in cold seasons, it was formerly requisite to place a thermometer in the spirits, previously to immersing the hydrometer, and to make a certain, but inaccurate, allowance for the several degrees the mercury may be above, or below, the temperature before mentioned. In order to remedy this inconvenience, Mr. Jones has contrived to unite the thermometer with his instrument; and, from experiment, to adapt the divisions to the different degrees above or below the temperate state. Thus, his hydrometer is rendered easy in its application, and sufficiently accurate for the common purposes of distillers, or dealers in spirits.
Hydrophobia. See Bite of a Mad Dog.
HYKES, a species of blankets, commonly used by the inhabitants of Barbary. They consist of a light woollen cloth, woven by women, who conduct every thread with their fingers, and without the aid of a shuttle. This manufacture appears to be a coarse kind of shawl, and is the more remarkable, as each of such hykes is from five to six yards in length, and breadth: it forms the whole apparel of the wretched natives, and serves them as a covering for their beds during the night.
HYPOCHONDRIAC AFFECTION, or Hypochondriasis, may be defined to consist in a corrupted state of the stomach and intestines, accompanied with languor, dejection of mind, and fear arising from insufficient reasons, in persons of a melancholy disposition.
Among the numerous causes contributing to generate this tormenting affection, the most frequent are, acrimony of the bile; plethora; a preternatural viscidity, or stagnation of the blood; and suppressions of the customary evacuations. To these may be added an hereditary disposition, too free indulgence in wine; repelled eruptions; violent passions of the mind, &c.
Few persons of a sedentary life are entirely free from this complaint; which, if neglected, is more troublesome than dangerous: but if it be improperly treated, it may occasion various diseases of a more fatal tendency, such as melancholy, jaundice, palsy, apoplexy, &c.
The cure or removal of hypochondriasis must be attempted by those medicines which are calculated to counteract occasional causes, and obviate the more urgent symptoms: hence gentle laxatives, acidulated and chalybeate waters, as also copious draughts of cold water, have often been productive of the best effects. Emollients, diluents, the cold-bath, Peruvian bark, and exercise, especially riding on horseback, if judiciously resorted to, have all been found of service.
Hypochondriac patients ought never to fast long; their diet should be solid and nourishing; they ought carefully to avoid all acescent and flatulent vegetables. One of their principal objects, however, ought to be that of preserving the mind constantly in a cheerful and serene state. Nor should they neglect to rub, if possible, the whole body, every morning and evening, for ten minutes, or longer, with coarse flannel cloths.—Where the patient's circumstances can support the expence, a voyage to a warmer climate will be of greater advantage than medicines; though a rigorous adherence to a proper diet
