_Take oatmeal, two spoonfuls; malt, one spoonful; cinamon, two
drachmes. Boil it in two quarts of water for some time, till
when it is strained, it becomes one quart; put to it fine sugar,
six ounces; a few drops of essential oil of peppermint, and a
tea cupful of good wine._
These clysters are perfectly safe, and very nourishing. Some have added
salt to the animal broth, perhaps through a notion to make it the more
palatable, and so of course more nourishing; but probably they forget
that the part they are now about to feed, differs widely from the
depraved taste of the palate.
Salt is stimulating; besides, it indurates the aliment, that it never
yields so much nourishment, because it always opposes assimulation; and
it is universally known, that salt victuals is by far, less nourishing
than fresh.
The quincey is sometimes so desperate, as to strangle the afflicted
patient, particularly if assistance is given too late; in so much that
_bronchotomy_, or opening the wind-pipe, has been the last resource in
this deplorable dilemma. I have mentioned this operation, in the third
lecture, and have only to observe, that in this case little hope is left
after that operation, on account of the great inflammation of the parts;
though we have instances of its success. If however the method which I
have here laid down, together with strict observance of managing fevers
is duly observed, there can scarce be a failure of success; for if I may
be allowed to judge from my own experience and success, it is merely
neglect, in the first setting out of these diseases, that for the most
part, renders them so very desperate and mortal.
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