Burns and Scalds

1895

A remedy for scalds and burns that one woman has used successfully for years is compounded as follows:

Mix thoroughly equal parts of raw linseed oil, limewater and laudanum. Keep this mixture tightly corked, label it "poison" and set it on the top shelf of the most out of the way closet, so that inquisitive children will not get hold of it. It makes an excellent dressing, affording speedy relief from pain. Keep a soft linen cloth saturated with the mixture closely over the burn, excluding the air. Shake before using. — Washington Star.

Bruises

1916

A bruise, or contusion, is caused by a blow or by strong compression of the soft tissues. It is an actual wound of the subcutaneous tissues, and is less serious than an open wound only because the unbroken skin usually prevents it from being infected. That does not mean that pus never forms in a bruise, for the blood can carry infection, and if germs lodge in the lacerated tissues they will cause inflammation.

The first result of a severe bruise is pain; next comes swelling and discoloration. That is owing to the escape of blood from the torn vessels, and it is usually more marked where the tissues are loose; that is why a "black eye" often follows a blow that would leave no mark on the chest or back.

The pain of a bruise is best relieved by sponging with very hot water or hot fomentations; sometimes an electric-light bulb will give enough warmth to relieve moderate pain. The hemorrhage, which is the cause of the swelling and discoloration, can be reduced by applying pressure at once over the injured part. Fold a handkerchief or napkin so as to make a smooth pad and keep it firmly in place by a bandage or by a towel tightly pinned. When you cannot make a pad work well, hot water may arrest the bleeding and prevent discoloration.

Ice-cold applications have the same effect, and they are better than hot ones for a black eye. It is a good plan also to compress a bruise under the eye by a mass of cotton or soft cloths — or by the traditional raw beefsteak.

If the pain of a bruise persists and there are signs of beginning inflammation, apply cooling lotions, such as lead and opium wash, salt and diluted vinegar, equal parts of alcohol and water or extract of witch-hazel. Arnica is often used, but it is better to try something else, for it sometimes causes a rash or even gives rise to symptoms of general poisoning. If the inflammation persists and an abscess forms, the surgeon must be called.

—The Fryeburg Post, Fryeburg, Maine, Sept. 26, 1916, p. 4.

Note: Please note, this information is from 1916. When I read about "lead and opium wash," to me that signals crazy danger and something you should not do. Times change, science advances. So if you have a bruise, by all means, take care of it by up-to-date methods and don't rely on what they suggested in 1916. Of course, if "lead and opium wash" is still what they currently prescribe, I'm sorry, I've just never heard of it. But somehow I doubt it!

Cinders In The Eye – Continual Annoyance from Traveling by Rail

1878

Persons traveling much by railway are subject to continual annoyance from the flying cinders.

On getting into the eye they are not only painful for the moment, but are often the cause of long suffering that ends in a total loss of sight. A very simple and effective cure is within the reach of everyone, and would prevent much suffering and expense were it more generally known. It is simply one or two grains of flax seed. It is said they may be placed in the eye without injury or pain to that delicate organ, and shortly they begin to swell and dissolve a glutinous substance that covers the ball of the eye, enveloping any foreign substance that may be in it. The irritation or cutting of the membrane is thus prevented, and the annoyance may soon be washed out.

A dozen of these grains stowed away in the vest pocket may prove, in an emergency, worth their number in gold. The foregoing remedy, from the Mining and Scientific Press, appears to be based on the homeopathic principle, "Like cures like." Whether the sticking of flaxseeds into an inflamed eye is likely to prove beneficial is questionable. Better pull out the cinder with a looped horse hair.—Scientific American.

Note: If you are seeking medical advice concerning eye troubles, or any other trouble, please consult with your physician. The article quoted above is from 1878. The information on this page is for entertainment or historic value only, and is not meant to diagnose or recommend particular care plans or curative measures. And when it comes to looped horse hair, please find horse hair that has been professionally looped, that you will be sure the procedure was done according to current and prevailing standards.