Cooley's Cyclopaedia of Practical Receipts Volume I Part 3

_P. ae._, _part. aequal._, _partes aequales_, equal parts.

_P. d._, _per deliquium_, by deliquescence.

_Past._, _pastillus_, a pastil, or ball of paste.

_P._, _pondere_, by weight.

_Ph. D._, _Pharmacopia Dubliniensis_.

_Ph. E._, _Pharmacopia Edinensis_.

_Ph. L._, _Pharmacopia Londinensis_.

_Ph. U. S._, _Pharmacopia of the United States_.

_Part. vic._, _part.i.tis vicibus_, in divided doses.

_Per. op. emet._, _peracta operatione emetici_, the operation of the emetic being over.

_Pocul._, _poculum_, a cup.

_Pocill._, _pocillum_, a small cup.

_Post sing. sed. liq._, _post singulas sedes liquidas_, after every loose stool.

_Ppt._, _praeparata_, prepared.

_P. r. n._, _pro re nata_, occasionally.

_P. rat. aetat._, _pro ratione aetatis_, according to the age.

_Pug._, _pugillus_, a pinch, a gripe between the thumb and the two first fingers.

_Pulv._, _pulvis_, _pulverizatus_, a powder, pulverised.

_Q. l._, _quantum lubet_, } as much as you _Q. p._, _quantum placet_,} please.

_Q. s._, _quantum sufficiat_, as much as may suffice.

_Quor._, _quorum_, of which.

_Q. V._, _quantum vis_, as much as you will.

_Red. in pulv._, _redactus in pulverem_, reduced to powder.

_Redig. in pulv._, _redigatur in pulverem_, let it be reduced into powder.

_Reg. umbil._, _regio umbilici_, the umbilical region.

_Repet._, _repetatur_, or _repetantur_, let it, or them, be repeated.

_S. A._, _secundum artem_, according to art.

_Scat._, _scatula_, a box.

_S. N._, _secundum naturam_, according to nature.

_Semidr._, _semidrachma_, half a drachm.

_Semih._, _semihora_, half an hour.

_Sesunc._, _sesuncia_, half an ounce.

_Sesquih._, _sesquihora_, an hour and a half.

_Si n. val._, _si non valeat_, if it does not answer.

_Si op. sit_, _si opus sit_, if it be necessary.

_Si vir. perm._, _si vires permittant_, if the strength allow it.

_Signat._, _signatura_, a label.

_Sign. n. pr._, _signetur nomine proprio_, let it be written upon, let it be signed with the proper name (not the trade name).

_Sing._, _singulorum_, of each.

_S. S. S._, _stratum super stratum_, layer upon layer.

_Ss._, _semi_, a half.

_St._, _stet_, let it stand; _stent_, let them stand.

_Sub fin. coct._, _sub finem coctionis_, towards the end of boiling, when the boiling is nearly finished.

_Sum. tal._, _sumat talem_, let the patient take one such as this.

_Summ._, _summitates_, the summits or tops.

_Sum._, _sume_, _sumat_, _sumatur_, _sumantur_, take, let him or her take, let it be taken, let them be taken.

_S. V._, _spiritus vini_, spirit of wine.

_S. V. R._, _spiritus vini rectificatus_, rectified spirit of wine.

_S. V. T._, _spiritus vini tenuis_, proof spirit.

_Tabel._, _tabella_, a lozenge.

_Temp. dext._, _tempori dextro_, to the right temple.

_T. O._, _tinctura opii_, tincture of opium.

_T. O. C._, _tinctura opii camphorata_, camphorated tincture of opium.

_Tra._, _tinctura_, tincture.

_Ult. praescr._, _ultimo praescriptus_, last prescribed.

_U. S. Ph._, United States' Pharmacopia.

_V. O. S._, _vitello ovi solutus_, dissolved in the yolk of an egg.

_Vom. urg._, _vomitione urgente_, the vomiting being troublesome.

