Diseases > Domestic medicine

DOMESTIC MEDICINE. SH
>ery evacuation, as the deeding piles, the menses, &c.
from the weakness of the stomach, the colic, the iliac
passion, a rupture, a fit of the gravel, worms, or
from any kind of poison taken into the stomach. It
is an usual symptom of injury done to the brain; as
contusions, compressions, &c. It is likewise a
symptom of wounds or inflammations of the dia¬
phragm, intestines, spleen, liver, kidneys, &c.
Vomiting may be occasioned by unusual motions ;
as sailing, being drawn backwards in a cart or coach,
&c. It may likewise be excited by violent passions,
or by the idea of nauseous or disagreeable objects,
especially of such things as have formerly produced
vomiting. Sometimes it proceeds from a regurgita¬
tion of the bile into the stomach : in this case, what
the patient vomits is generally of a yellow or greenish
colour, and has a bitter taste. Persons who are
subject to nervous affections are often suddenly
seized with violent fits of vomiting. Lastly, vomiting
is a common symptom of pregnancy. In this case it
generally comes on about two weeks after the stoppage
of the menses, and continues during the first three or
four months.
When vomiting proceeds from a foul stomach or
indigestion, it is not to be considered as a disease,
but as the cure of a disease. It ought therefore to be
promoted by drinking lukewarm water, or thin gruel.
If this does not put a stop to the vomiting, a dose of
ipecacuanaha may be taken, and worked off with
weak camomile tea.
When the retrocession of the gout, or the obstruc¬
tion of customary evacuations, occasion vomiting, all
means must be used to restore these discharges ; or,
if that cannot be effected, their place must be
supplied by others, as bleeding, purging, bathing the
extremities in warm water, opening issues, setons,
perpetual blisters.