Stearns, Samuel, 1747-1809. Medical notebook of Samuel Stearns, circa 1773. H MS b1.1, Countway Library of Medicine.

Belly - ach dry often Terminates in a Palsy

After a Vomit the greatest Regard must had to the pain and Costiveness and a Passage through the Intestines must be gained if Possible, but not by strong Cathartics a Spoonfull of the Cathart. Extract may be given with a grain of Opium after this the Infusion of Sene must be mixed with a fourth part of the Tinct. of Sene; two Spoonfulls of which may be given every hour or two 'till the Desired effect is accomplished not neglicting Glysters which should be Injected frequently if the Purge does not work particularly that against the Colic. Emollient Fomentations should be used to the Belly, and half Baths must be used made with Flor. Cham. and Emollient herbs. After the Blood has been diluted with Pyrmont Water, a Sweat may be attempted with Tinct. Thebaic Extract and Camphire. Aq. Calcis. will Destroy the Acids in the Stomach and Blood, and when the Cure is advanced Rhei. or Tinct. Sacc. will keep the Body open See Colic Convulsive

Bites and Stings of Animals

The Venom of Animals, Wether in Rage or Madness Communicates an Infection not only by the Saliva, Milk, and Lympha, but by the Semen. Whence Women have Recd the Contagion from their Husbands of which I know one Remarkable Instance. Hoff.

Bite of a Mad Dog

Bleed from a large Orifice & Inject Enemas Rx. Nit. dr. ij. Acet. Mell. Rosar. aa oz. j. Aq. decoct. hord. oz. 10 M. F. Clysma Or. Rx. Sal. Marine dr. ij. Acet. Flor. Calend. oz. vj. Mel. Commun. oz. j. Aq. Stillatus Drop Rut. oz. x. M. F Enema. after the Exhibition of Phlebotomy & Enemas Blindfold the Patient and throw him into a Pond of Cold Water or throw cold water upon him untill the dread of it almost ceases then force a large Quantity down bis Throat Repeat those things Daily and at Night let Sleep be procurd

Pulvis antilyssus Rx. Lichen. Cinerc terrestr. dr. jv. Piper nigr. dr. ij. M. F. Pulvis pro dosib. jv. give 1 Dose in a Day fast [?] with Some warm Milk after this Let the patient go to the Cold Bath for 30 Days early in the Morning. before Breakfast Let Rx Cinnab. Native. Cinnab. Factitious aa gr 24. Moschus. Gr. xvj. M. F. Pulv. Take this in a Glass of Brandy once in a Day. this is very Powerfull Rx. Gm Camph. G xv. Musk gr. jv. Assa Fetid gr iij. make these into a Bolus with Some Conserve. This is also a Powerfull Remidy.

& of a Viper or Adder

Rubb warm Salted Ol into the Parts affected. Or Vipers Fat.

Bite of a Rattle Snake

Rx. Plantine & Horehound beat together & applied to the Wound or [Rather?] the [juice?] applied both internally and externally If the patient is Swelled force the [juice?] down his throat give a Spoonfull every hour. you may also apply to the Wound a good Leaf of Tobacca wet in Rum. Sal. Marina, est Bonus. The Powder of Rattle Snake Root if it is taken Immediately after the Patient is Bit.

& of an Asp

Drink and bath with Vinegar.

Bite of a Chelidonia

This is a Sort of an Asp that is found in the banks of the River Nile whose Bites are immediate Death

Ptyas

This is a Sort of an Asp found in the Nile. Drink and Bathe with Vinegar.

& of a spider

The bite of the Tarantula is Worst. which is Cured by Musiek