Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1903-03-05
The Domestic Medicine Chest.

Prompt action is often the secret of
success in emergencies and accidents.
The cry of child in pain and the sight
of blood will usually so terrify it's
mother that her wits. forsake her, and
a call for the nearest doctor, even in
simple cases, is the only apparent
course: while with tried remedies at
hand. SO much valuable time is saved,
and the little patient relieved before
the doctor arrives. if indeed, it is
found necessary to summon him.
Surgical cleanliness is the first requi-
site, and a good supply of tightly
sealed antiseptics will be found inval-
liable. For cuts, a speedy bath, with
carbolic acid in, the water. to wash out
and sterilize the wound against foreign
particles, should be followed by a care
full staunching with absorbent cotton,
and then bound up, not too tightly,
with winding of antiseptic gauze,
will be found the most efficacious, and
will guard again feIerishness and the
formation of pus. Most women rush
for some favorite salve,. which presum-
ably acts for all cases.
While it is true that many ointments
contain antiseptics and prevent the
dangers arising from the laying bare
of the muscles and blood vessels to
foreign particles, a, simple antiseptic
course will usually make cleaner
healing, and nature will act better
without the assistance of oils. A bot
tie of antiseptic gauze should be kept
in every home. Open, it only enough to
cut off piece large enough for your
immediate use, then tightly cork again.
1t will cost about 40 cents. and last in
definitely. Boracic acid-fierce in name,
but the mildest of all antisepties-is an
Invaluable home remedy, serving in
manifold ways, from baby's first mouth
wash to dust for the most critical
of surgical operations.
Flowers of sulphur thrown far back
into the throat will check a bad sore
throat. while sprays and douches of
tepid water with the merest drops Of
carbolic acid. will go far to prevent in
fictitious diseases of the head and
throat. A box of absorbent cotton is
far better than all the old linen which
old-fashioned housewives have in mind
for accidents because the cotton is
kept in the medicine chest, and no one
knows where the old lint is to be
found. A paper of safety pins does not
come amiss in a collection for the home
physician, as these are fugitive con-
veniences. in spite of so frequently pur-
chasing them. Old lint and linen are
good assistants, but it will not be much
trouble to get yard of good, strong
unbleached muslin and tear off a few
strips about two inches wide, roll up
into tight, smooth rolls and secure with
two pins. SO that they are perfectly
stretched. There may be a time when
the need of strong bandage will be
of pressing Importance.
Everyone has vaseline about the
house. but how many are careful to
keep it closed against the particles
floating in the atmosphere? Essence of
peppermint, Jamaica ginger, spirits of
camphor. alcohol, French brandy, aro-
matte spirits of ammonia and arnica
need no recommendation for their va
riOuS uses. The idea is to have them
always on hand. Quinine pills, BELLA
donna plasters, mustard leaves ready
to apply, Rochelle salts and faxseed
are too well known not to be always
ready. 1t will cost but little to add a
medicine dropper, a measuring glass,
small tweeZers for glass and splinters,
a hot water bag and various simple
and inexpensive articles which are
found of such great assistance in ILL
ness and in case of accident. i