OF THE COMMON SENSE MEDICAL ADVISER, GIVING EACH TECHNICAL WORD (2)

Previous

A

Abdomen. The part of the body between the diaphragm and pelvis, containing the stomach, intestines, etc. The belly.

Abdominal. Belonging to the Abdomen.

Abortion. Expulsion of the foetus before the seventh month of pregnancy.

Absorption. The function of taking up substances from within or without the body.

Acetabulum. The bone socket which receives the head of the thigh bone.

Acne. Pimples upon the face, more common at the age of puberty.

Adipose Tissue. A thin membrane composed of cells which contain fat.

Adventitious. Acquired.

Albumen in urinein chemical composition resembles the white of an egg, and is detected by the application of heat, nitric acid, etc.

Albuminoid. Of the nature of albumen.

Albuminuria. A condition or disease in which the urine contains albumen. (See above.)

Alimentary Canal. The canal extending from the mouth to the anus, through which the food passes.

Allopathy. Allopathic school. Defined on page 293.

Alterative. A medicine which gradually changes the constitution, restoring healthy functions.

Alveolar process. The bony structure which contains the sockets of the teeth.

Amaurosis. Loss or decay of sight from disease of the optic nerve.

Amenorrhea. Suppression of the menses.

Amnion. A membrane enveloping the foetus and the liquid.

Amputation. The operation of cutting off a limb.

Amyloid degeneration. Alteration in the texture of organs, which resembles wax or lard.

Amyloids. Foods composed of carbon and hydrogen; as sugar, starch, etc.

AnÆmia. Privation of blood. Lack of red corpuscles in the blood.

Anasarca. Dropsy attended with bloating all over the body.

Anatomy. The science of the structure of the body.

Anesthetic. An agent that prevents feeling in surgical operations, and in some diseases of a painful nature.

Angina (pectoris). Violent pain about the heart, attended with anxiety and difficult breathing.

Animalcula, Animalcule. An animal so small as to be invisible, or nearly so, to the naked eye.

Anodynes. Medicines which relieve pain.

Anteversion. The womb falling forward upon the bladder. Illus. p. 716.

Anthelmintics. Medicines which destroy or expel worms from the stomach and intestines.

Antidote. A remedy to counteract the effect of poison.

Antifebrile. A remedy which abates fever.

Antiperiodic. A remedy which prevents the regular appearance of similar symptoms in the course of a disease.

Antiseptic. Medicines which prevent putrefaction.

Antispasmodics. Medicines which relieve spasm.

Anus. The circular opening at the end of the bowel, through which the excrement leaves the body.

Aorta. The great artery of the body arising from the heart. Illus. page 58.

Aperient. A medicine which moves the bowels gently.

AphthÆ. Sore mouth, beginning in pimples and ending in white ulcers.

Aphthous. Complicated with aphthÆ.

Apnoea. Short, hurried breathing.

Apoplexy. The effects of a sudden rush of blood to an organ; as the brain, lungs, etc. Brain pressure, from rupture of a blood-vessel.

Aqueous humor. The clear fluid contained in the front chambers of the eye.

Arachnoid. A thin, spider-web like membrane covering the brain.

Areolar Tissue. The network of delicate fibres spread over the body, binding the various organs and parts together.

Artery. A vessel carrying blood from the heart to the various parts of the body; usually red in color.

Articular. Relating to the joints.

Articulated. Jointed.

Articulations. The union of one bone with another. A Joint.

Ascites. Accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity.

Asphyxia. A condition of apparent death owing to the supply of air being cut off; as in drowning, inhalation of gases, sun-stroke, etc.

Aspirator. An instrument for the evacuation of fluids from the cavities of the body, as water in abdominal dropsy, the contents of tumors, etc.

Assimilation. Appropriating and transforming into its own substance, matters foreign to the body.

Astringents. Medicines which contract the flesh.

Atonic, Atony. Wanting tone.

Atrophied. Wasted; lessened in bulk.

Atrophy. Wasting away; diminution in size.

Auditory nerves. The nerves connecting the brain with the ears and employed in exercising the sense of hearing.

Auscultation. Diagnosing diseases by listening, either with or without instruments.

B

Balanitis. Gonorrhea of the mucous surface of the head of the penis.

Benign. Harmless; a term applied to tumors.

Beverage. A liquor for drinking.

Bile. A yellow bitter fluid secreted by the liver. Defined on page 80.

Bilious. Disordered in respect to bile. Relating to bile.

Bilious temperament, Volitive temperament. See page 173.

Biology. The science of life.

Bistoury. A small cutting knife.

Bladder (urinary). The organ, situated behind the pubic bone, which holds the urine until its expulsion. Illus. pages 206 and 207.

Blebs. Eminences of the skin containing a watery fluid.

Bloody-flux. A disease characterized by frequent, scanty, and bloody stools.

Boil. An inflamed tumor which comes to a head and discharges matter and a core. See page 443.

Bolus. A large pill.

Bougie. A long, flexible instrument used for dilating contracted canals and passages.

Breach. Some form of hernia of the abdomen. See page 862.

Broad ligaments of the uterus. Folds of the peritoneum which support the womb and contain the Fallopian tubes and ovaries. Illus. p. 206.

Bronchea. Tubes formed by the division of the windpipe. Illus. page 64.

Bronchocele. Thick neck, goitre.

Bubo. An inflammatory tumor in the groin.

Bulla. A bleb or large pimple containing transparent fluid.

C

Cachexia. A depraved condition of the system; as from poor food, syphilis, etc.

Calcareous. Containing lime.

Calcification. The process of forming of, or converting into, chalk.

Calculus, calculi. Stones or similar concretions formed by the deposit of solid matter; of lime, soda, uric acid, urates, oxalates, etc.

Calisthenics. Healthful exercise of the body and limbs, for purposes of strength and agility.

Cancellated structure. Cells communicating with each other forming a structure resembling "lattice-work."

Canker. Ulcers in the mouth.

Capillaries. Very small blood-vessels. Defined on page 60.

Carbonic Acid. A heavy, poisonous gas. Choke damp.

Cardiac. Pertaining to the heart. Near or towards the heart.

Carminatives. Medicines which allay pain in the stomach and intestines by expelling the gas.

Carotids. The great arteries at the sides of the neck.

Cartilage. A solid part of the body found in the joints, ends of the ribs, etc. It is softer than bone but harder than ligament.

Cartilaginous tissue. Parts of the body of the nature of cartilage.

CarunculÆ. Fleshy growths.

Casein. The part of milk which contains nitrogen. Cheese curd.

