use of these articles appears to be an antidote, and, in this way, potatoes and vegetables generally, without medicine at all, are often sufficient to cure. Indeed in the epidemic of scurvy which prevailed in 1846, in the General Prison at Perth, the cases which occurred were cured, and the further progress of the disease arrested, by the addition of milk, and in some cases meat, to the usual dietary; malt liquor, is likewise found useful in diminishing the tendency to, and in arresting the progress of scurvy. This adds to its tonic properties. Moreover, the average temperature of sea-coast places, is more equable than of those inland, being generally warmer in winter. Although, however, the general character of sea air, and its effects upon health, in different places, are similar, it varies greatly, according to locality, as to particular influences; thus, at Torquay, the relaxing air is the opposite of the stimulating atmosphere of Brighton, which again is very different from Hastings. These differences, it is true, depend more upon land influences, such as formation of coast, the vicinity of hills, &c., than upon the sea itself, but still they modify the effect of the latter so greatly, as to make them a serious consideration when residence, either temporary or permanent is chosen with reference to health. Under any circumstances, it is considered as a general rule, that invalids derive more benefit from sea air, at a little distancequarter of a mile-from the water than they do close to it. Refer to Climate. Of course in a bad case of scurvy, when lemon juice is procurable it should be used; half a pint may be given in the day, alone or diluted. Until lately, the opinion has prevailed that the curative powers of lemon juice in scurvy depended upon its acid, and that the good effects of other vegetables arose from their containing that or other similar acids; the researches of Dr. Garrod, however, have thrown doubt upon this, and apparently go to prove, that the beneficial influence is rather due to the potash which exists in combination with the acid. view is supported by the fact, that citric SEA-BATHING-when properly emacid-the acid of the lemon-when used ployed is a stimulant, in the first instance alone, does not eure scurvy. Should the to the skin, and further to the body genepotash view of the question prove correct, rally. The stimulant action upon the skin it will afford an important, cheap, and indeed, even proceeds so far as to cause generally available remedy, for this severe eruptions, somewhat resembling scarlatina; and often fatal affection. Although, how-in some cases the smarting from these erupever, it is certain, that the disease in questions is so severe, after each immersion, tion depends for its development upon the that the practice has to be discontinued, at deficiency of certain articles, or constituents least for a time. of food, it is no less certain, that its attack is greatly favoured by the deficiency of sanitary regulations generally, and that those who are subjected to confinement, as in a prison, or on board ship, especially if ventilation and other necessary arrangements are neglected, will much more quickly become the subjects of scurvy, than those who are not exposed to the same depressing influences, even if the food be the same. Salt provisions alone will not produce scurvy, unless other conditions favour the disease. Males are more liable to it than females. SCYBALE are hard lumps-generally black looking-of feculent matter. SEA.-The effects of the sea upon health, have to be considered under the two aspects, of exposure to "sea-air," and of seabathing." That exposure to the air of the sea, especially in the case of persons unaccustomed to it, exerts a stimulant and tonic effect cannot be doubted. The freshness, and in summer, comparative coolness of the air in the vicinity of the sea, contributes to this, and its impregnation with saline particles, the chlorides especially, probably The abstraction of caloric from the body, in consequence of bathing in sea-water, certainly appears to be less than it is from bathing in fresh. The effects, however, from bathing in the sea must vary, as the proportion of the saline constituents varies considerably in different localities. "The average quantity of saline matter is three per cent, which consists of chloride of soda or common salt-sulphate of magnesia, or Epsom salt-sulphate of soda, or glauber salt; also muriate of magnesia and of lime, with salts of iodine and bromine." The above constituents are uniform as to presence, but are so unequal as to quantity that, "in the Baltic, a pint of water contains scarcely two scruples of salt; on the coasts of Great Britain, it contains more than half an ounce; in the Mediterranean much more; and in some parts under the Line, the quantity amounts to more than two ounces.' "From the beginning of July, the temperature of the sea is constantly on the increase, and during the month of August, it is at the highest, remaining the same with very little alteration till September, when the temperature again becomes less. The minimum temperature of the sea, for each day, is in the morning before ten o'clock, its maximum from twelve to five. Other circumstances being the same, the temperature of sea water is observed to be higher in proportion to the proximity of continents and Islands."