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couch and follow the example, and he really
does enjoy, for a short time, the novelty;
but shortly, languor creeps over him; the
breakfast which disappears before the ap-
petite of the strong morning walker, has
no charms for his exhausted weaker com-
panion, who pays with a day of listless
languor for this ill-advised attempt. These
hints will, it is trusted, not be taken as an
encouragement to laziness, but as pointing
out a very common error in popular belief
and popular practice. The person of weak
vital power, who cannot be an early riser,
must guard well that he does not mistake
sloth for inability, nor encourage the in-
ability by indulging in late hours, which
are often to him the most vigorous. Per-
sons who suffer much from debility in the
morning, and who are constrained to be up
early, ought, as soon as possible, to have
some warm refreshment, a cup of warm
milk if it agrees, or tea, coffee or cocoa.
In some cases, the popular addition of a
tea-spoonful of rum or brandy to milk is un-
doubtedly useful, particularly where there
is tendency to faintness; but the cordial
must be taken as a medicine, and aban-
doned as soon as possible.
Refer to-Bed.

EATING.-See Food, Digestion, Indiges

tion.

ECCHYMOSIS-is a medical term applied to discoloured swelling, caused by effusion of blood beneath the skin, or in the tissues of the body. A common bruise is the most familiar example.

ECTHYMA.-A disease of the skin in which pimple-like pustules containing matter are developed. See Skin.

ECZEMA. A disease of the skin in which minute vesicles are developed. See Skin.

The great difference between the physical education of the male and female sex, commences when children leave the nursery. The boy, much less hampered by the mode of clothing, and permitted much more freedom in physical exertion than the girl, has, as far as these are concerned, a better chance of attaining his full measure of health, provided the mind be not overworked, and constitution and surrounding circumstances are not absolutely deficient or adverse. The girl, on the other hand, is submitted to many artificial restraints and modes of education which militate strongly against the chance of her making a perfectly healthy woman. The diffusion of a knowledge of these principles on which health depends, has, of late years, tended to ameliorate many of the most injurious practices connected with the bringing up of girls, but many yet require to be corrected.

The bad results which are often brought about by the use of stays, have been so often exposed and condemned, that the subject has become almost hackneyed, and yet by a majority of the female sex the practice is still followed to an injurious extent. It seems as if people imagined that the Creator had made the body of the adult female so weak, that it cannot support its own weight; for either on this account, or without reason, they case it up in artificial supports. Even among the poorest the abuse extends; and girls of ten or twelve are kept from bending naturally by a stiff piece of wood stuck down the front of what, at least, stands instead of stays. True, these articles of dress do at last become indispensable, but it is only after the muscles of the frame have been weakened, in consequence of not being permitted to exert their appointed and regular action. Any EDUCATION, as applied to man, means muscle or set of muscles of the body, if not literally the bringing forward, or encouraging regularly exercised, become diminished both and regulating the qualities or properties of in substance and power; the human framewhich his whole being is capable. The work or skeleton is so constructed, that the natural division of the process is into mental muscles with which it is furnished, and and physical; the education of the mind particularly those connected with the spine, and of the body. Strictly, in a work like preserve its equilibrium; supersede these the present, it is with the latter only we muscles by artificial support, and they behave to do, but the two are so intimately come weakened; but as their artificial subconnected, that it is impossible to separate stitutes cannot act with the perfection of them. the natural supporters, the defect sooner or later shews itself; the unsupported spine gives way somewhere, and curvature, more or less, ensues. It would astonish most, were they made aware ΟΙ how many curved spines there are, in how many, who even do not themselves suspect it, the deviation exists, and how often it is the occasion of impaired health, palpitation of the heart, hysterical and other affections.

So much that is applicable to the subject of physical education is said in the article "Children;" and also in the various articles on "Air," "Clothing," "Food," &c., &c., that it leaves but little to be added here, and to the above-mentioned articles, and to those bearing upon sanitary measures generally, the reader is referred for information.

To the above assertion, it is only necessary to add the high testimony of Dr. John Forbes, who says in a note to the article on "Physical Education," in the Cyclopædia of Practical Medicine: "We lately visited in a large town, a boarding-school containing forty girls; and we learnt on close and accurate inquiry, that there was not one of the girls who had been at the school two years and the majority had been as long that was not, more or less, crooked!" True, the whole of this enormous evil is not entirely due to the use of stays, but much of it is so, coupled with long standing lessons, seats without backs, and too many hours devoted to the education of the mind, by which the constitutional powers, generally, are enfeebled. Moreover, the above spinal weakness is not the only evil consequence, for it is too often mixed up with disorders of the digestive and circulatory organs, originated by their compression by the clothing. The too prolonged hours of study inflicted upon girls have been alluded to, and are unquestionably a great evil, but they would be less so, were the hours of relaxation and exercise more rationally conducted. No exercise can be beneficial unless the mind be actively interested, or at least pleasantly occupied during the time of exertion; but little good can result from demure walks, taken without interest, and almost without enjoyment.