Catalytics. Medicines which destroy morbid agencies in the blood. Alteratives.

Catamenia. Monthly flow of the female.

Cataract. Opacity of the lens of the eye, or its covering, or both.

Cathartics. Medicines which cause evacuation of the bowels.

Catheter. A hollow tube introduced into the bladder through the urethra for the purpose of drawing off the urine.

Caustics. Substances which destroy animal tissue.

Cauterization. Burning or searing by a hot iron, or caustic medicines.

Cauterize. To burn or sear by a hot iron, or by medicines which destroy.

Cell. A little vessel having a membranous wall and containing fluid. The whole body may be considered as formed of different kinds of cells.

Cellular structure. See Cancellated structure.

Cerebellum. Little brain. Base brain. Illus. page 100.

Cerebrum. The upper or large brain. Illus. page 100.

Cervix. Neck; neck of the womb. Illus. page 206.

Chalybeate. Mineral waters which contain iron.

Chancre. A virulent, syphilitic ulcer. Figs. 27 and 28, Plate V., Pamphlet X.

Chancroid. Resembling infectious chancre. Soft chancre.

Chlorosis. Green sickness. A disease of young women attended with a greenish hue of the skin, debility, etc.

Cholagogues. Cathartics which stimulate the liver.

ChordÆ tendineÆ. Cord-like substances about the valves of the heart. See page 57.

Cordee.

Choroid. The dark colored lining membrane of the eye.

Chyle. Food digested and ready for absorption. See pages 45 and 49.

Chylous products. See Chyle.

Chyme. Food after being subjected to the action of the gastric fluids.

Cicatrix. The scar or place where parts which have been cut or divided, are united.

Cilia. Small hairs.

Circumcision. An operation for removing superfluous foreskin.

Circumvallate. Arranged in oblique lines, as the prominences on the back of the tongue.

Clap. Gonorrhea. A venereal disease of the urethra.

Clavicle. See Collar-bone.

Clinical medicine. Investigation of disease at the bedside.

Coagulate. To thicken or harden, as heat hardens the white of an egg.

Coition. Sexual intercourse. The act of generation.

Collar-bone (Clavicle). A bone at the front and top of chest, attached by one end to the breast-bone and by the other to the shoulder-blade.

Colon. Part of the large intestines. Illus. page 40.

Coma. A condition of profound sleep from which it is difficult to arouse the patient.

Comedones. Pimples on the face. See page 412, and Fig. 8. Plate II.

Compress. A soft cloth folded to several thicknesses, so that with a bandage pressure can be applied, or by wetting in hot water, a part can be subjected to the influences of heat and moisture.

Conception. Impregnation of the ovum; the beginning of a new being.

Congenital. Applied to a disease born with one; from birth.

Congestion. An abnormal amount of blood in a part or organ.

Conjunctiva. The membrane which covers the external surface of the eyeball.

Conjunctivitis. Inflammation of the eye.

Contagion. The transmission of disease from one to another by contact, as hydrophobia, syphilis; or otherwise, as measles, scarlet fever, etc.

Contagious. Capable of being transmitted from one person to another.

Continence. Abstinence from sexual intercourse or excitement.

Convalescence. The recovery of health after sickness.

Convoluted. Curved or rolled together.

Copulation. Sexual intercourse.

Corlum. A layer of the akin.

Cornea. A transparent covering of the front of the eye.

Corpuscles of the blood. Defined and illustrated on page 53.

Counter-irritants. Defined on page 331.

Cowper's glands of the male. Glands situated in front of the prostate gland. Illus. page 207.

Coxalgia. Hip-joint disease. See page 451.

Cranium. The skull. The bones of the head.

Crayons. Sticks or cylinders made of Cocoa butter and medicated.

Cross-eye. One or both eyes drawn towards the nose. Squint.

Crustaceous. Belonging to the class of animals covered by a crust-like shell.

Cutaneous. Belonging to, or affecting, the skin.

Cuticle. The outer layer of the skin, consisting of small bony scales.

Cystitis. Inflammation of the bladder. In chronic form, Catarrh of the bladder.

D

Debris. Broken-down tissue. Waste material.

Decoction. Defined on page 303.

Defecation. Voiding excrement from the body.

Degeneration, fatty. The deposit of particles of fat instead of the proper muscular tissue.

Deglutition. Swallowing. Conveying food to the stomach.

Dejection of mind. Despondency. Low spirits.

Dejections. The matter voided from the bowels.

Deleterious. Destructive. Poisonous.

Dentition. Cutting of the teeth in infancy.

Deodorizer. A substance that destroys a bad smell.

Depletion. To empty the blood-vessels by lancing a vein or by medicines.

Depravation. Corruption.

Depurating. Cleansing.

Dermatologist. One who makes diseases of the skin a specialty.

Desiccate. To dry up.

Desquamation. Scaling off of the skin, after fevers.

Desquamative nephritis, Bright's Disease, in which epithelial cells escape with the urine.

Diabetes. Defined on page 835.

Diagnosis. The determination of a disease by its symptoms or characteristics.

Diagnostic. The symptoms by which a disease is distinguished from others.

Diaphoretic. Medicines which increase perspiration.

Diaphragm. Defined on page 32.

Diathesis. Peculiarity of constitution. Predisposition to certain diseases.

Digestion. The function by which food passing along the alimentary canal is prepared for nutrition.Dilatation. Increasing in size by Instruments or other agencies.

Diluents. Fluids which thin the blood or hold medicines in solution.

Director. An instrument having a groove which directs the knife and protects underlying parts from injury.

Disinfectants. Substances which arrest putrefaction.

Dislocation. The act of or state of, being forced from its proper situation.

Distilled. Separated by heat from other substances and collected by condensation.

Diuretics. Medicines which increase the flow of urine.

Douche. Dashes of water. An instrument for washing the nasal membrane.

Drastics. Medicines which move the bowels harshly or frequently.

Dropsy. The accumulation of fluid In the cavities or cellular tissue of the body.

Duodenum. The first portion of the intestines. Illus. page 44.

Dura mater. A thick, fibrous membrane lining the skull.

Dyscrasia. A bad condition of body.

Dysentery. A disease characterized by frequent, scanty and bloody stools.

Dysmenorrhea. Difficult or painful menstruation.

Dyspnoea. Difficult breathing.

E

Ear, Internal. Defined on page 110. Illus. page 109.

Earthy phosphates. The white deposit in urine, composed of phosphoric acid and a base.

Ecchymosis. Black or yellow spots produced by effused blood. Black eye Is an example.

Eclectic School. See page 294.

Ecraseur. An instrument which amputates by a loop of wire.

