As this instrument is composed wholly of the best of Britannia, and not of part lead, like most of the instruments of the kind, it can be easily kept clean and bright as when new, by rubbing it smartly for a moment with a piece of soft flannel or wash-leather. The little trouble occasioned by this process will be amply repaid by the handsome appearance of the apparatus.
Take of cold or warm water about three quarters of a pint. These are the most simple injections for costiveness, and are generally very effective in their action. Cold water is highly recommended by Dr. Jackson, of Boston, in cases of habitual costiveness, and may be used daily for many years, without injury.
Take one half pint of strong soapsuds, made from the yellow bar; or common soft soap is often used, in two gills of warm water. This will be found very active, and is much used in bad cases of constipation, or to hasten the operation of cathartics taken by the mouth.
Take of common salt, molasses, and lard, one table spoonful each, to which add one pint of warm water. If this do not operate as effectually as may be desired, the effect may be increased by the addition of a table spoonful of olive oil, or infusion of senna.
Take of soft soap one table spoonful, of olive oil one half a pint, to which add a pint and a half of warm water. This is recommended by Dr. Jackson in cases of obstinate constipation.
To one pint of water gruel or thin starch add a table spoonful of castor oil, or the same quantity of common lard, and a table spoonful of salt. This is an excellent cathartic.
Take of powdered senna two scruples, of soft soap one ounce, to which add a pint of boiling water. This is a very efficient cathartic enema in obstinate constipation, arising from colic, or other more inflammatory conditions of the bowels.
To one pint of warm water add one ounce of castor oil and half an ounce of salt of tartar. Or take of Epsom salts one ounce, of senna leaves half an ounce, to which add one pint of boiling water. Pour the boiling water upon the senna and let it stand for a quarter of an hour; then strain and add the Epsom salts.
Either of these will be found to be very effectual in their operation.
Take of molasses and water one pint, to which add one ounce of common lard. This has been found very effectual in cases of dysentery.