Literary notes about Liniment (AI summary)
The term "liniment" has been used in literature both in its literal medicinal context and as a playful or metaphorical device. In older medical texts like those by T. H. Pardo de Tavera, it appears in a straightforward manner as a remedy applied to the body—used against remittent fever and rheumatism in examples [1] and [2]. Conversely, literary works such as Joyce's Ulysses ([3]) and Carroll's Alice's Adventures in Wonderland ([4]) employ the word in more imaginative, sometimes humorous contexts that stretch its usual meaning, while Montgomery’s Rilla of Ingleside ([5]) uses it to evoke a light, comedic tone when addressing bodily ailments. This range of usage illustrates how "liniment" has evolved from a technical term into one enriched with cultural and stylistic nuance over time.
- In remittent fever the decoction is also used as a liniment for the whole body.
— from The Medicinal Plants of the Philippines by T. H. Pardo de Tavera - In Concan the juice of the leaves mixed with cocoanut oil is used as a liniment in rheumatism.
— from The Medicinal Plants of the Philippines by T. H. Pardo de Tavera - A redhot crowbar and some liniment rubbing on the burning part produced Fritz of Amsterdam, the thinking hyena.
— from Ulysses by James Joyce - But as I thought these thoughts with almost a heatlightnin' rapidety, I see a change in his liniment.
— from Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll - " "If the Kaiser were here and had a pain in his shoulder you'd be the first to run for the liniment bottle to rub him down," laughed Miss Oliver.
— from Rilla of Ingleside by L. M. Montgomery