_V. S. B._, _venaesectio brachii_, bleeding from the arm.

_Zz._, _zingiber_, ginger.

See FORMULA, PRESCRIPTIONS, SYMBOLS, &c.

=ABDO'MEN.= [Eng., Fr., L.] In _anatomy_, the belly, or lower belly; the great cavity of the body extending from the thorax, or chest, to the bottom of the pelvis. It contains the stomach, intestines, liver, spleen, kidneys, bladder, &c.; and in the female, the uterus, ovaria. &c.

=AB'ERNE'THY MEDICINES.= These originally consisted of a calomel pill, and subsequently of a mercurial or 'blue' pill, to be taken over-night, followed by an aromatised black draught in the morning. The quant.i.ty of either of the former, for an adult, was about 3 gr. to 3-1/2 gr., increased a little in bulk by the addition of some liquorice powder; that of the latter, from 1 to 1-1/2 fl. oz. As, however, when frequently taken, these pills sometimes occasioned salivation, which proved prejudicial to their sale, a little compound extract of colocynth (_Ph. L._, 1836) was introduced into their composition, by which this objection was obviated.

Ultimately, their composition was settled at 3 gr. of mercurial pill, and 2 gr. of compound extract of colocynth; and these proportions are still followed as the best by those who prepare and sell them. Persons who object to black draught, will find a dose of castor oil, or of any other mild purgative medicine that may be more agreeable to them, equally efficacious.

The occasional use of these medicines seldom fails to prove highly beneficial to the plethoric, bilious, and dyspeptic. In ordinary cases of constipation, headache, &c., arising from deranged stomach or liver, wherein the administration of mercurials is not contra-indicated, they will be found of great service. It need scarcely be added that these medicines are named after Mr Abernethy, the celebrated surgeon, who is said to have frequently employed them in his practice.

=ABERRA'TION.= [Eng., Fr.] _Syn._ ABERRA'TIO, L. A wandering or deviation from the usual course, or from the normal condition. In _optics_, the deviation of the rays of light from the true focus, when inflected by a lens or speculum. This arises from a difference in the physical nature of the rays, from the figure of the lenses or specula, or from the nature of the materials of which the media traversed are composed. See ACHROMATISM, LENS, &c.

=Aberration of mind.= Mental alienation or wandering; insanity. A term frequently applied, in familiar language, to a mild form of incipient insanity or dementia, which is more or less occasional or continued, trifling or severe, according to circ.u.mstances. The studious, nervous, slothful, and those who are engaged in sedentary occupations and spend much of their time in ill-ventilated apartments, or who indulge in irregular or vicious habits, as well as 'fast livers,' are the most liable to this affection. It also frequently arises from disordered physical health.

_Treat., &c._ Change of scene, out-door exercise, agreeable company, pleasing and continued mental occupation, and due attention to diet, clothing, ventilation, &c., with the judicious use of some mild aperient medicine and tepid bathing, will generally alleviate, and frequently effect a cure. For the prevention of its accession, or its recurrence, care should be taken to promote the general health, and also, where necessary, to elevate the spirits and to divert the mind.

=ABLU'TION.= [Eng., Fr.] _Syn._ ABLU'TIO, L. In a _general sense_, was.h.i.+ng, cleansing, or purification by water.