Eczematous. Of the nature of Eczema. See page 430.

Edema (Œdema). Puffiness of the skin from the accumulation of fluid. General dropsy.

Effluvia. Unpleasant odors or exhalations.

Effusion. The pouring out of blood or other fluid.

Electrolysis. Decomposing or modifying by the application of electricity.

Eliminated. Discharged, expelled.

Emaciation. Leanness in flesh.

Embryo. The young of an animal at the beginning of its development in the womb.

Emetics. Medicines which empty the stomach upwards.

Emmenagogues. Medicines which favor or cause menstruation.

Empiricism. Practicing medicine upon results of experience, generally by a person without a medical education.

Encephalic Temperament. Defined on page 177.

Endocarditis. Inflammation of the lining membrane of the heart.

Endocardium. The lining membrane of the heart

Endometrltls. Disease of the lining membrane of the womb.

Enteric. Intestinal.

Enteritis. Inflammation of the mucous lining of the small intestines.

Epidemics. Diseases which attack a number of persons at the name time: as yellow fever, small-pox, etc.

Epiglottis. A cap over the windpipe, allowing the admission of air, but preventing the introduction of foreign bodies.

Epithelial cells. Cells belonging to the epithelium.

Epithelium. The thin covering upon the lips, nipple, mucous and serous membranes and lining the ducts, blood-vessels and other canals.

Esophagus (OEsophagus). The food-pipe. Illus. page 44.

Eustachlan Tube. The tube leading from the throat to the inner ear. Illus, page 109.

Evacuaut. Cathartic.

Evolution. Defined on page 14.

Excoriates. Removes the skin in part.

Excoriation. A wound which removes some of the skin.

Excrementitious. Pertaining to the matter evacuated from the body.

Excrescences. Surface tumors; as warts, piles, polypi, etc.

Excretion. The process by which waste materials are removed from the blood, performed particularly by the lungs, skin and kidneys.

Excretory ducts. Minute vessels which transmit fluid from glands.

Exhalations. That which is thrown off by the body, as vapor, gases, etc.

Expectorants. Medicines which promote discharges from the lungs.

Expiration. Expelling the breath.

Extraneous matter. Any substance which finds a place in the body and does not belong there. Foreign substances.

Extra-uterine. Outside of the womb, but in its vicinity.

Extravasated. Escaped into surrounding tissues.

Extremities. Legs or arms.

Exudation. Substances discharged through the pores.

Exude. To sweat; to pass through a membrane.

F

Fallopian Tube. The canal through which the ovum passes from the ovary to the womb.

Faradization. The application of electricity by inductive currents.

Fascia. The white fibrous expansion of a muscle which binds parts together.

Fatty degeneration. The deposit of particles of fat instead of proper muscular tissue.

Febrifuge. A medicine which abates or cures fevers.

Febrile. Relating to fever.Fecundation. The ovum uniting with the male germ. Impregnation.

Femoral Hernia. Thigh hernia. Illus. page 863.

Fermented. Changed by a process of decomposition.

Ferruginous. Containing iron.

Fetid. Having an offensive smell. Stinking.

Fetor. Offensive smell. Stench.

Fibrous. Composed of fibres.

Fibrous Tissue. The texture which unites every part of the body.

Filaments. Fibre; the basis of texture.

Fimbriated. Finger-like.

First intention, Healing by. Healing without suppuration or the formation of pus.

Fissure. A crack.

Fistula: FistulÆ. Small canals or tubes which carry pus or other liquids through the flesh.

Fistula, Urinary. The abnormal communication between the urinary passages and the external surface.

Fistulous openings. The outer end of canals or tubes which carry pus to the surface.

Flatulency. Wind gathered in the stomach or bowels.

Flexion of the Womb. A partial misplacement in which the womb is bent upon itself.

Flexures. Bending. Motion of a joint.

Flocculent. Combining or adhering in flocks or flakes.

Fluid Extracts. The active principles of medicines in fluid form.

Foetus. The unborn child.

Follicles (of hair). Small depressions in the skin.

Follicular. Relating to or affecting follicles.

Fomentations. Local application of cloths wrung out of hot water.

Forceps. An instrument having a motion and use like the thumb and fore-finger. Pincers. Obstetrical forceps embrace the head of the foetus.

Foreskin. That part of the skin of the penis which is prolonged over the head of the organ.

Formication. A sensation like a number of ants creeping on a part.

Fracture. Broken bone. In compound fracture the end of the bone projects through the skin.

Function. The peculiar action of an organ, or part of the body.

Functional. Pertaining to the specific action of an organ or part.

Fundus. The bottom or base of an organ. The fundus of the womb is its upper part, when in its natural position.

Fungiform. Mushroom-shaped.

G

Galvanism. Electricity.

Galvano-cautery. Burning or scarring by galvanic electricity.

Ganglion. A nerve center which forms and distributes nerve-power.

Gangrene. Death of a part.

Gastric. Pertaining to the stomach.

Gastric Juice. The digestive fluid supplied by the mucous membrane of the stomach.

Gelatinous. Jelly-like.

Generation. The functions which are active in reproduction.

Genitals. The sexual organs.

Gestation. Carrying the embryo in the uterus.

Glans. Head of the penis.

Gonorrhea. A discharge of mucous from inflammation of the urethra or vagina, caused by impure connection. Clap.

Granular casts. Moulds of epithelium found by the microscope in chronic Bright's Disease.

Granular lids. Roughness on the inner surface of the eyelids.

Granulations Heal by. See Granulations.

Granulations. Flesh-like shoots, which appear in a wound and form its scar.

Granules. Small grains.

Gravel. Substances precipitated in the urine resembling sand.

Groin. The oblique depression between the belly and thigh.

Grubs. Pimples on the face. See page 442.

Gynecologist. One who makes the Diseases of Women a specialty.

H

Hair bulbs. The expansion or root of the hair.

Hallucinations. Perception or sensation of objects which do not exist; as in Tremens.

Hectic. Constitutional; as hectic fever, in which all parts of the body become emaciated.

Hemiplegia. Paralysis affecting only one side of the body.

Hemorrhoidal veins. The veins about the rectum which enlarge and form piles.

Hepatic. Relating or belonging to the liver.

Hereditary. A disease transmitted from parent to child.

Hernia. Defined on page 862.

Hollow of the Sacrum. The concave portion of the lower part of the spinal column within the pelvis.

Homeopathy. Defined on page 294.

Hyaline casts. Glassy appearing substances found by the microscope in urine in chronic Bright's Disease.

Hydragogues. Cathartics which produce copious watery discharges.

