Vinegar (Acetic Acid).—­Vinegar contains from six to seven per cent acetic acid.  Dilute acetic acid contains six per cent pure acetic acid.  The pure or glacial acetic acid is a crystalline solid at 59 degrees F., takes up moisture readily so should be kept in well stoppered bottles.  Acetic acid is a strong corrosive poison; if taken internally, causes vomiting, with intense pain, followed by convulsions and fatal coma.  If the acid remains in the stomach for some time it may eat its way through the stomach wall.  In cases of poisoning by acetic acid, milk or flour and water should be freely given and vomiting produced.  Weak alkalies should also be given as antidotes.  Glacial acetic acid is used as an application to cancer of the skin, ulcers, warts, growths in the nose, ringworm, lupus (Jacob’s Ulcer) and other ulcerous growths.  Vinegar or dilute acetic acid is given to check night sweats and to relieve diarrhea.  It is also used in treating painter’s colic after the constipation has been relieved, as an antidote to poisoning by caustic alkalies; externally to prevent bed sores, relieves headaches, checks moderate bleeding from leech bites, superficial wounds, nosebleed and in post-partum hemorrhage.  It inhibits the growth of micro-organisms.  Cases of catarrhal, membranous and diphtheric croup are benefited by the vapor of vinegar diffused through the sick room.  A compress saturated in vinegar and placed over the nose until consciousness returns is recommended to prevent or relieve vomiting, nausea and headache following the inhalation of chloroform.

[676 Mothers’ remedies]

UNCLASSIFIED MOTHERS’ REMEDIES

Received Too Late to Place in Proper Departments

Burns, Lime Water and Sweet Oil for.—­“Put unslaked lime about the size of a hen’s egg in three pints of water and strain; add one cup of sweet oil, shake and keep burn moist.  Will heal without scar or scab.”  This is highly recommended by physicians.

Burns, Charcoal for.—­“Powered charcoal put on thick.  This gives quick relief,” It is an antiseptic poultice and keeps air from burned surface.

Burns or Scalds, Grated Onions for.—­“Grate onions and mix two parts pulp with one part salt; apply twice or three times a day, changing as soon as onions are wilted.”  The onions are very soothing and keep the air from the affected parts.

Burns, an Easily Prepared Remedy for.—­“Spread pure lard, or any unsalted grease over burned surface:  cover thickly with flour and wrap with soft cloth after pain has ceased.  Remove the flour and spread again with lard or vaselin.  Sprinkle over with boracic acid powder and wrap up.”  This is an old tried remedy and one we all know to be good.  The grease helps to lessen the smarting, while the boracic acid is a good antiseptic and keeps the air out.

Bunions, Pulverized Salt Petre for.—­“Five cents worth of pulverized saltpeter put into a bottle with sufficient olive oil to nearly dissolve it.  Shake well and apply to parts night and morning.”