=Ablution.= In _hygiene_ and the _toilet_, a was.h.i.+ng of the whole body, or any part of it. The value of frequent and copious affusions of pure water to the surface of the body is well known. During life, the skin is continually subjected to abrasion, and the processes of reproduction and decay, by which the cuticle, its exterior portion, is being constantly thrown off as effete and useless matter, in the shape of very minute scales or dust. This, mingling with the oily and saline products of the skin, acquires sufficient adhesiveness to attach itself to the surface of the body and clothing, as well as to attract the waste particles of the dress, and the dust and soot floating in the atmosphere. In this way, if occasional ablutions be not had recourse to, the channels of perspiration will become choked, and the clothing itself rendered unwholesome and unfit for use. The consequence of the pores of the skin being obstructed is impeded transpiration, by which its functions, as a respiratory organ, are interfered with or suspended. This adhering pellicle of refuse matter also acts as an irritant, and forms a favorable medium for the absorption, and the transmission into the body, of effluvia, miasmata, poisonous gases, and the infectious and contagious matters of disease. "The greater part of (contagious) poisons are conveyed to us through the external surface of our bodies; and it is fully proved that poison, already communicated, has been by cleanliness removed, before it could actually produce any bad effects. I here allude, in particular, to frequent was.h.i.+ng, bathing, rinsing the mouth, combing and brus.h.i.+ng the hair, and often changing the linen, clothing, and bedding." (Hufeland.) Such are the immediate effects of neglected ablution of the skin; the further consequences are of an equally serious character. The blood being deprived of one of its sources of oxygen, and one of the outlets for its carbon, the functions of nutrition become imperfect, and the animal temperature lessened. The matters which would be thrown out of the system in the form of perspiration are retained, and must be eliminated by other channels. The lungs, the kidneys, the liver, and the bowels, are each, in their turn, overtasked to perform the functions of another organ. The oppressed viscera suffer from exhaustion, and incipient disease soon follows. Their particular offices are languidly performed, the equilibrium of health is disturbed, and skin diseases, or consumption, diarrha, dropsy, liver-complaints, visceral obesity, or some other serious diseases of the vital organs, ensue. When it is added, that no dirty or imperfectly washed skin can long continue healthy, and ceasing to be healthy must also cease to be agreeable and beautiful, the argument in favour of the daily use of water of good quality to the whole surface of the body, when possible, will surely be complete. The inculcation of habits of personal cleanliness cannot be too forcibly emphasized. The fact, however, cannot be overlooked, that in order to introduce habits of cleanliness amongst the poorer cla.s.ses, a plentiful supply of water, combined with cheap baths, are requisite. Every officer of health should inquire into the amount as well as the character of the water supply in the district over which he has supervision. The body should be washed all over every morning with either cold or lukewarm water and soap. This custom is more necessary for workmen employed in laborious and dirty occupations than for those who live sedentary lives; but all people perspire, and from every drop of perspiration the water evaporates, and leaves a fraction of solid matter on and around the pores that excrete the perspiration. If this solid matter be not washed off, it acc.u.mulates and may derange the health.

Instances have occurred in which persons suffering from extensive bodily burns have died, not from the effect of the injury, but from the destruction of the pores or excreting vessels, with which the skin is covered. It is well, therefore, to bear in mind that a dirty skin does not always come from without, but also from within. Cold ablution, that has been so indiscriminately recommended, is not half so efficacious, nor so safe, as lukewarm. The German aurists ascribe the presence of the large amount of deafness in England to our habit of was.h.i.+ng the head and ears each morning with cold water.

=Ablution.= In _medicine_, the was.h.i.+ng the body, externally, as by bathing; or internally, by diluting drinks. In ancient medicine, according to Galen, internal ablution was accomplished by the use of profuse libations of milk-whey; an object now aimed at, by the hydropathists, by the copious administration of pure cold water. To neglect the daily ablution of an infant is to discard one of the greatest aids to its healthy development and physical wellbeing. That disregard of this precaution is a fertile source of most of the skin diseases that affect infants and children there seems little question about amongst medical men. Water at a temperature ranging from 80 to 90 F. should always be used. Mr Cheva.s.se, in his 'Counsel to a Mother,' is emphatic in his advocacy of rain water. He also advises the employment of Castile soap, and of glycerine soap, should there be any excoriation of the skin. Of course the same remarks apply to children as to infants, with this difference, that the ablution is to be performed with water a few degrees colder; and both infants and children should be rubbed dry with a dry soft towel. There are doubtless many persons who deem themselves cleanly washed, if in addition to their hands and arms, neck and face, undergoing duly daily ablution, they wash their feet once a week. These individuals cannot reflect that, because of their less exposure to the depurating influence of the atmosphere, the feet require to be more frequently washed than either the hands or face. See BATHING, BATHS, HYDROPATHY, &c.

