The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1901-03-24
BILIOUSNESS.
An Old Practitioners Notes on Its
Causes and Treatment.

Among the ancients biliousness was
doubtless just as prevalent as to-day, If not
more so, and the bile formed a very impor-
tant factor in the crude, early ideas of the
causation of disease. They gave one form
of its evil results upon the system the
name of melancholia, a compound Greek
word meaning black bile, a word that has
survived in modern times, but now applied
to another form of disease not necessarily
connected with bile.
Bile in itself is not poisonous to the sys-
tenn, but any change In its normal produc-
ton or elimination leads to uncomfortable
results. For example, If too much food,
especially of a very fatty, oily or sweet
nature, be eaten, or the person does not
ex ercise sufficiently to keep the respiratory
and circulatory system in normal condition;
or the external atmosphere is temporarily
or permanently rarefed by heat, so that
there is insufficient oxygen for supplying
the vital need; or the perspiratory func-
ions Of the skin are interfered with, the
person becomes languid. sleepy and giddy,
there is headache, the appetite is poor, the
tongue is coated. the mouth tastes foul.
and there is a general feeling of low-spirit-
edness, which continues until the system
is relieved by the removal of the cause,
either by vomiting or purging of the bile.
A knowledge of the cause suggests the
prevention and cure. Bile is separated from
the dark or venous (vitiated) blood by the
liver, which p~urifes the blood, removing
from it q large amount of carbon. The bile
is then discharged into the intestines, where
among other properties 1t has the power
of aiding in the digestion or absorption of
fat, and stimulates the functions of the
intestines. 1t is then reabsorbed into the
body, at least in part, and probably sup
| Forts the process of vital combustion (res-
| piration.) If health is to be maintained
it is evident that the secretion and action
OF bile. the assimilation of food and the
process of respiration, must be, in a certain
ratio. properly balanced, that the blood
may be freed from actually poisonous prin-
ciples. Any disturbance of this balance
or any other interference with the action
OF the bile leads to the accumulation of an
excess of carbon in the blood too great for
proper oxidation, and a bilious attack re-
suits.
To prevent such an attack is not so much
a question of medicine as regimen. Fatty
| substances, even butter in some cases, must
be entirely avoided, or used in very small
| quantities. Animal food should be used in
moderation. and never at night. Mucn
sugar. strong tea or coffee. chocolate, malt
liquors and heavy wines. such as port or
sweet wines. are all injurious. The proper
diet should comprise plain meat. bread,
well-boiled vegetables, farinaceous food,
fruits. ripe or cooked, and, if stimulants
are required. a little sherry or gin and
water.
Regular exercise in the open air is of the
| utmost Importance, and the skin should be
kept clean and active. If the bowels are not
| performing their functions properly a
| cathartic should be taken. such as a calo-
mel and rhubarb pill. containing calomel,
one-third grain; extract of c~olocynth COM
| pound. one-half grain; extract of rhubarb.
one-half grain, and extract of hyoscya-
mus. one-sixth grain. This may be re-
| peated at intervals of several hours until
| a mild movement Of the bowels is obtained.
and followed by castor oil 10 thoroughly
evacuate the bowels as well as wash out
all traces OF mercury. If blue mass is pre-
] ferred al q small dose, say q one-grain