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Some Kitchen Kinks: Tincture

Tincture of Peppermint is splendid for relieving colic, bowel troubles, and is a remedy for vomiting. The dose is 10 to 20 drops on sugar.

Tincture of Ginger is also good for similar conditions, and the dose is 10 to 40 drops in sweetened water.

Aromatic Spirits of Ammonia is an indispensable remedy to have about. It is a strong stimulant as an inhalant and can also be administered internally, the dose being 10 to 30 drops in sweetened water. It is efficient in restoring people in a fainting condition by letting them use it as a smelling bottle.

Ammonia Water is quite a different remedy, and is not for internal use. It is good for insect bites of any kind.

Tincture of Arnica is used for bruises, wounds, and cuts. Cloths wet with it and applied to bruises are valuable helps.

Witch-hazel likewise is helpful as HEALTH HINTS-WHAT TO DO IN EMERGENCY 1119 a lotion for sprains, wounds, and smallest possible space and make my contusions.

Spirits of Camphor is also valuable for smelling purposes and for inflammations. The internal dose is 1 to 20 drops on sugar. It is good to overcome gas in the bowels.

Bicarbonate of Soda, namely baking soda-not washing soda-is a good powder for burns and is an antidote for acid poisoning of any kind.

Vaseline is a salve which can be put to many uses in treating burns, wounds, chafing, and scalds.

Antiseptic Solution.-In addition to the above it is very important to have a good antiseptic wash with which to cleanse wounds of all kinds.

Carbolic Acid Solution is good in the strength of 1 part of carbolic acid to 25 of water.

Corrosive Sublimate is good, but there is more danger from poison, as it contains mercury. Tablets can be secured from druggists which can be used in a pint or quart of water, according to the strength. There are a number of popular prepared antiseptic solutions, such as listerine, which are very convenient to have in the house for ready use.

In addition to the above, a few roll bandages of various sizes should be secured as well as adhesive plaster and a good-sized package of sterilized absorbent cotton. In a camp, or in places where accidents occur frequently, this should be supplemented by some splints of pliable wood.

Good, complete first-aid outfits, containing most of the above, can be secured from such firms as Johnson & Johnson, of New Brunswick, N. J., or from the National First Aid to the Injured Society of Boston, or the New York First Aid Society of New York City.

POISONS AND THEIR ANTIDOTES In treating this important subject, much could be said, but as it might prove confusing, I shall try and condense the information in the suggestions very simple and clear.

In cases of poisoning, one must act quickly and keep cool. If the person affected is unconscious, an empty bottle or burns upon the mouth may reveal the cause of poisoning. There are several things to be done in the treatment of poisoning: (1) Eliminate the poison from the stomach; (2) neutralize the poison by giving an antidote; (3) treat the general symptoms produced by the poisoning. Get these three things clear in the mind in acting.

The material is eliminated by being vomited. Vomiting can be induced in the following ways: use mustard and warm water, beginning with a glassful and repeating if necessary.

If ipecac is in the house-and it is a good thing to have it about-give about a teaspoonful of sirup of ipecac to a child or a tablespoonful to a grown person every few minutes until vomiting is induced. Tickling the throat by inserting the forefinger in it usually brings quick results. In irritating poisons, like carbolic or mercury, it is wise not to produce vomiting, owing to the lacerated condition of the walls of the stomach. In most instances, however, it is wise to induce vomiting. Frequently the poison itself produces it.

Antidotes.-In nearly all cases of poisoning, olive oil, if available, can be given in large doses, namely, a pint or more, as it neutralizes most poisons except phosphorus. This can be followed by the whites of two eggs. When in doubt, use the oil followed by the eggs. In giving antidotes, two general principles should be observed: namely, that acids tend to neutralize alkalies and alkalies neutralize acids. For poisoning from acids, such as muriatic, oxalic, acetic, sulphuric (oil of vitriol), nitric, or tartaric, use soapsuds, magnesia, limewater, whiting, plaster scraped from the wall, milk, oil, and baking soda. Also by vomiting. In feeding the patient, do so by the rectum, as the stomach will be sore.

For poisoning from alkalies, such as ammonia, potash, or soda, use acids as an antidote, such as vinegar, lemon juice, and orange juice, followed by large doses of olive oil, castor oil, and emetics. Another group of poisons are the narcotics. In this class are chloroform, chloral, ether, and the opium preparations, such as opium, morphine, laudanum, paregoric, and soothing sirups. Provide plenty of fresh air, induce artificial breathing, apply ammonia to nostrils, give cathartics and stimulants, such as coffee, brandy, and strychnine. Compel the patient to move about. If unconscious, keep head low. The following poisons are mentioned specifically with their treatment: Carbolic Acid and Creosote.-Use powdered chalk, Epsom salts, white of egg, milk, glycerin, and oil. Empty the stomach.