Nothing perhaps is more certain, than that, for the full development and healthy exercise of all the powers of the mind, a healthy body is required. The Almighty has connected our mental manifestations in this world with a material organ, the brain, and this organ, like every other in the body, is dependent for its healthy action upon that of the other organs: how evident then, that to preserve this wonderful instrument in harmonious and vigorous exercise of its powers, the whole body must be in health; but modern fashion and fallacy, and many modern educationists, say no; let the body and instrument take care of themselves, our part is to elicit as many tones from the latter as possible, and elicit them they do, but they often sadly jar; moral perceptions and acts, influenced by bodily disorder, often war with moral and religious precepts; the precept "slow to anger" cannot always control the irritabilities of a morbid nervous system, and that not "slothful in business" cannot at all times rouse the body oppressed by morbid and narcotizing blood, to the active and vigorous discharge of its duties. As long as our abode is in this world, our bodies and minds must be in intimate relation, in action and re-action

with one another; God has joined them, and man cannot dissolve the union, without paying the penalty of his transgression. A perfectly healthy mind is only compatible with a perfectly healthy body, and, in civilized life, with its many causes of disorder, the latter can only be insured by attention to the laws of physical health and education. The mind, on the other hand, has its influences upon the physical health; but these will be considered in the article devoted to the subject.

EEL-is one of the oily fishes, and is peculiarly indigestible.

EFFERVESCENCE-is the rapid extrication of gas or vapour from a liquid, hence, boiling is effervescence: medically, however, the term is generally applied to the extrication of carbonic acid gas solely. Many mineral waters, such as Seltzer water, are effervescing, from containing the gas naturally; soda water and other effervescing drinks are impregnated with it by mechanical means, whilst in fermented liquors it is generated in the process of fermentation. In the practice of medicine, effervescing draughts are most frequently, perhaps, formed by the direct separation of the gas from one of the alkaline carbonates, such as the carbonate or bicarbonatewhich latter contains the gas in greatest abundance-of potass, soda, or ammonia; the solution of bicarbonate of magnesia, or "fluid magnesia," is also used for the purpose. In many forms of illness, particularly those attended with thirst, no kind of medicine is so grateful to the patient, or so readily taken, as that which is given in a state of effervescence; if the stomach is irritable, and a tendency to sickness present, medicines given in this way are more likely to be retained, the carbonic acid apparently exerting a quieting and soothing effect upon the organ; at the same time, the taste of medicine is considerably obscured by its administration by this method. When the tongue is much furred, and particularly in cases of sore throat, when medicine in any effervescing form can be swallowed, none appears to exert a more cleansing effect, in removing thick mucus and incrustations, and if it does this for the mucous membrane of the mouth, it must probably have the same effect on that of the stomach.

Some persons who are liable to suffer from difficulty of breathing, whether from asthmatic or other causes, and those who do not easily get rid of flatulence, cannot take effervescing drinks without inconvenience; this, too, occurs if patients to whom they are administered are confined to bed, and lie down too soon after taking

the dose. A minute or two ought always of fluid into cavities, or tissues, which to be allowed for the eructation of the gas, ordinarily contain a small quantity only. before a patient who has taken an effer-Thus, the watery fluid which is thrown out vescing draught resumes a recumbent position.

One of the alkaline carbonates above mentioned being made the effervescing agent, many medicines may of course be given in combination. The acids most generally and beneficially used to combine with the alkali, and set free the gas, are lemon-juice, citric acid, and tartaric acid; they ought to be used in the following proportions: To thirty grains of bicarbonate of potass, a small table-spoonful of lemon-juice, or twenty grains of either tartaric or citric acids. To thirty grains of bicarbonate of soda, about one-fifth more of the above acids. To six grains of carbonate of ammonia, two tea-spoonfuls of lemon-juice, or about eight grains of either citric or tartaric acids.

So common has the use of effervescing draughts become, that the materials, soda and tartaric acid, and a measure for the purpose, are kept in many houses. The practice is not free from danger or injury; the continued use of soda being apt to impoverish the blood. To the weakly it is of course more likely to prove hurtful than to the strong.

