Incubus. See Night-mare.
INDEX, in literature, expresses that part of a work, or single volume, which is generally subjoined to its conclusion, and arranged in alphabetical order, with particular references to the pages where the respective matters or subjects are discussed.
An Index should be distinguished from what is usually called, Table of Contents, which affords an analytical view of the different topics, progressively, while the index is intended to facilitate occasional reference. Both are useful: the former, to enable the reader to take a comprehensive survey of the whole work, and to appreciate at once the author's logical talents of dividing and arranging the subject of which he treats, as well as to form an idea of its extent and importance. In an economical respect, however, the latter is a more valuable addition to a book than an analysis of its contents, which are in a manner evident from the heads of chapters or sections; whereas an index tends to save time and labour, that are often unnecessarily wasted in searching for particular passages. Hence a large, ponderous volume, without an alphabetical index, may be aptly compared with an extensive street, or town, the houses of which are not provided with numbers.
Indian Berry. See Cocculus Indicus.
Indian Corn. See Maize.
INDIGESTION, or Dyspepsia, a complaint which chiefly consists in the loss of appetite, and is generally attended with nausea, flatulence, vomiting, heart-burn, costiveness, as well as other unpleajsant symptoms, without any immediate affection either of the stomach or other parts.
Indigestion arises from a variety of causes, such as the eating of hard, unwholesome food, and unripe fruit; drinking too large draughts of liquor during, or immediately after dinner; the immoderate use of opium, and of spirits; taking too large quantities of tea, coffee, or any warm relaxing liquors; tampering with emetics or laxatives; the want of free air and exercise; and in consequence of indulging in any of the depressing passions.
Persons of weak, delicate habits, particularly the sedentary and studious, are frequently subject to indigestion. A radical cure of it can be effected only by removing the debility of the stomach and whole system. With this intention, emetics, or gentle purgatives, should be previously administered, in order to clear the alimentary canal. Next, tonics, such as valerian, Peruvian bark, &c. may be resorted to with advantage; and, if the complaint be accompanied with putrid eructations, or other signs of putrescency, it will be advisable to take the strongest antiseptics, especially the marine acid or spirit of salt, sufficiently diluted with water. Many, however, have been effectually cured by the liberal use of cold water alone. In great laxity of the stomach, considerable benefit has been derived from the use of the columbo root, in small and frequent doses.—The chalybeate waters are, to phlegmatic habits, in general, of great service; and the moderate drinking of sea water has often been productive of good effects.
Medicines, however, will be of