Hydrocele. Accumulation of fluid in the scrotum.

Hydrocephalus. Accumulation of fluid in the membranes about the brain.

Hydrothorax. Accumulation of fluid in the chest cavities.

Hygiene. The principles or rules for the promotion or preservation of health.

Hymen. Described on page 687. Hypersemia. Full of blood. Congestion.

Hypertrophy. Enlargement, thickening.

Hypochondriac. A person, usually dyspeptic, who is unreasonably gloomy, particularly about his health.

Hypodermic Syringe. An instrument having a very fine tube and needle-like point, by which medicines are lodged immediately under the skin.

Hysterotome. An instrument described and illustrated on page 696.

I

Idiopathic. Primary: not depending on another disease.

Illicit. Not permitted; unlawful.

Illusions. See Hallucinations.

Impacted. Wedged. Applied to feces which have remained in the rectum a long time.

Imperforate. Without a natural opening.

Impotency. Loss of sexual power.

Impregnation. Imparting the vital principle of the sperm-cell to the germ-cell, by which a new being is created.

Incipient. Commencement; first stage.

Independent Physician. Defined on page 295.

Indigenous. Native. Grows in a country.

Indolent. Painless; a term applied to tumors.

Induration. Hardening of a part or organ.

Infection. A prevailing disease. A disease spread only by contact, as itch, syphilis, etc.

Infiltration. The passage of fluid into the cellular tissue; as in General Dropsy.

Inflammation. Defined on page 398.

Infusion. Defined on page 303.

Inguinal Canal. A canal situated in the groin, through which the spermatic cord passes. The common seat of Hernia. Illus. page 862.

Inoculate. To communicate a disease by inserting matter in the flesh; as by vaccination.

Inorganic. Mineral. Bodies without organs.

Insalivation. Mixed with the saliva of the mouth, as food.

Insemination. The emission of sperm in coition.

Inspiration. Drawing in the breath.

Integument. The skin.

Intention, Healing by first. Healing without the formation of pus.

Intercostal. Between the ribs.

Intermittent. Having paroxysms or intervals.

Internal ear. Described on page 110; Illus. page 109.

Intussusception. One part of the intestines forced into another part.

Invagination. See Intussusception

Iridectomy. A surgical operation for the removal of the Iris.

Iris. A curtain which gives the eye its color.

Isolation. Separation from others.

K.

Kadesh-barnea. The holy place in the desert of wandering; the headquarters of the Israelites for 37 years.

L

Laboratory. The work-room of a chemist or pharmacist.

Laceration. A wound made by tearing.

Lachrymal. Belonging to the tears.

Lachrymal Glands. Minute organs about the eyes which secrete tears.

Lactation. The act of giving suck.

Lacteals. The vessels of the breast which convey milk.

Lamella. Layer.

LaminÆ. Thin bones, or the thin parts of a bone.

Lancinating. Acute, shooting pains fancifully compared to the pierce of a lance.

Larynx. That portion of the air-passage indicated in the male by "Adam's Apple."

Lascivious. Lustful; producing unchaste emotions.

Lateral operation. Cutting through the perinÆum into the bladder.

Laxatives. Medicines which move the bowels gently.

Lesion. Derangement. Tearing or other division of parts, previously continuous.

Leucorrhea. Described on page 702.

Liberal Physician. Defined on page 295.

Ligament. A white inelastic tendon binding bones together.

Ligation. See Ligature.

Ligature. A cord or catgut tied around a blood-vessel to arrest hemorrhage.

Line. One-twelfth part of an inch.

Lithic deposits. Sediment or stone formed in the urine by uric acid.

Lobes. Bound projecting parts of an organ; as lobes of the lungs, of the liver, etc.

Loin. The side of the body between the hip-bone and ribs.

Lotion. A wash.

Lumbago. Rheumatism in the small of the back and loins.

Lumbar vertebrÆ. That part of the backbone in the vicinity of the loins.

Lymph. A transparent fluid, resembling blood, found in lymphatic vessels. It contains corpuscles and coagulates.

Lymphatics. Defined on page 49.

Lymphatic Temperament. Described on page 157.M

Malaria. See Miasm.

Malformation. Irregularity in structure.

Malignant. Applied to diseases which threaten life.

MammÆ. See Mammary Glands.

Mammalia. Animals that suckle their young.

Mammary Glands. The breasts or organs which secrete milk.

Manipulations. Examination and treatment by the hand.

Massage. Kneading, rubbing and stroking the surface to improve circulation and nutrition and to remove effete material.

Mastication. Chewing.

Masturbation. Excitement of the sexual organs by the hand.

Meatus. Canal or passage. External opening of a canal.

Median section. An operation for stone in the bladder in which the perineum and part of the urethra are cut; the prostatic portion of the urethra is dilated to introduce forceps and withdraw the stone.

Medulla Oblongata. Described on page 90; illus. page 96.

Melancholia. A mild form of insanity attended with great gloom and mental depression.

Membranous. Of the nature or construction of membrane.

Meninges. Membranes covering the brain.

Menorrhagia. Immoderate monthly flow.

Menses. Monthly flow of the female. See page 686.

Menstruation. The bloody evacuation from the womb.

Menstruum. A solvent; as water, alcohol, etc.

Mesenteric Glands. Glands about the peritoneum which secrete lymph.

Mesentery. Described on page 49.

Miasm, Miasma. A poisonous, gaseous exhalation from decaying vegetation, or from the earth.

Midwives. Females who attend women at childbirth.

Miscarriage. Defined on page 682.

Molecule. A minute portion of any body.

Monads. The smallest of all visible animalcules.

Monomania. Insanity on one subject.

Muco-purulent. Composed of mucus and pus.

Mucous Membrane. The thin, web-like lining to the canals and cavities which secretes a fluid by which it is constantly lubricated.

Mucus. A mucilaginous fluid found on the surface of certain membranes which keeps them soft and pliable. See Mucous Membrane.

Muscle. The structures of the body which execute movements.

Muscular Tissue. The flesh forming the muscles of the body.

Myalgia. Muscular rheumatism.

N

Narcotics. Medicines which stupefy.

Necrosis. Mortification or death of bone.

Nervines. Defined on page 345.

Nervous Tissue. That part of the body composed of nerve-fibres.

Neuralgia. Described on page 635.

Nicotin. A poisonous principle of tobacco.

Nitrogen. One of the gases in the atmosphere.

Nodes. Hard lumps, principally found upon the bones in syphilis.

Noxious. Injurious.

Nymphomania. Extreme desire for sexual intercourse in the female.

O

Obstetrical. Relating or appertaining to childbirth.