The mode of mixing effervescing draughts which is commonly recommended, is a bad one. The two powders are generally ordered to be quite dissolved in separate portions of water before mixing; the consequence is, the gas is extricated all at once; the violence of the effervescence-unless the glass is a very large one is very liable to carry up and spill over a portion of the liquid, and the action subsides before the person can drink. All this may be avoided if the acid and alkali, in fine powder, are put dry into the glass, and the water poured slowly upon them from some little height. this way the gas is more slowly extricated; there is no spilling, and, if properly done, full solution of the powders ought to be effected. If lemon-juice is used, it should be mixed with the water, and poured upon the alkali in the same way. Of course, when the draught is a very small medicinal one, the same precautions are not required. Refer to-Ammonia Carbonic AcidPotass-Soda, &c.

In

EFFLUVIUM is a gaseous emanation or exhalation, from any body, generally of an offensive or noxious character. Effluvia is the plural.

Refer to-Contagion-Disinfectant, &c. EFFUSION is a medical term applied to the throwing out of an unnatural amount

into the chest in consequence of inflammation of the pleura or covering membrane of the lungs, is named an effusion. There are also effusions into the abdomen and in the head, also into joints and cellular tissue.

EGG of the domestic fowl, or of birds generally, as an article of diet, is one of the most nutritious; this is evident, indeed, from the fact, that from the contents of the egg, the entire young bird is formed. As a means of nourishment for the sick, especially when it is beaten up, and given mixed either with hot or cold fluid, the yelk of egg is often most valuable. The white of the egg is composed of albumen and earthy salts; its yelk, similarly constituted, contains in addition oily matter and sulphur.

In the preparation of medicines of an oily character, the yelk of egg is often advantageously employed, forming with them an emulsion which is miscible with distilled or rain water. Castor-oil and turpentine are both advantageously given by this method.

ELASTICITY is the power possessed by various bodies of returning quickly to the form from which they have been forcibly altered. India rubber, both in its natural and in its vulcanized condition, presents one of the most familiar and best examples. The elastic properties of this most useful pro

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duct of nature, have been abundantly taken advantage of in the formation of appliances of various kinds for the treatment of disease, and for the relief of suffering.-See Caoutchouc. Mr. Hooper's cushions have already been adverted to under the above article. Figures A and B represent two of the most useful forms of these, calculated to relieve pressure and prevent ulceration of parts in patients confined to bed by long and exhausting disease. The elastic bandages, stockings, and supporters of various kinds, are among the most valuable additions to the modern practice of medicine; and with them may be classed the elastic pads of M. Bourjeaurd, which, whilst they exert a sufficient amount of pressure, yield, when, from counter-pressure such as that caused by swelling of the part to which they are applied, inelastic hardness would prove injurious. The author makes no excuse for bringing forward these improvements: many persons go on suffering in consequence of not being aware that there are means of relief existing.

ELATERIUM is a medicine possessing most powerful drastic cathartic properties. It is obtained from the juice of the Momordica Elaterium, or "squirting cucumber." The plant is native to the south of Europe. It is a most valuable remedy in proper hands, but one much too powerful to be used with safety by unprofessional persons. ELBOW-JOINT. - See Dislocations Joints, &c.

ELECTRICITY, or the ELECTRIC or GALVANIC FLUID, is a material agent diffused throughout nature, either latent or unmanifested, or active and manifested, according to circumstances. Much yet remains to be learned respecting the electricity of our own bodies, and that of the objects and agents with which they are surrounded; and its relation with the phenomena of disease. As an agent in the treatment of disease, electric or galvanic actioni s now much employed. It is a powerful excitant. The shocks from an electric machine, or other electrical apparatus, are not often useful, except in such cases as suspended animation from drowning, &c., when their passage in not too great intensity, through the spine, to the pit of the stomach, may be of service. A continued current of the galvanic fluid is a much better application of the excitant powers of the agent; and various contrivances for its convenient medical employment are sold.

The latest noticeable application of the curative powers of electricity, is the electric chain or belt of M. Pulvermacher, which is made of various sizes and powers.

The

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author has not yet tried the large and more powerful forms of the apparatus, but he has found the application of the smaller chains of much service in the cure and alleviation of neuralgic disease.

ELECTUARY. -A medicinal preparation made of sugar.-See Confection.

ELEPHANTIASIS is a name applied to two very distinct forms of disease. One is a cutaneous eruption: the other a thickening of the tissues beneath the skin and around the muscles. Both are peculiar to hot climates. Their discussion could scarcely be of service in the present work. ELM-BARK, from the well-known tree, has been used as a remedy in skin diseases. EMACIATION is wasting of the tissues so that the body becomes thin. The process of emaciation, however, is very different from simple diminution of bulk; the latter may take place whilst the appearance of health is still retained; but with true emaciation the skin, and aspect generally, present an unhealthy appearance. There are few diseases which are not accompanied with loss of flesh or emaciation, and it is not unfrequently the first observable symptom. Dr. Watson remarks:-"It occurs in complaints that are not commonly dangerous-as in dyspepsia, and in hypochondriasis, which is often connected with dyspepsia-and when it does occur, it marks the reality of the disease. This wasting happens in many fatal maladies—in pulmonary consumption, for example in dropsy, although the dropsical enlargement sometimes masks it. It accompanies many acute diseases, and is reckoned an unfavourable symptom: for it shows that the body is not properly nourished. Sometimes the emaciation is so extreme that the integuments give way-the bones of the patient are said to come through his skin. Refer to-Atrophy.

and

EMBROCATION.-A fluid applied with friction to any portion of the body.-See Liniment.

