y the orthodox faculty eat tomatoes
freely. Another belief, strongly supported by some otherwise "advanced"
scientific men, is that tomatoes are bad for those who suffer from a
tendency to gout, or uric acid disease. But this has been contradicted
by others. The evil agency in the tomato is supposed to be the oxalic
salt which it undoubtedly contains. But it has been shown by experiment
how certain chemical compounds as obtained from plants act quite
differently to the same compounds artificially prepared in the
laboratory. So that the contention of those who assert that the tomato
is not only harmless, but even beneficial to gouty subjects, is not
unreasonable. Speaking from experience, I can only say that one of the
goutiest subjects I know eats tomatoes nearly every day of his life, and
continues to progress rapidly towards health.

A tomato poultice is said to cleanse foul ulcers, and promote their
healing. It should be renewed frequently, and applied hot.

_Turnip._

Turnips are anti-scorbutic.

An old remedy for chronic coughs was turnip juice boiled with sugar.
The turnips were grated, the juice pressed out, and 21/2 ozs. candied
sugar were allowed to 1 pint of juice. This was boiled until it slightly
thickened. A teaspoonful to be taken several times a day.

The green turnip tops, steamed until tender, are a good "spring
medicine."

_Thyme._

The common garden thyme, used for flavouring, is credited with many
virtues. It is said to inspire courage and enliven the spirits, and for
this reason should be taken by melancholy persons. It is good against
nervous headache, flatulence, and hysterical affections. It is
antiseptic.

_Walnuts._

The walnut has been called vegetable arsenic because of its curative
value in eczema. An oil obtained from the kernel has been found of great
service when applied externally in cases of skin diseases. The leaves
of the walnut tree are also used for the same purpose, both externally
and internally. One ounce of the leaves to 12 tablespoonfuls of boiling
water make a tea, half a tea-cup of which may be taken several times a
day. The affected parts should also be washed with it.

Walnuts, to be well masticated, have been given to gouty and rheumatic
patients with great success. About one dozen per day is the quantity
prescribed. It is possible that herein lies the secret of the fact that
our ancestors invariably took walnuts with their wine.

The green, unripe wal