Diseases > Domestic medicine

DOMESTIC MEDICINE. 439
be used with advantage; but riding, and a proper
diet, are most to be depended on,
When they arise from a foulness of the stomach
and intestines, or of obstruction in the hypochon¬
driac viscera, aloetic purges will be proper. I have
sometimes known the Harrowgate sulphur-water of
service in this case.
When low spirits proceed from a suppression of the
menstrual or of the haemorrhoidal flux, these evacu¬
ations may either be restored, or some others sub¬
stituted in their places, as issues, setons, or the like.
Dr. Whytt observes, that nothing has such sudden
good effects in this case as bleeding.
When low spirits have been brought on by long
continued grief, anxiety, or other distress of mind,
agreeable company, variety of amusements, and
change of place, especially travelling into foreign
countries, will afford the most certain relief.
Persons afflicted with low spirits should avoid all
kinds of excess, especially of venery and strong
liquors. The moderate use of wine and other strong
liquors is by no means hurtful; but when taken to
excess they weaken the stomach, vitiate the humours,
and depress the spirits. This caution is the more
necessary, as the unfortunate and melancholy often
fly to strong liquors for relief, by which means they
never fail to precipitate their own destruction.
HYSTERIC AFFECTIONS.
These likewise belong to the numerous tribe of
nervous diseases, which may be justly reckoned the
reproach of medicine. Women of a delicate habit,
whose stomach and intestines are relaxed, and whose
nervous system is extremely sensible, are most sub¬
ject to hysteric complaints. In such persons a
hysteric fit, as it is called, may be brought on by an