The National tribune., 1891-11-19

more than ever before. I trust the Enclosure
will be available, and afford relief TO some Of
the afflicted comrades. ii. DYE NJ. d.
Buffalo, ~ Y.
RHEUMATIsM.
Having had occasion to study and treat rheu-
matism quite extensively, / take the liberty 10
give my views in the matter
IL is veritahly a soldiers complaint, although
il is often COMPOUNDED with the pains Of loco
motor ataXia, and as member Of a Pension EK-
aiming Board, | find soldiers often claim 20
have rheumatism when in reality the pain
they endure is due TO something else.
In lOCOmOt0r ataNia the pain is irregular F;
shooting, dartiug and not accompanied by
swelling or inflammation. Both diseases may
result from exposure, and may develop some
considerable time after the exposure.
The rheumatism Of old soldiers is generally
very obstinate, whether Of the muscles orjoints,
especially il chronic. Disease Of the heart is a
very frequent result. Ii is not necessary, how
ever, that the rheumatism be severe 20 cause the
disease OF the heart. ] have frequently found
this result in making examinations when the
soldier himself had not suspected IT,
When the Joints have been sti1cned and de-
formed by tho deposition Of Chaiky matter in
them, il is useless TO expect 20 restore them 10
a natural condition. Ii they are inhamed and
painful relief can be afforded, and for this pur-
wintergTeen aud sassairas is efficient. So also
is luiment Of an ounce each Of oil Of bemlock,
tnctuTe Of camphOr, opium and cayenne,
rubbed well into the joints and muscles al
lectcd.
il would be next 10 impossible to find a pre-
scripton that would cure al cases. for the
simple reason that all cases arc not alike. BY
studying each case on its own merits and
adapting my remedies 10 the indications pre-
sentod, j have been able 10 cure, or materially
benefit. nearly all cases have undertaken.
Dcrangement Of the kidneys is a frequent
accompau iment Of rheumatic affections, though
the primary trouble is often found in the inn
pairment of the functions Of digestion aud as
sanitation.
As a rule, the urine Of rheumatic patients is
high colored and on standing deposits a
brck-dust sediment; or II there is much fever
aud inflammation present there may be pro-
fuse pinkish-white, bran-Ikc sediment, which
dissolyos If the urine be again heated. These
deposits may exist aud the patient escape
rheumatism. They indicate an excess Of acid
IN the blood. which the kidneys are trying TO
carry Oh, and IN doing so sometimes cause in-
fammati0n Of themselves and the bladder.
Tho primary source Of this acdity is a de-
rangcmeHt OF the process Of digestion and
assimilation, aud as IL Is apt TO be increased by
the use OF lean meats whites Of eggs, and beer,
j frequently interdict their use as one step in
the cure Of the rheumatism. This objection
docs not apply TO fat meats
Soldiers often arc subject 10 ono or more at
tacks Of sub-acute OF acute rheumatism each
year, when they may be confined 10 bed. Tho
acute attack may be brought under control
usually by three 10 fvegrain pills OF saiol every
three OF four hours, altcnated with acetate Of
potash, two drains; tiBcture c0lchicum seed,
one dram; tiucture aCouitc 20 drops; tincture
Of bryOHia, 20 drops; essence Wintergreen, two
drams sweet spirit inter 90 make two ounces.
Dose, teaspooniul every three or four hours,
IN water.
After this attack Is over the soldier will be
comparatively well, although the joints may be
left sore, swollen and tender. or tho muscle,
sore and lame, making locomolion more OF less
difficult
advise sucl cases 30 wear wooden clothing
the year round, and once or twice a week, on
I going 30 bed, take a warm BATH made alkaline
/ by little common soda. This helps 10 carry
\ Of the aCidity and protect tue heart and kid.
neys.
Care must be taken against catching cold, and
especially must wet feet be avoided.
As a general remedy, adapted 70 most cases
/ Of sub-acutc and chronic forms OF rheumatism
4 the following will answer well:
Nitrate Of potash, two drains; fluid eXtrac
manaCa, i've drains tiuCture cOlchicum seed
/ Two ulaulh1 essence OF h4hLcfRrccn, TWO drains
simple elixir to make four ounces. Dose, q tea
spoonful three OF four times a day, Ia water
III the heart Is affected, ono or two drains o
tincture Of digitalis can he added 20 the abov,
/ with advanta III the patient Ia pale anc
angmic, 20 drops Of the muriated tiucture 0
iron IN a wiuCRlass Of water three times day
will materially aid. Or IL lac is thin aud weak
a tablespoonful Of cod-liVer oil or tcaspoonfu
Of compound strip Of The hypophosphites ma!
be taken In place Of the iron.
in chronic rheumatism any treatment, 10 b
chectua must be pcrsCycred with Tor some con
siderable time.
When the pain and soreness Is confined 3
the muscles Of the back llumbago) 10 drops O
q specific tincture or three Of a good fuid ex
tract OF gesemium once ia four hours in water
wi. generally give quick and permanent nc
suits il must be used cautiously, however
aud the dose must not be increased unless un
der the direction Of physician. Ia those case
whore pain Is relieved by moving about, one
drop doses Of tinciurc Of rhus t0xidendron, 4
water, every two 10 four hours, will give relic
In nearly all cases, il the bowels requr
opening, the following will work well Epson
salts q desscrtsp00Hiul and the Juice OF on
lemon dissolved in glass Of water, and II
peat every morning.
have found the mauaca very beneficial i
chronic rheumatism. Change Of climate
often exceedingly beneficial.
III those who arc afflicted will apply IN
methods ] have hastily and impcrfcctly on
lined believe they wIll get tho benefit the
require though ln complicated cases ] somu
times find IL necessary 10 make use Of 9th,
remedies as well.