In these fits the infant appears as if asleep, the eyelids however
are not quite closed, but frequently twinkle and shew the whites
turned upwards. The muscles of the face are sometimes slightly
distorted, the mouth having the appearance of a laugh or smile. The
breath is sometimes very quick, and at others stops for a time;
whilst the eyelids and lips are alternately pale and dark. The infant
startles on the least noise, and sighs deeply, or breaks wind. This
relieves him for a little, but he soon relapses into a doze. Whenever
the above-mentioned symptoms are observed, it will be right to awaken
the infant, by stirring or otherwise, and to rub its back and belly
well before the fire, until wind escapes. At the same time it will
be proper to give half a tea-spoonful of drink or pap, containing
two drops of oil of anise or caraways. As soon after as possible, a
purgative of castor oil, or a grain or two of calomel (according to
the age,) with two or three grains of rhubarb, is to be given, to
empty the bowels of whatever crude matter may occasion the disorder.