the medical guide.
Observations.——If from repelled eruptions a hot bath in which mustard has been sprinkled; if face be flushed, with strong pulse, apply leeches to the temples and small blisters behind the ears.
CORNS.
Causes.——Repeated and long-continued pressure from tight or high-heeled shoes.
Symptoms.——Horn-like hardness of the skin, causing pain when pressed upon.
Treatment.——The certain cure is broad-soled soft shoes; also eight or twelve plies of linen smeared with oil, having an aperture cut in the middle exactly adapted to the size of the corn, laid over each other, so as that the corn be in the opening in such a manner that it cannot be pressed upon by the shoes or stockings.
Observations.——Considerable relief, and sometimes a permament cure, is made, by merely cutting a thin piece off the top of the corn, and allowing the melted tallow from a lighted candle to fall upon it. Too much care cannot be taken in cutting corns, as when the skin is cut or injured till the blood comes, fungus granulations rise, and are difficult to heal, and may even end in mortification, &c. If the corn be at the sole of the foot, put a felt sole in the shoe wherein a hole has been cut corresponding with the size and figure of the corn.
COSTIVENESS.
Causes.——Irregularity in going to stool, too much dry food, copious sweatings, &c.
Treatment.——Castor oil, from half an ounce to an ounce, repeated as often as necessary; a blue mercurial pill occasionally.
Observations.——Soft food, such as porridge and butter-milk or treacle to supper; chew a small bit of rough rhubarb at bed-time, &c; regularity in going to stool as near as possible at the same hour.