* Moreover the temperature of the sea on a line of coast, is modified by the construction of the shore; if this be rocky, rapidly deepening, the temperature of the sea during summer, will be lower than it is on a flatter shore, where the advancing tide travels over an extent of sand warmed by the sun, and vice versa in winter. Persons who are unaccustomed to seabathing, may sometimes find it of service to take two or three tepid sea-baths, before going to the open sea. There is however, no necessity, as some suppose, for a course of medicine beforehand, unless the indivi. dual is decidedly out of health, and then sea-bathing should not be engaged in, before consultation with a medical man, who may give medicine for the existing ailment, but certainly persons in good health have no occasion for preparatory medicine. Individuals who are very plethoric, who are the subjects of any organic disease, or who have any tendency to fulness about the head, also aged persons, should not bathe without medical sanction. quently taken in habitual costiveness, particularly by those of full habit who lead a sedentary life. In this instance, its stimulant properties are as useful as its purgative qualities. When it is to be given to children, they are easily persuaded to take the dose if its nauseous taste be covered with a little port wine. It is a curious fact, that by the continued employment of sea-water as a purgative, although for a short time it produces emaciation, yet its secondary effect is to promote obesity.' SEA-SICKNESS.-See Sickness. SEASONS.-The influence exerted by the changes of the seasons upon man's health and life has been considerably elucidated by the researches of different observers, and by the statistical returns of this and other countries, but it is a subject so much mixed up with coincident influences and circumstances, that accurate results are with difficulty atIf a person is in a state of body to benefit tainable. As, for instance, while according by bathing, and if the good effects are not to the returns of mortality in this kingdom, counteracted by too long immersion in the the winter months present the greatest water, the bath should be followed by re- average of death; according to the researches action, which conveys a sensation of in- of Casper and Quetelet, summer is the most creased strength and spirits, a glow of fatal month in Stockholm, in Montpelier, warmth on the skin, and increased appetite; and in Berlin; and probably throughout if, on the other hand, the reaction is tardy, Central Germany. These differences perif the skin continues cold and blue-looking, haps depend on local causes. Along with if the fingers and toes become what is called this uncertainty, however, there are certain "dead," if there is bodily and mental de- general rules of climate, connected with the pression, with languor and sleepiness, it is seasons, which are well ascertained; such, certain the bathing does not agree, from for instance, as the greater prevalence of some cause or other.-Refer to-Bath.-inflammatory attacks, and of disorders of When cold sea-bathing does not agree, or is too depressing, the tepid sea-bath is often of much service, and does not relax like fresh water tepid bathing. Sea-water, as might be expected from its saline constituents, acts as a purgative. The usual dose is half a pint, repeated once or twice according to effect. It may be gone on with, with less risk of depressing consequences than arises from the use of saline aperients generally; indeed, it exerts a tonic influence. In worms, both when taken by the mouth, and used as an enema, sea-water is often useful. "Sea-water has been fre * Lee's Baths of England. the respiratory organs during winter and spring; the frequent occurrence of apoplexy during frost, and the epidemic of biliary disorder towards the close of summer and autumn, after the high temperature has permitted the accumulation of carbonaceous compounds in the system. The influence of season is of course much less felt by the young, the robust, the well-fed, clothed, and housed, than by those who are exposed to the reverse circumstances. "At no period of life is the influence of the seasons on mortality more perceptible than in old age; and at no age less than between twenty *Thomson's Materia Medica. "'* and twenty-five, when the physical man, fully developed, enjoys the plenitude of power. Of course, much is to be done by care, in guarding against the influences of climate consequent upon season, both in old and young. Refer to-Clothing-Cold-Heat, &c. SEASONING-See Acclimation. SEBACEOUS-GLANDS or FOLLICLESare glands situated in the skin, which secrete an unctuous matter; they are most common on the face, and about the nose. In many persons, especially in those who live in towns where there is much smoke, the orifices of these glands become black, constituting what are called "black-heads." When these are squeezed, the "sebaceous" matter is expelled in a worm-like form, and with the black head at the extremity, from its resemblance to a worm, has actually been taken for such. The sebaceous matter itself is not indeed a worm, but it has within the last few years been discovered by Dr. Simon, of Berlin, that it is the seat or "habitat"| in many persons-according to Mr. Erasmus Wilson, in all-of a minute parasitic animal -fig. A. According to Mr. Wilson, the A animal varies from the to the of an inch in length. There are usually two, but often more, in the small mass of sebaceous matter squeezed out of a follicle. Even in the most healthy looking skins they are said to exist, not causing irritation, unless by accumulation in undue numbers. When irritation takes place in a sebaceous follicle, it causes the inflammation, and formation of matter which constitute a common pimple. The formation of black-heads is best prevented by bathing with warm water, and then rubbing the surface well with a towel; frequently, however, the tendency is connected with disorder of the digestive organs, which requires rectification. Refer to-Skin. SECALE CORNUTUM.