Warm water at about 92°—not hot water—is a most excellent emetic if
taken in sufficient quantity. It is prompt in action, and is
unaccompanied by the painful nausea, retching, and straining produced by
most other emetics. From half a pint to one or two quarts is required to
produce emesis. The patient should slowly swallow a tumblerful, then
rest two or three minutes, and swallow another, so continuing to drink
for ten minutes or more. As soon as the slightest disposition to vomit
is felt—or even if it is not felt, after a considerable quantity of
water has been taken—the patient should touch the back part of his mouth
with the end of his finger or a feather, as far down as he can reach.
This will usually excite the desired action. If it does not, all that
need be done is to continue drinking. A little salt added to the water
will make it more sickening, and will do no particular harm, as it is
thrown out again.
It is not claimed that the warm-water emetic can replace all other
emetics in _all cases_. When instant vomiting is necessary, as in cases
of poisoning, some more prompt emetic may be used with it. But for all
ordinary purposes, it clearly has no rival.