For Tired Eyes

Nothing is more restful to weary, throbbing eyes than a blindfold at bedtime, best made of an old black silk or lisle stocking. This is not a fancy, but a scientific fact, due to the perfect rest that absolute darkness insures to the sensitive nerves. If desired the band may be extended over the forehead, aiding greatly to free the brow from furrows. This, with the faithful use of hot water for the eyes, ought to relieve the optician of much of his work.

Source: 1001 Household Hints, Ottilie V. Ames

To Remove Black Specks or ‘Fleshworms’

Sometimes little black specks appear about the base of the nose, or on the forehead, or in the hollow of the chin which are called ‘fleshworms,’ and are occasioned by coagulated lymph that obstructs the pores of the skin. They may be squeezed out by pressing the skin, and ignorant persons suppose them to be little worms. They are permanently removed by washing with warm water, and severe friction with a towel, and then applying a little of the following preparation:–

Liquor of potassa 1 oz.
Cologne 2 oz.
White brandy. 4 oz.

The warm water and friction alone are sometimes sufficient.

Source: The Ladies’ Book of Etiquette, and Manual of Politeness, Florence Hartley