-See Ergot. SECONDARY.-See Primary. SECRETION.-The term, as usually applied either to vegetables or animals, signifies the separation of a specific substance from the ordinary fluids of the organized * Quetelet On Man. SEDENTARY.-The observations made Motor under such articles as Exercise Change, &c. &c., render comment upon the effects of sedentary habits superfluous. SEIDLITZ.-The waters of this wellknown Bohemian spa owe their aperient activity to the presence of Epsom salts, or sulphate of magnesia, one hundred grains of which are said to be contained in every pint of water. It also contains lime in small proportion. These qualities are very differrent from those which distinguish the commonly used seidlitz powders. SEIDLITZ POWDERS.-These consist essentially of two drachms of Rochelle salt, mingled with forty grains of carbonate of soda in the one paper, and thirty-five grains of tartaric acid in the other, usually the white paper. Seidlitz powders possess the advantages and disadvantages of saline aperients generally, except that they are pleasanter than most. Refer to-Effervescing-Purgatives-Salines, &c. SELTZER-WATER is chiefly distinguished by the large amount of carbonic acid it contains in combination with alkaline carbonates, such as those of soda, magnesia, and lime; it also contains common salt. It is useful in some forms of dyspepsia, gravel, &c. &c. It cannot, however, be used habitually, as it is by some who are in good health, with any apparent advantage. SEMOLA AND SEMOLINA-both belong to the class of farinaceous preparations. The former, as made by Mr. Bullock, consists principally of the gluten of wheat, free from the starchy constituent of the grain. Its nutritive power, therefore, that is, its capability of yielding the plastic elements of nutrition- -see Grains-must be considerably greater than that of the simple grain. Indeed, it must in some degree approach animal food in nourishing power. Semola may be mixed with soup, or prepared like sago, &c. Semolina, also called manna croup, a preparation of a Russian grain, is less used now than formerly, but forms a light nourishment, prepared and used like sago. SENDING surprise some persons, but every medical man, who has been in general practice, must have experienced its want, not so much among the wealthier classes as among the poor; above all, the subject last alluded to, FOR THE DOCTOR.-- that of sending exaggerated messages, reUnder the head of Advice, Medical, a few quires notice. The message that a person observations applicable to the present sub- is "dying," or "killed," even in cases of ject have already been offered, a few more comparatively slight, though sudden, illmay be serviceable. In large towns, where ness, or of an accident, is an extremely distances are short, and medicines procur- common one in the country; and although able in every street, it is generally of less when a practitioner has been deceived by consequence for a medical man to be strictly such calls time after time, he gets more informed of the nature of any case of emer- wary, and takes them for what they are gency, to which he is summoned, than it is worth, it may occur, that the repeated "cry in the country. In the latter, if the case is of wolf," will in some instance cause him at all an urgent one, or if it is an accident, the unintentionally to overlook a case, by turnmessage should always be, either clearly ing a careless ear to the call which has so given to an intelligent messenger, or sent by often before proved untrue. Certain it is, note, which is the safer plan, giving such that such is the real explanation of some of an idea of the nature of the case, as may those cases of apparent neglect of the poor serve to guide the practitioner in taking by medical men, which now and then come with him remedies or instruments, the im- before the public. The general readiness mediate employment of which may save of the members of the medical profession to much inconvenience to all parties, much attend to the poor, either by engagement or suffering to the patient, perhaps life. A gratuitously, when such attendance is really medical man cannot, of course, at all times, requisite, might save them from some of the even from the plainest message, form a cor- censure, public or private, with which they rect idea of the case he is to meet, but he are occasionally visited for such omissions may in many. When a case is one of acci- by those who know little of the trials and dent or emergency, of course any hour, vexations to which they are subjected. night or day, is the same; and if medical It is not meant to say, that whenever an attendance is required, it should be so at exaggerated message is brought, it is a once; in other cases, however, much con- wilful misrepresentation; in many cases, venience to all parties may be secured by some relative or bystander, without waiting messages properly timed. Some persons