Page:Willich, A. F. M. - The Domestic Encyclopædia (Vol. 3, 1802).djvu/281

N AU tomit, which may be induced by various causes, such as apoplexy, fevers, violent pain, etude alirrent, indigestion, diseases of the liver, &.C. but especially by any local irri- tation of the digestive organs. This affedion, though disagree- able, is often ver}' serviceable, by relieving the stomach when over- loaded with incongruous matter, and by promoting expedoration in cases where the lungs are oppressed with mucus or ph.egm. Farther, it often induces sensible perspira- tion, and contributes to the proper distribution of the fluids through- out the body : hence, nausea has proved to be an excellent remedy in various comj)iaints, w here it was artiticially excited, by the smallest doses of emetics. In some cases, however, it is injurious to the pa- tient, especially when too violent, or too frequently repeated ; as it is apt to debihtate the stomach ; so that, inconsequence of the neces- sary exertions, the patient becomes exhausted, and is apt to be afflicted with ruptures or other maladies. Pregnant women are pariicularly subjecit to nausea and vomiting, which, if they be not timely miti- gated, are produ6tive of the most serious consequences. With a view to afford some relief in those dis- tressing situations, Dr. Marcard recommends the use of acidulated mineral waters, especially those of Sedlitz. Ihe water of pure am- fnonia, or caustic vegetable alkali, has lately been prescribed with success by Dr. John Sims, who has often found it eminenlly useful in cases where acidity prevails, such as heart-burn, cough upon taking food, and other complaints of pregnancy. This judicious prac- titioner directed twenty drops of the pure ammonia to be takeii in a NEC t^59 glass of water, from which the pa* tient experienced immediate relief, JiSlAVEV/, See Rape, or Cole- seei Cabbage, vol. i. p. 41 7. Nealing. See Annealing. NECK, in animal economy, that part of the body which is placed between the head and the thorax, or chest. As the description of the differ- ent veins, vertebrae, &c. that com- pose this part of the human frame, is the province of anatomy, we shall here give a few hints relative to those diseases or injuries, to which the neck is peculiarlv liable. i. The uny neck. — This de- formity arises from various causes j be^ng sometim.es born with per- sons, though more generally in- duced by a preternatural contrac- tion of o:.e side of the neck ; a re- laxation of one part, while the other retains its usual power, &c. If thetlistortion be natuial, there is little probability of obtaining re- lief by art; but, if it arise from contradion of the skin, occasioned by burns, the repeated use of oils, ointments, and emollient fomenta- tions, AviU relax theri.'idity of the fibres. In some instances, it will be advisable to restore the natural posture of the head by means of a steel collar, or other contrivance in which the neck may be supported, till it resume its proper position. Should these exertions, however, fail to prove useful, surgical assist- a-.ice must net be neglected 3 as delay may be attended with danger. 2. Tumors. SeeWfiNs. 3. Lvxalir,7is of the neck are iil general fatal ; though, if a partial ui.dccation take place, it may by proper attention be restored to its natural position. As, however, the treatment in this case is wholly chirurgicaJ, we shall not enter into S 2 dQUilo