Occlusion. Approximation or closure.

Oedema. See Edema.

Olfactory Nerve. The nerve employed in the sense of smell. Illus. page 111.

Onanism. See Masturbation

Opacity. Opaque condition of parts of the eye, causing blindness.

Opalescent. Reflecting a milky light.

Opaque. See Opacity.

Ophthalmia. Inflammation of the eye.

Ophthalmic. Belonging to the eye.

Ophthalmoscope. An instrument for examining the inside of the eye, for diagnostic purposes.

Optic Nerve. The nerve connecting the brain and eye, and employed in the sense of sight.

Organic. Pertaining to the structure of an organ.

Orifice. Opening or mouth.

Osseous Tissue. Bony structure.

Ossification, Ossifying. Made into bone by the deposit of phosphate of lime.

Os uteri. Mouth of womb. Illus. page 206.

Ova. Plural of ovum.

Ovaries. Two ovoid bodies situated either side of the womb. Illus. page 206.

Ovary. The female organ in which the ovum, or germ-cell, is formed. Illus, page 206.

Ovulation. The formation of the germ-cell in the ovary and its release from that organ.

Ovum. Defined and illustrated on pages 12 and 13.

Oxygen. The vital gas of the atmospheric air.

OzÆna. Described on page 474.

P

Palliative. A remedy or treatment which relieves, but does not cure.

Papilla, PapillÆ. Small, nipple-shaped prominences found on the tongue, the skin, etc.Paraplegia. Paralysis affecting the upper or lower extremities of the body

Parasites. Animals which live in the bodies of other animals; as the tape-worm itch insect, etc.

Parenchyma. The texture of an organ; as the liver, kidneys, etc.

Parotid Glands. These are situated under the ear, just at the angle of the lower jaw, and secrete saliva.

Paroxysms. The periodical attack, fit or aggravation in the course of a disease.

Parturient. Bringing forth or having recently brought forth.

Parturition. Labor; the delivery of the foetus.

Pastiles. Small medicated lozenges.

Pathognomonic. A characteristic symptom of a disease.

Pathology. That part of the Science of Medicine the object of which is the knowledge of disease.

Pedicle. The stalk or narrow part of a tumor by which it is attached and supported.

Pelvic. Belonging to and relating to the pelvis.

Pelvis. The lower part of the abdomen or trunk, composed of bone, containing the genital and urinary organs; supports the backbone and is supported by the legs.

Penis. The male organ of generation. Illus. page 207.

Pepsin. The digestive solvent secreted by the stomach.

Peptic. Pertaining to the stomach.

Percusslon. Striking the surface and by the sound produced judging of the condition of the internal organs.

Pericarditis. Described on page 548.

Pericardium. The membranous sac enclosing the heart.

Perineal section. An operation by division of the perineum.

Perineum. The space bounded by the end of the spine, sexual organs and the bony prominences on which one sits.

Periostium. The membranous covering to all bones.

Peristaltic motion. A worm-like movement of the bowels by which the food is moved forward.

Peritoneum. The membrane (serous) which lines the abdominal cavities and surrounds the intestines.

Peritonitis. Inflammation of serous membrane lining abdominal and pelvic cavities.

Pessaries, Pessary. An instrument for holding the womb in its place.

Pestilence. A malignant, spreading disease. A plague.

Phagadenic. That which corrodes or eats away rapidly.

Pharmaceutical. Anything belonging to pharmacy.

Pharynx. The cavity back of the mouth and palate through which the air passes when breathing and the food when swallowing.

Phimosis. Elongated prepuce

Phlegmonous. Affecting the cellular membrane. The common boil is an example.

Phosphate. A substance containing phosphorus.

Phosphates, earthy. The white deposit in urine composed of phosphoric acid and a base.

Phthisic. Consumption. By some the word is used for Asthma, or difficulty in breathing.

Phthisis. Consumption. See p. 497.

Physiological Anatomy. The branch of medicine that defines the organs of the body and their particular actions.

Physiology. The science which treats of the phenomena and functions of animal life.

Pia Mater. The internal vascular membrane covering the brain.

Pimples on the face. Defined on page 443.

Placenta. Afterbirth.

Plague. A malignant epidemic; begins in Asia Minor.

Plethora, Plethoric. Full of blood; maybe general or confined to a part.

Pleura. Defined on page 64.

Pleurodynia. Spasmodic or rheumatic pain in the chest muscles.

Pleuro-pneumonia. Inflammation of both the pleura and lungs.

Pollution (self). Excitement of the sexual organs by the hand or other unnatural method.

Polyp. An aquatic animal, as the coral builders.

Polypi. More than one polypus.

Polypoid. Like a polypus in shape or construction.

Polypus. Tumors which grow from mucous membranes, commonly found in the nasal and vaginal cavities.

Portal vessels. The cluster of veins which join and enter the liver.

Pott's Disease. Described on page 898; illus. pages 898 and 899.

Poultice. A mixture of bread or meal, etc., and hot water, spread on a cloth and applied to the surface.

Pox. Syphilis.

Precocity. Prematurely developed.

Prehension. Carrying food to the mouth.

Prepuce. Foreskin.

Probang. Soft swab.

Probe. An instrument for examining wounds and cavities. A piece of wire with a blunt point is a probe.

Procreation. Production or generation of offspring.

Prognosis. Opinion of the future course of a disease.

Prolapsus. A falling down of an organ through an orifice, as the womb, bowel, etc.

Prophylactic. Preventive.

Proprietary Medicines. Described on page 298.

Prostate Gland. Described on page 778 and illus. on page 207.

Proteids. goods composed Of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen and nitrogen: as the white of an egg.Protozoon. First life; life in the lowest scale; as sponges.

Proud-flesh. Abnormal growths which arise in wounds or ulcers.

Pruritic. Itching.

Pruritus vulvÆ. A nervous disease attended with excessive itching of the external genital parts of the female.

Psoas or Lumbar Abscess. An abscess discharging at the groin.

Psychical. The relation of the soul to animal experiences and being.

Psychological. The spiritual potencies of the soul.

Ptyalin. The ferment of the saliva which converts starch into sugar.

Puberty. The age at which the subject is capable of procreation.

Pubic. Relating to the pubes, a part above the genital organs, covered with hair at puberty.

Puerperal Fever. Child-bed fever.

Pulmonary. Relating to the lungs.

Pupil. The circular opening in the colored curtain within the eye.

Purgatives. Medicines which cause evacuation of the bowels.

Purulent. Discharging pus; as an ulcer.