to ascertain the real state of matters, starts have a habit of putting off till evening send- off in a fright to the surgeon; in other ing for a medical man; this, when it can be instances, however, among the ignorant, the avoided, is neither just to themselves nor to system is one of deliberate forethought, their medical attendant; they get a man, under the idea that the medical man will jaded perhaps with a day's work, and with make greater haste in attending to his his energies less alert than in the morning, patient. It has been shown, how, in the and they also perhaps subject him to un- long run, this defeats its own end, and does necessary fatigue, which a timely morning mischief as well. Lastly, some persons send message might have saved. Of course, cases for the doctor by irregular channels, through of illness which have appeared slight in the third or fourth parties, or by leaving mesmorning, may, by becoming much more sages at houses, &c.; this is always unceraggravated in the lapse of a few hours, and tain, and often, by the message being forgot, especially towards night, call for that attend-inflicts disappointment. If a medical man ance which before seemed unnecessary; these are not what are meant, but, in ordinary cases, it ought to be a rule, to let a medical man have the message as early as possible in the forenoon. It not only enables him to arrange his own business betterand, when he is busy, the question of arrangement is no slight consideration-but it renders it probable that his patient will be earlier visited. Again, when a message is sent, care should be taken that there is no exaggeration. Some of the above advice may probably is really required, send for him direct, soon in the day if possible, and if there is any distance to be traversed, by note, giving a clear account of the case to which he is summoned. SENNA. This most useful purgative is the leaf or rather leaves of different species of cassia. It is a very old medicine, having been used by the Arabians. Senna grows abundantly in Northern Africa, from whence large supplies are obtained; it is also cultivated in India, and a considerable amount exported thence. The most familiar desig nations of senna are Alexandrian, Tripoli, | however, the "Tinnivelly senna"-fig. B.and East Indian senna; other varieties are known in commerce, but not commonly in this country. Alexandrian senna has the highest general reputation. It is brought chiefly from Nubia and Upper Egypt. As imported, its long lance-shaped leaves fig. A. 2-are B mingled with pods, flowers, leaf, stalks, &c., of the plants, with the broad leaves of another description of senna-fig. A. 1and with the leaves of a plant which is not a senna at all. The latter adulteration, which is always introduced into this description of senna to some extent, and sometimes largely, goes by the name of argel. This leaf-fig. A. 3-may be known from the true senna by its being thicker and more fleshy looking, by the absence of the prominent veins of the true leaf, and by the regularity of the leaf, which, it will be seen, differs from that of the senna, one side of which is more prolonged down the midrib than the other. The "picked senna" of the shops is chiefly the Alexandrian senna, from which the impurities, broken leaves, &c., have been removed. Tripoli senna closely resembles the above, but probably, from more careless gathering and packing, the leaves are more broken, and the admixture of impurities greater. It is cheaper than the picked senna, but if the impurities are not very abundant, the mere fact of the leaves being broken up, if they appear to be properly dried, does not militate against the perfect efficiency of the drug; indeed, it is as good as the other. Some varieties of East Indian senna, such as the Bombay, are of but low value, owing to being badly prepared; there is one kind, which is described by Dr. Royle, as "well grown and carefully picked; the leaflets of a fine, rather lively green colour; thin, but large, being from one to two inches in length, and lance-shaped." This kind is now highly esteemed, and is rapidly displacing the other sorts in many places. "It is mild in operation, certain as a purgative, and operates without griping." Senna, as a purgative, is safe, certain, and convenient, and deservedly holds a high place among domestic remedies. It is a pure aperient, does not depress or debilitate, and is admissible in most forms of disease, and at all times of life. Senna is often accused of griping, but this effect generally results from faulty preparation, or from the admixture of the argel leaf above alluded to. Senna is generally given infused; if time permits, the infusion may be made with cold water, which, in the course of a night, will fully extract the purgative principles of the leaf. When quicker preparation is necessary, the infusion may be made with hot water, like common tea, but should never be boiled; the higher the temperature employed in preparing the senna infusion, the more likely is it to gripe. Formerly, an idea prevailed, that the griping properties of senna depended on the presence of the leaf-stalks. It is erroneous. Additions, such as ginger, caraway, &c., are frequently made to senna to prevent griping, and saccharine matters are often added for the same purpose; the inconve nience is better rectified by attention in preparing, and no addition covers the slight nauseous taste of the drug so effectually, as |