Old Ship's Medicini Chest

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I've been reading a contents list in this old Ship's Medical Chest. I understand most of what to have in kit but, Ammonium Alum and Turpentine? What would you use these for?

-- && (&&@&&.&), July 10, 1999

Answers

Alum, as in a styptic pencil, was used to help stop bleending. Men used these when they cut themselves shaving. It was also used as an emitic.

People used to give turpentine and sugar for chest congestion and coughs. That should tell you how old I am so don't ask.

-- Nadine Zint (nadine@hillsboro.net), July 10, 1999.


Forgot to add that turpentine, as well as kerosense, was used as a disinfectant. I cut my leg very badly when I was four years old and my father poured kerosene in it. I can't remember what else was done to stop the bleeding but no doctor was available and I lived. Have a vicious scar on my leg though. Also mother used to soak pieces of cloth in kerosene or turpentine and hang them on the head of the bed to help keep mosquitos away. No air conditioning in those days and windows didn't have screens.

-- Nadine Zint (nadine@hillsboro.net), July 10, 1999.

You can buy Alum in the spice section of the grocery store and if you don't have access to a farm store for "blood stopper", then you should get some.

Taz

-- Taz (Tassie@aol.com), July 10, 1999.


Liniments for horses and humans (check out Watkins' white liniment) did and do often add varying amounts of turpentine. I have used it on achey knees and it works.... don't know whether it was the turpentine, other ingredients or the massage but it did work.

-- Kristi (securx@succeed.net), July 10, 1999.

I was brought up to use alum on canker sores. It took my current pharmacist back a bit, but it really works. It's kinda too bad they still stock & sell stuff, yet don't know how to use it. Yeah, it hurts for a little bit, but it stops the sore!

-- flora (***@__._), July 10, 1999.


My Funk & Wagnall encyclopedia says "Turpentine, name applied to numerous semi-fluid, yellow or brownish oleoresins obtained from various coniferous trees in Asia, Europe, and America. In the U.S. the principle sources of turpentine are the longleaf pine, Pinus palustris, and the slash pine, P. cariaea of the southeastern U.S...Medically, oil of turpentine acts as a powerful stimulant and is often used as an antispasmodic and astringent. It is also capable of destroying various intestinal parasites and exhibits powerful diuretic properties."

-- flora (***@__._), July 10, 1999.

In our area there's a product available at farm & vet supply houses called Bag Balm. It's a cream intended for use on dairy cows' udders that has people swearing by the results it gives for the usual list of skin ailments; rashes, dermititis, exema, diaper rash & dry skin.

The list of ingredients reads like it's from an 1890's patent medicine. But it was concocted by a farmer in the mid-seventies and has been gaining popularity ever since. I do believe one or two more tubs will have to find thier way into our medicinal supplies before too much longer.

WW

-- Wildweasel (vtmldm@epix.net), July 11, 1999.


I recently came accross a can of spray in a first aid kit at work which helps stop bleeding. I will try to get the manufacturers name on Monday and post it here. I want to pick up some cans for my med kit.

-- Florence Nightengail (ouch@prep.com), July 11, 1999.

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