Pus. A yellowish, inodorous, creamy secretion from inflamed parts; contained in abscesses or discharging from ulcers.

Pustular. Belonging to or affected by pustules.

Pustule. An elevation on the skin, containing pus or "matter," and having an inflamed base.

Putrescence. Decomposition, rottenness.

Putrescent. Decomposing offensively.

Putridity. Corruption.

PyrÆmia. Blood-poisoning from the absorption of decomposing pus or "matter."

Pyloric orifice. The lower opening of the stomach; illus. page 39.

Pyriform. Shaped like a pear.

Q

Quickening. The time when the motion of the foetus within the womb is first perceptible; between the fourth and fifth months of pregnancy.

R

Radical cure. A cure in which the disease is entirely removed, root and branch.

Rales. Noises produced by air passing through mucus in the lungs.

Rectal. Pertaining to the rectum.

Rectum. The lower portion of the intestines terminating in the anus.

Recumbent. Reclining.

Reflex action. See pages 93 and 99.

Regurgitation. The act by which blood is forced backwards in an unnatural manner.

Remission. A temporary diminution of the symptoms of fever.

Reproduction. Producing living bodies similar to the parents.

Resolution. The disappearance of inflammation without suppuration.

Respiration. The function by which the blue blood is converted into red blood in the lungs.

Respirator. Described on page 230.

Retina. Defined on page 107.

Retrocedent. Moving from one part of the body to another; as gout.

Retrocession. Change of an eruption from the surface to the inner parts.

Retroversion. A change in the position of the womb in which the top falls back against the rectum.

Revulsion, Revulsive. Calling the blood away from the diseased part.

Rickets. A disease in children characterized by crookedness of the spine and long bones resulting from scrofula or poor and insufficient food.

Rickety. Affected with rickets.

Rings (Hernial). Circular openings with muscular edges through which a vessel or part passes.

Rubefacients. Medicines which produce redness of the skin.

Rupture. Bursting. Hernia.

S

Saccharine. Like or containing sugar.

Saliva. The secretion of the glands of the mouth.

SalpÆ. Little sack-like shaped, soft, fleshy bodies, found in the open ocean, and sometimes phosphorescent.

Sanative. Curative. Tending to restore lost health.

Sanguine Temperament. Described on page 163.

Sanitarium. An institution for the treatment of the sick. A healthy retreat.

Scales. The epidermis or outer part of the skin consists of minute scales. See Fig. 50, page 71.

Scalp. The skin covering the head.

Scapula. Shoulder blade.

Sciatic nerve. The great nerve of the thigh.

Scirrhus. Stony hardness, characteristic of cancer.

Sclerotic coat. The hard, pearly white covering of the eye.

Scorbutic. Producing scurvy, a disease caused by improper or insufficient food.

Scorbutus. Scurvy.

Scrofulous. Suffering from a condition of the system characterized by enlargement of the glands, eruptions, etc., with great susceptibility to contagion.

Scrotum. The bag of skin which covers the testicles.

Scurvy. A disease due to impaired nutrition.

Sea Tangle. A water-plant, which in its dried state is introduced into a canal and dilates the canal as it expands by the absorption of moisture.

Sebaceous Glands. The oil-tubes of the skin. Illus. page 71. Secretion. The process by which substances are separated from the blood.

Sedatives. Medicines which allay irritation or irritability of the nervous system.

Sedentary. Requiring much sitting.

Self-pollution. See Self-abuse.

Semen. The secretion of the testicles which is thrown out during sexual intercourse and contains the principle of generation.

Semi-fluid. Half fluid.

Semilunar Valves. Valves in the heart. See 9 and 17, Fig. 41, page 58.

Seminal vesicles. Reservoirs for the sperm. See Seminal Sac, on page 207.

Septic. That which corrodes or produces putrefaction.

SepticÆmia. Blood-poisoning; usually by absorption.

Sequel. That which follows; the condition or malady which follows a disease.

Serous. Watery. Pertaining to the serous membrane.

Serous Tissue. The membranes lining the closed cavities of the body, which secrete a watery, lubricating fluid.

Shock. Sudden depression of vitality occasioned by injury.

Sitz Bath. See page 367.

Sloughing. The process of separating a mortified part from a healthy part, through the agency of pus.

Smell, Nerves of. Illus. page 111.

Solar Plexus. Described on page 104.

Solvents. Those chemicals which break up or dissolve substances.

Sordes. Foul accumulation on the teeth, noticed in fevers.

Sound. An instrument for exploring cavities or canals for diagnosis or treatment.

Specialty. That to which special attention is given.

Specific gravity. Comparative weight; as between urine and water.

Speculum. An instrument for examining cavities. Illus. pages 717 and 718.

Sperm. See Semen.

Spermatic Cord. The mass of arteries, veins, nerves, absorbents and their coverings, which passes along the groin and over the pubic bone, to the testicle.

Spermatorrhea. Described on page 772.

Spermatozoa. More than one SpermatozoÖn.

SpermatozoÖn. Defined on page 12; Illus. page 13.

Sphincters. Bound muscles which close natural openings.

Sphygmograph. An instrument for examining the heart. Illus. page 548.

Spicula. A small pointed piece of bone.

Spinal Column. The twenty-four bones, which, situated one above the other, form the backbone.

Spinal Cord. Described on page 90.

Spirometer. A gauge of chest capacity. Illus. page 392.

Sponge tent. Compressed, dried sponge previously treated with Gum Arabic, used for dilating the uterine canal.

Sporadic, Sporadically. A term for diseases which appear frequently, independent of epidemic or contagious influences.

Sprain. A straining or rupture of the fibrous parts of a joint.

Staphyloma. Protrusion of the eye, sometimes with loss of sight.

Sterility. Barrenness. Inability to bear children.

Sternum. The breast-bone.

Stethoscope. An instrument for examining the heart and lungs.

Stimulants. Medicines which increase the vital activity of the body.

Stool. Evacuations of the bowels. Dung.

Strabismus. Cross-eyes.

Strangulated. Caught or fastened in the hernial canal.

Striated. Grooved or striped.

Stricture. A contracted condition of a canal or passage; of the food-pipe, rectum, urethra, etc.

Structural. Belonging to the arrangements of tissues or organs.

Strumous. Scrofulous.

Stupor. Great diminution of sensibility.

Stye. A little boil on the eyelid.

Styptic. An external astringent wash.

Sub-acute. A moderate form of acute.

Sudoriferous Glands. Minute organs in the skin, which secrete the perspiration. Illus. page 70.

Supporters (Uterine). Instruments intended to hold the womb in its natural position.

Suppression. Stoppage or obstruction of discharges; as urine, menses, etc.

