The real value of any book, or what is sometimes called its intrinsic value, or utility, consists in what it avails to gratify some desire or want of our nature.  It depends, then, wholly upon its qualities in relation to our desires.  That which contributes in ever so small degree to the wellbeing of humanity is of greater value than silver or gold.  This book contains hundreds of prescriptions, anyone of which will repay the small cost in money that it requires to possess it.  In fact, the financial investment is so small when compared with the benefit derived from its pages that this feature need not be considered.

Examples.

In the stillness and loneliness of the night, away from medical help, there comes the hoarse barking cough of the child, perhaps, and a case of croup is upon the responsibility of the parents.  The struggles and terror of the little patient throws the household into consternation, and all is excitement in a moment.  If the mother ever knew what to do in such a case she is likely not able to recall the exact remedy at this time, the doctor is miles away, and the case is urgent.

A reference to the medical index of “Mothers’ Remedies” under croup shows that on pages 27, 28 and 29, is a full description of the attack, and there are fifteen (15) home remedies given, many of which can be found in the house, and the spasm may be stopped by the use of one of them.

This is only one example of the use of this book.  There are innumerable times when cases come up in the home, or accidents befall a dear one and a ready remedy is required; the book most likely contains it, and is willing to tell you if you consult it carefully.

Tuberculosis.

The article on tuberculosis is full of valuable rules on diet and hygiene for every person, whether he has the disease or not.  A knowledge of the dangers and mode of spreading the disease is the best safeguard against having it.  Where one person in every seven (7) dies of consumption it becomes imperative that full knowledge of the disease and its prevention should become widespread.

Accidents and Poisons. [xii]

Another department that illustrates the value of the book is that on Accidents and Poisons, where quick action is needed to prevent great suffering and danger and the salvation of life itself.  One cannot always get the doctor in time.  A quick reference to this part of the book will give the proper course of action to follow.  The indicated mother’s remedy or the physician’s treatment as given here applied in the “nick of time” will save many a life in cases of burns, or accidental poisoning, or hemorrhage.  I have been called in such cases where a simple drink of warm mustard water promptly used would have saved a life in carbolic acid poisoning.  It is in the emergencies where a ready knowledge of the ways and means necessary to conserve life is most valuable; and it is in just such emergencies that one is most apt to forget what is best to do that a copy of Mothers’ Remedies becomes a priceless boon of helpfulness.