=ABNORM'AL.= [Eng., Fr.] _Syn._ ABNOR'MIS, L. In _medicine_ and the _collateral sciences_, contrary to, or without system or rule; irregular; deformed; unnatural. In a diseased or unhealthy state.

=ABORTION IN COWS.= Abortion is the expulsion of the contents of the pregnant womb before the full period of gestation is complete, and occurs much more frequently in cows than in any other of the lower animals.

Abortion is often induced by shocks and injuries, feeding on ergotised gra.s.ses, but more commonly by causes which are less obvious. Thus, bad smells, pasturing on flooded meadows, rich and stimulating food, and even a.s.sociation with other cows while aborting, are among the exciting causes of this malady. The premonitory signs are an irritable excited state of the animal, a discharge from the v.a.g.i.n.a, looseness and fulness of the external organs of generation, and, occasionally, sudden enlargement of the udder. These symptoms may continue for several days, and, if noticed before straining or other signs of calving have appeared, the animal should be copiously bled and placed in a comfortable loose-box, kept as quiet as possible, moderately supplied with soft laxative food, and, if the bowels be costive, with a pound or two of treacle daily. Powerful purgatives are too irritant, and must, therefore, be studiously avoided.

Two ounces of laudanum, with the same quant.i.ty of sweet spirits of nitre, should be given twice a day until all danger is over. To prevent the continuance and spread of the evil, place the cow by herself as soon as she aborts; remove and bury the ftus beyond the reach of other cows; feed off the cow, if practicable, but if she be again bulled, it ought not to be for several weeks, and until the period of heat is pa.s.sing off; remove all disagreeable smells, and see that the remainder of the herd are moderately fed and carefully watched, so that the earliest symptoms of abortion may be noticed.

=ABRA'SION.= [Eng., Fr.] _Syn._ ABRA'SIO, L. The rubbing or wearing down of surfaces by friction. In the _arts_, the reduction or figuration of materials by the use of an abrasive tool, or grinder, of which the effective portion is an exact counterpart of the form to be produced.

=Abrasion.= In _numismatics_, the 'wear and tear,' or waste of the substance of coins, in the pocket and circulation. It forms a large item in the expense of a metallic currency. The means employed to obviate, or to reduce it, consist in either alloying the metal to render it tougher and harder, or raising the borders so as to lessen the surface exposed to friction. In well-formed coin both methods are adopted.

=Abrasion.= In _pathology_ and _surgery_--1. A superficial removal or injury of the skin by fretting or friction.

_Treat., &c._ When the injured surface is large, or exposed, it should be protected from dirt and further injury, by applying a piece of lint or soft linen rag, covered with spermaceti cerate, or some other simple ointment; over which a piece of strapping, or bandage of any sort, may be placed to keep it on. In many cases, a piece of common sticking-plaster will be found quite sufficient.

2. A very superficial ulceration or excoriation of the intestinal or other mucous membrane. _Treat_. Aperients of castor oil, demulcents, and a light nutritious diet. See EXCORIATIONS.

=ABRUS PRECATORIUS.= (Ind. Ph.) Indian Liquorice Plant. _Habitat._ Tropical portions of both hemispheres, _Officinal part._ The root (_Abri Radix_, _Indian Liquorice_). Occurs in pieces of various lengths, from 1/2 to 1 inch in diameter; pale brown externally, yellowish internally; inodorous, taste sweetish and mucilaginous, much resembling officinal liquorice root. _Properties and uses._ Similar to those of liquorice, for which it forms an excellent subst.i.tute. _Preparation._ EXTRACT OF ABRUS (_Extractum Abri_). Prepared as Extractum Glycyrrhizae.