Suppuration. A gathering. Formation of pus, as in an abscess or ulcer.

Suture pins. Pins or needles, which are passed through the edges of wounds to bring them together. Thread is then wound around the pin to hold the edges in place.

Sutures. The ragged edges of bones by which they are joined to each other. Stitches of thread to bring the edges of a wound together for their union.

Sympathetic Nerve. Defined on page 101.

Symptom. A change in the body or in its functions which indicates disease.

Symptomatic. Pertaining to symptoms.

Synovial Membrane. The lining of a joint, which from its oily secretion allows the bones to move freely upon each other.

Synovitis. Described on page 452.

T

Tapping. Removing collected fluid by introducing a hollow tube through the flesh.

Temperament. Peculiarities of the constitution manifested by traits which we denominate character.Tenesmus. Straining at stool.

Tent. A compressed, dried cylinder of sponge, previously treated with Gum Arabic, which enlarges the canal in which it is placed by expansion from the absorption of moisture.

Testicles. Described on page 773; Illus. page 207.

Thermometer. An instrument for determining temperature.

Thoracic Duct. A canal which carries the chyle from its repository in the abdomen to the large vein in the chest, near the heart.

Thorax. Chest.

Tinctures. Medicines held in solution by alcohol.

Tonic. Defined on page 350.

Topical. Local.

Topography. Description in detail of a place; in hygiene, to determine its adaptability to residence.

Tormina. Griping of the bowels.

Torticollis. Stiffness or contraction of the muscles of the neck. Wryneck.

Tourniquet. An instrument to stop bleeding. Illus. Fig. 252, page 890.

Trachea. Windpipe. See page 63.

Translucent. Transmitting light, but not permitting objects to be seen distinctly.

Transudation. Passage of liquid through the tissues of the body.

Traumatic. Relating to a wound or injury.

Trephining. Removing a piece of bone by a cylindrical saw.

Triturate. To pulverize.

Trocar. An instrument for removing fluids from cavities. It consists of a perforator within a cylinder.

Truncated. Shaped like a pyramid with its top cut off.

Truss. A mechanical appliance for preventing protrusion or strangulation. Hernial support.

Tubercle. See pages 431 and 498.

Turn of life. The change of life when menstruation ceases.

Tympanum. Ear-drum. Illus. p. 109.

U

Umbilical. Of the navel; as umbilical hernia. Illus. page 883.

Umbilical Cord. A cord-like substance which conveys the blood to the foetus from the placenta or afterbirth.

Umbilicus. The Navel.

Unstriated. Not grooved or striped.

UrÆmic. Pertaining to blood-poisoning from the presence of urea in the circulation.

Urates. The pinkish deposit found in urine.

Urea. A constituent of the urine.

Ureters. The canals leading from the kidneys to the bladder. Illus. pages 85 and 207.

Urethra. The canal leading from the bladder outwards, by which the urine is voided. Illus. page 207.

Urethrotomy. The operation for opening the urethra for the removal of stricture.

Uric Acid. A constituent of the urine.

Urinary Fistula. Abnormal communication between the urinary passages and the surface.

Urino-genital organs. Pertaining to the urinary and sexual organs.

Uterine. Belonging or relating to the womb.

Uterine Cavity or Canal. From the month of the womb to a constriction called the internal orifice, is a cylindrical space called the canal. Above this to the fundus or base is a triangular and flat space called the cavity.

V

Vagina. A canal, five or six inches long, situated between the vulva and womb.

Vaginal. Pertaining to the vagina.

Vaginismus. Irritable vagina.

Valves of the Heart. See page 58.

Varicocele. Described on page 803.

Varicose. Veins that are twisted or dilated.

Vascular. Belonging or relating to vessels.

Vascular System. The heart and blood-vessels.

Veins. The vessels which return the blue blood to the heart.

Venereal. Syphilitic.

Ventricles. Chambers in the heart. See 5 and 14, Fig. 41, page 58.

Vermifuge. A medicine which destroys or expels worms.

Version. Displacement of the womb forwards or backwards.

VertebrÆ. The twenty-four bones which joined together form the backbone.

Vertebrates. Animals having the jointed skeleton within; distinguishes between these and insects, worms, oysters, jelly fish, etc.

Vertigo. Dizziness Or swimming of the head.

Vesicles. Small bladders or sacs. Pimples.

Vesicular. Belonging to or containing cells.

Villi. Minute thread-like projections.

Virile power. Masculine vigor. Sexual vigor.

Virus. Poison. The agent which transmits infectious disease.

Viscera. (Plural of Viscus.) More than one internal organ.

Viscous. Sticky. Tenacious.

Viscus. Any internal organ.

Vitreous Humor. The fluid in the eye behind the lens. Illus. page 107.

Volitive Temperament. See page 171.

Vulva. The external organs of generation in the female, or the opening between these projecting parts.

W

Walls. The sides of an enclosure, as the walls of the vagina, which to soma extent support the womb.

Whites. Described on page 702.


HOW TO AVOID SWINDLERS

Who Sometimes Infest the Cars and Depots in and Near this City.


We warn all those who contemplate visiting us, that we have the most positive proofs that a gang of confidence men have at different times made it their business to watch for sick and infirm people on the way to our institutions, and divert them into the hands of "sharpers," confidence men and swindlers. These men have watched for the coming of invalids on the cars, in and around the depots, in the offices of the hotels located near the depots, and if inquiry was made for our institutions, or if the object of the visit to the city was made known or suspected from the invalid appearance of the traveler, they at once commenced weaving their skillfully-wrought web to catch a victim.

d>
54
A Platoon Mess, Wadi Asher 58
"C" Company Officers' Mess, Wadi Asher 58
Turkish Trench, with dead Turks, Hill 1070, Beersheba 62
Bathing, Regent's Park 62
Battalion Bivouac near Suffa 110
The Irish Road crossing the Wadi Ain Arik 110
The Battalion Football Team 140
The Fife and Forfar Imperial Yeomanry at Annsmuir 158
Detachment at H.M. The King's Visit to Edinburgh 160
Regimental Drill at Annsmuir, with Skeleton Enemy 160
Group showing Six successive Commanding Officers 164
The Cadre on arrival at Kirkcaldy 164

MAPS

Our Trenches in the Front Line at Suvla 20
Battle of Sheria 68
Operations in Palestine, 1917-1918 106
Trench System on the Somme 134
The Lys Sector 142


t doin' either I'm dreamin' about the danged old coffee mill. For a cancelled postage stamp I'd jump the ship."