EMETICS are substances which excite vomiting; that is, which cause the stomach to be forcibly emptied of its contents by the mouth, and which do this by a peculiar action, exerted either directly upon the organ itself, or in consequence of their having been taken into the circulation; thus vomiting may be excited by the injection of some emetic substances into the viens.

Many agents are capable of exciting vomiting, which are not classed as emetics, such as nauseous tastes or smells, swinging motions, such as that which causes seasickness, mechanical irritation of the throat,

&c.; but these causes are very different from the specific action of a true emetic, which acts independently of taste or smell. Emetics constitute a class of our most valuable remedies, although not so indiscriminately and extensively used as they were formerly. In ancient times, particularly among the luxurious Romans, emetics were commonly employed for the disgusting purpose of enabling them to disgorge one luxurious meal as soon as swallowed, that they might immediately begin with another. Cicero, in describing a visit paid to Cæsar at a villa near Rome, states that Cæsar paid him the high compliment of taking an emetic before dinner, when he understood that Cicero intended to spend the day with him."

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Sulphate of zinc, or white vitriol.

Salt is sometimes used as an emetic; and the mechanical irritation of the throat is often resorted to with benefit for the purpose of exciting vomiting. The reader will find further information respecting the above emetics under their individual articles.

When an emetic is given, it should be mixed in the first place with a small quantity of water. Except in the case of sulphate of zinc-and some other mineral emetics, not adapted for domestic usesome little time will elapse before the effects of the emetic are experienced, longer if the stomach be full of food, and vice versa. The first sensation is one of nausea, accompanied with flow of the saliva, slight faintness, and cold perspiration; at last the effort of vomiting supervenes, and the contents of the stomach are ejected. As soon as actual vomiting commences, as a general rule, but not before, some tepid fluid-water, gruel, chamomile tea, or such like-should be given in moderate quantity, not exceeding a pint at a time. A slight caution is requisite upon this head; for occasionally individuals under the action of an emetic, are encouraged to drink very freely of fluid and to distend the stomach. This is not well, for it not only embarrasses the action of the organ, but might cause its being lacerated or burst. It is also requisite to caution against giving the diluent fluid too soon, that is before the specific power of the emetic substance has come into action; if this is done, the dilution will either delay, or altogether prevent the desired

effect. When there is much debility of stomach, it is better to choose for the diluting fluid, a bitter, such as chamomile tea, which has the additional advantage of being itself emetic. As a general rule, the mineral act more quickly and violently than the vegetable emetics; for this reason the former are generally selected in cases of poisoning, such as that by opium, in which there is some difficulty in rousing the stomach to action at all, and in which it is important that it should be relieved of its contents as speedily as possible. In such cases, medical men may give the sulphate of copper; but for the unprofessional, the sulphate of zinc, or white vitriol, is the safest, and is a nearly equally efficacious remedy.

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When there is much fever, and in some forms of inflammation, the salts of antimony, particularly tartar emetic, are most generally used if emetic action is desirable. As a simple emetic to relieve the stomach, and also in cases of chest affections, ipecacuanha will be found the best. In diseases of depression, mustard is most useful; and carbonate of ammonia may also be employed alone, or combined with ipecacuanha. cases where the power of swallowing is lost, medical men can excite vomiting by the injection of emetic substances into the veins; this practice of course cannot be followed by the unprofessional, yet they may safely, and with much certainty of success, have recourse to mechanical irritation of the back of the throat, either by the finger or by a feather. A few individuals possess the power of spontaneous vomiting, or at least of exciting regurgitation of the food from the stomach into the mouth; a process somewhat analogous to the rumination of animals. Such persons usually suffer from dyspepsia, and have recourse to the operation to free the stomach from food it cannot digest.

The evening is generally the most suitable time for administering an ordinary emetic, as the stomach has time to recover itself during the night, and the uncomfortable nausea which often follows is less felt.

Emetics are used to fulfil various indications, the most direct and obvious being the emptying of the stomach of any noxious substances, either formed within the body, such as bile; or taken in by the mouth, as indigestible food or poison. Fortunately, these matters often of themselves excite vomiting, but in many instances, they do not sufficiently empty the stomach, in which case the action must be kept up, or re-excited, either by a diluent or by some

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