises. It has some value, mainly from the alcohol it contains, and partly because it is applied with friction. It is poison and should never be taken internally. For external use, it should not be applied at its full strength, as it is apt to cause
inflammation if the skin is tender. Bicarbonate of soda. Commonly known as baking soda or salaritis, is distinct from sal soda or washing soda. It is of great value in the treatment of burns and may be used as an antidote in poisonings by acid.
Camphor. Camphor is purchased in gum or in liquid form. It should never be taken internally except by advice of a physician, nor should it be applied in its full strength, directly to the wounds or to irritated or inflamed surfaces. Ginger.
Bicarbonate or extract of ginger is a very popular remedy for troubles with the digestive organs, bowel complaints, etc., and should be taken in doses from 10 to 40 drops in sweetened water, milk, or other liquid. It should never be used habitually, because it may establish a drug habit, nor should large doses be taken to check diarrhea, as it is often inadvisable to too rapidly check
the discharges. Glycerin. Glycerin may be used for burns and mixed with equal parts of rose water. It is a good lotion for chopped hands or lips, but it is irritating to the skin of some people.
End of section 66.