He gulped down his coffee, loaded his pipe, and went below to relieve Scraggs, for although experience in acting as McGuffey's relief had given Captain Scraggs what might be termed a working knowledge of the Maggie's engine, McGuffey was never happy with Scraggs in charge, even for five minutes. The habit of years caused him to cast a quick glance at the steam gauge, and he noted it had dropped five pounds.

"Savin' on the coal again," he roared. "Git out o' my engine room, you doggoned skinflint." He seized a slice bar, threw open the furnace door, raked the fire, and commenced shovelling in coal at a rate that almost brought the tears of anguish to his owner's eyes. "There! The main bearin's screamin' again," he wailed. "Oil cup's empty. Ain't I drilled it into your head enough, Scraggsy, that she'll cry her eyes out if you don't let her swim in oil?" He grasped the oil can and, in order to test the efficacy of its squirt, shot a generous stream down Captain Scraggs's collar.

"That for them rotten eggs, you miser," he growled. "Heraus mit 'em!"

Captain Scraggs fled, cursing, and sought solace in the pilot house.

"It's as black," quoted Mr. Gibney as he entered, "as the Earl of Hell's riding boots."

"And as thick," snarled Scraggs, "as McGuffey's head. Lordy me, Gib, but it's thick. You'd think every bloomin' steam pipe in the universe had busted."

"If they was all like the Maggie's," Mr. Gibney retorted drily, "we wouldn't need to worry none. Not wishin' to change the conversation, Scraggsy, but referrin' to them eggs you slipped me and Bart for supper, all I gotta say is that the next time you go marketin' in ancient Egypt, me an' Mac's goin' to tell the real story o' the S.S. Maggie to the Inspectors. Now, that goes. Scatter along aft, Scraggs, and let me know what that taffrail log has to say about it."

Captain Scraggs read the log and reported the mileage to Mr. Gibney, who figured with the stub of a pencil on the pilot house wall, wagged his head, and appeared satisfied. "Better go for'd," he ordered, "an' help The Squarehead on the lookout. At eight o'clock we ought to be right under the lee o' Point San Pedro; when I whistle we ought to catch the echo thrown back by the cliff. Listen for it."

Promptly at eight o'clock, Mr. McGuffey was horrified to see his steam gauge drop half a pound as the Maggie's siren sounded. Mr. Gibney stuck his ingenious head out of the pilot house and listened, but no answering echo reached his ears. "Hear anything?" he bawled.

"Heard the Maggie's siren," Captain Scraggs retorted venomously.

Mr. Gibney leaped out on deck, selected a small head of cabbage from a broken crate and hurled it forward. Then he sprang back into the pilot house and straightened the Maggie on her course again. He leaned over the binnacle, with the cuff of his watch coat wiping away the moisture on the glass, and studied the instrument carefully. "I don't trust the danged thing," he muttered. "Guess I'll haul her off a coupler points an' try the whistle again."

He did. Still no echo. He was inclined to believe that Captain Scraggs had not read the taffrail log correctly, and when at eight-thirty he tried the whistle again he was still without results in the way of an echo from the cliff, albeit the engine room howler brought him several of a profuse character from the perspiring McGuffey.

"We've passed Pedro," Mr. Gibney decided. He ground his cud and muttered ugly things to himself, for his dead reckoning had gone astray and he was worried. The fog, if anything, was thicker than ever. He could not even make out the phosphorescent water that curled out from the Maggie's forefoot.

Time passed. Suddenly Mr. Gibney thrilled electrically to a shrill yip from Captain Scraggs.

"What's that?" Mr. Gibney bawled.

"I dunno. Sounds like the surf, Gib."

"Ain't you been on this run long enough to know that the surf don't sound like nothin' else in life but breakers?" Gibney retorted wrathfully.

"I ain't certain, Gib."

Instantly Gibney signalled McGuffey for half speed ahead.

"Breakers on the starboard bow," yelled Captain Scraggs.

"Port bow," The Squarehead corrected him.

"Oh, my great patience!" Mr. Gibney groaned. "They're on both bows an' we're headed straight for the beach. Here's where we all go to hell together," and he yanked wildly at the signal wire that led to the engine room, with the intention of giving McGuffey four bells—the signal aboard the Maggie for full speed astern. At the second jerk the wire broke, but not until two bells had sounded in the engine room—the signal for full speed ahead. The efficient McGuffey promptly kicked her wide open, and the Fates decreed that, having done so, Mr. McGuffey should forthwith climb the ladder and thrust his head out on deck for a breath of fresh air. Instantly a chorus of shrieks up on the fo'castle head attracted his attention to such a degree that he failed to hear the engine room howler as Mr. Gibney blew frantically into it.

Presently, out of the hubbub forward, Mr. McGuffey heard Captain Scraggs wail frantically: "Stop her! For the love of heaven, stop her!" Instantly the engineer dropped back into the engine room and set the Maggie full speed astern; then he grasped the howler and held it to his ear.

"Stop her!" he heard Gibney shriek. "Why in blazes don't you stop her?"

"She's set astern, Gib. She'll ease up in a minute."

"You know it," Gibney answered significantly.

The Maggie climbed lazily to the crest of a long oily roller, slid recklessly down the other side, and took the following sea over her taffrail. She still had some head on, but very little—not quite sufficient to give her decent steerage way, as Mr. Gibney discovered when, having at length communicated his desires to McGuffey, he spun the wheel frantically in a belated effort to swing the Maggie's dirty nose out to sea.

"Nothin' doin'," he snarled. "She'll have to come to a complete stop before she begins to walk backward and get steerage way on again. She'll bump as sure as death an' taxes."

She did—with a crack that shook the rigging and caused it to rattle like buckshot in a pan. A terrible cry—such a cry, indeed, as might burst from the lips of a mother seeing her only child run down by the Limited—burst from poor Captain Scraggs. "My ship! my ship!" he howled. "My darling little Maggie! They've killed you, they've killed you! The dirty lubbers!"

The succeeding wave lifted the Maggie off the beach, carried her in some fifty feet further, and deposited her gently on the sand. She heeled over to port a little and rested there as if she was very, very weary, nor could all the threshing of her screw in reverse haul her off again. The surf, dashing in under her fantail, had more power than McGuffey's engines, and, foot by foot, the Maggie proceeded to dig herself in. Mr. Gibney listened for five minutes to the uproar that rose from the bowels of the little steamer before he whistled up Mr. McGuffey.

"Kill her, kill her," he ordered. "Your wheel will bite into the sand first thing you know, and tear the stern off her. You're shakin' the old girl to pieces."


                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           

Clyx.com


Top of Page
Top of Page