320. _In Habitual Drunkenness, Dipsomania_, Omum seems worthy of trial. On this point Mr. Wood observes, "On account of its biting or pungent, yet pleasant taste, and the sensation of warmth it creates in the stomach, it has been constantly recommended of late years to those afflicted with the desire for alcoholic drinks. It does not, of course, intoxicate, but it is no mean substitute for the ordinary stimulant, in removing almost immediately the sensation of 'gnawing' or 'sinking at the pit of the stomach,' which the frequent use of spirits so invariably brings on. And I have been assured that it has been the means of rescuing many otherwise sensible and useful men from slavery to the habit of spirit drinking." 321. +Rice.+ The husked seed of Oryza sativa, _Linn._ Chával (_Hind._), Chánval (_Duk._), Chál, Chánvol (_Beng._), Chánwal (_Punj._), Thomúl (_Kash._), Arishi (_Tam._), Biyyam (_Tel._), Ari (_Mal._), Akkí (_Can._), Tándúla (_Mah._), Chókha (_Guz._), Hál (_Cing._), Sán, Chán (_Burm._), Bras (_Malay_). 322. Rice may be utilised in the following ways in the treatment of disease: _a._ In the form of Decoction—"_Conjee Water_," as it is commonly called, prepared by boiling one ounce of cleansed Rice in a quart of Water for twenty minutes, straining, and flavouring with Sugar, and with Lime Juice if desired, to taste. This forms an excellent drink in _Fevers_, _Smallpox_, _Measles_, _Scarlet Fever and Inflammations of all kinds_, also in _Gonorrhœa_, and other cases where there is _pain and difficulty in passing Urine_. _b._ In the form of Powder—RICE FLOUR; this dusted thickly over the surface forms a very cooling and soothing application in _Small-pox_, _Measles_, _Erysipelas_, _Prickly Heat_, and other _Inflammatory Affections of the Skin_. It is pleasant to the patient's feelings, and allays heat and irritation. _To Burns and Scalds_, Rice Flour is an excellent application: it should be used as soon as possible after the occurrence of the injury, and it should be dusted thickly over the whole of the burnt surface, so as to absorb any discharge that may be present, and at the same time exclude the air as far as possible. If in a few days this becomes hardened and irritating, a warm Rice poultice should be applied, so as to soften it and allow its easy removal; the surface should then be dressed with Lime Liniment (229) or Resin Ointment (372).