Diseases > Domestic medicine

mucus, aphthae, pellicles, warts, &c. covering the
tongue: It may be depraved by a fault of the saliva,
which, being discharged into the mouth, gives the
same sensation as if the food which the person takes
had really a bad taste; orit may he entirely destroyed
by injuries done to the nerves of the tongue and palate
Few things prove more hurtful, either to the sense oi
tasting or smelling than obstinate colds, especially
those which affect the head.
When the taste is diminished by filth, mucus, &c.
the tongue ought to be scraped and frequently washed
with a mixture of water, vinegar and honey, or
some other detergent. When the saliva is vitiated,
which seldom happens unless in fevers or other
diseases, the curing of the disorder is the cure of
this symptom. To relieve it however in the mean
time, the following things may be of use; if there be
a bitter taste, it may be taken away by vomits,
purges, and other things which evacuate bile. What
is called a nidorous taste, arising from putrid humours,
is corrected by the juice of citrons, oranges, and other
acids. A salt taste is cured by plentiful dilution with
watery liquors. An acid taste is destroyed by absor¬
bents, and alkaline salts, as powder of oyster-shells,
salt of wormwood, &c.
When the sensibility of the nerves which supply the
organs of taste is diminished, the chewing of horse
radish, or other stimulating substances, will help to
recover it.
THE TOUCH.
The sense of touching may be hurt by any thing that
obstructs the nervous influence, or prevents its being
regularly conveyed to the organs of touching; as
pressure, extr 'me cold, &c. It may likewise be hurt
by too great a degree of sensibility, when the nerve