Glycerin irritates the mucous membrane, and it is best that we add an equal amount of olive oil.

If these enemata fail it will be necessary to use purgative enemata.  These are made by adding drugs, such as turpentine, rochelle or epsom salts or castor oil in certain proportions to the simple enema.  In giving castor oil and water it is necessary first to mix the oil with the yolk of an egg and then add the warm soap suds.

[640 Mothers’ remedies]

1.  Formula.—­

Castor Oil       2 ounces
Turpentine     1/2 ounce

Mix thoroughly and inject with hard rubber syringe, followed in one-half hour by a quart of soap-suds.

2.  Formula.—­

Turpentine       1/2 ounce
Rochelle Salts     1 ounce

Mix with warm soap-suds, one pint.

The buttocks and anus should be washed off with warm water after turpentine has been used in the enema.

3.  Molasses and Laxative Enema.—­Mix from two to ten ounces, according to age, with one pint of soap suds and inject slowly.

Nutritive Enemata.—­Food is given by the bowel when the stomach cannot retain it.  It is then called Nutritive Enemata.  They should be given only from four to six times in twenty-four hours and the quantity given at one time should not exceed four ounces.  It must be introduced high up in the bowel, about ten inches, and therefore they should be given through a rectal tube made of heavy rubber one-quarter inch in diameter and at least eight inches of it should be inserted in the bowel.  After it has been oiled the tube is gently inserted in a backward, upward, direction and a glass funnel is attached to the outer end.  The enema has been already mixed in a small pitcher and gently poured (very slowly) into the funnel, which is then raised so that the contents will go slowly through the tube into the bowel.  The patient is protected from drops by a folded towel underneath him.  Then the tube is slowly withdrawn.  The tube should then be cleansed by allowing warm water to run through it, and then kept in a one per cent solution of boric acid.  Food given by enemata should be very nourishing and concentrated.  The following are excellent formulas: 

Formula 1.—­

One whole Egg
Table Salt        15 grains
Peptonized Milk    3 ounces or 3/8 of a cup
Brandy            1/2 ounce

Formula 2.—­

    White of two Eggs
    Peptonized Milk 2 ounces or 1/4 of a cup

The whole amount should never exceed four ounces.  The addition of salt aids the absorption of the egg.  Brandy, and whisky are very irritating and should be given only every other time.

The fresh raw milk can be used, if it is impossible to have it peptonized.

After a nutritive enemata the patient should lie quietly on his back for twenty or thirty minutes.

[Nursing department 641]

Turpentine enemata for distention may be given according to the following formula: